No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

Download on the App Store

No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast episodes

  • 152 | Impostor Syndrome, Purpose, and the Power of Trying

    We’re bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes this week. If you’ve ever struggled with self doubt or felt uncertain about your purpose, this one’s going to stick with you.

    In this conversation, we’re joined by sober motivational speakers Jacob Brown and Martin Lockett, along with the always powerful voice of Through the Glass regular, Molly. Together, we explore how self doubt creeps in, how it holds us back, and how we can move through it with courage, clarity, and community.

    You’ll hear stories of facing fear, letting go of old narratives, and learning to live in alignment with personal values. We talk about what it means to define purpose, how to connect with your own "why," and why having support around you matters so much.

    If you’ve ever told yourself you’re not ready, not good enough, or not qualified, this episode is your reminder that those thoughts are just part of the process. You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.

    A few of the topics we cover:

    • Recognizing how self doubt and impostor syndrome show up

    • Giving yourself permission to try

    • Living by your values instead of fear

    • The power of positive self talk and affirmations

    • Why vulnerability and connection are key to finding purpose

    • Speaking your goals into reality

    • The Japanese concept of Ikigai

    • Letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be, so you can become who you are

      One of our favorite quotes from this episode:

      “Self doubt and impostor syndrome only come right before something amazing is about to happen.” – Jacob Brown

      This re-release is full of wisdom, heart, and powerful perspective shifts. We’re so excited to share it with you again.

      ---

      To learn about this week’s guests, visit the official show notes:

      https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/finding-purpose-recovery/

      For tons of free sobriety resources, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com or click any of the following links:

      • A full library of podcast episodes
      • Free sobriety support group on Zoom
      • 1:1 Coaching with Julie or Steve
      • Julie’s sobriety blog - No Alcohol Needed
      • 41 min
      • 151 | Breaking the Myth: AA Isn’t the Only Way to Get Sober

        This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most downloaded and talked-about episodes: What if AA Doesn’t Work for You?

        Alcoholics Anonymous is often the first (and sometimes only) option people hear about when they decide to get sober. But while AA has helped many people build lasting recovery, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. And if it didn’t work for you - or didn’t feel like quite enough - you’re not alone.

        In this conversation, our guests share what led them to AA, what they found there, and why they eventually sought something different. Whether you’ve tried the 12 steps and felt out of place, or you’ve been wondering if there are other paths to sobriety, this episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no single right way to recover.

        It’s okay to want more support, a different approach, or a path that better fits who you are. Recovery isn’t about fitting into a mold - it’s about finding what actually works for you.

        ---

        To learn about this week’s guests, visit the official show notes:

        https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/what-if-aa-doesnt-work/

        For tons of sobriety resources, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com or click any of the following links:

        • A full library of podcast episodes
        • Free sobriety support group on Zoom
        • 1:1 Coaching with Julie or Steve
        • Julie’s sobriety blog
        • 48 min
        • 150 | Eating Disorders and Alcoholism: The Overlapping Struggles We Need to Talk About

          We’re taking a summer break from recording new episodes, and while we recharge, we’re bringing back some of our most important conversations - like this one.

          This week’s episode explores something we don’t talk about enough: the connection between eating disorders and alcohol use disorder. Research shows that up to 50% of people with an eating disorder will also struggle with substance abuse, often as a way to cope with trauma, stress, and deep emotional pain.

          In this honest and vulnerable conversation, three brave women share how their disordered eating and alcohol use were connected - and what recovery has looked like when facing both. Whether you’ve dealt with one, the other, or both, their stories offer hope, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

          “It’s honestly harder to talk about the eating disorder than it is to talk about the alcohol.”

          Key Topics in This Episode:

          • How food keeps you silent
          • Eating disorders and alcohol abuse are both related to trauma and stress
          • Overcoming shame as a key component in the recovery of each
          • Eating disorders as a way to deal with difficult emotions, when you don’t have the right tools
          • Fitting in, trying to be attractive, and it’s impact on your relationship with food
          • Alcohol urges and cravings are similar to the binge/purge urges
          • When you body is off balance – learning to recognize hunger cues and feeling full
          • Overexercise as a symtpom of addictive behavior
          • Learning how to feel
          • Body scanning and body mapping as tools for recovery
          • Learning to catch emotions before they become unhealthy
          • How dopamine fits into the picture
          • ---

            To learn more about this week's guests, visit the full show notes at https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/eating-disorders-and-alcoholism/

            Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:

            • A full library of podcast episodes
            • FREE support group on Zoom
            • 1:1  coaching with Julie or Steve
            •  Julie's blog
            • 51 min
            • 149 | Parenting After Addiction: A Conversation About Honesty, Healing, and Hard Questions

              Talking to your kids about your addiction is hard and it’s scary, but it’s also necessary. When you’re a parent and you’re working through addiction and recovery, it’s a challenge to know how much to share, and how to share it, with your children.

               

              In this re-released groundbreaking episode, we have a conversation with Matt and Rachael about how we’ve approached talking to our own kids – of all ages – about our recovery. This is also a very personal episode, because Julie’s teenage daughter Cora joins us, to share with our listeners what it’s like from her perspective.

              If you’ve got kids, this episode is a MUST listen.

              In this episode:

              • Preparing for the hard questions your kids WILL eventually ask you
              • Allowing our kids to share what they experienced, without getting defensive or upset
              • The value of letting your kids see your flaws
              • Making your kids feel safe enough to ask for help
              • Creating a space where families can talk about addiction and recovery without shame or fear
              • How sharing our experiences with alcohol can affect the decisions they make when they’re confronted with it
              • Co-parenting with different viewpoints
              • Resources are available to support your kids, if you don’t feel capable right now
              • ---

                To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes


                Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:




                • A full library of podcast episodes
                • FREE support group on Zoom
                • 1:1  coaching with Julie or Steve
                •  Julie's blog
                • 52 min
                • What to Do When You Miss Drinking (But Don’t Want to Go Back)

                  We're continuing our summer re-release series with one of our favorite conversations—this week, we're diving into the ever-relatable experience of FOMO after you stop drinking. Whether you're early in sobriety or years alcohol-free, the fear of missing out can sneak in and make you question everything. But there's more waiting for you on the other side than you might think. Tune in as we revisit this honest and hope-filled episode with Eliza, Sherralyn, and Alex.

                  ---

                  Feeling like you’re being left out – or worrying about missing out – is soooo common when you’re sober. Some things just aren’t the same after you quit drinking, and it takes some time to get comfortable with that. And of course, sometimes we’re worrying far too much about things that end up not being an issue at all anyway. Join us as we chat with Eliza, Sherralyn, and Alex about FOMO – what it means, and how we overcome it so we don’t feel like we’re missing out on anything at all.

                  “You’re taking tomorrow’s joy and using it right now.”

                  In this episode:

                  • It all gets easier with time
                  • Jomo – the joy of missing out on the regret and embarrassment
                  • Friends that matter will still invite you, and are still fun to be around
                  • Risk vs. Benefit analysis to decide whether it’s worth it
                  • Honestly, nobody cares if you’re drinking or not
                  • Alcohol companies’ effects on why we believe we need alcohol to have fun
                  • Mommy wine culture
                  • Modeling sober fun for our kids and ending the cycle
                  • “What about worrying about missing out on the rest of your life?”

                    ---

                    To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes

                    Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:


                    • A full library of podcast episodes
                    • FREE support meetings on Zoom
                    • 1:1 Sobriety coaching with Julie or Steve
                    • No Alcohol Needed blog
                    • 42 min
                    • Sober Scrolling: How Social Media Impacts Your Recovery

                      As we continue our re-release schedule for the summer, we're excited to bring back this super important topic that seems to affect nearly all of us. If you find yourself wrestling with the pros and cons of social media now that you've created an alcohol free lifestyle, this episode will shine a light on the challenges and help you see everything more clearly.

                      ---

                      One “transfer addiction” that gets overlooked all too often is social media. And while social media has many benefits, it certainly also poses many dangers, especially when it comes to addiction recovery and mental health. In this week’s episode, we’re chatting with our friends Robbie, Britt, and Vanessa about how social media shows up in our lives, in our recoveries, and its impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing.

                      Key topics in this episode:

                      • Taking a break from social media
                      • The dopamine hits that come with posting and getting interactions
                      • How to curate your feed to create a positive experience
                      • Using social media to find true connection
                      • Recognizing the different between real connection and surface connection online
                      • The hidden dangers of external validation
                      • Using social media to create drama and chaos when sobriety feels boring
                      • Tools for managing social media use
                      • Setting your intention when using social media
                      • How comparing yourself to others on social media can damage mental health
                      • AI and its detrimental effects on creativity, emotional intelligence, and relationships
                      • To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes

                        Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:


                        • A full library of podcast episodes
                        • FREE support meetings on Zoom
                        • 1:1 Sobriety coaching with Julie or Steve
                        • No Alcohol Needed blog
                        •  

                          1 hr 3 min
                        • Your First 30 Days Sober: Everything We Wish We Knew

                          We're continuing our summer re-release schedule with a throwback all the way to Episode 7 from 2022. 

                          This conversation was so good we didn't want to stop, and ended up releasing it as a two part series. If you love the first half (and we know you will) you can find the second half here.

                          We hope you enjoy it! Make sure you subscribe to Through the Glass Recovery Podcast so you don't miss the rest of our summer re-releases, and the new episodes we've got coming in September.

                          ---

                          Everything we wish someone would’ve told us in the first 30 days of sobriety.

                          The first 30 days are some of the hardest on the recovery journey. In this episode – the first of a two part series – we talk with John, Kris, and Ashley about early sobriety. Everything we wish someone would’ve told us as we headed into the first 30 days of getting sober. 

                          We talk a lot about the work of sobriety here on Through the Glass. But before anyone gets to the point of doing that emotional work, they’ve got to get through the early days – the days when withdrawals are wearing them down, cravings are constant and brutal, and it seems like you think about drinking – or not drinking – about once every minute. 

                          It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.

                          Listen as we share what worked for us, and what didn’t. We talk about withdrawals – the physical misery that accompanies a decision to quit drinking, and the emotional struggles as well. Steve and Julie talk about fearing just leaving the house, wondering how they’d find the strength to drive past the liquor store instead of stopping. Kris talks about the importance of sleep, and needing more than she expected. Everyone agrees that there is a lot of crying that often happens in the early days, and that crying is where the healing begins, no matter how uncomfortable it is. 

                          Julie and Steve talk about deciding to tell others in your life or not. Julie didn’t tell anyone, Steve told everyone. They discuss the pros and cons of both options and how they affected their sobriety early on. Ashley shares about her worries that life wouldn’t be fun anymore, when alcohol is everywhere and permeates every part of life, especially for the younger crowd. Julie talks about wondering who she is at all without alcohol, and Steve says it felt like losing his best friend. 

                          Everyone agrees that finding support in a recovery community was the most important part of getting through the early days of recovery – and continues to be the most important part of their recovery paths. As John says, “It’s really hard to be facing that kind of eternity without someone there.”

                          ---

                          Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for access to our weekly sober support meeting on Zoom, and weekly insights and advice to support your recovery. You can sign up at throughtheglassrecovery.com.

                          26 min
                        • How to Spot Cross Addiction in Your Sobriety Journey

                          We're continuing our summer re-release schedule, where we repost our most popular episodes from the past three years of recording. 

                          In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the hidden challenges of cross addiction and transfer addiction. You’ve worked hard to get sober, but now a new struggle may arise - swapping one addiction for another. Transfer addictions often sneak into our lives without us even realizing it. Stay tuned for a conversation with Daniel, Robbie, and Nadine, where we uncover some cross addictions and talk about how to tackle those, now that alcohol is out of the picture. We’ll help you recognize the signs of cross addiction, understand why it happens, and explore proven strategies for overcoming it.

                          “You can do anything alcoholically.”

                          In this episode:

                          • What it means to have an “addictive personality”
                          • Recognizing the patterns when addictive behaviors show up
                          • Why society tries to tell you that “healthy addiction” is okay
                          • Facing what’s under the addiction
                          • Temporary fixes and why they don’t work
                          • The implications and dangers of social media addiction
                          • Finding a balance with behavioral addiction
                          • Escaping by helping others so you don’t have to face your own problems
                          • Shedding unhealthy behaviors and continuing to grow
                          • Recognizing when something is no longer serving you
                          • ---

                            To learn more about our guests, click here.

                             

                            Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:

                            • A full library of podcast episodes
                            • FREE support meetings on Zoom
                            • 1:1 Sobriety coaching with Julie or Steve
                            • No Alcohol Needed blog
                            • 41 min
                            • Living With Anxiety in Alcohol-Free Life

                              People often say they drink alcohol to calm their anxiety. As we start to understand that alcohol actually contributes to our anxiety, we have to start learning healthy ways to cope with it. It’s not easy. In this episode, we talk with Travis, Antje, and Zoe about how we deal with anxiety in recovery, and we all walk away with some valuable new ideas. We hope you do, too.

                              “Anxiety is like being nervous, but with teeth.”

                              Some of the concepts we cover include:

                              • How to stop ruminating
                              • The power in identifying anxiety
                              • Learning to name feelings
                              • Using creativity to cope and to explore feelings
                              • Signs of childhood anxiety
                              • Skin picking
                              • Tools for dealing with anxiety
                              • Recognizing what doesn’t work
                              • Self care as crisis prevention
                              • Medication assisted treatment
                              • “I’ve had to learn to make friends with my anxiety.”

                                Travis mentions grounding exercises often used for anxiety. You can find more info here.

                                Julie mentions the I Am Sober app. You can learn more about the app on their website.

                                Antje and Julie talk about how much the book Alcohol Explained by William Porter helped them understand the connection between anxiety and alcohol.

                                Meet Our Guests:

                                Antje first discovered drinking as a way to “fix” her eating disorder. She thought that drinking was more acceptable than binging and purging all of her meals. When drinking grew more and more out of control, she reluctantly considered sobriety in January of 2022. Soon after, she found connection and support in an online sober community. She is so glad to that she took that first, scary step and gave sobriety a chance.

                                Get in touch:

                                Visit our website for tons of free resources including

                                Free weekly zoom support group

                                Full library of podcast episodes

                                Weekly sobriety inspiration newsletter

                                1:1 recovery coaching

                                About your hosts:

                                Julie Miller is the founder of No Alcohol Needed, a recovery community supporting women in all stages of recovery from newly sober to recreating the life that's been waiting for them. She is a certified Recovery Coach Professional and has been coaching since 2023.  Visit her website at noalcoholneeded.net

                                Steve Knapp is a men's mental health advocate. He's the co-host of the Forged in Silence podcast and he is passionate about helping men develop the emotional intelligence and resiliency to create meaningful, connected lives. 

                                 

                                48 min
                              • How to Date Without Drinking: Honest Truths About Sober Dating
                                “Dating sober isn’t any easier.”

                                If you’ve ever dated sober, or intend to start dating sober, this is the episode for you! We turn the show over to five of our friends who are all active in the sober dating world, and give them a chance to tell all. They talk about everything from dealing with getting rejected and breaking up, to recognizing red flags and deal breakers, to the awkwardness of sober intimacy. Listen and laugh with us… and you’ll probably learn some things along the way, too!

                                Key topics in this episode:
                                • Online dating apps
                                • Being uncomfortable when your date drinks
                                • Your date being uncomfortable when you don’t drink
                                • Recognizing an unhealthy need for attention and validation
                                • Learning to communicate honestly and effectively
                                • Addressing a partner’s substance use
                                • Higher standards for conversation and connection
                                • Struggling with insecurity
                                • The older you get, the harder it seems to get
                                • Showing up authentically, flaws and all
                                • Taking things slowly
                                • Learning to appreciate solitude
                                • Learning to cope with loneliness
                                • “Sometimes the wrong person feels right. You've gotta learn to know the difference.”

                                  Visit our website for tons of free resources including:

                                  Free weekly zoom support group

                                  Full library of podcast episodes

                                  Weekly sobriety inspiration newsletter

                                  1:1 recovery coaching

                                  About your hosts:

                                  Julie Miller is the founder of No Alcohol Needed, a recovery community supporting women in all stages of recovery from newly sober to recreating the life that's been waiting for them. She is a certified Recovery Coach Professional and has been coaching since 2023.  Visit her website at noalcoholneeded.net

                                  Steve Knapp is a men's mental health advocate. He's the co-host of the Forged in Silence podcast and he is passionate about helping men develop the emotional intelligence and resiliency to create meaningful, connected lives. 

                                   

                                  41 min

                                About No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

                                From the publisher's feed

                                Hanging out at the intersection of emotional wellness, personal growth, and living an alcohol-free life.

                                More shows like No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

                                Recovery Elevator by Paul Churchill

                                Recovery Elevator

                                1,710 Listeners

                                This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

                                This Naked Mind Podcast

                                2,540 Listeners

                                The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

                                The Dr. Hyman Show

                                9,163 Listeners

                                The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

                                The Peter Attia Drive

                                7,986 Listeners

                                Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ by Everyday Wellness™

                                Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

                                132 Listeners

                                The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women by Casey McGuire Davidson

                                The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women

                                717 Listeners

                                Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life! by Janet

                                Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!

                                29 Listeners

                                Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober by Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC

                                Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober

                                1,256 Listeners

                                Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

                                Huberman Lab

                                29,191 Listeners

                                Sober Awkward by soberawkward

                                Sober Awkward

                                361 Listeners

                                The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

                                The Mel Robbins Podcast

                                19,270 Listeners

                                Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories by Brad McLeod

                                Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

                                621 Listeners

                                2 Sober Girls Podcast by Erinn + Michaela

                                2 Sober Girls Podcast

                                199 Listeners

                                Your Brain On by Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai

                                Your Brain On

                                321 Listeners

                                Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

                                Good Hang with Amy Poehler

                                12,495 Listeners