
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


This episode is a rant—and it’s coming from a place of deep care.
As Dry January kicks off, I’m seeing a wave of messaging that says sobriety is the only way, and if you can’t do it, you’ve failed. I’m here to call that out.
In this episode, I talk about:
– Why shame makes drinking worse, not better
– Why sobriety can be lifesaving for some—but unnecessary for others
– The danger of making your entire identity about consumption (sober or not)
– Why harm reduction deserves a seat at the table
– How all-or-nothing thinking leads to rebound drinking and shame spirals
– Why you are not powerless—and never have been
Drinking less isn’t about willpower. It’s about understanding what’s underneath, healing your relationship with yourself, and choosing what actually supports your life.
Whether you’re doing Dry January, Dry-ish January, or not changing anything at all—this episode is for you.
No shame. No labels. Just honest conversation about choice, identity, and empowerment.
***This episode is based on personal experience and coaching insight. It is not medical advice.***
By Erica Mallery5
22 ratings
This episode is a rant—and it’s coming from a place of deep care.
As Dry January kicks off, I’m seeing a wave of messaging that says sobriety is the only way, and if you can’t do it, you’ve failed. I’m here to call that out.
In this episode, I talk about:
– Why shame makes drinking worse, not better
– Why sobriety can be lifesaving for some—but unnecessary for others
– The danger of making your entire identity about consumption (sober or not)
– Why harm reduction deserves a seat at the table
– How all-or-nothing thinking leads to rebound drinking and shame spirals
– Why you are not powerless—and never have been
Drinking less isn’t about willpower. It’s about understanding what’s underneath, healing your relationship with yourself, and choosing what actually supports your life.
Whether you’re doing Dry January, Dry-ish January, or not changing anything at all—this episode is for you.
No shame. No labels. Just honest conversation about choice, identity, and empowerment.
***This episode is based on personal experience and coaching insight. It is not medical advice.***

7,267 Listeners

113,502 Listeners

66,697 Listeners

3,455 Listeners

21,412 Listeners

302 Listeners