And Now….A Word From Our Sponsor

First of all-please find the podcast on your favorite listening platform and consider “following” us there. Secondly, please drop a comment if you read this blog-it would mean a lot!

Funny word…..sponsor.

In my world, a sponsor usually means “mentor” because….well-I am an alcoholic in recovery to put it simple. I don’t hide it, I am proud of it. Sure can relapse-and the funny thing is….I used to be afraid of telling people I was in recovery because I worried they wouldn’t hang out with me, or hire me, or talk to me or be my friend. Then it dawned on me how many assholes are out there that can remain in those “circles” and still swill their liquid bread without fear. The difference-I am a jerk without the alcohol. The similarities-we all face the same amount of blow back if we make a mistake whether we are under the influence or not.

If you suck at your job because you are always hung over, it is no different than sucking at your job because you are sober. If you suck…..YOU SUCK! Right? Imaging rolling through life and being cocky about things you have done or said and as a result you are impacted in one way or another based on your behaviors. OH MY GOSH……you mean; being held responsible for your actions? I still have a fear. Especially when things are going well for me. I have that…..phobia that things are going too good so something is going to screw it up, the other shoe to drop. I never just embrace the moment-but I will be damned if I have not become a pro at embracing the suck.

Well, here is some good news; I got a new job. Now, there are variables that I like, that I love and things I don’t particularly care for. I am a month in, I am still learning what time I need to be punching in at this point. I am NOT putting a lot of concern for the new job into concern as we are all still in the honeymoon phase. I know it will ebb and pass eventually as the new car scent wears off the executive chair and formica desk I sit at. Eventually my office will smell like farts and dirty shoes, just like my home office does. I will become comfortable and the company and I will fall into the tracks that our tires were destined to follow. Yet, the podcast has taken a different approach.

I started the website to connect people with other resources around the world. I pay for it myself, I update it myself, I design it myself, I check the KPI’s/Analytics/Stats/Comments……..everything-myself. I don’t make money on the website, I know I could, but I don’t have the time or the effort to do so. I work alot, I have a lot of kids, I work side jobs, I run a podcast…..so many times I have people ask me “how do you do everything that you do”. My answer: I just do it.

This year, I have asked my wife to take over the social media management. She has stepped up in such a way that has me blown away. She has coordinated schedules, contacted talent agents, scheduled around my on-call schedule at my old job, current schedule at new job, worked with my illness, around side jobs, doctor appointments and so many other things. All while raising four children and growing another one inside her. She truly is a remarkable woman. How TF does SHE do it???? She handles the kid stress, the wet sheets, the meal planning, the grocery shopping, the medication administrations, the dressing, the home schooling, the lunch making (for me), the calendar, the family events logs and so many other things….just so that I myself can pursue my “hobbies” and work to provide money for the home.

How do I do it? Well, I couldn’t without her-honestly. Here’s the thing. I do what I do to take care of the family. She does what she does to take care of the family, we rarely communicate due to the the regular interactions with our kids…I meant to say interruptions-but oobla di right? The podcasts will hopefully take off someday as a small form of supplementation, perhaps sponsors will start offering money instead of the thirteen cents per episode we receive (do the math-we dropped 335 episodes between Jan 1st and Dec 13th times thirteen cents. Don’t forget that we have to pay taxes on it) which barely makes up a monthly charge for the microsoft software we have to own just to write our schedules lol.

But, we do it. We are passionate about our family. We are passionate about our God and our faith. We are passionate about each other….and recently that has caused issues with our friends on social media. Because we are firm in our footings and what we believe. We are passionate about information and facts, we are passionate about sharing information with people and real world involvements when it comes to a family member committing suicide as a result of addiction and PTSD.

We are passionate about celebrating the success of a band that we interview as they prepare for their first “Festival Main Stage” performance. One they have spent countless days playing shitty bars and having “drunk Joe the sound guy” run-only to find out their show is getting cancelled due to a rain delay. I am here to put information in your ear holes. I am here to connect people who want to connect, without forcing it upon you with sixty second videos telling you why you should use my social media platform as a home shopping network for the lazy and misinformed. I want you to hear the truth about real life moments that impact those that may have similar experience. So, we used social media and compiled an opportunity for you to see for yourself what our platform is about. Please see below your first glance at the beginners guide to the Normal Isn’t Necessary Podcast. The guide will get you started on your journey for your ear hole…its almost like…..a wallet chain, but….for your brain. Thanks for sticking around-2026 will bring you more cool stuff.

Until our paths cross: Stay Strong; Stay Focused; Stay Sober!

Normal Isn’t Necessary Starter Playlist

1. GTKY: Dr. Brian King – Comedian & Psychologist – A fascinating blend of comedy and psychology. – Covers topics like stand-up, mental health, and even quirky side projects. – Great for seeing how the host balances humor with deeper insights. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UKm43hdVwbyijTG4m6tEP?si=ziooJvqASrGNkOihb3hhRA

2. Road Rant: Why Is Dad Tired? – Short, funny, and relatable. – A snapshot of everyday family life, exhaustion, and mental health awareness. – Perfect entry point for the host’s “rant-style” humor. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3u6sEVb903wZE6WovsMy9l

3. GTKY: Jake Adams of O.R.B.S. – A creative interview highlighting community voices. – Shows the host’s commitment to featuring diverse perspectives and building connection. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-normal-isnt-necessary-263734772/episode/gtky-jake-adams-of-orbs-289932971?app=listen&embed=true

4. Road Rant: Moldy Food & Hangover History – A quirky episode that mixes odd trivia with personal reflection. – Demonstrates the podcast’s ability to make even trivial topics engaging.

5. GTKY: Recovery & Faith – A personal, heartfelt episode where the host shares his own journey. – Explores how relationships and spirituality shaped his recovery. – Essential for understanding the deeper mission behind the podcast.

Why These Episodes? – They showcase both formats: short “Road Rants” and longer “GTKY” interviews. – They highlight the balance of humor and honesty that defines the show. – They give you a clear sense of the host’s voice and the community-driven nature of the podcast.

If you start with these five, you’ll get the full flavor: quirky humor, raw personal storytelling, and meaningful conversations about resilience and mental health.