In our latest episode of Life After Last Call, Rich opens up about a deeply personal story that he's rarely shared before. His brother's battle with alcoholism tragically ended in his death 22 years ago, yet the pain remains fresh. This raw conversation was sparked by last week's interview with Michael, whose story about hiding alcohol triggered powerful memories for Rich. He recalls finding bottles hidden in his brother's car, bathroom vanity, behind toilet seats, and various other hiding places throughout his home. The progression of his brother's alcoholism ultimately cost him his job at TSA, his marriage, and eventually his life when he drank himself into a state of brain death in a Columbus hotel room.
The experience of having to make the heart-wrenching decision to "pull the plug" on his brother's life support has given Rich unique insight into alcoholism's devastating potential. He emphasizes that his brother's isolation and refusal to seek help were critical factors in his inability to overcome his addiction. "He thought he could handle it, he thought he could do it alone and he couldn't," Rich reflects, encouraging listeners to reach out and connect rather than struggling in solitude. This touching story serves as a powerful reminder of why connection is so crucial in recovery, and why programs like Sobervation are vital lifelines for those seeking sobriety.
The episode transitions into discussing the couple's commitment to building better habits, particularly their March challenge to exercise daily for 31 consecutive days. Eric admits that while Sobervation has been growing wonderfully, its demands have sometimes prevented him from maintaining consistent workouts. Both hosts acknowledge how easy it is to fall into negative patterns but emphasize the importance of making time for positive habits rather than simply trying to find time. As Eric points out, "It's a lot easier now than when I was drinking—that took all of my time." Their commitment to exercise demonstrates how sobriety enables long-term planning and discipline that simply wasn't possible while actively drinking.
A significant theme throughout the episode is clarity—specifically, the clarity that comes with sobriety. Eric and Rich discuss how getting sober helps people identify what truly serves them versus what doesn't. They share a popular meme they created that resonated with their audience: "Goes to a party sober, realizes I don't like these people." This humorous observation points to a deeper truth about recovery—it often involves reevaluating relationships, places, and habits that no longer align with one's authentic self. The hosts emphasize that this process of selectivity isn't selfish but necessary for sustainable sobriety and personal growth.
The episode concludes with a powerful discussion about gratitude as a practice and mindset. Rich acknowledges that cultivating gratitude isn't always easy but is essential for recovery. Both hosts express thankfulness for their sobriety journey, the changing seasons, their ability to exercise, and especially their listeners and customers who support Sobervation. Eric reflects on how far they've come from the early days when he was simply typing recovery observations in his phone's notes app to now running a thriving community and business. Their journey embodies the transformative power of sobriety—from loss and struggle to purpose and gratitude, one day at a time.
