In this episode, we have Saz, she discusses her struggles with drinking, its roots in her childhood, and the escalated challenges she faced through her teenage years to adulthood because of it. Despite a supportive family and a seemingly happy childhood in Northern Ireland, Saz's insecurities and need for control led her to a struggle with eating and, later, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as a means of coping with social anxiety and self-esteem issues. Saz did try everything to make moderation work out. But eventually, after an emotional breakup and realizing she must desire sobriety for herself rather than for others, she commits to quit drinking on her 30th birthday. This is Saz’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

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In this episode, my friend Megan Wilcox shares her life story, emphasizing the struggle with her self-worth, addiction, and eventually finding sobriety. Growing up, her parents divorced, and Megan faced difficulties fitting in and experienced anxiety from a young age. Her journey into addiction began with gambling and escalated into daily wine drinking. After having her two sons, her marriage was struggling, and the divorce process began. Megan struggled more and more with alcohol. The turning point came after a low moment during the Christmas season, leading her to seek help. With over 3.5 years sober, this is Megan, AKA the Sobahsistah’s story on the Sober Motivation Podcast.

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In this episode, we have  MJ who has been sober since 2012 and opens up about his challenging journey from a troubled childhood in New York City, marked by overprotection and bullying, to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction as an adult. MJ shares how being overprotective instilled a fear in him that led to his inability to socialize without alcohol. MJ struggled to let anyone in on how he was feeling in his life and his ego ran the show for decades. The episode also delves into MJ's commitment to helping others as a crucial part of his recovery, his insights on ego and humility, and how his humiliation became the foundation for his humility and readiness to change.  He emphasizes the importance of asking for help, the power of giving back in recovery, and the message that anyone can turn their life around with the willingness to seek help. This is MJ’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

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In this episode of the Podcast, we have Leigh, discussing her journey to sobriety. Leigh shares her upbringing in a traditional household in Missouri, where drinking was not part of the story, her initial encounter with alcohol in college, and her struggles with anxiety, OCD, and social awkwardness. Despite starting drinking at a later age, Leigh talks about her gradual increase in alcohol consumption through college and into her professional life, highlighting the culture of drinking in her workplaces and the slow recognition of her drinking problem. She touches upon the significant moments that led her to realize the need for change, including the impact of her father's death on her alcohol consumption, various attempts to quit drinking, and the role of sobriety programs and accountability through social media. Leigh emphasizes the importance of deciding that 'drinking is not an option' and the freedom and peace found in sobriety. This is Leigh’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

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00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories

00:17 Lee's Journey: From a Traditional Upbringing to College Drinking

09:03 Navigating Early Adulthood: Work Culture and Social Drinking

11:55 A Shift in Perspective: Recognizing the Impact of Alcohol

15:07 The Rocky Road to Sobriety: Challenges and Realizations

18:08 Exploring Sobriety: Breaks, Relapses, and the Path Forward

25:29 The Journey to Sobriety: A Personal Story

25:44 Challenges and Relapses: Navigating the Path to Recovery

26:17 Finding Connection and Support in Sobriety

27:35 Turning Points: Embracing Sobriety and Starting Fresh

27:42 Building a Sober Community: The Power of Sharing and Accountability

30:09 The Impact of Sobriety: Personal Growth and Helping Others

34:52 Reflections on Sobriety: The Continuous Journey and Future Outlook

46:03 Navigating Social Dynamics and Maintaining Sobriety

In this episode, we have Johnny a veteran who shares his transformative journey from growing up amidst the chaos of his brothers' addiction during the South Florida crack epidemic, to falling into his destructive cycle of substance abuse. Despite excelling in school and initially resisting the path of addiction, Johnny's experimentation with alcohol in middle school eventually led to a spiral of drug use, including cocaine, opioids, and heroin. After experiencing homelessness, multiple overdoses, and the tragic loss of his brother, a moment in an abandoned apartment in Austin, Texas, led Johnny to seek recovery. His sobriety journey began in March 2019, during which he faced the immense challenge of rebuilding his life, re-establishing relationships with his family, and overcoming the remnants of his troubled past. Johnny's story highlights the power of hope, the significance of self-improvement, and the impact of reaching out for help. This is Johnny’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

Johnny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schreyj11/

00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast

00:11 Johnny's Childhood Amidst Family Chaos

01:20 School Life and the Start of Substance Use

04:16 The Slippery Slope: College and Consequences

08:13 Military Service: A Temporary Escape

16:47 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Homelessness

20:20 Reflections on Recovery and Rebuilding

24:12 The Dark Depths of Addiction

29:09 The Turning Point: A Glimpse of Hope

32:59 The Road to Recovery: Embracing Sobriety

41:47 Rebuilding Life: Family, Work, and Self-Discovery

47:44 A Message of Hope and Resilience

In this episode, we have Anne’s heartfelt story of growing up with a father struggling with addiction, his involvement in the Cornbread Mafia, and her own battles with drinking. Anne discusses the impact of her father's addiction on her childhood, leading to her own struggles with alcohol in an attempt to cope with her anxiety and feelings of unworthiness. She shares her moment of awakening and the decision to pursue sobriety, emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and the power of forgiveness in healing and recovery. Anne's journey highlights the transformative potential of sobriety and how sharing and community support can help overcome the challenges of addiction. This is Anne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

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00:00 Opening and Guest Introduction

00:12 Anne's Childhood and Family Background

01:13 Generational Struggles and Personal Challenges

02:51 Early Memories and Realizations of a Troubled Family Life

07:51 School Struggles and the Impact of Family Issues

10:32 The Turning Point: A Traumatic Event and Its Aftermath

16:10 The Descent into Alcoholism and Seeking Escape

21:27 Finding Hope and the Path to Healing

27:55 A Journey to Faith: From Starbucks to Salvation

28:12 Family Ties: Forgiveness and Transformation

30:14 Embracing Church and Discovering Self-Worth

31:12 The Struggle with Gray Area Drinking

33:54 A Turning Point: Awakening to Sobriety

45:27 Finding Strength in Community and Sobriety

48:54 Reflecting on the Journey and Offering Hope

In this episode we have  Brandi, who openly shares her harrowing journey through a rocky childhood riddled with exposure to alcohol and abuse, leading to her own struggles with alcohol and substance abuse.  Brandi narrates how early childhood traumas, including being raised by her grandparents due to her parents' youth and inability to care for her, normalized the presence of alcohol and chaos from a young age. Her story goes into the depths of her addiction, detailing a cycle of struggling relationships, involvement with drugs and alcohol, and the consequential negative impact on her life and her children's lives. The turning point comes when she decides to seek help and successfully enters rehab, marking the beginning of her journey to recovery. Brandi's narrative highlights the stark realities of addiction, the importance of support, and the possibility of redemption and rebuilding one's life.

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00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories

00:19 Brandy's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety

00:36 The Early Years: Chaos, Alcohol, and Family Dynamics

04:22 Adolescence: Struggles, School, and the Spiral into Substance Abuse

10:23 Turning Points: Escaping Abuse and Finding New Paths

15:37 The Cycle Continues: Challenges, Loss, and the Fight for Sobriety

19:36 Reflections and Revelations: Navigating Life's Turbulent Waters

24:00 A New Chapter: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Change

25:05 A Journey Through Addiction and Loss

25:26 The Spiral of Addiction: Pills, Alcohol, and Cocaine

27:01 Family Struggles and the Cycle of Addiction

28:49 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help

34:52 A New Chapter: Recovery and Sobriety

46:51 The Importance of Connection and Routine in Sobriety

In this episode, we are joined by Jenna, who shares her story from childhood as a 4.0 student who excelled in sports. And at 14 everything changed when alcohol became involved in her life.  She discusses the impact of her mother’s hidden struggle with alcohol, and how her pursuit of athletic and academic excellence masked deeper issues of loneliness and the need for acceptance. Jenna's story dives into her spiral into heavier drinking and partying during her teenage years, leading to dropping out of high school, multiple jobs, and eventually motherhood at a young age. She describes facing the reality of her mother’s deteriorating health due to alcohol, and her journey towards sobriety, sparked by a desire to change, therapy, and the sober community. Jenna emphasizes the importance of wanting sobriety, the role of fitness and social media in her recovery, and now a mother of 6 and over 500 days sober and living a more fulfilling life without alcohol. This is Jenn’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

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00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories

00:14 Jenna's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety

04:19 The Turning Point: High School and the Spiral of Addiction

10:03 A New Chapter: Motherhood, Moving, and the Struggle with Alcohol

11:16 The Bartending Years: Navigating Work, Motherhood, and Alcohol

18:07 Seeking Change: The Move and the Battle with Alcoholism

20:17 The Harsh Reality of Alcohol: Mental Health and Seeking Help

21:48 The Struggle with Isolation and Alcohol

23:28 Finding a New Path: Entrepreneurship and Fitness

24:28 A Wake-Up Call: Family Health Crisis

25:59 The Journey to Sobriety: Therapy and Support

29:04 The Power of Sharing and Connecting

40:29 Reflections on Sobriety and Personal Growth

In this episode, we have John, who shares his deeply personal journey through childhood challenges, struggles with self-esteem and self-confidence, his battle with alcohol addiction, and eventually finding sobriety. Growing up in a family grappling with addiction, John's early experiences shaped his relationship with alcohol, which became a coping mechanism during his teenage years that carried into adulthood. Despite early signs of his struggle, the loss of his father and the responsibilities that followed further complicated his path.  The turning point in John's story comes with his decision to seek treatment, triggered by another trip to the hospital. His journey toward recovery is proof of the power of seeking help and the significance of a supportive community in overcoming addiction. John emphasizes the importance of trust, sharing his insights on how sobriety has transformed his life and relationships. Now, he strives to be a source of hope and support for others facing similar battles, highlighting that change is possible at any age.

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00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories

00:24 John's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety

00:38 The Early Signs: Growing Up with Addiction

02:37 High School Struggles: Acne, Fitting In, and Early Drinking

04:21 College Days: The Start of a Deeper Relationship with Alcohol

13:42 Post-College Life: Realizations and Responsibilities

19:34 Marriage, Parenthood, and the Turning Point

21:48 The Journey to Sobriety Begins

22:28 The Realization and Struggle with Sobriety

24:28 A Second Chance at Sobriety

27:42 The Impact of Family and Age on Recovery

28:49 Embracing Recovery and the Path Forward

35:18 The Power of Community in Sobriety

40:05 Final Reflections and Encouragement

In this episode we have Chris, who shares his compelling story of growing up in East Texas, his battles with alcoholism and drug abuse, and his journey to sobriety. Born in 1972 in Tyler, Texas, Chris grew up witnessing heavy drinking in his community  Despite a supportive extended family, Chris struggled with feeling uncomfortable in his own skin.  After several interventions in which he spent 12 months in a strict rehab center, Chris initially found sobriety at 22. However, after having another drink after 8.5 years of sobriety, he experienced a dark period of relapse. Chris openly narrates the challenging, yet ultimately successful, battle to regain his sobriety, his personal growth, and his current role as a father. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, the need for a strong support system, and how his views have changed over the years. This is Chris’s story on the sober motivation podcast.

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00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast with Chris

00:16 Chris's Childhood in East Texas: Family, Culture, and Early Challenges

02:26 Feeling Different and Out of Place: Chris's Early Struggles

05:34 Turning Points: From Trouble to Treatment

08:56 A Journey Through Rehabilitation and Recovery

16:41 The Road to Sobriety: Challenges and Triumphs

18:56 Embracing Fatherhood and Finding Purpose in Sobriety

20:27 Finding Joy in Sobriety and Community

21:26 The Slippery Slope: From Sobriety to Relapse

22:44 The Harsh Reality of Addiction and Its Consequences

25:18 Struggling to Regain Sobriety: A Personal Journey

27:39 The Turning Point: From Despair to Hope

33:22 Building a New Life: Sobriety, Family, and Career

37:22 Embracing Change and Helping Others

41:08 The Power of Community and Virtual Support

In this episode, we have Suze from England who shares she faced various significant life challenges, including being sent away to boarding school at a young age, facing bullying, the sudden death of her mother, and surviving the terrifying 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. She discusses her struggle with alcohol, which became a coping mechanism following these traumatic events and the subsequent dip in her mental health. Despite initially starting to drink socially in her late teens, Suze's real battle with alcohol began in her thirties, intensified by trying to moderate her consumption without success. Eventually, feeling trapped in a cycle of drinking, she sought help. 

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00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast with Sue

00:15 Sue's Childhood and Early Experiences

01:49 The Start of Sue's Drinking Habits

03:07 Traumatic Events and Their Impact on Sue

07:50 Boarding School Memories and Its Influence

10:17 Navigating Early Adulthood and Challenges

12:21 The Tsunami Experience and Its Aftermath

18:55 The Journey of Motherhood and Its Struggles

22:36 Finding a New Beginning and Facing Challenges

25:53 Reflections on Drinking and Its Role in Coping

26:59 The Vicious Cycle of Alcohol Addiction

27:36 The Turning Point: Seeking Help and Finding AA

32:04 The Journey to Sobriety: From Desperation to Hope

34:44 Embracing a New Life: Growth and Healing in Sobriety

39:23 The Power of Community and Self-Reflection

48:36 Advice for Those Struggling with Sobriety

50:28 Conclusion: The Continuous Journey of Recovery