A Journey Through Music, Redemption & Relationships with Jim Sonefeld

What would your life look like if you truly embraced every change that came your way and surrounded yourself with the right people to help you through it?

In this episode, our host Kevin Thompson talks with Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, drummer of the legendary band Hootie & the Blowfish. Jim shares how he went from chasing dreams on the soccer field to becoming part of one of the top-selling rock bands of all time. As the songwriter behind hits like “Hold My Hand”, Jim helped launch Hootie & the Blowfish into worldwide fame with their debut album Cracked Rear View, which became the 9th best-selling album in U.S. history.

Jim opens up about his personal battles with alcohol addiction and how he found hope, healing, and a new purpose through faith and recovery. Today, as he gears up to release his fourth EP Remember Tomorrow and his memoir Swimming With The Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride, Jim reflects on the relationships that carried him through it all—his family, his bandmates, mentors, and community.

This conversation is a real look at humility, growth, and why trying to do it all alone is never the answer.

 

[00:01 - 07:00] The Power of Being Connected
• Jim and Kevin connected through their friend Jeremiah.
• Trusting mutual relationships can open doors you never expect.
• Jim shares why slowing down and being grateful changes everything.

[07:01 - 21:00] From Soccer to Drums
• Jim talks about growing up curious, rebellious, and learning from his parents.
• Music and sports shaped his youth, but drinking started early too.
• Those choices followed him for years, setting the stage for future struggles.

[21:01 - 32:00] Joining Hootie & the Blowfish
• Jim found his way into Hootie & the Blowfish in college.
• They hustled like entrepreneurs, touring with little money but big dreams.
• Everything changed after David Letterman heard “Hold My Hand.”

[32:01 - 39:00] The Struggles Behind the Fame
• Sudden fame brought tours and millions of albums sold.
• But Jim wasn’t prepared and leaned harder on alcohol to cope.
• Eventually, he realized he needed help and couldn’t keep hiding.

[39:01 - 51:00] Finding Recovery and Giving Back
• A 12-step program and honest friends helped him heal.
• Jim learned to let go of what he couldn’t control in life and music.
• Now at 60, he tours again with deep gratitude for a second chance.

[51:01 - 56:00] What’s Next for Jim
• Jim loves speaking, sharing stories of music, mistakes, and redemption.
• He hopes his journey inspires others to face their own struggles.
• His biggest lesson: don’t do life alone—the right people change everything.

 

Follow the links below to check out Jim Soni Sonefeld’s memoir and music:
Swimming With The Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride
Jim’s Music

Connect with Jim:
Facebook
Website

Key Quotes:
“Whatever you’re doing, don’t try and do it alone.” — Jim Sonefeld
“If we have anything in common, it’s that we’ll make mistakes and that’s not the end, that’s the beginning.” — Jim Sonefeld

Thanks for tuning in!

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