Addiction Prevention Coalition
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Life on the Edge: A Conversation with George Cowgill
Life on the Edge: A Conversation with George Cowgill
Life on the Edge: A Conversation with George Cowgill
Thursday 30th October 2025
Explore George Cowgill's journey from firefighter to bar owner, embracing sobriety and fostering a supportive work environment.
34 minutes
Engaging
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Informative
About this podcast
Author:
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery Reimagined
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
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Episode Overview
- George Cowgill shares his unique path from firefighting to owning a bar.
- Many of George's staff are in recovery or choose sobriety.
- The supportive environment at Black Market Bar encourages sobriety.
- George discusses his straight-edge lifestyle and its influence.
- He highlights the importance of connection in overcoming addiction.
"Have you heard the saying, the opposite of addiction is connection?"
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? Meet George Cowgill, a Birmingham native, retired firefighter, and owner of the Black Market Bar + Grill. In this engaging conversation, George shares how his experiences as a firefighter have shaped his approach to life and business. With a unique perspective on substance use, George discusses his straight-edge lifestyle and how it influences the culture at his establishments.
Surprisingly, many of his staff are in recovery or choose sobriety, and George attributes this to the supportive environment he fosters. George's journey from firefighting to running a popular bar and grill is anything but ordinary. His tales of opening a straight-edge punk rock venue in the '90s add an unexpected twist to his story.
Despite the challenges of running a business in a city with its fair share of crime, George remains committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for both employees and patrons. Listeners will find themselves captivated by George's honesty and humour as he recounts his adventures and misadventures. From carrying his daughter's purse through downtown Atlanta to dealing with Reddit trolls, George's anecdotes are as entertaining as they are insightful.
Whether you're curious about straight-edge culture or looking for inspiration in recovery stories, this episode offers plenty to reflect on. George's dedication to mental health and substance use support is evident in his business practices and personal interactions. As he continues to write and share his experiences, one can't help but wonder what new ventures lie ahead for this multi-talented individual.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let George's story remind you of the power of connection and community.