Drew Alexander: Joy, Sobriety & Starting Over

Matt sits down with storyteller and Civil War–reenactor Drew Alexander to trace a surprisingly hopeful arc, from small-town ’90s roots and church community, through drifting in college, to getting sober and finding his way back to faith, purpose, and family. Drew talks about trading bar nights for books, how group counseling and a real community (“The Underground”) reshaped his days, and what it takes to safeguard joy with habits, boundaries, and better hobbies. There’s dad-life (two daughters, endless questions), why history still grabs him, and a running joke about building a stage persona for reenactments… or starting a jam band instead. If you’re rebuilding a life you actually like, this one’s for you.

Follow and share if this helped you name—and protect—what brings you joy.