The Creative Sober
By Mei McIntosh
Hosted by Mei McIntosh
The Creative SoberDec 15, 2020
S4E05 Colt 45 - Interview with J9 + Single "Pleasure & Pain" ft. Peril Erinyes
In this inspiring episode, Toronto-based artist Janine "J9" Carter recounts their transformative journey from the city's lively party scene to sobriety, a pivotal decision made just before the pandemic lockdown. J9 also shares their exhilarating new venture into piloting while maintaining a passionate focus on music production. The episode concludes with the debut of "Pleasure & Pain," a track from J9's anticipated album.
J9's music, characterized by its unique blend of '90s trip-hop and experimental pop, reflects a deep connection with personal challenges and global upheaval. Their upcoming album "Colt 45" symbolizes a significant transition in their life, showcasing their skill with Ableton Live and Push, and featuring collaborative efforts with established artists. Born in Dunnville, Ontario, and now thriving in Toronto, J9 has evolved from a Royal Conservatory musician to a distinctive voice in the electronic music scene. Their journey through music and visual arts, marked by both personal and artistic growth, continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.
Connect with J9:
Additional Details:
- Produced by: Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
- Join Our Community: Dive deeper into the world of sobriety and creativity, and connect with like-minded souls at our online community: www.thecreativesober.com
Episode Sponsors: Interested in supporting our mission? We are currently seeking sponsors who align with our values and vision. Join us in amplifying transformative tales of sobriety and creativity. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to hello@thecreativesober.com.
🎧 Listen to Previous Episodes: Immerse yourself in more transformative tales of sobriety and creativity by exploring our past episodes.
S4E04 Sea, Swallow Me - Interview with Suki Jones
🎙 Episode Summary: In a heartfelt and introspective episode, Mei McIntosh converses with the remarkable Suki Jones. As a San Francisco Bay Area-based writer, Suki has become synonymous with resilience and literary brilliance, especially with 23 years of sobriety under her belt. This episode places a special spotlight on her memoir, "Sea, Swallow Me," providing listeners with a deep dive into its raw narrative, exploring Suki's tumultuous journey through addiction and the tranquil resolution she finds in recovery.
Key Takeaways:
- The significance of creative endeavors in aiding the recovery process.
- Understanding the immense support of community in Suki's journey and its role in harm reduction.
- The compelling narrative of "Sea, Swallow Me" and its message of hope and resilience.
- The therapeutic value of storytelling and self-expression in the healing process.
Resources Mentioned:
- Glide Church SF Syringe Access Program
- Harm Reduction Treatment Center SF
- "Sea, Swallow Me" by Suki Jones on Embers Arts Press
Connect with Suki Jones:
Additional Details:
- Produced by: Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
- Join Our Community: Dive deeper into the world of sobriety and creativity, and connect with like-minded souls at our online community: www.thecreativesober.com
Episode Sponsors: Interested in supporting our mission? We are currently seeking sponsors who align with our values and vision. Join us in amplifying transformative tales of sobriety and creativity. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to hello@thecreativesober.com.
🎧 Listen to Previous Episodes: Immerse yourself in more transformative tales of sobriety and creativity by exploring our past episodes.
We value your time and ears! If our conversation with Suki touched your heart, we'd appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcast. Your feedback propels our mission forward, shedding light on more powerful stories.
S4E03 Strip: A Memoir - Interview With Hannah Sward
Living in Los Angelos, author, Hannah Sward shares her back story as a writer, the crossroads from publishing her book Strip, to the divine timing of her deeply personal experiences of where she is now. Hannah talks about the creative process of finding her inspiration and trusting the balance between her sobriety of 13 years and the success of her book.
Strip: A Memoir
"BORN IN THE BOHEMIAN SEVENTIES, Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother and lived with her poet father on an island with no stores or cars. Kidnapped and molested by a stranger at age six, she grew up to be a stripper and a prostitute with a taste for crystal meth. Painstakingly honest and often humorous, Strip is a heartfelt memoir revealing a woman's journey from innocence to a dark existence and beyond to a new world of empowerment."
Connect | Follow
- Hannah Sward: https://www.hannahsward.com/
- Join the Community: www.thecreativesober.com
- Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
S4E02 Not Your Narrative - Interview With Nathan James
Episode Title: Not Your Narrative - Interview with Nathan James
TW: Bullying, self-harm, alcohol abuse, blood, cannabis use, internalized racism
In this episode, I spoke with Nathan James, aka Nate the Dreamer, a young creative, content creator, and entrepreneur from Orlando, FL. He is the founder of Not Your Narrative Apparel which aims to tear down the negative perceptions and stereotypes placed on the black community. He has 3 and a half years of sobriety under his belt so far (many more years to come).
Nathan has a passion for advocating for mental health and marginalized communities. He wants to remind the world we’re human and being vulnerable isn’t a flaw and he believes that sometimes our vulnerability is the key to someone else’s prison."
I especially enjoyed my time with Nathan and the easy flow of our conversation. Even though this was our first time speaking, he graciously held space with me like a good friend to answer personal questions about his life in active addiction, experiencing the challenges and positives of recovery, and discovering his creative passions.
Connect | Follow ▷Nathan James: www.instagram.com/natesdreamylife/
▷ Join the Community: www.thecreativesober.com
Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
S4E01 Second Chances - Interview with Danny Coburn
Podcast Name: The Creative Sober Podcast with Mei McIntosh Episode Title: Second Chances - S4E01 Topic: A Musicians Life in Recovery
Alcohol abuse in the music world is not sustainable, and it is possible to sober up and have a successful music career. We learn about Danny Coburn's story of when he found his passion for music at an early age, fell into alcohol abuse at 21 years old, to lose his band and way of life. Danny got a wake-up call on his journey towards making the decision to stop drinking, and took early steps in recovery to reach 30 days sober, only to find himself thriving again, and making a living as a touring musician with 6 and half years of sobriety. Connect | Follow ▷ Danny Coburn
▷ Join the community: www.thecreativesober.com |Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
Bonus Episode - Vol 2 | Music Compilation
Tracklist:
1. Ben VanBuskirk/Blackout Orchestra - Intro, Unfound
2. Amber Long - Intro, Cirrus [Modern Architect]
3. DJ T-Schnegg - Intro, Versatile
4. Lisa Hartt - Intro, Don't Tell Me How To Feel
5. B RO - Intro, CTL
6. Gregory Dwane - Intro, When You Say California
7. J9 - Intro, That Was Yesterday
8. DJ FM - Intro, Ride (Original Mix)
9. Sorcia - Intro, The Gun Barrel
10. Pete O'Neill - Intro, Little Heart Theme
11. Soberthedj - Intro, MELodies
12. Jacob Derwin - Intro, Greatest Hits
Thank you to the artists that made this episode possible. Your music brings hope to those who are seeking sober creativity!
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Episode Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
Check-In Episode: Missing Mei - Feeling Through Silence
Hi, it's your host here, Missing Mei! It's that time again to warm up the podcast mic for the new season and check in with where I am at on my creative journey as I'm approaching three years of sobriety!
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Episode Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E012 Seeking Serenity - Interview with Martin Lapid
Las Vegas resident Martin Lapid was a graphic designer, business owner, and co-founder of the recovery brand Serenitees Collection. He shares about his design career during the past 20+ years, how he found life in recovery and the power of the Serenity Prayer.
"God, grant me, The serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And, the wisdom to know the difference." - THE SERENITY PRAYER
*Support Resources: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Narcotics Anonymous World Services National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Are you in a crisis? Call 1-800-273-8255 or text "TALK" to 741741 Al-Anon/Alateen
______________________
www.thecreativesoberpodcast.com | Produced by Missing Mei and Joel Swift
S3E011 Only The Light Moves - Interview with Tommie Sunshine + Track by Tommie Sunshine & Breikthru "Untouchable" (feat. Kayslin Victoria)
Producer and DJ are just a couple of Tommie Sunshine's passions that lead his life. Also, count on him being involved in activism, teaching at NYU, being a husband, and sober for the last 16 years! Tommie takes us through some of his journeys as a world-traveling DJ, what convinced him to get sober, and what he is doing to contribute to making a difference for the greater good.
Tommie Sunshine Official Bio: Tastemaker to tastemakers, curator, and shapeshifter, Tommie Sunshine is renowned for his reputation of being consistently ahead of the curve bridging the worlds of Rave, Disco, House, and EDM while still standing firmly in the zeitgeist. Establishing his name throughout the American Rave scene during the '90s, he became one of the most recognizable figures of the Electroclash movement during the early 2000s and helped set the stage for the EDM boom of the 2010s. 29 years as a DJ and 35 years as a clubber gives Sunshine his unique perspective on the business & informs his present Rave Revival sound.
Set apart by his iconoclastic productions, he is regarded as one of today's most prolific remixers providing club-ready makeovers for countless household names, including Billie Eilish, Bob Marley, Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Sofi Tukker, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Presley, Lizzo, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kelly Clarkson, Major Lazer, Santana, and Fall Out Boy. Tommie's original production career spans collaborations with artists such as Oscar-nominated and Grammy winner Junkie XL, Chocolate Puma, Grammy winner James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, legend Arthur Baker, House Music pioneer Felix da Housecat, Peaches, The Disco Fries, and many more. His music has been released on all of the biggest dance labels in the world including Spinnin', Ultra, Armada, Musical Freedom, Heldeep, Size, Mixmash, Dim Mak, and Mad Decent amongst others.
Tommie wrote and recorded 9 tracks for several editions of Konami's classic arcade game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Approaching its 600th release, his label Brooklyn Fire provides a platform to young producers just getting started in the business giving their music mass exposure, DJ support from the biggest in the game & streams into the millions. Sunshine, also known as a social media provocateur, has been known to cause an uproar in his firm stance on many issues most won't dare talk about & his activism has landed him on TMZ for gun control. Tommie served as an entertainment surrogate for the 2016 & 2020 Presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders.
Connect | Follow ▷ Tommie Sunshine
www.thecreativesoberpodcast.com | Produced by Missing Mei and Joel Swift
S3E010 Finding Truth In Fiction - Interview with S.C. Jensen
S.C. Jensen is a Canadian fiction writer, sci-fi and horror enthusiast, and literary advocate. She lives with her husband, children, and various fuzzy friends on an acreage in The-Middle-of-Nowhere (a.k.a. Northern Saskatchewan). She spends most of her days crafting stories about ordinary people forced to act in extraordinary situations and is perpetually rooting for the underdog.
That’s because she used to be the underdog in her own story.
Since quitting drinking on August 31, 2018, she’s come into her own as a sober creative and hopes to share her experiences with fiction lovers from all walks of life.
Jensen dabbles in horror, thriller, mystery, and contemporary literary fiction but her first reading and writing love has always been science fiction. Recently, she’s attempted to mash all these interests together—drawing from American pulp noir detective fiction of the 1930s-1950s and from cyberpunk sci-fi of the 1980s—to create a pulpy sci-fi thriller series called Bubbles in Space.
She’s used this series to play with all the toys in the genre fiction sandbox, dress archetypes up in the wrong outfits, flip tropes upside down, and generally make a mess of conventions and expectations. One big trope she’s decided to do away with is that of the alcoholic detective.
As a sober writer, it has become a personal goal for Jensen to focus on telling the stories of sober characters—both those in recovery and those who maintain abstinence for other reasons—as a way to normalize abstinence, sobriety and recovery in pop culture. She wants her books to be a safe, validating place for members of the sober community.
Bubbles Marlowe, a sober cyborg detective, marks Jensen’s first foray into writing sober characters, and she’s been extremely well received. Readers agree that Bubbles in Space is an absolute rollercoaster of fast-paced action, irreverent humor, larger-than-life characters, and plots that keep you guessing until the very end. But above all, they’re rooting for their favorite underdog, Bubbles.
You can join S.C. Jensen’s VIP Readers Club to stay up-to-date with freebies, sales, and new release info.
Website: http://www.scjensen.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scjensen.author
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/scjensen.author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/scjensen_author
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Official Website: thecreativesoberpodcast.com
Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E009 Prolific Is Nine - Interview with Meredith J. Flanagan + Poetry Reading of "Open Sky, Open Mine"
Meredith earned her Bachelor’s Degree from ULL in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in English. Her work has been featured in Poets Choice, Anti-Heroin Chic, and the anthology “Storealities.” She is the subject of an Artist's Feature in Hatchlings Publishings.
She headlined and produced the event, A Night of Poetry, created and produced the Flood Relief Fundraiser with Paige Daye to raise over $5K for victims of the 100 Year Flood in Acadiana, has shared her work in readings at The Warehouse, Feed N Seed, Glide Dance Studio, The Warehouse Project, (Lafayette, LA) Readings on the Pike (VA), Poetry in the Brew (Nashville), Radio Coffee Bar, Buda Mercantile, Sans Bar, Native Hostel and Red Light Lit (Austin, TX).
She hosts and produces the podcast “Remarkable Voices” with her husband.
Connect with Meredith J. Flanagan:
Instagram: @_thisismeredith
Website | Booking: www.thisismeredith.com
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Official Website: thecreativesoberpodcast.com
Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E008 Lightning In A Bottle - Interview with Laura Silverman
Laura Silverman has been a booze-free babe since July of 2007. Founder of sober lifestyle blog The Sobriety Collective, wellness travel site Booze-Free in DC, and Zero Proof Nation, a community celebrating nonalcoholic beverages and the people who drink/create them, Laura is passionate about #thesoberlife. When not tasting delicious new booze-free bevs, she's a karaoke rockstar, roller derby girl, nature lover, #mentalhealth advocate, and treasures spending time with her close friends and family.
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E007 The Radio Rockstar - Interview with HUGGIE
After a year of being clean and sober, Huggie is grounding his creative passions by leaning into music, producing, and keeping an open mind towards what makes him grow into 'the artist way' of living while inspiring others around him to recover out loud.
Follow HUGGIE on Instagram: @itsmehuggie
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Official Site: The Creative Sober Podcast
Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E006 Making The Connection - Interview with SORCIA + Single "The Gun Barrel"
Originally from the west coast of Canada, singer and songwriter Michelle Reid blends dark soul-baring honesty in her lyrics with glitchy electronic production and catchy pop melodies. She releases original music under her solo artist project, “Sorcia”, where she also advocates for mental health awareness, specifically in terms of OCD, eating disorder, and alcohol recovery.
Michelle got her start as a singer, dancer, and actress in the theatre, touring Canada, the US, and Europe with shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Superman, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She writes music for film and TV placements as well as songs to be released by other artists, including the single "Fight Like A Woman” by Marisha Wallace in 2019, which has been performed and major venues around the world, including The London Palladium while on tour with Todrick Hall.
Aside from consistently working on a variety of collaborative music projects, Michelle is also currently working on a memoir about her experience with bulimia, OCD, and sobriety.
Ref: NOCD - https://www.treatmyocd.com
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E005 Sobar, So Good! - Interview with Josh James
Josh James, a career bartender, took a year off drinking to see what would happen. His result was realizing his full potential and reviewing NA Beverages as Josh the Non-Alcoholic on YouTube and Instagram. After creating 30 videos, he walked into a deli establishment that happened to be closing in 1 week. 3 months later and 11 months into being a non-drinker, Josh opened Ocean Beach Cafe to build the largest non-alcoholic beverage selection in the country! The response has been massive in the booming industry as he continues to take this ride to the moon!
Instagram: @joshthenonalcoholic
Website: oceanbeachcafe.com
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E004 Tasting Change - Interview with Philip Speer
Philip Speer is the Chef and Owner of Comedor, an award-winning Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin. Starting his culinary career at 17 as a baker, Philip moved swiftly into esteemed Pastry Chef positions at Austin’s most innovative restaurants.
After struggling through years of addiction, Philip made a profound recovery, finding a renewed motivation by changing his life habits to focus on running, healthy eating, sobriety, and honest dialogue in the restaurant community.
Philip now works as a change advocate in the culinary sphere, offering resources and opportunities for peers and employees to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Philip heads the Austin chapter of Ben’s Friends, a coalition of sober Food and Beverage professionals who share tools for recovery. In 2019, Philip founded the Comedor Run Club with a mission to “shift the post-shift culture” and offer an urban running community tailored to restaurant professionals looking for a change.
During the start of the global pandemic, Philip and his team launched Assembly, a meal kit company with a list of clients in the Forbes Top 10. While expanding the opportunities for Chefs and Bartenders to reach customers across the country, Assembly and Comedor have committed to sourcing ingredients from Central Texas farmers committed to sustainable farming practices.
Though you can find Philip in copies of every culinary publication through the years, he is now most excited to see each face that shows up for themselves to utilize one of the many opportunities for change he offers his community.
Instagram: @philipspeer
Website: www.chefphilipspeer.com
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E003 Dropping the Mask - Interview with Katie Mack
Katie Mack brings a refreshing approach and vitality to storytelling through her craft of acting, writing, and Webby award-winning podcast F*cking Sober: The First 90 Days Podcast, described as an "unflinching semi-comedic mostly nonfictional narrative podcast about the first 90 days of being f*cking sober."
Over a decade of experience in theater, TV, and film, Katie not only elevates the stage with her creative input, but she is also outward about her addiction recovery and reaching two years of sobriety.
Instagram: @mackersnye
Website: mackstage.com
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E002 Come Full Circle - Interview with Gregory Dwane + Single "When You Say California"
From his humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to eventually touring the world as a tech and his recent work as a producer for Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, Gregory Dwane has first-hand seen many facets of the music industry. Add to his impressive pedigree a bit of alcoholism, burnout, and fatherhood, and you’ve got life experience in spades, all informing the songs on his self-titled debut record, which establishes him as the alt-country songwriter.
Gregory takes us through his history, from finding his sobriety to becoming a painter and art gallery owner, only to find himself back into his music.
Instagram: gregorydwane_music
Website: gregorydwanemusic.com
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Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S3E001 Music Is The Message - Interview with Chelsie Cahoon, "The Sober Raver"
Chelsie Cahoon aka The Sober Raver is an entrepreneur, business owner, published model, singer/songwriter, and content creator who travels all over the country with her work. She is the founder and owner of the company Music Is The Drug which is a non-judgmental company that aims to show the world that whether you use substances or not, music is the ultimate drug that unites us all. She chose to live a sober life from a very young age and has been completely drug and alcohol-free her entire life. Her mission is to show people that you can literally get high on the music itself. Substances aren’t needed to have a great time and her lifestyle is proof! Sobriety is amazing and anyone can do it if you just believe in yourself.
Instagram: @thesoberraver, @musicisthedrug_
Website: Music Is The Drug
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Episode Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
Bonus Episode - Vol 1 | Music Compilation feat. Artists from Season 1 & 2
Season 1 & 2 of The Creative Sober Podcast included incredible stories from musicians who continue to create in sobriety. This episode is a collection of their original music and personal intros to the songs you would have heard in their episode. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
1. Calvin - "Changes"
2. Pop Buchanan - Intro, "Monk Healing Freestyle"
3. Soberthedj - Intro, "Vibes In The Room"
4. Grace Askew - Intro, "No Rock Bottoms"
5. Ranger Sauce - "Gambler's Road"
6. Alexx Calise - Intro, "Rise"
7. Leah Martin-Brown - Intro, "Burning In Silence"
8. Blackout Orchestra - Intro, "Nothing But Blue Skies"
9. Ben Boden - "Ghost"
10. Juniper Waller - Intro, "Got it"
11. Pop Buchanan - Intro, Premier of "Dear Addicts"
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Episode Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei
S2E012 Turning Why Into Wisdom, Interview with POP Buchanan, Sober Is Dope!
POP's #1 goal is to help people heal from trauma, toxic lifestyles, and harmful addictions. POP Buchanan is a 41-year-old Creative from Brooklyn, NY. POP Buchanan lost his father when he was 13 years old from a heart attack. POP grew up interested in music, martial arts, esoteric spirituality, poetry, God, and love. POP writes poetry and considers himself an idea machine. POP struggled with alcohol addiction from the age of 27-32. This addiction cost POP a high-profile real estate career, valuable relationships, and his health. Having a very good family and upbringing, POP sought out professional help. POP learned how to deal with his addiction and began his rehabilitation in December of 2012. Since then, POP has transformed his life. He has devoted his life to telling his story. POP gained back the respect of his family and friends. Using his education and upbringing, POP secures a very great job, and he even got back into real estate investments. Most importantly, he started spreading his message through his music and podcast.
You can find POP Buchanan on Spotify, iTunes, and other outlets. POP started Monk Fruit Energy LLC to bring low glycemic beverages and foods to the market. After surviving alcoholism, POP transformed his health. In 2015 POP was diagnosed with Pre-diabetes. POP vowed to transform his health and help others by using his knowledge of health and nutrition. POP devotes his life to helping people quit alcohol, drugs, and smoking. He also promotes a sugar-free America and teaches people how to reverse pre-diabetes. It is POP’s goal to be the poster child of sobriety and model of health for the next generation.
You can learn more about POP’s journey and sober story/testimony by listening to the “Sober is Dope! Podcast at www.popbuchanan.net
“It’s never too late to be amazing!” - POP Buchanan
Sober is Dope! Podcast
anchor.fm/soberisdope
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soberisdope.net
FREE Transformational E-BOOK
bit.ly/2Dh67xi
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S2E011 A Lifetime Begins - Interview with Alysse Bryson, The Sober Curator
Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. She has a humorous outlook on life combined with a fierce determination to succeed. Alysse is a single mom to her adult son Jakob (he’s 24) and their two Boston Terriers Roxie & Bella. Founder of The Sober Curator, consuming content is what she does best. With her excellent taste and sense of style, when Alysse gives you a recommendation, you know you can trust it.
Find Alysse on Instagram and www.thesobercurator.com
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S2E010 Lush Is Part Of It - Interview with Jardine Libaire, The Sober Lush
Jardine Libaire has published six novels, including HERE KITTY KITTY (Little, Brown) and WHITE FUR (Hogarth), and the nonfiction essay collection about sober hedonism called THE SOBER LUSH in 2020. She also collaborated on the creative documentary book GRAVITY IS STRONGER HERE with photographer Phyllis B. Dooney. The film Libaire co-wrote with director Drake Doremus called ENDINGS, BEGINNINGS stars Shailene Woodley whose character has just given up alcohol. Libaire has developed one TV series for Amazon and is now developing a TV series for Universal. She facilitated the Truth Be Told personal storytelling program in Texas prisons for women from 2015-2018, an experience that made a huge impact on her life. She is from New York, spent a blissful decade in Austin, and lives in Joshua Tree now.
She's been sober since January 8, 2013. Jardine can be found at @jardinelibaireprojects on Instagram and at www.jardinelibaire.com. She also created a series of art installations and parties with Justine Gilcrease, a few of which can be found at: www.fleursdumalsyndicat.com
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S2E009 Duality and Art - Interview with Cate Blanchard, The Sober Painter
After stopping drinking in 2019, @thesoberpainter from Manchester, UK, decided to swap a pint glass for a paintbrush and hasn't stopped since! Naming pieces after the numbered days of their sobriety, Cate specializes in textured abstracts with bold colors and shadows. They were selected to exhibit at PRIDE IN LONDON’S FIFTY-TWO exhibition, a celebration of Queer Art in the UK curated by Artist Dusty-O.
Cate has recent formed the company ARTFRIENDS, which provides representation and a platform for artists living and working in recovery or mental health diagnosis.
Website : www.thesoberpainter.com
Clubhouse: ARTFRIENDS
Instagram:
@artfriendsclothing
@canibeyourartfriend
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S2E008 Keep Showing Up - Interview with Sabrina John
S2E007 Human is to Be Kind - Interview with Ben Boden + Single "Ghost"
Ben Boden is 3-years sober, an LGBTQIA+ musician, life coach, and creative practitioner from England. He currently works within Education and as the Creative Director for The Lighthouse Bali, a rehab facility in Bali, Indonesia.
Including awards such as Yahama's 'Unsigned Artist' and 'Best Entertainer' at Northampton's Diamond Awards, as well as starring in SKY1's reality talent show Showboaters, his music has been hailed as 'one to look out for' by BBC Introducing, with his latest release 'Ghost' sitting at the No.1 spot on Q32's LGBTQ global chart for multiple weeks.
Ben has first-hand experience of the arts supporting his journey with self-identity, wellbeing, and recovery. He can draw on his own experiences to develop workshops that can offer others a creative approach to self-development and awareness.
Ben has a true passion for helping others and engaging the arts as a form of expression and communication. As well as having a passion for music-making and performing, he loves creating and delivering tailor-made creative programs that engage, encourage his clients to learn more about themselves in a supportive and creative environment.
Find Ben:
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S2E006 Higher Power Help - Interview with CALVIN "The Prince of R&Bay" + Single "Changes"
Calvin Robinson is a singer/songwriter and owner of @superdupersoberclothing with 26 months, clean & sober, dedicated to sobriety, and working at the Rehab Center that he graduated in detox.
His addiction started in 2008 when his father passed away. Not knowing how to deal with that pain, he turned to alcohol. In 2017 he committed an assault & robbery crime that would ultimately change him. He took a deal that gave him a strike. He didn't straighten up until 2018, after his life went downhill by doing meth & cocaine. He got caught on a warrant in October 2018 and stayed in the county jail until December 25th. The judge allowed him to go to rehab, where he got sober and graduated. CALVIN dropped his Album "The Prince of R&Bay," on March 13th, 2020. Today he motivates others to live a better life and is dropping his 2nd album, "CHANGES," on April 2nd on all digital Platforms.
Follow CALVIN @calvin_flyteam on Instagram.
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S2E005 Voice of Reason - Interview with Juniper Waller + Band Single "Got It"
Juniper Waller is a singer, songwriter, and vocal empowerment coach from Oakland, CA. Her main musical project is her funk-soul band, The Gold Souls. Juniper comes from a long line of singer-songwriters and also has a background in holistic healing, social justice work, and poetry. Juniper has been sober since October of 2018, and much of her journey has been about learning to create in recovery. Juniper is also a vocal empowerment coach and breathwork guide helping people free their voices through guided vocalization and meditation practices. Through her business Voice Body Spirit, Juniper supports people in reclaiming their voices from past trauma and resonating with the full brilliance of their story.
Follow Juniper:
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S2E004 Frequency 632 - Interview with Soberthedj + Single "Vibes In The Room"
Brian “Soberthedj” Henry is a Boston Massachusetts native trailblazing through both underground and international music scenes with records like “Want Me” and “Mari,” both featured on his debut project Cult Chameleon. With his Jamerican open format DJ style, he has gone from touring/opening up for artists like Danny Brown, Juicewrld, Skimask the slump god, and more with DJ sets, to working with publishing labels and heading up their executive production departments, which then progressed to songwriting. Currently, working on his Debut Album “Nativ,” home to the Single “Vibes In The Room,” Sober is a force to be reckoned with, and with his prevalent sound, he can’t be put into a box and looks to fill the void the industry has for a universal artist.
Also, he has been sober his entire life. His journey gets weird with temptation and while helping others stay on the raw side of things.
Follow Soberthedj on Instagram @soberthedj
Also, find Soberthedj on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Tumblr, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal
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Hosted by Missing Mei
S2E003 Circle of Trust - Interview with Ben VanBuskirk + Blackout Orchestra Single "Nothing But Blue Skies"
Blackout Orchestra mastermind Ben VanBuskirk was going through a transitional period after years of ups and downs. At the end of a troubled relationship, he found himself two musical projects (the critic-approved death-obsessed shoegaze-pop band The Dearly Bereft, and feminist grunge provocateurs Green Girl), and at the end of his rope. Depression, anxiety, and alcoholism had him metaphorically, and on one night, literally, staring down the tracks at the lights of an oncoming train. He wasn't sure he wanted to get out of the way, but he did, and with the help of some close friends, he started to manage these issues that once seemed unsolvable. He got sober, he got counseling, and he started writing.
With the time and money no longer spent inching closer and closer to the floor of local dive bars and rock venues, he started writing songs, recording them on the only tools available to the self-professed Luddite — a guitar, a cheap Yamaha keyboard, and his BlackBerry cell phone. Instead of learning to bake bread or crochet, he spent his quarantine learning music production and putting together an album documenting the fall and rise of the last months and years.
Connect with Ben from Blackout Orchestra:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | BANDCAMP
For further inquiries, please contact bvanbusk@hotmail.com
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Hosted by Missing Mei
S2E002 Against Such Things - Interview with Rachel K. Baldwin
Rachel K. Baldwin is both a chronic wanderer and a homebody at heart.
She is passionate about criminal justice reform and helping the still-suffering addict.
She is a first-time author, long-time writer. After years of traversing compounded trauma, addiction, and its resulting consequences, she is proudly free of all mood-changing and mind-altering substances.
"Against Such Things" is her first book, and its completion is a lifelong dream fulfilled.
More info on Rachel K. Baldwin
Buy Book 'Against Such Things'
Follow The Creative Sober on Instagram!
Hosted by Missing Mei
S2E001 All of the Things - Interview with Allie K. Campbell
Allie K. Campbell (she/her/hers) is a digital content creator and entertainer on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. To date, she has uploaded over 300 videos on the topics of sobriety, queerness, ADHD, and how the three often (hilariously) intersect. Allie has a burgeoning audience of 15K followers across platforms. She hopes to triple her reach in 2021 with more speaking engagements, new approaches to content creation, and the launch of her first publication, The Sober Hobbies Activity Book & Journal.
Follow Allie K. Campbell:
Instagram @alliekcampbell
Youtube Allie K. Campbell
Follow The Creative Sober on Instagram!
Hosted by Missing Mei
S1E012 Sober Women of Rock Series: Interview with Leah Martin-Brown + Single "Burning in Silence"
Leah Martin-Brown is an Australian-born singer/songwriter and guitarist based in Los Angeles, CA but currently in Stockholm, Sweden.
Leah started her career at age 13, playing in local pubs and clubs around Gold Coast, Queensland, where she formed her first project- Lilly Rouge. After completing her Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith University's Conservatorium of Music, Leah and Lilly Rouge began focusing on their professional music goals. They toured Australia, played the Gold Coast leg of the legendary Big Day Out tour, and supported international acts such as Everclear, Presidents of the United States, and homegrown favorites- The Getaway Plan.
On January 1st, 2014- Leah packed her bags and relocated to Los Angeles, CA, and it was here she formed her current band- Evol Walks. The band has seen International success- touring Australia, Europe, and East Coast USA, and receiving international recognition for their releases. AlternativePress premiered their latest music video release, 'The Fire.'
On July 9th, 2019, Leah decided to get sober and, subsequently, really focus on building her band and brand further. In November 2019, she was signed to Blue Lemon Management under the care of Jens Lundberg.
Despite COVID19 halting all live music, Leah focuses on sharpening her skills as a guitarist and expanding her songwriting network. Leah is currently in Stockholm, Sweden working with Internationally acclaimed writers, putting together material for her next release.
When she is not laser-focused on her career, you will find Leah assisting others with their sobriety, playing with her Husky x German Shepherd Havok, and reading.
Follow Leah Martin-Brown:
Instagram @adventuresinplasticland
Follow the Creative Sober Community on Instagram @thecreativesober
the Creative Sober Podcast hosted by Missing Mei
S1E011 Sober Women of Rock Series: Interview with Alexx Calise + Single "Rise"
Alexx Calise's personal statement is, "I don't feel sorry for being who I am." Delivering a sound that is both fresh and uniquely her own, Calise combines crunchy rock riffs with probing lyrics and hooky pop melodies.
Told throughout most of her career to not play guitar as much or at all, and to pursue a more “proven” musical direction, Calise instead chose to focus even more so on her instrument, practicing some 5-6 hours a day, and follow the only direction she knew how to—her own.
Countless film and TV placements and millions of Youtube hits later, Calise has proven that her torchy vocals, impressive guitar chops, and heart-and-soul lyrics are enough to make an incredible international impact, even as a completely independent artist.
Calise's hit song "Cry"--which became a web phenomenon almost overnight (spawning hundreds of covers, tributes, and dance routines) after it appeared on the Lifetime show “Dance Moms”—-has gone on to sell hundreds of thousands of downloads independently, and charted at #64 on the iTunes rock chart. Its official video features Sia's muse, Maddie Ziegler, who danced to the song in several episodes of the show. Calise also performed "Cry" on an episode of Dance Moms along with Nia Sioux and Kendall Vertes, and she performed on an episode of "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition" with Maddie Ziegler.
Ever-growing and ever-changing, the effervescent Calise is continuing to make waves one small step at a time, currently penning songs for her band with Dennis Morehouse, Batfarm, and her other music project with Rob Johnson, Sensitive Robot. She is also a freelance writer for a variety of publications including Music Connection and Guitar Girl, a host for Guitar World magazine, an accomplished model and actress, and a small business owner.
Alexx has been walking the path of sobriety for the last 36 months, learning to navigate through the rock and roll environment, thriving in creativity, and staying true to who she is.
Calise’s music has appeared on a multitude of different shows such as “Dance Moms” (Lifetime), "Dance Moms: Miami" (Lifetime), "Last Call With Carson Daly" (NBC), "The Voice" (NBC), Audrina” (Vh1), "Tough Love" (Vh1), “NY Ink” (TLC), “Next” (MTV), "10 on Top" (MTV), “One Tree Hill” (CW), "Texas Women" (CMT) and in the feature film, “LA, I Hate You” starring Malcolm McDowell and William Forsythe.
Find Alexx Calise:
https://www.alexxcalise.net/
Instagram @alexxcalise
Follow the Creative Sober Community on Instagram @thecreativesober
the Creative Sober Podcast hosted by Missing Mei
S1E010 Sober Women of Rock Series: Interview with Grace Askew + New Single "No Rock Bottoms"
She mostly hits the road accompanied only by her truck, Wanda. Still, she has also supported legends like Hayes Carll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Lisa Marie Presley, Marty Stuart, Paul Thorn, Jesse Winchester, Colter Wall, the late Delta bluesman T- Model Ford, and Leon Russell. She is an internationally recognized tunesmith placing first in the International Songwriting Competition, the Unsigned Only Music Competition, and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Her lyrics weave vivid imagery of a life lived with authenticity and grit with a Faulknerian Southern-Gothic storytelling style, always paying homage to her Delta roots. Her television appearances include PBS' Sun Sessions and NBC's The Voice - Season 4, where she represented Team Blake. Since Jan. 1, 2018, Askew has written and live-streamed a new original song daily for her loyal Facebook and Instagram followers. This date also markers the day she decided to get sober.
Connect and Follow Grace Askew:
IG: @graceaskew
Spotify: Grace Askew
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E009 A New Kind of Alive - Interview with Amanda Thompson
Amanda Thompson is a sober (but not boring) artist and creative entrepreneur from Brighton in the UK at her Studio in the Sky. She has been creative as far back as she can remember and has been keeping sketchbooks for 30 yrs, while completed daily drawings for 3 consistent years. In 2018, Amanda lost her way and was unsure what to do with all her art and patterns. She then started to work with a business mentor, Ali Mapletoft. Things began to change for her when she set up Creatively Curious, which brought out a range of luxury sketchbooks and notebooks. She decided then to get sober when she fell in love with building her brand rather than a pint of lager. On September 1st, 2019, Amanda stopped drinking and experienced the next 14 months to be life-changing. She described her creativity as on another level and grew her passion for inspiring women to make changes in their relationship with alcohol with creativity. Amanda's The Sober Artists Club is a new way to socialize without alcohol.
Connect and Follow Amanda:
IG: The Sober Artist Club
FB: The Sober Artist Club
www.creativelycurious.co.uk
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E008 Music Movement - Interview with Alicia Kelly
Southern Alabama Alicia Kelly, aka DJ AY KAY, shares her sobriety and finds creative outlets and the DJ decks as her safe space in recovery.
Connect and follow Alicia: IG @djaykay07
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E007 Without Any Limits - Interview with Michael "Thrash" Ornelas
Living in Los Angeles, Michael shares his story as a multi-creative creator and someone who has abstained from drugs and alcohol.
Connect and follow Michael: IG @thrash618
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E006 Calling My Spirit Back - Interview with Elaine Alec
Elaine is from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation and is a member of the Penticton Indian Band in the Interior of British Columbia. She has been a political advisor, Chief of Staff for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Community Planner for her own First Nation, a public servant with the Province of British Columbia, and an employee with the Community Initiatives Unit for Indigenous Services Canada in the BC Region.
Elaine has spent over 20 years in over 100 communities across Canada to promote healing and wellness. She is a partner of an Indigenous-owned and operated planning company called Alderhill Planning Inc. who are recognized as leading experts in Indigenous community planning. Most recently Elaine led the Path Forward Women & Girls Safety Community Sessions which brought individuals together to talk about a path forward to create a plan with tangible action items and solutions for individuals, families, and communities. This work was initiated as a response to the MMIWG National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice.
Elaine is 13 years sober and a first-time author of “Calling My Spirit Back” which discusses tangible steps on how to cultivate safe spaces for diversity and inclusion.
Connect and follow Elaine Alec:
Instagram: @elaine_alec_writer_speaker,
Website: www.elainealec.com
Join the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E005 Sober Sounds Different - Interview with DJ KB
Connect and Follow DJ KB:
IG @dj.k.b, FB @DJKB
Soundcloud: The Creative Sober Podcast Mix - soundcloud.com/djkimbrannan/the-creative-sober-podcast-mix
Follow the Creative Sober on social!
IG @thecreativesober
S1E004 Doodling Sober - Interview with Kat King
Kat King grew up in a small town in the Southern California desert and now resides in San Jose, Ca with her husband and two dogs. Kat uses art as her therapeutic hobby and connects with others in sobriety by sharing her thoughts and creation through Instagram (@sober_doodler). She also enjoys her time hiking on trails, computers, nature, animals, and reading. Kat is a seeker of knowledge and finds learning best through literature and books. She is drawn to memoirs about dysfunction in families, which give her reflection on her childhood.
Connect and follow Kat King: IG @sober_doodler
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E003 The Last Song - Interview with Ranger Sauce + New Single "Gambler's Road"
Ranger Sauce, a wanderer who picked up a guitar and has been on an adventure or two. Interview + New Single "Gambler's Road"
Connect and follow Ranger Sauce: IG @rangersauce Spotify - Rangersauce
Follow the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E02 Healing Through Art - Interview with Alli Bratt
Alli Bratt is a mixed media artist, whose mediums include painting, drawing, and collage incorporating reclaimed materials. Originally from California, Alli received her BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. She has lived and made art in Portland, Oregon, for eleven years. Alli’s work has been shown, both individually and in group shows, in various coffee shops and galleries. Inspiration in her work stems from the natural world, working through grief and depression, and now finding new meaning in her art and life through sobriety. A long-time lover of nature and the environment, her work shifted from more traditional painting styles and techniques to implementing reclaimed, found, and discarded items that minimize the environmental impact of her work.
Connect and follow Alli Bratt: IG @allibratt, www.allibratt.com
Join The Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober
S1E01 Spin Spin Sober - Interview with Bear Winder + DJ Mix Session
Bear Winder is a London-based DJ, curator of music, and partygoer, and has been sober for just over a year. Bear took a much-needed step back from DJing in 2018/19 to work on her mental health and getting sober and thought that giving up DJing and partying would naturally have to be a part of the process, but much to her surprise, she discovered that sobriety gave her a real determination and drive to fulfill her dream DJ career and more!
Connect and follow Bear Winder: IG @bear_winder FB @bearwinderdj Mixcloud - Bear Winder
Join the Creative Sober on social! IG @thecreativesober