Sober Living Stories

Host Jessica Stipanovic and Renae Saager sit down to talk about how Renae teaches go-getter women worldwide how to start living a powerful, authentic life free from food and weight obsession. Tapping into her own unique journey with disordered eating and alcoholism, Renae connects with her clients on a deeper level, supporting them through the process of rewiring their brains with her no-BS approach. Renae can help clients challenge their mindset and begin healing, using her sense of humor an...

Imagine finding redemption at your lowest point—Doug Sweeney did just that. After a journey marked by addiction and run-ins with the law, Doug discovered a life-transforming faith that reshaped his entire existence. On this episode of Sober Living Stories, he opens up about his path from the depths of addiction to becoming a powerful example of hope for other men grappling with similar struggles. Doug's experience is a testament to the power of faith and community in overcoming life's darkest...

What if the key to overcoming addiction lies not in conventional methods, but in the depths of spiritual and holistic practices? Join us as Veronica Barragan, a remarkable holistic therapist and wellness counselor, recounts her challenging journey from a traditional Catholic upbringing in Mexico to battling and ultimately overcoming alcoholism. Veronica's story takes us through her experiences as an immigrant child facing emotional neglect and depression, the pressures of early marriage,...

In this episode of the Sober Living Stories podcast, we're joined by Tina Sasso, a nurse practitioner, holistic wellness health coach, and survivor of relationship trauma who is passionate about empowering Women Survivors of Relationship Trauma. Her mission is to help them take charge of their health, boost their energy and confidence, and achieve their optimal health and life goals. Today, Tina bravely shares her story for the first time of growing up in an alcoholic household. Tina reflects...

Join us for an empowering episode with Lisann Valentin, a lawyer turned actor and New York Times bestselling author, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood immersed in drinking culture to an adulthood filled with success. Having walked away from a law career and into the entertainment industry, Lisann followed her passion landing hit shows like Manifest and The Blacklist, to the New York Times best-selling anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. Today, the lawyer-turned...

Can love survive the storm of addiction? Join us as we uncover the powerful story of Anna Kingsley, a psychotherapist from London, who opens up about the ups and downs of being married to an active alcoholic who turned 20 months alcohol-free. Discover how the COVID-19 lockdown intensified her husband's alcohol dependence and strained their marriage, and how Anna's expertise in addiction therapy guided her through this challenging time. Anna shares the emotional rollercoaster of constant vigil...

Join Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Sarah Smith, a Canadian roots rock songwriter, who shares her sobriety story and how she lives it out on the road enjoying a 26-year music career. Sarah returns to her high school days in a party-loving, farm community and recounts the pivotal moment she left the Royal Military College to chase her musical dreams. Learn about the profound impact a bandmate in recovery had on her, guiding her through the early days of her sobriety, and ...

Have you ever wondered how a single day can change your life forever? Meet Courtney Andersen, a sober life coach, podcast host, and author. She is the founder of Sober Vibes and National Sober Day and helps women quit drinking alcohol and thrive in sobriety.Through Courtney's story, you'll learn the incredible power of community support in those early days of recovery and discover the valuable resources she offers through her online community and her book, "Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriv...

Welcome to another episode of the Sober Living Stories Podcast. Meet Stephanie McAuliffe, author of two international best-sellers, as she shares her personal story. From surviving sexual abuse and growing up in a family overwrought with alcoholism, to navigating a high-powered Wall Street career and marriage to an alcoholic, Stephanie's story is nothing short of transformative. Stephanie offers an honest perspective on the challenges of healing from deep-seated trauma...and solut...

Meet Leigh of @macrosnmocktails, a first-class female on a mission to normalize sobriety by bravely sharing her life as a sober mom one post at a time. Join host Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Leigh to listen to her sobriety story and wildfire connection with a community that helps her remain accountable and inspires others to believe in the promise of sobriety. From her father's sudden passing to her decision in 2017 to pursue an alcohol-free life, Leigh discussed using alcohol as ...

Have you ever witnessed a friend or family member suffer from alcoholism or addiction and wondered how you could help?Join us as we share Lisa Dare's powerful journey of witnessing a friend's descent into alcoholism and supporting her path to recovery. Lisa's experiences at a work event sparked a realization that led to her friend's crucial decision to seek help. Through her touching narrative, Lisa and I discuss the stigma and workplace gossip surrounding addiction, and the pivotal role of u...

Sobriety isn't about being boring, it's about embracing life to the fullest. Nobody knows that better than my next guest, Mick Resendez of @queerrecovery where he kicks shame to the curb and wins over alcohol. He invites you to forget everything you thought you knew about sobriety and join us as he rewrites the rules. He is saying goodbye to outdated recovery methods and is recreating the recovery scene one fabulous step at a time. Join host Jessica Stipanovic for a vibrant ...

Join us on this episode of the Sober Living Stories podcast as we welcome Amy Colliton, a former childhood actor and founder of her own theater company, who celebrates 42 years of sobriety today. From her first encounter with alcohol at just 11 years old to her involvement in Alateen, Amy's journey is a true example and inspiration to listeners looking to make a change. She shares candid moments from her life, including the challenges of navigating trust issues within her family dynamic and t...

Join us as we welcome Nick Padlo, an Iraq war veteran and accomplished business professional who openly shares his personal story from military and business success to battling addiction and depression. Throughout this episode, Nick opens up about his darkest moments and the pivotal steps he took to reclaim his life, ultimately leading him to establish rehabilitation centers and advocate for mental health and recovery.We discuss the story behind Nick's decision to open Sophros Recovery | Addi...

Have you ever wondered how nutrition and holistic health can completely transform your life? Tune in to another episode of The Sober Living Stories Podcast with Jessica Stipanovic. This week, she sits down with Lizzie Nelson, an integrative nutritionist to discuss the healing powers of food, stress management, sleep hygiene, community, and movement. Lizzie went from enjoying a happy and healthy childhood growing up on the East Coast to facing severe health issues in her earl...

Can growing up in an alcoholic household shape your future for the better? Claire George's extraordinary journey answers that question with a resounding yes. Join us on this heartfelt episode of Sober Living Stories, where Claire, a health habits coach holding two master's degrees, shares her personal story. From her early years in rural England, influenced by a strong-willed mother and an alcoholic father, to her passion for helping others transform their lives, Claire offers a deeply person...

At only four years old, Kyle Robinson’s life changes dramatically—a man he calls Big Bad Ben, or Triple B becomes his stepfather. Over the next decade, Kyle and his siblings live in terror daily, trying anything to escape his physical and emotional abuse. With nobody to turn to, Kyle’s urge to escape reality leads him to unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, and multiple run-ins with the law. Still in high school, Kyle is arrested, facing jail, and forced to defend himself in court—alt...

Have you ever realized that a seemingly harmless habit has taken over your life?Marci Rossi's relatable sobriety story unfolds as she details her transformative journey from drinking culture to a life of joy and intention. As I sit down with this inspiring coach, we unwrap the complexities of alcohol dependency that hides behind success and achievement. This issue resonates with many who struggle in silence.With Marci's narrative as our backdrop, we venture into the realities of addicti...

If you or a loved one has ever suffered from addiction or mental health challenges, this episode is one you will not want to miss. Meet Darren Serwas who with seven years of health and sobriety shares about his journey from the depths of addiction and bipolar disorder to a life of sobriety and faith. This episode is a narrative of Darren's life-changing moments, from being introduced to alcohol at a young age, to run-ins with the law and time spent in psych wards to sanity divine ...

JoJo was brought up in the gang-infested neighborhoods of LA and witnessed the deadly results of drive-by shootings at a young age. Although raised in a disciplined home, JoJo still took to the drug-filled streets and at 16 was arrested which eventually led to him being tried as an adult in the state of California. At the age of 18, he was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison the very same day his child was born. As a reformed gang member, he describes to listeners t...

After years of attending self-help groups and battling addictions, listen to how my guest Barb found healing and spirituality in 12-step recovery programs. Join us as she shares her sobriety story in this powerful episode.From her transformative experience in Codependents Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics, Barb's anecdotes and wisdom shed light on the power of self-awareness and the importance of support groups in overcoming challenges. Discover how spirituality played a crucial...

Have you ever struggled with emotional eating? Today, I have a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer Schrappe, where she talks about her experience with eating disorders and how her struggles with food addiction shaped her career in counseling others toward healing. Jennifer uncovers the harsh edges of bullying, loneliness, and the paradox of teaching others while wrestling with her demons, as so many counselors do. It's a conversation that defines food addiction and gives practical advi...

Have you ever been in a relationship that carried so much emotional trauma that your health began to suffer? That's the essence of Ashley Malik's story, and I had the privilege of hosting her on the show where she shared it for the first time. In a deeply personal conversation, she unveils her escape from an abusive marriage entwined with a gambling addiction and the financial deceit that nearly broke her. Ashley's tale is not just one of survival; it's a masterclass in transforma...

Fame can often mask the darkest struggles, and Dino Miliotis, a famous entrepreneur at a young age, knows this all too well. Tune in as the Sober Living Stories podcast host Jessica Stipanovic sits down with Dino Miliotis for a powerful conversation that sheds light on the complexities of addiction in the public eye, the silent battles behind closed doors, and the incredible resilience it takes to step into the path of recovery. For over three decades, Dino Miliotis has been a formidab...

Welcome to our special episode featuring Sara Buckler, a true inspiration in the world of recovery. Sara's sobriety story is powerful. As the Vice President of Public Relations for SLF Ripple Ranch Treatment Center, Sara has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the disease of addiction and guide them towards a brand new life. Sara's sobriety story is one marked by incredible challenges and triumphs. Having celebrated a decade of sobriety in December, Sara's resilience shin...

Meet David J. Greer, a sober entrepreneurial coach who was adopted into an entrepreneurial family and developed a passion for technology early in life. At 22, he joined a young software startup, and stayed for 20 years, becoming co-owner, while building the company into a global powerhouse. After selling out of that business, he and his wife took a break, commissioning a sailboat in the South of France and home-schooling their three children for two years while sailing 5,000 miles in th...

Welcome to another episode of The Sober Living Stories Podcast. Join host Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Tania Vasallo, an international speaker, a Napoleon Hill certified coach, a business mentor, and a mom. She discusses an interesting topic that isn't covered much yet touches every part of our lives: how to have a healthy relationship with money. Tania has helped hundreds of people heal their money stories and break free from their limiting beliefs to live a life of abundan...

Ever felt an unmistakable pull towards a more authentic, purpose-driven life, but found yourself unable to break free from old habits and comfort zones?In our latest episode, join host Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Krys Pappius, an empowerment coach and author, for an inspiring conversation that dives deep into the journey of self-improvement. Krys shares her powerful 75-day transformation journey, where she ditched alcohol and embraced a routine of exercise, reading, and unwaverin...

Have you ever found solace in the depths of a pantry, seeking emotional refuge in food? Miriam Rachel has story is a testament to the power of positive change. Bravely looking at the root of her struggles with emotional eating, she shares her story. From a critical upbringing to the demands of caring for a special needs child, Miriam's journey through severe depression and a peak weight of 300 pounds speaks to the heart of anyone who's fought to overcome an addiction. Finding solutions to foo...

Welcome to another episode of The Sober Living Stories Podcast. Listen in to one of my favorite interviews yet! Meet Elizabeth Wilson, a dedicated mom, accomplished writer, podcast host, and entrepreneur, who guides listeners on how to navigate an alcohol-free existence while fulfilling a dream of becoming an author. In our conversation, Elizabeth fearlessly opens up about her past struggles, starting from college drinking to her pivotal moment of realization as a stay-at-ho...

From homelessness to higher education, listen to this inspiring story and hear what happens when someone decides to use their hardest-won battle to help others win theirs. Meet this week's guest, Chris Cannon, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in private counseling and interventions. He is a devoted husband, father of three, and owner of the Recovery House | 1st Avenue to Freedom | United States. With eighteen years of sobriety, Chris sits down with Jessica ...

When digestive issues began to show up in her teen years, Christiane Schroeter's aversion to food resulted in anorexia. Later in life, discovering solutions to her health led to educational achievements, a renewed sense of self and a successful career. Our latest episode features Christiane Schroeter founder of Hello Happy Nest | Accountability Coach an accountability coach, who opens up about her journey of overcoming an eating disorder to a path of wellness. Born in Germany and...

Meet Janice Johnson Dowd, a mother of four, and a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with families and addiction. Janice is dedicated to helping individuals in recovery repair relationships with their family and friends. You are not just meeting a professional, you're meeting a woman who has walked through the fire of alcoholism and had to do it all herself first. Janice begins her story by accepting that she had the disease of ...

Join Jessica Stipanovic, host of The Sober Living Stories Podcast as she interviews Christian Coach Barbie Morgan Sheffield. Barbie shares her story of overcoming nearly two decades of drug addiction. Today, Barbie shares more than thirty years of freedom from alcohol and drugs with women all over the world. Starting in Dallas, Texas, Barbie's life took a tumultuous turn, marked by the grip of substance abuse. This raw conversation unveils her descent into addiction, a...

Episode 9 of "The Sober Living Stories Podcast" features the inspiring journey of Cheyenne. Her story starts in foster care, takes us through her early struggles with addiction, showcases her remarkable academic achievements, and celebrates her joy in motherhood. Cheyenne courageously shares her teenage struggles with drug addiction and the dangerous behaviors that consumed her life. Her downward spiral eventually led her to a life-changing realization and a deep connection with God. Her...

When Kristine Casart, founder of Mom Vegan Love sits down to recount her sobriety journey, one cannot help but be captivated. The candid reflection on her struggle with codependency and perfectionism amidst her quest for sobriety is both enlightening and deeply moving. Her experiences underscore the reality that recovery is not a destination but a continuous path, requiring self-compassion to best serve others. Her forthcoming book, "The Unconventional Addict," promises an honest ...

As addiction cleared from her life, Stefanie found herself face-to-face with a new opponent: cancer. This episode takes you through the raw narrative of a woman who overcame alcohol, drug, and food addiction and emerged to fight yet another battle, this time for her very life. Yet, Stefanie's story isn't about survival; it's about transformation. Stephanie's introduction to a 12-step recovery program and a life lived by faith might have begun with skepticism, yet, it grew into a lif...

Today on The Sober Living Stories Podcast, host Jessica Stipanovic delves into food addiction with her special guest, Julie Kleinhans, founder of Reshape and Recover. Julie's 85-pound weight loss journey is a testament to overcoming addiction, from her childhood to embracing the idea of abstinence from binge foods as an adult to her eventual acceptance and success. Her inspiring story emphasizes the power of a supportive community and the creation of her 12-step program that has helped many o...

Welcome to The Sober Livings Stories Podcast with host Jessica Stipanovic, where we dive headfirst into heartfelt conversations about addiction, recovery, and conquering generational alcoholism. Tune in this is one you are not going to want to miss! In this episode, Jessica explores the sobriety journey of a fitness-focused mom who has encountered the trials of parenting without alcohol, overcoming loss and relapse, and ultimately reclaiming control over her whole life.Imagine a life tha...

Welcome to the Sober Living Stories Podcast. This is a must-listen episode featuring my guest, Amanda. With 6 years of sobriety, Amanda shares her transformation from a chaotic past, including her first arrest at just fourteen, to her evolvement into living a life free from alcohol. A haphazard involvement with the Hell's Angels led Amanda to a unique turning point in her addiction. A caring biker boyfriend becomes her first real example of recovery and introduces he...

Ever wonder how a simple shift in life can make a world of difference? Introducing Chris, a sports fish captain who has triumphed over alcoholism and is now embracing a vibrant, sober existence for more than 12 years. Join Chris on his sober journey as he recounts his incredible transformation from a life consumed by alcohol to finding support, recovery, and eventually, happiness in sobriety.Imagine a life where your biggest challenge becomes your greatest triumph. Chris shares h...

Welcome to The Sober Living Stories Podcast! Join us as we discuss the inspiring sober journey of Lisa May Bennett, author of the memoir "My Unfurling: Emerging from the Grip of Anxiety, Self Doubt and Drinking." A tale of battling anxiety, self-doubt, and alcoholism, Lisa's narrative reminds us that we are usually just one decision away from the transformative power of choice. By the age of 51, she made the life-altering decision to quit drinking, turning her focus towards ...

Eight Years of Friendship, Fourteen Years of Sobriety: Christie's StoryToday, I'm thrilled to introduce someone extraordinary—she's not just a mom of three boys and a dedicated wife; she's also a seasoned business professional celebrating over 14 years of sobriety. Join us today as she shares openly about the challenges of growing up in an alcoholic home, the loss of her father, and drinking at a young age. The incredible part? She turned it all around, standing now as a powerful ...

Welcome to the Sober Living Stories Podcast, I'm Jessica Stipanovic, your host. Join me every Tuesday, as I engage in candid conversations with individuals who share their personal stories of sobriety. In each episode, we pull back the curtain, offering a glimpse into the internal struggles of alcoholism and addiction, while shining a spotlight on those who have undergone remarkable transformations.This podcast is tailored for those who are sober curious, embracing an alcohol-free lifes...