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Jun 25, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 166
420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol
I’m sharing my journey with alcohol and the 420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol. I’ll share a new story each episode; recollecting, reminiscing, and reliving starting at age 12 until I was 43 yrs old. I'll tell my story, connect the dots and fill in the blanks. I am 12 plus years alcohol-free and love the feeling of the freedom.
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Episodes
The Set Up- When No One Tells You the Truth
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I tell the story of being set up with my friend’s brother—a guy who, on the surface, seemed like a good match. But what no one told me, what no one was honest about, was that he was a complete mess. There were whispers of red flags, but no one waved them in front of me. Everyone stayed quiet. I was left to discover the truth on my own—slowly, painfully—as I tried to convince myself that this could be something real. Looking back, I rea...
Jun 18, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 165
One Drink, One Detour, One Big Regret
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I share a moment that started with the best of intentions—a weekend date out of town—and took a sharp left turn thanks to alcohol, impulse, and an old flame. My date had to duck out for a bit to attend his kid’s soccer game, and instead of tagging along or giving him space respectfully, I took a detour—right into an unexpected reunion with an old friend I’d once crushed on. One drink turned into too many, and suddenly I wasn’t just cat...
Jun 11, 2025•15 min•Season 4Ep. 164
“Anxious Without Plans: Escaping Myself Through Drinking”
For years, I felt anxious if I didn’t have weekend plans. The fear didn’t start on Friday — it started on Monday. I wasn’t just worried about being bored; I was afraid of being alone with myself. Drinking became my escape from that discomfort — from the silence, the stillness, and the version of me I didn’t want to face. I filled my life with busyness and social events, not for joy, but to avoid the anxiety that came with being home, sober, and still. Now, after quitting alcohol, I’ve learned to...
Jun 04, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 163
The Garage Parties - The Ludington Years
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take you back to a wild summer in Ludington—where our garage turned into the hottest underground party spot in town. What started as a simple three-stall garage at our grandma’s house quickly transformed into a nightly destination: music, darts, a pool table, and enough booze to keep the party going until dawn. Every night, we swore we wouldn’t do it again. But like clockwork, we’d leave the bar and head right back home to keep the n...
May 28, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 162
Back Seat Driver – When Alcohol Takes the Wheel
Podcast Summary: In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I share a story from a road trip that should’ve been a celebration—my BFF’s graduation. But instead of feeling present and proud, alcohol took the front seat… and I found myself slipping into the back seat, both literally and emotionally. It was one of those moments when you think you don’t have a care in the world—windows down, music up, drinks flowing—but really, you should care. You should care about where you're going, how...
May 21, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 161
Pile of Madness
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I share awild and unforgettable story from my Ludington days. Running my family’srestaurant meant I rarely got a break—but one weekend, I finally made it toChicago for a girls’ night out with my high school friends. And when wepartied, we really partied—like there was no tomorrow. After shutting downtheir go-to bar, Four Farthings, we moved the party to an apartment on LakeShore Drive. The drinks kept flowing, the smoke was thick, and the nigh...
May 14, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 160
Cinco de Blackout
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I recount a Cinco de Mayo celebration that took a dark and unforgettable turn. What began as a joyful brunch with my best friends—who came to visit me and their daughter nearby—spiraled into a full-blown blackout. From shots of Jägermeister (aka “liquid heroin”) to falling off barstools and waking up with no idea how we got home or where we even were, this wasn’t just a party gone wild—it was a moment that left me shaken and hollow. This story...
May 07, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 159
Can’t Leave Home Without It
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I explore the fear of not having enough —that anxious urge to over-prepare, especially when it comes to alcohol. I share a memory from a friend’s wedding, where we packed our own roadies and backup booze, just in case. And good thing (or so we thought), because there was only one bottle of wine per table of eight—barely enough for one of us, let alone the whole group. That moment made me reflect on a deeper pattern. Even now, I catch myself do...
Apr 30, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 158
Welcoming the 4th Season
It’s truly remarkable to be here, celebrating the start of Season 4 of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking . I’m filled with deep gratitude for all of you who continue to listen, support, and walk this journey with me. In this season, I continue to share the raw truth—my stories of drinking, partying, and living a life I eventually realized I no longer wanted. By opening up about my past, my secrets, and the lessons I’ve learned, I’ve found healing, transformation, and a new way of living. Through G...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 157
Do you actually know how to rest?
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I take a deep dive into the difference between resting and recovering . Back when I was drinking, I told myself I was taking a day to “rest” after a night out—but really, I was just trying to survive the hangover. As James Corden put it, “we’re borrowing from tomorrow,” and I was overdrawing the account. Anxiety, nausea, and guilt would keep me glued to the couch, mindlessly scrolling and waiting to feel human again—wasting entire days I’d nev...
Apr 16, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 156
The Fake ID Fiasco
Podcast Summary: The Fake ID Fiasco In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I take you back to my college days—where my determination to buy alcohol led me down a risky path I barely even thought twice about. Borrowing my sister’s Michigan driver’s license? No big deal… or so I thought. Turns out, that little stunt could’ve landed me up to 3 years in prison and some hefty fines. But back then, all I cared about was getting my hands on drinks—and I even roped my unsuspecting parents ...
Apr 09, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 155
The Fake Birthday Bash
In the sweltering summer of 1986, boredom and a thirst for booze led me to a ridiculous idea—pretending it was my birthday just so my friend would throw a party. And oh, what a party it was—flowers, decorations, endless shots… and everyone in on the joke. Well, almost everyone. One person didn’t know the truth, and when he finally found out, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly celebrating. Looking back, it’s wild to think of the lengths we went to just to drink—never considering the consequences, o...
Apr 02, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 154
The Disco Ball: From Broken to Brilliant
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking , I reflect on a time in my life when I felt completely broken—wondering if all my shattered pieces would ever come back together. But looking back now, I see that those broken pieces didn’t just heal; they transformed into something greater. I’m not broken—I am a masterpiece. A radiant, vibrant disco ball of love and energy, spinning in the light of my faith and gratitude. I’ve learned to seek out glimmers —those small moments of joy, peace, an...
Mar 26, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 153
Don't fuck with my business
Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking! Back in my Ludington days, while running my family’s restaurant, I met a handsome, charming man whose family’s contracting business worked with mine. It felt like fate—two people with similar stories, both returning home to run the family business. That night, we talked for hours, and for a moment, it felt real. Magical, even. I thought I had seen a ring, but when I asked, he denied it. I let myself believe in the possibility. The ne...
Mar 19, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 152
The Cosmic Battle
In this episode, I reflect on how God has blessed my mess—turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. I share how this podcast has changed me, giving me a platform to transcribe my experiences and help others on their own journeys. I also open up about the struggle of wanting to cling to the life I once lived and grieving the friendships I’ve had, while knowing that what’s best for me is maintaining my peace and boundaries. While some may not be ready to receive t...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 151
No more Tapas - Granada 2002
In this milestone episode, I reflect on a trip that should have been about adventure, culture, and connection—but instead, drinking took center stage. Back when I was between jobs, I traveled to visit friends in Granada, Spain. From drinking at the airport to getting drunk while waiting for a delayed train, and then keeping the party going once we arrived, alcohol became the main attraction rather than the stunning beauty of Granada itself. Sure, we had fun—but how much of that fun was real, and...
Mar 05, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 150
This is dedicated to another lost soul
In this episode, I dedicate time to honor a dear friend who lost his lifelong battle with alcohol. He was a creative, a father, a son, and a friend who fought hard against his demons, wanting more for his life. Despite his struggles, past trauma made the fight too heavy to bear. This is a heartfelt tribute to him and a reminder of why these conversations matter.
Feb 26, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 149
Stuck in Nice – Part 2"
Stuck in Nice – Part 2" In this follow-up episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , we’re still in Nice, feeling like locals at our favorite bar and meeting new people every night. We kept saying we were leaving… but then my cousin sprained her ankle, the trains went on strike, and suddenly, getting out of there seemed impossible. Were we ever going to make it out alive? Tune in to hear how it all unfolded.
Feb 18, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 148
"Backpacking & Booze – Nice, 1991"
Episode Summary: "Backpacking & Booze – Nice, 1991" In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take a trip down memory lane to 1991, when my cousin and I spent three months traveling across Europe. One month in, we found ourselves on the French Riviera in Nice—soaking up the sun, meeting incredible people, and living on bread, crackers, and cheese just to stretch our budget… so we could drink every night. Join me as I share journal entries from the journey and reflect on ...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 148
The Spring of '89 – Borrowed Keg & Sorority Shenanigans
The Spring of '89 – Borrowed Keg & Sorority Shenanigans In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I take you back to the spring of 1989—my junior year at MSU, living in the Alpha Phi sorority house as the house manager. It was peak party season, and when a planned celebration on our sorority sundeck didn’t materialize, my friend and I took matters into our own hands—by “borrowing” a keg from our favorite fraternity. What happened next? Well, you’ll have to tune in to find ...
Feb 05, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 146
Being Brave
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol , I explore what it truly means to be brave. Are you brave enough to look back, reflect, and learn from your past? Brave enough to admit the truth and make a change? For me, courage meant making the decision to save myself from the treacherous cycle of drowning in alcohol. Tune in as I share my journey of facing hard truths and choosing a better path.
Jan 29, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 145
Reeking of Regret: Serving Tables While Hungover
In this episode, I share a raw and personal story about showing up to work hungover, throwing up five times while taking orders and serving guests, and how I thought this behavior was acceptable. I reflect on how partying took priority in my life over being a better person, and the toll it took on my health, career, and self-worth. Join me as I unpack this experience and what it revealed about the changes I needed to make.
Jan 22, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 145
Eating, Drinking, and the Hangover Dance
In this episode, we dive into the complicated relationship between food and alcohol. From skipping meals to get drunk faster, to the late-night scramble to eat something to avoid blacking out, and finally to the so-called "hangover cures" we rely on the next day, we explore how food plays a role before, during, and after drinking. Join me as we unpack these patterns, share stories, and reflect on how these habits shape our drinking experiences.
Jan 15, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 144
The Wednesday Ritual at Marshall Fields
Welcome to 2025! As we step into the new year, let me ask—do you set intentions, goals, or resolutions? For me, I like to focus on a word of the year , and this year, my word is MOVEMENT —mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m feeling great about how I’ve kicked things off! Today, I want to share a memory from 2003 during my time at Marshall Fields—my biggest and best customer. Those were special days filled with meaningful connections with the chefs, managers, and staff. I trul...
Jan 08, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 143
Is Blacking Out a real thing?
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 aftermath of these episodes, like discovering the hurtful things I said to a friend and wondering why s...
Jan 01, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 142
Confessional: Dipping into the lady pond
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 and honest look at how alcohol shaped—and ultimately strained—a relationship, paving the way for my jo...
Dec 31, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 139
How many days do you lose?
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 share why reclaiming your time is one of the most powerful reasons to let alcohol go for good....
Dec 25, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 141
The Cruise to the Caribbean
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 away from it. I wish this experience had been my wake-up call, but it still took me years to fully unde...
Dec 18, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 140
The White Dress Jr /Sr 1985
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 story highlights the pattern alcohol had on my life—a gateway to fun for many, but for me, it often...
Dec 04, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 138
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