No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

By Julie Miller & Steve KnappSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement Philosophy

No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast episodes

December 22, 2025172 | We’re Changing the Way We Talk About Sobriety
After over three years and 172 episodes, Through the Glass Recovery is officially entering a new chapter.
In this episode, Julie Miller and Steve Knapp share the story behind the podcast rebrand and what’s coming next. Starting in January, the podcast will be known as No Alcohol Needed, with a new tagline that reflects the heart of the work they’ve been doing all along: How to Be Happy - No Alcohol Needed.
This conversation is an honest look at growth, burnout, values, and what happens after you’ve figured out how to stop drinking but still don’t feel fulfilled. Julie and Steve talk about why they almost quit the podcast, what helped them recommit, and how their own sobriety journeys have shifted toward emotional intelligence, connection, and long-term happiness.
They also share what listeners can expect in the new year, including:
A deeper focus on life after early sobriety
Conversations about emotional intelligence, personal growth, and fulfillment
A rotating group of familiar voices and trusted friends joining the show
Continued weekly Monday night community meetings
A brand-new website and updated social presence
This episode is both a thank-you to longtime listeners and an invitation to anyone searching for a sobriety podcast that goes beyond just quitting alcohol.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why the podcast almost ended and what changed
The meaning behind the new name No Alcohol Needed
What “how to be happy” really means in sobriety
Why joy doesn’t always look bubbly or easy
Who the new regular contributors are
How the podcast is evolving to support long-term recovery
How to get involved in the Monday night community meetings
Helpful links:
New website (launching soon): https://noalcoholneeded.net
Go back and listen to Episode 0 to hear where it all began: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/introepisode/
–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–
WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching
Redesign your life without alcohol - with support.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM
Real conversations. No judgment.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG
Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.
https://createalifesofull.com
FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES
Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
27 min
December 15, 2025171| Thinking About Trying to Moderate Your Drinking? What We Learned the Hard Way
You know the thought. That thought that sneaks in...
Maybe I can drink again.
Maybe I can keep it under control now.
Maybe just one.
In this episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, Julie Miller and co-host Steve Knapp are joined by Lucy, Brenton, and Bry for an honest conversation about what happens when you try to moderate drinking. Not just in theory, but their actual, lived experience.
They talk about what the moderation voice sounds like, why it’s so convincing, and what actually happened when some of them tried it. They also explore the mental exhaustion of constantly negotiating with alcohol and the relief that comes when the decision is finally taken off the table.
If you’ve ever wondered whether moderation could work for you, this episode offers clarity and perspective.
In this episode, we talk about:
The “maybe I can have just one” voice and why it shows up
Why moderation takes so much mental and emotional energy
How nostalgia can distort our memories of drinking
What happened when some of the guests tried moderating
Why stress, grief, or anxiety often blow moderation apart
Taking the decision off the table and reducing decision fatigue
What freedom, peace, and self-trust can look like in sobriety

This is not about shame or scare tactics. It’s about understanding your own patterns and knowing that struggling with this question doesn’t mean you’re failing.
New to Through the Glass Recovery? Learn more about us at https://throughtheglassrecovery.com
Hosts: Julie Miller & Steve Knapp
Guests: Lucy Linger, Brenton Sconce, Bry Bleau
Learn more about our guests:
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/moderate-drinking/
–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–
WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching
Redesign your life without alcohol - with support.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM
Real conversations. No judgment.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG
Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.
https://createalifesofull.com
FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES
Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
55 min
December 08, 2025170 | What “Doing the Work” in Sobriety Actually Means
People talk about “doing the work” in sobriety, but most of us start out not even knowing what that means. In this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with Dave Rushing and licensed therapist Sean Rollinson for an honest conversation about emotional sobriety, early misconceptions, and the deeper work that begins after the alcohol is gone.
Inside this episode you’ll hear:
Why quitting drinking is only the beginning
• What emotional sobriety really looks like
• How self-reflection becomes a life-changing skill
• What courage and connection offer in recovery
• How to build confidence, authenticity, and self-worth after alcohol
Whether you’re in early sobriety or years into recovery and wanting more clarity, this episode will help you understand the real path toward a full, grounded life.
Read the full episode summary and get to know our guests: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/doing-the-work-in-sobriety/

–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–

WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching
Redesign your life without alcohol - with support.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM
Real conversations. No judgment.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG
Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.
https://createalifesofull.com

FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES
Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
59 min
December 01, 2025169 | How To Quit Drinking Without Going to AA
For a lot of people, AA is the only recovery path they’ve ever heard of. But what happens when you walk into a meeting and it just doesn’t feel right? What if you tried it, didn’t connect with it, or couldn’t see yourself adopting the identity or structure it requires? On this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with returning guests Alexandra McRobert and Barclay Mullins to talk honestly about how to get sober without AA, what worked for them, and what to do when you need a different path.
In this episode:
What each person expected AA to be and what their real experience was
How to know when AA isn’t the right fit for you
The pressure and identity struggles that can come with the program
Why some people thrive in AA and others don’t
The role of language, labels, and self-identity in recovery
How to build your own recovery path without meetings
Community options outside AA and why connection is still essential
Internal work, spiritual practices, and tools that supported early sobriety
Alternative resources like quit lit, apps, online groups, yoga, journaling, and coaching
One small step you can take today if you want to get sober without AA

If you’re new here…
Through the Glass Recovery is a podcast for people who want a life that feels happy and full, not miserable. We talk about emotional wellness, sobriety, self worth, and building a life you don’t wish you could escape from.
Learn more about us: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com
For full show notes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/getting-sober-without-aa/

Sign up for Julie's values workshop - https://createalifesofull.com/values-workshop-for-sobriety/

–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–
WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching
Redesign a life without alcohol - with support.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/
FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM
Real conversations. No judgment.
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/
JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG
Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.
https://createalifesofull.com
FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES
Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
1 hr 5 min
November 24, 2025 168 | Sober Holidays: How to Navigate Family, FOMO, and Traditions
The holidays can feel overwhelming when you are sober. Family dynamics, financial pressure, busy schedules, and old memories all collide. For many people in early sobriety, this season brings up fear, loneliness, and the anxiety of navigating everything without a drink.
In this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with guests Janice Johnson Dowd and Kristian Nylund to talk honestly about what sober holidays look like. They share real stories about their own first alcohol-free Christmases and Thanksgivings, how uncomfortable those early days felt, and what eventually made the season easier and more meaningful.
In this episode:
- Why the holidays felt so tied to alcohol
- The worry of feeling left out or judged when you stop drinking
- What the first sober holiday is really like
- Why triggers are not failure and what they are trying to show you
- How to handle family gatherings when people expect you to drink
- The power of preparation and having a plan
- Letting go of old expectations and creating new traditions
- Watching other people drink and why it can change your perspective
- How presence becomes the best part of sober celebrations
- Why community support matters during the holidays
- What makes the holidays feel magical again in sobriety
- How to find peace, connection, and meaning even if the season looks different now
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Check out all the resources we offer:
- Full podcast episode library : https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
- Free Zoom virtual support group : https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/
- Affordable one on one recovery coaching : https://createalifesofull.com/support-options/
- Julie’s blog for alcohol free living : https://createalifesofull.com/category/blog/
1 hr
November 17, 2025167 | How to Socialize Without Alcohol: Real Stories and Practical Tips
Socializing without alcohol is possible - and full of connection, fun, and real confidence. In this episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, we dig into how to rebuild your sober social life, stop relying on “liquid courage,” and rediscover joy in gatherings, friendships, and parties - without the booze.

We’ll cover how to handle those awkward first outings, what to say when people ask why you’re not drinking, how to find new friendships in sobriety, and how to show up confidently without the drink in your hand. Whether you’re newly sober or still figuring out what happens after quitting drinking, this is for you.
What you’ll get in this episode:
A deep look at socializing without alcohol and the fear that “everyone’s watching me.”
Honest stories from women in long-term recovery about rebuilding a sober social life.
Practical strategies to make friends, attend parties, and feel comfortable in social settings while staying sober.
How to shift from relying on alcohol for confidence to showing up as your true self- finding confidence without alcohol.
Tips for meaningful connection and authentic belonging - because sobriety doesn’t mean isolation.
For full show notes, visit
throughtheglassrecovery.com/how-to-socialize-without-alcohol/

---SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES---
WORK WITH US – Personalized private coaching
Redesign a life without alcohol - with support.
throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM
Real conversations. No judgment.
throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG
Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.
createalifesofull.com
FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES
Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
52 min
November 10, 2025166 | How to Deal With Anger - Without Turning to Alcohol
When we quit drinking, emotions we’ve spent years numbing suddenly come bubbling (or roaring) to the surface - and few feel as uncomfortable or overwhelming as anger. For many of us, it’s an emotion we were never taught to handle, let alone express in a healthy way. In this honest roundtable conversation, we explore what anger really is, why it shows up, and how to deal with anger without landing in fear, shame, or regret.

In this episode, Julie and Steve are joined by Lester Vaskin and Mike Coyne, who share their personal experiences and insights from recovery, relationships, and real life. Together, they unpack the hidden layers beneath anger - fear, disappointment, and unmet expectations - and discuss how learning to sit with and respond to anger can become one of the most powerful tools for growth in sobriety.

In This Episode:
Why anger feels so overwhelming in early sobriety
How childhood conditioning shapes the way we express (or suppress) anger
Understanding anger as a secondary emotion
The difference between reacting and responding
How the “pause” - or “meta moment” - helps your rational brain catch up
Using anger as a motivator for positive change
When anger masks fear, sadness, or hurt
Why avoiding anger keeps us stuck - and how feeling it sets us free
Realistic tools (that you'll actually use) for handling anger in healthy ways
Check out all the resources Through the Glass Recovery offers:
Full podcast episode library
Free Zoom virtual support group
Affordable one-on-one recovery coaching
Julie's blog for alcohol-free living
1 hr 3 min
November 03, 2025165 | Sober Dating 101: What It Looks Like to Date After Alcohol
Dating after giving up alcohol is a whole new world - one that needs you to show up with honesty, self-awareness, and a little bit (or a lot!) of courage. How do you meet people without the bar scene? What if you feel awkward or anxious? And how do you navigate intimacy without dulling the nerves?

In this week’s episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, Julie, Steve, Amber, and Matt open up about the messy, hilarious, and very human experience of dating sober. From rediscovering emotional and physical intimacy to recognizing red flags, this brutally honest conversation reminds us that healthy relationships start with the relationship we have with ourselves.

Whether you’re newly sober, sober curious, or just working on showing up more authentically in your connections, this episode will leave you feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to keep growing.

In this episode:
How to tell if your sobriety is solid enough to start dating
Navigating dating apps and the questions about drinking alcohol
Red flags to look for that could threaten your sobriety
How sober dating reveals your emotional triggers and teaches you to listen to your gut, not your anxiety
What it means to feel safe with someone emotionally, and how honest communication changes every part of a relationship
Why sex without alcohol can be awkward at first - and ultimately more connected, present, and real
Taking responsibility for your patterns and growth instead of blaming past partners
How heartbreak can lead to growth, and why meaningful relationships start with showing up for yourself first
Releasing the fear of being alone
For full show notes and more information about this week's guests visit https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/sober-dating-101/
And be sure to check out all the other resources Through the Glass Recovery has to offer:
Full podcast episode library
Free Zoom virtual support group
Affordable one-on-one recovery coaching
Julie's blog for alcohol-free living
1 hr 17 min
October 27, 2025164 | I Lost All My Friends When I Quit Drinking: How to Cope With Loneliness in Early Sobriety
Are you feeling isolated after quitting drinking? This is one of the most common challenges expressed by people in early sobriety. In this episode, we explore the challenges of losing friends when you quit drinking and what you can do to rebuild meaningful connections.

In this episode:
Why friendships often change after getting sober
How to invite people into your struggles without fear
The importance of patience and giving your social life time to adjust
How strangers and sober communities can become your strongest support
Real stories of hope, vulnerability, and reclaiming your friendships

If you’re wondering, “I lost all my friends when I quit drinking - now what?” this episode is for you. You’ll hear firsthand experiences from people who rebuilt their lives, created authentic relationships, and found joy in sobriety.

Join our free Monday night Zoom support group to talk to people who truly understand your journey: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

Read the full show notes here: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/lost-friends-when-i-quit-drinking/
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Check out all the resources Through the Glass Recovery offers:
Full podcast episode library
Free Zoom virtual support group
Affordable one-on-one support services
Julie's blog about alcohol-free living
1 hr
October 20, 2025163 | Managing Anxiety After Quitting Drinking
When anxiety sets in, it can feel like there’s no way to escape the spiral - especially if you used to rely on alcohol to take the edge off. In this honest, practical conversation, Julie Miller and Steve Knapp sit down with Nadine, Melissa, and Ryan to talk about what anxiety really feels like in recovery, why it shows up, and how to navigate it without falling back into old coping patterns.

This episode is packed with real life stories and lessons learned, with actionable tools that actually help when your mind won’t stop racing. If you get frustrated with anxiety and have a hard time coping without turning to drinking, this one is for you!

In This Episode:
How to recognize when your anxious thoughts are lying to you
Why anxiety often gets louder after you quit drinking - and what to do about it
The connection between boundaries, routines, and emotional regulation
Small daily habits that can help reduce anxious spirals
Why “talking it out” can instantly quiet the noise in your head
When to consider medication or professional support
Grounding techniques that help bring your body back to calm
How to build emotional resilience so anxiety doesn’t control your sobriety
View the full show notes and learn more about our guests: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/anxiety-after-quitting-drinking/
SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES:
Work with us (coaching): https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/
FREE Support Group on Zoom: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/
Julie’s Sober Living Blog: https://createalifesofull.com
Full Library of Podcast Episodes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/
53 min