The Wisconsin Sober Podcast

About the Wisconsin Sober Podcast You’re listening to Wisconsin Sober, the podcast that explores Wisconsin’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Through digging into the state’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of drinking, this podcast seeks to understand—rather than demonize—alcohol’s role in Wisconsin life, while exploring what meaningful change could look like. Hosts Brent Hanifl – Co-owner of Reach Travel Media and creator of the Wisconsin Sober Podcast, his work focuses on storytelling, tourism, and community engagement across Wisconsin. Brent brings a personal perspective shaped by growing up in the region and his own story. https://reachtravelmedia.com Paige Geiser – A recent UW–La Crosse graduate in English (Writing & Rhetoric Emphasis) and Managing Editor of The Racquet Press, Paige is a student-athlete, awa

The Wisconsin Sober Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Wisconsin Sober, with 8 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Wisconsin Sober hosts The Wisconsin Sober Podcast, a education show with 8 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #8

  Episode 8: The Smiley Face Killer Conspiracy and Sobriety at Bonnaroo with Barrett Swanson

  Jun 12, 202644 minS1

  This episode centers on writer Barrett Swanson’s exploration of sobriety, grief, and the cultural forces shaping alcohol use in the Midwest, especially in places like La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conversation begins with reflections on early drinking culture, how normalized alcohol is in college towns, and how quickly binge drinking becomes part of identity, friendship, and social life.<br /><br />Barrett shares the story of losing a close friend, Luke, during a chaotic period tied to heavy drinking in La Crosse. The sudden loss and the community’s quick explanation of it as a “tragic accident” left unresolved grief and confusio...

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  Episode #7

  Episode 7: Rock Bottom and Rebuilding with Billy

  Jun 12, 202645 minS1

  This episode of Wisconsin Sober features Billy as the guest, sharing a powerful and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and rebuilding life after years of substance use.<br /><br />Billy’s personal story, including how long-term alcohol use eventually escalated into drug addiction during the COVID era, leading to a major turning point and his decision to enter rehab.<br /><br />The conversation also explores the idea of “rock bottom” and the importance of personal readiness for change. Rather than being something forced by others, recovery is framed as a decision that happens when someone is truly ready to shift their...

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  Episode #6

  Episode 6: Sober in October: Music, Recovery, and Rebuilding Life Through Sobriety with Gregg Hall

  Jun 12, 202644 minS1

  Musician Gregg Hall joins the conversation to share his story of sobriety, reflection, and creative renewal. Gregg, now eight years sober from alcohol, performs an original song that reflects on daily struggles, resilience, and choosing a better path for himself and his family.<br /><br />The discussion explores Gregg’s upbringing in a Midwest drinking culture where alcohol was normalized through family gatherings, bars, and social life. He reflects on how drinking was once tied to identity, friendship, and the music scene, especially in live performance culture, where alcohol was deeply embedded.<br /><br />Gregg shares the turning point that le...

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  Episode #5

  Episode 5: Drinking, Disconnection, and the Cost of Self-Erasure with Ryan A. McKelley, Ph.D

  Jun 12, 202656 minS1

  In this episode of Wisconsin Sober, the conversation expands into modern parallels: how disconnection, loneliness, and digital life contribute to reduced in-person social interaction and shifting drinking habits, especially among younger generations. The guest, Dr. Ryan McKelley, Ph.D., LP, HSP, a psychologist and professor at UW-La Crosse, highlights how device-based “connection” often replaces real-world belonging.<br /><br />A major theme emerges around self-erasure, the idea of diminishing or suppressing parts of oneself to cope, fit in, or avoid discomfort. Alcohol is discussed as a powerful tool for this: reducing anxiety, numbing pain, and temporarily increasing social ease, but at a lo...

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  Episode #4

  Episode 4: Wisconsin Beer Barons, Brewery History & Tavern Culture with Scott Brouwer

  Jun 12, 202645 minS1

  The history of Wisconsin breweries and tavern culture—from Pabst to La Crosse—exploring how industry, geography, and immigrant identity fused to shape the state’s drinking legacy. Featuring insights from La Crosse Public Library archivist Scott Brouwer, the episode traces how German brewing traditions, Mississippi River trade routes, rail infrastructure, and glacial water sources helped turn La Crosse into one of the most beer-saturated cities in America.<br /><br />From prohibition “near beer” loopholes and moonshine operations to post-prohibition tavern culture and modern craft brewing, the conversation reveals how alcohol production adapted rather than disappeared during prohibition. Stories of FBI raids...

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