Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Don shares his journey growing up with an alcoholic father to his own struggles with addiction and eventual sobriety. Don recounts the turning moments that led him to realize the depth of his addiction, including his near-death experiences and the kindness of strangers who helped him find his way. He discusses how sobriety opened doors to unexpected opportunities, including a role in a Netflix show and a thriving career in building hot rods. Don's story is a testament to the power of resilience, support systems, and a higher power in creating a new, fulfilled life.
 Don on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donabenante/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:32 Don's Childhood and Early Exposure to Alcohol
02:05 Memories of Don's Father
04:19 The Impact of Don's Father's Death
06:39 Don's Struggle with Alcohol Begins
09:48 Life as an Alcoholic and Career Challenges
12:18 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
16:00 The Turning Point: Finding Sobriety
21:52 Rebuilding Life and Embracing Sobriety
29:17 The Struggle with Sobriety
29:38 The Turning Point
30:07 The Battle with Kratom
32:19 Support Systems and Sobriety
34:08 Finding Peace in Sobriety
37:21 Embracing Sobriety as a Superpower
40:17 The Journey to Self-Acceptance
45:25 Career and Sobriety
46:21 The Netflix Opportunity
48:04 Building a New Life
01:00:15 Final Thoughts on Sobriety
 

In this episode, I connect with Sam, a listener of the podcast. Sam shares his story growing up in Northern Virginia, where sports and family played significant roles, transitioning to a college life filled with heavy drinking and partying. After moving to Florida, Sam realized that alcohol prevented him from pursuing his passions and living a fulfilling life. A significant wake-up call from his boss helped Sam make the critical decision to stop drinking. Sam discusses his journey through sobriety, the importance of support systems like AA and podcasts, and how focusing on his hobbies and improving his mental health has changed his life. Sam now channels his energy into helping others and setting personal goals, celebrating one year of sobriety with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
 
Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sammysharks9/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Sam's Childhood and Upbringing
02:21 Early Experiences with Alcohol
03:40 High School Drinking Culture
09:37 College Life and Escalation of Drinking
14:00 Consequences and Realizations
17:44 Post-College Reflections
24:35 Health Issues and Denial
27:20 Seeking Help and Self-Reflection
34:19 Breaking the Cycle and Growth
35:15 The Unexpected Journey to Sobriety
35:41 Life in Tampa: Bars, Beaches, and Martial Arts
38:18 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol
40:09 The Decision to Quit: Work and Personal Life Collide
42:52 The First Steps: AA and Early Sobriety
46:28 Transformations: Physical and Mental Health Improvements
48:20 Finding New Passions: Fishing and Fitness
49:07 Supporting Others: The Power of Community
01:00:45 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice and Encouragement
 

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host I welcome Logan, who shares his powerful story of sobriety from alcohol and gambling addiction at a young age. Logan talks about his early experiences with alcohol, the challenges of growing up with ADHD, and the impact of his upbringing on his addictive behaviors. He recounts his struggle with substance abuse, the consequences he faced, and his transformative journey through detox and rehab. Logan also discusses the importance of support systems, the role of faith in his recovery, and the hard choices he made to change his life.
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Logan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/newgenerationsobriety

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I sit down with Andy to discuss Andy's incredible journey to sobriety. We jump into Andy's childhood, his early relationship with alcohol, his struggles, and the moments that made him decide to seek help. Andy shares his experiences with the Sober Motivation community and highlights the positive changes that have come from his sobriety. This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at the challenges and changes of living a sober life.
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Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
The Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/
Andy's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaernie/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, the host welcomes Britt, who shares some of her struggles growing up in a household affected by addiction in South Florida. Britt talks about her relationship struggles and attempting to be the fixer of others. As life went on, Britt experienced domestic violence in her marriage, and alcohol became a way to numb and escape. With time, they both progressed until she left with her 3 kids and became homeless overnight.  Her drinking kept going as the shame and guilt compounded. On Sept 27th, 2018, a prayer was answered, and her sober journey began. This is Britt’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/
Britt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittbrandonofficial/

In this episode, we reconnect with Will, who shares his remarkable journey from a life-threatening situation due to alcoholism to thriving in sobriety. Will recounts how he initially connected with the host through social media and outlines the depth of his struggles, including undergoing liver and kidney transplants. We discuss the importance of maintaining ongoing support to avoid the pitfalls of complacency in sobriety. Will shares how he used various practices like gratitude exercises and physical wellness to stay grounded. The episode also highlights the emotional struggles and ultimate triumphs in Will's life, capturing the transformative power of sobriety.
00:55 The Journey of Sobriety
02:07 Challenges and Relapses
03:35 Community and Support
04:39 Personal Reflections and Family
10:06 Will's Story: A Year of Growth
11:39 Overcoming Adversity
13:02 Maintaining Sobriety
19:10 Acting As If: The Power of Mindset
25:26 Emotional Breakdown and Realization
26:10 The Struggles of Alcoholism
26:42 Finding Hope and New Possibilities
27:10 Coping with Social Situations
28:04 The Importance of Support Systems
30:00 Reflecting on the Journey
30:48 The Role of Confidence and Self-Work
31:43 Building a Meaningful Life
32:16 Family and Relationships
35:04 Gratitude and New Perspectives
42:52 Paying It Forward
43:34 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this powerful episode, Brad welcomes Faye to share her journey through childhood, family dynamics, and the challenges of alcohol use. Faye opens up about growing up around parties, the impact of her parents’ separation, and how alcohol became a coping mechanism. She discusses her experiences with blackouts, social anxiety, ADHD, and the turning point that led her to sobriety. We explore the process of self-discovery, the importance of building healthy relationships, and the significance of community in recovery.
Faye on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fayelouise_____/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host Brad welcomes Blake, who shares his journey from growing up in a small town with a drinking culture to becoming nearly one year sober. Blake discusses his initial experimentation with alcohol, the challenges of moderation, and the fork in the road moments that led him to quit drinking. He also dives into the impact of alcohol on his mental health, relationships and other areas of his life. Blake highlights the importance of a support system, replacing alcohol with healthier habits, and his aspiration to break the cycle.
Contact Blake on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/blakeupmann/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:22 Blake's Early Life and High School Experience
00:55 The Start of Drinking
06:18 College Years and Career Path
08:21 Challenges in Law Enforcement
12:57 Struggles with Alcohol
16:46 Journey to Sobriety
33:07 Support and Reflections
33:58 Struggles and Support in Sobriety
34:57 Breaking Free from Alcohol
35:25 The Journey to Sobriety
36:10 Reflecting on the Past
37:00 The Turning Point
38:27 Embracing a New Life
42:04 The Importance of Routine and Discipline
45:45 Building a Support System
54:10 The Challenges of Moderation
58:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host Brad celebrates his 38th birthday by sharing a powerful conversation with Jordan.. Despite growing up in a supportive, alcohol-free household, Jordan encountered alcohol in her late teens and faced a tumultuous journey through her twenties. She found herself struggling with alcoholism but ultimately discovered the courage to seek sobriety after experiencing a series of transformative moments, including the birth of her children and guidance from a sober coach. Jordan, now nearly two years sober, shares how sobriety has revitalized her life, strengthened her marriage, and enhanced her business ventures. Tune in to hear Jordan's inspiring story of finding peace, purpose, and personal growth through sobriety.
 
Support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Jordan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamjordanpruitt/

In this episode, I reconnect with two guests, Dave G and Les, from the Sober Motivation Community. Dave G shares his journey to becoming 2056 days sober, detailing his struggles with alcohol and its impact on his life and family. He reflects on how sharing his story has been cathartic and has helped others. Les, who has been sober since 1981, discusses his journey from being a daily blackout drinker to finding a sense of belonging in the sobriety community. He emphasizes the importance of continuous progress and learning in maintaining long-term sobriety.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Dave G's Sobriety Journey Begins
01:47 The Struggles and Realizations
05:02 The Turning Point
06:58 Maintaining Sobriety and Reflections
11:05 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
23:26 Community and Personal Growth
26:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections
29:21 Embracing Life's Journey
30:50 The Power of Sobriety
32:55 Les's Sobriety Journey
48:43 Finding Community and Support
55:54 Maintaining Progress and Moving Forward
01:08:13 Concluding Thoughts and Community Spirit