Jane sits down with Mario Bencivenga, a 25 year old writer from Long Island, New York. Mario shares his journey to sobriety, detailing the influences that led him to alcohol, the moment he realized he had a problem, and the support he received from family and friends. He discusses the importance of creativity in his recovery, the power of words, and the significance of sharing his story to inspire others. Mario emphasizes the need for self-reflection regarding alcohol consumption and the growing sober curious movement. He also touches on his upcoming book, which aims to provide hope and connection to those struggling with similar issues.

KEY POINTS

• Mario's journey to sobriety began on January 20th.
• He was not very open about his drinking problem initially.
• Alcohol was always present in family gatherings, but not heavily consumed.
• Mario felt excluded during his childhood, which contributed to his drinking.
• His first drink was a Jack and Coke at a funeral at age 14.
• He realized he had an issue after a night of heavy drinking at a Yankees game.
• Creativity became a significant outlet for Mario after getting sober.
• Family support played a crucial role in his recovery process.
• Mario emphasizes the importance of sharing his story to help others.
• He believes in the power of words and their impact on mental health.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Mario's Journey

03:04
Early Experiences with Alcohol

06:58
Recognizing the Downside of Drinking

10:17
The Turning Point: Realization of an Issue

14:36
The Role of Creativity and Music

18:56
Support from Family and Friends

23:44
The Sober Curious Movement

28:47
Sharing His Story and Future Aspirations

Are you inspired by what you've been learning on Mindful Sobriety The Podcast? We'd love the opportunity to meet you in person at one of our upcoming retreats! There's still a few spots available for Living Your Purpose: Simplified Bali Retreat! Secure your spot today! Mention this episode for a $400 discount when you sign up by November 15! You'll find all the details here!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Learn more about Mario!

Mario Bencivenga, age 25, celebrates his sober date of January 20, 2024, after an 8-year struggle with alcohol. Mario's journey is one of resilience, encompassing triumph, loss, love, and pain. As a young man in recovery, he believes his story can connect deeply with adolescents and others grappling with substance use. Mario brings a raw, authentic perspective to the conversation, offering inspiration to those seeking hope and healing.

You can connect with Mario on Instagram @mario_bencivenga