We recently connected with Joshua Gandee and have shared our conversation below.

Joshua, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope I leave behind a legacy of truth, and honesty.

I wish that those who came up with me know that I cared deeply for them, and felt the warmth of their presence in our short time together. I hope that when my name is mentioned, or when friends and family speak of my actions it’s spoken in earnest measured lines that I did the things I could to help out of true conviction. I hope that I left room at the table and that I gave up my chair when someone else should have the seat. I hope that those around me felt seen, heard, understood, and cared for.

I walk this earth as a malleable being. I’ve come to reckon with time, to flow with change, and to embrace the impossible. I lead with compassion, I’m humbled by the simplistic, and I admire the true beauty of the world. It is my mission to continue having hard conversations, to increase my vocabulary, and to find the faces and spaces of those making this world a better place. My legacy will be that I was always willing to be great. That I was unafraid of my possibility.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a runner, bartender, photographer, and creative living in Columbus, OH. I host a podcast called ‘no proof’ that is meant to house many conversations about sobriety within the hospitality industry. I am a Principal at Historic Revelry a creative agency that creates content, stories, and education for spirits brands and beyond with a focus on photo and video. We started as bartenders who were throwing events, and in turn developed a vocabulary that allowed bartenders to speak to brands, and brands to speak with bartenders in a way that allowed both parties to be heard, educated, and appreciated. We took what we learned from events and turned that into visual storytelling.

I am also a partner at Focus On Health, an organization where our mission is to enrich the lives of those who dedicate themselves to taking care of others. Whether you’re a bartender, a server, a chef, or anyone in between, we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier you.

So, whether you’re looking to revamp your menu, lace up your sneakers, or simply unwind with a podcast, Focus on Health is here to support you every step of the way. Because when you prioritize your well-being, everyone around you benefits.

Working with, on, and for these two companies allows me to stay within the hospitality industry and give back in a way I didn’t find sufficient when I was stood behind the bar. I’m here to leave a meaningful impact on those around me in hopes that they can succeed and grow in a way that shows them true success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I found myself on auto-pilot. I was coasting, living out a Groundhog Day plot where one day resembled the next. I was punching in, and punching out, and never taking stock of the way that I was doing physically or mentally. The unlearning came from stepping outside of myself and running an inventory of what was making me tick, or what was holding me back. Part of this included taking a month without alcohol as a manual reset of sorts. At the end of it I was able to notice not only a clarity, presence of mind, and weight loss, but that I was actually feeling my emotions. One month became two and two has now turned into seven years.

I’ve learned so much about myself by just listening when I used to just tone down the noise. Quitting alcohol didn’t change everything, but it was the first door to pass through to know that I could. I’ve learned that I’m a happy person, I’m capable, I’m fun, and I’m earnest. I’m pleased with the patience I can sit with, and happy to learn the person I’m becoming.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a writer, photographer, and now podcast creator is the opportunity to explore and share diverse stories and perspectives in ways that connect deeply with others. Writing allows me to dive into the complexity of human experience, using words to evoke emotions, tell stories, or spark reflection. Photography captures those moments in time that might otherwise go unnoticed—small details, raw emotions, or fleeting beauty—and turns them into visual narratives. Both mediums allow me to document life from my perspective and create something lasting.

With my podcast focused on the sober curious community, that sense of connection has expanded even further. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share stories, conversations, and insights that might inspire others to reflect on their own journeys with alcohol. The podcast creates a space where people can feel less alone in their experiences, and knowing that it might help someone find clarity or encouragement makes the creative process even more meaningful. Whether through writing, photography, or podcasting, the most rewarding part for me is fostering connections and building a sense of community.

Contact Info:

• Website: historicrevelry.com, fohealth.org
• Instagram: @joshuagandee @fohealth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagandee/