SOBER SPOTLIGHT: Robert Pidde, Seattle Based Comedian and Costco Enthusiast

December 14, 2021

Sober Spotlight Q&A with Robert Pidde

What’s your Sobriety Date?

May 19th, 2019

Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverage of Choice?

Shirley Temple with as many cherries as possible

What’s your favorite #QUITLIT Book?

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. This book talks about how the mind works when making decisions regularly. It applies to all kinds of decisions, not just decisions surrounding drinking. The mind is very manipulative. It’s imperative to do what you can to put the proper framework around yourself to be successful.

What advice do you have for someone new to recovery?

If you can, start exercising and make it part of your regular weekly routines. You are doing something to get your mind flowing. You don’t want to waste the energy you’re saving by not drinking. Research pre-work-out drinks to maximize and get those workout endorphins going. Adopting this regimen early on will make you a lot less likely to want a drink.

How does your recovery benefit your career?

I got sober so that I could be successful. I got sober so that I could make my comedy album. You might fear that you will lose what you think alcohol does for you. You actually don’t need it to loosen up. Being sober allows you to indulge who you are as a person, and you’ll be able to let yourself discover what you enjoy. Being sober has made me funnier, and I’m more myself on stage. My goal is to be a great comedian, and to do that; I knew I had to give up booze.

How has recovery impacted your family life?

My family likes me better when I’m not drinking. I don’t think they had a problem with my drinking. I was annoying, but most people are when they’re drinking. People have listened to my entire set on stage about not drinking and have still come up and offered me a shot after a show.

Let’s talk selfie-care. What do you do to take time for yourself?

It takes a lot to maintain a certain level of kindness. I meditate, exercise, and take supplements. Have you watched the Ted Talk that explains how 50% of all mental illnesses went away when kids were given supplements and nutrients?

Going public with your recovery can be intimidating. What tips or benefits do you have to share?

When it comes up naturally, it’s not a big deal. I don’t hid it from people and I will talk about it when it’s appropriate or can be helpful.

If you could go backwards and give your newly sober self some advice, what would it be?

There’s a pandemic coming and that’s going to be hard.

What’s on your playlist right now?

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Favorite pop culture moment?

When Pokemon GO launched, the whole world seemed to stop fighting for two weeks. It’s possible I ruined a few proposals because I was addicted to the game.

Favorite movies or TV series?

I’m worried that a Northern Minnesotan Woman lives inside my head. I watch Hallmark Christmas movies, and the other day at Ross, I found myself smelling the scented candles and bath bombs. Rick and Morty is also an incredible series.

Favorite sober travel?

San Juan Island is great vacation spot and Stewart Island for camping

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SOBER SPOTLIGHT: This section of our site highlights extraordinary people in recovery. Sober small business owners doin’ their thing gives us all the feels. Who is making a difference in your recovery community? Please connect with us at [email protected] or DM us on social media if you know someone we should spotlight.

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