Rewired Sober: The Next Chapter

In this episode, Kate continues her heartfelt conversation with Nurse Coach Sarah Morgando as they take a deeper dive into the story of Sarah’s sister, Jenny. They explore the complex relationship between gastric bypass surgery and addiction—a journey that ultimately led to Jenny’s untimely death.

Together, Kate and Sarah discuss the profound impact this experience had on Sarah’s mission to create a space where women feel seen, heard, and safe. This inspired her to form a women’s group centered on sisterhood, self-awareness, and emotional safety—a place where vulnerability can flourish and healing begins.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Jenny’s Story: The connection between gastric bypass, addiction, and its often-overlooked risks.
• The Power of Sisterhood: Why creating spaces of safety and mutual understanding for women is essential.
• The Unsung Hero in Group Spaces: Exploring the power of the witness—how listening and holding space can be as healing as sharing.
• Feeling Seen and Heard: How group connections allow women to process pain, shed shame, and find hope—sometimes saving lives in the process.

This episode is a reminder of the profound impact of community and the ripple effect of creating spaces where women can authentically connect. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking deeper connection, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on the importance of being both seen and a witness to others.

Connect with Sarah Morgando

https://www.thejourneytc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgando/

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate honors the incredible work of Nurse Coach Sarah Morgando and her group Sisterhood Rising, formed in loving memory of Sarah’s sister, who lost her battle with addiction. This powerful group is rooted in the concept of healing the sister wound—the deep societal patterns of judgment, comparison, and competition that often divide women.

Kate explores how Sisterhood Rising creates a space where women in recovery can come together to dismantle these wounds and foster authentic connection. This concept is especially vital in female sober circles, where fears of judgment about parenting, body image, or womanhood often prevent vulnerability and connection.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The story behind Sisterhood Rising and its mission to honor Sarah’s sister.
• What the “sister wound” is and how it shows up in recovery and daily life.
• How judgment and comparison can isolate women, even in sober communities.
• Why healing these wounds is essential for building trust, connection, and emotional resilience.
• Practical ways women can support each other instead of competing or comparing.

Kate reflects on the courage it takes to break cycles of judgment and comparison and how groups like Sisterhood Rising create transformative spaces where women can truly rise together.

Tune in for an honest conversation about breaking barriers, building community, and fostering sisterhood in sobriety.

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, connection, and living a purpose-driven life.

Connect with Sarah Morgando

https://www.thejourneytc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgando/

Follow and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, recovery, and growth!

Links

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: [email protected] 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this entertaining episode, Kate sits down with Alysse Bryson, founder of the online magazine The Sober Curator, to talk about how it all began. Alysse shares the story behind creating this much-needed space—a BuzzFeed-style hub for sober people—and how Kate got involved writing a fashion column, despite having no clue what she was doing at first.

From humble beginnings to walking the runway at NYFW, Kate and Alysse recount their adventures in NYC, their shared passion for sober creativity, and their plans to bring even more entertaining content to The Sober Curator.

Tune in for:

• The origin story of The Sober Curator.
• Kate’s unexpected journey from fashion blogging to NYFW.
• Funny stories from their escapades in NYC.
• Why the sober world needs fun, relatable media like The Sober Curator.

Get ready for laughs, inspiration, and a sneak peek at what’s next in the world of sober creativity.

Follow and subscribe for more stories, laughs, and recovery inspiration!

Connect with Alysse Bryson or The Sober Curator: 

https://www.instagram.com/alysseinthecity/

https://thesobercurator.com/

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this enlightening episode, Kate welcomes the renowned Veronica Valli—esteemed author, podcast host, and addiction expert with decades of sobriety. Veronica shares her seasoned perspective on the ever-evolving sober landscape on social media, diving into the rise of sober influencers, the cult of online personalities, and the importance of critical thinking in recovery.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• The Sober Social Media Boom: Veronica explores the positive and negative impacts of social media on the recovery community, including how it fosters connection but can also spread misinformation.
• Sober Influencers and the “Guru” Effect: Why it’s crucial for people in recovery to recognize the difference between genuine inspiration and self-appointed experts.
• Doing Your Research: Veronica stresses the importance of evaluating credentials, understanding the source of advice, and avoiding blind allegiance to influencers.
• Personal Accountability in Recovery: How to take ownership of your journey while using social media and other platforms as tools—not substitutes—for deeper work.
• The Evolving Recovery Space: Veronica’s insights on how recovery is shifting in the digital age and what the community can do to uphold integrity and authenticity.

Veronica’s wisdom and candid approach make this a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery in the social media era. She offers practical advice for cutting through the noise and staying grounded in your personal path to sobriety.

Connect with Veronica Valli:

 https://www.instagram.com/veronicajvalli/

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate breaks down the often misunderstood experience of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and how it can impact your sobriety journey. Many people think the hardest part of recovery is the initial detox—but PAWS, which can last much longer than expected, presents its own set of challenges.

Kate explains how PAWS symptoms like mood swings, self-doubt, and emotional instability can leave you feeling frustrated and discouraged, especially if you’re navigating recovery without a supportive community. She also shares why understanding this phase of recovery is crucial for building resilience and staying on track.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• What is PAWS, and why does it linger for months (or even years) after getting sober?
• The emotional rollercoaster: Why mood swings, irritability, and self-doubt are so common.
• How PAWS can sneak up on you and impact your motivation.
• The importance of seeking sober support through community, meetings, or coaching.
• Practical tools to stay grounded and hopeful during the PAWS phase.

Kate offers relatable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate this challenging part of recovery. With the right tools and support, PAWS doesn’t have to derail your progress—it can become an opportunity for growth and deeper healing.

Tune in to learn how to stay the course and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, emotional resilience, and living the infinite game of life.

Connect w/Kate:

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of "You Been Selected," Kate dives deep into her transformative framework for recovery: the Faucets of Freedom. Designed to help you build a life of resilience, self-awareness, and lasting sobriety, this framework breaks down six essential principles using the acronym WHAC:

• Willingness: The courage to take the first step and remain open to growth.
• Humor: Finding the light in dark moments to stay grounded and keep perspective.
• Honesty: Embracing radical truth with yourself and others, even when it’s hard.
• Humility: Recognizing your limitations and embracing the strength in asking for help.
• Abstinence: Staying committed to sobriety as the foundation of freedom.
• Consistency: Showing up for yourself every single day to build momentum and trust.

Kate unpacks how each of these faucets contributes to emotional and spiritual freedom, sharing relatable stories, actionable tips, and a healthy dose of humor to keep it real. Whether you’re in recovery, personal growth, or navigating life’s challenges, this episode provides a practical and inspiring guide to living with purpose and intention.

Tune in to discover:

• Why willingness is the key to opening every other faucet.
• How humor can shift your perspective and create space for healing.
• The power of honesty and humility in building authentic connections.
• Why consistency—not perfection—is what leads to lasting change.

Grab a notebook, open your mind, and get ready to WHAC your way to freedom!

Follow and subscribe for more episodes on recovery, personal growth, and embracing the infinite game of life.

Links: 

Connect With Kate

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate shares her journey of navigating recovery meetings and finding the support she needed along the way. It all started with a book that opened her eyes to the possibility of sobriety, inspiring her to attend her first meeting. But when live meetings closed during the pandemic, Kate faced a new challenge: staying connected to recovery in isolation.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• The Early Days of Recovery: How reading a book inspired Kate to take the first brave step toward sobriety by attending recovery meetings.
• The Pandemic Shift: Navigating the closure of in-person meetings during COVID and the struggle to stay connected to her sobriety.
• Discovering Online Communities: Finding solace in groups like Sober Mom Squad and The Luckiest Club, and how these communities filled the gap when in-person meetings were no longer an option.
• Finding the Right Messaging: Why it was crucial for Kate to explore different recovery approaches and discover the messages that resonated most with her at each stage of her journey.
• Brave and Empowering Personal Discovery: How diving deep into addiction research and personal growth allowed Kate to confront her fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and step into a new, empowered version of herself.

This episode is an honest and relatable look at the twists and turns of recovery, from finding the courage to ask for help to redefining what sobriety looks like on your own terms.

Whether you’re new to sobriety or navigating your own path, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is a deeply personal journey—and finding what works for you is the key.

Resources for Recovery Meetings Mentioned: 

TLC https://www.theluckiestclub.com/

SMS https://www.sobermomsquad.com/

Links 

Connect With Kate

https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

https://www.katevitela.com 

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this inspiring episode, Kate sits down with the incredible Jessica Landon, who celebrates an incredible milestone—11 years of sobriety. Jessica shares her deeply personal journey, humbly reminding us that healing isn’t linear and that recovery is a lifelong process. As a self-proclaimed “forever student” of self-discovery, Jessica dives into the lessons she’s learned along the way and the challenges she continues to navigate.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Healing as a Lifelong Journey: Why Jessica embraces the idea that there is no final destination in recovery, only growth and learning.
• Spirituality as a Foundation: How connecting with a higher power and cultivating spiritual practices has anchored her recovery.
• 
  
• The Importance of a Multi-Faceted Recovery Program: Jessica emphasizes creating a recovery approach with no single point of failure, combining tools like therapy, fellowship, and self-reflection.
• Parenthood and Marriage in Sobriety: The unique challenges of maintaining sobriety while balancing the roles of partner and parent, and how she applies recovery principles to her personal relationships.

This episode is a powerful reminder that progress, not perfection, is the key to long-term sobriety and personal growth. Whether you’re newly sober, in long-term recovery, or simply looking for inspiration, Jessica’s story offers valuable insights into navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Links:

 Jessica’s Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/jessicalandon12/

 Fight Addiction Now:  

https://www.facebook.com/fightaddictionnow.org

“The Shift” Group Coaching with Jessica Landon & Kate Vitela 

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/222

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate goes on a raw and relatable rant about resilience after being laid off from her job. Reflecting on her journey, she shares how hitting rock bottom in the past has equipped her to face challenges like this with perspective and strength. Kate dives into the tools she’s learned to stay resilient in hard times, proving that growth comes from leaning in, not running away.

This episode explores:

• Why hitting rock bottom taught her everything.
• The importance of humor in facing life’s challenges.
• How adaptability and community foster resilience.
• Sisterhood as a source of strength and support.
• Feeling the emotions fully without spiritually bypassing them.
• Learning to “embrace the suck” and show up anyway. 

Kate’s candid and inspiring take on resilience will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to tackle life’s tough moments.

Follow and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, recovery, and growth!

Links

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: [email protected] 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding her life after addiction. From a psych ward to a DUI, a failing marriage, and being busted by the nursing commission, Kate faced it all. Unemployable in her community and at the lowest point of her career, she entered the monitoring program for nurses with substance use disorders.

Kate recounts how the monitoring program worked, including the infamous app that would show “You Been Selected” in red letters on days she was summoned for a UA. Despite the challenges, Kate found her turning point, got sober in 2018, and began her journey back—ultimately being hired as a psychiatric nurse.

This episode dives into:

• The spiral of addiction: from personal struggles to professional consequences.
• How rock bottom became the foundation for recovery.
• The emotional journey of navigating the monitoring program.
• Finding purpose and hope as a psychiatric nurse in recovery.

Kate’s raw and inspiring story shows that even from the darkest moments, growth and transformation are possible.

Follow and subscribe for more real talk and recovery inspiration!

Links: 

You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/

Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/

Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

Email Podcast: [email protected] 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rewired Sober Group Coaching Program

https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program