Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

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

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I talk with guest Steve, who shares his story of growing up surrounded by alcohol. Steve recounts his childhood in 1970s and 1980s Michigan, where drinking was a cultural norm, and how this environment shaped his early relationship with alcohol. He discusses his high school years, during which his house became a hub for parties.  Steve explains how his seemingly casual drinking habit evolved into a daily routine and a coping mechanism for marital stress and life's pressures. He details his journey through the world of craft beer, the financial and health toll it took on him, and the turning point that led him to pursue sobriety.
 
Link for the Sober Motivation Prints: buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation/e/443476
Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftfreepodcast/
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Steve
00:14 Steve's Childhood and Family Background
03:24 Teenage Years and Early Drinking Experiences
07:14 Post-High School Adventures in California
10:11 Marriage and Moving to Florida
11:31 Developing a Craft Beer Hobby
13:51 Marital Problems and Increased Drinking
17:33 Life in St. Pete and Brewing Culture
18:40 Reflections on Drinking and Community
25:34 The Decline of the Beloved Pub
27:33 Realizing the Problem
28:07 Failed Attempts at Moderation
29:56 The Physical Toll of Alcohol
33:10 A Turning Point: New Year's Resolution
34:22 The Journey to Sobriety
35:38 Reflections and Moving Forward
40:52 The Podcast: Craft Free
42:47 Concluding Thoughts
 
 

In this episode of The Sober Motivation Podcast, Laura shares her story of growing up with lots of rules and a strong spiritual background in a small town in West Virginia. Struggling with anxiety and perfectionism throughout her childhood and high school years, Laura's life took a turn when she started drinking in college. She describes how alcohol initially seemed to provide relief and confidence but quickly led to blackout episodes and further emotional and legal troubles. Laura discusses her journey toward sobriety, and then having a relapse, to getting back at it. This is Laura’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
 
Join the Sober Motivation Community (30 Day Free Trial): https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveringwithlaura/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 Laura's Childhood and Upbringing
02:51 High School Years and Early Struggles
05:18 College Life and First Experiences with Alcohol
09:46 The Double Life: Therapist and Addict
15:58 Grad School Challenges and Legal Troubles
20:46 Working in Addiction Treatment While Struggling
33:38 Facing the Fear of Quitting
35:10 The Cycle of Guilt and Hangovers
41:37 The Turning Point: May 2023
44:38 Navigating Early Sobriety
53:41 Relapse and Reflection
01:01:25 Rediscovering Sobriety
01:03:55 Encouragement for the Journey
 

In this episode, we have Aaron Goodvin, who talks about his experiences growing up in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and how he developed a deep love for country music. Aaron shares the influence of his family's love for music and campfires. He discusses his journey with alcohol, starting from weekend drinks with his band to facing a DUI in Nashville. Aaron reveals how the threat of losing everything, including his wife and career, became a turning point for his sobriety. He emphasizes the importance of asking for help and finding support. And this is Aaron’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
 
Donate to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronjgoodvin/
 

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host Brad welcomes Jane, who shares her compelling journey of growing up surrounded by alcohol, struggling to fit in, and eventually becoming dependent on alcohol herself. She recounts her early experiences with alcohol, the impact of her father's drinking, and her own struggles with binge drinking and blackouts. Jane talks about her attempts to moderate her drinking, the escalation in her twenties and thirties, and the impact on her relationships and motherhood. Despite the normalization of drinking in her circle, Jane eventually seeks help, leading her to Alcoholics Anonymous and ultimately finding sobriety with the help of Naltrexone. Now over two years sober, Jane discusses how she changed her life, started a business, and is helping others, particularly the youth, navigate their own journeys with alcohol.
 
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Jane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetapedi/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Cody shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to battling severe alcoholism and addiction, drinking alcohol for the first time at 12 years old. Despite various attempts to manage his addiction, including a stint in rehab, Cody found himself repeatedly falling back into his old habits. A near-fatal accident, where he almost lost his leg, became the eye-opening moment that led him to surrender to a higher power and fully commit to sobriety. Now over a year sober, this is Cody’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
Cody's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menkster_/
 

In this episode of the Podcast, Hillary shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a chaotic household and transitioning into a life filled with alcohol and drugs from high school onwards. She details the impact of her heavy drinking, including a DUI at 19 and the evolution of her drinking from a social activity to an isolated one. Her turning point comes after reading a relatable sober story and attending a meeting, though she relapses after four months of initial sobriety. Ultimately, a tough experience in Mexico leads her to recommit to sobriety. Now, with over three years of sobriety, Hillary reflects on the authentic joy and happiness she's found without alcohol, reshaping her identity and recovering out loud.
Join the Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Donate the support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Connect with Hillary on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hillygoatt/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Hillary's Chaotic Childhood
02:20 High School and the Start of Drinking
07:54 University Life and Escalation
09:26 The Party Scene and Drug Use
22:07 COVID-19 and Realizations
27:31 The Turning Point
29:34 Rehab and the Struggle to Change
30:24 A Turning Point: The AA Meeting
32:19 Relapse and Realization
38:43 The Mexico Experience
41:28 Commitment to Sobriety
45:01 Life Beyond Alcohol
53:41 Final Reflections and Advice

In this episode, Brad reconnects with Leigh to discuss her journey over the past two years of sobriety. They revisit key moments from her first year and reflect on the importance of her Instagram community in maintaining accountability. Leigh shares personal milestones, including celebrating two years of sobriety on the same day her son graduated from high school.
Connect with Leigh here: https://www.instagram.com/macrosnmocktails/
Support the Show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation

Welcome back to another update episode! In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Saz returns to share her journey of nearly three years of sobriety, reflecting on the challenges, growth, and lessons learned along the way.
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Saz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sackedthesauce/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Gabe shares his story of growing up in  Texas, his struggles with alcohol, and his journey to sobriety. Gabe opens up about the challenges he faced with social anxiety, fitting in, and hiding his true self due to his sexuality. He details his experiences with drinking, the resulting DUIs, and the toll it took on his physical and emotional health. Infused with moments of reflection, Gabe also discusses how a supportive community played a crucial role in his recovery.  This is Gabe’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
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Join the Sober Motivation Community: http://sobermotivation.mn.co
Gabe On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outandaboutaf/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 Gabe's Childhood and Early Life
02:27 Discovering Identity and Challenges
04:02 High School Experiences and Social Pressures
07:21 College Life and Drinking Culture
12:14 Consequences and Realizations
17:45 Post-Grad Life and Continued Struggles
28:03 Reflecting on Weekend Drinking Habits
28:43 Meeting My Husband and Early Relationship Challenges
30:00 Attempts at Moderation and Realizations
32:19 Turning Point: Seeking Help and AA Experience
35:57 Struggles with Self-Esteem and Body Image
38:42 Joining a Supportive Community
42:09 Dealing with Slips and Recommitment
46:22 Building a New Life and Helping Others
57:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Others