Afleveringen
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This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are taking on one of the trickiest parts of recovery: what happens at home. Their guest, Amber Hollingsworth, is a licensed professional counselor, family recovery expert, and the brain behind the YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down. With over 20 years of experience, she helps families deal with the chaos of addiction—without burning themselves out in the process.
If you’ve ever tried to help a loved one and ended up feeling like the bad guy (or totally powerless), this conversation is going to hit close to home. Amber explains why the old-school intervention model often backfires, how shame and blame keep people stuck, and why the people closest to someone struggling with addiction often have more influence than they think.
There’s a better way—and Amber walks us through it. From her “Invisible Intervention” method to a strength-based approach that helps people reconnect with their values, she shares real tools that actually work. You'll hear how she encourages people to stop focusing on what’s going wrong and start noticing what’s still right—and how families can become part of the solution without getting dragged down by the drama.
Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own experiences trying (and failing) to stage an intervention, what they’d do differently now, and why it's so hard to step out of the “rescuer” role when someone you love is hurting. It’s raw, it’s real, and honestly—it’s the kind of conversation that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about helping someone get better.
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 (Time-Stamped):
00:01:00 – How Amber got into addiction counseling (hint: not the usual story)
00:02:30 – Growing up surrounded by addiction, and not realizing it until much later
00:04:45 – Why she started Put the Shovel Down and how it became a mission
00:05:55 – Why families often have more power than they think
00:06:40 – Creating a team approach: everyone gets their own support
00:08:20 – Why one-sided therapy can sometimes make things worse
00:10:30 – Everyone has their version of the story—and why that matters
00:12:00 – The most common way families accidentally slow down recovery
00:13:30 – When traditional interventions help—and when they totally miss the mark
00:15:00 – The bargaining stage (and why no one gets to skip it)
00:17:00 – Words that trigger defensiveness—and what to say instead
00:19:00 – What went wrong in Sonia and Kathleen’s attempt to help a family member
00:21:30 – The Invisible Intervention method explained step by step
00:23:00 – Building credit and influence with your loved one
00:25:00 – Natural consequences vs. punishment: why the difference matters
00:27:30 – What really helps someone see the problem for themselves
00:30:00 – Strength-based coaching: how Amber helps people reconnect with who they are
00:32:45 – Why it’s not about calling people out—it’s about calling them back to themselves
00:34:20 – Common values people rediscover when they stop drinking
00:36:30 – How to acknowledge addiction without crushing someone with shame
00:38:10 – Why so many middle-aged women defend their nightly wine
00:41:00 – How alcohol becomes the stand-in for self-care
00:42:00 – What to say to someone who doesn’t “seem” like they have a problem
00:43:30 – Why trying moderation might actually help you quit
00:45:00 – Navigating early sobriety when everyone around you is still drinking
00:46:00 – Final takeaway: You’re not powerless—and you don’t have to lose yourself trying to help someone else
Amber's Links
YouTube
Instagram
Sisters In Sobriety Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
In this special mini-episode of our spicy new series: The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love, we have Whitney Combs. A nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, wife, and mom of three. Whitney opens up about rediscovering intimacy without alcohol, why honesty became her ultimate non-negotiable, and how she chooses restaurants based solely on dessert and mocktails (relatable). Oh—and she’s got a concert horror story you won’t forget.
If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate sober sex, sober dating apps, or what to say when someone asks, “Why don’t you drink?”—this episode is for you.
Whitney’s Links
• 🌐 Whitney’s Website
• 📲 Whitney on Instagram
• 🎵 “If We Were Vampires” – Jason Isbell
Sisters in Sobriety Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Navigating family dynamics can be one of the hardest parts of recovery—especially when the relationships we’re told are “unbreakable” feel anything but safe. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined by Dr. Sharon Martin, psychotherapist and author of Cutting Ties with Your Parents and The Better Boundaries Workbook. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Martin helps us unpack what it really means to set boundaries with family, the complexities of estrangement, and how these issues often resurface in sobriety.
Together, we explore some big questions: How do you know when it’s time to go no-contact with a parent or family member? What’s the difference between estrangement and avoidance? How do you deal with the guilt, grief, and judgment that come up when you make that choice? And how do old family wounds start to resurface once we get sober? From emotional manipulation to the pressure to reconcile, we talk through the many layers that come with stepping away from dysfunction.
Dr. Martin offers practical tools and insights for healing—whether you’ve already gone no-contact or are just beginning to question what’s healthy for you. We talk about building self-trust through small, everyday actions, reparenting yourself when you never got what you needed growing up, and what it looks like to maintain sobriety while navigating painful family dynamics. You'll also learn why grief can show up even when you never had the kind of relationship you're mourning.
This episode is also deeply personal. Sonia opens up about grieving the mother-daughter connection she never experienced, and Kathleen shares what it feels like to question whether estrangement is truly healing or just a form of self-protection. It’s a thoughtful, honest, and empowering conversation—especially for anyone trying to make peace with their past while protecting their present.
20 TIME-STAMPED HIGHLIGHTS
[00:01:00] Meet Dr. Sharon Martin and how she found this work
[00:03:00] Growing up with alcoholism and how it shaped her path
[00:05:00] Why trauma always finds its way into therapy
[00:06:30] When a family relationship stops feeling emotionally safe
[00:08:45] Estrangement isn’t a rash decision—it’s the last resort
[00:10:30] Facing guilt, judgment, and societal pressure
[00:12:00] Why other people’s opinions don’t always reflect reality
[00:14:30] How emotional manipulation becomes normalized
[00:17:30] What healthy estrangement can actually look like
[00:20:00] When reconciliation is worth considering—and when it’s not
[00:22:00] Why false hope and outside pressure often backfire
[00:23:30] Navigating milestone events like weddings and funerals
[00:25:30] Estrangement vs. avoidance—how to tell the difference
[00:29:00] Grieving the family fantasy you never had
[00:31:00] Why complicated grief around family is valid
[00:34:00] The importance of processing feelings through movement and expression
[00:35:30] Keeping your sobriety solid while navigating emotional landmines
[00:37:00] Emotional wounds adult children of dysfunction carry
[00:40:00] Rebuilding self-worth through small, doable commitments
[00:44:00] Why early sobriety can bring childhood trauma to the surface
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Head to our Substack for extra tools, reflections, and mocktail recipes to support your journey.
Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email
📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
🌐 Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse products mentioned
📸 Kathleen’s Instagram
Connect with Dr. Sharon Martin
📘 Cutting Ties with Your Parents – Amazon
📘 The Better Boundaries Guided Journal – Amazon
🌐 LiveWellWithSharonMartin.com
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
📺 YouTube
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 -
In this special mini-episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen invite you to slow down for a few minutes and take an honest look at how codependency may be showing up in your life. This isn’t a diagnosis or a formal assessment—just a chance to reflect with a simple, 10-question quiz that’s designed to spark insight and self-awareness.
☁️ In this candid conversation, we ask:
Do you often feel responsible for others’ emotions?Are you suppressing your needs to avoid conflict?Is it easier to give care than receive it?💬 After the quiz, Sonia and Kathleen open up about how codependency has impacted their own relationships—from family dynamics to marriage—and how awareness has helped them move toward healthier boundaries and interdependence.
🎓 You’ll learn:
What codependent patterns can look like in everyday lifeWhy "fixing" others often leads to self-neglectHow childhood dynamics can shape adult relationshipsTools for recognizing when you're stepping into over-functioning mode👀 If you’ve ever found yourself walking on eggshells, ignoring your own needs, or feeling responsible for someone else’s emotional state, this episode is for you.
📝 Want to revisit the quiz later or share it with a friend? It’s available on our Substack—along with tons of supportive content, reflections, and resources to help you change your relationship with alcohol and deepen your self-awareness.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in relationships—always giving, fixing, or putting others first, Kathleen has created The Path Back to You is a free guide with a self-reflection quiz, five simple practices, and journaling prompts to help you reconnect with your voice, your needs, and your boundaries.✨
Links
Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Today on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving into a topic that often comes up after we quit drinking: codependency. With Kathleen’s clinical expertise as a couples therapist and Sonia’s real-life experiences, they’re unpacking what codependency really means—and how to spot it in yourself.
What exactly is codependency—and how is it different from being loving, loyal, or just... a decent human? Is it mutual? Does it show up only in romantic relationships? Can you be codependent with your dog? In this episode, Sonia and Kathleen explore these questions and more, including the red flags, psychological roots, and surprising ways codependency might still be running the show in your sober life.
Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the difference between support and self-sacrifice, healthy interdependence versus emotional enmeshment, and how sobriety can reveal codependent tendencies that were previously hidden behind a wine glass. The episode also explores hyper-independence as the flip side of codependency—and why swinging between extremes isn’t the goal either.
As always, the episode gets personal. Sonia opens up about how she once believed caretaking was the hallmark of a good marriage, how she walked on eggshells to avoid the "Kraken" (her ex’s moods), and what changed after getting sober. Kathleen shares insights from her own marriage, her childhood patterns, and how even therapists have to work on their stuff. It’s honest, raw, and full of lightbulb moments.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in relationships—always giving, fixing, or putting others first, Kathleen has created The Path Back to You is a free guide with a self-reflection quiz, five simple practices, and journaling prompts to help you reconnect with your voice, your needs, and your boundaries.✨
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 episode and shares a recent therapy revelation.
[00:02:30] Kathleen defines codependency in practical terms.
[00:04:00] Why codependency isn’t just about romantic relationships.
[00:06:10] The difference between caring and being codependent.
[00:07:30] Sonia shares a story about her ex’s “Kraken” moods.
[00:09:00] Emotional reliance and attachment patterns.
[00:10:30] Codependent parenting and walking on eggshells.
[00:11:30] Red flags for identifying codependency.
[00:13:30] Examples of codependency outside of romance.
[00:15:00] How codependency forms in childhood.
[00:21:00] Why sobriety often reveals codependent patterns.
[00:23:00] What happens to relationships after sobriety and boundary-setting.
[00:24:00] Healthy interdependence vs. hyper-independence.
[00:26:00] Are women more likely to struggle with codependency?
[00:27:30] First steps for healing and reclaiming your identity.
[00:28:30] Book recs: Codependent No More and Facing Codependence.
[00:29:30] Reconnecting with your needs—starting with Friday night plans.
[00:30:30] What changes when you stop playing the people-pleasing role.
[00:32:00] Guilt, grief, and growing into a new version of yourself.
[00:34:00] Do you need to explain your boundaries to others?
[00:35:00] How to handle guilt when you stop overfunctioning.
[00:36:00] Final thoughts and encouragement to keep doing the work.
Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
In this mini-episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we’re diving into sober dating with psychotherapist Samantha Barnes.Sam has over two decades of experience working with children, youth, and families on their wellness journeys. and she’s currently embracing the single life with clarity, confidence, and no time for BS. We asked her 10 honest questions about dating, sex, and relationships—and she brought the wisdom.
Sam talks about being blindsided by how big of a deal not drinking was to a date, why she now leads with her sobriety on the apps, and the kinds of questions that feel supportive (versus just plain judgmental). She shares the red flags she used to ignore, the green ones she seeks out, and why walking dates are where it's at. Plus: her new philosophy on love (spoiler: it’s not about giving 150%).
💬 Get ready for practical advice, honest reflection, and a reminder that your boundaries are valid—even on a first date.
👇Links
To learn more about Sam's work, visit her website or follow her on social media at @sweetspotcounselling.
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Parenting while staying sober isn’t for the faint of heart—but you don’t have to do it alone. On this week’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are diving into the layered, often unspoken, realities of recovery and motherhood with the brilliant Sarah Allen Benton. Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, addiction specialist, and the author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic and Parents in Recovery. She brings nearly two decades of personal sobriety and professional experience to this candid and compassionate conversation.
From blackout drinking in her early 20s to running a mental health practice and parenting a teen in sobriety, Sarah shares her remarkable journey and hard-won wisdom. Sonia and Kathleen explore questions like: What does it really mean to be a “high-functioning alcoholic”? Why is parenting in recovery so uniquely challenging? How can we teach our kids about addiction and emotional health? Sarah breaks down the importance of talking openly about addiction with children, how to handle digital addiction in the age of iPads and TikTok
Sarah opens up about her early drinking days, her moment of reckoning at age 27, and the slow, gray, sometimes thankless beginning of recovery. She also shares what it’s been like to raise a daughter in a sober household, how her marriage has been shaped by recovery, and why self-care is not optional—it's essential.
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 Welcome Sarah Allen Benton and intro
00:58 Sarah’s first experience with alcohol and her early patterns
02:45 Blacking out from the beginning—what Sarah misunderstood about “normal” drinking
05:12 Being a high-functioning alcoholic in college
06:35 The illusion of control and trying to outthink addiction
09:12 The moment Sarah knew she had to stop
11:00 Building her own outpatient sobriety plan
12:30 What early sobriety felt like (hint: not pink clouds)
14:40 Writing as a tool for processing recovery
15:35 Becoming a parent in recovery and writing Parents in Recovery
17:05 Talking to kids about addiction and recovery
18:45 The stigma of being a parent in recovery
20:10 Raising toddlers vs. teens—sobriety challenges by age
22:00 Hypervigilance and screen time addiction
24:55 The science of digital hygiene and dopamine overload
26:50 Creative ways to talk to kids about brain health and family history
29:15 “The Telling”—navigating when and how to tell your kids you’re in recovery
32:00 Kids noticing changes in drunk adults—and the emotional fallout
35:30 The challenge of giving your kids real-world exposure without trauma
38:00 Why this generation is more risk-averse but more anxious
40:10 Self-care vs. soul care—and why it’s not optional for parents in recovery
42:50 Recovery as a long-term investment, not a short-term reward
44:00 Wisdom from single parents in recovery
46:30 The myth of doing it all: learning to say no without guilt
49:00 How sobriety changes marriage and dating dynamics
51:00 Love without martinis: codependency, relapse fears, and boundaries
54:00 The importance of having a recovery-affirming partner
56:00 The parallel recovery journey for spouses and family members
Links
Learn more about Sarah!
Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle
Parents in Recovery Facebook Group
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety and our mini-series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex & Relationships—where we get personal with our favorite guests in 10 spicy questions.
Today, we're joined by the brilliant and refreshingly honest Ali Shapiro, creator of Truce with Food, health rebel, and emotional detective. You may remember Ali from our previous episode, where we talked about creating meaning beyond food. This time, we’re diving into what it's like to date with food stuff, relationship green and red flags, and how emotional safety is the real aphrodisiac.
💡 From bracing for rejection to learning what she actually wants in a partner, Ali keeps it real about the awkwardness of first dates, being the “healthy one” in a relationship, and why her go-to sober date still involves fresh air and muddy boots.
Plus: how Jason Mraz made it to her wedding playlist, and what she learned when marriage 2.0 arrived (aka, post-kids chaos). You’ll laugh, nod, and possibly reevaluate your own date night dinner order.
🔗 Links – Get in Touch with Ali Shapiro:
Free breakfast experimentTruce with Food group program📬 Stay Connected with Sisters in Sobriety:
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, 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 -
What if every addiction—whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or even your phone—is actually a substitute for love?
In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with the wise and wonderfully candid Dr. Donna Marks. She’s a psychotherapist, addictions counselor, educator, and author with 30+ years of experience helping people find freedom from addiction by turning inward—not outward—for healing. She’s written Exit the Maze and The Healing Moment, and has created an award-winning addiction training program in Florida. Today, she joins us to unpack what addiction really is… and how self-love is the way through.
We cover a lot in this episode—everything from the impact of childhood trauma to the sugar-cocaine connection (seriously, it’s wild), to whether things like medical marijuana or Ozempic are helping people heal… or just creating new problems. You’ll hear about the sneaky ways addiction hides in everyday habits, why medication isn't always the magic answer, and how to truly support your brain and body on the road to recovery.
Expect real talk, powerful insights, and a whole lot of “ohhh that makes so much sense” moments. We also get personal—Dr. Marks shares her own story of relapse, healing, and radical transformation. Plus, Kathleen opens up about her sugar detox journey and navigating ADHD medication in recovery.
Don’t miss Dr. Marks talking about growing up in an addicted household, what led to her own relapse, and how she reclaimed her life through love, not punishment. Her transformation is seriously inspiring.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support space helping women change their relationship with alcohol. Want more tools, prompts, and inspiration? Head over to our Substack for all the extra goodness.
Highlights from the Episode:
00:02 – How Dr. Marks turned a painful upbringing into her purpose
00:06 – What caused her relapse after 23 years sober
00:08 – The problem with how doctors still treat pain—especially for people in recovery
00:10 – Why she built an addiction training program (spoiler: no one knew what to look for)
00:13 – Big Pharma, overprescribing, and how therapy sometimes misses the mark
00:17 – Kathleen’s personal update on tapering ADHD meds and cutting sugar
00:20 – That time sugar in salad dressing brought back all the cravings
00:23 – Why addiction is never really about the substance
00:25 – How childhood gaps in care create emotional holes we try to fill
00:28 – What true self-love looks like (and how to build it daily)
00:33 – Dr. Marks' take on how addiction drives most physical and mental illness
00:35 – Screen addiction, food noise, and feeling stuck in a loop
00:37 – Are drugs like Ozempic a shortcut—or just another trap?
00:39 – How trauma can actually become a doorway to growth
00:42 – What forgiveness actually looks like in healing
00:44 – The telltale sign you’ve swapped one addiction for another
00:46 – “Progress, not perfection”—why this mindset is everything
00:47 – Final takeaways on sacred self-care, flexibility, and finding peace
Links to Connect with Dr. Donna Marks:
🌐 Website: drdonnamarks.com📸 Instagram: @drdonnamarksMore from Sisters in Sobriety:
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
What really happens when you start dating sober? Sonia sits down with Alida Flannery, a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, founder of Epiphany Recovery, and co-founder of the women’s sober collective SOULBRIETY. Alida opens up about navigating love and relationships without alcohol—and let’s just say, her first sober date included dogs, a hike, and thankfully, no cocktails.
Alida shares what it was like re-entering the dating scene after sobriety, how she negotiated her way down from a proposed 100-date challenge.
Together, Sonia and Alida talk about what it means to stay true to yourself in the dating world, and why sometimes a second drink at lunch is more telling than it seems. This episode has raw honesty that only two sober women can bring to the table.
If you’ve ever wondered how to answer “Why don’t you drink?” on a date, what it means when someone orders six martinis, or how to spot love that feels like home instead of chaos, this one’s for you.
Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love—like, comment, and subscribe to catch more from our Truth About Sober Dating, Sex & Relationships series. And if you’ve got your own wild sober date story or green flag moment, drop it in the comments. We want to hear all the juicy details.
Links
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, 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 -
In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Chris Janssen—board-certified coach, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, and all-around powerhouse when it comes to helping high-achieving women let go of shame and perfectionism and finally get free.
Chris doesn’t just coach people through sobriety and mindset shifts—she’s lived it. After 14 years of sobriety, she found herself drinking again. She had the perfect life on paper, a thriving coaching practice, and a head full of recovery tools… and still, alcohol crept back in. What happened next? A whole lot of hard truths, humbling lessons, and eventually—freedom. Again.
In this chat, we’re getting into: • What to do when you think maybe you can drink again
• Why it’s so easy to fall into the “I should be able to moderate” trap
• How to tell the difference between fear and vigilance
• What to do when you’re stuck in perfectionism and performance pressure
• Why community is the non-negotiable (even if you're embarrassed to go back)
• The truth about relapsing—and why you are never, ever starting over from zero
Chris also shares some incredibly powerful coaching tools for breaking toxic patterns, reframing setbacks, and rewriting your own rules. Spoiler alert: they’re useful whether you’re on Day One or Day 3,000.
This is one of those episodes that’ll stick with you—because it’s real, raw, and hopeful as hell.
This is Sisters in Sobriety—the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Come hang out on our Substack for tips, community, and the kind of conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Meet Chris Janssen: mindset coach, bestselling author, and secretly-struggling wine mom turned sober sage
01:30 – Chris’s first sober journey: high-functioning on the outside, suffering on the inside
05:00 – The moment everything changed: one meeting, one sentence, and a huge weight lifted
07:15 – Raising three kids in sobriety and why “no one ever saw me drunk” isn’t the whole story
09:00 – 14 years later: the move, the pandemic, the identity crisis, and the return of wine
11:10 – Trying to “think” your way through moderation (and why it never works)
13:30 – The trap of perfectionism: how losing her sober streak messed with her mind
15:00 – When sober groups don’t fit—and why it’s okay to admit they’re not for you
17:30 – The mindful drinking myth and other lies we tell ourselves
19:00 – Fear vs. vigilance: how to fast-forward the tape without spiraling
21:00 – Playing it smart, not scared: tools for staying sober without white-knuckling
23:00 – Relapse shame, pride in reverse, and why going back can be the bravest move
26:00 – Labels, stigma, and what to say when people ask why you don’t drink
30:00 – What “grace yourself” really means—and how to stop trying to control your worth
33:00 – Releasing perfectionism: write down your made-up rules and start again
35:45 – Boredom or serenity? Why stillness freaks us out
37:00 – First steps for breaking a cycle when you feel totally stuck
39:00 – Peak performance and recovery: choosing your hard and focusing forward
41:15 – How Chris wishes she’d handled her relapse
43:30 – Do you really have to go back to Day One? (Spoiler: maybe not)
45:00 – What’s next for Chris: more coaching, more writing, more realness
Links & Resources:
🌐 Chris Janssen’s Website
📘 Grace Yourself (Book)
📸 Chris on Instagram
📘 Chris on Facebook
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
She’s back! 🚨 In this bite-sized bonus episode, we welcome newlywed and sober lifestyle expert Hilary Sheinbaum—the brilliant mind behind GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge and Going Dry: A Workbook—for our new series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love.
We hit her with 10 juicy questions about sober dating, first-time sober sex, red (and green!) flags, her Barry's Bootcamp date strategy, and what love looks like without the booze goggles. 💪💋
If you've ever wondered what to say when someone asks, “Why don’t you drink?”, how to survive your first dry date, or what Taylor Swift song sums up your love life—this one’s for you.
💡Fun fact: Hilary met her husband because she stopped drinking. Talk about a sober love story.
Links
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, 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 -
Ever wish you had a reset button for your habits—and maybe your relationship with alcohol too? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are chatting with Silvia Subirana, a clinical psychologist and the Head of Content at MyDry30, an app that’s part sober-curious experiment, part life makeover. Silvia is here to share how MyDry30 helps people drink less (or not at all) without guilt—and how it can help you feel better in your body, your mind, and your everyday life.
We’re diving into all the good stuff: Why does alcohol feel like such a default in our social lives? What’s the science behind changing habits (especially the sticky ones)? And how can tools like hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement actually help us feel more grounded and in control? If you’ve ever wondered how to quit something without it feeling like a punishment—this one’s for you.
Silvia breaks it all down. We talk about how habits are wired into our brains, how our bodies often know what’s up before our minds catch on, and why adding more to your life (not just taking alcohol away) is a key part of feeling fulfilled. Plus, she shares the surprising benefits of gratitude texts, tiny daily rituals, and letting go of perfection when you're trying something new.
We also get personal—Silvia opens up about her own story: a gut-health wake-up call, why she stayed alcohol-free even when she technically could go back, and how she found her way to MyDry30. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of starting over, or wondered if moderation is even for you, this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a deep exhale.
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 – Meet Silvia, psychologist and content lead at MyDry30
01:30 – Silvia’s path from psychology to sobriety to building a wellness app
03:10 – The health issue that made alcohol a no-go
05:00 – Why MyDry30 never uses guilt or shame to promote change
06:50 – The app’s daily combo: movement, journaling, hypnosis (yes, really!)
08:30 – Demystifying hypnotherapy (no swinging watches here)
10:45 – Why “being in a trance” is just super-deep relaxation
12:20 – How our brains form habits (even ones we don’t want)
14:00 – Why journaling hits different than venting to a friend
15:30 – How MyDry30 handles “slip-ups” with kindness
17:00 – Shifting from “I can’t drink” to “I don’t want to”
18:30 – The power of connection: why gratitude texts matter
20:00 – Why alcohol cravings feel different from food cravings
21:30 – When your body says “enough already” louder than your mind
23:00 – Silvia’s take on healing stress through body awareness
25:00 – Breathwork and grounding: not just for yogis
26:30 – The 5-4-3-2-1 method to snap out of spirals
28:00 – If you keep starting over, you’re not broken—you’re human
29:30 – What is gray area drinking… and is it working for you?
31:00 – Moderation vs. sobriety: which path is actually harder?
32:00 – Be curious! Experimenting is better than perfection
33:30 – What’s next for MyDry30: 90-day programs, your way
34:45 – Wrapping up: it’s okay to go slow, and you’re not alone
Links
Check out MyDry30
https://mydry30.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mydry30app💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email
📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
📸 Kathleen’s Instagram
Read less
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 -
On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Kaitlin Henry, wellness advocate and host of the Step Zero podcast, to bust the myth that you need to hit rock bottom before making a change. Kaitlin shares her story of choosing sobriety not from crisis but from clarity — and how her decision to quit drinking started with a juice cleanse and a broken foot. From wine-mom culture to the shame-fueled cycles we normalize, this episode is a vulnerable, powerful conversation about reclaiming your life before it falls apart.
What is “gray area drinking”? How do societal messages keep women stuck in patterns that don’t serve them? How do you navigate sobriety when everyone around you still drinks? Sonia and Kaitlin dig into these questions and more — discussing sober curiosity, emotional sobriety, and how self-worth plays a central role in long-term recovery. This is an honest, eye-opening episode about the moments before you quit — and why they matter just as much.
Kaitlin also shares insight into how programs like AA and Al-Anon supported her healing, the value of community in early sobriety, and how motherhood, identity, and relationships evolve on the other side of alcohol.
She shares the deep inner work that came through step nine of AA, and the hard decisions she had to make — including ending her marriage — to protect her sobriety. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t “bad enough” to change your life.
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.
Highlights
00:00:00 – Sonia introduces the episode and guest Kaitlin Henry, opening the conversation around the myth of "rock bottom."
00:02:40 – Kaitlin shares how alcohol was normalized in her childhood and used as an emotional crutch.
00:05:20 – She discusses the progression from casual drinking to a pattern of dependency in her adult life.
00:08:00 – The story of her personal “rock bottom” begins with a juice cleanse and an unexpected injury.
00:10:40 – Kaitlin reflects on how breaking her foot catalyzed her decision to stop drinking for a short time.
00:13:20 – She discovers the terms “gray area drinking” and “sober curious” during her research online.
00:16:00 – Kaitlin opens up about her father’s alcohol use and how it mirrored her own issues.
00:18:41 – Her early experiences in Al-Anon and the growing realization that she, too, had a problem.
00:21:21 – Sonia and Kaitlin discuss the power of comparison and denial in identifying a drinking problem.
00:24:01 – Kaitlin details her resistance to AA and eventual surrender to deeper personal work.
00:26:41 – She finds support and connection in her first AA meeting, where she finally feels seen.
00:29:21 – Kaitlin shares how emotional release and crying became a huge part of her healing in early sobriety.
00:32:01 – A conversation about how media, pop culture, and “wine mom” culture distort what’s normal.
00:34:41 – Kaitlin talks about the social stigma of being a mom in recovery and how she shifted her narrative.
00:37:22 – Finding new, supportive friendships and making mocktails part of her sober life.
00:40:02 – She explains how sobriety gave her space to rediscover identity and purpose beyond motherhood.
00:42:42 – A reflection on her time in grad school, realizing she wanted to work with people ready to change.
00:45:22 – Kaitlin describes how she began showing her kids what sobriety and purpose can look like.
00:48:02 – She shares how her sobriety impacted her marriage and eventually led to a major fork in the road.
00:50:42 – The power of step nine, doing deep amends work, and the emotional shift that followed.
Links
Get In Touch With Kaitlin
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Let’s be honest—perimenopause isn’t exactly a hot topic at dinner, and alcohol’s role in our lives (and cultures) is often more complicated than we realize. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is diving into both with the help of Sukhi Dhillon is a dental educator, mom of two, and the voice behind OneSikhMom on social media, where she uses humor, heart, and reels to talk about everything from Sikhi and parenting to cycle-breaking, menopause, and yes—booze. She is a go-to community voice for honest conversations and cultural connection.
So what’s really going on when it comes to menopause in the South Asian community? Why do so many women feel blindsided by symptoms—and alone in dealing with them? Sukhi helps us unpack questions around health literacy, how culture shapes what’s considered “private,” and why it’s so hard to get support. We also dig into alcohol—how it’s celebrated and expected in many South Asian spaces, but stigmatized differently for women. And of course, we get into that tricky question: Why do we feel like fun has to come with a drink in hand?
From early onset menopause in South Asian women to the double standards around alcohol use, Sukhi sheds light on topics most people are too shy—or too uncomfortable—to bring up. She talks about the importance of culturally specific care, the role of peer pressure in adult drinking (yes, it’s still a thing), and the value of being “that person” who starts the hard conversations. If you’re curious about cycle-breaking, mental health, or talking to your kids about alcohol in a more honest way than just yelling “don’t do it!”—this is the episode for you.
Sukhi also shares her own journey—how years of confusing symptoms led her to research perimenopause herself, why she started speaking out online, and the powerful messages she receives from women every day who finally feel seen.
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—and maybe pass this episode along to a friend who needs to hear it.
Episode Highlights
00:01 Meet Sukhi: mom, educator, community organizer, content creator
01:50 Why she started speaking up about taboo topics in the South Asian community
03:30 The perimenopause denial phase—what she wishes she’d known sooner
04:30 Sharing symptoms publicly and the surprising response she got
06:00 Her DMs are full of important conversations (and ideas for future content)
07:00 Organizing mobile health clinics at the Gurdwara
08:30 Why reproductive health is still so hush-hush in our families
09:30 The impact of being told to “push through it” like our moms did
10:30 How menopause symptoms differ for South Asian women
11:00 The science behind early menopause—and why doctors often miss it
12:00 Traditional remedies, soy, and navigating food myths
14:00 Culture vs. religion when it comes to women's health
15:30 Alcohol as status, celebration—and coping mechanism
16:30 Aunties drinking publicly and the shift in expectations
18:00 The peer pressure to drink, even as adults
20:00 “You’re not drinking? What’s wrong with you?”
21:00 Stigma around sobriety and how it impacts recovery
22:00 The very real struggles South Asian women face in getting help
23:00 Resources that are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed
25:00 Intergenerational trauma, parenting styles, and how it all connects
27:00 How to actually talk to your kids about alcohol (without freaking out)
29:00 Why our parents didn’t prioritize self-care—and how we can
31:00 Teaching kids that emotions are not a weakness
32:00 The glamorization of drinking in pop culture and Punjabi music
34:00 Where to go for reliable South Asian health info
36:00 What Sukhi’s working on next—and how to follow along
Get in touch with Sukhi
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Links
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Dr. Erica Matluck, a holistic doctor, mother, and the creator of Seven Senses, a holistic framework for healing and transformation. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, family nurse practitioner, Reiki Master, and multidisciplinary yoga instructor, Dr. Matluck brings over two decades of experience in both conventional and alternative medicine to her work. She integrates Eastern philosophy and ancient wisdom into her approach to wellbeing, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Vogue, and Women’s Health.
This episode dives into the mind-body connection, exploring how chakras can be a framework for healing. Dr. Matluck shares her personal journey from conventional medicine to holistic healing and explains why compartmentalization in healthcare limits our ability to thrive. How does alcohol fit into the equation? The discussion covers emotional bypassing, the root cause of disease, and how to decompartmentalize health for a more integrative approach.
Listeners will learn about the chakras as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms, the role of emotional bypassing in addiction and numbing behaviors, how to recognize energetic imbalances in the body and start self-healing practices, why conventional medicine focuses on survival but true healing goes beyond functionality, and how to reconnect with yourself after quitting alcohol.
Dr. Matluck opens up about how losing her mother to cancer at a young age sparked her curiosity about alternative healing. She shares how witnessing both conventional and holistic treatments shaped her philosophy of care. From her early introduction to Reiki to working in mainstream medical institutions, she reveals how her approach evolved—ultimately leading her back to the wisdom she first discovered decades ago.
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.
Highlights:
[00:00:00] Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety – introducing Dr. Erica Matluck
[00:01:08] Erica’s background in naturopathy, nursing, Reiki, and yoga
[00:01:39] Why she transitioned from conventional medicine to holistic healing
[00:02:13] How losing her mother to cancer shaped her approach to healing
[00:04:37] Discovering Reiki and energy work as a teenager
[00:06:14] What are chakras? Erica’s unique perspective on this ancient framework
[00:08:15] The chakras as bridges between the conscious and unconscious mind
[00:10:41] Why compartmentalized healthcare leaves us feeling disconnected
[00:14:50] How to identify energetic imbalances and blocked chakras
[00:18:09] The power of breathwork in balancing your energy
[00:20:00] Why modern medicine separates survival from true wellbeing
[00:26:39] Alcohol and emotional bypassing: how numbing prevents true healing
[00:28:49] The importance of intention in alcohol consumption
[00:30:15] What happens when we remove numbing agents? Preparing for discomfort
[00:32:16] Meditation and movement: tools for processing emotions without alcohol
[00:34:34] Post-alcohol healing: daily strategies to reconnect with yourself
[00:36:07] Common misconceptions about holistic medicine and integrative health
[00:40:00] How defining “holistic” for yourself helps you find the right practitioner
[00:41:15] Upcoming projects: Erica’s Substack, retreats, and courses on root cause healing
[00:42:07] Closing thoughts and where to find Erica online
Links & Resources:
How to Connect with Erica:
Dr. Erica Matluck’s Substack - https://drericamatluck.substack.com/
Seven Senses Retreat: Gnosis Mallorca - https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/gnosis-mallorca
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
Ever feel like you need to hit rock bottom before making a change? Think again! This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Andrea Seydel, a happiness and resilience expert who’s here to challenge the outdated recovery narrative. Andrea is the author of Recovery Without Rock Bottom and the creator of Ready for Recovery Magazine, a fresh take on healing that’s all about building yourself up—not tearing yourself down. With a background in happiness studies and positive psychology, she’s got the science-backed tools to help you rethink recovery and reclaim your life.
So, what’s on the table today?
Do you really need to hit rock bottom, or is that just a myth?What are some early signs that your relationship with alcohol (or other habits) might need a reset?Why do so many recovery programs focus on what you need to quit instead of what you need to build?How can we rewire our brains to make lasting, positive changes?What’s the best way to support someone struggling with addiction without losing yourself in the process?Takeaways from this episode:
Recovery isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about rediscovering yourself.You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to make a change.Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace.Your brain is wired for change, and small shifts can make a huge difference.Community and support matter more than willpower alone.Andrea also shares her personal story—how loving someone with addiction led her to a breaking point, and how she turned that pain into a mission to help others. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a little extra motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.
This is Sisters in Sobriety—the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Find extra tips, resources, and support on our Substack!
Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Seydel and her take on recovery[00:02:09] When loving someone with addiction starts to break you[00:05:00] The myth of rock bottom (and why it’s holding people back)[00:08:10] “In-betweeners” who don’t fit the traditional recovery mold[00:12:48] Red flags: When to check in with yourself (or someone else)[00:14:42] Why values matter more than willpower[00:16:42] The science of addiction: Rewiring your brain for good[00:19:00] Tiny habits that make a huge impact[00:25:47] Playing the tape forward: Using fear vs. motivation[00:27:05] Sobriety changes everything—including what you value most[00:29:00] Setting boundaries vs. making “rules to live by”[00:35:34] Why support groups work (even if you’re not into group stuff)[00:38:40] Preventing relapse before it starts[00:41:19] Forgiveness: What it really means and who it’s for[00:44:41] Andrea’s new project, Ready for Recovery Magazine[00:46:00] Final thoughts: Recovery isn’t about being broken—it’s about taking your power backLinks & Resources:Connect with Andrea:
Andrea's WebsiteReady for RecoverySaving You Is Killing MeSisters in Sobriety Substack – More tips, tricks, and supportSisters in Sobriety EmailSisters in Sobriety InstagramKathleen’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 -
Ever felt like drinking just wasn’t working for you anymore, even if nothing looked "wrong" from the outside? That’s exactly where Hadley Sorenson found herself. This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Hadley—writer, speaker, and sobriety advocate—who is on a mission to help women change their relationship with alcohol without shame, stigma, or outdated labels.
Hadley gets real about her journey—how she ignored red flags for years, the pressure to keep drinking because “everyone else was,” and why she finally decided to call it quits. The conversation dives into all the big questions: How do you know when it’s time to stop? What if your drinking looks normal to everyone else? How do you navigate sobriety when your partner still drinks? And how do you shake off the idea that quitting means missing out?
If you’ve ever questioned your drinking but felt like you weren’t “bad enough” to quit, this episode is for you. Hadley breaks down why “rock bottom” is a myth, shares how alcohol was messing with her mental health way more than she realized, and gives honest insight into what sobriety has actually done for her life, relationships, and running game. Spoiler alert: It’s all way better than she expected.
She also talks about why she doesn’t use the label “alcoholic,” how marketing and pop culture keep women stuck in the drinking cycle, and how quitting drinking led her to write a novel (yep, it’s coming soon!).
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 Hadley—writer, speaker, and a sobriety advocate with a fresh take.
• [00:02:10] The slow realization that alcohol wasn’t adding anything good to her life.
• [00:04:12] Ignoring red flags: blackouts, anxiety, and shame—but still drinking anyway.
• [00:08:27] The myth of rock bottom—why you don’t have to wait until things fall apart.
• [00:10:15] “If your pan caught fire, you wouldn’t wait for the whole house to burn down.”
• [00:12:19] How alcohol becomes part of our identity (and why that’s so hard to untangle).
• [00:16:03] Why Hadley doesn’t call herself an alcoholic—and why that’s totally okay.
• [00:19:27] The role of alcohol marketing and why it's basically the new "big tobacco."
• [00:22:16] How to stop seeing quitting as deprivation and start seeing it as freedom.
• [00:27:07] Hadley’s thoughts on the “gray area” of drinking and why more voices matter.
• [00:30:00] Why drinking is marketed differently to men and women—and why it matters.
• [00:32:07] What happens when you quit, but your partner still drinks? (Hint: boundaries!)
• [00:36:26] The surprising ways sobriety actually made Hadley’s marriage stronger.
• [00:43:00] All the unexpected physical benefits of quitting alcohol.
• [00:46:52] “Wait… was alcohol making my health issues worse all along?”
• [00:50:06] The power of movement—why running and walking helped Hadley so much.
• [00:54:08] Hadley’s next big project: a novel exploring different relationships with alcohol.
LinksGet in touch with Hadley:
• Hadley’s Instagram
• Hadley’s Website
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
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 journeyThe unexpected way she found a recovery community in TokyoWhy addiction is often just a symptom of deeper issuesHow Tai Chi, therapy, and DBT became crucial tools for healingThe unique challenges of food addiction and learning moderationWhat sexual anorexia is and how she worked through itThe role of spirituality in recovery—even when it feels complicatedHow creativity and storytelling can be powerful tools for healingThis 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:
InstagramWebsiteLinks:
💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen
📬 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 -
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 journeyLinks
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Get in Touch WIth Whitney
Website: www.whitneycombs.comInstagram: @whitney.combs
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