Podcasts about tribe sober

In this episode I interview Sue Wood. In 2018 she contacted me offering her help and we've been working together ever since. She had got sober with AA but was on the look out for a new approach. Sue helped me set up our Membership Program and has been invaluable helping me to develop it further. In this Episode Sue didn't really feel she had a problem with alcohol until March 2014 - when she started drinking every day She could feel it getting worse so started putting "rules" in place - and then promptly broke them all! Sue went to AA in 2016 because she didn't know where else to go - it worked for her We agreed that "finding your tribe" is essential - we understand each other - almost impossible to do this alone She never had a "rock bottom" but had a walking, talking blackout and an argument she couldn't even remember Sue never went back to Day 1 - she felt that she had reached the point where she was "done" with alcohol She prefers Tribe Sober's approach to AA as she doesn't agree with labelling herself as an "alcoholic" She loves our tribe - and has discovered that ex-drinkers are really interesting people! When she was younger Sue always felt she had to be "perfect" - now she is happy to be "good enough" She agrees with our approach that we need to ditch the drink - and then create an alcohol free life that we love Her main benefit of alcohol free life is that she feels "at peace" with life - she's not looking for anything anymore We are both thrilled that many people who have got sober with us are now helping the newbies  These days we are getting a lot of international members via the podcast and Zoom Masterclasses More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Our guest this week is Master Coach and TED speaker Nick Johnsson In this episode:- Nick spent 11 years climbing the corporate ladder, However when he did reach the senior roles he was striving for he felt unfulfilled and full of self doubt Nick resigned from his job which led to divorce so he turned to alcohol for relief Alcohol became his coping tool for stress and unexpressed emotions. After 2 or 3 years of heavy drinking he reached rock bottom and found his health was collapsing At age 40, he realized he needed help—he began to share his feelings with his new wife, got medical help, and joined a 12-step program. He has been sober for nearly 7 years since that first meeting. These days Nick is an executive and sobriety coach, studying psychology to become a therapist. Runs men's groups and peer support networks He also works with corporates across Asia to address vulnerability, burnout, and connection. We agreed on the "power of vulnerability"— which is central to our philosophy here at Tribe Sober Being open and honest and sharing our feelings is so critical for healing and growth and it seems to happen naturally in our community as we have a common struggle that binds us However I was intrigued as to how he could get hard nosed business men and women to be vulnerable Nick explained that he uses keynotes and workshops in corporates to create safe spaces for open conversation. He shares his own story and then encourages the most senior executives to lead by example, sharing personal stories to build trust and openness. Executive Burnout & the importance of Resilience Nick warns about three signs of burnout: denial, changed habits, and secrecy. Defines resilience as seeking help and using support systems, not just “pushing through.” Nick has written a Book called: Executive Loneliness Based on a survey showing 30% of executives feel isolated. 75% wouldn't ask for help; 84% wouldn't talk about their mental health at work. Follow-up book in progress with case studies and a holistic leadership model. Connect via LinkedIn or find his book Executive Loneliness on Amazon/Audible. More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

Our guest this week is Marietjie, a lovely lady who came to a Tribe Sober workshop years ago and has been thriving in her sobriety for 5 years now. In this episode: Marietjie explained that her dependence on alcohol had sneaked up on her over the years.  We talked about chasing the buzz. Drinkers love that buzz. We just want to prolong it the buzz so we carry on drinking and that's where we get into trouble. There is a category of drinker called the Almost Alcoholic and chasing the buzz is a warning sign that you might be an almost alcoholic. Here are a few more warning signs that you might be becoming dependent:- Drinking alone Also drinking to relax at the end of a day – that could be a sign that your drinking has shifted from socialising to self medication Drinking more than the recommended limit of a bottle and a half of wine a week Marietjie said that she was using alcohol to put a wall up a wall between herself and herself... We use alcohol to numb ourselves to disassociate ourselves from our feelings.   In fact one of the (many) benefits of ditching the booze is that we get to knock down that wall and reconnect with who we are and what we really want out of our lives If you use alcohol then take regular breaks to test your dependence - Tribe Sober run regular challenges More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

Our guest this week is Lindsey Van Wagner who is based in Washington, D.C., and runs a wellness studio. In this episode:- Lindsey began drinking at 14 years old; initially, it was social drinking, but it escalated in her 20s. She used alcohol as an escape as she was struggling with perfectionism Despite her external appearance of success, her life was chaotic, involving blackouts, DUIs, and reckless behavior. She managed to quit using 12 step program but early sobriety was tough—she cried a lot and felt exposed. At 1.5 years sober, she hit a severe depression and was hospitalized for suicidal ideation. It was then that Lindsey realized that sobriety had revealed deeper mental health issues that needed attention. We agreed that recovery is not linear—there are highs and lows before we stabalise and can relax into our alcohol free life Over time, she found emotional balance, embracing wellness practices and creating a community. Lindsey has written a book called the Spirit Vigilante – it was Initially a memoir but evolved into a self-discovery guide with practical exercises. . Her book covers themes like addiction, life purpose, emotional healing, and wellness. She encourages journaling as a tool for self-reflection and tracking progress. We agreed that the pain we go through as we hit rock bottom can be a catalyst for transformation. Sobriety is an adventure - a leap into the unknown which is scary, but staying stuck in our drinking is so much worse. Lindseys daily rituals for maintaining sobriety are: Writing and journaling. Staying connected with a supportive community. Staying active (walking, yoga, meditation). Website: thespiritvigilante.com Instagram: @spiritvigilante Her book available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

This week our guest is Psychotherapist Mel Meik who has worked for the British Heart Foundation so is very knowledgeable about heart health She shares some life saving information in this episode In this episode: As a child Mel had a tragic exposure to alcohol-related trauma: At six years old, her mother survived a car accident caused by a drunk driver, which deeply impacted her views on alcohol and drink-driving. She also had her drink spiked once, reinforcing her need to stay in control. She is grateful for her "off switch" that prevents excessive drinking. Mel shared her knowledge of Heart disease which  is the world's leading cause of death. It increases blood pressure and weight. It also raises risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can damage the heart muscle and cause abnormal heart rhythms and of course... Drinking large amounts in one go can dangerously slow heart rate and breathing. Twice as many women die from heart disease as from breast cancer and Women's heart attack symptoms are often different and overlooked – we are more likely to be stoic and brush off the symptoms if they are not too severe I asked Mel to describe the key symptoms in women: Chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, nausea (often for months before an attack). Pain in the left arm, feeling overly tired or weak. Her heart health tips are to monitor blood pressure regularly (2-3 times per week). Stay active (even walking helps). Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, protein). Avoid smoking—a major heart disease contributor. We talked about our mutual friend Helen who has been with Tribe Sober for just over a year Mel has been friends with Helen for over 20 years so was able to describe her journey into dependence and her transformation as she ditched the drink and began to thrive in sobriety Helen is now happy, healthy, and inspiring others as a Tribe Sober Cheerleader Mel explained how she's seen Helen's life open up – her newfound friendships and travel plans (Copenhagen, Paris, South Africa) reflect her growth. Mel's childhood trauma pushed her toward becoming a psychotherapist. Trained for three years while working full-time. Completed 200+ hours of client work and three years of personal therapy. Specializes in humanistic and integrative psychotherapy. Believes people are healed in relationships. I asked Mel how psychotherapy could help people in recovery Mel believes that it Helps address root causes of drinking (trauma, stress, avoidance). Can also uncover developmental trauma from childhood. Recommends additional support (e.g., community like Tribe Sober). Mel offers online therapy sessions and her website is https://www.lincolnshirepsychotherapy.co.uk/ she offers free discovery calls Mel sent me some useful links:- The study on the gender bias mis diagnosis and spotting the signs of a heart attack https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/women-with-a-heart-condition/women-and-heart-disease   RevivR - learn CPR at  home in 15 minutes https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes?&utm_campaign=revivrppc~24-115&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=google&utm_content=adcopy&utm_term=Headline&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAneK8BhAVEiwAoy2HYaXs20bEKxGVL4ZHlDCS7zwwwSW9d_oRhFY_mzt-Q55z6qRhCH1ouhoCna8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds   More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living! After running Tribe Sober for 10 years and helping thousands of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories. In this episode I interview Vuyo.  She came along to a workshop a few years ago and has been a valuable member of our community ever since.  Vuyo has been an inspiration to so many. In this Episode Vuyo explains that she started to worry about her alcohol consumption about 5 years ago She began to have a niggling feeling that all was not well - although she was functioning normally It finally reached a point where there were just too many signals she could no longer ignore Vuyo's health was suffering and her daughter was noticing She tried to stop in 2017 - and failed - that's when she realised there was a problem She came to a workshop with the idea that she could learn to handle her drinking - abstinence was just too frightening After the workshop she committed to 100 sober days - but then decided she could have just one glass That worked for a while but then she reverted to old ways - the decline was swift Vuyo finally reached the point when she accepted that she would have to stop  She counted the milestones - the "Sober Firsts" - eventually she began to enjoy those events! She feels great and can cope with any challenges that come her way We agreed that Sobriety is a Superpower! More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience). More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

Tribe Sober Activist Jen came to our workshop 8 years ago and has been thriving in her alcohol free life ever since! In this episode:- Jens turning point came on March 14th 2017 – that was the moment when she realised that her life revolved around alcohol She talked of the loneliness and shame of struggling with her drinking as a mom She had tried to made the change alone but kept going back to Day One over and over  Jen explained that attending a Tribe Sober workshop changed everything for her Jen listed her Benefits of Sobriety:- Gaining mental clarity and regaining control over life. Experiencing life in a deeper, more meaningful way. Finding new interests, volunteering, and enjoying family life. I asked Jen how she managed social situations as a non drinker:- She'll always have a drink in her hand and if she's offered some alcohol she'll just say: "I'm fine for now." We agreed on the power of confidence and body language when responding to pressure to drink We discussed the normalisation of alcohol including the:- powerful influence of advertising and the media in shaping our drinking habits. the danger of the “Mommy Juice” culture and how its made alcohol into an essential parenting aid Jen is a bit of an Activist when it comes to… Calling out misleading media messages promoting alcohol. Together we've written letters to women's magazines challenging their alcohol-friendly narratives. Jen left us with 5 great Tips for Those Starting out on this life changing journey Be kind to yourself—focus on one day at a time. Push through those cravings and difficult emotions. – get comfortable with being uncomfortable Set yourself an initial goal – for her reaching 100 days alcohol-free was a game-changer Join Tribe Sober to connect with others on the same path Read quit-lit books that resonate with you (e.g., Holly Whitaker Quit Like a Woman and , Catherine Gray who wrote the Unexpected Joy of Being Sober). More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living! In this episode I interview an important member of our Tribe Sober team - Lynette Le Roux. She came along to a workshop years ago, ditched the drink and then qualified as a coach so she could help others change their relationship with alcohol. In this Episode Lynette explains how her drinking gradually became problematic for her due to stress at work The workshop enabled her to stop drinking for 3 months but then she decided she could have "a glass of wine" She talks to us about how that "glass of wine" escalated to vodka drinking In spite of returning to drinking she kept connected to Tribe Sober and eventually got back on track and stayed alcohol free. Benefits of sobriety for Lynette included getting her energy back, feeling alive again - and full of joy. We then talked about coaching - a thinking space to clarify our needs and purpose - your coach is your thinking partner She believes that everything we do in life (or don't do) is because of how we feel She recommends journalling as well as coaching to get in touch with how we are really feeling Lynette asks us to get curious about our cravings - what do we really want? what else would make us feel better? "Don't lose yourself looking for that buzz" - she says "what you are really looking for is connection" She recommends that people use journalling and coaching to help them to sustain their sobriety More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

This week we're celebrating our 250th podcast by taking you through our top 10 podcasts. The episodes that have had the most downloads since we started the podcast back in 2020. So coming in at number 10 with 2,500 downloads is Sobriety Coach Lori Massicot. Lori is the host of a podcast called 50 and Beyond and like me she's convinced that ditching the booze is one of the very best things we can do for ourselves as we get older. Her episode is called Why We Need to Ditch the Drink in Midlife, and we released that one in December 2021. Here's a clip. I did a second episode with Laurie when we listed the 15 signs that you need to take a break from the booze. Signs that Laurie and I ignored for far too long. That one was released on January the 27th 2024 Coming in at number 9 is Dr. Loretta Breuning, who helped me to unpack the cause of my own early sobriety blues. Have a listen to the first interview I did with her, which was in August 2021. Here's a clip Loretta also did an interview with me very recently to talk about her new book, which is called Why You're Unhappy – that one was released on 20th January last year Since we last ranked our top ten which was in February last year we've had 2 new entries One of those entries has come in at number 8 with 2756 downloads its called:- Alcohol and your Body Fat with James Swanwick James had some great advice around Alcohol's Effects on Sleep and Weightgain He explained how Alcohol consumption can compromise sleep quality, metabolism, and overall health.  It can also disrupt the body's natural processes, leading to weight gain, reduced productivity, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Heres a clip Our other new entry along with James came in at number 7 with 2800 downloads and is called RECOVERY IT'S A BRAIN THING – which is the name of the book by my two guests – David & Susan Kenney They run a program to train Recovery Coaches and one of our Tribe members Darren was so impressed by their approach he signed up for their course. Darren is now a qualified Recovery Coach so if you'd like to book in for a free consultation you can go to his website which is pauserecovery.com – Coming in at number 6 is Stanford Psychiatrist Dr Anna Lembke with 2851 listens Anna has written a top selling book called Dopamine Nation. It's an awesome book, which I highly recommend if you're interested in the science of addiction. Her explanation of the pain pleasure balance is superb. That episode is called, Why We Get Addicted, and it came out in November, 2023. Here's a clip. At number 5 we have Neuroscientist Staci Danford with 2890 downloads Stacy taught us about our lizard brain and how we need to manage it before it manages us. She even recommended that we give it a name. She calls hers Ernie. My interview with Stacy came out in August 2021. Here's a clip Next up at number 4 is a firm favourite with Tribe Sober – Ken Middleton who had 2,906 downloads for his “How Drinking Limits our Potential” episode He's the author of Bamboozled, which has the clever subtitle of How Alcohol Makes Fools of Us All,  Do grab a copy if you haven't yet read it. Such a brilliant description of how we've been manipulated by big alcohol for decades. I often quote Ken, who says, "even if alcohol doesn't destroy us, it will limit our potential".  His Tribe Sober episode is called How Alcohol Limits Your Potential - released in April 2023 here is a clip. Ken was also one of our guests back in November 2020 when he shared his own story and explained the science behind alcohol dependence. And why drinking regularly for 20 years means you're very likely to develop a problem Next up at number 3 is me, with our very first podcast episode, which was released in May 2020 to celebrate my fifth soberversary. – that got 3,135 downloads At number 2 we have the brilliant William Porter with 3,675 downloads William is a lawyer with a passion for the science behind alcohol dependence, and he's written two books, Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Explained 2. They're both essential reading, and I think the more we understand the damage that alcohol does to our bodies and brains, the less likely we are to want to drink it. His episode is called, Managing Cravings, and came out in December 2023. Here's a clip Finally, hogging the number one slot with an incredible 3, 877 downloads is Australian sobriety coach, Catherine Elliott. It's called "How to Stop Binge Drinking" and came out in June 2022. Here's a clip Like me, Catherine's had breast cancer, which prompted us to do an episode together recently. Because neither of us had realized that our heavy drinking was putting us at risk of breast cancer, so we celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having a conversation about it, spreading the word to other women that more than three glasses of wine a week increases your risk of breast cancer. We called it "Drink Less for Your Breasts" and it was released in October 2023. So that's our top 10. I'd like to say a big thank you to all our listeners. Thanks to you, the Tribe Sober podcast has had nearly  400, 000 downloads, which keeps its global ranking in the top 2 percent of all podcasts. More importantly, nearly 20 percent of our members found their way to us via the podcast. So don't forget to make a playlist of our Top Ten and you might want to check out our Top 100 Playlist  So if you want to join our tribe and connect with others on this path, just hit Join Our Tribe  More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living! After running Tribe Sober since 2015 and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a lot. My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.  My guest this week is Nick Stevenson. He came along to a workshop, got sober and now helps other people to do the same. In this Episode Nick knew he was drinking too much - but had no idea HOW to make the change. Although Nick was hoping to be able to "cut down" rather than stop drinking completely - he finally accepted that it was much harder to moderate than to stop - that realisation was a game changer for him Nick takes us through the fabulous benefits he has experienced since he ditched the drink He explains the satisfaction he gains from "giving back" and helping others to ditch the booze Nick tells us why he thinks our workshop survey got such great results! He ends our conversation by sharing his Goodbye to Alcohol letter Nicks only regret is that he didn't give up drinking sooner More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

I'm chatting this week to Lauren who set up one of the first alcohol-free travel companies in the UK which is called welovelucid.com In this episode:- Lauren grew up in Northern Ireland, discovering alcohol in her teens and quickly evolving from social drinking to chaotic weekends and blackouts. She travelled to South America where her heavy drinking continued and she began adding in cocaine Moving to South Korea she struggled to find recreational drugs so the drinking ramped up further – resulting in 3-day benders and blackouts She even managed to ignore a broken ankle until she spotted a large purple swelling when she removed her boot It was a health scare that acted as her wake up call - suspected pancreatitis was causing her pain and her mom advised her to quit drinking As her mom was a nurse Lauren took this advice seriously and had her first alcohol free weekend This weekend was a bit of a revalation as she realized that sobriety could actually be enjoyable! However navigating sobriety in a heavy drinking culture like South Korea was hard for but she pushed through Lauren spoke of the importance of self-development, hobbies, and staying active in recovery. These days she has reconnected with her creativity and loves to write and make films   She's also discovered the joy of building meaningful connections through her sober travel experiences. Lauren decided to set up a company specialising in alcohol-free travel experiences. Its called welovelucid.com She mentioned one of her early trips which involved moonlight kayaking and encouraged people to step out of their comfort zone She is busy designing trips that foster connection, confidence, and adventure. Lauren's next project is the Beer to Soberton bike ride: a unique event to promote the sober lifestyle. Find out more about Lauren and her fabulous tours by going to welovelucid.com I hope listening to Lauren talk about the joy of alcohol free travel will encourage you to check out the holidays she has on offer at welovelucid.com and also to consider booking into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who pay their deposit on our Bali Retreat. Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).        

My guest this week is Helene… Helene is a Brit living in Switzerland  She quit drinking the day she joined Tribe Sober and more or less threw the book at her sobriety, celebrating her first Soberversary last September. She celebrated her first Soberversary by booking herself on a Retreat in Bali…which in turn gave us the idea to offer something similar as a Celebration of 10 years of Tribe Sober… October 20-27th she will be co-hosting the Tribe Sober Bali Retreat alongside myself and Coach Lynette In this episode:- The alcohol free lifestyle has brought both simplicity and freedom into Helenes life; She has more time and more mental space. Her connections with family, friends, and new people have been enriched and deepened We then shifted the topic to a review of her own experience of a Bali retreat last year… Helene explained how the pre-retreat excitement built up through WhatsApp groups and we are seeing that already on our Bali WhatsApp group The Tribe Sober Bali Whatsapp group is for people who have already booked in for our October retreat and for people who are interested – if you would like to join that group then please get in touch - janet@tribesober.com We will also be holding Zoom meetings to establish what stage of sobriety the various participants are at so we can tailor the Retreat to meet everyones needs Although Helene is well travelled she was still blown away by the beauty of Bali, the lush gardens and the scenic yoga spaces I asked her to describe a typical day … she mentioned pre-breakfast yoga (which was optional), delicious breakfast, and a mix of relaxation and activities on offer The day would come to a close with a sharing circle followed by dinner and an early night The Retreat was designed to foster personal growth, connections, and self-care. I asked Helene to list her highlights of the Retreat:- Connection: She's created lifelong bonds with diverse, supportive women from around the world. Nourishment for Body and Soul: Delicious plant-based food, smoothies, and the affordability of Bali meant she could have daily massages and indulge Her third highlight was the Lasting Impact…The retreat created deep and enduring connections, revitalized the mind and body, and reinforced Helenes sobriety – so much so that she is planning to do a Retreat every year as a marker for her ongoing sobriety! We talked about the Tribe Sober Bali retreat and agreed that the Ideal Participants would be:- Women in early sobriety - with at least a month of sobriety, wanting to consolidate their progress, get inspired by others further down the path…and make their sobriety stick. People further down the path who are eager to relax and engage with others on the same journey - there is a deep and instant bond created when we mix with other people who have struggled with alcohol dependence themselves – a connection which doesn't exist with our friends and family who have not been through a similar experience People who are struggling in sobriety and need a motivation boost - an incentive to either get started or to sustain their sobriety – Helene and I have both experienced what I call the “early sobriety blues” – when you've been sober for a few months you can get hit by a “flat” feeling and start asking yourself the question:- I'm Sober Now What? A perfect answer to that question is to book on our Bali Retreat!! It will reward you for your hard work getting this far, connect you with others who will inspire you, change your perspective and enable you to fall in love with the alcohol free lifestyle you are building. The sharing circles and coaching will ensure that you to leave the retreat feeling inspired, energised and ready to pursue new dreams and projects! I personally think there are 3 groups of women who will benefit particularly from this retreat:- Mid-lifers – mid life is tricky – we are often coping with the menopause, career challenges and an empty nest – it's a time of uncertainty and we need to  reflect on what we want from the second half of our life Older ladies like myself – I'll be 74 when we go to Bali but I know it's important to stay open to new experiences I like to keep in mind something that Tribe Team member Lucy always says:- "We don't stop doing things because we get old, we get old because we stop doing things!" So if you are a bit older like me do think about joining us – if you have any health worries you'll be glad to know that there are excellent medical facilities on the island should a doctor be needed! Third group of people this Retreat is perfect for is those women who know in their hearts they are drinking too much but just can't seem to get started…or if they have started they can't seem to make it stick It's exhausting hopping on and off that wagon and for many of us it goes on for years (in fact did you know that 11 years is the average time that people spend procrastinating about their drinking problem before they take action!) That's why we're offering a special deal to help people to kickstart this life changing journey… We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who pay their deposit on our Bali Retreat. Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).    

Tribe Sober is celebrating their 10 year Anniversary with a 7-day Retreat...in Bali The retreat will be a: Transformational Experience: We'll be focussing on creating meaningful, life-changing experiences that expand comfort zones and foster personal growth. Opportunity to connect with your purpose and embrace your aliveness, Its Open to All ladies: with a (minimum of one month of sobriety) and also those without alcohol issues who simply wish to refresh and recharge… Lynette's Story and Inspiration: Lynette shared her transition from an unfulfilled, alcohol-dependent lifestyle to a purposeful, vibrant life as a coach and island resident. Bali has been on her bucket list for years  We discuss the Retreat Benefits: Sobriety Milestones: Ideal for those looking to consolidate their alcohol free lifestyle and reward their sobriety journey while exploring what's next. Personal Growth: Discover inner sparks, overcome "blah" feelings, and step into the next stage of personal transformation. Coaching: Each attendee receives a one-hour coaching session for reflection, goal setting, and actionable insights. Lynette took us through the Retreat Activities: Daily Yoga and Relaxation: Gentle, optional yoga and alternative activities like walking, journaling, or resting. Sharing Circles: Women-only environment fostering deep connections and shared experiences. Self and Spiritual Exploration: Time for individual reflection, spiritual reconnection, and uncovering personal purpose. Practicalities: Structured Yet Flexible: Space for introverts and extroverts alike, balancing group activities with personal time. It can be intimidating booking a holiday alone and then meeting a new bunch of people so we're helping to mitigate that by getting to know each other before the retreat: There is already a WhatsApp group where the people who have already booked are chatting on a daily bases – there will be Zoom calls to establish what stage of sobriety people are at so we can design the retreat according to people's needs Lynette emphasised the value of overcoming any apprehension we might be feeling about booking the Bali Retreat: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: She emphasized the importance of stepping our of our comfort zones, leaning into discomfort – which will result in personal growth As Lynette always says “we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable” which applies to so many parts of this journey I predict that we might feel apprehensive and uncomfortable for a few hours on Day 1 and then we are going to relax and enjoy the beauty of Bali and company of like minded women Lynette ended our conversation with a Call to Action: She urged the ladies listening to embrace their "one, beautiful, magical, precious life" by prioritizing meaningful, transformative experiences We all lead such busy lives and sometimes we just need to take some time out…. Some time to refresh, recharge and nurture Some time to reflect on our lives and dream a little – what do we want out of our lives – our one wild and precious life? Some time to get off the treadmill and get inspired 2 groups of women will benefit particularly from this retreat:- Mid-lifers – mid life is tricky – we are often coping with the menopause, career challenges and an empty nest – it's a time of uncertainty and we need to  reflect on what we want from the second half of our life Older ladies like myself – I'll be 74 when we go to Bali but I know it's important to stay open to new experiences and of course for me personally its such a landmark – it will be 10 years since I founded Tribe Sober and saw so many wonderful women ditch the booze and change their lives! I like to keep in mind something that Tribe Team member Lucy always says:- "We don't stop doing things because we get old, we get old because we stop doing things!" So if you are a bit older like me do think about joining us – if you have any health worries you'll be glad to know that there are excellent medical facilities on the island should a doctor be needed! And if you a busy working mom and are wondering how on earth you can escape your responsibilities for a week please think about setting up a support network – we all love to be independent and not ask for help but if you ask your partner or family to help you out for a week then you may be pleasantly surprised at their reaction Take some time for yourself and you will be an even better mom and career woman! And if you're worried you can't afford it then remember its still 10 months away – divert what you spend on alcohol into your Bali bank account… You can read more about our Bali Retreat via this link  In this episode we've tried to give you an idea of the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone and joining us in Bali Please don't hesitate to contact me janet@tribesober.com if you have any questions or need more info More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).    

On this weeks solo episode I talk about our Breaking Free program which we run three times a year.  Registration for the current program is open   - more info on tribesober.com We limit each Breaking Free group to 20 so you'll always get personal attention In this episode:- I talk about the warning signs of alcohol dependence as well as the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle The Breaking Free program has four components… Four pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a transformation… The first piece of the puzzle is Community Support so we connect you with the other people on the Breaking Free program  We put you in a chatgroup with where you'll also find some TS team members to answer any questions you may have You'll also be invited to several Zoom meetings every week The second piece is our 4 hour Masterclass – a group session which we hold via Zoom.  Another opportunity to get to know the other people on the program as everyone will share their story at the beginning of the session.  By the end of the Masterclass you'll understand:- The importance of a mindset change and the damage alcohol does to our health We'll be sharing our tried and tested sobriety toolkit and you'll end the session feeling motivated and excited about the changes ahead. While the Masterclass will give you an overview of the Tribe Sober approach to thriving in sobriety the online course will enable you to dive deeper at your own pace.  You'll get all the theory and training you need to overturn your limiting beliefs around alcohol which is the key…. Just as we've been programmed into thinking that alcohol is an essential part of our daily lives our online program will de-program you and enable you to understand that you will be happier and healthier without it! The third piece is our online course which includes videos, podcasts, articles and book recommendations so you'll be able to throw the book at your sobriety – you'll be able to treat it as a 3-month project that will change the trajectory of your future. The fourth part of the puzzle is the personal support.  You'll have a 1.2.1 Zoom call to hear your story and give you some personal guidance A session with our Coach Lynette who will discuss how you are applying the theory of the Breaking Free program to your daily life So that's the four pieces of our Breaking Free puzzle, four pieces that will come together to create an alcohol free lifestyle that you love.. Apart from creating a program that will get results we've created a program that is flexible and will fit in with your busy lives….  Both of the 1.2.1's can be scheduled to suit your convenience, the online course can be worked through at your own pace so the only timeslot you need to fit in is the four hour Masterclass. While we're on the subject of time that's one of the unexpected benefits of sobriety….. when we no longer spend time drinking and recovering from the drinking we find ourselves with extra time on our hands…. As well as the energy to do something constructive with that time! Registration for the current Breaking Free program is open - more info on tribesober.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

This is the tenth year we've done our Annual Fundraiser and thanks to our generous donors we've raised nearly half a million rand over the years – that money had provided the gift of yoga to more than a thousand underprivileged children. If you're wondering how a disadvantaged child could benefit from yoga then you're in the right place to learn more from my guest Janna Kretzmar who is the founder of the Earthchild project  - and it's the Earthchild project who have been the recipient of the funds we've raised over the last 10 years Janna is an amazing woman - receiving the "Woman of the Future" award from Santam In this episode:- 2024 will be the tenth year that Tribe Sober has collaborated with the Earthchild Project for the Dry January Challenge Founder Janna Kretzmar tells us how she came up with the idea to start the project in 2007 - and why she thinks it's been such a successful project She got the idea after working on an eco project in Brazil and reading a book by a yogi about a project in schools in India - these were her influences She realised that it was important to partner with the schools/teachers for the long term - not just come in for short term projects and then leave Earthchild Clothing paid the salary of their first facilitator so that's how they got their name We talked about the power of positive role models in communities and how she is developing young leaders Earthchild provides yoga classes, gardening lessons, eco clubs, hiking clubs - connecting the children with their bodies and the environment The children come from communities with high levels of gang violence and unemployment - yoga provides a tool to help them cope with stress Some of the children who started yoga classes when they were 6 years old are now young leaders working in the Earthchild Project Janna reminded us of how the fundraiser worked and that just R250/£12/$16 will sponsor a child for a whole year of yoga classes So whether you are in need of some support or just want to help an underprivileged child then please go to tribesober.com and you'll see our fundraiser Please help us to make our 10th Annual Fundraiser the best one yet! Join our FREE January Bootcamp which starts on Monday 6th January - more info here! More Info Subscription membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

After running Tribe Sober for nearly 10 years and helping thousands of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two. My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories. However this week I'm doing a solo episode - 10 reasons to do an alcohol free January - and 14 tips to get you through. In This Episode REASONS TO DO AN ALCOHOL FREE JANUARY You've got a great "reason" to not be drinking when people ask! A dry month is a great way to test your dependency - if you can't get through a month without booze then you need to make some changes Alcohol is so toxic that just taking a month off will have significant health benefits Alcohol is linked to liver disease and 7 different types of cancer - 1 glass of wine will raise your risk of breast cancer by 15% Alcohol will weaken our immune systems - and put us more at risk of becoming infected with Covid 20% of regular drinkers will become dependent over the years - drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week may damage your health A month off alcohol will reduce your anxiety, freshen up your looks, help you lose weight and enable you to get some good quality sleep Making a donation to our January fundraiser will give you a dopamine hit (giving makes you feel good) and enable you to receive online and community support for 31 days - you can sign up here TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH Shake up your daily routine and exercise every day Be ready to cope with your emotions - if you've been numbing your feelings with alcohol they will come to the surface Use a journal to track your progress, note your triggers and process your emotions Listen to music, make a soundtrack for your January Challenge - a real mood changer Have your go-to drinks -drinknil.co.za are offering 10% discount on all their alcohol free drinks for people doing our Challenge Find your tribe - its hard to do this alone - check out our membership program here Please donate to our Earthchild Fundraiser - and get 30 days of community and online support - sign up link is here MORE INFO To access our website click here Please subscribe and share this podcast so we can reach more people who need our help. Thank you  

My guest this week is Sam Lander who hit rock bottom when she was sent to prison. In this episode:- Sam's first drink was in 7th grade and her first drug use (weed) in 8th grade. From there she progressed to heavy substance use, including GHB, cocaine, and meth. She was blackout drinking and using drugs to alter her state of mind. Despite her addiction, she was high functioning – she was a varsity athlete, spinning instructor, and held down various jobs. Her turning point was certainly a dramatic one – a SWAT Raid of her home which led to a 27 month prison sentence Even in prison she didn't get clean Eventually Sam accepted that her life was unmanageable and went to rehab She describes her rehab experience as liberating - experiencing joy and laughter again!. She was sober for 13 years but then had a relapse due to struggles with motherhood, marriage and isolation Sam was drinking a bottle of gin a day throughout Covid As her addiction got worse she lost some people close to her and she finally realised what was blocking her recovery She wasn't doing the work and realised that she was lacking the humility she needed Sams relapse after 13 years is such a warning sign to those of us that have clocked up years of sobriety – if we still see alcohol as a way to relieve our struggles then we are at risk The key is to develop alternative coping mechanism so that we don't go to our default and seek a way to numb out from our problems These days Sam has clocked up more than a year of sobriety, focusing on daily gratitude and service work She is now a Health Coach and helps women to address their health:-  Gut health Hormone imbalances and Stress management She combines nutrition, functional lab testing, and personalized programs. She also encourages clean eating, proper supplementation, and weightlifting for sustainable health. She had some advice:- For those struggling: Be vulnerable and admit you need help – there is no shame in seeking support. First-year sobriety struggles: Address gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and underlying issues. For those having sugar cravings: Use natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, and balanced meals. Her take on exercise is that its key: Start slow, prioritize weightlifting, and integrate daily movement like walking. Sam Offers free health clarity calls to assess needs and recommend lab tests. Contact her via Instagram  @seefitliving More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

You can read more about our Bali Retreat via this link

This weeks guest who is Alex Clapp – Alcohol took Alex to a very dark place but now he's 2 years sober and running alcohol free events! In this episode:- Alex started drinking heavily as a teenager within a culture that normalized binge drinking. Like many of us he developed a career in a "work hard, play hard" culture, where drinking was integral to fitting in Alex was drinking heavily anyway but when he was faced with a serious health challenge it ramped up further He experienced significant eye health issues leading to partial blindness Battling with a combination of problematic drinking and depression Alex was beginning to feel suicidal Thankfully his 16 year old son turned this mindset around when he expressed a heartfelt need for his father Alex went to rehab 3 times – an interesting process… First time he treated it as a “break” to prove to himself that he wasn't an alcohol – a bit like many of us do with Dry January Second time he did some deeper work but then made the mistake of thinking that he had “fixed” his inner problem and would be able to drink normally! Third time it stuck when he finally accepted that he had crossed the line into dependence and would never be able to moderate! Alex spoke of the importance of vulnerability, which is not so easy for men who have often been raised to hide their emotions and fix everything! We agreed on the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable which enables us to create alternative coping mechanisms. We also spoke of the importance of having a project in sobriety and Alex has created Claritee, an organization promoting alcohol-free events for corporate and public settings. Alex believes that his events are challenging social norms and will provide people with alternative choices for fun and connection You can see some beautiful photo of sober people having fun on Alex website which is https://www.clariteegroup.co.uk/ - I'll put a link in the shownotes Alex advocates giving back to the community through volunteering and helping charities We agreed that donating to a charity actually lights up the same pathways in our brain that alcohol did! So on that basis here is a plug for our Annual Fundraiser which helps underprivileged children here in South Africa Just donate whatever you an afford and in addition to getting a buzz you'll get online and community support for 30 days of your choosing – any 30 day window that suits you between now and the end of Feb More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

  Click on this link for info about Tribe Sober's Bali Retreat!  

My guest this week is author Ike Miller In this episode:- Ike's father was an alcoholic, leading to family chaos and eventual divorce. He experienced emotional and physical abuse, realizing the effects on his mental health only later in life. Ike initially avoided alcohol due to his family background but started drinking at 22 Like many of us alcohol felt like a magic potion and he loved the effect it had on him However as time passed he found himself relying on it more During the pandemic, stress, anxiety, and depression exacerbated his drinking, leading to a strained relationship with his wife, Ike's counselor identified his behavior as addictive, which prompted him to seek help. So he started addiction counseling, attended Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings, and began addressing unresolved trauma. His healing process involved understanding and processing childhood trauma, addressing codependency, and redefining his coping mechanisms. He reframed his experiences and began to identify strengths he had built as a result of his challenging childhood. Ike eventually achieved sobriety through therapy, support groups, and open communication with his wife. He has written a book called Good Baggage The book explores how challenges from childhood can become strengths when leveraged correctly. It emphasizes reframing childhood trauma as a source of resilience and emotional intelligence. 3 Tips for People wanting to quit:- Start by acknowledging the problem and seeking help through counseling or support groups. Understand that addiction is a response to pain and prioritize healing over shame. Recognise that although recovery is hard at the beginning it leads to significant improvements in relationships and self-worth. You can contact Ike and buy his book by going to his website which is ikemiller.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest this week is Coach Laurie Wright   In this episode:- Laurie is a master neuro coach with a passion for helping others She discovered this passion later in life and now she now helps others to find what lights them up in later life   She emphasizes personal growth and helping people overcome barriers. Laurie advocates exploring new interests and redefining life goals post-midlife. She believes in self-discovery and finding purpose through activities that bring value. We agreed that exploring past interests even what we enjoyed as a child can spark a passion in later life We agreed on the power of Visualization and the fact that it can build new neural pathways Laurie shared a personal growth tool called the Sparketype test which is great for discovering what kind of activities will energise you.   She shared a personal experiences of helping a friend through addiction, witnessing her transformation, and rebuilding their lifelong friendship which had been broken Lauries podcast is called: Living Your Sparked Second Half explores stories of late-life reinvention. More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

This weeks guest is… Tribe member Darren Darren came to our Masterclass a couple of years ago…and hasn't had a drink since! You can check out our Masterclass here In this episode:- Darren started drinking at the age of 13 His drinking escalated during university years, influenced by the heavy drinking culture which is prevalent in Northern Ireland Darrens drinking began to impact his life:-   Struggled to maintain some of his responsibilities like paying rent.  He experienced severe blackouts and embarrassing incidents at social events.   He damaged relationships as a result of his drinking Darren's Turning Point was a wedding which led to a realization about the damage he was doing to his relationships His Partner's comment about him having an issue with alcohol made him realise he had to make a choice So he decided to quit Even though he'd been a heavy drinker for a couple of decades he was able to quit by attending a 3-hour Tribe Sober Masterclass He also listened to podcasts, read the quitlit and connected with our community via the whatsapp groups and Zoom meetings Darren got curious about underlying reasons for his drinking and began addressing his self-esteem issues. He realised that alcohol was adding nothing but trouble to his life…and that without it he was experiencing many benefits  He gained clarity, self-compassion, and a renewed sense of identity.  His relationships improved, especially with his partner, who expressed pride and renewed love.   Darren felt empowered and inspired to help others on their sobriety journey so he trained as a Coach He gave us a nice analogy about recovery being similar to an athlete healing from an injury: a temporary phase followed by ongoing management. His website is called "www.pauserecovery.com" and his email address is darren@pauserecovery.com Darrens Advice for Others wanting to quit drinking:    start small,  listen to podcasts and explore the QuitLit. get curious and reframe sobriety as freedom, not deprivation join Tribe Sober! More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).

This week I'm interviewing Tribe Sober member Hélène Hélène's training as a management consultant included after work drinking sessions every day of the week It was almost a test to see if she could cope with the drinking and then show up looking fresh and professional the next day Despite taking breaks from alcohol during her pregnancies, Helenes drinking ramped up again and although she loved being a mom she felt lonely and missed the intellectual stimulation she got through her career Hélène faced various health issues, including thyroid cancer in 2022, - this was certainly a wake up call as she has cancer in her family but she still didn't quit She shared the heartbreaking story of her drunken fall when she broke her arm and had to interrupt her chemo treatment A turning point came after reading Claire Pooley's *Sober Diaries*, not only did she realize that yes she died have a drinking problem but Clare enabled her to see that it was possible to alcohol free living was not only possible but desirable Hélène is one of these people who made up her mind to quit and didn't waver from the path… Her secret was to prepare thoroughly and set a firm start date: September 1, 2023. Hélène treated sobriety like a job and adopted a structured approach Her Action Plan:-  -  Informed her family and friends. -   Listened to podcasts, reading literature, and walking her dog during her usual drinking hours. -   Prepared meals in advance to avoid being in the kitchen during her "witching hour." -   Joined Tribe Sober, found support through the community, regular Zoom meetings and Chatgroups    The first three months were challenging but she got through them via a strong support system and a structured routine. Hélène went through a tough period from 6-9 months when she moved countries but she managed to stay sober. Around the 10-month mark, she transitioned from just surviving to thriving in her alcohol free life She managed this via meditation, better nutrition, and self-compassion. Coaching played a pivotal role in her journey, initially helping her stay on track and later supporting her in self-discovery. Inspired by her own journey, Hélène is now training to become a coach in positive psychology, focusing on alcohol change. Her advice to others:-   - Be fully ready and set a clear quit date.   - Prepare by removing alcohol from the house and limiting social events during the first month.   - Engage in daily support via a community and use tools like podcasts and trackers.   - Start with a clear mind, not after a hangover, and be patient with the process. Hélène celebrated her one-year sobriety milestone by hosting a fabulous retreat at her home in France Hosting 10 women she had only met online via Tribe Sober was way out of her comfort zone but as she said sobriety enabled her to do this As we say at TS Sobriety is a Superpower! Inspired by the success of our French retreat Hélène and I will be hosting a retreat in Bali next year – with the fabulous Tribe Sober coach Lynette… If you're interested in a 7 day sober retreat in Bali then just drop me a line   janet@tribesober.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).    

It's always a joy to hear from our podcast listeners and a few months ago I had an email from Childrens Advocate Tshepo Mantjie  -  he got sober by listening to a Tribe Sober podcast episode - every day for 100 days! Not only did it work for Tshepo but it inspired us to develop our own 100 Day Playlist which guides you along a logical pathways - sign up for it here.   In this episode:- shepo's first encounters with alcohol began at age 16 but were limited due to strict parents. However, university life introduced him to a drinking culture where alcohol was integral to socializing and stress relief. While at university, his drinking escalated, especially during his LLB studies, where binge drinking became normalized and part of coping with academic pressures. Tshepo tried using “the rules" to control his drinking, like avoiding certain types of alcohol and limiting who he drank with, but these rules were always broken after the first few drinks. Realizing the detrimental impact of alcohol on his well-being, Tshepo attempted several "Ocsobers" but by August 2022, after another failed attempt at long-term sobriety, he realized he needed more support In early 2023, Tshepo found the Tribe Sober podcast, which provided him with community stories, practical advice, and relatable experiences that supported his commitment to sobriety. His strategy was to listen to a Tribe Sober podcast daily for 100 days, journaling, yoga, mindfulness, nature, and sharing his goals with friends to create accountability. Tshepo emphasized the importance of supportive relationships, both with drinking and non-drinking friends, and building deeper connections beyond alcohol. His Benefits of Sobriety included enhanced mental clarity, physical health, a calmer inner voice, and stronger relationships. Sobriety allowed him to feel more authentically connected to himself and his community. So if you've been inspired by Tsepo's 100 day strategy just click on this link to learn more. More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).      

Today I'm chatting to Hannah from the Sober Butterfly Collective… In this episode:- Hannah began drinking as a teenager and it ramped us during her career in hospitality, She began to depend on alcohol as her coping mechanism. Her turning point came during a hen party in Barcelona, where she had a panic attack which prompted her to reconsider her relationship with alcohol so Hannah attempted "Sober October" in 2019, using it as a time to reflect on her life goals – she realised that alcohol was preventing her from achieving these goals We often talk about this at Tribe Sober – the fact that even if we are relatively functional as drinkers alcohol will prevent us from reaching out true potential Hannah remained alcohol free after October, navigating social situations and realizing that the confidence she was gaining was internal rather than alcohol-induced. Benefits of Sobriety for Hannah have been gaining time, money and creating more meaningful friendships. A Tip from Hannah is to create a "self-care menu" to track activities that refresh and bring joy She also suggests connecting with sober communities, exploring resources like podcasts and books, and getting curious about a life without alcohol. Hannah started the Sober Butterfly Collective to help others find alcohol-free connections and friendships, offering monthly coffee meetups and diverse social activities across the UK. You can find Hannah on the Sober Butterfly Collective on Instagram  More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Today I'm chatting to Esther from Red Shoes Recovery who went about ditching the booze in quite an unusual way… In this episode:- Esther's drinking began as fun in her teens but evolved into an escape mechanism in her twenties due to loneliness and life stresses. She hit a rock bottom in her 40s, which was more about her mental health than drinking itself. A pivotal moment involved reflecting on a song about feeling lost. Esther didn't decide outright to stop drinking but focused on staying sober and enjoying the benefits. Her breakthrough moment came after attending her brother's wedding sober, which she enjoyed and solidified her decision not to drink anymore. Yoga played a major role in her recovery, helping her to process emotions and eventually reduce her drinking without initially intending to quit entirely. Esther believes sobriety should be viewed as a benefit rather than a punishment and disagrees with the idea of being powerless over alcohol. That's exactly how we feel here at Tribe Sober and that's why we tell people to “get excited” when they join us – getting excited about the opportunities ahead is a whole different mindset to seeing sobriety as a punishment! Esther emphasizes that self-awareness and personal growth were key to her success in quitting alcohol. She trained as a yoga teacher during her recovery, which became a cornerstone of her healing process. Her sobriety tools include self-care, breathing techniques, and writing as tools to stay grounded and sober. She now works as a recovery and embodiment coach, helping others through her "PEACE" model, focusing on purpose, energy, awareness, connection, and emotions. More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

During this episode I'm in conversation with Lloyd – a South African living in the UK In this episode:- Lloyd's exposure to alcohol began when he was very young, - both of his parents were alcoholics and in fact he took his first drink as a young child As he got older he continued to drink heavily, - managing to convince himself that he was in control During stressful periods Lloyd's drinking predictably got worse – it had become his main coping mechanism Eventually Lloyd was consuming a litre of gin on a daily basis, - he was also drinking beer and wine throughout the day to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. His drinking habits became increasingly secretive, hiding bottles around the house and finding it difficult to maintain family life and perform well at work Lloyd's drinking escalated to a point where he needed alcohol just to feel normal,- he was frequently ill and vomiting early in the mornings. He finally hit rock bottom, following a weekend of heavy binge drinking. He experienced severe physical symptoms and knew he could not go on like this… Lloyd eventually opened up to his wife - after reaching a point where he couldn't keep any food or drink down and his body was shaking uncontrollably. Lloyd joined Tribe Sober and quit cold turkey – in fact this is not something we recommend for anyone who has been drinking so much on a daily basis – we always recommend they go and talk to their doctor who may recommend a medical detox under supervision Quitting suddenly when you've been a very heavy drinker can prove to be fatal and in Lloyd had such severe withdrawal symptoms that he ended up in hospital. Fortunately they helped him to stabilise and when he left hospital he began to connect regularly with his Tribe, listening to podcasts and reading the quitlit Lloyd did brilliantly and even went on a very boozy pre-wedding weekend with a bunch of guys…and managed to stay sober – well done Lloyd – we salute you! He describes the benefits of sobriety as truly life-changing – he has much better mental and physical health, as well as more meaningful relationships, particularly with his family. He highlights how sobriety has allowed him to fully engage with life, including reconnecting with his passions, such as gardening, and of course becoming a better father and husband. More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe here Bootcamp on Demand          To kickstart your alcohol free life check out our Bootcamp on Demand here   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest this week is Sara Kaufman-Bradstreet from No More Wasted Days In this Episode:- Sara's drinking escalated slowly over the years, starting in her twenties and continuing into her forties, with rules and moderation attempts that failed over time. She struggled with Mommy Juice Culture: Sara discusses how alcohol was normalized in social settings with other moms, making it hard to quit drinking without feeling isolated. Sara worried about how quitting drinking would impact her relationship with her husband since drinking was such a shared activity. It was a heavy drinking cruise experience which served as a wake-up call, making her realize the unsustainable nature of her drinking lifestyle Even moderate drinking resulted in constant low-level hangovers, impairing her productivity and energy levels. It was only when she quit that she realized how much alcohol was affecting her daily life. These realisations led Sara to commit to a 30-day alcohol break that ultimately turned into permanent sobriety. She found that quitting drinking freed up mental space and energy, improving her focus on family, work, and personal growth. She no longer had to set or break drinking rules, which gave her a sense of liberation. Quitting alcohol also led to increased confidence - her self-esteem improved, and she became more secure in living life on her own terms, not worrying about others' opinions After quitting drinking, Sara found herself enjoying food more freely, no longer restricting calories or saving them for alcohol, which led to physical improvements like losing belly bloat. After quitting, Sara noticed a significant increase in productivity. She tackled long-neglected household tasks and even started building a house, something she never would have taken on while drinking. Early sobriety felt awkward at social events, but over time, she learned to embrace being more present and listening more in conversations. Sara adopted daily gratitude journaling and affirmations as tools to shift her mindset from deprivation to empowerment, helping her maintain a positive outlook in sobriety. I asked Sara for some tips for people in early sobriety… Sara advises people to start by making a deal with themselves to go for a set number of days without alcohol, such as 30 days. If 30 feels too long, she recommends starting with shorter goals and gradually increasing the duration. We agreed that we have to replace the Alcohol Buzz Naturally: Activities like exercise, making lists, listening to music, and doing personal tasks became replacements for the buzz she used to seek from alcohol. Like many of us in this space Sara became passionate about sobriety and she launched her “No More Wasted Days” website where she guides people through a 30 day challenge and also offers coaching More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Tribe Sober) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest today is Tribe Member David Jacobs – David did our Dry January Challenge, came to one of our Bootcamps and has been alcohol free ever since In this episode:- David began drinking at university and went on to experience cycles of moderation alternating with binge drinking. He turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism during stressful periods Although he recognized the negative impact that alcohol was having on his physical health and mental health he didn't know how to make a change Davids wake up call came when he was David's welcome call came when he was diagnosed with diabetes – that's when he knew he had to make a change…  So he participated in our dry January challenge in 2023, which led him to a his eventual decision to quit drinking. As he heads towards his second Soberversary I asked David for some of the benefits he has experienced:- He's gained mental clarity and has been able to reassess his life choices. Along with the clarity of thought he found the courage to make significant career changes, leading to starting a new business. He reduced his fast food intake which led to weight loss and a significant improvement in his glucose scores within 3 months We discussed the importance of educating young people about the harm that alcohol can cause I loved Davids take on sobriety as a form of decolonization and activism – an angle he used to get young people to see alcohol in a different way David's tip to anyone planning to quit drinking is to remember that the easiest drink to refuse is the first one! So if you'd like to connect with David and our other awesome members then to go tribesober.com/join our tribe Did you know that 40% of Tribe Sober members are now alcohol free? – people like David They stick around because they love the community and they enjoy helping new members to discover the magic of alcohol free living More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

On this weeks solo episode I talk about our Breaking Free program which we run four times a year.  Registration for the current program is open   - more info on tribesober.com We limit each Breaking Free group to 20 so you'll always get personal attention In this episode:- I talk about the warning signs of alcohol dependence as well as the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle The Breaking Free program has four components… Four pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a transformation… The first piece of the puzzle is Community Support so we connect you with the other people on the Breaking Free program  We put you in a chatgroup with where you'll also find some TS team members to answer any questions you may have The second piece is our 4 hour Masterclass – a group session which we hold via Zoom.  Another opportunity to get to know the other people on the program as everyone will share their story at the beginning of the session.  By the end of the Masterclass you'll understand:- The importance of a mindset change and the damage alcohol does to our health We'll be sharing our tried and tested sobriety toolkit and you'll end the session feeling motivated and excited about the changes ahead. While the Masterclass will give you an overview of the Tribe Sober approach to thriving in sobriety the online course will enable you to dive deeper at your own pace.  You'll get all the theory and training you need to overturn your limiting beliefs around alcohol which is the key…. Just as we've been programmed into thinking that alcohol is an essential part of our daily lives our online program will de-program you and enable you to understand that you will be happier and healthier without it! The third piece is our online course which includes videos, podcasts, articles and book recommendations so you'll be able to throw the book at your sobriety – you'll be able to treat it as a 3-month project that will change the trajectory of your future. The fourth part of the puzzle is the personal support.  You'll have a 1.2.1 Zoom call to hear your story and give you some personal guidance A session with our Coach Lynette who will discuss how you are applying the theory of the Breaking Free program to your daily life So that's the four pieces of our Breaking Free puzzle, four pieces that will come together to create an alcohol free lifestyle that you love.. Apart from creating a program that will get results we've created a program that is flexible and will fit in with your busy lives….  Both of the 1.2.1's can be scheduled to suit your convenience, the online course can be worked through at your own pace so the only timeslot you need to fit in is the four hour Masterclass. While we're on the subject of time that's one of the unexpected benefits of sobriety….. when we no longer spend time drinking and recovering from the drinking we find ourselves with extra time on our hands…. As well as the energy to do something constructive with that time! Registration for the current Breaking Free program is open - more info on tribesober.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest today is Professor Karla Kaun – who works at the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University. Karla has been running a lab which studies neural and molecular mechanisms of addiction since 2013. In this episode:- Karla's research is around how alcohol and drugs influence our natural reward mechanisms. She explained how they will overwhelm natural reward pathways, causing intolerable cravings and reduced impulse control. Addiction is a disorder where brain circuits work differently, prioritizing reward-seeking despite negative consequences. As many of us who became dependent on alcohol discovered addiction forms slowly and only with repeated use Of course different individuals have varied timelines and susceptibility to addiction. Many of our Tribe used alcohol socially in their twenties and thirties and then used it to manage stress as they got older Mindset in Recovery: We agreed that overcoming addiction requires a mindset change and viewing life differently. We are big on mindset here at Tribe Sober – we help our members to realise that they don't have a drinking problem so much as an opportunity to change their lives for the better If you're ready to embrace this opportunity then just to ts.com and join our tribe Another mindset shift our members get is the realisation that they have gained so much in sobriety…and lost very little by quitting alcohol Just hangovers, anxiety and exhaustion! So Karla explained that a growth mindset and seeing setbacks as learning opportunities are crucial. That's why we give people a 66 day tracker for our Challenge…we don't ask them to be perfect, we ask them to be curious… how many alcohol free days can they manage out of 66? This will bring about positive change through step-by-step goals Karla explained how addiction is a disorder of memory, with sensory memories such as holding a glass can trigger cravings. We talked about blackouts which will affect memory circuits and neuron communication. When I learned that my blackouts were preventing the formation of new memories I realised I had to quit Long-term alcohol use causes lasting changes in the brain, Drinking rewires our brain but we due to the plasticity of our brains we can recover Rather than aiming to go back to exactly how we were before we can rewire our brains a bit differently in recovery I loved Karla's orchestra analogy – imagining our brain orchestra to be out of tune when we are in active addiction but then when we quit the orchestra can begin to function again Perhaps it won't play exactly the same music as before we started drinking but it can create a new (and maybe even more beautiful) symphony in sobriety and of course Lifestyle changes, diet, sleep, and exercise can aid in brain plasticity and recovery. More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).

My guest today is author and Sober Coach Dupe Witherick who specialises in mindset, manifestation and human design. In this episode:- Dupe began drinking more when she got to university. Her drinking continued to ramp up when she began working as a management consultant She worked in the City of London where the work-hard, play-hard culture prevailed After having her daughter, Dupe joined the mommy juice culture. We discussed the normalization of drinking to cope with parenting Dupe was smart enough to notice at the age of 40 that alcohol was not really serving her… She realized drinking had become a habit rather than enjoyment. She stopped drinking in November 2020 initially for a 21-day challenge but was so blown away by the benefits of alcohol free living she carried on.. Her Top 3 Benefits were:-  Improved physical health, such as running and yoga.  Enhanced clarity, bravery, and sense of purpose.  Greater appreciation for nature & everyday pleasures. Dupe's increased clarity led her to question her corporate career and she decided to train as a coach. She has now transitioned from her corporate role to a coach. Specializing in alcohol-free well-being and transformational coaching. During the conversation we heard how Dupe's life changed when she ditched the booze… She got fitter, started to enjoy everyday pleasures again and achieved the mental clarity to see that it was time for a complete career change She also had the courage to leave her corporate job and work independently as a coachj It all started with a 21 day Challenge You heard her encouraging people to take a break from alcohol to assess what impact it's really having on your life.. Dupe has written a book called "A Cocktail of Clarity," to encourage to explore alcohol-free living. She has her own podcast which is called Thrive Alcohol Free and her website is thrivealcoholfree.com More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).

My guest today is the fabulous Nicole Klassen who did our very first 66 day challenge back in 2018 and as a result wrote here stunning blog called 66 Days of Feelings In this episode:- Nicole knew that she was on a slippery slope when she realized that she actually preferred to drink alone rather than being with other people.  So although her drinking started as a social thing, as she got older she just wanted to focus on her wine rather than the other people. She told us how emotional she felt in her early days of sobriety. She spent lots of time crying. Even cooking shows on TV would make her cry!  When we've been numbing ourselves for years with booze, I think we have to be prepared for this, and get journaling. That's what Nicole did to process her emotions, and it led to her 66  Days of Feelings blog. That blog was actually the longest thing that she'd written for ages, and she felt that she was finding her voice again. She became a really good observer of her own behaviour.  Although Nicole found the physical detox part at the beginning of her sobriety quite tough, gradually the benefits clicked in, and she just loved the way that she lost her puffiness and then went on to lose 10 kgs. The challenge marked such a big turnaround for Nicole, a really big shift, as she realized that all of her feelings, whether they were good or bad were necessary.  She also realized that behavior is triggered by a feeling. Which in turn is triggered by a story from your past.  Since she stopped drinking, Nicole has become much more consistent. She's more productive in her work, and she's busy developing a much better relationship with her body.  We talked about the feminization of alcohol, and the way brands target women.  Nicole has a marketing background, and she's seen how this works from the inside. The trick for us all is to see through these campaigns, see through the BS, and then we are free from their influence. Nicole has been thriving in her sobriety for the last 5 years..ever since doing the 66 day Challenge We agreed that anyone who is even slightly concerned about their drinking should take a break from alcohol to check their dependence  If you are drinking more than the low risk limits of one and a half bottles of wine a week then it's really important to take a break now and again – to let your body recover To sign up for the Challenge just go to tribesober.com and you'll #Sober66 on the homepage More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).

In todays episode I'm chatting to Kai from Switzerland signed up for our very first 66 day Challenge back in 2018 and it changed his life. He's 6 years sober now! in this episode:-  Kai read about us in his in flight magazine when he was on holiday in South Africa several years ago.  He took a photo on his phone, and he left it there for a couple of years.  He didn't contact us, but the seed was sown, and when he heard about our 66 day Challenge, he decided to give it a go. The fact that it was autumn rather than spring in Europe.  He realized that was the 66 day challenge and he was ready for it. He went online to check the science behind those 66 days and he became pretty convinced that it could make a difference.  Now what's really interesting about Kai's story is that he was only planning to do the challenge. Do you remember how he said that he loved challenges? He had absolutely no intention of giving up drinking for good. But as he went through his 66 days, he noticed some little shifts happening.  he was quite vocal on our WhatsApp group. We loved, the chats that he gave us. He told us lots of, anecdotes about his evenings with his father in law, who was horrified that he wasn't drinking the fine wine. He told us stories about his days with business colleagues, and how they were pretty amazed as well.  Apart from sharing his stories on there, he noticed that some people were really struggling. And he decided that, he didn't really ever want to be like that. And he heard other people on the WhatsApp group saying that they felt great, and they were going to give up drinking forever. Now, that shocked him and inspired him at the same time. And the third thing that I noted was that Kai's children played a big role in his journey. Do you remember his son told him that, in fact, he hated the way that his dad smelt of alcohol sometimes when he came to kiss him goodnight? And his daughter saying that sometimes he just laughed. You can always rely on children to tell you how it is, can't you? But those kids, they were things that they were actually much too kind to say to him, when he was drinking. But they resonated as things that our children tell us always do.  Now when Kai reached his 66 days, he started setting milestones. First it was 100 days. And then his daughter challenged him to a whole year.  Milestones are really important. We always try and avoid the "f" word, the forever word, because we just feel it's too daunting. When we finish the workshops, we say to people just, try and get through 66 days because then your habits will change. We don't say to them, try never to drink again, because it's just too much. And even if that's what they want to do eventually, they have to do it in stages.  And another advantage of milestones is that every time you hit one, you get a dopamine hit, and that gives you the energy and the enthusiasm to carry on to the next milestone. Kai enjoyed his journey to sobriety, and he noticed some significant benefits.  As a business leader he's influenced many of his colleagues and he's an amazing role model for his children.  More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

This week's guest is Tribe member Christelle who did our #Sober66 Challenge 5 years ago and has been thriving in her alcohol free lifestyle ever since... in this episode:- Christelle realized that her drinking habits were problematic and knew she would have to make a change She knew that drinking a bottle of wine a night was damaging her health A particular worry was her heart rate which was in the high 80's Christelle had signed up for our Dry January Challenge but she only lasted 30 minutes – rather than the 30 days of the Challenge Although she had not stuck at Dry January she decided to have a another try… at our 66 day Sober Spring Challenge It was hearing me on the radio tasting some alcohol free wines that gave her a light bulb moment… For Christelle her evening wine was a ritual…a ritual which had become a dependence due to the addictive nature of alcohol But if she could keep the ritual and change the ingredient by drinking alcohol free wine then it should be easier… To her relief Christelle met other people with a similar problem in the Challenge Community She connected regularly on the Challenge Whatsapp group and learned a lot  As early as Day 8 of the Challenge she realized she could live without wine so long as she had the  alcohol-free wine. So if you haven't yet discovered alcohol free wine then do check it out – it could be a gamechanger for you just as it was for Christelle Her Benefits of Sobriety include:   - Better looks (reduced puffiness and clearer skin).   - Better sleep quality.   - Reduced heart rate from 84 to low 60s – and probably most importantly of all…   - Increased self-esteem and happiness. We agreed that for anyone who is even slightly concerned about their drinking should take a break from alcohol to check their dependence Doing our #Sober66 Challenge will provide online and community support  To sign up for #Sober66 just go to tribesober.com and you'll see it on the homepage More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Tribe Member Merleen talks about how Tribe Sober's 66 day Challenge kickstarted her journey to sobriety Doing a 66 day Challenge takes care of two big things that we worry about when want to quit drinking…First of all we worry about what other people will say… That's an easy one with a Challenge – say you're on a health kick so you're taking a break from drinking… The second thing that people worry about is the F word…the F word stands for Failure – what if I can't do this Frever – – how on earth I am going to stop drinking Forever… Well we don't use either of those words at Tribe Sober We don't say Failure because we either succeed or we learn…. For the 66 day Challenge you get a tracker and we say to you just see how many alcohol free days you can get out of 66… We never say Forever at Tribe Sober… We believe you need to do this in stages… 66 days – then the odds are that you feel so great you want to keep going … to 100 days Sign up – get a tracker – how many days can you manage Sign up for the Challenge by going to tribesober.com homepage – just click on the #Sober66 graphic You'll get a tracker, a daily email with tips, tools and inspiration and of course you'll get to connect with others who are doing the Challenge. That's exactly what todays guest Merleen did – and now she's 5 years sober… In this episode:- Merleen was the child of an alcoholic father She was actually a member of Alateen although her father never attended AA and in fact he died shortly after being committed to a rehab facility. Her drinking career started relatively late in life as of course she was well aware of the dangers. However by her forties she was self medicating the stress she was experiencing in her career in the police force. Merleen was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD, Despite recognizing the dangers, she often mixed medication with alcohol, worsening her condition. Her drinking increased significantly during her time working in Somalia Merlene experienced several traumatic events, including a severe bike accident, which led to periods of blackout drinking. She attempted suicide and was hospitalized, which became a turning point in her life. In 2019, Merlene decided to quit drinking, initially intending to do so for only 66 days. At the end of her Challenge she joined Tribe Sober which enabled her to embrace a permanent alcohol free lifestyle She has experienced so many benefits - including better emotional health, rekindling her love for dancing, and forming meaningful connections within the sobriety community. She started coaching in order to help others - she focuses on sobriety, menopause, and aging gracefully. Merlene offers a 21-day detox and purification program, including coaching sessions and dietary guidance. To anyone wanting to get started on this journey she emphasizes the importance of connection and support in achieving and maintaining sobriety. For more info about Merleen go to her Facebook Page - LOL Merleen More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest today is Researcher Laura Robinson from Australia – she's a University Lecturer and Researcher who wants to involve us in some fascinating research that she's doing... into women and drinking She's just approaching the end of her first year of sobriety so she's sharing her own story and asking for your help with the survey that she's conducting In this episode:- As a Researcher and senior lecturer  Laura focuses on applied psychology Her current research is around drug and alcohol use, particularly women's experiences and their relationship withalcohol. Laura shared her own drinking story with us:- She began drinking at 18, primarily in social settings and like many of us her social drinking gradually evolved into more of a coping mechanism after having children. She became increasingly concerned about her drinking habits over the years. Although she did take some breaks from alcohol she struggled to moderate Laura's decision to quit was prompted by health concerns, the desire to set an example for her children, and a growing awareness of alcohol's impact on her life. She listened to sobriety podcasts and engaged with online resources and communities, Even though she had not even completed her first alcohol free year she decided to have a sober wedding  Her goal was to maintain clear memories and nourish the emotional connection with her guests She drank alcohol free champagne and provided alcohol-free options for her guests Laura thoroughly enjoyed her wedding and has beautiful memories of the day Laura took me through the Benefits of Sobriety that she's experienced:-   - Significant reduction in feelings of shame and increased self-trust.   - Improved physical health, including reduced bloating and better skin.   - Enhanced emotional well-being and clearer memories of significant events – such as her wedding day! Laura's advice for those struggling with alcohol includes:-   - connecting with online communities and educational resources.   - She also emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of alcohol on the brain and separating personal worth from alcohol dependence.   - Suggests treating sobriety as a research project to stay engaged and motivated. In her Work on Women and Alcohol Laura has noticed the under-representation of women and the options they take to get sober. She has been focusing on understanding and addressing the unique challenges women face regarding alcohol use. Laura's aim for her research is to contribute to the development of more tailored and accessible treatment options for women. As part of her research she is conducting a study on the impact of Sobriety podcasts and online communities on alcohol use and mental health. She is inviting us all to participate in an online survey to gather data and build an evidence base for the effectiveness of these resources. This anonymous survey has ethics approval, and the link is https://tinyurl.com/SoberPodcasts More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).

My guest today is Colette Safhill who is the founder of Myth Drinks who shares her own story and gives us an insight into her alcohol free drinks company. in this episode:- Colette's mother was an alcoholic so she was well aware of the dangers of alcohol. She started drinking heavily in her early 20s, influenced by her challenging circumstancesThe combination of a difficult childhood, an alcoholic mother, a stormy first marriage, and the challenges of raising a colicky baby resulted in five years of heavy drinking Colette accepted that she had lost control after a series of personal setbacks and a car crash. Her rock bottom resulted in her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and undergoing a medical detox. She stayed under the care of a rehab facility for over a year, which marked the beginning of her long-term sobriety. Although Colette has been sober for an impressive 24 years she still attends AA meetings and values the sense of community. Colette and I agreed that we have to “find our people” for this recovery journey – whether its AA, Tribe Sober or another group – try several communities until you feel you are in a safe space and can be honest and vulnerable with the other members. Colette has navigated the challenges of cancer treatment, remarriage, and raising children while maintaining her sobriety. She highlighted the need for a balanced life with proactive choices and meaningful relationships. Colette has created Myth Drinks to provide an alternative for people who don't drink or who want an alcohol free alternative now and again She developed a range of alcohol-free drinks, including a coconut rum substitute and ready-to-drink canned cocktails - her drinks are gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie. Her website is mythdrinks.co.uk so you can go and check out her products on there  More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest today is Chris Pizzarello, an expert in EFT and Hypnotherapy In this episode:- Chris experienced some personal struggles which led to his discovery of EFT He immersed himself in learning EFT and later studied hypnotherapy after realizing the need to address subconscious issues. In his practice Chris uses a combination of EFT and hypnotherapy to help clients release negative energy and change the energetic signature of their stories. He believes that we have to get the conscious and subconscious mind to agree before we can bring about effective change. EFT involves tapping on specific points on the body to release energy blocks, while hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious to reinforce new, positive beliefs. I loved his analogy of a "little red wagon" to describe how people accumulate emotional baggage throughout life. Chris explained that EFT can lighten this load by releasing the energy attached to negative stories. Both EFT and Hypnotherapy can help individuals struggling with alcohol dependency Hypnotherapy will address limiting beliefs and subconscious motivations whereas EFT can be used to manage cravings and reduce the emotional impact of addiction triggers. I was really interested to hear Chris talk about our dreams…   He says that Dreams are a way for the subconscious mind to process information Chris educates clients on the significance of dreams in the healing process and how they reflect the subconscious mind's work. I loved his example of someone in early sobriety being on the edges of a party – acting as an onlooker – and how that can mean that they are still going through the grieving process which comes with saying goodbye to alcohol Drinking dreams should be viewed positively as they mean that the subconscious is accepting that we are letting go of alcohol – it's a sign of healing Chris is accessible through his website efthypnotherapy.com for more information and booking sessions. He is able to conduct online sessions for both EFT and hypnotherapy More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest today is Tribe Member Nikki Swart who has been thriving in her alcohol free life for 5 years In this episode:- Nikki started her drinking career as a teenager, mainly to fit in with her peer group. Her university years were relatively tame, with occasional bouts of binge drinking. However as a working mom she found her drinking patterns shifting from socialising towards more of a coping mechanism. During this period Nikki was diagnosed with bipolar 2 Despite the drinking Nikki built a successful career and managed her blended family. To an outsider she “had it all” but her relationship with alcohol was on her mind. She began to take online tests for alcoholism and then decided to do a 90-day challenge, which started her journey to sobriety. Nikki completed the 90-day challenge, which led to a positive change in her life. She became involved in sobriety communities and used their resources. She noted improvements in her mental health and stability after quitting alcohol - learning to manage emotions and express herself better. Nikki also experienced improved physical fitness and health. She adopted healthier eating habits and regular exercise routines. Sobriety has had such a positive impact on her family life, and she loves the fact that she's providing a better role model for her children. Nikki had some advice for anybody thinking of ditching the booze…. Educate yourself – read the books and listen to the podcasts – the more you learn about the damage alcohol does to our bodies and our brains the less you'll want to drink it! Nikki explains the value of her own Why list during the interview so she recommends writing a list of WHY you want to quit drinking – this will keep you on track when you're finding it hard Finally get some community support by connecting with others on the same path – others who will support and encourage you and hold you accountable – just go to ts.com and check out our international community More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest today is author and coach Nico Morales In this episode:- Nico had a difficult childhood which included abuse and left him with abandonment issues.  He started using cannabis at 14, and was on heroin by the age of 20 He switched from heroin to alcohol but progressively increased his alcohol consumption, leading to severe addiction by 27. Nico's grandmother had died and his family allowed him to live in her house which had become derelict and was without furniture His final rock bottom came on his 27th birthday when his mother and sister came to visit him – he realised that he had to change Encountered rock bottom on his 27th birthday, leading to a realization of needed change. He shifted his mindset from one of self-pity to curiosity and began seeking purpose and meaning. 3 things that's worked for Nico were:- practicing daily prayer as a form of mental distraction. implementing new routines and habits to fill his days and avoid substance use. seeking accountability from trusted individuals. Gradually he was able to reduce substance use and build up to full sobriety He sought professional help and was able to further his education and get a degree Nico wrote a book titled "Five Things to Know Before You Get Sober" to help others in recovery. His book emphasizes the importance of mindset, and character in achieving and maintaining sobriety. His "No Halo," organization focuses on helping individuals achieve sobriety and personal success. Nico also works with organisations looking to develop leadership and is a certified public speaker To find out more about Nico you can check out his website NoHaloNM.com - More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest this week was Dr Edie Sullivan, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University    In this episode:- Neuropsychologist Dr Edie chronicles her journey from studying memory at MIT and working on notable cases like patient H.M., to her research on the devastating impacts of alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer's disease. She discusses her experiences with memory research, neuroimaging, and the significant relationship between alcohol use and memory impairment, including conditions like Korsakoff syndrome. The conversation also delves into the dangers of alcohol blackouts, the evolving understanding of alcohol use disorder as classified by the DSM, and the correlation with HIV risks. Dr Edie also offers insights on the impact of alcohol on adolescent brain development, strategies for recovery, and emphasizes the importance of community support and reputable resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).    

My guest today is Tribe Member and Health & Wellness Educator Maya Acosta who shares her own story as well as some inspiration and great advice! In this episode:- Maya grew up in a family which normalized alcohol consumption and this of course influenced her own drinking patterns. She got married to a vascular surgeon which has given her a unique insight into the damage that can be done if we don't look after ourselves – this was key to her changing her eating patterns Maya invited me as a guest on her Healthy Lifestyle podcast to talk about the risks of drinking alcohol – this conversation caused her to question her own drinking patterns She joined Tribe Sober in July 2022 and found the community support helpful in maintaining sobriety. Although she'd had periods of sobriety she would eventually relapse but this time she it felt different and more sustainable Maya is now heading for her second Soberversary and experiencing many benefits including better sleep, more energy, less anxiety and clarity of thought Eliminating alcohol has reduced her stress levels and also minimized the hot flashes she was experiencing during menopause. As a Health and Wellness Advocator Maya advocates lifestyle medicine, focusing on plant based diets and physical activity as well as avoiding risky substances such as alcohol More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).   To learn more about Maya you can catch her podcast which is called "Healthy Lifestyle Solutions," or go to her website which is called healthylifestylesolutions.org   

My guest is author and coach Nigel Jones who shares his own story as well as some inspiration and great advice! In this episode:- Nigel started drinking daily at 18, struggled to quit for 36 years. He found success with a mindset shift, declaring himself a non-drinker from day one. We talked more about this identity shift during our first podcast interview which you can listen to here Many of our members have found Nigel's identity shift to being a "non drinker" helpful  Rather than clocking up the sober days they declare themselves a non drinker from day one Apart from deciding that he was a non drinker Nigels strategies for quitting alcohol included Replacing drinking with new habits like walking. His "9 KM before 9 AM" walking routine led to a significant physical and mental transformation. Creating new neural pathways through consistent healthy habits. I shared my own habit change of going on a long walk every evening at 6pm which was my witching hour We both agreed on the stength of peer pressure to drink As drinkers we find ourselves in an alcohol drinkers tribe (ADT as Nigel calls it) When we decide to quit we need to find a new Tribe I went through this myself and I always say that recovery is about “finding your people” If you think Tribe Sober might be your people then go to tribesober.com and hit the membership tab Nigels benefits of sobriety included: Improved physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being. Increased time and energy for personal development and learning – for example he Qualified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and he's currently studying Hypnotherapy. Nigel's working on a New Book called Reroot Yourself His book focuses on the healing power of nature. Concepts like forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and the benefits of being in nature. Nigel highlighted the scientific evidence for the mental and physical benefits of nature exposure. He currently takes these concepts into corporates where he is observing a shift in attitudes towards mental health Nigels Advice for people wanting to quit… He advocates reading quitlit and listening to podcasts Also joining a new tribe for support and encouragement – a tribe to replace your drinking tribe I often say that to new members – you don't even have to quit drinking when you join Tribe Sober Just be curious, listen and learn.. and you'll get inspired to make a change As Nigel says curiosity can be a catalyst for change  Nigel is a coach and runs workshops in corpoprates Find out more about Nigel via his website 9kmby9am.com More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).      

My guest today is the lovely Nicole Klassen who did our very first 66 day Sober Challenge 5 years ago – not only has she been thriving in her alcohol free life ever since but she's reconnected with her voice as a writer.. What a pleasure to hear Nicole's journey through sobriety, her rediscovery of writing and to learn about your current work which involves facilitating writing for mental health. Also to know that this whole journey was triggered by our 66 day challenge! If  you're listening to this and you're interested in what could be a life changing alcohol free challenge we start our 66 day challenges on 1st September and 20 March every year but if you want to get started right now then sign up as a Tribe Sober member and we'll start you off n an alcohol free challenge today – just go to tribesober.com and hit on the membership tab. In this episode:- She began experimenting with alcohol at 12-13 years old - binge drinking through high school and early adulthood This shifted to self medication as she drank alone at home to quell her anxiety Nicole's last year of drinking was chaotic and involved frequent binges She joined our Sober Spring Challenge back in 2018 for an initial 66 days This started a shift in her focus from alcohol to self-improvement Nicole describes the Sober Spring Challenge Experience as a transformative and beautiful period  Community and journalling were significant supports during the Challenge She experienced significant health improvements, including nervous system reset and healthier metabolism She was into her second year of sobriety before her weight began to change and she lost 20 kgs It does take a while for most of us to lose weight when we quit drinking so hang in there – I was 6 months sober when I lost some weight I believe we mess up our metabolism when we drink and it gradually gets back to normal when we stop Nicole also experienced Improved adrenal function and reduced cortisol spikes There were significant Mental Health Benefits for Nicole as well:- She experienced a Reconnection to Self and a sense of Purpose which included:-   - A Significant change in lifestyle and a sense of belonging   - An Enhanced connection to community    - A Rekindled passion for writing during sobriety as she   - Engaged in daily journaling and creative writing These days Nicole works as a facilitator with the Life Writing Collective In this role she focuses on writing as a tool for mental wellbeing Nicole's website is – Naluthando.co.za  Nicoles advice for anyone struggling with their drinking   - Take the first step by joining a supportive group   - Recognize the importance of connection and community   - Utilize resources like workshops and challenges to stay committed More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest today is Dustin Dunbar, author and leader of the  Alcohol Free Revolution In this episode:- Alcoholism affected Dustins family; his grandfather and father both struggled with it. Despite his early vow not to drink, Dustin began drinking as a teenager due to peer pressure. He enjoyed a successful career in sales, real estate, and insurance. Social drinking became part of his lifestyle, exacerbated by business and social environments promoting alcohol consumption. Like with many of us Dustin's alcohol use escalated gradually, He recognized the negative impact of alcohol in his mid-thirties and quit drinking four years ago. Like me he was Inspired by Annie Grace's book "This Naked Mind," he began to see alcohol consumption as a form of unconscious behavior controlled by societal norms and marketing. Dustin describes a crazy dream he had where he's on a gurney in a room filled with other people, all plugged into tubes pumping ethanol into them. He realizes he's being controlled by Big Alcohol, This dream leads him to conclude that society is trapped in an "alcohol matrix," where many people consume ethanol regularly, believing it to be normal and acceptable, despite its harmful effects. I also love the expression Alcohol Matrix which I first discovered in the Unexpected Joy of being Sober by Catherine Gray – she has a whole chapter on how we need to unplug from the matrix… and its true Unplugging can feel strange and lonely for a while but then it turns to a feeling of freedom…. And joy Dustin founded the Alcohol Free Revolution, offering support, education, and community to those seeking to quit drinking. The initiative includes coaches, therapists, and various experts to help individuals recover and lead alcohol-free lives. He's also written a book called You're Doing Great… and other lies Alcohol old me – get his book and find out more about Dustin his website which is dustin-dunbar.com More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

I'm recording this exactly a year after the death Eusebius McKaiser died at the tragically young age of 44. He was a national treasure for South Africans – an author, a journalist and broadcaster.  One of the smartest public intellects in the country he was a fierce defender of truth and justice as many politicians found out to their cost! He was also a warm and generous friend.So instead of the planned episode I wanted to say a few words about my friend Eusebius and re-release one of the podcast interviews he did for Tribe Sober. The story starts back in 2001 when I relocated from the UK to SA.  I started to watch national tv, trying to get my bearings in this beautiful and complex country.  I spotted Eusebius on a talk show and was impressed. I read a couple of his books and listened to him on the radio.  I discovered he'd been to Oxford University on a scholarship and had won a global award as a Debating Champion. I first met him in person more than a decade ago… Ironically I was drunk at the time! We were at the Franschhoek Literary Festival where I'd been drinking wine most of the day.  This didn't stop me dragging Long Suffering Husband to the Elephant and Barrel Pub in the evening.  I spotted Eusebius in the bar.  He was with deep in conversation and I didn't want to interrupt.   However husband knew I was a fan and he nudged me towards him – not quite sure what Eusebius thought about this drunken Brit lurching at him but he was very kind. For obvious reasons I don't remember much about that conversation but that was the evening that our unlikely but enduring friendship was born. I finally ditched the booze in 2015 and set up Tribe Sober.  Eusebius signed up for our Dry January Challenge and one of the mailers included my Goodbye to Alcohol letter – he asked me to come to Cape Talk and read it out on his Show. So I did and we got plenty of calls from people who knew they needed to say Goodbye to Alcohol.  I'll put a link to that radio program in the shownotes.  Apart from reading my letter we raised more than R10,000 for Earthchild within 30 minutes.  Just like me he loved the work done by NGO Earthchild and for the last 8 years he helped me to fundraise more than R300,000  which enabled more than 1000 underprivileged children to get a year of yoga and lifeskill classes.  I then became a regular on his show and many of our current and past members found us via Eusebius.  He loved the work we did at Tribe Sober and often promoted us on his social media. He came to two of our workshops in Joburg.  The first one as a participant and the second one as my co-facilitator.  We looked out for each other - he coached me to be a better speaker on the radio and I convinced him to start his own podcast when he left Cape Talk.  Have a listen to this episode we recorded about 18 months ago In this Episode The sober curious movement is growing – we have an endless variety of AF drinks, many online sobriety groups and even our own magazine Hola Sober. Eusebius believes that people should be free to make “bad choices” in life but did agree with me that education is important. Alcohol is a legal drunk which damages our health and drinkers need to be aware of that. When tobacco advertising was banned the information about the link with lung cancer was all over the media – if alcohol advertising was banned we would hear a lot more in the media about the link between alcohol and 7 different types of cancer. Women need to know that drinking more than 3 glasses of wine a week will raise their breast cancer risk by 15% We tackled a couple of sobriety myths – first of all the myth that we can't have fun without alcohol – the truth is that once you have navigated those early difficult months of sobriety then it's easy to have fun without booze – and lovely not to have to pay the price of a hangover the next day! Our subconscious minds have been convinced by a combination of marketing and peer pressure that we need alcohol to enjoy ourselves – to deprogram this thinking we need to spend a few months socialising without alcohol – its not easy but treat it as a challenge and you will get there – your subconscious will eventually get it! The second myth we busted was the myth that we need the buzz of booze to be creative – Eusebius wrote some of his early essays when on his way down from heavy drinking sessions but feels he has done some of his best writing since he's been sober. We talked about the social pressure to drink which is relentless and hard to cope with when we are in the early stages of sobriety – alcohol really is the only drug we have to justify NOT taking That's why CHALLENGES are so great – especially our January Challenge – we can just say “I'm raising money for charity by doing a Dry January” – nobody can really argue with that one! We get more confident dealing with peer pressure to drink as time goes by and eventually many of us are proud of our sobriety and eager to talk about it! Eusebius always maintains that it's not our responsibility to make other people feel comfortable about their drinking and is quite happy to be rude to people who interrogate him about his sobriety! We talked about dependency and I explained that I didn't even realise what trouble I was in until I tried to cut down – and couldn't.  That's another reason challenges are great – its an opportunity to test your dependency – if you can get through a month without booze easily then you are fine – if not then you may need to make some changes! Do a challenge at least twice a year to keep your eye on your level of dependence. A challenge is also useful if you want to cut down your drinking – low risk levels are just one and a half bottles of wine a week (or 6 beers) – so do a challenge, have a month off the booze and then it will be easier to reset your drinking pattern. Eusebius stressed that the Earthchild project helps children to find a moment of peace in their difficult lives. Yoga may be perceived as a middle class pastime but in fact the postures and the breathing bring a sense of calm to children who grow up surrounded by gang violence and poverty. We concluded with a few tips and benefits of sobriety:- Eusebius main benefit which he wasn't even expecting has been the time he has regained now he no longer drinks – he loves getting up early at the weekend and getting on with his day His tip was to stock up on AF drinks – Dry January Challengers get a discount from DN.co.za My benefit was sleep – as drinkers we get only 2 cycles of REM sleep (we need 7) – over the years we build up a permanent sense of fatigue if we drink – even a month off the booze will boost our energy levels My tip was to find your people – its very hard to change your drinking alone so join tribe sober! So I do hope we have inspired you to sign up for the January Challenge  If you are listening to this and it's not January don't worry - we've got you covered - all you need to do is to go to our tribesober.com and hit Join Our Tribe and we'll put you on our 30 day starter challenge for new members. More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today           Read more about our program and subscribe HERE       Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE   PS   How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

On this weeks solo episode I talk about our Breaking Free program which we run four times a year.  Registration for the current program is open until 30th May  - more info here    We limit each Breaking Free group to 20 so you'll always get personal attention In this episode:- I talk about the warning signs of alcohol dependence as well as the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle The Breaking Free program has four components… Four pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a transformation… The first piece of the puzzle is Community Support so we connect you with the other people on the Breaking Free program  We put you in a chatgroup with where you'll also find some TS team members to answer any questions you may have The second piece is our 4 hour Masterclass – a group session which we hold via Zoom.  Another opportunity to get to know the other people on the program as everyone will share their story at the beginning of the session.  By the end of the Masterclass you'll understand:- The importance of a mindset change and the damage alcohol does to our health We'll be sharing our tried and tested sobriety toolkit and you'll end the session feeling motivated and excited about the changes ahead. While the Masterclass will give you an overview of the Tribe Sober approach to thriving in sobriety the online course will enable you to dive deeper at your own pace.  You'll get all the theory and training you need to overturn your limiting beliefs around alcohol which is the key…. Just as we've been programmed into thinking that alcohol is an essential part of our daily lives our online program will de-program you and enable you to understand that you will be happier and healthier without it! The third piece is our online course which includes videos, podcasts, articles and book recommendations so you'll be able to throw the book at your sobriety – you'll be able to treat it as a 3-month project that will change the trajectory of your future. The fourth part of the puzzle is the personal support.  You'll have a 1.2.1 Zoom call with me so that I can hear your story and give you some personal guidance My colleague Sue will catch up with you midway through the course to get a progress report and Last but not least you can book a session with our Coach Lynette who will discuss how you are applying the theory of the Breaking Free program to your daily life So that's the four pieces of our Breaking Free puzzle, four pieces that will come together to create an alcohol free lifestyle that you love.. Apart from creating a program that will get results we've created a program that is flexible and will fit in with your busy lives….  All of the 1.2.1's can be scheduled to suit your convenience, the online course can be worked through at your own pace so the only timeslot you need to fit in is the four hour Masterclass. While we're on the subject of time that's one of the unexpected benefits of sobriety….. when we no longer spend time drinking and recovering from the drinking we find ourselves with extra time on our hands…. As well as the energy to do something constructive with that time! Registration for the current Breaking Free program is open until 30th May - more info here More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

NEWSFLASH! - Our Breaking Free Program is open for enrollment until 30th May - get more info here    I'm Janet Gourand, founder of Tribe Sober and I celebrated my 9th Soberversary on 23rd May, 2024! Most of our Tribe Sober members know my story – how I quit drinking and started Tribe Sober but as we are getting new podcast listeners every week I'm re-releasing my story along with my Goodbye to Alcohol Letter. But before that I have some fresh content that will be useful to everyone on this journey…. In this episode:- Common mistakes when we're trying quit drinking Mistake number 1 — Waiting for rock bottom I knew I had a problem but I was in denial for years. Convincing myself that I wasn't that bad. I couldn't possibly be an alcoholic because I was holding down a responsible job and raising a family. An alcoholic was that homeless man in the park who had lost everything. That wasn't me! Mistake number 2 — Moderation I spent a decade stuck in the Moderation Trap. Once I'd learned that the low risk limits of alcohol are just one and a half bottles of wine a week I decided that I would drink within those limits. It was only when I tried (and failed) to do that that I realised just how dependent I had become. Mistake number 3 — Fearing failure I almost never got started on this life-changing journey because I believed I would fail. I just couldn't imagine quitting alcohol, never having a drink again. I knew that I had tried (and failed) to moderate my drinking again and again. Surely it would be even harder to quit completely? Mistake number 4 — Worrying about other people Peer pressure is powerful. I was trapped in my drinking because I couldn't bear to peel away from the herd and be different. As an introvert and a people pleaser I didn't want to be the centre of attention as I was bombarded with questions about why I wasn't drinking. Mistake number 5 — Being influenced by marketing As a teenager I believed that alcohol was cool. Wine became the essential parenting aid as I joined the mommy juice culture. Mid-life challenges needed wine as did juggling a career with family life. Retirement gave me time to relax and drink even more wine! Mistake number 6 — Waiting for happiness to strike.. I had relied on alcohol to make me feel good for a such a long time that I missed those chemical highs when I stopped. During my first few months of sobriety I didn't change anything in my life. I just didn't drink. I expected to feel happy because I was sober. But I didn't, I felt flat and rather depressed. I learned that I would need a project to keep my happy brain chemicals firing! Mistake number 7 — Being depressed about quitting I had to quit for health reasons and was horrified at the prospect of an alcohol free life. I imagined that an alcohol free life would be a grey and boring existence. Alcohol had become so entrenched in my life that I had no idea how I would socialise, relax or have fun without it. Mistake number 8 — Trying to do it alone I thought there was something wrong with me because I couldn't be happy with just “one glass” of wine like some of my friends. I tried (and failed) to quit over and over. I was ashamed of my drinking problem and wanted to fix it myself. I didn't want to reach out for help or join a community. LEARNING FROM MISTAKES — 8 TIPS! TIP NUMBER 1: Do it now! Alcohol dependence is like an elevator and it's only going down. The longer you leave it the worse it will get so if you're worried about your drinking then Do it Now! TIP NUMBER 2: Forget Moderation! If you could moderate you would have done it by now. People who can moderate just do it naturally. They might have a glass of champagne at a wedding but alcohol is not really on their radar. TIP NUMBER 3: Have your reasons ready Just smile and say “I'm taking a break from the booze because I've not been sleeping well” and remember it's not your responsibility to make other people feel comfortable about their drinking! TIP NUMBER 4: Change your thinking…about drinking Reflect and question the limiting beliefs you hold about alcohol. Do you really need alcohol to have fun, to relax, to console yourself for a difficult day? Explore new ways to manage these situations. TIP NUMBER 5: Reconfigure your life! When you quit drinking you can't just leave everything the same. You'll need to change your routines and get new interests. New hobbies and a new community will keep you happy and engaged. TIP NUMBER 6: Get excited! Get excited about this life changing opportunity! You are going to look better, feel better, sleep better and be full of energy. Ditching the booze is the best thing we can do for our health and happiness as we get older. TIP NUMBER 7: Find your People The joy of connecting with others on this journey is that we realise we are NOT alone. 20% of social drinkers will become dependent over the years. There is such power and relief in sharing our stories with others in a community like tribesober.com TIP NUMBER 8: Progress not Perfection should be your strategy. Some people have many Day Ones but the important thing is to keep trying. Do it in stages. 30 days, 100 days, 6 months and then a year. More Info Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Find out more about our FREE Bootcamps - next one is 20-24th May - more info HERE   Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE.