Out and About AF

David grew up in a small town in Kentucky — and finding himself meant navigating coming out, alcohol addiction, relapse, and spiritual awakening all at once. In this raw and honest interview, he shares what it really took to embrace his identity, get sober, and build a life worth living.We dig into the role of community (including Dallas Lambda and AA), the 12 Steps, and how spirituality became a lifeline. Whether you're in recovery, questioning your identity, or just looking for a story of real resilience — this one's for you.📌 Topics: LGBTQ+ journey · Coming out · Sobriety · Addiction & recovery · Alcoholics Anonymous · Spirituality · Personal growth · Small-town life · Resilience

What does it take to truly rebuild yourself from the inside out?In this powerful episode, Daniel opens up about his journey through addiction, trauma, and the long road to sobriety — sharing the raw, honest experiences that shaped who he is today. From the role of relationships and loss to navigating identity, mental health, and spirituality, Daniel's story is a testament to what's possible when we commit to self-awareness and community.Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, this conversation will leave you with something real.What we cover:• How trauma and early life experiences fuel addiction• The power of community and support systems in recovery• Why self-awareness is the foundation of lasting change• Spirituality and mental health as tools for sobriety• Building a meaningful new life after addictionResources mentioned:• Alcoholics Anonymous — aa.org • Mental Health America — mhanational.org• LGBTQ+ Recovery Support — lgbtqcenter.orgConnect with Out and About AF InstagramFacebook CommunityWebsite"Recovery is about rebuilding who you are." — DanielNew episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss a story that matters.

What if the party could be just as good — without the hangover? In this episode, Gabe sits down with Andy Krumm, aka Mr. Mocktail, the founder of Sober One Six, an event production company creating fun, fabulous, and fully alcohol-free experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community. Andy opens up about what led him to sobriety, how he turned that journey into a movement, and why inclusive sober spaces are changing lives. Whether you're sober-curious, in recovery, or just mocktail-obsessed, this one's for you.🍹 Find Andy & Out and About AF:Instagram: @MrMocktail / @OutandAboutAFWebsite: outandaboutaf.comSober One Six Events: soberonesix.com

What happens when the life you’re living doesn’t feel good anymore… even if it looks normal from the outside?In this episode, I sat down with Amanda and honestly, this conversation goes deeper than just “quitting drinking.” She shares what it was like working as a bartender, being constantly around alcohol, and how the pandemic really shifted things for her.We talk about that in-between phase too, where you’re not really drinking the same way anymore, but you’re also not fully living sober yet. That part? I think a lot of people don’t talk about enough.Amanda opens up about going on a silent meditation retreat (which is wild in the best way), how that helped her reconnect with herself, and what led her to create her non-alcoholic spirit brand, Tomo no Tomo.We also get into what it actually looks like to build a life that feels aligned, why community matters so much in this journey, and how sobriety can be more than just “not drinking”… it can actually feel freeing.If you’ve been questioning your relationship with alcohol, or just feel like something’s off, I think you’ll really connect with this one.In this episode, we talk about:• Being surrounded by drinking culture and how normal it all feels• How the pandemic changed Amanda’s habits• The silent meditation retreat that shifted everything• Starting a non-alcoholic brand from scratch• The difference between not drinking and actually living sober• Why having the right people around you makes all the differenceConnect with Out & About AF:Follow along for real conversations, alcohol-free tips, and communityInstagram: @outandaboutafJoin the community: (add your link)Website: (add your link)About Tomonotomo:Tomo no Tomo is a non-alcoholic spirit focused on connection and being present. It’s for people who still want the experience and ritual of a drink, just without the alcohol.Learn more: (add link)If this episode resonated with you:Follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who might need to hear this. It really does help more than you think.

In this powerful and honest conversation, Chris Marshall shares his journey from childhood struggles to becoming a leading voice in the sober movement. He opens up about what it truly means to find belonging—within yourself and in the world around you.We dive into how creating inclusive, alcohol-free spaces like Sans Bar is changing the narrative around sobriety and proving that connection, fun, and community don’t require alcohol.Sobriety is anything but boring—it’s freeing, empowering, and full of possibility.If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or wondered what life could look like without it, this episode is for you.✨ Learn more about Sans Bar: https://www.thesansbar.com🌈 Join the Out and About AF community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outandaboutaf🎧 Don’t forget to follow/subscribe to support the growth of our alcohol-free community

The episode is LIVE 🎙️Louis Hill joins us to share his journey through recovery and how yoga, meditation, and mindfulness helped him rebuild his life. We dive into practical tools for managing stress, improving mental health, and creating real community support.We’re also just 3 days away from the retreat 👀 If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your sign to sign up today.Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify or Apple so you never miss an episode.Connect with LouisInstagramLinkedIn Connect with Out and About AF

This episode is part of Podcasthon Week, where podcasts around the world are using their platforms to highlight incredible nonprofits making a real impact.In this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with Tres Brown, an Engagement Specialist at Resource Center right here in Dallas. We dive into the powerful work they’ve been doing since 1983 to support the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, education, and essential services.We talk about what community really looks like, why engagement matters more than ever, and how programs have evolved to support overall wellness. Tres also breaks down HIV education, including the importance of “Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U),” and how conversations like these help reduce stigma and save lives.We also get real about the challenges nonprofits face, especially when it comes to funding, and why community support and volunteerism are so important to keeping these resources available.This conversation is a reminder that we’re here to see each other through—and that support, education, and showing up for one another can truly change lives.Connect with Resource CenterWebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with TresInstagramConnect with Out and About AFInstagramFacebook GroupWebsite

🌟 Retreat Alert: Only 16 days left until our Out and About AF Retreat! Don’t miss this opportunity to reset, connect, and recharge in a supportive, alcohol-free environment. SIGN UP HEREIn this episode, Gabe sits down with Heather Hester to explore the journey of allyship, the role of religion in LGBTQIA+ acceptance, and the challenges families face during the coming out process. Heather shares heartfelt insights from her experience as a mother of a gay child, including the importance of mental health support, navigating sobriety in an alcohol-centric culture, and the grieving process parents may experience when expectations shift.Together, Gabe and Heather discuss:How open communication and love foster understanding in familiesThe importance of education in creating acceptancePersonal stories that highlight resilience, growth, and the complexity of family dynamics💬 Connect with Us & Join the Community:Out and About AF Facebook GroupInstagram: @OutAndAboutAFEmail & Info: [email protected]🎙 Follow Heather HesterWhether you’re LGBTQIA+, an ally, or a parent navigating your own journey, this episode offers insight, compassion, and real-world strategies for connection and understanding.

📢 New Retreat Pricing: $95 per person for a transformational experience—space is limited! Click here to learn more.In this episode, Gabe sits down with Phil Reese to talk about his personal journey through sobriety, especially while navigating the nightlife scene. Phil opens up about the challenges, the turning points, and the ways he found connection, community, and joy without alcohol. They also discuss how his DJing career has evolved post-recovery and the power of support systems in creating meaningful change.✨ Connect with Phil: HERE🌈 Join the Out and About AF Community: HERE

Don't forget about the Retreat Info Session happening on February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM CST - Sign Up HereIn this episode of Out & About AF, Gabe sits down with Cory Lee Burns for an honest and powerful conversation about addiction, identity, and finding your own path in recovery.Cory shares what it was like growing up in a small town, coming out, and navigating the pressure of trying to belong. What began as experimentation escalated into substance use that ultimately led to a suicide attempt and a breaking point.We talk about his experience in 12-step programs, the role of community in recovery, and the importance of building authentic relationships in sobriety. Cory reflects on the journey of self-discovery and what it means to create a life worth living without substances.This episode is a reminder that there is no single formula for recovery. Different paths can lead to the same result. What matters most is finding the approach that aligns with who you are and building a life that feels honest, connected, and sustainable.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing recovery right,” this conversation is for you.Connect with Corry Instagram Facebook Connect with Out and About AF Instagram Website

Want to know what’s in store for the Out and About AF Retreat?Join our upcoming Retreat Info Session on Zoom to get all the details, ask questions, and receive an exclusive discount for attending.🔗 Sign up for the Zoom Info Session HERE🔗 Sign up for the Retreat HERESpots are limited and this retreat is designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are navigating life alcohol free and craving real connection, community, and growth.In this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with Jordan Hurt, real estate professional and founder of the upcoming sober dating app Queeredy, to talk about what it really looks like to build connection without alcohol in the LGBTQIA+ community.Jordan shares his story growing up in Ohio in a conservative religious household where alcohol was normalized but his identity was not. From grabbing beers for his grandfather at three years old to drinking under the bleachers as a teenager, he walks us through how substance use became tied to belonging, confidence, and survival.We talk about:• Family rejection after coming out• Being sent to live in a highly conservative environment• Moving to New York City for freedom and self-discovery• Getting a DUI and still believing drinking was not a problem• The reality of dating sober• Why he created QueerityQueerity officially launches February 19th and is designed to help LGBTQIA+ individuals build meaningful sober connections without the pressure of alcohol culture.This episode is honest, layered, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating sobriety, identity, and dating.Connect with JordanInstagram: @jordvnhurtQueerity App: @queerityapp (Launching February 19)Connect with Out and About AFInstagram: @outandaboutafWebsite: outandabout.comIf this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share with someone who needs to hear that connection is possible without alcohol.

In this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with Megan to talk about the transformative power of sobriety retreats and what really happens when you step away from your daily life to focus on your healing.We share parts of our sobriety journeys, the anxiety that can surface in recovery, and how powerful it is to be in community with people who truly understand you. Megan talks about founding Sobah Sistahs and leading women through incredible retreats in Bali, and we dive into why investing in yourself is one of the most important decisions you can make in sobriety.Retreats have a way of collapsing time. A weekend can feel like months of growth. The connections, the identity shifts, the clarity. It can be life changing.Connect with Out and About AFInstagram: @outandaboutafReady to join me for the One-Day Sober Men's Retreat click HEREConnect with Sobah SistahsInstagram: @sobahsistahsInterested in joining Megan in Bali click HERE

One-Day Sober Men’s Retreat Learn more about the upcoming one-day sober men’s retreat and how to join HEREIn this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with Sally Magee, a CliftonStrengths certified coach, to talk about how understanding your strengths can support an alcohol-free life.Sally shares her journey from heavy drinking to becoming alcohol-free and how discovering her strengths helped her move through sobriety with more clarity, confidence, and self-trust. We talk about how the CliftonStrengths assessment can be a powerful tool for navigating challenges, setting realistic goals, and building a life that actually feels aligned.We also get into the importance of community, connection, and knowledge in sobriety. If you’re sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or looking for practical tools to support sustainable change, this episode is for you.Sobriety isn’t just about giving up alcohol — it’s about discovering who you are without it.Sally MageeInstagramWebsiteOut and About AFInstagramWebsite

✨ Upcoming Event:I’m hosting a one-day men’s alcohol-free retreat in the DFW area focused on identifying triggers, body awareness, and designing a life without alcohol. The day will also include gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation.👉 Secure your spot for just $50 by clicking here to secure your spot!In today’s episode, I sit down with Lauren for one of those conversations that just flows. We talk openly about addiction, personal growth, and what it really looks like to create a fun, meaningful, and purposeful life—without relying on substances. This episode is full of real talk, connection, and the kind of energy that leaves you feeling inspired (and maybe dancing a little afterward).Lauren shares her journey, insights, and what’s helped her build a life that feels aligned, grounded, and genuinely joyful. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol or looking for a new way to live fully, this conversation is for you.🔗 Connect with Lauren:InstagramGrab Your Copy Of Blurred Lines - My Reclamation of Power from Alcohol Addiction (P.S. You Are Not Powerless) 🔗 Out and About AF:InstagramWebsite

In this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with therapist and author Chris Tompkins for a really honest conversation about sobriety, spirituality, and what recovery can look like within the LGBTQIA+ community.Chris shares his personal journey to getting sober and we talk about how shame shows up for so many gay men — and how it can impact our relationship with alcohol and other substances. We also get into the importance of community, the need for truly safe spaces, and the reality that there’s no one “right” way to do sobriety. Chris also shares more about his upcoming book and the work he’s doing to help gay men heal shame and build self-love.This episode is for anyone who’s sober, sober-curious, or just starting to question their relationship with alcohol and wanting something that feels more intentional — without the pressure of being perfect.Where to find Chris Tompkins:👉 Instagram👉 WebsiteConnect with me / Out and About AF:👉 Instagram👉 Website Want to work together?I offer a 12-week alcohol-free coaching program that’s focused on progress, not perfection. We move through four phases — awareness, regulation, identity, and integration — so you can build an alcohol-free life that actually feels good and sustainable.👉 Apply Here

In this episode, I sit down with Jon aka Coach Cub for an honest and grounded conversation about body positivity, mental health, and the role alcohol often plays in the gay community.We talk openly about our personal journeys with sobriety, emotional growth, and self-acceptance, and unpack the pressure so many gay men experience around body image. Jon shares a refreshing perspective on body positivity not as something you have to feel perfectly all the time, but as an ongoing relationship built on compassion, patience, and realism.We also explore how coaching, inclusive spaces, and supportive communities can help foster resilience, connection, and joy, especially for those navigating life without alcohol.This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection, just honesty, support, and the willingness to grow.Connect with Jon 🐻Connect with Out and About AF 🌈✈️

In this episode, I’m sharing Part 2 of my sobriety story, the part that doesn’t always get talked about.I open up about my slip after 110 days alcohol free, the emotions that came with it, and what it was really like to face myself and my community afterward. We talk about relapse not from a place of shame but from a place of learning honesty and growth.That first year of sobriety stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It forced me to get real about vulnerability, ask for support, and stop pretending I had everything figured out. Community played a huge role in helping me get back on track and I share why being honest even when it’s uncomfortable changed everything.If you’re navigating your own sobriety journey whether you’re curious starting over or somewhere in between this episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always perfect and that every step forward is worth celebrating.Sobriety didn’t take my life away.It gave me a better one.Check out all the things happening with Out and About AF

In this episode, I’m finally sharing my own story. I talk about how alcohol became such a big part of my life, how my upbringing shaped the way I coped, and what it was like trying to figure all of this out as someone in the LGBTQIA+ community.I walk through the moments that pulled me deeper into drinking, the consequences that followed — including multiple DUIs — and what it looked like to keep trying to get sober without really committing to it. I also talk about the support I got from family, friends, and community, and how much that actually mattered.And since there’s no way to fit all of it into one episode, I end with a cliffhanger. Part 2 is coming next, where I’ll get into what my first year alcohol-free was really like.

Content Warning: Suicide Ideation & Mental Health StrugglesIn this episode of Out and About AF, I sit down with John Wright Martin for one of the most honest and powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast. John opens up about what it was like growing up in a small Texas town where alcohol was part of everything, how drinking became his escape, and the moment he realized he was starting to lose himself.We talk about the pressure he felt hiding his sexuality, the consequences that came with addiction—including DWIs—and the moments that forced him to take a hard look at his life. Now seven years sober, John reflects on finding clarity, rebuilding from the ground up, and finally meeting the real version of himself.This episode explores the intersections of sobriety, identity, mental health, and resilience—and it’s a reminder that real transformation starts when we’re finally honest with ourselves.Connect With John InstagramConnect With Out and About AFInstagramTikTok12-Week Alcohol-Free Transformation

I sat down with Chef Nick Peters Bond, former Hell’s Kitchen contestant, to talk about his journey from relying on alcohol to realizing it was holding everything back. Now sober, Nick’s life has completely transformed. His catering business is thriving, he’s raising two amazing kids, he opened his own café, and he even launched his own chimichurri line. None of this would have been possible if he were still drinking, and his story is a powerful reminder of what happens when you take your life back.Connect with Nick InstagramKitchen to AisleGrind and Go CafeChimichurrishConnect with Out and About AFInstagram TikTok Website12-Week AF Transformative Program

In this episode, I sit down with queer leadership coach Peter Godard to talk about his journey from data analyst to someone helping LGBTQIA+ folks move through big life transitions with clarity and compassion. We dive into the importance of finding community, choosing joy on purpose, and practicing real self-love—especially in recovery and alcohol-free living. Peter shares some powerful mindfulness tools, why our stories matter so much, and what it’s like trying to find spaces where queer people truly feel supported. This conversation is all about reminding ourselves that joy and connection aren’t just nice to have—they’re what keep us grounded, resilient, and growing.Connect with PeterInstagramLinkedInGreat Bear Coaching Connect with Out and About AF ⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠Support the Podcast⁠⁠Website

In this episode of Out and About AF, Gabe sits down with Manny to explore his powerful journey through sobriety and self-discovery. Growing up gay in West Texas, Manny opens up about how family, culture, and religion shaped his early relationship with alcohol—and how breaking free from those patterns transformed his life.He shares the pivotal role of community, the support he found in AA, and how his drag persona, Classy Misdemeanor, became both a creative outlet and a symbol of resilience. Together, Gabe and Manny dive into the importance of knowing your “why,” building a support system, and rediscovering joy and confidence beyond the drink.Connect with Manny InstagramFacebook TikTokConnect with Out and About AF InstagramFacebookTik TokSupport the PodcastWebsite

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa McGovern, host of The Sober New Yorker, for an honest and inspiring chat about her alcohol-free journey. We talk about hitting rock bottom, what life looked like before and after quitting, and how she’s found freedom and confidence in living sober. Melissa opens up about the ups and downs of traveling alcohol-free, the importance of finding your community, and what it really means to live authentically. We also dive into those everyday pressures around drinking and share some real-life tips for anyone curious about exploring the world without alcohol.Connect with MelissaInstagramWebsitePodcastSobriety is the New Epic RegistrationConnect with Out and About AFInstagramTravelWebsiteSupport the Podcast

At 16, Jonathan Gildart had his first drink — a moment that felt freeing but came with lasting consequences. What started at a summer camp led to years of substance use, jail time, and eventually, a life-changing decision to get sober.In this episode of Out and About AF, Jonathan opens up about his journey from that first drink to finding community and purpose through recovery, GSM, and Oxford Housing. His story is one of transformation, honesty, and hope for anyone ready to change their path. 🌈🎧 Tune in for an open, real conversation about anxiety, acceptance, and the power of starting over.—🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🎟️ Register for the GSM Conference 🏠 Learn More About Oxford House 📸 Follow Jonathan on Instagram ✨ Connect with Out and About AF:📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 📘 Out and About AF Travel Facebook 👥 Join Our Local Facebook Group 🗓️ Join the 30-Day AF Challenge

In this week’s episode of Out and About AF, Gabe sits down with David from Art in the Raw and guest Charlie — a Dallas native, artist, and 13 years sober. Charlie opens up about his early experiences in the circuit party scene, his turning point toward recovery, and how painting became a vital outlet in his sobriety journey.He also shares the inspiration behind his book Fool’s Journey Through Recovery, where he blends Tarot symbolism with the 12 Steps to create a unique, spiritual approach to healing. This heartfelt and creative conversation shows how art can transform pain into purpose and guide us toward self-discovery.After you listen, be sure to check out Charlie’s full artist interview on Art in the Raw and grab his book, The Fool's Journey through Recovery, on Barnes & Noble.👉 Plus, learn how to join Gabe’s 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge — a supportive reset for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol or looking to strengthen their recovery journey.Connect with CharliePersonal InstagramArt InstagramFacebookConnect with DavidArt in the Raw PodcastSalon Natural InstagramSalon Natural Facebook WebsiteConnect with Out and About AFInstagramFacebook Business Page (Travel)Facebook Local GroupTikTokWebsite

This week on Out and About AF, I sit down with the amazing Dr. Ana M. Salazar, Ph.D., LPC-S — and we laughed, went on a few tangents, and had some powerful conversations about healing and connection.We talked about her work supporting marginalized communities, how a simple deep breath can ground you, Latin culture and mental health, K-pop demon hunters, and how music can hold deep meaning. Most importantly, we explored how we all face personal demons — and how sticking together helps us get through it.If you’re thinking about starting your alcohol-free journey, check out my 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge with a digital workbook, kickoff and wrap-up calls, and support throughout the 30 days. For a more personalized plan, I also offer 1:1 coaching to help you build an alcohol-free lifestyle that fits you.🌈 Connect with me:InstagramFacebook GroupJoin the 30-Day Challenge💬 Connect with Dr. Ana:TikTokWebsite

In this episode, James shares his powerful sobriety story — one that includes relapse, struggles with alcohol and drugs, and multiple trips to the ER before finding the courage to make a change. After joining AA and committing to recovery, James went on to create real impact in his hometown of Amarillo by founding the city’s first Secular AA program, which is now celebrating its one-year anniversary.We talk about what recovery looks like beyond the traditional path, the importance of inclusivity in sobriety spaces, and how James continues to uplift both the queer and Latin communities through his work and advocacy.Plus, if you’re looking for your own supportive space, the Out & About AF online community is here for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies exploring life without alcohol. Join for free for 14 days, attend meetings, explore resources, and connect with others who get it.Jame's Facebook Beyond Belief Amarillo AAOut & About AFFacebook GroupInstagramOnline Community

ADHD, addiction, and a longing for affirmation shaped much of Philip’s journey. What began with drinking spiraled into cocaine use and escorting, as he searched for approval and connection in all the wrong places. After hitting rock bottom with DUIs and wake-up calls, Philip chose change. Today, he’s thriving as Conference Co-Chair for GSM and living proof that fun, community, and authenticity don’t require substances.Instagram Phillip Out and About AFIf you are interested in signing up for the conference, get started here! GSM+ ConferenceCome check out the new platform for weekly meetings, resources, and a community to encourage and support you! Sign Up Here!

In this episode of Out and About AF, Toni opens up about his journey through sobriety—from running away from his problems to finally facing them head on. He shares the lessons he’s learned through slips along the way, and how AA and community support have been vital in keeping him grounded. Toni’s story is an honest reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, connection, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.Help support Toni, or Ruby Sinthesky, as she heads to Houston, Tx, to compete in Drag Wars 2025. You can donate to a good cause here!InstagramToniGabeOut and About AF Community 1:1 Coaching Intake FormOnline CommunityLambda Dallas

In this episode of Out and About AF, Jonathan shares his powerful journey from battling meth addiction to living a life filled with sobriety, love, and gratitude. He opens up about the strategies he uses to handle triggers, how finding community gave him strength, and why helping others has been such an important part of his recovery.Today, Jonathan and his husband are thriving—proof that healing and transformation are possible with connection and support.If you’re curious about exploring your own relationship with alcohol, join us on the brand-new Out and About AF platform launching October 1st. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, reach out—I’d love to connect with you. 🌈✨To get started click here - https://out-and-about-af.mykajabi.com/pl/2148702582InstagramGabe - https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/Johnathon - https://www.instagram.com/jkd1981/To Support the Podcast - buymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf

In this episode, I sit down with Christina and Branwen to talk about how loss, perspective, and choosing an alcohol-free life have transformed our journeys. We dive into how alcohol was holding us back from becoming our best selves, and how sobriety has given us the freedom to create the lives we truly want to live. From stepping into authenticity, to trying new things, to getting certified as alcohol-free life coaches, this conversation is all about growth and living with purpose.Instagram Christina https://www.instagram.com/itschristinahorn/Branwen https://www.instagram.com/the.growing.spirit/Gabe https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/1:1 Coaching https://calendly.com/connect-outandaboutaf/30minEmpowered AF Coach™5x Certificationhttps://becomeeuphoric.com/certification/

Alcohol was always part of Tomás’ world—until one moment made him realize something had to change. In this episode, Tomás opens up about the turning point that led him to let go of alcohol, the challenges of finding himself again, and how he’s rewriting generational patterns. Now, nearly a year into his alcohol-free journey, he’s discovering freedom, identity, and a new way forward.

In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie, who shares her journey of sobriety in the LGBTQIA+ community. For years, alcohol influenced nearly every part of her life—even where she chose to live. When it started affecting her job and relationships, she hit a breaking point and decided to get sober. McKenzie talks about how she found community and acceptance through softball, and how music became a powerful source of healing, helping her stay grounded and pursue the life she truly wanted. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about finding joy, connection, and purpose without a drink in hand.Follow McKenzie on:https://macdogmusic.comhttps://www.instagram.com/macdogmusic/https://www.youtube.com/@MacdogmusicIf this podcast connects with you and you’d like to help keep it going, you can show your support by clicking below!buymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf Follow me on Instagram at @outandaboutaf

Thomas, COO of GSM+, opens up about his transformative journey from alcohol struggles to a life of purpose and fulfillment. After near-hospitalization and countless challenges, a timely letter about mental health inspired him to enter an Intensive Outpatient Program, setting him on a path toward lasting sobriety. Along the way, Thomas found his passion as a chef in the yachting industry, embraced fatherhood as a foster dad, and built a strong partnership with his loved one. In this episode, he shares how he forged his own path, navigated life without substances, and continues to make the most of every day.ThomasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_thomasday3/https://www.instagram.com/td3po/Gay & Soberhttps://www.gayandsober.orgGSM+https://www.gayandsober.org/registrationIf you would like to support the podcastbuymeacoffee.com/outandaboutaf

In this episode of Out and About AF, Des reflects on her religious upbringing and how it shaped her early life, alongside the role alcohol and drugs played in her story. She shares the pivotal connection that inspired her to get sober, the tools that helped her stay the course, and how embracing her authentic self led to coming out, getting engaged, thriving in her career and showing up for her kids, making every sober day worth it.

When Scot Maitland turned 40, he was hit with a cancer diagnosis and the reality of a hereditary condition known as Lynch syndrome. 13 years later and cancer-free, Scot shares his journey of letting go of alcohol, navigating "soberish" spaces, and discovering that what he truly loves isn't just crafting beautiful drinks—it’s crafting community. From starting The Elevated Bear to creating inclusive, alcohol-free spaces for everyone, Scot reminds us that confidence doesn’t have to come from what’s in your glass.

In today’s episode, David shares how his relationship with alcohol began at just 16 or 17 years old, using it to cope with the pressure of perfection in ballet and the everyday stressors of life. Later, drinking became a way to fit in when he entered the gay community—it was just what everyone did. Eventually, David reached a turning point, and after a friend introduced him to an online alcohol-free community, everything changed. Now, over a year sober, David says he’s never been happier. David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidgombert83/Out and About AFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/Community App: https://tr.ee/Ck4FKkQCj7 Website: outandabout.com

In our very first episode, I sit down with Scot, the inspiring founder of The Elevated Bear. We dive into his alcohol-free journey and how it led him to create a brand that’s all about bold flavor and meaningful community. Scot shares the creative process behind his unique flavor profiles and his viral 5 dive bar recipes.We also open up about the parallels between coming out as gay and sharing sobriety with the world, and how Scot shifted from coming out to letting people in. To wrap it all up, we land on a powerful truth that resonates deeply: I don't drink is a complete sentence.This episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and a fresh take on what it means to live alcohol-free with pride.Guest: Scot Maitland📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelevatedbear📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheElevatedBearGet Your 5 Dive Bar Recipe Cards: https://the-elevated-bear.myflodesk.com/dive-bar-cardsOut & About AF is a podcast exploring the alcohol free lifestyle in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.💻 Website: www.outandaboutaf.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/ 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/outandaboutaf/🎉 Join the community: www.linktr.ee/outandaboutaf

🎙️ Episode 1: Welcome to Out & About AF!In this kickoff episode, host Gabe introduces Out & About AF — a podcast for LGBTQIA+ folks who are living, or curious about living, alcohol-free.You’ll hear what inspired the creation of this space, the kinds of real conversations to expect, and how this podcast will explore life without a drink in hand — from community to travel and everything in between.Whether you're alcohol-free or just starting to rethink your relationship with alcohol, you're in the right place.✨ New episodes coming soon — be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the first full conversation!