Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
RE 547: A Better Question to Ask
RE 547: A Better Question to Ask
RE 547: A Better Question to Ask
Monday 11th August 2025
Explore Brian's inspiring journey to sobriety and discover insights from Carl Jung on overcoming addiction in this episode of Recovery Elevator.
Explicit
61 minutes
hopeful
challenging
informative
motivational
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Free: Brian's Journey to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Brian's last drink was on July 16th, 2024.
- Carl Jung's advice: consider the pain alcohol masks.
- Americans consume 67.5 billion beer bottles annually.
- COVID-19's impact on drinking habits.
- Sponsorships support alcohol-free events.
You might need to ditch the booze if you are preparing for a hangover by consuming Advil, Tylenol, and electrolytes before bed.
In this engaging episode of the Recovery Elevator podcast, host Paul Churchill welcomes Brian, a 40-year-old from Spring Hill, Massachusetts, who has embarked on a transformative journey to sobriety. Brian shares his story, detailing the moment he decided to take his last drink on July 16th, 2024, and the challenges he faced along the way. Paul begins by highlighting the staggering amount of beer consumed annually by Americans—67.5 billion bottles.
He humorously notes the increase during his drinking days with Chris, emphasizing the harmful 'forever chemicals' found in many beers. These chemicals, linked to adverse health outcomes, underscore the importance of Brian's decision to quit drinking. The episode delves into the influence of Carl Jung on addiction recovery, particularly his advice to focus not on why one wants to quit drinking, but on what pain the alcohol is silencing.
Jung suggests exploring the underlying causes, which could range from significant childhood trauma to simple boredom. This perspective offers listeners a new way to approach their own recovery journeys. Brian recounts his experiences with alcohol—how it became a regular part of his life, leading to health issues and impacting his relationships. He discusses the role of COVID-19 in exacerbating drinking habits and the subsequent deterioration of his mental and physical health.
The podcast also acknowledges the support from various alcohol-free brands that sponsored the recent Bozeman retreat. These sponsors, including Athletic Brewing and Soberlink, help create environments that encourage sobriety and wellness. Paul's reflections on the episode are filled with hope and motivation, urging listeners to embrace the opportunity that sobriety presents. He thanks Brian for sharing his story and recognizes the sacrificial yet rewarding nature of choosing a sober lifestyle.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the inner change that occurs when one quits drinking and the positive external recognition that follows. It closes with a nod to the production team and sponsors who make the Recovery Elevator podcast possible.