Sisters In Sobriety

Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen

You know that sinking feeling when you wake up with a hangover and think: “I’m never doing this again”.

  • 47 minutes 2 seconds
    Food, Alcohol, Trauma & Recovery With Alle Hall

    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:

    Links:

    • Sisters in Sobriety Substack – where we share more tips, 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




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    3 March 2025, 10:07 am
  • 47 minutes 22 seconds
    How to Trust Yourself Again in Sobriety with Whitney Combs

    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


    Get in Touch WIth Whitney




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    24 February 2025, 11:18 am
  • 53 minutes 46 seconds
    The Truth About Gut Health, and Sobriety with Samantha Lander

    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

    



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    17 February 2025, 10:52 am
  • 22 minutes 16 seconds
    Carl Radke's Sobriety Journey: Bravo Hot Take

    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




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    13 February 2025, 12:52 pm
  • 54 minutes 31 seconds
    Recovery And Reinvention With Patti Clark

    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.

    Episode Highlights

    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

    Links

    Connect with Patti Clark




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    10 February 2025, 11:00 am
  • 53 minutes 14 seconds
    Sobriety, Love & Relationships With Kate Taylor

    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).

    So… can your relationship survive sobriety?

    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.

    What You’ll Take Away (Besides an Urge to DM Kate ‘OMG SAME’)

    ✨ 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.

    Episode Highlights

    [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.

    Links & Resources




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    3 February 2025, 10:59 am
  • 55 minutes 59 seconds
    The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beer With Go Brewing’s Joe Chura

    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.

    Time-Stamped Highlights

    [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.

    Links





    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    27 January 2025, 10:31 am
  • 56 minutes 7 seconds
    How to Rewrite Your Life Story – With Amity Cooper

    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.

    Time-Stamped Highlights

    [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


    Links & How to Work with Amity





    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    20 January 2025, 11:14 am
  • 47 minutes 57 seconds
    The Ultimate Dry January Game Plan: Stay Motivated & Succeed

    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.

    Episode Highlights:

    • [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:



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    13 January 2025, 10:42 am
  • 31 minutes 5 seconds
    Creating Meaning Beyond Food with Ali Shapiro

    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:




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    6 January 2025, 10:33 am
  • 33 minutes 36 seconds
    It's a SIS Classic: Embracing A New Way to Celebrate New Year's Eve

    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




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


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    30 December 2024, 9:52 am
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