420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol

In this episode, I dive into a question a friend recently asked me: “Is blacking out a real thing?” For me, it was not only real—it was a recurring part of my drinking journey for more than half of my drinking career. I share my personal experiences of getting so drunk that I would black out, staying awake and seemingly functioning, yet later having no memory of what happened. I talk about the aft...

In this deeply personal episode, I take you back to the early 2000s, sharing a confessional story about a pivotal relationship with a woman who had an undeniable coolness. Together, we navigated the exploration of a friendship, somewhere I had never been before, something I only acted on where alcohol was involved and wrestling with the impact of my drinking habits on our connection. It's a raw an...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I dive into a sobering realization: the sheer amount of time alcohol took from my life. Over 31 years of drinking, I averaged two hangovers a month. When I did the math, it added up to 744 days—more than two full years lost to feeling miserable and unproductive. Alcohol didn’t just take my energy or joy—it stole my time. Join me as I sha...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I share the story of an all-expense-paid cruise to Mexico in 2000—a trip that started with a blizzard, airport screwdrivers, and high hopes for fun. But what began as excitement quickly turned into regret, as drinking left me too sick to enjoy the cruise. I reflect on how alcohol, which I thought added to my life, was actually taking awa...

In this episode, I reflect on a poignant memory tied to a beautiful white dress. Originally worn to a junior-senior dance, I also wore it for my senior picture. But what should have been a cherished keepsake became a symbol of my struggle with alcohol. While I remember the party before the dance, the events after remain a blackout blur, leaving me with a ripped dress and unanswered questions. This...

"The Thanksgiving That Changed My Perspective on Relationships" In this episode, I recount a Thanksgiving when I met someone who seemed full of potential—a man named John Wayne. We clicked, and I imagined a future where either he’d visit me in Chicago or I’d go to California to see him. But a conversation with my therapist shifted everything. She challenged me to reflect: What was I truly expectin...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I reflect on one of my most humbling walks of shame—waking up after a night of drinking at Johnny O’Hagan’s. I had blacked out and found myself in bed with a young Irish guy, filled with shame and uncertainty about how I got there or how I’d get home. It was a painful reminder that alcohol had control over me, not the other way around. I...

In 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I reflect on the "Seasons of My Life" and how alcohol once defined my youth. I used to believe that fun and fulfillment required drinking—my life, especially in high school, revolved around chasing boys and alcohol. It seemed impossible to do anything without it. But now, 13 years sober, I feel truly free in mind, heart, soul, and body, no longer drawn to the p...

This is the one from 1994 when I was out in Arizona visiting my friends and we got invited to her girlfriends house to drink some wine, and WINE we did plus a whole lot more. I specifically told her not to leave me there and make sure I left when she was ready since she had to work the next day. Oh boy, I was in for a real treat when I woke up still there. HELP! I had to get the hell out but how?...

In this episode, I share the story of how I moved from FOMO to JOMO. Back in college, I was so eager not to miss out on a party that I lied to get out of my shift at my family’s restaurant—only for it to backfire when my mom, my boss, found out. All that for a night of boozing! Now, I choose differently. I actually prefer not getting invited to those parties, so I don’t have to say no. Letting go...

"Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol . Today, I’m going to tell you about the night I woke up on the fire escape—horrified, cold, and locked out of my own apartment, not safe. It was one of those moments that made me question everything about my relationship with alcohol." "It was the middle of the night, and I wasn’t in my bed. I wasn’t even in my apartment. Inst...

In this episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment from my sister’s wedding in 1986, where my life revolved around partying. At the time, I was underage but drinking heavily, which led to some pretty rough consequences the following day. It’s fascinating how, in the moment, we often don't care about how we'll feel tomorrow as long as we "party hardy" today. I challenge you to take a look at how you ce...

I recently made a heartfelt request to my friends for something deeply important to me—hosting a sober dinner party, marking the first time I’ve ever asked this of them. When they refused, I was hit with a wave of disappointment. It wasn’t just about the party; it was a moment of vulnerability where I hoped for their understanding and support of my sobriety. This refusal forced me to reflect on my...

In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , titled "Grand Haven Beach Party: Big Sis, Little Sis, and Spiked Punch," I share a story from my freshman year in high school when my sister, a senior, and her best friend became our "acting big sisters," looking out for us and making sure we had fun. The story takes place at Grand Haven Beach, where we attended a big sister/little siste...

In this episode, I share 13 invaluable lessons I've learned over my 13-year journey of sobriety. These insights reflect my personal growth, the power of maintaining a positive mindset, and how spiritual guidance has shaped my life. I talk about how gratitude has transformed my outlook, embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), and the importance of surrounding myself with wise, supportive indiv...

In this episode of "420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol," I’m sharing my experience with the "Freshman 15," a common phenomenon where college freshmen gain weight. I talk about what caused it in my own life and offer tips on how to prevent it—even if you're past your freshman year.

In the latest episode of the 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol podcast, I reflect on significant milestones, particularly September, which holds many anniversaries for me. One of the highlights is the story of how I accidentally spent my first night in my incredible new condo, which offers breathtaking views. Even though it was still under construction, with no bed or furniture, I chose to s...

I share my personal journey of feeling the distance grow in friendships as I embraced sobriety. Drawing on Mel Robbins' insight, I explore how positive change and growth can sometimes confront others, forcing them to reflect on their own lives. This reflection can lead to a widening gap between us and our friends as they may not be ready or willing to change. Despite the distance, I discuss th...

In this episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking," I share the story of a road trip to Hillsdale, Michigan, to see one of my favorite bands, The Fiddler and the Sun Mountain Band. What was supposed to be a night of fun, dancing, and a few drinks turned into a full-blown binge. I drank myself into oblivion and ended up drunk for days, unable to shake the hangover or the regret. Join me...

In this episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol," we take a nostalgic trip back to the summer of 1982. Join me as I reminisce about an unforgettable day spent with my cool older sister and cousin, exploring a hidden gem of a waterfall surrounded by exhilarating rapids. Eager to fit in and embrace the adventure, I gave in to a bit of peer pressure and decided to crack open a b...

This episode continues the story of my tumultuous relationship with Rack the Reck, which I somehow kept going until I realized I needed out. The breakup turned out to be far more complicated and intense than I ever imagined. This was, without a doubt, the worst romantic relationship of my life. Tune in to hear how the breakup backfired, pushing the boundaries of what I thought I could endure.

In this gripping continuation of my tumultuous relationship with Rack the Reck, things have gone from bad to worse. The verbal gaslighting and paranoid questioning have escalated, and now, physical abuse has entered the picture. Rack has begun physically restraining me, pushing me to the brink and causing me to lash out. I'm witnessing my own self-destruction, morphing into someone I no longer...

This is the horrifying story of one of my worst relationships with a Scotsman. I have shared about him before how we got together, how he started to show me his true colors within 3 months and I should have known better and ran then but I stayed. This is the trip to Rhode Island, a place he had once lived, had friends, his local bar and good memories. This trip turned into a nightmare for me after...

In the latest episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking," I reflect on the numerous attempts I've made to quit drinking over the years. Despite my efforts, I often found myself returning to alcohol, with my longest stint of sobriety lasting about six weeks. Although I loved the sober life, it never lasted, and alcohol always won in the end. This time, however, I approached my journ...

Are you the type to light up a room? Does your mood affect those around you? In this episode, I share a personal story about my time with my family and how alcohol impacted my mood and interactions. Sometimes, things were pleasant, but other times, not so much. I realized I couldn't let alcohol control how I behaved and reacted. There are better ways to handle emotions, and getting intoxicated was...