The Creative Sober Mei McIntosh

In this inspiring episode, Toronto-based artist Janine "J9" Carter recounts their transformative journey from the city's lively party scene to sobriety, a pivotal decision made just before the pandemic lockdown. J9 also shares their exhilarating new venture into piloting while maintaining a passionate focus on music production. The episode concludes with the debut of "Pleasure & Pain," a track from J9's anticipated album.



J9's music, characterized by its unique blend of '90s trip-hop and experimental pop, reflects a deep connection with personal challenges and global upheaval. Their upcoming album "Colt 45" symbolizes a significant transition in their life, showcasing their skill with Ableton Live and Push, and featuring collaborative efforts with established artists. Born in Dunnville, Ontario, and now thriving in Toronto, J9 has evolved from a Royal Conservatory musician to a distinctive voice in the electronic music scene. Their journey through music and visual arts, marked by both personal and artistic growth, continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.



Connect with J9:


⁠Instagram⁠


⁠Official Website⁠



Additional Details:


Produced by: Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
Join Our Community: Dive deeper into the world of sobriety and creativity, and connect with like-minded souls at our online community: ⁠www.thecreativesober.com⁠



Episode Sponsors:
Interested in supporting our mission? We are currently seeking sponsors who align with our values and vision. Join us in amplifying transformative tales of sobriety and creativity. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to hello@thecreativesober.com.



🎧 Listen to Previous Episodes:
Immerse yourself in more transformative tales of sobriety and creativity by exploring our ⁠past episodes⁠.

🎙 Episode Summary:
In a heartfelt and introspective episode, Mei McIntosh converses with the remarkable Suki Jones. As a San Francisco Bay Area-based writer, Suki has become synonymous with resilience and literary brilliance, especially with 23 years of sobriety under her belt. This episode places a special spotlight on her memoir, "Sea, Swallow Me," providing listeners with a deep dive into its raw narrative, exploring Suki's tumultuous journey through addiction and the tranquil resolution she finds in recovery.



Key Takeaways:


The significance of creative endeavors in aiding the recovery process.
Understanding the immense support of community in Suki's journey and its role in harm reduction.
The compelling narrative of "Sea, Swallow Me" and its message of hope and resilience.
The therapeutic value of storytelling and self-expression in the healing process.



Resources Mentioned:


Glide Church SF Syringe Access Program
Harm Reduction Treatment Center SF
"Sea, Swallow Me" by Suki Jones on Embers Arts Press



Connect with Suki Jones:


Instagram


Official Website



Additional Details:


Produced by: Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift
Join Our Community: Dive deeper into the world of sobriety and creativity, and connect with like-minded souls at our online community: www.thecreativesober.com



Episode Sponsors:
Interested in supporting our mission? We are currently seeking sponsors who align with our values and vision. Join us in amplifying transformative tales of sobriety and creativity. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to hello@thecreativesober.com.



🎧 Listen to Previous Episodes:
Immerse yourself in more transformative tales of sobriety and creativity by exploring our past episodes.



We value your time and ears! If our conversation with Suki touched your heart, we'd appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcast. Your feedback propels our mission forward, shedding light on more powerful stories.

Living in Los Angelos, author, Hannah Sward shares her back story as a writer, the crossroads from publishing her book Strip, to the divine timing of her deeply personal experiences of where she is now. Hannah talks about the creative process of finding her inspiration and trusting the balance between her sobriety of 13 years and the success of her book.



Strip: A Memoir

"BORN IN THE BOHEMIAN SEVENTIES, Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother and lived with her poet father on an island with no stores or cars. Kidnapped and molested by a stranger at age six, she grew up to be a stripper and a prostitute with a taste for crystal meth. Painstakingly honest and often humorous, Strip is a heartfelt memoir revealing a woman's journey from innocence to a dark existence and beyond to a new world of empowerment."



Connect | Follow


Hannah Sward: https://www.hannahsward.com/
Join the Community: www.thecreativesober.com
Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift

The Creative Sober Podcast with Mei McIntosh
Episode Title: Not Your Narrative - Interview with Nathan James
TW: Bullying, self-harm, alcohol abuse, blood, cannabis use, internalized racism

In this episode, I spoke with Nathan James, aka Nate the Dreamer, a young creative, content creator, and entrepreneur from Orlando, FL. He is the founder of Not Your Narrative Apparel which aims to tear down the negative perceptions and stereotypes placed on the black community. He has 3 and a half years of sobriety under his belt so far (many more years to come). 

Nathan has a passion for advocating for mental health and marginalized communities. He wants to remind the world we’re human and being vulnerable isn’t a flaw and he believes that sometimes our vulnerability is the key to someone else’s prison."

I especially enjoyed my time with Nathan and the easy flow of our conversation. Even though this was our first time speaking, he graciously held space with me like a good friend to answer personal questions about his life in active addiction, experiencing the challenges and positives of recovery, and discovering his creative passions.

Connect | Follow ▷Nathan James: www.instagram.com/natesdreamylife/
▷ Join the Community: www.thecreativesober.com
Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift

Podcast Name: The Creative Sober Podcast with Mei McIntosh
Episode Title: Second Chances - S4E01
Topic: A Musicians Life in Recovery


Alcohol abuse in the music world is not sustainable, and it is possible to sober up and have a successful music career. We learn about Danny Coburn's story of when he found his passion for music at an early age, fell into alcohol abuse at 21 years old, to lose his band and way of life.

Danny got a wake-up call on his journey towards making the decision to stop drinking, and took early steps in recovery to reach 30 days sober, only to find himself thriving again, and making a living as a touring musician with 6 and half years of sobriety.

Connect | Follow ▷ Danny Coburn

▷ Join the community: www.thecreativesober.com
|Produced by Mei McIntosh and Joel Swift

Vol 2 is a collection of original music and personal intros to their songs you would have heard in Season 3 and featured artists in our community. Enjoy!

Tracklist:
1. Ben VanBuskirk/Blackout Orchestra - Intro, Unfound
2. Amber Long  - Intro, Cirrus [Modern Architect]
3. DJ T-Schnegg - Intro, Versatile
4. Lisa Hartt - Intro, Don't Tell Me How To Feel
5. B RO - Intro, CTL
6. Gregory Dwane - Intro, When You Say California
7. J9 - Intro, That Was Yesterday
8. DJ FM - Intro, Ride (Original Mix)
9. Sorcia - Intro, The Gun Barrel
10. Pete O'Neill - Intro, Little Heart Theme
11. Soberthedj - Intro, MELodies
12. Jacob Derwin - Intro, Greatest Hits

Thank you to the artists that made this episode possible. Your music brings hope to those who are seeking sober creativity! 

▷ Follow The Creative Sober
▷ Official Podcast Website
▷ Join The Creative Sober Community 
▷ Free 30-Day Membership

Episode Produced by: Joel Swift and Missing Mei