Matt Pinfield: Sound, Sobriety and Success

Marko Babineau is a legendary record executive turned successful real estate agent. He shares his successes and rock bottoms and how becoming sober changed his life

On this episode, Marko talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Dorchester, MA, and winning 2 world championships marching with the Boston Crusaders marching band
• Becoming a local marketer and the out-of-the-box promotions he did wit...

Linda Perry is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for her work with the band 4 Non Blondes and her successful career as a songwriter for other artists. She shares how she overcame addiction and continues to work on herself.

On this episode, Linda talks to Matt about:

• How she was influenced by a variety of musical genres and artists, including Karen Carpenter, Tracy Thorn, and The Who

Rikki Zazula is the daughter of metal pioneers Marsha and Jon Zazula (known as Jonny Z), founders of Megaforce Records. She tells how she was surrounded by drugs and Rock n Roll from a young age and how that exposure led to drug addiction and other mental health issues which took decades to mitigate. She shares how she ultimately found hope and learned to love herself in recovery.

On this episode, Rikki talks to Matt about:

Dean Karr is a prolific photographer, director, and artist. He shares how he developed and utilized his unique artistic style and the ways his life has improved after getting sober.

On this episode, Dean talks to Matt about:

• Being fascinated with music and photography from an early age and sneaking camera equipment into concerts as a teen
• Getting expelled from catholic school for designing...

Slim Jim Phantom is the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats known for leading the rockabilly revival, pioneering his stand-up drumming style, and being one of the coolest drummers in rock-n-roll. He shares how the Stray Cats made it big, how he decided to go sober, and how he lives the rockabilly lifestyle.

On this episode, Jim talks to Matt about:

• Growing up on Long Island and spending his time practicing ...

Megan Holiday is a radio personality on KROQ Monday-Friday at 2-6pm in Los Angeles. She shares how her career was impacted by her addiction and how sobriety allows her to continue to do what she loves and spread positivity on and off the air.

On this episode, Megan talks to Matt about:

• Growing up around Riverside CA and the shock of witnessing her brother get hit by a drunk driver as a kid

Greg Baldwin is a leading comedian, producer, actor, and host of the Second Chances podcast. He shares how he stumbled upon a career in comedy after helping someone in his recovery meeting and has since used his experience as an addict to tell honest and hilarious stories. 

On this episode, Greg talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in the bay area and exploring drugs at an early age
• Working in ...

David Nathan is an acclaimed music executive who has worked with Columbia Records, Island Records, Republic Records, and Big Machine Records, before creating his own label, Happy Jack Records, to honor the legacy of his late son, Jack. He shares stories from decades in the industry and how his new label helps fulfill Jack’s dream of providing artists with mental health support. 

On this episode, David talks to Matt about:

• How ...

Crystal Vallee is a speaker with Steered Straight who motivates and educates youth and families about the dangers of running from pain and abusing drugs and alcohol. She shares the struggles and trauma that preceded her incarceration for a drug-related car accident, and how she found deep purpose in helping others avoid the path she took.

On this episode, Crystal talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in a dysfunct...

Howie Weinberg is one of the most well known and prolific audio mastering engineers with over 19,000 mastering credits and 20 Grammys. He shares how he began his legendary career and how sobriety allows him to be happier, healthier, and better able to do what he loves.

On this episode, Howie talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in the Bronx, working at summer camp, and attending numerous concerts.

Mike Diamond, author, director, life coach and interventionist, known for his work on the hit TV shows NY Ink and Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew, shares how he went from partying hard in the Miami, LA, and NYC club scenes to becoming an interventionist and being the go-to guy to get people sober as well as his advice for living a healthy and happy life.

On this episode, Mike talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Austral...

Mayra Dias Gomes is a bestselling author, journalist, TV host, wrestler, model, and Matt’s neighbor. She shares her struggles with mental health and alcoholism and how becoming sober improved her life.

On this episode, Mayra talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Brazil and being a “rock kid” at school
• How the tragic loss of her father made her so rebellious she eventually got kicked out of sc...

Patrick Alan Stone, lead singer of Budderside, shares how years of drug use brought him to a dark place and how he was able to find a better life in recovery. He discusses how his acting and music careers and better relationships were only possible through sobriety.

On this episode, Patrick talks to Matt about:

• Using drugs and drinking from a very early age
• The tragic loss of his sister to...

Captain Paul Swain, officer of the Salvation Army, and Norman Mackenzie, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in San Diego share how the ARC turned their lives around and how they have devoted their lives in service to others. They discuss the ARC’s Second Chances campaign giving people struggling with addiction free treatment and another opportunity at life.

On this episode, Capt...

Duff McKagan, founding member of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver shares how a near-death experience forced him to get sober and all the good that came from turning his life around. He recounts tales from the road, the music he loves, and what sobriety means to him.

On this episode, Duff talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Seattle as the youngest of 8 kids.
• Leaving home and moving to LA at...

Former record exec, Triple A format editor at AllAccess.com, and certified hypnotist and life coach Lynn McDonnell describes hypnotism and other techniques she used to become sober. She discusses working on herself and how she now helps others work be their best selves.

On this episode, Lynn talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in Buffalo, NY and her sibling rivalry
• How she used hypnotism to reprogram her brain and ...

Frontman of Everclear, A&R rep, and activist Art Alexakis shares his experience using substances starting from an early age, and how he recovered. He discusses a difficult childhood that led to a life of music, sobriety, and activism.

On this episode, Art talks to Matt about:

• Growing up without a father in housing projects
• Tragedies early on that affected his life
• ...

Rock star, actor, and DJ on Little Steven’s Underground Garage Michael Des Barres shares stories from his decades-long music and acting career and over 4 decades of sobriety. He discusses the numerous bands and musicians he’s worked with and his advice for living a rock & roll life while staying sober.

On this episode, Michael talks to Matt about:

• Growing up in boarding schools without a mom or dad