Ray connects deeply with guest Andry Rakotoniaina as they share experiences from the food and beverage industry. Andry opens up about how, as the eldest in an immigrant family, he faced immense pressure, especially after his father’s passing. Alcohol became an escape from these heavy responsibilities, but over time, it took control of his life. With a career in the restaurant industry, where alcohol was always within reach, the journey wasn’t easy. Today, Andry is co-founder of the Kentucky chapter of Ben’s Friends, supporting hospitality workers in sobriety. This powerful conversation dives into addiction, the strength to break free, and how recovery can transform lives.

Andry’s Toolkit:

Recognize Industry Risks
Acknowledge the Allure
Address Family Pressures
Honesty is Key
Watch for Normalized Habits
Find the activities that bring you joy
Embrace Your Cultural Identity
Seek Sober Role Models
Accept That Change is Gradual
Celebrate Sobriety

Andry’s details

Instagram: @willpedal4brew

Ben’s Friends Hope: https://www.bensfriendshope.com/

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/