Sober & Lit Podcast

What happens when the person everyone turns to for help is quietly falling apart?

Doctors spend their lives caring for others... but who cares for them?

In this powerful episode of Sober & Lit, we sit down with Dr. Valerie Brooke, who bravely shares the story she kept hidden for years.

Together we explore:

• The silent relationship between alcohol and depression
• Why high achievers often struggle in secret
• The fear of asking for help when your career is on the line
• How honesty became the first step toward healing

She was the doctor... but no one saw her pain. From the outside, Dr. Valerie Brooke had a successful medical career. Behind the scenes, she was battling depression, alcohol, and the overwhelming pressure to appear strong.

You won't want to miss this conversation!

______

Guest Resources for Valerie Brooke-
Substack: https://substack.com/@drvaleriebrooke
Instagram: @drvjbrooke
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvjbrooke/

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

What if you're not stuck... just unheard?

You know alcohol isn't helping.

You've read the books. You've learned the science. You've tried to change.

So why do the same patterns keep coming back?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby explore the missing piece that many alcohol-free journeys overlook:

• Why knowing isn't always enough
• The hidden beliefs that quietly fuel drinking
• How self-compassion creates lasting change
• A simple practice to soothe your inner critic instead of fighting it

If you're ready to stop battling yourself and start healing from the inside out, this episode will meet you with hope, compassion, and a new perspective on what true alcohol freedom looks like. 

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

What if your best vacation didn't include alcohol?

If the thought of traveling without wine, cocktails, or all-inclusive drinks sounds impossible... this episode might surprise you.

Join Susan and Ruby as they chat with Darci Murray, founder of Hooked Travel, about how going alcohol-free transformed the way she experiences the world. 

Together they explore:

• Why alcohol-free travel is more fun than you think
• How to enjoy vacations without feeling like you're missing out
• Finding deeper connection, adventure, and presence on every trip
• Practical tips for creating unforgettable alcohol-free experiences

Could giving up alcohol actually make your vacations better? Tune in to discover why more women are choosing to travel alcohol-free... and coming home with memories they never want to forget. 
______

Guest Resources for Darci Murray of Hooked Travel-
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hooked-on-travel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hookedalcoholfreetravel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookedalcoholfreetravel

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

You're eating better. Exercising more. Maybe you've even had bariatric surgery... so why is the scale still moving in the wrong direction?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Ruby and Susan uncover one of the most overlooked contributors to midlife weight gain... alcohol. Together, they explore how alcohol affects your metabolism, hormones, sleep, cravings, and recovery, and why it can quietly sabotage your health goals... even when you're doing everything else "right."

You'll discover:

• Why alcohol impacts weight differently after 40
• The surprising connection between alcohol and bariatric surgery
• How hormones, sleep, and cravings work together
• Why this isn't about willpower... and what you can do instead

If you've ever wondered...

"Why can't I lose weight anymore?"

"Is it menopause... or is it alcohol?"

"Could alcohol be the missing piece?"

This conversation will leave you with a new perspective, practical insights, and hope that feeling healthier, lighter, and more energized may be closer than you think. Listen in!
_____

Wondering if alcohol could be affecting your weight, hormones, or energy more than you realized?

Download my FREE Alcohol & Weight Gain Worksheet to uncover the hidden ways alcohol may be impacting your body... and start making choices from clarity instead of frustration.

🧡 Get your free worksheet now: https://coachingwithruby.com/AlcoholWeightGain

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

What if the hardest part about becoming alcohol-free isn't giving up alcohol...
...it's letting go of the identity that came with it?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby answer a listener question that so many women quietly struggle with:

"Why do I feel embarrassed to call myself alcohol-free?"

Together they explore why our brains worry so much about fitting in, how limiting beliefs shape our identity, and why becoming alcohol-free is less about losing something... and more about rediscovering who you've been all along.

You'll learn:

• Why fear of judgment keeps us stuck

• How to stop mind-reading other people's opinions

• A simple mindset shift that builds lasting confidence

• Practical coaching tools to help you feel proud, authentic, and free

If you've ever wondered...

"Will people think I'm boring?"

"Who am I without alcohol?"

"How do I stop caring what everyone else thinks?"

This conversation may completely change the way you think about your alcohol-free journey. 

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

You have the career. The family. The responsibilities.

So why does that glass of wine feel harder to say no to?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, we're exploring the hidden connection between alcohol, anxiety, and women.

You'll discover:

• Why anxiety can quietly increase drinking
• How alcohol becomes a coping habit
• The surprising science behind "telescoping"
• Why this isn't a willpower problem
• Simple tools to calm anxiety without alcohol

If you've ever thought:

• "Why am I drinking more than I want to?"
• "Why does alcohol help... and then make everything worse?"
• "Why can't I seem to break the cycle?"

This episode offers hope, science, and practical strategies to help you understand what's really happening beneath the habit and how to find relief without relying on alcohol. You don't have to worry about forever just today. Try the Skip the Sip Guide to take tonight off! 

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

Midlife. Menopause. Alcohol cravings.

Coincidence... or connected?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby welcome Kathleen McDermott, registered nurse and menopause coach, for a conversation every woman deserves to hear.

You'll discover:

• Why hormones can amplify alcohol cravings
• How menopause impacts your brain and nervous system
• Why willpower isn't the answer
• The role of self-compassion in lasting change
• Simple ways to feel more balanced and in control

If you've ever thought:

• "Why is drinking harder to manage now?"
• "Are my hormones affecting my cravings?"
• "Can I get through menopause alcohol-free?"

This episode offers practical tools, compassionate guidance, and a refreshing reminder that you don't have to navigate midlife…or an alcohol-free journey…alone.

Guest Resources for Kathleen McDermott and Women & Balance-
Website: http://womenandbalance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558627978641
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandbalance/

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

You quit drinking expecting to feel amazing... but what if you're feeling worse before you feel better?

So now you're wondering:

"Shouldn't I feel better by now?"

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Ruby and Susan unpack a little-known part of the alcohol-free journey:

PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome).

You'll discover:

• Why recovery can feel harder than expected
• Common symptoms of PAWS
• How long healing may take
• Signs your brain is actually recovering
• Tools to stay encouraged and keep going

If you've ever thought:

• "What's wrong with me?"
• "Why am I still struggling?"
• "Will I ever feel normal again?"

This conversation is your reminder that healing isn't always linear...and sometimes the symptoms you're worried about are actually signs of progress.

Nobody talks enough about what can happen in the first 90 days after quitting alcohol. That's exactly why I created The First 90 Days Reset Guide. Because if you're exhausted, anxious, emotional, or dealing with brain fog, you might think something is wrong with you.

✔️ Get your Free Guide: https://coachingwithruby.com/PAWS

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

What if sobriety gave you MORE... not less?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby sit down with Deborah C. Smith... business coach, entrepreneur, and powerful example of what can happen when you stop using alcohol to cope and start reconnecting with yourself.

Inside this conversation:

• Deborah’s story
• Alcohol, ambition + high stress entrepreneurship
• The wake-up call that changed everything
• Finding joy, creativity + relief without wine
• Why sobriety became her superpower
• Building a life and business that actually feels good

If you’ve ever wondered...

 • Can I really feel lit without alcohol?
 • What happens when I stop drinking to manage stress?
 • Could sobriety open doors I never imagined?

This one is inspiring, real, and full of hope for your own alcohol-free journey.
________

Guest Resources for Deborah Smith-
Website: Http://www.deborahcsmith.com
Podcast - Mindset to Market:  https://mindset-to-market.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/deborah_smith_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3UWMF2ax/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

What if summer isn’t the problem... but actually the BEST time to explore alcohol free living?

In this episode of Sober & Lit, Coach Susan and Coach Ruby unpack:

• Why summer drinking feels so automatic
• How concerts, patios, vacations, and BBQs retrain your brain
• Building your alcohol-free “muscles” one event at a time
• Why nature can calm your nervous system naturally
• The mindset shift that changes everything
• How to stop “starting over” every fall

Plus:

• Mocktail ideas
• Real client stories
• Nervous system tools
• Confidence-building experiments
• Learning to lead with love

Whether you’re sober curious, a gray area drinker, or well along your alcohol-free journey, this episode will help you rethink summer, embrace new ways to have fun, and lead with love in every experience.

⭐ Join Coach Susan's Free Alcohol-Free Vacation Workshop: https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/vacation-workshop

We Love Hearing From You

Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit! 

Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free!
Join our private community! 

Connect with the Podcast Hosts:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.