Episode Summary (Re-Released episode)
Sober Banter hosts offer advice for Sober October, emphasizing realistic expectations, support systems, and self-compassion.

Chapters
00:00 Managing Expectations and Social Pressure
01:21 Finding Support and Accountability
03:32 Health Benefits and Personal Growth
07:19 Tips for a Successful Sober October

This episode is a re-release and goes back to our early catalog, before most people even knew Sober Banter existed. We are bringing it back because the advice still matters. Sober October is not about perfection, it is about managing expectations, leaning on accountability, and giving yourself compassion along the way.

Please give us grace on any audio hiccups. I (Rachel) touched it up as best I could, but wanted to share it for the message, not polish it into perfection. Between college, parenting, and chronic illness, I overworked myself and had to step away. It was the right choice for my sobriety and emotional health.

I also have a backlog of unreleased interviews. If one of those is yours, it will be out as soon as possible. I am pacing myself this time and will send updates by email. Thank you for your patience.

The good news is that Colin and I are still sober, and we plan to record a new episode soon to share how we have stayed grounded.

For now, enjoy this short audio-only throwback about Sober October. Let us know what you think, and remember to take it one day at a time.

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🌐 Questions or feedback? Visit soberbanter.com or email Rachel at [email protected]

• (00:00) - Managing Expectations and Social Pressure

This is an early Sober Banter episode brought back for Sober October. We were new at this, so you may hear a few hiccups. The lessons still land. We cover the hardest parts of Sober October and the simple habits that kept us steady. Think of this as day one support with honest talk and practical steps. It also shows how far we have come as hosts and as people in recovery. If you are here to start strong or find your footing again, press play.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sober Banter
00:43 Personal Sobriety Stories
03:33 Challenges of Sober October
06:36 Daily Check-ins and Support
08:58 Reflections and Rationalizations
15:07 Cultural Perspectives on Drinking
16:06 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment because your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast

☕️ Support the show: 

·       Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

·       Make a donation at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback? Contact us at soberbanter.com or email Rachel at [email protected]

• (00:00) - Introduction to Sober Banter

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Sober Banter, Rachel sits down with David McMenimen, who shares what 41 years of sobriety has taught him. From multiple DUIs and a life-altering car accident to his first AA meeting, David walks us through the raw moments that led him to recovery. He opens up about the challenges of early sobriety, the spiritual and practical power of the 12 steps, and how the AA community became his lifeline.

David also reflects on how sobriety has reshaped his relationships, his view of life, and his understanding of addiction as a threefold disease. Whether you're in recovery, sober curious, or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with honesty, wisdom, and hard-won hope. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome: David M.
02:04 – The Turning Point: Legal Consequences
04:38 – Embracing Sobriety and Working the 12 Steps
13:20 – The Importance of Consistent AA Meetings
24:30 – Growth Through Sharing and Learning in AA
38:56 – Understanding Alcoholism as a Threefold Disease
45:35 – How AA Has Evolved Over the Decades
58:29 – The Legacy of Bill Wilson
01:07:14 – Final Reflections and Gratitude

Resources & Links:

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Sober Banter:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-banter/id1805475969
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A51zCDyW8K927va0adaby?si=f43451ae0fa44ef2

💌 Join our email list:
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🤝 Support the show:
Donate: https://aba235f2-66f7-4ea3-9d1d-0d055846ad13.paylinks.godaddy.com/soberbanterdonation
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter

📚 Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous:
https://www.aa.org

📱 Follow Us:
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• (00:00) - – Introduction and Guest Welcome: David M.

Happy July 1st! If you're looking for a reset this month, this one’s for you. We sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly, an addiction expert who blends neuroscience, spirituality, and trauma recovery.

In this episode of Sober Banter, Colin and Rachel sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly - also known as the “Gordon Ramsay of Recovery”—to talk about his revolutionary approach to healing addiction. Drawing from neuroscience, trauma-informed therapy, and a spiritual mindset, Dr. Kelly breaks down why addiction is rarely just about alcohol.

With a 98% success rate, his 90-day recovery program goes far beyond talk therapy, using brainspotting, 9D breathwork, subliminal messaging, and more to rewire the brain for long-term sobriety.

Whether you're in recovery, sober curious, or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and powerful truths about trauma, identity, and the real science of recovery.

0:00 – Meet Dr. Robb Kelly: From Homelessness to Neuroscientist

2:00 – The 90-Day Program with a 98% Success Rate

5:00 – Why Trauma Is the Real Gateway Drug

9:30 – Rewiring the Brain with Breathwork, Brainspotting, and More

17:00 – Readiness, Mindset, and the Myth of “One Drink Away”

27:00 – If You Keep Relapsing, Look at Childhood Trauma

36:00 – Are Alcoholics Born and Addicts Made?

43:00 – AA, the Original Steps, and What Recovery Really Means

59:00 – Final Thoughts + Free Book Offer for Listeners

Bonus: Dr. Robb is giving a free signed copy of his book to the first 10 listeners who mention this episode—listen closely for details.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Robb Kelly
Website: https://robbkelly.com
Instagram: @drrobbkelly
Breathwork & Healing: https://breathbox.studio

A Quick Ask

We’re an indie show that runs on coffee, chaos, and community support. If you believe in what we’re building here with real talk, honest stories, and a laugh or two about staying sober in a very not-sober world, please consider helping us keep the mics on.

→ Support the show with a one-time donation or sponsorship at https://buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter

Seriously, it means the world.

💛 Rachel 

• (00:00) - – Meet Dr. Robb Kelly: From Homelessness to Neuroscientist

Eryka V. is a queer, sober, first-generation founder and the co-creator of Namari—a non-alcoholic digestif rooted in intention, ritual, and bold flavor.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when you quit alcohol, meat, and caffeine all at once—and how that radical choice led to clarity, creativity, and the launch of something revolutionary. From finding community to letting go of ego, Eryka shares wisdom on building a brand (and a life) that actually feels good. We dig into identity, connection, the power of ritual, and what it means to create something that tastes like love and intention—not just trend.

If you’re craving depth, joy, or just a better non-alcoholic drink—this episode delivers.

1:21 – How Eryka Got Sober (Dry January… Plus No Meat, No Caffeine)

4:52 – The Band-Aid Rip: Goodbye Booze, Meat, and Coffee

7:46 – Building Namari: A Drink With Intention

11:52 – You Can Taste the Love (Like a Lemonade Stand in Summer)

17:19 – Finding Your People in Sobriety

22:12 – Saying “I Don’t Drink” Without Apology

29:16 – Choosing What Serves You (and Letting Go of the Rest)

33:58 – The Best Way to Drink Namari (Spoiler: Pineapple, Lime or Neat)

Namari Website: https://drinknamari.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drinknamari

More Sober Banter: https://soberbanterpodcast.transistor.fm
Join Our Community: https://soberbanter.mn.co

Love What You Heard?
here’s how you can support Sober Banter:

💬 Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it seriously helps new folks find us. Just one or two sentences makes a difference.

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🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

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☕️ Support the show:
Buy Me a Coffee or Venmo

Thanks for being part of the Sober Banter fam. We’re here, we’re laughing, and we’re doing recovery our way. 💛

• (01:21) - – How Eryka stopped drinking

In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel is joined by Brenton Sconce—the meme genius behind @OfficeRecovery, a former pastor, and a fierce sober ally. Brenton opens up about his path to sobriety, beginning with rehab in July 2022 and evolving through deep aftercare, spiritual reflection, and a whole lot of humor.

He talks candidly about the moment he finally admitted he was an alcoholic, how the pressures of ministry shaped his addiction, and how The Office went from background comfort to a powerful language of recovery and connection.

We also dig into his latest mission: The Bloomsday Bear Crawl, a year-long challenge and fundraiser to provide scholarships for those seeking aftercare support in recovery.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Intro
01:39 – Brenton’s Sobriety Journey
02:47 – The Moment of Clarity
05:03 – Challenges and Support in Recovery
15:14 – Humor in Recovery
22:27 – Faith and Community in Sobriety
26:51 – The Importance of Aftercare in Recovery
32:51 – Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction
35:06 – Connecting and Supporting the Recovery Community
41:26 – Check out the Bloomsday Bear Crawl

🔗 Connect with Brenton / Office Recovery
📸 Instagram – @OfficeRecovery
https://www.instagram.com/officerecovery

🌐 Linktree – All Brenton's Links in One Place
https://linktr.ee/officerecoveryig

🛍️ Office Recovery Merch on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/OfficeRecovery

🐻 The Bloomsday Bear Crawl on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thebloomsdaybearcrawl

📘 The Bloomsday Bear Crawl on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560276862353

🌍 Linktree – Support the Bloomsday Bear Crawl
https://linktr.ee/thebloomsdaybearcrawl

📝 We Need Your Help!
If you love what we’re doing with Sober Banter, we could really use your support—specifically in the form of written reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in. Right now, we’re seriously low on reviews (like... painfully low), and they actually make a big difference.

Written reviews help new listeners feel more confident pressing play when they stumble across the show—and with every new person, our recovery conversations reach a little further. We’d be so grateful. Just a quick sentence or two can go a long way. Thank you for being part of the Sober Banter fam.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.
💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.
🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
☕️ Support the show:
Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

• (00:00) - – Introduction and Guest Intro

In this refreshing episode of Sober Banter, hosts Rachel and Colin sit down with Sarah Kate, founder of Some Good Clean Fun and a proud sober Canadian mom shaking up the world of non-alcoholic beverages. Once a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, Sarah shares her transition from alcohol culture to alcohol-free confidence, offering candid stories about social pressure, parenting, and building a brand that celebrates sobriety without shame.

Together, we talk about:

• What it’s really like to keep alcohol in the house when you’re sober
• How media and marketing have warped our views on drinking
• The emotional and practical impact of quitting alcohol on family dynamics
• And yes—a mocktail recipe you’ll want to try tonight (spoiler: it includes non-alcoholic beer and tonic!)

Whether you're sober curious or a longtime non-drinker, Sarah's warmth, wit, and wisdom will leave you inspired to rethink the role of alcohol in your life—and maybe even mix up a Summer Shandy along the way.

Get In Touch with Sarah! 

Follow her on Substack - - https://somegoodcleanfun.substack.com/

Some Good Clean Fun Website and Recepies - https://www.somegoodcleanfun.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/somegoodcleanfun_ca

Pintrest - https://www.pinterest.com/somegoodcleanfun

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro
Meet Sarah Kate, founder of Some Good Clean Fun and self-proclaimed sober sommelier shaking up the AF drink space.

04:06 – From Wine-Lover to Alcohol-Free Advocate
Sarah opens up about her transition from nightly wine to a more intentional, alcohol-free life.

07:17 – The Birth of Some Good Clean Fun
How a personal decision became a public platform—and what “good clean fun” really means.

11:17 – Sober Social Life & Saying No
We get into awkward invites, boundaries, and how Sarah reshaped her social life.

18:06 – How Sobriety Changed Her Relationships
From parenting to partnerships, the ripple effect of ditching booze.

25:19 – The Changing Perception of Alcohol
Marketing myths, "mommy wine culture," and why public opinion is shifting.

35:22 – The Benefits of Sobriety
Mental clarity, freedom from shame, and unexpected perks of alcohol-free living.

45:05 – Behind Closed Doors: Alcohol’s Impact on Family
A raw look at how drinking affected Sarah's home—and what changed in sobriety.

48:32 – The Wine Mom Myth & Media Influence
Unpacking the glamorized image of alcohol in media and motherhood.

58:12 – Mocktails & Sober Rituals
Sarah shares easy, satisfying drink swaps—including her famous Shandy featuring Athletic Brewing.

01:02:13 – The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer
How the AF beer scene is changing and what to look for on shelves.

01:18:35 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude
A toast to real fun, new connections, and a future full of clean sips.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

• (00:00) - – Welcome & Guest Intro

What do you get when you mix a fresh perspective on the 12 steps, a sharp sense of humor, and some unexpected twists in recovery? You get Danny Henriquez. In this episode, we sit down with the host of The Hen Dog Half to talk about getting sober, showing up for sponsees, and how to survive weddings without a drink in hand.

Danny brings the kind of insight that makes you laugh, nod, and think, “Okay... this guy gets it.” If you’re into honest recovery talk without the doom and gloom, this one’s for you.

🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode:
What early sobriety really felt like
Why service work actually works
The unexpected power of the Lord’s Prayer
Marriage and relationships in recovery
That dangerous little word: yet
Making peace with “having a drinking problem”
Why the 12 steps apply to everyone (not just alcoholics)
How AA doubles as group therapy
Sober travel and weddings—without the weirdness
Finding your people and your podcast voice

To get into contact with Danny Henriquez
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendoghalf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.h.henriquez
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolyardpro02115

P.S. Thanks for supporting independent recovery shows like ours. We’re a small but mighty and we’re so glad you’re here.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Email [email protected] 

• (02:27) - – Danny’s Story / Sober Date: Aug 9, 2022

This week on Sober Banter, we’re joined by Tim Lineaweaver—a therapist, dad, and four decades sober.

Tim takes us back to 1984, when he first got sober, and walks us through how recovery has evolved (and what’s stayed the same) over the past 40 years. From navigating trauma in sobriety to talking with your kids about alcoholism, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, humor, and heart.

We dive into early cravings, drinking dreams, and what it means to help others while still protecting your own peace. Whether you’re newly sober or years into the journey, Tim’s perspective will leave you feeling seen and supported.

Episode Highlights:

2:36 – Back to 1984: Getting sober

5:13 – Sobriety in the 80s & How Tim got sober

8:43 – Growing up in an alcoholic home

14:31 – Trauma and addiction

19:39 – Upcoming memoir & Earning a degree in sobriety

23:33 – What people misunderstand about trauma

26:09 – Never met someone who regretted getting sober

27:43 – What’s changed in recovery since the 80s

33:09 – The core message Tim wants people to hear

36:49 – Talking to kids about addiction

41:05 – Drinking dreams

43:53 – Tim’s call to sober publishers

P.S. Thanks for supporting independent recovery shows like ours. We’re a small but mighty team (okay, it’s mostly just me editing at midnight), and we’re so glad you’re here.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast 

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest email [email protected] 

• (02:36) - – Back to 1984: Getting sober

In this episode, Sam Thomas, a writer and campaigner from Brighton, UK, shares his journey of sobriety since November 2019. He discusses overcoming alcohol dependence, including withdrawal and hallucinations. Sam also talks about his unique therapy with exotic pets, which helped him rationalize his fears. He reflects on founding a charity for men with eating disorders and personal sacrifices. Sam candidly discusses the ongoing nature of recovery, self-reflection, and his aspirations for a memoir. This episode explores addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Connect with Sam Thomas!
https://www.instagram.com/samthomas8186/
https://linktr.ee/samthomas8186

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
Reply on Bluesky

☕️ Support the show: 

Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

• (00:00) - Welcome Sam Thomas