The Wisconsin Sober Podcast

This episode centers on writer Barrett Swanson’s exploration of sobriety, grief, and the cultural forces shaping alcohol use in the Midwest, especially in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conversation begins with reflections on early drinking culture, how normalized alcohol is in college towns, and how quickly binge drinking becomes part of identity, friendship, and social life. Barrett share...

This episode of Wisconsin Sober features Billy as the guest, sharing a powerful and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and rebuilding life after years of substance use. Billy’s personal story, including how long-term alcohol use eventually escalated into drug addiction during the COVID era, leading to a major turning point and his decision to enter rehab. The conversation also explores...

Musician Gregg Hall joins the conversation to share his story of sobriety, reflection, and creative renewal. Gregg, now eight years sober from alcohol, performs an original song that reflects on daily struggles, resilience, and choosing a better path for himself and his family. The discussion explores Gregg’s upbringing in a Midwest drinking culture where alcohol was normalized through family gath...

In this episode of Wisconsin Sober, the conversation expands into modern parallels: how disconnection, loneliness, and digital life contribute to reduced in-person social interaction and shifting drinking habits, especially among younger generations. The guest, Dr. Ryan McKelley, Ph. D., LP, HSP, a psychologist and professor at UW-La Crosse, highlights how device-based “connection” often replaces...

The history of Wisconsin breweries and tavern culture—from Pabst to La Crosse—exploring how industry, geography, and immigrant identity fused to shape the state’s drinking legacy. Featuring insights from La Crosse Public Library archivist Scott Brouwer, the episode traces how German brewing traditions, Mississippi River trade routes, rail infrastructure, and glacial water sources helped turn La Cr...

This episode of Wisconsin Sober explores the idea of “third spaces”,  the places where we gather, connect, and build community, and how alcohol has historically filled that role in Wisconsin culture. Through a mix of humor, history, and personal reflection, the hosts sit down with outdoor entrepreneur Jed Olson to unpack how drinking became embedded in social life, from early taverns to modern gat...

We explore the question at the heart of the series: why is drinking culture so deeply ingrained in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin? Using this college town as a lens, we examine patterns of binge drinking, community norms, and the tragedies that continue to surface. Joined by Brett Knutson, President & CEO of Driftless Recovery Services, the conversation brings professional insight into addic...

Wisconsin Sober introduces the voices behind the podcast and the personal stories that sparked it. From growing up in a culture where alcohol is everywhere to questioning its deeper impact, the team reflects on their own experiences and what they’ve learned through conversations with experts, locals, and those navigating sobriety. Blending humor, honesty, and hard truths, this episode explores Wis...