Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad interviews David, who shares his raw and emotional journey from a challenging childhood growing up in New Mexico. David excelled at football, but after an injury, it was time to hang up the cleats, and his alcohol drinking escalated. David describes alcohol as his best friend, and it wasn’t until he was faced with losing everything that he decided to make a phone call that would change the direction of his life. This is David’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
------------
Connect with David here: https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowsdope/
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:32 David's Early Life and Family Background
02:26 First Encounters with Substance Use
03:28 Struggles with Belonging and Early Substance Use
06:33 High School Experiences and First Drinking
08:55 College Life and Fraternity Challenges
12:18 Football Dreams and Setbacks
14:55 Post-College Life and Early Career
29:15 Coaching and Early Signs of Alcohol Problems
36:15 Relationship Struggles and Deepening Addiction
39:24 Reflecting on a Serious Relationship
40:29 The Path of Destruction
42:14 Coping Mechanisms and Realizations
48:50 The Turning Point: DUI Incident
55:44 First Steps Towards Sobriety
59:04 Embracing Sobriety and Support
01:12:11 Life After Sobriety

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Rebecca, who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building a thriving bakery business. Despite her success, Rebecca struggled with alcohol and sugar, which she realized were masking deeper emotional traumas. Her unique story demonstrates that one doesn't need to hit rock bottom to make life-changing decisions. Rebecca dives deep into the cultural and societal norms that surround alcohol and her transformative path to health and wellness. She offers actionable insights and words of encouragement for anyone looking to live a more intentional and fulfilling life. This is Rebecca’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
👉 Check out Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.hamilton.co/
🤗 Check out the SoberMotivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/
❤️ Donate to Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:46 Rebecca's Tumultuous Childhood
02:37 Starting and Growing a Bakery Business
04:13 The Role of Alcohol in Social Life
07:58 Meeting Her Husband and His Sobriety Journey
20:19 Health and Wellness Journey
31:16 Struggles with Quitting Alcohol
32:01 Finding New Ways to Cope
32:53 The Turning Point
35:48 A Pivotal Moment
40:09 Life After Alcohol
47:34 Empowerment and Belief Systems
51:17 Advice for Those Struggling
56:33 Raising Awareness and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore nine critical questions designed to help those struggling with sobriety consider their relationship with alcohol. Addressing the personal and emotional costs, the episode delves into the importance of support systems, the fallacy of 'doing it alone,' the pitfalls of waiting for the perfect time to quit, and the common yet unique nature of drinking stories.
 
 

In this episode, we have Dr. Sarah Michaud who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through addiction and codependency. Sarah opens up about her childhood marked by alcoholism, her struggles with substance abuse, and the life-altering moments that led her to seek help. She discusses the hardships of growing up in a chaotic environment, the role of denial in addiction, and the sobering reality of hitting rock bottom. Through her story, Sarah illuminates the often painful but ultimately rewarding path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the life-changing benefits of sobriety. This is Sarah’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
-------------
Join the Sober Motivation Community HERE ---->>>> https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Sarah on YouTube here------>>> https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown

In this episode we have Steven who shares his journey battling alcohol addiction. Steven shares how his normal childhood quickly spiraled into heavy drinking during his early police career, leading to decades of escalating dependency and withdrawal struggles. He recounts staring death in the eye after drinking took a massive toll on his health and he was unsure if he would live or die.  For Steven quitting alcohol changed everything, and he has been able to make massive changes in his life. From prints with the boys to the operating table, this is Steven’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
---------------
Steven's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6OuaPmR7xqSDfUxkcYVkrA
Steven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenalcoholfreelifestyle
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol
02:05 Adolescence and Escalation of Drinking
03:30 Joining the Police and Drinking Culture
04:43 Marriage, Parenthood, and Increased Drinking
06:32 First Attempts at Recovery and Relapse
12:07 Struggles with Support Systems and Self-Medication
15:29 The Vicious Cycle of Relapse
27:11 The Collapse: Losing Everything
28:16 The Stigma of Not Drinking
28:57 Struggles with Alcohol Dependency
31:37 Failed Attempts at Recovery
33:14 A Turning Point: Seeking Help
35:42 The Road to Recovery
36:20 Rebuilding Relationships
38:50 Life After Sobriety
52:42 Final Reflections and Advice

In this episode, we have Melissa, who opens up about her upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin and how a great childhood led to struggles with alcohol. Despite not encountering drinking in her family, Melissa recounts her early experiences with alcohol, the toxic relationships, and the eventual descent into binge drinking and drug use. Melissa shares her turning point after a series of attempts at sobriety, including several 'dry Januarys,' in February of 2024, Melissa starts to reclaim her life. Her journey from the chaos of addiction to trusting the process. This is Melissa’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
------------
Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mam_i_am1/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:16 Melissa's Childhood and Family Background
01:21 High School Experiences and Early Relationships
03:22 College Life and Introduction to Alcohol
10:34 Post-College Life and Moving to D.C.
17:36 Return to Wisconsin and Weight Loss Journey
20:17 Struggles with Alcohol and Social Drinking Culture
24:51 Reflecting on Drinking Habits and Health
27:41 Dry January and the Impact of COVID-19
31:52 Reflecting on the Party Lifestyle
33:08 Questioning Drinking Habits
34:14 The Hip Injury Incident
37:37 YOLO Summer and Escalation
39:48 Christmas Chaos and Realizations
46:12 Attempting Moderation
47:52 Embracing Sobriety
56:06 Trusting the Process

In this episode, we have Simon, who shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey from teenage grief to getting sober and completing Ironman's. Simon opens up about his struggles with alcohol and painkillers, the wake-up calls that spurred his transformation, and the profound emotional rewards of his sobering journey.  Simon’s story underscores the transformative power of small, consistent actions and the support from loved ones in overcoming life's biggest challenges.
----------------
Simon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/keynotemaguire/
Visit: https://www.sobermotivation.com

In this episode, we have Jon, who shares his compelling story of growing up in the Northeast, experiencing significant losses at a young age, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Jon recounts his struggle with heavy drinking throughout high school, college, and into his adult life, detailing a near-death experience and some attempts to quit. He discusses the impact of losing his mother, the importance of his supportive father, and the eventual decision to embrace sobriety after decades of nightly drinking. Jon struggled with a deep sense of sadness and continues to work on himself every day, and this is Jon’s story on the Sober Motivation Podcast.
----------
Support the Show Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Contact Jon here: https://www.instagram.com/steelfirestudiollc/
 
00:00 Introduction to Season Four
00:32 John's Early Life and Family Loss
02:31 High School Struggles and First Encounters with Alcohol
04:10 A Near-Death Experience and Failed Attempts at Sobriety
06:21 Private School Turnaround and College Challenges
14:57 Post-High School: Marine Corps and DUI Incident
18:31 Seattle Move and University Life
26:28 Navigating Life's Challenges with Alcohol
27:55 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol
28:33 The Struggle with Sadness and Loss
30:42 The Illusion of Control and Functionality
33:17 Career Changes and Escaping Reality
36:08 The Decision to Quit Drinking
39:47 Life After Alcohol: A New Beginning
41:51 The Support System and Personal Growth
44:48 The Joy of Authentic Living
51:12 Final Reflections and Advice
 

In this episode, we have Ben, a pastor from South Georgia, who shares his life story marked by childhood challenges, struggles with perfectionism, and eventually alcohol addiction. Ben discusses growing up in a tumultuous household, his late start with drinking at nearly 21, and how alcohol became both a coping mechanism and a source of shame. He talks about the moment that led him to seek sobriety in January 2022. Tune into Ben’s amazing story of sobriety and newfound gratitude that has transformed his life.
--------------
Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Download the MyDry30 App: https://mydry30.com/
Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgosden/
Ben's Book: Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery 
Check it out here: https://a.co/d/7AAgfnT

In this special holiday episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Brad sits down with Megan, Stephanie, Jeff and Dave. We talk about insights and strategies for staying sober through the holiday season. In a roundtable discussion, we touch upon various challenges people face during holidays, including social pressures, family gatherings, and emotional turmoil. We discuss the significance of maintaining consistent sobriety, setting clear boundaries, and developing a plan to respond effectively to triggers. The discussions also explore concepts like 'playing the tape forward', implementing accountability, and participating in sobriety support communities. The talk concludes with some empowering thoughts for those who might experience relapses during their sobriety journey.
Join the Sober Motivation Community free for 30 days here: 
https://sobermotivation.mn.co