Rachel Casey (00:00:06): Welcome to Sober Banter. Rachel Casey (00:00:08): I am posting solo, but I am not solo today. Rachel Casey (00:00:12): I have a guest and I'm pretty excited because I really like his Instagram account. Rachel Casey (00:00:16): This is the voice behind, Rachel Casey (00:00:18): well, Rachel Casey (00:00:18): technically you have two, Rachel Casey (00:00:19): but the main one that I think we connected off of is the office recovery. Rachel Casey (00:00:25): And Rachel Casey (00:00:26): There's so much more to you than just like who's running this office recovery Rachel Casey (00:00:30): account on Instagram. Rachel Casey (00:00:32): Not only are you Brenton, Rachel Casey (00:00:33): a former pastor, Rachel Casey (00:00:35): the voice of the office recovery and passionate advocate for compassionate Rachel Casey (00:00:40): leadership, Rachel Casey (00:00:41): as well as faith, Rachel Casey (00:00:43): humor, Rachel Casey (00:00:44): and healing to help others. Rachel Casey (00:00:46): So welcome to the show. Brenton Sconce (00:00:48): Thank you. Brenton Sconce (00:00:48): Thank you so much for having me. Brenton Sconce (00:00:50): This is awesome. Brenton Sconce (00:00:50): One opportunity. Brenton Sconce (00:00:52): Absolute honor. Rachel Casey (00:00:53): Oh, well, thank you. Rachel Casey (00:00:54): I still feel so new in the podcasting world, Rachel Casey (00:00:57): but when I was reading some, Rachel Casey (00:00:58): some of the things about you, Rachel Casey (00:00:59): I'm like, Rachel Casey (00:01:00): you have such a unique, Rachel Casey (00:01:01): interesting story and you seem very parallel till Colin and I are just all about Rachel Casey (00:01:07): the humor. Rachel Casey (00:01:08): And I think that's what office is one of our, and always sunny the office. Rachel Casey (00:01:13): Uh, I mean, we can re watch those literally every single day and not get bored of the reruns. (00:01:19): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:01:19): And it's that or Arrested Development. Rachel Casey (00:01:21): That's another one on our list. Rachel Casey (00:01:23): And when we got sober, we were so scared it was going to be boring. Rachel Casey (00:01:27): And it's not. Rachel Casey (00:01:28): It's really, really not. Brenton Sconce (00:01:30): No, you catch like all the little nuances that you didn't even catch before. Rachel Casey (00:01:33): I know. Rachel Casey (00:01:35): In the office, there's not a lot of drinking either. Rachel Casey (00:01:37): So some of the shows like Always Sunny, it's based in a bar. Rachel Casey (00:01:40): Right. Rachel Casey (00:01:41): But anyways, Rachel Casey (00:01:41): I will let you kind of introduce yourself and how you got here and what got you Rachel Casey (00:01:47): sober and your sobriety date and whatnot. Rachel Casey (00:01:48): It was in July of 22 is what I know. Rachel Casey (00:01:50): And I'll let you take it from there. Brenton Sconce (00:01:51): Yeah, absolutely. Brenton Sconce (00:01:52): So yeah, my name is Brenton and my sober date is July 24th of 22. Brenton Sconce (00:01:59): My journey to sobriety was through the rehab treatment center route. Brenton Sconce (00:02:02): So that's kind of the direction that I started out with. Brenton Sconce (00:02:04): I did detox and residential at a treatment center in my hometown here. Brenton Sconce (00:02:10): And then following that, Brenton Sconce (00:02:11): I did some intensive outpatient for 12 weeks and then another outpatient stent for Brenton Sconce (00:02:15): 90 days. Brenton Sconce (00:02:17): And at the end of that 90 days, the treatment center that I went to Brenton Sconce (00:02:22): said, well, you're basically an alumni now. Brenton Sconce (00:02:24): You can just come back whenever you'd like and attend classes and group sessions Brenton Sconce (00:02:28): and things like that. Brenton Sconce (00:02:28): So I did that for another probably three or four months. Brenton Sconce (00:02:31): So all in all, my experience with the treatment center was just shy of a full year. Rachel Casey (00:02:37): I do want to ask when you say hometown, like where are what state are you in? Rachel Casey (00:02:41): I hadn't even asked that. Brenton Sconce (00:02:42): Oh, yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:02:43): I'm in Washington. Brenton Sconce (00:02:44): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:02:44): Eastern Washington. Brenton Sconce (00:02:45): So that's kind of how my sobriety journey started. Brenton Sconce (00:02:47): And there's obviously a whole bunch of stuff that leads up to getting me to a point Brenton Sconce (00:02:51): where I'm like, Brenton Sconce (00:02:52): I need help. Brenton Sconce (00:02:53): And that's very much how my my story was. Brenton Sconce (00:02:55): I was I got to a point where there was a moment of clarity where I literally texted Brenton Sconce (00:02:59): my wife and said, Brenton Sconce (00:03:00): I think I'm an alcoholic. Brenton Sconce (00:03:02): And I need help. Brenton Sconce (00:03:04): And that's all I said. Brenton Sconce (00:03:05): And I was able to connect with a friend who had just gotten out of treatment Brenton Sconce (00:03:09): himself about six months prior. Brenton Sconce (00:03:11): And so he was able to kind of connect me with the treatment center here. Brenton Sconce (00:03:16): And that was a Saturday morning. Brenton Sconce (00:03:19): And by Monday morning, Brenton Sconce (00:03:20): I was in detox and residential and was there for two and a half, Brenton Sconce (00:03:24): three weeks. Brenton Sconce (00:03:25): So that's kind of how it started. Brenton Sconce (00:03:28): The office recovery started about a year after that. Rachel Casey (00:03:32): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:03:32): It takes time. Rachel Casey (00:03:33): Like things like this, Rachel Casey (00:03:34): we didn't start till three years sober, Rachel Casey (00:03:36): you know, Rachel Casey (00:03:36): cause it's, Rachel Casey (00:03:38): of course we went to meetings and talked about it with other people, Rachel Casey (00:03:40): but like on an online platform, Rachel Casey (00:03:42): you're still, Rachel Casey (00:03:43): there is a little scare of like, Rachel Casey (00:03:45): Whoa, Rachel Casey (00:03:46): what am I, Rachel Casey (00:03:46): you know, Rachel Casey (00:03:47): just putting now I should back up. Rachel Casey (00:03:49): I have been online from pretty much like month one and on, but how did you, I I'm very curious. Rachel Casey (00:03:55): How did you feel texting that? Rachel Casey (00:03:57): Like saying to your wife, like, I think I'm an alcoholic, you know, um, Rachel Casey (00:04:02): That would have hit me like bricks. Brenton Sconce (00:04:04): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:04:04): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:04:05): And I mean, obviously, we've we've talked about it all. Brenton Sconce (00:04:07): And she had obviously suspicions. Brenton Sconce (00:04:09): And there's a lot of stuff going on there that she was like, OK, something's off. Brenton Sconce (00:04:14): Something's not right. Brenton Sconce (00:04:15): And I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:04:15): I was at the point where there's a lot of medical stuff going on that I was trying Brenton Sconce (00:04:19): to just explain away. Brenton Sconce (00:04:21): And there was a lot of hiding, a lot of deception, things like that going on. Brenton Sconce (00:04:24): And that's really where I started to see a turn in myself where I see all those Brenton Sconce (00:04:29): behavioral changes that just weren't me like and and I couldn't stop. Brenton Sconce (00:04:34): And so I knew I needed external intervention and I knew I needed to get somewhere. Brenton Sconce (00:04:40): That would, Brenton Sconce (00:04:40): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:04:41): essentially force me into sobriety because I wouldn't have been able to stop on my Brenton Sconce (00:04:46): own. Brenton Sconce (00:04:46): And sending the text, you know, it. Rachel Casey (00:04:49): I cried the first time I said I was alcoholic. Rachel Casey (00:04:51): Like, I mean, and not like a big like sob. Rachel Casey (00:04:54): It was at a meeting and you introduced yourself and I'm like, my name's Rachel. Rachel Casey (00:04:58): And it was my second meeting. Rachel Casey (00:04:59): The first one, they didn't go around the room. Rachel Casey (00:05:00): And like, I will never forget it. Rachel Casey (00:05:03): I can tell you what chair, where I was in the room. Rachel Casey (00:05:05): And it just, it hit hard. Brenton Sconce (00:05:08): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:05:08): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:05:09): Yeah, being able to kind of say it and admit it was definitely a huge thing. Brenton Sconce (00:05:12): I mean, at the time, I mean, when I texted it, you know, I wasn't sober when I texted it. Rachel Casey (00:05:18): I was going to ask. Rachel Casey (00:05:19): I'm like, yeah, that's usually the I called for help when I was drunk, too. Rachel Casey (00:05:23): So, I mean, you know, it's like you wake up and you're like, that was I don't know. Rachel Casey (00:05:27): But now you've the cards are there. Rachel Casey (00:05:29): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:05:30): Yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:05:30): and I had, Brenton Sconce (00:05:31): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:05:31): I texted that and we had started the ball rolling so quickly to find a place for me Brenton Sconce (00:05:36): and get me in a spot that by the time, Brenton Sconce (00:05:40): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:05:40): I really sobered up, Brenton Sconce (00:05:41): like the train was leaving the station and I was like, Brenton Sconce (00:05:44): all right, Brenton Sconce (00:05:45): I'm in for this thing. Brenton Sconce (00:05:46): And, Brenton Sconce (00:05:47): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:05:47): granted, Brenton Sconce (00:05:48): once I was in detox and stuff, Brenton Sconce (00:05:49): there was a couple of days right at the beginning where I was like, Brenton Sconce (00:05:52): oh, Brenton Sconce (00:05:52): I don't need this. Brenton Sconce (00:05:53): You know, Brenton Sconce (00:05:53): I got this under control and, Brenton Sconce (00:05:55): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:05:55): was going to AMA and just leave the treatment center. Brenton Sconce (00:05:58): And I, you know, thankfully I didn't. Brenton Sconce (00:06:00): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:06:00): And then it was absolutely life changing for me, that whole experience. Brenton Sconce (00:06:03): But yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:06:04): texting the message, Brenton Sconce (00:06:07): I'm an alcoholic and I need help, Brenton Sconce (00:06:08): was very much just a moment of clarity and Brenton Sconce (00:06:11): there's kind of a radical vulnerability in it that I didn't notice at the time, Brenton Sconce (00:06:17): but it, Brenton Sconce (00:06:17): it was absolutely just a grace that I, Brenton Sconce (00:06:20): I was able to text that and, Brenton Sconce (00:06:22): and send it. Brenton Sconce (00:06:22): Cause that's what got everything started. Rachel Casey (00:06:24): Yeah, no. Rachel Casey (00:06:25): And I think with recovery and in your experience, Rachel Casey (00:06:28): you can share, Rachel Casey (00:06:28): I think going, Rachel Casey (00:06:30): jumping on it is what you should do. Rachel Casey (00:06:33): If someone is calling and asking for help with addiction, that window can be so small that you, Rachel Casey (00:06:41): even like you said a few days in you're like i don't know if i need this like this Rachel Casey (00:06:45): is this is kind of crazy and i think had mine not moved as fast as it did i could Rachel Casey (00:06:50): have probably talked myself out of it and been like because i wasn't a rock bottom Rachel Casey (00:06:54): i didn't lose i wasn't homeless i wasn't i mean internally 100 rock bottom like i Rachel Casey (00:07:00): do not ever want to go back there never but if you looked at my life like Rachel Casey (00:07:06): living wise yeah i hadn't like i still had my my son i was still married have a Rachel Casey (00:07:11): house car the things that don't you know but that's what people like look at Rachel Casey (00:07:16): they're like well if i'm able to do this then i might not have a problem and so i Rachel Casey (00:07:21): think getting as quickly as you can to like Rachel Casey (00:07:24): get help. Rachel Casey (00:07:24): Do you think that seeing your friend that six months prior had gotten help Rachel Casey (00:07:29): influenced anything that that was kind of in the back of your mind of like, Brenton Sconce (00:07:33): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:07:33): it, Brenton Sconce (00:07:34): it may have been, Brenton Sconce (00:07:35): I just remember, Brenton Sconce (00:07:36): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:07:37): at the time I was at a point where like, Brenton Sconce (00:07:41): You know, Brenton Sconce (00:07:41): in recovery, Brenton Sconce (00:07:41): they'll talk about how essentially, Brenton Sconce (00:07:43): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:07:44): the addiction gets to such a level that the addict almost wishes they were caught. Brenton Sconce (00:07:48): Like they just, they need a way out and they don't know how to get a way out. Brenton Sconce (00:07:52): And like I say to, Brenton Sconce (00:07:54): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:07:54): the folks that I talk to, Brenton Sconce (00:07:55): when it comes to that moment of clarity, Brenton Sconce (00:07:57): like, Brenton Sconce (00:07:57): Like you just said, Brenton Sconce (00:07:58): you've got to act on it in that moment because as soon as that passes, Brenton Sconce (00:08:02): there's no guarantee that you get another one. Brenton Sconce (00:08:04): And we've heard far too many stories that have ended tragically because folks Brenton Sconce (00:08:09): haven't acted in that moment of clarity. Brenton Sconce (00:08:11): And so I always remind folks that if... Brenton Sconce (00:08:14): If you have even just the faintest like inkling that there's a problem or that Brenton Sconce (00:08:18): there's something or you get this glimpse like for for me, Brenton Sconce (00:08:21): I got this glimpse of really of what was to come of like what my life is going to Brenton Sconce (00:08:26): be like if I keep going down this road. Brenton Sconce (00:08:28): And it's going to you know, Brenton Sconce (00:08:29): it's going to be the loss of everything that I really, Brenton Sconce (00:08:31): really, Brenton Sconce (00:08:32): truly, Brenton Sconce (00:08:32): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:08:33): deep down loved. Brenton Sconce (00:08:34): And I think it was just the glimpse of that that kind of shook me enough to send that text. Brenton Sconce (00:08:40): But yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:08:41): so the moment of clarity, Brenton Sconce (00:08:42): you act on it, Brenton Sconce (00:08:43): and then you just kind of go from there and submit to whatever's happening. Brenton Sconce (00:08:49): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:08:50): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:08:50): And kind of like the acceptance is the hardest probably part. Rachel Casey (00:08:54): And then it's the rebuilding from there. (00:08:56): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:08:57): So you were a pastor or are, I don't know. Rachel Casey (00:09:02): I saw that you're getting your MBA in leadership, which is awesome. Rachel Casey (00:09:06): I think people in recovery just are great leaders because... Rachel Casey (00:09:11): we have been to the low of lows and like being able seeing someone walk in on day Rachel Casey (00:09:18): one and then seeing them at one year like it is the most rewarding experience like Rachel Casey (00:09:25): you know not that it's just really cool so leadership is it's kind of like doing Rachel Casey (00:09:30): something you love because encouraging others so how did you kind of go from Rachel Casey (00:09:36): Pastor, was that pre-sobriety? Rachel Casey (00:09:40): And then talk about where your timeline kind of went with that. Rachel Casey (00:09:43): You look really young for pastor. Brenton Sconce (00:09:47): Yeah, I was a young pastor. Brenton Sconce (00:09:48): So yeah, it was pre-sobriety. Brenton Sconce (00:09:49): It was pre really the giant jump into my active addiction. Brenton Sconce (00:09:53): But the pastoral ministry that I was a part of Brenton Sconce (00:09:57): I led a church just north of Seattle for several years. Brenton Sconce (00:10:01): And the ending of that, Brenton Sconce (00:10:05): although it was my decision to step away from that position, Brenton Sconce (00:10:09): the ending of that was what really brought all of the internal struggle that I had Brenton Sconce (00:10:14): been suppressing really to the forefront. Brenton Sconce (00:10:18): And for whatever reason, that was kind of the cataclysmic catalyst, if you will, that Brenton Sconce (00:10:24): that kind of crashed everything in, into, you know, my soul, I guess, where I, Brenton Sconce (00:10:31): all the internal thoughts of failure and not living up and expectations and Brenton Sconce (00:10:36): perfectionism and all of those kinds of things became no longer avoidable. Brenton Sconce (00:10:41): And so it was, Brenton Sconce (00:10:43): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:10:44): as a result of stepping away from that role where I thought that was kind of, Brenton Sconce (00:10:47): that was my dream position. Brenton Sconce (00:10:48): It's what I had gone to school for initially. Brenton Sconce (00:10:51): It's what, you know, I had been trained in and that's where my passion in my heart was. Brenton Sconce (00:10:56): And so to have that end, Brenton Sconce (00:10:58): even though I was the one that made the call, Brenton Sconce (00:11:00): there was still this just nagging sense of failure. Brenton Sconce (00:11:03): And it just kind of overwhelmed me. Brenton Sconce (00:11:05): And that's where my active addiction really launched in. Brenton Sconce (00:11:09): And I think there was both an escapism aspect to it, Brenton Sconce (00:11:12): where I was trying to escape the reality of what I was experiencing and feeling. Brenton Sconce (00:11:16): That kind of morphed into this, Brenton Sconce (00:11:18): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:11:19): misguided, Brenton Sconce (00:11:19): I think I need alcohol to show up a certain way. Brenton Sconce (00:11:22): I think I need alcohol to be a certain way in front of people. Brenton Sconce (00:11:25): And so it kind of became that thing. Brenton Sconce (00:11:26): And then it became a daily thing and a daily dependence. Brenton Sconce (00:11:29): And then it became, you know, physical. Brenton Sconce (00:11:31): And then, you know, and then I think it becomes deeply, deeply spiritual as well. Brenton Sconce (00:11:34): And it hooks you and slowly, slowly kills you. Brenton Sconce (00:11:38): So the pastoral side was, Brenton Sconce (00:11:40): yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:11:40): pre, Brenton Sconce (00:11:41): I still drank as a pastor, Brenton Sconce (00:11:43): but very much socially, Brenton Sconce (00:11:44): just out with dinner, Brenton Sconce (00:11:45): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:11:46): every once in a while, Brenton Sconce (00:11:46): that kind of thing. Brenton Sconce (00:11:47): But yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:11:47): it was really the collapse of, Brenton Sconce (00:11:50): I guess, Brenton Sconce (00:11:52): the, Brenton Sconce (00:11:52): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:11:53): the paradigm of what I thought my world was going to be. Brenton Sconce (00:11:55): And I didn't know how to cope. Brenton Sconce (00:11:58): with it. Brenton Sconce (00:11:59): And so I quickly found that drinking allowed me to both escape and then also on the Brenton Sconce (00:12:07): flip side show up in a way that I thought I needed to show up for people rather Brenton Sconce (00:12:11): than being myself. Rachel Casey (00:12:14): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:12:14): And is your wife in the program or she is one of the normal drinkers that doesn't Rachel Casey (00:12:19): really have a problem with it or? Brenton Sconce (00:12:21): Yeah, she's yeah, she's a normie. Brenton Sconce (00:12:24): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:12:25): So she does. Brenton Sconce (00:12:26): She still drinks very, very rarely, but she has been an amazing person. Brenton Sconce (00:12:30): support and encouragement to me in the journey. Brenton Sconce (00:12:32): I mean, you know, we don't keep alcohol in the house or anything like that. Brenton Sconce (00:12:36): She doesn't drink around me. Brenton Sconce (00:12:37): You know, it's very it's very rare for her to have a drink. Brenton Sconce (00:12:40): But yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:12:42): she we talk and joke about all the time how like she's never wondered if she had a Brenton Sconce (00:12:47): problem with alcohol, Brenton Sconce (00:12:48): like Brenton Sconce (00:12:49): Or I remember even dating, Brenton Sconce (00:12:51): like she would just like order a beer and then drink half of it and leave it and be Brenton Sconce (00:12:56): like, Brenton Sconce (00:12:56): just chill. Brenton Sconce (00:12:57): And I'm like, what? Brenton Sconce (00:13:00): What are you doing? Brenton Sconce (00:13:00): Leaving this thing? Brenton Sconce (00:13:01): Just sitting here like this is liquid gold. Brenton Sconce (00:13:03): And I remember back then even thinking like, this is nutso. Brenton Sconce (00:13:05): Like, how can you just walk away from this? Brenton Sconce (00:13:07): And I mean, that should have been that should have been a clue right there. Brenton Sconce (00:13:10): But but yeah, so she's she's a normie, but she's been Brenton Sconce (00:13:13): Yeah, absolutely amazing and incredible. Brenton Sconce (00:13:16): And it hasn't been without, Brenton Sconce (00:13:18): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:13:18): obvious rough times and a lot that we've had to work through and a lot that I've Brenton Sconce (00:13:22): had to work through rebuilding trust and kind of rebuilding a life that I started Brenton Sconce (00:13:27): to tear apart. Brenton Sconce (00:13:28): And Rachel Casey (00:13:29): She probably sees the change too, Rachel Casey (00:13:30): just because like, Rachel Casey (00:13:31): it's not just alcoholics who can see a change. Rachel Casey (00:13:34): I mean, we probably feel it on a very deep level because we understand that inner feeling. Rachel Casey (00:13:39): It's just like any other relation that can't really understand baseball things if Rachel Casey (00:13:45): you're not playing baseball, Rachel Casey (00:13:46): but you understand if like, Rachel Casey (00:13:47): so I think there is a deeper level, Rachel Casey (00:13:49): but. Rachel Casey (00:13:50): it didn't take much time before other people that have no addiction issues were Rachel Casey (00:13:55): like whoa you have a a different aura a glow a you know it's yeah so i'm sure it Rachel Casey (00:14:03): was pretty easy for her to see like she wants to so i haven't found any partner who Rachel Casey (00:14:09): doesn't want to support unless they have a drinking problem themselves and they're Rachel Casey (00:14:14): mad and resentful that they are losing their drinking buddy Rachel Casey (00:14:17): yeah yeah and that's probably how it would have been had colin and i not got sober Rachel Casey (00:14:23): together again that was very serendipitous that was very i have no idea how we have Rachel Casey (00:14:28): the same sobriety date but uh we would drink each other under the table so i'm like Rachel Casey (00:14:34): i know and it was funny in recovery because i know the kind of drinker he is and he Rachel Casey (00:14:38): knows the kind of drinker i am and so like there was no bullshitting each other you Rachel Casey (00:14:42): know there was no this is kind of how it was he's like no i was there yes it was Rachel Casey (00:14:48): bad and which i think is why we like comedy so much because there's a couple ways Rachel Casey (00:14:55): you can go about looking at your past and we choose to laugh about it and Rachel Casey (00:15:01): there's a time to be serious, obviously like our first year or he'll even talk about it. Rachel Casey (00:15:06): My first year, like I didn't think anything about recovery was funny. Rachel Casey (00:15:09): It was very serious. Rachel Casey (00:15:10): It was life and death. Rachel Casey (00:15:11): I was very hot and cold, Rachel Casey (00:15:14): which no surprise I'm alcoholic, Rachel Casey (00:15:15): but now I, Rachel Casey (00:15:18): I mean, Rachel Casey (00:15:18): it's really hard not to. Rachel Casey (00:15:19): So how do you incorporate humor in your recovery? Brenton Sconce (00:15:23): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:15:24): So that's a great, yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:15:25): Great segue to, you know, why I created office recovery. Brenton Sconce (00:15:28): Like it, Brenton Sconce (00:15:29): kind of birthed out of my time in the treatment center where Brenton Sconce (00:15:32): Like at the end of every week, Brenton Sconce (00:15:33): we could all like that, Brenton Sconce (00:15:34): like all the people in the center could choose a movie to watch or whatever for the Brenton Sconce (00:15:38): end of the night, Brenton Sconce (00:15:39): instead of like a final group session. Brenton Sconce (00:15:41): And one of the things I noticed was almost every time unanimously, Brenton Sconce (00:15:46): everyone would vote on some sort of a comedy. Brenton Sconce (00:15:48): And so it just got me thinking while I was in there, I was like, what is it about humor? Brenton Sconce (00:15:53): Like there's gotta be more to humor than just simply a momentary escape from Brenton Sconce (00:15:58): reality that keeps drawing like Brenton Sconce (00:16:01): these people in the treatment center that you would Brenton Sconce (00:16:05): I mean, they're at the bottom of the bottom, right, if they're in there, and I'm one of them. Brenton Sconce (00:16:10): And what is it that keeps drawing us back into humor? Brenton Sconce (00:16:13): And so that got me kind of on a path and a journey of researching what it is about Brenton Sconce (00:16:19): humor that's actually healing. Brenton Sconce (00:16:21): And in my research, Brenton Sconce (00:16:23): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:16:25): there's so many studies out there that show not only on the neurological side and Brenton Sconce (00:16:30): the neuroplasticity side of what humor can do to reshape our Brenton Sconce (00:16:33): our brain and rewire our neurons. Brenton Sconce (00:16:35): But it has a ton of benefits when it comes to anti-fragility, Brenton Sconce (00:16:39): when it comes to community building, Brenton Sconce (00:16:41): when it comes to being able to address the trauma of our past. Brenton Sconce (00:16:46): If we are enveloping ourselves in humor, Brenton Sconce (00:16:49): we're able to see those events a little bit outside of itself and be able to Brenton Sconce (00:16:55): actually walk through those, Brenton Sconce (00:16:56): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:16:56): maybe those traumatic events that shaped Brenton Sconce (00:16:58): who we've become. Brenton Sconce (00:17:00): So there's a ton of benefits to humor when it comes to specifically the recovery process. Brenton Sconce (00:17:07): So a year into my sober journey, Brenton Sconce (00:17:10): I was watching The Office like I always do because it's always on repeat. Brenton Sconce (00:17:14): And it has been since early 2000s. Brenton Sconce (00:17:16): And I was like, you know, The Office is like the funniest show in the world. Brenton Sconce (00:17:19): Like that's a hill I will die on. Brenton Sconce (00:17:21): The Office is the greatest TV show ever created. Brenton Sconce (00:17:24): And so I was like, I want to combine The Office with... Brenton Sconce (00:17:29): recovery and there were so many memes that I started to like think about that I was Brenton Sconce (00:17:34): like oh that's like that's hilarious to me and it really started out with like this Brenton Sconce (00:17:38): is a joke for myself to just like post these and yeah and people have you know Brenton Sconce (00:17:43): responded to it and it's developed into this thing where it's been an absolutely Brenton Sconce (00:17:47): beautiful connection with so many people where not only are they Brenton Sconce (00:17:51): able to kind of get a laugh out of the memes and it kind of brings them back to the Brenton Sconce (00:17:55): episodes that it's referencing. Brenton Sconce (00:17:56): But I've been able to have some really like intense and deep and real conversations with people. Brenton Sconce (00:18:01): And I think that's the beauty of humor is it can lighten the load just enough Brenton Sconce (00:18:07): for you to take that next right step. Brenton Sconce (00:18:08): And it can also connect you with people that you otherwise probably never would Brenton Sconce (00:18:12): have engaged with. Brenton Sconce (00:18:14): And so then when that connection is made, Brenton Sconce (00:18:16): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:18:16): then you're walking side by side with somebody through life. Brenton Sconce (00:18:20): And that's, Brenton Sconce (00:18:21): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:18:21): that's massive in general, Brenton Sconce (00:18:24): but in the recovery space, Brenton Sconce (00:18:25): that's absolutely essential. Brenton Sconce (00:18:28): And so that's where office recovery was born. Brenton Sconce (00:18:30): And that's kind of where humor comes into play for it. Brenton Sconce (00:18:33): And I like what you said earlier that Brenton Sconce (00:18:35): There, there are certainly times that are serious. Brenton Sconce (00:18:38): There's a lot of times like, for a while, my tagline was recovery is hard enough as it is. Brenton Sconce (00:18:43): Like, it's, it is a heavy thing. Brenton Sconce (00:18:46): I mean, you're, you're morphing into the person you were meant to be. Brenton Sconce (00:18:51): And Brenton Sconce (00:18:53): that you know that transformation doesn't come without pain you know and it's it's Brenton Sconce (00:18:58): like a a surgeon coming in with a scalpel and and cutting off the parts of you that Brenton Sconce (00:19:04): no longer serve you and and that doesn't feel good and so there's a lot of Brenton Sconce (00:19:08): heaviness there's a lot of pain and a lot of trauma in the recovery world and um Brenton Sconce (00:19:14): And if I can help or if we can kind of embrace this aspect of either looking at our Brenton Sconce (00:19:18): past humorously or just being able to shape present circumstances with a little bit Brenton Sconce (00:19:23): of humor and be able to smile and laugh, Brenton Sconce (00:19:26): and especially on a hard, Brenton Sconce (00:19:28): tough day, Brenton Sconce (00:19:28): sometimes that's all we need to kind of take the next breath and move forward. Rachel Casey (00:19:34): A hundred percent. Rachel Casey (00:19:35): He said it so well. Rachel Casey (00:19:36): It's like there is another level of connection. Rachel Casey (00:19:39): And that's it's always nice when you find someone who likes the same stuff as you. Rachel Casey (00:19:45): And it's really easy to. Rachel Casey (00:19:47): Yeah, that means you have a personal like favorite meme that you've made. Brenton Sconce (00:19:50): Oh, that's a good question. Brenton Sconce (00:19:52): The. Rachel Casey (00:19:53): i mean michael scott is probably in like anything with him yeah yeah i was like any Brenton Sconce (00:19:57): of his stuff i really like so i think the two that just pop to the front of mind Brenton Sconce (00:20:01): there's the one where michael is jumping on the train and in the actual episode Brenton Sconce (00:20:04): he's like i'm running away from my responsibilities and it feels good and i mean Brenton Sconce (00:20:08): that into running away from my alcoholism and it feels good um but just knowing Brenton Sconce (00:20:12): like his cadence and how he says it like i can hear it and i don't know that one Brenton Sconce (00:20:17): just strikes me as super funny but also like Brenton Sconce (00:20:19): oddly you know poignant and deep and then the other one is when Creed gets on the Brenton Sconce (00:20:25): bus like when he's hitchhiking and he's like playing hooky from work and uh he sees Brenton Sconce (00:20:31): everyone on like all the work you know his his co-workers on the bus and he's like Brenton Sconce (00:20:35): oh my god I memed that one too and was like I think it was a dry January one where Brenton Sconce (00:20:39): I was like I'm taking a break from dry January and then sees like the recovery Brenton Sconce (00:20:43): community and it's like oh Brenton Sconce (00:20:44): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:20:45): I don't know. Brenton Sconce (00:20:45): That one was super fun to make too. Rachel Casey (00:20:48): Creed is a great one too. Rachel Casey (00:20:50): You can put that with any like AA meeting and he's like, what am I doing here? Rachel Casey (00:20:54): Like your first day sober. Rachel Casey (00:20:55): Like what am I doing? Rachel Casey (00:20:58): Creed is my husband's favorite. Brenton Sconce (00:20:58): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:20:59): He's like the old guy. Brenton Sconce (00:20:59): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:21:00): The old guy in the meetings. Brenton Sconce (00:21:01): Right. Brenton Sconce (00:21:01): That's like just had this insane life and just talks about it or doesn't. Brenton Sconce (00:21:05): And you know, he'll say like little bits and you're like, who is this guy? Brenton Sconce (00:21:09): Like that's Creed. Rachel Casey (00:21:10): yep yeah for sure and then you even have like you could the kelly romance you know Rachel Casey (00:21:16): there's always studying treatment centers on the back end because i'm going back to Rachel Casey (00:21:20): school too i laughed so hard at the chapter it's like loving the treatment center Rachel Casey (00:21:25): and it's like you know you have to watch out for it because it will technically Rachel Casey (00:21:30): it's so this is where it gets serious it can be a sub addiction but on the initial Rachel Casey (00:21:34): i'm like oh god you know having to keep these kids apart like no you can't Rachel Casey (00:21:39): can't just substitute drinking for yeah and there's a healthy boundary to it i mean Rachel Casey (00:21:45): like if someone has done that and it works i know but typically at least on the Rachel Casey (00:21:51): school side they say yep when you're in your first like 90 days you're not supposed Rachel Casey (00:21:56): to like be in this intense relationship and finding love with someone else who's in Rachel Casey (00:22:00): rehab and yeah yeah Rachel Casey (00:22:02): uh i again that's how i don't know how my husband and i made it because it we were Rachel Casey (00:22:07): both alcoholics you know so to uh have not one of us be like well you know let's Rachel Casey (00:22:14): just go back or something happened of that nature we feel very lucky well well to Brenton Sconce (00:22:20): your point about loving the treatment center i did a meme based on that with Brenton Sconce (00:22:23): michael scott where it's like they tell you not to date you know for the first six Brenton Sconce (00:22:26): months or a year and i just did date mike you know where he's like nice to meet me Brenton Sconce (00:22:30): like Brenton Sconce (00:22:31): I was like, this is me stepping out of rehab. Rachel Casey (00:22:33): So how do you like incorporate faith in with all this? Rachel Casey (00:22:36): So how do you stay sober? Rachel Casey (00:22:37): If you went through the treatment center and you said, Rachel Casey (00:22:40): you know, Rachel Casey (00:22:41): you can come back whenever, Rachel Casey (00:22:42): are you going through like 12 step based? Rachel Casey (00:22:45): Are you just kind of staying in a different community? Rachel Casey (00:22:48): Like how do you stay sober? Brenton Sconce (00:22:49): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:22:50): So when I first got out of the treatment center, Brenton Sconce (00:22:53): I really was, Brenton Sconce (00:22:54): I knew I was desperate enough to, Brenton Sconce (00:22:55): to Brenton Sconce (00:22:57): Look and consider like every option out there. Brenton Sconce (00:23:01): And so I had, Brenton Sconce (00:23:02): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:23:02): the same buddy of mine that dropped me off at the center was like, Brenton Sconce (00:23:06): hey, Brenton Sconce (00:23:06): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:23:06): start coming to meetings with me. Brenton Sconce (00:23:07): So I did I did that. Brenton Sconce (00:23:09): So that in conjunction with the stuff at the treatment center that I did for, Brenton Sconce (00:23:13): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:23:14): the next nine months or whatever, Brenton Sconce (00:23:15): really kind of launched and laid that foundation for me. Brenton Sconce (00:23:19): for the first year, year and a half of everything. Brenton Sconce (00:23:21): And so, Brenton Sconce (00:23:22): yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:23:22): I did the 12 steps, Brenton Sconce (00:23:24): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:23:24): has have a sponsor, Brenton Sconce (00:23:25): I still go to meetings when I can, Brenton Sconce (00:23:27): it's not as often as it used to be. Brenton Sconce (00:23:29): And part of that is Brenton Sconce (00:23:31): yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:23:31): the community that I've developed and that I surround myself with now is totally Brenton Sconce (00:23:35): different. Brenton Sconce (00:23:36): And coming out of, you know, out of rehab, it's a clean slate. Brenton Sconce (00:23:39): There's like nobody there. Brenton Sconce (00:23:41): So AA and, you know, the rooms of recovery was kind of my community to start out with. Brenton Sconce (00:23:45): And so, Brenton Sconce (00:23:45): yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:23:46): I went that route for a long time and was going to meetings very often and Brenton Sconce (00:23:50): consistently. Brenton Sconce (00:23:50): And then outside of that, Brenton Sconce (00:23:52): once I started office recovery and, Brenton Sconce (00:23:53): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:23:54): started connecting with folks, Brenton Sconce (00:23:55): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:23:55): that's been, Brenton Sconce (00:23:56): nobody's more surprised than I am at how, Brenton Sconce (00:23:59): amazing the recovery and the sober community has been online. Brenton Sconce (00:24:02): I never was a social media guy prior to office recovery. Brenton Sconce (00:24:05): I mean, I had social media accounts. Brenton Sconce (00:24:07): I've had Facebook since 2005. Brenton Sconce (00:24:09): I was in one of the test schools before they launched nationwide when there was the Brenton Sconce (00:24:14): wall and everything. Brenton Sconce (00:24:15): And Rachel Casey (00:24:15): Oh, I forgot about that. Rachel Casey (00:24:16): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:24:17): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:24:17): So I've had it for a very long time. Brenton Sconce (00:24:21): But launching Office Recovery and then starting to connect with people and getting Brenton Sconce (00:24:25): these awesome connections and conversations going has been so helpful for me. Brenton Sconce (00:24:30): And then just constantly thinking and creating content for Office Recovery very Brenton Sconce (00:24:34): much keeps me in the mind space of recovery all the time. Brenton Sconce (00:24:37): And then adding on top of that fitness and working out and Brenton Sconce (00:24:42): I'm surrounding myself with like-minded people, Brenton Sconce (00:24:44): even folks who still have a healthy relationship with alcohol, Brenton Sconce (00:24:47): but their pursuits and their life goals match up more with mine. Brenton Sconce (00:24:51): So just surrounding myself with folks like that has been huge too. Brenton Sconce (00:24:55): So yeah, I'm in a great place. Brenton Sconce (00:24:57): I went back to school. Brenton Sconce (00:24:58): I'm graduating in June. Brenton Sconce (00:25:00): Congratulations. Rachel Casey (00:25:01): That's huge. Brenton Sconce (00:25:02): Exactly one month. Brenton Sconce (00:25:03): I'll be walking. Brenton Sconce (00:25:04): Oh, that's awesome. Brenton Sconce (00:25:06): I've never walked to get a diploma or degree. Brenton Sconce (00:25:10): So I was homeschooled in high school. Brenton Sconce (00:25:13): That doesn't count. Brenton Sconce (00:25:14): Like you're walking to the living room. Brenton Sconce (00:25:16): And then my bachelor's was all online and I wasn't going to fly to Chicago to walk Brenton Sconce (00:25:22): the aisle there. Brenton Sconce (00:25:23): And so here I'm going to walk and get my master's. Brenton Sconce (00:25:25): So that'll be fun. Brenton Sconce (00:25:26): That's exciting. Brenton Sconce (00:25:27): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:25:28): Like going back to school, Brenton Sconce (00:25:29): I did things like I wrote a kid's book that I'm working on getting published right Brenton Sconce (00:25:33): now. Brenton Sconce (00:25:33): And then Brenton Sconce (00:25:34): office recovery and then the the bear crawl training stuff like all of these things Brenton Sconce (00:25:38): are like never would have happened in in active addiction like outside of recovery Brenton Sconce (00:25:44): there's no way any of this would have have come about so and what's the bear if you Rachel Casey (00:25:48): want to segue into how's the bear crawl starting or how did that start because Rachel Casey (00:25:52): that's second right yeah so office recovery then now it's bear crawl which i Brenton Sconce (00:25:57): haven't really mentioned that yet Brenton Sconce (00:25:59): Yeah, so office recovery was, yeah, that's kind of my baby, my main thing. Brenton Sconce (00:26:04): The Bloomsday Bear Crawl, Brenton Sconce (00:26:06): I came up with the idea about a year ago, Brenton Sconce (00:26:10): but we just officially launched like on Instagram and YouTube and Facebook this Brenton Sconce (00:26:15): month. Brenton Sconce (00:26:17): And what it is, Brenton Sconce (00:26:18): is it's a year-long fundraising campaign to raise funds for aftercare scholarships Brenton Sconce (00:26:24): for the treatment center that I was a part of, Brenton Sconce (00:26:26): which is Royal Life Center. Brenton Sconce (00:26:28): Um, so I was a recipient of a scholarship. Brenton Sconce (00:26:31): My case manager, when I was in detox was like, Hey, we think you should go to, to aftercare. Brenton Sconce (00:26:37): And I couldn't, there's no way I could afford it. Brenton Sconce (00:26:39): Like it's crazy expensive and my insurance wouldn't do it. Brenton Sconce (00:26:43): Well, Brenton Sconce (00:26:43): unbeknownst to me, Brenton Sconce (00:26:44): she apparently put my name in for a scholarship and I was offered this scholarship Brenton Sconce (00:26:50): and it covered 100% of my aftercare, Brenton Sconce (00:26:52): my 12 weeks with them. Rachel Casey (00:26:53): Probably a huge difference. Brenton Sconce (00:26:55): Yeah, huge, huge difference because you've got detox and residential, which... Brenton Sconce (00:26:59): kind of starts to tear up the, Brenton Sconce (00:27:02): the foundation a little bit, Brenton Sconce (00:27:03): but really it's like all that aftercare that lays the foundation. Brenton Sconce (00:27:06): It really solidifies what you like, Brenton Sconce (00:27:08): what, Brenton Sconce (00:27:09): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:27:09): your, Brenton Sconce (00:27:09): your mind starts becoming clear enough to actually start to take in things and Brenton Sconce (00:27:13): understand and remember them and you start to build community with people like Brenton Sconce (00:27:19): actual community. Brenton Sconce (00:27:20): Cause you're kind of out living life now, Brenton Sconce (00:27:22): not just in your, Brenton Sconce (00:27:23): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:27:24): little bubble in the treatment center. Brenton Sconce (00:27:26): Um, Brenton Sconce (00:27:27): So it's absolutely vital, Brenton Sconce (00:27:28): I think, Brenton Sconce (00:27:29): and important for folks if they can get into some sort of aftercare program if Brenton Sconce (00:27:32): they're going the treatment center route. Brenton Sconce (00:27:35): So anyway, Brenton Sconce (00:27:36): so I was like, Brenton Sconce (00:27:36): okay, Brenton Sconce (00:27:37): I want to do something and give back to the community that's been so incredibly Brenton Sconce (00:27:41): helpful for me. Brenton Sconce (00:27:42): So I'm doing the year-long fundraiser. Brenton Sconce (00:27:43): It culminates in May of 2026 with me bear crawling the Bloomsday Race, which is 7.46 miles. Brenton Sconce (00:27:51): Um, Brenton Sconce (00:27:54): uh, Brenton Sconce (00:27:54): in May, Brenton Sconce (00:27:55): I'll be bear crawling the whole thing and the whole thing will just be a giant Brenton Sconce (00:27:58): fundraiser and all the donations, Brenton Sconce (00:28:00): a hundred percent of the donations are going to go into the scholarship and be able Brenton Sconce (00:28:04): to help out as many people as possible, Brenton Sconce (00:28:07): be able to get into aftercare. Brenton Sconce (00:28:08): So that's what the Bloomsday Bear Crawl is. Brenton Sconce (00:28:11): And yeah, and it's been fantastic. Brenton Sconce (00:28:13): So I'm, you know, I'm training every day and it's, it's absolutely brutal. Brenton Sconce (00:28:18): Um, Brenton Sconce (00:28:19): but I'm, I'm super excited for it. Brenton Sconce (00:28:21): And I think, Brenton Sconce (00:28:21): I think it's going to be really, Brenton Sconce (00:28:23): really cool to see, Brenton Sconce (00:28:24): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:28:25): the folks that we get to help out and yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:28:27): And then just have a crazy adventure along the way. Rachel Casey (00:28:30): I think that's awesome because people, Rachel Casey (00:28:32): and that's another thing that when I was in school and one of the classes and the Rachel Casey (00:28:37): ethics class, Rachel Casey (00:28:38): we went to interview other counselors and talk about like the harder parts of the Rachel Casey (00:28:43): job. Rachel Casey (00:28:45): And they, without doubt said, Rachel Casey (00:28:47): getting payment or getting someone approved because like they're one question off Rachel Casey (00:28:52): and then the insurance company won't cover the recovery treatment or they won't Rachel Casey (00:28:57): cover like you said the aftercare like they'll only approve sometimes as little as Rachel Casey (00:29:01): like seven days some people as much as 90 but i think 90 is about the max like i Rachel Casey (00:29:08): haven't really heard of anything more than 90 and as you and i probably know Rachel Casey (00:29:13): it that there is so much growth i would say even the first six months or year Rachel Casey (00:29:18): honestly like getting in your routine and your foundation because we talk what it's Rachel Casey (00:29:24): 30 days to build a habit right no so we're doing two things we're unlearning an Rachel Casey (00:29:28): addiction which is a chemical balance in our brain that tells us this substance Rachel Casey (00:29:34): will make us feel good even though it's not going to Rachel Casey (00:29:37): and so we're fighting that dragon all at the same time trying to build these new Rachel Casey (00:29:42): habits and it it is it's the best experience but it is hard and having Rachel Casey (00:29:50): tools people like-minded individuals around you it's so important i think like it Rachel Casey (00:29:57): is and not everyone i talked about i had my house i had a car a lot of people when Rachel Casey (00:30:04): they enter recovery that's not the sentences they're always saying they might have Rachel Casey (00:30:08): nothing they might have pushed away the family and friends so like Rachel Casey (00:30:13): the only chance they have at recovery is to get support from other people so that's Rachel Casey (00:30:19): i can't wait to share and promote this so i didn't even know the whole backstory of Rachel Casey (00:30:23): the year campaign and i think that's incredible no it's it's going to be fantastic Brenton Sconce (00:30:28): and yeah the you know it takes a minimum of 90 days for your dopamine levels to Brenton Sconce (00:30:32): begin to reset like let's begin to reset and so even if you're out of treatment Brenton Sconce (00:30:37): even if you get the full max 90 days Brenton Sconce (00:30:40): you're all of a sudden back out in your home or on the street or whatever the case is. Brenton Sconce (00:30:44): But now all of a sudden, Brenton Sconce (00:30:46): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:30:46): you're at this level, Brenton Sconce (00:30:47): you're used to being at this level, Brenton Sconce (00:30:49): but you have no tools, Brenton Sconce (00:30:50): you have no resources, Brenton Sconce (00:30:51): no community on how to manage and start to find joy in the things that we're meant Brenton Sconce (00:30:56): to find joy in that are supposed to be the actual dopamine spikes. Brenton Sconce (00:31:00): And so, I mean, what are you going to do? Brenton Sconce (00:31:02): Like you don't have to surround yourself with other people. Rachel Casey (00:31:04): Like you can find dopamine spikes and it can, it's so easy to slip out. Rachel Casey (00:31:09): and yeah because when you're in a treatment center right like you're you're in Rachel Casey (00:31:14): you're kind you don't unless you do ama you're not leaving and that's not how life Rachel Casey (00:31:18): is we have temptation around us every single day like Rachel Casey (00:31:21): i loved loved one of my sponsees used to her parents were just scared about her Rachel Casey (00:31:26): going back to her apartment being like what if you find a bottle there what if you Rachel Casey (00:31:31): like come across alcohol like they just they were so happy to have their daughter Rachel Casey (00:31:34): back and yeah she's like pulls out her her id she pulls out her keys she's like if Rachel Casey (00:31:40): i wanted a drink i can go get one like having it in front of me is not gonna make Rachel Casey (00:31:44): me go jump into a fountain like i have the choice every single day Rachel Casey (00:31:49): I can go seek it out if I choose. Rachel Casey (00:31:51): And I choose not to because it was destroying my, I'm alcoholic. Rachel Casey (00:31:54): I'm, once I take a sip, I'm going to keep going. Rachel Casey (00:31:58): And I'm like, Rachel Casey (00:31:59): yeah, Rachel Casey (00:31:59): that, Rachel Casey (00:32:00): that, Rachel Casey (00:32:00): the aftercare is what teaches you that until you get to a place where when you see Rachel Casey (00:32:05): alcohol, Rachel Casey (00:32:06): you're not going to, Rachel Casey (00:32:07): you have to learn how to not be triggered or it takes time. Brenton Sconce (00:32:11): It does take time. Brenton Sconce (00:32:12): Yeah, absolutely. Brenton Sconce (00:32:13): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:32:13): So any way that we can give back in donations, Brenton Sconce (00:32:17): I'm expecting the donation platform to open up in June. Brenton Sconce (00:32:20): And so then that's when I'll start accepting fundraising and start promoting the Brenton Sconce (00:32:25): actual fundraising aspect of it. Brenton Sconce (00:32:27): And so that's when that will come about. Brenton Sconce (00:32:28): But yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:32:29): I'm just excited to see what we get to do as a recovery community to help other Brenton Sconce (00:32:34): folks get like an actual chance at getting their life back or starting a new life Brenton Sconce (00:32:40): or whatever the case might be, Brenton Sconce (00:32:42): but getting an opportunity, Brenton Sconce (00:32:43): like just the opportunity to do something. Brenton Sconce (00:32:46): So that's what I'm super, super excited about. Rachel Casey (00:32:49): That sounds, and there's just a lot, there's a lot of laughter too. Rachel Casey (00:32:53): And like you said, Rachel Casey (00:32:54): there's, Rachel Casey (00:32:56): so if you had to like share right now with someone struggling, Rachel Casey (00:33:00): who's listening or thinking about getting sober and they're like that teetotall, Rachel Casey (00:33:04): what would you have for advice or what would you say? Brenton Sconce (00:33:09): Yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:33:09): I think it takes a lot of honesty for someone to take a good hard look at Brenton Sconce (00:33:14): themselves and figure out. Brenton Sconce (00:33:15): And I think if you're asking the question, Brenton Sconce (00:33:17): and I said this to a friend of mine just recently, Brenton Sconce (00:33:19): if you're asking the question, Brenton Sconce (00:33:21): do I have a problem with alcohol, Brenton Sconce (00:33:22): odds are Brenton Sconce (00:33:23): You probably do, Brenton Sconce (00:33:25): because I think folks with a healthy relationship with alcohol don't ask that Brenton Sconce (00:33:29): question. Brenton Sconce (00:33:30): They don't have to. Brenton Sconce (00:33:31): It doesn't even cross their mind. Brenton Sconce (00:33:32): It's like leaving a glass of water on the counter. Brenton Sconce (00:33:35): And so I think if if you're listening to this podcast, Brenton Sconce (00:33:39): if you're, Brenton Sconce (00:33:39): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:33:40): Googling, Brenton Sconce (00:33:41): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:33:41): am I an alcoholic or any of those kinds of things that there's even the slightest Brenton Sconce (00:33:45): like hint that that you might have a problem. Brenton Sconce (00:33:48): That is your moment of clarity. Brenton Sconce (00:33:50): And that's where you need to take an honest look and say, OK, well, what level is this at? Brenton Sconce (00:33:56): Like, Brenton Sconce (00:33:56): do I need to go to the recovery, Brenton Sconce (00:33:58): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:33:59): the rehab treatment center route because I just can't control it myself? Brenton Sconce (00:34:03): Do I need to get into a program and just start visiting different ones and go to Brenton Sconce (00:34:06): like, Brenton Sconce (00:34:07): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:34:08): a million there's a million different support groups out there for all different Brenton Sconce (00:34:12): types of people. Brenton Sconce (00:34:13): like walk into a meeting, Brenton Sconce (00:34:15): see how it feels, Brenton Sconce (00:34:15): try a different meeting, Brenton Sconce (00:34:16): see how it feels, Brenton Sconce (00:34:17): hop on the, Brenton Sconce (00:34:18): the, Brenton Sconce (00:34:19): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:34:19): sober curious or the sober community on social media and just start meeting people. Brenton Sconce (00:34:24): And you're going to hear stories all over the map of, Brenton Sconce (00:34:27): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:34:27): folks that just knew it wasn't good for them. Brenton Sconce (00:34:29): And so they stopped all the way up to, Brenton Sconce (00:34:31): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:34:32): folks in and out of prison for decades and, Brenton Sconce (00:34:34): and now they're sober. Brenton Sconce (00:34:36): And so like, you'll, you'll meet people that way. Brenton Sconce (00:34:39): I think the first thing is you honestly have to just assess, Brenton Sconce (00:34:43): at what level is alcohol playing in my life? Brenton Sconce (00:34:46): And then following that, Brenton Sconce (00:34:47): your next step is really thinking, Brenton Sconce (00:34:49): okay, Brenton Sconce (00:34:50): what's the next right step that I need to take to really recover myself and to Brenton Sconce (00:34:55): become, Brenton Sconce (00:34:55): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:34:56): it's cliche, Brenton Sconce (00:34:57): but the best version of myself. Brenton Sconce (00:34:59): And is that treatment center? Brenton Sconce (00:35:00): Is that meetings? Brenton Sconce (00:35:01): Is that just a supportive community that'll walk with me as I drop, Brenton Sconce (00:35:05): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:35:06): alcohol out of my life? Brenton Sconce (00:35:07): I think those are kind of the first next steps that somebody would need to do. Brenton Sconce (00:35:12): And I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:35:13): I say this all the time on my social medias, Brenton Sconce (00:35:15): but if anyone is listening to this, Brenton Sconce (00:35:17): if you ever want to talk, Brenton Sconce (00:35:18): ever want advice, Brenton Sconce (00:35:20): I don't know what I can give you for advice, Brenton Sconce (00:35:23): but I'll talk to you. Brenton Sconce (00:35:24): I'll listen to your story and I'll be there for you. Brenton Sconce (00:35:29): if we can walk through this journey together, I'm here with you guys. Brenton Sconce (00:35:32): And so that's, you know, I think that's what I would say for kind of initial first steps. Brenton Sconce (00:35:37): If anyone's questioning or wondering if they've got a problem is Brenton Sconce (00:35:41): kind of follow that pathway. Brenton Sconce (00:35:44): And don't lose hope. Brenton Sconce (00:35:45): Like if you're waking up, you know, you woke up this morning, there's hope. Brenton Sconce (00:35:50): Like you wake up tomorrow, there's hope. Brenton Sconce (00:35:52): Like there's always an opportunity for you to take that next right step. Brenton Sconce (00:35:56): And don't be afraid to reach out. Brenton Sconce (00:35:58): I think a lot of folks, Brenton Sconce (00:36:00): the number one thing that folks deal with, Brenton Sconce (00:36:02): I think when it comes specifically to alcohol is shame. Brenton Sconce (00:36:05): And shame dissipates when stories are shared in safe spaces. Brenton Sconce (00:36:10): Share your story with me. Brenton Sconce (00:36:12): Find somebody you can share your story with, Brenton Sconce (00:36:14): someone you feel comfortable with that's not going to judge you. Brenton Sconce (00:36:18): And you'll be amazed at how the shame just disappears. Brenton Sconce (00:36:22): And there's such an incredible freedom in being able to share your story. Brenton Sconce (00:36:26): And you realize you're not alone. Brenton Sconce (00:36:29): You're not alone at all. Brenton Sconce (00:36:30): There are tons of us out here that would love to hold your hand and walk you through this. Rachel Casey (00:36:36): Absolutely. Rachel Casey (00:36:38): always say ditto on that. Rachel Casey (00:36:39): And I will even go the step further that, Rachel Casey (00:36:43): and I'm sure this is the same with you, Rachel Casey (00:36:44): that if someone reaches out to me and I am not able to like in that moment, Rachel Casey (00:36:49): take step, Rachel Casey (00:36:50): step aside. Rachel Casey (00:36:51): Cause I have a five-year-old like in life can be life. Rachel Casey (00:36:53): Like if someone reached out to you, Rachel Casey (00:36:56): while you were walking you know you're like i'm or doing this podcast right now Rachel Casey (00:37:00): what i will say is as soon as i see that text if i am not available i know someone Rachel Casey (00:37:05): else who is available and i can send you that resource or i will text them and i Rachel Casey (00:37:09): will i have at least 100 numbers in my phone right now of hey i am so grateful you Rachel Casey (00:37:16): reached out to me Rachel Casey (00:37:17): i am in the middle but i don't want you to wait to talk to someone let me get you Rachel Casey (00:37:23): in contact with this person or here's the nearest meeting to you i will do all the Rachel Casey (00:37:28): back work i will help you so Rachel Casey (00:37:32): I, Rachel Casey (00:37:32): I say that just to give a cushion of if someone did reach out to me and they're Rachel Casey (00:37:37): like, Rachel Casey (00:37:37): but you said on the podcast, Rachel Casey (00:37:39): you know, Rachel Casey (00:37:39): I'm like, Rachel Casey (00:37:40): okay, Rachel Casey (00:37:41): if I can 100%, Rachel Casey (00:37:41): I will, Rachel Casey (00:37:43): I've, Rachel Casey (00:37:44): I've literally stopped to take a call during coaching my son's soccer game. Rachel Casey (00:37:49): And again, Rachel Casey (00:37:50): and I took the minute I did my, Rachel Casey (00:37:53): I'm going to connect to you and I will a hundred percent stop the world to help. Rachel Casey (00:37:58): And I think anyone in recovery is that way. Rachel Casey (00:38:00): That's not just me. Rachel Casey (00:38:01): That is anyone who's been in those lows of lows in the feeling of addiction. Rachel Casey (00:38:08): Once they have time in sobriety, they're like, Rachel Casey (00:38:12): Anyone who's just curious, you're like, oh my God, it's like a secret. Rachel Casey (00:38:14): It's like, yes, no, no, no. Rachel Casey (00:38:16): It's like, but it's not a secret, but there is shame. Rachel Casey (00:38:18): And I think shame's what kind of makes it that secret. Rachel Casey (00:38:22): Yeah. (00:38:23): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:38:24): Man, could you imagine like Michael Scott running a treatment center? Brenton Sconce (00:38:28): Oh man, Brenton Sconce (00:38:29): that would be, Brenton Sconce (00:38:30): it would probably, Brenton Sconce (00:38:32): yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:38:33): it would be probably the most successful treatment center in the world. Rachel Casey (00:38:36): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:38:37): Like he's just like the, the world's best alcoholic. Rachel Casey (00:38:41): right he got the mug and everything that would be i love the world's best boss um Rachel Casey (00:38:47): yes well okay so what in the fact he bought it for himself yeah yeah exactly um Rachel Casey (00:38:54): like uh the jamaica trip would be a fun episode too of him coming back of like Rachel Casey (00:38:59): talking about all the meetings out there and instead like yeah uh except i think he Rachel Casey (00:39:04): brought back i'll call him that one it doesn't matter again Brenton Sconce (00:39:07): Yeah, he did. Brenton Sconce (00:39:07): He brought, yeah, he brought back rum for one of the gifts. Brenton Sconce (00:39:10): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:39:11): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:39:11): And I laugh at stuff like that too. Rachel Casey (00:39:13): Cause even watching it on TV, Rachel Casey (00:39:16): watching someone get gifted that I'm like, Rachel Casey (00:39:18): it would have been gone that night. Rachel Casey (00:39:19): They're like when people are like, oh yeah, I'll just save this. Rachel Casey (00:39:23): Like it was someone recently, Rachel Casey (00:39:25): we just talked about when we see someone has a mini bar at home and we're like, Rachel Casey (00:39:29): how do you keep it stocked? Brenton Sconce (00:39:30): Like, yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:39:31): Okay. Brenton Sconce (00:39:31): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:39:32): I'm the same way. Brenton Sconce (00:39:33): Like it blows my mind. Brenton Sconce (00:39:34): Like, oh yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:39:35): Go places. Brenton Sconce (00:39:36): And there'll be like, Brenton Sconce (00:39:37): I mean, anything like that. Brenton Sconce (00:39:39): a wine cabinet like a mini bar like any of that i'm like so you they just like sits Brenton Sconce (00:39:43): there like you know you don't think about it all the time yeah it's a while yeah uh Brenton Sconce (00:39:50): but yeah there's that one um and then the other with the office when it's the Brenton Sconce (00:39:54): christmas party and he's like oh my god you think this is enough to get 15 people Brenton Sconce (00:39:58): plastered and it's like 15 bottles like 15 uh you know half gallons of vodka and Brenton Sconce (00:40:03): the but the the worker guy's delivery is like so good he's just like Brenton Sconce (00:40:08): 15 bottles of vodka? Brenton Sconce (00:40:09): Yeah, that should do it. Rachel Casey (00:40:11): That didn't even stay. Rachel Casey (00:40:12): Oh, yeah. Rachel Casey (00:40:12): And I think that's one where, yeah, I was like, to me, I'm like, is that enough? Rachel Casey (00:40:17): Like, that's like one per person. Rachel Casey (00:40:20): So, okay, like, I guess. Brenton Sconce (00:40:22): Well, Meredith does catch her hair on fire in that episode. Rachel Casey (00:40:25): No, that's fine. Rachel Casey (00:40:26): She looks like she was, oh yeah, because she also has the alcoholic. Rachel Casey (00:40:29): And the way that they do it in that episode, Rachel Casey (00:40:32): probably not the best way to like call someone out, Rachel Casey (00:40:35): but they are semi-supportive. Rachel Casey (00:40:36): But that is not what it will be like if you tell someone you have a problem. Rachel Casey (00:40:41): It's usually pretty kept under. Rachel Casey (00:40:44): And honestly, Rachel Casey (00:40:45): the one thing I think in recovery I found out is not as many people care as I Rachel Casey (00:40:49): thought. Rachel Casey (00:40:50): And, you know, we have this lie that we tell ourselves with the alcohol that like, Rachel Casey (00:40:55): this attention everyone's gonna know people listen people don't yeah that is the Rachel Casey (00:41:01): that is the the ego that's everything that comes with that and again these are Rachel Casey (00:41:06): things you learn after getting sober or you already know uh i don't i don't even Rachel Casey (00:41:10): know who's listening other than i do know my mom listens and yeah actually i don't Rachel Casey (00:41:15): even know i think she's watched the office i'm like i don't know i watched that Rachel Casey (00:41:21): Like, Rachel Casey (00:41:21): cause I was old enough that it, Rachel Casey (00:41:22): that was like something I watched that in my early or my late teens, Rachel Casey (00:41:26): early twenties. Rachel Casey (00:41:27): But anyways, it's just, I think that's a classic. Rachel Casey (00:41:30): It never goes out of style. (00:41:31): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:41:31): What's the best way for people to connect with you? Rachel Casey (00:41:34): So you have the office, but I'm very intrigued by the, the bear crawl. Brenton Sconce (00:41:38): The name of the race is the Bloomsday run or Bloomsday race. Rachel Casey (00:41:42): That's going to be your focus now. Rachel Casey (00:41:43): Kind of right. Rachel Casey (00:41:43): For the next year. Brenton Sconce (00:41:45): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:41:45): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:41:45): I'll do, Brenton Sconce (00:41:46): I'll, Brenton Sconce (00:41:46): I'll still do both office recovery and, Brenton Sconce (00:41:48): and Bloomsday, Brenton Sconce (00:41:49): but definitely focus will shift a little bit towards the Bloomsday over the next Brenton Sconce (00:41:52): year. Brenton Sconce (00:41:52): But yeah, so easiest way to get ahold of me is Instagram from my Instagram page. Brenton Sconce (00:41:57): You can find my emails and stuff like that to contact me, Brenton Sconce (00:41:59): but it's just at office recovery is kind of the main hub. Brenton Sconce (00:42:03): And then at the Bloomsday bear crawl is the other one. Brenton Sconce (00:42:07): And it's just, that's probably the easiest way or on Facebook, same thing. Brenton Sconce (00:42:10): You just search Bloomsday bear crawl. Brenton Sconce (00:42:12): or Office Recovery and I'm on there as well. Rachel Casey (00:42:15): I will have those links in the bio too. Rachel Casey (00:42:17): So that way people can easily find it and click on it. Rachel Casey (00:42:21): People are all about, again, we talk about that. Rachel Casey (00:42:23): You got to get that window. Rachel Casey (00:42:25): You got to make it easy. Rachel Casey (00:42:27): I don't want to have to do a lot of clicks. Rachel Casey (00:42:28): So I make sure it's all in the show notes and it's all able to be accessed. Rachel Casey (00:42:32): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:42:34): And there's merch too that you're selling and is the best way you can just go Rachel Casey (00:42:37): through the Instagram site and get, Rachel Casey (00:42:40): how do you purchase merch? Brenton Sconce (00:42:42): Yeah, I've got a link in my bio for office recovery. Brenton Sconce (00:42:45): And then I've got merch coming probably in June for the Bloomsday Bear Crawl as well. Brenton Sconce (00:42:50): So sweet hats like this, t-shirts like this, and a bunch of other stuff. Brenton Sconce (00:42:54): Colin and I will be getting one. Brenton Sconce (00:42:55): So yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:42:56): And the great thing about that too is proceeds from all those, Brenton Sconce (00:42:59): all the merch is going to go right into the donation funds. Brenton Sconce (00:43:02): So Brenton Sconce (00:43:02): But yeah, so that's coming. Brenton Sconce (00:43:04): But yeah, you can get, I've got world's best sober mugs. Brenton Sconce (00:43:07): I've got a bunch of t-shirts and some that are like blatantly recovery related. Brenton Sconce (00:43:12): And then also some that are a lot more subtle that, Brenton Sconce (00:43:15): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:43:15): if you're just listening to this and, Brenton Sconce (00:43:17): and you just like kind of inspirational, Brenton Sconce (00:43:19): funny stuff, Brenton Sconce (00:43:20): there's stuff there for you too. Brenton Sconce (00:43:22): So just Instagram page and then click the link on the bio and, Brenton Sconce (00:43:25): and you'll make your way to my shop. Rachel Casey (00:43:27): I can also put the link for the shop in there too. Rachel Casey (00:43:29): So I'll make sure that it's, but, uh, it's always great to know too. Rachel Casey (00:43:32): You can start Instagram. Rachel Casey (00:43:33): I think even like link trees and whatnot, Rachel Casey (00:43:35): but there's Instagram's been better about adding more links. Rachel Casey (00:43:39): So, well, also I'm so grateful that you came on the podcast today. Rachel Casey (00:43:42): Like you have such great information to share, very relatable in this charity. Rachel Casey (00:43:48): I'm so excited to kind of watch that grow. Rachel Casey (00:43:50): And, uh, are people going to be like a part of it in person in June, or is there going to be. Rachel Casey (00:43:56): Like for the actual bear crawl, are people coming to watch or you haven't figured that out? Brenton Sconce (00:44:00): I mean, I don't know. Brenton Sconce (00:44:01): That would be kind of fun to do is to invite folks out to the race just to go with me. Brenton Sconce (00:44:06): I have had zero, zero responses on folks that want to bear crawl it with me. Rachel Casey (00:44:11): It's a hard thing, right? Rachel Casey (00:44:12): Like I'm seven miles. Brenton Sconce (00:44:16): 7.46 miles. Brenton Sconce (00:44:16): Yeah. Brenton Sconce (00:44:17): So it's a 12K on your hands and feet the whole way with like crazy elevation changes. Brenton Sconce (00:44:22): I've asked a handful of folks to bear crawl it with me and everyone has given a very quick no. Brenton Sconce (00:44:27): That's totally okay. Brenton Sconce (00:44:29): But I'm going to have like live feeds up as it's going. Brenton Sconce (00:44:33): And yeah, Brenton Sconce (00:44:33): I mean, Brenton Sconce (00:44:34): if people want to, Brenton Sconce (00:44:35): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:44:35): show up and support in person, Brenton Sconce (00:44:37): that would be great. Brenton Sconce (00:44:38): And then, you know, I don't know where this thing's going to go. Brenton Sconce (00:44:40): If it becomes like an annual thing, I think that'd be super fun. Brenton Sconce (00:44:43): I think it'd be fun to do like Brenton Sconce (00:44:45): have recovery people each do a mile or do half a mile or a quarter mile or Brenton Sconce (00:44:49): something like that, Brenton Sconce (00:44:50): do stations like that, Brenton Sconce (00:44:52): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:44:52): and do, Brenton Sconce (00:44:52): but do the same kind of thing and raise funds again. Brenton Sconce (00:44:54): And so there's a whole, whole bunch of different ways we can go with it right now. Brenton Sconce (00:44:58): I'm just focused on this year, Brenton Sconce (00:44:59): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:45:00): training for it, Brenton Sconce (00:45:01): getting, Brenton Sconce (00:45:01): getting it done and, Brenton Sconce (00:45:03): and just raising as much as possible to help, Brenton Sconce (00:45:06): help folks. Brenton Sconce (00:45:07): So yeah, all that informational will be coming out more on the fundraising side in, in June. Brenton Sconce (00:45:13): and uh and for now yeah just if anyone's listening to this follow the the bloomsday Brenton Sconce (00:45:17): bear crawl share it just get the word out as much as possible it will be donations Brenton Sconce (00:45:21): will be open for both corporate sponsorship as well as individual donations so if Brenton Sconce (00:45:27): you also know of an organization that kind of vibes with that mission i'm looking Brenton Sconce (00:45:32): for corporate sponsors i will do marketing for you i'll wear your gear uh as i Brenton Sconce (00:45:36): crawl you know things like that to help promote your company Brenton Sconce (00:45:39): So I'd love to do like a company a mile and I'll just switch out at every mile Brenton Sconce (00:45:44): marker and, Brenton Sconce (00:45:46): you know, Brenton Sconce (00:45:46): rep a new company, Brenton Sconce (00:45:47): get you some publicity. Rachel Casey (00:45:48): It's for a good cause. Rachel Casey (00:45:50): It's helping. Rachel Casey (00:45:51): Yeah. Rachel Casey (00:45:52): I mean, I don't think you're going to have to. Rachel Casey (00:45:54): have to sell people on it too much. Rachel Casey (00:45:56): It's, Rachel Casey (00:45:57): I think the people that will vibe with you will happily help because again, Rachel Casey (00:46:02): it's the silver, Rachel Casey (00:46:03): we got to stick together. Rachel Casey (00:46:04): Like that's how we do recover. (00:46:06): So yeah. Rachel Casey (00:46:08): And it's really cool that you're doing something like that. Rachel Casey (00:46:10): You also receive. Rachel Casey (00:46:11): So you're like, literally this isn't, Rachel Casey (00:46:14): some you're you're not see you're seeing one of the results of this so like Rachel Casey (00:46:17): literally close to home and you can speak to it and i think it doesn't even Rachel Casey (00:46:23): probably doesn't feel like a fundraiser when you believe in it that closely because Rachel Casey (00:46:28): it's not work to say you know it's going for a really good cause so again i'm Rachel Casey (00:46:32): excited to share i'm excited to watch if sober banter takes off we will totally Rachel Casey (00:46:36): jump in Rachel Casey (00:46:38): I know individual wise, but as corporate wise. Rachel Casey (00:46:41): So, um, well, this has been great. Rachel Casey (00:46:43): Thank you so much again for coming on and thank you to anyone listening to sober Rachel Casey (00:46:47): banter and listening to the man behind the office recovery and the bear crawl. Rachel Casey (00:46:53): So stay tuned for more. Rachel Casey (00:46:55): And thank you.