Decidedly Dry - Sobriety, Alcohol-Free Living, Quit Drinking, Sober Curious – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Well hello my sweet listeners and welcome to Decidedly Dry! This is your pal Jess and with ALL the feels - this is the last episode of the show.

Today, I’ll walk ya through why I made this tough decision, all the things I’m incredibly grateful for and celebrating, and what’s next.

First, in true Decidedly Dry fashion - let’s focus on the good. This podcast was created months after my very favorite podcast, Recovery Happy Hour shared her final episode. I remember heading out for a run one day, I was about a year and half into my sobriety at the time, I put my headphones in, pushed play, and started pounding away on the pavement. This was a ritual of mine. Plugging in and listening to others share their sober stories was extremely helpful for me. I was about a minute into the episode and I heard the words, “This will be the final episode of Recovery Happy Hour”. I’m not kidding you guys… tears began streaming down my cheeks! How could my favorite show be ending?! How could this be?! Now being in a similar place as a podcast host, I completely get it, but at the time I was heartbroken. Towards the end of the episode, Tricia said something on the lines of, “We need more recovery podcasts. If you’ve been thinking about starting one - do it!”

And that my friend, is where the seed was planted.

I quickly researched what it took to start a podcast, reached out to some resources, and the show was published in January of 2022. Yes, that means we celebrated our 2 year milestone this month. Since hitting that record button for the first time, we’ve published 85 episodes, became a top 1.5% globally ranked show, and most importantly, brought incredible individuals behind the microphone to share their sober stories. We ranked every single week on Apple Podcast’s charts and were downloaded not only in the US, but in Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland, and more. I dabbled in coaching, met amazing individuals, and if I’m being completely honest, hosting this here show has played a pivotal role in my own sober journey. It kept me alcohol-free and motivated me to continue serving YOU.

Last December I celebrated 4 years of living alcohol-free. Was it a cake walk? Absolutely not. Has it be worth it? Absolutely yes. And if I’m being real with you, which is exactly what I’ve always promised to do, I’m getting to a point where I’m not feeling like I need to talk about sobriety as much. My friend Michelle, you know here as Recovery is the New Black, reassured me that this is so common and something she see’s all the time in the sober space. Individuals catch their stride, sobriety becomes part of who they are, and they get to the point where they not only want to talk about other things, but are ready to begin new exciting chapters.

And friend, that’s exactly where I’m at. I’ve spent the past four years serving the sober community and I’ll tell you what - I don’t regret it for a single moment. But the time has come for me to pass the mic and hopefully inspire someone else to start recording and serving this space, just as I did.

It’s funny, I was talking with my sister yesterday and told her I was going to be recording my last episode this week and she laughed. A very supportive laugh I might add, but she said to me, “Jess, you are so funny. You have this tendency of always trying new things, doing really, really, REALLY well. Then it’s like you’re at the top and you’re like, whelp - think I’m done here.” I laughed out loud and agreed with here 1000% percent. She completely gets me.

After thinking about what she said, I laughed again and thought to myself maybe that’s why I like hiking so much?! Hear me out. I study what I need before I go, check out what hikers have said about the trail conditions recently, I arrive, typically work really hard on the way up, pausing from time to time to enjoy my surroundings, and then I hit the top. I come to a full stop and take in the beautiful view, am grateful for all the work I put in, and soak up all that I can see from the peak. Then I cruise down and start planning my next adventure.

Speaking of my next adventure, you might be wondering what’s next for me? Friend, I’m not sure. And that’s a really exciting feeling.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the girl whose friends consistently say, “I don’t know how you do it all, Jess!” I’ve spent a very long time taking on all the things and lately, I’ve had this beautiful shift in my mind (and life) to do less. To say “no” more, seek balance, rest, take care of myself even more, and  prioritize family over everything. In fact, those are words I say to my family often: “Family comes first always.” And while deciding to be alcohol-free definitely makes me present, it also frequently encourages me to always level up and find other areas in my life where I can do better and BE better. So it’s time to unplug the mic, close the laptop, and savor these moments with my family.

I think it’s also important to mention that the episodes will live on! So if you’re new around here, I definitely encourage you to go back and listen to the library of episodes that are available. If you’ve been tuning in for a while, perhaps consider revisiting past episodes. Sometimes depending on your mood, where you’re at in your sobriety, or even where you’re at in life - things might sound or hit differently the second time you hear it. Just sayin’.

Before I sign off, I just want to say thank you again. You all mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support.

Alright loves - this is it. Thank you for pushing play, for focusing on the good with me, and lastly, if you are working on your own sober journey and struggling - just focus on today, talk to a friend, and jump into the sober community with both feet. Today is a perfect day to start your alcohol-free journey.

Love to you all. Good night!

Hiya friends and welcome to Episode #87! This 2-part episode not only marks the last episode of 2023, but also wraps up our current season. Decidedly Dry will be taking a break as we line up our amazing content for the New Year.

As we sign off for the year, I want to make sure that I just take a moment to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being here, for listening, and supporting me. It warms my heart to know these conversations are reaching people and just so you know, every time you push play - well my friend, that motivates me to keep hitting record. So thank you.

Before I get to today’s amazing conversation, I’d like to remind you that while we may be taking a break here on the show, I’ll be present and active over on Substack. What is Substack? Great question! Substack is a website/platform where I publish my newsletters, my journal prompts, podcasts, and writing. It’s where you can find a library of past episodes, posts and more tools. Most importantly, it’s where I’ll be running my Digging Deeper with Decidedly Dry January Challenge! We’ll be focusing on staying alcohol-free all of January and (for those interested) adding in a movement and faith piece as well. All is completely optional. You can find all the info at decidedlydry.substack.com and linked in the show notes below. Okay loves, lets get to todays episode! Today I am chatting with my new BFF, Rebecca Dollard.

Rebecca Dollard is the momma, CEO, and coach behind The Motherhood Mentor and The Nourished CEO. She lives in Colorado with her hubs of 13yrs and their 2 kiddos. Becca is a somatic mind-body coach who works with leaders in healing spaces to lead and heal themselves. She specializes in somatic healing, somatic parts work, enneagram, emotional leadership and boundaries.

I hope this episode blesses you!

Ways to Connect with Becca:

Website: https://www.the-motherhood-mentor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherhoodmentor/

Masterclass: https://themotherhoodmentor.myflodesk.com/boundariesmasterclass

Recommended Enneagram Quiz: https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/

Recommended Enneagram Book for Beginners: The Road Back to You by Ian Crohn 

Recommended Enneagram Book for those wanting to getting into the deep spiritual medicine of enneagram: From Fixation to Freedom The Enneagram of Liberation 

Book a FREE Enneagram Exploration Call w/Becca: https://themotherhoodmentor.hbportal.co/schedule/658063d4a32a0800324d52ba

Interested in spending January growing in your alcohol-free journey, in movement, and in your faith? Join me! More details will be shared soon with those who are Decidedly Dry Substack Paid Subscribers. Click this link below to make sure you’re on my list and have upgraded to the paid subscription:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #79: Welcome back to the show my sweet friends, the show where I hopefully encourage you to take a look at your relationship with alcohol, stop drinking so much, or even explore going alcohol-free as a busy mom. Just as a reminder- I know how hard the struggle is, I too have walked this out, I too thought that I couldn’t have fun without alcohol, that I needed it to lessen my anxiety, that everyone else was drinking, so why shouldn’t I? But you guys, I discovered that my life without it is actually SO much more fruitful and so much more freeing. Speaking of being on a transformative journey, today I would love to dive into where I’m at on another journey; exploring my faith in sobriety.

For those of you listening that are asking, “Jess… what the heck does sobriety have to do with you exploring your faith?” Friend, it has everything to do with my faith journey. Everything. If I had not retired that wine glass, I would not be the person I am today. I wouldn’t be as brave as I am now, as clear-minded or as empowered. I wouldn’t have the guts to even say the word ‘God’, let alone have a conversation about Him, especially here on this podcast. I wouldn’t have the time or dedication to sit in my feelings, ask hard questions, and have the awareness that maybe, just maybe, it hasn’t been the “universe” all along. Nope, it’s been God. In fact, if you would’ve told me five years ago I would be alcohol-free, be reading the Bible for the first time, and actively learning how to strengthen my relationship with God and develop deep roots of faith?! I would have called you CRAZY and poured another glass of wine.

The point here is I am a different person than I was back then. I’m becoming a version of myself that quite frankly I don’t always recognize, but happens to be the best version I’ve ever met. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll say it again, it feels good to feel good. And I don’t know about you, but when I feel good, I want others to feel good too.

So for today, I’d love to share 5 practical tips that will help sober women like yourself actively grow in your faith.

Before I share them with you I want to make sure I say how cool it is that you’re listening to this today and are curious about God. Just like with sobriety, this curiosity about faith can be intimidating, overwhelming, and it can feel like you’re doing it wrong. I may not have even close to some of the right answers or words to share with you today, but I believe the one thing to remember is that your faith is yours. It can be whatever you want it to be. Just like with sobriety, it’s not a one-size-fits all. Keep that in mind. Enjoy this episode!

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #78: Hiya sweet friends and welcome back to the show. Today’s episode is a big ‘ol recap of my trip to Texas. This past weekend, my siblings and I had the absolute privilege of attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival with my Dad. I’ve been to many, many concerts sober before, but friends, this was a big one. 3 full days of live music, in Texas, drinks available at your fingertips the entire time, and the weather was simply perfecto. So today, I thought I’d share with you some of the tips and tools I utilized over the weekend and also a list of the incredible benefits I experienced because of my tremendous decision to stay completely alcohol-free throughout the whole trip. Enjoy!

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #77: Hello my dear sweet listener and welcome back to the show! If I haven’t mentioned it lately, I sure do appreciate you pushing play and I’m so happy you’re here. Today’s episode is not a guest episode, therefore you’re so incredibly lucky - you’re stuck with silly ‘ol me! But have no fear, we’re still digging deep on a topic that has been on my mind all week and I’d love to bring here to the show. Today we’re going to chat about dealing with cravings after long-term sobriety and I’m going to walk us, that’s right I said us, through a 1-minute trick to stop that alcohol craving and be the boss of our own bodies. Sound good? Good.

As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #76: Well HIYA! In this week’s episode, I’m interviewing another new friend and we’ll be chatting all about ditching the overwhelm. Before we head into that great conversation, I wanted to remind you all about where I’ve been hanging out lately - this wonderful world called Substack. As most of you know, I’ve been sending out a weekly email packed with updates, my writing, recipes, and a link to the most recently released episode here on the show. I also have a wellness challenge for subscribers and will soon be sharing journal and doodle prompts. Now is the time to subscribe - it is either totally free or has an option to support me as a creative as well. Head on over to check it out after you listen to this great convo that I had with Jessa.

So who is Jessa? Jessa Raye is a wife, mom of three, coffee lover, and avid book reader! Jessa helps moms show up for themselves without sacrificing motherhood and without guilt. Jessa hosts Caught up in Motherhood, a podcast where she helps mamas ditch the overwhelm and find themselves again in between all that they do. 

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jessa

Website: https://www.jessaraye.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejessaraye

Listen to the Caught up in Motherhood Podcast: www.jessaraye.com/podcast

Freebie: Reclaiming Your Identity: A Mom's Guide to Self-Discovery in 7 Days - Download Freebie Here

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page:

https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #75: Holy Toledo my friends, we have reached the 75th episode of Decidedly Dry! Can you believe it?! What a fun milestone I have the pleasure of celebrating with YOU!

Today I am chatting with Emily McDermott. Emily is a wife, mother of two energetic boys, and a simplicity seeker. She is also the host of the top 1.5% globally ranked podcast, Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Emily enjoys writing poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Emily:

Website: Simple by Emmy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm

Email: info@simplebyemmy.com

Listen to the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast.

Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page:

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #74: Friends, this episode is an absolute home run. I’m chatting with my new BFF, Jen Rogers. Jen is an inspirational speaker, the host of the #1 Christian Stepmoms Podcast, The Empowered Stepmom, has a best-selling book, and is a remarkable Certified Professional Life Coach. Jen inspires stepmoms throughout the world to remove the shackles of “should” and “shame” to experience the strength, confidence, and boldness that comes from embracing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

In our chat, Jen and I talk about the benefits of setting healthy boundaries in early sobriety. She’ll break down 4 of possible scenarios with her 4-C’s approach; Calm, Clear, Consistent, and Christ. You’re not gonna want to miss this powerful and educational episode. Grab a paper and pen and get ready to add another tool to your toolbox.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jen:

Website: https://www.stepfamilypodcast.com/home

Email: friends@stepfamilypodcast.com

Listen to The Empowered Stepmom Podcast

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #73: Hiya Friends and Welcome Back! In this week’s episode, I have my very first ever repeat guest! Heather Lowe is the Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company dedicated to helping professionals move away from alcohol and towards their highest selves. Heather is a Certified Professional Life and Recovery Coach, Certified Addiction Awareness Facilitator, and the Director of Marketing Consumer Products for the International Center of Addiction Recovery Education (ICARE).

She’s an amazing, inspiring individual and I asked her to come on back to the show to talk about PURPOSE.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Heather:

Website: https://www.ditchedthedrink.com

Listen to Heather’s Sober Story on Decidedly Dry here: Episode 16: Ditched the Drink | Heather Lowe (Released May 3, 2022)

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!

Episode #72: In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my sweet friend, Jen McGraw. Jen is Mom to 5 kids, a wife, and Jesus lover. She’s the founder of a nonprofit for equine therapy to help heal and restore those who have gone through trauma in their life. Jen also is the host of a wonderful podcast called Restored Mama, which we’ll chat about during our interview. She’s a firm believer that life is meant to truly be lived and enjoyed!

You guys are going to absolutely love her, oh and did I even mention?! Jen is a sober mama! True story folks, you’ll get to hear all about her sober story and the absolutely incredible things she’s doing in life because of it.

I hope this episode blesses you. 💙

Ways to Connect with Jen:

Website: https://restoredmama.com

Facebook Community: Join Here!

Restored Mama Podcast: Listen

If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.com

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!

Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!