A Year On — Addiction, Recovery, and Telling the Truth

In this episode, I speak honestly about what’s happened in the year since I first launched this podcast. What began as a space for sharing stories from the past has become a place where I’m now telling the truth about the present.

I talk about what it’s like to live alongside addiction, not just as someone in recovery, but as someone who loves a person still struggling and suffering. I share how I’ve found my way back to meetings, what it means to hold boundaries, and why silence wasn’t saving me.

This episode is about staying honest, even when things are hard. It’s about recovery, not just from addiction, but from self-abandonment, confusion, and fear.

If you’re navigating a relationship with someone in active addiction, or you’re seeking support for yourself, these resources may help:

🔗 Al-Anon Family Groups (UK): https://al-anonuk.org.uk
🔗 Al-Anon (Worldwide): https://al-anon.org
🔗 Cocaine Anonymous UK: https://www.cauk.org.uk
🔗 Cocaine Anonymous Worldwide: https://ca.org

You’re not alone.

Welcome to another episode of Hi, I'm Sarah, and I'm an Addict: Voicing the Journey from Struggle to Strength.

In this episode, I sit down with Karen, a recovered sex addict, to have an eye-opening conversation about what sex addiction really is—and it’s probably not what you think.

At its core, sex addiction isn’t about sex; it’s about intimacy issues, emotional disconnection, and deep-seated patterns that drive compulsive behaviours. We explore how Karen’s journey led her from addiction to recovery, the role of 12-step meetings, and how personal development played a huge part in her healing.

✅ What it really means to be a sex addict

✅ The root causes—and why it’s not just about sex

✅ Karen’s experience with 12-step programs and moving beyond them

✅ How personal development played a key role in her transformation

✅ The journey to healthy intimacy and self-connection

This is a powerful, personal-development-focused conversation that challenges misconceptions and sheds light on an often-overlooked addiction.

Karen Pohlman is the unmessable mindset mentor for female leaders who are ready to embrace their inner strength and shine brightly. After facing personal struggles, including marriage challenges and the loss of her home and business in 2008, Karen embarked on a 17-year journey of personal development. This transformative experience led her to create her book, Be Unmessable, where she shares the life lessons and strategies she developed along the way.

As an entrepreneur, mother to three amazing children, and wife to her talented husband, Karen now resides in sunny New Mexico with her two dogs. Through her "Live Another Way" process, Karen teaches individuals how to thrive, not just survive, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, grace, and ease.

Karen’s journey from adversity to empowerment serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with the right mindset, it’s possible to overcome life’s toughest moments and remain unmessable.

You can learn more about Karen and her work by visiting her website: https://liveanotherway.com

You can also contact her directly at: [email protected]

If Karen’s story inspired you and you’re ready to break through your own limitations, join me for Pathway to Freedom: Advancing Personal Mastery on Saturday, 8th March. This online event is all about reclaiming your power and stepping into the next level of personal growth.

Get your ticket now at sarahmccalden.com

https://www.sarahmccalden.com/offers/x4KhCaxo/checkout

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! What stood out for you? Drop a comment, send me a message, or share your biggest takeaway.

🔔 Don’t forget to:

✅ Like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps others find this podcast!

✅ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

✅ Stay tuned for the next episode—more real, raw, and powerful conversations are coming your way!

Thanks for listening, and remember—you are stronger than you think. See you next time!

Remember to join Pathway to Freedom: Advancing Personal Mastery – Saturday, 8th March, 5pm - 9pm UK time

Stay Connected & Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Welcome to another episode of Hi, I'm Sarah, and I'm an Addict: Voicing the Journey from Struggle to Strength.

In this powerful episode, I speak with Claire, a recovering alcoholic from New Zealand who has over a decade sober. Claire’s journey to sobriety began when her 16-year-old daughter gave her an ultimatum: “Get sober, or I’ll never talk to you again.” That moment changed everything. She stopped drinking, saved all the money she would have spent on alcohol, and used it to travel the world.

Claire’s story is one of courage, transformation, and proof that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

• Claire’s journey from addiction to recovery
• The wake-up call that changed her life
• How she used her sobriety as a tool for adventure and self-discovery
• The lessons she’s learned along the way

🎧 Audio Note:
There are parts of this episode where my microphone quality isn’t the best—I appreciate your patience! I’ll be releasing a short follow-up episode soon to clarify any key points that may not have come through clearly, and I’ll link it back to this episode.

If Claire’s story inspired you and you’re ready to break through your own limitations, join me for Pathway to Freedom: Advancing Personal Mastery on Saturday, 8th March. This online event is all about reclaiming your power and stepping into the next level of personal growth.

🎟 Get your ticket now atsarahmccalden.com

💬 Let me know what resonated with you in this episode! Leave a comment, send me a message, or share your biggest takeaway.

🔔 Don’t forget to:
✅ Like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps others find this podcast!
✅ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
✅ Stay tuned for the next episode—more powerful conversations are coming your way!

Thanks for listening, and remember—you are stronger than you think. See you next time!

Register for Pathway to Freedom: Advancing Personal Mastery – Saturday 8th March

Stay Connected & Keep the Conversation Going

In this episode:

Join Sarah McCalden in an enriching conversation with Cat, who has triumphed over addiction with 29 years of sobriety. Broadcasting from New Zealand, Cat shares her profound insights on overcoming shame, the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of self-kindness, and finding passion in life.

What You'll Learn:

• Understanding Shame and Stigma: Dive deep into how shame and the stigma of addiction affect our lives and the journey to overcoming them.

• The Power of Self-Kindness: Explore practical tips on being kinder to ourselves and why it's crucial for recovery.

• Finding Your Passion: Hear how having a passion can transform your outlook and provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Special Moments:

• Cat’s personal stories of the challenges and victories throughout her sobriety, including how she dealt with societal stigma.

• Insightful discussion on the role of self-love and activities that nurture the soul.

Resources and Links:

• Pathway to Freedom Event: Don't miss the "Pathway to Freedom" event on January 25th. This workshop is designed for anyone facing adversity, providing a space for deep dives and real conversations. Event Details and Registration

• Connect with Sarah: Follow Sarah on Facebook at Sarah E McCalden for more insights and updates.

• Email: Have personal stories or inquiries? Email Sarah at [email protected].

Join us as we uncover the layers of personal growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges, and discover how to foster an environment of self-care and love.

If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment, follow the podcast and consider giving us a 5* review.

In this episode of Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm an Addict: Voicing the Journey from Struggle to Strength, host Sarah McCalden talks with special guest, Mary-Anne, who has maintained her sobriety since June 2004. Sarah met Mary-Anne during a critical time in her own recovery, and Mary-Anne's story provided hope amidst Sarah's struggles. Join us as Mary-Anne shares insights from her journey and the positive transformations that sustained recovery can bring.

In this episode, you will learn: How Mary-Anne navigated the challenges of early recovery. The strategies that have helped Mary-Anne maintain her sobriety for over two decades. The impact of recovery on personal and professional life. Encouragement for those who are currently struggling with addiction or relapse.

Featured in this episode: Interview with Mary-Anne, a long-time friend of Sarah, discussing her successful journey in recovery.

Resources and Links:

Join Sarah's Pathway to Freedom event on January 25th – A workshop designed for anyone facing adversity, providing a space for deep dives and real conversations: https://bit.ly/pathwaytofreedom25

If you're looking for support or resources to help with addiction or alcoholism, you can visit:

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ 

https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/

For people who are affected by another's addiction: https://al-anonuk.org.uk/ 

Email me your story or questions to: [email protected].

Quotes from Mary-Anne:

"I realised that recovery wasn't just about staying clean, it was about living life fully and without fear."

"Every day sober is another chance to build a life worth living."

Subscribe and Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm an Addict on your favourite podcast platform. Share your journey, ask questions, or find community as we explore the path from struggle to strength together.

Closing Thoughts: Sarah and Mary-Anne discuss the importance of perseverance and hope in recovery. They remind listeners that no matter how difficult the journey seems, there is a path forward that can lead to a fulfilling life.

Podcast Episode 3: Journey Through Recovery with Hannah

Episode Overview:
In this heartfelt episode, Sarah sits down with Hannah, whose journey with her husband’s addiction and recovery has shaped her perspective on resilience, community, and healing. Together, they discuss the challenges of living with and supporting someone through addiction, as well as the power of fitness, boundaries, and self-discovery in their journeys.

Key Topics Covered:

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

"Recovery is not just about the individual; it’s a journey for everyone involved."

"Setting boundaries and prioritising self-care are vital for navigating life with a loved one in recovery."

Resources Mentioned:

Want more?
If you or someone you know is facing challenges with addiction or recovery, consider joining a supportive community like Recovery Runners or reaching out to organizations like AA or CA for support. Sarah also invites all listeners to the Pathway to Freedom event on Saturday, January 25, 2025, for deeper conversations and insights into personal growth and healing.

Links & Resources:

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm an Addict: Voicing the Journey from Struggle to Strength. In this episode, your host Sarah McCalden shares her personal journey of addiction and recovery. Starting from her tumultuous years in King's Cross, London, to the transformative experiences that have led her to today, Sarah opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her journey to recovery.

The episode also touches on the motivation behind this podcast and what listeners can expect in future episodes. In this episode, you will learn about: Sarah’s personal struggle with addiction and her path to recovery. The inspiration behind the creation of the podcast.

Featured on this episode:

Sarah McCalden's story from addiction in her 20s to her life now as a speaker and mentor. Introduction to the themes of the podcast: addiction, recovery, and the power of sharing stories.

Resources and Links:

Join the "Pathway to Freedom" event on January 25th – Inspired by her recent sharing's, this is a workshop designed for anyone who has faced adversity, providing a space for deep dives and real conversations: https://bit.ly/pathwaytofreedom25

Connect with Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahe.mccalden

Email Sarah for personal stories or inquiries: [email protected]

Quotes from the episode:

"I was only 20, the first time I got clean and sober. By January 2003, I had thrown my sobriety away and was living in King's Cross."

"For years, I felt like I was keeping a secret, not helping people in the way I could if I were more upfront about my addiction."

Subscribe and Follow:

Don’t forget to subscribe to "Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm an Addict" on your preferred podcast platform.

Share your own stories, ask questions, or just listen in as we explore the journey from struggle to strength.

Closing Thoughts: Sarah invites you to join her as we explore real stories and real recovery. Whether you're dealing with your own challenges or just want to understand more about the journey of recovery, this podcast aims to offer practical insights and a sense of community. Everyone's story matters, and here, we dfive deep into the tough stuff with honesty and hope.