Episode 8: The Smiley Face Killer Conspiracy and Sobriety at Bonnaroo with Barrett Swanson

This episode centers on writer Barrett Swanson’s exploration of sobriety, grief, and the cultural forces shaping alcohol use in the Midwest, especially in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conversation begins with reflections on early drinking culture, how normalized alcohol is in college towns, and how quickly binge drinking becomes part of identity, friendship, and social life.Barrett shares the story of losing a close friend, Luke, during a chaotic period tied to heavy drinking in La Crosse. The sudden loss and the community’s quick explanation of it as a “tragic accident” left unresolved grief and confusion. That emotional gap eventually pulled him into the “Smiley Face Killer” conspiracy theory rabbit hole, less as a belief, and more as an attempt to make sense of grief that felt too disjointed for simple answers.The discussion expands into how communities often turn to narratives, sometimes conspiratorial, to avoid confronting deeper structural issues like alcohol culture and shared responsibility. Barrett reflects on how both individuals and communities can externalize blame in ways that delay meaningful change.The conversation then shifts to Barrett’s essay on Bonnaroo and the sober community “Soberoo,” where he examines sobriety beyond just abstaining from alcohol. There, he discovers “spiritual sobriety”, a practice rooted in presence, kindness, and emotional discipline even in chaotic, high-intensity environments.Guest: Barrett Swanson, short story writer and essayist, barrettswanson.comMentioned Articles: Midwestern gothic: Trawling the murky depths of conspiracy theory in the wake of personal tragedyHIGH AND DRY Sobriety and transcendence at Bonnaroo By Barrett SwansonHosts: Brent Hanifl, William Stobb, and Paige GeiserTheme Song: Sober in October - by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball - https://gregghallmusic.comYou’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like.