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In this raw, relatable conversation, Kristen, Jaime, and Jenn unpack what it really takes to quit drinking when it's entangled with your identity, your relationships, your motherhood. And how to begin again—imperfectly, but powerfully.

You’ll hear:
• The heartbreaking moment Kristen realized she had to stop drinking
• How sobriety gave her marriage a second chance
• The ripple effect on her family—even the dog changed
• What she tells her daughter now about those painful years
• How she’s using her past to help other women rewrite their future

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to change, or what sobriety really looks like beyond the memes and mocktails—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 Tap play. Forward it to the friend who’s quietly struggling. And follow for more honest conversations that pull back the curtain on becoming who you’re meant to be.

Key Moments:
• [05:12] The day Kristen’s daughter found hidden wine bottles
• [14:47] Rebuilding trust in her marriage—starting with awkward sober dates
• [27:19] Navigating family and friendships when you’re the “only one” not drinking
• [33:57] How Kristen copes now when life gets heavy—without alcohol
• [36:26] Her biggest advice for women stuck in shame and silence

Resources Mentioned:

 • Kristen’s Coaching: mocktailsandmarathons.com
• Follow Kristen: @mocktailsandmarathons
• Related Episode: “Jenn x Jaime Andersen: How Motherhood Made Me Rethink My Drinking”
• Lighthouse Sobriety  (with Jen Hirst)

Connect with us at:

afsuperpowers.com

@afsuperpowers

@amazinglyalcoholfree ( Jaime Andersen )

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In this powerful conversation, Jenn sits down with Margy Schaller, co-founder of Sober Life Rocks, who shares her remarkable 20-year journey from secret drinking to secret sobriety - and finally to authentic living. Starting with her first drink at age 8 from her mother's endless scotch and water, Margy takes us through decades of functional alcoholism, a life-changing intervention, and the unexpected challenge of hiding her sobriety for nearly two decades.

Margy reveals the pivotal moment at a women's conference when she discovered 15% of the room didn't drink - people she knew well but had never shared this truth with. This realization sparked her mission to normalize sobriety and led to the creation of Amplify Sober Voices, a groundbreaking conference designed to help others find their voice in the alcohol-free space.

Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol, living authentically, or simply curious about breaking free from societal expectations, Margy's story offers profound insights into the power of showing up as your whole self.

Key Topics Discussed:

• First drink at age 8 and progression through college "chug champ" days
• Learning wine "etiquette" and the rule about finishing bottles being "respectful"
• Single motherhood and using alcohol to cope with divorce stress
• The wake-up call: crashing parents' car into telephone pole
• Family intervention disguised as "alcohol education weekend"
• 60 days at Betty Ford and the revelation: "What I lost was me"
• 18+ years of hiding sobriety in professional and social settings
• The corporate wine dinner dilemma and social anxiety without alcohol
• Conference revelation: 15% of women didn't drink but kept it secret
• Formation of Sober Life Rocks and mission to normalize sobriety
• Amplify Sober Voices conference (January 15, 2026, Orlando)
• From "high functioning" to realizing she was "barely hanging on"

Resources Mentioned:

• Sober Life Rocks: SoberLifeRocks.com
• Amplify Sober Voices Conference: AmplifySoberVoices.com
• Location: Orlando, FL - January 15, 2026 (includes full PodFest access)

Find Margy Schaller Here:

Instagram @margyschaller

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In this Jenn x Jaime AF Chat, host Jenn Reed sits down with co-host Jaime Andersen for a candid conversation about sober shaming - the judgment, comments, and social pressure people face when they choose not to drink. Both share raw, personal experiences of being on both sides of this issue, from distancing themselves from non-drinking friends to facing criticism and lost friendships after getting sober. They explore why sober shaming happens, discuss the impact it can have on people in early recovery, and offer practical tools for handling these challenging social situations. This honest discussion reveals how alcohol is so normalized in our culture that choosing sobriety can trigger uncomfortable reactions from others, and provides valuable insights for anyone navigating social situations without alcohol.

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Meet Mo, aka "Mocktail Mo," whose journey to alcohol-free living began not with recovery, but with a medical mystery that took years to solve. After experiencing severe illness that doctors couldn't properly diagnose, Mo discovered she had developed alcohol intolerance - a condition that completely changed her relationship with drinking and ultimately led to her calling as a non-alcoholic beverage consultant.

In this candid conversation, Mo shares how exclusion from traditional celebrations sparked her passion for creating inclusive drinking experiences, the surprising community she discovered in the alcohol-free space, and her mission to help restaurants and bars create thoughtful mocktail menus that go beyond "fancy soft drinks."

Key Topics Discussed

Mo's Medical Journey

• Years of unexplained severe illness after drinking
• Misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting
• The friend who finally helped solve the mystery
• Understanding alcohol intolerance vs. allergies

The Birth of Mocktail Mo

• Missing connection and celebration traditions
• The "wall of exclusion" that changed everything
• Learning to respect different approaches to sobriety
• Why some people prefer club soda and lime

The Alcohol-Free Industry

• Current state of restaurant mocktail offerings
• The difference between "fancy soft drinks" and true craft mocktails
• Working with establishments to improve their NA menus
• The challenge of solving problems restaurants don't know they have

Community and Connection

• The supportive alcohol-free community
• A powerful story about finding alcohol-removed wine during her mother's final days
• How restaurants can provide emotional support through inclusive menus

Memorable Quotes

"I was put in this place by fate"

"A very big wall of exclusion popped up for me of no, no, this is not for you"

"You cannot impose what you want on everybody"

"It felt like someone had thrown out a lifesaver to me personally"

"If you're interested in it, there's a reason that you are interested in it"

About Mo (Mocktail Mo)

Mo is a non-alcoholic beverage consultant and mocktail expert who became alcohol-free due to alcohol intolerance. She works with restaurants and bars to create elevated non-alcoholic drink experiences and is passionate about ensuring everyone can participate in celebration and connection, regardless of their drinking status.

Upcoming Events

Fall Into You Retreat

• Date: October (one-day event)
• Location: Chicago
• Time: Noon to 8 PM
• Partners: Heather Lowe (Ditch the Drink) and Kate Denage (Clarity Zero Proof)
• Includes: Arboretum hike, picnic lunch, workshops, mocktail demonstrations, dinner, and wellness activities
• Registration: HERE

Resources Mentioned

• Alcohol intolerance vs. alcohol allergy
• Asian flush syndrome
• Alcohol-removed wines and non-alcoholic beers
• Ditched the Drink
• Clarity Zero Proof

Connect with Mocktail Mo

Website - MocktailMo.com

Instagram - @Mocktail.mo

Youtube - Zero = More

Substack - Mo's Mocktail Diaries

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• How Jaime found her “alcohol-free identity”
• The power of community and coaching
• Helping her mom go sober at nearly 70 years old
• What changed in year three of sobriety
• Lessons on parenting, confidence, and setting boundaries

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In this raw and revealing conversation, Austin J Karr opens up about his journey to sobriety — and what he discovered along the way that changed everything. From navigating the personal highs and lows of quitting alcohol to uncovering the not-so-hidden agendas behind the alcohol industry, Austin shares the truths most people don’t talk about. This episode is about more than just getting sober — it’s about reclaiming happiness, challenging cultural conditioning, and asking the big question: who profits from our pain?

Whether you're sober-curious, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or just ready for a wake-up call, this one's for you.

What We Dive Into:
– Austin’s personal journey to sobriety and what finally made it stick
– The surprising truth about happiness in early recovery
– Why focusing on positivity can change everything
– The role of the alcohol industry in shaping public perception
– How marketing targets young people (and why it works)
– The rise of "mommy wine culture" and alcohol normalization
– What non-alcoholic drink brands are really doing behind the scenes
– The importance of policy, pricing, and advertising in alcohol consumption
– How Austin helps others build a life they don’t want to escape from

Resources Mentioned:

Austin's Instagram

Austin's TikTok

AustinJKarr.com

Paying the Tab - Book

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Peggi Cooney, author of This Side of Alcohol, to celebrate her 6-year anniversary of sobriety on July 12, 2025. Peggi opens up about her deeply personal journey—from early trauma and late-onset drinking to walking away from alcohol at 58 and rebuilding her life with purpose.

She shares how burnout and secondary trauma from her social work career contributed to her drinking, and what finally pushed her to stop. We talk about how her year-long journaling during recovery became a published book, how community is key in sobriety, and why she’s now helping others find their “what’s next” through Zero Proof Experiences.

Peggi brings humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom to a conversation that will inspire anyone who’s sober, sober-curious, or simply navigating personal transformation.

Takeaways

• The journey to sobriety is deeply personal and often rooted in unresolved trauma.
• Helping professionals are at high risk for secondary trauma and burnout.
• Recognizing the need for change is the first real turning point in recovery.
• Writing can be both cathartic and impactful—Peggi turned her 365-day journal into a book.
• Alcohol-free communities (like Zero Proof Experiences) offer support, connection, and fun.
• Self-publishing is a powerful option for getting recovery stories into the world.
• Having inclusive beverage options helps people in recovery feel seen and supported.
• Raising awareness of alcohol marketing’s influence on youth is more important than ever.
• Everyone’s path is different—and respecting individual recovery choices is key.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Peggi's Book : This Side of Alcohol

I Didn't Believe it Either by Todd Kinney

This Side of Alcohol Facebook Group

Zero Proof Experiences

Ocean Beach Cafe

All the Bitter Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Background  
02:55 – Journey to Sobriety  
05:39 – Impact of Trauma on Drinking  
08:21 – The Role of Menopause and Medication  
11:28 – Writing and Publishing the Book  
14:08 – Life After Alcohol  
16:44 – Current Projects and Initiatives  
19:41 – Zero Proof Experiences and Community Engagement  
22:10 – Reflections on the Alcohol Industry  
24:46 – Educating the Next Generation  
27:42 – Conclusion and Future Aspirations  

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What happens when a life once shadowed by trauma and addiction shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration? Join us for a compelling conversation with Paul, whose journey from witnessing domestic violence as a child to breaking free from alcohol addiction at 35 serves as a powerful testament to resilience. Through heartfelt reflections, Paul shares how counseling, spiritual awakening, and support from his mother helped him escape the cycle of substance abuse, ultimately choosing sobriety on September 12, 1998. His story doesn't just highlight personal triumph but also offers invaluable insights for the younger generation about the perils of addiction and the promise of a brighter future.

Our discussion traverses the intricacies of family dynamics and personal evolution, inspired by Paul's transformative decisions during unsupervised teenage years and their potential portrayal in a forthcoming TV series. By examining the normalization of generational abuse and societal attitudes from decades past, Paul sheds light on strained family relationships and the healing power of sobriety. As the dialogue unfolds, listeners are invited to ponder the vastness of the universe and life's fleeting nature, encouraging a focus on the present and living free from alcohol's burdens. 

Find Paul at socials and online @pdspeaks and pdspeaks.com.

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Allison's journey toward an alcohol-free life is nothing short of transformative. Having once used alcohol as a means to escape the pressures of her gymnastics career and the expectations of her upbringing, she now stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for others seeking sobriety. Through our conversation, we uncover how Allison found clarity and liberation with the help of programs like "This Naked Mind," turning her personal struggles into a powerful coaching platform that aids others in breaking free from alcohol dependency.

Choosing sobriety not only changed Allison's personal life but also unlocked a myriad of unexpected benefits. From improved sleep and reduced anxiety to increased confidence and self-assurance, the perks of living alcohol-free might feel like gaining a hidden superpower. We delve into the crucial role of community and support networks, highlighting how solidarity among like-minded individuals can inspire and empower those seeking to live authentically. By shedding light on how alcohol can undermine decision-making, we hope to encourage listeners to consider the profound positive changes that sobriety can bring.

Navigating the complexities of parenting while maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Allison shares candid reflections on how her sobriety has impacted her family dynamics, especially amid trials such as a divorce and health issues. Her commitment to providing a stable and supportive presence for her children shines through, even as she grapples with the ongoing struggles of her ex-husband's dependency. Allison's story is a testament to the resilience and hope that come with choosing a healthier path, urging listeners to reflect on their habits and consider the potential for growth and fulfillment without alcohol.

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Ian shares his transformative journey from addiction to an alcohol-free life, emphasizing the challenges he faced, the therapies that helped him, and the potential waiting on the other side of sobriety. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own drinking habits and the benefits an alcohol-free lifestyle can bring. 
• The myth of alcohol as a path to success 
• Ian’s unique approach to rehab and aversion therapy 
• The power of journaling and gratitude in recovery 
• The importance of presence over mere participation in family life 
• Insights into the impact of relationships on personal growth 
• The stigma surrounding seeking help and how to combat it
Find Ian on IG @makeitgreat.me where you can find the link to order his book and email. Call Ian at 206-571-3068