Ever thought about how much James Bond drinks in those iconic movies? Turns out, it's a lot more than you might think. In this episode of Recovery Elevator, hosts Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen take a closer look at 007's heavy drinking and what it says about our own relationships with alcohol. They discuss how Bond's constant boozing could actually hinder his crime-fighting abilities and how MI6 might need to rethink their workplace culture around drinking.

It's a fascinating twist on the glamorous spy life we're used to seeing on screen. But that's not all—this episode also features Jeff, who has been sober for over two years. Jeff shares his deeply personal journey, from hitting rock bottom to finding a new lease on life without alcohol. He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the ups and downs of the healing process, and the different paths to sobriety. Jeff's story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring.

Whether you're a Bond fan or someone looking for motivation to kick the habit, this episode has something for you. Tune in for a mix of pop culture analysis and heartfelt recovery stories that might just change how you see both James Bond and your own drinking habits.

Explore James Bond's drinking problem and Jeff's journey to sobriety in this engaging episode of Recovery Elevator.

Shaken, Not Stirred: Jeff's Sobriety and James Bond's Drinking Habits

Jeff, with over 2 years since his last drink, shares his story… That could never happen… Analysis of the famed James Bond movies reveals that James Bond is a full-blown functioning alcoholic living on borrowed time.  “There is strong and consistent evidence that James Bond has a chronic alcohol consumption problem at the severe end of the spectrum… His workplace, MI6, needs to become a more responsible employer and refer him to support services and change their corporate drinking culture.”  The amount of alcohol that James Bond is consuming in the films is enough to leave someone far too disabled to engage in any kind of crime fighting.  SHOW NOTES   [7:07] Paul Introduces Jeff. Jeff has been sober just over two years.  He’s 43 years old and lives near Denver, Colorado.  He is married with one adult son.  He and his wife enjoy Netflix, boating, and writing.  He is the same guest as a previous guest, episode 104.  He is a genetic researcher.  He is extremely busy, with three jobs.  He found that most people just drink in their downtime.  He went from habitual drinking around age 34 to a downward spiral once his wife left him.  There was a DUI, and a crash.  It enabled him to reboot.    [12:20] What happened during that five year period where you drank normally, but the obsession was still there? He was still micromanaging the quantities of alcohol that were available to him.  He was constantly making sure that consuming alcohol was going to be part of the plan and available just in case.  Even though he found like he had a new life, he included alcohol in his activities.    [14:00] Did you try to moderate your drinking with rules? Definitely.  Switching from hard alcohol to beer, or only on the weekends.  They seemed to break all the time.  Other parts of his life were great at the time.  His step daughter had a stroke, but when those three days were up he craved alcohol.  He realized he was using alcohol to take a break from difficult emotions and he figured out that he needed to try and find a better way.  He realized that he wanted someone else to step in and help him control his drinking.  He emptied a bottle and kept it around as a reminder of his efforts to get sober.  He discussed it with his wife, and they had a great conversation.  He’s grateful that she met him in the middle of his struggle.  She knew who he was and what he was dealing with.  She agreed to get sober with him to help him along, even though she didn’t have a problem.    [22:50] How important is it to have your significant other or spouse on board with your decision to get sober? Incredibly important.  There were times when he wanted to crack, but she was there to support him.  They agreed to find alternative ways to get through the holidays, etc.  It is better, to be honest than to be hiding it.    [24:21] What is it like for you in the different stages of sobriety? In the first 90 days, everything is new.  He binge listened to podcasts to help him rewire his thoughts.  He spent the first six months just learning.  In the first year, you are testing whether or not you can do things without drinking.  He was surprised at how much his brain came back online.  He found himself to be highly creative.  Sobriety has been a surprise.  The second year found him being a lot more available in his business.  He found surprising success in his business.  One never stops growing.  He began to look at his priorities.  He had to decide which areas of his life needed growth.  The second year is way more empowering.  You start hitting your stride and liking yourself more as a person.    [33:06] What’s the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in sobriety? The lake trip was the most challenging.  He was isolated on a boat, and everyone was drunk.  He would climb up to get cell reception and check in with his internet support group.  He felt incredible when he made it through without drinking.    [35:09] What’s on your bucket list in sobriety? He’s working on a book that involves sobriety.  He wants to learn how to schedule unproductive time.  He feels too busy.  He feels like he’s still learning.  He isn’t involved with formal recovery groups.  He’s still trying to explore the depths of who he is.    [39:28] What are your thoughts on relapse? It’s all an experiment.  How would it feel to spend a long time away from alcohol?  The results have been that sobriety is the way for him.  He feels better, more empowered.      [42:00] Rapid Fire Round <ol> <li>What was your worst memory from drinking? Not officiating his friend’s wedding.  He was trying to prepare the wedding, and he was in a dark place and dreaded the whole process.  </li> <li>Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?</li> <li>What’s your plan moving forward? He is excited to live one day at a time.  </li> <li>What’s your favorite resource in recovery? Recovery Elevator, and Cafe RE.  They are his support group.  </li> <li>What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? “And remember, you don’t drink anymore.”  </li> <li>What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Just keep at it.  It takes grit.  You can’t think your way into sobriety.. you have to act your way into changing your thinking.  Be patient; it takes time.  </li> <li>You might be an alcoholic if… “...you stash shooters in your friend’s son’s coat while going to a football game because he’s less likely to be searched than you are.”</li> </ol>   Resources mentioned in this episode: <div>This episode is brought to you in support by Blinkist. Right now, my listeners can try Blinkist for free. Visit <a style= "font-size: 16px; font-family: Helvetica; color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" href= "http://blankest.com/elevator">blinkist.com/elevator</a> for your seven-day free trial. </div> <div> </div> <div>This episode is brought to you in support by Care/Of. For 25% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to <a href= "http://TakeCareOf.com">TakeCareOf.com</a> and enter the promo code ELEVATOR</div> <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a>- Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY for your first month free <a href="https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes</a> <a href= "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recovery.sam.sobrietycalculatorPro"> Sobriety Tracker Android</a> Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com    “We took the elevator down; we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”

RE 203: Shaken, Not Stirred

Recovery

Sobriety

Alcohol

Personal Recovery Stories

Relationships

Self-Help

Mental Health

Society and Culture

Interviews

Faith-Based Recovery

Alcohol, Addiction & Recovery

Creativity & Innovation

Sexual Health & Wellbeing

Substance Abuse & Drug Recovery

Health & Wellness

Financial Empowerment

Family & Relationships

Comedy & Culture

It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life!  Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions. 

If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place.

This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. 

Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.

Recovery Elevator

Ever thought about how much James Bond drinks in those iconic movies? Turns out, it's a lot more than you might think. In this episode of Recovery Elevator, hosts Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen take a closer look at 007's heavy drinking and what it says about our own relationships with alcohol. They discuss how Bond's constant boozing could actually hinder his crime-fighting abilities and how MI6 might need to rethink their workplace culture around drinking.It's a fascinating twist on the glamorous spy life we're used to seeing on screen. But that's not all—this episode also features Jeff, who has been sober for over two years. Jeff shares his deeply personal journey, from hitting rock bottom to finding a new lease on life without alcohol. He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the ups and downs of the healing process, and the different paths to sobriety. Jeff's story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring.Whether you're a Bond fan or someone looking for motivation to kick the habit, this episode has something for you. Tune in for a mix of pop culture analysis and heartfelt recovery stories that might just change how you see both James Bond and your own drinking habits.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 203: Shaken, Not Stirred

RE 203: Shaken, Not Stirred

RE 203: Shaken, Not Stirred

Monday 7th January 2019

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Shaken, Not Stirred: Jeff's Sobriety and James Bond's Drinking Habits