Michael's Jam

When I first got sober for the 23rd time last September, I was introduced to kava bars after attending the grand opening of The Golden Kava Lounge, in November. I was in awe of how much fun I had at a bar that didn’t serve alcohol. I was just figuring out my next move in my life as the ladder part of 2023 was a bit messy, so I immediately gravitated to the welcoming community and the bar like atmosphere, with pool, music and tournament games weekly.

I started to become a regular and got pretty into the kava scene in Golden, Colorado. After seeing how many people’s lives were changing, including mine, I felt this flame inside my heart that I knew I had to work in this industry. I’m now six months sober and am doing something I love.

At the start of 2024, I began to venture out to other kava bars in the area and I immediately fell in love with Mile High Kava in Westminster, Colorado. After a short time, my boss Nicole was looking for a social media manager and thought I’d be the perfect fit. It has been truly exciting to be a part of The Roots & Leaves team and run the social media for all five bars we have. Four in Colorado and one in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Our newest location in Lakewood, Colorado is Peak Kava and I’m currently growing the social media following and engagement. Since I have started with Roots & Leaves, we have seen growth in our socials and our overall presence has increased, so I want to thank all of you for following our pages and supporting this wonderful community I get to be apart of.

Peak Kava just opened a few months ago and we are blasting out events left and right. From trivia nights, open decks, EDM parties and pool tournaments, plus a single mingle gathering we are hosting on Friday, April 19th from 5-7 pm, there’s literally something for everyone. All human beings are welcomed in our community, whether you drink or not and you will quickly see how much fun we have. Additionally, all of the hard work we all contribute to this phenomenal company is something spectacular and I can’t wait to see how far we continue to thrive. We are saving lives and to hear testimonies from our community that yes, we have helped people struggling in recovery and flirting with the idea of eliminating alcohol from their lives, is very special to me.

Everyone in this community, including management, Kavatenders and all of our outstanding friends who come in and out of our doors, thank you dearly for aiding in keeping me sober and my dreams coming to fruition. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity y’all have given to me and I’m super stoked to be a part of such a warm, loving and genuine company.

Check out our Instagram pages below and if you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol and want to explore something different and life saving, please come in and see what we’re all about. Bula!

@peakkava

@official.milehighkava

@kavaradostation

@rootsnleavessantefe

@rootsandleaveskava

When I was told last November that kava bars are full of fabulous, yet delusional, disingenuous people, drama & chaos, I wanted to turn a third eye blind and sit back to watch a potentially great show. It took me a few months to observe the first kava bar I ever stepped foot into, but ultimately I met many crazy/beautiful characters daily and I began thinking of my previous boss I worked for in production, for shows on SPIKE TV, CW, Bravo and MTV, just to name a few.

I was a casting director for a well known company in Los Angeles, California, but I started at their satellite office in Boulder, Colorado. Believe it or not, I don’t announce or talk about everything I do behind the scenes. I know how this world works, so hey, I worked in development for unscripted programs and reality tv from 2013-2017. Some of the shows I casted for were Bar Rescue, Naked & Afraid, Barmeggedeon, Million Dollar Listing and Catfish. I eventually began traveling to LA to work there and be in the scene, learning a great deal surrounding the world of reality television.

I reached out to Jackson just a few months ago in March and told him all about the dramatic, tacky, sociopathic and wonderful people I met at the new kava bars I was doing social media & marketing for. He was beyond entertained and asked me to start sending videos to him of the bars I frequented to regularly. So not only was I getting paid to take pictures and videos for the company I worked and played at, but I was also getting fantastic B-roll for content for a possible reality show centered on me, the employees and my tribe. In addition to sending Jackson footage of my nights at the bars, I worked with him to determine who we would make the main cast members of the possible series, the stars if you will. A few of you know who you are. *anyone who I’ve spent many hours, nights, had numerous conversations and hangouts with over the past SE7EN months are not being referred to in this article. I don’t talk shit about my friends that I’ve developed relationships with, nor acquaintances who are warm & genuine* “what’s in the box?” Brad Pitt.

Since I naturally stand out in a crowd and am a tremendously social dude, I was starting to hear ridiculous rumors from random people talking mad shit about everyone I knew, especially people these naysayers called their own friends. Distributors not staying in their own lanes, strangers coming to me spewing their miserable life dramatics onto me as if I were seriously invested & “HR” trying to school me on what’s quality content, plus what smart decisions should be made. Those were just some of the circus theatrics I encountered everyday. I was a human resources director for Ralph Lauren for several years; I think I know what I’m doing, in addition to being the social media manager for Orangetheory Fitness for four years.

After getting really close to pitching my idea to several networks with Jackson, I was fucking fired for literally telling my supervisor to stop berating myself and my colleagues. I told her straight up how it was and I received a phone call the next day telling me I was canned. Constantly validating yourself in front of your peers out loud is not cute. Success and confidence is quiet, not vocalized daily.

From slow service and certain kavatenders always inventing charges to my tab of drinks I did not consume, fake, two-faced buffoons spreading lies and inaccuracies of people they claim to love and constantly being watched, makes me extremely grateful for the exit from that business. Could you imagine if what all I described here was captured on camera? This could have been a fucking goldmine. Drama, drama drama, huh? Such a shame, but trust you me, a second season is brewing.

📸 @tenor

Over the past few weeks, we have seen an array of pop artists release songs and or albums simultaneously. Both superstars Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake released new albums, Jennifer Lopez put out her first record in ten years, plus Cardi B released her new single, Enough (Miami). I’ve been a huge fan of Ariana Grande since her album Dangerous Woman in 2016 and her 2019 album, thank u, next, absolutely saved my life and inspired me in so many ways. It helped me in getting over a major depressive heartbreak and was (still is) the soundtrack to my life.

Eternal Sunshine, Ari’s 7th studio album, is positive, uplifting and down right intoxicating. She’s way more optimistic here, an extremely quick journey recapping her life over the past three years. Ariana feels more comfortable being her most authentic self while navigating the game of fame and love. When Ari released the upbeat, dance lead single yes, and? in January, fans (mostly the gays) immediately thought the album would also be an uptempo, dance album throughout, but were irate to hear mostly mid-tempo R&B tracks. Ariana’s new album is solid Pop & R&B, with monstrous beats similar to those of her thank u, next albums production.

Justin Timberlake released his first album in six years and one thing is for sure; Justin & his wife Jessica Biel are either open in their relationship or he’s cheating on her. Some songs paint Justin as the bad-boy-bachelor who encounters hookups on a daily basis. Also, there are quite a few tracks that are obviously about Britney Spears, which he’s blatantly singing stories that are so inaccurate of their global romance back in 1999-2002. Sure, it’s a he said she said situation, but I highly doubt Britney and team would lie about Justin knocking Britney up and then forcing her to have an abortion, or cheating on her many times when she was barely twenty one years old.

In terms of sound and beats, produced mostly by Timbaland, Calvin Harris and Ryan Tedder, the album is entertaining enough. However, Justin and Timbo try too hard to resurrect the nostalgia from Justin’s brilliant 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience. Everything I Thought I Was is a recycled version of 20/20 and Justin consistently croons and sexualizes women that are not Jessica Biel. It’s quite confusing as if those flirtatious songs are just for tracks to make the cut on his album. Like pick a lane, bro.

To sum things up, Ariana takes the cake by a landslide. While Timberlake’s album is full of some good pop gold, Eternal Sunshine is memorable, written all by her and will definitely be nominated for multiple Grammy’s next year.

Eternal Sunshine Key Tracks: we can’t be friends (wait for your love), the boy is mine, eternal sunshine and imperfect for you

Everything I Thought It Was Key Tracks: Memphis, Flame and Infinity Sex

On December 10th, The 9-3 Dallas Cowboys will host the now 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles for an epic showdown for first place in the NFC. Now if the Cowboys beat the Eagles on Sunday, they will be tied for first, both having 10-3 records. This would then truly be a fight for Dallas as they take on winning teams for the rest of their season, not including Washington.

Philly already beat us 28-23 last month, so Dallas will be extra pissed off boosting their confidence even more to go hard. Also, we get to show them who’s boss at home. Dallas won their 14th consecutive home game, rallying to beat the Seahawks 41-35 on Thursday night. Needless to say, my boys are determined to keep that streak alive and spank those Eagles in Cowboy territory, making it their 15th straight game won at home.

The Eagles and Cowboys have a long history of ongoing rivalries between each other. Not only are they in the same division, but they always seem to stay neck and neck with each other and hardly have to worry about the unfortunate New York Giants (sorry Dad) and Washington Commanders tailing their asses.

Many spectators and commentators in the NFL like to keep reminding fans that the Cowboys have only really been beating losing and mediocre teams and that’s the only reason why we’re so good. While some of that bullshit may be true, we are killing those teams, not barely scraping by. Plus, the three teams we’ve lost to were mostly exciting games to watch. The only winning team that has demolished Dallas this year was the San Francisco 49’ers back in October.

After the Cowboys beat the Eagles on Sunday, we will head to Buffalo and then to Miami on Christmas Eve. Dallas will host Detroit on December 30th and then close the regular season in Washington on January 7th, 2024. I predict Dallas’s 2023-2024 record ending at 13-4, possibly losing to the Miami Dolphins in Miami.

Whether you’re an Eagles fan or a Cowboys fan, or couldn’t care less about either, there’s one thing we can all bet on. Sunday nights game between the two will be the biggest and most watched regular season game this year, if not of all time. The excitement surrounding this game from NFL heroes, experts, reporters and the fans is quite amazing. The game will also be a 100% fight to the finish with Dallas winning in overtime. GO COWBOYS! Sorry Mom 🦅

Be sure to check out my Instagram page @michael_jenney

I just celebrated two months of sobriety on Thanksgiving day. Although this is not my first rodeo, I must say that I’ve had more clarity during these past two months than I have battling booze for almost two decades.

As soon as I got out of rehab for the third time in two years, I had a sober volleyball league set up to play in, an incredible support system, job interviews weekly, volunteer opportunities with The Phoenix and I had finally escaped the most toxic apartment complex I have ever lived in. If you think I’m being dramatic, well I most likely am, but this place was fucked up. If the truth is dramatic to you, then so be and in the famous words of Taylor Swift, “I swear I don’t love the drama, it loves me.”

Anyway, words can’t even begin to describe how I would critique this awful, disgusting and dangerous apartment complex. Oh wait, I am. However, at least an entire chapter of my memoir will be dedicated to the extraordinary “castle” I was living in and the dramatic movie all the tenants witnessed with front row seats. The 5th floor view of the mountains was the only redeeming quality of this trashy, wannabe a baller, shot caller apartment community.

The only reason I even stepped foot onto the grounds of these unfortunate apartments is due to the fact that my ex-dickhead lured me into thinking it was an upscale, safe and affordable place to call home in early 2022. It was also very self-serving of him as I was just across the pond from the douche nozzle so he could keep an eye on me. Jesus Christ JR, really?

After being sexually assaulted in my own unit in 2022, the constant fear of coming home alone, hearing gunshots and fights on the daily and most recently my Jeep being fucked with, it was a no brainer to move out immediately and take a bow. Some Karen’s who resided at my apartment complex put dryer sheets and sugar cubes into my gas tank causing thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

During these last few months, though, I kept my head down, worked hard, saved money and engaged with amazing friends in the Denver recovery community. I’ve really put myself out there as a recovering alcoholic with a dual diagnosis, hiding nothing and being the most vulnerable man I’ve been thus far in my life.

Playing volleyball with my friends is the best thing that has happened to me in years. Thank you so much guys, you know who you are; Trevor and Carlee especially. I know y’all will be in my wedding, if a guy will ever lock me down and treat me like the rare man I know I am.

One other really positive thing that has kept me from falling into old habits was attending the grand opening of The Golden Kava Lounge in Golden, Colorado about two weeks ago. It was such an inspiration to see other guests with months and years of sobriety.

I had never heard of Kava or that sober lounges like Golden Kava Lounge existed, so I decided to give it a try and hang with other healthy, smart and genuine people. From the moment I walked in to the new establishment, everyone, especially the Kavatenders, were extremely friendly, understanding and automatically welcomed me into their new home. It was as if we’d known each our entire lives. The natural authenticity of everyone plays such an integral part of the entire experience there, something that doesn’t go unnoticed. You can tell how dedicated and passionate the Kavatenders are and how proud they are for bringing their ideas to life. The staff work their asses off daily and it’s so enjoyable, admirable even, to see the magic happening right before my eyes.

Owners Luke and Jackson have turned what’s now become a cultural phenomenon across the country into their own unique, refreshing and relaxing spot to congregate in. Jaedon, Sophia and manager Bronson are impressively knowledgeable about the drinks they sling, providing historical details on all their products and are super educated in the benefits of Kava. They are also really great humans to confide in. With two pool tables, a few televisions, video games, couches and a monster sound system, The Golden Kava Lounge is the perfect place to socialize at a bar like feel without the pressures of drinking.

There is zero alcohol here, so if you’re worried about that aspect of being in a social setting with the chance of relapsing, no need to fret. A lot of the patrons are in recovery themselves and everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, sexual orientation and ethnicity.

All of these wonderful people are becoming a part of my recovery journey and being the bar fly I was during my drinking career, this alternative way to be around other like-minded friends is great. The Golden Kava Lounge is all about good vibes, unpretentious people and a safe environment to migrate in. I can’t say enough about this outstanding and life saving lounge.

I have absolutely no desire or cravings to use anymore and am confident knowing I will never drink again. Kava, a plant based tea, miraculously aids in deep sleep, caters to a good digestive system and promotes weight loss, overall mental health and well-being. Some people in AA proclaim that it’s not ethical or “allowed” in order to attend meetings to contribute to their sobriety. You have to live, eat and breathe AA outside of work and this is the only way to conquering sobriety.

All I know is I have never felt better, more alive and productive in years. Plus, this is Michael Jenney’s journey, not the fake fraternity “brothers” that are so adamant dictating that consistency in attending meetings and working with a sponsor is the only way to stay sober.

I know guys whose lives have changed for the better and are still sober for years, even decades now with AA as their prime purpose. That’s awesome for them, truly, but there are also so many other elements that can contribute to one’s sobriety. Working out, The Phoenix, eating healthy, therapy, a support system, using healthy resources, sober sports teams, The Golden Kava Lounge and surrounding yourself around genuine people are just several examples. Anyone who elevates my spirit and lifts me up makes my life easier, better and I’m more in touch with myself each day.

I’m ecstatic The Golden Kava Lounge is now open for business and I look forward to maintaining the friendships I’ve already made and other interesting people I know I’ll continue to meet. Everyone here, whether you know them or not, treat you with respect, support and unconditional love. It’s fantastic that we can all connect in a really fun, safe and healthy space.

Reading Matthew Perry’s book, “Friends, Lovers & The Big Terrible Thing,” was an extremely powerful, eye-opening journey of a talented man that struggled with drugs for most of his life. It was also a huge wake up call for myself. That’s only about the 23rd time I’ve said that, ha. His book was a scary, realistic account of his troubles and a spiritual experience for me. My desires and cravings to drink faded away with each page I turned. Little did I know Matthew was actually fading away.

I began reading Matthew Perry’s memoir about four weeks ago, after arriving at a thirty day, residential recovery treatment center for addiction and mental health. As most of you know, I struggle with alcoholism and Bipolar 1 disorder. Looking back, most of my depression and manic episodes would occur simultaneously with an alcohol binge. Roughly 80% of people living with addiction issues also have some form of mental illness. It obviously makes sense that the two would go hand in hand, which has unfortunately led to some instability throughout my adult life thus far. I have said and done things to great people over the past two years in which I’m so sorry for. My experiences are nothing near the wild stories I read in the former Friends star memoir though. During these debilitating phases I have endured, I’ve loved, lost and most importantly grown from all of the devastating, dangerous and emotional turmoils that come with these diseases.

Yes, diseases. One doesn’t wake up one day and say, “Oh, I can’t wait to ruin my life, lose lovers, friendships, jobs and experience assaults (sexually and physically) due to heavy drinking or pushing through a depressive episode.” Shockingly, people still swear to this day that becoming addicted to drugs | alcohol is a choice. It’s quite comical, in my opinion, that these ignorant individuals shun and degrade us living with the big terrible thing. I’m lucky to be alive; not everyone and their families can say the same, most recently Matthew Perry. He died Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at his home in LA.

I write this not to garner attention or sympathy, but to use my voice, experiences and platform to help others struggling with addiction that it’s okay to admit it out loud. Once you recognize your problem and stay vulnerable with your truth, you can literally change your life in whichever way you choose. Don’t hide it though, which is something I did for years. It’s so much easier when you’re productively getting help and the support you need from family and professionals. When anyone struggling with any type of mental health issue inserts alcohol | drugs into their bodies, the consequences can be damaging, lethal even. In 2014, I was told I could never drink again when Dr. Liefer diagnosed me Bipolar 1 in Evergreen, Colorado.

What did I do off and on for the decade that followed? You know it; ferociously drank so much booze that I sometimes wonder how and why I’m alive. All I know is had I taken my Doctor’s advice ten years ago, I probably wouldn’t be writing this article now. Would I be married, already in California pursuing my dreams? What about a little boy to raise or working in HR for Ralph Lauren in New York? Who knows. I can’t change the past, but I can help myself and others moving forward to be authentic about these issues and to help end the stigmatization of mental illness | addiction.

Over the past month, I had a good amount of time to read and think. I learned a great deal about myself, addiction and why I was “gifted” this awfully terribly, no good disease. I feel now is my time to help others in similar situations and assist in the overall wellbeing of their lives.

I do realize I haven’t been through nearly the amount of shit Matthew Perry did, but I know exactly what he’s discussing throughout his book. I have also been in more horrible situations than the average joe; something I’m not boasting about, trust. The dark, black hole that seems impossible to get out of. Laying in bed so depleted from all the toxic stuff you put in your body, that you idealize suicide. Being in so much pain, emotionally and physically, that the only logical thing at the time is to drink more. Perry’s addiction to opioids became such a detriment to his life and career that he was taking fifty-five Vicodin per day. After Doctor’s constantly telling him to stop, multiple rehab stints, near death experiences and also having all the money in the world for help, he still could not just press a button that would make it go away. Contrary to popular belief, He didn’t choose this and neither did I.

Matthew Perry’s memoir has been out for about a year now. I just finished it a week ago, before his tragic passing. I left reading his story believing he had once and for all conquered his demons. It saddens me that such a brave, strong, talented and funny man is gone at such an early age. His story is so incredibly inspiring and has 100% given me a new outlook on my life. It’s showed me a different perspective about the repercussions I’ve experienced and has me now confronting it head on. If you or anyone you know needs help, seek it. You can also DM me below. RIP Matthew Perry and Chandler Bing. You’ll always be our friend.

@michael_jenney

Photo: Buzzfeed