The new year is here, and it’s the perfect time to check in with yourself and your habits. Whether you’re feeling the post-holiday burnout or just curious about how alcohol impacts your life, Dry January offers a chance to hit pause and reset. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to guide you through the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering tips and real talk to help you make the most of your Dry January journey—whether it's your first time or your fifth.

Ever wonder why Dry January seems to be everywhere? Sonia and Kathleen dive into questions like: What makes it so popular? What physical and mental benefits can you really expect? What if you slip up mid-month? With honest reflections and practical advice, this episode will leave you feeling ready to take it one day at a time.

You’ll come away with simple, effective ways to succeed—like setting realistic goals, building a support system, and swapping old habits for new ones that actually feel good. Sonia and Kathleen also dig into strategies for overcoming cravings, reframing challenges, and creating routines you’ll look forward to. Plus, they share fun and easy ways to replace your go-to drink with something delicious, because it’s not just about taking something away—it’s about adding wellness, joy, and calm back into your life.

And don’t worry—this isn’t some rigid guide to perfection. Sonia shares how her tea bar (complete with hot chocolate mix!) became her nighttime favorite, while Kathleen talks about how even the strongest cravings can be a chance to show yourself some love. It’s a reminder that small wins—like finding joy in a cozy drink or celebrating with a letter to yourself—can make a big difference.

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.

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Dry January and its purpose
• [00:01:16] Sonia and Kathleen discuss the origins and rise in popularity
• [00:02:29] Research spotlight: the link between alcohol and health risks
• [00:03:34] Health Canada’s new guidelines on alcohol consumption
• [00:05:15] The role of the sober-curious movement and influencers
• [00:07:26] Benefits of Dry January: improved sleep, clear skin, mental clarity
• [00:10:29] How to set a personal “why” for motivation
• [00:12:10] The importance of planning for social triggers
• [00:13:36] Kathleen’s breakdown of SMART goals
• [00:16:25] Strategies for those feeling overwhelmed by a 31-day challenge
• [00:19:35] Managing cravings and identifying unexpected triggers
• [00:22:31] Mocktail recommendations and the joy of experimenting with alternative drinks
• [00:25:48] New evening rituals: small ways to relax and unwind
• [00:27:04] Celebrating progress without alcohol: creative reward ideas
• [00:29:59] Kathleen shares her “urge surfing” technique for dealing with cravings
• [00:32:25] Explanation of the RAIN mindfulness method
• [00:36:12] What to do if you slip up during Dry January
• [00:39:00] How to reflect on your Dry January experience
• [00:41:17] Deciding your next steps after January ends
• [00:43:40] Sonia’s insights on using Dry January as a springboard for personal growth
• [00:46:17] Final reflections and key takeaways from Sonia and Kathleen

Links:

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Kathleen and Sonia are joined by Ali Shapiro, a renowned health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Together, they explore the profound question: How can we create meaning beyond food? Through her insights, Ali shares how food rituals can support connection and emotional nourishment without becoming the main event.

Ever wonder how food habits reflect our emotional states or how blood sugar balance impacts mental clarity? Kathleen, Sonia, and Ali dive into key questions like, "How does vulnerability play a role in our eating habits?" and "What are the best ways to reframe goals for a healthier relationship with food?" Ali also unpacks the impact of societal pressures, diet culture, and the journey to self-awareness in making sustainable choices for both body and mind.

Listeners will learn actionable strategies, such as Ali’s innovative breakfast experiment and tips for balancing blood sugar for improved mood and energy. This episode will also explore the importance of self-authorship in navigating food and life choices and why perfectionism can hinder rather than help your goals.

On a personal note, Ali shares a moving story about vulnerability and connection, revealing how being honest about life's challenges can strengthen relationships and dissolve the loneliness that often drives unhealthy habits.

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.

Time-Stamped Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her Truce with Food philosophy

[00:01:30] Rituals that foster connection and balance beyond food

[00:02:57] Identifying emotional clues through eating habits

[00:03:40] Vulnerability as a tool for deeper connections

[00:05:23] Avoiding high-stakes vulnerability traps and practicing discernment

[00:06:49] The pendulum of diet culture and anti-diet culture

[00:07:36] The importance of self-authorship in food choices

[00:09:27] Personal anecdotes about balanced blood sugar and body quirks

[00:11:03] Recognizing diet trends that don’t serve individual needs

[00:12:27] New Year’s resolutions: reframing success metrics

[00:13:41] Kathleen’s life-changing experience with increased protein

[00:15:19] Understanding the nervous system’s role in diet needs

[00:17:23] The transformative power of individualized nutrition

[00:18:45] Stories of healing from common nutrition myths

[00:20:30] How perfectionism affects sustainable eating habits

[00:23:00] The adaptive process of setting meaningful goals

[00:24:29] Truce with Food: a six-month journey to food freedom

[00:27:06] Exploring blood sugar and gut health experiments

[00:29:19] The balance between structure and flexibility in food choices

[00:30:00] Closing reflections on personal growth and resilience

Links

Get In Touch With Ali:

• Stop the Quick Fix Cycle (Free Session!)
• Free Breakfast Experiment
• Truce with Food Group Program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

In this classic episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," hosts Kathleen and Sonia bring a light-hearted touch to the serious topic of staying sober during New Year's Eve. With warmth and humor, they recount their own past holiday experiences, marked by not-so-glamorous moments of substance abuse, and compare them to their now joy-filled, sober celebrations.

Kathleen and Sonia take us through the often overwhelming social pressures and emotional challenges that come with the holiday season, yet they keep the mood buoyant by sharing their favorite alternative sober celebration ideas. Whether it's hosting a cozy get-together, enjoying a lively sober event, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, they remind us that there are countless ways to make New Year's Eve special and memorable without alcohol.

The duo emphasizes the shift in perspective that sobriety brings, turning New Year's Eve from a potential obstacle into an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. They sprinkle their conversation with encouraging and hopeful quotes, like Sonia's humorous take on relearning how to party sober and Kathleen's expressions of deep gratitude for the new life she has found in sobriety.

Kathleen and Sonia show that sobriety doesn't mean missing out on fun—it means rediscovering joy in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. Tune in for a dose of positivity and inspiration on how to turn New Year's Eve into a celebration of new beginnings and true happiness.

00:00:00 | Celebration of download milestone!

00:02:16 | Reasons why New Year's Eve is tough to stay sober

00:04:00 | Importance of having a plan for a sober New Year's Eve

00:04:43 | Ways to reframe the idea of New Year's Eve

00:07:00 | Sonia's experience of being sober on New Year's Eve

00:08:00 | Kathleen's experience of being a messy drinker on New Year's Eve

00:09:00 | Story of Kathleen's New Year's Eve where she found herself high, cold, and stranded

00:10:00 | Reflection on the past and commitment to sobriety

00:11:00 | Conclusion and end of the transcript

00:11:48 | Risky behavior and addiction to risk-taking

00:15:21 | Shift in priorities after getting sober

00:17:15 | Drug and alcohol-free New Year's Eves

00:19:32 | New Year's Eve as a time for reset and renewal

00:20:22 | New Year's resolutions and gratitude

00:22:00 | New Year's Eve activities and possibilities

00:23:29 | New Year's Eve retreat ideas

00:25:37 | Exploring alternative plans for staying sober on New Year's

00:26:00 | Hosting a sober gathering with a friend and kids

00:27:58 | Emphasizing the freedom and possibilities of being sober

00:28:14 | Reflecting on the gratitude of being in control and sober

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Ready to kick off the new year with a fresh perspective? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you plan your best sober year yet. From goal setting to finding balance, they’re sharing ideas to make 2024 your year of growth and intentional living—whether you’re brand new to sobriety or already a few years in.

How do you set goals that stick? What’s the secret to staying motivated when things don’t go as planned? And how do you balance everything without burning out? This episode has all the tips and stories to keep you inspired and moving forward.

You’ll learn simple strategies like habit stacking, breaking big goals into manageable steps, and why self-care is so much more than bubble baths. Plus, Kathleen and Sonia share how they use tools like planners and trackers to stay on course—and why progress always beats perfection.

Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own journeys, from learning to adapt when life throws curveballs to embracing the quirks that make them who they are. Their stories are full of laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to embrace sobriety with confidence.

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.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Sonia and Kathleen kick off the episode: planning your best sober year yet.
[00:01:50] Kathleen’s 2024 goal: prioritizing physical and mental health.
[00:03:14] Sonia’s funny habit-stacking method for stretching before Netflix.
[00:05:45] Kathleen talks about the lessons she learned from setting unrealistic goals.
[00:08:13] Breaking big goals into bite-sized, manageable pieces.
[00:10:44] Celebrating small wins in creative ways—popcorn in bed, anyone?
[00:12:00] Sonia looks back at years of “moderation” goals that didn’t stick.
[00:14:20] Why Kathleen prefers harmony over balance in her sober life.
[00:16:59] Plans for a work-life reset: Kathleen is finally taking a vacation!
[00:19:00] Sonia’s non-negotiable: sleep as the ultimate self-care tool.
[00:21:25] Using tech like Apple Watch and Oura Ring to track goals.
[00:23:54] The protein-packed breakfast tip that’s changing Sonia’s mornings.
[00:25:00] Kathleen’s story about adapting her yoga practice as a single mom.
[00:29:00] Sonia reframes her narrative around sobriety and relationships.
[00:31:49] Kathleen shares practical ways to flip the script on negative self-talk.
[00:33:43] Byron Katie’s four questions for letting go of limiting beliefs.
[00:36:00] Self-compassion as the secret to letting go of old narratives.
[00:37:15] The connection between self-worth and self-care.
[00:38:11] Kathleen’s quirky planner obsession and why it works for her.
[00:39:00] Closing thoughts: It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and intention.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

This week, Sonia and Kathleen dive into the world of non-alcoholic sangrias during the fan-favorite "Mocktail Hour." If you've ever missed the fruity, festive allure of sangria or wondered how non-alcoholic alternatives stack up, this episode is for you!

The duo kicks things off with a taste test of two sangrias: the Sangria Señorial, a Mexican soda-style sangria, and the Clever Sangria. Expect honest reviews, accidental spills, and insights into how these drinks could be enhanced or incorporated into festive settings. While one drink sparks nostalgia and creativity, the other leaves the hosts debating its place in the sangria universe. Check out our own sangria recipe on our substack!

Did you enjoy the taste test? Have a favorite sangria recipe or another mocktail you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a sip of our Mocktail Hour. Join the conversation and explore more recipes, reviews, and sober inspiration on our Substack!

Highlights

[00:01:54] First Impressions of Sangria Señorial - Sonia and Kathleen taste the Sangria Señorial and share their initial thoughts

[00:03:08] Discussion on the sweetness, aftertaste, calorie count, and how it might work as a base for homemade sangria.

[00:04:16]Kathleen reflects on why Sangria Señorial doesn’t quite match up to traditional sangria flavors.

[00:05:13] Kathleen opens the Clever Sangria, and the duo explores its citrus-forward profile and less syrupy sweetness.

[00:05:45] Ideas for enhancing Clever Sangria with spices like cinnamon and clove to make it more festive and complex.

[00:06:47] Kathleen shares versatile ideas for serving Clever Sangria, from summer dockside drinks to Christmas brunch.

[00:07:52] Sonia and Kathleen give their ratings: Clever Sangria scores high, while Sangria Señorial falls short.

[00:09:00] The hosts declare Clever Sangria the winner, while debating whether the two drinks belong in the same category.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined once again by Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the transformative Truce with Food program. Ali’s approach integrates emotional storytelling to help people heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. A returning guest, Ali also hosts the popular podcast Insatiable, where she delves into the psychology of cravings and the broader narratives around food and body image. Today, Ali, Sonia, and Kathleen tackle timely topics around food, belonging, and self-awareness during the holiday season.

How do cultural narratives around food shape our holiday habits? Can traditions and modern health wisdom coexist? In this episode, Ali shares her insights on balancing enjoyment and nourishment during celebrations, navigating holiday pressures, and redefining emotional safety in family dynamics. With key questions like "What role does food play in our sense of connection?" and "How can we honor our health while participating in long-standing traditions?" this discussion offers a fresh perspective on holiday wellness.

They get into actionable strategies for balancing blood sugar, managing holiday expectations, and identifying emotional triggers that lead to overeating. Key takeaways include understanding the physiological impact of food choices, the importance of timing meals to avoid cravings, and the role of belonging in emotional eating. With insights into how traditional cuisines naturally align with our seasonal needs, Ali provides a roadmap for mindful eating and resilience during this festive yet often challenging time.

Ali opens up about her personal journey, including how family traditions like her grandmother’s fenugreek tea remain a source of comfort and connection. Through stories of her clients’ experiences, she illustrates the delicate balance of maintaining emotional intimacy while setting boundaries during the holidays. With heartfelt examples of how small, thoughtful shifts can transform holiday dynamics, this episode is a blend of practical advice and deep, personal reflection.

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.

Time-Stamped Highlights:
[00:00:00] Introduction of Ali Shapiro and her work.
[00:01:13] Overview of Ali's previous episodes and themes.
[00:02:00] How cultural narratives around food have shifted over the decades.
[00:03:23] Discussion of body positivity and the physiological effects of sugar.
[00:05:02] Strategies for avoiding extreme diets and quick fixes.
[00:06:23] How food symbolizes connection and emotional belonging.
[00:07:10] Ali shares her grandmother’s fenugreek tea tradition.
[00:09:27] Reconciling cultural food traditions with modern health narratives.
[00:11:24] The importance of meal timing and balanced blood sugar.
[00:12:50] Managing holiday expectations and body image pressures.
[00:15:24] How to discern personal values for the holiday season.
[00:16:49] Connecting food and movement to resilience and mood.
[00:19:13] Recognizing physiological feedback from food choices.
[00:20:18] Differentiating “waves of belonging” and building emotional safety.
[00:22:40] Client stories: Finding connection amidst family challenges.
[00:24:51] Holding emotional complexity: Flexibility in relationships.
[00:26:22] Reflections on the Tao Te Ching and embracing adaptability.
[00:27:00] Cultivating self-authored belonging and emotional capacity.
[00:28:30] The role of compassion in breaking generational patterns.
[00:29:00] Closing remarks and teaser for part two.

Links

• Get In Touch With Ali - 
  • Stop the quick fix cycle (free session!)
  • Free breakfast experiment
  • Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Mocktail Hour is back! In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are helping you navigate the world of non-alcoholic beverages with their honest review of St. Agrestis mocktails, including the Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso. They’ll roll up their sleeves, sip, critique, and share their favorites, all while keeping things fun and relatable.

Ever wondered how the Phony Negroni stacks up against its alcoholic counterpart? Or what makes Amaro Falso a wintery, herbal delight? Sonia and Kathleen dive into the flavor profiles, discuss pairings, and tease out the differences in mouthfeel and aftertaste. They’ll answer questions like: How does the bitterness compare? Can these mocktails hold their own as aperitifs or digestifs? And most importantly, are they worth a spot in your fridge?

This episode is packed with insights for the sober-curious and mocktail enthusiasts alike. You’ll learn about the perfect pairings, creative additions to elevate the drinks, and whether these options are right for your next dinner party or cozy night in. Sonia and Kathleen leave no bottle uncorked, providing a thorough breakdown that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

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.

Time-Stamps:

• 00:00:00 – Mocktail Hour kicks off with Sonia and Kathleen’s signature honesty.
• 00:01:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and its origins.
• 00:02:05 – First impressions: color, smell, and initial taste test.
• 00:03:00 – Breaking down the flavor: juniper berry notes and orange peel accents.
• 00:04:00 – Discussing how the Phony Negroni feels like a “sophisticated” drink.
• 00:05:00 – Ideal serving occasions for the Phony Negroni.
• 00:05:54 – Rating the Phony Negroni on a scale of 1 to 10.
• 00:06:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Amaro Falso and its unique qualities.
• 00:06:42 – Flavor comparison: herbal and citrus notes of Amaro Falso.
• 00:07:22 – Sonia experiments by adding ginger ale to Amaro Falso.
• 00:08:20 – Describing Amaro Falso as a wintery, moody drink.
• 00:09:00 – Aesthetic appeal: the elegant design of the St. Agrestis bottles.
• 00:09:28 – Rating the Amaro Falso and who might enjoy it.
• 00:10:14 – Comparing aftertastes and complexity between the two drinks.
• 00:10:40 – Sonia reflects on mocktails mimicking alcoholic beverages.
• 00:11:00 – Kathleen shares how the Phony Negroni evokes gin nostalgia.
• 00:11:20 – Head-to-head verdict: Phony Negroni wins as a pre-dinner favorite.
• 00:11:40 – Amaro Falso as a digestif: best for post-dinner sipping.
• 00:12:00 – Plans to explore more of St. Agrestis’ non-alcoholic offerings.
• 00:12:12 – Closing thoughts and a thank-you to listeners.

Links

• St Agrestis Beverages 

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

4o

The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a time of joy and celebration, it often presents unique challenges for those navigating sobriety. In this week's episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. From grief and estrangement to social pressures, they’re sharing heartfelt insights and actionable strategies to help you find peace and joy in a potentially stressful season.

What makes the holidays so difficult for those on a sobriety journey? Is it the abundance of alcohol at every gathering? The intricate family dynamics? Or the emotional weight of grief and estrangement? Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into these questions, exploring everything from setting boundaries and managing triggers to the emotional labor that often falls on one person in a family. This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you feel supported and prepared.

Sonia and Kathleen talk about recognizing and managing emotional triggers, practicing gratitude to combat feelings of isolation, and creating new traditions to honor lost loved ones while finding moments of joy. They'll also discuss the importance of self-compassion, realistic expectations, and setting healthy boundaries to protect your peace during this busy time.

Personal stories take center stage as Sonia and Kathleen share their experiences with estrangement, grief, and the holiday blues. From Kathleen’s first Christmas after her father’s passing to Sonia’s reflections on navigating family estrangement, these heartfelt anecdotes provide a relatable and comforting perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed or alone during the holidays.

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.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:02:00] Sonia shares her love for Christmas and the traditions in Toronto.
[00:03:10] Kathleen discusses the pressures and emotional triggers of the season.
[00:03:52] Sonia opens up about grief, estrangement, and loneliness during the holidays.
[00:05:30] Kathleen reflects on navigating the holidays after losing her father.
[00:07:00] Honoring loved ones through traditions and memories.
[00:08:48] Tips on avoiding perfectionism and setting realistic expectations.
[00:10:12] Sonia explains how journaling and therapy help with estrangement.
[00:12:05] Practical advice for setting boundaries during family gatherings.
[00:15:00] Comparing estrangement stories to highlight shared struggles.
[00:16:28] Kathleen shares her annual photo album tradition for year-end reflection.
[00:18:55] How gratitude can transform holiday experiences.
[00:20:25] Sonia recounts a tough holiday experience after her divorce.
[00:23:30] Strategies for reconnecting or avoiding estranged family members.
[00:25:43] Balancing hope and acceptance in family relationships.
[00:28:09] Redefining family and creating values-driven holiday traditions.
[00:30:10] Coping with holiday triggers and reframing difficult memories.
[00:32:00] How to handle grief waves and their unpredictability.
[00:34:25] Writing letters as a first step to reconnect with family.
[00:37:15] Using humor and realistic expectations to navigate tough situations.
[00:40:00] Lessons on navigating sobriety and growth through shared challenges.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Grief and sobriety—two paths that often intertwine yet feel isolating. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore how grief transforms when faced with the raw clarity of sobriety. Together, they share personal insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complex emotions of loss while staying grounded in recovery.

How does grief feel when faced without substances? What misconceptions about grief might be holding you back? How can we better support others who are grieving in sobriety? From understanding anticipatory grief to exploring the nuances of conflicting emotions, Sonia and Kathleen tackle it all in today’s heartfelt discussion.

They talk about:

• The myth of the "5 stages of grief" and why grief is non-linear.
• Recognizing and navigating anticipatory grief and cumulative grief.
• Practical self-care practices to stay emotionally healthy during grief, especially while sober.
• Why outward mourning and ongoing grief should be normalized.

Sonia reflects on the surprising lessons from her divorce and how it continues to shape her sobriety journey. Kathleen opens up about the loss of her father, sharing moments of vulnerability and growth, including how she honors his memory through continuing bonds. Together, they reveal the healing power of connection, honesty, and allowing grief its space.

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] Sonia and Kathleen introduce the topic of grief and sobriety.
[00:02:02] "What does grief feel like when sober?" Sonia shares her thoughts on sitting with raw emotions.
[00:03:31] Exploring what grief looks like versus societal expectations.
[00:06:13] Sonia discusses the mindset shift of “the only way out is through.”
[00:08:41] Kathleen opens up about the anticipatory grief she felt before her father’s passing.
[00:10:54] Types of grief in sobriety: divorce, loss of identity, and cumulative grief.
[00:13:00] Misconceptions about grief: Can you grieve someone still alive?
[00:17:03] Kathleen’s strategies for emotional self-care during her grief journey.
[00:20:03] Continuing bonds: How Kathleen honors her father’s memory.
[00:21:12] Sonia reflects on grieving her old life and navigating uncertainty post-divorce.
[00:25:13] "You don’t control life as much as you think," Kathleen shares hard-earned wisdom.
[00:28:38] Sonia on self-imposed grief milestones and the challenges of “re-litigation.”
[00:30:00] The spectrum of what is “normal” in grieving.
[00:32:42] Healthy vs. unhealthy grieving: The role of substances and emotional numbing.
[00:34:14] The stigma of mourning in Western cultures and its emotional impact.
[00:36:00] Supporting someone grieving while sober: showing presence and offering practical help.
[00:38:00] Sonia and Kathleen discuss holding space without pushing for "moving on."
[00:39:24] The power of directly asking someone what support they need during grief.
[00:41:00] Sonia and Kathleen reflect on lessons learned from grief and how to show up for others.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)
• Kathleen’s Instagram

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Bella Ferguson, a certified This Naked Mind coach and co-host of the Not Drinking Alcohol podcast. Bella shares how she went from working in high-pressure corporate law, where "work hard, play hard" was the mantra, to embracing a sober lifestyle. Spoiler alert: she’s thriving, and she’s here to inspire anyone who feels stuck in the "mommy wine" spiral or corporate happy hour grind.

In this episode, Sonia and Bella chat about the pressures of professional drinking culture, why “mommy wine time” isn’t as harmless as it seems, and how to start rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Is sobriety possible in environments where alcohol feels like the glue that holds everything together? And how do you deal with the awkward moments of being the only sober person at the party?

You’ll hear Bella's tips for navigating social situations, finding joy in alcohol-free living, and tackling the emotional baggage that often comes with drinking. Learn how she rebuilt her confidence, discovered tools for emotional sobriety, and why regulating your nervous system is a total game changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance sobriety with career, parenting, and friendships, Bella's got the answers.

We also dive into Bella’s personal story, including her rock-bottom moment and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up. From dodging awkward small talk with wine-loving moms to rediscovering her passion and purpose, Bella keeps it real about the ups and downs of sobriety—and why it’s so worth it.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women rethink their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights:
[00:01:00] Bella introduces herself and why she ditched the lawyer life.
[00:02:13] The “work hard, play hard” drinking culture in corporate law.
[00:03:56] How gender roles impact drinking expectations at work.
[00:05:35] Why workplace drinking is more than a “work hard” problem.
[00:08:51] Juggling kids, stress, and a wine bottle—Bella’s experience with mommy wine culture.
[00:12:00] Bella’s wake-up call in the hospital that changed everything.
[00:14:18] What happens to your marriage when drinking takes over.
[00:17:39] The awkwardness of setting post-rehab boundaries with your partner.
[00:21:25] Emotional sobriety: why white-knuckling it isn’t enough.
[00:24:03] Helping clients figure out if moderation or quitting is right for them.
[00:28:00] Core fears and beliefs that keep people stuck in drinking cycles.
[00:32:15] How Bella’s friendships evolved after she chose sobriety.
[00:36:00] Bella’s go-to self-care tips (hint: popcorn and trail runs are involved).
[00:40:27] Why connecting with others is the secret weapon against isolation.
[00:42:08] How ditching alcohol changed Bella’s career and life purpose.
[00:45:00] Staying aligned with your values to keep sobriety on track.
[00:46:28] What’s next for Bella: alcohol-free challenges and courses.

Links

Connect With Bella! 

• https://isabellaferguson.com.au
• Your Alcohol Revolution Online Programs: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/TheAlcoholRevolutionAlcoholFreeOnlineProgramOverview
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• Your Alcohol Revolution LIVE Program (next in February 2025): https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/alcoholfreedomchallenge
• Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
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