Sober Life Rocks ®️

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with gray area drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch, whose journey from Scotland’s drinking culture to sober leadership in Australia is inspiring women worldwide to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Her story reminds us that sobriety isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about coming home to yourself.

Sarah grew up in Scotland, where every celebration—from birthdays to ordinary weekends—was marked with laughter, music, and whisky. Watching her parents entertain, she learned that fun and alcohol went hand in hand. By fourteen, she was drinking, and when a classmate told her, “You’re so much fun when you drink,” she internalized the message that alcohol made her likable—a belief that would follow her for decades.

In London, Sarah’s career flourished, and so did her drinking. One job interview even ended with tequila shots. Alcohol wasn’t seen as a problem—it was networking, bonding, belonging. But over time, what once felt fun began to feel like a trap.

Sarah and her husband eventually moved to Australia with their two kids—sun, balance, and everything she thought she wanted. Yet inside, she felt exhausted and disconnected. Then came mommy wine culture: the memes, the jokes, and the “Mom Juice” glasses that turned self-medication into social bonding. Drinking to “take the edge off” soon became daily routine.

What began as a 21-day alcohol-free challenge to “reset” turned into something life-changing. Within three weeks, Sarah felt clearer, more energized, and more alive. She kept going—100 days—and found herself thriving. She was making more money in her business, sleeping better, and reconnecting with her family. When she eventually gave in to “just one glass,” she quickly slipped back into old habits—and realized the truth: the habit wasn’t gone. It was waiting.

Sarah didn’t lose her job, marriage, or home. But she was losing her presence—especially with her children. Two moments with them became her wake-up call. She knew she wasn’t showing up as the mom she wanted to be, and that was her breaking point.

Through books like This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and Jolene Park’s TED Talk on gray area drinking, Sarah finally had language for her experience. She wasn’t powerless, but she wasn’t free either. That realization led her to train as a Gray Area Drinking Coach, helping women who want to change their relationship with alcohol before hitting rock bottom.

When Sarah shared her story publicly in an Australian newspaper, fear nearly stopped her from publishing it. But a journalist’s reminder—“If one person reads your story and it helps them, isn’t it worth it?”—gave her courage. Within days, 8,000 women reached out. “You told my story,” they said. “I thought I was the only one.” That’s when Sarah realized her vulnerability was her greatest strength.

Today, Sarah measures success not by followers or downloads but by impact. “Did I help one person today?” she asks. Her work is about helping women reclaim their energy, confidence, and joy. Sobriety, she says, isn’t just about saying no to alcohol—it’s about saying yes to clarity, connection, and purpose.

Sarah’s story challenges the idea that you need to hit rock bottom to make a change. Her path to freedom began with curiosity and courage—and now, she’s helping thousands do the same. Living life sober, she reminds us, isn’t about deprivation. It’s about waking up to your own brilliance.

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The post Episode 72: Gray Area Drinking Coach Sarah Rusbatch: From Mommy Wine Culture to Living Sober first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober therapist Wendy Behar—a coach, author, and mother who has been sober for 28 years. Her story is one of quiet strength and transformation, proving that recovery isn’t about becoming someone new, but finally becoming yourself.

Wendy grew up in a home where drinking was a nightly ritual. Her father was a liquor distributor, and cocktails were part of the household routine. By middle school, she was already experimenting with alcohol—what started as fun soon became a familiar escape.

As an adult, Wendy’s drinking became a hidden habit. Married with children, she kept vodka stashed in the basement and drank secretly. One night, after drinking too much at her husband’s work event, her children saw her blackout. The next morning, the look on their faces changed everything. She knew she had to stop.

Wendy entered AA and began her journey to sobriety. She describes the program as a lifeline, helping her not just quit drinking but rediscover who she was. Sobriety, she explains, is about learning to feel again, connect with your truth, and rebuild life from the inside out.

Like many women of her generation, Wendy was raised to be a caregiver and peacekeeper. Sobriety gave her the clarity to ask bigger questions—about her purpose, her relationships, and what she truly wanted. She returned to school, became a therapist, and began helping others recover. Along the way, she made hard choices, including leaving a marriage that no longer aligned with who she had become.

One of Wendy’s core teachings is a mantra she created through years of work with clients: Feel. Deal. Heal.

Wendy encourages clients to use a “feelings sheet” to build emotional vocabulary—a powerful tool for people who have spent years avoiding their emotions.

Setting boundaries is one of Wendy’s hardest-won lessons. She shared the story of having to turn away one of her children during a difficult period—an act that was painful but necessary. Sobriety gave her the strength to protect her peace and trust the process of healing for both of them.

Wendy’s message to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol is clear: you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to get help. Whether through AA, coaching, or online communities, there are countless ways to find support. She runs Wendy’s Warriors, a private Facebook group for women in recovery seeking encouragement and connection.

For Wendy, sobriety has given life new color and depth. It’s not always easy, but it’s real—and it’s worth it. “Being sober,” she says, “lets you experience all of life’s flavors and seasons.”

Wendy Behar’s story is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty, courage, and connection. Her journey from secrecy to self-awareness shows that the real work of sobriety begins when we start to feel—and keep feeling—without running away.

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The post Episode 71: Sober Therapist Wendy Behar: Feel, Deal, Heal—28 Years of Sobriety and Self-Discovery first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sobriety advocate Will Gordon—an educator, speaker, and survivor whose story redefines what it means to truly start over. Will’s journey from alcohol dependence to surviving multiple transplants is not only extraordinary but a testament to the power of honesty, faith, and service.

Will grew up in Boston as the youngest of four boys in a traditional Irish Catholic household. Alcohol was a constant presence at every gathering, celebration, and even casual evening. But more than the drinking culture, it was the pressure to meet his father’s expectations—especially in sports—that shaped him. While he loved music and theater, alcohol became the tool that allowed him to express himself and feel accepted.

In college, Will’s drinking escalated. What began as social fun became a coping mechanism. By his mid-twenties, while teaching full-time, alcohol turned from a reward into relief. It was no longer about having fun—it was about numbing stress and pain. The daily ritual of drinking after work quietly took over his life.

There was no dramatic public collapse. On the surface, Will seemed fine—a hard worker with a steady job. But internally, he was drowning in hopelessness. One day, he made a devastating decision: he was going to drink himself to death. What followed was both tragic and miraculous.

Will collapsed and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His liver had failed. Through an extraordinary series of events, he received a transplant—but complications continued. Within months, his colon ruptured, giving him a 4% chance of survival, and later, his kidneys failed, requiring another transplant. Each time, he defied the odds. His survival became the spark for something bigger.

Will’s recovery wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual. He began to see his survival as a gift, a responsibility to help others. Today, he’s still teaching, but his passion extends beyond the classroom. He uses his voice to share his story on his podcast, The Willpower Podcast, connecting with people in all stages of recovery.

When Will began openly discussing his addiction and transplants, his family and friends were shocked—they had no idea he’d been suffering so deeply. But instead of judgment, he was met with compassion and admiration. Through vulnerability, he discovered that sharing his truth gave others permission to face their own struggles.

Will doesn’t preach; he invites reflection. He asks listeners to examine how alcohol shows up in their lives and whether it’s truly serving them. His message is clear—you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a change. Sobriety isn’t punishment; it’s liberation.

Will Gordon’s journey reminds us that miracles often come through courage and honesty. His story isn’t just one of recovery—it’s one of redemption, faith, and purpose. He’s proof that survival can evolve into service and that sharing your story might just save someone else’s life.

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On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober workplace advocate Heather McGuire, a single mother, professional leader, and passionate voice for alcohol-free inclusivity in the workplace. Her story is both relatable and revolutionary—showing how personal recovery can lead to professional change across entire industries.

Heather’s story began in Michigan, where alcohol was part of her environment but never seemed dangerous. As a teen, she discovered that drinking helped her feel confident and comfortable. What started as social drinking became a lifelong pattern of using alcohol to manage discomfort and stress.

By her twenties, Heather was a single mom to three boys, balancing a demanding career as a dental hygienist. Alcohol became a coping mechanism—an escape from exhaustion and anxiety. Over time, it stopped working. Hangovers and shame replaced relief, and she knew something had to change.

When Heather decided to get sober, she was surprised to find support where she least expected it—at work. Her boss, a dentist in long-term recovery, welcomed her honesty and encouraged her journey. That compassion helped her begin again without shame, and it shaped how she would later lead others.

In sobriety, Heather’s ambition flourished. She switched careers to sales and quickly excelled. But at a company event, she found herself on a mandatory bar crawl—taking pictures with her soda water while everyone else drank. The night ended with her in tears, alone in a bathroom, terrified of relapsing. The experience exposed a major issue: alcohol-centered corporate culture excludes and endangers those in recovery.

Heather raised her concerns to HR, asking, “If we had employees in wheelchairs, would we plan mountain climbing as a team activity?” While leadership agreed in principle, no changes followed. That realization became her call to action—if companies wouldn’t change on their own, she would help them see why they must.

At a professional conference, Heather found unexpected connection—in a tiki bar, surrounded by sober peers enjoying creative mocktails. For the first time, she felt seen and supported by others who shared her path. It was there she met members of the Sober Life Rocks community and realized she wasn’t alone in wanting to change workplace norms.

Now leading the education department at a major company, Heather often attends and sponsors industry events. At one, she witnessed a young professional spiral into public intoxication. The next morning, the woman approached Heather, ashamed and seeking help. That encounter reaffirmed Heather’s mission: corporate drinking culture is harming people—and it can be changed.

Heather implemented a new company policy: sponsorship funds only go to events that meet inclusive criteria. Organizers must provide quality non-alcoholic options, balance programming, and create welcoming spaces for all participants. “It’s not about banning alcohol,” she says. “It’s about giving people a choice.”

Heather challenges all companies to examine how they use alcohol in team building and events. True inclusion means acknowledging and supporting sober professionals, not isolating them. Her message is simple but profound: we can do better.

Heather McGuire’s journey is about more than personal recovery—it’s about transforming culture. She’s proving that sober advocacy in the workplace creates healthier, safer, and more inclusive environments for everyone. Her work invites all of us to rethink what belonging looks like—and how we can make it real.

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The post Episode 69: Sober Workplace Advocate Heather McGuire: Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol at Work first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober chef Jonathon Sawyer—James Beard Award winner, acclaimed restaurateur, and TV personality—who opened up about his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and building a foundation to help others in the restaurant industry choose sobriety with strength and support.

Jonathon grew up in a family where addiction was present on both sides. He was introduced to alcohol and drugs as a teen, using them to mask anxiety and find a sense of belonging.

At 14, Jonathon entered the restaurant world, where long hours, high stress, and substance-fueled cultures were the norm. Inspired by celebrity chefs who romanticized chaotic lifestyles, he fell into the same patterns—believing it was part of “making it” in fine dining.

Despite winning awards and appearing on television, Jonathon described feeling empty. Even European wine tours and curated cellars became more about fueling addiction than celebrating food and culture. By 2022, he was emotionally and physically exhausted, entering treatment and committing to sobriety.

Re-entering a drinking-heavy industry wasn’t easy. At first, Jonathon stayed quiet about his sobriety. But eventually, he chose to share openly—first on the show 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, where he spoke about his journey and vision for a new chapter.

Jonathon launched the Sawyer Foundation to support people in hospitality who want to pursue sobriety. Its first project is a resource hub with treatment referrals, insurance information, and job protections. Long-term, his dream is a culinary school designed for sober chefs—a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive.

Opening up invited criticism, with some questioning his motives. But Jonathon is clear: sobriety is not an excuse—it’s a commitment to help others. “You don’t respond to those people,” he said. “You just let them have their opinions.”

Jonathon emphasizes that sobriety doesn’t mean isolation. While restaurant culture often normalizes alcohol, there are countless others choosing different paths. His mission is to make sure they feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed in their careers without alcohol.

Jonathon Sawyer’s story is proof that recovery isn’t the end of ambition—it’s the start of something bigger. As a sober chef and founder of the Sawyer Foundation, he’s changing the way the industry views addiction and recovery, creating a space where chefs and food professionals can thrive without alcohol.

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The post Episode 68: Sober Chef Jonathon Sawyer: From Culinary Fame to Sobriety and Purpose first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober mindset coach Andy Ramage, whose story proves you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a powerful change. Andy’s journey shows how choosing clarity over alcohol can transform health, career, and confidence while inspiring thousands to do the same.

Andy grew up in East London where alcohol was simply part of the culture. As a shy introvert, he quickly discovered that alcohol gave him the courage to socialize, manage anxiety, and feel confident.

After his professional football career ended due to injury, Andy entered the high-pressure world of oil trading. With a company credit card for entertaining clients, alcohol became a professional tool—part of the job, part of his success. But success didn’t feel fulfilling anymore.

One day, Andy looked in the mirror and realized he was overweight, sluggish, and unhappy. He decided to stop drinking—not after a dramatic crisis, but because he wanted a better life. Within 28 days, his energy, health, and outlook transformed.

Andy didn’t announce his decision to the world. But soon, the results spoke for themselves. He was sharper at work, more consistent, and more creative with clients. He lost 42 pounds, gained clarity, and began living in technicolor again.

Andy started journaling, which eventually led to publishing books, launching a podcast, and building coaching programs. His mission: to help others discover that sobriety isn’t about loss—it’s about living fully.

Andy will be one of the featured speakers at the AMPLIFY Sober Voices conference, sharing his insights on behavior change, leadership, and finding strength in sobriety.

Andy Ramage’s story is about clarity, not crisis. He shows that you don’t need to be broken to want better. Sobriety can be the key to unlocking health, happiness, and purpose.

Stay Connected with Andy:

The post Episode 67: Sober Mindset Coach Andy Ramage: Finding Confidence, Clarity, and Purpose in Sobriety first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober memoir author Jason Mayo—a writer, father, and peer recovery advocate whose new book, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood, shares his deeply personal journey from high-functioning chaos to a grounded, present life in recovery.

Jason’s early life was shaped by his parents’ divorce and the depression and anxiety that followed. Alcohol became both a social tool and an emotional crutch, offering relief where therapy and family could not.

Working in visual effects and sound for advertising, Jason thrived professionally in an industry steeped in heavy drinking and drug use. At home, however, he was emotionally unavailable, leaving his family with the “leftovers” while alcohol drained his energy.

Jason’s decision to quit drinking wasn’t sparked by a dramatic crash, but by a quiet realization that fixing his life was more appealing than denying the problem. He committed fully to a 12-step program in 2010 and hasn’t had a drink or drug since.

Jason navigated sobriety without leaving his industry, quietly sharing the decision with those closest to him and continuing to show up at work, social events, and community gatherings—only now with clarity and presence.

Jason first made his mark in the dad blogging space, but after getting sober, he felt his old writing no longer matched his lived experience. He stepped away from the blog, eventually rediscovering his voice through short, honest vignettes that evolved into his memoir.

COVID-19 brought Jason home full-time, allowing him to share everyday life with his family. The experience led him to leave his high-pressure career, become a certified peer recovery advocate, and help others on their recovery journeys.

Jason’s story is free of sensationalism—no public meltdowns, just steady, quiet work toward a better life. It’s about integrating recovery into the life you have, not abandoning it entirely.

Stay Connected with Jason:

The post Episode 66: Sober Memoir Author Jason Mayo: From High-Functioning Chaos to Grounded Recovery first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober memoir author Jason Mayo—a writer, father, and peer recovery advocate whose new book, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood, shares his deeply personal journey from high-functioning chaos to a grounded, present life in recovery.

Jason’s early life was shaped by his parents’ divorce and the depression and anxiety that followed. Alcohol became both a social tool and an emotional crutch, offering relief where therapy and family could not.

Working in visual effects and sound for advertising, Jason thrived professionally in an industry steeped in heavy drinking and drug use. At home, however, he was emotionally unavailable, leaving his family with the “leftovers” while alcohol drained his energy.

Jason’s decision to quit drinking wasn’t sparked by a dramatic crash, but by a quiet realization that fixing his life was more appealing than denying the problem. He committed fully to a 12-step program in 2010 and hasn’t had a drink or drug since.

Jason navigated sobriety without leaving his industry, quietly sharing the decision with those closest to him and continuing to show up at work, social events, and community gatherings—only now with clarity and presence.

Jason first made his mark in the dad blogging space, but after getting sober, he felt his old writing no longer matched his lived experience. He stepped away from the blog, eventually rediscovering his voice through short, honest vignettes that evolved into his memoir.

COVID-19 brought Jason home full-time, allowing him to share everyday life with his family. The experience led him to leave his high-pressure career, become a certified peer recovery advocate, and help others on their recovery journeys.

Jason’s story is free of sensationalism—no public meltdowns, just steady, quiet work toward a better life. It’s about integrating recovery into the life you have, not abandoning it entirely.

Stay Connected with Jason:

The post Episode 66: Sober Memoir Author Jason Mayo: From High-Functioning Chaos to Grounded Recovery first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we welcomed mindful sobriety coach Hamza Najam, a recovery coach, meditation facilitator, and founder of a mindful recovery community. Hamza’s story takes us from growing up in Pakistan, where alcohol is illegal, to the depths of addiction in Canada—and ultimately to a life built on stillness, neuroscience, and deep healing.

In Pakistan, alcohol was taboo, but Hamza and his friends found ways to drink—chugging entire bottles in secrecy. This binge-style pattern followed him to Canada, where alcohol was everywhere. The freedom led to heavy drinking, entry into the electronic music scene, and substance use as a daily norm.

By his 20s, Hamza felt like a lost cause. Multiple attempts at recovery, including AA and therapy, helped in part but didn’t click completely. Then he discovered meditation—a practice that initially brought him to tears but ultimately became the foundation of his healing.

Through daily meditation, journaling, and self-reflection, Hamza shifted his focus from resisting alcohol to understanding the reasons behind his drinking. Sobriety began to feel like a choice, not a punishment.

Hamza deepened his knowledge through mindfulness-based stress reduction training and a neuroscience certification from Harvard Extension. He learned that once you understand what’s driving your urges, you can address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

Wanting to share his approach, Hamza became a nationally certified alcohol recovery coach and launched Breathe Sober—an online community offering courses and programs focused on the deeper work of recovery. His philosophy: drinking is often a symptom of deeper pain, and real recovery addresses that pain directly.

Hamza acknowledges the reality that some friendships fade when alcohol is no longer the bond. But this opens the door to more authentic relationships built on growth and shared values.

Life still brings challenges, but mindfulness, neuroscience, and intentional community have given Hamza and his clients the resilience to respond rather than react.

Hamza’s story shows that recovery is not just about quitting alcohol—it’s about reclaiming the ability to feel, heal, and live with intention. His journey blends spirituality, science, and community into a path that others can follow toward freedom.

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The post Episode 65: Mindful Sobriety Coach Hamza Najam: Healing Through Meditation, Neuroscience, and Community first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with Enneagram sobriety coach Tracy O’Malley—a powerhouse speaker, transformation coach, and truth-teller whose story moves from binge-drinking corporate executive to internationally recognized leader working with Fortune 500 companies and Google. Her journey is proof that you can rewrite your story no matter how deep the patterns run.

Growing up in an Irish-American household with a strong drinking culture, Tracy learned early to read the room, manage chaos, and keep the peace. While she wasn’t a daily drinker, her binge drinking provided an intense sense of release from the pressure cooker of her life.

At 40, Tracy saw unhealthy coping mechanisms reflected in her children, prompting her to get sober. The death of her father deepened her commitment, leading her to a 30-day treatment program where she began the real inner work.

In treatment, Tracy encountered the Enneagram—a personality framework that became her compass for self-discovery and transformation. Combined with 12-step recovery, it helped her understand the patterns beneath her behaviors and guided her to a life beyond survival mode.

Tracy learned that “your secrets keep you sick.” She chose radical transparency about her sobriety, which not only supported her recovery but drew others toward her honesty. She also differentiates between transparency—sharing processed truths—and vulnerability—being open in the moment about what you haven’t figured out yet. Vulnerability, she says, is where true connection begins.

Her advice for anyone stuck in old patterns: “Be willing to disrupt the dance.” That means letting go of people and habits that keep you stuck, even when it’s uncomfortable in the short term.

Today, Tracy’s work helps leaders, teams, and individuals uncover their true strengths and break free from generational patterns. Her story reminds us that sobriety is more than abstinence—it’s a path to empowerment, transformation, and thriving.

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The post Episode 64: Enneagram Sobriety Coach Tracy O’Malley: Breaking Cycles, Finding Truth, and Living Sober first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.