In this episode of Sober as F*ck, hosts Ryan and Jess welcome Sarah Marie Shoulak — artist, educator, speaker, author, and founder of Sober Bettys — for a powerful conversation about sobriety, grief, emotional healing, and building community without alcohol.

Sarah shares how her journey to sobriety began at a young age, the impact unhealthy relationships had on her recovery, and why accountability and emotional honesty are essential for long-term change. Together, they explore what it really means to create alcohol-free spaces where people can connect, socialize, and feel seen — without the pressure to drink.

The conversation also dives deep into grief and loss, and the unexpected role humor plays in surviving hard seasons. Sarah introduces her upcoming book, Dead Serious, which explores death, identity, and personal growth — and why it’s never too early (or too late) to radically change your life.

This episode is a reminder that sobriety isn’t about perfection — it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.

Sarah Marie Shoulak
Artist • Educator • Speaker • Author
Instagram: @sarahmarieshoulak
Website: sarahmarieshoulak.com

Sober Bettys (Founder)
Instagram: @soberbetties
Alcohol-free social community

sobriety, recovery, alcohol-free, mental health, grief, community, relationships, humor in healing, Sober Bettys, emotional wellness, personal growth, accountability, Sarah Marie Shoulak, sober living

• Sarah’s journey to sobriety began at a young age.

• Unhealthy relationships can actively sabotage recovery.

• Accountability is a cornerstone of sustainable sobriety.

• Creating alcohol-free communities reduces isolation.

• Humor can coexist with grief and emotional processing.

• Sober Bettys provides a safe space for social connection without alcohol.

• Avoiding emotions delays healing — feeling them accelerates growth.

• Dead Serious explores death, identity, and resilience.

• Every sobriety path looks different and deserves respect.

• There is no universal formula for recovery — only personal truth.

00:00 – Introduction & Meeting Sarah Marie Shoulak
03:11 – Sarah’s Sobriety Journey
06:03 – Relationships & Recovery
08:52 – Accountability & Support
12:06 – Why Community Matters
14:49 – Creating Sober Bettys
18:06 – Humor & Grief
20:54 – The Book: Dead Serious
24:08 – Closing Thoughts

Guest & CommunityKeywords (SEO-Optimized)Key TakeawaysSuggested TitlesSound Bites (Clippable)Chapters / Timestamps