Founder and Contributing Writer – Jason Mayo
After more than 15 years in recovery, I’ve finally put my story on the page. On September 9th, my debut memoir, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood, will be out in the world.
It’s a raw, honest account of growing up in a broken home, living with depression and anxiety, stumbling through addiction, and eventually finding a way to live with truth, humor, and hope. It’s not a how-to book. It’s not a tidy redemption story. It’s simply my truth—the good, the bad, and the in-between—written for anyone who might see themselves in it.
- If you grew up in the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s, this book is for you.
- If you’ve ever felt alone or lived with depression or anxiety, this book is for you.
- If mental health or addiction has touched your family or friends, this book is for you.
- If you just want to help, this book is for you.
And because you’ve been part of this Sober Not Subtle community, here’s your first look at the cover ⬇️
📖 Sneak Peek:
“These weren’t the typical kid nightmares with monsters hiding
—In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood
under the bed or poison apple-type shit. These were fullblown,
melt-your-fucking-skull anxiety dreams. You’d think I was
selling stocks on Black Thursday for a living back in 1929. Nope. Just
a kid whose parents split up.”
I wrote this book for connection—to remind us that none of us are as alone as we sometimes feel. If the message resonates, it would mean the world to me if you’d share this post, tell a friend, or pass it along to someone who might need to read it.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more—quotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and moments from the journey. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for helping me put this story into the world.
Want more updates before launch day? Scroll to the bottom of the page and hit subscribe.
With love and gratitude.
—Jason
Jason Mayo is the creator and founder of Sober Not Subtle. He is a certified recovery peer advocate at a Recovery Community and Outreach Center in New York.
Before working in recovery, Jason was owner and executive producer of award winning visual effects and animation companies in NYC.
He currently writes for The Sober Curator, has been a contributing writer for the Forbes Business Council, creator of the popular Dad blog Out-Numbered, and author of the children’s books, “Do Witches Make Fishes?” and “The Boy and the Billy Goat.” His debut memoir, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood is due out Fall 2025.
When Jason isn’t working or writing, you can find him watching Netflix with his wife or grabbing coffee with one of his two daughters. You might also catch him in his studio playing Fortnite as a Partnered streamer on Twitch.
The coolest thing that ever happened to him as a Dad Blogger was being named to the “25 Dads Who Rock” list published by Working Mother – keeping company with Barak Obama, Jay-Z, Will Smith, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Matthew McConaughey and Brad Pitt.
Jason is passionate about advocating for people living with substance use disorder and mental health issues. His goal is to use humor, creativity, and lived experience to make a positive impact on the world.
Jason has been sober since March 25th, 2010.
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