Phillip Andrew Barbb

January 28th, 2026 marks 18 years sober.

I guess you could say my sobriety can officially vote and apply for jury duty.

I’m sure you’re getting annoyed with all my posts from the holidays, relationship updates, book reviews, and my epic 40th birthday party, but with this recent milestone, something hit me.

January used to absolutely suck. I HATED IT!

My mother passed away on January 3rd, my birthday on January 10th would bring anxiety, my DUI arrest was January 27th, and I would always find myself in these emotional fogs around this time of year. I think a lot of us experience emotional seasons tied to old, difficult memories. It isn’t that we have to forget the past, but we do get to rewrite a better future.

I did the AA groups, the therapy, the men’s groups, etc., and I took a time of year that used to be really difficult emotionally and built new memories that are worthy of celebrating. It was a mindset shift and it required mindful intention.

Many of us struggle to celebrate ourselves. But why? Because we don’t want to seem selfish. We don’t want to make it about us. Or is it that we diminish our accomplishments?

Either way, there is too much chaos in the world to not take time to celebrate the good.

Thank you to friends and family for years of support, and let’s not stop celebrating our lives. I love you all.

And as always, if you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out. Know that we can change, we can build a better life, and we can learn to celebrate the times that used to cause us grief.

Check these for more inspiration:

Book #1 of 2026 is in the books. 📚
“Build” by Tony Fadell
Grade: A

What I loved most is that this isn’t abstract “business wisdom” floating in the clouds.

Tony has been in the room — Apple, Google, Nest — and every lesson is grounded in real decisions, real failures, and real pressure. It’s practical, honest, and full of stories that actually stick.

It’s a book about building products, teams, careers, and yourself — without the fluff. If you care about doing meaningful work and getting better at how you think, lead, and execute, this one’s worth your time.

Strong way to start the year.

Still riding the high from turning 40.

What an unreal night.

I’m beyond grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, dance, laugh, and just have an absolute blast together. Being in a room filled with friends from so many different chapters of my life was overwhelming in the best way.

It meant the world to see so many friend groups represented—each of you has shaped who I am in some way. I don’t take that lightly for a second.

And a huge thank you to my sister for flying out from Detroit to be there. Having family and friends together in one space made the night even more special.
It was a night I’ll never forget. I felt incredibly loved, supported, and lucky.

Walking into this next decade with a full heart and endless gratitude. What a way to start 40.

1.16.26 - One year ago today we went on our first date, and it turned into a year filled with laughs, travel, hometowns, shows, gym sessions, and (my best boy) Kevin in the middle of it all.

I’m grateful for how supportive you are, for the way you show up for yourself and others, and for how you challenge me to be better without ever trying to change who I am. You keep me grounded and bring joy and perspective into my life. You’re funny, driven, passionate, service-oriented, and strong in all the ways that actually matter. I love you very much sweetheart.

I’m grateful for you , and I’m excited for us to keep building together. ❤️

Back in 1997, I was a Pirate in the Melvindale High Schools play of Peter Pan. recently sent me the video link and these gems were the result. So funny! “The Weasel” on stage with a makeup Beard!

And that’s a wrap on one of the most successful shows on TV ! What an honor to work with just incredibly talented people both on screen and behind the cameras. Congrats to everyone on an amazing Season 34! #

Questioning your drinking?
Sometimes we all need a moment to check if our habits and mindset are still pushing our life forward. If this hits you… reach out. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Monster. Melrose.

😀

Too lazy to caption

Book #8 of 2025: Men on Strike by Helen Smith // Grade: C-

This wasn’t a winner for me. What sounded like an intriguing exploration of gender dynamics turned into a decidedly one-sided argument. The author’s agenda feels heavy, and several sections seem cherry-picked rather than rigorously balanced.

I do believe there are real issues in how men and women relate in modern society, but this book wasn’t the clean or fair lens I was hoping for. I went in wanting a wide, nuanced view—and came away with a narrow perspective. Supporters of Men on Strike might paint critics like me as “white knights,” but to me it’s about clarity, not ideology.

What critics say (for balance):
— The Publishers Weekly review praises Smith’s bold thesis (that men are “going Galt”) but warns that much of her evidence is anecdotal or weak in methodology.
— Others applaud her for raising uncomfortable questions about reproductive rights, custody, and cultural stereotypes.
— Yet detractors argue the book leans too heavily into conservative or “men’s rights” rhetoric without giving equal footing to counterarguments.

Takeaway: If you want a more balanced, deeply researched exploration of gender and culture, there are better paths than this book.