About this episode
In the season finale of The Shield, Nichole sits down with George Cowgill, a true Birmingham native and the owner of the Black Market Bar + Grill. George reflects on his experience as a firefighter and how it shaped the way he approaches life, work, and community. He shares insights from his journey of building one of Birmingham’s most popular bar and grills, navigating the challenges of running a business, and making intentional choices that align with his values.
Beyond the business, George talks about being straight-edge and supporting employees in recovery, creating a workplace built on respect and accountability. This episode highlights his life choices, showing how people can support a recovery community even while owning a bar and grill. Life is full of surprises—and George is only just getting started.
For more content, make sure to check us out on Instagram and YouTube!
https://www.instagram.com/addictionpreventioncoalition/
https://www.youtube.com/@AddictionCoalition
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Shield publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Shield
Why the “Scarcity Mindset” Is Breaking Nonprofits (with Danielle Dunbar)
The Shield
S2E14: Understanding Teen Substance Use: Vaping, Edibles, and Harm Reduction (wi...
The Shield
S2E13: Overcoming Depression and Finding Purpose (with Charles Johnson)
The Shield
S2E12: Finding Purpose and Building Community (Inside the APC Junior Board)
The Shield