A weekly podcast, navigating life as a dry millennial in the Pacific Northwest.
Episode 44 is live, and was worth the wait! Listen in if you want to chat with Co-Founders of BuzzCutt, Sarah and Olivia Sears. BuzzCutt is a national app that is making it easier and more fun to find non-alcoholic drinks, by connecting you to bars and restaurants across the US that have options you can enjoy. ...and we know we deserve more options than Club Soda or a Coke. Sitting down with Sarah and Olivia, not only inspired the shit out of us, but it reminded us that what happened while we were drinking, isn't the most important part, it's what we are doing now, and what we will do moving forward. These two are MEGA talented and we are so excited to see what they do for the sober curious and non-alcoholic industry. Okay, now go join the #PartySober with BuzzCutt on Instagram @buzzcuttco and sign up for their newsletter for the latest updates on app launch and events. The BuzzCutt social community is an inclusive and engaging space for anyone to explore what it means to have a good time sans alcohol. But last thing... if you are local to Eugene/Portland/Oregon.. go buy your ticket NOWWWW to the BuzzCutt Summer Fest, June 17th.. deets are on their website.. but there are free drinks with each ticket purchase, a DJ, AND we believe some Jello Wrestling. Katy is sponsoring a ticket too, so if you are unable to pay for one at this time and would like to attend, send us a DM. Don't forget to download BuzzCutt on Android & IOS on June 12th!
This week's very special guest is Meg Fee @youdonthavetodrink! In this episode we catch up with Meg, and learn more about who is behind you don't have to drink. In this episode we cover a a range of topics but we do want to give our listeners a bit of a heads up, as we discuss eating disorder recovery. Meg provides daily reminders over on IG, that you don't have to drink today- and if you do, give yourself the compassion and acceptance that you can try again tomorrow. Chatting with Meg was like catching up with an old friend, and we are so grateful she took time to hang out with us! If you liked today's episode, leave a 5 star review and share with a friend.
First off, thank you Max for coming on the show, this episode was so easy to record and just flowed! Max is a life coach, with an inside-out fitness approach, co-owner of F.R.E.E Fitness in Edmonton, Alberta, and has his own Podcast "Squats and Sober Thoughts", go check it out. In this episode we dive into habits, disordered eating, and replacement addiction. We discuss everyone's favorite Dr. Gabor Mate, the never ending layers of personal development, and learning how the fck to have fun again after booze. Enjoy!!!
Hang out with Dryhard and Alex of Creating Ripples Podcast in episode 41! Alex quit drinking alcohol 8 years ago, at age 23. She takes us on an adventure through her life after booze. In this episode we cover failed moderation attempts, personal development and stepping into your new life, and mommy wine culture. Alex is a gem, and her podcast is the shit. Go check her out over @creatingripplespodcast.
We've had such a sick line up of special guests that we haven't had a chance to catch up in awhile! In this episode we do a light recap on the last 2 months! We went on a retreat and Kaylee saw first hand how well Katy handles crisis when Kaylee got semi-kidnapped at the airport and she saved someone from burning in a ceremonial fire. We almost tried to export a Pomeranian. And we learned that while everyone has their own unique skills to share with the world….anyone can host a retreat without necessarily having any experience or the tools to facilitate one. We were so grateful to experience the ups and downs together and be there for each other when we were both at our wits end in the final days and thought about getting fucked up and just not telling anyone. Despite not being everything we were originally hoping for, we down right pissed ourselves every night laughing and recapping the days and learned that we travel really well together. Now we are BFFs and trauma-bonded. LOL. After retreat it was feeling so good to be home and in our own fucking energies and routines Katy went back to the gym and hit some major PRs but then shortly after tore her MCL and Menicus and is staying positive but having to pivot on what self-care looks like for the next few months without having a pillar of movement and lifting while she prepares for her 6th knee surgery but this time on her good leg *crying emoji* Kaylee came back signed up for a personal trainer and a resolve to dive in more to her core wound in human design (37.1 btws) but is still haunted by the full length mirror in the outdoor shower at the retreat and is processing (aka crying a lot) over some life-long body shit rn. Dryhard retreat 2024?!
We are SO excited about this episode with Co-Founders of Parch, Ila Byrne and Rudy Aldana. In this episode we have the opportunity to listen to Rudy share his story. Starting with a Cancer diagnosis, and how it helped motivate him to quit booze, and create their very own alcohol free, adult beverage, with co-founder Isla. We also discuss Ila's current relationship with alcohol- as a mindful drinker, we LOVE this conversation! Both Rudy and Ila bring beautiful and refreshing perspectives on the alcohol industry itself, the way that society normalizes alcohol use, and what they hope to see in the world of alcohol free beverages! Don't forget to follow Ila and Rudy over on IG @drinkparch!
We love this episode! This episode is formatted a little differently than our usual episodes because we got to meet up with the amazing host of the Creating Ripples podcast, Alexandra Zauner. In this episode Alex interviews Katy and Kaylee, it's a good one. If you aren't already listening to Creating Ripples go give her a follow and subscribe to her Show. Alex will be joining us again next month, and we flip the script and chat about her alcohol free lifestyle, and how she ended up here! Stay turned for Part II.
DryHardJan 2023 hosted by DryHardPod & Emily Fields It's officially 2023 and we are kicking off another Dry January! This year DryHard is partnering with Emily Fields to host weekly challenges, journal prompts and live support. Send us a DM if you want to join! In this episode we share our own new year's resolutions or rather, intentions, and dive into our personal experience with each of our weekly Dry Jan themes. How to participate: *Instagram Live every Sunday at 3 p.m. PST *Weekly prompts and mini-challenges on our feed *Join our FREE Instagram group to have access, DM us for the link! PS Listen in to our Instagram LIVE for the Dry January drama we NEVER covered in this episode LOL
Listen in for all things sober curious with @onalee.roberts, your alcohol free bestie. In this episode Ona discusses her alcohol free journey, her mental health, and how quitting booze and taking action, has helped build her confidence! Follow @onalee.roberts on Instagram & Tik Tok, because we know you will love her as much as we do!
What happens when you remove the common denominator of booze? Listen in for Chelsea's experience in reclaiming herself in her relationship with alcohol, and in turn everything else. In this episode we cover everything from the hospitality industry to online dating, while alcohol free. It's a goodie! Also shoot us an email if you want a copy of her Zero Proof Menu Email
“I don't accept that version of myself anymore. I love her what for what she taught me but I am so fucking excited to not be her anymore.” In episode 34 we talk with a former biggest partier (who has the award to prove it) and current labor & delivery nurse, childbirth educator and holistic coach, Emily Fields. She talks breaking free from the cycle of binge drinking, being in the “coming out” stage of sobriety at 77 days booze free, learning to use your voice and say “fuck it” to shame. Emily is passionate about showing up authentically and giving others permission to do so themselves, especially in the women's healthcare space.
This episode was a freestyle that was initially supposed to be an episode about Halloween...but how could we just talk about one thing? It's a difficult one to sum up, but overall we discussed the debilitating anxiety in the in between. The most painful part of breaking any habit or making a change is the time we spend torturing ourselves before taking action. Did you know that more than 10% of the population ends up blacking out on Halloween? Because we are conditioned to believe that setting boundaries about our environment on drinking Holidays isn't a priority, it is one of the most common times of the year for a slip. And while the joy of missing out (JOMO), slaps, we know that not ALL of us are there yet. If you are new to your booze free lifestyle, we highly recommend making other plans on Halloween, ones that don't involve alcohol. Go to a haunted house with a friend, or grab some NA Beer and dress up for an at home movie night with your dog! Most importantly, try to stay safe and take care of yourself out there! XOXO DryHardPod
We are so excited for Episode 32 "Community Care" with very special guest, and one of our lifelong friends, Jac Max. In this episode we discuss the history of our friendship, Jac's relationship with alcohol, and her experience in recovery. The audio in this episode is a little hit and miss, a learning curve recording in person! But as usual, @kayleewlf slays the audio engineering and saved a TON of it. If you enjoy our episodes, don't forget to leave a 5 Star review, and share the show with your friends!
Episode 31 “Social Salve with Amy-Marie Merrell” is now live on Spotify & Apple Podcast. In this episode, our very special guest, @amymariemerrell discusses the opportunities she's created in making the choice to question her relationship with alcohol. Amy-Marie Merrell is the Executive Director of The Cupcake Girls, a non-profit organization that provides support & resources to those working in the adult industry and providing after care to those affected by sex trafficking. We want to encourage you to join @cupcakegirlsorg as a monthly donor (if you're not already!). As much as $5 a month can make a massive impact on sex trafficking survivors and sex workers in our communities! Go to www.thecupcakegirls.org to learn more, or just hit up Amy in her DMs!
Welcome to Season 2 of DryHardPod! In Episode 30 we are giving our DryHardFam an update on the highs and lows of our Summers, as well as answering the questions you submitted to us in the Spring. We dive into some heavy topics in this episode, but also talk about our favorite snacks, in true Katy and Kaylee form. We are so excited to be back, and cannot wait to connect as we move through this new Season of life and the pod! Shoutout to @mixedwithout and her valuable connections in the NA industry.
Episode 29 "Hustle or Nah?" is live on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. In this episode we discuss hustle culture, or what the buzz words means for us. How Kaylee hustled her way through college and her 20's, and how Katy's hustle picked up amidst her alcohol free life. We want to make it very clear, that we are PRO CHOICE over here at DryHardPod, and we even considered not releasing an episode this weekend in light of the Supreme Court's decision. However, we ALSO believe that one of the most radical things we can do, is make the decision to question our relationship with alcohol. So let's keep having these conversations! PS, thanks for being patient with us as we ramble our way through some of this episode, it's all apart of the process, LOL. Enjoy the show, and leave us a review if you feel oh so inclined!
Episode 28 "Girl Scout Drop Out" is now live where you get your podcasts! We switched things up this week, we went all in with no plan or outline, just two sober best friends, getting into it about life lately. We are bringing Summer Camp, mean babysitters, and our most recent sober revelations in this episode. As always, thank you for following along! If you like the show, leave us a 5 star review, share with a friend, or join our Patreon!
In this episode Kaylee and Katy discuss the importance of rituals and routine in their alcohol free journey. You are going to get the full spectrum in this episode.. it's fine, please laugh at us. As usual, we disclose too much about the state of our affairs pre-sobriety, TW lots of smell kitchen conversations happening. But we also flash forward to how beautifully committed we are to taking care of ourselves now. Putting our own basic needs first has been one of the most empowering and enriching aspects in our sobriety journey, and we hope you all really feel that in this episode!
In this episode Kaylee and Katy discuss the Cutback Method! Often times we discuss sobriety from a perspective of quitting completely, but that's not the ONLY option. And rarely is it the most realistic option right out the gate. When you become sober-curious or decide you want to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol, there are many paths you can take. So we wanted to take the time to focus, specifically, on the cut-back method today! Listen in for judgement free tips and tricks for cutting back on booze, and how to do it safely using the taper method (thanks Reframe App). The best thing about the sober curious path, is that it's yours alone. Have a great week DryHardFam!!
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee discuss the feeling of "never enoughness" and where it comes from. Identifying these thought patterns and learning how we kick them to the curb, is an ever evolving practice, but knowing you're not alone helps. If you liked this episode, leave us a review, share an episode with a friend, or send us a DM. It helps the show, and gives someone else access to the information who might need it. References: The Psychology of Never Being Enough - Medium Article
This week we are discussing The Enneagram, and how it can be used as a tool to better understand our needs- sober or not. The Enneagram is an emotionally focused system of understanding people, which allows us to hone in on our core emotional motivations and fears. Each of the nine personality types has its own driving force, which is centered around a particular emotion. In this episode we dive into our own personal Enneagram types. Knowing what our core desires & fears are, have helped us immensely in growing up, navigating our mental health & in our sobriety. If you feel convicted, leave us a review, share an episode with a friend, or send us a DM. It helps the show, and gives someone else access to the information who might need it. The majority of our information was found at https://www.enneagraminstitute.com
In this episode Kaylee & Katy talk about FEAR & BOOZE. Because anyway you look at it, there is fear in change- especially when the change comes with strings attached, and is soaked in stigma. So let's talk about it! Why don't we want to give up alcohol? We're going to be totally honest, this is one of our favorite conversations around drinking culture and we get V vulnerable in this ep. If you enjoyed this episode, we are so glad you are here. If you feel convicted, leave us a 5 star review, share, or just send us a DM on IG. We are one message away!
In this episode Katy and Kaylee, go deeper into their experience with “Burn Out”. We know, we know.. it's a hot word right now, but we promise it's a good one! No amount of skincare, Epsom salt baths, or WINE can provide enough relaxation to trick us into thinking that we're not absolutely exhausted, especially when we're in constant fight or flight mode. So don't worry.. that's not our solution. Honestly we're not even sure that we have one! Being alcohol free hasn't reversed our burnout, but it's given us the opportunity to get clear on what isn't working in our lives anymore. Work without boundaries, hangover riddled “me” time, or shaming yourself into exercise...sound familiar? Identify what's not working in your life, and turn it on it's head. Reflect, breathe, and find resources to make the changes necessary. Respect your own time and be with yourself. Do the thing that scares you
In this episode Katy and Kaylee do their best to tackle their relationship with anxious feelings while sober. Did you know that alcohol is a depressant? While it may relieve the feeling of anxiety initially, it actually affects your brain's level of happiness chemicals; serotonin & dopamine. Hangxiety = Depletion of feel good chemicals post binge drinking. A HUGE reason we said goodbye to booze was to stave off anxious thoughts and feelings. But what happens when you've cut out the alcohol and you're still struggling with anxiety? Is that normal? Katy and Kaylee take a deeper dive into living a sober lifestyle while still experiencing feelings of anxiety. This episode covers the tools we're using, our understanding of our own mental health, and how quitting alcohol didn't solve all of our problems, but gives us the ability to start to dig in. Thank you everyone for your 5 ⭐️ reviews & shares, it means everything to us, and helps pass along this information to someone who might need it. We love you #dryhardfam
In this episode, Katy & Kaylee interview, fan girl, and pick the mind of our favorite mental health influencer and licensed professional counselor, Jeff Guenther aka @therapyjeff. Jeff has been in the mental health game for over 15 years, with a mission to create affordable access to professional therapy. He shares short form video snippets of mental health GOLD on Instagram and TikTok, and has also been alcohol-free for almost a year and a half. Jeff shares stories of his high-school experience, family dynamics, and early introductions to alcohol and leaves us with some amazing take aways for how to support our own sobriety and get what we want out of life. Follow along with Jeff on TikTok & Instagram (@therapyjeff) and find more in-depth content on his Youtube channel. If you are looking for a therapist in your area, check out his website therapyden.com
In this episode Katy and Kaylee discuss the infamous & elusive ‘Pink Cloud'. You know that moment on the other side of withdrawals when you quit drinking? The one that leaves you feeling like you could take on the entire world in your new found sobriety?! Yeah.. same. Your body & brain are adjusting to these new feelings of joy & euphoria.. but unfortunately, at some point, the jig is up and shit starts to get hard again. Katy & Kaylee are passing along some nuggets to help sustain the energy, and bliss. It's so so important to have the tools to reinforce your sobriety and to make this sober thing as sustainable as possible.
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee talk TV from the movies and shows that influenced their rebellious teen years, to what we are binging now with all of their new found sober free time. What were your coming of age television moments? Follow us and send us a DM on @dryhardpod to share References: @mixedwithout Degrassi The Next Generation - Series available on Youtube 2003 Today article on "Fuck Bracelets"
In this episode, Kaylee and Katy recall their binge drinking activities from yesteryear (teens & early 20's) including being nearly boiled to death in a hot tub, and club-hopping in a different country. Katy and Kaylee also dive into the normalization of college-age binge drinking and not knowing your limits, to later on not wanting to be other-ed when friends seemed to be aging out of heavy drinking. From wanting to be "that" girl, to not wanting to be that girl. Links: Reframe App - Code KATY for 10% off High Street Tonics - Code DRYHARD for 10% off Therapy Jeff
In this episode, Katy & Kaylee welcome DryHard's first EVER guest, and one of our very favorite story tellers, Vince Marucci @magicmarblez aka "Packgod" Vince is local to Eugene, OR and works in the ever-evolving Cannabis industry. We have been friends for over a decade, but have really connected in sobriety. Vince has ben AF for 200 days..he isn't keeping track, which is so cool, but we forced a number out of him. In this episode, Vince gives us the rundown on his break up with alcohol. We cover topics ranging from grief, the importance of community, and relationship with self. If you do one thing today..go follow Vince on IG. Pure Gold @margicmarblez.
In this episode, Katy & Kaylee discuss their growth in sobriety as they reflect on where they started with Episode 1 of DryHard to where they are now, on Episode 15! Katy was recently the Designated Driver for a friend's 30th birthday and decided that role is not for her, but she might have magical powers. Kaylee is trying to convince herself that she deserves good things, and that a huge disappointment or a zombie apocalypse isn't always around the corner.
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee talk about Big Alcohol, the billion-dollar industry that keeps us sick & playing small. We go wayyyy back to when alcohol was first introduced into our lives by means of advertising, media and free swag. Kaylee recalls exposure at a young age, and lived with a parent in the industry...and all Katy can remember is Mountain Dew and Crown Royal bags.
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee discuss how they navigate friendships and social settings, both before and after sobriety. Do drunken secrets, codependency, and zero boundaries ring a bell? (Trigger Warning: Self Harm) We are exploring the time it takes to explore our newfound sober social life. How do we spend time with friends in sobriety and what can our drinking friends do to be supportive?
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee discuss the two big B's... Booze & Bodies. Follow along as they explore the correlations between believing in themselves enough to stop the blackouts, as well as the negative talk/shame cycle. This episode covers our relationships with food, our bodies, and how drinking plays a part in some unhealthy narratives. (TW: Disordered Eating & Body Dismorphia) It's important that we cover some actionable steps we can take towards loving our WHOLE selves and how to start feeling neutral about our bodies, if not positive about our bodies.
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee discuss New Year's resolutions and the dilemma of waking up on January 1st with the expectation of achieving all of the goals, with no plan of action or real resources. DryHardPod is heading into the New Year with a couple of new intentions, habits to back them up, and resources to lean on when an "off day" eventually happens. We also have a little surprise for our listeners at the end of this episode. ;)
In this episode Katy and Kaylee are navigating everything that is Christmas, sober....What intention did you set going into the holiday season? Katy committed to spending less money and living within their means & Kaylee decided it's time to set some boundaries with her time and space. Did they conquer their goals?! Find out in tonight's episode.
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee are taking a deeper look into boundaries. Were they modeled in their households while growing up? How did a lack of self-worth and boundaries affect their relationship with alcohol, and what does that look like now? This Holiday Szn Katy & Kaylee are implementing micro boundaries, cutting out unhealthy expectations and lack of communication, while stepping into their own self-worth, to better honor their needs. DryHardPod loves and references boundary expert & best-selling author, @nedratawwab so go follow along and buy her most recent book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace”. It's life changing
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee talk about the alcohol use spectrum, where they land on it, and alternative support for cutting back on the booze. Even if you're not quitting forever, there are resources for everyone. We are giving love out next week for any of your sober birthdays, or booze-free milestones. How many days have you been alcohol free? Follow us @dryhardpod and leave us a message for a shoutout on next week's episode!
In this episode, Kaylee recalls running into people from the past, & Katy has yet another “While In Mexico” story, but this time on Thanksgiving. Check in with DryHardPod to hear what tools they're using going into the Holidays booze free. Above everything, a plan to lean on if things get uncomfortable, and a reminder that you're the shit. If you're enjoying our content, we hope you would like, rate, and review. It helps other people find us when you interact. DM us, let us know if a topic has been on your mind. We'd love to cover it!
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee talk about birthdays because Katy just turned 31 y'all. Take a peek into the past with us and recall birthdays with booze, yikes! In summary…getting older can be scary, but self-discovery is the shit. This episode means a lot to Dry Hard Pod, and we hope that comes through for you. Thank you for listening, we love you!
In this episode, Katy and Kaylee discuss what shame looked like while drinking (puking in public & sneaking shots at the bar), and what it looks like for them now. In light of the #NoShameNovember campaign by @reframeapp they share their experience & what tools they're using to combat shame in the sober space✌
Kaylee & Katy are talking Halloween and of the spooky things happening this time of year..
Katy and Kaylee chat about how to prepare yourself for events & being around large groups of people while sober or while moderating your drinking. Hint: Sometimes it means saying "No." Check out Episode 3 for a look at re-entering social life when you're sober or sober curious.
Katy and Kaylee pick up on where they left off in the last episode, jumping into how things are going now that they have made the commitment to their booze-free lifestyle.
Katy and Kaylee kick off their first episode by recalling their first drinking experiences starting out in their early teen years and what brought them to evaluate their relationship to alcohol.