What happens when self awareness, therapy, and personal growth lead you to redefine your relationship with alcohol and mental wellness? In this powerful episode of Sober as F*ck,  Jess shares her deeply personal journey of mental health, emotional awareness, and intentional living. Through honest reflection, she shares how therapy supported her growth, strengthened her self understanding, and helped her gain clarity around identity, communication, and overall wellbeing. Jess opens up about the evolution of her mindset and how exploring sobriety created space for deeper emotional awareness, stronger relationships, and a more grounded perspective on life. Her story highlights the experience of discovering alignment through reflection, personal growth, and meaningful inner work. 

Hosts Ryan and Jess explore the role of communication in relationships, the importance of recognizing emotional patterns, and the impact alcohol can have on mindset and connection. Together, they share practical insights into building habits that support resilience, emotional clarity, and long term wellness. This episode offers thoughtful perspective on identity exploration, mental health awareness, and the power of intentional growth. Listeners will gain insight into strengthening communication, understanding emotional triggers, and cultivating daily practices that support a balanced and purpose driven life. 

Whether you are exploring sobriety, prioritizing mental health, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, Jess’s story delivers clarity, perspective, and meaningful insight.

Topics Covered

Jess as featured guest
Sobriety journey and alcohol free living
Mental health and emotional wellness
Therapy and personal growth
Identity exploration and mindset shifts
Communication and relationships
Emotional awareness and triggers
Daily habits and resilience
Intentional living

About Sober as F*ck

Sober as F*ck is a leading sober podcast focused on mental health, personal growth, recovery conversations, and intentional living. Hosted by Ryan and Jess, the show features honest discussions, expert insights, and real stories that empower listeners to strengthen mindset, deepen self awareness, and create meaningful change.

In this powerful episode of Sober as F*ck, hosts Ryan and Jess sit down with musician and performer Andi Rogers for an honest, deeply personal conversation about transformation, resilience, and the life-changing impact of choosing sobriety. With more than four years alcohol-free, Andi shares her journey from navigating substance use to discovering a renewed sense of clarity, creativity, and connection both on stage and at home.

Together, they explore how community support shapes recovery, the evolution of relationships through personal growth, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story. Andi opens up about the moment she chose a different path, how sobriety strengthened her role as a parent, and the way her voice and confidence as a performer expanded once she stepped fully into presence.

This episode highlights the role of music as a powerful outlet for expression and healing, offering insight into Andi’s passion for performing with her band, High School Reunion, and her commitment to creating meaningful community experiences. Through humor, reflection, and raw honesty, the conversation celebrates the freedom that comes from living authentically and embracing personal evolution.

Listeners will walk away with inspiration, practical perspective, and a reminder that recovery looks different for everyone yet connection, purpose, and self-awareness remain universal threads.

Whether you’re exploring sobriety, supporting someone on their journey, or simply interested in stories of personal transformation, this episode delivers insight, encouragement, and real-life wisdom.

Topics Covered

Sobriety and recovery
Personal transformation and growth
Mental health and emotional wellness
Community and support systems
Music and creative expression
Relationships and family
Humor and self-reflection
Living alcohol-free

About Sober as F*ck

Sober as F*ck is a top personal growth and sobriety podcast hosted by Ryan and Jess, featuring honest conversations, expert insights, and real stories from people redefining their relationship with alcohol, mental health, and purposeful living. Each episode explores recovery, mindset, wellness, and the power of community through authentic storytelling.

What does it actually look like to choose sobriety on your own terms without shame, without rigid rules, and without apologizing for taking your life back?

In this raw, unfiltered episode of Sober as F*ck, Ryan and Jess sit down with author and sobriety disruptor Elaine Brewer, creator of the bold, viral memoir Fuck You, Watch Me, documenting her first 100 days alcohol-free and the identity shift that followed.

Elaine pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you remove alcohol and are forced to face yourself, your patterns, your trauma, your coping mechanisms, and the uncomfortable truth about who you’ve been versus who you’re becoming.

This is not a surface-level sobriety conversation.
This is about autonomy. Identity. Mental health. Radical accountability. And rebuilding your life from the inside out.

Inside this episode, we dive into:

• The psychological reality of early sobriety and alcohol withdrawal from identity, not just substance
• Why traditional recovery models don’t work for everyone — and what to do instead
• The role of mental health, trauma, and emotional regulation in long-term sobriety success
• How “shadow work” can accelerate healing and self-awareness
• The power of radical self-reliance and personal responsibility in recovery
• How to sit in discomfort without numbing out
• Reflection prompts and emotional excavation tools you can use immediately
• How to rebuild confidence, self-trust, and personal power after alcohol
• The truth about societal drinking culture and why questioning it is revolutionary
• Why sobriety is less about restriction and more about expansion

Elaine shares the messy, funny, brutally honest moments from her journey, proving that sobriety isn’t about becoming perfect, it’s about becoming real.

If you are sober, sober-curious, alcohol-free, questioning your relationship with drinking, healing from addiction, working on mental health, or trying to rebuild your life after hitting a breaking point, this episode will hit home.

Because sobriety isn’t one-size-fits-all.
And you are allowed to build a life that actually fits you.

This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply empowering, especially for people who don’t see themselves reflected in traditional recovery spaces.

Trigger Topics & Themes:
Sobriety • Alcohol Recovery • Sober Curious • Mental Health • Addiction Recovery • Trauma Healing • Shadow Work • Self Discovery • Personal Growth • Emotional Resilience • Self Accountability • Identity Shift • Women in Sobriety • Alternative Recovery • Alcohol Free Lifestyle • Recovery Tools • Healing Journey • Behavior Change • Psychology of Addiction • Personal Development

—

About Elaine Brewer:
Elaine Brewer is the author of Fuck You, Watch Me, a memoir documenting her first 100 days of sobriety and the radical self-reclamation that followed. Her work focuses on personal autonomy, mental health transparency, and challenging traditional narratives around addiction and recovery.

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

In this powerful episode of Sober as F*ck, hosts Ryan and Jess sit down with Aaron Meade for an honest, unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and personal growth.

Aaron shares his journey from early experiences with alcohol and a deep desire to belong, through escalating drinking in college, relapse, and ultimately finding sobriety. He opens up about childhood trauma, emotional disconnection, and the moments that forced him to confront his relationship with alcohol and his mental health.

This episode explores the non-linear nature of recovery, the role of therapy, AA, and community, and how spirituality, breathwork, and emotional awareness became essential tools in Aaron’s healing. Rather than chasing perfection, Aaron emphasizes learning how to stay present—especially through discomfort, pain, and unresolved trauma.

Together, the conversation reframes addiction as a disease that requires ongoing care, honesty, and connection. It’s a grounded, deeply human discussion about what it really takes to rebuild your life in sobriety—and why growth doesn’t end once you stop drinking.

Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or navigating recovery alongside someone you love, this episode offers insight, perspective, and hope grounded in real experience.

Topics covered include:addiction, recovery, sobriety, alcoholism, mental health, therapy, community, spirituality, breathwork, emotional awareness, and personal growth.

In this episode, Brenton shares his journey into sobriety following a personal crisis that forced him to confront addiction, identity, and the direction of his life. He reflects on how community support, faith, and intentional mindset shifts became foundational to his recovery—and why lasting sobriety requires changing how you think, not just what you stop doing.

Brenton discusses the role of humor as a healing tool in recovery, using cultural references like The Office to create connection, relatability, and emotional relief. He also introduces his bear crawl challenge, a powerful symbol of resilience, discipline, and showing up for yourself when the work is uncomfortable and unseen.

The conversation explores the critical importance of aftercare support and Brenton’s vision to create a scholarship for individuals transitioning out of treatment. He emphasizes the role of self-identity in recovery, the value of acts of service, and how giving back strengthens long-term sobriety and purpose.

• Sobriety after a personal crisis

• Community and accountability in recovery

• Faith and spirituality in sobriety

• Mindset shifts for addiction recovery

• Resilience and discipline in recovery

• Humor as a healing tool

• Pop culture and connection in sobriety

• Aftercare support and recovery resources

• Identity and purpose beyond addiction

• Acts of service in long-term sobriety

sobriety journey, addiction recovery, recovery mindset, community in recovery, faith and sobriety, resilience in recovery, humor in recovery, aftercare support, identity in sobriety, service in recovery

Topics CoveredKeywords for Search & Discovery

In this powerful episode of Sober as Fck*, Ryan and Jess sit down with Michelle to unpack her raw, unfiltered journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. Michelle shares how early exposure to substance use, unresolved trauma, and environmental influences shaped her addiction—and what finally led her to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Michelle opens up about hitting rock bottom, entering recovery, and learning how honesty, community support, and personal accountability became the foundation of her sobriety. She speaks candidly about the realities of parenting in recovery, rebuilding a sense of self, and navigating life without numbing or escaping. Along the way, she highlights the power of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and using humor as a tool for resilience rather than avoidance.

This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, sobriety is an ongoing journey, and healing requires both support and self-awareness. Michelle’s story will resonate deeply with anyone impacted by addiction, childhood trauma, or mental health struggles—and with anyone searching for hope, connection, and a way forward.

• Sobriety and addiction recovery

• Childhood trauma and its long-term impact

• Substance abuse and early exposure

• Hitting rock bottom and choosing recovery

• Community support and accountability

• Mental health and personal growth

• Parenting while in recovery

• Gratitude, resilience, and humor in healing

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“I get to go to work today.”
“I’m an addict in everything I do.”

00:00 – Introduction and meeting Michelle
03:47 – Childhood trauma and early life experiences
10:33 – Substance use and environmental influence
19:21 – Hitting rock bottom and entering recovery
37:24 – Finding hope and community in sobriety
54:34 – Rebuilding work, relationships, and self-worth
01:01:00 – Gratitude and perspective in recovery
01:15:19 – Humor as a healing tool

Key Topics CoveredMemorable QuotesEpisode Chapters

Episode Description

Season Three begins with reflection, intention, and momentum. In this episode of Sober As Fck*, Ryan and Jess celebrate the launch of their third season by looking back on their sobriety journey, sober holiday traditions, and the personal growth that comes from choosing intention over autopilot.

They reflect on their first sober holiday season, including meaningful travels to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, where connection, community, and curiosity shaped the experience. From meeting fellow sober individuals to bonding with strangers over shared recovery stories, the trip reinforced the unexpected depth that comes from living openly and authentically.

Ryan and Jess share how they rang in the New Year with a quiet, fulfilling night in, highlighting how sobriety has shifted their perspective on celebration, presence, and rest. They discuss the difference between resolutions and intentions, with Ryan choosing “growth” as his word for the year and Jess reflecting on the lasting impact of balance, listening, and restraint in relationships.

The conversation also explores the importance of listening without fixing, honoring personal rhythms, and allowing growth to include rest—not just constant motion. Along the way, they touch on Salem’s history, symbolism, and their tradition of collecting memories through mugs, hats, and tattoos as markers of shared experiences and transformation.

This episode sets the tone for Season Three—grounded, honest, and deeply human. Sobriety here isn’t framed as restriction, but as expansion: deeper connection, clearer communication, and the freedom to create a life that actually fits.

Keywords: sobriety, sober podcast, sober living, recovery conversations, sobriety community, personal growth, intentional living, New Year intentions, healthy relationships, listening skills, sober holidays, sober travel, Boston sober community, Salem Massachusetts, alcohol-free lifestyle, wellness podcast, mindset growth, recovery journey

This episode closes out Season 2 of Sober as Fck* and marks the end of 2025 with a curated compilation of the most impactful moments from every Season 2 episode.

This recap brings together honest conversations centered on sobriety, mental health, recovery, relationships, identity, boundaries, fitness, and personal growth. These moments reflect the vulnerability, truth, and real-life experiences that defined Season 2.

In this episode:
• Highlights from every Season 2 guest
• Conversations about sobriety and mental health
• Lessons learned, patterns broken, and growth achieved
• The importance of community, connection, and accountability
• A reflection on the themes that shaped Season 2 and 2025

We extend our sincere thanks to every guest who trusted us with their story and every listener who supported Season 2 by listening, sharing, and showing up. Your support is the reason this podcast continues.

Season 2 was about progress over perfection, choosing honesty, and doing the work. We are grateful to everyone who made this season meaningful.

From vineyard manager to marathon runner, Tim Taylor shares his powerful journey of stepping away from alcohol and stepping into purpose.

In this episode, Tim opens up about working in the alcohol industry, choosing sobriety, and how that decision transformed his mental health, discipline, and identity. What started as a personal commitment has grown into a public mission: running one marathon every month while raising money and awareness for Alcohol Change UK, an organization working to challenge alcohol culture and support healthier relationships with drinking.

This conversation goes beyond sobriety. We dive into resilience, radical accountability, and how physical endurance can become a powerful tool for mental and emotional growth. Tim shares what it really takes to stay consistent, redefine success, and turn personal change into meaningful community impact.

In this episode, we cover:

• Life after alcohol and rebuilding identity

• Mental toughness, discipline, and consistency

• Endurance sports as a tool for mental health

• Challenging alcohol culture and social norms

• Turning personal growth into real-world impact

Tim is actively fundraising to support Alcohol Change UK. Every donation helps fund education, awareness, and support for people questioning their relationship with alcohol.

Support Tim’s fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-taylor-1

This episode is for the sober-curious, newly sober, long-term sober, and anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol and looking for proof that change is possible.