Episode 569: Why Alcohol Is Nothing More Than a Performance Tax

Alcohol isn’t a reward. It’s not a release. It’s a performance tax and in this episode, we prove it. On this week’s That Sober Guy Podcast (the number one sober podcast since 2014), we break down how even “moderate” drinking quietly drains focus, fragments sleep, dulls urgency, and taxes next-day execution. Drawing from real-world patterns and insights from the Sober Male Index, this episode exposes what most men feel but can’t quite name: you don’t feel hungover, you feel slightly off. We cover: How alcohol disrupts sleep, cognition, and emotional regulation Why the biggest sobriety gain isn’t motivation, it’s baseline clarity The cultural protection around alcohol and why opting out makes people uncomfortable How alcohol delays stress, then charges interest Why “I don’t have a problem” is the wrong metric. and ROI is the right one If you’re a high-performing man, an executive, founder, or leader, this episode will challenge you to audit what’s quietly leaking your energy and compressing your edge. Bottom line:If it costs tomorrow, it’s not a reward.Clarity compounds faster than motivation. Learn more about the Sober Executive Performance Reset, a 12-week private coaching experience designed to help serious operators remove the tax, sharpen execution, and reclaim leverage. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane sits down with friend Jason Coombs, a guy who’s been in the recovery trenches long enough to tell it like it is, and still hold a huge smile of gratitude. Jason is the Founder and President of Brick House Recovery, a nationwide network of outpatient treatment centers helping people (and families) navigate substance abuse and mental health with personalized, no-BS care. With 15+ years in addiction recovery, Jason has helped thousands of people reclaim their lives, and their sanity. He’s also the bestselling author of Unhooked and the host of the Get Unhooked Podcast, where he focuses on real-world help for families dealing with addiction. Connect with Jason Jason’s Book – Unhooked:https://a.co/d/6lbtcbv Listen to the Get Unhooked Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-unhooked-podcast/id1793172489 Check out Unhooked Family Programs: https://www.liveunhooked.com/shane Check out A Warrior Heart Boot Camp and use promo code SOBERGUY at checkout to get $100 off any 2026 Boot Camp!https://awarriorheart.com/ If you’re sober-curious, newly sober, or decades in but still feel “hooked” in other areas of life, this episode is for you. ️ Connect with Shane Join the FREE Sober Guy Men’s Community – The Victory Circle:https://thatsoberguy.com/victorycircle Grab Shane’s new book: Sober Guy, How Do Ihttps://thatsoberguy.com/book Apply for 1-on-1 Coaching with Shane:https://thatsoberguy.com/coaching Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 566, we sit down with two new powerhouses in the sober movement, Margy Schaller & Laura Nelson from Sober Life Rocks to talk about owning your voice, breaking the stigma, and why 2026 is the year sober folks step into the spotlight loud and proud. Together, Margy and Laura are on a mission: make sober choices normal, celebrated, and loud enough to shake the walls of the Orlando Convention Center. And speaking of Orlando… AMPLIFY Sober Voices — The First-Ever Sober Influencer Event January 15, 2026Orlando, FloridaA one-day, purpose-driven experience for:– Sober influencers– Podcasters– Coaches– AF brands– Wellness leaders– Recovery advocates– Sober-curious creators– ANYONE ready to be seen, be heard, and expand their sober impact If you’ve ever said, “I feel called to share my story… but I don’t know where to start,” this is literally the room for you. In This Episode We Cover: ️ Why normalizing sober choices matters now more than ever️ What it means to become “sober out loud”, even when it’s uncomfortable️ How to build confidence, community, and impact in the alcohol-free space️ Why sobriety is becoming a strength in business, leadership, and culture️ Why AMPLIFY might be the most important sober event of 2026 Actionable Takeaways from Today’s Episode 1️⃣ Start Saying It Out Loud (Even If Your Voice Shakes)Your story matters. The more you own it, the more you help someone else own theirs. 2️⃣ Build Your Sober CircleConnection fuels momentum. Whether online or in-person, find your people or come meet them at AMPLIFY. 3️⃣ Your Sobriety Is an Advantage, Not a LimitationIn business, leadership, creativity — sober clarity is a superpower. Use it. Tune in, laugh with us, learn with us… And if you’re feeling that nudge to step into a bigger version of yourself, come join Margy, Laura, and an entire room full of sober leaders in Orlando: AMPLIFY Sober Voices — January 15th, 2026Where sober creators go from “Who am I to share?” to “Who am I not to?” Let’s get after it. Let’s stay sober. And let’s amplify voices that the world needs to hear. AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I: REAL ANSWERS FOR MEN WHO WANT TO QUIT DRINKING, LEAD STRONG, AND WIN AT LIFE - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Boredom used to be that thing you tried to avoid with a barstool and a bourbon. Now that you’re sober(ish…or working on it), boredom hits different. It’s quieter, sneakier, and honestly, kind of uncomfortable. In this week’s episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane breaks down one of the biggest early sobriety traps straight from Chapter 4 of his new book Sober Guy, How Do I — how to handle boredom without losing your mind or your momentum. We’ll talk about: Why boredom isn’t actually the enemy, and what it’s really trying to tell youHow alcohol used to be a “shortcut to stimulation,” and why your brain needs a little re-trainingWhy high performers, business owners, and dudes who’ve lived life in the red zone struggle with quiet time more than anyone. Practical strategies to turn boredom into clarity, purpose, and progress (yes, really) Shane keeps it authentic, honest, and slightly ridiculous, sharing stories from his own recovery journey plus some tools that have helped hundreds of men inside the Victory Circle community deal with downtime without sprinting toward the freezer for an IPA. If you’ve ever found yourself pacing around the kitchen muttering “I just need to DO something,” this one’s for you. Actionable Takeaways ️ Do a 5-Minute Mental Check-In:Ask yourself: “Am I bored? Or am I avoiding something?” Write it down. Name it. Call the BS out loud. ️ Create a Boredom Menu:List 10 things you can do instead of drink when boredom hits — walk, push-ups, cold shower, call a dude in the community, read 3 pages of a book… whatever works. ️ Schedule Your Downtime:Don’t wait for boredom to attack you — plan to be “unproductive” on purpose. Structure actually creates freedom. Want to go deeper? Join our FREE men’s community — The Victory Circle to connect with other high-performing guys who are quitting drinking and leveling up in business, marriage, health, and mindset.Grab Shane’s new book, Sober Guy, How Do I, on Amazon and get all 12 chapters of practical, no-nonsense sobriety guidance.Apply for 1-on-1 coaching with Shane if you’re ready for serious accountability, clarity, and momentum in your sobriety and life. Listen in, laugh a little, and remember — you’re not “bored,” you’re becoming awake. Let’s go. Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I: REAL ANSWERS FOR MEN WHO WANT TO QUIT DRINKING, LEAD STRONG, AND WIN AT LIFE https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The holidays are here, the season of joy, family gatherings, food comas, and pretending everything isn't silently driving you insane. It’s also the time when people keep offering you alcohol even after you’ve said your not drinking. In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest challenges for men in recovery: staying sober, calm, and grounded during holiday stress and social pressure. If you’re navigating family triggers, office parties, travel chaos, loneliness, or just trying not to slap Uncle Larry with a cold turkey leg, this episode is for you. Inside this episode, we break down: How to stay sober during the holidays How to handle family stress, triggers, and awkward drinking pressure How to create boundaries without feeling guilty How to keep your mindset strong and your sobriety solid How to survive holiday gatherings alcohol-free, and still have a good time Simple tools to stay calm, centered, and connected Shane shares real stories, practical tips, and a humorous take on navigating holiday chaos while staying sober. You’ll walk away with a plan, confidence, and a few laughs along the way. Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane sits down with fashion entrepreneur, social commerce innovator, and newly minted author Christos Garkinos, a man whose journey from Detroit to luxury fashion, Bravo TV, and running a $100M live-streaming network is impressive enough… but who's even more proud of one thing: staying sober. Christos opens up about growing up with Greek immigrant parents, working with major brands like Disney and Virgin Megastores, pioneering the luxury resale world, and ultimately launching Covet by Christos, a massive community-driven luxury platform featured in places like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and The New York Times. But his latest creation might be his most personal yet: his first book, Covet the Comeback. Together, Shane and Christos unpack why consistency matters, not just in sobriety, but in business, identity, spiritual growth, and making a comeback when life humbles you. They talk about what it means to just show up, surrender control, and let God work in places hustle alone won't fix. Key Takeaways • Comebacks require consistency, not perfection. Just show up, tell the truth, and let the work compound. • Sobriety creates space for identity, not the other way around. When alcohol stops leading, purpose can start. • God moves when you move. Taking action opens doors that prayer alone can't. Follow Christos on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/covetbychristos/?hl=en Check out Christos's new Book Covet the Comeback here: https://www.amazon.com/Covet-Comeback-Immigrants-Success-Everything/dp/196437734X Join the Movement → Join The Victory Circle – our free sober men's community Connect weekly with other men committed to quitting drinking, leveling up business, marriage, mindset, and faith. → Grab Shane's new book "Sober Guy: How Do I?" A raw, practical guide to quitting drinking and rebuilding your life with purpose. → Want to go deeper? Apply for 1-on-1 coaching with Shane For men ready to break alcohol dependency and lead at a higher level in life, business, and family. Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join "The Victory Circle", our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new series from That Sober Guy Podcast Life doesn't stop throwing curveballs just because you quit drinking. The bills still come in, the kids still melt down, and sometimes life just feels stale. That's where "Sober Guy… How Do I" comes in. Each short, no-BS episode dives into the real questions guys ask once the bottle's gone and life gets real again. Questions like: Sober Guy, how do I stay calm when I get a flat tire? Sober Guy, how do I deal with stress at work without losing it? Sober Guy, how do I stop comparing myself to everyone else? Host Shane Ramer, creator of That Sober Guy Podcast, keeps it honest, hilarious, and grounded, blending personal stories, spiritual principles, and practical tools that actually work in real life. No fluff. No guru talk. Just real answers for men who want to quit drinking, lead strong, and win at life. In this weeks epsiode, Jess from our Victory Circle mens community asked: 'Sober Guy, how do I connect with God or a higher power?' — and man, that's a big one. 💡 Takeaways You'll Get from Each Episode: Simple tools to keep your peace when life hits hard How to use recovery principles in everyday moments Ways to stay grateful, grounded, and strong — without the hangover ⚡ Ready to Go Further? 💬 Join the Victory Circle – our free men's community for accountability, support, and real conversations that help you grow. 📘 Grab Shane's new book, Sober Guy, How Do I… Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life — available now on Amazon. 🔥 Apply for 1-on-1 Coaching with Shane if you're ready to level up your sobriety, mindset, and leadership. Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join "The Victory Circle", our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Life doesn't stop throwing curveballs just because you quit drinking. The bills still come in, the kids still melt down, and yes — sometimes it can be awkward being the only one at the party who's not drinking. That's where "Sober Guy… How Do I" comes in. Each short, no-BS episode dives into the real questions guys ask once the bottle's gone and life gets real again. Questions like: Sober Guy, how do I stay calm when I get a flat tire? Sober Guy, how do I deal with stress at work without losing it? Sober Guy, how do I stop comparing myself to everyone else? Host Shane Ramer, creator of That Sober Guy Podcast, keeps it honest, hilarious, and grounded — blending personal stories, spiritual principles, and practical tools that actually work in real life. No fluff. No guru talk. Just real answers for men who want to quit drinking, lead strong, and win at life. This week, Keith from our free online mens community The Victory Circle asks: Sober Guy, How Do I Stay Cool When Everyone's Drinking But Me? 💡 Takeaways You'll Get from Each Episode: Simple tools to keep your peace when life hits hard How to use recovery principles in everyday moments Ways to stay grateful, grounded, and strong — without the hangover ⚡ Ready to Go Further? 💬 Join the Victory Circle – our free men's community for accountability, support, and real conversations that help you grow. 📘 Grab Shane's new book, Sober Guy, How Do I… Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life — available now on Amazon. 🔥 Apply for 1-on-1 Coaching with Shane if you're ready to level up your sobriety, mindset, and leadership. Listen now, laugh a little, and learn how to not let life's flat tires wreck your day — or your sobriety. Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join "The Victory Circle", our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🎙️ Sober Guy, How Do I... A new series from That Sober Guy Podcast Life doesn't stop throwing curveballs just because you quit drinking. The bills still come in, the kids still have melt downs, and yes sometimes you wake up to a flat tire… again… and start questioning your luck, your patience, and your entire neighborhood construction crew. That's where "Sober Guy, How Do I" comes in. Each short, no-BS episode dives into the real questions guys ask once the bottle's gone and life gets real again. Questions like: Sober Guy, how do I stay calm when things just aren't going my way? Sober Guy, how do I deal with stress at work without losing it? Sober Guy, how do I stop comparing myself to everyone else? Host Shane Ramer, creator of That Sober Guy Podcast, keeps it honest, hilarious, and grounded, blending personal stories, spiritual principles, and practical tools that actually work in real life. No fluff. Just real answers for men who want to quit drinking, lead strong, and win at life. 💡 Takeaways You'll Get from Each Episode: Simple tools to keep your peace when life hits hard How to use recovery principles in everyday moments Ways to stay grateful, grounded, and strong — without the hangover ⚡ Ready to Go Further? 💬 Join the Victory Circle – our free men's community for accountability, support, and real conversations that help you grow. 📘 Grab Shane's new book, Sober Guy, How Do I… Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life — available now on Amazon. 🔥 Apply for 1-on-1 Coaching with Shane if you're ready to level up your sobriety, mindset, and leadership. Listen now, laugh a little, and learn how to not let life's flat tires wreck your day — or your sobriety. Join "The Victory Circle", our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout AMPLIFY Sober Voices Event - https://amplify.soberliferocks.com/ Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Work with Shane 1 on 1 Coaching - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.