Endorsements

"This book is brave and honest, a big-hearted reminder that change is possible. In these pages, you’ll find raw honesty, a cracking sense of humor, and the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from truly doing the work. It is not just a story about quitting drinking, it is a story about choosing yourself, facing your past, and discovering the strength you never knew you had.

If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin, this book will meet you exactly where you are and gently nudge you forward. A brilliantly awkward, painfully relatable read that might just make you laugh, occasionally cringe, and accidentally rethink your entire relationship with booze.”

- Victoria Vanstone - Host of the Sober Awkward Podcast

“Let's Get After It is an honest, grounded, and deeply human look at what it means to rebuild. Brian doesn’t shy away from the pain or the work -- it’s all here: the trauma of early wounds, the spiral, the slow reclaiming of self. What makes his story powerful isn’t just that he overcame his issues with substance use or worked through his traumatic past, but that he chose to do so with unbridled tenacity, self-awareness and compassion. 

Brian’s willingness to turn his own challenges into purpose reflects the core of resilience. He’s using the lessons learned through struggle to guide others toward their own recovery, growth, and strength. His authenticity and insight will make him an exceptional Peer Recovery Specialist; one whose empathy is earned, not borrowed.

This book meets people where they are -- stuck, striving, or somewhere in between and reminds them that healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.”

-Camille Jensen, MA, LPCC, LADC - Wild & Free Counseling

“As someone who has spent decades leading organizations and helping people navigate challenges, I know the power of perseverance and the courage it takes to face your own struggles. Let’s Get After It is more than a memoir—it’s a raw, honest journey through addiction, trauma, and the hard work of choosing yourself.

This book doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulty of quitting alcohol or confronting the demons of the past. Instead, it offers a lived example of what is possible when grit, honesty, and self-reflection meet the right support. Readers will find inspiration not just in the author’s success, but in the lessons on resilience, accountability, and the strength that comes from doing the uncomfortable work.

If you are ready to confront your own challenges and take steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, this book is a guide and a call to action.”

-Michael Wehling, Nonprofit and Public Sector Executive

“Let’s Get After It! is a compelling and rigorously honest contribution to the contemporary recovery conversation. Brian Nicholson offers readers far more than a personal narrative—he delivers a thoughtful, grounded framework for meaningful change rooted in accountability, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.

What distinguishes this work is its framing of recovery not as a finish line, but as the beginning of a more intentional, connected, and purpose-driven life. Nicholson’s candid exploration of trauma, emotional avoidance, and sustained healing makes this book especially resonant for individuals questioning their relationship with alcohol or finding their footing in early recovery.

As someone deeply invested in the recovery community—both personally and professionally—I understand the critical importance of meeting people where they are, free from judgment and empty promises. Let’s Get After It! embodies this philosophy, giving voice to those who may be silently struggling while offering validation alongside a compassionate, motivating call to action.

This is an accessible and grounded guide for anyone ready to move beyond survival and into a life defined by clarity, connection, and personal integrity.”

-Ashley Sunderland, CPRS, CPP, LADC - Twin Cities Sober Curator

“I’m 2.5 years sober today, and sobriety truly saved my life. What stood out to me in Let’s Get After It! is how clearly it captures something I had to learn the hard way; that removing alcohol is only the beginning. The real work is understanding why we drank in the first place.

Brian Nicholson writes with an honesty that feels familiar to anyone who has sat in meetings, done inventory, or finally asked for help. His story reflects the fear, resistance, and eventual relief that come with facing trauma instead of numbing it. There’s no sugarcoating here; just a clear message that real freedom comes from doing the hard internal work and staying committed to it.”

-Christopher King – AA Sponsor

“Brian S. Nicholson’s debut, Let’s Get After It! peels back the layers of his personal journey to understand his complicated relationship with alcohol. Drawing strength from confronting past traumas, he shows how owning his story becomes the foundation for moving forward with intention and hope. His voice is authentic, relatable, and ultimately optimistic, offering practical strategies and compassionate guidance for anyone who is sober curious, sober in need or beginning a sobriety journey. This powerful, insightful book will resonate with many readers and deepen their understanding of how alcohol shapes, strains, and sometimes reshapes our most important relationships.”

-Scott Hansen, D.C. - Lifeline Chiropractic, P.A.