The path to sobriety starts with putting down the drink, but according to Tom Archino, that is just the beginning. Now sober since 1997, Tom thought he had it figured out, but quickly realized he didn’t. Through his journey with the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, inner reflection and the creation of a new business, Tom changed his focus from self to a desire to help others through the Social Podcast Network.
Tom Archino is the founder and creator of The Social Podcast Network, a Sussex County group of podcasts developed to serve the community. Born out of the COVID pandemic, Tom was inspired to help others and allow them to share their stories. The first podcast series for the Social Podcast Network was called Rehoboth Social. Now with over 300 episodes, Rehoboth Social highlights local businesses, events, and locals around Rehoboth Beach. It is about one small business helping another and giving local businesses a voice and stage for an hour. If someone has played a part in the dining scene or organized an event at the beach, there is a good chance they have been featured on the Rehoboth Social Podcast. From Sodel Concept’s Scott Kammerer, James-Beard nominated Chef Matt Kern, to Schellville’s Alyssa Titus and the Freeman Stage’s Michelle Freeman – they have all had a voice on the podcast. Hundreds of community members have graced the mic as Tom didn’t ever want the podcast to be about him, he simply wanted to showcase local people doing local things.
Another podcast born out of Tom’s desire to help others is called, “I’m Sorry About Last Night”. In one of the first podcasts in the “I’m Sorry About Last Night”, Tom shared his sobriety story and now considers this podcast his passion. As a good friend of the late Matt Haley, Tom witnessed just how helpful he was and thought retelling his sobriety story could help others who were struggling. Putting down the drink, Tom confesses, was the easy part of sobriety. It doesn’t mean the struggle goes away. Staying sober was taking one day at a time. Tom still faces challenges and when different battles happen in life, he learned he didn’t have to drink over it. The I’m Sorry About Last Night podcast chronicles some of those battles. Tom may share moments going on in his life and offer reflections on his sobriety path. It is raw and real. Tom confesses he still wrestles with sensitivity and jokes, “Tell me I did a good job and I want to be President of the company; tell me I did a bad job and I want to jump off a bridge”. I’m Sorry About Last Night often takes the listener through the battle and how Tom has grown in those moments.
Now with nearly 800 episodes in the various podcasts, the Social Podcast Network has grown to 26,000 listeners. The community has been able to get to know businesses and events before attending, which Tom explains, has taken away the intimidation of walking in a new business. One of the other popular podcasts in the Social Podcast Network, is The Music Discovery Podcast. Spanning across a variety of genres and decades, the podcast spotlights new music talent, Firefly, local artists and music that has caught their ear on the first beat. In the three years since the Social Podcast has started, Tom now has a wide variety of community members actively contacting him to be a guest on the podcasts. He continues to be the one small business helping another and showcase local folks doing local things. And while his sobriety journey continues, Tom’s mission to help others remains – One Step – One Guest – One Podcast at a time.
If you are interested in sharing your story on Rehoboth Social, or any of The Social Podcast Network podcasts, contact Tom Archino at tomac24@gmail.com.
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