Path of the Sober Seeker – Episode 4

Title: Art, Addiction, and the Sacred Pause (with Rich G)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, James talks with Rich G—an airbrush artist and longtime member of AA—about the intersection of creativity, recovery, and spiritual transformation. Rich shares how he uses art to express his inner battles and describes powerful moments of spiritual awakening. They discuss how routine can become a trap, how media shapes our identity, and how recovery gives us the sacred pause most people are missing.

Whether you're new to sobriety, exploring creative healing, or feeling spiritually dry, this episode offers honest insight, lived experience, and practical encouragement.

Topics Discussed:

• Using creativity to confront inner demons
• The danger of comfort and routine in recovery
• How structure can support or stifle growth
• Staying spiritually awake in a media-driven world
• Reflections on Ramadan, fasting, and spiritual discipline
• Quitting smoking and building new habits
• The sacred pause and the gift of conscious contact
• Becoming a stranger to your old self
• Practicing spiritual principles in daily life

Quotes from the Episode:

"When you're too focused on day-to-day survival, there's no energy left for self-improvement."

"Art became a way to trap the demons I battled internally and manifest them outside of me."

"Most of society doesn't have that sacred pause—but recovery gives it to us."

"You're not guaranteed a boat or a house, but you're guaranteed a relationship with your Creator."

Book Recommendations:

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• The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
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• Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox
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Final Message:

If you’re feeling stuck, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by routine—start small. Stay present. And please, pick up the phone before you pick up the bottle.

Connect with Path of the Sober Seeker:

Website: https://soberseekerpath.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/path.of.the.sober.seeker

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the_sober_seeker

Host: James

Guest: Tyler D. – Author, Revert, Seeker

Tyler D. was raised in a Christian household where faith played a central role, but certain doctrines left him with lingering questions. After years of honest seeking, study, and spiritual reflection, he found clarity and peace in the direct, unambiguous message of Islam.

@runningfromdunya on IG and TikTok

His books are available at https://stan.store/RunningFromDunya

Runtime: 54 minutes

“The real battlefield isn’t out there—it’s inside you.” — Tyler D.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, James welcomes Tyler D., a fellow Muslim revert, author, and former trucker, to talk about the journey from Christianity to Islam, the role of inner jihad (spiritual struggle), and the challenges of living a grounded, God-centered life in modern America.

Tyler shares his deeply personal story of embracing Islam after 30 years as a practicing Christian. From questioning the Trinity as a child to eventually taking his shahadah, his journey highlights the power of sincere seeking, critical thinking, and spiritual honesty. Together, James and Tyler explore the real meaning of Islam, the importance of fellowship in both recovery and religion, and the overlapping struggles of addiction, temptation, and maintaining a disciplined spiritual practice in a society designed to distract.

From truck stops to tawheed, from sugar addiction to spiritual discernment, this episode is packed with authentic, unscripted reflections that speak to both reverts and long-time Muslims—as well as anyone navigating recovery, faith, and the pull of the dunya.

• Tyler’s path from Christianity to Islam—and the unanswered questions that led him there
• Media distortion and common misconceptions about Muslims in post-9/11 America
• Conversations with Christian family members after reverting
• How fellowship and spiritual companionship (suhba) help us stay grounded in the Deen
• The discipline of prayer, even while on the road as a trucker
• Navigating zuhd (detachment) and fitna (temptation) in social media and society
• The overlap between relapse in recovery and relapse into dunya
• Understanding the inner jihad (jihad al-nafs) as the truest spiritual battlefield
• Sugar, insulin, and the surprising parallels between addiction and dietary health
• Dawah in action: how Tyler uses his rideshare gig to distribute free Qurans and educate the public
• The origin of the world’s oldest university—and what that says about Islam and education

• The Clear Quran – recommended for English-speaking readers and those with Christian backgrounds
• Islam Belief and Teachings – by Gulam Sarwar one of the first books Tyler read during his reversion journey
• James’ website offers links to request a free physical or digital copy of the Quran at soberseekerpath.com

In this episode of Path of the Sober Seeker, we dive into the vibrant world of recovery culture — exploring how memes, meetings, and the timeless message of hope all weave together in the digital age.

I sit down with a special guest from OYPAA (Ohio Young People in AA) to unpack the evolving landscape of fellowship, from the group chat to the meeting hall. We explore the double-edged sword of a digital lifestyle — how online spaces can foster community but also fuel distraction, detachment, and even new forms of addiction.

Together, we reflect on how internet addiction and constant digital stimulation can quietly lead to new forms of unmanageability — and why staying anchored to spiritual principles matters more than ever.

We also discuss how AA’s message is expanding beyond alcohol to address a wider range of addictions among younger generations — and why the heart of recovery remains timeless even as the platforms change.

Key Topics Covered:

• The role of online meetings in recovery

• The double-edged sword of the digital lifestyle

• How internet addiction creates new forms of unmanageability

• Staying spiritually grounded in a hyperconnected world

• Balance digital distraction with responsibility

• Spiritual companionship (suhba) in the digital era

• Honoring the original message in a distraction-driven culture

Guest:

Lacey R — Lacey R. is a 40-year-old mom, musician, and server living a life of service and recovery. Active in OYPAA (Ohio Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous) and online recovery communities, she uses humor, honesty, and humility to connect with others walking the path. When she's not helping organize events or supporting newcomers, Lacey loves reading, makeup, and spending time with her family.

Lacey is also the first non-Muslim guest featured on Path of the Sober Seeker, reflecting the shared spiritual truths and fellowship that transcend all backgrounds.

Book Recommendation Disclaimer:

During this episode, Lacey recommends The Prophetess by Chelan Harkin. While the book offers poetic reflections on spirituality, it is written from a New Age perspective and is not based on Islamic teachings. Muslim listeners are encouraged to approach it with discernment, keeping in mind that our compass as seekers remains the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the clarity of tawhid.

Here's a direct link to The Prophetess: The Return of The Prophet from the Voice of The Divine Feminine by Chelan Harkin on Amazon:

👉 The Prophetess on Amazon

Website: Path of the Sober Seeker

X: James H (@SoberSeeker) / X

Instagram: @path.of.the.sober.seeker

TikTok: Sober Seeker (@the_sober_seeker) | TikTok

YouTube: Path of the Sober Seeker - YouTube