Sober Stories from Everyday People

TRIGGER WARNING (references suicidal thoughts)​In this week's episode of the "Sober Stories from Everyday People" podcast, host @sassysobermum interviews Daniel, a 47-year-old from Jersey who has been sober for six years. Daniel discusses Jersey's strong drinking culture and reflects on his chaotic youth, which included a traumatic childhood and early marriage with children. He worked his way up in the IT sector but faced challenges with alcohol. After quitting cold turkey, he experienced severe depression and contemplated suicide. Thankfully, he sought support from colleagues, leading to personal growth and active involvement in the sober community. Daniel now engages in local mental health initiatives and maintains an Instagram presence under the handle @thejerseysoberwalker. ​I hope you enjoy! Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.comGet access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE)Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscriptionEmail sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.comAlcohol Change UKWebsite: https://www.alcoholchange.org.ukHelpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)Mind (Mental Health Support)Website: https://www.mind.org.ukHelpline: 0300 123 3393NHS Alcohol Support ServicesWebsite: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

This week I am talking with Catriona in Kilkenny, Ireland. Catriona is 10 months sober at the time of this recording. She lives with her husband and two young children and is a small business owner. Catriona talks candidly about the destructive impact alcohol had on her life and how she managed to get sober. Catriona talks about life changes, getting stronger everyday and how the prescribed drug Antabuse helped her begin the journey of quitting for good. You can connect with Catriona on Facebook under Catriona Byrne. I hope you enjoy the episode. Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In the first episode of 2025 I chat with Hana in New York City who is 2 years sober at the time of the recording. Hana's journey is littered with stories of going too far and having no off switch. Hana drank for over 2 decades before deciding enough was enough and quitting for good in the festive season. Hana is brave, inspiring and open with her story. I hope you find it comforting. You can connect with Hana on Instagram at @hanaziggyHelpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

Welcome to this special episode to mark 100 episodes of the Sober Stories from Everyday people podcast. During this episode I explore reflections from my own life and from the lives of the many people I have worked with. Sobriety is a challenging, beautiful and scary process, especially during holiday seasons. I offer insight, wisdom and reassurance for all things early sobriety and hope that you take at least one positive thing from listening, to help you navigate the impending Christmas period.Sending love and best wishes this Christmas.You can do it!Helpful links:Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.comVisit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.comGet access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE)Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscriptionEmail sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In this episode I am talking to Nancy from Essex who is sober 10 months at the time of this recording. Nancy is married with 2 children. Nancy talks about growing up in a sociable household and trying alcohol-pops for the first time. The transition from carefree childfree days to mortgage, kids and work pressures, Nancys drinking followed a similar path to many other guests on this show. Once Nancy decided to quit she threw herself into the learning and mindset work to be successful. You can follow Nancy on instagram at lil_miss_kiddyHelpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday people podcast I am chatting with Anastasia in Essex who is 228 days sober at the time of this recording. Anastasia is a 37 year old mum of twins who is currently studying psychology and counselling via distance learning. She talks openly about her life with alcohol and how it became something she became fed up with, especially after having her twins. You can find Anastasia on TikTok here @fresh_and_sober and also in instagram at the same handle. Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am talking to Gareth in Hollyport, Berkshire. Gareth is 129 days sober at the time of this recording. He is 38 years old and lives with his partner and two dogs, Otis and Isla. Gareth talks about drinking and smoking for most of his adult life to a point where it became toxic and dark. Gareth has also very recently been diagnosed ADHD after listening to this podcast and exploring the traits in himself. After alcohol played a part in almost every occasion, he is living life free from substances for the first time and really noticing the difference. Gareth openly shares his insight, humour and wisdom, it's a great listen to someone in the earlier days of this weird and wonderful journey called sobriety. .Happy listening! Gareth is not on social media therefore if you wish to send a message to him, please email it to me at thrive@sassysobermum.com. Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In this episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People we explore the story of Hannah in Australia. Originally from Leicester, UK, Hannah runs 3 businesses and lives with her 4 children and Husband. Hannah is 268 days sober at the time of this recording. Hannah talks about starting her family young and receiving an early cancer diagnosis. Hannahs relationship with alcohol slowly crept up over the years eventually resulting in blackouts and sober curiosity. Hannah tried 90 days sober and then went back to trying to moderate, before quitting completely in November 2023. Hannah is a complete inspiration and so relatable. I hope you enjoy the episode! You can find and follow Hannah on instagram at: @no_more_day1Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

In this episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People Podcast, I am chatting to Lucy from Chichester in West Sussex. Lucy is 7.5 months sober at the time of this recording and is a mum of five children. Lucy is also a DDPYoga fitness instructor after getting into it alongside her partner. Lucy and I talk ADHD, over drinking, moving around a lot, relationships and all the chaos that comes with undiagnosed ADHD and alcohol! Lucy managed 5 months of sobriety before this stint, going 'cold turkey' and finding it so hard. She talks openly about the disappointment of not being able to moderate properly. Getting sober has changed Lucy's life in so many positive ways. You can find her on instagram at @lucywaldenrose_ and @jigsaw.fitness Find out more about DDPYoga here https://ddpyoga.comGet help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

This week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People podcast is with Carrie from St. Neots in Cambridgeshire. Carrie, a medical secretary and mum of 3 boys, is 126 days sober at the time of this recording. Carries talks openly about alcohol and its impact on her health and wellness. Her drinking was weekend driven always resulting in hangovers, until enough became enough. So many people will relate to Carries story and journey with alcohol and quitting for good. You can find Carrie on instagram at @sobermumofboys. Happy listening!

This week on Sober Stories from Everyday People podcast I'm talking with Steph from London who's been sober for 4 years and 2 months at the time of this recording. Steph, who is enjoying midlife, loves fashion and works in advertising. Steph is also ADHD and we talk about the links to alcohol and neurodivergence, how hard quitting was, finding the joy in sobriety and trusting the process. Steph is a delight to listen to and full of wisdom. You can follow her on instagram at @flouncingabout. Enjoy.

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am talking with Donna in Thirroul, New South Wales, Australia. At the time of recording, Donna is 4 years, 3 months and 10 days sober. Donna is originally from Melbourne and has been married for 25 years. Donna discusses having a relatively normal farm up bringing with relatively normal drinking habits until she sadly lost her mother and first husband. During and after that period of her life, she went slightly off the rails and got into using more alcohol. Donna was a self confessed party girl who began enjoying wine at home during the early naughties and onwards. Donna realised she was getting tired al the time and struggling with insomnia. Donna decided to quit and hasn't looked back since. You can follow Donna online on instagram at @doona67. Enjoy the episode!

This week's Sober Stories from Everyday People Podcast is with NHS worker; Vinay who lives in Hale, Cheshire. Vinay is 319 days sober at the time of this recording and assigns a lot of the motivation to get sober to getting healthy for his young family. An avid long distance runner, he talks about life before running and life before quitting drinking. A life that was very different and often destructive, with some regrets. Vinay is open, brutally honest and a real inspiration to anyone considering quitting drinking. You can find Vinay on instagram at @runningtowardssobriety. Enjoy the episode!

This week on the Sober Stories from Everyday People Podcast I am chatting with Grace from London who now lives in Stoke-on-Trent. Grace is 1 year sober at the time of this recording. Grace had been a member of the THRIVE Sober online community for virtually all of her sobriety and has found peace, confidence and guidance in being connected with a sober community. She talks about work, relationships, sobriety wobbles and mindset changes that helped her reach a year sober. You can follow Grace on instagram at @sobermum2023.

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am discussing all things sobriety with Penny in Kingston-Upon-Thames. Penny is an opiate recovery worker in Camden and has masters in public health. Penny is 130 days sober at the time of this recording.Penny describes a typical drinking life with minimal consequences until it started to affect the things she really cared about. She talks about hearing a voice inside which was trying to save her and how important it was to set a goal and get support.You can find Penny on instagram at @goodfridaze.

This week's Sober Stories from Everyday People podcast episode is with Marie Shaw from @unfunk_your_soul and @unfunk_your_soul_podcast. Marie lives in Staffordshire and is 576 days sober at the time of this recording. Following redundancy, Marie changed her career and moved into the wellness space, training as an Exhale meditation instructor and offering clients healing, growth and relaxation through music, movement and meditation. Marie started to realise that alcohol was not aligning with who she wanted to be. Marie became fed up with drinking 'just because' and decided to start a journey of sober curiosity that eventually resulted in her current stint of long term sobriety. Marie relied on tools she built in her new career including journaling, meditation, music, movement and engaging in simple, but joyful pursuits.

This week's Sober Stories from Everyday People podcast episode is with Hannah C from Surrey, UK. Hannah, a self employed gardener, is one year and one month sober at the time of this recording. We discuss how being a young parent, a parent of a child with extra needs, and being a single parent for a period of time, can impact your reliance on alcohol to cope. We also talk about alcohol and ADHD following my recent diagnosis and Hannah's strong suspicion of it. You can follow her on instagram at @hanbag.97.

TRIGGER WARNING - family member suicide This week's episode is with Owen from Halesowen, near Birmingham. Owen is 13 months sober at the time of this recording. Owen, who lives with his wife and young daughter, talks about trying alcohol relatively late, at 16 (on the last day of school). After starting, Owen got into a drinking crowd and drank as part of the 'sesh' with mates most weeks. After unexpectedly losing his father, Owen recalls drinking for more emotional reasons. Being an emotional person, he found solace in alcohol but it brought chaos and shame to the forefront. He stopped for six months to have a break but soon fell back into big drinking afterwards. He decided to stop for good 13 months ago and hasn't looked back since. He is hoping to share his story in an effort to help others (especially men) make the same brave decision to quit and feel happier.

This week's episode is with the face behind instagrams @scottishandsober, Jade. Jade is almost 3.5 years sober and lives in Aberdeen, North East Scotland. Jade speaks openly about her life with alcohol, how it slowly crept into weekly life and was normalised for most occasions. Following a difficult relationship and some mental health challenges, Jade decided to stop drinking and is now helping others by supporting people via her hugely popular instagram page. Enjoy listening.

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am chatting to Vanessa in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire. Vanessa, who is113 days sober at the time of this recording, shares her life with alcohol and why she stopped drinking at New Year. Vanessa is warm, open, and direct about her life growing up, her drinking experiences and how she is currently navigating her new alcohol free life. I hope you enjoy the episode. You can follow Vanessa on Instagram here: @vanessagrey1717 or @vanessagraze

This weeks Sober Stories episode is with 24 year old Sebastian from Bolton, who is 6 months sober. Sebastian is raising money for charity by going 12 months alcohol free after losing his mum to cancer 2 years ago and meeting some incredible health mentors on BBC3's Go Hard or Go Home (2023) TV show. Seb is big into fund raising and raising awareness for mental health, cancer and now all things alcohol free. Sebastian is open, honest and good fun to listen to. As a young person stopping drinking he has a great insight into the challenges younger people face when trying to remove alcohol. Sebastian isn't sure what will happen after the 12 months challenge is up, but what he does know of sobriety so far, its going to be difficult to beat in terms of how much better he feels and brighter things are in his life. Happy listening.

This weeks episode is with Lou from Shoreham-by-sea in West Sussex who is 100 days sober at the time of this recording. Lou is married with 3 children, 3 step children and 2 dogs. Lou discusses a tough childhood, being in a toxic relationship with her children's father, post natal depression with her second child and losing her dad to covid. After meeting her soul mate later in life and marrying, Lou now runs her own cleaning business and is excited by her new sober life. Enjoy.

In this weeks episode I speak to Jessica in Norwich, UK, who is 5.5 years sober at the time of this recording. Jessica talks about the infamous 90's drinking culture and how it helped to cement her desire to fit in and feel interesting. Drinking became part of her identity and ramped up dramatically during her university years. After having her first child at 29, Jessica became more aware of the mummy wine culture that traps so many of us into weekly drinking and drinking as a 'reward'. Now sober, Jessica enjoys volunteering at festivals, crocheting and planning trips in her camper van. You can find and follow Jessica's journey on instagram at @picajaynd. Enjoy listening!

In this weeks episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am speaking to Georgie in Somerset, UK who is 132 days sober at the time of this recording. Georgie lives with her son and is immersed in the wellness industry teaching pilates, intuitive breathing, trained in sports massage, reiki, sound bowl healing and working closely with horses.Our conversation talks about 90's drinking, a life changing spine injury following an accident, ADHD, fasting, difficult relationships and health challenges that lead her to sobriety. Georgie is a breath of fresh air and is feeling really good in her early sobriety achievement. You can find Georgie on instagram at @georgie_barnes_wellness or at @sobernotsmashed. Enjoy!

In this weeks episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am chatting to Lauren in Leeds who's been sober for almost 2 years at the time of this recording. Lauren lives with her 2 children and her husband, and runs her own business hiring TV & film locations around the UK, which she loves. Lauren was a weekend binge drinker, abstaining in the week but usually drinking with no off switch at the weekend. This lifestyle was fun for a long time but Lauren talks openly about how it dragged her down in the days following big weekend binges, ultimately leading to her quitting. Laurens story is one I think so many will be familiar with and be trapped by, but due to the fact its weekends only, its easy to keep stuck in the cycle and not think its problematic enough to stop for good. You can follow Laurens insta page or reach out to her via message via @uklocations

In this episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People" podcast, listeners are introduced to the podcasts first sober husband and wife team, Alisha and Ricci, team from West London who are navigating their journey through sobriety. With a combined 650 days of sobriety, they share their powerful stories of transformation and newfound freedom from alcohol.Alisha opens up about her upbringing, where alcohol was normalized due to her father's struggles with alcoholism. Growing up, she found herself in environments where drinking was prevalent, but these were normalised because everything was doing it. On the other hand, Ricci had a different path, not delving much into drinking until his mid teens, where a negative experience made him steer clear of alcohol until his early 20s.Their lives took a turn when, after years of social drinking and drinking to relax at home as parents, Ricci decided to attend an AA meeting and make the courageous decision to quit alcohol. A few weeks later, Alisha followed suit, and they embarked on a transformative journey together.During the podcast, they reflect on how sobriety has positively impacted their lives, their relationship, and their roles as parents to three sons. They highlight the challenges they faced, the support they received from each other and their community, and the joy they discovered in living alcohol-free.Additionally, Alisha and Ricci discuss their passion project, the "Black and Sober Podcast," where they amplify stories of sobriety, especially within the Black community. They aim to inspire others and create a space of hope, peace, and empowerment for those seeking a sober lifestyle.Listeners are encouraged to connect with Alisha and Ricci on their podcast and YouTube channel, @blacksoberpod, where they continue to share more inspiring stories and insights on the journey to sobriety. This episode serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for anyone embarking on or considering a sober lifestyle.

Trigger warning (contains reference of suicide)In this week's episode of the Sober Stories Podcast, sassysobermum sits down with Sarah, a guest from Chichester who is 105 days sober at the time of recording. Sarah, who runs a hair salon and offers online support to aspiring hair colorists through groups and workshops, opens up about her journey to sobriety. She shares candidly about her struggles with alcohol, which eventually led her to a point of feeling suicidal before she decided to stop drinking.Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses the intersection of alcohol and motherhood, as well as the impact of her sobriety on her relationships, particularly with her husband and two children. She reflects on the profound changes that getting sober has brought to her life and emphasises the importance of support systems in her recovery journey.Listeners are encouraged to follow Sarah's ongoing journey on Instagram at @sarahloveshair for further insights and updates. This episode offers a raw and honest exploration of using alcohol as a coping mechanism and the transformative power of sobriety.

This week's episode of the "Sober Stories from Everyday" podcast features Natalia from Toronto, who is 31 years old and has been sober for 262 days at the time of the recording. She resides with her husband and dog and has a fulfilling career in HR that she loves. Natalia enjoys baking, hiking, spending time with family, and going to the gym.Natalia shared her journey with alcohol, describing it as a slow climb followed by a steep drop. She began drinking relatively late but found herself relying heavily on alcohol to cope with life's challenges after experiencing several difficult incidents. Eventually, she reached a point where negative intrusive thoughts became overwhelming, prompting her decision to quit drinking.Reflecting on her sobriety, Natalia emphasised the importance of being gentle with oneself during the early stages of recovery and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. She also advised taking time to share one's story on one's own terms.Listeners can connect with Natalia on Instagram at @naat.attackk. Overall, Natalia's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of self-compassion and support on the journey to sober freedom.

This week's episode of the "Sober Stories from Everyday" podcast features Natalia from Toronto who is 31 years old, has been sober for 262 days at the time of the recording. She resides with her husband and dog and has a fulfilling career in HR that she loves. Natalia enjoys baking, hiking, spending time with family, and going to the gym.Natalia shared her journey with alcohol, describing it as a slow climb followed by a steep drop. She began drinking relatively late but found herself relying heavily on alcohol to cope with life's challenges after experiencing several difficult incidents. Eventually, she reached a point where negative intrusive thoughts became overwhelming, prompting her decision to quit drinking.Reflecting on her sobriety, Natalia emphasised the importance of being gentle with oneself during the early stages of recovery and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. She also advised taking time to share one's story on one's own terms.Listeners can connect with Natalia on Instagram at @natt.attackk. Overall, Natalia's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of self-compassion and support on the journey to recovery.

*EARLY DAYS EPISODE*This week's special 'early days' episode of the Sober Stories podcast features Donna from Bracken, Wales, who is 74 days sober at the time of recording. Donna, raised in a family with minimal alcohol consumption, began drinking in the 1990s as a teenager. However, a series of life-changing events, including a breakup, her daughter's anorexia diagnosis, and her brother's sudden death, led to increased alcohol consumption. Seeking help from a counsellor and admitting her drinking problem marked a turning point for Donna. She shares three tips for starting sobriety: openly discussing it for accountability, utilising 'Sober Gram' for support, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue about sobriety with those around you. You can follow Donna's journey on Instagram using @donna.elliott.

In this week's episode of the Sober Stories from Everyday People podcast, Trisha from Sligo, North West Ireland, shares her journey of sobriety, having been sober for 136 days. Trisha resides with her husband and three children and opens up about losing her mother at 60 to alcohol-related causes. She discusses her attempt at moderation before ultimately accepting that sobriety was the path for her. Trisha has been working with a mindset coach, which, coupled with her sobriety, has led to numerous opportunities in her life. Her top tips for getting sober include changing things up, such as rearranging furniture to create a fresh environment, immersing oneself in books and other people's sober stories, and embracing zero-alcohol drink options.You can follow Trisha on instagram at: @trishahairsalon, or via her new account @growrichwithrtrisha

In this week's episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People," we dive into the journey of Hayley, a 35-year-old from Worthing in West Sussex, who is almost five months sober after numerous attempts to quit drinking in recent years. Hayley's story is one of resilience and self-discovery as she delves into her struggles with alcohol, recreational drugs, and emotional challenges.Raised without knowing her biological father until her mid-30s, Hayley speaks openly about her journey toward sobriety, which has been intertwined with her passion for yoga—a newfound outlet she discovered along the way. Despite facing issues with anger and emotional turbulence, Hayley demonstrates remarkable bravery and honesty in her quest for a healthier lifestyle.Currently settled in a happy relationship, Hayley emphasises the importance of having a supportive community during early sobriety. She shares her top tips for those seeking sobriety, including changing environments, being honest with others about not drinking, and joining supportive communities. Hayley specifically credits the "Thrive Sober Community" for its invaluable support in her journey.Listeners can connect with Hayley and follow her journey on Instagram, under the handle @soberfun_WithHayley&Jaime.

In this weeks episode of Sober Stories From Everyday People we hear the inspiring journey of Chris, a 46-year-old father who has been sober for 18 months at the time of the recording. Chris shares his experiences of navigating the drinking culture during the hedonistic 1990s, where rock music and smoking were prevalent. In his early 20s, he worked in Ibiza, which intensified his drinking habits. Returning home, he pursued a career as a stone mason, eventually settling down and becoming a father to an 8-year-old daughter.The challenges escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing a breakup with his daughter's mother and a struggle with daily drinking. After facing health issues, Chris became curious about sobriety and decided to quit. He now proudly serves as an admin for the Instagram group @midlandssobersociety and relishes in the newfound freedom of sobriety.Chris offers valuable advice based on his journey: 1. Do it for yourself, 2. Connect with sober communities on social media to find like-minded individuals, 3. Learn to say no and be comfortable with it, and 4. Embrace your feelings. You can connect with Chris on instagram at: @sober_bow and @midlandssobersociety

This week's "Sober Stories for Everyday People" podcast features Rosie Gill Moss from Kent, a brave individual who has been sober for nearly two years as of March 2024. Rosie, the host of her own podcast, "Widowed AF," shared her inspiring journey to sobriety and the challenges she faced along the way.Rosie's story takes a poignant turn as she discusses the tragic loss of her husband at sea in 2018. He went out for a day of scuba diving and never returned, succumbing to a drowning accident. With young children at the time of becoming a widow, Rosie opens up about the initial struggles and how alcohol became a coping mechanism. However, realising the high cost, both financially and emotionally, of her regular drinking habits, she decided to break free from its grip.In the podcast, Rosie explores the newfound freedom she discovered in sobriety and emphasizes the joy she now experiences in being more present with her children. Despite the profound grief and challenges she faced, Rosie's determination to create a better life for herself and her family shines through. Additionally, she reveals a recent diagnosis of ADHD, adding another layer to her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.Listeners of the podcast gain valuable insights into Rosie's resilience, her pursuit of a fulfilling life without alcohol, and the strength she found in facing adversity head-on. Rosies top 3 tips for getting sober are: Set a Target.Learn to Say No. Separate Yourself from the Drinking Version of You. ENJOY!Find Rosie online: @rosie_gill_moss (insta) @widowed_af (insta)https://widowedaf.com

In this week's episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People," the guest, Jen from Shepperton, Middlesex, shares her journey to sobriety. A 35-year-old mother of three under 4 years old, Jen reached 7 months of sobriety in January 2024. She began drinking in university, initially as an average drinker, but soon realized she had no off button, turning it into an everyday habit. After attempting moderation for six months, Jen decided to quit for good, especially with her wife expecting their third child.Jen's decision to quit surprised many, but she found support in the THRIVE Sober online community, which played a crucial role in her journey. Now at 7 months sober, Jen expresses gratitude for the clarity, patience, and joy that sobriety has brought into her life. Her top three tips for others on a similar path include finding a supportive community to share experiences, opting for alcohol-free alternatives, and using a tracker app, such as Try Dry, to monitor days sober and money saved. You can follow Jen on Instagram at Jen_shaw_20. Enjoy!

In this week's episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People" hosted by SassySoberMum, Anna, a resilient individual from South Wales, takes the spotlight. At just over a year sober, Anna shares her transformative journey filled with resilience, determination, and newfound purpose.Aged 44 and a mother to a 13-year-old daughter, Anna's relationship with alcohol began in her teenage years, initially as a means to fit in. However, as time passed, her drinking habits grew heavier through her twenties and beyond. Despite expectations that motherhood might ease her consumption, her reliance on alcohol persisted as a coping mechanism, even amplifying during a challenging period when her marriage ended at 39.This tumultuous time marked a period of blackouts, coupled with profound feelings of depression and anxiety. To compound matters, in 2022, Anna was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that further compelled her to reevaluate her lifestyle.Recognizing the need for change and prioritizing her well-being, Anna embarked on the path to sobriety, not only for herself but for the betterment of her health. Through her journey, she discovered newfound pockets of time, which she enthusiastically channeled into personal development and a commitment to fitness. Anna's pursuit led her to weightlifting, a passion she cultivated and found immense joy in, shaping her identity as she embraced the world of strength training. Notably, she even achieved a remarkable milestone by completing a half marathon.Anna's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of choosing sobriety and health. Her Instagram handle, @aiming.high.squats, showcases her journey, offering inspiration to others on their path to personal growth and well-being.Join SassySoberMum and Anna in this compelling episode as they delve into the intricate layers of Anna's journey, celebrating her triumphs, resilience, and the courage it takes to rise stronger from life's challenges.Don't miss this empowering episode, where Anna's narrative embodies the beauty of reclaiming life and finding strength in vulnerability.

In this week's episode of the "Sober Stories from Everyday People" podcast, host SassySoberMum is joined by Cate, a 48-year-old artist living in Oxford. Cate's story is a powerful exploration of the lasting impact of alcoholism on families, as she candidly discusses her experiences growing up with a functioning alcoholic father.Cate's childhood was marked by the presence of her father's alcoholism, which left a significant imprint on her life. She approaches this subject with compassion, acknowledging that many people at the time didn't fully understand the consequences of heavy drinking. Cate's narrative is a testament to the resilience of families who grapple with the effects of addiction.The turning point in Cate's life came when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer around 2015. Tragically, in 2016, Cate received her own breast cancer diagnosis. It was this life-altering moment that spurred her to reevaluate her relationship with health and even though alcohol was still encouraged by medical professionals, she ultimately decided to quit drinking after an uneventful weekend away in bournemouth with her family.During the podcast, Cate opens up about her journey to sobriety and the profound impact it has had on her emotionally, financially, and her overall well-being. Her story is an inspiring example of how facing adversity can lead to positive change, resilience, and personal growth.Listeners will find this episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People" both moving and enlightening, as Cate's story highlights the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of compassion in understanding the complexities of addiction and its effects on families.

In this week's episode of "Sober Stories with Everyday People," we sit down with Rich, a remarkable individual from Leeds who has been on a transformative journey to sobriety for the past 20 months. Rich's story is another testament to the power of resilience, personal growth, and the boundless potential of life sober. .This episode offers a candid and heartfelt conversation with Rich, who, despite being a "middle-lane" drinker for most of his life, decided to make a change and hasn't looked back since.Rich's relationship with alcohol began in his early teens, as he joined his friends in the age-old tradition of sharing drinks. Little did he know that this casual beginning would eventually lead him down a path intertwined with the world of hospitality and alcohol sales. His professional journey mirrored his personal one, as he advanced from serving drinks to venues to selling them.What makes Rich's story even more inspiring is his creative pursuit of clean living. He decided to take his passion for alcohol-free living to the next level by creating his own alcohol-free pale ale, aptly named "Clean Break." But that's not all; Rich has also embarked on a podcasting adventure with "Finding Jomo," where he explores the concept of "Joy of Missing Out" and the fulfillment that comes from embracing a life free from the trappings of excessive drinking and partying.Aside from his passion for clean living, Rich is an avid runner and actively participates in local running groups, proving that a sober lifestyle can be filled with vitality and new interests.Throughout the episode, Rich's story serves as a reminder that recovery is a journey filled with opportunities, personal growth, and the chance to create positive change not only for oneself but for others as well.You can connect with Rich on Instagram at @runningdryy_rich, @runningdryy_leeds, @cleanbreakbrewing, and @findingjomopodcast to learn more about his journey.

In this week's episode of "Sober Stories from Everyday People," I sit down with Emily, a 32-year-old Personal Assistant currently residing in Bristol. Emily's journey from Essex to Bristol has been more than just a geographical change; it's been a transformation in her relationship with alcohol.Emily's story is one that many can relate to. She began drinking in her university days as a way to combat shyness and fit into a heavy drinking culture. Alcohol seemed to provide her with the confidence she needed in social situations, but it came at a cost – crippling hangovers and a growing sense that it was stealing some of the joy in her life.After experiencing the drinking culture in London, Emily decided to take several stints of sobriety, including one during the first COVID lockdown. However, it was her move to Bristol in 2021 that marked a turning point. She realized that drinking had become more of a burden than a source of fun during significant life events like concerts and birthdays.In December 2022, Emily made the courageous decision to quit drinking altogether. Since then, her life has transformed. She's gained more time for herself, formed meaningful connections, and most importantly, she's learned to trust herself. Emily's journey led her to create the community @sobergalsbristol, connecting with like-minded individuals on their own sobriety journeys. She now organizes regular sober events in Bristol, providing a supportive space for those embracing sobriety.Join us in this inspiring conversation with Emily as she shares her journey from using alcohol as a crutch to discovering the immense rewards of sobriety. Her story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the strength that comes from making choices that truly align with your well-being.Tune in to "Sober Stories from Everyday People" to hear more uplifting stories like Emily's and find the inspiration you need to embark on your own journey to sobriety.

In this podcast episode, the guest Jakki from Berkshire shares her personal journey to sobriety. Jakki is 33 years old, married for two years, and has two stepsons and a dog. Unlike some, she didn't grow up in an environment of excessive drinking, but like many teenagers, she began drinking alcohol at a young age.The turning point in Jakki's relationship with alcohol occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown. She began to feel "sober curious" in 2021, questioning her drinking habits. To explore her sobriety further, she attended Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings but found that it wasn't the right fit for her.Ultimately, Jakki made the life-changing decision to quit drinking for good on September 24, 2022. She offers three valuable tips for those looking to embark on a similar journey:Find Alternative Alcohol-Free Drinks: Jakki suggests seeking out non-alcoholic beverage options to replace traditional alcoholic drinks. This can help ease the transition to sobriety.Listen to Your Body and Its Needs: Paying attention to your body's signals and what it needs is crucial. This involves self-care, both physically and emotionally, to support your well-being.Connect with Nature and Educate Yourself: Jakki recommends spending time in nature, which can be therapeutic and calming. Additionally, she highlights the importance of educating oneself through books and podcasts, which can provide valuable insights and motivation during the sobriety journey.Jakki's story serves as an inspiring example of someone who chose sobriety and found their own unique path to a healthier and happier life. Her tips can be valuable for anyone considering or on their own journey to sobriety.

The podcast episode featured a guest named Anit, who has been sober for eight years. He is currently 47 years old and resides in Hove, East Sussex. Anit's journey to sobriety began during a holiday to Malta in 2015 when he had a realization, with the help of a bartender at his hotel, that he had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Upon returning from his trip, he made the courageous decision to quit drinking.Over the course of several years of sobriety, Anit also adopted a vegan lifestyle. He is known for being warm, open, and wise about the effects of his past drinking habits and his path to sobriety. For those interested in connecting with him, his Instagram handle is @crouchingciderhiddenwagon.In this podcast episode, Anit likely shared his personal story, insights into his journey to sobriety, the impact of alcohol on his life, and how he embraced a vegan lifestyle. His experiences and wisdom could serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

This week I am talking to Jo in Essex who is 6 months sober at the time of this recording. Jo is 41-year-old skincare therapist and a mum of three. Jo talks about how she didn't grow up in a big drinking family and as an adult, wasn't a very heavy drinker. She stopped drinking because she felt less than great and wanted to live a healthier life. It's a simple story with a big impact. Enjoy!

Todays episode is with Mike from Colchester, Essex. Mike is 39 and has been sober for 4.5 years at the time of this recording. Mike talks about how alcohol didn't have any significant role in his childhood and it wasn't until he started higher education that he tried to get into social drinking just to try and fit in. After a while, Mike got fed up of feeling the damaging effects of alcohol and decided to quit for good. This story is another great example of taking the decision to stop drinking just because it makes you feel sub-optimal. I hope you enjoy!

***TRIGGER WARNING*** References of child sexual abuseThis week I am chatting to 30 year old May in Streatham, London, who is 8 months sober at the time of this recording. Like many people her age she is into traveling, eating out, catching up with friends and reading. Her story with alcohol was relatively tame for most of her teenage years and early 2o's but it ramped up after a significant break up, and then 'tipping point' being shut away alone in covid lockdown. This is a great episode. Enjoy!

In the 60th episode of Sober Stories, I am chatting to Luke B from Stratford-Upon-Avon who now resides in Wales, UK. Luke is almost 10 months sober after a couple of stints in The Priory. He has also recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Luke talks about drinking to fit in, mini rock bottoms and how he always had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. He is now into running and getting outdoors and is absolutely loving his sober adventure and where it is taking him. Enjoy the episode.

This weeks episode is with Leah who is living in Belgium after growing up in New Hampshire USA. Leah runs a bar with her husband (who is also sober) after working in hospitality all her life. She is coming up to one year sober very soon. happy listening!

This weeks episode is with Suzanne from Stratford Upon Avon. Suzanne is almost 2 years sober and has noticed everything has improved since quitting drinking. Happy listening!

This weeks episode is with Fran in Battersea, London, who is 194 days sober at the time of this recording. Fran talks about challenges in her family dynamic at a young age and slowly watching the wheels come off that eventually lead her to quitting drinking, and finding her inner creativity again. I hope you enjoy it!

This weeks episode is with Julia from Dumfries in Scotland. Julia is 2.5 years into sobriety and is feeling calmer, more happy and more grateful following her decision to quit drinking. She is recently married, has a toddler and is pregnant with her second child. Julia shares lots of tips and wisdom including her 'joy list' and looking for 'glimmers'. Happy listening!

This week I am talking with Catrina from Glasgow who is 21 months sober. Catrina shares such a similar story to many of us who fall into drinking as a teenager and then just continue on throughout 20's & 30's without questioning it. After working for 9 years in a call centre, Catrina's sobriety has lead her to seeking a job as a recovery worker, helping local young people with addiction, which she is really excited about. Catrina is warm, candid and incredibly relatable. Enjoy!

This weeks episode is with Heather from Hazlemere in Buckinghamshire. Heather is celebrating 1 year alcohol free today (at the time of releasing this episode). Heather explains brilliantly how alcohol can just be the thing you do for a long time and how it can eventually negatively impact your mental wellbeing. She is super down to earth and shares so much helpful wisdom. I hope you enjoy the show and congratulations Heather!