The Sober Edge

What happens after you remove alcohol — but you're still left wondering, Now what? In this solo episode, Teri opens up about the unexpected truth of alcohol-free living: that quitting drinking doesn't instantly solve everything... in fact, it often stirs up new (and better) questions. From navigating discomfort to stepping outside your old comfort zone, Teri explores what it means to live into the questions — and why that's actually where transformation begins. If you've ever thought, “I don't miss alcohol, but I'm still figuring me out,” this episode is for you. Tune in for a powerful, honest look at curiosity, growth, and asking the right questions on the other side of alcohol. Topics covered: Why life after alcohol feels both clearer and more complicated The shift from numbing to noticing Getting outside your comfort zone (without white-knuckling) How to ask better questions for real growth Show Notes Here Interested in The Sober Summit All-Access-Pass? Click Here

What if the sober social group you're looking for doesn't exist yet? Then it might be time to create it! In this episode, Teri chats with Sarah Showard, founder of the thriving Tucson Sober Girlfriends community. Together, they explore how Sarah went from craving connection to hosting alcohol-free events each month—and why IRL (in real life) meetups are a key part of long-term alcohol-free living. Whether you're newly alcohol-free or just wishing you had a stronger support network in your city, this episode is packed with practical encouragement to help you take the first step. Teri and Sarah talk tools, mindset, and what happens when we stop waiting for the invitation and start creating community on our own terms. Full Show Notes Here

In this episode, we dive into the sneaky patterns that keep us stuck. What if it's not self-sabotage? From resistance, which tells us we don't need to change, to the pull of our comfort zone, where familiar patterns feel safer than growth, we uncover why breaking free can feel so hard.  We'll also explore how fear of failure (or even success!) creates doubt, and why perfectionism convinces us that if we can't do it perfectly, we shouldn't do it at all. Letting go, moving on and getting unstuck is possible when we rewrite the stories from our past. Full Show Notes Here

In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, we explore how alcohol dulls our five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—and what happens when we remove it from our lives.  From the rich flavors of food to the warmth of human connection, breaking free from alcohol allows us to experience the world in full color again. Join host Teri Patterson as she delves into the science behind sensory impairment and shares inspiring insights on how we can rediscover joy, presence, and beauty in the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. Full Show Notes Here

Emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when we're no longer numbing them with alcohol. In this episode, we'll explore together how we can better understand and manage our emotions in this alcohol-free life. From self-awareness to self-regulation, we'll discuss practical ways to move beyond reaction and into intentional response. Whether you're facing frustration, anxiety, or even joy, learning to process emotions in a healthy way is key to loving your AF life. Join me as I share insights and tools to help you experience emotional freedom and navigate life's ups and downs while feeling all those 'big sober feelings'! Full Show Notes Here  

The future of non-alcoholic beverages is bold, innovative, and—thanks to Focus by Be Honest Bev. Co.—packed with an extra boost. In this episode, I dive into the evolving world of NA drinks and where hemp-infused drinks fit into the mix. My guest, Michelle Houston, shares the surprising twists and challenges of creating a better, cleaner, and more intentional beverage. Could this be the new go-to for mindful drinkers? Tune in to find out! Full Show Notes Here

Emotions, motivation and alcohol. When it comes to emotions, we need to understand a few things about alcohol and the connection between our feelings and our motivations.    There are four pillars of human motivation that overlap with emotions.    Avoid pain: our natural inclination is to avoid pain. When it comes to being motivated to change our relationship with alcohol, avoiding pain can be a help or a barrier... Seek Pleasure: just as we want to avoid pain, we are also wired to seek pleasure. This is partly due to our old friend, dopamine, which is responsible for focus and motivation. Once again, we need to understand that 'seeking pleasure' can move us toward our goal or get in the way of us making sustained changes...  Conserve Energy: how many of us use alcohol as a way to manage our energy? Knowing that our brain is focused on conserving energy can be helpful when we consider the 'energy drain' that comes with drinking and overdrinking... Prove itself right: our brains are prediction machines. We love to know the answer; we love to be right! When it comes to motivation for a sober-curious life, this default mode can get in the way... Using this new awareness takes time and practice. See if you can catch yourself in one of these dynamics this week. Notice where you want to be right, or are focused on avoiding pain. Use the opportunity to explore how this new sense of understanding can keep you motivated to change! Full Show Notes Here Check out my new affiliation with Alcohol-Free Lifestyle; a place for high achievers to take a 90 day break from alcohol and discover more purpose, productivity and satisfaction!  

Back again for an encore is my very special conversation with Amanda E. White. This is the most popular episode of The Sober Edge Podcast and I invite you to listen in to this important conversation about: Women's health Boundaries around drinking Making an empowered choice Since our conversation in 2021, Amanda had continued to be a powerful voice and advocate for 'not drinking tonight'.   Full Show Notes Here

Getting a 'fresh start' or 'a new lease on life' might seem the perfect way to begin your alcohol-free journey.  But, what if we have some time away from alcohol, and then we go back to drinking, first just the occasional glass of wine, or beer on a hot summer's day. Gradually, (or maybe rapidly), we find ourselves drinking again every day. Now it's time to start again.  In this episode of The Sober Edge, I introduce you to a concept that sounds just slightly different from starting over but, in practice, is actually very different. Starting from where you are allows one to take the learning, the practice and wisdom that comes from taking a break from drinking and use it to create a vastly different experience. One that just might lead to permanent change. Listen in to discover: The power of counting days What happens to our brains when we stay stuck in the cycle of stopping and starting? Why is it so difficult to get past Day 3? The hidden beauty of this journey to freedom from alcohol is wrapped up in the lessons we learn from the path we take. Here's to making the path easier by shifting our minds.

Breaking news: Surgeon general calls for cancer warnings on alcohol. This headline generated a lot of messages and conversations with my family, clients and colleagues.  It's happening! Maybe...  It's been nearly four decades since Congress approved the first government warning label on alcohol, the one that says pregnant women shouldn't drink and warns about the dangers of driving while drinking. No updates have been made since then. Any effort to add a cancer warning label to alcohol would face significant push-back from a well-funded and powerful beverage industry, which spends nearly $30 million every year lobbying Congress. In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I share more about the New York Times article. It will most likely take a long time for the outcry to result in changes in the labeling legislation. For cigarettes, it was 20 years after the first alarm bells were sounded before full labels warning of cancer were mandated. The good news is that this push may impact the guidelines about 'safe' drinking amounts, which are due to be reevaluated this year.  Full Show Notes Here

Happy 2025!  I love the energy of intention that comes with a new year. I no longer set resolutions, but I believe it is important to explore where we have been and what is ahead. I have been enjoying hearing from other thought leaders and some of my mentors about how they embrace the new year.  In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I share my own fondness for selecting a word of the year. This is a practice I have embraced for the past 5 years and one of my favorite ways to embrace the new year. I guess I am a sucker for rituals! Here are a few other things I cover on the podcast: The neuroscience of goal-setting How to choose a word of the year Some 'dos and don'ts' that make this even more effective Full Show Notes HERE

  My life changed profoundly in 2015 when I decided I would give up alcohol. I knew I wanted something different, but I had no idea that this life would be better than my wildest dreams! I was simply ditching booze because I needed to change something. I had a sense it was alcohol that might be standing in the way of a more fulfilling life, but I didn't know for sure. Now I do. My Christmas wish for all of you is to discover how much bigger and brighter and better life can be when we stop hiding and numbing and tamping down our true self. It's not that giving up alcohol in itself creates this change, but instead, it allows us to discover a part of ourselves that we have not yet met. A part that is vulnerable and messy and beautiful. A part that wants to be seen and wants to shine. This takes time and work - we will have to do hard things, but the reward is a bold and courageous life. A life where we can be fully ourselves, and we can learn to love ourselves again.  May we be brave enough to share the deepest parts of ourselves with one another so that we may be blessed by the human spirit within each of us.  Show Notes HERE

Zen, Coffee and Alcohol-free living I recently sat down with Billy Wynne, co-founder of Awake, one of the first sober bars in the U.S, and author of the upcoming book, The Empty Path. Billy shares his personal journey of how he gave up alcohol and how all roads started with his Zen Buddhist practice. Billy recalls that initially, like many of us, he made up rules about his drinking, one of which was 'never drink alone'. This led him to acknowledge that drinking didn't really have a place in his life and, in fact, he felt liberated from alcohol vs. deprived. He shares the story of Awake and his experience with opening one of the first sober bars in the U.S.   Awake closed in 2022, but not before sparking new ideas for many. Billy and I chat about his first book (available March 2025), The Empty Path: Finding Fullfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening. We also chatted about: Equanimity and mindfulness meditation Presence-based coaching The art of Savoring Time, Parenting and Travel... and more! Show Notes HERE    

Compassion and Self-Compassion is critical for your AF journey. One of the most important steps in our AF journey is learning how to move through life with more compassion and self-compassion. This one key shift can help us to broaden our perspective, let go of expectations and forgive ourselves. In this episode of The Sober Edge podcast, I focus on three key areas: Compassion for Others Compassion for Self Compassion for the World Compassion for ourselves can be the most difficult. We are so often our worst critics and while others may more easily forgive and forget, we might find ourselves ruminating on the past. With self-compassion, we can explore a softer and gentler approach. And, don't forget compassion towards your new AF life. Check out the show notes for 7 Ways to Observe and Act on Compassion in an Alcohol-Free Life. Show Notes Here

Language + Breath + Movement = Clarity   I love words - I believe they hold great power. I also have come to respect the role that story plays in our lives, both the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we carry from others.  My post-alcohol life has also led me to realize that I am not just a thinking being but also a feeling and moving being.  My guest on the podcast this week is the developer of NLSE. Our conversation touches on all of these things; breath, story, brain and body, and perhaps most importantly, how we combine these elements and actions to create a new experience and a new understanding of oneself.  Kyle Smith is a Clarity Consultant and an 'accidentally sober' human. In this episode of The Sober Edge, we touch on the following topics (and more): How to declutter our racing thoughts Removing emotional clogs to open our heart The mindset gym for mental fitness Macronutrients of the mind Full Show Notes HERE

Many of us struggle with the shame we feel about becoming addicted to alcohol. We can intellectually understand that alcohol is addictive, but we often feel that we should 'know better' or "it could never happen to me". In my recent studies at Stanford University, where I completed a certificate in the Psychology of Addiction, Dr. Anna Lempke shared the reasons behind why people become addicted to alcohol (and other drugs).  In this episode of The Sober Edge podcast I break down what we know about genetics, the impact of our family of origin and the role that our neighborhood or culture plays in our risk factors for addiction.   Here are some of the highlights: The role of nature, nurture, neighborhood How advertisers use our emotional brain to trigger desires to drink Why we need to pay attention to dopamine when we are drinking and when we stop drinking The good news about alcohol addiction   Show Notes HERE

Do you recall what you loved to do when drinking was not part of the 'all-inclusive' package?  My guest on Episode 165 of the podcast is Darci Murray, who believes wholeheartedly in "Sensory Heightened Travel". Darci has been 'hooked' on travel since childhood, having grown up with a mom who was a travel agent and learning early on to love new adventures.  Darci is one of several travel agents who are newly focused on AF and sober travel, but she is doing things a little bit differently.  Hooked on travel is intentional about creating experiences that allow us to be fully immersed in the local culture, and allow us to explore the things that light us up. When we stop taking alcohol on vacation, we have the beautiful opportunity to experience a part of ourselves that we might have lost to booze. Darci also has some unique offers, including traveling with 'sober locals', 'dry grad trips' and an invitation to our sober supportive friends and family! Find out more in the Show Notes HERE

What if you had a road map to a sober life you love? What if it came in four simple steps? Does that sound easier than a lifetime of 'working on yourself'?  I know that life is not simple; humans are complex. We have emotions, backgrounds, circumstances, and it would be foolish to think that we could expect everyone's sober journey to look the same. But, after 5+ years of working with hundreds and hundreds of women on their AF journey, I have discovered a few things to help you move forward. Having a framework is powerful; it allows our minds to focus in on the process and can help make change less overwhelming. The first two steps from last week are: know yourself and grow yourself. I have found that starting with these two explorations sets us up for the next two steps: love yourself and be yourself. Let's unpack this together: Love Your SELF: Learning to love ourselves is hard for most of us. Drinking can rob us of the ability to love ourselves fully. We often carry shame, guilt and regret about our drinking and over-drinking. When we put down the bottle, we can begin to practice loving thoughts and behaviors towards ourselves. This is the ultimate self-care; learning to care for ourselves with love and compassion.  Be Your SELF: As we learn the first three steps, we gradually start to feel more comfortable in our own skin. We feel more authentic, and we find ways to ask for more, and to give more. Learning to 'be' is the ultimate lesson in life, one that takes a lifetime to learn. When alcohol is present, we delay this beautiful evolution. When alcohol is removed, we start the great adventure of life!   Full Show Notes HERE Want to know about The SELF Experience? Find out more HERE

  Today, I share two areas that I am focused on and that I help clients explore when we ask, 'what now, what next?' on this alcohol-free journey.   The first place to start is to KNOW yourself. So many of us go through life without asking 'who are we?'. I love self-reflection and I love a good quiz, but trust me, finding out which Disney Princess you are is not the same as knowing yourself:)   It's not that we have purposefully gone through life without looking in the mirror, but women wear a lot of hats; wife, mother, employee, caregiver. It's no surprise that we often filter who we are by who we are with. And, for many of us, giving up alcohol allows us to start to explore who we are outside the roles we play, who we are on the inside.   The second step, I believe, on this path to living alcohol-free is to GROW yourself. When we leave alcohol behind, we are in a unique position of having more time, energy and clarity to devote to personal growth.  Here are a few takeaways from this episode:   How to get to know yourself again What are core values, and why do they matter? Ways to grow into your AF life How to lead with curiosity Show Notes HERE If you would enjoy participating in a small group and having a guide, I invite you to check out The SELF Experience program where we spend time on these two important steps of not only living AF but thriving AF! The SELF Experience  

Are you ready for a Good Mood Revolution? I know I am!  I think we can all use a bit more joy and happiness in our daily lives.   I sat down with Matt O'Neill, author and podcast host of The Good Mood Revolution. We had an enlightening conversation about the 8 Negative Moods and the 8 Positive Moods. Matt is an expert at breaking down big concepts into bite-sized, actionable steps.    Here are some highlights from our chat: How to catch yourself doing something right The biggest myth about happiness Why you should focus on your negative thoughts Never complain again - your new superpower Matt's book will be released in mid-December. What a perfect read for the New Year! Show Notes HERE Want to hear Matt talk about his book? He will be joining us in January in The Sober Edge Book Club as part of our Author Spotlight series. Find out how to join the club HERE  

My journey continues beyond learning how to become AF and yours will too.   I think the most striking difference between becoming AF and living AF is the shift in focus and time. I have experienced and witnessed what is possible when alcohol is out of the way.  Time feels different now that I am living alcohol-free. The time I used to spend drinking, thinking about drinking and recovering from drinking is now ‘new time'. And, with a new sense of time, I have been able to explore this next chapter of my life. When I was drinking, time passed with me numbing out and with opportunities missed. Now, time is lived vs. passed. I create experiences vs. avoiding them.  I shared in Part 1 my journey through my first Sober Anniversary. In those first 12 months, so many things shifted for me, but I was still focusing a lot on behavior and those raw emotions. I spent that first year doing a few things that set me up for the next stage - living alcohol-free. I didn't have a road map or a guide for my AF journey (boy, do I wish I had!). I think I pushed my way through those first few months with force - I even used some of my anger to fuel my resolve. But, as I moved past year 1, my emotions started to level, and I began to feel excited and peaceful as I settled into my ‘new normal'.  (Listen in on this episode to hear more of my lessons, or go to the Show Notes) The lessons continue. Just like happiness is a direction, not a destination, living AF is an expansive state of being, not a place where we arrive. If I had stopped at just ‘becoming alcohol-free', I would have stayed in that place of focusing on my behavior and my emotions. I would have missed the place where I am now, a place where the adventure of life continues to unfold in new and surprising ways.  Cheers to LIVING Alcohol-Free! Full Show Notes Here The SELF Experience - find out more about living AF!     

On October 18, 2015, I woke up with a slight hangover and a mountain of guilt. I had let myself down, again, but I had also let other people down. I felt like a horrible person, someone I didn't recognize. I had finally had enough - enough of letting alcohol be the most important relationship in my life. After that one decision almost 9 years ago, my life has unfolded in ways I could only have imagined. While I felt in my gut that I was meant for more, I had spent so long tamping down my dreams and ideas that I had no idea what might lie ahead. I have always been a 'personal growth junkie' listening to Zig Ziglar on cassette tapes and joining several MLM's to rub shoulders with other dreamers. But my dreams were always plagued with doubts that I could do more and be more. I now recognize that alcohol was a way to soften the blow of an unfulfilled life. This episode is a 'look back' at becoming AF, it's a glimpse into those early days. In this episode I share 4 things I have embraced by becoming AF.  Next week, I will follow up with 'Living Alcohol-Free' a glimpse into these past 8 years and I will share 5 more things I've learned along the way. Show Notes Here Empowered AF 5x Coaching Certification - the doors are closing! This is your chance to join and save $1000. If you have wondered, dreamed or imagined becoming a life coach and helping other's experience freedom from alcohol, this is an incredible offer. Use this link to find our more, apply and save $1000!   

What if you stopped drinking and followed your passion for a new AF business? That's exactly what happened to Marlys Aspinwall and her husband Chuck.  In 2021, after she found herself drinking too much during COVID, Marlys decided to take a break. Her husband quickly followed her lead. Three months later, they opened a pop-up bottle shop. Marlys shares in this episode of The Sober Edge podcast that at the time, they hadn't even decided that their break from alcohol was going to be permanent. But, after experiencing the connection and the opportunity to encourage their customers, they were hooked. Chuck began searching for a brick and mortar storefront where they could set up a bottle shop and a sober bar. I asked Marlys to share some tips for starting an AF business and for working with your partner. Here's what she had to share: Divide the key aspects of the business based on what you are good at and love to do Get the community involved  Ask for help ...and more! Find the full show notes HERE, along with a coupon code for 15% off your first order!  

Are you tired of talking about alcohol and drinking and not drinking? I get it, just as we can experience recovery fatigue, I believe we can also burn out by talking about alcohol too much.    Yep, I want to invite you to NOT talk about alcohol.    I have shared before my philosophy that 'behavior comes last'. A quick refresher: changing our behavior is only one part of changing our relationship with alcohol. We must also change our thoughts and beliefs about alcohol. We have to go beyond willpower and the outdated idea of not 'picking up' (as the solution) as they say in some recovery circles.    The reality is, with my coaching clients, we spend only a small percentage of our time talking about drinking and not drinking. What we talk about instead is the reasons behind our drinking. We focus on making alcohol small by building a bigger life, one we don't want to hide from.    In this podcast episode, I break down the steps of what to do instead and why this is the sweet spot to lasting change.    Full Show Notes HERE          

Midlife is often a time of big transitions. Giving up alcohol can also create monumental shifts. As we move through these transitions, we sometimes leave parts of ourselves behind, and sometimes we leave others behind.   My friend and fellow coach Aimee Ames has been on her own transitional  journey, including going back to school to become a Functional Nutritionist, redefining her relationship with alcohol and ending a 23-year marriage. Along the way, Aimee discovered that 'you are your one true partner'. I love this saying as it reminds me of what I came to recognize in my own path: the one person who will be with you at the end, is you.   I am excited to share this conversation with you. Aimee is an incredible human who shares her wisdom freely and shares the difficult parts as well.  Amy also talked about her work with the Somatica Institute, training as an intimacy coach and a sex and relationship coach.  Find out more in the Show Notes HERE

There's a saying, "You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with". The wisdom behind this statement is the urgency. We recognize that we have a limited amount of time to rub shoulders with people who inspire us and challenge us to grow. And, it can prompt us to choose our friends wisely. Spend time with negative people and we might find ourselves complaining more. Spend time with positive people and we suddenly feel more energy and hopefulness.  In this podcast episode, I break down the ways we can do a personal inventory and start noticing if the things we are allowing into our lives are bringing us 'up' or bringing us 'down'. This exercise requires intention and space; the exact things that we have access to when we put alcohol aside. We can use our clarity of mind, our free time and our energy to engage in new ways. But, beyond just bringing new things in and filling our days haphazardly, this exercise invites you to notice what feels good, what lights you up, what sparks your curiosity and your passion.  This alcohol-free life is a catalyst to paying attention; this is your opportunity to build the life you want! Full Show Notes HERE The Sober Summit - get your free ticket HERE   

What's on your bucket list? Chances are it includes at least one place you want to travel to. But traveling sober? Many of us are nervous and might even avoid the idea of planning a sober vacation. After all, if you are like most of us, travel and alcohol went together without question.  Meet my friend Michelle Plante. Michelle is the founder of Michelle Plante Travels and, since becoming alcohol-free at the very beginning of 2019, her travel plans always include fabulous adventures where no alcohol is needed.  In addition to taking her travel experiences to a whole new level, Michelle shares what else has changed since becoming AF: She found the courage to leave a corporate job she felt stuck in Being AF allows her to quickly know if something is a yes or a no   ...and more! After discovering the joys of AF travel, Michelle is now curating Wellness, Adventure and Luxe trips for sober women.  Check out Michelle's adventures to Costa Rica and India, and follow along with her special travel blogs: all links in Show Notes Are you excited about The 2024 Sober Summit? Get your free ticket to 24 fabulous speakers - link in Show Notes  

If you have ever wondered if other people talk to themselves, the answer is yes. In one form or another, everyone has a voice in their head. This voice has a lot to say, and we listen. According to Ethan Kross, author of 'Chatter', if you have ever replayed a conversation in your mind, or coached yourself through a problem or skill, you've used your inner voice. Most people rely on and benefit from theirs every day. But what happens when our inner coach turns into the inner critic?    The clients I work with often find themselves stuck in negative self-talk and turning the talk around is an important part of coaching. On the current episode of the podcast, I share several ways to bring awareness to the voice in our heads and make peace with it. There are practical tips that help us become the 'cheerleader' vs. the 'critic': How to bring awareness to the voice in your head How others can help The power of perspective, aka self-distancing Find out more tips in the Show Notes And you struggle with negative self-talk, I am offering a book study, starting at the end of September, that will feature Chatter by Ethan Kross. This series will provide practical steps to turn that voice into your on-call coach! Find out more HERE  

Loneliness is possible even when we are surrounded by people. In today's culture, we have more opportunities than ever to connect - we can face a family member, catch up with a video chat or reach out with a text message. Yet we often feel disconnected from others.  My guest on the podcast this week is Nick Jonsson, an executive coach and alcohol-free coach who understands the impact of loneliness. In fact, he wrote a book on the subject, 'Executive Loneliness'. In 2018, Nick found himself stressed out, drinking too much and feeling disconnected from his family, his friends and from life. He decided to make a change and, with the help of a 12-step program, he started his sober journey. Because of the anonymity of his program, Nick recovered in secret and didn't share openly about his new lease on life. That changed in 2019 when a good friend committed suicide. Nick realized that he had no idea his friend was struggling, and he vowed to start a brave conversation about loneliness, mental health and recovery.   Visit the Show Notes page to learn more about Nick and his work

IAccording to a 2018 independent study by Drinkware, 60% of adults admit to using alcohol to cope with stress. If your stress is caused by burnout, alcohol is the worst possible solution.  In our conversation today, my guest Jamie Phillips,  shared the signs of burnout: Living in fight or flight Never recovering from stress Adrenal fatigue/exhaustion Loss of agency Survival mode Brain fog Poor sleep   In addition to burnout and recovery, Jamie and I talked about how 'drinking was her favorite thing' and the prevalence of alcohol in the queer community. Jamie shares openly and honestly how she discovered a deeper layer of purpose behind alcohol. You can find out more in the Show Notes    

I am excited to dig deep into our belief system and how these conscious and sub-conscious beliefs can keep us stuck as we make changes in our relationship with alcohol and beyond. First, let's talk about the three levels of belief - particularly relevant when we think about alcohol: Substance (what we believe about the liquid alcohol Society (what our culture, our family of origin and society tells us about alcohol that we have come to accept as the truth) Self (what we believe about ourselves that relates to alcohol) These levels of belief are in order (1-3) intentionally. Challenging our belief system gets harder as we move from substance to society to self. (For more on this, and examples, listen to this week's podcast episode.) So, how are beliefs formed, and how do we challenge the beliefs that no longer serve us? Listen in to learn how beliefs are formed and the socratic method which can help you discern your own truth when it comes to alcohol. More details in the SHOWNOTES

  Women's Hormones - Menopause - Weight Gain - Alcohol - Fasting In today's episode we talk about women's hormones and my guest helps break down what we can do to  thrive no matter what stage of life we are in! Meet my friend and fellow coach, Elly Young. Elly is a wealth of information when it comes to understanding how best to support our hormones. Elly is an expert in cycle-syncing, which is a fascinating practice of eating to support your hormones. And, if you are post-menopausal, you can learn to use metabolic-syncing to achieve the same results!   This episode is packed with great information to empower you to support your body as you age. Some of the subjects we cover: How increased cortisol from alcohol can impact our hormones (and contribute to breast cancer risk) The need to keep our liver healthy (goodbye alcohol) to help detox from estrogen - too much estrogen means hormone imbalance and also contributes to an increased risk of breast cancer. Why eating low-carb can create an imbalance in our hormones How to rebalance your hormones in just 30 days When Elly realized "I will never be skinny again"   Visit the Show Notes HERE  

We all want to understand the meaning of life, and so do our mythical heroes. They often go on adventures to strange worlds, fight dark forces, and come back with new knowledge. The hero's journey explains this adventure by breaking it into stages. It shows how a hero faces and overcomes challenges to learn and grow. Does this remind you of your own alcohol-free journey? In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I share my take on an AF hero's journey. The 12 steps outlined in the graphic are easy to adapt to our own journey to alcohol-freedom. Just like the heroes of mythology or your favorite Star Wars character, you are called to the adventure of a lifetime! Full Show Notes HERE Ready for your own AF Adventure?  Join The SELF Experience waitlist for women who are alcohol-free and looking for more Join REFRESH, a program for women who are struggling to become  or stay alcohol-free

I recently sat down with Betsy Frost, the CEO of Hoplark Brands to talk about drinking less, the NA industry, and why she believes hops are 'magic'. Hoplark brings us the 'Yes And…' which is to say it brings the flavor and the complexity of hops to tea, sparkling water and 0.0 beverages. A range of products that have zero sugar, zero alcohol and zero calories! Betsy shares that hops are a magical ingredient that has basically been ‘held hostage' by the beer makers for hundreds of years. And, Hoplark is taking back hops and bringing the brewing aspect without the fermentation or malt into a new variety of beverages to delight the palate. Frost describes the brewers at Hoplark as a ‘bunch of passionate 'hopheads' who want to ‘free hops from beer'. But, the company philosophy goes beyond hops. Betsy shares in this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast that Hoplark Brands delivers a new way of thinking about alcohol-free beverages - beyond personal choice but offering new and inclusive options. She sees this class of beverages as less ‘anti-alcohol' and more ‘pro-options'. Tune in to hear more of our conversation, including: How Hoplark leaves out the fermentation to create a 0.0 option Her personal philosophy of 'yes and'... Why big beer companies getting into the NA game is a good thing And more... Head to the Show Notes HERE to grab a 35% discount code to try Hoplark Teas, 0.0 and Sparkling Waters! And, if you are ready to say 'no' to alcohol and 'yes' to a bigger, more flavorful life, grab a time on my calendar and let's chat! Free Discovery Call HERE

  My friend and colleague Kristen Horstman is a certified Gray Area Drinking Coach with a specialty in helping clients learn how to nourish their nervous system.    We also touch on: Perfectionism Polyvagal Theory Focusing on the body brings us into the present Focusing on our thoughts leads us to the past or future How to recognize when we are regulated or deregulated Kristen also has a passion for a non-profit organization, CMC, Foundation For Change. This organization helps support family members whose loved ones are dealing with substance use. She shares the philosophy of the CMS which is based on science and kindness. My favorite part is that CMC goes beyond offering support and actually teaches skills to help one feel empowered to care for their loved one. This program can help families let go of the outdated ‘tough love' method and lead with connections. Find out more about the work of CMC and Kristen in the Show Notes Kristen and I also get to hang out together in The Sober Edge Book Club - if you are a sober curious or sober serious woman who loves books - please consider joining us! More Info HERE

Life's adventures come in many forms. My recent conversation with friend and colleague Racquel Reid brought this home. We have the adventures we choose, the adventures thrust upon us and the adventures we let go.  When Racquel left on her travel adventure, she never imagined that she would end up in her current situation. Yet, somehow, Racquel has found a place of adventure and freedom even in the midst of hardship and struggles. Her journey of finding her 'wild and free' is inspiring and heartwarming. In our conversation we touch on: How travel breeds self-trust, flexibility and leaning into new experiences Wherever you go, there you are! Finding her feet And more... Visit the Show Notes for More   Stop Drinking Now, Even if You Are 50, 60 or beyond Midlife is the perfect time to take a break from alcohol. "Stop Drinking in Your 50's and Beyond" is created exclusively for midlife women. Get the tactical support and the key foundation in only 6 weeks. Simple, affordable, effective. Learn More

As an alcohol freedom coach, I emphasize the importance of community as we go through this monumental change. Traveling together means we get support, understanding and a shared sense of camaraderie that doesn't (always) happen in other places.  As an entrepreneur and business owner in this alcohol-free space, I wanted a community that supported my unique business. This is a mission-driven business for most of us. It is also a place where passion projects abound. All of us deserve a supportive place to hang out. I met Maggie Klaassens at a Sober In The City event in Portland, ME last September. As we got to know one another, we realized we both had a burning desire to create a community for entrepreneurs just like us. And so, The Sober Hive was born!  The mission of The Sober Hive is aligned with these three principles: Community Connection Collaboration Let's come together to grow this AF movement! Find out more about The Sober Hive  Show Notes HERE  

Challenge: noun A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel verb Invite (someone) to engage in a contest The idea of a contest involves a clear objective with a finish line. But, does the idea of a 'challenge' really work when it comes to changing our relationship with alcohol or food?  Just around the corner is 'Dry July', an opportunity to take 30 days off from drinking. While these types of challenges can help us get started, the really challenging part comes at the end of the month, or the 30 days.  Here are some ideas I share on the podcast Take the word challenge and change it to an experiment. Start at a random time, not the 1st of the month Set clear intentions at the beginning  ...and more Full Show Notes HERE

What if, instead of health, we decide to seek wellness? What if, beyond health, there is a beautiful place called 'wellness'? In our culture today we are often bombarded with wellness products and wellness lifestyles, but what does that really mean?  My guest on the podcast today, Megan Swan, has her own spin on wellness, and we talked about her modern approach to wellness that takes us beyond health (health has been defined as the opposite of disease) to a 360 degree approach. Megan Swan Wellness is her brand, and she teaches the foundation of wellness to include strategic practices that are both sustainable and easy. I love this conversation because we touch on many of the foundations that I also believe create a beautiful and balanced state of well-being; i.e. wellness.    Here are some highlights:   Her Eat, Pray, Love decision that landed her in Mexico for 15 years Yoga was her 'gateway drug' to wellness ....and more!   Show Notes HERE

Over 50% of families deal with addiction. If you have a family member who struggles, it can be challenging to walk the line between compassion and tough love, enabling and offering support. And, the closer the family member, the more challenging it can be to set healthy boundaries. My guest on the podcast today is Dr. Brian Licuanan. Dr. Brian is an author, speaker, and board-certified psychologist practicing in Southern California. He specializes in family crisis interventions and has extensive experience working with highly acute clients struggling with substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions. He reached out to share his new book,  "How to Get Your Resisting Loved One into Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Mental Health and/or Addiction Crisis".  We talked about the processes Dr. Brian teaches and assists with as well as these highlights: Every family's crisis looks different. The 'old' way of thinking about boundaries with a loved one Fatigue in helping a loved one - when is it time to take intervention to the next level? ...and more I also ask Dr. Brian what if YOU are the one dealing with alcohol use disorder? Tune in to hear his answer. SHOW NOTES HERE

  For most of us, our relationship with alcohol, whether we are drinking or not, is complicated. When we find ourselves 'romanticizing' alcohol, it can feel confusing. First, let's normalize these thoughts. Longing for the past, or feeling nostalgic, is a normal emotion. It is often tied to a longing for the way we used to be or the way we used to feel. I recently had a client share that 'nostalgia' is one of the reasons she drinks, that longing to feel a certain way or searching for a past version of herself can lead her to desire a drink.  In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I break down nostalgia and how it can lead us to the exact place my client ended up: with a desire to drink, or to a memory where alcohol seems attractive.  Here is one definition of nostalgia from 'Atlas of The Heart' by Brené Brown: a yearning for the way things used to be in our often idealized and self-protective version of the past. I also used an article from  Psychology today (link in show notes) to further breakdown how nostalgia connects us to alcohol. You will hear 5 key points as you listen to the episode. This trip down memory lane that is nostalgia is not without danger; enter cautiously and ask yourself these three questions: Am I making alcohol the 'star' of this memory? What emotion am I actually longing for? Is it a connection; is it a younger, more innocent version of myself? Don't give alcohol too much credit. Is this thought and reminiscing coming from a place of pain? If so, does that make me want to drink?   Head to the SHOWNOTES for the links to the TEDX Talk I mention as well as the Psychology Today article. Join my newsletter HERE  Watch the T.E.A. with Teri weekly videos through my Youtube Channel    

While I love a good ‘self help' book, I was completely fascinated by the title of my guests' book: “Not Another Self Help Book”. How could I resist having her on the podcast to share her unique perspective on how to show up in the world when life is hard?   Lindsey Kane Leaverton is an author, songwriter, former minister and a financial wealth management expert. She also identifies as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a woman with ADHD, OCD and PTSD; as she shares, she has ‘all the adjectives'!    Lindsey wrote this book, "Not Another Self-Help Book" to highlight some of the most challenging things we experience as humans, and how we might find a gift in each of these challenges, such as pain, trauma, addiction and waiting. We also talk about how she lost everything when she came out as gay, her long journey with chronic pain, our equal dislike of the phrase “God doesn't give you more than you can handle”. We cover a lot in today's episode and have a lot of laughs along the way.   Here are some of my favorite parts:   Her belief that “my Higher Power is not out to get me” How she gets out of her own head Her favorite chapter in the book Her long journey back from chronic pain  How she credits a random encounter on an airplane with saving her life and more... I hope you love this episode as much as I did!  Get all the details of how to connect with Lindsey and more in the SHOW NOTES Interested in The Sober Edge Book Club? Check out our new pricing HERE!     *Lindsey does not identify as sober or alcohol-free but does share her deep respect and personal experience with Al-Anon. If you follow Lindsey on social media, you may see her with a drink in hand, but on today's episode we do not talk about her drinking nor do we glorify the drinking of alcohol in any way.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend. Constance Todd Smith is an alignment coach (I love this!) who has been on her own journey of exploration, which started 38 years ago when she decided to 'live on the bright' by choosing sobriety. In addition to being an alignment coach, Constance is also a Yoga teacher, an Ecstatic Dance instructor, the founder of a Facebook group devoted to the teachings of Abraham Hicks and a sailor! She credits her break-up with alcohol as the start of her adventurous life. She describes herself as a  Hybrid of sorts - a rockin' combination of a successful businesswoman and a spiritual/esoteric junkie. Her gifts, which she readily shares with her clients, include writing, meditation and manifesting. She is also hard at work on her latest project, your very own sober life guide - keep your eyes out for "A Sober Companion"! To find out more about Constance and my new REFRESH program, visit the SHOW NOTES

How do you define abundance? It might be having more, or it might be desiring less. When it comes to creating space, having an abundant mindset can be key.  Creating space can manifest in many different ways; being open to opportunities means almost anything is possible. I have talked about creating space before, but I have recently been challenged to broaden my personal definition of how we create space. In my own life, creating space looks like removing something, be it emotional (a negative thought), physical (throw out the old blouse), or spiritual (exploring those biases). But, I now understand it doesn't look that way for everyone. For you, it might be picking up the ball that you dropped, or letting go of old fears that breed scarcity.  I recorded today's podcast episode to share more about space, scarcity, abundance and alcohol. I hope you will listen and perhaps be inspired or enlightened to explore your own 'space'.   ZPE Connect and The Sober Edge Book Club - Join us for a live event on May 20th from 6-8 PM in 4 different locations. Find out more HERE SHOW NOTES HERE

"Everyone has a story or a struggle that will break your heart. And if we're really paying attention, most people have a story that will bring us to our knees".  Brene Brown shared this quote in a 2018 article. The other part of this truth is that sharing our stories can help us heal.  * Please be aware: this episode touches on suicide and suicidal ideation  I recently sat down with a new friend, certified recovery coach Jessica Duenas. Jessica offers writing and reading workshops to help those in recovery learn to tell their own story. She believes that storytelling is a way to help us heal and process our recovery journey. Jessica has her own healing story; she was the Kentucky State Teacher of The Year in 2019, but she was living a double life. Her alcohol addiction had become life-threatening, and she ended up in rehab multiple times in 2020.  Her 'break-free' moment came when she wrote a story for the local paper sharing her alcohol-use disorder with the public for the first time.  Jessica admits it was a vulnerable move. She was unsure of how her story would be received and realized that, finally, it didn't matter what anyone else thought, it was time to share her truth. To hear more of Jessica's story and the work she does in the world, visit the SHOW NOTES page HERE Childless Not By Choice - my friend and colleague, Maureen Benkovich is offering support with those of us who might be struggling with the upcoming Mother's Day Holiday. This special event, United In Experience: A Mother's Day Alternative takes place on Thursday May 9th. You can register to attend HERE

If you have every felt tired of 'doing the work' (of getting sober, bettering yourself, growing as a human...) you are not alone.   In today's episode I share how to re-frame 'Recovery Fatigue' and gain back any lost momentum or motivation. If you are wondering how to 'keep going' on this journey to being AF and living AF, listen in for 4 tips on how to beat Recovery Fatigue! Full Show Notes Here Interested in a REFRESH? Small group video support, prompts and coaching. Apply HERE    

This is an extra special episode of The Sober Edge Podcast - we are inviting ALL of you to meet author Laura Cathcart Robbins.   First, you will meet Laura in this special podcast episode. Robbins is the author of Stash: My Life In Hiding. This powerful book takes us on the emotional journey of Laura's addiction to sleeping medication and alcohol. I must share that I was riveted as I read her account of navigating being a Hollywood wife and mother and board president of the private school her children attended WITH sourcing extra refills of Ambien.    I know that many of us had a relationship with alcohol that included 'hiding', whether it was hiding the amount you drank, or the fact that you were drinking again. This is part of why Laura's story is so powerful. Her honest telling of her story includes the parts of her past that she was hiding from everyone in her life. 'My Life In Hiding' is about so much more than hiding one's addiction, it includes learning how to be honest with ourselves.   During this interview, Laura and I were careful not to divulge any 'spoilers' as the book is full of twists and turns. The one 'spoiler' is that we know Laura is ultimately triumphant over her addiction and, like many of us, her life looks completely different now. This book is ultimately a love story, with her children, a surprise relationship but, most importantly, with herself.   Laura Cathcart Robbins is the best-selling author of the Atria/Simon & Schuster memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, and host of the popular podcast, The Only One In The Room. She will be joining us in our Author Spotlight Special inside The Sober Edge Book Club.   Show Notes HERE Register to attend our Author Spotlight and meet Laura HERE

When we stop drinking and over drinking we have so many possibilities.   Have you dreamed about what's next? Perhaps you have thought about writing a book? Starting a podcast? Or maybe you have a product in mind that you want to create and bring into the world to share with your AF community? My podcast guest today, Tawny Lara, has done all of these things. I first met Tawny when she joined us in The Sober Edge Book Club to share her brand-new book: Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating and Hooking Up, Without the Booze.  Tawny is known as 'the sober sexpert'. While the title of the book is meant to be provocative, the book is written as a recovery resource; a resource for sexual liberation, sexual empowerment, and empowering women to get to know their own bodies.It's about communication and boundaries. There is even a chapter about sober breakups. Ultimately, it's about creating better relationships, especially with yourself. Tawny is also the co-founder of (parentheses) a vinegar-based botanical beverage she produces with her husband, and the co-host of the Sobriety Rocks podcast.  Tawny shares her unique take on life and her creative style in this interview. Learn more about Tawny's work in the Show Notes HERE  

Do you believe that 'with sobriety anything is possible'? When you hear the story of Todd Crandell, you will. Todd is the founder of Racing for Recovery, a  non-profit center to help people move away from addiction and towards recovery. Todd is the Original Sober Ironman and is also known as Sober Ultra Man on Instagram. Todd is a living, breathing example of a sober life and lifestyle. He believes that exercise can be a big component of healing from addiction and, while some may consider his devotion to running (113 Ironman competitions on 6 different continents) to be an addiction to running, Todd doesn't see it that way. He believes that, for him, running is a healthy passion that leads to a vibrant and healthy life. Highlights from our conversation include: What's missing in traditional recovery models How he discovered the Ironman triathlons A different kind of 'war story' Quitting drinking is like a pizza The communication menu   Full Show Notes

Have you ever felt 'stuck'? Chances are, the answer is yes. We can feel stuck in circumstances, situations that feel beyond our control. We can feel stuck when we are trying to manage other peoples feelings or reactions. Let's face it, feeling stuck can suck! If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. Becky Vollmer is the author of "You Are Not Stuck" and she shares on the podcast exactly how we move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered by choice. Becky is more than an author; she is a yoga teacher, a retreat leader and a spiritual guide who coaches women to take back their power. Becky's mission is "... to empower people to pursue the lives they dream of instead of settling for the ones they feel stuck in..." Our podcast conversation moves from the success of her book to her 'prescription' for moving from fear to freedom to her take on 'Thelma and Louise'ing it'!   Show Notes HERE (find out more about Becky; see previous podcast episodes and sign up for The Sober Nutritionist newsletter)  

If you have ever considered rehab to help change your relationship with alcohol - there is good news. With these changing times and the possibility of telehealth and online therapy, there are more options than ever. Most of us are familiar with the traditional models of treatment. Now, there is a new model that is available. My guest on the podcast this week is Robin McIntosh, co-founder of Workit Health, an alternative to the traditional form of rehab. Workit Health addresses many of the barriers to entering treatment: Money - Workit Health is covered by most insurance and is a fraction of the cost because there is no facility for upkeep Stigma - Workit Health does not require that you meet with your HR department or share with extended family that you are entering treatment (you may choose to do so, but unlike leaving for 30 days, there is greater anonymity). Time - you don't have to leave for 30 + days. This can be a huge deterrent for some people Waiting - I have been on the frustrating end of trying to find a 'bed' for a treatment center. With online telehealth, there is no waiting period. Workit Health has a combined approach which includes screening for medication assistance, harm reduction goals, and group therapy.  I am excited to know this option is out there - I am deeply invested in bringing you more tools, more choices and, ultimately, more freedom. I hope you will take a close look at online rehab and see if it might be the right for you or a loved one.   Full Show Notes HERE