420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol

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In this episode of  420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I tell the story of being set up with my friend’s brother—a guy who, on the surface, seemed like a good match. But what no one told me, what no one was honest about, was that he was a complete mess. There were whispers of red flags, but no one waved them in front of me. Everyone stayed quiet. I was left to discover the truth on my own—s...

In this episode of  420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I share a moment that started with the best of intentions—a weekend date out of town—and took a sharp left turn thanks to alcohol, impulse, and an old flame. My date had to duck out for a bit to attend his kid’s soccer game, and instead of tagging along or giving him space respectfully, I took a detour—right into an unexpected reunion w...

For years, I felt anxious if I didn’t have weekend plans. The fear didn’t start on Friday — it started on Monday. I wasn’t just worried about being bored; I was afraid of being alone with myself. Drinking became my escape from that discomfort — from the silence, the stillness, and the version of me I didn’t want to face. I filled my life with busyness and social events, not for joy, but to avoid t...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take you back to a wild summer in Ludington—where our garage turned into the hottest underground party spot in town. What started as a simple three-stall garage at our grandma’s house quickly transformed into a nightly destination: music, darts, a pool table, and enough booze to keep the party going until dawn. Every night, we swore we...

Podcast Summary: In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I share a story from a road trip that should’ve been a celebration—my BFF’s graduation. But instead of feeling present and proud, alcohol took the front seat… and I found myself slipping into the back seat, both literally and emotionally. It was one of those moments when you think you don’t have a care in the world—windows down,...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I share awild and unforgettable story from my Ludington days. Running my family’srestaurant meant I rarely got a break—but one weekend, I finally made it toChicago for a girls’ night out with my high school friends. And when wepartied, we really partied—like there was no tomorrow. After shutting downtheir go-to bar, Four Farthings, we moved the...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I recount a Cinco de Mayo celebration that took a dark and unforgettable turn. What began as a joyful brunch with my best friends—who came to visit me and their daughter nearby—spiraled into a full-blown blackout. From shots of Jägermeister (aka “liquid heroin”) to falling off barstools and waking up with no idea how we got home or where we even...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I explore the fear of not having enough —that anxious urge to over-prepare, especially when it comes to alcohol. I share a memory from a friend’s wedding, where we packed our own roadies and backup booze, just in case. And good thing (or so we thought), because there was only one bottle of wine per table of eight—barely enough for one of us, let...

It’s truly remarkable to be here, celebrating the start of Season 4 of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking . I’m filled with deep gratitude for all of you who continue to listen, support, and walk this journey with me. In this season, I continue to share the raw truth—my stories of drinking, partying, and living a life I eventually realized I no longer wanted. By opening up about my past, my secrets,...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I take a deep dive into the difference between resting and recovering . Back when I was drinking, I told myself I was taking a day to “rest” after a night out—but really, I was just trying to survive the hangover. As James Corden put it, “we’re borrowing from tomorrow,” and I was overdrawing the account. Anxiety, nausea, and guilt would keep me...

Podcast Summary: The Fake ID Fiasco In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I take you back to my college days—where my determination to buy alcohol led me down a risky path I barely even thought twice about. Borrowing my sister’s Michigan driver’s license? No big deal… or so I thought. Turns out, that little stunt could’ve landed me up to 3 years in prison and some hefty fines. But b...

In the sweltering summer of 1986, boredom and a thirst for booze led me to a ridiculous idea—pretending it was my birthday just so my friend would throw a party. And oh, what a party it was—flowers, decorations, endless shots… and everyone in on the joke. Well, almost everyone. One person didn’t know the truth, and when he finally found out, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly celebrating. Looking ba...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I reflect on a time in my life when I felt completely broken—wondering if all my shattered pieces would ever come back together. But looking back now, I see that those broken pieces didn’t just heal; they transformed into something greater. I’m not broken—I am a masterpiece. A radiant, vibrant disco ball of love and energy, spinning in the light...

Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking! Back in my Ludington days, while running my family’s restaurant, I met a handsome, charming man whose family’s contracting business worked with mine. It felt like fate—two people with similar stories, both returning home to run the family business. That night, we talked for hours, and for a moment, it felt real. Magical, even. I though...

In this episode, I reflect on how God has blessed my mess—turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. I share how this podcast has changed me, giving me a platform to transcribe my experiences and help others on their own journeys. I also open up about the struggle of wanting to cling to the life I once lived and grieving the friendships I’ve had, while knowing that...

In this milestone episode, I reflect on a trip that should have been about adventure, culture, and connection—but instead, drinking took center stage. Back when I was between jobs, I traveled to visit friends in Granada, Spain. From drinking at the airport to getting drunk while waiting for a delayed train, and then keeping the party going once we arrived, alcohol became the main attraction rather...

In this episode, I dedicate time to honor a dear friend who lost his lifelong battle with alcohol. He was a creative, a father, a son, and a friend who fought hard against his demons, wanting more for his life. Despite his struggles, past trauma made the fight too heavy to bear. This is a heartfelt tribute to him and a reminder of why these conversations matter.

Stuck in Nice – Part 2" In this follow-up episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , we’re still in Nice, feeling like locals at our favorite bar and meeting new people every night. We kept saying we were leaving… but then my cousin sprained her ankle, the trains went on strike, and suddenly, getting out of there seemed impossible. Were we ever going to make it out alive? Tune in to hear...

Episode Summary: "Backpacking & Booze – Nice, 1991" In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take a trip down memory lane to 1991, when my cousin and I spent three months traveling across Europe. One month in, we found ourselves on the French Riviera in Nice—soaking up the sun, meeting incredible people, and living on bread, crackers, and cheese just to stretch...

The Spring of '89 – Borrowed Keg & Sorority Shenanigans In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take you back to the spring of 1989—my junior year at MSU, living in the Alpha Phi sorority house as the house manager. It was peak party season, and when a planned celebration on our sorority sundeck didn’t materialize, my friend and I took matters into our own hands—by “...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I explore what it truly means to be brave. Are you brave enough to look back, reflect, and learn from your past? Brave enough to admit the truth and make a change? For me, courage meant making the decision to save myself from the treacherous cycle of drowning in alcohol. Tune in as I share my journey of facing hard truths and choosing a...

In this episode, I share a raw and personal story about showing up to work hungover, throwing up five times while taking orders and serving guests, and how I thought this behavior was acceptable. I reflect on how partying took priority in my life over being a better person, and the toll it took on my health, career, and self-worth. Join me as I unpack this experience and what it revealed about the...

In this episode, we dive into the complicated relationship between food and alcohol. From skipping meals to get drunk faster, to the late-night scramble to eat something to avoid blacking out, and finally to the so-called "hangover cures" we rely on the next day, we explore how food plays a role before, during, and after drinking. Join me as we unpack these patterns, share stories, and reflect on...

Welcome to 2025! As we step into the new year, let me ask—do you set intentions, goals, or resolutions? For me, I like to focus on a word of the year , and this year, my word is MOVEMENT —mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m feeling great about how I’ve kicked things off! Today, I want to share a memory from 2003 during my time at Marshall Fields—my biggest and best customer. Th...