The Mechanic

IN THIS EPISODE Ever have an assistant or team member who you just knew would make something of themselves because only an idiot would get in their way? Today’s guest was that person – a great assistant who can now afford his own assistants. However many he wants. As you’ll hear, back in the 1990’s, Vince Gerardus and I worked together at The Agency, a small but solid Hollywood talent agency. Vince wasn’t just a good assistant, he was a great one – partly because he covered my ass on so many occasions and partly because he had amazing instincts and even better taste. Vince specialized in representing fantasy and Science fiction authors and especially their catalogues. George R R Martin, for instance. You know, the guy who wrote Game of Thrones.We have some history between us, Vince and me. Lots and lots of history.

IN THIS EPISODE My friend Labib has achieved seven years and two months of sobriety. While every day of sobriety is an accomplishment, Labib's is an ongoing testament to his dedication to being sober. As you'll hear though, it took Labib a while to realize that dedication. But when he did, it change his life in the best ways possible. SHOW NOTESIf you enjoy this podcast, please share it with others! And please check out the rest of our network of podcasts at Costard & Touchstone Productions!

IN THIS EPISODE One of the things I want to focus on with this podcast is what it's like at the beginning or relative beginning of a sober life. While every day can have its challenges, the challenges at the start can be a little more challenging because you haven't had the time yet to build and practice your defenses and healthy responses. But, an alcoholic or addict can't get to day two of their sobriety without getting past day one. So, even someone who's been sober a decade has to experience a one year, two year, three year anniversary. This episode celebrates the work involved in keeping sober and the very sobriety itself!SHOW NOTESIf you're enjoying this podcast, please check out our other podcasts at Costard & Touchstone Productions. Your next podcast obsession is just a click away!

IN THIS EPISODE One thing that alcoholics do a lot is perform. Brennan's a friend of mine from a 12 step program, a former athlete with a commanding presence. He's 6'6" and good-looking as hell. Think Rick Springfield. He's the kind of guy other people just wanna know, but alcohol doesn't care about any of that. It became an overpowering presence in Brennan's life, as he'll tell you for himself. SHOW NOTESIf you're enjoying this podcast, please check out our other podcasts at Costard & Touchstone Productions. Your next podcast obsession is just a click away!

IN THIS EPISODE I first met Miri at my regular Sunday 12th step meeting. I was instantly drawn to her energy, her aura, her being - and her renewed commitment to living a sober, manageable, existence. Miri is a mother, newly sober - coming up on nine months. I wanted to talk to her because she’s got less than a year of sober time under her belt. I’ve  had conversations here with people who’ve got years of sobriety behind them. But, when you’re just starting down the road - minute one of day one - you can’t think of any length of time longer than right now. How does one get from right now to a minute from now? An hour from now. Tomorrow and the rest of this week. That's what we're talking about today.SHOW NOTESIf you're enjoying this podcast, please check out our others podcasts at Costard & Touchstone Productions. Your next podcast obsession is just a click away!

IN THIS EPISODE My regular Wednesday meeting is a stag meeting. It's just the guys - because sometimes, guys just want to say things to other guys that guys would understand. That's where I met my friend Anthony - who's been sober for about a year. That's why I wanted Anthony on the podcast - to talk about the experiences of the newly sober - and how one deals with those challenges.SHOW NOTESIf you enjoy this podcast, please check out the rest of our podcast lineup at Costard & Touchstone Productions. Your next podcast obsessession is just a click away!

IN THIS EPISODE My friend Dan Pearson has an interesting job. He handles customer complaints for a large insurance company. When I say it’s not an easy job, I’m understating it by a lot. He’s an avid long distance runner. I wanted to have Dan on the podcast because he’s such a warm, compassionate and loving human being. I think you’ll get that immediately.SHOW NOTESIf you enjoy this podcast, please check out our others at Costard & Touchstone. Your next podcast obsession is just a click away!

IN THIS EPISODE Stephen and I have known each other for a decade. He’s a true craftsman who builds custom cabinets for high end homes and businesses. Stephen, as you’ll hear, has been sober for 14 years. He’s been happily married for ten years. He’s both a father and a grandfather. He’s also my sponsor. What makes someone be a sponser and what separates a good sponser from a great one? SHOW NOTESIf you enjoy this podcast, please check out the rest of our podcast buffet at Costard & Touchstone. Your next podcast binge awaits!

IN THIS EPISODE Nick continues his conversation with lawyer, friend and former alcoholic, Don Sherwyn. In part two of their chat, Don points out all the ways that getting sober changed his life and the way he practiced law, all for the better.