In this deeply moving episode, I sat down with Marie Burgess—licensed therapist, grief specialist, and founder of Genuine Connections Psychotherapy—to talk about something most people avoid: grief.

Marie is not just a therapist—she’s a grieving mom who lost her son Harvey to a terminal illness nearly a decade ago. She shared her personal journey of advocacy, hospice care, and healing after loss—and how sobriety became part of her own recovery.

We explored why grief so often leads people to numb with alcohol or substances, and how that instinct to escape can deepen the pain rather than relieve it. Marie shared how she helps grieving parents, siblings, and children find hope, connection, and strength—one breath at a time.

If you’re navigating grief yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a tender and honest reminder that you don’t have to go through it alone. 💛

Marie’s story of losing her son and building a practice rooted in grief work

Why grief often leads to substance use—and why it makes sense (but doesn’t help)

How alcohol can become a socially acceptable escape from trauma

What PTSD looks like after the loss of a child (and how it often gets overlooked)

Marie’s own journey with alcohol: from daily wine to blackouts to taking a break

The importance of modeling emotional awareness and self-compassion

Why grief needs to be witnessed—not shoved down or avoided

The importance of community and sharing our stories

What Marie wishes everyone knew about supporting grieving families

🧠 Marie’s therapy practice: Genuine Connections Psychotherapy

📸 Follow Marie on Instagram: @genuineconnectionspsychotherapy

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Let’s talk about a sneaky little trigger that can wreck your alcohol-free momentum if you’re not ready for it: boredom.

Boredom often comes from deeper feelings like restlessness, a lack of purpose, or disconnection. And if alcohol was your old go-to for instant relief? Well, your brain will absolutely nudge you toward pouring a drink when things get too quiet.

I share my own story of drinking out of boredom at boat shows (yes, really) and how I now view boredom as an opportunity instead of a problem. This episode is packed with mindset shifts, nervous system regulation tips, and easy tools to keep you grounded—and alcohol-free—when that uncomfortable lull shows up.

If you’re in early sobriety, trying to moderate, or just figuring out how to manage your evenings without wine, this one’s for you. 💛

Why boredom isn’t “harmless” when it comes to drinking

How boredom tricks your brain into chasing old habits

The deeper emotional layers beneath boredom (loneliness, anxiety, purposelessness)

A boat show story and how I used champagne to fill the void

The HALT method (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) as a mindful check-in

Why small shifts (like a cold towel or a walk) can completely reset your craving

The power of a boredom jar—and how to make one

Why weekends without structure are a trigger zone

How to reframe boredom as a doorway to creativity and connection

ING activities that boost dopamine (walking, cooking, dancing, etc.)

Why being bored doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re human

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If you've ever told yourself a drink helps you sleep, this episode is for you. I sat down with sleep expert Mollie Eastman, creator of Sleep Is A Skill, and had one of the most eye-opening conversations about alcohol, circadian rhythms, and real, restorative rest.

We busted some of the biggest myths about sleep (including the infamous nightcap!) and dove into why alcohol doesn't just make you groggy—it wrecks your sleep quality for days afterward.
Mollie shared simple, science-backed strategies for rebuilding your sleep naturally—whether you're cutting back or living alcohol-free.

This conversation completely changed the way I think about sleep and recovery, and I know it will for you too. 🌙✨

Why alcohol sedates you, not truly puts you to sleep

How alcohol disrupts REM sleep, metabolism, and emotional regulation

Why poor sleep becomes a hidden health risk, especially in midlife

How blue light, meal timing, and even your thoughts affect your circadian rhythm

Wearable tech, red light, and other tools to support sober sleep

Why getting outside first thing in the morning is a game-changer

How quitting alcohol helped Mollie (and me!) reclaim deep, nourishing rest

🌐 Learn more about Mollie’s work at Sleep Is A Skill

🛏️ Take Mollie’s free Sleep Assessment here

📩 Subscribe to Mollie's amazing weekly Sleep Newsletter: Sign up here

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I’m so excited to bring you this heartfelt, funny, and deeply real conversation with Peggi Cooney, author of This Side of Alcohol. When I read Peggi’s book during my first alcohol-free vacation, it felt like she was speaking directly to me, putting words to emotions and moments I hadn’t been able to articulate.

In this episode, we talk about the messy, awkward, shame-filled parts of breaking up with alcohol—and the joy and clarity waiting on the other side. Peggi shares her journey from a career in social work (and the trauma that came with it) to hiding bottles in her boots, to finally getting sober for her daughter—and eventually, for herself.

We also talk about the deeper work of recovery: why quitting alcohol is just the beginning, why chaos can feel addictive, and how sharing our stories can heal us and others. Peggi’s wit, wisdom, and honesty will make you laugh, cry, and feel less alone.

If you’ve ever wondered if your drinking is keeping you stuck, or if you’re navigating early sobriety and need some encouragement, this episode is for you. ❤️

How Peggi’s daughter inspired her to finally quit drinking

Why social work and secondary trauma fueled her addiction

The cognitive dissonance of helping others while struggling herself

Her experiences with blackouts, grayouts, and secret drinking

The healing power of quit lit (and why she loves physical books!)

How reading and journaling became tools for her recovery

Why chaos can feel more comfortable than calm—and how to unlearn that

Sharing your sobriety “out loud” to help others

Her work with Zero Proof Experiences & sober retreats

Practical advice for slowing down and staying patient in early sobriety

📖 This Side of Alcohol by Peggi Cooney: Amazon

📸 Follow Peggi on Instagram: @thissideofalcohol

🌐 Learn more about Zero Proof Experiences: zeroproofexperiences

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I can't even begin to tell you how special this conversation is for me. Back in 2018, I picked up How to Stop Feeling Like Sht* by Andrea Owen—and it changed the course of my life. I thought I was hiring her for business coaching, but Andrea saw what I couldn’t yet admit: my drinking was keeping me stuck.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea, global speaker, certified life coach, and bestselling author of 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life, How to Stop Feeling Like Sht*, and Make Some Noise. We talk about the sneaky ways shame keeps us stuck, how numbing shows up in our lives, and why alcohol is the ultimate disempowerment tool (even when it’s marketed as empowerment).

Andrea shares her powerful story of recovery, how she learned to sit with uncomfortable emotions, and why curiosity and self-compassion are key tools for growth. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of perfectionism, people-pleasing, or numbing with alcohol, this episode is for you.

I’m forever grateful for Andrea’s wisdom—and now I get to share it with you. ❤️

Why my intake form confession (“I think I’m drinking too much…”) changed everything

Andrea’s journey from love addiction and codependency to sobriety

Why alcohol feels empowering but is actually disempowering

How numbing cuts us off from joy, intuition, and connection

The difference between sobriety and recovery—and why both matter

How curiosity and self-compassion are tools for personal growth

Why shame is often at the root of perfectionism, control, and people-pleasing

Why we can’t selectively numb our emotions

How to tell if a habit is comforting or numbing

How faith, spirituality, and connection can support sobriety

Andrea’s website: andreaowen.com

Books by Andrea Owen 👇

How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t (Amazon)

Make Some Noise (Amazon)

52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life (Amazon)

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In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps, the authors of The Great Menopause Myth, to unpack the essential truths about hormone therapy, alcohol’s impact on women’s health, and how to truly thrive during midlife and beyond.

Together, we'll address the fallout from the Women's Health Initiative study, why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains so misunderstood, and how alcohol consumption can seriously sabotage hormone health, metabolism, and aging.
Kristin and Maria don’t hold back—they reveal the real science every woman deserves to know and empower listeners with practical advice to reclaim their health, longevity, and vitality.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause, newly sober, or simply seeking better health, this episode is a must-listen. ❤️

Why women must choose between alcohol and hormone health

The real story behind the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study and how it led to a healthcare crisis

How alcohol affects metabolism, fat loss, and hormone balance

The truth about HRT: it's not just about menopause symptoms—it’s about heart, brain, and bone health

Why lifestyle factors like gut health, sleep, and nutrition are critical to a successful HRT journey

How to find the right hormone practitioner—and why most OB/GYNs aren't properly trained in menopause care

How Kristin and Maria stay vibrant, joyful, and alcohol-free today

📖 Purchase The Great Menopause Myth on Amazon: Click here

🌐 Connect with Kristin and Maria at Wise & Well

📸 Follow them on Instagram: @wise_and_well_

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In my very first solo episode of Sober Fit Life, I’m diving into a question that haunted me for years—and maybe haunts you too.

👉 “Do I have a problem with alcohol?”

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 3AM, heart racing, regretting another night of drinking and searching for online quizzes to tell you you're “fine”—this episode is for you. I talk about how confirmation bias and fading affect bias keep us stuck in drinking cycles we know aren't working… but keep returning to anyway.

I’m not here to label anyone. I’m here to offer tools, compassion, and a new way to think about your relationship with alcohol—starting with a better question than “Am I an alcoholic?”

Why those “Am I an alcoholic?” quizzes don’t really help—and what I used to hope they'd say.

The truth about confirmation bias and how we sabotage our own honesty.

What fading affect bias is and how it tricks us into drinking again.

Why “how much you drink” isn’t the most important question.

The real power of asking: Could my life be better without alcohol?

Why self-compassion (not shame) is the foundation for change.

How long-time drinkers can start rewiring habits—with patience.

A look at my new quiz: Am I Drinking Too Much?

My FREE quiz + guide to understanding gray area drinking

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In this episode of Sober Fit Life, I sit down with Michelle Houston — founder of To Be Honest Beverage Co. — to talk about what it really looks like to change your relationship with alcohol... and create a wellness-focused brand in the process 🍹✨

Once a craft cocktail lover, Michelle opens up about her decision to ditch alcohol, her battles with mental health, and why “being honest” was the first step in designing a healthier, more intentional lifestyle 💭💚

We talk about:

🧠 The link between alcohol, anxiety, and your inner truth

🌱 Why CBD can be a powerful tool in recovery and mindful drinking

🥂 The major gap in the market for sophisticated non-alcoholic options

👀 The science behind hemp and how Focus was born

🚫 The myths and stigma around quitting alcohol — and how to handle them

📈 Michelle’s plans to bring her drinks to bars, restaurants, and your fridge

If you’ve ever felt torn between social drinking and your mental clarity — or you’ve been curious about CBD as a calming alternative — this one’s for you 💫

🎧 Tune in to hear how sobriety helped Michelle unlock a new chapter of creativity, confidence, and connection — and why she’s on a mission to help others do the same.

Follow To Be Honest here

Visit their website 

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In this episode of Sober Fit Life, I sit down with Carrie Chojnowski, a holistic gut health practitioner and certified health coach, to dive into the connection between alcohol, gut health, and overall well-being.

Carrie has spent years helping women heal their gut, balance their hormones, and regain energy. But there was one piece of the puzzle she hadn’t fully examined—her own relationship with alcohol. After years of “moderate” drinking, she realized that even a few drinks a week were holding her back from feeling her best, sleeping deeply, and being fully present for her family.

In this episode, we dive into:

🍷 Why Carrie decided to rethink alcohol—even though she wasn’t a “problem drinker”
🧠 How alcohol affects gut health, hormone balance, and sleep (the science is shocking!)
💡 The power of doing a deep-dive “Why” exercise before making big life changes
⚡ How alcohol was quietly impacting her relationship with her family—and what changed when she stopped drinking
🌱 Practical tips for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and increasing energy

Carrie’s story is one that so many women can relate to—high-functioning, health-conscious, and yet feeling off in ways that didn’t quite make sense. Her journey is proof that sometimes, the one thing we resist looking at is the exact thing holding us back.

Connect with Carrie & Learn More:

🌎 Visit Carrie’s website
📌 Follow Carrie on Instagram 

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In this episode of Sober Fit Life, I sit down with Trish Brewer, a certified trauma-informed breathwork coach, Reiki master teacher, and co-author of We Lead, Volume Two. Trish helps individuals release trauma, reduce stress, and reconnect with their authentic selves through conscious breathwork.

After years of witnessing the impact of alcohol in her family, Trish made the conscious choice to step away. She realized that alcohol was not serving her health, energy, or emotional well-being. Instead of reaching for a drink, she turned to breathwork techniques—and they changed everything.

In this episode, we explore:

🌬️ How breathwork became Trish’s tool for emotional regulation and healing
🍷 Why she stopped drinking—even though she wasn’t a “problem drinker”
🧠 The science of breathwork & how it helps regulate the nervous system
🔥 Breath techniques for reducing stress, anxiety, and alcohol cravings
⏸️ The Power of the Pause—how breathwork can create space for better choices

Trish shares how simple breathing exercises can be a game-changer for anyone looking to manage stress, shift their mindset, and step into a more conscious, empowered life.

Breathwork Techniques we chat about: 

☀️ Morning: Breath of Fire to energize and awaken the body
🌿 Midday: 4-4 Breath to balance the nervous system
🌙 Evening: 4-8 Breath to activate rest & digestion for better sleep
🛑 For Anxiety or Social Situations: 4-7-8 Breath to calm the mind and body
🔲 For Focus & Resisting Urges: Box Breathing to increase mindfulness

Connect with Trish & Learn More:

🌎 Visit Trish’s website to learn about her Rising Woman Retreat
📌 Follow Trish on Instagram

👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend & leave a review to help more people find Sober Fit Life!

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