420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol
by Diane Gibbs
I’m sharing my journey with alcohol and the 420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol. I’ll share a new story each episode; recollecting, reminiscing, and reliving starting at age 12 until I was 43 yrs old. I'll tell my story, connect the dots and fill in the blanks. I am 12 plus years alcohol-free and love the feeling of the freedom.
Episodes
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Time is on your side
This is live from NYC Central Park
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The Set Up- When No One Tells You the Truth
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I tell the story of being set up with my friend’s brother—a guy who, on the surface, seemed like a good match. But what no one told me, what no one was honest about, was that he was a complete mess. There were whispers of red flags, but…
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One Drink, One Detour, One Big Regret
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I share a moment that started with the best of intentions—a weekend date out of town—and took a sharp left turn thanks to alcohol, impulse, and an old flame. My date had to duck out for a bit to attend his kid’s soccer game, and instead…
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“Anxious Without Plans: Escaping Myself Through Drinking”
For years, I felt anxious if I didn’t have weekend plans. The fear didn’t start on Friday — it started on Monday. I wasn’t just worried about being bored; I was afraid of being alone with myself. Drinking became my escape from that discomfort — from the silence, the stillness, and the version of…
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The Garage Parties - The Ludington Years
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I take you back to a wild summer in Ludington—where our garage turned into the hottest underground party spot in town. What started as a simple three-stall garage at our grandma’s house quickly transformed into a nightly destination:...
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Back Seat Driver – When Alcohol Takes the Wheel
Podcast Summary: In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I share a story from a road trip that should’ve been a celebration—my BFF’s graduation. But instead of feeling present and proud, alcohol took the front seat… and I found myself slipping into the back seat, both literally and...
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Pile of Madness
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I share awild and unforgettable story from my Ludington days. Running my family’srestaurant meant I rarely got a break—but one weekend, I finally made it toChicago for a girls’ night out with my high school friends. And when wepartied, we really...
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Cinco de Blackout
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I recount a Cinco de Mayo celebration that took a dark and unforgettable turn. What began as a joyful brunch with my best friends—who came to visit me and their daughter nearby—spiraled into a full-blown blackout. From shots of Jägermeister (aka...
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Can’t Leave Home Without It
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I explore the fear of not having enough—that anxious urge to over-prepare, especially when it comes to alcohol. I share a memory from a friend’s wedding, where we packed our own roadies and backup booze, just in case. And good thing (or so we...
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Welcoming the 4th Season
It’s truly remarkable to be here, celebrating the start of Season 4 of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking. I’m filled with deep gratitude for all of you who continue to listen, support, and walk this journey with me. In this season, I continue to share the raw truth—my stories of drinking, partying,...
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Do you actually know how to rest?
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I take a deep dive into the difference between resting and recovering. Back when I was drinking, I told myself I was taking a day to “rest” after a night out—but really, I was just trying to survive the hangover. As James Corden put it, “we’re...
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The Fake ID Fiasco
Podcast Summary: The Fake ID Fiasco In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I take you back to my college days—where my determination to buy alcohol led me down a risky path I barely even thought twice about. Borrowing my sister’s Michigan driver’s license? No big deal… or so I…
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The Fake Birthday Bash
In the sweltering summer of 1986, boredom and a thirst for booze led me to a ridiculous idea—pretending it was my birthday just so my friend would throw a party. And oh, what a party it was—flowers, decorations, endless shots… and everyone in on the joke. Well, almost everyone. One person didn’t...
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The Disco Ball: From Broken to Brilliant
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I reflect on a time in my life when I felt completely broken—wondering if all my shattered pieces would ever come back together. But looking back now, I see that those broken pieces didn’t just heal; they transformed into something greater. I’m...
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Don't fuck with my business
Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking! Back in my Ludington days, while running my family’s restaurant, I met a handsome, charming man whose family’s contracting business worked with mine. It felt like fate—two people with similar stories, both returning home to run the...
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The Cosmic Battle
In this episode, I reflect on how God has blessed my mess—turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. I share how this podcast has changed me, giving me a platform to transcribe my experiences and help others on their own journeys. I also open up about the struggle...
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No more Tapas - Granada 2002
In this milestone episode, I reflect on a trip that should have been about adventure, culture, and connection—but instead, drinking took center stage. Back when I was between jobs, I traveled to visit friends in Granada, Spain. From drinking at the airport to getting drunk while waiting for a...
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This is dedicated to another lost soul
In this episode, I dedicate time to honor a dear friend who lost his lifelong battle with alcohol. He was a creative, a father, a son, and a friend who fought hard against his demons, wanting more for his life. Despite his struggles, past trauma made the fight too heavy to bear. This is a…
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Stuck in Nice – Part 2"
Stuck in Nice – Part 2" In this follow-up episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, we’re still in Nice, feeling like locals at our favorite bar and meeting new people every night. We kept saying we were leaving… but then my cousin sprained her ankle, the trains went on strike, and...
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"Backpacking & Booze – Nice, 1991"
Episode Summary: "Backpacking & Booze – Nice, 1991" In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I take a trip down memory lane to 1991, when my cousin and I spent three months traveling across Europe. One month in, we found ourselves on the French Riviera in Nice—soaking up the…
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The Spring of '89 – Borrowed Keg & Sorority Shenanigans
The Spring of '89 – Borrowed Keg & Sorority Shenanigans In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I take you back to the spring of 1989—my junior year at MSU, living in the Alpha Phi sorority house as the house manager. It was peak party season, and when a planned celebration on...
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Being Brave
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I explore what it truly means to be brave. Are you brave enough to look back, reflect, and learn from your past? Brave enough to admit the truth and make a change? For me, courage meant making the decision to save myself from the...
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Reeking of Regret: Serving Tables While Hungover
In this episode, I share a raw and personal story about showing up to work hungover, throwing up five times while taking orders and serving guests, and how I thought this behavior was acceptable. I reflect on how partying took priority in my life over being a better person, and the toll it took…
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Eating, Drinking, and the Hangover Dance
In this episode, we dive into the complicated relationship between food and alcohol. From skipping meals to get drunk faster, to the late-night scramble to eat something to avoid blacking out, and finally to the so-called "hangover cures" we rely on the next day, we explore how food plays a role...
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The Wednesday Ritual at Marshall Fields
Welcome to 2025! As we step into the new year, let me ask—do you set intentions, goals, or resolutions? For me, I like to focus on a word of the year, and this year, my word is MOVEMENT—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m feeling great about how I’ve kicked things off! Today…
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Is Blacking Out a real thing?
In this episode, I dive into a question a friend recently asked me: “Is blacking out a real thing?” For me, it was not only real—it was a recurring part of my drinking journey for more than half of my drinking career. I share my personal experiences of getting so drunk that I would black out,...
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Confessional: Dipping into the lady pond
In this deeply personal episode, I take you back to the early 2000s, sharing a confessional story about a pivotal relationship with a woman who had an undeniable coolness. Together, we navigated the exploration of a friendship, somewhere I had never been before, something I only acted on where...
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How many days do you lose?
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I dive into a sobering realization: the sheer amount of time alcohol took from my life. Over 31 years of drinking, I averaged two hangovers a month. When I did the math, it added up to 744 days—more than two full years lost to feeling...
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The Cruise to the Caribbean
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I share the story of an all-expense-paid cruise to Mexico in 2000—a trip that started with a blizzard, airport screwdrivers, and high hopes for fun. But what began as excitement quickly turned into regret, as drinking left me too sick to...
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The White Dress Jr /Sr 1985
In this episode, I reflect on a poignant memory tied to a beautiful white dress. Originally worn to a junior-senior dance, I also wore it for my senior picture. But what should have been a cherished keepsake became a symbol of my struggle with alcohol. While I remember the party before the dance,...
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The Turkey at Thanksgiving
"The Thanksgiving That Changed My Perspective on Relationships" In this episode, I recount a Thanksgiving when I met someone who seemed full of potential—a man named John Wayne. We clicked, and I imagined a future where either he’d visit me in Chicago or I’d go to California to see him. But a...
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The Walk of Shame - Johnny Ohagan Days
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, I reflect on one of my most humbling walks of shame—waking up after a night of drinking at Johnny O’Hagan’s. I had blacked out and found myself in bed with a young Irish guy, filled with shame and uncertainty about how I got there or how...
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The Seasons of my Life
In 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking, I reflect on the "Seasons of My Life" and how alcohol once defined my youth. I used to believe that fun and fulfillment required drinking—my life, especially in high school, revolved around chasing boys and alcohol. It seemed impossible to do anything without…
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Walking a mile in 2 minutes in 100 degrees
This is the one from 1994 when I was out in Arizona visiting my friends and we got invited to her girlfriends house to drink some wine, and WINE we did plus a whole lot more. I specifically told her not to leave me there and make sure I left when she was ready since she had to work the next day.…
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FOMO vs JOMO
In this episode, I share the story of how I moved from FOMO to JOMO. Back in college, I was so eager not to miss out on a party that I lied to get out of my shift at my family’s restaurant—only for it to backfire when my mom, my boss, found out. All that for a night of boozing! Now, I choose...
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Waking Up on the Fire Escape"
"Welcome to another episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol. Today, I’m going to tell you about the night I woke up on the fire escape—horrified, cold, and locked out of my own apartment, not safe. It was one of those moments that made me question everything about my relationship with...
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My Sister's 1986 Wedding
In this episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment from my sister’s wedding in 1986, where my life revolved around partying. At the time, I was underage but drinking heavily, which led to some pretty rough consequences the following day. It’s fascinating how, in the moment, we often don't care about...
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Respecting where people are at
I recently made a heartfelt request to my friends for something deeply important to me—hosting a sober dinner party, marking the first time I’ve ever asked this of them. When they refused, I was hit with a wave of disappointment. It wasn’t just about the party; it was a moment of vulnerability...
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Grand Haven Beach Party: Big Sis, Little Sis, and Spiked Punch
In this episode of 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol, titled "Grand Haven Beach Party: Big Sis, Little Sis, and Spiked Punch," I share a story from my freshman year in high school when my sister, a senior, and her best friend became our "acting big sisters," looking out for us and making…
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Celebrating 13 Years with 13 invaluable lessons I've learned over the past 13 years of being sober.
In this episode, I share 13 invaluable lessons I've learned over my 13-year journey of sobriety. These insights reflect my personal growth, the power of maintaining a positive mindset, and how spiritual guidance has shaped my life. I talk about how gratitude has transformed my outlook, embracing...
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That Freshman 15 + 1986
In this episode of "420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol," I’m sharing my experience with the "Freshman 15," a common phenomenon where college freshmen gain weight. I talk about what caused it in my own life and offer tips on how to prevent it—even if you're past your freshman year.
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Where is the craziest place you woke up drunk?
In the latest episode of the 420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol podcast, I reflect on significant milestones, particularly September, which holds many anniversaries for me. One of the highlights is the story of how I accidentally spent my first night in my incredible new condo, which offers...
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The distance between us
I share my personal journey of feeling the distance grow in friendships as I embraced sobriety. Drawing on Mel Robbins' insight, I explore how positive change and growth can sometimes confront others, forcing them to reflect on their own lives. This reflection can lead to a widening gap between…
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Fiddle Fucking drunk
In this episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking," I share the story of a road trip to Hillsdale, Michigan, to see one of my favorite bands, The Fiddler and the Sun Mountain Band. What was supposed to be a night of fun, dancing, and a few drinks turned into a full-blown binge. I drank myself...
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Do you succumb to peer pressure?
In this episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking Alcohol," we take a nostalgic trip back to the summer of 1982. Join me as I reminisce about an unforgettable day spent with my cool older sister and cousin, exploring a hidden gem of a waterfall surrounded by exhilarating rapids. Eager to fit in...
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The Back Fire Break Up- 2010 - Rack the Reck #4
This episode continues the story of my tumultuous relationship with Rack the Reck, which I somehow kept going until I realized I needed out. The breakup turned out to be far more complicated and intense than I ever imagined. This was, without a doubt, the worst romantic relationship of my life....
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Have you ever been in an abusive ALCOHOL infused relationship? 2010
In this gripping continuation of my tumultuous relationship with Rack the Reck, things have gone from bad to worse. The verbal gaslighting and paranoid questioning have escalated, and now, physical abuse has entered the picture. Rack has begun physically restraining me, pushing me to the brink…
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Why Would I Stay? 2010 - Rack the Reck #2
This is the horrifying story of one of my worst relationships with a Scotsman. I have shared about him before how we got together, how he started to show me his true colors within 3 months and I should have known better and ran then but I stayed. This is the trip to Rhode Island, a place he had...
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How many times have you tried to QUIT?
In the latest episode of "420 Reasons Why I Quit Drinking," I reflect on the numerous attempts I've made to quit drinking over the years. Despite my efforts, I often found myself returning to alcohol, with my longest stint of sobriety lasting about six weeks. Although I loved the sober life, it...
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Mood and Emotions
Are you the type to light up a room? Does your mood affect those around you? In this episode, I share a personal story about my time with my family and how alcohol impacted my mood and interactions. Sometimes, things were pleasant, but other times, not so much. I realized I couldn't let alcohol...
About this show
I’m sharing my journey with alcohol and the 420 Reasons WHY I Quit Drinking Alcohol. I’ll share a new story each episode; recollecting, reminiscing, and reliving starting at age 12 until I was 43 yrs old. I'll tell my story, connect the dots and fill in the blanks. I am 12 plus years alcohol-free and love the feeling of the freedom.
Hosted by
Diane Gibbs
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