Dustin Dunbar: Breaking Free from the Alcohol Matrix and Finding Real Joy | Episode 131

In this episode, I talk with Dustin Dunbar, author of You're Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me) and founder of Alcohol-Free Revolution.

We discuss the illusion that alcohol benefits us, how calling it what it truly is—ethanol—can reframe our perspective, and why quitting doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. Dustin shares the dream that changed his life, how trauma often underlies drinking, and what happens when you stop numbing and start feeling.

We also get into:

• The difference between the AA model and joyful alcohol-free living
• Alcohol as a blocker of consciousness and connection
• Why quitting can lead to more energy, libido, clarity, and weight loss
• How to socialize without alcohol and what to say when people ask why
• The link between drinking and childhood trauma
• Tools like meditation, nature, infrared therapy, and travel
• An alcohol-free bar experiment where people had even more fun
• The role of family and industry culture around drinking
• "Sober" vs. "alcohol-free": a shift in mindset

Dustin’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible on the other side of alcohol.

Connect and Learn More

📘Book: You're Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)

📸Instagram: @DustinDunbarUSA

📺YouTube: @DustinDunbarUSA

🌐Website: dustin-dunbar.com

🤝Non-profit: Alcohol-Free Revolution (AFR)

RESOURCES

📚Books

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
• The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray

🐸 Characters

• Budweiser Frogs
• Spuds MacKenzie
• Superman
• The Guinness Toucan

👤 People

• Annie Grace
• Catherine Gray
• Coors Light Twins (Diane and Elaine Klimaszewski)
• James Swanick
• Janet Gourand
• Tony Robbins

🎙️ Podcasts

• Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
• This Naked Mind Podcast
• Tribe Sober

👥Programs

• Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
• Alcohol-Free Revolution (AFR)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Tribe Sober