Sober Friends

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In this powerful episode of the Sober Friends podcast, host Matt shares his deeply personal experience with Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous, tackling one of recovery's most challenging hurdles: connecting with a higher power. Whether you're new to sobriety, curious about AA, or a seasoned veteran in recovery, Matt's candid storytelling breaks down the misconceptions about spirituality in recovery and offers fresh perspectives on finding your own path.

Key highlights include:

• Confronting the "God thing" in AA without religious pressure
• Creative alternatives to traditional concepts of a higher power
• Real talk about the challenges of early sobriety and meeting attendance
• Practical advice for working through Step 2 at your own pace
• How humility and openness become stepping stones to recovery

Perfect for the sober curious, newcomers to AA, or anyone seeking understanding about the role of spirituality in addiction recovery. Matt's authentic approach and vulnerable sharing make this complex topic accessible and relatable for everyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual background.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

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When life feels overwhelming, where do we find the resilience to get through it? In this episode, Matt and Steve have an honest discussion about coping with stress, loss, and difficult news. They explore strategies like finding purpose, building community, and focusing on what's within your control. With empathy and real-life examples, they provide hope and practical advice for anyone struggling to maintain their sobriety or wellbeing during challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

• Acknowledging the validity of your feelings, even if they don't match others' experiences
• Using coping mechanisms like exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature
• Cultivating a sense of purpose and looking for ways to be of service to others
• Leaning on your support network and recovery community
• Maintaining healthy routines and habits to provide stability

This episode is perfect for listeners in recovery, as well as anyone seeking guidance on building resilience and finding joy even in the midst of life's storms. With thoughtful discussion and relatable stories, Matt and Steve offer a compassionate roadmap for weathering challenges.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Anger and resentment can feel like a never-ending battle, especially for those in recovery. In this raw and relatable conversation, hosts Matt and Steve dive deep into their personal struggles with these challenging emotions. From childhood trauma to strained relationships, they share how anger has impacted their lives and sobriety.

Discover strategies they've learned through therapy, the 12 steps, and outside resources to manage these powerful feelings. Hear about those "ah-ha" moments that shifted their perspectives, as well as the setbacks they continue to face. Whether you're grappling with your own anger demons or supporting a loved one, this episode offers hope and practical advice for finding more peace.

Don't miss this honest discussion about a topic that's all too common, yet often stigmatized. Tune in to learn how Matt and Steve are working to reclaim their power and rebuild the relationships that matter most. Your own journey with anger and resentment may just find validation here.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Looking for deeper connections in recovery? Join Steve and Matt as they explore the transformative power of recovery retreats. From intimate 35-person gatherings to step-focused weekends, discover how these getaways offer more than just a break from daily life. Learn why investing in a retreat might be exactly what your recovery needs, whether you're newly sober or years into your journey. Steve shares his recent retreat experience, including a powerful revelation about anger and emotions, while Matt reflects on how retreats helped him early in sobriety. This episode demystifies recovery retreats and shows how they can strengthen your program through fellowship, structured discussion, and meaningful connections with others serious about their recovery. Perfect for anyone curious about taking their recovery to the next level or seeking deeper connections in the program.

#recovery #sobriety #AAretreat #fellowship #soberpodcast #recoveryjourney #soberlife

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Are you questioning your relationship with alcohol but thinking "I haven't lost everything yet"? In this raw and revealing episode, we dive into what it really means to be a "high bottom" alcoholic in today's world.

Matt shares his personal struggle with Step One, challenging the traditional "rock bottom" narrative from the 1930s Big Book. From the exhausting mental gymnastics of "just one drink" to the profound revelation that unmanageability isn't always about losing homes or jobs – sometimes it's the quiet chaos in your head that's the real wake-up call.

Key moments in this episode:

• The eye-opening story of a family gathering that became a battlefield of "should I drink?" decisions
• Why comparing your story to others might be keeping you stuck
• The unexpected conversation with a well-heeled woman that changed everything
• What unmanageability really looks like when you still have the house, the job, and the family

Whether you identify as a "high bottom" drinker or you're just questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be powerless over alcohol in today's world. You don't have to wait until you lose it all to make a change.

🎧 First episode in our special series exploring the 12 Steps through a modern lens.

#SoberLife #Recovery #HighBottom #12Steps #SoberFriends #RecoveryPodcast #SoberCurious

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Are you stuck in survival mode, always waiting for that "one thing" to make you happy? In this raw and insightful episode, Matt shares a powerful revelation from an AA meeting that struck him "square between the eyes." Discover how the constant struggle to just get by can fuel addiction, and learn how embracing vulnerability and asking for help can transform mere survival into true thriving. Whether you're newly sober or years into recovery, this episode offers a fresh perspective on breaking free from the survival mindset and building a life of purpose and fulfillment. Tune in for practical tips on silencing negative self-talk, finding value beyond external measures, and unlocking your potential to not just survive, but truly thrive in sobriety.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Join us for an illuminating conversation with Tricia Lewis, host of the Recovery Happy Hour podcast and advocate for inclusive sobriety. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of recovery, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be "alcoholic" and exploring the diverse paths to sobriety in today's world.

Tricia shares her personal journey and insights on:

• Why you don't need to hit "rock bottom" to choose sobriety
• The role of non-alcoholic beverages in recovery
• Navigating trauma and mental health in sobriety
• Breaking free from rigid recovery labels
• The importance of finding your own path while staying connected to community

Whether you're sober curious, in recovery, or just interested in understanding modern approaches to sobriety, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on creating a life beyond alcohol. Discover why sobriety isn't just about survival—it's about learning to thrive.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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In this raw and honest episode, Matt and Steve dive deep into the challenging journey of self-forgiveness and building self-worth in recovery. They explore how the weight of past mistakes can fuel addiction and hinder progress, sharing personal stories of their own struggles and triumphs.

Discover practical strategies for letting go of guilt, embracing patience in personal growth, and finding self-esteem through "estimable acts." Whether you're new to sobriety or years into your journey, this episode offers valuable insights on:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy
• The power of making amends and owning your past
• Finding balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance
• How to build self-esteem through small, meaningful actions

Join Matt and Steve for this powerful discussion on transforming self-doubt into self-compassion – an essential step in maintaining long-term sobriety and living a fulfilling life in recovery.

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into a compelling New York Times article that challenges how we view obesity—is it a disease or just a symptom of a larger issue? This sparks a broader conversation about alcoholism and addiction. Could it be that, like obesity, alcoholism is merely masking deeper, underlying problems?

Join Matt and Steve as they explore their personal journeys with recovery and weight loss, drawing fascinating parallels between the two. They discuss the struggles of overcoming addiction, whether to alcohol or food, and how societal perceptions might be missing the mark. Is it time to rethink how we approach recovery and treatment?

Whether you’re navigating your own path to recovery or simply curious about a new way to think about addiction, this episode is sure to spark some insightful reflections. Plus, don’t miss the link to the original article for a deeper dive into this eye-opening perspective!

Click here to link to the New York Times Article
Never Enough:  The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction by Judith Grisel

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

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Are you feeling stuck in your recovery journey, seeing the same faces and hearing the same stories over and over again? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the rut that many of us experience and how stepping out of your comfort zone can reignite your passion for sobriety. Join Matt as he shares his recent experience as a speaker at a virtual newcomer’s meeting, where the fresh energy and diverse voices revitalized his commitment to service. We also explore the value of switching up your routine, from virtual meetings with international participants to intimate small group gatherings, and the unexpected ways these can help combat that feeling of disconnection. Whether you’re struggling with motivation or just curious about how others are keeping things fresh, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you reconnect with your recovery. Tune in, and let’s rediscover the joy of the journey together!

There's more to the Sober Friends experience than just the podcast!  Our companion newsletter takes that conversation to another level, where you get an in-depth article that explores our podcast topic from a completely different angle.  Head over to soberfriendspod.com, scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now