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Should you ask your partner to quit drinking just because you have? Or could that actually make things worse?In this episode of Sober Awkward, Vic explores why telling the people you love to give up booze can backfire, and why quietly showing them what sobriety looks like is often far more powerful. From awkward dinner tables to partners who still drink, Vic talks honestly about support, resentment, boundaries, and why influence beats control every time.Inspired by a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills binge on a long-haul flight (purely for research), Vic unpacks how normalised alcohol is, how invisible the sober struggle can feel, and why “I don't have a problem” is often more complicated than it sounds.Vic is also joined by her husband John, who shares why he eventually chose to quit drinking himself, not because he was asked to, but because he watched sobriety change the person he loved. Together they talk about support, safety, curiosity, and how relationships can evolve when alcohol is taken out of the equation.This episode is for anyone navigating sobriety alongside partners, friends, or family who still drink, and for anyone learning how to protect their peace without nagging, lecturing, or explaining themselves to death.Pop the kettle on.Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is show them, not tell them.
After 3 and a half magical and hilarious years, the time has finally come for Hame to step away from the podcast. In this incredibly blubbery, soppy, sad and reflective episode Vic and Hame look back at what they have learnt from their time together.They explore what they have learnt from the podcast and what they hope the listeners can learn too. Hame reveals his reasons for having made this decision (and not its not that him and Vic have had an argument or that he had a mad 20 pint blow-out and doesn't want to lie to you all!). Most importantly, they plan out what will happen to the podcast post-Hame and don't worry - the show must go on!
What happens when midlife hits… and you're already sober?In this brilliantly honest and often hilarious episode, Vic is flying solo (Hamish wisely sat this one out) to chat with author Dana Bowman, a woman who thought she had long-term sobriety nailed, until menopause, food, marriage, parenting, body image, and a global pandemic all piled in at once.Dana's story, told in her book Humble Pie, is about far more than sobriety. It's about what happens when recovery collides with midlife. As menopause crept in, Dana found herself veering into binge eating and food addiction, struggling with comparison, scrolling, isolation, and frantic over-exercising. Just when she thought she'd dealt with the big stuff, life threw everything else at her… and eventually forced a reckoning.Vic hasn't read Humble Pie yet, but after hearing Dana talk about relapse, HRT, sugar cravings, dopamine dips, invisible women, and upgrading her sobriety toolkit, she knows it's going to be a wildly relatable ride. Expect real talk about perfectionism, changing bodies, and why custard creams sometimes end up doing the emotional heavy lifting.Whether you're pre, peri or post-menopause, or just quietly wondering why life feels harder than it used to, this one's for anyone who's ever felt like they were falling apart… and learning to laugh their way through it anyway.
This week on One For The Road I am joined by Kate Renninson. Kate's story is a powerful reminder that recovery doesn't always begin with rock bottom — sometimes, it begins with clarity.Growing up in a dysfunctional household, Kate experienced emotional harm from an early age. Raised by a narcissistic mother who took a dislike to her, she lived in a home marked by betrayal and instability, including her mother's affair with her father's brother. This environment shaped Kate's sense of self and laid the groundwork for patterns she would carry into adulthood.Kate began drinking at around 14 years old, and alcohol quickly became a coping mechanism. For over a decade, drinking played a central role in her life, leading to many difficult and unsafe situations, frequent blackouts, and a growing disconnection from herself. When she became a mother, her drinking temporarily improved, but over time it crept back in through socially accepted “mummy wine” culture and nights out — which she often took much further than those around her.There was no dramatic rock bottom, although there were many moments that could have been. Instead, change came quietly but powerfully. At 50 years old, just six weeks after her birthday, Kate read a book that completely shifted her understanding of alcohol. Armed with new knowledge, she made the decision to quit drinking altogether in 2021 — and her life has continued to expand ever since.Now four years sober, Kate's journey is defined by growth, courage, and joy. In 2023, having only been able to run 5K at the start of the year, she followed a training plan and went on to run the London Marathon — every single mile. She has travelled to Vietnam and Uganda, and even took a solo trip to Thailand to attend the Sober Awkward retreat, something she never would have imagined during her drinking years.Kate has since created her Detoxikated Instagram page, where she speaks openly about sobriety and helps change the perception of what a sober life can look like. She is deeply passionate about showing others that sobriety isn't about restriction or loss — it's about freedom, possibility, and becoming who you were always meant to be. Her story shows that it's never too late to change, and that choosing sobriety can open doors far beyond anything alcohol ever promised.https://www.instagram.com/detoxikated/If you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on the instahandle @Soberdave https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice.www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://nacoa.org.uk/Show producer- Daniella Attanasio-MartinezInstagram - @TheDaniellaMartinezhttps://www.instagram.com/thedaniellamartinez/www.instagram.com/grownuphustle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever noticed how the moment you put down the wine glass, you suddenly find yourself at the bottom of a family-sized bag of Haribo? You aren't alone. In fact, for many of us, the "sugar monster" was waiting in the wings long before we poured our last drink.In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Kredler, a Sydney-based psychotherapist and specialist in ultra-processed food addiction. Vanessa brings a lived experience in recovering from both food and alcohol addiction.We dive deep into why these two habits are so often "best friends" and how to navigate the "naughty food" phase of early sobriety without losing your mind.We explore:The Binge Trigger: Why Vanessa had to give up alcohol to finally heal her relationship with food.The AA Sugar Phenomenon: Why are there always so many sweets at recovery meetings? We look at the biological link between the bottle and the biscuit tin.The Great Food Addiction Challenge: You can choose to never touch alcohol again, but you have to eat. How do you manage an addiction to something you need for survival?How Worried Should You Be?: Should you be concerned about your skyrocketing sugar intake in early sobriety, or is it okay to "treat yourself" while you find your feet?Whether you're "sober curious" or a few years in and wondering why you're suddenly obsessed with ice cream, Vanessa offers incredible insight into how to find balance and understand the "why" behind your cravings.
Warning: This episode contains an alarming amount of chat about a mysterious stranger called Derek and more casual mentions of “minge” in the first four minutes than any of us could ever have anticipated. It is funny, honest, slightly feral… and absolutely not one for the school run. Best enjoyed with headphones on and children safely out of earshot.So, you've just started your sober journey? Doing Dry January? Or quietly wondering what life might look like without booze? This episode is your brutally honest, slightly emotional roadmap through your first 30 days alcohol-free.Vic and Hamish take you through sobriety week by week, honestly unpacking what really happens to your body, brain, sleep, mood, social life, trousers, and overall sanity as alcohol slowly leaves the stage. Alongside plenty of science, swearing, and questionable oversharing, there are also genuinely tender moments where you might realise… you are actually doing this. Today we explore those early sugar cravings and wobbles, the sudden bursts of confidence that can catch you out, the strange emotional storms that roll in around Week Two, the clearer thinking and calmer days that begin to appear in Week Three, and that brilliant Week Four moment when you look at yourself and think, “Hang on… this might actually work.If you are five days in, swaying at day twelve, feeling uncertain at day twenty, or simply curious about how sobriety unfolds in real life, this episode gives you reassurance, humour, relatable stories, and genuinely helpful tools to get through it.You are not broken, you are healing. And honestly, you are doing something extraordinary.Press play, take a breath… and welcome to the awkward, hopeful, quietly life-changing first month of sober life.
New Year, New Liver, Who Dis?Feeling a bit "delicate" this morning? Maybe you've just woken up with a UDI (Unidentified Drinking Injury), a loaf of bread for a pillow, or you're currently hiding under the duvet until the 3rd of January. In our first episode of 2026, Hame and Vic are whispering a warm welcome to the "sober curious," the "done-with-hangovers," and everyone in between. We're stripping away the "alcoholic" labels and proving that you don't need to hit rock bottom to decide that life is just... better without the booze.In this episode:The "Obscenity" Checklist: From pub-crawl sips to kitchen-floor naps—we've been there.Meet the Ex-Binge Drinkers: We share our own journeys from "walking disasters" to years of clarity.The Sobriety Toolkit: Practical tips on gamifying your goals, finding your "Cuppa" community, and why your new best friend might be a pair of running shoes.The Superpower Effect: Why sobriety isn't about being "boring"—it's about getting your time, money, and confidence back.You don't have to commit to "forever" today—just give this episode a listen. What have you got to lose (besides the hangovers)?
In this gloriously unhinged episode, Vic and Hamish find themselves in that awkward festive no-man's-land between Christmas and New Year – gravy-stained, confused about the day, and dangerously close to eating a whole tin of Quality Street in one sitting.But fear not. Among the leftover potatoes and peri-menopausal meltdowns, your sober elves are here with a very handy toolkit to help you navigate New Year's Eve without diving headfirst into a bucket of prosecco.Yep, we're diving deep into why your mindset matters more than the perfect mocktail, how to handle your Aunt Karen when she calls you a party pooper, and what to do when the countdown begins and you suddenly feel the urge to shove someone for no reason at all. Plus, we make a strong case for why being tucked up in bed with a hot water bottle and a forensic crime doco by 9.07pm might actually be the ultimate New Year flex.We also discuss frogs. Yes, frogs. There's a weird moment where Vic tries to convince us all that carrying a tiny frog in your pocket on NYE can help you stay sober – and somehow, it makes sense. (Just go with it.)You'll also hear about our own cringey NYEs from the boozy past – from driveway spews to mysterious cardigans and rashy regrets – and how we've now completely redefined this weird night of the year into something we actually enjoy.So whether this is your first sober New Year or your fifteenth, come hang out with us and feel smug, steady, and slightly feral in the best way possible.This one's all about preparing your brain, not just your beverage list.Let's make it awkward, weird, frog-friendly… and totally unforgettable.
If the idea of a sober Christmas makes you break out in a festive sweat, clutch a mince pie for emotional support, and whisper “Lord, give me strength,” then this episode is your new best friend.This week, Mrs Santa (Vic, with her saggy boob and questionable stuffing) and her long suffering festive sidekick Elf Hamish dive headfirst into the sparkly chaos of Christmas. First the fantasy version where everyone drinks kombucha and expresses gratitude, then the real version where Uncle Gary is drunk by 10am and someone cries because their new crocs are the wrong colour.Together they explore the myth of the perfect sober Christmas, the messy reality most of us face, and why the festive drinking culture feels overwhelming and very annoying when your'e sober. Today these two idiots offer up a simple sober toolkit to help you get through the day, and reflect on what Christmas really feels like without booze numbing the edges.This is your festive mix of honesty, humour, science, awkwardness and hope. Everything you need to get through the holiday season without falling face first into the gravy boat. So grab a fizzy water, hide in the loo if you need to, and join us for the Christmas episode that helps you sleigh the holiday season with your dignity intact.Merry Christmas sober legends. Feel the awkward and do it anyway!
In today's episode, Hame sits down with the wonderful Clare Pooley. The globally celebrated author who's blog and subsequent book 'The Sober Diaries' has been been named as THE book that helped so many of our listeners get sober so it felt only right to invite her on!This fascinating conversation ranges from how she labelled and overcame her 'wine witch' (and the surprising role that Game of Thrones played in it!), the 'Best Mum Cup' moment that would mark her final alcoholic drink, why she has never identified with the term 'alcoholic', how her sobriety prepared her for the challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer and the rules she encourages on any teenager asking about how to drink alcohol.As well as being a fountain of knowledge, Clare was exactly as kind, funny and relatable as you might expect. We hope that this episode can inspire one more person to reconsider their relationship with alcohol to add to the long list!
In this week's Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish dive into one of the biggest, stickiest, most awkward questions in sobriety: Can I actually trust myself again?Vic opens up about those final blurry days of drinking when she couldn't even trust herself to say “no” to a jelly baby, let alone a vodka soda. Hamish admits he's never trusted Vic with a map, a tech problem, or his childhood sticker collection — fair enough. But what happens when that mistrust is turned inward?Together, they unpack how alcohol chips away at your self-belief, how broken promises and panic attacks can shrink your life, and why sobriety is less about perfection and more about proving (slowly, quietly, consistently) that you've got your own back again.Expect awkward confessions, tips for rebuilding trust with yourself and others, a bit of trust trauma from the 1980s, and a brand new Sober Awkward anthem from listener Sean, who just celebrated 1 year sober (you legend, mate!). Check out Seans band @conflictmanagerband Oh, there is some awful and somewhat offensive chat about rims.Of course there is.Enjoy!!!A#SoberAwkward #SoberCurious #Trust #WhoIsDrivingYou #SoberPodcast #AFLife #Hangxiety #ModerationIsAMyth #SobrietyWins #CraigDavidKnows
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.