The Two Dudes sit down in a new space and play a good old fashioned game of "Would You Drink?" where each host is questioned about what, if any, are the limits are to their sobriety. The hosts also discuss their recent trip to the local NFL teams home opener in the buzzing metropolis of Minneapolis. Listen as they recap how the night was topped off by a few moments that was similar to a drunken episode, even though the Dudes were sober. The podcast is joined by a llama and a cat.

**Audio Miscues**

We ran out of memory card about 2/3 of the way through this podcast. We were able to upload using the camera microphones, but the audio isn't great. Thanks for continuing to listen through this situation.

Tyson and Tony return to the Nielsen Blacktop Studios to discuss their first experience helping with an intervention. They discuss how each of them thought it went and if they would consider participating in another one. The guys talk about rock bottoms (not the wrestling move) and why they chose the drinks they used to drink. During the audio, pay close attention to the difference between how each host uses AI and how each of them think the robots will rise up against us.

Nate Pike is a Veteran that struggles with his alcoholism. Or at least he used to. Today you can find him thriving with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and a strong support system.

His journey started at a young age where alcohol was what he used to celebrate, to mourn, to pass time, and to entertain. Nate recalls a story from not too long ago where he and a co-worker led themselves on a booze cruise filled with pulltabs and drinks.

Pike shares a story similar to Tony where he admitted himself in the VA in St. Cloud for treatment and shares what it was like going through treatment during the pandemic.

Tony and Tyson try to knock the rust off, with limited results.

THEY'RE BACK!

After a long hiatus with a busy winter, the Dudes are back in the Nielsen Blacktopping Studios to recap their breaks and talk about some common sobriety myths and misconceptions. Many topics ranging from "if you're sober, you're boring" to "is alcoholism actually a disease". While neither Dude is a doctor, they both bring up great topics for debate.

2 DTDD 016 - Nigel T - Recreated Myself to Who I Wanted to Be recovery between people pops up when we least expect it. Nigel T joins solo host Tyson on an impromptu podcast episode after they ran into each other having dinner. Nigel T is a musician and is the owner of a record label, and he has a different approach to his own recovery. He explains how making the decision to better his life is on his own terms. While the first step of the 12-step program is to admit that one is powerless over alcohol, he shares his viewpoint of being more powerful than the substance. Nigel talks about how the rockstar lifestyle isn't the goal anymore and how his priorities have changed. Tyson and Nigel both talk about how birds and sunrises used to be the worst feelings on earth.

Cara Barten has what everyone in recovery needs to be successful: support. Almost 2 years ago, her family brought her home from Colorado to support her up close and personally. Cara thought that the perception from others might have been that she failed, but she sits down with Tony and Tyson to share how she's really thrived. Now with her family behind her, she has moved into her own home, successfully managed multiple jobs (even at bars), and continues to stay sober. Tony is amazed that a 25 to 27 year-old has the willpower to stay sober. Cara shares a story about BIL and SIL, and Tyson tells one of his all time favorite stories about her BIL.

If you know Garrett Steinberg, you know he is no stranger to the mic. But in this episode, Garrett comes to the Nielsen Blacktop Studio with a microphone but without his keyboard.

Garrett shares the newest news about becoming the newly appointed temporary Eagle Lake Mayor and covers many other aspects of his various entrepreneurial endeavors. Garrett recently celebrated his 3rd sober birthday this past July and he sits down with Tony and Tyson to share his beer and peppermint drink filled past. He explains how every opportunity became a reason to drink and for over 4 years, he rarely took any time off from those opportunities. Garrett talks about how a priest gave him a literal "Come to Jesus" moment that he was smart enough to listen to. Tony and Tyson talk about how they may have died on a cruise ship, and Tyson introduces one of his counterparts, DJ Dead Air.

To say Mallory Fuchs has led an interesting life would be a vast understatement. Currently she works with teens, parents, and administrators in her local high school setting to address youth addiction. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Mallory focuses much of her attention to educating individuals on the ever-changing landscape of drugs and alcohol with use by high schoolers. She answers all the questions that Tony has about "Vape Carts" and gives pointers on how to tell a teen might be using. She also reflects on her time in working for the Minnesota Department of Corrections and for the FBI. Tyson tries his hands at stacking and wonders if anyone knows the song "White Chicks and Gang Signs".