In the movie, The Matrix, there is a scene where the character realizes he is caught in an illusion. My guest on the podcast this week is Dustin Dunbar, who had his own matrix moment when he had an awakening dream that showed him the damage that alcohol was creating in his own life.
Dustin Dunbar grew up poor in Midwest America with an abusive, alcohol-addicted father and grandfather, and vowed to never be like them. And yet, like many of us, he found himself using alcohol to fit in, to hang with the guys and to make the deals on the golf course. When Dustin became alcohol-free four years ago, he knew he wanted to help other men overcome the lies that alcohol told him.
To follow his passion for helping others out of the matrix, Dustin founded a non-profit, We Are AFR, and wrote a book, “You’re Doing Great!, and other Lies Alcohol Told Me”. His next project is one that I think many of us will be excited about – banning alcohol advertising.
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- Why Dustin doesn’t use the word ‘sober’
- How he talks to his children about alcohol
- Dustin calls out George Clooney; Teri calls out Snoop Dog.
- The book that changed his life
More about Dustin:
Devouring psychology books and researching addiction in his twenties, Dunbar earned a doctorate in psychology and believed at that time that he had broken his family’s chains.
In 2009, Dunbar was handpicked by Ryan Seacrest for LA Shrink and Endemol Productions’ Dallas Life Coach, where Dunbar was the “Shrink” and “Life Coach” on those pilots. After drinking moderately, responsibly, and socially for twenty years, he too became addicted to alcohol.
He overcame his addiction at the age of forty-eight and has since been helping others overcome theirs. Dunbar is a coach at WeAretheAFR.org, a non-profit online community helping others with alcohol addiction and raising consciousness. Dunbar’s true passions are spending time with his two young daughters, writing, and sports. He currently lives in San Diego, California.
Connect with Dustin HERE
Find out more about our next book study: Build The Life You Want: the Art and Science of Getting Happier. This 8 week deep dive into happierness (yes, you read that right) includes:
- Happiness is a direction, not a destination
- What does ‘happy’ mean to you?
- Are you a Cheerleader, a Poet, a Mad Scientist or a Judge?
- Why being a terrible friend leads to more happiness
All this is done in a small group with weekly meet ups and in a private off FB group!
Intrigued? Find out more HERE
