My Guest this Episode is Nelson Brolly, the singer and guitarist of the band Fake Lighters, who discusses his journey to sobriety, the themes of his new album, and the challenges of balancing family life with a passion for music. They explore the punk ethos, parenting, and the evolution of their sound, while also reflecting on the importance of community and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Parenthood is a journey of trial and error.
• There is no manual for raising children.
• Sobriety can lead to clarity and better life choices.
• Facing fears can lead to positive change.
• Music has been a lifelong passion for Dave.
• Living with Parkinson's requires daily adjustments.
• Gratitude plays a key role in happiness.
• Substance abuse affects families deeply.
• Open communication is vital in parent-child relationships.
• Life's challenges can lead to personal growth.

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Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My Guest this Episode is musician Dave Starr. In this conversation, he shares his journey through parenthood, sobriety, and living with Parkinson's disease. He reflects on the challenges of raising children in a complex world, his own struggles with substance abuse, and the impact of his experiences on his music career. Dave discusses the importance of resilience, the lessons learned from his daughter’s journey with sobriety, and his perspective on life as he navigates the realities of his health condition.

Takeaways

• Parenthood is a journey of trial and error.
• There is no manual for raising children.
• Sobriety can lead to clarity and better life choices.
• Facing fears can lead to positive change.
• Music has been a lifelong passion for Dave.
• Living with Parkinson's requires daily adjustments.
• Gratitude plays a key role in happiness.
• Substance abuse affects families deeply.
• Open communication is vital in parent-child relationships.
• Life's challenges can lead to personal growth.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Alexandra Nyman, founder and executive director of the Break Free Foundation and a fellow sober curator contributor. In this conversation, we explore various themes surrounding recovery, body image, and the impact of social media. We discuss the challenges of disordered eating, the importance of community support, and the role of fashion in self-expression.

Takeaways

Recovery is a lifelong journey that requires management.

Disordered eating affects both men and women, often influenced by societal standards.

Fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment.

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health.

Community support is crucial in the recovery process.

Gratitude can help navigate difficult times and foster resilience.

Personal growth often comes from challenging experiences and change.

It's important to challenge societal norms around body image and sizing.

Authenticity and vulnerability can inspire others in their recovery journeys.

Hope is essential for overcoming adversity and finding purpose.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Resolutions

02:17 Body Image and Disordered Eating

05:38 The Journey of Recovery

09:52 Fashion Industry and Body Positivity

12:12 Social Media's Impact on Mental Health

17:44 Marketing and the Evolution of Social Media

22:21 The Intersection of Fashion and Recovery

27:10 Living Unmasked and Vulnerability

31:14 The Role of Fashion in Recovery

34:48 Fashion and Personal Style Evolution

37:32 Sustainability in Fashion Choices

40:55 The Impact of Fast Fashion

43:16 Creative Reuse and Upcycling in Fashion

45:54 Reflections on Relationships and Personal Growth

49:42 Finding Gratitude in Difficult Times

54:00 Community and Connection After Breakups

55:22 Hope and Moving Forward

57:18 New Year's Traditions and Reflections

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Ruben Salazar, a recording artist and place maker. He shares his journey as a musician and a community leader in Santa Ana, California. He discusses the importance of music in his life, the challenges of substance use, and his path to sobriety. Ruben emphasizes the significance of community and activism, especially in the context of current societal issues.

Takeaways

• Ruben's journey in music began in his childhood, influenced by his parents' love for various genres.
• The Blue Lot was created as a community space to showcase local talent and art.
• Ruben's love for reggae music shaped his desire to serve the community.
• Substance use became prevalent in Ruben's life during his teenage years, intertwined with his music career.
• Meeting his girlfriend marked a turning point in Ruben's journey towards sobriety.
• Ruben emphasizes the importance of community activism, especially in a sanctuary city like Santa Ana.
• He believes that sobriety has brought him clarity and a deeper understanding of his life and music.
• Ruben's experiences reflect the struggles of many artists balancing creativity and substance use.
• He advocates for finding personal paths to sobriety, whether through programs or self-discipline.
• Ruben continues to engage with his community through events and music, focusing on family and personal growth.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

This was a fantastic year for music. For my final episode of the year, I share my favorite albums of the year. And you can check out my favorite songs of the year here.

Link in bio or listen wherever you stream podcasts. #podcast #parenting #soberprofessional #stillpunkrock #sobriety #recovery #music # #drugaddiction #soberdad #soberparent #harmreduction

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks. Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. Copyright 2025.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is David Herzberg. He's a professor of history and the director of the Drugs, Health, and Society program at SUNY University at Buffalo. He is the author of White Market Drugs, Big Pharma and the Hidden History of Addiction in America. In this conversation, David Herzberg, a drug historian, discusses the complex history of drug use and addiction in America, tracing the origins of the war on drugs back to the late 19th century. He explores the societal responses to addiction crises, the impact of privilege on drug use, and the current trends in drug policy.

Takeaways

• The war on drugs has deep historical roots dating back to the 19th century.
• Addiction crises often lead to public health responses rather than punitive measures.
• Fentanyl poses a greater risk than previously prescribed opioids like OxyContin.
• Effective drug policy should create 'friction' to limit access to dangerous substances.
• Open conversations about drugs can help demystify their use for young people.
• Privilege plays a significant role in the experience of addiction and drug use.
• Parents should provide support and guidance regarding drug use to their children.
• Legalization and prohibition both have their pros and cons in drug policy.
• Harm reduction strategies can save lives and reduce the stigma around addiction.
• Community-level interventions are crucial in addressing the addiction crisis.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Mike Jacobs, bass player in the band On the Cinder, which was formed in Buffalo. He is also a sober dad. Mike shares his experiences as a father, musician, and sober individual. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with his passion for music, the lessons learned from his journey into parenthood, and the impact of sobriety on his relationships. We talk about the evolution of punk and hardcore music, the role of political commentary in the genre, and the importance of community in fostering a vibrant music scene.

Takeaways

• Mike Jacobs is a bassist in the band On the Cinder.
• He has two children, one of whom is seven months old.
• Parenting can be a balancing act between responsibilities and passions.
• Sobriety has positively impacted his family life and relationships.
• The punk and hardcore music scenes are evolving with new influences.
• Political commentary in punk rock is becoming less prominent.
• Community support is vital for musicians and families alike.
• Grief can shape our perspectives on life and relationships.
• Finding gratitude in challenging times is essential for well-being.
• The importance of all-ages spaces in music scenes cannot be overstated.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.

My guest this episode is Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, a two-time cancer survivor, marathon runner, triathlete, and author of Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph. Dr. Reynolds shares his journey as a cancer survivor and his extensive work in the non-profit sector, focusing on substance use and mental health. He discusses the disparities in healthcare access, the importance of harm reduction, and the impact of technology on youth mental health. Dr. Reynolds also reflects on his personal experiences with spirituality and the evolution of his relationships with friends during his health challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for unconditional love and support for individuals facing addiction and mental health issues.

Takeaways

• Dr. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of wanting to parent differently from his own upbringing.
• He highlights the significant impact of his childhood experiences on his career choice.
• The conversation reveals the challenges faced in the non-profit sector, especially in addiction treatment.
• Dr. Reynolds shares his personal journey through cancer and its influence on his perspective on life.
• He advocates for routine screenings and early detection of health issues.
• The discussion touches on the disparities in healthcare access for marginalized communities.
• Dr. Reynolds stresses the importance of harm reduction in addressing substance use disorders.
• He discusses the mental health challenges faced by youth today, exacerbated by technology.
• The conversation explores the intersection of spirituality and personal growth during health crises.
• Dr. Reynolds calls for a more compassionate approach to addiction treatment, focusing on unconditional love.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.

Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2026.