Out and About AF

Gabe Vasquez
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Out & About AF is an LGBTQIA+ alcohol-free podcast where queer identity meets sober living. Hosted by Gabe, this show shares real stories about sobriety, sober curiosity, dating, mental health, and sober travel. Each episode explores navigating LGBTQ life without alcohol, building social confidence, and finding community beyond drinking culture. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, or exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, you’re in the right place.

  1. 4d ago

    David Sanford: Finding Freedom in Sobriety & Leather

    What does it mean to find freedom in sobriety while fully embracing who you are? In this episode of Sober Motivation, I sit down with David Sanford for a real conversation about 18.5 years of sobriety, the leather community, and what it means to live authentically. David shares his journey with alcohol, the moments that led him to recognize he needed a change, and how recovery helped him discover a new sense of freedom and happiness. We talk about the intersection of sobriety, sexuality, and the LGBTQ+ leather community, along with the importance of finding people who accept you for who you are. We saw we got real about navigating triggers, mental health, building meaningful connections, and learning to let go of negativity. David also shares why service, kindness, and showing up for others have become such important parts of his life in recovery and the leather community. Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol, exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, or looking for a community where you can be yourself without compromise, this conversation is a reminder that recovery doesn't mean losing your identity. It can be an opportunity to embrace it more fully. In this episode, we discuss: David's journey to 18.5 years of sobriety Finding freedom in recovery and living authentically Sobriety and the LGBTQ+ leather community Navigating triggers and mental health challenges Building community through service and connection Practicing forgiveness and letting go of negativity Advice for anyone considering sobriety Recovery looks different for everyone, and you don't have to fit into a particular mold to find your people. You're not giving up something. You're getting everything back. Thanks for listening to Sober Motivation. If this conversation resonates with you, follow the show, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and keep showing up as your authentic self. #SoberMotivation #Sobriety #LGBTQ #LeatherCommunity #AlcoholFree

    David Sanford: Finding Freedom in Sobriety & Leather

  2. Oct 1

    5 Years Alcohol-Free: Laurel on Addiction, Mental Health & Finding Community

    Laurel is five years alcohol-free, and in this conversation, she opens up about what it took to get there. From growing up as a military brat and constantly having to rebuild friendships, to navigating family history with alcohol, trauma, mental health, and the challenges of moderation, Laurel shares an honest look at her journey into sobriety. We talk about therapy, support systems, community, self-care, finding new passions like crochet, and what can happen when you stop drinking and start creating a life that feels authentic to you. Whether you're thinking about taking a break from alcohol, questioning your relationship with drinking, or simply want to hear what long-term sobriety can look like, Laurel's story offers plenty to think about. In this episode:• Reaching five years alcohol-free• Growing up as a military brat and its impact on relationships• Family history and addiction• Understanding addiction as a progressive disease• Why moderation isn't always the answer• Therapy, mental health, and recovery• Finding community and visibility in sobriety• Using hobbies and self-care to support mental health• Letting go of guilt and embracing a new life• Advice for anyone considering sobriety Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Laurel's story00:11 Growing up as a military brat00:16 Family, culture, and alcohol00:45 Moving frequently and making connections00:52 Laurel's journey into sobriety00:59 Moderation and understanding addiction01:15 Therapy, mental health, and genetics01:46 Trauma, pregnancy, and choosing sobriety02:02 Support systems and community02:17 Crochet, hobbies, and self-care02:37 Changing perceptions of mental health and sobriety02:55 Advice for anyone considering sobriety03:20 Life after alcohol03:49 Upcoming sober community events04:00 Closing thoughts If Laurel's story resonates with you, share your experience in the comments and let us know what part of the conversation stood out to you. #Sobriety #AlcoholFree #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #SoberCommunity #LGBTQ #Recovery

    5 Years Alcohol-Free: Laurel on Addiction, Mental Health & Finding Community

  3. Sep 10

    Reece's Sobriety Journey: Addiction, Recovery & Life After Alcohol

    In this episode, Gabe sits down with Reece to talk about his journey with sobriety, from recognizing his relationship with alcohol to navigating recovery, triggers, medical challenges, and life without drinking. Reece shares how his background in behavior analysis shaped the way he approaches addiction and recovery, including how behavioral therapy strategies can help us understand triggers, build healthier coping mechanisms, and create lasting change. They also talk about the importance of community, support systems, and actually living your life in sobriety. Because recovery isn't just about not drinking. It's about figuring out how to show up for yourself, connect with others, and keep moving forward. Whether you're thinking about getting sober, newly alcohol-free, or simply curious about what recovery can look like, this conversation offers honest insight, practical perspective, and plenty of encouragement. 🎧 In this episode:• Reece's sobriety journey and milestones• Behavioral therapy and addiction recovery• Understanding triggers and coping strategies• Building a strong support system• Navigating social situations without alcohol• Medical challenges that can happen even after getting sober• Why community matters in long-term recovery• Reece's advice for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol “One day, one hour, one second at a time.” If you've ever had even a tiny thought that you might have a problem with alcohol, this conversation is worth hearing.

    Reece's Sobriety Journey: Addiction, Recovery & Life After Alcohol

  4. Sep 3

    Mr. & Ms. Dallas Eagle Recap: Leather, Community, Confidence & Self-Expression

    What happens when you bring together leather, competition, self-expression, and community? In this episode, we sit down with contestants from the Mr. Dallas Eagle competition to talk about their experiences, their journeys into the leather community, and what they've learned along the way. Brave, Paris, and Evan open up about finding their place in the scene, building confidence, overcoming challenges, and the people who helped them along the way. We also get into leather fashion, kink, community connection, personal growth, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can show up as themselves. And the conversation doesn't stop with the competition. We talk about what's next for the community, including future events, outreach, and sober nights designed to bring people together in a different way. Because no two journeys are the same — and sometimes finding your community is where the real transformation begins. Follow on InstagramParis - https://www.instagram.com/theparisamour/ Brave - https://www.instagram.com/bravelacroix/ Pup Nevan - https://www.instagram.com/pup_nevan/ Gabe - https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/ Topics include: Mr. Dallas Eagle, the leather community, LGBTQ+ community, self-expression, leather fashion, kink, personal growth, community events, sobriety, confidence, and empowerment.

    Mr. & Ms. Dallas Eagle Recap: Leather, Community, Confidence & Self-Expression

  5. Jul 16

    Building Sober-Friendly Queer Spaces with DSQO Dallas

    In this episode, we explore the mission and activities of DSQO, a queer organization in Dallas that creates inclusive, sober-friendly spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Felicity Samaniego shares insights on community building, event diversity, and the importance of authentic, accessible spaces. Key Topics: DSQO Dallas founding and mission Importance of inclusive, sober spaces Types of events organized by DSQO Community support and engagement Impact of queer-led initiatives Resources:DSQO Dallas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsqodallas Connect with our guest:Felicity Samaniego on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lissiemango/

    Building Sober-Friendly Queer Spaces with DSQO Dallas

  6. Jul 9

    Breaking Free: How Sports and Culture Shape Alcohol Habits

    In this episode, I sit down with Anne Skriba — college basketball coach, certified life coach, and co-host of the Clean Play Podcast — to talk about her journey from a Midwest sports upbringing to getting sober. We get into how drinking culture gets baked into you early, especially when sports are part of your life, and how Anne started questioning her relationship with alcohol after years of it hiding in plain sight. I loved this conversation because it's not just about her story — it's about the emotional triggers, the loneliness, the identity questions that come up when you start peeling back the layers. We also talk about what actually helped her: therapy, harm reduction, and finding real community. If you've ever wondered whether sobriety means losing yourself or finally finding yourself, this one's for you.

    Breaking Free: How Sports and Culture Shape Alcohol Habits

  7. Jul 2

    Finding My People In Sobriety: JB's Story

    I sit down with JB to talk about his journey from early substance use to sobriety, and honestly it's one of the most real conversations I've had on this show. We get into his childhood, how sports and an athlete's mindset played into his drinking, and the moment he finally recognized his relationship with alcohol had become a problem. JB shares how yoga, nature, and community pulled him through early sobriety, plus the practical tools that still keep him grounded today. If you've ever felt like sobriety might be one of the hardest things you attempt, this one's for you.

    Finding My People In Sobriety: JB's Story

  8. Jun 11

    Sobriety, Identity & Community: How Avital Built a Life She Loves Without Alcohol

    What does it really look like to rebuild your life without alcohol? In this episode, we sit down with Avital — five years sober and thriving — to talk about her sobriety journey, holistic health, and the power of community. From navigating identity and self-love to organizing sober Pride bar crawls through Zero Proof Crawls, Avital brings warmth, honesty, and real talk about what healing actually feels like. Whether you're sober-curious or deep in your own journey, this one's for you. Resources mentioned: This Naked Mind → https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Control-Alcohol/dp/0399591058Institute of Integrative Nutrition → https://www.integrativenutrition.comZero Proof Crawls → https://www.instagram.com/zeroproofcrawls/

    Sobriety, Identity & Community: How Avital Built a Life She Loves Without Alcohol
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Trailer

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out of 5
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About

Out & About AF is an LGBTQIA+ alcohol-free podcast where queer identity meets sober living. Hosted by Gabe, this show shares real stories about sobriety, sober curiosity, dating, mental health, and sober travel. Each episode explores navigating LGBTQ life without alcohol, building social confidence, and finding community beyond drinking culture. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, or exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Gabe Vasquez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Gabe Vasquez
  • Show Website
    Out and About AF