Paul Churchill
Paul Churchill
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
Join Paul and Brian as they discuss Brian's path to sobriety, the challenges he overcame, and the impact of community support and mental health on recovery.
Explicit
61 minutes
hopeful
challenging
informative
motivational
reflective
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Churchill
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
554 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Free: Brian's Journey to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Brian's last drink was on July 16, 2024.
- The dangers of forever chemicals in beer.
- Carl Jung's advice on addressing addiction.
- Benefits of supportive alcohol-free communities.
- The transformative power of sobriety.
Massive change happens internally when we quit drinking, but externally when people come up to you and say, wow, have you lost weight?
In this compelling episode of the Recovery Elevator Podcast, host Paul Churchill welcomes Brian, a 40-year-old from Spring Hill, Massachusetts, who took his last drink of alcohol on July 16, 2024. Brian's journey is marked by his commitment to sobriety and his reflections on the challenges he faced along the way. Brian shares his experience of repeatedly falling off the wagon and the realization that his alcohol consumption only escalated each time he resumed drinking.
He candidly discusses the health hazards of 'forever chemicals' found in beer, which have been linked to adverse health outcomes. This revelation comes as a relief to listeners who are either in the process of quitting alcohol or have already done so. Paul highlights the importance of asking deeper questions about the role of alcohol in one's life, a perspective inspired by the renowned psychologist Carl Jung.
Instead of focusing on why one wants to quit drinking, Jung suggests exploring the pain or issues alcohol is masking, whether it be childhood trauma or mere boredom. The episode also touches upon the successful seventh Bozeman retreat, emphasizing the support from alcohol-free brands like Athletic Brewing and Better Roads. These retreats provide a vital community for those seeking sobriety and are a testament to the collective effort needed to overcome addiction.
Brian's narrative includes moments of struggle, such as dealing with family stress and the impact of COVID-19, which led him to fall back into drinking. However, his story is ultimately one of triumph, as he managed to confront his 'Alcohol Monster' and make significant life changes. The episode concludes with a powerful message of hope and encouragement, reminding listeners that ditching alcohol, while initially sacrificial, offers a lifetime of opportunities.
Paul reiterates the importance of taking recovery one day at a time and expresses gratitude for the support from the podcast's sponsors and production team. Brian's story is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with addiction, illustrating the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of mental health and community support in the recovery process.