Ward Richmond once epitomized the high-flying life of a commercial real estate broker, where client entertainment often revolved around excessive drinking. But the illusion that alcohol enhanced social skills and curbed anxiety caught up with him—fast. Richmond’s journey from an alcohol-reliant socialite to a spiritually grounded sober individual is both inspiring and relatable for anyone struggling with addiction.
In this interview, we will explore Richmond’s transformative story and how sobriety has reshaped his personal, professional, and creative life.
Sobriety and Spirituality: Richmond’s True North
Richmond’s tale of overcoming his addiction began in late 2015 when he made his first attempt at rehabilitation. At first, he viewed sharing his struggles in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with skepticism. However, he eventually found solace in the spiritual elements of sobriety through prayer and connecting with a higher power.
Sobriety Tips from Ward Richmond:
- Embrace spirituality: Finding strength through prayer or connection with a higher power can be a game-changer.
- Be open about your struggle: Sharing your journey reduces shame and encourages others to seek recovery.
The Illusion of Alcohol
Ward initially believed that alcohol made him better at socializing and helped with his anxiety. But the reality was far from it. What he thought was a social lubricant was masking deeper issues and delaying his personal growth.
Richmond underscores the trap many of us fall into—believing that substances enhance our abilities and sociability. It took a significant toll and a trip to rehab for him to see through this illusion.
The Roller Coaster of Relapse
Despite periods of sobriety, Richmond experienced relapses, notably a year-long period of excessive drinking, which culminated in a breakthrough: a spiritually guided decision to quit all substances. His last relapse, triggered by an unexpected drink on a flight, became a pivotal moment. His daughter’s innocent comment solidified his commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous and its steps.
Richmond’s Resilience: From Chaos to Peace
Richmond describes his ongoing journey not just as a battle against substance abuse but also as a quest for balance—a philosophy that he extends to his personal time and creative outlets. Maintaining balance, whether it’s work, gym, or even music production, is crucial.
Richmond’s Sobriety Journey – Key Takeaways:
- Daily Commitment: Sobriety is a daily choice that starts with an intention each morning.
- Community and Support: Surround yourself with a community that supports your sober lifestyle.
- Finding Peace: Prioritize long-term peace over short-lived chaos. Substance avoidance isn’t just about saying no to alcohol or drugs but about leading a balanced life.
The Role of Parenthood and Creativity
Richmond didn’t just stop drinking for himself. His role as a father significantly influenced his decision to stay sober. Songs like “Pay for the Bills,” inspired by moments with his children, testify how parenthood fuels his creativity and reinforces his resolution.
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
Golf has the 19th hole. Skiing has après. Every sport comes with a drink attached, and three sober athletes on three continents decided to keep the sport and lose the drink.
In this bonus episode, recorded live at BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator, SOBA Golf founder Corey Davis, Soberski founder Ben Coombes and electric skateboarder Bianca Criaco join Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly to talk obsession, potential and the rush that beats the buzz.
In this episode:
– How Corey went from a 30 index to a 3 in four years, and why golf has no finish line
– Why Ben quit drinking in the one place he knew would be hardest: a ski resort
– Bianca on how an electric skateboard got her through early sobriety, and finishing dead last at nationals
– ”Mr. Potential” and what happens when you finally stop wasting it
– Walking shoulder to shoulder: why sport gets people talking
– What each guest's sport gives them on a bad day
CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to BACKSTAGE: Sober Sports 1:52 Corey Davis and SOBA Golf 6:13 Ben Coombes and Soberski 9:25 Bianca Criaco and electric skateboarding 13:21 ”I came in dead last” 13:54 How sport changes recovery 22:27 Sober on top of a mountain 23:47 How fast is an electric skateboard? 29:12 The guests interview each other 30:10 ”Mr. Potential” 33:52 Intuition over potential 41:33 Quitting in the hardest place first 46:30 Hindsight: be relentless 50:38 What your sport gives you on a bad day 54:51 Wrap-up
Sober Shots:
”With golf, there's no destination.” (Corey Davis)
”Joy, especially for me, is something that I don't think I've had my entire life.” (Bianca Criaco)
Mentioned in this episode:
– SOBA Golf: https://soba.golf
– Soberski: https://www.soberski.co.uk
– Bianca Criaco + The Choice podcast: https://www.biancacriaco.com
– Hear more from Ben on Episode 16: https://thesobercurator.com/sober-ski-trips-are-real-inside-soberskis-alcohol-free-chalet-week/
– Join BACKSTAGE for live conversations like this every month
Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
SEASON 2 MERCH: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
SC RESOURCES:
– Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
– Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
– LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
CONNECT: www.thesobercurator.com | The Sober Sip newsletter: https://www.thesobercuratornewsletter.com/ | @thesobercurator on Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube + Pinterest
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Hosted by Alysse Bryson with co-host + producer Tamar Routly. For informational and entertainment purposes only; not a substitute for professional advice.
Music: TSC S2 theme ”Sober Shots” created by Alysse Bryson using Suno AI, under Suno's commercial license.
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Truckin’ On with Ward Richmond Podcast
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK: Tune in and let your ears experience the audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. Buzz into the sobriety soundscape at The Sober Curator. Here, we delve into the world of our favorite sober and recovery-based podcasts. Picture us as your bee-zy, sober podcast enthusiasts or the lively guardians of an alcohol-free audio oasis. Our digital archives are neatly categorized into TSC Recovery Podcastland & Network.
PLAY IT AGAIN—SOBER MUSIC & ARTISTS: Explore a curated collection of songs that serve as powerful sobriety anthems, capturing the essence of recovery journeys and uplifting spirits. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, these tracks can transport you to another state of mind and evoke a range of emotions. Discover the melodies that have us hitting “PLAY IT AGAIN” and hitting repeat, regardless of decade or genre. Happy listening!
What’s your sobriety theme song? If there is a song you think should be on our playlist, we want to hear about it. Send your requests to thesobercurator@gmail.com
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Resources Are Available
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