Sober Life Rocks ®️

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with Beth McDonough—a veteran news broadcaster, survivor of multiple rock bottoms, and author of the upcoming addiction recovery memoir Standby. Her journey from public downfall to personal reinvention is a powerful testament to what’s possible after addiction.

Beth’s story began in a home where her mother and stepfather abstained from alcohol but where her biological father, sister, and grandparents all battled alcoholism—tragically losing their lives to it. Those losses left her both cautious and fearful, but college life and career pressures eventually chipped away at that caution.

As a news broadcaster, Beth covered tragedies and disasters daily. After work, the bar became the place to decompress. The drinking escalated, leading to her first DUI. She vowed it wouldn’t happen again—but a second DUI changed everything, ending her broadcasting career and triggering a rapid fall that cost her her home and car.

Entering a sober living program, Beth embraced recovery through AA, aftercare, and building new habits. She turned her love for dogs into a business, eventually opening a doggy daycare. This became a stepping stone toward rebuilding her identity and independence.

Years later, a newsroom offered her another chance. This time, her reporting was infused with deeper empathy and understanding. She covered major national stories, including the George Floyd tragedy, but the job’s intensity—and personal danger—took a toll.

After surviving violent threats during protests and battling Lyme disease, Beth left the newsroom. She relocated to Utah to heal and finally completed her memoir, Standby—a raw, redemptive account of her journey through addiction, loss, and recovery.

Beth’s advice to those who feel hopeless: “If you find community, people who understand you, and share your truth—you’ll not only rebuild, you’ll create a life you never imagined.”

Beth McDonough’s addiction recovery memoir is proof that redemption is real. Her story shows that even after public downfalls and personal devastation, it’s possible to rise stronger than before.

Stay Connected:

The post Episode 63: Addiction Recovery Memoir: Beth McDonough’s Story of Resilience and Redemption first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober leadership speaker Jake White—an entrepreneur and advocate who’s transforming college culture through substance-free leadership. From a failed Kool-Aid party to a national movement, Jake’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, pivots, and empowering others.

Jake’s decision to live sober started early, shaped by the painful loss of his uncle to addiction. In college, he quickly realized that a sober lifestyle was rare on campus—and often misunderstood.

Surrounded by binge drinking and drug use, Jake attended parties to fit in but found them chaotic and unfulfilling. This disconnect inspired him to ask: What if we could have fun without substances?

Jake surveyed his peers, and 190 students said they’d attend a sober party. He stocked Kool-Aid, set up a DJ, and packed 190 people into a one-bedroom apartment. Within an hour, most had left, calling it a flop. Instead of quitting, Jake treated it as a lesson and made each event better until sober parties became a campus hit.

After college, Jake launched the 518 movement, traveling the country to host sober events on campuses. The results were mixed, but the journey led to a pivotal realization—he could have a greater impact by teaching student leaders to create their own events.

Jake shifted from running parties to providing leadership training, toolkits, and mentorship, equipping students to lead their own sober social movements. Sponsors, media, and schools began to notice.

What began as a personal mission evolved into a service-driven leadership model. “When I stopped making it about me and started lifting others up, everything changed,” Jake shared.

Jake is eager to join the Amplify conference for sober leaders nationwide. “The networking alone is worth it,” he said, emphasizing the power of collaboration in creating impact.

Jake White’s story is proof that leadership is about more than personal success—it’s about empowering others to lead. His journey from a failed Kool-Aid party to a national leadership platform shows the power of persistence, humility, and purpose-driven action.

Resources:

The post Episode 62: Sober Leadership Speaker Jake White: From Kool-Aid Party to National Movement first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

In this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober event creator Rachel Hechtman—an alcohol-free advocate, coach, and all-around force of nature. Rachel’s story is one of radical transformation, fueled by honesty, clarity, and a passion for building joyful, sober social spaces.

Rachel grew up struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety. By middle school, alcohol became her coping mechanism. A pivotal moment came when a teacher asked her if she’d taken her medication—leading to an ADHD diagnosis and a new chapter in her life.

College life in Manhattan brought new challenges. Drinking was the norm, and Rachel leaned into the party culture to manage her anxiety. Behind the fun, she felt overwhelmed and disconnected.

When the world shut down, Rachel took stock of her life. With toxic routines removed, she was still anxious—leading to a powerful realization: maybe the problem wasn’t everything around her. Maybe it was time for something new.

What started as a reluctant agreement to try Dry January with her mom turned into something bigger. Day by day, Rachel felt better. The mental fog cleared, and by February, she chose to keep going.

Many of her drinking friendships faded. But then she attended a San’s Bar pop-up—a non-alcoholic event that changed everything. It sparked her mission to build sober social spaces for others like her.

Rachel began hosting alcohol-free pop-ups, partnering with restaurants, and curating zero-proof drink tables. Her Instagram blew up. People resonated with her vibrant energy and were eager to join her events.

To offer deeper support, Rachel trained as an alcohol-free coach. Now, she’s preparing to launch Soft Bar NYC, a full-fledged non-alcoholic bar where sober and sober-curious folks can connect without compromise.

Rachel isn’t just surviving sobriety—she’s thriving. Her story shows that sobriety doesn’t mean isolation. It means freedom, clarity, connection, and joy.

Rachel Hechtman’s journey is proof that sobriety isn’t about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining. Confidence. Clarity. Real connection. And a life you can be proud of.

Resources:

The post Episode 61: Sober Event Creator Rachel Hechtman: From Boozy Nights to Building a Joyful Alcohol-Free Life first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with functional health recovery coach Samantha Lander—whose story proves that radical transformation is possible, no matter where you start. From addiction and incarceration to relapse and full-body healing, Samantha’s journey is both bold and inspiring.

Unlike many stories, Samantha didn’t grow up around addiction. She had a “normal” family life. Yet by middle school, she was drinking to blackout. The signs were there, even if no one saw them.

In college, Samantha discovered drugs—and her productivity skyrocketed. Meth and ketamine fueled her hustle. She appeared successful, but the damage was mounting. Eventually, she began selling drugs to sustain her lifestyle, and success turned into survival.

Everything came crashing down when a SWAT team raided her apartment. Facing federal prison, Samantha had a moment of clarity. “I think I need to go to rehab,” she told her parents. It wasn’t a visible rock bottom—but it was a turning point.

Samantha describes her 27-month prison sentence as one of the most healing times in her life. Stripped of distractions, she began the inner work. She emerged grounded, clear, and committed to rebuilding her life.

After prison, Samantha built a business, got married, and started a family. But sobriety is ongoing. After 13 years alcohol-free, she relapsed. It didn’t take long for alcohol to pull her back into a downward spiral. That relapse became a new turning point.

Even after getting sober again in 2012, Samantha didn’t feel well. Fatigue, brain fog, and chronic symptoms lingered. Traditional doctors had no answers—until she found functional nutrition testing. These insights helped her identify the long-term impact of addiction on her body and create a healing plan.

“All the things I used alcohol to chase—clarity, energy, focus—I now get through nutrition and fitness,” she said.

Today, Samantha is a functional health recovery coach helping clients uncover the root causes of feeling “off” and guiding them toward physical and emotional healing. Whether in recovery or not, her work focuses on restoring balance from the inside out.

Samantha never hid her past. She started sharing her story while still in prison and hasn’t stopped. Her radical honesty inspires clients and reminds them that healing starts with truth—not perfection.

Her advice? Start small. “Try saying ‘I’m in recovery’ to a stranger. It doesn’t have to be your full story. Just take one step at a time.”

Samantha’s journey is living proof that transformation is possible—even when the path is messy. She’s built a life rooted in integrity, service, and full-body wellness. Through functional health, fitness, and authenticity, she’s helping others find their own way back to health and hope.

Resources:

The post Episode 60: Functional Health Recovery Coach Samantha Lander: From Prison to Purpose first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

This week on the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with a man who doesn’t just talk sobriety—he lives it with purpose and grit. Shane Ramer, host of the popular sober podcast for men, That Sober Guy, has turned a personal recovery story into a global mission. With over four million downloads, his impact is undeniable.

Shane opened up about his early life surrounded by addiction. Though there was love, the chaos planted the seeds of his own struggle. Like many, his teen drinking escalated into dependency. By his 30s, he was mentally, physically, and spiritually drained—and ready for change.

After getting sober, Shane found himself commuting four to five hours daily. It was during these drives that he discovered podcasts. One show resonated deeply, inspiring him to reframe his journey around faith, purpose, and creative service.

One day, Shane told his wife, “I need to start a sober podcast.” With her support and no roadmap, he jumped in—learning audio production, creating content, and building a platform from scratch. His honesty and consistency struck a chord, and over four million listeners have tuned in since.

Shane says his vision felt planted by something bigger. He stays grounded by focusing on service, humility, and showing up authentically. “When I stay in a place of giving, the pressure disappears,” he told us.

Shane also shared excitement for the upcoming Amplify conference—a space for sober creators and community builders. Though he admits event planning isn’t his strength, he’s thrilled to connect and help others launch their sober platforms.

Before signing off, Shane spoke directly to men struggling in silence: “If you’re tired of being tired, there is another way.” He reassures listeners that masculinity and sobriety are not at odds. In fact, sobriety enhances who you already are.

“You can be an amazing dad, powerful leader, loyal friend—you’ll be even more of those things without alcohol.”

Shane’s story is more than recovery—it’s resurrection. He proves that sobriety is not a limitation but a launchpad to something extraordinary. If you’re seeking clarity, strength, or just a voice that gets it, this episode is for you.

Resources:

The post Episode 59: Sober Podcast for Men: Shane Ramer on Purpose, Masculinity, and Recovery first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On this episode of the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we had the chance to sit down with Stephanie Botts — a dental hygienist, speaker, and wellness advocate — to unpack her deeply personal sober dental hygienist story and the rich, fulfilling life she leads today.

Stephanie’s story is one that resonates with many: a slow build into problematic drinking, high-functioning denial, the decision to quietly get sober, and eventually, the courage to speak up and help others do the same. Her story isn’t about dramatic rock bottoms — it’s about the invisible toll that daily drinking can take and the powerful life that awaits on the other side of sobriety.

Stephanie didn’t grow up thinking she had a problem with alcohol. Like many, her 20s were marked by “normal” drinking — a glass of wine after work, cocktails with friends. But by her 30s, those drinks turned into a daily coping mechanism.

She was high-functioning and successful on the outside. But inside, she was unraveling. Her partner saw the truth. And Stephanie knew something had to change.

Stephanie chose sobriety quietly. The only person she told outside of her home was her boss, who happened to be in recovery too. That single connection made all the difference.

“If it weren’t for him,” she said, “I can’t imagine how hard it would’ve been.”

When others did find out, they were surprised — a common response in the sober community, especially when someone appears “high-functioning.”

As she moved into speaking and business ownership, Stephanie faced the common question: “Why aren’t you drinking?”

She started with excuses, but over time, owned her story. Her go-to line? “Me and alcohol? We just don’t get along.”

That honesty created space for powerful, healing conversations. Vulnerability became her strength.

Sobriety doesn’t erase problems — it reveals them. Stephanie talked about how emotions flood back when you remove alcohol.

That’s why she encourages therapy, support groups, and coaching to help navigate the intensity of early recovery.

Stephanie uses her dental background to educate, not shame. During oral cancer screenings, she discusses alcohol and tobacco use with compassion and care, opening doors to real dialogue and connection.

“Life on the other side is so much better. I can’t believe how fulfilled I am today,” Stephanie said.

She’s living proof that sobriety doesn’t mean missing out. It means showing up fully for yourself, your loved ones, and your purpose.

“Reach out. To me, to someone you trust, to anyone. Just don’t do this by yourself.”

Stephanie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to hit rock bottom. You just have to be ready for something better.

Tune in to the full conversation on the Sober Life Rocks podcast. Stephanie shares even more about her experience, her work, and the life she’s built beyond drinking.

Listen Now and subscribe for more inspiring stories.

The post Episode 58: Sober Dental Hygienist Story: Stephanie Botts on Finding Freedom in Sobriety first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

In one of the most heartfelt episodes of the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, host Margy Schaller sat down with Carolyn Delaney to explore her powerful recovery journey. From addiction and rock-bottom moments to founding a national magazine that amplifies stories of sobriety, Carolyn’s experience is a testament to the power of purpose and community.

Carolyn’s recovery journey began with years of drinking to cope. She started young, drinking alone in quiet desperation. In high school, her private pain turned public—parties and popularity masked a deep emotional void.

In her twenties, Carolyn’s drinking led to blackouts and dangerous decisions, including leaving her baby to party. Intervention came when CPS issued an ultimatum: go to treatment or lose your children. While sobriety didn’t stick the first time, it planted a lasting seed.

Determined to rewrite her story, Carolyn entered a women’s halfway house. She stayed sober and began building a stable life—eventually returning to her passion for technology and securing a job in IT.

One vivid dream sparked a movement. Inspired by a vintage newsletter called Journey, Carolyn relaunched it as a modern magazine celebrating people in long-term recovery. Support came quickly, and Journey Magazine took off.

Journey didn’t stop at peer support. Carolyn’s team brought recovery education into the workplace—normalizing sobriety and reducing stigma for employees navigating addiction and healing.

Her work gained national attention, earning her the Small Business of the Year award in Maine and a trip to the White House. There, she met Vice President Kamala Harris and shared the slogan “Amplify Hope” in a moment of profound recognition.

Now enrolled in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, Carolyn is scaling Journey Magazine. Next stop: New Hampshire. After that, the entire country.

Today, Carolyn’s children and husband are part of the Journey team. Her once-fractured home has become a source of connection and healing.

Carolyn’s story is a reminder that recovery is not an end—it’s a beginning. By turning her pain into purpose, she’s changing lives and dismantling stigma.

Listen to the full episode of Carolyn Delaney on the Sober Life Rocks podcast—available wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay connected to Carolyn: LinkedIn

Learn more about Journey Magazine: journey-magazine.com

The post Episode 57: Carolyn Delaney’s Recovery Journey: From Addiction to Amplifying Hope first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we love spotlighting real stories of transformation, and today we’re sharing the sober authenticity journey for Samantha Parker, and it’s one of the most honest and powerful we’ve heard.

Her path to recovery wasn’t linear or polished — it was messy, raw, and deeply human. In our recent episode, she opened up about the chaos that shaped her early years, the turning points that brought her clarity, and how embracing her truth has helped her build a thriving business rooted in authenticity.

Samantha didn’t grow up in stability. Her childhood was marked by chaos, and by the time she was 17, that chaos reached a breaking point when her mother kicked her out. She went to live with her dad, but that wasn’t the safe haven she needed. In her words, the only coping mechanism she knew was drinking.

It wasn’t just casual or social — she drank to escape. She drank to blackout. It became a pattern: numbing the emotional pain with alcohol, pushing everything uncomfortable away with a bottle.

By 19, she was pregnant and married. Though she stayed sober through her pregnancy, as soon as her baby was born, she picked up the bottle again. The pressures of being a young mom, navigating adulthood, and lacking healthy support systems only fed the habit.

When asked if she ever recognized she had a problem during those years, Samantha admitted she might have known deep down. But she did what so many people do — she surrounded herself with others who drank like she did.

And when you’re in a crowd that normalizes heavy drinking, it’s easy to minimize your behavior. She looked around, saw people doing worse, and told herself, “See? I’m not that bad.”

But her breaking point would come.

When Samantha was 29, the denial came crashing down — quite literally. One night, she fell flat on her face, severely drunk. The fall fractured her skull, and it was more than just a physical injury. It was a moment of reckoning.

Within days, she was sobbing on the phone to her mom, saying, “I think I have a problem. I think I need to quit drinking and go to AA.”

But her mother’s response reflected the same culture of minimization Samantha had lived in: “No, you don’t. You were just taking cold medicine. It didn’t mix well with the alcohol. It’s not a big deal.”

So she kept drinking — for a couple more years.

The real turning point came in the most unexpected and heartbreaking way.

Her younger son was extremely sick — later, they would find out he had COVID. His condition was serious enough that she called a home health nurse to administer IV fluids. But then a friend called with an invitation: Pool party. Bottle of tequila. Come hang out.

And Samantha went.

While her son was sick at home, she drank heavily by the pool and then drove home drunk. When she walked in, her husband was livid. She went to check on her son and spoke with the nurse briefly. As she turned to leave the room, she heard the nurse ask gently, “Is your mom okay?”

Her son’s response shattered her: “Oh yeah, she’s just drunk again.”

That was it.

No more excuses. No more waiting for the “perfect time” to stop. Samantha knew she had to quit.

By this time, Samantha was already a successful entrepreneur running a thriving social media business. But she was terrified to be honest about her sobriety. What would her clients think? Would they leave her? Would they judge her?

For a while, she kept her sobriety private. But eventually, her desire to live authentically outweighed the fear. Samantha started sharing pieces of her story — cautiously at first, but more openly as time went on.

And something beautiful happened.

Instead of losing clients, she gained respect. Her openness strengthened her client relationships. Her willingness to be vulnerable only made people trust her more.

Living authentically wasn’t just a personal value — it became her professional superpower.

Samantha’s experience gave her a profound insight into the way we imagine rejection before it ever happens. She realized:

“We have all these conversations with imagined people in imagined scenarios. Most of them never happen.”

Instead, when she gave people the chance, they showed up with empathy and support.

And for those who didn’t like it? She let them go.

“If someone hears what I have to say and doesn’t like it, they can unfollow me. I’m not talking to them anyway. I’m talking to the person who’s leaning in — the one who needs to hear it.”

Today, Samantha gets constant messages from followers thanking her for being a voice of truth and encouragement. Her message resonates deeply with those who are still in the struggle — or quietly wondering if it’s time for a change.

Later in our conversation, we shifted gears to talk about social media. Samantha is joining Amplify — our upcoming sober creators’ event — as the head of social media. We’re thrilled to have her bring her voice, vision, and strategy to the community.

When I asked her how someone like me (a self-proclaimed social media novice) could show up better online, she gave an analogy that stuck with me:

“It’s like building a muscle. You don’t start by running a marathon. You start by walking around the block.”

She told me, “If I asked you to vlog your entire day from the moment you woke up to the moment you went to bed, you’d probably say ‘absolutely not.’” (She wasn’t wrong.)

But then she asked, “What if I told you to just pop on once a day and talk about one thought you had? Could you do that?”

The answer was yes.

Her advice was simple and empowering: find the method that works for you, and practice it until it becomes more natural. Don’t force yourself to do what everyone else is doing. Show up in a way that’s authentic to your voice, your story, and your capacity.

Samantha’s advice applies not just to social media, but to sobriety as a whole. Everyone’s journey looks different. Some people hit rock bottom. Others, like Samantha, find their wake-up call in a child’s voice or a moment of self-reflection. But no matter where you start, the most powerful thing you can do is show up for yourself and others — as you really are.

That’s why we’re so excited to have her at Amplify. Her vision for a “social media lounge” where we can host Instagram Lives, do quick interviews, and help people spread their sober message is exactly what we need. It’s a space to build community, courage, and creativity.

Samantha’s story reminds us that recovery isn’t reserved for those who have lost it all — it’s also for the ones who are almost there. The ones who are silently suffering, the ones who are high-functioning but deeply hurting, and the ones who keep saying “I’m not that bad” until they finally say, “I deserve better.”

Sobriety gave Samantha her life back — but it also gave her purpose, clarity, and a platform to reach others.

So if you’re reading this and wondering if it’s time for a change — lean in.

You don’t have to be perfect to start.

You just have to start.

Website: www.thesamanthaparker.com
Instagram: @thesamanthaparker
TikTok: @samanthaparkershow
Podcast: The Samantha Parker Show (on all platforms + YouTube)

Follow Samantha Parker on social media for daily inspiration, sobriety insights, and authentic content that speaks straight to the heart. And don’t miss her at Amplify, where she’ll be helping others step boldly into their sober voice online.

Listen to Samantha’s full episode on the Sober Life Rocks podcast — available now on all major streaming platforms.

Because sober life?
It doesn’t just rock — it redefines you.

The post Episode 56: From Chaos to Clarity: The Brave Sober Authenticity Journey of Samantha Parker and Her Message to Show Up Authentically first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

On a recent episode of the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Welch — a woman whose honest and relatable journey into sobriety has inspired thousands. Lauren’s story isn’t one of rock bottom or rehab. Instead, it’s about subtle realizations, personal transformation, and the power of curiosity. Her path into sobriety began quietly — like so many others — with a single decision to just pause.

Now, with nearly 800 days alcohol-free and the launch of her new project, The Sober Curious Society, Lauren is using her voice to support others who are questioning their relationship with alcohol. Whether you’re fully sober, thinking about taking a break, or simply curious about how life might feel without the evening glass of wine, Lauren’s story has something for you.

Lauren’s early relationship with alcohol looked pretty typical. She drank socially in high school, continued into her twenties, and carried on through the years of dating, marriage, and new motherhood. Nights out turned into wine nights at home — a glass or two becoming three or four more often than she expected.

She described it as feeling “normal,” but something always felt slightly off. Even back in high school, Lauren noticed she might be drinking differently than others — whether in the amount, the frequency, or just how she felt afterward. But it wasn’t until years later that she began to truly question what alcohol was doing to her life.

The moment everything shifted came unexpectedly. Lauren attended a wedding where tensions with someone she already didn’t get along with erupted into a full-blown argument. Fueled by alcohol and “liquid courage,” as she described it, the night ended in a screaming match that left her embarrassed and deeply unsettled the next morning.

That hangover wasn’t just physical — it was emotional. She realized that this version of herself wasn’t someone she wanted to be anymore. So she made a quiet decision: no drinking for a week. Just to reset. Just to clear her head.

What happened next surprised her.

During that first alcohol-free week, Lauren noticed something: she felt better. Her sleep improved. She wasn’t waking up foggy or anxious. There was a kind of clarity she hadn’t expected — and certainly hadn’t realized she was missing.

One week became two. Two became a month. At the 30-day mark, she felt empowered enough to share her experience on social media. What she didn’t expect was the wave of response that followed.

Her inbox was flooded with messages — some from close friends, others from total strangers — all asking the same thing: How did you do it? What’s it like? Could I try this too?

It was then that Lauren realized something powerful: her quiet journey had resonance. There were countless people out there, just like her, wondering silently if life without alcohol might be better — but afraid to say it out loud.

Lauren’s experience didn’t just spark her own transformation — it ignited a movement.

Out of the growing demand from people curious about sobriety, Lauren created the Sober Curious Society, a self-paced 30-day program designed for anyone who wants to explore life without alcohol — without making a dramatic proclamation or lifelong commitment. The program features:

It’s not about saying “I’ll never drink again.” It’s about saying, “What if I didn’t drink today?”

Whether you’re someone who wants to sleep better, think more clearly, or just feel more in control, the Sober Curious Society offers a gentle entry point.

During our conversation, Lauren was quick to clarify that “sober curious” isn’t a rigid label — it’s a mindset. For some, it means not drinking at professional events. For others, it might mean cutting back at home, taking on a 30-day challenge, or simply being more intentional about when and why they drink.

It’s fluid. It’s personal. And most importantly, it’s nonjudgmental.

“People who don’t have a problem with drinking usually don’t wonder if they have a problem with drinking.”

That statement resonated. If you’ve ever asked yourself Do I drink too much? or What would happen if I stopped?, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken. You’re just curious. And that curiosity could be the key to meaningful change.

Beyond her course, Lauren is building a community. Her social media presence has become a hub for people exploring sobriety or just starting to dip their toes into the idea. Her tone is never preachy or holier-than-thou — instead, she’s warm, bubbly, and real.

That authenticity is what draws people in.

In a space that can often feel heavy or filled with extremes, Lauren brings a breath of fresh air. She’s a mom. A wife. A former wine lover who just decided to try something different — and ended up changing her life.

At the end of our podcast, Lauren shared her excitement about attending Amplify, a gathering of sober creators, advocates, and educators. For her, it’s a chance to meet others in the space, exchange ideas, and grow together.

This isn’t just about Lauren’s story anymore. It’s about a growing movement — a collective curiosity that’s gaining momentum every day. People are beginning to ask: What would life be like with more clarity? More energy? More presence?

And leaders like Lauren are making sure there are safe, supportive answers for those ready to explore.

Lauren Welch didn’t set out to become a sobriety influencer. She just wanted to feel better. And in doing so, she gave herself permission to ask questions — and inspired others to do the same.

“If you’re looking at it, it might be something worth looking further at.”

So whether you’re just curious, thinking about a short break, or ready for something more long-term, Lauren’s story is proof that you don’t need a dramatic bottom to change your relationship with alcohol. All you need is a moment of curiosity — and the courage to follow where it leads.

Your sober — or sober curious — life?
It absolutely rocks.

The post Episode 55: From Wine Nights to Sobriety: Lauren Welch’s Sober Curious Journey and the Rise of the Sober Curious Society first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

If you’re even thinking about participating in Dry July, our latest episode of the Sober Life Rocks podcast is one you do not want to miss. We were thrilled to welcome Hilary Sheinbaum—author, journalist, wellness advocate, and unofficial queen of the sober-curious movement—to the show. What started as a lighthearted New Year’s Eve bet back in 2016 turned into a major life shift that not only changed her relationship with alcohol, but helped shift the conversation around drinking in social and professional settings across the country.

In this episode, Hilary unpacks how one month of going dry evolved into a lifestyle filled with intention, health, and seriously cool alcohol-free parties.

Here’s everything you need to know from our conversation—and why this Dry July might just change your life too.

The Bet That Sparked It All

It was New Year’s Eve 2016. Hilary was at a party in New York City, enjoying the kind of night many of us know well: good friends, good vibes—and plenty of drinks. Amid the celebratory texting and tipsy exchanges, she proposed a casual idea to one of her closest friends (and frequent plus-one to red carpet events):
“Let’s do Dry January.”

The deal?

You can probably guess what happened: Hilary stuck it out. Her friend didn’t. And that dinner? A fancy $800 experience that she happily enjoyed, alcohol-free.

But what started as a friendly challenge quickly revealed something much deeper.

Surprising Discoveries: More Energy, More Clarity

During that first 30 days without alcohol, Hilary noticed something unexpected:
She felt better—way better.

Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The usual bloat and sluggishness that followed her red carpet appearances, product launches, and weekend getaways all disappeared. As a lifestyle journalist covering everything from celebrity interviews to new bar openings, alcohol was simply a part of her job—and her social circle. So the realization that removing it actually enhanced her quality of life was a shock.

She also gained a heightened awareness of how alcohol-saturated our culture really is.

“Once I stopped drinking,” she said, “I realized how everywhere it was. It’s how we bond. It’s how we celebrate. It’s how we deal with stress. And suddenly, I saw it all differently.”

The Pushback—and the Inevitable Shift

As refreshing as her dry month was, not everyone around her was thrilled. At first, Hilary got mocked by friends.
“You’re being a wet blanket.”
“This is ridiculous.”
“Just have one drink.”

But what’s amazing is how many of those same people—years later—have come back around. Today, several of them drink less, occasionally join her in dry months, or have given up drinking entirely.

Why?
Because they saw the transformation in her—and they realized she was still fun, still vibrant, and still fully herself… just without the booze.

What If Drinking Is Part of Your Job?

We also talked with Hilary about something that trips up a lot of people considering a dry month or sobriety:
“What if my job requires me to drink?”

Hilary gets it. From networking happy hours to taking clients out for cocktails, drinking can feel mandatory. But she’s learned to flip the script by taking the lead.

Instead of saying, “Let’s meet for drinks,” she suggests:

By creating alternative environments, she’s found that people actually remember the experience more. It’s unique, it’s engaging—and it’s not centered around numbing out.

Reinventing the Party Scene

One of Hilary’s most exciting contributions to the sober-curious movement is how she’s redefined what a “party” can look like.

When her book, The Dry Challenge, launched during COVID, she wasn’t able to have a party. But when she finally did throw a belated launch event over a year later, she went all in:

People still talk about that event today.

Since then, Hilary has made these kinds of events a regular thing—hosting monthly dry gatherings in cities across the U.S., often at fitness studios or wellness spaces, followed by curated non-alcoholic tastings. The result?
A whole new kind of nightlife that feels as good the next morning as it does in the moment.

Thinking About Dry July? Here’s Her Advice

With Dry July just around the corner, we asked Hilary what advice she’d give to someone who’s curious, but hesitant.

Her top takeaways:

1. Don’t Overthink the Commitment

You don’t have to decide you’re never drinking again. This isn’t forever—it’s just 30 days. Even if you know you’ve got an event mid-month where you’ll want to drink, that’s fine.
Call it a “30-day-minus-one” challenge or a “10-day reset.”
The point is to simply try.

2. Be Gentle with Yourself

You don’t need to be perfect. If you slip, you’re not a failure. This is a chance to learn, observe, and reflect. It’s not a punishment; it’s an experiment in self-discovery.

3. Prepare for the Unexpected

One of the biggest things she noticed during her first dry month was how ill-prepared she was. Simple questions like “What do I say when someone offers me a drink?” or “What should I order at the bar?” caught her off guard.

Tools to Help You Succeed

Hilary’s experience led her to write two books:

The Dry Challenge

This book chronicles her first-ever Dry January and gives practical tips, real talk, and funny stories to help readers navigate the ups and downs of taking a month off alcohol.

The Dry Challenge Workbook

This is a deeper dive. It offers journaling prompts, self-reflection exercises, and structured guidance to help you explore your relationship with alcohol and the changes you notice when it’s no longer in the picture.

If you’re committing to Dry July, or even just sober-curious, these books are fantastic companions for the ride.

It’s Not About Saying “No” to Fun—It’s About Saying “Yes” to YOU

Hilary Sheinbaum’s story is proof that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean giving up fun, friendship, or adventure. In fact, it can open the door to more of it—all without the hangover, the regret, or the fuzziness.

She’s not here to preach or shame anyone. As she said in the episode, “This isn’t about never drinking again. It’s about asking, ‘What happens when I don’t?’”

So whether you’re going into Dry July with total confidence or just dipping your toe in the water, remember:
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to be curious enough to try.

Want More?

Listen to the full episode with Hilary Sheinbaum on the Sober Life Rocks podcast—available now on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Grab her book The Dry Challenge and The Dry Challenge Workbook on Amazon, Bookshop, or your favorite indie retailer.

And if you’re doing Dry July? Tag us @SoberLifeRocks and @HilarySheinbaum to let us know how it’s going. We’d love to support your journey.

Ready to say “yes” to a month of clarity, connection, and growth?
Start with Hilary’s story—and see where the next 30 days take you.

#DryJuly #SoberLifeRocks #HilarySheinbaum #TheDryChallenge #SoberCurious #MocktailParty

Stay Connected with Hilary:

Hilary Sheinbaum | [email protected]

[Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | GoingDry.co]

ORDER HILARY’S LATEST BOOK !! Going Dry: A Workbook: A Practical Guide to Drinking Less and Living More (Quarto, Sept. 2024)

Order Hilary’s other books: The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month (HarperCollins) + A Journal For Bad Days (Simon & Schuster)

The post Episode 54: Considering Dry July? Hilary Sheinbaum’s Sober Story Might Be the Push You Need first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.