Chris Marshall: Building Sober Communities and Embracing Vulnerability
I really do believe that there's just the way that this movement, much like the temperance movement 100 years ago, although that was rooted in a whole lot of more kind of political stuff. And, that doesn't scare me or intimidate me.
When Chris Marshall was just five years old, his life took a drastic turn as his father was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Thrust into the role of 'man of the house', Chris's early years were marked by the struggle to understand what it truly means to be a man. His journey led him to use alcohol as a way to fit in and find belonging.
However, Chris has since transformed his life and now dedicates himself to spreading the message of sobriety and self-acceptance across North America through social media and live events. In this episode of 'Brobriety', Chris sits down with VanSober to discuss his path to sobriety and the creation of Sans Bar, a unique sober bar community based in Austin, Texas.
Chris dives into the significance of creating safe, alcohol-free spaces where people can connect on a deeper level without the influence of alcohol. He shares how Sans Bar has grown into a movement, producing alcohol-free events in over 15 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Chris also tackles the myths surrounding men's emotional expression. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing vulnerability and nurturing all aspects of oneself.
As someone who has been featured in USA Today, Rachel Ray Magazine, Time Magazine, and NPR’s Morning Edition, Chris's insights are both powerful and relatable. The conversation takes a timely turn as Chris discusses the impact of the pandemic on social connection. He believes that as we emerge from these challenging times, the need for genuine social interaction will be greater than ever.
Chris envisions a future where virtual connections complement in-person gatherings, fostering a supportive community for those on their sobriety journey. Tune in to hear Chris Marshall's inspiring story and learn about the importance of creating sober safe spaces, embracing vulnerability, and fostering meaningful connections.