Michael's Jam

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

Three major female divas released new albums this past Friday. One would assume that it’s three pop artists battling up against the music for the top spot, huh? If it were 2021, then yes, but the ever-evolving superstar Doja Cat, released an outstanding rap album this go around. Scarlet showcases her rap chops and every song is literally talking shit to all the piranha’s sucking the life out of Doja. Except for Can’t Wait, a love song and an ode to a lover; what a super sweet song and a softer side of her we don’t normally hear. She’ll be in Denver on November 10th performing at Ball Arena.

Doja Cat, Kylie Minogue and Kim Petras are all divas in their own right, but who takes the top spot and whose album is the most fire? Lets briefly explore how three different, talented women battle for the coveted number one album announcement this Friday and who deserves it.

You probably say so that I’ve already given my opinion as Miss Doja taking the crown, but not quite. I said it was an outstanding rap album, not the best, yet. Kylie Minogue, an icon in her own right and a dancing queen diva, released Tension, a non-stop disco-pop party album. It’s not any different than what she’s put out in most of her albums previously and it’s just sadly boring. Lead single, Padam, alluded to the fact that Minogue might actually branch out and give us a tense album full of new creativity and new sounds, but it doesn’t. It’s extremely repetitive as most of the tracks sound the same. It’s ridiculously forgettable and nothing inventive, unfortunately.

Kim Petras, who many now know her from Sam Smith’s number one hit Unholy, released another album called Problematique. This is just months after another full album of hers named Feed the Beast, was released in June of 2023; kudos to her for ambition. If y’all didn’t know, Petra’s is transexual and transitioned at an early age. As a role model to the LGBTQ+ community, Kim realized he was born in a woman’s body and actually had the balls (pun intended) to do something about it. Then she embarked on a singing career and now is a Grammy award winning artist. Just like Kylie’s new album Tension, Petra’s Problematique, is annoyingly repetitive and almost every song feeds off the other. Petras is unbelievably remarkable and is uber talented, though.

As I am rereading this article, I was like do I need to do three separate paragraphs elaborately critiquing each album? And are the albums bad? Nah. While Kylie, Kim and Doja do all have similar sounding songs on each of their new releases, they can be catchy, even smart at times. Since Doja Cat acknowledges her rap roots and absolutely kills it, Scarlet is the best in my opinion. Plus the writing, which is all hers, is quite something. Keep evolving and producing, Miss Cat.

I first saw the trailer for the new Barbie movie scrolling through my Instagram in May. I couldn’t tell if it would be worth seeing or not and I wasn’t necessarily freaking out that a Barbie movie was being released this summer. My friends were totally stoked and began their countdown to opening night.

I honestly thought it would be just some cash cow, run of the mill snooze fest with a corny script and a dull storyline. When movie critics got a sneak peek of Barbie before it opened worldwide, the consensus was that the writing was witty, the acting was top-notch and that Barbie was a surprisingly brilliant film. It’s being called one of the best movies of the year as various artists in the entertainment industry are vocalizing that Director Greta Gerwig should be practicing her Oscar speech already.

I started to hear that Barbie was an extremely feminist movie that forces the audience to re-examine their beliefs on social issues, like patriarchy and equality. Okay fine, I was now intrigued. I mean, Margot Robbie? Sold. I think Margot is on her way to becoming one of the best actresses of our generation.

I love Ryan Gosling & America Ferrara as well, so I decided to see what all the hype was about. I went with my mom last Sunday to see Barbie and I immediately observed that most of the people in the theatre were women. I also witnessed mothers bringing in their 5-10 year olds to the movie and literally none of their children were laughing. The vibe and humor of Barbie is absolutely aimed towards adults and is wildly over the heads of anyone less than 13 years old.

While I thought the first 30 minutes of Barbie was ridiculously cheesy, the overall quality of this movie was really quite astounding. The acting, cinematography and the comedic style throughout the film, all blend together to produce a movie that everyone should see.

Barbie sheds light on the men versus women issues in the world and clearly sends a direct message to moviegoers that patriarchy still exists. Men are still favored over women in politics and men typically are chosen over women in sports, business ventures and in job interviews. Barbie suggests that no matter what kind of person one chooses to be or qualities we inherit from birth, that all of us are just Barbie’s trying to make it in an often cruel, yet beautiful world.

Photo | Mattel Creations

When my best friend Brooke turned me on to the show “The other two.” I immediately became obsessed and binged almost three seasons in one weekend. I say almost only because season three is currently airing, with one new episode on every Thursday. I’m not capitalizing or removing the period from “The other two.” because that’s exactly how it’s displayed on the poster and opening credits. I’m crazy (smart) like that.

“The other two.” is written by former head writers, Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider of “Saturday Night Live.” The show stars Case Walker, Helene Yorke, Drew Tarver, Ken Marino, Wanda Sykes and Molly Shannon. When young teen ChaseDreams (Case Walker) is discovered overnight from singing on “TikTok,” he becomes a global phenomenon basically just like Justin Bieber did. When his siblings Cary & Brooke (Yorke & Tarver) realize that they can use his wild fame for their own personal gain, they’ll do anything to stay relevant and to work in the “industry.”

Smart, witty and overall fucking hilarious, “The other two.” pokes fun at the entertainment industry in a brilliant way that really makes us feel that’s one hundred percent how the “industry” is. Drew Tarver (Cary) delivers an epic performance and is also the funniest man on television, in my opinion (fact). He plays such a hardworking actor (in the show) who seems to get screwed over every time he gets close to his big break, all while his thirteen-year-old brother (ChaseDreams) farts and is instantly famous (that’s not really how).

Cary Dubek (Tarver) reminds me of Will from “Will & Grace,” with his handsome looks and boyish charm. His comedic timing is flawless and flows naturally at the same time. He’s someone you’d want to be around for sure. The chemistry between Brooke & Cary is absolute fire. Their acting chops are out of this world and I promise you’ll be laughing out loud crying, dying of excessive laughter. Brooke’s (Helene) sarcasm and on point digs at people are dynamite. She’s one to look out for.

Case Walker is killer playing “ChaseDreams,” mirroring what young Bieber experienced when “Americas Asshole,” Scooter Braun, discovered him singing on YouTube back in 2009. Chase’s manager, played by the ridiculously funny Ken Marino, is actually named “Streeter” in the show and is perfect for playing the pompous, often sweet natured dude. Marino is pretty much making fun of Scooter Braun, while still crushing a believable “industry” talent manager role.

Our very own “Superstar,” Molly Shannon, plays Pat Dubek, the momma of Chase, Brooke and Drew. She nails the overbearing mother persona and is truly the heart of the show. When she gets her own talk show, “Pat!” from Chase’s fandom, it’s so fun to witness her slowly change into a diva, then back to normalcy after riding that kind of successful high. Everyone loves Molly Shannon, I mean who wouldn’t, but I believe this is her best role to date. She should definitely be nominated for an Emmy, Critics Choice and Golden Globe award for her relatable and brutally honest performance.

So, I demand ya’ll to check out this critically acclaimed series as soon as possible and be prepared to become addicted. “The other two.”is on the new MAX and Amazon Prime.

When I first stumbled upon Chubbies in 2012, I was so ecstatic that someone finally made shorts that were the proper length and delivered that Friday at 5pm feeling. In 2011, four Stanford graduates, Kyle Hency, Rainer Castillo, Preston Rutherford and Tom Montgomery created Chubbies, so it was goodbye to those hideous long, cargo shorts and hello to the most beautiful pair of shorts I have ever seen.

The boys officially launched Chubbies in September of 2011 and their casual OG shorts were sold out for 2+ years. Chubbies started as an e-commerce store first, where all the awesomeness was purchased online only. It was later in the decade that pop-up retail stores began to open up around the country.

I’ve been consistently wearing Chubbies since I bought my first pair of shorts in 2012. Throughout my late twenties and all of my thirties, I started wearing them almost every day and hyped them up to my friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances I met during my party boy days.

Since I was always wearing their shorts, many of my friends started wearing them, too. When Chubbies started creating outerwear, fleece zip-ups, hoodies, t-shirts and all kinds of apparel, my mind was blown, and I became a die-hard chubster immediately. It felt like I was already a Chubbies Brand Ambassador, so when I saw that they were looking for the next Chubbies Brand Icon this month, I was beyond stoked and applied instantaneously.

It’s 7:38 PM on Monday night here in Denver as I’m writing this, looking at the sun slowly dipping behind the mountains sipping my Kombucha, and I can’t help but wonder…Could I possibly be representing my favorite clothing brand ever? The answer is hell yes! It would be a dream come true to become a part of the Chubbies family, where the culture is fun, relaxed and totally rad.

I love that the Chubbies brand is irreverent; they are the complete opposite of an “exclusive,” brand. The guys have created Chubbies as a “reaction to the old-guard fashion brands,” and their voice has reigned supreme for the past twelve years. Therefore, Chubbies apparel is for the Everyman which literally means every single man in the world. No exclusivity here, bro.

Public voting is happening now and you can vote for me daily through April 30th. The link to give me some love is in my bio, on my Instagram page. It would mean so much to me if all of you guys voted during this window of the public voting. Then, it’s in the hands of the Chubbies team.

For me to become a Chubbies Brand Icon would be life changing and something I would not take for granted. I live, eat, breathe and sleep Chubbies, so your votes increase my chances of moving into the top twelve. This would legitimately be the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.

Instagram: michael_jenney