In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen dig into what it really takes to move from white-knuckling it to building a life rooted in calm, purpose, and—yes—joy. They’re joined by Cheryl Pasieka, author of Climbing the Stairs: My Journey from Addiction to Pure Joy, who shares how rehab, mindfulness, and a fierce commitment to self-care helped her stop hiding behind alcohol and start living on her own terms. Cheryl brings hard-won wisdom and practical tools for women in recovery.

Across the conversation, they explore the fears that surface in early sobriety (What if I fail? What will people think?), how to set boundaries with negative energy, and what it means to choose sustainable joy over short-term relief. They touch on midlife purpose, rebuilding self-esteem, creating accountability, and why sharing your story can become someone else’s survival guide. Expect talk of relapse risk, root causes, nervous-system regulation, and using community, routine, and self-inquiry as anchors.

Listeners will learn about reflective journaling (and the game-changer of rereading old entries), building a sobriety plan you revisit every six months, using mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to regulate stress, and creating accountability check-ins with trusted friends. Cheryl explains how to identify triggers, let go of resentments, and replace people-pleasing with “put your own oxygen mask on first.” You’ll also hear a refreshing definition of joy—a daily practice of noticing, gratitude, and positive reframing—that helps prevent drift into rumination or “I’ll just have one” thinking.

Cheryl opens up about losing her mother, the spiral that followed, and the decision to go to rehab on Vancouver Island—phone surrendered, excuses stripped away.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

00:00 – Toronto roots, quick hellos, and Cheryl’s book intro, Climbing the Stairs

02:05 – “I wanted sustainable joy”—why grief and stress made moderation impossible

03:10 – Vancouver Island rehab: no phone, no running, just the work

04:12 – The first two years: fear of failure, meetings, yoga, and perseverance

05:06 – “What if I fail publicly?”—accountability and shame in early sobriety

06:02 – Why “just cut back” advice from some doctors misses the disease entirely

07:20 – Oxygen mask first: releasing people-pleasing and caring less what others think

08:05 – The quote that sparked the memoir and a surprising push from a psychic

09:18 – From private journaling to “maybe this can help one person” publishing mindset

10:45 – Telling family and friends—acceptance, boundaries, and letting some people drift

12:02 – Owning the past: divorces, resentments, and the freedom of self-acceptance

15:04 – Root causes: self-esteem, secrets, and climbing into the hole when alone

16:10 – Defining joy: reframing the day, gratitude, and the Tim Hortons “rain vs spring” story

18:02 – Calm as part of joy: taking things as they come instead of spiraling

19:06 – Protecting energy: stepping back from chronic negativity without guilt

21:02 – The morning stack: journal, meditation, movement, and a girlfriends’ daily check-in

22:40 – Weekly accountability now, occasional counseling as needed—right-sizing support

23:36 – “Planting my own garden”: self-care as not waiting for permission (or flowers)

24:12 – Midlife meaning: six-month reviews, giving back, quilting for folks in need

27:02 – The power of rereading journals: past you showing present you the way through

Cheryl's Links

www.journeytopurejoy.ca

SIS Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonia and her guest, Dr. Jyothi Rao, are diving into the kind of whole-body wellness that actually sticks. Dr. Rao is the Medical Director of Shakthi Health and Wellness Center in Maryland, blending science and compassion to help people get to the root of what’s going on in their bodies. She has over 25 years of experience helping patients turn their health around—plus she’s the author of Body on Fire and Body on Fire Cookbook.

They’re talking about the big picture: why your energy might still be low even after ditching alcohol, how stress and sleep are secretly running the show, and what small daily shifts can make the biggest difference. Expect an easy-to-follow chat about inflammation, gut health, circadian rhythm, and what’s really going on with midlife hormones.

Dr. Rao breaks down what actually works when it comes to lowering inflammation, balancing blood sugar, and building the kind of energy you can count on. You’ll learn how light exposure affects your sleep, why protein timing matters, and how things like strength training, hydration, and even acupuncture can help your body feel like yours again. This isn’t about overhauling your whole life—it’s about finding simple, doable steps that build on each other.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

Episode Highlights (time-stamped)

00:00 — Why integrative medicine matters in sobriety

02:18 — Dr. Rao’s journey from conventional to functional medicine

05:12 — What “root cause” care actually means

07:45 — The inflammation–fatigue connection after alcohol

10:03 — Balancing blood sugar without overcomplicating meals

12:26 — Mitochondria and how to get your energy back

14:58 — Light, timing, and your circadian rhythm

17:40 — How to set yourself up for better sleep

20:22 — The gut–brain link and how it impacts cravings

23:05 — Staying hydrated without overdoing water

25:41 — Navigating perimenopause symptoms with lifestyle tweaks

28:09 — How stress affects your body (and how to calm it)

30:52 — When acupuncture can help

33:17 — Why strength training is a game changer in midlife

36:01 — Functional lab tests: worth it or not?

38:34 — What “liver detox” really means

41:10 — A real-life patient success story

44:02 — Habit stacking to make changes stick

47:19 — Building your own healthcare dream team

50:11 — Using wellness habits to help prevent relapse

53:28 — Quick recap: small steps, big wins

Dr. Rao Links

https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resources

https://mycircadianapp.com/

SIS Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving deep into the wild world of dating—minus the drinks. They're joined by Carleigh Ferrante, host of the Mostly Dating podcast. Carleigh talks about what it really means to date with intention, honesty, and clarity—especially when you're sober. From starting over after a long-term relationship to swiping through the chaos of dating apps, they're talking about it.

Together, they explore how to spot emotional availability, navigate red flags, and decode whether your new connection is fueled by real chemistry. They ask big questions like: Can attraction grow? How can you tell if someone’s emotionally mature or just really charming? How long should you “get to know” someone before deciding to be exclusive? And what does flirting even look like when you’re sober?

You'll walk away with tangible, empowering insights like how to start meaningful conversations on dating apps, how to plan sober-friendly first dates, and how to protect your peace when things don’t go as planned. Carleigh shares practical tips for setting physical and emotional boundaries, flirting without alcohol, and recognizing when someone just isn’t your person—even if nothing seems “wrong.” You'll also learn how to gauge emotional maturity versus availability and the importance of aligned values in long-term compatibility.

On a personal note, Sonia and Kathleen open up about their own dating experiences and reflect on what it felt like to date sober for the first time, and how vulnerability, awkwardness, and self-awareness reshaped their views on intimacy and connection. Carleigh adds her own behind-the-scenes stories from dating app disasters to moments of surprising self-growth.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Carleigh Ferrante joins the show to talk all things dating

[00:02:00] Sonia and Kathleen share their contrasting Bumble experiences

[00:04:00] Carleigh’s go-to formula for dating app openers that actually work

[00:05:00] First date ideas for sober daters that don’t involve bars

[00:06:30] Where to meet people in the wild (yes, even at the Garden Center)

[00:08:00] Why small talk with strangers helps your dating life

[00:10:00] Sonia’s AA house call—and why she prefers women’s recovery groups

[00:11:00] What to ask early on to gauge someone’s dating mindset

[00:13:00] How to talk about your ex without trauma-dumping

[00:16:00] Should you discuss your values on a first date? Here’s how

[00:18:00] Can attraction grow—or does it have to be instant?

[00:21:00] Why ‘secure’ might feel boring if you’re used to chaos

[00:23:30] Emotional availability: what it looks like and how to spot it

[00:25:00] The difference between emotional maturity and availability

[00:27:30] Sonia’s boyfriend used to sing through hard conversations—literally

[00:29:00] How to talk about the future without scaring someone off

[00:31:00] Why the “getting to know you” phase should never really end

[00:33:00] Dating rules vs. personal boundaries—what really matters

[00:36:30] Love bombing vs. real connection: how to tell the difference

[00:39:00] How dating changes when you're sober—and why that's a good thing

[00:41:00] Sober dating and physical boundaries: what becomes clearer

[00:43:00] Flirting without alcohol: presence, confidence, and compliments

[00:47:00] How Kathleen dated for fun—and why that mindset worked

[00:48:00] How to protect your peace when someone ghosts you

[00:50:00] Your person won’t leave you on read—trust that

[00:51:00] Signs it’s not right, even if it’s not “wrong”

[00:53:00] Carleigh’s new course and how to find her content

Links

Carleigh's Instagram

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it really just emotional eating—or could it be addiction? In this week’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we speak with renowned expert Dr. Vera Tarman to unravel the science, psychology, and stigma surrounding sugar and flour addiction, and how we can truly recover. As the Medical Director of Renascent, one of Canada’s largest substance abuse treatment centres, Dr. Tarman brings a wealth of clinical insight—plus her own recovery from both alcohol and food addiction. She is the author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction and cohost of the Food Junkies Podcast.

What’s the real connection between alcohol and sugar? Why do so many people transfer their addictions to food when they get sober? And what do terms like “intuitive eating,” “emotional eating,” and “abstinence” actually mean in the context of recovery?

Dr. Tarman also breaks down the difference between emotional eating and food addiction, outlines what recovery from food addiction really requires, and offers practical insight into why abstinence—not just moderation—is the key for many. Expect to learn about the dopamine pathways, the food-addiction spectrum, the role of ultra-processed foods, and the concept of “food serenity.”

Finally, Dr. Tarman shares her deeply personal story— her own early experiences with alcohol and marijuana, and how she navigated her own recovery from binge eating and bulimia while practicing as a doctor. Her journey is vulnerable, relatable, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it’s not linear.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-stamped Highlights

00:00 – Welcome and guest intro: Dr. Vera Tarman, addiction medicine expert and author

01:55 – Her first addiction: sugar or alcohol?

03:30 – Growing up with an alcoholic mother

04:45 – Alcohol and academic life: why she quit in med school

05:50 – Binge eating, bulimia, and how food replaced alcohol

07:00 – “You should stop drinking”—saying it to patients, but not herself

09:00 – Her “aha” moment: reading the first studies on food addiction

10:20 – How food and alcohol affect the brain’s dopamine reward system

12:45 – Is sugar addiction common in people getting sober?

15:10 – Sugar and alcohol as “sisters”—and the medical consequences

17:00 – Liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver: the sugar connection

19:10 – Emotional eating vs. food addiction—what’s the difference?

22:30 – Why intuitive eating may not work for everyone

27:00 – Recovery and abstinence: what does it look like?

31:45 – Is it about added sugar or natural sugar?

34:10 – Can moderation work—or do some people need full abstinence?

36:30 – What counts as a relapse with food?

39:00 – Social pressure, stigma, and birthday cake

41:00 – Why sugar is so powerful (and hard to quit)

43:00 – Recovery essentials: more than just stopping

45:10 – Individualized food plans: what worked for Dr. Tarman

47:00 – OA and the growing food addiction recovery landscape

50:00 – Finding support: why community matters

51:20 – Building food serenity and daily recovery habits

53:00 – Her message of hope: it gets easier after 10 days

55:00 – “Day 4 of my reset”—Kathleen shares her moment

Dr. Vera Tarman’s Links

🌐 Website: https://www.addictionsunplugged.com

📘 Facebook Group: I’m Sweet Enough: Sugar-Free for Life

Sisters In Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever stared at your phone wondering where all the emotionally available adults are? In today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we have Daphney Poyser, the founder and CEO of Fern Connections—a values-driven, LGBTQIA+ and ally-inclusive matchmaking and dating coaching company. Daphney’s mission is help people date with intention and build meaningful relationships rooted in authenticity. Today, she’s here to help us navigate dating—especially while sober—with more clarity and confidence.

We dig into the real-life challenges of dating in recovery, touching on everything from emotional prep work to the myths we carry from childhood about what love should look like. What does compatibility really mean? Is it okay to have expectations? And what does it mean to “selfishly date”—and why is that a good thing?

You'll s will walk away with tools for building more conscious relationships—whether you’re using a dating app, working with a matchmaker, or stepping out into the sober dating world for the first time.

You’ll also hear Daphney’s personal story—how becoming a widow in 2019 led her to pivot out of corporate America and into founding Fern Connections, a service inspired in part by her queer daughter and family members. Daphney shares her own journey of finding love again later in life, learning to set boundaries, and building a business that centers care, consent, and clarity.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

Episode Highlights

00:02 – Meet Daphney Poyser, and how losing her husband led her to start a matchmaking company

00:04 – Why Fern Connections was created to serve the LGBTQIA+ and ally community

00:07 – Discussing sober dating and what it means to show up without numbing

00:09 – Why you shouldn’t have to dull yourself to go on a date

00:10 – The importance of emotional safety and matching clients with aligned values

00:12 – What to do when someone says they’re fine with sobriety—but turns out they’re not

00:14 – Why women should be “selfish daters” and not worry about being the “good guy”

00:16 – How to emotionally prepare for dating after long-term relationships

00:18 – Pre- and post-date journaling as a mindfulness tool

00:20 – The myth of “no expectations” and why love should be conditional

00:22 – Relationship contracts and writing down what really matters

00:24 – How childhood messages shape what we believe about marriage

00:27 – Helping clients unpack their unrealistic dating checklists

00:30 – The problem with assuming no one’s “good enough”

00:33 – Chemistry vs. compatibility—and why the spark might not mean what you think

00:35 – How unresolved trauma influences what feels familiar in dating

00:38 – Oversharing on first dates: why less is sometimes more

00:41 – Confidence rituals before dates and the power of listening

00:43 – What qualities Daphney looks for when matching clients

00:47 – Dating apps: their impact on mental health and connection

00:51 – Tips for transitioning from online to in-person dating

00:54 – Red flags to watch for, including love bombing and mirroring

00:57 – Why peaceful love may feel boring—and why it’s often the real deal

Guest Links

🌐 Daphney’s Website: fernconnections.com

📸 Daphney’s Instagram: @fernconnections

Sisters In Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your sugar cravings, chronic fatigue, or lack of clarity weren’t just random symptoms—but signs of deeper imbalances that could be blocking your recovery? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by strategist, speaker, and sober advocate Christie Dames. With over 38 years of sobriety and a career helping high-performers unlock their potential, Christie shares how her lived experience and research intersect to shed light on the brain-body connection.

Today, they talk about why what you eat—and what surrounds you—matters deeply when it comes to emotional clarity, energy, and healing. How does what we eat impact our emotional sobriety? What’s the role of metabolic health in our ability to regulate mood and access clarity? And how do toxins—whether in food, electronics, or water—quietly sabotage our healing efforts?

Listeners will learn about the connection between mitochondrial health and long-term sobriety, how refined sugars and processed foods derail emotional regulation, and the invisible toll environmental toxins like PFAS and EMFs take on our well-being. Christie also shares practical tools for lowering your toxic load—think organic swaps, safer tech habits, and why red light bulbs might become your new best friend.

And yes, as always, we go there—into the personal stories. Christie opens up about her own path to sobriety, including her recovery from misdiagnosis, withdrawal from neuroleptic medication, and the chronic pain that shaped her understanding of emotional vs. physical hunger. From healing trauma to navigating relapse triggers, she helps us see our cravings not as flaws but as clues.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

Episode Highlights:

00:01:00 — Christie introduces the idea that sugar cravings can block emotional sobriety

00:02:30 — The physical trauma that set the stage for addiction

00:03:45 — Why alcohol felt like an elixir for Christie’s fractured sense of self

00:04:55 — Mold exposure and neurological misdiagnosis compound her health issues

00:06:45 — The impact of neuroleptic drugs and a 10-year brownout

00:07:50 — Getting sober—despite still being medicated

00:08:30 — Sugar as her first addiction, and how it worked on her undernourished brain

00:10:15 — Giving up sugar: was it harder than alcohol?

00:12:45 — Why metabolic health is the key to “next-level” sobriety

00:14:20 — Understanding insulin resistance and fasting insulin

00:16:00 — What to eat: whole foods, organic, and the truth about strawberries

00:18:45 — Toxins in baby cord blood and how they impact future health

00:21:15 — Dairy and gluten: are they just food, or emotional disrupters?

00:23:00 — Why A2 dairy and goat’s milk might be different

00:25:30 — How trauma and toxicity contribute to neuroinflammation

00:27:10 — The four-day delayed reaction to food and what to watch for

00:29:00 — Emotional vs. physical hunger: how to tell the difference

00:32:50 — Learning to pause before reacting or reaching for food

00:35:00 — How shame spirals can begin with food choices

00:37:20 — Working with high performers: unlocking their hidden blocks

00:40:00 — Using intuition, presence, and somatic tools with clients

00:42:00 — PFAS: the “forever chemicals” and why they’re a major health threat

00:44:30 — EMFs and why cell phones and WiFi matter more than you think

00:46:00 — Sobriety makes you more sensitive—embrace it

00:48:10 — Creating a low-tox lifestyle that supports brain health and longevity

00:50:00 — Hacks: red lights, blue blockers, and neuro-restorative sleep habits

00:51:30 — Christie’s favorite ways to lower your toxic burden

00:52:00 — Where to connect with Christie (christiedames@protonmail.com)

Links

📧 Christie’s Email

Sisters In Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we’re back with another installment of our no-filter mini-series where past guests answer 10 revealing questions about what it’s really like to date without alcohol in the picture.

This time, Sonia chats with Kaitlin Henry, wellness advocate and host of the Step Zero podcast. Kaitlin busts the myth that you have to hit rock bottom before you can change—and now, she’s opening up about love after divorce, how getting sober changed her approach to relationships, and why acts of service are her love language.

From awkward first sober dates to realizing that two-drink limits are non-negotiable, Kaitlin shares the red and green flags she looks for, the playlist track that sums up her love life, and her favorite sober date idea (hint: it involves a boat and no wine list).

Get ready for some serious honesty, relatable stories, and a few laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you're newly sober, sober curious, or just navigating dating without defaulting to “grabbing drinks,” this one's for you.

Kaitlin's Links

Get In Touch With Kaitlin

Her go-to song by Gracie Abrams

Sisters In Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are taking on one of the trickiest parts of recovery: what happens at home. Their guest, Amber Hollingsworth, is a licensed professional counselor, family recovery expert, and the brain behind the YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down. With over 20 years of experience, she helps families deal with the chaos of addiction—without burning themselves out in the process.

If you’ve ever tried to help a loved one and ended up feeling like the bad guy (or totally powerless), this conversation is going to hit close to home. Amber explains why the old-school intervention model often backfires, how shame and blame keep people stuck, and why the people closest to someone struggling with addiction often have more influence than they think.

There’s a better way—and Amber walks us through it. From her “Invisible Intervention” method to a strength-based approach that helps people reconnect with their values, she shares real tools that actually work. You'll hear how she encourages people to stop focusing on what’s going wrong and start noticing what’s still right—and how families can become part of the solution without getting dragged down by the drama.

Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own experiences trying (and failing) to stage an intervention, what they’d do differently now, and why it's so hard to step out of the “rescuer” role when someone you love is hurting. It’s raw, it’s real, and honestly—it’s the kind of conversation that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about helping someone get better.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights (Time-Stamped):

00:01:00 – How Amber got into addiction counseling (hint: not the usual story)

00:02:30 – Growing up surrounded by addiction, and not realizing it until much later

00:04:45 – Why she started Put the Shovel Down and how it became a mission

00:05:55 – Why families often have more power than they think

00:06:40 – Creating a team approach: everyone gets their own support

00:08:20 – Why one-sided therapy can sometimes make things worse

00:10:30 – Everyone has their version of the story—and why that matters

00:12:00 – The most common way families accidentally slow down recovery

00:13:30 – When traditional interventions help—and when they totally miss the mark

00:15:00 – The bargaining stage (and why no one gets to skip it)

00:17:00 – Words that trigger defensiveness—and what to say instead

00:19:00 – What went wrong in Sonia and Kathleen’s attempt to help a family member

00:21:30 – The Invisible Intervention method explained step by step

00:23:00 – Building credit and influence with your loved one

00:25:00 – Natural consequences vs. punishment: why the difference matters

00:27:30 – What really helps someone see the problem for themselves

00:30:00 – Strength-based coaching: how Amber helps people reconnect with who they are

00:32:45 – Why it’s not about calling people out—it’s about calling them back to themselves

00:34:20 – Common values people rediscover when they stop drinking

00:36:30 – How to acknowledge addiction without crushing someone with shame

00:38:10 – Why so many middle-aged women defend their nightly wine

00:41:00 – How alcohol becomes the stand-in for self-care

00:42:00 – What to say to someone who doesn’t “seem” like they have a problem

00:43:30 – Why trying moderation might actually help you quit

00:45:00 – Navigating early sobriety when everyone around you is still drinking

00:46:00 – Final takeaway: You’re not powerless—and you don’t have to lose yourself trying to help someone else

Amber's Links

YouTube

Instagram

Sisters In Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📲 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special mini-episode of our spicy new series: The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love, we have Whitney Combs. A nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, wife, and mom of three. Whitney opens up about rediscovering intimacy without alcohol, why honesty became her ultimate non-negotiable, and how she chooses restaurants based solely on dessert and mocktails (relatable). Oh—and she’s got a concert horror story you won’t forget.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate sober sex, sober dating apps, or what to say when someone asks, “Why don’t you drink?”—this episode is for you.

Whitney’s Links

• 🌐 Whitney’s Website

• 📲 Whitney on Instagram

• 🎵 “If We Were Vampires” – Jason Isbell

Sisters in Sobriety Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📲 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating family dynamics can be one of the hardest parts of recovery—especially when the relationships we’re told are “unbreakable” feel anything but safe. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined by Dr. Sharon Martin, psychotherapist and author of Cutting Ties with Your Parents and The Better Boundaries Workbook. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Martin helps us unpack what it really means to set boundaries with family, the complexities of estrangement, and how these issues often resurface in sobriety.

Together, we explore some big questions: How do you know when it’s time to go no-contact with a parent or family member? What’s the difference between estrangement and avoidance? How do you deal with the guilt, grief, and judgment that come up when you make that choice? And how do old family wounds start to resurface once we get sober? From emotional manipulation to the pressure to reconcile, we talk through the many layers that come with stepping away from dysfunction.

Dr. Martin offers practical tools and insights for healing—whether you’ve already gone no-contact or are just beginning to question what’s healthy for you. We talk about building self-trust through small, everyday actions, reparenting yourself when you never got what you needed growing up, and what it looks like to maintain sobriety while navigating painful family dynamics. You'll also learn why grief can show up even when you never had the kind of relationship you're mourning.

This episode is also deeply personal. Sonia opens up about grieving the mother-daughter connection she never experienced, and Kathleen shares what it feels like to question whether estrangement is truly healing or just a form of self-protection. It’s a thoughtful, honest, and empowering conversation—especially for anyone trying to make peace with their past while protecting their present.

20 TIME-STAMPED HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:00] Meet Dr. Sharon Martin and how she found this work

[00:03:00] Growing up with alcoholism and how it shaped her path

[00:05:00] Why trauma always finds its way into therapy

[00:06:30] When a family relationship stops feeling emotionally safe

[00:08:45] Estrangement isn’t a rash decision—it’s the last resort

[00:10:30] Facing guilt, judgment, and societal pressure

[00:12:00] Why other people’s opinions don’t always reflect reality

[00:14:30] How emotional manipulation becomes normalized

[00:17:30] What healthy estrangement can actually look like

[00:20:00] When reconciliation is worth considering—and when it’s not

[00:22:00] Why false hope and outside pressure often backfire

[00:23:30] Navigating milestone events like weddings and funerals

[00:25:30] Estrangement vs. avoidance—how to tell the difference

[00:29:00] Grieving the family fantasy you never had

[00:31:00] Why complicated grief around family is valid

[00:34:00] The importance of processing feelings through movement and expression

[00:35:30] Keeping your sobriety solid while navigating emotional landmines

[00:37:00] Emotional wounds adult children of dysfunction carry

[00:40:00] Rebuilding self-worth through small, doable commitments

[00:44:00] Why early sobriety can bring childhood trauma to the surface

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Head to our Substack for extra tools, reflections, and mocktail recipes to support your journey.

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse products mentioned

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Connect with Dr. Sharon Martin

📘 Cutting Ties with Your Parents – Amazon

📘 The Better Boundaries Guided Journal – Amazon

🌐 LiveWellWithSharonMartin.com

📸 Instagram

📘 Facebook

📺 YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special mini-episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen invite you to slow down for a few minutes and take an honest look at how codependency may be showing up in your life. This isn’t a diagnosis or a formal assessment—just a chance to reflect with a simple, 10-question quiz that’s designed to spark insight and self-awareness.

☁️ In this candid conversation, we ask:

• Do you often feel responsible for others’ emotions?
• Are you suppressing your needs to avoid conflict?
• Is it easier to give care than receive it?

💬 After the quiz, Sonia and Kathleen open up about how codependency has impacted their own relationships—from family dynamics to marriage—and how awareness has helped them move toward healthier boundaries and interdependence.

🎓 You’ll learn:

• What codependent patterns can look like in everyday life
• Why "fixing" others often leads to self-neglect
• How childhood dynamics can shape adult relationships
• Tools for recognizing when you're stepping into over-functioning mode

👀 If you’ve ever found yourself walking on eggshells, ignoring your own needs, or feeling responsible for someone else’s emotional state, this episode is for you.

📝 Want to revisit the quiz later or share it with a friend? It’s available on our Substack—along with tons of supportive content, reflections, and resources to help you change your relationship with alcohol and deepen your self-awareness.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in relationships—always giving, fixing, or putting others first, Kathleen has created The Path Back to You is a free guide with a self-reflection quiz, five simple practices, and journaling prompts to help you reconnect with your voice, your needs, and your boundaries.✨

Links

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving into a topic that often comes up after we quit drinking: codependency. With Kathleen’s clinical expertise as a couples therapist and Sonia’s real-life experiences, they’re unpacking what codependency really means—and how to spot it in yourself.

What exactly is codependency—and how is it different from being loving, loyal, or just... a decent human? Is it mutual? Does it show up only in romantic relationships? Can you be codependent with your dog? In this episode, Sonia and Kathleen explore these questions and more, including the red flags, psychological roots, and surprising ways codependency might still be running the show in your sober life.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the difference between support and self-sacrifice, healthy interdependence versus emotional enmeshment, and how sobriety can reveal codependent tendencies that were previously hidden behind a wine glass. The episode also explores hyper-independence as the flip side of codependency—and why swinging between extremes isn’t the goal either.

As always, the episode gets personal. Sonia opens up about how she once believed caretaking was the hallmark of a good marriage, how she walked on eggshells to avoid the "Kraken" (her ex’s moods), and what changed after getting sober. Kathleen shares insights from her own marriage, her childhood patterns, and how even therapists have to work on their stuff. It’s honest, raw, and full of lightbulb moments.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in relationships—always giving, fixing, or putting others first, Kathleen has created The Path Back to You is a free guide with a self-reflection quiz, five simple practices, and journaling prompts to help you reconnect with your voice, your needs, and your boundaries.✨

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Sonia introduces the episode and shares a recent therapy revelation.

[00:02:30] Kathleen defines codependency in practical terms.

[00:04:00] Why codependency isn’t just about romantic relationships.

[00:06:10] The difference between caring and being codependent.

[00:07:30] Sonia shares a story about her ex’s “Kraken” moods.

[00:09:00] Emotional reliance and attachment patterns.

[00:10:30] Codependent parenting and walking on eggshells.

[00:11:30] Red flags for identifying codependency.

[00:13:30] Examples of codependency outside of romance.

[00:15:00] How codependency forms in childhood.

[00:21:00] Why sobriety often reveals codependent patterns.

[00:23:00] What happens to relationships after sobriety and boundary-setting.

[00:24:00] Healthy interdependence vs. hyper-independence.

[00:26:00] Are women more likely to struggle with codependency?

[00:27:30] First steps for healing and reclaiming your identity.

[00:28:30] Book recs: Codependent No More and Facing Codependence.

[00:29:30] Reconnecting with your needs—starting with Friday night plans.

[00:30:30] What changes when you stop playing the people-pleasing role.

[00:32:00] Guilt, grief, and growing into a new version of yourself.

[00:34:00] Do you need to explain your boundaries to others?

[00:35:00] How to handle guilt when you stop overfunctioning.

[00:36:00] Final thoughts and encouragement to keep doing the work.

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever swallowed your anger to keep the peace, lost yourself in someone else’s needs, or swapped drinking for late-night snack binges, this episode is for you. On this week’s Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Michelle Farris—psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist—to talk about the deeper emotional work that comes with recovery. Michelle is known for her relatable approach and tools that help people stop people-pleasing, speak up for themselves, and finally build relationships that feel safe and real.

What happens when we suppress anger in sobriety? How do we even recognize it if we were never taught what healthy anger looks like? Can we be codependent on someone who isn’t codependent on us?

In this episode, Sonia and Michelle unpack what anger can teach us about ourselves, how codependency often hides behind “being nice,” and why food addiction recovery is often the next frontier in sobriety.

Michelle shares practical strategies for identifying emotional triggers, creating healthy boundaries, and noticing the early signs of resentment before it explodes. You'll learn how to reframe your inner dialogue and develop self-talk that actually helps regulate intense emotions.

Michelle also opens up about her own story—getting sober from food addiction at 20, what it was like dating someone in active addiction while working her own program, and the unexpected friendship breakup that made her realize she was still making other people her higher power, and how the desire to be loved can sometimes override our own sense of safety.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

00:00 – Meet Michelle Farris, psychotherapist and codependency expert

01:45 – Why she started teaching anger management (and how it cracked her open)

03:15 – What healthy anger actually looks like—and why it’s not yelling

04:40 – Stuffing your feelings vs. naming your hurt

06:00 – Why journaling is the safest place to let your rage out

07:30 – “Anger is rocket fuel”—how to recognize the heat before it explodes

08:45 – The connection between negative self-talk and emotional regulation

10:00 – What resentment really is (and why it’s sneaky)

11:20 – How suppressing anger can sabotage recovery

12:30 – Can you be angry and make amends? What recovery programs miss

14:15 – When anger turns inward—it often looks like guilt or shame

15:00 – Using mindfulness to stay present with your emotions

16:40 – Michelle’s story of getting sober through OA at age 20

18:00 – How food was her comfort and first addiction

19:30 – The sugar trap: what often happens in early sobriety

21:00 – Physical hunger vs. emotional hunger—how to tell the difference

22:15 – Why surrender, not control, is the key to food addiction recovery

23:30 – Trigger foods, writing a food history, and the power of structure

25:00 – Is it okay to wait before addressing food issues in recovery?

26:45 – Codependency 101: what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s a cycle

28:00 – Can you be codependent with a friend? (Michelle’s raw story says yes)

29:30 – Boundaries that work: why “I” statements are your best friend

31:00 – The people-pleasing trap: when kindness costs you your peace

32:15 – Flexible or codependent? The litmus test

34:00 – How to stop saying “yes” when your gut says “no”

35:30 – Michelle’s favorite recovery tools for emotional resilience

36:45 – The power of in-person meetings, especially post-COVID

38:00 – One last reminder: you’re allowed to take up space, feel your anger, and still be sober.

Michelle Farris Links

🌐 Website: counselingrecovery.com

📺 YouTube: @MichelleFarrismft

📸 Instagram: @counseling_recovery

SIS Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we’re diving into sober dating with psychotherapist Samantha Barnes.Sam has over two decades of experience working with children, youth, and families on their wellness journeys. and she’s currently embracing the single life with clarity, confidence, and no time for BS. We asked her 10 honest questions about dating, sex, and relationships—and she brought the wisdom.

Sam talks about being blindsided by how big of a deal not drinking was to a date, why she now leads with her sobriety on the apps, and the kinds of questions that feel supportive (versus just plain judgmental). She shares the red flags she used to ignore, the green ones she seeks out, and why walking dates are where it's at. Plus: her new philosophy on love (spoiler: it’s not about giving 150%).

💬 Get ready for practical advice, honest reflection, and a reminder that your boundaries are valid—even on a first date.

👇Links

To learn more about Sam's work, visit her website or follow her on social media at @sweetspotcounselling.

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting while staying sober isn’t for the faint of heart—but you don’t have to do it alone. On this week’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving into the layered, often unspoken, realities of recovery and motherhood with the brilliant Sarah Allen Benton. Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, addiction specialist, and the author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic and Parents in Recovery. She brings nearly two decades of personal sobriety and professional experience to this candid and compassionate conversation.

From blackout drinking in her early 20s to running a mental health practice and parenting a teen in sobriety, Sarah shares her remarkable journey and hard-won wisdom. Sonia and Kathleen explore questions like: What does it really mean to be a “high-functioning alcoholic”? Why is parenting in recovery so uniquely challenging? How can we teach our kids about addiction and emotional health? Sarah breaks down the importance of talking openly about addiction with children, how to handle digital addiction in the age of iPads and TikTok

Sarah opens up about her early drinking days, her moment of reckoning at age 27, and the slow, gray, sometimes thankless beginning of recovery. She also shares what it’s been like to raise a daughter in a sober household, how her marriage has been shaped by recovery, and why self-care is not optional—it's essential.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights:

00:01 Welcome Sarah Allen Benton and intro

00:58 Sarah’s first experience with alcohol and her early patterns

02:45 Blacking out from the beginning—what Sarah misunderstood about “normal” drinking

05:12 Being a high-functioning alcoholic in college

06:35 The illusion of control and trying to outthink addiction

09:12 The moment Sarah knew she had to stop

11:00 Building her own outpatient sobriety plan

12:30 What early sobriety felt like (hint: not pink clouds)

14:40 Writing as a tool for processing recovery

15:35 Becoming a parent in recovery and writing Parents in Recovery

17:05 Talking to kids about addiction and recovery

18:45 The stigma of being a parent in recovery

20:10 Raising toddlers vs. teens—sobriety challenges by age

22:00 Hypervigilance and screen time addiction

24:55 The science of digital hygiene and dopamine overload

26:50 Creative ways to talk to kids about brain health and family history

29:15 “The Telling”—navigating when and how to tell your kids you’re in recovery

32:00 Kids noticing changes in drunk adults—and the emotional fallout

35:30 The challenge of giving your kids real-world exposure without trauma

38:00 Why this generation is more risk-averse but more anxious

40:10 Self-care vs. soul care—and why it’s not optional for parents in recovery

42:50 Recovery as a long-term investment, not a short-term reward

44:00 Wisdom from single parents in recovery

46:30 The myth of doing it all: learning to say no without guilt

49:00 How sobriety changes marriage and dating dynamics

51:00 Love without martinis: codependency, relapse fears, and boundaries

54:00 The importance of having a recovery-affirming partner

56:00 The parallel recovery journey for spouses and family members

Links

Learn more about Sarah!

Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle

Parents in Recovery Facebook Group

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety and our mini-series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex & Relationships—where we get personal with our favorite guests in 10 spicy questions.

Today, we're joined by the brilliant and refreshingly honest Ali Shapiro, creator of Truce with Food, health rebel, and emotional detective. You may remember Ali from our previous episode, where we talked about creating meaning beyond food. This time, we’re diving into what it's like to date with food stuff, relationship green and red flags, and how emotional safety is the real aphrodisiac.

💡 From bracing for rejection to learning what she actually wants in a partner, Ali keeps it real about the awkwardness of first dates, being the “healthy one” in a relationship, and why her go-to sober date still involves fresh air and muddy boots.

Plus: how Jason Mraz made it to her wedding playlist, and what she learned when marriage 2.0 arrived (aka, post-kids chaos). You’ll laugh, nod, and possibly reevaluate your own date night dinner order.

🔗 Links – Get in Touch with Ali Shapiro:

• Free breakfast experiment
• Truce with Food group program 

📬 Stay Connected with Sisters in Sobriety:

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community

• Sisters In Sobriety Email

• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if every addiction—whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or even your phone—is actually a substitute for love?

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with the wise and wonderfully candid Dr. Donna Marks. She’s a psychotherapist, addictions counselor, educator, and author with 30+ years of experience helping people find freedom from addiction by turning inward—not outward—for healing. She’s written Exit the Maze and The Healing Moment, and has created an award-winning addiction training program in Florida. Today, she joins us to unpack what addiction really is… and how self-love is the way through.

We cover a lot in this episode—everything from the impact of childhood trauma to the sugar-cocaine connection (seriously, it’s wild), to whether things like medical marijuana or Ozempic are helping people heal… or just creating new problems. You’ll hear about the sneaky ways addiction hides in everyday habits, why medication isn't always the magic answer, and how to truly support your brain and body on the road to recovery.

Expect real talk, powerful insights, and a whole lot of “ohhh that makes so much sense” moments. We also get personal—Dr. Marks shares her own story of relapse, healing, and radical transformation. Plus, Kathleen opens up about her sugar detox journey and navigating ADHD medication in recovery.

Don’t miss Dr. Marks talking about growing up in an addicted household, what led to her own relapse, and how she reclaimed her life through love, not punishment. Her transformation is seriously inspiring.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support space helping women change their relationship with alcohol. Want more tools, prompts, and inspiration? Head over to our Substack for all the extra goodness.

Highlights from the Episode:

00:02 – How Dr. Marks turned a painful upbringing into her purpose

00:06 – What caused her relapse after 23 years sober

00:08 – The problem with how doctors still treat pain—especially for people in recovery

00:10 – Why she built an addiction training program (spoiler: no one knew what to look for)

00:13 – Big Pharma, overprescribing, and how therapy sometimes misses the mark

00:17 – Kathleen’s personal update on tapering ADHD meds and cutting sugar

00:20 – That time sugar in salad dressing brought back all the cravings

00:23 – Why addiction is never really about the substance

00:25 – How childhood gaps in care create emotional holes we try to fill

00:28 – What true self-love looks like (and how to build it daily)

00:33 – Dr. Marks' take on how addiction drives most physical and mental illness

00:35 – Screen addiction, food noise, and feeling stuck in a loop

00:37 – Are drugs like Ozempic a shortcut—or just another trap?

00:39 – How trauma can actually become a doorway to growth

00:42 – What forgiveness actually looks like in healing

00:44 – The telltale sign you’ve swapped one addiction for another

00:46 – “Progress, not perfection”—why this mindset is everything

00:47 – Final takeaways on sacred self-care, flexibility, and finding peace

Links to Connect with Dr. Donna Marks:

• 🌐 Website: drdonnamarks.com
• 📸 Instagram: @drdonnamarks

More from Sisters in Sobriety:

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens when you start dating sober? Sonia sits down with Alida Flannery, a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, founder of Epiphany Recovery, and co-founder of the women’s sober collective SOULBRIETY. Alida opens up about navigating love and relationships without alcohol—and let’s just say, her first sober date included dogs, a hike, and thankfully, no cocktails.

Alida shares what it was like re-entering the dating scene after sobriety, how she negotiated her way down from a proposed 100-date challenge.

Together, Sonia and Alida talk about what it means to stay true to yourself in the dating world, and why sometimes a second drink at lunch is more telling than it seems. This episode has raw honesty that only two sober women can bring to the table.

If you’ve ever wondered how to answer “Why don’t you drink?” on a date, what it means when someone orders six martinis, or how to spot love that feels like home instead of chaos, this one’s for you.

Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love—like, comment, and subscribe to catch more from our Truth About Sober Dating, Sex & Relationships series. And if you’ve got your own wild sober date story or green flag moment, drop it in the comments. We want to hear all the juicy details.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community

• Sisters In Sobriety Email

• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Chris Janssen—board-certified coach, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, and all-around powerhouse when it comes to helping high-achieving women let go of shame and perfectionism and finally get free.

Chris doesn’t just coach people through sobriety and mindset shifts—she’s lived it. After 14 years of sobriety, she found herself drinking again. She had the perfect life on paper, a thriving coaching practice, and a head full of recovery tools… and still, alcohol crept back in. What happened next? A whole lot of hard truths, humbling lessons, and eventually—freedom. Again.

In this chat, we’re getting into: • What to do when you think maybe you can drink again

• Why it’s so easy to fall into the “I should be able to moderate” trap

• How to tell the difference between fear and vigilance

• What to do when you’re stuck in perfectionism and performance pressure

• Why community is the non-negotiable (even if you're embarrassed to go back)

• The truth about relapsing—and why you are never, ever starting over from zero

Chris also shares some incredibly powerful coaching tools for breaking toxic patterns, reframing setbacks, and rewriting your own rules. Spoiler alert: they’re useful whether you’re on Day One or Day 3,000.

This is one of those episodes that’ll stick with you—because it’s real, raw, and hopeful as hell.

This is Sisters in Sobriety—the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Come hang out on our Substack for tips, community, and the kind of conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Meet Chris Janssen: mindset coach, bestselling author, and secretly-struggling wine mom turned sober sage

01:30 – Chris’s first sober journey: high-functioning on the outside, suffering on the inside

05:00 – The moment everything changed: one meeting, one sentence, and a huge weight lifted

07:15 – Raising three kids in sobriety and why “no one ever saw me drunk” isn’t the whole story

09:00 – 14 years later: the move, the pandemic, the identity crisis, and the return of wine

11:10 – Trying to “think” your way through moderation (and why it never works)

13:30 – The trap of perfectionism: how losing her sober streak messed with her mind

15:00 – When sober groups don’t fit—and why it’s okay to admit they’re not for you

17:30 – The mindful drinking myth and other lies we tell ourselves

19:00 – Fear vs. vigilance: how to fast-forward the tape without spiraling

21:00 – Playing it smart, not scared: tools for staying sober without white-knuckling

23:00 – Relapse shame, pride in reverse, and why going back can be the bravest move

26:00 – Labels, stigma, and what to say when people ask why you don’t drink

30:00 – What “grace yourself” really means—and how to stop trying to control your worth

33:00 – Releasing perfectionism: write down your made-up rules and start again

35:45 – Boredom or serenity? Why stillness freaks us out

37:00 – First steps for breaking a cycle when you feel totally stuck

39:00 – Peak performance and recovery: choosing your hard and focusing forward

41:15 – How Chris wishes she’d handled her relapse

43:30 – Do you really have to go back to Day One? (Spoiler: maybe not)

45:00 – What’s next for Chris: more coaching, more writing, more realness

Links & Resources:

🌐 Chris Janssen’s Website

📘 Grace Yourself (Book)

📸 Chris on Instagram

📘 Chris on Facebook

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She’s back! 🚨 In this bite-sized bonus episode, we welcome newlywed and sober lifestyle expert Hilary Sheinbaum—the brilliant mind behind GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge and Going Dry: A Workbook—for our new series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love.

We hit her with 10 juicy questions about sober dating, first-time sober sex, red (and green!) flags, her Barry's Bootcamp date strategy, and what love looks like without the booze goggles. 💪💋

If you've ever wondered what to say when someone asks, “Why don’t you drink?”, how to survive your first dry date, or what Taylor Swift song sums up your love life—this one’s for you.

💡Fun fact: Hilary met her husband because she stopped drinking. Talk about a sober love story.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community

• Sisters In Sobriety Email

• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wish you had a reset button for your habits—and maybe your relationship with alcohol too? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are chatting with Silvia Subirana, a clinical psychologist and the Head of Content at MyDry30, an app that’s part sober-curious experiment, part life makeover. Silvia is here to share how MyDry30 helps people drink less (or not at all) without guilt—and how it can help you feel better in your body, your mind, and your everyday life.

We’re diving into all the good stuff: Why does alcohol feel like such a default in our social lives? What’s the science behind changing habits (especially the sticky ones)? And how can tools like hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement actually help us feel more grounded and in control? If you’ve ever wondered how to quit something without it feeling like a punishment—this one’s for you.

Silvia breaks it all down. We talk about how habits are wired into our brains, how our bodies often know what’s up before our minds catch on, and why adding more to your life (not just taking alcohol away) is a key part of feeling fulfilled. Plus, she shares the surprising benefits of gratitude texts, tiny daily rituals, and letting go of perfection when you're trying something new.

We also get personal—Silvia opens up about her own story: a gut-health wake-up call, why she stayed alcohol-free even when she technically could go back, and how she found her way to MyDry30. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of starting over, or wondered if moderation is even for you, this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a deep exhale.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-stamped Highlights

00:00 – Meet Silvia, psychologist and content lead at MyDry30

01:30 – Silvia’s path from psychology to sobriety to building a wellness app

03:10 – The health issue that made alcohol a no-go

05:00 – Why MyDry30 never uses guilt or shame to promote change

06:50 – The app’s daily combo: movement, journaling, hypnosis (yes, really!)

08:30 – Demystifying hypnotherapy (no swinging watches here)

10:45 – Why “being in a trance” is just super-deep relaxation

12:20 – How our brains form habits (even ones we don’t want)

14:00 – Why journaling hits different than venting to a friend

15:30 – How MyDry30 handles “slip-ups” with kindness

17:00 – Shifting from “I can’t drink” to “I don’t want to”

18:30 – The power of connection: why gratitude texts matter

20:00 – Why alcohol cravings feel different from food cravings

21:30 – When your body says “enough already” louder than your mind

23:00 – Silvia’s take on healing stress through body awareness

25:00 – Breathwork and grounding: not just for yogis

26:30 – The 5-4-3-2-1 method to snap out of spirals

28:00 – If you keep starting over, you’re not broken—you’re human

29:30 – What is gray area drinking… and is it working for you?

31:00 – Moderation vs. sobriety: which path is actually harder?

32:00 – Be curious! Experimenting is better than perfection

33:30 – What’s next for MyDry30: 90-day programs, your way

34:45 – Wrapping up: it’s okay to go slow, and you’re not alone

Links

Check out MyDry30

• https://mydry30.com
• https://www.instagram.com/mydry30app

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Read less

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Kaitlin Henry, wellness advocate and host of the Step Zero podcast, to bust the myth that you need to hit rock bottom before making a change. Kaitlin shares her story of choosing sobriety not from crisis but from clarity — and how her decision to quit drinking started with a juice cleanse and a broken foot. From wine-mom culture to the shame-fueled cycles we normalize, this episode is a vulnerable, powerful conversation about reclaiming your life before it falls apart.

What is “gray area drinking”? How do societal messages keep women stuck in patterns that don’t serve them? How do you navigate sobriety when everyone around you still drinks? Sonia and Kaitlin dig into these questions and more — discussing sober curiosity, emotional sobriety, and how self-worth plays a central role in long-term recovery. This is an honest, eye-opening episode about the moments before you quit — and why they matter just as much.

Kaitlin also shares insight into how programs like AA and Al-Anon supported her healing, the value of community in early sobriety, and how motherhood, identity, and relationships evolve on the other side of alcohol.

She shares the deep inner work that came through step nine of AA, and the hard decisions she had to make — including ending her marriage — to protect her sobriety. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t “bad enough” to change your life.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

Highlights

00:00:00 – Sonia introduces the episode and guest Kaitlin Henry, opening the conversation around the myth of "rock bottom."

00:02:40 – Kaitlin shares how alcohol was normalized in her childhood and used as an emotional crutch.

00:05:20 – She discusses the progression from casual drinking to a pattern of dependency in her adult life.

00:08:00 – The story of her personal “rock bottom” begins with a juice cleanse and an unexpected injury.

00:10:40 – Kaitlin reflects on how breaking her foot catalyzed her decision to stop drinking for a short time.

00:13:20 – She discovers the terms “gray area drinking” and “sober curious” during her research online.

00:16:00 – Kaitlin opens up about her father’s alcohol use and how it mirrored her own issues.

00:18:41 – Her early experiences in Al-Anon and the growing realization that she, too, had a problem.

00:21:21 – Sonia and Kaitlin discuss the power of comparison and denial in identifying a drinking problem.

00:24:01 – Kaitlin details her resistance to AA and eventual surrender to deeper personal work.

00:26:41 – She finds support and connection in her first AA meeting, where she finally feels seen.

00:29:21 – Kaitlin shares how emotional release and crying became a huge part of her healing in early sobriety.

00:32:01 – A conversation about how media, pop culture, and “wine mom” culture distort what’s normal.

00:34:41 – Kaitlin talks about the social stigma of being a mom in recovery and how she shifted her narrative.

00:37:22 – Finding new, supportive friendships and making mocktails part of her sober life.

00:40:02 – She explains how sobriety gave her space to rediscover identity and purpose beyond motherhood.

00:42:42 – A reflection on her time in grad school, realizing she wanted to work with people ready to change.

00:45:22 – Kaitlin describes how she began showing her kids what sobriety and purpose can look like.

00:48:02 – She shares how her sobriety impacted her marriage and eventually led to a major fork in the road.

00:50:42 – The power of step nine, doing deep amends work, and the emotional shift that followed.

Links

Get In Touch With Kaitlin

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s be honest—perimenopause isn’t exactly a hot topic at dinner, and alcohol’s role in our lives (and cultures) is often more complicated than we realize. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is diving into both with the help of Sukhi Dhillon is a dental educator, mom of two, and the voice behind OneSikhMom on social media, where she uses humor, heart, and reels to talk about everything from Sikhi and parenting to cycle-breaking, menopause, and yes—booze. She is a go-to community voice for honest conversations and cultural connection.

So what’s really going on when it comes to menopause in the South Asian community? Why do so many women feel blindsided by symptoms—and alone in dealing with them? Sukhi helps us unpack questions around health literacy, how culture shapes what’s considered “private,” and why it’s so hard to get support. We also dig into alcohol—how it’s celebrated and expected in many South Asian spaces, but stigmatized differently for women. And of course, we get into that tricky question: Why do we feel like fun has to come with a drink in hand?

From early onset menopause in South Asian women to the double standards around alcohol use, Sukhi sheds light on topics most people are too shy—or too uncomfortable—to bring up. She talks about the importance of culturally specific care, the role of peer pressure in adult drinking (yes, it’s still a thing), and the value of being “that person” who starts the hard conversations. If you’re curious about cycle-breaking, mental health, or talking to your kids about alcohol in a more honest way than just yelling “don’t do it!”—this is the episode for you.

Sukhi also shares her own journey—how years of confusing symptoms led her to research perimenopause herself, why she started speaking out online, and the powerful messages she receives from women every day who finally feel seen.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources—and maybe pass this episode along to a friend who needs to hear it.

Episode Highlights

00:01 Meet Sukhi: mom, educator, community organizer, content creator

01:50 Why she started speaking up about taboo topics in the South Asian community

03:30 The perimenopause denial phase—what she wishes she’d known sooner

04:30 Sharing symptoms publicly and the surprising response she got

06:00 Her DMs are full of important conversations (and ideas for future content)

07:00 Organizing mobile health clinics at the Gurdwara

08:30 Why reproductive health is still so hush-hush in our families

09:30 The impact of being told to “push through it” like our moms did

10:30 How menopause symptoms differ for South Asian women

11:00 The science behind early menopause—and why doctors often miss it

12:00 Traditional remedies, soy, and navigating food myths

14:00 Culture vs. religion when it comes to women's health

15:30 Alcohol as status, celebration—and coping mechanism

16:30 Aunties drinking publicly and the shift in expectations

18:00 The peer pressure to drink, even as adults

20:00 “You’re not drinking? What’s wrong with you?”

21:00 Stigma around sobriety and how it impacts recovery

22:00 The very real struggles South Asian women face in getting help

23:00 Resources that are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed

25:00 Intergenerational trauma, parenting styles, and how it all connects

27:00 How to actually talk to your kids about alcohol (without freaking out)

29:00 Why our parents didn’t prioritize self-care—and how we can

31:00 Teaching kids that emotions are not a weakness

32:00 The glamorization of drinking in pop culture and Punjabi music

34:00 Where to go for reliable South Asian health info

36:00 What Sukhi’s working on next—and how to follow along

Get in touch with Sukhi

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you're running on fumes, forgetting everything, and wondering if everyone else got the life manual you missed? In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Christina Crowe, a Registered Psychotherapist and founder of Dig a Little Deeper, to unpack how ADHD—especially when undiagnosed—can shape our mental health, relationships, and recovery. Christina brings her clinical expertise and lived experience with ADHD to this conversation.

Together, they explore questions like: Could undiagnosed ADHD be fueling your anxiety or substance use? Why is it so commonly missed in women?

They also talk about how impulsivity, self-medicating, and the pressure to hold it all together affect women differently—and how to spot the signs that something deeper might be going on.

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how ADHD can show up in everyday life, why it often gets mistaken for depression or anxiety, and what tools actually work.

Christina gets personal, talking about her own late-in-life diagnosis, how her son’s journey opened the door to her own, and what it’s like to finally have words (and support) for what never quite made sense before.

This is Sisters in Sobriety—the support system helping women change their relationship with alcohol and rediscover themselves in the process. For more resources, journal prompts, and mocktail magic, check out our Substack.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Christina’s career pivot: from biotech to therapy

[00:03:30] How her son’s ADHD diagnosis helped her see her own

[00:05:10] The “invisible” nature of ADHD symptoms

[00:06:45] Why so many people with ADHD turn to substances like cocaine, cannabis, or food

[00:08:30] What makes ADHD-related substance use different

[00:09:50] Why it’s not that hard to diagnose ADHD—if you know what you’re looking for

[00:11:30] How substance use can mask ADHD (and delay treatment)

[00:12:50] Christina breaks down the fear of taking stimulants in recovery

[00:14:15] The difference between addiction and dependence (and why it matters)

[00:16:00] The potato chip aisle: a metaphor for cravings and impulse control

[00:17:45] Real talk about impulsivity and Amazon carts

[00:20:30] Why women often get missed—or misdiagnosed—for years

[00:23:00] SSRIs, dopamine, and feeling “stuck”

[00:25:15] Hormones and ADHD: how estrogen impacts symptoms

[00:27:10] Tips for navigating the health system when you have executive dysfunction

[00:30:30] How to talk to your doctor about ADHD (and what might be getting lost in translation)

[00:32:15] The three-legged stool: meds, therapy, and executive function support

[00:34:25] How to find a therapist who truly gets it

[00:36:00] The post-diagnosis “reckoning” (aka rethinking your entire life)

[00:38:00] Mindfulness for ADHD brains—yes, it can actually work (with the right approach)

Christina's Links

💡 Christina Crowe – Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling

SIS Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Dr. Erica Matluck, a holistic doctor, mother, and the creator of Seven Senses, a holistic framework for healing and transformation. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, family nurse practitioner, Reiki Master, and multidisciplinary yoga instructor, Dr. Matluck brings over two decades of experience in both conventional and alternative medicine to her work. She integrates Eastern philosophy and ancient wisdom into her approach to wellbeing, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Vogue, and Women’s Health.

This episode dives into the mind-body connection, exploring how chakras can be a framework for healing. Dr. Matluck shares her personal journey from conventional medicine to holistic healing and explains why compartmentalization in healthcare limits our ability to thrive. How does alcohol fit into the equation? The discussion covers emotional bypassing, the root cause of disease, and how to decompartmentalize health for a more integrative approach.

Listeners will learn about the chakras as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms, the role of emotional bypassing in addiction and numbing behaviors, how to recognize energetic imbalances in the body and start self-healing practices, why conventional medicine focuses on survival but true healing goes beyond functionality, and how to reconnect with yourself after quitting alcohol.

Dr. Matluck opens up about how losing her mother to cancer at a young age sparked her curiosity about alternative healing. She shares how witnessing both conventional and holistic treatments shaped her philosophy of care. From her early introduction to Reiki to working in mainstream medical institutions, she reveals how her approach evolved—ultimately leading her back to the wisdom she first discovered decades ago.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety – introducing Dr. Erica Matluck

[00:01:08] Erica’s background in naturopathy, nursing, Reiki, and yoga

[00:01:39] Why she transitioned from conventional medicine to holistic healing

[00:02:13] How losing her mother to cancer shaped her approach to healing

[00:04:37] Discovering Reiki and energy work as a teenager

[00:06:14] What are chakras? Erica’s unique perspective on this ancient framework

[00:08:15] The chakras as bridges between the conscious and unconscious mind

[00:10:41] Why compartmentalized healthcare leaves us feeling disconnected

[00:14:50] How to identify energetic imbalances and blocked chakras

[00:18:09] The power of breathwork in balancing your energy

[00:20:00] Why modern medicine separates survival from true wellbeing

[00:26:39] Alcohol and emotional bypassing: how numbing prevents true healing

[00:28:49] The importance of intention in alcohol consumption

[00:30:15] What happens when we remove numbing agents? Preparing for discomfort

[00:32:16] Meditation and movement: tools for processing emotions without alcohol

[00:34:34] Post-alcohol healing: daily strategies to reconnect with yourself

[00:36:07] Common misconceptions about holistic medicine and integrative health

[00:40:00] How defining “holistic” for yourself helps you find the right practitioner

[00:41:15] Upcoming projects: Erica’s Substack, retreats, and courses on root cause healing

[00:42:07] Closing thoughts and where to find Erica online

Links & Resources:

How to Connect with Erica:

Dr. Erica Matluck’s Substack - https://drericamatluck.substack.com/

Seven Senses Retreat: Gnosis Mallorca - https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/gnosis-mallorca

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you need to hit rock bottom before making a change? Think again! This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Andrea Seydel, a happiness and resilience expert who’s here to challenge the outdated recovery narrative. Andrea is the author of Recovery Without Rock Bottom and the creator of Ready for Recovery Magazine, a fresh take on healing that’s all about building yourself up—not tearing yourself down. With a background in happiness studies and positive psychology, she’s got the science-backed tools to help you rethink recovery and reclaim your life.

So, what’s on the table today?

• Do you really need to hit rock bottom, or is that just a myth?
• What are some early signs that your relationship with alcohol (or other habits) might need a reset?
• Why do so many recovery programs focus on what you need to quit instead of what you need to build?
• How can we rewire our brains to make lasting, positive changes?
• What’s the best way to support someone struggling with addiction without losing yourself in the process?

Takeaways from this episode:

• Recovery isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about rediscovering yourself.
• You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to make a change.
• Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace.
• Your brain is wired for change, and small shifts can make a huge difference.
• Community and support matter more than willpower alone.

Andrea also shares her personal story—how loving someone with addiction led her to a breaking point, and how she turned that pain into a mission to help others. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a little extra motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.

This is Sisters in Sobriety—the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Find extra tips, resources, and support on our Substack!

• [00:01:00] Meet Andrea Seydel and her take on recovery
• [00:02:09] When loving someone with addiction starts to break you
• [00:05:00] The myth of rock bottom (and why it’s holding people back)
• [00:08:10] “In-betweeners” who don’t fit the traditional recovery mold
• [00:12:48] Red flags: When to check in with yourself (or someone else)
• [00:14:42] Why values matter more than willpower
• [00:16:42] The science of addiction: Rewiring your brain for good
• [00:19:00] Tiny habits that make a huge impact
• [00:25:47] Playing the tape forward: Using fear vs. motivation
• [00:27:05] Sobriety changes everything—including what you value most
• [00:29:00] Setting boundaries vs. making “rules to live by”
• [00:35:34] Why support groups work (even if you’re not into group stuff)
• [00:38:40] Preventing relapse before it starts
• [00:41:19] Forgiveness: What it really means and who it’s for
• [00:44:41] Andrea’s new project, Ready for Recovery Magazine
• [00:46:00] Final thoughts: Recovery isn’t about being broken—it’s about taking your power back

Connect with Andrea:

• Andrea's Website
• Ready for Recovery
• Saving You Is Killing Me

• Sisters in Sobriety Substack – More tips, tricks, and support
• Sisters in Sobriety Email
• Sisters in Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like drinking just wasn’t working for you anymore, even if nothing looked "wrong" from the outside? That’s exactly where Hadley Sorenson found herself. This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Hadley—writer, speaker, and sobriety advocate—who is on a mission to help women change their relationship with alcohol without shame, stigma, or outdated labels.

Hadley gets real about her journey—how she ignored red flags for years, the pressure to keep drinking because “everyone else was,” and why she finally decided to call it quits. The conversation dives into all the big questions: How do you know when it’s time to stop? What if your drinking looks normal to everyone else? How do you navigate sobriety when your partner still drinks? And how do you shake off the idea that quitting means missing out?

If you’ve ever questioned your drinking but felt like you weren’t “bad enough” to quit, this episode is for you. Hadley breaks down why “rock bottom” is a myth, shares how alcohol was messing with her mental health way more than she realized, and gives honest insight into what sobriety has actually done for her life, relationships, and running game. Spoiler alert: It’s all way better than she expected.

She also talks about why she doesn’t use the label “alcoholic,” how marketing and pop culture keep women stuck in the drinking cycle, and how quitting drinking led her to write a novel (yep, it’s coming soon!).

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

• [00:01:00] Meet Hadley—writer, speaker, and a sobriety advocate with a fresh take.

• [00:02:10] The slow realization that alcohol wasn’t adding anything good to her life.

• [00:04:12] Ignoring red flags: blackouts, anxiety, and shame—but still drinking anyway.

• [00:08:27] The myth of rock bottom—why you don’t have to wait until things fall apart.

• [00:10:15] “If your pan caught fire, you wouldn’t wait for the whole house to burn down.”

• [00:12:19] How alcohol becomes part of our identity (and why that’s so hard to untangle).

• [00:16:03] Why Hadley doesn’t call herself an alcoholic—and why that’s totally okay.

• [00:19:27] The role of alcohol marketing and why it's basically the new "big tobacco."

• [00:22:16] How to stop seeing quitting as deprivation and start seeing it as freedom.

• [00:27:07] Hadley’s thoughts on the “gray area” of drinking and why more voices matter.

• [00:30:00] Why drinking is marketed differently to men and women—and why it matters.

• [00:32:07] What happens when you quit, but your partner still drinks? (Hint: boundaries!)

• [00:36:26] The surprising ways sobriety actually made Hadley’s marriage stronger.

• [00:43:00] All the unexpected physical benefits of quitting alcohol.

• [00:46:52] “Wait… was alcohol making my health issues worse all along?”

• [00:50:06] The power of movement—why running and walking helped Hadley so much.

• [00:54:08] Hadley’s next big project: a novel exploring different relationships with alcohol.

Get in touch with Hadley:

• Hadley’s Instagram

• Hadley’s Website

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Alle C. Hall, an author, speaker, and writing instructor with over 35 years in recovery from bulimia, compulsive overeating, alcoholism, and sexual anorexia. Her debut novel, As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back, has earned multiple awards and is even included in the staff libraries of major treatment centers. But beyond the accolades, Alle’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and finding joy after trauma.

Alle opens up about her journey through addiction, the ways trauma shaped her relationship with food, alcohol, and intimacy, and how creativity became a key part of her healing. She shares how a "geographic cure" led her to Tokyo, where she unexpectedly found a recovery community, and how she later navigated motherhood, deep depression, and even a relapse after 27 years of sobriety. Through it all, she’s built a life rooted in hope, healing, and self-expression.

This conversation covers so much—why addiction often shifts between different compulsive behaviors, the importance of spirituality in recovery (even if you don’t know what that looks like for you yet), and how to navigate the shame that so often lingers after trauma. Alle also gets real about what it means to heal from sexual anorexia, how she rebuilt trust and intimacy, and why she’s passionate about helping others use writing as a tool for self-discovery.

From early struggles with food and body image to finding her voice through writing, Alle’s story is full of lessons on resilience and self-compassion. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to truly heal from trauma, this episode is proof that recovery is not just about survival—it’s about rediscovering joy, creativity, and a life that feels fully your own.

Some of the highlights from this episode:

• How childhood trauma shaped her addictions and recovery journey
• The unexpected way she found a recovery community in Tokyo
• Why addiction is often just a symptom of deeper issues
• How Tai Chi, therapy, and DBT became crucial tools for healing
• The unique challenges of food addiction and learning moderation
• What sexual anorexia is and how she worked through it
• The role of spirituality in recovery—even when it feels complicated
• How creativity and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing

This is a deep, inspiring, and sometimes funny conversation that reminds us that healing isn’t linear—but it is possible.

Connect with Alle C. Hall:

• Instagram
• Website

Links:

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Sisters in Sobriety! Today, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you navigate the journey of changing your relationship with alcohol, and we’ve got an incredible guest to guide us. Whitney Combs is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach specializing in addiction and recovery. She began her career as a Physician Assistant before shifting her focus to holistic recovery coaching after getting sober in 2017. Whitney has since helped countless women build fulfilling lives that don’t require escape. With her extensive training and experience—both personal and professional—she brings a wealth of knowledge to today’s conversation.

In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to create lasting change. How do you transition from feeling stuck in a cycle of drinking to living a life that feels nourishing and whole? What role does coaching play in recovery, and how is it different from therapy? How can you begin to trust yourself again after years of self-doubt? Whitney shares insights from her work with women in recovery, breaking down the tools that empower real transformation.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of self-accountability, personal agency in recovery, and how to cultivate habits that support sobriety. Whitney shares practical strategies for identifying and dismantling triggers, building sustainable routines, and using self-reflection as a tool for growth. We also discuss the importance of mindset shifts—moving from deprivation to abundance—and how to stay committed to long-term change.

Whitney also shares her own personal story—how she made the difficult decision to quit drinking, the challenges she faced in early sobriety, and how her perspective on life has evolved since then. She opens up about what worked, what didn’t, and how she continues to stay grounded in her recovery today.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights

• [00:03] Kicking off the episode and introducing today’s guest, Whitney Combs
• [05:12] How Whitney went from Physician Assistant to recovery coach
• [08:45] Why she stepped away from clinical medicine to take a holistic approach
• [12:30] Coaching vs. therapy—what’s the real difference in addiction recovery?
• [15:50] Why self-accountability is a game-changer in sobriety
• [18:20] Rebuilding self-trust after years of second-guessing yourself
• [21:45] Breaking free from shame and guilt—because we’ve all been there
• [25:10] The toughest struggles women face in early sobriety
• [28:05] How to create routines that support your long-term recovery
• [32:15] Why alcohol-free living is the ultimate act of self-care
• [35:40] The power of finding your community in sobriety
• [38:55] How Whitney helps women design lives they truly love
• [42:10] Spotting and managing triggers before they derail your progress
• [45:30] Using self-reflection to fuel growth and healing
• [48:05] Facing the fear of quitting drinking and embracing a new identity
• [51:20] Whitney’s personal experiences with socializing sober
• [54:40] From scarcity to abundance—rethinking what sobriety really means
• [57:15] How to handle setbacks with kindness (instead of self-criticism)
• [01:00:30] What Whitney wishes everyone understood about addiction recovery
• [01:03:50] Whitney’s final words of wisdom for those on the journey

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Get in Touch WIth Whitney

• Website: www.whitneycombs.com
• Instagram: @whitney.combs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Samantha Lander, a functional diagnostic nutritionist and personal trainer who turned her life around after struggling with addiction. Now, she helps people figure out what’s really going on with their health using lab testing, nutrition, and lifestyle tweaks.

Ever wonder why quitting drinking doesn’t always make you feel amazing overnight? Why do so many people in recovery crave sugar? And what’s the deal with gut health and hormones? Samantha breaks it all down, sharing insights on how alcohol messes with digestion, metabolism, and overall wellness. She also gives practical tips on balancing blood sugar, avoiding common nutrition mistakes, and getting your energy back.

Samantha also opens up about her own story—how she got into addiction, the legal trouble that followed, and what finally helped her get sober. She shares what worked (and what didn’t) in her recovery and how she found her way to helping others through functional medicine.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:00] Meet Samantha Lander and her background in functional health

[00:03:00] Samantha shares her early experiences with addiction and sobriety

[00:07:00] The moment she realized she needed a change

[00:12:00] Facing legal trouble and what that experience was like

[00:17:00] What rehab was really like for her

[00:21:00] How she got into functional medicine and nutrition

[00:26:00] Why so many people in recovery struggle with sugar cravings

[00:30:00] How alcohol affects gut health and hormone balance

[00:35:00] The best ways to support your liver and metabolism after quitting

[00:40:00] Why some people still feel sluggish even after quitting alcohol

[00:44:00] Simple nutrition changes that make a big impact in recovery

[00:48:00] How Samantha helps people figure out their unique health needs

[00:52:00] Where to find Samantha and how to work with her

Links

• Work with Samantha: https://linktr.ee/seefitliving



💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our first Bravo Sobriety Hot Take! In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we dive into the sober journey of Summer House's Carl Radke. From his initial decision to quit drinking to his Cali sober lifestyle, we're breaking down what his sobriety looks like today and the challenges of navigating it in the Bravo universe.

Carl has been open about his struggles with alcohol, but when Lindsay revealed he had been smoking weed and using psychedelics, many fans were surprised. What does Cali sober really mean? Is it sustainable? How does it impact relationships, especially when one partner drinks? We also explore how filming a reality show in a drinking-heavy environment can affect sobriety.

We talk about the personal and emotional aspects of Carl’s sobriety. We discuss the impact of his brother's passing, how that tragedy influenced his decision to quit drinking, and the complexities of familial addiction. We’ll explore the common experience of comparing our drinking to others' and the realization that addiction manifests in different ways.

Carl's journey has been filled with ups and downs, from his highly publicized breakup with Lindsay to his efforts to build a life that aligns with his sober values. How does he handle temptation? How does he navigate friendships and career moves while staying committed to his version of sobriety? His decision to open a sober-friendly sports bar is just one example of how he's reshaping the narrative around drinking culture.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights:

[00:01:00] Sonia introduces the Bravo Hot Topics in Sobriety series. [00:02:00] Carl Radke's sobriety journey—what we knew vs. what we just learned.

[00:03:26] The role of reality TV in his decision to get sober. [00:04:28] The heartbreaking loss of Carl’s brother and its impact on his sobriety.

[00:05:49] Comparing personal drinking habits to those struggling with addiction.

[00:07:40] The anger and resentment Carl felt toward his brother’s addiction. [00:09:23] Carl’s reflection on his past drinking habits and relationship struggles.

[00:10:14] The importance of a supportive environment in early sobriety. [00:11:52] What does Cali sober actually mean? How does it work for Carl? [00:13:20] The controversy around Carl taking psychedelics at a music festival.

[00:15:00] The challenges of sobriety in relationships—how Lindsay played a role.

[00:16:37] The emotional impact of having your sobriety questioned by a partner.

[00:17:48] How Summer House’s environment affects Carl’s sobriety. [00:19:20] Does he struggle with temptation on the show?

[00:19:46] Carl’s new sober ventures: nonalcoholic bar and Loverboy’s NA teas.

[00:20:29] The importance of creating sober-friendly spaces in drinking culture.

[00:21:00] The big question: Is Cali sober sustainable for Carl long-term? [00:21:24] Wrapping up—why Carl’s journey is an important conversation.

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you rediscover yourself in recovery? In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Sonia and Kathleen sit down with award-winning author and speaker Patti Clark. Patti shares her deeply personal story of growing up in an alcoholic home, struggling with addiction, and ultimately finding recovery—twice. As the author of This Way Up and Recovery Road Trip, she explores how creativity, self-reflection, and community play a vital role in healing. Sonia and Kathleen guide the conversation, helping listeners unpack key insights that can support their own journeys.

What role does creativity play in addiction recovery? How does travel shape self-discovery and healing? What does emotional sobriety truly mean? Patti shares her experience of getting sober, relapsing after 13 years, and finding her way back to a fulfilling life. She also dives into the importance of community, the evolution of recovery beyond traditional 12-step programs, and how addiction can manifest in different ways beyond alcohol.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on the power of emotional sobriety, the impact of community in recovery, and why personal growth is an ongoing process. Patti discusses the necessity of taking pauses, embracing self-compassion, and recognizing the various ways addiction can show up in our lives. Whether you’re newly sober or years into your journey, this episode offers inspiration and practical takeaways on finding meaning and connection beyond alcohol.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

00:01 – Patti shares her upbringing in an alcoholic household and early substance use

05:16 – The moment she realized she needed to leave Alaska to save herself

06:21 – How her relationship with her husband played a role in her decision to get sober

07:53 – Patti’s first introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and the impact of her sister’s recovery

09:46 – The pivotal moment when she was directly asked, “Are you an alcoholic?”

12:17 – How travel shaped her worldview and also contributed to her relapse

14:46 – Defining recovery: Is it abstinence, moderation, or something else?

16:42 – The importance of emotional sobriety and personal growth beyond quitting drinking

19:16 – The slow build-up to relapse after 13 years of sobriety

20:56 – The role of connection in addiction and recovery

22:27 – How Patti found her way back to sobriety and created a new community

24:08 – Learning from relapse: Why she started researching women’s experiences with it

26:58 – Writing Recovery Road Trip and weaving real stories into the book

27:50 – Addiction beyond alcohol: Why Patti identifies as an addict rather than just an alcoholic

30:06 – Recognizing the ‘whack-a-mole’ nature of addiction (shopping, screens, food, etc.)

32:07 – The limitations of traditional 12-step programs and the need for more inclusive recovery spaces

35:12 – How she’s working to build an open, all-addictions recovery group in Portugal

38:42 – The impact of social media on connection and addiction

40:33 – The importance of taking sacred pauses in recovery and daily life

42:28 – How creativity plays a key role in Patti’s recovery practice

45:33 – Navigating friendships when alcohol is no longer part of your social life

50:16 – What Patti is currently working on, including her move to Portugal and ongoing writing projects

53:43 – Final words of wisdom on reinvention and embracing sobriety as a lifelong journey

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

• Website: www.patticlark.org
• Substack: Patti Clark Writer
• Instagram: @patticlarkauthor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, what happens when you quit drinking but your partner doesn’t? Is your relationship doomed? Will they start side-eyeing your mocktails? Or will love prevail? On today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving into the messy and complicated world of love in sobriety.

To help us untangle it all, we’re joined by the incredible Kate Taylor! Kate is a writer who has worked for Disney and the United Nations (yes, she’s that cool), and she’s a big, bold voice in the sobriety space. After drinking a bottle of wine a night for 20 years, she’s been sober for over three years—and she shares her journey with humor and honesty on Instagram. She currently lives in Shropshire, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a massive rescue puppy (who is probably the best listener in the house).

In this episode, we’re asking the big questions:

💡 What happens when one person quits drinking but the other keeps going?

💡 Can you really be in a happy relationship with someone who drinks when you don’t?

💡 How do you handle resentment, jealousy, and judgement

💡 And… is dating sober basically The Hunger Games? (Spoiler: kinda, yeah.)

Kate gets real about what it was like to be the fun, party-loving drinker in her marriage—until she decided to stop. She shares the surprising ways her relationship changed (the good, the weird, and the "is that wine I smell?!"). Plus, we get into the emotional rollercoaster of intimacy in sobriety, setting boundaries without being a buzzkill, and what happens when your partner finally decides to take a break from drinking... but doesn’t do the emotional work.

✨ How to set boundaries in your relationship without starting WWIII

✨ Why quitting drinking makes you way more self-aware (for better or worse)

✨ The truth about emotional vs. physical sobriety (yes, there’s a difference)

✨ Why watching your drunk friends repeat themselves for the 5th time is painful

✨ Tips for talking to your partner about sobriety without making it weird

Of course, we also get into Kate’s personal story—how she went from blackout nights to the moment that made her quit drinking, and how she’s navigating a marriage where sobriety wasn’t a shared decision.

And finally, the million-dollar question: Will her husband stay sober after his one-year experiment, or is Kate in for a plot twist? She’s keeping it real, and we’re here for every juicy detail.

This is Sisters in Sobriety—the podcast and community helping women change their relationship with alcohol, one hilarious and heartfelt conversation at a time. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety! Meet Kate Taylor and today’s topic—when one person in a relationship stops drinking.

[00:03:00] Kate’s childhood: growing up around famous writers and endless bottles of booze.

[00:06:22] Drinking, blackouts, and the morning-after anxiety spiral.

[00:08:00] The moment Kate knew she had to quit—drunk Kate leaves sober Kate a message.

[00:14:00] How drinking shaped Kate’s marriage (hint: lots of "do you remember what you said last night?" moments).

[00:19:25] The dreaded reading the room moment the morning after an argument.

[00:22:42] Kate quits drinking, but her husband doesn’t—at first, it’s fine... right?

[00:24:49] One year into sobriety: "So, uh, why are you still drinking?"

[00:26:13] Her husband decides to take a break from drinking—how did that change their marriage?

[00:28:48] Why men (especially in the UK) struggle with socializing sober.

[00:32:51] The big fear: what happens if he starts drinking again?

[00:36:25] How to have the conversation about drinking without making your partner defensive.

[00:38:54] Writing letters instead of talking—Kate’s genius communication hack.

[00:42:49] Setting boundaries vs. giving ultimatums (and why it’s not the same thing).

[00:44:12] The awkward reality of sober intimacy—yes, it’s weird at first.

[00:49:14] The baggage we carry from alcohol-fueled experiences and how it affects intimacy.

[00:50:21] What’s next for Kate—career growth, self-discovery, and making up for lost time.

[00:51:34] Kate’s honest take: Will her marriage survive if her husband starts drinking again?

[00:52:31] Final thoughts from Kathleen and Sonia—relationships in sobriety, part one of many.

• Follow Kate: Walking the Straight Line
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack – Extra tips, tricks, and community support.
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram – Let’s connect!
• Email Us – Got thoughts? We want to hear ‘em.
• Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast.
• Kathleen’s Instagram – Talking relationships & sobriety every day.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the intersection of hustle culture, entrepreneurship, and sobriety with Joe Chura, Founder and President of Go Brewing. Joe’s story is about reinvention, starting from his early days working on an automobile assembly line, to co-founding and selling two successful tech companies, and finally launching a non-alcoholic brewery. He shares how his journey led him to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol, prioritize his health, and create a brand that’s redefining social drinking.

What happens when high achievers find themselves burnt out and needing to reset? Joe dives into his personal and professional evolution, including the moment he realized his drinking habits were holding him back, and how he transformed his health and mindset. He also shares insights into the growing market for non-alcoholic beer and the cultural shift around social drinking.

Listeners will take away valuable lessons about navigating success while maintaining personal well-being, practical strategies for reassessing alcohol consumption, and how small shifts in behavior can lead to life-changing transformations. Joe also shares the challenges and triumphs of building Go Brewing, the importance of community in the alcohol-free movement, and his perspective on mindful drinking versus total abstinence.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

[00:01:01] Joe’s journey from the Ford assembly line to selling two companies for $165 million.

[00:01:50] How Joe’s struggles with health and drinking led to the creation of Go Brewing.

[00:02:08] The connection between hustle culture, entrepreneurship, and sobriety.

[00:04:00] The mental and physical toll of overwork and how Joe overcame burnout.

[00:06:00] Why passion doesn’t always mean sustainability—finding balance in work.

[00:07:52] How a 75-day challenge changed Joe’s relationship with alcohol.

[00:09:12] The unexpected mental clarity and reduced anxiety that came with sobriety.

[00:12:03] The proximity effect: Why alcohol cravings intensify after drinking.

[00:14:12] The role of non-alcoholic beer in curbing cravings and sustaining sobriety.

[00:15:57] How Joe navigated social events while cutting back on drinking.

[00:17:54] Thanksgiving epiphany: Realizing he didn’t need alcohol to celebrate.

[00:19:20] The growing cultural shift towards non-alcoholic social beverages.

[00:23:28] Remember tomorrow: Joe’s method for making mindful drinking decisions.

[00:25:00] The spectrum of drinking habits and how to determine your relationship with alcohol.

[00:27:17] The lightbulb moment that led to the creation of Go Brewing.

[00:32:00] The surprising reaction from the sober community when Go Brewing launched.

[00:37:33] The future of non-alcoholic beer: Functional beverages and beyond.

[00:40:33] Overcoming skepticism and backlash in the brewing industry.

[00:43:00] The shocking moment when a band insulted the non-alcoholic community at Go Brewing.

[00:50:49] Why Go Brewing has become a safe and inclusive space for all drinkers.

[00:54:00] The challenges of running a brewery and why Joe insists on making everything in-house.

• Gobrewing
• Joe's insta - https://www.instagram.com/joechura/
• Go Brewing's Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gobrewing/?hl=en

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community.
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast.
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen delve into the intersection of intimacy, sexuality, and recovery. They’re joined by the incredible Carlyle Jansen—a sex educator, registered psychotherapist, and founder of Good For Her, Toronto’s groundbreaking sexuality shop and workshop space. Carlyle is also the author of Sex Yourself and Anal Sex Basics, and she brings over two decades of experience helping individuals and couples reclaim pleasure, navigate intimacy, and communicate more effectively. Today, she helps us better understand how our sexual selves evolve in recovery, and how we can reconnect with our bodies and desires—without shame.

Together, we'll explore questions many of us have: What happens to libido after quitting substances? How do we navigate physical connection when sober sex feels so unfamiliar? What do terms like “responsive desire” actually mean, and why do they matter in recovery? This conversation helps deconstruct cultural shame, normalize sexual differences, and guide the path back to pleasurable living.

Carlyle offers practical techniques like mindfulness, post-intimacy debriefs, and body exploration exercises.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Meet Carlisle Jansen: therapist, author, and founder of Good For Her

[00:03:00] Carlisle shares her first experiences with sex, shame, and trying to orgasm

[00:04:30] How a bridal shower kickstarted her career in sex education

[00:06:30] Why she opened a retail shop alongside her workshops

[00:08:00] The impact of growing up in a sex-silent household

[00:10:00] How family history and shame shaped her relationship with sexuality

[00:12:00] From workshops to therapy: how her work evolved

[00:15:00] The most common issue in her practice: mismatched libidos

[00:16:30] What changes sexually during addiction recovery

[00:18:00] What is sexual anorexia? And how is it different from sexual numbness?

[00:20:00] Trauma’s impact on sexual function and emotional availability

[00:21:30] Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the parts that show up during sex

[00:23:00] Why partners need to “start over” after sobriety

[00:25:30] How to rebuild trust and emotional safety during physical intimacy

[00:27:30] Navigating unpleasant emotions and sexual discomfort

[00:29:30] How to rethink consent and boundaries post-recovery

[00:31:30] Why kissing should not be a gateway to sex—and how to communicate about it

[00:34:00] Debriefing after intimacy: how to reflect and stay connected

[00:36:00] How to approach sober dating with clarity and boundaries

[00:40:00] The role of masturbation in recovery and reconnection

[00:44:00] Sex addiction, love addiction, and how to tell if it’s compulsive or just shame

[00:47:00] Why we seek validation through relationships—and how to unlearn it

[00:49:00] Tips to maintain long-term sexual connection with a partner

[00:52:00] Spontaneous vs. responsive desire—and how to honor your sexual blueprint

[00:55:00] Pressure kills arousal: why expectation ruins the moment

[01:01:00] Expanding what sex means: intimacy without intercourse

[01:03:00] Closing thoughts and how to keep showing up for your evolving self

Carlyle's Links

Links: carlylejansen.com

TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/12d2o8e9cSU?si=3DcVS-4uiexd4cdC

SIS Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety! Today, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you navigate the challenges of sobriety, and we’re joined by a powerhouse guest—Amity Cooper. Amity is an entrepreneur, mental health professional, and Lifebook facilitator, helping people rebuild their lives after rehab. From her 40-acre equine ranch in Colorad Amity’s approach is holistic, compassionate, and innovative.

How do mental health and recovery intersect? What are the biggest challenges in treating mental health and addiction simultaneously? How can polyvagal exercises, mind-body alignment, and habit-building support long-term sobriety? And, what role does emerging technology like VR and AI play in the future of therapy?

Amity also opens up about her personal journey from the corporate world to therapy, navigating a career crisis, and finding purpose beyond external success. She shares powerful lessons on resilience, rethinking limiting beliefs, and stepping into a purpose-driven life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re at a crossroads in sobriety, this episode will inspire you to take control and design a life you love.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

[00:00:00] Sonia & Kathleen welcome Amity to the podcast

[00:01:01] Amity’s background in entrepreneurship, mental health, and recovery coaching

[00:04:00] The moment of crisis that led Amity to shift her career to mental health

[00:06:25] Redefining recovery as a life transition, not just addiction

[00:09:00] Why addiction is often a coping mechanism for deeper issues

[00:12:00] Sonia shares personal struggles with family mental health challenges

[00:14:00] Breaking free from externally driven life paths

[00:17:00] The biggest challenges in early recovery & how to navigate them

[00:19:00] The importance of morning and evening routines for stability

[00:21:30] How nature, movement, and polyvagal exercises help with grounding

[00:24:00] A deep dive into the polyvagal nervous system and emotional regulation

[00:29:00] The Life Book System—how to rewrite your personal narrative

[00:33:00] Why most people settle for mediocrity and how to break free

[00:37:00] The future of therapy—VR sessions, AI diagnostics & tech-driven support

[00:43:00] How AI is revolutionizing therapy, but won’t replace human intuition

[00:49:00] The barriers to mental health access and how technology can solve them

[00:52:00] Kathleen’s Himalayan shawl story and why it holds deep meaning

[00:54:00] Final thoughts from Amity—how to create a purpose-driven life

• Amity’s Website - Learn more about Amity’s work
• Clinical Career Collective - Amity’s company supporting mental health professionals

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - Find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new year is here, and it’s the perfect time to check in with yourself and your habits. Whether you’re feeling the post-holiday burnout or just curious about how alcohol impacts your life, Dry January offers a chance to hit pause and reset. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to guide you through the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering tips and real talk to help you make the most of your Dry January journey—whether it's your first time or your fifth.

Ever wonder why Dry January seems to be everywhere? Sonia and Kathleen dive into questions like: What makes it so popular? What physical and mental benefits can you really expect? What if you slip up mid-month? With honest reflections and practical advice, this episode will leave you feeling ready to take it one day at a time.

You’ll come away with simple, effective ways to succeed—like setting realistic goals, building a support system, and swapping old habits for new ones that actually feel good. Sonia and Kathleen also dig into strategies for overcoming cravings, reframing challenges, and creating routines you’ll look forward to. Plus, they share fun and easy ways to replace your go-to drink with something delicious, because it’s not just about taking something away—it’s about adding wellness, joy, and calm back into your life.

And don’t worry—this isn’t some rigid guide to perfection. Sonia shares how her tea bar (complete with hot chocolate mix!) became her nighttime favorite, while Kathleen talks about how even the strongest cravings can be a chance to show yourself some love. It’s a reminder that small wins—like finding joy in a cozy drink or celebrating with a letter to yourself—can make a big difference.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Dry January and its purpose
• [00:01:16] Sonia and Kathleen discuss the origins and rise in popularity
• [00:02:29] Research spotlight: the link between alcohol and health risks
• [00:03:34] Health Canada’s new guidelines on alcohol consumption
• [00:05:15] The role of the sober-curious movement and influencers
• [00:07:26] Benefits of Dry January: improved sleep, clear skin, mental clarity
• [00:10:29] How to set a personal “why” for motivation
• [00:12:10] The importance of planning for social triggers
• [00:13:36] Kathleen’s breakdown of SMART goals
• [00:16:25] Strategies for those feeling overwhelmed by a 31-day challenge
• [00:19:35] Managing cravings and identifying unexpected triggers
• [00:22:31] Mocktail recommendations and the joy of experimenting with alternative drinks
• [00:25:48] New evening rituals: small ways to relax and unwind
• [00:27:04] Celebrating progress without alcohol: creative reward ideas
• [00:29:59] Kathleen shares her “urge surfing” technique for dealing with cravings
• [00:32:25] Explanation of the RAIN mindfulness method
• [00:36:12] What to do if you slip up during Dry January
• [00:39:00] How to reflect on your Dry January experience
• [00:41:17] Deciding your next steps after January ends
• [00:43:40] Sonia’s insights on using Dry January as a springboard for personal growth
• [00:46:17] Final reflections and key takeaways from Sonia and Kathleen

Links:

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Kathleen and Sonia are joined by Ali Shapiro, a renowned health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Together, they explore the profound question: How can we create meaning beyond food? Through her insights, Ali shares how food rituals can support connection and emotional nourishment without becoming the main event.

Ever wonder how food habits reflect our emotional states or how blood sugar balance impacts mental clarity? Kathleen, Sonia, and Ali dive into key questions like, "How does vulnerability play a role in our eating habits?" and "What are the best ways to reframe goals for a healthier relationship with food?" Ali also unpacks the impact of societal pressures, diet culture, and the journey to self-awareness in making sustainable choices for both body and mind.

Listeners will learn actionable strategies, such as Ali’s innovative breakfast experiment and tips for balancing blood sugar for improved mood and energy. This episode will also explore the importance of self-authorship in navigating food and life choices and why perfectionism can hinder rather than help your goals.

On a personal note, Ali shares a moving story about vulnerability and connection, revealing how being honest about life's challenges can strengthen relationships and dissolve the loneliness that often drives unhealthy habits.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her Truce with Food philosophy

[00:01:30] Rituals that foster connection and balance beyond food

[00:02:57] Identifying emotional clues through eating habits

[00:03:40] Vulnerability as a tool for deeper connections

[00:05:23] Avoiding high-stakes vulnerability traps and practicing discernment

[00:06:49] The pendulum of diet culture and anti-diet culture

[00:07:36] The importance of self-authorship in food choices

[00:09:27] Personal anecdotes about balanced blood sugar and body quirks

[00:11:03] Recognizing diet trends that don’t serve individual needs

[00:12:27] New Year’s resolutions: reframing success metrics

[00:13:41] Kathleen’s life-changing experience with increased protein

[00:15:19] Understanding the nervous system’s role in diet needs

[00:17:23] The transformative power of individualized nutrition

[00:18:45] Stories of healing from common nutrition myths

[00:20:30] How perfectionism affects sustainable eating habits

[00:23:00] The adaptive process of setting meaningful goals

[00:24:29] Truce with Food: a six-month journey to food freedom

[00:27:06] Exploring blood sugar and gut health experiments

[00:29:19] The balance between structure and flexibility in food choices

[00:30:00] Closing reflections on personal growth and resilience

Links

Get In Touch With Ali:

• Stop the Quick Fix Cycle (Free Session!)
• Free Breakfast Experiment
• Truce with Food Group Program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this classic episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," hosts Kathleen and Sonia bring a light-hearted touch to the serious topic of staying sober during New Year's Eve. With warmth and humor, they recount their own past holiday experiences, marked by not-so-glamorous moments of substance abuse, and compare them to their now joy-filled, sober celebrations.

Kathleen and Sonia take us through the often overwhelming social pressures and emotional challenges that come with the holiday season, yet they keep the mood buoyant by sharing their favorite alternative sober celebration ideas. Whether it's hosting a cozy get-together, enjoying a lively sober event, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, they remind us that there are countless ways to make New Year's Eve special and memorable without alcohol.

The duo emphasizes the shift in perspective that sobriety brings, turning New Year's Eve from a potential obstacle into an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. They sprinkle their conversation with encouraging and hopeful quotes, like Sonia's humorous take on relearning how to party sober and Kathleen's expressions of deep gratitude for the new life she has found in sobriety.

Kathleen and Sonia show that sobriety doesn't mean missing out on fun—it means rediscovering joy in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. Tune in for a dose of positivity and inspiration on how to turn New Year's Eve into a celebration of new beginnings and true happiness.

00:00:00 | Celebration of download milestone!

00:02:16 | Reasons why New Year's Eve is tough to stay sober

00:04:00 | Importance of having a plan for a sober New Year's Eve

00:04:43 | Ways to reframe the idea of New Year's Eve

00:07:00 | Sonia's experience of being sober on New Year's Eve

00:08:00 | Kathleen's experience of being a messy drinker on New Year's Eve

00:09:00 | Story of Kathleen's New Year's Eve where she found herself high, cold, and stranded

00:10:00 | Reflection on the past and commitment to sobriety

00:11:00 | Conclusion and end of the transcript

00:11:48 | Risky behavior and addiction to risk-taking

00:15:21 | Shift in priorities after getting sober

00:17:15 | Drug and alcohol-free New Year's Eves

00:19:32 | New Year's Eve as a time for reset and renewal

00:20:22 | New Year's resolutions and gratitude

00:22:00 | New Year's Eve activities and possibilities

00:23:29 | New Year's Eve retreat ideas

00:25:37 | Exploring alternative plans for staying sober on New Year's

00:26:00 | Hosting a sober gathering with a friend and kids

00:27:58 | Emphasizing the freedom and possibilities of being sober

00:28:14 | Reflecting on the gratitude of being in control and sober

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to kick off the new year with a fresh perspective? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you plan your best sober year yet. From goal setting to finding balance, they’re sharing ideas to make 2024 your year of growth and intentional living—whether you’re brand new to sobriety or already a few years in.

How do you set goals that stick? What’s the secret to staying motivated when things don’t go as planned? And how do you balance everything without burning out? This episode has all the tips and stories to keep you inspired and moving forward.

You’ll learn simple strategies like habit stacking, breaking big goals into manageable steps, and why self-care is so much more than bubble baths. Plus, Kathleen and Sonia share how they use tools like planners and trackers to stay on course—and why progress always beats perfection.

Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own journeys, from learning to adapt when life throws curveballs to embracing the quirks that make them who they are. Their stories are full of laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to embrace sobriety with confidence.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Sonia and Kathleen kick off the episode: planning your best sober year yet. [00:01:50] Kathleen’s 2024 goal: prioritizing physical and mental health. [00:03:14] Sonia’s funny habit-stacking method for stretching before Netflix. [00:05:45] Kathleen talks about the lessons she learned from setting unrealistic goals. [00:08:13] Breaking big goals into bite-sized, manageable pieces. [00:10:44] Celebrating small wins in creative ways—popcorn in bed, anyone? [00:12:00] Sonia looks back at years of “moderation” goals that didn’t stick. [00:14:20] Why Kathleen prefers harmony over balance in her sober life. [00:16:59] Plans for a work-life reset: Kathleen is finally taking a vacation! [00:19:00] Sonia’s non-negotiable: sleep as the ultimate self-care tool. [00:21:25] Using tech like Apple Watch and Oura Ring to track goals. [00:23:54] The protein-packed breakfast tip that’s changing Sonia’s mornings. [00:25:00] Kathleen’s story about adapting her yoga practice as a single mom. [00:29:00] Sonia reframes her narrative around sobriety and relationships. [00:31:49] Kathleen shares practical ways to flip the script on negative self-talk. [00:33:43] Byron Katie’s four questions for letting go of limiting beliefs. [00:36:00] Self-compassion as the secret to letting go of old narratives. [00:37:15] The connection between self-worth and self-care. [00:38:11] Kathleen’s quirky planner obsession and why it works for her. [00:39:00] Closing thoughts: It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and intention.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sonia and Kathleen dive into the world of non-alcoholic sangrias during the fan-favorite "Mocktail Hour." If you've ever missed the fruity, festive allure of sangria or wondered how non-alcoholic alternatives stack up, this episode is for you!

The duo kicks things off with a taste test of two sangrias: the Sangria Señorial, a Mexican soda-style sangria, and the Clever Sangria. Expect honest reviews, accidental spills, and insights into how these drinks could be enhanced or incorporated into festive settings. While one drink sparks nostalgia and creativity, the other leaves the hosts debating its place in the sangria universe. Check out our own sangria recipe on our substack!

Did you enjoy the taste test? Have a favorite sangria recipe or another mocktail you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a sip of our Mocktail Hour. Join the conversation and explore more recipes, reviews, and sober inspiration on our Substack!

Highlights

[00:01:54] First Impressions of Sangria Señorial - Sonia and Kathleen taste the Sangria Señorial and share their initial thoughts

[00:03:08] Discussion on the sweetness, aftertaste, calorie count, and how it might work as a base for homemade sangria.

[00:04:16]Kathleen reflects on why Sangria Señorial doesn’t quite match up to traditional sangria flavors.

[00:05:13] Kathleen opens the Clever Sangria, and the duo explores its citrus-forward profile and less syrupy sweetness.

[00:05:45] Ideas for enhancing Clever Sangria with spices like cinnamon and clove to make it more festive and complex.

[00:06:47] Kathleen shares versatile ideas for serving Clever Sangria, from summer dockside drinks to Christmas brunch.

[00:07:52] Sonia and Kathleen give their ratings: Clever Sangria scores high, while Sangria Señorial falls short.

[00:09:00] The hosts declare Clever Sangria the winner, while debating whether the two drinks belong in the same category.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined once again by Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the transformative Truce with Food program. Ali’s approach integrates emotional storytelling to help people heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. A returning guest, Ali also hosts the popular podcast Insatiable, where she delves into the psychology of cravings and the broader narratives around food and body image. Today, Ali, Sonia, and Kathleen tackle timely topics around food, belonging, and self-awareness during the holiday season.

How do cultural narratives around food shape our holiday habits? Can traditions and modern health wisdom coexist? In this episode, Ali shares her insights on balancing enjoyment and nourishment during celebrations, navigating holiday pressures, and redefining emotional safety in family dynamics. With key questions like "What role does food play in our sense of connection?" and "How can we honor our health while participating in long-standing traditions?" this discussion offers a fresh perspective on holiday wellness.

They get into actionable strategies for balancing blood sugar, managing holiday expectations, and identifying emotional triggers that lead to overeating. Key takeaways include understanding the physiological impact of food choices, the importance of timing meals to avoid cravings, and the role of belonging in emotional eating. With insights into how traditional cuisines naturally align with our seasonal needs, Ali provides a roadmap for mindful eating and resilience during this festive yet often challenging time.

Ali opens up about her personal journey, including how family traditions like her grandmother’s fenugreek tea remain a source of comfort and connection. Through stories of her clients’ experiences, she illustrates the delicate balance of maintaining emotional intimacy while setting boundaries during the holidays. With heartfelt examples of how small, thoughtful shifts can transform holiday dynamics, this episode is a blend of practical advice and deep, personal reflection.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction of Ali Shapiro and her work. [00:01:13] Overview of Ali's previous episodes and themes. [00:02:00] How cultural narratives around food have shifted over the decades. [00:03:23] Discussion of body positivity and the physiological effects of sugar. [00:05:02] Strategies for avoiding extreme diets and quick fixes. [00:06:23] How food symbolizes connection and emotional belonging. [00:07:10] Ali shares her grandmother’s fenugreek tea tradition. [00:09:27] Reconciling cultural food traditions with modern health narratives. [00:11:24] The importance of meal timing and balanced blood sugar. [00:12:50] Managing holiday expectations and body image pressures. [00:15:24] How to discern personal values for the holiday season. [00:16:49] Connecting food and movement to resilience and mood. [00:19:13] Recognizing physiological feedback from food choices. [00:20:18] Differentiating “waves of belonging” and building emotional safety. [00:22:40] Client stories: Finding connection amidst family challenges. [00:24:51] Holding emotional complexity: Flexibility in relationships. [00:26:22] Reflections on the Tao Te Ching and embracing adaptability. [00:27:00] Cultivating self-authored belonging and emotional capacity. [00:28:30] The role of compassion in breaking generational patterns. [00:29:00] Closing remarks and teaser for part two.

Links

• Get In Touch With Ali - 
  • Stop the quick fix cycle (free session!)
  • Free breakfast experiment
  • Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mocktail Hour is back! In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are helping you navigate the world of non-alcoholic beverages with their honest review of St. Agrestis mocktails, including the Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso. They’ll roll up their sleeves, sip, critique, and share their favorites, all while keeping things fun and relatable.

Ever wondered how the Phony Negroni stacks up against its alcoholic counterpart? Or what makes Amaro Falso a wintery, herbal delight? Sonia and Kathleen dive into the flavor profiles, discuss pairings, and tease out the differences in mouthfeel and aftertaste. They’ll answer questions like: How does the bitterness compare? Can these mocktails hold their own as aperitifs or digestifs? And most importantly, are they worth a spot in your fridge?

This episode is packed with insights for the sober-curious and mocktail enthusiasts alike. You’ll learn about the perfect pairings, creative additions to elevate the drinks, and whether these options are right for your next dinner party or cozy night in. Sonia and Kathleen leave no bottle uncorked, providing a thorough breakdown that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamps:

• 00:00:00 – Mocktail Hour kicks off with Sonia and Kathleen’s signature honesty.
• 00:01:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and its origins.
• 00:02:05 – First impressions: color, smell, and initial taste test.
• 00:03:00 – Breaking down the flavor: juniper berry notes and orange peel accents.
• 00:04:00 – Discussing how the Phony Negroni feels like a “sophisticated” drink.
• 00:05:00 – Ideal serving occasions for the Phony Negroni.
• 00:05:54 – Rating the Phony Negroni on a scale of 1 to 10.
• 00:06:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Amaro Falso and its unique qualities.
• 00:06:42 – Flavor comparison: herbal and citrus notes of Amaro Falso.
• 00:07:22 – Sonia experiments by adding ginger ale to Amaro Falso.
• 00:08:20 – Describing Amaro Falso as a wintery, moody drink.
• 00:09:00 – Aesthetic appeal: the elegant design of the St. Agrestis bottles.
• 00:09:28 – Rating the Amaro Falso and who might enjoy it.
• 00:10:14 – Comparing aftertastes and complexity between the two drinks.
• 00:10:40 – Sonia reflects on mocktails mimicking alcoholic beverages.
• 00:11:00 – Kathleen shares how the Phony Negroni evokes gin nostalgia.
• 00:11:20 – Head-to-head verdict: Phony Negroni wins as a pre-dinner favorite.
• 00:11:40 – Amaro Falso as a digestif: best for post-dinner sipping.
• 00:12:00 – Plans to explore more of St. Agrestis’ non-alcoholic offerings.
• 00:12:12 – Closing thoughts and a thank-you to listeners.

Links

• St Agrestis Beverages 

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

4o

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a time of joy and celebration, it often presents unique challenges for those navigating sobriety. In this week's episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. From grief and estrangement to social pressures, they’re sharing heartfelt insights and actionable strategies to help you find peace and joy in a potentially stressful season.

What makes the holidays so difficult for those on a sobriety journey? Is it the abundance of alcohol at every gathering? The intricate family dynamics? Or the emotional weight of grief and estrangement? Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into these questions, exploring everything from setting boundaries and managing triggers to the emotional labor that often falls on one person in a family. This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you feel supported and prepared.

Sonia and Kathleen talk about recognizing and managing emotional triggers, practicing gratitude to combat feelings of isolation, and creating new traditions to honor lost loved ones while finding moments of joy. They'll also discuss the importance of self-compassion, realistic expectations, and setting healthy boundaries to protect your peace during this busy time.

Personal stories take center stage as Sonia and Kathleen share their experiences with estrangement, grief, and the holiday blues. From Kathleen’s first Christmas after her father’s passing to Sonia’s reflections on navigating family estrangement, these heartfelt anecdotes provide a relatable and comforting perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed or alone during the holidays.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:02:00] Sonia shares her love for Christmas and the traditions in Toronto. [00:03:10] Kathleen discusses the pressures and emotional triggers of the season. [00:03:52] Sonia opens up about grief, estrangement, and loneliness during the holidays. [00:05:30] Kathleen reflects on navigating the holidays after losing her father. [00:07:00] Honoring loved ones through traditions and memories. [00:08:48] Tips on avoiding perfectionism and setting realistic expectations. [00:10:12] Sonia explains how journaling and therapy help with estrangement. [00:12:05] Practical advice for setting boundaries during family gatherings. [00:15:00] Comparing estrangement stories to highlight shared struggles. [00:16:28] Kathleen shares her annual photo album tradition for year-end reflection. [00:18:55] How gratitude can transform holiday experiences. [00:20:25] Sonia recounts a tough holiday experience after her divorce. [00:23:30] Strategies for reconnecting or avoiding estranged family members. [00:25:43] Balancing hope and acceptance in family relationships. [00:28:09] Redefining family and creating values-driven holiday traditions. [00:30:10] Coping with holiday triggers and reframing difficult memories. [00:32:00] How to handle grief waves and their unpredictability. [00:34:25] Writing letters as a first step to reconnect with family. [00:37:15] Using humor and realistic expectations to navigate tough situations. [00:40:00] Lessons on navigating sobriety and growth through shared challenges.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grief and sobriety—two paths that often intertwine yet feel isolating. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore how grief transforms when faced with the raw clarity of sobriety. Together, they share personal insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complex emotions of loss while staying grounded in recovery.

How does grief feel when faced without substances? What misconceptions about grief might be holding you back? How can we better support others who are grieving in sobriety? From understanding anticipatory grief to exploring the nuances of conflicting emotions, Sonia and Kathleen tackle it all in today’s heartfelt discussion.

They talk about:

• The myth of the "5 stages of grief" and why grief is non-linear.
• Recognizing and navigating anticipatory grief and cumulative grief.
• Practical self-care practices to stay emotionally healthy during grief, especially while sober.
• Why outward mourning and ongoing grief should be normalized.

Sonia reflects on the surprising lessons from her divorce and how it continues to shape her sobriety journey. Kathleen opens up about the loss of her father, sharing moments of vulnerability and growth, including how she honors his memory through continuing bonds. Together, they reveal the healing power of connection, honesty, and allowing grief its space.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights

[00:01:00] Sonia and Kathleen introduce the topic of grief and sobriety. [00:02:02] "What does grief feel like when sober?" Sonia shares her thoughts on sitting with raw emotions. [00:03:31] Exploring what grief looks like versus societal expectations. [00:06:13] Sonia discusses the mindset shift of “the only way out is through.” [00:08:41] Kathleen opens up about the anticipatory grief she felt before her father’s passing. [00:10:54] Types of grief in sobriety: divorce, loss of identity, and cumulative grief. [00:13:00] Misconceptions about grief: Can you grieve someone still alive? [00:17:03] Kathleen’s strategies for emotional self-care during her grief journey. [00:20:03] Continuing bonds: How Kathleen honors her father’s memory. [00:21:12] Sonia reflects on grieving her old life and navigating uncertainty post-divorce. [00:25:13] "You don’t control life as much as you think," Kathleen shares hard-earned wisdom. [00:28:38] Sonia on self-imposed grief milestones and the challenges of “re-litigation.” [00:30:00] The spectrum of what is “normal” in grieving. [00:32:42] Healthy vs. unhealthy grieving: The role of substances and emotional numbing. [00:34:14] The stigma of mourning in Western cultures and its emotional impact. [00:36:00] Supporting someone grieving while sober: showing presence and offering practical help. [00:38:00] Sonia and Kathleen discuss holding space without pushing for "moving on." [00:39:24] The power of directly asking someone what support they need during grief. [00:41:00] Sonia and Kathleen reflect on lessons learned from grief and how to show up for others.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to resilience isn’t eliminating stress—but embracing the right kind of it? This week on Sisters in Sobriety, we take on the fascinating world of cellular health, good stress, and regenerative wellness with Dr. Sharon Bergquist—a Harvard-trained physician, Yale biophysics grad, and pioneering force behind Emory’s Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness program. Dr. Bergquist is the author of the upcoming book The Stress Paradox, which challenges everything you thought you knew about aging, health, and how to build a body that thrives.

In this conversation, we'll explore essential questions: What makes some stress beneficial—and how can we harness it without burning out? Why does modern comfort leave us more fragile, and how does plant-powered eating reshape the trajectory of chronic disease? They also explore what lifestyle medicine actually is, and how behavior change works from the inside out—at the cellular level.

You'll come away with actionable insight into how to reframe stress, build long-term resilience, and slow aging with everyday tools like circadian fasting, thermal therapy, interval training, and plant-based nutrition. Dr. Bergquist explains the science behind dopamine recovery in sobriety, the myth of needing to do it all at once, and why stacking "good stress" needs to be a gentle.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.

Episode Highlights

00:01 – Why Dr. Bergquist fell in love with the human body

03:20 – How seeing long-term patient outcomes changed her approach

05:15 – Why standard medical care misses the root cause of disease

07:10 – The five “good stressors” that help your cells regenerate

09:50 – The difference between toxic stress and beneficial stress

12:30 – Why numbing stress with alcohol creates a dopamine deficit

14:40 – How good stress like cold exposure gives you dopamine without burnout

17:20 – Over-optimizing for comfort—and how that backfires

19:00 – Pick your discomfort: cold, heat, exercise, or emotional growth

21:15 – What stress actually does to your brain and cells

24:45 – What we’ve lost in the modern world (hint: it’s not just screen time)

26:30 – Why we must reintroduce discomfort strategically

28:00 – The link between resilience and meaning

30:30 – Can you stack stress? Not in early sobriety

33:20 – Why sobriety itself is already a stressor—and that’s OK

35:10 – When and how to add other good habits without overwhelming yourself

37:50 – The science behind a plant-powered diet

40:15 – Why it's not “plants vs meat”—and the real stats on fiber and phytochemicals

43:00 – How to start eating plant-forward without going broke or gourmet

45:10 – The secret sauce (literally) that makes veggies taste good

48:05 – Debunking the protein panic: what research really says

52:00 – Why labels like “vegan” or “carnivore” miss the point

54:30 – The real takeaway: 1 in 10 Americans get enough fruits and veggies

56:00 – What Dr. Bergquist is building at Emory—and her vision for health systems

59:00 – Making lifestyle medicine mainstream and accessible

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Bella Ferguson, a certified This Naked Mind coach and co-host of the Not Drinking Alcohol podcast. Bella shares how she went from working in high-pressure corporate law, where "work hard, play hard" was the mantra, to embracing a sober lifestyle. Spoiler alert: she’s thriving, and she’s here to inspire anyone who feels stuck in the "mommy wine" spiral or corporate happy hour grind.

In this episode, Sonia and Bella chat about the pressures of professional drinking culture, why “mommy wine time” isn’t as harmless as it seems, and how to start rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Is sobriety possible in environments where alcohol feels like the glue that holds everything together? And how do you deal with the awkward moments of being the only sober person at the party?

You’ll hear Bella's tips for navigating social situations, finding joy in alcohol-free living, and tackling the emotional baggage that often comes with drinking. Learn how she rebuilt her confidence, discovered tools for emotional sobriety, and why regulating your nervous system is a total game changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance sobriety with career, parenting, and friendships, Bella's got the answers.

We also dive into Bella’s personal story, including her rock-bottom moment and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up. From dodging awkward small talk with wine-loving moms to rediscovering her passion and purpose, Bella keeps it real about the ups and downs of sobriety—and why it’s so worth it.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women rethink their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights: [00:01:00] Bella introduces herself and why she ditched the lawyer life. [00:02:13] The “work hard, play hard” drinking culture in corporate law. [00:03:56] How gender roles impact drinking expectations at work. [00:05:35] Why workplace drinking is more than a “work hard” problem. [00:08:51] Juggling kids, stress, and a wine bottle—Bella’s experience with mommy wine culture. [00:12:00] Bella’s wake-up call in the hospital that changed everything. [00:14:18] What happens to your marriage when drinking takes over. [00:17:39] The awkwardness of setting post-rehab boundaries with your partner. [00:21:25] Emotional sobriety: why white-knuckling it isn’t enough. [00:24:03] Helping clients figure out if moderation or quitting is right for them. [00:28:00] Core fears and beliefs that keep people stuck in drinking cycles. [00:32:15] How Bella’s friendships evolved after she chose sobriety. [00:36:00] Bella’s go-to self-care tips (hint: popcorn and trail runs are involved). [00:40:27] Why connecting with others is the secret weapon against isolation. [00:42:08] How ditching alcohol changed Bella’s career and life purpose. [00:45:00] Staying aligned with your values to keep sobriety on track. [00:46:28] What’s next for Bella: alcohol-free challenges and courses.

Links

Connect With Bella! 

• https://isabellaferguson.com.au
• Your Alcohol Revolution Online Programs: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/TheAlcoholRevolutionAlcoholFreeOnlineProgramOverview
• Free Do I have a Drinking Problem 3 Day Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/doIhaveadrinkingproblemwithisabellaferguson
• Your Alcohol Revolution LIVE Program (next in February 2025): https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/alcoholfreedomchallenge
• Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety is all about navigating the ups, downs, and surprising discoveries of early sobriety! Sonia is joined by Courtney Andersen, the founder of Sober Vibes and a seasoned sober life coach who’s been alcohol-free for over a decade. Courtney’s also the author of Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First 90 Days Without Alcohol, a no-nonsense roadmap for getting through those crucial early months. She’s here to share real-life tips and laughs, making the road to sobriety feel a little less intimidating.

In this episode, they dive into questions like: What can you do when the “witching hour” hits and cravings come knocking? How can you tell if moderation isn’t cutting it? And what are the realistic expectations for those tough first 90 days?

Courtney offers her refreshingly honest take on some key concepts of early sobriety: managing withdrawal, building a support network, and learning to talk to yourself kindly (yep, that’s a big one!). She’ll break down how to replace old habits with new, feel-good routines that keep you steady—and maybe even make you excited about a new way of life.

Things get personal as Courtney opens up about her rock-bottom moment, her “aha” pact with the universe, and her journey from feeling lost to finding purpose. If you’re looking for motivation to start or stick with sobriety, Courtney’s story is full of the grit, humor, and hope that will keep you moving forward.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights

00:01:15 - A quick look at Courtney’s new book, Sober Vibes, and how it guides readers through the first 90 days. 00:02:34 - Courtney shares her “I have to quit” moment and what drove her to finally make the change. 00:03:00 - Falling in love with the bar scene and the “fun” side of drinking. 00:04:50 - Panic attacks and anxiety kick in as the fun fades. 00:06:50 - Courtney’s funny (and frustrating!) attempts at “moderation rules” for drinking. 00:09:13 - The sneaky ways emotional dependency shows up when trying to quit. 00:10:58 - The endless cycle of bargaining and why it’s exhausting. 00:12:40 - Courtney’s rock-bottom night (and a lost cat!) that finally pushed her to quit for good. 00:15:35 - Sonia and Courtney chat about how rock-bottom looks different for everyone. 00:16:30 - What those first 90 days really feel like and why they’re so tough. 00:17:45 - Withdrawal symptoms and the importance of checking in with a doctor. 00:20:15 - How having a support network can help you feel less alone. 00:21:45 - Redefining routines and how small changes can make a big difference. 00:24:00 - Courtney’s “Friday night lights” TV binge for those hard weekend nights. 00:26:22 - Easy tips for handling cravings and setting boundaries with friends. 00:29:00 - Courtney’s “60-minute rule” for social events and getting home before triggers hit. 00:31:50 - How journaling and reflection can help keep your sober mindset strong. 00:33:00 - Simple, do-anywhere tools for getting through intense cravings. 00:36:30 - How exercise and fresh air can be secret weapons for staying sober. 00:37:04 - The underrated power of a good night’s sleep. 00:40:00 - What to expect as cravings start to fade and you build a new normal. 00:45:00 - Why staying present is the best way to approach your sobriety journey.

Links

• Connect With Courtney Here! 

Website- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com

IG-  https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes

Book- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Kathleen and Sonia bring you a fascinating chat with Ali Shapiro –  health coach, speaker, and creator of Truce with Food. Together, they dig into the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to cravings, food, and the ways alcohol plays into it all.

In this episode, they tackle questions we all ask ourselves: Why do I crave sugar after a long day? What’s really behind that urge to snack? and How can I start eating in a way that feels right for me? Ali shares practical insights on how to understand cravings, balance blood sugar, and build a healthier relationship with food that doesn’t feel like a battle.

Listeners will get practical tips about blood sugar balance, ways to know the difference between “I need this” and “I want this,” and how to make food choices that feel natural. Ali also talks about her own journey with food, revealing how a health challenge as a kid shaped her approach to nutrition today. Whether you're struggling with cravings or just looking to feel more in tune with your body, there’s something here for you.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Meet Ali Shapiro and her unique take on food and cravings [00:01:10] How blood sugar and alcohol mess with our cravings [00:02:00] Why emotional cravings happen and how to spot them [00:03:12] The never-ending cycle of caffeine and exhaustion [00:04:15] What’s the difference between wanting a snack and needing one? [00:05:23] Ali’s thoughts on why “intuitive eating” isn’t always so intuitive [00:06:54] Getting real about our emotional ties to food [00:07:52] Food as a way to connect with others – why it matters [00:08:10] Kathleen shares how food helped her through a hard time [00:09:19] How meals can help us slow down and feel more grounded [00:10:12] Finding balance when it comes to emotional eating [00:11:23] Ali’s “three types of hunger” approach – it’s not just about food! [00:12:42] How blood sugar balance can reduce cravings [00:13:56] Ali’s breakfast experiment – try it for yourself! [00:15:27] Peptides and insulin – breaking down what it all means [00:17:04] Why strength training is a midlife game-changer [00:18:29] Understanding how hormones impact our cravings [00:20:15] Building muscle to support a healthy weight [00:21:59] Busting the myth of calorie-counting diets [00:24:48] Separating health and weight without judgment [00:28:55] Ali’s Truce with Food program – what it’s all about [00:34:43] A sneak peek at Ali’s thoughts on gut health

Links

Get In Touch With Ali - 

• Free breakfast experiment
• Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the nuanced connections between food, emotional well-being, and self-worth with special guest Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Ali brings a unique perspective to our understanding of food and body image, diving deep into how they shape—and often complicate—our personal stories

Ali breaks down big questions: How does food influence our sense of safety and belonging? What role does diet culture play in our self-worth? And how can we begin to reclaim our autonomy over our eating choices? Listeners will find Ali’s candid discussion on media messaging and societal expectations especially valuable, with practical advice on setting personal standards that nurture self-respect and belonging.

Throughout the episode, Ali addresses key concepts like body image, emotional eating, and the hidden impact of attachment chemicals on our relationship with food. Listeners will also hear about “self-authoring” our values—moving away from discipline and control and toward devotion to personal well-being. This episode covers functional medicine insights and tangible tools for aligning with our internal sense of self-worth.

Ali also opens up about her own personal story, reflecting on her early experiences with body image struggles and loneliness that many can relate to. Through her honesty, she shares how those moments shaped her journey to find true belonging, and how each of us can start unearthing our food and body stories to reclaim joy and freedom in our lives.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her background [00:01:13] Functional medicine and cognitive behavioral approach [00:02:00] The intersection of food and sobriety [00:04:45] Unearthing the stories we tell ourselves about food and body [00:06:35] The willpower and discipline myth in dieting [00:07:57] The concept of food as safety and belonging [00:10:04] Kathleen shares her earliest food memory [00:12:45] Food as a source of comfort for loneliness [00:13:39] Attachment chemicals released by food [00:17:14] Media’s impact on body image and self-worth [00:21:40] Transitioning to self-authority in adulthood [00:23:14] Self-worth and evolving the sense of belonging [00:26:32] Kathleen discusses finding a supportive partner [00:28:20] Building a community that aligns with self-worth [00:30:53] The lasting impact of family messages on body image [00:31:42] Moving from discipline to devotion in self-care [00:33:32] Foods and drinks that impact blood sugar levels [00:34:00] Outro and preview of part two with Ali Shapiro

Links

Get In Touch With Ali - 

• Free breakfast experiment
• Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.