TPIH 59: Sobriety with Steven Becker

First in a three-part series on alcoholism, addiction, and recovery

I started this series ahead of the new year, back when everyone is doing “Dry January” as part of their new resolutions or intentions about the coming year. 

But due to a number of factors we weren’t able to publish that month, so we (my producer Christopher Acker and I) waited for a good time to start rolling out these new episodes. And that time seems like now.

I really appreciate good craft beer and I’m thrilled to see the growing success of microbreweries across the state and in Hutchinson. These spaces bring people together for conversation, idea sharing, and community.

But I also recognize that for some people alcohol is a force that consumes their lives. And for those who want to regain control of their lives, alcohol isn’t an option. They have to navigate a world in which most of us openly consume a product that for them holds the power to wreck their lives. 

In the next three episodes we’ll explore this topic through interviews with several different people who bring unique perspectives. 

In the first episode, I visit with my friend Steven Becker. Most of his career he served as a District Court Judge in Reno County. Later he served in the Kansas Legislature. He’s also my friend, and I’m grateful that he was willing to talk with me about his struggles with alcohol, the lessons he learned in rehab, and how he’s approached sober living. 

Next, I’ll visit with Michael and Cammie Rumback. Michael speaks very openly and candidly about his alcoholism and how it affected his relationship with his family. And Cammie shares her experiences from the other side of the equation - as a wife trying to keep her family whole and healthy in spite of an overwhelming addiction. Look for this episode to publish on August 15.

Then I visit with Seth Dewey, a former health educator in Reno County. Seth is a recovering addict who has worked in the public health space, helping others understand the cause and social cost of addiction. He’s a strong advocate for harm reduction policies, and has helped elevate my understanding and compassion for the recovery community. Look for this episode to publish on August 29.

I think you’ll find this series thought provoking and insightful. 

Here’s a snippet of my friend Steven Becker. 

Find the full episode here or here or on your favorite streaming service for Podcasts and music - including Spotify and Apple.