The Sober Mom Life

Today my brother Jay is joining me for a conversation that he and I both know a lot about - grief and sobriety. Our society encourages us to be quiet about the complicated and overwhelming feelings of grief, but it needs to be talked about, so today we’re doing just that.  Jay lost his best friend one month ago in a tragic accident, and today he’s here to share with us how he has been processing his traumatic loss, and how sobriety has played into his experience. Jay wants you to know that there is no substance that will take away the pain of loss. Grief can only be managed with time.  If you’re struggling with grief and sobriety, check out my other episode on the topic here.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best selling author Emily (Belden) Bond joins me today for an eye opening conversation about her breast cancer journey and how it has changed her relationship with alcohol.  Emily shares the unbelievable story of how she was diagnosed, how her treatment has unfolded over the past year, what she experienced when she shared her diagnosis publicly, and how cancer has forever altered her relationship with alcohol.  Emily urges all women to seek testing for breast cancer, no matter your age. Please share Emily’s diagnosis story with 8 other women to help raise awareness! 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives.  Learn more about Emily and her writing on her website and her Instagram!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dawn’s parents never hid the dangers of drinking from her, and because of this Dawn grew up fearing alcohol. Yet, even as she became older and tried to put barriers between her and drinking, alcohol was waiting in the shadows of her life, ready to pounce.  As the mom of four kids (including triplets!) there was no room in Dawn’s early motherhood for alcohol. Then, just as she’d gotten all of the kids into school, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional load of these hard years wore Dawn down to the point that she developed severe insomnia. As her children grew older and her husband’s prognosis improved, Dawn finally had the chance to let her guard down, and alcohol slipped right into her sleepless nights. She attempted sobriety and moderation multiple times, but she put alcohol on a pedestal, so her attempts didn’t stick.  Dawn’s outlook began to change as she supported a dear friend through her end of life journey with ALS. After an honest conversation with her sons opened her eyes, she began to practice radical acceptance around the fact that quitting alcohol was imperative for her mental and physical health.  Dawn finds it so exciting to make such a radical change in her life at 50! Sobriety allows her to experience the little moments that hold so much magic, instead of jumping from big moment to big moment with numbness in between. She wants you to know: Though the transition might be hard, keep going. Peace will be on the other side. Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! Try it free for one week!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest worries that often comes up in our groups is: How do I travel without drinking? Whether it be a trip to Europe or an all inclusive vacation, it can be hard to envision what travel can look like when you take the focus off of alcohol.  My mom, who’s almost 2 years sober, just got back from a trip to Paris! Today she’s here to share everything she experienced on her sober trip in hopes that you’ll feel inspired to experience a sober trip of your own.  She’ll share how her sobriety was treated by her travel companions, how she communicated her sobriety to others, the NA options that were available to her, and what it felt like to stick to her values and commitments as she traveled.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up on the road following the Grateful Dead tour, Elan didn’t experience much in the way of boundaries. This loose childhood caused Elan to feel uncared for and unsafe. Alcohol wiped that feeling away, and she quickly began to rely on the substance. As Elan got further into childhood, her father remarried, and his new wife installed strict boundaries. Elan rebelled intensely, and landed in the first of many treatment centers at age 13.  It’s clear to Elan now that treatment could only work for her if the yearning for change came from within, and Elan simply wasn’t ready. So, she continued to drink throughout her teens and twenties, until her alcohol consumption resulted in a debilitating bout of pancreatitis. Though she was told to stop drinking alcohol, she was prescribed painkillers to deal with the pain, and she quickly became addicted to those instead. This led to a dangerous time in her life that resulted in her partner dying as a result of his own experience with painkillers.  It was at that moment that Elan experienced a wakeup call. Feeling her own grief, and seeing the grief that poured from his loved ones, Elan realized she never wanted to make someone feel like that. She was killing herself, and she needed to stop.  Elan chose sobriety at 28 and began a deep spiritual journey to learn who she was, how she felt, and how to process it all. She found that sobriety offered her access to the full range of human emotion - and that true joy was only available to her within a sober life. Sobriety has been a massive portal for her personal growth, and she feels like she’s only just beginning!  Elan can be found on Instagram @joyreignitionspecialist Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey and I are back with another installment of Ask Me Anything!  Today we’re giving our thoughts on how to handle your new sobriety in so many circumstances - on vacation, during family visits, at sporting events, and more.  Plus, we’ll share some of our lowest drinking moments, our advice for talking to kids about alcohol, an update on upcoming Sober Mom Life retreats, and even some affordable fashion tips!  Would you like to submit a question for a future AMA? Leave a 5-star review on The Sober Mom Life Podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave your question in the review! Are you new to sobriety? Grab our 5 Tips to Help you Through your First 30 Days of Sobriety!  My mocktail recipe e-book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ here to help you through the summer! Grab your copy here.   Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! Try it free for one week!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie and I are here for another installment of SobieTEA, where we spill the tea about our favorite escape: Bravo TV!  This week we’re talking about the Vanderpump Rules 3-part reunion, the latest developments on The Valley, Carl and Lindsay’s breakup from a sober perspective, and the status of the Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion.  Plus - The Traitors Season 3 cast announcement, celebrity spottings, the missing alcohol on Below Deck Mediterranean, and Katie’s Bravo-centric plans for her upcoming LA trip Do you have topics you’d like us to cover on the next SobieTEA? Send Katie a note at @soberlivingct on Instagram!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Dzafic is back on the show to share a story that is so relatable and important. If you are new to sobriety and summer is feeling like a challenge, then this is a must listen!  Julia’s first appearance on the podcast highlighted her first experience with sobriety, but as summer rolled around that year, she felt like she had a grip on alcohol. Maybe it was finally possible for her to drink in a controlled and moderated way. Moderation seemed to work for a month, but by three months Julia found herself right back where she’d started - unable to control her drinking. It was then that she realized, once and for all, that alcohol did not work for her body.  Today, Julia is 6 weeks sober, and this time it feels permanent. Julia vulnerably shares the lessons she learned from her moderation attempt, and how she is doing sobriety differently this time around. We talk about self compassion, social anxiety, relationships, and so much more.  Julia’s just released a beautiful cookbook, Garden Grown!  Follow Julia on Instagram @lemonstripes Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! Try it free for a week!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen grew up in a home without alcohol, but that didn’t stop it from finding her in high school. Binge drinking quickly became a part of her life, and she chose not to go to college because she knew she would party it away. After making her way through beauty school, Karen became a mom, and drinking ended up slipping pretty easily into the backseat of her life. She was able to moderate her drinking for years.  Then, Karen’s children got older, and more space appeared in her days. She consistently began to fill that new free time with alcohol. Like so many moms, the pandemic pushed alcohol to the center stage of her life, and in a full resurgence of her drinking, Karen struggled to show up for her family and experienced her first blackout - at age 53. It seemed like something was wrong, and Karen committed to Dry January to see if alcohol was the problem. On Day 18 something incredible happened. She ‘woke up’. The lights were brighter, the colors were more vivid, and Karen started to wonder - what had she been missing while numbing out with alcohol? That experience led Karen to dive deep into quit lit, podcasts and meetings in the Sober Mom Life Cafe. All the while, though, she kept drinking. But over the months she found courage to ask herself a big question: What was she getting from alcohol? And, was it making her experience better in any way?  Karen committed to 90 days of sobriety to find out. By Day 40 it was clear to her - alcohol was making her life harder and was robbing her of experiences. She was not going back.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer has arrived! The days are long, the weather is gorgeous, and the pool party invites are starting to arrive. If the idea of not drinking this summer is causing you anxiety, this episode is for you.  Today we’re going to prepare you for your first sober summer, so you can experience the magic that can be found in these long, beautiful, alcohol-free days. We’ll talk about making the decision to stay sober, reconnecting with your younger self who loved summer before alcohol, and how to manage the social challenges that might arise in a sober summer.  If you’re looking for more resources for your sober summer, check out my latest blog post: How to Navigate Your First Sober Summer with Ease!  My mocktail recipe e-book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is here to help you through the summer! Grab your $7 copy here.   How to Socialize Sober  Join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! Your First week is free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie and I are here for another installment of SobrieTEA, where we spill the tea about our favorite escape: Bravo TV! This week we’re talking about the season finale of Vanderpump Rules, Brittany’s frustration at Jax’s drinking, the problematic drinking culture on Summer House, and Carl and Lindsay’s fight.  Plus - PK and Dorit, Why budgets are being slashed in reality TV, and the bizarre behavior of the guests on Below Deck Down Under.  Do you have topics you’d like us to cover on the next SobrieTEA? Send Katie a note at @soberlivingct on Instagram!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! For a limited time, get one week free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Kristen Beckett of @mocktailsandmarathons joins me for a great conversation about the false promise of moderation, the challenges of navigating drinking and sobriety with a partner, and the beauty of the online sober community.  A fellow Wisconsite, Kristen grew up in a home where drinking was seen as a normal part of everyday life. After the traumatic birth of her daughter, however, she began to lean on alcohol for more than just a way to unwind. The progressive nature of the substance then took hold, and during Covid she began drinking in the mornings to stave off the hangover from the night before. What followed were multiple rock bottoms, a trip to the ER, many Day 1’s, and ultimately the moment when it just clicked… and she was done.  Kristen began @mocktailsandmarathons as a way to unpack her experiences during early sobriety, and she found so much healing and growth in the community she has built there!  Kristen wants to encourage you to stick with it! You will find your groove.  Are you new to sobriety? Read How to Navigate Your First Sober Summer with Ease!  My mocktail recipe e-book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ here to help you through the summer! Grab your copy here.   Join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts! Your First week is free!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a younger child in her family, Kelsi always looked forward to having her first drink. Her older siblings made alcohol seem like the centerpiece of belonging, connection and fun. This perspective stayed with Kelsi throughout high school and college, and since she was still able to stay on top of life while rocking a hangover, she never saw it as a problem.  As Kelsi moved into adulthood, fitness goals and parenthood made her feel ready to slow down. Yet, alcohol stayed present in her life. Ready for a change, Kelsi began the moderation game. Though she could successfully moderate most of the time, every once in a while a slip would occur, and a sense of failure would erupt within her, chipping away at her self esteem. Two such slips resulted in actions that put her children in danger - and at that point Kelsi had a major wakeup call: She really didn’t like who she was when she was drinking. The only way for her to change was to stop drinking entirely.  Kelsi feels so much freedom in her sobriety, and she credits her sober community for helping her thrive!  Are you new to sobriety? Grab our 5 Tips to Help you Through your First 30 Days of Sobriety!  My mocktail recipe e-book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ here to help you through the summer! Grab your copy here.   Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions through @thesobermomlife on Instagram!  Today, Audrey and I are delving into the most popular topics that you asked.   We’ll share our thoughts on non-alcoholic drinks, the challenges that arise in maintaining sobriety, how to handle it when your friends don’t handle your sobriety well, why we think that day drinking is hell, and much more! Would you like to submit a question for a future AMA? Leave a 5-star review on The Sober Mom Life Podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave your question in the review! Are you new to sobriety? Grab our 5 Tips to Help you Through your First 30 Days of Sobriety!  My mocktail recipe e-book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ here to help you through the summer! Grab your copy here.   Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom, Sara, is back on the pod after first appearing in November of 2022! If you haven’t listened to her first episode, be sure to check it out here. Today, Sara catches us up on how she’s been doing now that she is almost 2 ½ years sober - with sobriety, her family, and her personal life.  We’ll talk about how dabbling in moderation back in the day has helped Sara stay sober now, her new perspective on free time now that she’s sober, the importance of letting our kids have the center stage on their memorable milestone moments, and all the ways in which Sara can now show up for her family that weren’t possible when she was drinking.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Madeline Campbell from Happiest Sober is on the pod today to share her unique sobriety journey. You guys, Madeline quit drinking in her 20s. Can you imagine?! One of the biggest reasons why Madeline began to question her drinking so early in life is because she had a great role model growing up: a sober mom.  Today, we talk about Madeline’s childhood experience with a sober mom, how her drinking progressed through her late teens and 20s, the ways in which her mom helped her navigate sobriety when she was ready to quit, the importance of speaking to your kids about alcohol, and embracing the discomfort that can arise in early sobriety.  Check out Madeline’s wonderful sobriety Instagram @happiestsober, and check out The Happiest Sober Podcast!  Want to support the show? Click here to Buy Me A Coffee ☕️ We appreciate your support! Try The Sober Mom Life Cafe FREE for one week! You get access to 9 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like so many small town girls, Abby’s first drink was a wine cooler in the middle of a field. Though she hated the taste, she learned that alcohol could be a tool to rely on: for an escape from her painful home life, as a way to fit in, and to help her ignore the nagging feeling that she didn’t belong. Throughout college and young adulthood, she leaned on it, throwing herself into a heavy drinking social life until she realized… She didn’t like herself.  Even as Abby began to work on herself, alcohol remained in her life, and it stayed present as she fell in love, got married and had two kids. In the pandemic though, stuck at home with a baby and a toddler, her drinking began to spiral in a new way.  When Abby began to question her drinking, she reached for podcasts like this one, and she was so comforted by the women who sounded so much like her. Alcohol felt like a part of her identity, though, and she had no idea if she could give it up. However, the questions started to get louder. Could she get off this train before she hit rock bottom? Did she want her children to know her as a party girl?  She knew she had to try. Hand in hand with her sister, she decided to attempt 100 days of sobriety. After she successfully reached 100 days it became clear to her: she didn’t want to go back!  Abby recommends that you just start, even if you don’t feel ready. It can be messy and imperfect at the beginning, and that’s okay!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is such a pinch me moment! The incredible Annie Grace is on the podcast. Annie’s first book, This Naked Mind, changed my life. And I’m not alone! So many women in the Sober Mom Life Cafe have had the same experience. In addition to being the bestselling author of multiple books, Annie Grace is the founder of This Naked Mind, where millions of people have found freedom from alcohol through her groundbreaking emotion-based change framework.  In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how a drinking heavy workplace culture brought alcohol into Annie’s life, the importance of removing shame from the conversation when speaking about alcohol, Annie’s thoughts on moderation, how sobriety affected her relationships, and even how to talk to your kids about alcohol. This Naked Mind is a must read. I recommend buying both the audiobook and book copies to get the most out of the experience!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie and I are back for the second installment of SobieTEA where we spill the tea about our favorite escape: Bravo TV! This week we’ll deep dive into The Valley, and Katie will explain why the pool party gave her ‘the ick’. Then, we’ll share our thoughts on Carl and Lindsay’s impending breakup on Summer House.  Plus, Lala’s insemination party, the power of Craig and Shep’s friendship, and Katie brings us a brand new segment: Gone in 60 Seconds!  Do you have feedback or topics you’d like to cover on the next SobieTEA? Send Katie a note at @soberlivingct on Instagram!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Society has done such an effective job of teaching us to restrict our emotions that it can feel hard to believe that emotions are a completely natural human experience. So many of us learned to reach for a drink when we started to feel an uncomfortable emotion, and we lost touch with how to feel anything at all.  Learning how to feel your emotions is often one of the biggest parts of a sobriety journey. So today, I ask my therapist mom: How do you feel emotions in an effective way?  We’ll talk about how to recognize and process emotions, the dangers of emotional numbing, understanding shame, and even how to model effective emotional awareness for our children.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom, Ashlee, made a pledge to herself when she was young: she would never drink. Ashlee had experienced first hand the damage caused by a parent who drank, and she never wanted to be that mom. Yet, when she turned 21 and had her first drink, things got complicated. For her, it was ‘love at first sip’.  Today, Ashlee tells the story of how the ‘attention seeking party girl lifestyle’ upended her life almost immediately. She details the intense drinking culture she experienced in the military, and shares how alcohol seeped into every corner of her life until it affected her ability to show up for her husband, her work, and her children.  Ashlee experienced deep healing and recovery in AA, and she shares her opinions on the strengths and limitations of the program.  Ashlee wants you to know: You can quit even when it feels like the world around you is centered around alcohol. Those who love you can adapt!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an exciting day on the pod - The incredible Emily Ley is finally here, and she is telling her sobriety story publicly for the very first time!  In today’s episode, Emily will share about how she began to self medicate with alcohol to manage undiagnosed ADD, her silent sober curious journey, the doctor that completely invalidated her urge to quit drinking, how she feels like she discovered a ‘secret to life’ in sobriety, and so much more!  Emily wants you to know: you do not have to have a ‘Capital P’ Problem to quit drinking!  If you were as moved and inspired by Emily as I was, then you need to follow her on Instagram at @emilyley and check out her books and organizational products at www.emilyley.com Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this flashback from May 2023, I’ll share my approach to sobriety, and how I found myself at the place I am now with alcohol.  When I began my sober journey, I only knew what I didn’t want: I didn’t want alcohol to take one more day away from me. Now I know what I do want: a full, expansive and beautiful sober life.  Your sober journey gets to look the way YOU want it to. It doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s guidelines.  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Audrey and I are tackling a big topic: Why we believe pregnancy does not count as a true sober experience. We know that might sound harsh, but stick with us! Because our goal in today’s episode is to empower you to see all that sobriety has to offer you that you didn’t experience during pregnancy. We lay out how sobriety differs from pregnancy, the ways in which pregnancy makes it easy to abstain, how society pressures us to pick a drink back up immediately after giving birth, and so much more.  If you’re a mom who quit during pregnancy and is wondering if alcohol might be making motherhood harder - this episode is for you.  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly is a mid-40’s mom of three, on again/off again stay at home mom who is working on figuring how to navigate a new ADHD diagnosis and sobriety. She began her drinking career in high school like many of us. It wasn’t her favorite, due to the lack of control she felt when drunk. Between joining the military at 20 and then being a mom not wanting to find a new pot dealer in her 30’s, she shifted to alcohol. First it was for fun partying, then it became a helpful way to shut down her brain to sleep, and finally a way to wash away the overwhelm of parenthood. A few decades later, she recognized it had become problematic and had no idea how to manage life without it. While she is less then thrilled about all the work a sober life entails, she absolutely knows that it is worth it. She just reserves the right to grumble about it.  Alcohol Explained by William Porter and Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker were instrumental in opening Kelly’s eyes to realize the truth: She wasn’t the problem. Alcohol was the problem.  After a few stops and starts, in March of 2023 she quit for good! She has found the community she craved in The Sober Mom Life Cafe and she leans on podcasts and self care in order to stay sober. It has felt like a hard road, and she is so proud of herself for what she has accomplished!  Join us in the The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If anyone can make sobriety look glamorous, it’s Morgan Matkovic. Morgan is a lifestyle blogger, special needs advocate, mother, and author. On top of all that, she is almost three months sober! Morgan and I have been blogging buddies for nine years, and I am so happy that our paths have crossed in this wonderful way!  Today Morgan talks about the role alcohol played on her social feed when she was drinking, why she felt so ready to try Dry January this year, how her daughter’s ASD diagnosis made her realize that alcohol was not making motherhood easier, and so much more!  Morgan’s lifestyle blog is so beautiful and aspirational. Check her out on Instagram at @morganmatkovic or at www.morganmatkovic.com.  Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie joins me today for the first episode in a new series: SobrieTEA!  Like so many sober moms in our community, Katie and I are both obsessed with Bravo. Plus, Katie is plugged into the reality world professionally! So today we're here to spill all the tea from the Bravo world, with a special lens on how alcohol plays a role. In this episode we tackle the latest seasons of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Summer House and Vanderpump Rules, sharing our thoughts on the drama, the relationships, and (especially) the sobriety and drinking. If you haven’t checked out Katie’s episode of The Real Sober Moms, check it out here!  Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erinn O’Neill of the 2 Sober Girls Podcast joins me today!  Erinn is a big proponent of AA, and she should absolutely be in charge of the organization's rebrand. She was so kind to answer all of my burning questions about AA, and her approach to sobriety is so soulful, light and non-judgmental!  In this episode Erinn shares her sobriety journey, how reconnecting with her faith led her to sobriety, why she finds power in the term ‘alcoholic’ and why she believes so deeply in the mission of AA.  Learn more about Erinn’s coaching at @recoverwitherinn Check out the 2 Sober Girls Podcast!  Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up, Kara felt like her father had chosen alcohol over his family. He was in and out of rehab for alcohol addiction when she was young, which ultimately led to her parents divorce.  Kara’s mom remarried when she was four and Kara grew up in a blended family of six kids. Though it was a great family life, with so many kids in the house there was no space for her parents to support her emotional needs. Kara had social anxiety, and she began to lean on alcohol to support her in social situations. Then, as she became an adult, alcohol became the go to coping mechanism she reached for at the end of a long day.  Once Kara became a mom, though, the shame began to mount. It didn’t matter how much she drank… the simple act of drinking made her feel like she was choosing alcohol over her kids. This was not a cycle that she was willing to repeat.  Yet, no one seemed to understand the reasons why she wanted to quit. She didn’t have a physical addiction… Why did she need to quit drinking? It took some time for her to push the opinions of others out of her mind, but as she neared 40 she realized that giving up alcohol could help her reach everything she hoped to achieve. She was going to quit for herself. Other people’s opinions did not matter.  Kara is now one year sober and she is not looking back! She wants you to know: It’s okay to quit drinking, even if you don’t have a ‘problem’.  Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lifestyle reporter Rachel Paula Abrahamson recently penned the article Sober Moms are challenging wine mom culture one playdate at a time for Today.com, and I am honored to welcome her to the show for her first podcast conversation about her own sobriety. We’ll talk about how drinking became central to her life, the reasons she ultimately chose to quit, how we talk to our kids about alcohol, and the need for society to abandon the idea that a ‘rock bottom’ is required for sobriety.  Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelpaula Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom, Aimee, is a dietician who spent years educating others on the dangers of alcohol… all while struggling to find her own way to sobriety.  Alcohol became Aimee’s primary way to cope after she became a mom. She leaned on it to get her through sleepless nights, a job she despised, and the fear and stress of working in healthcare during Covid. Due to her expertise as a dietician, Aimee knew that her relationship with alcohol was problematic, but she couldn’t envision what a path to sobriety could look like for her.  In the summer of 2023, Aimee decided to give it a try. Between a vacation, fitness goals, and a surgery, she quit for months. Yet, when she let alcohol back into her life… she went right back to drinking a bottle of wine a night. She knew then that what she needed was support. Aimee joined the Sober Mom Life Cafe and began coming to peer support meetings while she was still drinking. She saw through the stories of other women that sobriety could actually stick!  With the support of a community, Aimee tried again. She has been sober since last fall, and she feels like she has so much more time in life! Her trust in herself has also skyrocketed to the point that she left her job and began her own business.  Aimee wants you to know that sobriety has so many benefits - Give yourself a chance to experience them!  Connect with Aimee here - www.aimeedempsey.com And on IG @aimeedempsey.rd Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We just returned from the AMAZING Sober Mom Life retreat! The laughter, the tears, the hugs (!!!) and the connection with other IRL sober moms in our community was so much more meaningful than we could have ever imagined. We left elated, renewed, exhausted, and full of stories.  Join me, Audrey and my mom Susan as we recap our personal highlights from this incredible weekend!  This whole experience truly made us realize: alcohol was never the magic… We are the magic.  Would you like to join us for the next Sober Mom Life retreat on Oct 10-13 in Asheville, NC? Step one is to join The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the ability to join the retreat, and the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  We also have The Sober Mom Life Community for just $5.95/month - In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, our monthly book club, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most of Emily's life, she only knew one way to drink: ‘Wisconsin-style binge drinking’. (I can relate. We grew up in the same town!) After becoming a nutritionist, however, a subtle sense of guilt about her drinking began to bubble beneath the surface. She didn’t think much of it, though, because she had no idea how toxic alcohol was - they never addressed it in her nutrition classes!  After becoming a mom, Emily’s weekend binges became 5pm glasses of wine, and year over year her guilt grew. Still, quitting never crossed her mind. In fact, in 2019 she was mindblown to learn that a friend was trying Sober January. The concept didn’t even make sense to her!  Emily now realizes that that conversation planted the seed for her sobriety journey. By the end of 2020, Emily was seeking sober curious content. Her curiosity got the better of her when she tried a 21-day sober challenge. It was then that she experienced a terrifying wake up call - alcohol withdrawal symptoms. From there, she began to pay attention. When she returned to drinking, she could taste the ethanol and see the effect her hangovers had on her life.  Six months later she took her next break, and this one ended up sticking. She is still sober to this day! She is now starting to learn what she enjoys outside of drinking, and is working to fill her life with fulfilling self care. While she doesn’t say ‘forever’, she cannot think of a single thing that would make drinking worth it again.  Check out Emily’s nutrition and food blog at www.myeverydaytable.com!  You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You made it! 365 Days have been marked off the calendar. You are officially one year sober!  …Now what?  Today my mom & our resident therapist, Susan Knower, is here to talk about this unique point in the sobriety journey. We’ll chat about the thoughts that arise when the novelty of sobriety wears off, how to deal with the emotions that lie beneath your drinking, the importance of community in all stages of sobriety, and even what you can learn from the ‘gift’ of boredom.  Resources from today’s episode:  Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepoln The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller  You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Real Sober Mom, Erin, is here with a story that is so relatable.  In high school, alcohol gave Erin her first taste of ‘fitting in’. She leaned on it to socialize on the weekends throughout her teens and early 20s, and she never gave it much thought. Her drinking always seemed ‘normal’ when compared with those around her! Once she began having children, though, alcohol slowly started to seep into her weekday life, as wine became a ‘reward’ for making it through the intense days being a working mom.  In 2016, things took a turn. Erin experienced a devastating pregnancy loss at around 20 weeks. In the aftermath, therapy and community support did not feel like enough. She began to lean on alcohol to cope. The progression of her drinking was slow, but she eventually found herself often drinking a bottle a night, and something within her began to whisper… was she an alcoholic? But the term didn’t quite seem to fit.  Erin felt stuck in a pattern of questioning and moderation. Then, last fall, she found the Sober Mom Life community. This space helped her see a path forward! She has now been sober since January 1st, and in that time she has experienced so many big sober milestones. Erin is slated to run The Boston Marathon on her 100th day of sobriety, and she can’t wait to experience how good she will feel on that day!  Erin wants to share words of wisdom that a longtime sober friend told her:  The elevator stops at every floor, and you can get off at any floor.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a massive blind spot within the medical community when it comes to the dangers of alcohol. Dr. Kara Pepper is on the podcast today to help us understand why. Dr. Pepper is an Atlanta-based Internist who has been practicing for over 16 years. Before sobriety, her own biases and internalized shame led her to often avoid the topic of alcohol with her patients. She is now two years sober, and it has completely changed her approach to patient care! Today, she shares her sobriety journey, how sobriety has changed the way she speaks to patients regarding alcohol, what can be done to better educate the medical community on the dangers of alcohol, and how to manage disordered eating in the wake of fresh sobriety.  Dr. Kara Pepper is licensed in 17 states and specializes in eating disorder care. She is also a certified life coach who supports medical professionals! Learn more about her offerings at www.karapeppermd.com or on Instagram at @karapeppermd  Resources:  Are You a Gray Area Drinker? with Jolene Park  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this replay from last February, we're talking a big first: Your first sober vacation. It's a big milestone! You might be wondering: can a vacation be fun without alcohol? I'm here to assure you that the answer is yes. Honestly, vacations can be even more enjoyable when you leave alcohol out of the equation.  If you’re gearing up for your first sober vacation, I’m here to help. Today I’m sharing steps to help you discover what a vacation without alcohol can be like.  You can do this!  Resources:  My How to Take Your First Sober Vacation blog post: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/02/how-to-take-your-first-sober-vacation/ My How to Enjoy Disney World Without Drinking blog post: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/02/how-to-enjoy-disney-world-without-drinking/ My Kind of Sweet - What I learned in two years of sobriety: https://mykindofsweet.com/2022/01/what-ive-learned-in-2-years-of-sobriety/#/ Huberman Lab Podcast - What alcohol does to your body: https://hubermanlab.com/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain-health/ The sober drinks I had on vacation!  https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co78Ikusb1C/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= The 4th of July episode:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sober-mom-life/id1631208632?i=1000568719357 The Witching Hour episode:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sober-mom-life/id1631208632?i=1000583666938 The Dry January episode:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sober-mom-life/id1631208632?i=1000591884992 Books to support you (affiliated links):  This Naked Mind:  https://amzn.to/3PaCM7V Quit Like a Woman:  https://amzn.to/3Qnk6lS My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bookstagrammer Hailey Conroy is on the pod today!  Hailey had been a weekend binge drinker through high school, college, and even law school, despite her Irish family history of alcohol abuse. She quit during pregnancy, but when her twins were born at 23 weeks, the bottom fell out. Her son passed after 3 days, and her daughter fought to live in the NICU for 9 months. Her 2 glass habit was also born. Alcohol was no longer a social tool for the weekend. It became a daily tool to bludgeon away the feelings so they didn’t swallow her up. Several years and several kids later, Hailey still had her daily mommy wine. She regularly swore off of it, and then caved in the Target alcohol aisle because “two drinks isn’t really a problem.” It was.  Hailey quit the day after finishing Holly Whitaker’s book, Quit Like a Woman, and soon noticed that her anxiety decreased, her nightly insomnia disappeared, and the redness around her nose vanished. Now 7 months sober, Hailey wants to bust the myths around “healthy” alcohol moderation.  Hailey is a book blogger who shares quit lit recommendations, sober firsts, and fun reels! Check her out on Instagram @hconroybooks.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting. If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My worlds are colliding! Today’s real sober mom, Jessica, and I go way back. We met in college, became good friends as adults, and now she’s one year sober and in The Sober Mom Life Cafe!  Jessica’s relationship with drinking always centered around her social life. Alcohol felt like a natural part of the social equation, so much so that she didn’t even think about it. After Covid, her home became a social hub for family and friends, and drinks became ever present.  Slowly, Jessica started to pay attention to her drinking. And when she did she found herself asking ‘What am I doing?’. Jessica’s Dry January in 2023 turned into a full commitment to sobriety, and she is now one year sober!  Jessica shares how her sobriety has (and hasn’t!) impacted her social life. She tells us about the physical and mental benefits she’s experienced from dropping alcohol. Then, she leaves you with some advice: You will get comfortable with your sobriety. It might feel awkward or scary in the beginning, but there is so much ease on the other side.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ You now have two ways to connect with other sober moms in the sober mom life world!  The Sober Mom Life Cafe: For just $25/month, you get access to 8 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe social feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  The Sober Mom Life Community: for just $5.95/month! In the Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community social feed (like Facebook, but better!), the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here today by popular demand, it’s Mallory Ervin! Mallory Ervin is a Kentucky-grown, Nashville-living dreamer who had a roundabout way of arriving at today. From her time in the Miss America pageant to being a three-time contestant on The Amazing Race, Mallory turned her passion for sharing her love of fashion, beauty, and life into a platform for impact. Today she runs a global lifestyle brand she founded in 2016, hosts the Living Fully podcast where she encourages and inspires her dedicated following to seek joy and live fully, and appears across platforms ranging from Instagram to YouTube sharing her life and message of living fully. Today, Mallory shares how rehab saved and ultimately changed her life in 2014. She gives her thoughts on AA as someone who has been through the program but who doesn’t attend meetings to maintain her sobriety. Plus, we even touch on how we are each battling our sugar addictions.  Mallory wants you to know: The absence of ‘bad’ is not a qualifier for a good life. Rock bottom is not a requirement for sobriety. If you feel called to make a change, that is all you need! Grab your copy of Mallory’s book Living Fully here!  Follow Mallory on Instagram: @malloryervin  Learn more about Mallory’s lifestyle brand at https://malloryervin.com/ My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom, Courtney, grew up as a child in a party household, often feeling forgotten amidst a sea of partygoers at her parent’s house. As she grew, she quickly found that alcohol could serve to alleviate her shyness, and she leaned on it to make friends.  As an adult, Courtney became a therapist, and she realized through her work that she had childhood pain that she needed to address. With the help of a therapist using the modality of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Courtney had a revelation: she had been using alcohol to mask the pain she felt from feeling unimportant to her family.  At this point Courtney began to seek ‘permission’ to quit drinking, but neither family, nor friends, nor her doctors offered her the permission she was seeking. Then she realized: she was going to have to give herself the permission.  She is so glad she did! Through sobriety, Courtney has learned how to truly listen to her personal needs. She has found that she can show up for her family in a much more selfless way. Plus, she has been able to find greater healing with her parents.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today health coach and co-host of The 2 Sober Girls podcast Michaela Horvathova is on the podcast! Michaela shares about how she lived two competing lives in her twenties: one focused on wellness, and one focused on partying. While this isn’t a lifestyle she regrets having lived at the time, it’s one that she found herself very much ready to change as she transitioned into life as a single mom and health coach.  Now two years sober, Michaela is dedicated to helping women thrive in wellness, mindset, life and sobriety. In our wonderful conversation, we talk about the importance of mindset in sobriety, creating balance in our daily lives, and so much more!  Learn more about Michaela’s health coaching at @healthwithmichaela Check out the 2 Sober Girls Podcast!  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaye never thought she qualified for sobriety. She drank often, but just enough to relax at the end of the day. Still, she could feel it taking its toll. She began to try Sober Octobers and Dry Januarys, and she loved how she felt during the breaks, but her drinking always kicked back in as a habit almost immediately after she reached the final day.  In January of 2023, though, things felt different. She could finally see alcohol for what it was in her life - a mindless habit that wasn’t serving her anymore. Buoyed by Suzanne’s words that ‘the first mile is the hardest’, she decided to extend past January to try 90 days. What she found on the other side was breathtaking. Her anxiety dissipated, her mind felt clear, and her sense of joy was restored to a level she had never experienced before.  Throughout the year, Jaye tried alcohol a few times, but every experience made her more and more sure that she was done for good. She’s a year sober and has no plans to go back. Jaye wants you to remind you that the first mile is the hardest. You owe it to yourself to see what’s on the other side!  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you near the end of Dry January, you probably have some feelings about your alcohol-free month. Maybe you’re unsure of where to go from here. You don’t feel like you want to go back to drinking, but debilitating ‘what if’s’ are starting to swirl through your mind. You’re afraid of what could happen, and what you could ‘lose’, if you gave up alcohol.  If that’s where you are, I understand.  I just have to ask: What if you keep going?  What if, instead of all of your fears coming true, sobriety ends up being better than you ever could have imagined?  In this episode we’re going to take those painful ‘what ifs’ and spin them on their head, creating a list of exciting and beautiful ‘what ifs’ instead, so that you can cast off the ball and chain that is holding you back and set yourself free to truly experience what is possible in a sober life. Go deeper and check out these past episodes:   How I Think About My Sobriety Learning How to Journal with Laura Tremaine  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're taking a quick break to bring you an interview that I did on the wonderful Double Trouble podcast with twins Nell and Laine! If you're new to this community, this will give you insight into my story —from motherhood, to professional life, to my decision to become spontaneously sober, and the incredible community of sober moms that has grown out of the decision to take sobriety public. Be sure to check out Double Trouble and enjoy more of Nell and Laine's awesome episodes! Follow Double Trouble on Instagram  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Announcing the all new Sober Mom Life Community! Starting February 1st, we’re launching a brand new community option for just $5.95/month! In this Community, you’ll receive access to the exclusive Community feed (like Facebook, but better!) the exclusive community chat, and one free weekly meeting.  If you’d like to go deeper, join us in The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to 6 weekly peer support meetings, the exclusive Cafe feed (like Facebook, but better!), our monthly book club, the monthly Q+A, the chance to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and merch discounts!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You guys, it’s a big day. I am officially four years sober! Today I’m sharing my thoughts from these four incredible years: What I’ve learned, how I’ve changed, and the biggest takeaways I’ve had.  I hope these reflections will help you on your own journey, and I just want you to know: the person you are today is not the person you will be one year from now if you take the leap and go alcohol free. There is so much growth, healing and beauty on the other side. Give yourself the chance to experience it!  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re on a sober curious journey, this one's for you! Women like Maria are the reason I started the Sober Mom Life community. Maria joined the group while she was still drinking. Though she was highly conflicted about quitting, she had the incredible courage to show up honestly, ask hard questions, and work through her challenges with support!  Maria’s story highlights the sneaky way that alcohol and addiction can slowly take over our lives. Disordered eating had been a challenge in Maria’s life from a young age, and today she details how alcohol, cannabis and stimulants began to intertwine with her binge eating disorder until her coexisting addictions ultimately came to run her life.  Though she’d been sober curious for years, having her second child served as the wake up call she’d been waiting for. She’s made massive progress: She is 6 months alcohol-free, 5 months cannabis-free, and 22 days stimulant free! Maria loves the deeper self respect and confidence she’s gained. She encourages you to just try! You never know where it will lead you.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so excited to welcome sober influencer Jenna Dillulio to the show today! While she’s now a new mom, Jenna actually got sober years before she had her first child. Today she shares her sobriety journey, gives her thoughts on why big alcohol loves to target mothers, and explains why she decided to use her platform to hit back against mommy wine culture from the perspective of someone raised by a heavy drinker.  Jenna has such an important perspective to share, and I’m so glad we were able to have this chat! For more of Jenna’s great content, check her out on Instagram at @jennadillulio.  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alcohol had been central to Real Sober Mom Katie K’s life during her teens and 20s. From college, to working as a page at NBC, to building an entertainment career in Manhattan, Katie had reveled in a party lifestyle with no second thoughts.  Everything changed when the pandemic hit. In 2020, Katie was pregnant. She found herself saying a hasty goodbye to the city life she’d known for 10 years, fleeing Manhattan for a home in the suburbs as the pandemic began to rage. All of this sudden change contributed to major postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter. It felt only natural for her to reach for wine as a way to cope.  A heart condition that required surgery was the thing that finally opened Katie’s eyes, but she still wasn’t ready to quit. Armed with a long list of moderation rules, she attempted to control her drinking, but (spoiler alert!) the rules did not work. It was then that she accepted the truth: she needed to kick alcohol for good.  Now 7 months sober, Katie does not see herself going back! Writing has served as a major support throughout her sobriety journey. She shares her writing on her sobriety Instagram, @soberlivingCT!  My mocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here:  https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefanie Wilder-Taylor joins me on her pod today for a fantastic conversation about her upcoming book ‘Drunkish: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving Alcohol’, out January 16! You guys, this book is so good. You might recognize Stefanie’s name from her past books, many of which actually celebrated mommy wine culture. Today we talk about her big transition from ‘boozy mom’ to sober mom, her experiences on the ‘roulette wheel’ of moderation, and the final moment that made her realize that her only choice was to quit alcohol completely.  Stefanie brings so much honesty, wisdom and humor to this conversation. I know you’re going to love it!  Preorder Drunkish: A Memoir on Loving and Leaving Alcohol here.  Learn more about Stefanie’s writing and her memoir class here: www.stefaniewildertaylor.com My cocktail recipe book, ‘No Ethanol Needed’ is finally here! Grab your copy here: https://mykindofsweet.com/2024/01/the-no-ethanol-needed-mocktail-ebook-is-here/ Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this replay from 2022, I’ll share why it’s so important to build a sobriety toolbox. I really wish there was a better word than “toolbox”, though. “Toolboxes” are used on things that are broken. I am not broken and neither are you. Nevertheless, today I’ll share the tools that I rely on not just to cope, but to flourish in sobriety. These tools have lifted me up and given me nourishment, rest and focus.  I hope you can find something here to add to your own sobriety toolbox!  Book recommendations: (affiliated links) This Naked Mind by Annie Grace https://thisnakedmind.com/this-naked-mind/ We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen https://www.lauramckowen.com/books/we-are-the-luckiest Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker  https://amzn.to/3Qnk6lS The Unexpected Joy Of Being Sober by Catherine Gray https://amzn.to/3w1mCWB Sunshine Warm Sober by Catherine Gray  ​​https://amzn.to/3w0igPK A Sober Girls Guide Podcast  https://www.asobergirlsguide.com/podcast Blackout : Remembering The Things I Drank To Forget by Sarah Hepola https://amzn.to/3zPvNL7 What’s in your sobriety toolbox? Let me know at @thesobermomlife on Instagram.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I teamed up with Gill Tietz from Sober Powered and Micheala and Erinn - the Team behind the 2 sober girls podcast to give our best advice on how to thrive this Dry January! In the show we’ll talk about the concept of Dry January and its impact on sobriety.  They share their personal experiences and perspectives on the benefits and challenges of participating in Dry January.  The conversation also touches on the importance of setting smaller goals and seeking support during the early stages of sobriety.  The hosts reflect on what advice they would give to their newly sober selves and emphasize the need to be present and embrace the journey of sobriety.  In this conversation, the guests discuss the benefits of sobriety and share their personal transformations during their first 30 days of sobriety.  They highlight the freedom, peace, and mental shift they experienced after giving up alcohol.  They also talk about the physical benefits, such as better sleep and improved health. The guests emphasize the power and confidence they gained by staying sober and how it positively impacted their lives.  They also discuss the importance of self-care and creating a nurturing environment. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative journey of sobriety and the positive changes it brings. Takeaways Dry January can be a helpful and socially acceptable way to take a break from alcohol and explore sobriety. The benefits of Dry January include increased awareness of drinking habits, improved physical and mental health, and the opportunity to build sober momentum. It is important to set realistic goals and seek support during the early stages of sobriety. Sobriety is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and it is important to be patient and kind to oneself throughout the process. Sobriety brings a sense of freedom, peace, and mental shift. Giving up alcohol leads to better sleep and improved physical health. Staying sober empowers individuals and boosts their confidence. Creating a nurturing environment and practicing self-care are essential in sobriety. Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $25/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we get ready to enter 2024, I want to invite you to reframe how you view your personal story with alcohol.  So many of us have been caught in society’s lie that a ‘normal’ drinker can ‘control’ this highly addictive substance, quickly tossing you into the role of the villain if you ‘fail’ to do so.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  What if, in 2024, instead of seeing yourself as the villain… you cast yourself as the hero of your story? What if you get to be the one who saves yourself from this uncontrollable villainous substance? What would that change for you?  My guess is it would change everything.  It’s invaluable to connect with others who deeply understand what you’re going through. The amazing women inside of the Sober Mom Life Cafe are just that, and they will support you every step of the way as you walk this brave path. Inside the Cafe, you will receive access to Discord chat rooms to connect with other moms, many meetings each week (including a new spouses meeting in 2024!), a monthly book club, a secret podcast, the ability to tell your story on The Real Sober Moms and so much more!  Join by Dec 31st to lock in the 2023 rate of $15/month! The price will be rising to $25/month in 2024. Join here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love taking a look back at the end of each year, so today I’ve compiled some of my favorite moments from this year’s episodes to share with you! Get ready to hear some standout moments from all of our fantastic guests in 2023. If you’d like to go deeper into any of these conversations, be sure to visit the full episodes! In this episode you'll hear from: 2:10 - Amanda E. White (Ep 44) 4:32 - Jo Piazza (Ep 46) 6:35 - Carolyn Robistow (Ep 48) 8:54 - Meg Geisewite (Ep 51) 10:59 - Lizzy Savetsky (Ep 52) 12:16 - Julia Dzafic (Ep 53) 13:54 - Laura McKowan (Ep 55) 15:55 - Meg Fee (Ep 56) 17:00 - Laura Tremaine (Ep 57) 19:54 - Kristen Kennedy (Ep 59) 22:24 - Jenn Kautsch (Ep 60) 24:05 - Gretchen Adams (Ep 61) 25:10 - Jessica Lahey (Ep 62) 28:00 - Jessica Jeboult (Ep 64) 29:25 - Laura Cathcart Robbins (Ep 65) 30:48 - Jolene Park (Ep 71) 32:18 - Deb, The Mocktail Mom (Ep 77) 34:00 - Kimberly Kearns (Ep 79) 35:20 - Casey Davidson (Ep 85) 37:02 - Audrey (Ep 87) 38:12 - Payal Desai (Ep 89) 40:47 - Tawny Lara (Ep 93) 43:20 - Courtney Andersen (Ep 95) 43:56 - Celeste Yvonne (Ep 103) 45:03 - Mina Starsiak Hawk (Ep 107) 47:21 - Audrey (Ep 109) 49:25 - Jamie Glowacki (Ep 111) 51:02 - Hillary Phelps (Ep 113) 52:42 - Taylor Cole (Ep 119) 54:12 - Karolina Rzadkowolska (Ep 121) 55:27 - Dr. Brooke Scheller (Ep 123) 56:19 - My mom Susan! (Ep 125) Thank you so much for being a part of the incredible Sober Mom Life community in 2023! I can’t wait to continue the journey with you in 2024. Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newly alcohol-free, sober mom Amy is here to tell her story!  As a rule follower in high school, Amy didn’t start drinking until college. Yet, at that point, she didn’t even question it. It felt like ‘that’s just what you did in college’. Amy’s drinking remained unquestioned for years as she moved into her 20s, started drinking at home to cut stress, and became a mom.  But slowly, questions and uneasiness began to pop up. With a helpful nudge from her sister in law and the guidance of a great podcast, Amy started to give her drinking a closer look. She explored moderation and breaks with open eyes. After a long journey, she has now made the decision to go fully alcohol free! For her health, for her family, and for herself. Amy wants you to know that you deserve to have informed consent about the effects alcohol! Learn how it affects your mind and body, and make your decisions from there.  Amy recommends the podcast Stop Overdrinking and Start Living for anyone beginning their journey to understand their drinking.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A couple of weeks ago I released an interview on the podcast that has drawn a bit of controversy, and it’s opened up a bigger conversation that I feel is so important to address. So, today I’m here with my therapist mom to talk about it.  I want you to know: The work that you are doing to explore or maintain sobriety is life changing. You are changing your world (and your family’s world!) by walking this brave path. This is revolutionary work. And, it is enough. You don’t have to start a podcast, or write a book, or launch a business in your sobriety. The courageous work of healing yourself and showing up for your family in a new way is the most important work you could do. This can be your legacy, and it’s a damn good one.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real Sober Mom Katie is here today to share her important sobriety story! Like so many of us, alcohol had been normalized for her from the very beginning. She got her first taste at twelve years old, and she absolutely loved it.  Once Katie entered parenthood, her drinking switched from social to something she did alone in her home. Gradually, the bottles of wine became boxes to fit her growing intake. When she began drinking in the mornings to satisfy her cravings, a terrifying realization dawned on her… she had developed a physical addiction.  With the leadership of her family, Katie entered rehab in January 2023 and went through an intense detox experience. She absolutely loved rehab, and she recommends it to anyone who needs help! For Katie, 2022 has been a transformative year of learning to live sober. There have been slips along the way, but she is so grateful to the women of the sober mom community for the support they have given her in her quest to stay sober!  Katie wants you to know that the work can feel so hard, but it is SO worth it. Keep going!  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Brooke Scheller is back on the pod to talk about her fantastic upcoming book “How to Eat to Change How You Drink”! In today’s episode, Brooke tells us about the three drinking archetypes, nutritional changes you can make to support your body and mind in your first weeks of sobriety, and how nutrition can help heal the body from past alcohol use. Plus, she’ll give a sneak peek into the great (and easy!) recipes in her book!  Preorder Dr. Brooke’s book and learn more about her community, The Functional Sobriety Network, at www.functionalsobriety.com Follow Dr. Brooke on Instagram @drbrookescheller Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real Sober Mom Megan is here today to share her extremely important (and relatable!) sobriety story.  On the outside, Alcohol never seemed like a ‘problem’ in Megan’s life. But on the inside, something felt increasingly off. After receiving two very different opinions from health professionals regarding her drinking, she needed answers to the big question: what was an acceptable level of drinking for her? So, she began detective work! Megan took herself on a long series of stops and starts, paying attention to every detail and educating herself along the way. One year and three months ago she made her decision: it was time to fully embrace sobriety.  Megan wants you to know: you are so close to experiencing the beauty on the other side of sobriety. Keep going!  Megan recommends This Naked Mind.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karolina Rzadkowolska is with me today to chat about her book Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol to Gain a Happier, More Confident You.  Today, Karolina shares with us how choosing sobriety six years ago led her on a journey to find deeper purpose, creativity, and power in her life. Plus, we chat about the importance of finding sober role models, the power in breaking generational patterns, and how sobriety can serve as a catalyst for major personal growth.  Karolina now helps women walk a sober path as an alcohol-free life coach. To learn more about her offerings, visit https://euphoricaf.com Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like so many of us, alcohol was ever present in Melissa’s life as she was growing up. Though it didn’t hold much interest for her when she was young, its constant presence eventually sucked her in when she was in college. And, as the years went on, it became a centerpiece in her life.  Whenever Melissa’s drinking began to feel like too much, she turned to moderation as a way to cope. Yet time and time again, alcohol simply crept back in until it was just as much of an issue as it had been before. Finally, after a very careful attempt at moderation ended in failure, she decided there was only one other way: to quit completely.  Melissa is now 66 days sober! She is feeling so much relief to finally be free of the cycle.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might recognize Taylor Cole from the early 00’s reality show Laguna Beach! At the beginning of this year, Taylor made a big decision: To be ‘alcohol-free in 2023’. She’s gained so much from this experience, and she’s now ready to tell her sobriety story! Taylor shares what it was like to film a secretly booze-infused reality show as a teenager, how that affected her relationship with alcohol moving into adulthood, and the big shift in her life that opened her eyes to the damage that alcohol does to the body. She wants you to know that you don’t have to have a ‘problem’ in order to say goodbye to alcohol!  Taylor is now a holistic nutritionist and functional therapy practitioner. You can find her on Instagram at @taylorcole Taylor recommends using an Oura ring to gain an eye opening peek into your health! https://ouraring.com Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooke is here today to celebrate 100 days of sobriety!  Mommy Wine Culture was just ramping up when Brooke had her daughters. It crept into her life slowly and steadily until it was a regular fixture in her days. She thought she had a sophisticated superpower - she could drink so much, but she always managed to stay lucid. She now realizes she was programmed to see that as a good thing.  As Brooke got older, she began to attempt moderation. She tried it again and again, but her drinking always ramped up again… until one day this summer when she saw a reel from Suzanne! The reel, which told her that she didn’t have to be an ‘alcoholic’ to quit drinking, was the epiphany she needed. She is now celebrating 100 days and finding so much new joy in life! She is excited to keep going so that she can better show up for her teenage daughters.  If you’re just starting on your sobriety journey, Brooke wants you to know that it’s okay to take it one day at a time! Plus, let yourself eat all that sugar you’re craving. It’ll be okay!  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ‘firsts’ are often the hardest moments in early sobriety, and as we enter the holiday season, a lot of scary firsts are on the horizon. If your idea of your first sober Thanksgiving feels overwhelming, click play! Today I’m sharing five big tips that will help you navigate your first sober Thanksgiving.  Remember, I’m cheering you on! You deserve a chance to see what a sober Thanksgiving can feel like. You’ve got this!  Get my holiday mocktail recipes delivered to your email here: https://mykindofsweet.myflodesk.com/ef4f5k6txi If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your sober life, join us in the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, you’ll get weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ Join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer never thought it even was possible for her to a drinking problem for one simple reason: she only drank beer. While she began as a social drinker, one day something sinister seemed to simply click on in her mind. At that point, her drinking began to snowball out of control until it reached the point where she was drinking dozens of beers a day while hidden in the privacy of her car. Her family stepped in and gave her the opportunity to stop the cycle by staging an intervention. Jennifer courageously chose to follow their request to enter treatment. She considers it to be one of the best experiences of her life.  Now almost seven years sober, Jennifer is full of valuable wisdom on how to live an unapologetic sober life! She shares her tips for getting through your first sober holiday and how to handle pushy people who might be getting you to drink.  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alcohol use is booming within the Boomer generation, especially among women, and troubling trends are beginning to come to the surface. My therapist mom, a Boomer herself, is back on the podcast to help us break down why drinking is continuing its upward trend within her generation. We talk about the risks that come with this post retirement drinking culture, including brain health, its effect on the hospital system, and its effect on families. Plus, we’ll chat about how to set healthy boundaries if your mom’s drinking is endangering your kids. Articles we cite in today’s episode:  The Guardian - Why so few baby boomers are doing Dry January: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/04/baby-boomers-dry-january-generation-drinking-booze The New York Times - One in 10 Older Adults Binge Drink, Study Says: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/02/health/binge-drinkers-adult-alcohol.html The Huberman Lab Podcast - What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain and Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkS1pkKpILY Even more articles! https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/rehabilitation-centers-work-to-treat-addiction-in-older-adults-197498437566 https://www.caron.org/blog/the-link-between-the-rise-in-dementia-and-substance-use https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/elderly Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikki’s relationship with alcohol started in an ominous way. At 11 years old she drank a small bottle of whiskey, blacked out, and woke up in the hospital.  Despite this experience, Nikki wasn’t deterred from drinking in the future. She found that she didn’t have an ‘off switch’ - once she started it felt almost impossible to stop until she passed out. This lifestyle worked for her for a time, but the story changed when she had kids at 30. Suddenly, hangovers began to feel so costly and she didn’t feel like she could show up as the mom that she wanted to be. She attempted moderation, but it just felt like a balancing act that was taking up too much of her brain space. Then, one day, it dawned on her… she didn’t have to drink.  Nikki continued to drink for another six months after her epiphany, until a bad hangover left her wanting to stay as far away from alcohol as possible. She decided not to drink at a party later that day, and she then took sobriety one event and one party at a time until not drinking began to feel like the norm for her! She is now over 2 years sober, and while sobriety doesn’t always feel ‘easy’ for Nikki because her family and friends still drink, but she is so grateful that she continues to make the choice because she has never once woken up the next day and wished she’d gotten drunk the night before.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Hilary Phelps joins me for an inspiring conversation about her 16 year sobriety journey! While you may recognize her as the oldest of the Phelps children known for their swimming fame, Hilary is known today as an addiction recovery advocate, retreat facilitator, speaker and holistic coach who is dedicated to helping women walk the path of recovery.  Hilary tells the story of how alcohol robbed her of her sense of identity, the recovery path that worked so well for her until she reached an ‘emotional bottom’ at 18 months, how she came to see recovery as a lifelong commitment, and the big decision she made at 15 years sober to go public with her experience.  She wants you to know that sobriety is a constant choice of choosing you, and she encourages you to seek community and connection to support your recovery.  To learn more about Hilary and connect with her, visit https://www.hilaryphelps.com/ and on Instagram @ Hilary recommends you read Women Who Run with Wolves  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanna is a beloved OG in the Sober Mom Life community (she's been coming to meetings since our very first one!) and today she’s going deeper than ever to tell the details of her very relatable sobriety story!  Though alcohol was a social norm throughout Joanna’s life, her issues with drinking didn’t really start until she had kids. Almost from the beginning of motherhood, Joanna turned to alcohol as a way to manage her anxiety and exhaustion as a working mom.  Eventually she was diagnosed with anxiety, but she didn’t link it to her drinking at all.  Things kicked up a notch during Covid, when the disaster aligned with a very destabilizing moment in her family’s life. Alcohol became a bedrock of her and her husband’s coping strategy. As those years progressed, hard liquor became more and more common for her, and blackouts began to ensue.  Joanna woke up on July 5th, 2022 after a particularly bad blackout, and she knew she was done. Joanna shares the genius approach she took to inform family and friends. She wants you to know that those conversations don’t have to go deep if you don’t want them to!  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting expert Jamie Glowacki is here to share about her alcohol free journey! Jamie recently ditched alcohol for a second time in her life. She stopped drinking for years shortly after the birth of her son so that she could show up better as a new parent. As he got older, though, alcohol slowly crept back into her life. Now, she’s quit again, and with a new focus in mind: her own health and well being.  Jamie tells us about her vivid drinking history (which includes time in the circus!), how her life and drinking originally changed with an unexpected pregnancy, and how her now teenage son’s behavior made her question her own alcohol choices. Plus, she sprinkles in some excellent parenting tips along the way!  Jamie’s best selling book, ‘Oh Crap, Parenting’ is available here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Visit www.jamieglowacki.com to find all the ways to connect with Jamie.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jillayne’s experiences with alcohol always felt problematic, going all the way back to her sorority years in college when she felt like everyone else could drink ‘normally’… except for her. Despite this rocky beginning, alcohol still made its way to the center of her adult life.  In addition to having alcohol present at every social event, Jillayne began drinking to help her cope with her anxiety. What she didn’t know at the time was that the alcohol was only making her anxiety worse.  Jillayne’s road to sobriety wasn’t linear. It was full of  short stops after embarrassing nights and attempts at moderation. But she made it! Now, she’s 117 days sober. She wants you to know that if she can do it, you can too! No longer does she wake up anxious and full of self loathing. Now, she wakes up proud of herself every morning.  Follow along with her sober journey on Instagram  @jillayne1 Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halloween is right around the corner, so Audrey and I are here to offer you some spooky support as you enter what can be a triggering holiday. Hear our thoughts on why drinking while trick-or-treating became a thing, get empowered to try out a sober Halloween, and laugh along with us as we share our cringey stories from drunken Halloweens of the past!  If you’re on the fence about trying a sober Halloween, just remember: you’ve given alcohol so many Halloweens. Take this one for yourself and  experience how it can be different.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's chat with Stacy will give you an inspiring sneak peek into what it’s like to be 5 years sober!  Since childhood, Stacy struggled with feelings of not being good enough. This led to insecurities, social anxieties, and self loathing  - and alcohol served as her tool to push it all away. Yet, the alcohol instead brought along new problems. Fertility and liver issues served as a wake up call, and while it took her a little bit of time, she finally found the courage to get sober.  Stacy went through rehab, found an amazing therapist, and began journaling and meditating on the daily. Talking about the feelings that lived at the root of her pain has helped her gain love and acceptance for herself!  Stacy shares advice on navigating social anxiety while sober, finding recovery tools that work for you, and how to tell your friends about your sobriety.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mina Starsiak Hawk, the host of Good Bones on HGTV, is here to chat with me about the sobriety journey that she’s undertaken alongside her husband! If you haven’t listened to the incredibly powerful podcast that she recorded with her husband about their choice to go sober, be sure to check it out here.  This conversation is full of great advice about so many aspects of sobriety. Mina shares how she shaped the conversation when she first ‘had the talk’ with her husband about his drinking. Plus, she has some fantastic ideas that you can try in order to support your own early sobriety.  Follow Mina here:  https://www.instagram.com/mina_starsiak_hawk/?hl=en Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you get access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara’s story should be a book. After blacking out on just a few sips of her very first beer when she was almost 16, Sara decided that she needed to ‘get better at’ drinking. This resulted in multiple major rock bottoms before she even turned 21.  The rollercoaster of her drinking came to a relieving pause once she became pregnant with twins. Yet, as her kids got older, beer progressively found its way back into her life until she was back to chugging multiple beers a day… and experiencing regular blackouts.  A conversation with her child finally opened her eyes to her problem in a stunning and painful way. After that day, each drink came with a debilitating shame spiral. It all became too much one 4th of July weekend. The next day, with the loving support of her mother, Sara made the decision to say goodbye to alcohol for good.  Sara credits self care, journaling, therapy, and having a replacement beverage on hand with helping her stay sober for 14 months!  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I received a message from a follower last week that cut right to the heart of the fear that so many women feel when considering sobriety:  “I want to quit drinking… but I’m afraid I won’t be any fun”. Today my therapist mom and I will help you reframe your thinking around ‘boredom’ so that you can more easily visualize the vibrant life that lies waiting for you on the other side. Because in a culture obsessed with alcohol, sobriety is not boring. It’s edgy, rebellious, and incredibly freeing! Learn more about Erik Erickson’s Stages of Development: https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom Melissa has such a relatable sobriety journey. She had always had a love/hate relationship with alcohol. No matter how ‘fun’ it felt to cut through her anxiety and let loose by getting drunk, she always ended up suffering through a terrible shame spiral the next day. Still, this all seemed ‘normal’, so she kept it up throughout so many stages of her life.  Even though she was ready to quit drinking, Melissa’s fear of losing her friends kept a drink in her hand for a long time. She finally found the courage to do it and is now 6 months sober! In sobriety, Melissa has found a connection with her true authentic self. She feels so much more able to show up for her kids in a consistent way. And her social life? Sure, it’s changed… but it was a change that she was so ready for!  Melissa encourages you to push through the fear and to listen to your gut! You’ll know it’s time when you’re ready.  Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celeste Yvonne is back on the pod today to talk about her fantastic new book ‘It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture’! This book is a must read for any mom.  We dive deep into how the mental load of motherhood and systemic issues in our society drive women to seek unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. Then, Celeste will share strategies that you can use to replace alcohol as a coping mechanism in your own life.  Celeste wants you to know that the alcohol industry doesn’t want to help you cope… It just wants access to your wallet.  Check out Celeste’s own story in her first Sober Mom Life interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sober-mom-life/id1631208632?i=1000586090757 Learn more about Celeste and grab a copy of her new book here! https://www.celesteyvonne.com Join us inside the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For just $15/month, you grt access to weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess grew up in the alcohol-soaked culture of Wisconsin. It was everywhere - in her home, on the TV, and at every social event. She didn’t even know for a long time that it was an option to quit drinking.  When motherhood entered the picture in Jess’s mid-20s, drinking became her daily way to cope. She knew deep down that she had an issue, but she wasn’t ready to face it. Instead, she focused on balancing her life in every way… other than quitting alcohol.  The pandemic, which followed shortly after the birth of her third child, kicked things up a notch until Jess knew that she needed to make a change. Quitting was HARD for her. She experienced many stops and starts. But once she stopped shaming herself for the addiction that alcohol had created, she began to find her way forward.  Jess is now 10 months sober! She is so proud of the work she has done to get here. She wants you to know that sometimes this road is hard, and that’s okay! Just keep walking.  Jess recommends Alan Carr’s Stop Drinking Now: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=alan+carr+easy+way+to+quit Connect with Jess on Instagram: https://instagram.com/balanced_entrepreneur?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is such a dream team of badass sober women! I got together with Gillian Tietz of Sober Powered, Casey Davidson of The Hello Someday Podcast and Amanda E. White of Therapy for Women and The Recoverd-ish Podcast to talk about all things Sober October.  This episode is great for you if you’re just starting out on your sobriety journey with Sober October or if you’re checking in as you maintain your sobriety!  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Amanda is here to share her story as she nears 10 months of sobriety!  Amanda’s father quit drinking and joined AA when she was ten, and from then on alcohol became a strict ‘no’ in her household… but no one would tell her why. This inability to talk to her parents about emotions and big things led Amanda to develop a secret life in high school - one of sneaking around, drinking, and keeping it all to herself.  As life unfolded and Amanda became a parent, she found comfort in being a ‘party mom’ while moving regularly for work. This constant uprooting made her rely on alcohol more and more, both as a means of connection and as a way to mask her sadness.  The years of constant partying took their toll, until one night it became too much. Amanda woke up the next day and just ‘stopped’. She was afraid and had no idea how to do it, but she was committed to try. Finding the Sober Mom community has made all the difference!  Amanda wants you to know that there is no shame in sobriety, no matter what anyone says!  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There comes a time in every woman’s sobriety journey when she feels called to proudly own sobriety and leave the shame behind. ‘Coming out’ as sober to your family, friends, or even publicly can feel scary! So today, Audrey and I are here to help you think through how to handle these conversations and announcements when you’re ready.  We chat about tactics and phrases for sharing your sobriety story, tackling fears of rejection, how to handle the dreaded ‘forever’ question, and the importance of building new relationships that are rooted in sobriety.  If you haven’t heard Audrey’s sobriety story, check it out here!  https://mykindofsweet.com/2023/08/lesson-from-one-year-of-sobriety/ Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s real sober mom Heather knew the havoc that addiction could wreak after spending years in a marriage with a man addicted to pills. In comparison, her challenges with alcohol never seemed that bad. Yet, as the years moved on and Heather went through the grief of losing her mom, her drinking intensified and she began to notice a decline in both her mental and physical health.  Heather’s sober journey has been unfolding since her first Dry July in 2019, and she’s now been fully sober since January 1st, 2023! Her mental and physical health have improved drastically, and she now feels strong in so many new ways.  Heather wants you to know that there is nothing more powerful than a sober woman!  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Managing anger and emotions is one of the most common topics that comes up in our Sober Mom Cafe meetings. Once the barrier of alcohol is removed, it is so common to feel a lot of the emotions that you’ve been numbing for years. Today my mom Susan, our resident psychologist, joins me to talk about dealing with these emotions that arise in early sobriety. You’ll learn what’s happening in your brain when you feel anger, how to connect to the vulnerable emotions that are beneath that anger, the importance of healthy boundary setting in sobriety, and more!  Related episode - How to Navigate Sobriety if Your Partner Still Drinks: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/how-to-navigate-sobriety-if-your-partner-still-drinks/id1631208632?i=1000618323943 Join us in the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Joanne joins me to share the wisdom she has collected over her 5 YEARS of sobriety! Hear the reaffirming stories of how she finally took the leap to stop drinking, the beautiful support she has received from family and friends, and what it feels like to confidently step into the identity of a sober woman.  Joanne is absolutely in love with her sober life! She wants you to know that if you are feeling the call to ditch alcohol, trust yourself. You’ll be so happy you did.  Check out Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Courtney Andersen, the brilliant mind behind @sober.vibes, is on the show today to talk about her new book “Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol”. @sober.vibes is one of the first sobriety accounts I followed when I began my sobriety journey, and it’s still one of my absolute favorites!  As a sober coach, Courtney’s goal is to help you shed the ‘shoulds’ of sobriety, and to empower you to chart your own path as you create a sober life. Your story is unique to you - your recovery will be too!  “Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your first three months without alcohol” is out now! Grab your copy here: https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order Connect with Courtney and Sober Vibes at the links below: Website- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com IG- https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes TT- https://www.tiktok.com/@sobervibesofficial FB- https://www.facebook.com/sobervibes  Podcast- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/podcast Free 30-day sober, not boring calendar- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/opt-in Work with Courtney- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/8-weeks-sobriety-support-next-level-sobriety Join us in the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Bethany bravely shares her story of navigating a traumatic pregnancy decision in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned. Join us as we discuss the space that sobriety can create for healing, the little moments of beauty that can only be experienced by a sober mind, and so much more.  Bethany wants you to know that committing to sobriety can be one of the biggest acts of self love.  Bethany recommends reading The Artist’s Way.  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content warning: In this episode I discuss sexual assault. As many of you know, I absolutely love Bravo. It’s my escapism and one of my favorite ways to unwind. Earlier this month, Bravo aired one of the most important episodes they’ve ever had. It affected me in a big way and I have to talk about it. If you are a woman who has suffered from the shame of what happened when you were blackout drunk, then I hope you find solace and healing in this episode. I sure know I have.  If you don’t watch Bravo, watch Below Deck Down Under - Season 2, Episodes 6 & 7 to get caught up: https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck-down-under/season-2/episode-6/all-wrong https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck-down-under/season-2/episode-7/the-turnover-day Join us in the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up in a big Italian family, alcohol was everywhere during Bri's childhood. From sips of wine from her parent’s glasses to beers while celebrating basketball games, Bri was raised to see alcohol as a fun way for adults to unwind and connect with each other.  When Bri became a mom herself, she began to understand her own mother’s nightly drink, and gradually Mommy Wine Culture became central to her life. Yet, what seemed like a carefree, easy and glamorous approach to being a mom wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.  One night, a lightbulb went off in her mind. She took a sip of wine, noticed its gross taste, and felt deeply the damage she was doing to her body. Right then and there, she stopped drinking for good.  Tune in for Bri’s story, with a sprinkle of Bravo gossip, in this week’s episode!  If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready, because today we’re tackling one of the biggest topics that comes up in the community: sober sex! Tawny Lara, ‘Sober Sexpert’ and author of the upcoming book “Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze” joins me on the podcast for a fantastic conversation about all things sex and sobriety.  Our chat (and her book!) goes so much deeper than dating. Tawny lays out the importance of ‘dating yourself’ when you’re newly sober, even if you’re in a committed relationship. Plus, she comes full of advice for creating sober ‘intimacy time’ in your relationship, handling intimacy if your partner still drinks, and navigating a breakup while sober.  Tawny encourages you to drop the liquid courage in the bedroom (and in life!) and do the work to build ‘intrinsic courage’ instead.  Pre-order your copy of Dry Humping: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730665/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara/ Subscribe to Tawny's column here: https://tawnylara.substack.com/ Check out Tawny's Beyond Liquid Courage weekly sober sex column: https://tawnylara.substack.com/ Do you have a burning sober sex question? Submit it to her weekly advice column here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NAXf-uFOYvFR-6iESIenFHGAUYRElarDG4q6JY3b_bE/viewform?edit_requested=true#question=1979017580&field=485777662 Learn all about Tawny and her offerings: https://www.tawnylara.com/linktree Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Jaime (our very first returning sober mom!) for an update on how she’s doing as she reaches one year of sobriety.  Jaime’s journey in this first year of sobriety has been so inspirational in all aspects of her life, from her health to her friendships and relationships, and even her brand new morning routine. Most excitingly, Jaime has become a certified sober coach! Learn more about her offerings and follow along with her sobriety journey on Instagram at @amazingly_alcoholfree.  Check out Jaime’s first appearance on The Real Sober Moms here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sober-mom-life/id1631208632?i=1000584475071 Would you like to share your Real Sober Mom story? It all starts by joining The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, you’ll join other sober moms for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Payal Desai, the wonderful influencer behind @PayalForStyle!  As a South Asian woman and a teacher, Payal doesn’t believe she fits the ‘mold’ that people would expect when they think of a person with alcohol dependency. So, she’s gone public with her sobriety journey to make sure that other women know that they aren’t alone!  In today’s episode Payal generously shares how alcohol became central to her life, the single sentence a therapist said that made her quit overnight, and the changes that her personal life and social life have gone through post-sobriety.  She wants you to know that sobriety is an option for you! All you have to do is choose it. It can be that simple.  Check out Payal’s wonderful style Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/payalforstyle/ Come and join us in the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Liz joins me on the Real Sober Moms!  Growing up, the adults in Liz’s family would often congregate at her family’s home to drink and ‘let loose’, resulting in an environment where Liz felt unsafe and invisible. Despite that discomfort, she learned to equate alcohol with fun, and emotional connection. This difficult combination of emotions led to challenges for Liz in high school when her father was diagnosed with cancer. By the time he passed away early in her college career, she was drinking regularly as a way to escape and manage her grief.  Liz’s relationship with alcohol began to change when she became a mom herself. She realized that she wanted something for her kids that she didn’t have as a child: she wanted them to feel safe and seen. It became clear to her that alcohol was not going to serve her in that mission. In fact, it was going to stand in the way. She decided at that moment to leave alcohol behind. She has never looked back!  Would you like to share your Real Sober Mom story? It all starts by joining The Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, you’ll join other sober moms for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve spent any time within the Sober Mom Life Facebook group or in the Sober Mom Life Cafe, then you know and love Audrey. She is my right hand woman and I could not run this community without her!  Audrey just celebrated one year of sobriety, so I thought there was no better time to have her on the pod to chat about all that she has learned and experienced during this first big year. Today, Audrey bravely shares and reflects on excerpts from the first days of her sobriety journal. If you are in your first days of sobriety and can’t imagine what one year sober could feel like, this episode is for you!  Are you in the Atlanta area? Then join Audrey’s in-person community for Sober Moms, Sober Moms of the South! https://m.facebook.com/groups/1321601511952576/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Lindsey shares her incredibly relatable story of masking grief and trauma with alcohol until it became too much. It turns out, the very thing that  she thought was helping her was actually making her life infinitely harder.  After stumbling upon The Sober Mom Life Facebook group last fall, Lindsey began to wonder if it was time to ditch alcohol for both her mental and physical health. The final straw occurred when she learned of alcohol related health issues that ran in her family. Like a light switch, she decided to stop. She’s now four months sober!  Community, podcasts and quit lit have been so supportive on Lindsey’s journey to reframing her understanding of alcohol. She wants you to know that alcohol makes life harder - give yourself a chance to experience sobriety so you can feel the relief for yourself.  Lindsey recommends these books!  Open book by Jessica Simpson Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casey McGuire Davidson of The Hello Someday Podcast is joining me today for a must listen collab episode! If you’ve struggled to understand how you were tricked into Mommy Wine Culture, this episode is for you.  Casey, a long time marketing director, and I (a long time influencer) shine a glaring light on Big Alcohol’s marketing schemes in this episode. We talk about how influencer marketing for alcohol works, why it’s so effective, and why Big Alcohol decided to start going after women - and Casey brings the receipts!  Want to learn more about how Big Alcohol has chosen to target women? Read the facts straight from their lips here:  Net Influencer - Influencer Marketing for Alcohol Brands: https://www.netinfluencer.com/influencer-marketing-for-alcohol-brands/ Open Influencer - Alcohol & Spirits Influencer Marketing: https://openinfluence.com/alcohol-spirits-influencer-marketing/ The Drinks Business - SVB Report: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/01/svb-report-says-older-americans-only-area-of-growth-in-wine-consumption/ Check out Casey’s coaching offerings at https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/ Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow @mykindofsweet on Instagram to see my full sober life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Dani, a fellow Wisconsinite who is celebrating 84 days sober! Dani never thought she’d make it this far with sobriety. Alcohol had been central to her life since childhood… She grew up spending days in bars with her dad, was given her first drink by her dad, and was always led to believe that alcohol was just a normal part of life. At the same time, though, she dealt with abuse from her father which was exacerbated by his addiction to alcohol.  Throughout adulthood, Dani reached for beer to cope more and more. But then, one action by her child made her realize she had to quit, because she never wanted him to grow up the way she did.  Today we talk about the importance of support on your sobriety journey, the challenge of trying to quit both alcohol and cigarettes at the same time, how hard the big ‘firsts’ can feel, and so much more.  Dani wants you to know that while you are doing this yourself, you are not alone! There is always a huge community of other sober women to support you.  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $10/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie Grace has a saying: “99% is a bitch. 100% is a breeze.”  The mental gymnastics of moderation can be exhausting and terribly shame-inducing. It puts all of the pressure on you to control the situation, while overlooking the fact that alcohol is a highly addictive substance. Today I encourage you to consider a path where you truly are in control: sobriety. It might feel like a dramatic change, but just ask yourself what could be waiting for you on the other side.... For me, and so many women, a life of sobriety is one of relief, growth… and true freedom.  If you've ever struggled with moderation or wondered if sobriety could really be easier, this episode is for you. Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $15/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow @mykindofsweet on Instagram to see my full sober life  Join The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kacey has been a loyal listener of the Real Sober Mom chats since the beginning of her sobriety journey and today it’s her turn to tell her story!  Today, Kacey shares how she questioned her drinking for years before she quit, the ups and downs she had on the way to achieving sobriety, and all the ways in which social media helped her along the way. Kacey drank because she thought that it would slow the roller coaster of her out of control life, but she’s here to tell you it does not work! In fact, alcohol only makes the ride more dizzying and more anxiety inducing.  Announcing the Sober Mom Life Cafe! For $10/month, join other sober moms inside the cafe for weekly meetings, bonus episodes, a Discord chat, a monthly book club, the option to share your story on The Real Sober Moms, and so much more! Learn all about it here: https://mykindofsweet.com/sober-mom-life-cafe/ If you’re looking for a community of wonderful sober moms to support you while you build your own sober life, join us inside The Sober Mom Life Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!! Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices