The Sober Road Goes On and On (with special guest Bryan Nothling)

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal and host James Avramenko welcomes back Bryan Nothling aka The Bnoth. In a candid conversation between two creative souls, they dive deep into the unpredictable waters of success and the unspoken financial challenges artists contend with. Both share personal anecdotes from their stints in alternate careers, like plumbing and blacksmithing, and discuss the physical and psychological toll these jobs took on them.

The episode shifts to more existential topics, opening up a discussion on the nuanced meaning of friendship, the pursuit of a sober life, and the complexities of grieving and forgiving oneself.

Bryan and James touch upon the critical notion of community and how artistry, recovery, and human connection interplay in their lives. They explore their responsibilities within these communities, the impact of addiction, and how sobriety has shaped their personal growth and creative output.

Listeners are also privy to their thoughts on the contemporary housing crisis, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health, and the collective trauma society is yet to address fully.

Amidst the heavy topics, there’s also room for lighter, albeit peculiar, conversations about blacksmithing, the taboo around eating certain meats, and the questionable ethics of animal breeding.

In an inspiring turn, James thanks Bryan for his role in his sobriety journey, and they discuss celebrating life's small victories, including Bryan's tips for finding joy in the everyday. Towards the end, Bryan leaves us with actionable advice urging listeners to craft deeper connections through kindness, setting the tone for a parting message filled with hope and encouragement.

Catch this episode for an intimate exploration of sobriety, creativity, the power of human connection, and how to navigate life's complexities—one day and one kind word at a time.

Remember to follow the journey, leave a review, sign up for the newsletter, and join us next time on Friendless for more thoughtful exchanges.

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