Friend Request is not a podcast that’s new to sober stories. Many previous guests are sober and have told their stories on the show, including the creator of The Sober Curator, Alysse Bryson (Episode 071). To celebrate the pop culture staple of Dry January this month, though, every guest on the podcast is sober. Whether it’s the inspiration you’re looking for or just comradery, you are sure to find a story you’ll relate to on some level each week.
The month kicks off with Dana Krull, a former army chaplain who found community in alcohol when he lost the community he had in the military. He has since replaced the comfort he found in alcohol with the comfort of other sober folks. There is something to be said about the community aspect you can see in the sober community, and Dana is a perfect example of that. He didn’t just sit there and wait for them to come to him; he started his podcast, the I Kissed Alcohol Goodbye Podcast, in which he hears about others’ sober journeys. Between his adventures in the army, losing his father as a teen, and growing up as a father and husband, Dana has a great story.
Dana Krull
Then, week two brings you a familiar face from The Sober Curator: Kate Vitela. The face behind Walk Your Talk shares her life story and how she found alcohol, developed the problem and got sober. Kate discusses being a middle child, an overachiever, and someone who just wanted to fit in and succeed in an industry where succeeding meant entertaining and partying. When a DUI nearly caused her to lose her professional license, Kate made a change for the better. Her story is filled with great realizations, a surprise gig in the fashion business, and her professional helping career.
Kate Vitela
Lane Kennedy
More familiar faces fill your month as we hear from Sober Curator Lane Kennedy in a way we never have before. From her west coast beginnings as a model, engulfed in parties, famous musicians, and countless print ads, to her decades of sobriety with foundations in mindfulness. She discusses finding her bottom, how she was impacted by 9/11, and how she was a self-described pioneer in the world of open bisexual relationships in the 90s. Lane helps bring a sober perspective from someone in long-term sobriety (over ten years).
Daniel G Garza
The month continues with the card divo, himself, Sober Curator Daniel Garza. Born in Mexico and then migrating to Texas, Daniel started his life with tragedy. Sexually abused throughout his childhood, Daniel discusses using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for the only harsh reality he knew. From his preteen understanding of exchanging sex for friendship to the realization that he has value and worth outside of sex and substance. This will surely develop into a second episode later.
Megan Swan
Finally, the month wraps up with fellow podcast host Sober Curator Megan Swan. Megan talks about hopping from Canada to the U.S., following opportunities and marriages until she eventually left it all for a long trip of bouncing around the equator, starting with Mexico. Then she talks about how she never went to that first stop in Mexico and built a life for herself there. Megan also discusses her view of sobriety, how alcohol was the only real problem for her, and how she sees potential in therapeutic uses of drugs like psilocybin, showing once again that sobriety comes in many different forms.
All in all, the podcast guests span people from the newly sober to the long-term die-hards. Their stories also range in how they view sobriety and allow you to see how individualized that term can be. You will surely find interest and inspiration in each story all month long! You can find Friend Request with host Justin Lamb on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and more! If you like what you hear, rate and review the show on your chosen platform!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERS & 90s: Sober Curator Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (and sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his amazing collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
