Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

Hadley experienced relief from her first drink of alcohol at 14 and went from binge drinking in college to mommy wine culture.

In today’s episode, we have Hadley, who speaks about her first drink at 14 and how it would remain complicated until quitting at 41. As life progressed so did the drinking from the binge drinking culture in college to the mommy wine culture that followed. After another night of broken promises to herself about remaining present and aware at a party, she blacked out and the hangover lasted several days and the thoughts of quitting started to become more real. Hadley discusses how it was in a 2-year span that she was working on her relationship with alcohol and after a day drinking session at the lake house she began her journey of sobriety in August of 2021 and everything has changed since then. This is Hadley’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
----------------
Follow Hadley on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hadley_sorensen
Check out SoberLink here: https://www.soberlink.com/recover
Follow SoberMotivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/

After losing his father in a drunk driving accident, Gregg felt different. Alcohol and drugs covered up the pain.

In this episode, we have Gregg who opens up about his tragic childhood marked by his father's death in a drunk driving accident and being raised by a single mother.  He talks about his struggle with substance abuse, including dealing drugs, and numerous arrests. Eventually, Gregg relays the turning point in his life – an encounter with a priest who introduced him to a different way of living, which became the foundation of his recovery journey. Gregg highlights the importance of sobriety, recovery, and wellness in his life, discussing how he started the recovery program, Startup Recovery, as well as his realization about the need to work on himself and 'grow up' to be a good father and husband. With 29 years of sobriety, this is Gregg Champion’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
------------------
Follow Gregg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggchampion/
Donate the support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Follow SoberMotivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
30-Day Free Trail to SoberBuddy: https://community.yoursoberbuddy.com/plans/368200?bundle_token=8d76ca38d63813200c6c1f46cb3bdbed&utm_source=manual
00:31 Guest Introduction: Greg's Early Life and Struggles
02:05 Greg's Journey Through High School
03:45 Greg's College Life and Early Adulthood
10:40 Gregg's Downward Spiral into Drug Dealing
13:02 Gregg's Arrests and Consequences
19:27 Gregg's Path to Recovery
21:59 A Life-Changing Encounter
22:34 First Steps Towards Sobriety
23:09 The Power of Belief and Positive Energy
23:21 The Role of Sponsorship in Recovery
23:32 The Impact of Removing the Middle Part
24:23 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Recovery
24:58 The Journey to the First Meeting
25:08 The Struggle of Trying to Get Sober Alone
26:10 The Turning Point: Fear of Going to Prison
28:37 The Power of Mentorship and Taking Suggestions
34:04 The Importance of Being Willing to Be Willing
34:36 The Journey to Wellness
37:06 The Challenges and Rewards of Working in Recovery
41:52 The Joy of Being a Sober Dad
42:16 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Doing the Inner Wo

Nick had tried sobriety before but struggled to be honest with himself and others. Changing that would change everything.

Nick joins the show; he has been sober for 10 years and shares his journey from substance abuse to sobriety. Nick describes his childhood marked by his parents' separation, their struggle with substance abuse, and his own progression into alcoholism and drug use. He ventures into various attempts at sobriety that he was unable to maintain. Nick hit many bottoms, including losing everything, and after being charged with a felony, he had a choice to make. Along the path, Nick tried many methods of achieving sobriety, but there was always one thing holding him back from the change he desired so much. This is Nick’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
------------------
FREE 30- Day Trial to SoberBuddy: https://community.yoursoberbuddy.com/plans/368200?bundle_token=8d76ca38d63813200c6c1f46cb3bdbed&utm_source=manual
Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathofliferecovery808/
Nick's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956955860?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_2SMDP9Q8QRQ2CPF25GJT&language=en_US
Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
 
00:18 Guest's Early Life and Family Background
00:36 Exposure to Substance Abuse and Early Experiences
01:32 Adolescent Struggles and First Encounter with Addiction
02:08 Dealing with Dishonesty and Fear
03:42 Escaping Reality through Television
04:20 The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Coping
05:46 Downward Spiral into Addiction
06:48 Moving to Hawaii: A Failed Attempt at a Fresh Start
08:32 First Attempt at Sobriety and Relapse
13:42 Journey to Surrender: The Struggle to Get Sober
20:45 Rebuilding Relationships and Life in Recovery
25:55 The Last Chance at Recovery
26:11 Committing to the Recovery Process
26:30 Facing the Reality of Life's Challenges
28:50 The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety
30:16 The Journey to Sobriety and Service
34:28 The Power of Honesty and Change
36:20 Building a New Life in Recovery
42:47 The Impact of Breathwork on Recovery
49:59 The Power of Consciousness in Overcoming Addiction
51:44 Closing Thoughts on the Recovery Journey

Michelle Smith discovered that alcohol provided an escape from all of life’s responsibilities and it took her to a very dark place.

Michelle Smith (recoveryisthenewblack) who shares openly about her late-onset addiction to alcohol and turbulent journey to sobriety. Growing up in a household filled with alcoholism, she focused on academics and her career before gradually slipping into alcohol dependency due to life's pressures. Following multiple hospital visits, rehab stays and a significant personal realization, she committed to sobriety in 2016. We also explore the societal stigma of addiction, the challenges of early recovery, and the power of connection, community, and constant personal work on the road to recovery.  The episode underscores that addiction does not discriminate and recovery is possible for everyone willing to take the necessary steps. This is Michelle Smith’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
------------------
Follow Michelle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryisthenewblack/
FREE 30- Day Trial to SoberBuddy: https://community.yoursoberbuddy.com/plans/368200?bundle_token=8d76ca38d63813200c6c1f46cb3bdbed&utm_source=manual
Donate the support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
 
00:14 Introduction: Michelle's Struggle with Addiction
00:47 The Sober Motivation Podcast and Sober Buddy App
01:50 Michelle's Childhood and School Life
05:08 Michelle's College Life and Career Path
10:26 Michelle's Journey into Alcoholism
18:38 Michelle's Road to Recovery
23:40 The Million Dollar Question: How to Get Sober?
25:11 The Power of Decision: Choosing Sobriety
26:05 The Struggle: Society's Perception of Addiction
27:19 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change
28:29 The Journey: From Addiction to Recovery
28:53 The Importance of Support: Building Your Dream Team
29:28 The Stigma: Breaking the Silence Around Addiction
34:54 The Reality: Addiction Doesn't Discriminate
36:23 The Commitment: Embracing Sobriety
39:36 The Transformation: From Shame to Empowerment
43:18 The Impact: Sharing the Journey to Inspire Others
48:30 The Message: Keep Fighting for Your Recovery
49:22 Conclusion: The Power of Sharing Your Story
 
 

The Transformation Journey of WWF superstar Jake 'The Snake' Roberts: Addiction, Rebuild and Triumph

In this episode, we have Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, a WWF professional wrestling icon who shares his journey from growing up in a difficult environment to achieving fame in the wrestling world only to fall into addiction. Jake candidly recounts his destructive path, from enduring a damaged childhood to wrestling successes, severe injuries, and the subsequent slide into alcohol and drug addiction. Despite multiple failed attempts at rehab, Jake reveals how fellow wrestling veteran Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) helped him turn his life around through DDP Yoga, not only by providing a program to regain his physical health but also by altering his mental perspective. Jake's story underscores the power of positive influence, self-care, love, and the human capacity for resilience and recovery.
---------------
30-Day Free Trial To the SoberBuddy App: https://community.yoursoberbuddy.com/plans/368200?bundle_token=8d76ca38d63813200c6c1f46cb3bdbed&utm_source=manual
Follow SoberMotivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
Donate to support the show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
 
 

Leanne's struggle with alcohol and cocaine took her to the brink. Now 3 years sober she tells the tale.

Leanne shares her journey of overcoming addiction to alcohol and cocaine, and the transformations she sees in her life since choosing recovery. She openly discusses her early life experiences, her struggles being adopted, dealing with ADHD, the pressures of a dancing career, and her almost life-ending relationship with substance abuse.  Leanne’s daughter was born with serious health conditions and she struggled to cope and went deeper and deeper into her addiction.  Leanne stresses the importance of honesty and introspection in recovery and the need for help and connection. Leanne and her daughter Darcy have a saying ‘We Move’ and from listening to her story you will understand the importance sobriety plays in her life.. This is Leannne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
-----------------
Follow Leanne on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/soberlittlemotherred/
Sign up for SoberBuddy Meeting: https://calendly.com/tarazoe/freezoom
Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:25 Leanne's Childhood and Adoption
01:11 The Impact of Adoption on Leanne's Life
03:04 Leanne's School Life and Early Struggles
04:58 The Start of Substance Abuse
11:00 Leanne's Dance Career and Its Abrupt End
14:45 The Downward Spiral: Alcohol, Drugs, and Loss of Identity
20:26 Attempts at Seeking Help and the Struggle of Honesty
24:00 Leanne's Life Amidst Chaos: Relationships, Work, and Addiction
25:10 The Unexpected Pregnancy and the Shocking News
27:13 The Birth of Darcy and the Struggles that Followed
27:31 The Spiral into Addiction and the Wake-up Call
29:06 The Turning Point: A Near-Death Experience
30:22 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery
31:11 The Power of Presence and the Fight for Life
32:36 The Struggle for Survival and the Power of Sharing
36:41 The Importance of Honesty and the Steps to Recovery
39:17 The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships
42:20 The Power of Giving and the Journey to Self-Realization
45:32 The Challenges of Single Parenthood and the Power of Resilience
48:23 The Power of Sobriety and the Gift of Life
49:53 The Importance of Truth and the Call to Action

Justin loved the escape from self alcohol and cocaine provided but knew he had a higher calling.

In this episode, I talk to Justin Brien about his life's journey. Starting from his childhood marked by low self-esteem and self-worth, Justin shares his deep dive into substance abuse and the toll it took on his relationships and mental health. However, the heart of the story lies in his road to recovery and self-discovery, marked by his admission of his issues, seeking therapy, and finding motivation in his desired relationship with his son. Despite numerous setbacks, including multiple relapses and personal loss, Justin's journey is a powerful example of resilience and the power of acceptance and forgiveness, serving as an inspiration for others in similar situations. With over 5 years sober this is Justin’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
------------
Check out Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinbrien19/
Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
Donate to support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
00:00 Introduction to the Subber Motivation Podcast
00:14 The Challenges of Sobriety During the Holiday Season
00:23 Introducing Soberlink: A Tool for Maintaining Sobriety
00:58 Shoutout to Sponsors: Charmaine's Cookbook
01:55 Guest Introduction: Justin's Sobriety Journey
02:15 Justin's Early Life and Struggles with Self-Esteem
03:54 Justin's Journey into Alcoholism
05:37 Justin's Life as a Bartender and Struggles with Addiction
09:03 Justin's Realization and Attempts at Recovery
09:39 Justin's Transition into Drug Abuse
21:05 Justin's Return to Hometown and Continued Struggles
25:25 Justin's Journey to Fatherhood and Rehab
27:17 Justin's Suicide Attempt and Continued Struggles
28:43 The Struggle with Substance Abuse
29:06 The Turning Point: Counseling and Self-Realization
31:11 The Power of 'Why' and the Journey to Rehab
31:43 The Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts
34:14 The Importance of Acceptance and Forgiveness
35:26 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Forgiveness
35:50 The Struggle with Relapse and the Decision to Seek Help
36:57 The Power of Asking for Help and the Road to Recovery
37:29 The Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Advocate
43:07 The Challenges and Triumphs of Sobriety
43:21 The Power of Resilience and the Journey of Parenthood
52:36 The Struggle with Loss and the Power of Perseverance
56:28 The Journey to Writing a Book and Sharing the Story
 

Mailinn narrowly escaped death from alcoholism. Now sobriety has become a way of life for her.

Mailinn Hamre began drinking at the age of 13, and by the time she turned 18, things took a dramatic turn as it became the legal age to purchase beer in Norway. Initially, she started drinking to fit in with her friends, and the consequences of her actions didn't become apparent until some time had passed. She found herself becoming dependent on the escape that alcohol provided.
As the years went by, her situation worsened, and she ended up consuming up to 17 litres of beer or 4 litres of vodka per day. She mentioned feeling that her body was deteriorating, and her doctor confirmed this grim reality by simply wishing her well and stating that there was no need for another appointment the following year, as her prognosis was bleak. The thought of a life without alcohol was unimaginable for her.
After enduring many months of illness, Mailinn was placed into a coma that lasted for three months. Today, we celebrate a true miracle on the show, as she has been three years sober.
-------------------
Follow Mailinn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyli91/
Donate to support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Check out SoberBuddy: https://www.yoursoberbuddy.com
Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:12 Malin's Struggle with Alcohol Addiction
01:04 Celebrating Malin's Sobriety
01:13 Behind the Scenes of the Podcast
02:04 Shoutout to Sober Buddy Community
03:11 Interview with Malin Begins
03:43 Malin's Childhood and Family Background
05:03 Malin's Early Drinking Experiences
09:03 The Progression of Malin's Addiction
16:04 Malin's Realization and Acceptance of Her Alcoholism
17:34 The Impact of Alcohol on Malin's Health
23:17 Struggling with Addiction: A Personal Journey
24:23 The Turning Point: A Near-Death Experience
25:21 The Harsh Reality: Paralysis and Hospitalization
31:26 The Road to Recovery: Physical Therapy and Visitors
36:53 The Power of Perspective: Reflecting on the Past
39:04 The Joy of Sobriety: Embracing a Second Chance
42:00 The Future: Helping Others and Celebrating Life
47:25 Final Thoughts: The Power of Resilience

Brett found himself in a several decade battle with grey area drinking.

In this episode we have Brett who shares a reflective account of his journey with alcohol, starting from his relatively normal, religious upbringing, through to his involvement with a Christian college, in the music industry, and his ever-shifting relationship with alcohol. He talks about the phases of his life where drinking culture was normalized and admits as his career advanced, the pressures increased, leading him to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. He discusses a period of on-and-off sobriety and his eventual decision to become fully sober. Brett emphasizes that the concept of 'gray area drinking' was a significant factor, contending that many people fall into this middle area on the spectrum of alcohol use. Brett was not having fun anymore consuming alcohol and as much as he wanted to he couldn’t stop until he did this is Brett’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
---------------
Connect with Brett on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/breadwilliamsburg/
Sign up for the Addiction Collective Virtual Summit: https://theaddictioncollective.com/
Connect with me here: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
Donate to support the show here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
 
02:09 First Experiences with Alcohol
03:50 Navigating High School and Faith
05:13 Transition to College and Early Drinking Habits
06:51 Entering the Music Industry and Increased Drinking
08:10 Reflections on the Early Twenties and Lifestyle Changes
10:59 The Shift in Drinking Habits and Its Impact
13:23 Managing a Band and Balancing Responsibilities
16:50 The Progression of Alcohol Dependence
27:17 Recognizing the Problem: The Struggle with Alcohol
27:41 The First Attempt: A Bet to Stop Drinking
28:33 Back to the Cycle: The Relapse and the Struggle
29:06 Work, Life, and Alcohol: The Intertwining Threads
29:49 The Descent: Feeling Alone and Increasing Alcohol Consumption
30:38 The Pandemic and Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination
32:06 The Turning Point: A Book and a New Perspective
35:18 The Struggle: The On-and-Off Relationship with Alcohol
43:27 The Final Decision: Quitting Alcohol for Good
44:43 The Journey of Sobriety: Challenges and Triumphs
51:49 Reflections and Advice: A Message to Others
 
 

Kate started drinking at 14, and it would take decades before she realized there had to be more to life.

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, I chat with  Kate about her journey from childhood to adulthood fueled by heavy drinking, to her decision to choose a sober life. The discussion uncovers Kate's upbringing in a large London household and her early 20s described as a 'constant party', and her later relationship with alcohol, which led her to question her real identity and purpose in life. Eventually, these reflections triggered a transformation, with Kate finally embracing a sober lifestyle and reshaping her life in the process. Kate shares practical tips and recounts how she used journaling, walking outdoors, and interacting with others on a similar path to help her stay the course.
-----------
Donate to support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walking_the_straight_line/
Follow (Me) SoberMotivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
 
00:23 Guest's Childhood and Early Life
02:39 Beginning of Alcohol Consumption
03:44 Escalation of Drinking in College
05:08 Transition into Professional Life and Continued Drinking
05:45 Reflections on Self-Identity and Alcohol
13:14 Moving to America and Continued Struggles
20:24 Becoming a Mother and the Impact on Drinking
22:19 Reflections on Sobriety and Life Changes
26:18 The Impact of Alcohol on Family Life
27:59 The Turning Point: A Personal Video Message
28:59 The Fight Against Alcohol: A New Beginning
32:58 The Power of Support and Self-Love in Recovery
34:33 The Journey of Sobriety: Challenges and Triumphs
35:32 The Transformation: From Alcohol Dependence to Self-Love
42:29 The Power of Community and Connection in Sobriety
47:26 The Joy of Sobriety: A New Perspective on Life
49:28 The Final Thoughts: Encouragement for Those on the Sobriety Journey