James kicks off Season 2 with guest Andy H., a 16-year sober actor, filmmaker, and pilot. They talk about staying sober in New York City, how discipline in acting and aviation mirrors spiritual practice, and why connection is the opposite of addiction.

Topics include: finding serenity in chaos, the role of meditation and accountability, and building a “war council” of sober supports. Andy shares his journey from underage drinking in Manhattan bodegas to a life grounded in service, creativity, and intention.

Book pick: The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer

Disclaimer: This episode contains occasional adult language.

If you’re struggling: Pick up the phone before you pick up the bottle.

Summary:

In this powerful and grounded episode, James sits down with longtime friend and fellow recovering alcoholic Marcus A. for a deep discussion about the spiritual maintenance required in long-term sobriety. With over a decade sober, Marcus shares reflections on character defects, spiritual alignment, and how our challenges often become our greatest teachers. They cover everything from prayer and meditation to relapse prevention, service work, and how to spot spiritual slippage before it escalates. The conversation is raw, relatable, and packed with spiritual insights.

Key Themes:

• The evolution from craving management to character defect management
• Practicing humility when spiritual pride creeps in
• Redefining prayer as reliance rather than requests
• Meditation as spiritual listening, not goal-oriented striving
• Recognizing spiritual laziness and the early signs of disconnection
• Reframing hardship as divine opportunity: a lesson as a blessing
• Navigating the long plateau of mid-sobriety (the "four-year wall")
• Self-sabotage, expectations, and the need for spiritual accountability

Notable Quotes:

• "Everything in life is either a blessing or a lesson. And sometimes the lesson is the blessing."
• "You always get an A when you grade your own paper."
• "Prayer evolved from belief to faith, to full reliance."
• "Alignment is the assignment."
• "If you have to justify it, it probably isn’t a good decision."
• "There is no growth in comfort and no comfort in growth."

Book Mentioned:

• Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

Closing Thought:

Sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances. It’s about continual surrender, staying present, and getting our will into alignment with God’s. Every moment is either an invitation to regress or a step toward deeper spiritual maturity.

Follow & Support:

Website: soberseekerpath.com

Instagram: @path.of.the.sober.seeker

TikTok: @the_sober_seeker

YouTube: Path of the Sober Seeker

Path of the Sober Seeker – Episode 4

Title: Art, Addiction, and the Sacred Pause (with Rich G)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, James talks with Rich G—an airbrush artist and longtime member of AA—about the intersection of creativity, recovery, and spiritual transformation. Rich shares how he uses art to express his inner battles and describes powerful moments of spiritual awakening. They discuss how routine can become a trap, how media shapes our identity, and how recovery gives us the sacred pause most people are missing.

Whether you're new to sobriety, exploring creative healing, or feeling spiritually dry, this episode offers honest insight, lived experience, and practical encouragement.

Topics Discussed:

• Using creativity to confront inner demons
• The danger of comfort and routine in recovery
• How structure can support or stifle growth
• Staying spiritually awake in a media-driven world
• Reflections on Ramadan, fasting, and spiritual discipline
• Quitting smoking and building new habits
• The sacred pause and the gift of conscious contact
• Becoming a stranger to your old self
• Practicing spiritual principles in daily life

Quotes from the Episode:

"When you're too focused on day-to-day survival, there's no energy left for self-improvement."

"Art became a way to trap the demons I battled internally and manifest them outside of me."

"Most of society doesn't have that sacred pause—but recovery gives it to us."

"You're not guaranteed a boat or a house, but you're guaranteed a relationship with your Creator."

Book Recommendations:

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• The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
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• Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox
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Final Message:

If you’re feeling stuck, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by routine—start small. Stay present. And please, pick up the phone before you pick up the bottle.

Connect with Path of the Sober Seeker:

Website: https://soberseekerpath.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/path.of.the.sober.seeker

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the_sober_seeker