Path of the Sober Seeker

James kicks off Season 2 with guest Andy H., a 16-year sober actor, filmmaker, and pilot. They talk about staying sober in New York City, how discipline in acting and aviation mirrors spiritual practice, and why connection is the opposite of addiction.Topics include: finding serenity in chaos, the role of meditation and accountability, and building a “war council” of sober supports. Andy shares his journey from underage drinking in Manhattan bodegas to a life grounded in service, creativity, and intention.Book pick: The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne DyerDisclaimer: This episode contains occasional adult language.If you’re struggling: Pick up the phone before you pick up the bottle.

Summary:In this powerful and grounded episode, James sits down with longtime friend and fellow recovering alcoholic Marcus A. for a deep discussion about the spiritual maintenance required in long-term sobriety. With over a decade sober, Marcus shares reflections on character defects, spiritual alignment, and how our challenges often become our greatest teachers. They cover everything from prayer and meditation to relapse prevention, service work, and how to spot spiritual slippage before it escalates. The conversation is raw, relatable, and packed with spiritual insights.Key Themes:The evolution from craving management to character defect managementPracticing humility when spiritual pride creeps inRedefining prayer as reliance rather than requestsMeditation as spiritual listening, not goal-oriented strivingRecognizing spiritual laziness and the early signs of disconnectionReframing hardship as divine opportunity: a lesson as a blessingNavigating the long plateau of mid-sobriety (the "four-year wall")Self-sabotage, expectations, and the need for spiritual accountabilityNotable Quotes:"Everything in life is either a blessing or a lesson. And sometimes the lesson is the blessing.""You always get an A when you grade your own paper.""Prayer evolved from belief to faith, to full reliance.""Alignment is the assignment.""If you have to justify it, it probably isn’t a good decision.""There is no growth in comfort and no comfort in growth."Book Mentioned:Codependent No More by Melody BeattieClosing Thought:Sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances. It’s about continual surrender, staying present, and getting our will into alignment with God’s. Every moment is either an invitation to regress or a step toward deeper spiritual maturity.Follow & Support:Website: soberseekerpath.comInstagram: @path.of.the.sober.seekerTikTok: @the_sober_seekerYouTube: Path of the Sober Seeker

Path of the Sober Seeker – Episode 4Title: 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 demonsThe danger of comfort and routine in recoveryHow structure can support or stifle growthStaying spiritually awake in a media-driven worldReflections on Ramadan, fasting, and spiritual disciplineQuitting smoking and building new habitsThe sacred pause and the gift of conscious contactBecoming a stranger to your old selfPracticing spiritual principles in daily lifeQuotes 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:The Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldSermon on the Mount by Emmet FoxFinal 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.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/path.of.the.sober.seekerTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the_sober_seekerYouTube: https://youtube.com/@pathofthesoberseeker

Host: JamesGuest: Tyler D. – Author, Revert, SeekerTyler 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 TikTokHis books are available at https://stan.store/RunningFromDunyaRuntime: 54 minutes🎙️ Episode Summary:“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.💡 Key Topics:Tyler’s path from Christianity to Islam—and the unanswered questions that led him thereMedia distortion and common misconceptions about Muslims in post-9/11 AmericaConversations with Christian family members after revertingHow fellowship and spiritual companionship (suhba) help us stay grounded in the DeenThe discipline of prayer, even while on the road as a truckerNavigating zuhd (detachment) and fitna (temptation) in social media and societyThe overlap between relapse in recovery and relapse into dunyaUnderstanding the inner jihad (jihad al-nafs) as the truest spiritual battlefieldSugar, insulin, and the surprising parallels between addiction and dietary healthDawah in action: how Tyler uses his rideshare gig to distribute free Qurans and educate the publicThe origin of the world’s oldest university—and what that says about Islam and education📚 Book Recommendations:The Clear Quran – recommended for English-speaking readers and those with Christian backgroundsIslam Belief and Teachings – by Gulam Sarwar one of the first books Tyler read during his reversion journeyJames’ 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 recoveryThe double-edged sword of the digital lifestyleHow internet addiction creates new forms of unmanageabilityStaying spiritually grounded in a hyperconnected worldBalance digital distraction with responsibilitySpiritual companionship (suhba) in the digital eraHonoring the original message in a distraction-driven cultureGuest: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🔗 Connect with Us: 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

📓 Show Notes – Episode 1: From Liquor to DhikrIn this inaugural episode, I sit down with Yahya Abdul Alim Coats, a lifelong seeker and student of Islamic spirituality with over three decades of experience on the path. The conversation is unfiltered, honest, and full of lived insight.Bear with the audio—I'm a better host than a sound engineer. What we may lack in polish, we make up for in presence.It’s real. It’s raw. It’s recovery.Yahya Abdul Alim CoatsYahya Abdul Alim Coats is a 30-year Muslim convert and lifelong seeker on the path of sacred knowledge. He’s a dedicated student in the Darul Qasim Arabic program under Shaykh Musa Sugapong, walking the path of the Maliki madhhab, and deeply rooted in the spiritual teachings of Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba of Sénégal.📚 Mentioned in This EpisodeFor seekers who want to go deeper, here are the books Brother Yahya referenced in our discussion:Al-Ghazali’s Path to Sufism: His Deliverance from Error (al-Munqidh min al-Dalal)Al-Ghazali on Disciplining the Soul and on Breaking the Two Desires (Books XXII and XXIII of the Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din)Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the HeartSufism for Non-Sufis?: Ibn 'Ata' Allah al-Sakandari's Taj al-'ArusSecrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of IslamAlso check out our website or join the discussion on discord https://discord.gg/tSEg9cuc.