2702: I’m an Alcoholic

[FingerLakes]

I also wanted to give everyone a hug while listening to this epsiode

[shoebootie]

Keith (and Chemda), you've changed lives with your show, and been there for people during their darkest times. We're all here for you as you change your life now.

[crazy4having3]

Wow. You got this, Keith! So many changes in your life but I know they will lead to positive things. Both for you and KATG. The show has felt different to me lately. More like old times. Maybe because of all of things both you and Chemda have been going through. It feels like a rebirth/new chapter and I'm looking forward to taking the ride with you guys. Love you both!

[CherryLavender]

I just finished the episode in tears. I'm proud of you Keith and Chemda. I feel like "we" just came full circle from doing shows drunk to this episode.

I stopped drinking 677 days ago and although I take full credit for it, your show definitely helped give me motivation to make the change. Listening to others come on your show (especially Libby and Andrea) and talk about quitting, let me know people are out there living their lives without drinking and it was working out well for them.

I took a good look, which I think is what you are doing now Keith, and realized I was not being my best self or the best mother that I could be. So I set a date and quit. I told myself I didn't want to go to AA because of the God thing, but I know it's because I didn't want the label of being an alcoholic put on me. Once I had decided to quit, it was easy, you just quit. And regardless of what happens in your life, even your Mom dying, you don't deal with it with drinking. So for 677 days I have just considered myself a non-drinker because the story I tell myself is that I'm not a "good drinker" because I don't stop once I start.

The truth is... My name is Amanda and I'm an alcoholic. That's the first time I've used the word in connection with myself. So, thank you Keith for being brave and vulnerable and open to change. I totally understand what you mean when you say you are excited. It is exciting to live a life that YOU are in control of.

p.s. I told Alicia it was good she had her illegal shot with you when she did.

p.p.s. The app below is called "I'm Done Drinking"

This will be an exciting new journey with you!

All my best,

Amanda

[word]

Keith - I support you buddy.

[NoArmsJames]

Man this episode was amazing.

I'll admit I'm a little out of the KATG loop as of late, but this podcast, K&C, the community helped me get through a time when I was pretty lonely and a lot of the friends I had here had moved away, and I'm forever grateful for that.

Keith, you've got my support, don't really know what I can do, but you've got it anyway.

[Keith]

Thanks, NoArmsJames. Just don't hand me any beers.

[albi]

This show gave me goosebumps. This right here is why KATG is such a special podcast. Also, Anne was a lovely presence in this episode.

[BritPete]

Well done Keith. Genuinely didn't see this coming.
I'm at work and have to keep stopping the podcast to stop myself from crying.

[Todd]

WHAT. IS. HAPPENING. QUESTION MARK.

The last MNIK felt more like a normal KATG episode. There was some Studio information, but then it became a recap of the Landmark adventure and then Chemda's Hare Krishna thoughts and I thought, "Why wasn't this a regular KATG episode?"

Then this KATG episode, equal parts MNIK and WMN, came out of left field. I swear--it's like you guys don't even consider what kind of an emotional roller coaster you put us listeners on. Studios? Headphones? What's next: Laptops? iPod Nanos? MICROPHONES?

But seriously, my thoughts are with you all. Though I don't believe in prayers, if good thoughts or positive energy or karmic vibes exist in the universe, I hope some of what I'm sending finds its way to all of you.