By Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 60 episodes available.
In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Caroline Beidler, MSW, to discuss the powerful intersection of trauma, addiction, and recovery. Caroline believes that transformation is possible and healing is a choice. Her own experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery has inspired her to help other women find recovery in its many forms. Caroline is the founder of the global storytelling platform, Circle of Chairs, which reaches thousands of people weekly through her newsletter. In just three short years, she has built an international community of recovery supporters and organizes an annual global event on International Women’s Day, gathering thousands of advocates from around the world. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in social work and ministry, Caroline brings deep insight and compassion to the conversation about trauma and recovery.
In this episode, Kathleen and Caroline dive into key questions surrounding trauma and recovery: How can trauma shape addiction and mental health struggles? What does it take to break intergenerational cycles of trauma? Caroline shares her personal journey, offering insights into how trauma manifests in daily life and how healing is possible through vulnerability, community, and faith. They also discuss how women can navigate grief and loss while maintaining sobriety and building supportive, trauma-informed recovery systems.
Listeners will gain an understanding of trauma-informed recovery, the role of storytelling in processing trauma, and practical tools for addressing deep-rooted family dynamics. Caroline’s experience leading a global research initiative on family recovery adds a fresh perspective on the importance of healing trauma within family systems. By sharing her expertise, Caroline offers listeners tangible steps to embrace their own recovery journey, cultivate resilience, and transform pain into growth.
In the personal story segment, Caroline opens up about her own path through addiction and trauma recovery, sharing how these experiences shaped her life and calling. From battling shame and perfectionism to learning how to show up authentically in her recovery, her story is both relatable and inspiring. She also reflects on her work as a consultant, helping nonprofit organizations, governments, and communities build recovery-focused initiatives that foster long-lasting change.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.
Highlights:
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Hey there! Welcome to our Sober Dating Series—Swipe Smart! In this episode, we’re talking about Five Ways to Tell if Your Match is Sober Friendly Before the First Date. Dating can be tricky, especially when you're navigating the world of sobriety. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether you're tired of swiping on profiles that treat whiskey like a personality trait or you're unsure how to spot someone who's truly respectful of your sober lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you filter through potential matches.
We'll guide you through:
This episode is a must-watch for anyone who’s navigating the dating scene without alcohol and looking to find a match who truly respects their lifestyle. We’re here to help you swipe smarter, so you can find love that doesn’t require liquid courage!
If you found these tips helpful, make sure to like, comment with your favorite dating tip, and subscribe to our channel for more episodes in our Sober Dating Series! And don't forget to share this episode with someone who’s navigating the sober dating world too!
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Erin Gilmour, the founder of Rose Psychotherapy, is back with us for another insightful episode of Sisters in Sobriety! Erin is not only a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor (CCAC), but she’s also someone who truly gets it—thanks to her own recovery journey. Known for her compassionate, down-to-earth style, Erin specializes in helping people navigate addictions and eating disorders. She’s also a fierce advocate for marginalized communities, bringing attention to the bigger picture of systemic issues in mental health.
In this episode, we dive into some serious stuff: What exactly are co-occurring disorders? How can anxiety or depression make recovery from substance use that much harder? And most importantly, how can we tackle both at the same time? Erin breaks it all down with her wealth of experience, sharing practical advice on what really works when you're dealing with more than one challenge in recovery.
You'll walk away with a better understanding of how mental health and substance use are interconnected, and why it’s so important to get to the root cause of both. Erin also talks about simple, but effective strategies for managing those tough moments. Plus, you'll learn why focusing on compassion and support can be a total game-changer for recovery.
On a more personal note, Erin shares what it’s like to deal with anxiety and depression while staying sober. Her honesty will hit home for anyone who’s felt overwhelmed on their own journey. She offers real-life tips for finding a balance and being kind to yourself through it all.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the supportive community that helps women transform their relationship with alcohol. Be sure to check out our Substack for bonus tips, resources, and support!
Highlights:
[00:00:00] Meet Erin Gilmour—back for round two!
[00:01:15] Erin’s approach to helping people with co-occurring disorders
[00:03:00] What are co-occurring disorders, and why are they so tricky?
[00:05:08] How to spot co-occurring disorders in therapy
[00:06:50] Why mental health and addiction often go hand in hand
[00:07:53] Treating multiple disorders—what makes it complicated?
[00:10:50] Figuring out which issue to tackle first in recovery
[00:12:44] How anxiety and substance use fuel each other
[00:14:29] Why alcohol and anxiety don’t mix well (spoiler: it gets worse over time!)
[00:17:50] The frustrating cycle of self-medicating with substances
[00:19:00] Mapping out your triggers—getting practical in therapy
[00:21:40] How Erin helps clients manage both addiction and anxiety
[00:24:00] Social anxiety in recovery—navigating tough situations like AA meetings
[00:26:50] Coping with anxiety in early sobriety (without reaching for a drink)
[00:28:30] The relationship between depression and substance use—what comes first?
[00:30:00] Why it’s hard to separate depression from substance use
[00:32:50] The connection between untreated depression and relapse
[00:36:00] Practical steps for managing depression in sobriety
[00:38:00] Why medication can be key in treating co-occurring disorders
[00:41:00] Eating disorders and addiction—how common is the overlap?
[00:44:01] How to approach both eating disorders and substance use in therapy
[00:46:30] How body image issues can make recovery even harder
[00:49:00] Eating disorders and control—how they tie into addiction
[00:52:30] Food addiction—myth or reality? Erin’s take
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In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia opens up about her personal battle with anxiety, depression, and how quitting drinking ultimately saved her life. As we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, Sonia’s story will resonate with anyone who has struggled in silence. Her message is one of hope, courage, and the vital importance of mental health support. Whether you're on your own sobriety journey or supporting someone else, this episode has something for you.
We dive deep into questions like: What role does alcohol play in our mental health? How can we recognize the signs of burnout and anxiety even when life appears “perfect” on the outside? How do we begin to make changes when we feel stuck? This episode brings valuable insights and answers to these important topics.
Sonia talks about tools for overcoming cravings, understanding the connection between alcohol and mental health, and learning to find joy in life again. Sonia explains how her panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts shifted with medication and quitting alcohol, offering educational takeaways for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking.
In this deeply personal episode, Sonia shares the highs and lows of her journey, from reaching her breaking point to finding light and strength in sobriety. Her candid storytelling is both raw and inspiring, showing us that recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach. Don't miss this intimate glimpse into her life, which could be just the encouragement you need to take the next step in your own journey.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.
Highlights:
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In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen welcome the remarkable Lorina Christine, a motivational speaker, mentor, and coach dedicated to helping people break free from limiting beliefs, manifest abundance, and step into their true purpose. Through her personal transformation and journey in sobriety, Lorina has empowered countless individuals to embrace alignment and authenticity, breaking free from the shackles of perfectionism, self-sabotage, and the Good Girl Act.
The discussion covers key aspects of Lorina’s journey, delving into questions such as: How did growing up around alcohol influence her relationship with it? What role did manifesting play in her recovery process? And how can others begin their journey toward abundance and self-alignment? Lorina also breaks down her approach to shadow work, the law of assumption, and the healing power of mindfulness practices like breathwork, movement, and meditation.
Listeners will take away actionable insights on identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs, setting boundaries, and building self-worth. Lorina emphasizes the importance of journaling, tapping into emotional freedom techniques, and how manifesting from an abundant state—rather than one of lack—can radically transform your reality. These valuable tools and perspectives can help listeners realign with their true purpose and live more empowered, joy-filled lives.
Toward the end of the episode, Lorina shares deeply personal stories, including her pivotal moment of realizing that alcohol no longer served her and how that led to greater self-confidence, creativity, and, ultimately, a more fulfilled life. She touches on the importance of embodying wellness holistically and the joy found in living alcohol-free.
Highlights:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to Lorina Christine and her work in personal transformation.
[00:02:00] - Lorina shares how growing up in a family where alcohol was the norm influenced her drinking habits.
[00:03:58] - Lorina discusses her “sober curious” journey that started in January 2021.
[00:06:00] - Reflecting on the impact of her first year of sobriety and how her mindset shifted.
[00:09:00] - Lorina explains how moving to Scotland gave her a fresh start in forming healthier social habits.
[00:12:00] - Lorina shares her experiences with setting boundaries and building a wellness-focused community in Edinburgh.
[00:13:45] - Lorina discusses the significant reduction in anxiety after quitting alcohol—one of her biggest takeaways.
[00:17:00] - Diving into manifestation: How sobriety improved Lorina’s self-worth and helped her become more magnetic.
[00:19:45] - Dealing with limiting beliefs and how shadow work and journaling helped Lorina heal during her sobriety journey.
[00:23:00] - Lorina shares the milestones in her sobriety journey and how they built her confidence and reinforced her decision to quit drinking.
[00:27:30] - Signs you are out of alignment with your purpose and how alcohol can be used as an escape mechanism.
[00:31:45] - The concept of cosmic wake-up calls and how ignoring misalignment leads to personal upheavals.
[00:35:00] - The importance of self-alignment and how to recognize the signs that you're out of alignment with your true self.
[00:37:30] - Lorina’s personal story: Leaving a corporate job to embark on a transformational journey abroad.
[00:41:00] - The power of the law of assumption and its role in manifesting the life you want.
[00:45:15] - Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT) as a tool for overcoming limiting beliefs and boosting confidence.
[00:49:00] - Lorina explains the connection between identity and habits and how identifying as a non-drinker transformed her life.
[00:53:45] - The role of feminine and masculine energy in manifestation and the importance of creativity and intuition.
[00:58:30] - Lorina’s insights on the Good Girl Act and how it hinders personal growth and manifestation.
[01:02:45] - Lorina shares her final thoughts on how women can overcome societal conditioning and step into their power.
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Join Sonia in this episode of our Dating Sober series as she shares a heartfelt and ironically amusing diary entry about her adventures as a single sober girl.
Hear about her journey with a guy named T, who seemed perfect at first but revealed some red flags regarding drinking. Sonia offers relatable advice on maintaining your boundaries, trusting your gut, and the importance of prioritizing self-respect in relationships.
From handling dates at bars to recognizing when a partner isn't the right fit, Sonia's story is both educational and entertaining. This episode celebrates the empowering choice of putting yourself first.
Cheers to that!
HIghlights:
00:00 Introduction to Sober Dating Series
01:25 The Unicorn Date: Meeting T
02:03 Brunch and Red Flags
03:17 Weekend Getaway: The Turning Point
04:32 The Final Straw: Jazz Bar Incident
05:41 Reflection and Breakup
06:31 Self-Care and Moving On
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This classic episode of "Sisters in Sobriety" is part of our new Dating Sober Series! Join Sonia and Kathleen as they share laughs, wisdom, and a few awkward moments they’ve faced while navigating the dating world alcohol-free. They promise to make you smile and maybe blush, as they help you explore the joys and jitters of sober dating.
What does dating look like when you're sober? Can you find true love without liquid courage? How do you handle a date at a bar? We're chatting about all this and more, sprinkling in some juicy stories and practical advice.
You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on sober dating, armed with tips on how to enjoy authentic connections, communicate your needs, and why sobriety might just be your secret weapon in love. We’re breaking down the myths and celebrating the perks of clear-headed courting.
And, because we love a good story, Sonia shares hilariously enlightening tales from her own dating adventures. It’s a reminder that the most memorable moments often come from the most unexpected situations and that sharing these moments with others can shift our outlook, encourage us to embrace vulnerability, celebrate spontaneity, and find beauty in the chaos of life.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, your go-to place for changing your relationship with alcohol into something you love even more than your favorite rom-com. Don’t forget to check out our substack for all the tips, tricks, and tales you need to navigate sobriety with a smile!
Highlights
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In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we're joined by Hilary Sheinbaum, the brains behind GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month. Hilary’s been a sober-curious advocate since 2017, and she’s all about helping people have a great time without alcohol. She’s back with a new workbook, Going Dry: A Workbook: A Practical Guide to Drinking Less and Living More, which just launched on September 3rd, 2024.
Hilary opens up about how her life took a turn after her first Dry January in 2017 and how that experiment led to a whole new career. We dig into what it’s like to organize non-alcoholic events, how to navigate social settings without a drink in hand, and her tips for making dry months fun, not restrictive. We also touch on questions like: What’s the deal with non-alcoholic cocktails? How can going dry improve your life (hello, better sleep and glowing skin)? And how do you keep your social life intact without alcohol?
This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone curious about cutting back on drinking. Hilary shares her go-to non-alcoholic drinks, her experiences hosting dry events, and why it’s okay to slip up and start again. You’ll learn about how to swap out your favorite drinks for non-alcoholic options, build better social habits, and make dry months something to look forward to—not dread!
Hilary also lets us in on some personal stories, from her days interviewing celebs on the red carpet to throwing spin classes with non-alcoholic happy hours. You’ll hear how giving up alcohol for just one month totally changed her life and what she’s learned along the way.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the community that helps women rethink their relationship with alcohol. Be sure to check out our Substack for more tips, resources, and support.
Highlights:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to Hilary Sheinbaum and her journey into the sober-curious movement.
[00:01:16] - GoingDry.co’s mission to create fun, alcohol-free experiences through non-alcoholic parties and events.
[00:02:05] - Hilary shares her first experience with Dry January in 2017, which led to lasting changes in her career and life.
[00:04:43] - Hilary’s bet with a friend to stay alcohol-free for January and how it became a life-changing experiment.
[00:05:28] - Transitioning from a red carpet reporter covering celebrity events to embracing a sober-curious lifestyle.
[00:06:23] - Discussion on how non-alcoholic beverages have evolved, especially in comparison to their alcoholic counterparts.
[00:07:21] - The surprising benefits Hilary experienced from Dry January, including better sleep and reduced anxiety.
[00:08:39] - Hilary talks about how her skin improved and the financial savings that come with cutting back on alcohol.
[00:09:36] - How Hilary’s friendships and relationships evolved after going dry, including weeding out connections based solely on drinking.
[00:10:27] - Hilary’s approach to drinking less while still socializing, without using alcohol as a crutch.
[00:12:00] - The creation of GoingDry.co and how it turned into a platform for organizing non-alcoholic events and experiences.
[00:14:54] - Hilary’s mission to make non-alcoholic options available at bars and restaurants, and the importance of inclusive menus.
[00:16:01] - Hilary opens up about the challenges she faced when first starting her dry journey, including the awkward questions from others.
[00:18:32] - Partnering with upscale hotels like Four Seasons and Fairmont to offer curated non-alcoholic beverage options.
[00:19:57] - How non-alcoholic pop-up events differ from regular ones—hint: no one gets belligerent!
[00:22:58] - Hilary explains her process for curating non-alcoholic menus for venues, from mocktails to beers and wines.
[00:24:00] - The growing popularity of non-alcoholic beers and why Athletic Brewing Co. is leading the charge.
[00:26:41] - Funny stories from Hilary’s non-alcoholic cocktail classes, including a participant accidentally taking a shot of non-alcoholic gin.
[00:33:00] - Hilary’s favorite non-alcoholic drinks, including Free Spirits and her “French 89” mocktail.
[00:43:00] - Teasing Hilary’s new workbook, Going Dry, and how it’s designed to help readers reflect on their sober-curious journey.
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Join us on Sisters in Sobriety as we chat with the incredibly talented Derick Santiago, also known as the Mocktail Wiz. Derick’s passion for creating delicious, alcohol-free drinks has inspired many to rethink what a good drink can be. In this episode, he shares his journey to sobriety, his love for mixology, and his latest creations—a book called The Mocktail Club and the Make It a Mocktail Recipe Deck. These projects are all about making it easy and fun to enjoy tasty mocktails.
Throughout the episode, we’ll touch on how the culture of social drinking is changing and how mocktails are playing a big part in that shift. We’ll ask Derick about the common myths around mocktails and how he’s helping to debunk them. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a mocktail that’s just as satisfying as the real thing, this episode is for you.
Derick also shares some practical tips on setting up your own mocktail bar at home. From choosing the right mixers to getting creative with garnishes, he’s got plenty of ideas to help you craft your perfect drink. Plus, we’ll dive into some of the health benefits of mocktails and how they can be a great alternative for those looking to cut down on alcohol.
But it’s not all about the drinks—Derick opens up about his personal journey, including how losing his parents and dealing with work stress pushed him to quit drinking and eventually become the Mocktail Wiz. His story is both inspiring and relatable, offering hope and motivation for anyone looking to make a positive change in their life.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Don’t forget to check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.
Highlights
[00:00:54] - Introduction to Derick Santiago, also known as the Mocktail Wiz, and his innovative approach to non-alcoholic beverages.
[00:01:50] - Derick shares his background, growing up in the Philippines, and how alcohol was never a significant part of his life.
[00:04:31] - Derick describes his first experience with happy hours in the U.S. and how he learned to "train" for them.
[00:06:03] - The turning point: how losing his mom in 2020 led to an increase in his alcohol consumption.
[00:10:07] - Discovering This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and how it resonated with Derick’s own experiences with alcohol.
[00:12:11] - Derick's first mocktail creation and how it helped him navigate early sobriety.
[00:12:34] - The birth of the "Mocktail Wiz" brand on Instagram and how it gained popularity.
[00:14:37] - Derick’s go-to non-alcoholic drinks when out at bars, including his preference for spicy margaritas and virgin mojitos.
[00:19:00] - The growing acceptance of mocktails in social settings and how people are using them to moderate their alcohol intake.
[00:22:08] - Common misconceptions about mocktails, including the idea that they are just boring, sugary drinks.
[00:25:27] - Essential tools and equipment for setting up a mocktail bar at home, from shakers to mason jars.
[00:28:05] - The versatility of ginger beer as a mixer and how it can mimic the burn of alcohol in mocktails.
[00:32:48] - Derick’s favorite non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, including Ritual’s rum and Free Spirits' tequila.
[00:34:45] - Tips for creating low-sugar or sugar-free mocktails using ingredients like monk fruit sweetener.
[00:36:39] - Derick’s creative process behind developing new mocktail recipes, including his use of over-steeped tea as a base.
[00:38:25] - The importance of presentation in mocktails, from the type of glass to the garnishes used.
[00:41:02] - An overview of Derick’s book, The Mocktail Club, and the Make It a Mocktail Recipe Deck, and how they make creating mocktails accessible and fun.
[00:46:00] - Derick’s favorite recipes from his book and deck, including the Fiery Squad and Holiday Punch.
[00:47:11] - Upcoming trends in the mocktail world, with a focus on original, non-alcoholic elixirs and beverages that don’t try to mimic alcohol.
[00:50:23] - Derick’s current project: a Filipino flavor mocktail series on Instagram, showcasing unique ingredients like banana and jackfruit.
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In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, we delve into the transformative journey of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle with Karolina Rzadkowolska, an alcohol-free empowerment expert and the founder of Euphoric Alcohol-Free. Through her programs, she’s worked with thousands of clients to change their drinking habits and unleash a new level of health, happiness, and drive to go after their biggest dreams. She is the bestselling author of the book, Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You (HarperCollins).
Throughout the episode, we explore essential questions like: What does it truly mean to live alcohol-free? How can removing alcohol from your life unlock deeper levels of purpose and fulfillment? Karolina sheds light on the emotional, psychological, and physical shifts that occur when one chooses to live without alcohol, and how this decision can catalyze a powerful transformation in other areas of life. If you've ever wondered about the benefits of taking a break from alcohol or how to start an alcohol-free journey, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.
Listeners will walk away with a deep understanding of the concepts of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and emotional freedom techniques (EFT) as they relate to changing alcohol beliefs. Karolina explains how these tools can help reprogram the subconscious mind, remove limiting beliefs, and foster a new identity that aligns with your true self. The episode also covers the importance of creativity and purpose in sustaining an alcohol-free lifestyle, highlighting how finding and pursuing your passions can be a game-changer in this journey.
In the personal story segment, Karolina opens up about her pivotal moments, including the contrast she felt between her former drinking life and her alcohol-free lifestyle during a vacation in Hawaii. She shares the joys and challenges of this transformation, illustrating how her identity and perception of herself evolved. Karolina's story is a testament to the profound shifts that can occur when one chooses to live authentically and without alcohol.
This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.
Highlights:
[00:01:00] - Introduction of Karolina Rzadkowolska, her role in the alcohol-free movement, and her certifications as a mindset coach and NLP practitioner.
[00:02:00] - Karolina shares her turning point that led her to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, starting with her participation in Dry January.
[00:03:00] - The realization Karolina had about the contrast between her weekends involving alcohol and the rest of her healthy lifestyle.
[00:04:30] - Discussion on how alcohol-free living helped Karolina discover her true purpose and fulfillment in life.
[00:06:00] - Karolina describes the mental energy drain and frustration that came from her previous drinking habits.
[00:07:30] - Karolina talks about the mindset shift that allowed her to view being alcohol-free as a "power move" and a status symbol.
[00:09:00] - The identity transformation Karolina experienced as she stepped into her alcohol-free life and how it enabled her to pursue her dreams.
[00:10:30] - Karolina's insight on how society glamorizes alcohol and the importance of questioning these beliefs.
[00:12:00] - Karolina shares a transformative experience during her first alcohol-free vacation in Hawaii, where she fully embraced the natural world.
[00:14:00] - The contrast between her alcohol-free experience in Hawaii and the behavior of those still entrenched in alcohol culture.
[00:16:30] - Karolina's reflection on how society is "duped" into believing that alcohol is essential for fun, relaxation, and social acceptance.
[00:18:00] - The importance of finding a community that supports alcohol-free living and how Karolina's work with Euphoric Alcohol Free provides that support.
[00:20:00] - Karolina explains the concept of "parts integration" in NLP and how it helps reconcile conflicting desires within ourselves.
[00:22:00] - Discussion on the role of subconscious beliefs in maintaining alcohol habits and how to reprogram them for lasting change.
[00:24:30] - Karolina highlights the significance of discovering and pursuing passions as a way to sustain an alcohol-free lifestyle.
[00:27:00] - The story of a client who used NLP and other techniques to transform her identity and achieve her dreams, such as becoming an author.
[00:30:00] - Karolina describes how her certification program helps women become successful alcohol-free life coaches and entrepreneurs.
[00:33:00] - The connection between living alcohol-free and tapping into the legacy of our ancestors to fulfill our deepest purposes.
[00:36:00] - The role of creativity in finding joy and fulfillment without alcohol, and why it’s essential to explore new activities.
[00:39:00] - Final thoughts on the importance of community in the alcohol-free journey and what’s next for Euphoric Alcohol Free, including in-person events and a new book project.
Links:
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