S2 E04 | Duncan Sobers Up From Drinking Buddy to Family Man, Author & Inspiring Speaker
Download MP3Highlight
"Nine and a half years down the line, having sorted out many of those problems, although there is still a little bit of DIY I haven't got around to, but no one's perfect. I am so glad that I managed to get myself in a position where I could deal with those issues because I love my wife, and I love my daughter, and they wouldn't be in my life if I hadn't changed."
Summary
In this conversation, Duncan Bhaskaran Brown shares his journey from being a heavy drinker to finding sobriety and purpose in life. He discusses the role of alcohol in social settings, the challenges he faced when he stopped drinking, and the importance of connection and support in recovery. Duncan emphasises the need for education and awareness about alcohol's effects, particularly for future generations, and highlights the significance of finding one's purpose and meaning in life. He also addresses the societal implications of alcohol consumption and the importance of changing the narrative around it.
About Duncan
Website - https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbhaskaranbrown/
Podcast Flat-Pack Sober - https://player.fm/series/flat-pack-sober
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@duncanbhaskaranbrown4359
Takeaways
- You are not alone in your struggles.
- Morris Dancing sparked conversations about identity.
- Alcohol can fill perceived gaps in personality.
- Recognizing the problem often comes after stopping.
- Life improves significantly after quitting alcohol.
- Facing life's challenges sober is essential.
- Purpose and meaning are crucial for recovery.
- Connection with others is vital for sobriety.
- Relapse can be redefined as a learning opportunity.
- Education about alcohol should start early.
Sound Bites
- "Life is far more beautiful on the other side."
- "I just thought, I'm going to like just say Speaker, Author, Morris Dancer."
- "Alcohol seemed to fill in the holes in my personality."
Chapters
02:33 - Alcohol and Early Experiences
04:43 - Realisation of Unhealthy Drinking
07:54 - The Impact of Family on Sobriety
10:10 - Relearning Life After Alcohol
12:17 - Facing Difficulties and Building Relationships
15:29 - The Role of Purpose in Sobriety
18:23 - Understanding Relapse and Recovery
23:51 - Tools for Resilience Against Relapse
28:15 - The Importance of Connection
32:03 - Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol
36:57 - Duncan's Writing and Advocacy
42:37 - Shame and Its Role in Alcoholism
Creators and Guests
Guest
Duncan Bhaskaran Brown
Some people say that Duncan can help you to go beyond alcohol. But that isn't it. Duncan will help you increase your energy, power up your productivity, improve your relationships and enjoy the heck out of life. After 20 years of overdoing it, he cleaned up his act and trained with the world’s most successful stop smoking service. But that wasn’t enough. He studied at Cornell University, the Chartered Management Institute and in a windowless room in Peterborough. But that wasn't enough. He wrote a couple of books, most recently ‘Real Men Quit’, the armchair macho guide to beating booze and finding the life you want. But that wasn't enough. He’s started interviewing the sober superstars and conducting research projects which involved watching TV. But that wasn't enough. What would be enough? Maybe if alcohol-free was the default, if sober was the new normal and if alcohol stops destroying people. Maybe then Duncan will sit down with a mint tea and sci-fi novel and relax. Maybe.
