We both did his January reset | Josh Woll | In Full Light 010

So welcome to In Full Light. This is our Substack live series, really where we're just celebrating heart-led practitioners who are stepping into their power and sharing their gifts with the world. And today we are excited to be joined by our friend Josh Wall. He is a sobriety and creative clarity coach and really helping people get clear and get present and free by removing alcohol. So thank you, Josh, for being here with us today.

Yeah.

Well, thanks for having me. And thanks everyone for joining. Cool.

Yeah, if you have any questions, just post it in the chat and, um, yeah, we're gonna do our best to read it and respond.

Yeah, so, um, Joshua, I'd love to start with you. As you know, we've got to know you over the last few years, so we're pretty familiar with your story, but for those who are perhaps meeting you for the first time, maybe just tell us a little bit about who you are, the work you do, and I would say even more importantly, why you do it. What is kind of the deeper calling behind the work that you've chosen to do with The Sober Creative?

Yeah. Yeah. I, so, you know, before The Sober Creative, like my line of work, um, over 20 years has been doing video production, photography. So I've had this creative spark and work through so many years and just, you know, it's, it's when I have the camera in my hand, as you guys have experience. I was there in Brazil recently taking photos of you guys, and, um, I'm just in that flow state, you know, and it's, it's, it's just feels so natural and, and comfortable, and, um, I just love it. And so fast forward of, um, wanting to go a bit deeper in my work and seeing that, um, you know, alcohol was a big part of my life and quitting it too. And it's now 5 and a half years. And so I've worked with various coaches and all the work that I've done on myself over the years, I've wanted to take that and give that back based off of, you know, sharing my story and hearing others and their story and their relationship with alcohol. And so in working with you guys, it, it was kind of a merging of, of the two. And so The Sober Creative was born in April of last year. And, um, it's been an incredible journey building it and, um, have a podcast, weekly podcast. I, it'll be my 60th episode tomorrow. Um, lots of essays. I've got a beautiful community. One of our members is here. I see her, Melinda. Hey, Melinda. Um, Yeah, it's, it's been a really, really awesome journey. And I would say the why is, um, gosh, I mean, it, it, my reason of letting it go is really to optimize my health and it, um, yeah, it was a big part of that. And so, I mean, it's still been a big part of, you know, this 5 and a half years is, you know, how to, I live my best days. And, and, and so, yeah, using alcohol as a means to Everybody has a different relationship and it's complex. And so, um, but a lot of the reasons are to, you know, regulate the nervous system. And so it's like, what, you know, what can I— what through the research, the conversations, um, you know, working with people individually, you know, it's like, what can we explore and replace those with more healthy options? And so that's, that's where my work is. Yeah.

Yeah, that's, that's very nice. And I think it's, um, oh, very important. I, I had the opportunity to work with you through that challenging January and I got some like great insights of, uh, examining that relationship, uh, that I, I know for sure I'm going to carry into my life. Uh, so thank you for that. And I would love to hear, um, like if you could paint the transformation, like when people start working with you and, you know, after the process, like, what is the before and after, if you could share with us, please?

Yeah, yeah, totally. I mean, it, you know, it's, it's so the 90-day program that I offer, you know, and working with, you know, one-on-one clients is You know, pretty much like the first month is an exploration process where, you know, it's like we're looking at patterns and really just like discussing like what, what are the reasons that you're using it? And, and so, and just really kind of taking a deep look into what that is, but then also it's like, you know, what are you using it for? And, um, and, and really trying to find a way to replace that. And I think that's where like the creative aspect like comes into place and, and really, you know, whether it's a creative practice through an artistic standpoint or if it's getting creative around, you know, looking at different practices that you can replace with having to use alcohol as a means to relax and such. And so, um, Really, I mean, it's, it's, yeah, it's, it's trying to replace those and using small steps in, in regards to doing that, you know, in the second month and then in the third month, it's, um, you're really kind of stepping into that space. I mean, it, it, you know, it, it takes, it takes, it takes commitment, you know, to, to change and, you know, for each person it's, it's different. And so it's trying to you know, be kind and gentle and such in regards to someone's practice in regards to letting it go is different for everybody. And so it's, I think, each client, yeah, it's working with them specifically to, you know, look at what works best with them. And then, you know, in the third month, it's kind of taking all of this in place and applying it daily and just kind of living it, you know, on a day-to-day basis. And so that's, that's really where the big change comes in and you can feel it. I mean, it's, it's, you, you start to feel it after 30 days. Um, you start to feel it even more, you know, 60 and then going into 90, you know, for me it was, it was 90 days when like I knew that it wasn't going to be a part of my life. And so I just, I just know that it's, you know, for my reason of using it was just a means of, you know, coping with difficult emotions or, you know, just being a part of, you know, groups and friends and such and just being there and being something that you did. It was just like, I just don't need this anymore. I don't, I don't want that a part of my life. And so I've replaced it with other healthy habits and such. So. Yeah.

That's very interesting. You shared that for you was like dealing with, um, like difficult emotions. Like what other things people use alcohol for?

What other things do they use it for? Yeah.

Yeah. Like that's what they're trying to get from alcohol.

Yeah. I mean, it, um, gosh, I mean, it's so, it's so wide. I mean, there, there are people that. You know, can have one drink per week and be totally fine. You know, there's a person who could probably have a drink a day and, and, and, and be fine. Um, but then there's people that it can be so far on the other side of the spectrum that, you know, they're finishing a whole bottle of vodka, you know, in one day or one sitting, or even probably multiple times per day. And so it's, It's, it's very, very different. And so, and, you know, and it's, it's, it's such a big part of, you know, our society and culture. And, you know, fortunately, there's a lot of different things in place that are beneficial in regards to like support, whether it's like AA or different recovery groups. You know, there's the Sober app here on Substack. There's a number of different other sober coaches and such like doing the work that I'm doing. And so there's a lot of different outlets that people can get support around. And yeah, and so it's, I think too though, it's, yeah, I mean, it's really like looking at like what's the reason that you're using it for, you know, and just kind of like sit with that and like really be honest with it. You know, I think it's easy to be like, ah, I don't drink that much. It doesn't really affect my life. You know, And I was saying that too for the longest time, like I could totally function on a day-to-day basis, like having it and just thinking like, that's my normal. And at some point I was like, this, this isn't, I don't like this normal anymore. And so that was when I started like tracking and seeing if I could control it and just none of those were working. And so it was like, okay, well, I'm at the point where I'm going to commit for a full year and give it up. And then that's, that's really where the change started happening. So, yeah.

Hmm. Nice. I really like what you said about like identifying why and then finding other like healthy habits to replace that because like what makes me think right now is like, for example, if you use alcohol for relaxation, we do need relaxation, right? But that's the, not the only way to get that, but sometimes it's just the quickest or the autopilot answer and you just don't think about it. Like, and I'm like, yeah, good. And then it makes you feel something that you're not even aware. And like, maybe you could meditate or maybe just doing sports or movement or something. Uh, so just bringing that awareness. Um, thanks for sharing. And usually like when people doing this work, there is often like a turning point, like a moment where they like I need to go full in, I need to do that. Like, and maybe not, like that's just, sometimes you see that there's like a moment of decision that like, I'm gonna commit to doing this work. Did you have that? And if yes, how was it?

Yeah, I mean, I do. Yeah, I do think that that's strongly like, when a person's ready, they're ready. You know, it's like, I mean, you can give people information all day and be like, hey, this is my life. It's better now. I'm doing this and this and this and this. And, and still it's like that person might not see it that way, you know, and they just might not be ready. I mean, even when I was drinking, um, it was never like it, I never, for myself, I never felt like it was a problem. Um, you know, and sometimes, you know, when I'd be hanging out with friends or family, um, they'd be like, are you sure you want another one? Are you sure? And in that moment, like, it never registered as like, okay, maybe I should, I should stop. I didn't feel like my behavior was being angry or irritating or anything like that. Maybe it was just more out of like care of like, okay, you've, you've had, you know, 6 or 7 beers. I mean, are you sure you want another one? And, you know, in my mind, it was like, yeah, I like the feeling of it and like to stay in that, that place and just to kind of jump back a little bit with what you were saying with, um, you know, people needing it as, you know, relaxation. I think it's one of these things where it's like, it's really easy to get it and get it fast. Like you can go to the store, swipe your card, start drinking it. And it's like, the effects happen so quickly, you know? And I think it, you know, in a society where it's like, oh gosh, I mean, we've, I think we've, we've added so many layers of stress and such, you know, in our lives, like over the course of, you know, so many years. And, and, you know, it's, it's one of those things that is like a quick solution, but, you know, at the same time, it's this, like, it's a loop, you know, it's a loop that affects your health in the long run, you know, it affects your, it affects your day, like the next day in regards to like motivation and energy levels, you know, and it, it, it it depletes your system. And so, you know, if you're constantly running on that cycle of like, okay, I get stressed in the day, I drink, I have to recover. And then it's like things start to feel better again, stress comes, and then I drink again, recover, and it's just this loop that continues. And so I think giving it up and replacing it with healthier habits, you know, over the course of, yeah, I mean, it takes a little bit, it takes a few months to get there, but I mean, it's, it's definitely so much better, you know, and you're so much more productive and present. You know, when it's, it's not been in your system and you find other things like, you know, it's like movement, yoga, fitness, walking, you know, it's related to your diet, sleep, you know, so many different things that you can optimize in order to feel better. And so I don't know, I kind of veered off. I don't know if I answered your question.

Well, that's— yeah, that's perfect. And what I'm curious about also is like when you think about your path to getting here, like one thing I've really admired in you, you know, you've been working on building Subacreative for a little over a year now. So as you mentioned, April. So it's now July, so a little over a year. And you've been incredibly consistent in how you've shown up and you've produced an incredible body of work, had incredible, you know, I know you have multiple interview series, multiple different things that you're doing here. You've launched a community, you've done multiple challenges, you're doing the private work. It's been a lot. And, you know, I'm just curious about your inner motivation, you know, and, you know, you've had this, you know, long-term career in videography and Emmy Award-winning work that you've done. So in the last year, what was it that kind of was your own turning point around kind of like, gosh, I really want to lean into sharing this message specifically, you know, as someone I see is very multi-passionate, have a lot of gifts, you know, what was it that kind of really led you to say, this is where I want to kind of direct that energy and this is how I want to serve, you know, is there anything around that for you on your own personal journey?

Yeah. I mean, like I can, I, you know, I think when, when, you know, we were working together and whenever we, we, we started our journey, you know, we had decided that we were gonna do, you know, coaching around helping people start their video business. And so when I originally launched on Substack, it was with Clear Lens. And so, you know, it was so great you know, and working with you both is that something was kind of missing there and it didn't like the passion didn't feel like it was there. And so you guys did a great job at kind of pulling that out and asking me, you know, questions. And when you asked me a question around sobriety, it just like kind of lit me up. And, and I remember it was like a 10-minute voice message that, that I sent back to you guys. I think I had accidentally said like the Sober Creative in that message too. And you're like, that's it. Go, go Go buy that, go buy that domain.

And I did.

And so I, you know, I think it's, I'm like, I've really especially noticed that the conversations that I have every week, I get so much joy out of doing those. I, it's, I mean, having done almost 60 now, I'm just like, I'm so amazed at how different every person's story is. And, um, yeah, I mean, just like, I, I think, and it's been reflected, you know, back to me is, I guess, you know, my energy and presence is a very, like, calming nature. And so it feels very fitting and supporting, you know, being in a space that allows someone to share something that's deep and hard that they may, they may not have shared before. And I think too, it's, it's a subject that You know, it doesn't, it doesn't get a lot of spotlight. I think it's, I think we're starting to move in a direction where, you know, people are becoming more aware, you know, especially like the younger generation. They're not very like, alcohol isn't like as exciting. Um, and, and so, um, yeah, I just think it's, I think it's important to touch on subjects that, um, we normally wouldn't talk about, that we would, that we would kind of keep hidden because either it's like shame or afraid to talk about it. And so, you know, especially with myself, I'm not afraid to like, be like, hey, this is what's going on with me. This is, this is a struggle for me right now, or whatever it might be. And, and just put that out there and just, just see what what ripples from it, you know, and such. So yeah. Yeah, yeah.

I think you show up very authentically, and I'm sure that people feel that coming through, and it's what allows you to create a connection here on Substack. Carolina, did you have something you wanted to ask? I noticed you're leaning in there.

I think this is actually one of your gifts, and I think You know, the way you share so vulnerably about your own journey and where you are, like, it creates a sense of safety because I agree, like, it's not that, you know, if I post, like, if I make a comment on Substack, like, hey, let's grow Substack, then it's like, it's easier to get like a lot of comments, you know, because there's not a lot of resistance. But when you're talking about like, hey, raise your hand if you have a problem with alcohol, like it's almost touching into like emotions like shame and guilt and, you know, like they, that we don't want to experience that. So it's hard for someone to, you know, raise their hands. And in a way you put yourself so openly, um, on Substack, but also in the containers that you create, like the challenge that almost feels easy, like, oh yeah, I feel shame too. You know, like I, and I have this problem too. So I just want to mention that because I think it's a gift., to create such a safe space, um, in an area or in a conversation. Uh, yeah, Gary is saying that vulnerability is pure golden, especially around a subject that is not safe at all. It's actually surrounded by shame and, you know, uh, emotions that are not very easy to feel.

Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. And that's, I, I, Yeah, it's, that's where I feel like the work's important, you know, it's, it's, it's, it's, yeah. I mean, it's, there's so much we're carrying that, you know, we don't feel like we could talk about, you know? And so it's important to bring light and bring light to these subjects that, you know, may be difficult. So yeah.

Yeah.

So the next thing, Josh, I'd love to touch on is as you've kind of made this, um, I don't know if I would call it a pivot, but as if you've added this new, you know, layer to service and what you're, what you're creating with the Sober Creative, um, has there been anything that you've noticed that maybe you used to believe about yourself or maybe even business in general that, um, you felt you've had to let go of to kind of show up as you are today?

Hmm. That's a good question. Um, yeah. Like, what would you like, can you help frame that a bit more? Like what? Like, yeah. Like what would I let go? Yeah.

Well, I feel that sometimes people come into creating something that is uniquely theirs with a lot of I don't know, preconceptions or past beliefs about what they're capable of, what they're meant to do, you know, what they have authority to do, what, you know, are they, you know, even qualified for certain things. These are— that's just one vein of thinking. But sometimes it's money beliefs, sometimes it's around capacity, you know, as someone like, for example, with yourself, I know you're juggling wearing multiple hats. You know, you haven't fully moved to just— you're doing this work in addition to still doing all the videography work that you also love. And so, yeah, just anything. It could be related to one of those examples, but it could be something completely else. Is there anything that you've had to really examine for yourself in how you show up or even how you relate with the idea of what it means to show up in business?

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I guess. Yeah. I mean, I'll speak to this, you know, from, yeah, from my lens and perspective of, um, you know, it's, um, yeah, I mean, having, you know, having been in business for myself, um, yeah, for over 20 years. It's, um, yeah, I mean, it's, there's a lot of freedom to it in various ways. There's also a lot of challenges too, you know, I mean, it's, you definitely gotta put yourself out there and be consistent and, and such. And so, you know, I've been fortunate with the production work that I've built like so many relationships and, and clients and such over the years that that work has kind of sustained itself, you know, through building this new business. And so, you know, building this business, you know, the, it's, I, I, it wasn't like the, the first year wasn't as what I expected in regards to what was going to come financially, you know? And the thing is, is like, that's okay. And I, I, I'm, I'm coming to see that it's, it takes time. It takes time to, to build, you know what I mean? Like one year is really not that long. I mean, a lot can happen in a year, but you know, in a business that it takes time for people to trust you, you know? And so I've realized that this work is important, in that aspect of that these conversations are still really important to have and that I enjoy doing those, these conversations and bringing whatever little nugget of wisdom that someone's going to hear that, you know, might, might help their day or week or whatever it might be. And so, um, yeah, I mean, I, I think it's, it's, it's come to realize that in this business that Um, it's slow and steady, you know, I mean, it really is. And, um, and it's, it's too like having the perspective that my other business is supporting this one, you know, and have that frame of mind versus like, oh, it's not working. Like, why is it like I didn't have the month that I wanted or whatever it might be. It's, it's, it's, um, So yeah, it's a different perspective and appreciating that that work is fueling this important work. So yeah.

I think it's such an important perspective because we see that a lot, right? People either having a job or maybe having another business and then they want to transition to something else. And as much as they are excited about what is in here, Um, often they don't want to leave this old version of themselves anymore and they want to just click and let go. But if we can actually connect with the idea that, well, what if this one here is supporting this, it shifts your energy completely. And all of a sudden, like being where you are is just perfect and it's financing and it's supporting and it's helping you evolve. Towards, um, this other thing. And I think just that alone shifts your energy in a way that now you can be more present. You can actually do better on the other one and you can do better on the new one that you're creating because, you know, it's feeding each other instead of having that, like, I need to rush and I hate what I'm doing here, or it's not your case, but for some people, like, I hate my job and I just want to leap and, you know, jump off the cliff and go somewhere else. And in reality, like, it is a gift if you have a job or another business that can actually support the new thing that you're creating, um, for the long run. So I, I appreciate your, your perspective there. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

And I think one of the things I was just going to share, it's one of the things that I admire about Josh, you, and so many of our clients is that because this work is a calling, It's— I know you're building for the long haul. You know, we talk a lot about this idea of opportunistic business versus the sacred, and there's no wrong— there's no, um, nothing wrong with that path, you know, and, and not everything has to be a calling. Um, but I do think that when you know you're, you're building from that space, then exactly what you said, slow and steady wins the race, because you know you're going to arrive, you know you've been putting all the fundamental principles and foundations in place that are going to support the growth that you're looking to see. And, you know, you're able to stay healthy because you've got, you know, you've got that other side taken care of. So, yeah, I really appreciate hearing that from you. Sorry, Caroline, I know you have more questions you'd like to get to.

Yeah, like just related to the work that you're doing right now, and I know it's coming deep from your heart. A lot of people, when they step into their calling and they want to start like making their calling a business, uh, they struggle with visibility. Uh, was that ever a thing for you being visible and, um, what shifted?

Yeah. Yeah. I, um, I'll go back to, to, um, one of our dear friends, Leo Babauta. I'm going to call him out, you know, as a part of, um, the Fearless Mastery, um, program with, with him when he initially started it. And when I was a part of that group, I, I mean, pretty much living like whether it's, it was like events or whatever it might be, you know, there was so much anxiety. That would surround going around the room and then me having to speak, you know, and it was like, my last name is W. So usually I was like the last to go. The anxiety had plenty of time to build up in my system to where I wanted to run out of the room. And it's like, I could feel it too whenever it was my turn and just the shaking and whether it came across outside of that, it was probably way worse in my head. But so, You know, being a part of that group, there was a, there was a moment when like he had asked, he's like, you should, you should step up and be a leader for one of the groups and start a group. And, and so I remember like seeing that message and just being like, ugh, nope, that's not for me. I'm just gonna stay quiet back behind here. And, um, but no, there was, there was a shift that was like, okay, nope. I'm going to do it. And I did it and it was amazing. And, um, yeah, it was very like uncomfortable at first, but it's like, you, the more you do it and, you know, it just, it was like very empowering, you know, to show up at these meetings with 5, 6, 7 people, you know, and just kind of help lead and, and, and guide that group. And, um, I, you know, it's through that, that practice that, um, yeah, it's just like, it just opened up, you know, the opportunities to, you know, when you, when you face discomfort, you know, it's way more hard in, in your mind than is actually in reality. And so it, and it's like when you do it, it's, you, you feel it afterwards. Like even, even if it didn't go necessarily the way that you, expected it to, it still was like, okay, I showed up.

Um, yeah.

And I mean, I don't, I don't know. I mean, like here being here now and here on the podcast and such, I mean, there's, yeah, much more level of, of, of calm than, um, than I would have in the past. And that, that just, yeah. I mean, repetition and, um, yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's, it's, And doing too, like I did some videos that, I mean, typically in my line of work, I would have stayed behind the camera. That's my work, you know? And so it's like, okay, well, what's it like to put myself in front of it, you know, and just play in that world? And so it's been a while since I produced some of these videos, but I did a little series where I would have to pretty much memorize a script of some research that I did around a topic. And I would say it and just be by myself here recording it. And, um, but it was fun. It was fun. Like, and, you know, just going through the whole process of like, oh, that didn't work. Let's try it again.

Yeah.

You gotta, you gotta make it fun. So, yeah. Yes.

Thank you.

So kind of coming back to the work that you do, um, with your clients, uh, and specifically with, with the alcohol, What is, can you think of one thing you wish more people kind of understood about undertaking this process of examining their use and, you know, maybe something that you believe gets misunderstood or overlooked as people start to examine their relationship?

Yeah. I mean, I would, I would say something that's probably, I would say that's probably pretty common is it's like it almost, it almost feels like it's a big life shift, you know, that you're probably afraid of losing relationships, friendships, because, you know, the camaraderie that's, that's around it. Um, and so, I mean, like I said, it's different with everybody, but, um, it's, it, um, Yeah, I mean, some of the, some of the people that I used to drink with, I mean, I still, I still see them. I still hang out with them. You know, it's just like the relationship dynamic like changed. I mean, for a while it was like, um, like, oh, he's just, he's, this is just another phase he's in, you know, it's just temporary. And, uh, I mean, I was at that point, I was pretty certain that it wasn't. And, um, But I mean, it's, it's, I don't know, it's, it's, it's just nice, you know, being around those friends and just experiencing their presence in a different way. And I think, I think for people that, you know, you can, it's always something you can try, you know, it's, you don't have to like commit like your life to being sober. I mean, I think it's, it's just like, and that's what reset in January was all about, you know, is that you could just give it, give it a try for a month, you know? And it's, it's so interesting. Like, if you just like explore in that way and just be curious and just be like, yeah, let me commit. Let me commit to what this is like for at least a month. And, and just be like, just see, like you're going to get through it, you know, and just be curious on like what day 3 looks like. Like, wow, this is really hard. Oh, day 7 is even harder. Oh, day 14 is not as hard. You know, it's just like kind of like an experimentation, you know, most, and just being, you know, and just, yeah, trying it out is what I would suggest.

Yeah.

It's beautiful what you said. And it made me think that You know, there's like the before you commit to stop drinking, uh, your sense of identity is so connected to that thing that you maybe you almost feel that like I belong here because I chew drink, right? So then you have your friends and they're all drinking. And then the fear of like, if I stop drinking, there's not other connections. So then I won't belong to that anymore, but it almost feels to me that once you fully accepted yourself as whole without the drinking, then the group accepted you too. And you can still be part of that group and you can still have fun with them, but you don't need to participate on the drinking itself. Um, so it's, uh, it's very nice to, you know, uh, to see. Would you say that this is true? Like the, you know, your self-acceptance, uh, contributing to, you know, go back to old containers, but with a new identity?

I think so. Yeah, I think so. I, I mean, I also think that it depends on the group and people and individual, you know, there might be some individuals that's like, like, I, I really miss this person that used to drink, you know, or it's like, I'm uncomfortable doing this when you're not doing it, you know? And so I think each, each situation is, is different, but yeah, I definitely agree with what you say because it's like, I mean, at the end of the day, it's like you drop the drink and it's really about the connection with everybody that's around you and your friends and family. And, um, I think that I would say this probably for most, you know, is that it's like a confidence thing, you know, and, and a confidence and wholeness. Yeah. Within that, it's like, if I could have that, without having the drink, then yeah, it's, it's pretty damn good. So yeah.

So coming back to your kind of journey as a creator and, you know, being behind the camera and now in front of the camera and everything you've created in the last year, I know there's a lot of people that are kind of like, you know, one step behind where I, where I kind of see where you are today. Like, you know, they might be at home, feeling a little stuck, feel like they have something in their heart. It may not be the same as yours, but something that's their calling, but they can't really feel how to, like, how to get traction or to get it out into the world. So what would you say to someone like that, you know, based on what your last year has been like for yourself personally?

I think Gary answered it just now.

I Yeah.

I mean, it's, it's, um, I, I don't like, I'll come back to this word curious, cause it's really like resonating with me here lately. Um, I think it's such a strong word and something that, you know, especially for, for someone that has never tried like stopping to drink, you know, and they've done it, they've done it for, for so long, you know, it's, it's like, well, you know, what, what's it look like to try this for a month and be curious about it and see like, and see what happens from that. Maybe that's the spark, you know, and then if it is like run with it, you know, and keep going and build off of it. And so, and if it's not, then be like, It's okay. I tried, you know, I'll, I'll go back to having a few or whatever it might be. But, um, but yeah, just be curious and continue to like search and, um, try different things. Yeah. Yeah.

Cool. And as, as you've been creating, um, The Sober Creative, what would you say you've been most proud of in your journey? And it could be in results, but not just in your results, like who you see that you've been becoming in the process as you've put yourself out in this new way?

Yeah. I mean, it, um, I mean, it's, I set a pretty high bar for myself that is pretty going off the screen here. It's somewhere way up there. Um, and so it's just like, it's trying to recognize that it's like, I've done a really great job, you know, in this first year and just like really letting that like, like settle in and, and, and just feel it, you know, I feel like it's, we can always reach for whatever that next thing is, that next essay, that next note, that next, just reaching, reaching, reaching, you know? And so it's, um, Yeah. I mean, I, I, I was talking with my therapist recently and he was saying, it's like, yeah, there's like, you know, people, there's like a really big percentage. I forget exactly what he said, but he's like, you know, people that don't get past the 10th episode or something on a podcast. Yeah. I'm like, okay, I'm doing pretty damn good. So, um, so yeah, just like, just kind of relishing in, in, in, in what's been created and Yeah, just the feedback that I've gotten from, you know, people that are part of the collective and, you know, just as subscribers and followers, that, yeah, this work is important and yeah, it's something that I'm very passionate about. So yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. I think this is definitely something to be proud of and I think connected to the beginning of our conversation of like alcohol being like a quick solution for things, right? Like it's just easy to go to the store, swipe your card and then drink. And then like, now I'm relaxed and maybe this is easier than, um, introducing a new habit, you know, but it's this quick result thing that often I think we get trapped. Um, and then even for like a business, right? Like sometimes we think that one year is like a lot. But if you think about like giving birth to a child, it takes 9 months to be inside of you. And then if we add 3 months more, the child is still, it's there, but it's still completely dependent, right? It's not eating, uh, on their own. They're not walking on their own. And now we have with AI and all the technology and all the, you know, screen and the fast pace that we live, we think that things should be like this. And I truly, truly admire you, your work, your consistency. And then anyone like actually is tapping into this and like, hey, I'm here for the long term. I'm here because I am also becoming the business as I'm growing here and all of that. And it's, yeah, it's a process of like giving birth and it can't be a one week, right? It can't be like a one day or one click. And then like it's done. It's a process of transformation. So I admire that.

Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. And I mean, just kudos to you guys for, you know, the work that you're doing, you know, I mean, I think you both complement each other so, so well and, um, and the way that you give to your community members and help them each individually in their own unique businesses has been such a gift, gift as well. So thank you. Um, yeah. And it's so true that like the baby reference is such a good framing. Cause I think there's a lot of, there's a lot of distractions, you know, especially in a lot of essays or things that are like quick, quick, you know, you can reach this in X amount of months and have this level of success and And it's like, yeah, that like feels good, you know? And, but it's like, if you're constantly, if you're constantly like trying different things and switching and moving, you know, it's like, you're really not, you're really not moving. So yeah.

Yeah. There's a lot I could say about that, but that's not why I'm here. So I'll hold that conversation for a long time, but you know, you know my point of view and those of you who know me here on the call, you know that, but, but yes to everything that you just shared. And now I would love to give you the opportunity because you said you hold a high standard for yourself and it was way off the screen. Um, you know, when you do allow yourself to dream, when you do allow yourself to think about the bigger ways in which The Sober Creative will continue to serve as you move forward, what is the vision that you see yourself building towards? What are you, where is this all going? You know, what has your highest level of excitement right now?

Yeah, I, there's multiple things. I, so yeah, continuing to, you know, serve and be available to, you know, as many people as possible, you know, with one-on-one work. I think it's so like, I enjoy it so much and just having the opportunity to be able to do that. And so just they, it's a call away, a calendar click away to schedule a call. And so, so doing that and building that more, my collective community, it's, I'd love to grow that. It's been absolutely incredible what we've done in the past. I think it's 3 or 4 months now. And we had our first guest workshop recently that was just absolutely incredible. We've implemented wonder walks, you know, throughout each month. And it's just, we experienced our own when I was there in Brazil and it's just so, it's so, it's so nice. And it's just such a great thing to, to keep building on. And then too, I really want to incorporate my production work into the Sober Creative and produce a documentary series that'd be like a mini doc series. And, um, yeah, it's, it'd be really, really cool, um, to, to film with people that either have been on the podcast or have been a part of the podcast. You could almost look at it as like these are pre-interview conversations and I've interviewed people all over the world. And so to be able to travel the world and produce these stories would be absolutely insane. And so, yeah, we'll see where I'm at in 5 years. So yeah.

That's exciting.

I have a feeling you're going to compress, not that it can't take what it needs to take, but I have a feeling you're going to compress that timeline pretty quickly based on what I've seen in the last year. So I'm, yeah, I'm really excited to continue to follow your work and see where you continue to take things, Josh. And on that note, you know, before we wrap, I know we're kind of coming up on time, but You know, being that we are here on Substack and you've chosen to make Substack kind of your home for the most part, it makes it really easy for people to connect with your work. But if someone has, you know, if this conversation has stoked some curiosity in someone or they want to explore their relationship with alcohol, what's the kind of best first step for them in terms of getting more intimately connected to what you have to offer?

Yeah, I mean, it's, it's, um, I'm sorry, I'm distracted by— I would love to go to Ireland, Gary.

Oh, you already have another invitation to add to your list now.

All right, tickets booked. Already happened. I would say like, yeah, I mean, Substack is really what I've built this on. I mean, I'm on Instagram and LinkedIn, but my time has predominantly been spent here on Substack. And so the best way is to go to this Sober Creative Substack homepage and the Start Here and click through that and read, read through there. And at the end, it's inviting you to a free conversation. And that's really the best, the best place is to, we can hop on a call and, and just, um, just explore what, what's possible. Yeah.

And I was going to see if I could, I was going to see if I could just grab that link for you and post it into the chat before we, before we quit.

Yes.

Let's see if I was quick enough to pull it off. There we go. Yeah. So, so if anyone's here on the chat with us and just curious, they can, they can go, they can go check it out there. But, and yeah, also we will be kind of producing this into a recap and sharing the replay with our audience. And all the relative links and things. And yeah, I know there's lots of ways people can play with you in your world. So yeah, we'll make sure people are aware of all those things. And yeah, I just want to say thank you for being here with us and your generosity of spirit and how you show up for your people and how you've shown up in our community over the last year, year and a half has been really incredibly incredible as well. So thank you for everything that you've done.

Yeah, absolutely. Thank you guys so much. And yeah, I appreciate I appreciate this opportunity to be a part of this series. I mean, it's, yeah, you've, you've, you've got a really wonderful, you know, community that is happening and building and the work that you guys are doing. It's been so awesome to be a part of it. And so yes, thank you. Thank you.

Yes, thank you. And thank everyone for, for watching and we see you next time.

Bye everyone.

Thank you everyone. Have a great day. Bye-bye.

Thanks.

Bye-bye.

Bye.