“I didn’t believe it either” might be the sentiment that you feel about your alcohol-free journey. I often see posts from people who share their day count and express wonderment that they have reached this place of freedom.
My guest on the podcast today took that sentiment and wrote a book detailing the surprising lessons of living an alcohol-free life. Todd Kinney is a dad, a lawyer and a husband who shares how all of these areas were impacted by drinking and by not drinking.
I met Todd at The Sober In The City event where he spoke to 100+ women about his story. It was refreshing to experience a man’s perspective on traveling the path to alcohol-freedom. It was a great reminder that we are all humans having a human experience, and it’s helpful to explore the ways we are alike vs. the ways we are different. Todd revealed on the podcast that the subject of his marriage isn’t one he has shared much about, aside from the chapter in his book. But, when he realized almost 75% of the attendees in Tampa have a spouse that still drinks, he knew this would be an important topic.
Todd shared in his live talk and on the podcast, the challenge that many of us face with our long-time partners when they still drink and we stop. He came to recognize that he needed both connection and support and initially felt resentful when he wasn’t getting those things from his wife. He shares that he was having many conversations about his needs, but only in his head! Tune into the podcast episode to learn how Todd finally shared his feelings and needs and that outcome that has worked for him and his wife.
Highlights from the episode:
- Todd shares how he initially felt more comfortable sharing with women because he felt less risk of being judged.
- His thoughts about men and alcohol culture: “I gave up drinking. Am I even a ‘real guy’ anymore?”
- The chapter in his book titled “None Of The Bad Things Happened”
- What his children think about the book
- The realization that he needed two things: connection and support and how our spouses aren’t supposed to fulfill all our needs
- How the scariest conversations are the ones you need to have the most
Todd is an attorney who lives in Omaha, NE with his wife, four kids and two wiener dogs. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, hanging out with his family (when they let him) and spending an unhealthy amount of time and money supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. He quit drinking in 2019 and considers it the best thing he’s ever done for himself or his family.
You can connect with Todd, and purchase his book HERE
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