In this engaging episode of *The Shift with Mike and Joe*, the hosts welcome local musician Colby Sard for an in-depth conversation about his journey as a full-time musician, his experiences gigging around the Chesapeake Bay area, and his path to sobriety. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from the challenges and perks of performing live music to the realities of staying sober while working in the music scene. Key highlights include: - Colby shares humorous and candid stories about his gigs, including memorable tips and navigating tricky venues like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge commute. - The hosts discuss the unique pressures musicians face on stage, such as dealing with distracted audiences, live streaming performances, and the balancing act of playing popular covers versus original music. - Colby opens up about his six months of sobriety, the struggles of performing sober for the first time, and how sobriety has changed his perspective on music and life. - The conversation delves into the mental health aspects of addiction and recovery, emphasizing coping strategies, self-forgiveness, and the importance of taking sobriety one day at a time. - They also explore the behind-the-scenes work of booking gigs, working with agents, and the realities of making a living as a musician. - Mike and Joe share their own reflections on sobriety, the challenges of balancing creativity with personal well-being, and the evolving culture of sobriety in the music industry. - The episode includes lighthearted banter about music gear, favorite songs to play, and creative uses of AI tools like ChatGPT for designing flyers and managing projects. - The hosts discuss podcast production insights, distribution platforms, and the evolving landscape of video podcasts.