Sober Banter – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Sober Banter, host Rachel sits down with Heather Trumpfheller, a tech startup professional and world traveler, for an honest conversation about modern sobriety, identity shifts, and reclaiming life without alcohol.

Heather shares how quitting drinking led her to also walk away from busyness, a decade long career that no longer aligned with her values, and patterns rooted in anxiety, people pleasing, and burnout. The conversation explores early sobriety, grief and loss, dating and traveling alcohol free, resentment, stigma, and why community is essential in recovery.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sobriety is not a punishment. It is freedom. And it is never too late to choose yourself.

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in July 2025 when Heather was 18 months sober. She is now over 2 years sober as her sobriety date is November 13, 2023.

• (00:00) - Welcome + Heather’s Sobriety Story
• (03:44) - Finding Community and Support
• (08:04) - Early Sobriety and Identity Shifts
• (12:28) - Celebrating Sobriety Milestones
• (24:13) - Grief, Loss, and Staying Sober
• (27:57) - Traveling and Dating Without Alcohol
• (35:34) - Labels, Stigma, and Recovery Culture
• (55:53) - Rest, Growth, and Final Reflections

Connect with Heather

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/htrumpfheller

💼 LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertrumpfheller/

📧 Email
htrumpfheller@gmail.com

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Disclaimer

Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource.

In this episode, hosts Colin Casey and Rachel Casey sit down with writer and recovery advocate Kristen Crocker for an honest conversation about parenting, sobriety, and modern recovery. Together, they talk about quitting drinking, navigating sobriety while raising kids, and how stigma, labels, and recovery culture shape the way parents seek support.

• (00:00) - Meet Kristen Crocker
• (03:54) - Struggles, relapses, and trying again
• (06:30) - Changing perceptions of alcoholism
• (10:39) - Navigating sobriety with family
• (16:42) - Pregnancy and sobriety
• (31:44) - AA Tradition 11 and social media
• (34:53) - Relapse and recovery insights
• (41:26) - Evolving AA literature and recovery culture

Connect with Kristen

Kristen writes Recoverettes, a Substack focused on normalizing recovery from alcoholism among strong, smart women. Her work explores motherhood, step-motherhood, staying sober through hard seasons, twelve-step recovery, neuroscience, and anything that actually works.

Substack: https://recoverettes.substack.com
Profile: https://substack.com/@kblantoncrocker

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Sober Banter
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Disclaimer

Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource.

What do you get when you mix a fresh perspective on the 12 steps, a sharp sense of humor, and some unexpected twists in recovery? You get Danny Henriquez. In this episode, we sit down with the host of The Hen Dog Half to talk about getting sober, showing up for sponsees, and how to survive weddings without a drink in hand.

Danny brings the kind of insight that makes you laugh, nod, and think, “Okay... this guy gets it.” If you’re into honest recovery talk without the doom and gloom, this one’s for you.

🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode:
What early sobriety really felt like
Why service work actually works
The unexpected power of the Lord’s Prayer
Marriage and relationships in recovery
That dangerous little word: yet
Making peace with “having a drinking problem”
Why the 12 steps apply to everyone (not just alcoholics)
How AA doubles as group therapy
Sober travel and weddings—without the weirdness
Finding your people and your podcast voice

To get into contact with Danny Henriquez
E-mail: hendoghalf@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendoghalf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.h.henriquez
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolyardpro02115

P.S. Thanks for supporting independent recovery shows like ours. We’re a small but mighty and we’re so glad you’re here.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Email rachel@soberbanter.com 

• (02:27) - – Danny’s Story / Sober Date: Aug 9, 2022
• (07:47) - – Traveling Sober
• (08:26) - – Prayer Surprise
• (12:45) - – Sponsorship
• (15:52) - – 4th & 5th Step
• (24:28) - – “Did I Really Have a Problem?”
• (27:02) - – Marriage in Sobriety
• (32:21) - – Steps for Being Human
• (39:26) - – More About Alcoholism
• (43:08) - – Early Sobriety Days
• (51:40) - – “Cool” Drinking Myth
• (55:04) - – Sober Weddings
• (01:02:35) - – AA & Group Therapy
• (01:10:38) - – Connect with Danny

This week on Sober Banter, we’re joined by Tim Lineaweaver—a therapist, dad, and four decades sober.

Tim takes us back to 1984, when he first got sober, and walks us through how recovery has evolved (and what’s stayed the same) over the past 40 years. From navigating trauma in sobriety to talking with your kids about alcoholism, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, humor, and heart.

We dive into early cravings, drinking dreams, and what it means to help others while still protecting your own peace. Whether you’re newly sober or years into the journey, Tim’s perspective will leave you feeling seen and supported.

Episode Highlights:

2:36 – Back to 1984: Getting sober

5:13 – Sobriety in the 80s & How Tim got sober

8:43 – Growing up in an alcoholic home

14:31 – Trauma and addiction

19:39 – Upcoming memoir & Earning a degree in sobriety

23:33 – What people misunderstand about trauma

26:09 – Never met someone who regretted getting sober

27:43 – What’s changed in recovery since the 80s

33:09 – The core message Tim wants people to hear

36:49 – Talking to kids about addiction

41:05 – Drinking dreams

43:53 – Tim’s call to sober publishers

P.S. Thanks for supporting independent recovery shows like ours. We’re a small but mighty team (okay, it’s mostly just me editing at midnight), and we’re so glad you’re here.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest email rachel@soberbanter.com 

• (02:36) - – Back to 1984: Getting sober
• (05:13) - – Sobriety in the 80s & How Tim got sober
• (08:43) - – Growing up in an alcoholic home
• (14:31) - – Trauma and addiction
• (19:39) - – Upcoming memoir & Earning a degree in sobriety
• (23:33) - – What people misunderstand about trauma
• (26:09) - – Never met someone who regretted getting sober
• (27:43) - – What’s changed in recovery since the 80s
• (33:09) - – The core message Tim wants people to hear
• (36:49) - – Talking to kids about addiction
• (41:05) - – Drinking dreams
• (43:53) - – Tim’s call to sober publishers

In this episode, Sam Thomas, a writer and campaigner from Brighton, UK, shares his journey of sobriety since November 2019. He discusses overcoming alcohol dependence, including withdrawal and hallucinations. Sam also talks about his unique therapy with exotic pets, which helped him rationalize his fears. He reflects on founding a charity for men with eating disorders and personal sacrifices. Sam candidly discusses the ongoing nature of recovery, self-reflection, and his aspirations for a memoir. This episode explores addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Connect with Sam Thomas!
https://www.instagram.com/samthomas8186/
https://linktr.ee/samthomas8186

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

• (00:00) - Welcome Sam Thomas
• (01:11) - Spiders & Alcohol Withdrawal
• (05:17) - Early Drinking Experiences
• (11:21) - Bulimia and Charity Work
• (13:41) - Complex PTSD and Addiction
• (19:03) - Getting Sober Before the Pandemic
• (22:14) - Navigating Sobriety During COVID-19
• (25:12) - Dangers of Abruptly Stopping Alcohol
• (29:26) - Alcohol Withdrawal
• (36:11) - Life After Charity Work & Living Sober
• (45:30) - Understanding Addiction and Homelessness
• (48:24) - Connecting with the Recovery Community

In this episode of Sober Banter, hosts Rachel and Colin Casey test some new wireless mics and their audio quality and discuss various ’50-50’ questions that elicit strong opinions, including pineapple on pizza, pets in bed, and billionaires. They also touch on more serious topics like sober influencers and harm reduction. The episode concludes with reflections on staying grounded and victimhood in alcoholism. Tune in for humor, personal insights, and candid opinions.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Go to soberbanter.com/guests or email rachel@soberbanter.com 

• (00:00) - Rapid Fire: Fun and Random Questions
• (04:30) - Sobriety and Recovery Round
• (07:03) - Philosophical and Ethical Dilemmas
• (12:15) - Harm Reduction and Public Health
• (14:26) - Thanks for listening

Neil Rutherford, creator of Alcohol Free Warrior, joins Sober Banter for a candid, judgment-free conversation about the nuances of sobriety, breaking free from labels, and finding empowerment beyond alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or long-term alcohol-free, Neil’s insights offer fresh perspectives to inspire your own journey.

Connect with Neil Rutherford:

Website: AlcoholFreeWarrior.com
Instagram: @alcoholfreewarrior

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

• (02:41) - – What Made Neil Stop Drinking?
• (07:07) - – The First Clear Moment in Sobriety
• (10:51) - – Rules Around Admitting Drinking is a Problem
• (12:07) - – Who Does Neil Coach?
• (14:12) - – Being Married to a Normal Drinker
• (22:02) - – Running a Business in Sobriety
• (26:33) - – Intertwined with Alcohol and Drugs
• (30:34) - – Parenting in Sobriety
• (35:41) - – Sobriety Speaks Globally
• (37:53) - – Everyone Recovers in Different Ways, But We Recover
• (40:19) - – Give Your Younger Self Advice, What Would It Be?
• (41:49) - – Get in Touch with Neil

What if saying it out loud is the first step toward healing? 

In Episode 37 of Sober Banter, Rachel sits down with Kellie Adams, author of Shit I Do Sober, for a grounded and honest conversation about postpartum depression, mom wine culture, sober marriage, and the messy middle of recovery.

Kellie shares what it really looked like to drink through motherhood, hide intrusive thoughts, and normalize chaos for years before getting sober. She opens up about writing a memoir without filters and why bringing the mess forward is what allows the message to land.

🎙️ Remastered Audio Edition

This episode was originally released March 26, 2025 and has been remastered with improved audio. As we have grown, so has the show. Sometimes the old ones are the good ones. We just gave this one the sound it deserves.

Originally released March 26, 2025, this episode explores how postpartum depression and alcohol quietly overlap, how “mom wine” culture keeps women stuck longer than they realize, and what life behind closed doors actually looked like. Kellie explains how service work stabilized her early sobriety, what living amends with your children really means, and why shame loses its power the moment you say it out loud.

If you are sober, sober curious, navigating motherhood in recovery, or carrying something you have never shared, this conversation will meet you where you are.

• (00:00) - Meet Kellie Adams + Book Introduction
• (02:43) - The “Sh*t I Do Sober” Concept
• (06:55) - Postpartum Depression, Intrusive Thoughts, and Shame
• (11:19) - Writing a Recovery Memoir
• (12:39) - Mom Wine Culture and Alcohol Marketing Toward Women
• (20:46) - Service Work and Staying Sober Long Term
• (26:29) - Sober Marriage and Wedding Stories
• (30:55) - Tattoos, Identity, and Recovery Symbols
• (33:12) - “Bring the Mess So People Hear the Message”
• (41:19) - Where to Find Kellie + Final Thoughts

👤 About Kellie Adams

Kellie Adams is the author of Shit I Do Sober, a memoir that blends humor and honesty to explore recovery, motherhood, identity, and long term growth without pretending sobriety is polished or perfect.

🌐 Website: shitidosober.com
📸 Instagram: @shitidosoberbook
📘 Facebook: Shit I Do Sober
🐦 X: @shitidosober
🎵 TikTok: @shitidosober

Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Listen to Sober Banter

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Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

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Can hitting the trails help you stay on the path to recovery? In this inspiring episode, Rachel and Colin chat with Nick Pearson, founder of Sober Outdoors, about how nature, community, and sobriety intersect. From the slopes to the boardroom, Nick opens up about the accident that changed his family’s life, his personal recovery journey, and how outdoor adventures became a powerful tool for healing and connection.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

Get in contact with Nick Pearson, Founder & Executive Director of Sober Outdoors

Website: www.soberoutdoors.org

Instagram: @soberoutdoors_org

Become a Sober Outdoors member today!

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Hit us up at soberbanter.com or email Rachel at rachel@soberbanter.com

• (00:50) - Skiing drunk vs sober
• (04:53) - Nick's story
• (07:26) - Relapse
• (10:57) - Sober events
• (14:39) - The start of sober outdoors
• (20:59) - LGBT Outdoors
• (29:26) - Relationships & Dating
• (36:48) - Myspace top 8
• (41:13) - Painting at an abandoned strip club

What does it mean to heal across generations? In this deeply personal episode, Rachel and Colin sit down with Waylon, who opens up about his journey through alcoholism, receiving an ADHD diagnosis, and reconnecting with his Indigenous identity. Through raw reflection and cultural insight, they explore sobriety not just as a personal path—but as a reclamation of self, spirit, and community

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Hit us up at soberbanter.com or email Rachel at rachel@soberbanter.com 

• (00:00) - Introduction and featured guest Waylon
• (04:57) - ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact
• (06:54) - The Power of Sobriety and Community
• (09:41) - Treatment and Recovery
• (19:26) - The Importance of Self-Examination
• (21:43) - Relapse and Impulsive behaviors
• (24:07) - Genocide Survivors
• (33:43) - Reflections on Community and Identity
• (36:39) - The Role of Heritage and Culture
• (40:26) - The Power of Storytelling