What happens when your public self looks polished and high-functioning, but your private life is quietly unraveling?

In this vulnerable and insight-packed guest episode, Kate sits down with Jennifer Mathieu, award-winning author of Moxie and The Faculty Lounge, longtime educator, and sober mom. Jennifer opens up about her ten-year spiral into “problematic drinking,” how alcohol became her nightly form of fake self-care, and the moment she became more curious than afraid about getting sober.

Drawing parallels between teaching and nursing, Kate and Jennifer explore the emotional weight of public-facing professions, the pressure to perform, and the resentment cycle that leads so many women to drink in secret. Jennifer shares how sobriety reshaped her identity as a teacher, a writer, a mom, and a woman who finally learned to stop setting herself on fire to keep everyone else warm.

In this episode, Kate and Jennifer talk about:

• What it feels like to live a double life in a public-facing career
• The ten-year buildup to Jennifer’s sobriety
• Why breaking a promise to her husband was the turning point
• The sneaky ways alcohol hides inside burnout, resentment, and people pleasing
• How alcohol became her nightly coping tool after motherhood
• The power of seeing sober women thriving on social media
• Learning to set real boundaries at work and at home
• Reclaiming identity outside of teaching, writing, and caregiving
• Sobriety as a “power boost” to years of therapy and personal work
• Why midlife is often the breaking point and the breakthrough

Referenced in this episode:

• Jennifer’s novels including Moxie (now a Netflix film) and The Faculty Lounge
• Sober Mom Collective meetings, where Jennifer is a weekly group leader

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this powerful Veterans Day episode, Kate sits down with her husband, Phillip, a 20-year Army veteran and nearly four years sober, for an unfiltered conversation about PTSD, moral injury, institutional betrayal, and healing through recovery.

Together, they unpack what really happens inside the brain and body after trauma, how hypervigilance, anxiety, and moral conflict can take root long after the uniform or scrubs come off, and why alcohol often becomes the coping tool of choice for soldiers, nurses, and first responders alike.

Blending lived experience with neuroscience, Kate and Phillip explore what healing looks like for both veterans and civilians: self-compassion, connection, movement, and sobriety. This episode is both a love letter to those who serve and a reminder that trauma recovery isn’t about being broken, it’s about learning to rewire your nervous system and reclaim your life.

In this episode, they talk about:

• What PTSD really is (and what it isn’t)
• The concept of moral injury and why it hits soldiers, nurses, and first responders so deeply
• How trauma rewires the brain and how sobriety helps rewire it back
• The reality of institutional betrayal in military and healthcare systems
• The connection between trauma, alcohol, and survival mechanisms
• How they each healed through therapy, connection, and movement
• Why sobriety is the foundation of their recovery and marriage

Referenced in this episode:

• The Mankind Project (for men’s emotional healing and connection): mankindproject.org

Whether you’ve served, supported someone who has, or just know what it’s like to live with unhealed trauma, this episode offers compassion, education, and hope.

Connect with Phillip:

https://www.instagram.com/a13photography/

SMART Recovery Meeting Finder

https://smartrecovery.org/meeting

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate sits down with Jessica Guerrieri, author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—a novel that has taken sober and sober-curious communities by storm. Jessica blends raw honesty, lived addiction, and the messy truths of motherhood into a work of “book club fiction” that’s reaching women where memoirs sometimes can’t.

With over 12 years of sobriety, Jessica opens up about why she chose fiction over memoir, how writing became both a refuge and a mirror, and what happens when you say the scary things out loud. Together, Kate and Jessica dive into the intersections of motherhood, identity, secrecy and the profound relief that comes when you finally stop hiding.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why fiction can feel safer—and more powerful—than memoir for exploring addiction
• The “phantom life” so many women carry alongside motherhood and marriage
• Jessica’s near-fatal return to substances during the pandemic and how she found her way back
• The role of family systems, comparison, and people-pleasing in fueling addiction
• The healing power of telling the truth on the page, and in real life
• A sneak peek into Jessica’s next book Both Can Be True (coming 2026!)

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I continue breaking down Kate’s 8—the eight core practices that help us rewire our brains in recovery. Last time, we covered the first four, and today I walk you through the final four practices that create lasting change. Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking; it’s about building a new identity, new thought patterns, and a life that feels like your own.

In this episode, I cover:

• Confidence + Compassion — Why practicing self-compassion (instead of shame) is essential for resilience, and how confidence grows when we let ourselves be human.

Journal Prompt: Where in my recovery can I replace shame with compassion? How would I speak to myself if I were encouraging a friend?

• Humor as a tool — How laughter literally rewires the brain, releases dopamine, and helps us loosen the grip of shame and rigidity.

Journal Prompt: When was the last time I laughed in sobriety? How can I intentionally add more humor into my daily life?

• Creativity in recovery — Why engaging your creative side (writing, painting, music, even fashion) builds identity, provides healthy dopamine, and becomes a powerful tool for self-regulation.

Journal Prompt: What creative outlet feels exciting or nourishing to me right now? How can I make space for it this week?

• Emotional literacy + triggers — Learning to name and understand our emotions so they stop hijacking behavior, and how building emotional granularity keeps us from reaching for alcohol.

Journal Prompt: What emotion do I tend to avoid the most? How does it show up in my body, and what can I do to sit with it rather than numb it?

• Rewriting your story — The most powerful part of neuroplasticity: our identity is malleable. Every sober choice is a micro-edit to the story we tell ourselves, and we get to choose the ending.

Journal Prompt: If I were writing the next chapter of my story, what do I want it to sound like? What identity am I choosing today with my actions?

When you take these tools into real life, you don’t just stay sober—you rewire your brain for long-term freedom.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Sobriety isn’t just about putting down the drink; it’s about retraining the thoughts, loops, and behaviors that kept us stuck in the first place.

In this solo episode of Rewired Sober, I’m walking you through the first four practices in what I call Kate’s 8—the eight core ways we actually rewire our brains in recovery.

Thanks to the science of neuroplasticity, we know that real change is possible—and I’ll show you how it happens.

In this episode, I cover:

• Interrupting old loops — How to identify the destructive thought-behavior cycles that used to end in drinking, and replace them with more empowering choices.
• Verbal processing — Why saying things out loud in a safe space helps build metacognition (the ability to think about your thinking) and shift from autopilot to conscious choice.
• Moving from reaction to reflection — Learning to create space between emotion and response so you can choose your actions instead of being ruled by impulsivity.
• Relational safety — How healing, trust, and new neural pathways are built through safe, compassionate connections with others (and why your brain can’t rewire in isolation).

Each practice comes with a simple journal prompt you can use to dig deeper and apply these tools in real time.

This is part one of a two-part series, so stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll unpack the second half of Kate’s 8.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I sit down with Michelle Folan, certified health and nutrition coach and host of the globally ranked podcast Asking for a Friend. Known for her no-BS, sassy approach to midlife wellness, Michelle helps women over 50 lose fat, build strength, and reclaim their vitality using evidence-based fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.

Michelle shares her personal journey with alcohol, from corporate entertaining and pandemic drinking to her realization that moderation wasn’t serving her anymore. Together, we dive into the intersection of sobriety, menopause, and midlife health—and the empowering freedom that comes when women take the reins on their wellbeing.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Michelle’s honest story of how her relationship with alcohol shifted during the pandemic.
• Why midlife is often the breaking point where women realize alcohol is not their friend.
• The science behind how alcohol impacts hormones, sleep, mood, and weight gain in perimenopause and menopause.
• The myth of moderation and why it doesn’t work for everyone.
• The often-ignored role of sleep, hydration, protein, and strength training in women’s midlife health.
• How conversations around alcohol and menopause are finally becoming less taboo—and why that matters.

Michelle’s work is all about helping women stop settling and start showing up for themselves. This episode is packed with real talk, science, and encouragement for anyone navigating sobriety and the massive physical changes of midlife.

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @askingforafriend_pod

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Why do we procrastinate so much in recovery?

In this episode, I unpack the six key reasons why procrastination shows up during sobriety and how we can gently work through it:

1) Low Dopamine Tolerance

Our brains are used to quick dopamine hits from alcohol. Without that, even basic tasks feel boring and unrewarding. I share ways to build motivation through small wins and habit stacking.

2) Nervous System Dysregulation

Sobriety means feeling everything again. Overwhelm can trigger a freeze response, making even simple tasks feel impossible. I talk about how to regulate your body and borrow safety from others.

3) Learned Helplessness

After repeated failures, we start believing we can’t succeed. I dive into how this mindset forms and how to break the cycle with messy action and micro wins.

4) Fear of Failure

Trying and failing feels unbearable, so we avoid trying at all. I share how to reframe failure as data and growth, not proof that we’re broken.

5) Fear of Success

Success means change, and change can feel threatening. I explore how fear of growth can lead to self-sabotage and how to embrace expansion safely.

6) Inner Critic Paralysis

That voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? It’s trying to protect you—but it’s keeping you stuck. I offer ways to quiet the critic and take imperfect action.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Kaplan, founder of Rewriting Sober, midlife mom of two, writer, and walking proof that it’s never “too late” to rewrite your story. At 48, Andrea hit one year sober, not from a dramatic rock bottom—but from the quiet, heavy hell of anxiety, shame, and soul-numbing routine.

We unpack the real transformation: moving from people-pleasing and control to clarity and confidence. Andrea shares how she survived early sobriety while parenting teens, traveling to Italy, going to Vegas (yeah, Vegas), and hosting milestone family events—all without pouring a drink.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why you don’t need a rock bottom to choose sobriety
• How people pleasing and control masked her internal chaos
• Letting go of the fantasy of “drinking like a normal person”
• The mental torture of moderation attempts
• Rewiring her relationship with fear, self-trust, and perfectionism
• What Italy, Vegas, and gelato taught her about sober joy
• The subtle but life-altering moment when she finally felt hope again

Andrea proves you can look like you’ve got it all together and still feel lost—and that healing is possible without hitting the floor. This one’s for the high-functioning women who are done trying to function their way through despair.

Connect with Andrea: https://www.instagram.com/rewritingsober/

Links: 

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever wonder why you want alcohol so badly—only to feel like absolute garbage afterward? You’re not broken. Your brain is just doing its job. In this episode, I want to share more about the neuroscience of addiction, diving deep into the opponent process theory, neurotransmitter chaos, and the real reason that 5 p.m. craving feels like a freight train.

In this episode I cover:

• The brain’s “AB Process” and how it wires us to crave booze and crash after
• Why the wine witch hour isn’t about willpower—it’s about biology
• GABA, glutamate, dopamine & cortisol: what’s really going on in your brain
• How tolerance and withdrawal escalate over time (and why)
• Why early sobriety feels like a hormonal rollercoaster—and how long it really lasts
• Why understanding brain science is the ultimate tool to ditch shame and build lasting sobriety

I share the moment when everything clicked (in a Safeway parking lot, of all places), and how learning the science behind addiction finally made me feel empowered—not broken.

Links: 

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever wonder why telling your story in recovery feels so powerful? It’s not just emotional—it's biological. In this solo episode, I talk about how storytelling activates empathy, builds emotional safety, and rewires your brain for change.

From mirror neurons to narrative psychology, learn why your messy truth is the medicine—and how sharing it might be the most powerful recovery tool you have.

Today I cover:

• Why “stories go where science can’t” (but neuroscience is catching up!)
• The magic and messiness of early AA storytelling circles
• How mirror neurons and narrative psychology help us change
• The link between relational safety, vulnerability, and brain rewiring
• Why your recovery story evolves—and why that matters
• How storytelling softens self-judgment and builds compassion
• The science behind why hearing one powerful story can change everything
• Why women especially thrive through shared emotional narratives

Resources Mentioned:

• Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
• We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen
• Research by Dan McAdams

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I sit down with Leah Fulton Eng, a nurse, and the heart behind the Sober Mom Collective. Leah shares the truth about what it really looks like to get sober while parenting—and why community may be the most important part of recovery.

Together, we unpack how the illusion of “mommy wine culture” keeps so many women stuck, and how the simple act of showing up—being seen—can be the first step toward lasting change.

In this episode we talk about:

• Leah’s story of addiction, denial, and finally surrendering to recovery
• Why she didn’t think traditional 12-step recovery was for her
• The surprising power of a phone call from another sober mom
• What it's like to recover in the middle of motherhood
• The deep shame around secrecy, lying, and trying to do it all alone
• How visibility in community changed everything for her
• Why it took 4 months to tell her husband the truth—and how he responded
• The inspiration behind creating the Sober Mom Collective

Leah is the founder and CEO of the Sober Mom Collective, a certified holistic coach specializing in recovery, a postpartum doula, and a registered nurse. She is in recovery from alcohol use, cannabis use, depression, and anxiety, and is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for moms navigating both sobriety and parenting.

Links + Resources:

• Learn more about The Sober Mom Collective
• Connect with Leah on Instagram: @sobermomcollective

Connect with Kate: https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I take you on a raw and unfiltered ride through New York City—from gritty Canal Street lofts to unexpected moments of insecurity on the Upper East Side. I recorded this on the fly during a spring trip, reflecting on identity, recovery, and the unexpected ways old wounds still show up—seven years sober. What begins as a rant about bad hotel decor becomes a powerful story of self-awareness, self-talk, and rediscovering joy (and a little magic) on the sidewalks of Manhattan.

Key Takeaways:

• Even years into sobriety, old insecurities can resurface—and that’s normal.
• Comparison is sneaky and shows up when you least expect it.
• Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking—it’s about learning who you are and what still needs healing.
• You don’t have to have it all together to have a good time or be proud of your progress.
• A gritty hotel and a fashion icon can remind you how far you’ve come.

Connect with Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever find yourself sober and wondering, is this it?

In this refreshingly honest solo episode, Kate dives into one of recovery’s least talked about stages: boredom. Through personal stories, neuroscience, and real talk, she explores why life can feel flat in early sobriety and how that “blah” feeling isn’t failure—it’s your brain and nervous system recalibrating after years of artificial stimulation.

Kate shares what happens when dopamine levels drop, why we confuse stillness for boredom, and how to rebuild a sense of excitement, identity, and curiosity without reaching for the old quick hits. With humor and heart, she reminds us that sometimes healing looks like sitting in your messy diaper—the unglamorous, in-between stage where growth quietly begins.

In this episode, Kate dives into:

• Why boredom in sobriety is actually your brain healing
• Dopamine depletion and the science of “recalibration”
• The identity gap between who you were and who you’re becoming
• How to rediscover curiosity and joy in everyday life
• Building real friendships and connection in recovery
• Why stillness isn’t punishment

Kate closes the episode by reminding listeners that sobriety doesn’t take away your joy—it just gives you access to the real kind. And sometimes, the most powerful transformation starts in the stillness.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In today's episode I am speaking with a former coaching client and dementia specialist Tammy Pozerycki. With 551 days of sobriety under her belt, Tammy opens up about her long history of addiction—from food and smoking to alcohol—and the emotional roots that kept her stuck for years. She shares how body image issues, disordered eating, and generational trauma shaped her coping mechanisms.

Tammy reflects on the internal pain that motivated her to change, the chronic health conditions that reinforced her decision, and the role of coaching in helping her face the truth, shed the victim mindset, and commit to growth. Her honest and relatable story is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, but it is absolutely possible—even later in life.

Key Takeaways:

• Addiction doesn’t discriminate—being in healthcare doesn’t automatically mean you understand recovery.
• Tammy’s addiction shifted forms throughout her life: from food to smoking to alcohol, always as a way to escape emotional pain.
• Emotional wounds from childhood, including body shaming and generational trauma, can fuel disordered coping habits.
• Long-term sobriety required Tammy to build accountability, especially through women's recovery groups and coaching.
• Her turning point came from emotional exhaustion and a heartbreaking comment from her husband—not a public fallout or external crisis.
• Chronic health issues like pancreatitis and liver damage later reinforced the need to stay sober, but she had already made the internal shift before diagnoses.
• Coaching, especially with someone who has lived experience, helped her unpack denial, build healthier narratives, and stop seeing herself as a victim.
• Reclaiming her life included confronting past stories, healing family wounds, and learning to finally put herself first.
• Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking—it's a commitment to becoming your authentic self, even if that means rediscovering who you are in your 50s.

Connect with Tammy:

https://www.facebook.com/tammy.pozerycki

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Welcome to the first official episode of Rewired Sober — formerly You’ve Been Selected.

In this episode I pull back the curtain on the real reasons for the name change, what I've learned about ego, identity, and Instagram, and how getting lost in vanity metrics nearly derailed the heart of my mission — to help women recover through neuroscience, storytelling, and soul-deep honesty.

If you’re craving a sober space that’s about rewiring your brain — not reposting filtered versions of your rock bottom — you’re in the right place.

Why the Name Change Matters

• The origin story of You’ve Been Selected and why it will always matter
• The shift toward a more grounded, neuroscience-rooted message with Rewired Sober
• Creating a safe space for women in recovery, not a public catwalk
• “Making soup”: building personalized sobriety recipes based on who you are, not what works for someone else
• Honouring neurodiversity, upbringing, trauma, and identity in recovery work

Why Rewiring Is the Work

• Addiction as a well-worn neural groove — and how we form new pathways
• Recovery through verbal processing, compassion, and community
• The role of laughter, creativity, and storytelling in healing the brain
• Why neuroscience and spirituality don’t have to be at odds

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In today's episode, I sit down with Beate Pilgreen — a professional organizer, sober powerhouse, and all-around life declutterer — to talk about the connection between getting sober and clearing the damn clutter — both emotionally and physically.

Beate shares her journey from growing up in Germany to making a "geographic" move to the U.S., thinking a new zip code could fix her heartbreak (and her drinking). Spoiler: it didn’t. But the story didn’t end there. After years of struggle, a 20-year marriage, and a full life reset, Beate found her way into sobriety — and, unexpectedly, into a whole new career helping other women find freedom through simplicity.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Beate discovered professional organizing after getting sober (and realized it was more emotional work than she expected).
• The link between addiction, clutter, and self-worth — and why sober women often feel stuck in their homes post-recovery.
• Reclaiming your space as a sober woman and redefining comfort and safety.
• Living intentionally, consuming consciously, and learning to say “no thanks” to a bag of random hand-me-downs.
• Beate’s transition from in-home organizing to digital offers and coaching — and her dream of building an army of sober, clutter-free women.

Whether you’re clearing out your closet or cleaning up your past, this episode is a heartfelt, hilarious, and grounding reminder that letting go — of stuff, of stories, of self-doubt — is powerful as hell.

Follow her journey on Instagram @noworganizing

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Solita Roberts, founder of Style to Impact and a true catalyst for transformation—one wardrobe at a time.

We go deep on how style isn't about playing dress-up for the world. It's about dressing in alignment with who you actually are. Whether you're stepping into sobriety, into leadership, or just into a new era of self, your closet shouldn't be holding you hostage to an outdated version of you.

Solita shares how getting dressed during the darkest season of her life became an act of self-care—and ultimately, survival.

Together, we unpack:

• Why style is about internal transformation first, not just external polish
• The myth that shopping fixes confidence (spoiler: it doesn’t)
• The fear women have of being “too much” and why color is an act of rebellion
• How personal style can shatter conformity and unleash executive presence
• Tips for reassessing your wardrobe when your identity has shifted—hello sobriety, hello authenticity

If you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, “Nothing in here feels like me anymore,” this episode is for you.

Solita C. Roberts is a catalyst for transformation—unlocking the confidence and authenticity of women leaders to cultivate a bold leadership image and personal brand.

As a speaker and founder of Style To Impact, Solita partners with organizations, entrepreneurs, and mid-to-C-suite executives to develop influential leaders and position top talent with strategies to show up authentically appropriate, and increase executive presence. Her work has impacted over 18,000 women leaders and earned her a LinkedIn Top Voice recognition.

Solita understands the pressure to conform to traditional corporate image standards—often at the expense of one's authentic self.

That’s why she is passionate about pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to lead with authenticity in a professional world where it’s easy to feel unseen, unheard, or undervalued.

She believes style is a tool for empowerment, self-care, and resilience—enhancing presence, influence, and career growth.

When she’s not on stage or leading workshops, Solita enjoys exploring the world of pickleball, finding inspiration in books, and cherishing quiet moments alone.

To discover how Solita can help you or your team enhance perception, performance, and power by refining their executive presence, visit styletoimpact.com/workwithme.

Together, let’s lead with purpose, style with intention, and transform how you show up in the world.

Connect with Solita:

WEBSITE: https://styletoimpact.com/

INSTAGRAM: @styletoimpact https://www.instagram.com/solitacroberts/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solitacroberts/

Connect with Kate:

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

In this beautifully candid conversation, Kate sits down with writer and recovery advocate Celeste Yvonne to talk about sobriety, identity, motherhood, and what it really takes to step into the light after years in the shadow of shame.

Celeste shares the powerful backstory behind her book It's Not About the Wine, and what it was like navigating early recovery with a deep fear of being “found out.” From unpacking inherited narratives around addiction to co-founding the transformative Sober Mom Squad, Celeste opens up about finding her voice—and using it to help others find theirs.

If you've ever felt like recovery looked like church basements and weak coffee, this episode will reframe what’s possible.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• Celeste’s fear of being labeled an “alcoholic"
• Breaking the cycle of addiction inherited from family
• Writing publicly about sobriety for the first time
• Founding Sober Mom Squad and the power of virtual recovery community
• Why “Mommy Wine Culture” is more dangerous than we think
• Grief, growth, and what comes after the end of a chapter
• Discovering your voice in sobriety—and how to use it

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with author, speaker, NLP trainer, and coach Marsha Vanwynsberghe. Marsha is a six-time bestselling author, host of the Own Your Choices, Own Your Life Podcast, and founder of several transformational coaching programs. She shares openly about her journey as a parent navigating teen substance abuse and how that experience catalyzed her mission to help others reframe their stories and reclaim their power.

This episode is an honest, wide-ranging look at the realities behind building a meaningful business, facing personal breaking points, and evolving through discomfort. Marsha and I discuss what it really means to stay in the long game, whether it's in podcasting, personal growth, or entrepreneurship—and how choosing yourself, again and again, is an essential part of the process.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional toll of starting a podcast and staying consistent
• Marsha’s experience parenting through teen addiction and how it shaped her voice
• What it means to reach a breaking point—and how to rebuild from it
• The danger of building a business that doesn’t reflect your values
• Why making space (not doing more) is key to creating what you actually want
• How NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) helps uncover blind spots and reprogram your mindset
• Reframing challenges as part of your growth and legacy

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review wherever you listen. Your support helps more listeners find these powerful conversations.

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In today's episode, I am joined once again by my husband, Philip, to talk about something they’re frequently asked: What do sober couples do for fun?

Together we share how our social life has evolved in sobriety—from bar brawls and boring nights in to a packed calendar filled with live music, fashion shows, comedy, art events, photography gigs, and spontaneous "treasure hunts" at flea markets.

Not only that, our marriage and personal interests have flourished, and being sober has enhanced our ability to enjoy and explore life. From mocktails to night drives, downtown adventures to daytime dates, we prove that a sober life doesn’t mean a boring one—it means a better one.

We talk about:

• What our social life looked like before vs. after sobriety
• How sobriety sparked new passions in fashion and photography
• Making space for joy, creativity, and meaningful connection
• Laugh-out-loud moments from comedy clubs to green rooms
• How being sober brings clarity, safety, and financial freedom

Connect with Phillip:

https://www.instagram.com/a13photography/

SMART Recovery Meeting Finder

https://smartrecovery.org/meeting

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I want to share a little bit about a new course called The Gut Check—a private self-inquiry course designed for those stuck in the space between “not rock bottom” and “not free.”

This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at why The Gut Check course was created and an invitation to explore what happens when we pause before the pivot.

Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, stuck in comparison traps, or simply wondering “Is this working for me anymore?”, this episode and course are designed to meet you in that sacred space of curiosity without judgment.

In this episode I cover:

• Why The Gut Check isn’t a sobriety bootcamp or an “Am I an alcoholic?” quiz
• The power of internal consequences and invisible pain
• How fear masks itself as logic—and keeps us stuck
• Why curiosity is key, and how it opens the door to transformation
• Reframing the concept of “rock bottom” and making space for quiet truth
• Why it’s never too late to rewrite your story

The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-Inquiry

Register here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCH

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, artist, and sober mentor Catherine Just — a visual powerhouse whose photography gives voice to the unspoken: love, loss, desire, and transformation.

Catherine celebrates 37 years of continuous sobriety, and her life’s work is a testament to what happens when you listen to the inner whisper that says, “There’s more to life than what you’re living.” From battling meth addiction at 18 to gracing the walls of galleries in Paris, Milan, and Los Angeles, Catherine shares the raw truth of what it takes to own your space, your voice, and your art.

Catherine shares:

• The spiritual nudge that saved her life
• How creativity became a lifeline and a practice of truth
• Battling impostor syndrome (even at the top of your game)
• What it means to step into your full power — before you feel ready
• The behind-the-scenes of her recent international art exhibitions
• Using self-inquiry and awareness to quiet the inner critic
• Raising her incredible son Max, and how their collaboration redefines inclusion and love

This episode is packed with spiritual sass, real-deal honesty, and tender reflection on what it really means to be selected for something more.

Connect with Catherine:

Website: http://www.catherinejust.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cjust

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bo0oqdchsxKMwMPC8ghBn?si=88cb4b8ce7b8439b

Free Masterclass April 16-18: https://www.catherinejust.com/courses#/deardoubt/

The Deepening : Online Creativity Mentoring Program: https://www.catherinejust.com/courses#/thedeepening/

Fine Art: https://www.catherinejust.com/art-portfolios

Photo Sessions: https://www.catherinejust.com/photo-sessions

NMFW Devotional Kits: https://catherinejust.myflodesk.com/vd8gi8o8pq

NMFW Merch: https://www.catherinejust.com/shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What started as a silly reel (complete with banana phone and bathrobe chic) evolved into a powerful reflection on identity, transformation, and fashion as a mirror of recovery. In this episode I unpack how sobriety shattered the illusion of what I once thought was a “fabulous” drinking life and how, ironically, my style and confidence actually blossomed in recovery.

I discuss:

• The real meaning behind “get a life” after getting sober
• How fashion helped Kate find her footing in recovery
• The identity crisis of ditching wine-soaked glam for authentic style
• From "Hollywood Kate" to conscious consumer — the evolution of a personal brand
• The cringe, the chaos, and the clarity of navigating fast fashion, designer dupes, and RealReal regrets
• How personal development and personal style are deeply connected

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What happens when a word that once saved you stops fitting?

In this raw and deeply personal solo episode, Kate opens up about one of the most controversial topics in recovery: why she no longer calls herself an alcoholic. After years in 12-step rooms and studying addiction as a psychiatric nurse, she’s unpacked what this label means medically, psychologically, and spiritually, and why it no longer reflects who she is today.

Kate explores the evolution of her own recovery, the science behind addiction and neuroplasticity, and how healing changes not just your habits but your identity. This episode challenges old narratives while holding space for every path that keeps people sober, reminding listeners that recovery is personal and growth means you get to change your mind.

In this episode, Kate talks about:

• Why she no longer identifies with the word alcoholic
• What neuroscience reveals about addiction and recovery
• How sobriety evolves from survival to self-trust
• The role of language and identity in long-term healing
• Why we must respect all recovery paths, even when they differ from our own

Kate reminds us that sobriety isn’t about the label you wear. It’s about the life you build beyond it.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

My husband Phillip is back, and this time he is sharing his story about getting sober. From his career in the military, to binge drinking, blackouts, and rock-bottom moments—this is his story, 4 years after I decided to quit drinking.

In this episode Phillip shares:

• The night he wrecked his car—and how it saved his life
• The emotional toll of transitioning out of the military
• Binge drinking, masculinity, and cultural expectations around alcohol
• How relationships can grow together even when recovery looks different
• The stigma (and silence) around sobriety in certain families and communities and the work he gets to do now

Connect with Phillip:

https://www.instagram.com/a13photography/

SMART Recovery Meeting Finder

https://smartrecovery.org/meeting

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I’m diving into the truth that no one tells you about getting sober: the real work starts after you put down the drink.

For many of us, the next layer of recovery is learning how to navigate our relationships without numbing, fixing, or losing ourselves in other people.

This one is for anyone who is navigating sobriety with a partner who still drinks.

• What happens when your nervous system finally stops buzzing
• Why peace can feel threatening after a lifetime of survival mode
• The sneaky ways people-pleasing and codependency show up post-sobriety
• Setting boundaries without guilt (and why it’s so damn hard)
• Healing the real root of addiction: disconnection from self

If you’re sober (or sober curious) and finding that your relationships are now the thing taking up all your emotional bandwidth, you are so not alone.

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this solo episode, I crack open the conversation around disordered eating and substance use disorder — and how they can so often co-exist behind closed doors. I'm not an expert, just a woman in recovery sharing what helped me heal. I talk through the shame, the secrecy, and the sticky-note moment that became my turning point. This is my story of getting radically honest — with myself, my husband, and eventually, the world.

What I cover in this episode:

• The painful intersection of sobriety and bulimia: why getting sober didn’t magically “fix” everything.
• My personal wake-up call: how I finally confronted disordered eating after years of hiding it.
• The power of radical honesty — and how speaking up was the beginning of my real healing.
• Setting boundaries was so important
• Why your recovery — from anything — deserves protection, boundaries, and a whole lot of grace.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Bright Line Eating
• The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or tag me on social https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

You’re not alone — and you never have to heal in silence. 💛

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What is it like to love someone through active addiction? In this raw and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my husband, Philip—a combat veteran and mental health advocate—to talk about our journey through addiction, codependency, and survival. 

What we cover:

• Our honest, unfiltered truth about love, recovery, and the hidden battles that we both faced throughout the years
• Phillip openly shares how he felt during my rock-bottom moments
• Philip shares his own struggles, the myths he believed about addiction, and the hard-earned lessons he learned
• Where we are today and how through our experiences we can show up to help others who are navigating a similar path

Connect With Kate

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Dr. Robb Kelly is a quick-witted, no-nonsense addiction expert who doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. He takes recovery seriously because people are dying, and there’s no time for excuses. In this episode, we go deep into his journey, his methods, and why he believes full recovery is possible.

What We Cover:

• Dr. Kelly’s personal struggle – Losing custody of his children to addiction and fighting his way back.
• Building a recovery empire – How he turned his pain into a powerful business that changes lives.
• The science of rewiring the brain – Addiction isn’t a life sentence if you do the work.
• Childhood trauma: The real gateway drug – Why past wounds fuel addiction and how to heal them.
• Breaking the “I’m not enough” myth – The limiting belief that keeps people stuck, and how Dr. Kelly shatters it in his unconventional way.
• Uncover, Discover, Discard – His powerful words for letting go of the past and building a new future.
• The importance of willingness – No one can want recovery for you. You have to step up.

This episode is raw, real, and in-your-face. If you’re looking for sugarcoating, this isn’t it. But if you want the hard truth about what it takes to recover and stay recovered? Press play.

Resources:

📖 Dr. Robb Kelly’s book:  Daddy, Daddy, Please Stop Drinking

https://a.co/d/d1nyj32  

🔗 Connect with Dr. Robb Kelly 

www.robbkelly.com

https://linktr.ee/drrobbkelly?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a3a9a3a4-ee1d-463c-850d-a9c3ad956280

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Every year, I take a trip to New York City for my soberversary, and this year marks 7 years. NYC has always been a magical place, but in sobriety, it’s taken on an even deeper meaning—it’s shown me that I can accomplish bucket list dreams sober instead of just being a drunken dreamer who never follows through.

What I Share in This Episode:

• The power of experiencing NYC sober – How this city has become proof that I can do anything without alcohol.
• Break Free Fashion Show – How being part of this mental health and recovery movement made NYC even more special.
• Why you can truly do ANYTHING sober – Alcohol made me dream big but never take action. Sobriety made the impossible, possible.
• Things I’m proud of myself for – Reflecting on 7 years of growth, risks, and wins.
• Getting tattoos & being myself unapologetically – Why I no longer fear embracing who I really am.
• Meeting my fashion icon, Pat Fields – A full-circle moment that reminded me to embrace life and go with the flow

This solo episode is personal, raw, and a reminder that sobriety doesn’t limit you—it unlocks everything you thought was out of reach.

Resources & Ways to Connect:

🖤 Support Break Free (New York Fashion Week)  & their mission: 

https://www.breakfreenyfw.com/ 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this solo episode, Kate gets real about her complicated relationship with gratitude. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t always her favorite concept. She dives into why the typical “gratitude fixes everything” mantras used to make her roll her eyes and how she found a way to embrace gratitude without spiritually bypassing the real pain that life throws at us.

Kate unpacks how gratitude, when done authentically, is less about ignoring pain and more about reframing it as an act of rebellion against a world that constantly tells us we’re not enough, don’t have enough, or need more.

Key topics in this episode:

• Why Gratitude Annoyed Her: A candid look at Kate’s resistance to cheesy gratitude sayings and toxic positivity.
• Reframing Gratitude as Rebellion: How gratitude can be a bold, intentional stand against a culture of scarcity and dissatisfaction.
• Happiness Feedback Loops and Neuroplasticity: The science behind how practicing gratitude rewires the brain, creating new patterns of happiness and contentment.
• Embodying the Infinite Game: Kate shares why she got a tattoo that says “Embody the Infinite Game” and how it reminds her to play for growth, connection, and meaning rather than winning or achieving in life.

This episode is full of humor, honesty, and practical insights, as Kate explores how gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine—it’s about embracing the messy, painful, and beautiful reality of life with open arms.

Why Listen?

If you’ve ever felt like gratitude is just another thing you “should” do, this episode will change your perspective. Kate’s take is raw, relatable, and grounded in both personal experience and brain science.

Join Kate as she flips the script on gratitude and shows how it can be a rebellious, transformative tool for healing and growth. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a refreshing dose of realness.

Connect with Kate 

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I speak with Kate Vitela, a board-certified nurse coach and certified addiction RN with over two decades of nursing experience. Kate has been sober since 2018. She has empowered women in recovery with humour, science, and spiritual growth. Her podcast, "You Been Selected," inspires transformation through real talk and actionable tools for sobriety and personal development. 

Throughout our conversation, we explored the misconceptions surrounding addiction, particularly the stigma that often accompanies it. Kate emphasized the importance of understanding addiction as a complex issue rooted in pain and trauma rather than a moral failing. She highlighted the need for compassion and support for those struggling with addiction and how her coaching practice aims to provide a safe space for individuals to explore their relationship with alcohol.

Connect with Marsha:

Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster

Download FREE “You Are Supported” Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE 

Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in March 2025) HERE

Learn more about changing the Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program HERE. Use Code PODCAST to receive 20% off. Code FASTACTION20

Tap the “Follow” button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This helps the show grow!

Website: www.marshavanw.com

Connect on IG. Click HERE

Subscribe on YouTube. Click HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate continues her heartfelt conversation with Nurse Coach Sarah Morgando as they take a deeper dive into the story of Sarah’s sister, Jenny. They explore the complex relationship between gastric bypass surgery and addiction—a journey that ultimately led to Jenny’s untimely death.

Together, Kate and Sarah discuss the profound impact this experience had on Sarah’s mission to create a space where women feel seen, heard, and safe. This inspired her to form a women’s group centered on sisterhood, self-awareness, and emotional safety—a place where vulnerability can flourish and healing begins.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Jenny’s Story: The connection between gastric bypass, addiction, and its often-overlooked risks.
• The Power of Sisterhood: Why creating spaces of safety and mutual understanding for women is essential.
• The Unsung Hero in Group Spaces: Exploring the power of the witness—how listening and holding space can be as healing as sharing.
• Feeling Seen and Heard: How group connections allow women to process pain, shed shame, and find hope—sometimes saving lives in the process.

This episode is a reminder of the profound impact of community and the ripple effect of creating spaces where women can authentically connect. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking deeper connection, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on the importance of being both seen and a witness to others.

Connect with Sarah Morgando

https://www.thejourneytc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgando/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate honors the incredible work of Nurse Coach Sarah Morgando and her group Sisterhood Rising, formed in loving memory of Sarah’s sister, who lost her battle with addiction. This powerful group is rooted in the concept of healing the sister wound—the deep societal patterns of judgment, comparison, and competition that often divide women.

Kate explores how Sisterhood Rising creates a space where women in recovery can come together to dismantle these wounds and foster authentic connection. This concept is especially vital in female sober circles, where fears of judgment about parenting, body image, or womanhood often prevent vulnerability and connection.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The story behind Sisterhood Rising and its mission to honor Sarah’s sister.
• What the “sister wound” is and how it shows up in recovery and daily life.
• How judgment and comparison can isolate women, even in sober communities.
• Why healing these wounds is essential for building trust, connection, and emotional resilience.
• Practical ways women can support each other instead of competing or comparing.

Kate reflects on the courage it takes to break cycles of judgment and comparison and how groups like Sisterhood Rising create transformative spaces where women can truly rise together.

Tune in for an honest conversation about breaking barriers, building community, and fostering sisterhood in sobriety.

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, connection, and living a purpose-driven life.

Connect with Sarah Morgando

https://www.thejourneytc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgando/

Follow and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, recovery, and growth!

Links

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Can being too high-functioning actually keep you stuck in your drinking?

In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Mack Martin, author of Functional: A High Performer’s Guide to Freedom from Alcohol, to talk about what it really means to look like you “have it all together” while quietly struggling with alcohol.

Rachel, a director in financial services with an MBA and a life that appeared picture-perfect from the outside, opens up about how intelligence, success, and achievement can become tools of denial. Together, she and Kate unpack the hidden costs of being “functional,” why rock bottoms are overrated, and how letting go of perfection makes room for healing.

In this episode, Kate and Rachel talk about:

• What it means to be a “functional drinker”
• Why intelligence can keep us stuck in denial
• The myth of moderation and why it’s so seductive
• How Rachel’s 30-day break turned into 7 years of freedom
• Navigating relationships and social circles after quitting
• Finding support outside of traditional recovery paths
• The unexpected gifts of living alcohol-free

Rachel’s story is proof that you don’t need to lose everything to change everything — and that being smart isn’t what saves you from addiction, it’s what helps you rewrite your story once you’re ready to see it clearly.

Rachel Mack Martin is a director in financial services and holds an MBA, bringing an inquisitive mind to everything she does, including writing. Rachel lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three unpredictable cats. When not working or writing, you can find her drinking a strong cup of black coffee with at least one feline on her lap. Functional is her first book.

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

Link to Amazon for my book: https://a.co/d/5EUckcA

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this entertaining episode, Kate sits down with Alysse Bryson, founder of the online magazine The Sober Curator, to talk about how it all began. Alysse shares the story behind creating this much-needed space—a BuzzFeed-style hub for sober people—and how Kate got involved writing a fashion column, despite having no clue what she was doing at first.

From humble beginnings to walking the runway at NYFW, Kate and Alysse recount their adventures in NYC, their shared passion for sober creativity, and their plans to bring even more entertaining content to The Sober Curator.

Tune in for:

• The origin story of The Sober Curator.
• Kate’s unexpected journey from fashion blogging to NYFW.
• Funny stories from their escapades in NYC.
• Why the sober world needs fun, relatable media like The Sober Curator.

Get ready for laughs, inspiration, and a sneak peek at what’s next in the world of sober creativity.

Follow and subscribe for more stories, laughs, and recovery inspiration!

Connect with Alysse Bryson or The Sober Curator: 

https://www.instagram.com/alysseinthecity/

https://thesobercurator.com/

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this enlightening episode, Kate welcomes the renowned Veronica Valli—esteemed author, podcast host, and addiction expert with decades of sobriety. Veronica shares her seasoned perspective on the ever-evolving sober landscape on social media, diving into the rise of sober influencers, the cult of online personalities, and the importance of critical thinking in recovery.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• The Sober Social Media Boom: Veronica explores the positive and negative impacts of social media on the recovery community, including how it fosters connection but can also spread misinformation.
• Sober Influencers and the “Guru” Effect: Why it’s crucial for people in recovery to recognize the difference between genuine inspiration and self-appointed experts.
• Doing Your Research: Veronica stresses the importance of evaluating credentials, understanding the source of advice, and avoiding blind allegiance to influencers.
• Personal Accountability in Recovery: How to take ownership of your journey while using social media and other platforms as tools—not substitutes—for deeper work.
• The Evolving Recovery Space: Veronica’s insights on how recovery is shifting in the digital age and what the community can do to uphold integrity and authenticity.

Veronica’s wisdom and candid approach make this a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery in the social media era. She offers practical advice for cutting through the noise and staying grounded in your personal path to sobriety.

Connect with Veronica Valli:

 https://www.instagram.com/veronicajvalli/

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate breaks down the often misunderstood experience of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and how it can impact your sobriety journey. Many people think the hardest part of recovery is the initial detox—but PAWS, which can last much longer than expected, presents its own set of challenges.

Kate explains how PAWS symptoms like mood swings, self-doubt, and emotional instability can leave you feeling frustrated and discouraged, especially if you’re navigating recovery without a supportive community. She also shares why understanding this phase of recovery is crucial for building resilience and staying on track.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• What is PAWS, and why does it linger for months (or even years) after getting sober?
• The emotional rollercoaster: Why mood swings, irritability, and self-doubt are so common.
• How PAWS can sneak up on you and impact your motivation.
• The importance of seeking sober support through community, meetings, or coaching.
• Practical tools to stay grounded and hopeful during the PAWS phase.

Kate offers relatable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate this challenging part of recovery. With the right tools and support, PAWS doesn’t have to derail your progress—it can become an opportunity for growth and deeper healing.

Tune in to learn how to stay the course and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, emotional resilience, and living the infinite game of life.

Connect w/Kate:

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate dives deep into her transformative framework for recovery: the Faucets of Freedom. Designed to help you build a life of resilience, self-awareness, and lasting sobriety, this framework breaks down six essential principles using the acronym WHAC:

• Willingness: The courage to take the first step and remain open to growth.
• Humor: Finding the light in dark moments to stay grounded and keep perspective.
• Honesty: Embracing radical truth with yourself and others, even when it’s hard.
• Humility: Recognizing your limitations and embracing the strength in asking for help.
• Abstinence: Staying committed to sobriety as the foundation of freedom.
• Consistency: Showing up for yourself every single day to build momentum and trust.

Kate unpacks how each of these faucets contributes to emotional and spiritual freedom, sharing relatable stories, actionable tips, and a healthy dose of humor to keep it real. Whether you’re in recovery, personal growth, or navigating life’s challenges, this episode provides a practical and inspiring guide to living with purpose and intention.

Tune in to discover:

• Why willingness is the key to opening every other faucet.
• How humor can shift your perspective and create space for healing.
• The power of honesty and humility in building authentic connections.
• Why consistency—not perfection—is what leads to lasting change.

Grab a notebook, open your mind, and get ready to WHAC your way to freedom!

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, personal growth, and embracing the infinite game of life.

Links: 

Connect With Kate

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate shares her journey of navigating recovery meetings and finding the support she needed along the way. It all started with a book that opened her eyes to the possibility of sobriety, inspiring her to attend her first meeting. But when live meetings closed during the pandemic, Kate faced a new challenge: staying connected to recovery in isolation.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• The Early Days of Recovery: How reading a book inspired Kate to take the first brave step toward sobriety by attending recovery meetings.
• The Pandemic Shift: Navigating the closure of in-person meetings during COVID and the struggle to stay connected to her sobriety.
• Discovering Online Communities: Finding solace in groups like Sober Mom Squad and The Luckiest Club, and how these communities filled the gap when in-person meetings were no longer an option.
• Finding the Right Messaging: Why it was crucial for Kate to explore different recovery approaches and discover the messages that resonated most with her at each stage of her journey.
• Brave and Empowering Personal Discovery: How diving deep into addiction research and personal growth allowed Kate to confront her fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and step into a new, empowered version of herself.

This episode is an honest and relatable look at the twists and turns of recovery, from finding the courage to ask for help to redefining what sobriety looks like on your own terms.

Whether you’re new to sobriety or navigating your own path, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is a deeply personal journey—and finding what works for you is the key.

Resources for Recovery Meetings Mentioned: 

TLC https://www.theluckiestclub.com/

SMS https://www.sobermomsquad.com/

Links 

Connect With Kate

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this inspiring episode, Kate sits down with the incredible Jessica Landon, who celebrates an incredible milestone—11 years of sobriety. Jessica shares her deeply personal journey, humbly reminding us that healing isn’t linear and that recovery is a lifelong process. As a self-proclaimed “forever student” of self-discovery, Jessica dives into the lessons she’s learned along the way and the challenges she continues to navigate.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Healing as a Lifelong Journey: Why Jessica embraces the idea that there is no final destination in recovery, only growth and learning.
• Spirituality as a Foundation: How connecting with a higher power and cultivating spiritual practices has anchored her recovery.
• 
  
• The Importance of a Multi-Faceted Recovery Program: Jessica emphasizes creating a recovery approach with no single point of failure, combining tools like therapy, fellowship, and self-reflection.
• Parenthood and Marriage in Sobriety: The unique challenges of maintaining sobriety while balancing the roles of partner and parent, and how she applies recovery principles to her personal relationships.

This episode is a powerful reminder that progress, not perfection, is the key to long-term sobriety and personal growth. Whether you’re newly sober, in long-term recovery, or simply looking for inspiration, Jessica’s story offers valuable insights into navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Links:

 Jessica’s Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/jessicalandon12/

 Fight Addiction Now:  

https://www.facebook.com/fightaddictionnow.org

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate goes on a raw and relatable rant about resilience after being laid off from her job. Reflecting on her journey, she shares how hitting rock bottom in the past has equipped her to face challenges like this with perspective and strength. Kate dives into the tools she’s learned to stay resilient in hard times, proving that growth comes from leaning in, not running away.

This episode explores:

• Why hitting rock bottom taught her everything.
• The importance of humor in facing life’s challenges.
• How adaptability and community foster resilience.
• Sisterhood as a source of strength and support.
• Feeling the emotions fully without spiritually bypassing them.
• Learning to “embrace the suck” and show up anyway. 

Kate’s candid and inspiring take on resilience will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to tackle life’s tough moments.

Follow and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, recovery, and growth!

Links

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding her life after addiction. From a psych ward to a DUI, a failing marriage, and being busted by the nursing commission, Kate faced it all. Unemployable in her community and at the lowest point of her career, she entered the monitoring program for nurses with substance use disorders.

Kate recounts how the monitoring program worked, including the infamous app that would show “You Been Selected” in red letters on days she was summoned for a UA. Despite the challenges, Kate found her turning point, got sober in 2018, and began her journey back—ultimately being hired as a psychiatric nurse.

This episode dives into:

• The spiral of addiction: from personal struggles to professional consequences.
• How rock bottom became the foundation for recovery.
• The emotional journey of navigating the monitoring program.
• Finding purpose and hope as a psychiatric nurse in recovery.

Kate’s raw and inspiring story shows that even from the darkest moments, growth and transformation are possible.

Follow and subscribe for more real talk and recovery inspiration!

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate dives into her struggles with body image, eating disorders, and the need for external validation that led her down the path of being a "pick me girl." She opens up about how these experiences ultimately paved the way for her reliance on alcohol. 

This raw and honest conversation explores:

• Battling self-worth issues tied to body image.
• The intersection of disordered eating and control.
• How the search for validation can lead to self-destruction.
• The pivotal moment when alcohol became her escape.

This story is To Be Continued……(Hint: Check Out Episode 2)

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Hi, I'm Kate. I'm a nurse with over two decades in the field. And for a long time, I thought I had things pretty dialed in in my life.

So this podcast is about when life flipped the script on me. I went from being a nurse and what I thought was a high functioning professional to someone whose entire life revolved around alcohol.

The next thing I knew, I was in a monitoring program for nurses with substance use disorders.

I was checking this app every single day to see if I had, quote, been selected for a random ua. The letters would pop up on my screen. Bright red letters that said, you've been selected.

And one day I was looking at those and it just hit me. What if I'd been selected for more?

What if it was more than about staying sober and checking a box and getting through this program?

What if there was a purpose to all this? Like a bigger purpose? Like, I had been selected to live on purpose, to inspire, to create, to coach and mentor others through what feels like some of the worst days of your life.

And I'm ready to walk through this with you and come out on the other side. But this podcast is not just about sobriety.

It's about personal development.

It's about living on purpose.

Because when we live on purpose, we discover who we really are.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What happens when one person in the family gets sober? The whole system shifts.

In this solo episode, Kate unpacks what really goes down when you walk into family gatherings clear-headed for the first time. From side-eyes at the dinner table to Aunt Linda clutching her Riesling like an emotional support animal, Kate blends humor, compassion, and psychology to help you understand why your family reacts the way they do, and how to stay grounded through it.

She explores family systems theory, the emotional minefield of the holidays, and how to set boundaries without losing your sense of self. Whether you’re one month or eight years sober, this conversation will help you find peace (and maybe a laugh) in the chaos.

In this episode, Kate dives into:

• Why your sobriety “threatens” the family system
• How to handle guilt trips, silence, and side comments
• Why anger is information, not failure
• The power of self-compassion in healing family wounds
• How to create your own grounded rituals during the holidays
• Why your sobriety will always ripple farther than you realize

Sobriety doesn’t just change you. It changes the whole dance. And even if your family never claps for you, you’re already rewriting the story.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What if getting sober didn’t just change your habits, but changed the entire life you thought you wanted?

In this episode, Kate sits down with Kathryn Sabella, a divorced mom of two, recovery leader, and co-facilitator of The Sober Mom Collective. Kathryn shares how removing alcohol brought not only clarity but the courage to face the truth about her marriage and herself. Together, they unpack what it means to trust your intuition, navigate change, and choose self-love even when it disrupts everything around you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How sobriety gave Kathryn the clarity to confront hard truths about her marriage
• Why intuition and self-trust become louder when alcohol is gone
• How motherhood and people-pleasing can keep women stuck in “good enough” relationships
• The difference between doing the next right thing and the next loving thing
• What it means to make peace with divorce and create two happy homes
• Why giving up alcohol might be the first true act of self-love

Kathryn’s story is a reminder that sobriety doesn’t cause change, it reveals what’s been waiting for you all along. When the numbing stops, your truth has space to rise.

Connect with Kathryn Sabella:

• Instagram: @kathryn.authenticaf
• Community: The Sober Mom Collective

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

What if sobriety wasn’t about recovery, but about reclaiming your whole self?

From fashion blogger to sobriety advocate, Suzanne Warye is challenging mommy wine culture, dismantling the myth of moderation, and showing women that sobriety is not deprivation but transformation. In this conversation, she and Kate dive into motherhood, identity, personal style, and what it really means to create The Sober Shift.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Suzanne doesn’t use labels like “alcoholic” or “in recovery”
• How she built The Sober Mom Life podcast and community
• The subtle ways alcohol steals from women’s lives
• How fashion and self-expression became part of her sober rediscovery
• What to expect from her new book The Sober Shift

Suzanne’s story is proof that sobriety is about shifting perspective, owning your truth, and building a life that feels like home.

Connect with Suzanne Warye:

• Instagram: @suzannewarye
• Podcast: The Sober Mom Life
• Website & book tour: www.suzannewarye.com
• Book: The Sober Shift (available now)

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate sits down with Melissa McGovern, better known as The Sober New Yorker. After decades of drinking, woven into everything from Wisconsin’s drinking culture to New York’s nightlife, Melissa hit a turning point when her best friend died from alcohol-related illness. A devastating loss, paired with a harsh wake-up call from her doctor, pushed her to stop negotiating with moderation and start living fully alcohol-free.

Now two years sober, Melissa is a coach, podcaster, and speaker helping women “try sobriety on for size” because sometimes what doesn’t fit at first becomes the thing you never want to take off.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Melissa went from sober curious to fully committed
• The moment her lab results forced her to get honest about her drinking
• Why community was the missing piece that kept her sober this time
• How New York City became brand new again through sober eyes
• The power of retreats, groups, and podcasts in building lasting recovery
• Why “trying sobriety on for size” can transform your entire life

Melissa’s story is a reminder that sobriety is not deprivation. It is expansion. When alcohol goes, everything else you have been longing for finally has space to move in.

Connect with Melissa McGovern:

• Instagram: @thesobernewyorker
• Podcast: The Sober New Yorker
• Website: www.thesobernewyorker.com

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching...

What if one promise to your child completely rewired your life?

In this episode, Kate sits down with Kim Bellas, founder of Sober Is the New Cool and the White Heart Initiative, to explore how motherhood, resilience, and a little white heart turned into a global recovery movement. Inspired by her son’s epilepsy diagnosis, Kim ditched alcohol “for three months”, and never went back. Now 12 years sober, she’s built a worldwide community dedicated to smashing stigma, creating connection, and showing that sobriety isn’t boring—it’s powerful.

Kim shares how she reinvented herself in midlife, used hypnotherapy as a surprising tool to quit drinking, and why she believes we’re all recovering from something. From New York’s annual White Party to International Recovery Walks spanning 30 countries, her mission is clear: no one should feel alone.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How her son’s epilepsy diagnosis became the catalyst for her sobriety
• Why hypnotherapy helped her rewire habits and cravings
• The birth of Sober Is the New Cool
• What the White Heart Initiative means and the powerful stories behind it
• How the sober community is rewriting stigma through fashion, events, and laughter
• The gift of never missing another memory

Kim’s story is proof that sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol, it’s about choosing a bigger, brighter, more connected life.

Access the AB Process Course

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: team@katevitelacoaching.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program