The Sober with Chad Dispatch – Issue No. 1

The Opening Word — From Chad

I’m Chad Johnson — a man who’s made a mess or two and learned that cleaning them up can be its own kind of art. Getting sober didn’t just save my life — it gave me one. Without my sobriety and recovery, I wouldn’t be the father, husband, or human I am today. Every day alive is a gift I try not to take for granted (though I still occasionally re-gift it with sarcasm).

Living a sober life in active recovery isn’t easy — but it’s worth every bit of it. The real joy doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from growth. And one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: as you evolve, so must your recovery. There’s no single formula — only your willingness to keep showing up.

I’ve dedicated my life to helping others find that same spark of hope through my podcast, Not All There, and my coaching practice, Sober with Chad. Both will live inside this newsletter, along with stories and art from The Art of Recovery Foundation, celebrating the beauty and resilience of people in recovery.

November 2025 marks the two-year anniversary of Not All There — and I want to thank every single person who’s listened, shared, and supported. This project has opened doors I never expected and introduced me to people who remind me why I do this work.

So welcome — whether you’re sober, curious, or just along for the ride. Let’s keep walking this road together.

From the Mic — Two Years of “Not All There”

November 2025 marks two years since I hit “record” on the Not All There podcast — and I’m still a little shocked anyone listens. What started as a small idea — just me, a mic, and a mission to talk honestly about addiction, recovery, and what it means to be human — has grown into something much bigger.

This podcast has been a doorway I never saw coming. It’s led me to conversations with people who’ve lost everything and rebuilt, laughed through tears, and found meaning in the mess. It’s brought me friendships, insight, and opportunities I could never have planned — the kind that only show up when you’re living with purpose instead of pretending you have one.

To everyone who’s tuned in, shared an episode, or reached out with your own story — thank you. You’ve helped build a space where truth, humor, and hope can live together.

If you’re new here, welcome. We talk about real stuff — recovery, relapse, resilience, and the wild ride of finding yourself after losing everything.

Listen in — not all there

Coaching Corner — Sober with Chad

For many of us, Halloween kicks off the holiday season — and with it comes a mix of joy, nostalgia, and, let’s be honest, stress. The lights, the parties, the expectations… they can stir up old habits and old emotions fast.

In my active addiction, I leaned hard on substances to quiet trauma, anxiety, and confusion. The holidays only amplified those feelings. Even now, years into recovery, this time of year can still bring a certain heaviness. That’s normal — and it’s manageable.

What’s worked for me? Staying connected. I check in with my sober support groups, attend meetings, practice real self-care (not just the bubble-bath kind), and say no to events that might put my sobriety at risk. If you find yourself somewhere and start to feel anxious or out of place, give yourself permission to leave. Go home. Take care of yourself.

Over time, the holidays do get easier — they start to feel lighter, more peaceful, and even joyful. The trick is staying honest with yourself and reaching out when you need to.

These aren’t rules — just things that have helped me find balance in a season that used to throw me off completely. Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding your rhythm, your peace, and your way back to joy.

If you need a little extra support or want to talk through your own strategies this season, you can reach me at chad@soberchad.com.

The Art of Recovery Foundation — Where Healing Becomes Art

Every story of recovery begins with courage — and every act of courage deserves to be seen.

To our generous donors and supporters: thank you. Your contributions are already at work helping us build a foundation for change. Current funds are being used for website hosting, content creation, and essential administrative costs that keep our mission moving forward. Most importantly, they’re fueling our efforts to share the story and art of John “JP” Granillo, whose journey from addiction to creative awakening represents everything The Art of Recovery Foundation stands for.

We’re proud to share that we’re now the stewards of one of JP’s original works — a powerful piece that embodies the spirit of redemption through art. In recent weeks, we’ve reached out to several artistic and cultural organizations to help elevate JP’s story, and we’re thrilled to share that the National Museum of Mexican Art has expressed real interest in his work and our project. Conversations are ongoing, and the possibilities are inspiring.

This is why our mission matters. The Art of Recovery Foundation exists to spotlight the artists and storytellers who turn pain into purpose — transforming addiction, trauma, and survival into hope, connection, and beauty.

Thank you for believing in this work. Your support helps us show the world that recovery isn’t just about surviving — it’s about creating something extraordinary out of the wreckage.

Sober Life in the Wild — Real Stories, Real Recovery

Recovery is personal, but it’s never meant to be done alone. Sober Life in the Wild is a space for readers to share their experiences — the victories, the struggles, the everyday moments that make this journey so real.

Your story matters. The words you share might be exactly what someone else needs to read at the right time. Every story carries power — the kind that can cut through shame and remind someone that they’re not the only one out there trying to heal.

These submissions can be shared anonymously or with your name, whatever feels right for you. Whether it’s a short reflection, a turning point, or simply how you got through a hard day, we want to hear it.

Send your story to chad@soberchad.com and be part of a community built on honesty, humor, and hope.

The Last Word — Gratitude & Grace

If sobriety has taught me anything, it’s that gratitude changes everything. Even on the hard days, there’s always something to hold onto — a quiet morning, a deep breath, a friend who answers the call.

Recovery isn’t a finish line; it’s a practice of becoming more awake, more forgiving, and more willing to start again. Grace lives in those

small pauses — the moments between falling apart and getting back up.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for believing in recovery — yours, mine, and ours. I hope this space gives you a reason to keep showing up for yourself and for the world around you.

Until next time,
— Chad

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Stay Connected

Follow the journey:
Not All There Podcast | Sober with Chad | The Art of Recovery Foundation