Podcasts about sober awkward

So, you think you're in control of your drinking. You've got rules. You don't drink before midday. You smashed Dry July. You're not as bad as your mate Dave. But deep down… is alcohol really calling the shots?In this episode, Vic and Hamish rewind the clock to those sneaky early days when they both tried to prove they were totally in control of their drinking — spoiler alert: they weren't. From imaginary dance careers to strategic night out planning, they share the lies we tell ourselves to keep drinking, and why it's so damn hard to see the truth until it slaps you in the face.They also dig into the science of control (hello, dopamine), introduce you to “alcohol myopia” (yes, it's a thing), and reveal the moment they each realised who was really behind the wheel. Plus, red flags to look out for, a reality check on moderation, and the challenge that might just change your life.Come for the banter, stay for the bash-on-the-head truth bombs.Let's take back control — together. (Say in an American accent please!)#SoberAwkward #SoberCurious #TakeBackControl #WhoIsDrivingYou #SoberPodcast #AFLife #Hangxiety #ModerationIsAMyth #SobrietyWins #CraigDavidKnows

This week, things get steamy… or rather, extremely awkward, as Vic and Hamish dive into the sweaty, slippery world of sex and sobriety. From brewer's droop and boozy blunders to the awkward reality of sober intimacy, this episode explores how alcohol shaped our sex lives — and what happens when the booze is gone and the lights are on.Vic shares how lager gave her false confidence and a free pass to the “downstairs disco,” while Hamish confesses his reliance on Dutch courage to even make a move. Together, they unpack the myths around alcohol and sex, laugh about some deeply mortifying bedroom misadventures, and explore how connection changes when you're sober, present, and fully clothed until at least 9:15pm.With raw honesty, community confessions, and more innuendos than should be legally allowed, this episode is for anyone navigating sex in sobriety, whether you're avoiding it, faking it, missing it, or finally starting to enjoy it.It's awkward, it's real, and it's very, very Sober Awkward.

This week on Sober Awkward, Vic finally tells Hamish everything about the jungle retreat, and no, it wasn't a cult, no white robes, and absolutely no seduction attempts (apparently). Instead, fifteen strangers arrived in Thailand and fifteen new mates walked out, bonded by rainy boat trips, sweaty boxing classes, lots of yoga, a quiz night that got wildly out of hand, and a whole lot of belly laughs. Oh, and some people that really get it!In this episode, Vic and Hamish explore why finding your sober people is such a game changer. When you quit drinking, you don't just lose the booze, you can lose belonging, confidence, and your old social world. Sober mates fill that gap. They get you, steady you, calm your nervous system, and make you laugh in a way you actually remember the next day. They make sobriety feel less lonely and a whole lot more fun.Vic also shares the big realisation she had in the jungle: the magic wasn't the retreat itself, it was being completely, unapologetically herself around people who were doing the same. No pretending. No performing. Just real connection. So, if you are feeling like a sober billy no mates, have a listen to todays episode, it's packed with ways you can fill your sobriety not just with fizzy water, but also with a few magic sober mates that really see you and your glorious awkwardness!!Oh and there is a bit of Craig David action as per usual. Enjoy!

Jonathan Todd Schwartz was once the "diva whisperer," the highly trusted financial manager for Hollywood's biggest names, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Alanis Morissette. He was living the high life while secretly battling a monstrous cocaine and gambling addiction.Consumed by his habit, Jonathan began to embezzle millions from his celebrity clients, leading to his arrest and conviction. His world of fame and fortune crashed into a jail cell.But the story doesn't end there. Now over nine years sober and working as a recovery advocate, Jonathan is on a messy, public journey for redemption. He is determined to prove he is no longer the "defrauding monster" the industry remembers.

This week on Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish accidentally create an entire episode about wanking… well, sort of. What started as a heartfelt chat about emotional coping mechanisms somehow spiralled into the world's most awkward discussion about alone time, saunas, and self-soothing — in every sense of the word.Inspired by a quote from Elle Macpherson's autobiography “Stop focusing on the problem and start focusing on the solution” the duo explore what it really means to cope without booze. From rage walks and cold plunges to routines, therapy, and slightly questionable spa habits, they break down how to survive life's chaos without pouring a drink (or crying into one).Vic shares a very uninspiring story about having a cup of tea and Hamish tells us all about being dull and how his routine helps him feel safe. Expect belly laughs, awkward honesty, and the occasional over-share as Vic and Hamish prove that emotional growth is messy, funny, and occasionally involves a flannel.

This week Vic and Hamish go full Halloween mode, but instead of fake cobwebs and plastic skeletons, they're serving up the truly terrifying stuff: the cold, hard facts about booze. From death tolls that rival horror films, to drink-driving disasters, to long-term health risks that make your liver want to pack its bags and leave, they're laying it all bare.Why? Because sometimes the only way to spark change is to scare the pants off you. Expect stats, stories, dark humour, and a few dodgy Dracula impressions as they dive into the big picture (alcohol-related deaths), the immediate dangers (accidents, violence, dodgy exes), and the long-term risks (yep, the big C). Oh and Vic reveals that one of her favourite pastimes is scaring children...It's the spookiest episode of Sober Awkward yet, but don't worry, there's hope at the end. Sobriety doesn't just remove the horror, it gives you the happy ending you didn't know you needed. (not that sort of happy ending)Enjoy!

Every Thursday, we're serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you're new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you're not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn't always enough – so here's your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

It starts as a joke — “Mummy needs wine!” — but for many parents, that glass at the end of the day becomes more than just a meme. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr Justin Coulson talks with author and “Sober Awkward” podcast host Victoria Vanstone about her journey from party girl to sober mum — and how she broke free from the culture that told her alcohol was the answer. This episode will challenge how you see drinking, motherhood, and what self-care really means. KEY POINTS: How alcohol became part of Victoria’s identity — and why it took motherhood to question it The emotional and social pressures behind “Mummy Wine Time” culture Why drinking in front of kids sends powerful hidden messages The quiet shame of “normal” drinking habits — and what to do if you’re starting to question yours The rise of “sober curious” parenting and what it looks like in real life QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“It’s not really about alcohol. It’s about who you were before it — and who comes after it.” — Victoria Vanstone RESOURCES MENTIONED: A Thousand Wasted Sundays by Victoria Vanstone Mumming by Victoria Vanstone Podcast: Sober Awkward ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Reflect on the messages your kids receive when they see you drinking or joking about it. If you’re curious about cutting back, start with a “sober curious” mindset — it’s about questioning, not quitting. Talk to your partner or a trusted friend about how alcohol fits (or doesn’t fit) in your family life. Explore support options — books, podcasts, therapy, or sober communities — if alcohol feels like it’s taking more than it gives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish take on the gut-punch topic of wasted time... all those years lost to hangovers, hangxiety, dodgy decisions, and “just one more” nights that turned into blurry weekends. From poo-in-the-bed confessions (yes, really) to real talk about shame, regret, and reclaiming your hours, they dig into how sobriety gives you back the one thing booze quietly steals - time. Expect plenty of laughs, stats that'll make your jaw drop (spoiler: you've probably lost years to hangovers), and a whole lot of truth about how to use your sober clarity to build the life you were actually meant to live.It's not about mourning the time you lost, it's about making the most of the time you've got left. So, grab a sick bucket and get ready for some cheesy quotes and way too much poopy talk.Oh, and one last thing, if you can fit five Lindt balls in between each of your toes, Hamish wants to hear from you… preferably not with photos.Enjoy!

Is sobriety really just herbal tea, beige cardigans, scrabble and bouffant hair?This week on Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish tackle one of the trickiest parts of sober life… keeping your enthusiasm when everyone else is getting pissed. From rewiring your dopamine-starved brain to rediscovering what actually excites you (spoiler: it's not Sambuca shots or Gary from accounts), they explore how to find genuine joy, fun, and buzz, minus the hangover and the shame-spiral.Expect laughter, science, awkward confessions, and a few deeply questionable dance-floor memories as they flip the “sober = boring” myth on its head. Whether you're still wobbling on the fence with one leg in the pub and one in a yoga class, or you're fully converted to the chamomile-tea-and-early-bedtime lifestyle, this episode will spark your sober mojo back to life.Sobriety isn't beige!!! it's sequins, silliness, and sweet, hangover-free freedom.Oh, and bring tissues. Vic gets emotional, Hamish overshares, and there's some very naughty chat that probably should've been edited out. Do not play this one with the kids in the car.

Let's dive into the world of cruises - (full disclaimer: neither Vic or Hamish have ever actually been on one!)Today Vic and Hame explore the allure of cruise ships as “giant floating bars” or “Westfields on Water,” complete with endless buffets, towel animals, and drinks packages that basically dare you to drink your body weight in piña coladas before lunch. They chat about why they've always avoided this type of holiday, despite their extended families treating cruises like the holy grail of leisure.But are things changing? With unlimited alcohol packages still the main selling point, they look at the dangers of all-you-can-drink culture at sea — from sunstroke + sangria chaos to the grim statistics on alcohol-related accidents. At the same time, they ask whether the tide (pun intended) might finally be turning. Could cruises actually become activity-laden, dream holidays for sober folk — with gyms, spas, shore excursions, and, dare we say, mocktail menus worth ordering from?As ever, Vic and Hame bring honesty, humour, and a healthy dose of scepticism to the question: are cruises doomed to stay floating pubs, or can the sober awkward among us finally come aboard without dreading the drinks package sales pitch?Enjoy!

This week on Sober Awkward, Vic confesses to bombing a speech so badly she considered faking her own death to escape the hotel. Turns out, all our “step out of your comfort zone!” pep talks might have been… well… a bit shit. Because sometimes you don't just step out... you cartwheel out, land flat on your face, and want to live in a cave forever.Enter RSD, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, the sneaky brain glitch that makes one awkward moment feel like the whole world hates you. Vic and Hamish dive into what it is, why it bites harder in sobriety, and how success amnesia makes you forget every win you've ever had the second something goes wrong.Expect sweaty palms, public speaking disasters, spa-side meltdowns, and knob jokes (obviously). If you've ever spiralled over a slow text reply or considered joining witness protection after a minor faux pas, this episode is for you.

Join Vic and Hame as they dive into the complex link between alcohol and depression. They explore the science behind why alcohol - a depressant - can make you feel good initially but leave your brain "wobbly" afterwards, potentially triggering a depressive episode.The hosts share their own personal stories, with Vic opening up about how her depression was 100% booze-related and Hamish describing his own lows. They tackle the "chicken or the egg" question: does drinking cause depression, or do people drink to cope with it? They also discuss how sobriety, while not a magical cure, can remove a major disruptor and provide the clarity needed to do the real work of healing.Thanks for tuning in!

Should sobriety be earned rather than prescribed?This week Vic and Hamish tackle the hype around Ozempic, the so-called miracle jab that claims to melt away kilos and even dampen alcohol cravings.It sounds tempting, right? But is it really the answer, or just another shiny shortcut that sidesteps the real work sobriety demands - you know, the uncomfortable, icky but rewarding bits like sitting with cravings, unravelling old habits, and actually dealing with what drove us to drink in the first place?They dig into the science, side effects, and sketchy unknowns, questioning whether reducing cravings with a drug is the same as actual long-term recovery. Along the way they share their own experiences, from resisting “easy fixes” to why the messy, imperfect slog of sobriety might be the most empowering path of all.Oh, and there is also a rather long monologue at the start of this episode about constipation.Expect a mix of laughs, some chat about odd bodily functions, a rather annoying Oscar level speech, and a shark teeth story.

In today's episode, Hame is joined by Bethany Clarke, who shares her personal and devastating story to raise global awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning. In November 2024, Bethany and her best friend, Simone White, were traveling in Laos when they were unknowingly served a deadly substance in free shots at their hostel. Simone, along with six other tourists, tragically lost their lives.This powerful conversation explores the deceitful and deadly nature of methanol poisoning, which is being regularly used as a cheap alternative to alcohol worldwide. Bethany explains how methanol can mimic a severe hangover, making it incredibly difficult to detect in time. She also discusses the journey of grief and her tireless campaign to prevent such a tragedy from happening to others.Bethany is determined to see a change. She details the progress of her campaign, which has already garnered significant media attention and political support, and outlines what's next, including a push for new travel warnings and school curriculum changes. This is a story of profound loss, but also of incredible resilience and a commitment to creating a legacy of awareness for her best friend.

It's Vic here, popping on just before my daughter's school show to give you my top responses for when someone asks why you're not drinking.Now, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone, your sobriety is yours alone, but every now and then some overly curious (or just plain annoying) person will give you a nudge and demand an answer.So here are ten solid, funny, and totally valid responses to shut down the interrogation, change the subject, or make them laugh so hard they forget they asked.Happy Saturday, y'all.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you stop drinking, you don't just put down the glass, you're also left holding one big awkward question: Who even am I without booze?In this funny, honest, and slightly petty episode of Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish talk about how figuring out your personal values can be the secret weapon in staying sober long-term.Knowing what you stand for gives you something to come back to when things get wobbly. It helps you set boundaries, say no to the stuff that doesn't serve you anymore, and build a life that actually feels like yours...not the one your drunk self stumbled into.If you've ever felt lost in sobriety, unsure what's next, or tempted to slip back into old habits, this episode will help you see why getting clear on your values is not just self-help fluff. It's how you stop feeling like you're giving something up and start feeling like you're stepping into the person you were always meant to be.Because staying sober isn't about willpower... it's about alignment.And your values are where that starts.(Oh and we talk about sticking potatoes in car exhausts and other nefarious, drunken debauchery!)

It is one of the questions we get asked most frequently, one of the biggest challenges to anyone in their early sobriety and one of the most important skills to perfect if you want to avoid slipping-up.How do we socialise without booze? What do we say/do with our hands/handle drunk people/dance/kiss/flirt/be idiots etc. Sound familiar?Not only is this one of our favourite topics but it is also one that we feel confident in sharing a fool proof list of Top 10 tips. These have been tried and tested over and over again are a great way to get you prepped for this wild old ride called sober socialising!Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Vic and Hamish tackle that great cultural institution of the pub. From sticky carpets to soggy beer mats, dodgy jukeboxes to landlords with rosy cheeks and probably a drinking problem, pubs have been our second homes and our downfall.But what happens when you go sober and suddenly the cosiness is replaced by awkwardness. When everyone is shouting rounds and you're quietly clutching your sparkling water. When a QR code replaces the bartender and you're asked for a tip before your sad chickpea salad even arrives.We reminisce about our boozy pub days, debate whether the death of the shout is actually good news, and share our best tips for surviving pubs when you're not drinking without feeling like a stingy boring weirdo.If you've ever wondered how to navigate mates, rounds and the smell of stale beer without falling back into old habits this one's for you. Grab your pint of milk and a bag of pickled onion Monster Munch and join us for some awkward honesty. Whose round is it anyway???Cheers!

Vic's glasses are broken, her pancakes are drowned in maple syrup, and she's hopped on the mic to share a list that might just hit a little too close to home. In this episode of Sober Awkward Top Tens, she dives into the classic clues that your relationship with booze might be more messy than manageable.From texting your ex at 11.47 pm to developing suspicious rashes after red wine, from guilt shopping for detox teas to waking up with kebab receipts in your bra, this one is full of laughs, honesty, and lived experience.Vic isn't here to diagnose. She's here to share the warning signs she missed, the excuses she made, and the moments she now sees for what they were.If you're listening to a sober podcast wondering if you're drinking too much, well… you probably already know the answer.So grab a fancy soda, avoid texting your ex, and come feel seen in the most awkward and brilliant way possible.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sober Awkward, Vic is flying solo. Hamish is off cleaning up family related vomit, and Vic is croaky-voiced and a bit rattled after being told to keep her legs shut in the comments section of a UK Newspaper. Note to self… never read the comments.But onto more important things. In the lead up to National Recovery Month in September, we're diving into all the different types of support out there for people who are questioning their drinking. Today we are digging into the big one. Alcoholics Anonymous.Vic shares her own experience of attending an AA meeting, clears up a few common misconceptions, including what a “dry drunk” really means. She also chats with Sal, a long-time AA member who answers the questions you've always wanted to ask but maybe felt too awkward to.What actually happens in those meetings? Do you have to call yourself an alcoholic? Is it all religion and guilt? And most importantly, is it the right path for you?With honest questions from the Sober Awkward and Cuppa community and plenty of myth-busting along the way, this episode lifts the lid on the sometimes secretive, often misunderstood world of AA.Whether you end up there or not, this is about curiosity, ditching shame and knowing that whatever path you take, you deserve support.https://aa.org.au/contact-aahttps://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/find-a-meeting/

Hame is a strong believer in the power of positive mindset. So are you going to look at your early sobriety as being littered with difficult obstacles and potential banana-slips? Or is it instead an opportunity to overcome a series of challenges. In this Top 10 episode, we invite you to attack these challenges head on. Be pro active and don't let them arrive into your life unexpectedly. Go seeking! Get out of your comfort zone and tick them off one by one.Just wait until you see you see what it does to your confidence and your belief at what is possible in a life free of alcohol.Enjoy!Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you picture rehab, what comes to mind?A gloomy old building with flickering lights and someone yelling down the corridor? Maybe a slightly dishevelled Hollywood celeb getting wheeled into group therapy?Yeah… us too. We imagined something scary, shame-filled, and full of awkward meetings where you have to open up in front of strangers while sitting in a plastic chair.But is it really like that? In this episode, we're unpacking all the outdated ideas we had about rehab and exploring what options are actually out there for people struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder.We're joined by Dr Chris Davis, founder of Clean Slate Clinic, who's here to tell us about a very different kind of recovery — one you can do from your own home, in your trackies, without a hint of shame. We talk about how modern rehab can be discreet, flexible, and tailored to real life, and why the traditional image of recovery might be stopping people from getting the help they need.And yes, we do go slightly off track with a conversation about peacocks. Obviously.If you've ever wondered what real rehab looks like and how it could look for you...Tune in, get comfy, and let's find out.

When life gets overwhelming and your brain whispers “a cold beer would fix this,” is it really a craving… or just a memory from the old you?This week, Vic dives headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of those bloody annoying cravings — or as she now calls them, ghostly flashbacks from her rosé-soaked past. In this bite size episode, Vic shares her own awkward evolution, from life and soul of the party to calm-ish, crime-drama-watching, Scrabble-playing sober warrior and reframes what cravings actually are.Then, it's time for the countdown:A Top of the Pops–style list (minus the glitter and synth) of the Top Ten Best Ways to Deal With Alcohol Cravings.From star-fishing on the floor to telling your cravings to politely piss off, this episode is packed with honest advice, sharp one-liners, and some very questionable references to injured swamp donkeys.So pop on your headphones, put the kettle on, and remember: cravings aren't commands. They're just echoes of a past self and you don't have to dance to that tune anymore.Enjoy!Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever poured yourself a drink while a tiny voice in your head whispered “Maybe I need help,” only to shrug, ignore it, and top up your glass anyway? Maybe you secretly want to quit or at least cut back, but you do not feel like a “proper alcoholic,” so you keep muddling along, unsure where to start. You are curious about life without booze, but the idea of asking for help feels awkward, confusing and a little bit terrifying. Who do you even tell? Where do you turn?If that sounds familiar, congratulations, you have already taken the first step just by thinking about it. Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of sobriety, where curiosity counts as progress and even the smallest whisper that something has to change matters.This August on Sober Awkward we are exploring the messy, life changing transition from drinking to sober living. We are talking about the tools that can help, the places you can turn to for support and how to navigate those uncomfortable conversations with the people who matter.Today's episode is about that first scary leap — admitting out loud that booze is not working and telling someone you are ready to make a change. Vic shares the very un‑Instagrammable moment she finally said the words and Hamish, true to form, takes a detour through his exes before circling back to the point. Together they share how speaking it into the world can be the moment everything begins to shift.

Welcome back to the second Sober Awkward Top Ten! episode where you will be joined by Hame and his top 10 hacks/short-cuts/secrets - whatever you want to call them! These are the 10 smallest changes that we have seen have the biggest effect on thousands of peoples sobriety.Take them, steal them, copy them and let us know if they help you too!It's honest, it's funny, and it might just make you feel a little bit more normal.Perfect for a walk, a cuppa, or hiding in the pantry from your children.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does being sober make you an HSP, or are HSPs just more likely to drink in the first place? It's the ultimate chicken-or-the-wine-glass scenario.In this emotionally flammable episode, Vic and Hamish dive headfirst into the weird world of the Highly Sensitive Person – a personality trait that affects 15–20% of people and, as it turns out, possibly 100% of sober awkward podcast hosts.Are you the kind of person who cries at Bluey, avoids loud pubs, or needs a lie down after a trip to IKEA? Do you feel the vibes of a room before you've even taken your coat off? Do toilet paper adverts make you weep? Then you mightjust be one of us.Vic realises she's been diagnosed with just about everything but scurvy, and Hamish confesses his secret talent for emotional sponge-mode. Together, they unpack what it means to feel everything, all the time, especially once the numbing power of booze is removed.Expect:– Tangents about crying in supermarkets– The healing power of chocolate pretzels– A touching tale of being lost in the Himalayas– And a surprisingly heartwarming conclusion about how being sensitive might actually be your secret superpowerSo, are we all just too sensitive, or finally learning how to feel?And is sobriety turning us into HSPs… or just helping us discover we always were?Plug in, get comfy, and let the awkward feelings commence.

Welcome to the very first Sober Awkward Top Ten! In this short, sharp, slightly angry at the council episode, Vic shares ten gloriously unexpected things that happen when you give up the booze. From crying at dog food ads to waking up at 5am on purpose, these are the strange little perks, quirks, and emotional sucker punches that come with sober life.It's honest, it's funny, and it might just make you feel a little bit more normal.Perfect for a walk, a cuppa, or hiding in the pantry from your children.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic's memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you've been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we're so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, Hame is joined by broadcaster, author, mum, podcaster, and all-round Aussie icon — Yumi Stynes.Now nine years sober, Yumi shares the full arc of her relationship with alcohol: from growing up in Swan Hill and nervously sipping booze as a teen, to navigating grief after the loss of her dad, and working in the booze-fuelled world of music television during her time at Channel V.We also touch on post-natal depression, shame as an unexpected motivator, the myth of “cool”, and some frankly hilarious (and horrifying) stories from the wild days of drinking. Oh, and yes, that kiss with Robbie Williams that changed the course of her life and career!Yumi's honesty and insight shine throughout this conversation, and she reminds us that the best drugs of all are free, legal, and available daily, and no, we're not talking about pills, powders or pints.Her decades-long career in the public eye has grown and evolved alongside her sobriety, and she credits her current creative energy to leaving alcohol behind.Yumi is a dream guest, raw, wise, funny, and we hope you get as much from this episode as we did.

This sober thingymijig is not about why you stop drinking - It's all about why you started in the first place!It's a croaky episode today. Vic sounds like a frog after a week in bed but pushes through to join Hamish in asking a big question. Instead of always being asked why they gave up booze, they flip the script and try to figure out why they started drinking in the first place.Was it just about trying to fit in, copying older kids, or chasing confidence in a bottle? Or was there something deeper going on that neither of them understood at the time? They both go back to their teenage years to try and pinpoint the moment it all began, and reflect on how those early choices shaped the way their drinking developed later in life.To help them understand what it's really like to grow up in an alcohol-free house, Vic invites on a very special guest - her own teenage son George. He offers an honest perspective on booze, having an alcohol free house, why talking about it openly makes a difference and what could entice him to take his first drink.This episode is funny, thoughtful and a little emotional. It's about looking back at where it all started and realising that maybe the most important question isn't why you stopped drinking, but why you ever felt you needed to start.