Welcome back to Sober Town! This week, host King 13 (Debs) sits down with Andrew J. Minuto, author of Fatally Resilient, for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and resilience.

Andrew opens up about his childhood move from Brooklyn to Las Vegas, the emotional isolation that planted the seeds of his addiction, and the four attempts at recovery it took to finally find lasting sobriety. He shares the devastating loss of both parents within months of each other, a painful divorce, serious health struggles including sepsis, and the custody battle for his daughter — and how he came out the other side stronger, more self-validated, and finally free from needing others to tell him who to be.

Together, Andrew and Debs dig into themes of self-worth, the difference between sobriety and true recovery, the importance of community and support, and why humility is the key to never repeating the same mistakes twice.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a powerful reminder: you are not alone, and it's never too late to turn your past into your greatest strength.

🎧 Grab Andrew's book Fatally Resilient on Amazon, Apple Books, and audiobook platforms. 📩 Connect with Andrew on Instagram: @andrew.minuto

For most of my life, I was searching for what recovery would ultimately give me, only without realizing that's what I was doing. Actively avoiding the recovery community, I looked for it in achievement, relationships, career success, and countless attempts to outrun adversity, but nothing could fill the void I was trying to escape. Everything changed when recovery itself became the foundation instead of the destination. My addiction started in college and quickly became a problem until a collective family effort arrested it. However, learning that both of my parents were terminally ill several years later sent me on a downward spiral, ultimately ending in divorce and every conceivable consequence. These were the precipitating events that propelled me into recovery. Since then, my life has been defined by rebuilding rather than surviving. I would later face two separate diagnoses of testicular cancer, discovering that resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you build one decision at a time. Professionally, I've served as a special education teacher, Director of Operations for an inpatient substance abuse facility, and now work as an independent health insurance broker. I'm also the author of Fatally Resilient, a memoir that explores grief, adversity, resilience, and the transformative power of choosing growth over surrender. Today, my passion is helping others recognize that recovery isn't simply about breaking free from what holds us back—it's about building a life so meaningful that we no longer want to escape it.

About The Host:

Deborah Battista aka King 13 began hosting podcasts not long after Sobertown launched. With their aligned values & passion to help others, Deborah changed career paths and became a qualified counsellor & established her own practice Counselling For Wellness. Deborah credits connection & sharing with likeminded folk as the foundation to maintaining her sobriety to date. Her holistic client-centered approach, active listening, collaborating and knowledge of useful tools will help you work out the best way to handle the challenges of life & addiction. If you would like a complimentary 'get to know you' zoom email Deborah to arrange a time.

Deborah.battista17 @gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, host Michal Charles speaks with author and recovery advocate Austin Rampt about his incredible journey through addiction to sobriety. Austin shares about his personal life, beginning with childhood tics and anxiety following his family's move to Japan, through his rapid descent into drug addiction starting very young, multiple rehab programs, and a 22-month period living in Mexico where he reached what he believed would be his final point of no return. He describes his struggles with relapse after significant stints of sobriety, including a severe overdose that led to stage 4 renal failure, and his eventual return to 12-step recovery where he found lasting sobriety. Austin emphasizes that while knowledge about addiction is important, true recovery requires daily spiritual maintenance and connection with others who understand the experience. This is one sober journey you’re not going to want to miss!

Austin Rampt spent over a decade fighting an addiction he couldn't name, couldn't control, and couldn't shake: no matter how many times he tried. Eight rehab programs. Multiple stints in jail. Time living with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. At the lowest point, he was barely surviving, not living. Today he's the opposite of that person. He is an Entrepreneur, Father of 5 kids and Author. Currently residing in Orlando, FL His time is focused in 12-step recovery, Service, Growth and Family. His memoir One Last Hit is his way of saying: if I made it through that, you can make it through this.

Book: One Last Hit

Website: https://onelasthitbook.com/

Podcast (YouTube): One Last Hit Podcast

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Sobertown Podcast host Michal Charles interviews Sarah Rusbatch, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and award-winning Health and Well-being Coach. Sarah shares her personal journey with grey area drinking, explaining that it describes individuals who use alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than those with physical dependence. She details how her drinking progressed from childhood through career success in London's recruitment industry, fertility struggles, motherhood in Australia, and her pathway to permanent sobriety in 2019. The conversation explores how alcohol affects women differently than men due to biological factors and reduced alcohol metabolism, with Sarah explaining that women are more susceptible to alcohol-related health issues including breast cancer and liver disease. Michal shares her own experience with kindling syndrome from binge drinking, and Sarah outlines five pillars for maintaining an alcohol-free life. You don't want to miss this information-packed episode! Sarah Rusbatch is a multi award winning accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, Menopause Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker and host of a community of over 25,000 women. She has been featured in publications such as ABC News, Mama Mia, Body & Soul, Women’s Health, The Sunday Times and is a regular media commentator. Sarah has appeared on over 200 podcasts. Sarah is author of the best selling book “Beyond Booze, How to create a life you love Alcohol Free' and is inspiring audiences across the globe to create and live their best lives as they age.

Book: Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free

Websit: https://sarahrusbatch.com/

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com