Elevate your sobriety journey.
the bull and the bear
recovery series
THRIVING BEYOND SOBRIETY
COURSE Workbook
A PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SOBER MEN 40+
Course Goal: To provide men over 40+ with tools and strategies for maintaining sobriety, while building a community of like-minded individuals. A support system by men, for men.
Welcome to the first step in the most rewarding and fulfilling chapter of your sober journey.
The course consists of the following:
The V-SMART Guide
Module 1 - Pillars for the Sober Man Over 40: An Alignment Guide
Module 2 - The Well-being Plan: The 40+ Man's Guide
Module 3 - Building Your Connected Life
Module 4 - The Midlife Growth Mindset
Module 5 - Vision and Legacy: Designing Your Second Half
Five self-paced, easy-to-follow modules
Tools for maintaining long-term sobriety
Built-in community of like-minded men
Discover a fulfilling new sober chapter
Weekly schedule ensures steady personal progress
Deeply personal and life-changing growth
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Bulls & the Bear is built on the belief that sobriety is the foundation, not the finish line. Our work focuses on helping men 40+ use sobriety to build stronger relationships, clearer direction, and a meaningful life. We don’t just support men in staying sober — we support them in living fully, with intention and integrity.
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This work is for men who are already sober and ready for more. Men who are self-aware and committed to growth. The Bull and the Bear is designed for men who want to walk alongside likeminded men who also hold high standards for themselves and each other.
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Men who commit to this work experience deeper clarity, stronger self-trust and a renewed sense of purpose. They develop routines that support long-term stability, relationships rooted in honesty and the confidence that comes from living in alignment.
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Doing it alone relies on willpower. The Bull & the Bear provides structure, guidance, and brotherhood — three things most men lack once the chaos of addiction is gone. This is a space where growth is intentional, accountability is mutual and your progress is supported by men walking the same path.
Meet the Founder
Robert Aspinall, 54, from Melbourne, Australia, personifies the honest, non-linear nature of long-term recovery. A devoted father of four boys, he knows firsthand how personal growth must coexist with the demands of family life. His advocacy for enduring recovery is anchored in lived experience:
First Sobriety: Began his recovery in September 2001 and stayed sober for 15 years.
Relapse & Resolve: Experienced a difficult two-year relapse through most of 2016 and all of 2017.
Renewed Strength: Has maintained continuous sobriety since September 17, 2018—now seven years—built on renewed determination.
Robert uses his story to champion a recovery that’s honest, imperfect, and resilient. His turning point, in his words: “Stopping drinking wasn’t a choice; it was non-negotiable. I had gone too far and had to backtrack fiercely. The crushing shame and guilt left me cornered, and the only way out was to get sober. I first got sober in September 2001—24 years and one significant relapse ago. That two-year relapse, while painful, only strengthened my foundation. I have been continuously sober since my second sober birthday, September 17, 2018.”"