Episode 41: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez (@timothy.s.rodriguez)Episode 41: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez (@timothy.s.rodriguez)
Creative Sobriety
Join Kristen Bear as she talks with Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez about his journey from gay conversion therapy to sobriety and self-acceptance. Timothy shares how he found healing through community and writing his upcoming memoir.
47:18•1 Oct 2025
Finding Strength and Sobriety: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez's Journey
Episode Overview
- Community support is crucial for successful sobriety.
- Sobriety can lead to self-discovery and creative expression.
- Conversion therapy can have long-lasting negative impacts.
- The pandemic served as a catalyst for many to reconsider their drinking habits.
- Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their struggles.
“"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it's connection."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this heartening episode of Creative Sobriety, host Kristen Bear welcomes Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, an author with a story that resonates deeply. Timothy, now over four years sober, is set to release his memoir, 'Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging,' in May 2026. His journey from the heart of the Midwest to New York City is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.
Timothy shares his powerful story of spending almost a decade in gay conversion therapy while working behind the scenes at influential Evangelical Christian megachurches. He opens up about his struggle with alcohol and drugs, a coping mechanism for the pain of losing a community and feeling out of place after coming out as a gay Christian. His path to sobriety began on June 20th, 2021, after a pivotal moment during the pandemic made him realise that he needed a change.
Through candid discussions with host Kristen Bear, Timothy reflects on the challenges he faced in his early sobriety, including dealing with overwhelming emotions and finding support in unexpected places. His journey took him from a life of high-control religion to discovering a new relationship with faith and community in sobriety. Timothy's story is one of resilience and self-acceptance, highlighting how sobriety can help individuals access their most authentic selves.
As he shares his experiences, he aims to inspire others who may be struggling with similar issues. If you're curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey or are seeking motivation to embark on your own, this episode is a must-listen.
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