On today's episode, we have the privilege of hearing Gary's inspiring journey. For the past 17 years, Gary has chosen a life free from alcohol and drugs. Growing up, he struggled with keeping his emotions hidden, internalizing everything. Eventually, alcohol became a significant part of Gary's life, providing a temporary escape.
But one day, something happened in Gary's apartment while he was intoxicated, an experience that he can't quite articulate. That moment became a catalyst for change, sparking a deep desire within Gary to transform his life. He knew it would require dedication and effort, but he was ready to embark on the journey of recovery.
Join us as we dive into Gary's incredible story—how he managed to string together 17 years of sobriety and the reasons why he remains connected to the recovery community. His experiences and insights will undoubtedly motivate and inspire us all. Get ready to be moved by Gary's story on the Sober Motivation Podcast.
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Gary Menkes has not had a drink or drug in 17 years. One night, drunk and alone in his apartment, something happened that would change everything

The sober motivation podcast will have new guests each week sharing their sobriety stories to inspire others about what is possible. After listening you will see that sobriety is so possible and you are not alone on this journey.

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In this episode of the Podcast, Garrett shares his journey of growing up in a small town in Iowa, enjoying a seemingly normal childhood, and later struggling with alcohol. Reflecting on his high school years, college days, and the progressive impact of alcohol on his life, Garrett talks about his experiences with social drinking, blackouts, and brushes with the law. He recounts the turning point moments that led to his decision to quit drinking, including his involvement in an outpatient program, the birth of his twin boys, and the emotional toll his drinking took on his family and himself. This is Garrett’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Garrett on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurthove/
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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:14 Childhood and Family Background
01:03 High School Years and Sports
02:04 College Life and Alcohol Introduction
03:59 Early Consequences and Social Dynamics
09:05 Post-College Life and Escalation
17:41 Struggles with Moderation and Mental Health
24:43 Realization and Eye-Opening Moments
25:48 Struggles with Drinking and Social Life
28:58 Turning Points and Family Impact
31:44 Final Straws and Seeking Help
34:13 Embracing Sobriety and Personal Growth
37:48 Life After Sobriety
48:07 Advice for Those Struggling
50:34 Conclusion and Support

Garrett struggled for years attempting to moderate his alcohol intake. True freedom was found in sobriety.

In this episode, Jen shares her journey with alcohol, from her early days of drinking at 15 to her decision to become sober. Growing up in a household without alcohol, Jen discusses how she turned to drinking to fit in and cope with insecurities and anxiety, leading to her involvement with party drugs during her teens. She recounts her years of putting rules around her drinking in an attempt to moderate, which didn’t work out. At times overtaken by the mommy wine culture. A turning point came after two significant events that filled her with shame and led her to seek therapy, change her lifestyle, and find a supportive sober community. Jen also shares the positive impact sobriety has had on her life, including improved confidence, being present, and enjoyment of life's moments, and hopes her story can inspire others to reconsider their relationship with alcohol.
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Sobermotivation (Brad) IG: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast
00:23 Jen's Childhood and Early Experiences with Alcohol
04:07 Transitioning to Adulthood: College and Work Life
05:54 Meeting Her Husband and the Party Lifestyle
08:10 The Impact of Parenthood and the Mommy Wine Culture
08:58 Reflecting on the Relationship and Alcohol's Role
14:27 The Internal Struggle with Drinking and Self-Reflection
22:04 Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
27:52 The Wake-Up Call: A Personal Journey to Sobriety
28:17 A Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change
30:59 The Last Straw: A Commitment to Sobriety
33:23 Seeking Help: Therapy and Community Support
42:42 The Benefits of Sobriety: A New Perspective on Life
51:02 Reflections and Advice: Embracing a Sober Lifestyle

Jen's journey began with teenage drinking to fit in, transitioned into the mommy wine culture, and ultimately led her to sobriety.

In this episode, we have Saz, she discusses her struggles with drinking, its roots in her childhood, and the escalated challenges she faced through her teenage years to adulthood because of it. Despite a supportive family and a seemingly happy childhood in Northern Ireland, Saz's insecurities and need for control led her to a struggle with eating and, later, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as a means of coping with social anxiety and self-esteem issues. Saz did try everything to make moderation work out. But eventually, after an emotional breakup and realizing she must desire sobriety for herself rather than for others, she commits to quit drinking on her 30th birthday. This is Saz’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Follow Saz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sackedthesauce/
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For Saz moderating her alcohol intake never worked. Quitting completely was the answer.

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

In this episode, we have  MJ who has been sober since 2012 and opens up about his challenging journey from a troubled childhood in New York City, marked by overprotection and bullying, to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction as an adult. MJ shares how being overprotective instilled a fear in him that led to his inability to socialize without alcohol. MJ struggled to let anyone in on how he was feeling in his life and his ego ran the show for decades. The episode also delves into MJ's commitment to helping others as a crucial part of his recovery, his insights on ego and humility, and how his humiliation became the foundation for his humility and readiness to change.  He emphasizes the importance of asking for help, the power of giving back in recovery, and the message that anyone can turn their life around with the willingness to seek help. This is MJ’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Gary Menkes has not had a drink or drug in 17 years. One night, drunk and alone in his apartment, something happened that would change everything

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