This Sober Vet Podcast

Marine Vet: Crazy Story Ends with 8 Years and Counting...

Most veterans struggle silently with internal battles—trauma, shame, addiction. Andrew Farrer, a Marine veteran and eight-year sober hero, opens up about how faith, community, and relentless resilience helped him turn the darkest moments into purpose-driven victory. His story isn’t just about quitting alcohol; it’s a powerful testament to the transformative power of vulnerability, service, and self-work that can inspire anyone battling their own demons.Imagine being in the chaos of Iraq, where the line between hero and survivor blurs under relentless stress, and turning to alcohol to dull the pain. Andrew shares gripping stories from deployments in Fallujah and Ramadi, revealing how substance use became both a refuge and a trap. He candidly discusses the deep toll of combat trauma, PTSD, and the spiraling cycle of addiction, showing how it almost derailed his life—and how he fought back.You’ll discover: * The pivotal moments that finally prompted Andrew to seek sobriety—including a second DUI in 2018 that changed everything. * How faith and veteran-friendly programs like Save a Warrior helped him heal his fractured mind and spirit. * Practical insights on recognizing the signs of addiction, the importance of community, and the steps toward lasting recovery. * A behind-the-scenes look at how military service, trauma, and alcohol intertwine—plus proven pathways to break free. * Why real transformation begins with owning your story, forgiving yourself, and choosing hope over despair. This episode is perfect for struggling veterans, their families, or anyone feeling the weight of internal pain. If you’re questioning whether change is possible or seeking a real-life blueprint for overcoming addiction and trauma, Andrew’s journey offers hope, grit, and an unbreakable spirit that can light your way. Andrew Farrer is a Marine veteran, veteran advocate, and community leader known for his unwavering commitment to service and recovery. His story embodies resilience, faith, and the transformative power of the human spirit—making this episode an essential listen for those ready to embrace change and reclaim their purpose. Whether you’re in recovery, considering sobriety, or simply inspired by stories of overcoming adversity, this episode will empower you to take the first step toward your own redemption. Because sobriety isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about rewriting your story, one brave step at a time. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

*BONUS* Joe 4 Year Sobriety Date with wife Katie

Special episode: Joe's 4-year anniversary! Most people see sobriety as a challenge, but for Joe Yurick, it's become his greatest gift—and it can be yours too. In this heartfelt episode, Joe and his wife Katie open up about the raw, emotional journey of overcoming addiction and rebuilding love, trust, and family after years of struggle. Discover how a brave ultimatum became a turning point, leading to four years of sobriety that transformed their lives and strengthened their bond in ways they never imagined. Joe shares intimate details about the moments of doubt, the emotional rollercoaster, and the surprising joys that came with sobriety. You'll hear about the importance of community support, therapy, and the small daily victories that keep him motivated. This episode delves into the real, unfiltered truths of recovery—the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the newfound purpose that keeps Joe inspired to stay clean, compassionate, and present for his family. We break down: the power of a heartfelt ultimatum, how love and vulnerability can heal even the deepest wounds, and practical tips for spouses supporting loved ones through addiction. Joe talks openly about reframing shame, the role of faith, and ways to celebrate sobriety milestones authentically. His story is a testament that true transformation begins with a decision, backed by accountability, community, and self-love. Why does this matter? Because addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples through families, communities, and generations. Joe’s journey proves that change is possible, and that choosing health, honesty, and support can lead to a life richer than any alcohol-fueled fantasy. Whether you’re battling addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a reminder that no one has to face the journey alone. Perfect for anyone at a crossroads, this episode inspires real change, emotional healing, and the courage to rewrite your story. If you're seeking motivation to start or sustain sobriety, or support a loved one through it, Joe's story will motivate you to take the first step—and keep going. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

Air Force Vet: Third Time's a Charm

Most veterans hide their struggles behind strength — until trauma, shame, and burnout threaten to break them. Kristen Domke, a retired Air Force staff sergeant turned Warrior Games athlete, reveals how she turned her pain into purpose and found resilience through faith, community, and relentless grit. In this episode, Kristen shares her rollercoaster journey from overseas deployments and alcohol dependence to hitting rock bottom and rebuilding herself. You'll discover her raw insights on managing shame in high-performance environments, the power of faith in healing, and the life-changing benefits of community-driven recovery programs like Warriors Anonymous. Kristen also breaks down her experience training for the Warrior Games — where she went from feeling like she couldn't participate to competing at the national level — and how this athletic pursuit fuels her ongoing recovery and purpose. We dive deep into the critical moments that prompted Kristen to seek help, including trauma, loss, and identity shifts, illustrating why neglecting emotional health can be a silent killer. If you or someone you care about feels stuck in cycles of shame, addiction, or trauma, this episode offers hope, practical strategies, and a blueprint for transformation. Kristen’s story underscores that recovery is not linear but fiercely possible with faith, support, and inner strength. Whether you're a military veteran, first responder, or someone on the edge of change, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your well-being and embrace the power of community and faith in rewriting your narrative. It's raw, real, and packed with actionable wisdom — the motivation you need to start or sustain your journey. Kristen Domke is a seasoned military veteran, adaptive athlete, and founder of TEAM KDOMSTRONG [https://linktr.ee/kdom?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZr8DjQ_gyaWHmiq9kB0q9bAYtYGY6UWK4UI8LqTZxLFgOQ47RSM5dXmp-u0_aem_pkTLUPxQv5BVluwtujxUig], dedicated to empowering faith-based men and women to overcome health and life challenges. Her story exemplifies resilience and faith in action, reminding us all that our most profound growth often stems from our darkest moments. This episode is perfect for anyone battling shame, trauma, or addiction who needs a reminder that healing is possible. Tune in to find out how Kristen’s unwavering faith and relentless pursuit of excellence transformed her life — and how they can transform yours too. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

ARMY SF SGM: Choosing sobriety early to help other Veterans now

Most veterans don’t realize that finding a trauma-competent therapist requires specific credentials and cultural understanding—missing this can prolong suffering. In this eye-opening episode, retired Army Sergeant Major Mark Baylis and Dr. T reveal how veterans can seek out specialized care that truly understands military trauma, combat hypervigilance, and moral injury. Discover the little-known directories and key questions to ask your therapist, ensuring they have the right military background and trauma therapy experience. Mark shares his journey from service in special forces to founding the Valor Clinic Foundation, where he’s helped thousands of vets rebuild their lives through unconventional approaches like community-based programs, Hobbies as therapeutics, and holistic recovery methods. We break down how trauma manifests differently depending on deployment roles—from the soldier on the front lines to the medic delivering care in chaos—and explain why traditional therapy often misses the mark for military-connected trauma. Gain insight into the importance of upstream interventions that address relationship stressors, substance abuse, and physical health issues before they escalate to crisis levels. This episode matters because the conventional mental health system often overlooks the unique trauma responses of military veterans, risking longer recovery times or even injury recurrence. Mark’s work with veteran-centered programs and his real-world success stories illustrate how understanding trauma’s roots can create lasting change, reduce recidivism, and save lives. Perfect for veterans seeking a fresh perspective, family members trying to understand their loved ones, or clinicians looking to improve their military trauma care, this conversation provides practical steps, inspiring insights, and hope. If you or someone you love struggles with scars from service—mental, emotional, or physical—this episode is essential listening. Mark Baylis is a retired Army Special Forces veteran, founder of the Valor Clinic Foundation, and a passionate advocate for innovative veteran care. His deep experience in military operations and trauma recovery empowers him to connect with vets and guide them toward healing beyond traditional therapy. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

ARMY Major: Battle Tested Sobriety Journey

Most veterans carry unseen scars, but few talk about the journey from trauma to sobriety with raw honesty. Army veteran Sam DeBold reveals how a decade of addiction, traumatic experiences, and unresolved pain finally led him to reclaim control — and how he’s now helping others do the same. If you're a veteran struggling in silence or someone who believes addiction has your life on hold, this episode will challenge your perspective on strength, resilience, and the power of honesty. Sam's story is a powerful testament to the reality many face but rarely share — from childhood struggles rooted in generational alcohol use to the chaos of war, and ultimately, the path to recovery. You'll discover how trauma, substance dependence, and self-medication intertwine, and what it truly takes to break free. Sam breaks down the science of addiction, explaining how alcohol rewires the brain’s chemistry, and shares profound insights from his time in rehab that could save your life or the life of someone you love. We break down the importance of self-awareness, honest conversations, and community in healing. Sam's journey through deployment, trauma, and hitting "rock bottom" provides tangible lessons for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s burdens. His message: no matter how deep you've fallen, recovery is possible, and the benefits extend beyond sobriety — bringing clarity, peace, and purpose. Why does this matter? Because the veteran community often masks its pain behind a brave face, risking everything — relationships, mental health, and lives — to self-medicate. But the opportunity to heal, to find meaning in the chaos, and to serve others from a place of strength is within reach. This episode is an essential listen for veterans, active service members, and anyone seeking hope amidst hardship. Sam DeBold, retired Army Major and now sober warrior, shares how embracing vulnerability and confronting trauma head-on transformed his life. His story is a beacon for those ready to silence the shame, prioritize their mental health, and lead a life of genuine purpose. If you’re tired of the lie that strength means suffering in silence, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward healing — because your best days are still ahead. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]