What happens when you take alcohol out of dating, relationships, and major life transitions? Does connection get harder—or better?

In this episode of Feel Lit Alcohol Free, Ruby and Susan sit down with Jeanette Levitt, a certified coach who helps midlife women navigate drinking, divorce, and dating—without losing themselves in the process.

Jeanette gets real about the unexpected challenges (and surprising joys!) of dating without alcohol, how sobriety brings next-level clarity in relationships, and why choosing yourself is the most powerful move you can make.

If you've ever wondered “Will I ever feel confident on a date without a drink?” or “How do I build real, deep connections alcohol-free?”—this episode is for you.

Get ready for game-changing insights, real talk, and practical tips that might just redefine the way you approach love, healing, and self-discovery. Let’s dive in!

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Welcome back to Feel Lit Alcohol Free! In this episode we’re tackling a topic that’s raw, real, and rarely talked about—loneliness.

Did you ever pour a drink just to fill the silence?  You are not alone. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons we hear that people have fallen into drinking habits that no longer serve them. 

Susan and Ruby dive into why major life shifts like divorce, empty nesting, or losing a loved one often leave us searching for connection in all the wrong places.
But here’s the game-changer: Loneliness doesn’t have to be the end of connection—it can be the beginning of something incredible.

Does being alcohol-free sometimes make you feel like an outsider? What if loneliness isn’t the problem—but the key to something bigger?

We’re sharing practical strategies to turn isolation into empowerment, build real friendships, and create a life that’s not just alcohol-free—but vibrant, fulfilling, and truly connected.

Ready to shift your perspective and step into deeper, more meaningful relationships? Let’s dive in!

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

In this new episode, Hosts Susan Larkin and Ruby Williams are thrilled to have the remarkable Peggi Cooney—author, speaker, and sobriety advocate. Peggi's transformation from wine lover to alcohol-free warrior is nothing short of inspiring.
Dive deep with us as Peggi reveals the life-changing ultimatum from her daughter that set her on the path to sobriety, and then to write her inspirational memoir, This Side of Alcohol. With her extensive background in child welfare and adult protective services, Peggi offers invaluable insights on managing stress in helping professions and highlights the crucial role of connection in recovery.

Curious about how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape alcohol use? Want to know more about Peggi's book and the exciting Zero Proof Experience events? Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Peggi's journey, her impact on the sober community, and the transformative power of living alcohol-free.

Attend the next Sober in the City Event in Scottsdale AZ!  Peggi will be there and give you a big hug. Host, Susan Larkin will also be attending! It's an amazing experience!
Purchase Peggi's book, This Side of Alcohol

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Welcome back to the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast! In this episode, your hosts, Susan and Ruby, dive deep into the complex relationship between alcohol and happiness. Ruby opens up with a question many of us have pondered: "Does alcohol really make us happy?" Sharing personal experiences and client stories, Ruby and Susan discuss the deceptive illusion of happiness that alcohol provides. They explore how societal beliefs and personal experiences have conditioned us to associate alcohol with fun and happiness. However, as they unveil, the science behind alcohol tells a different story. From the chemical effects of alcohol on our brain to the way it can overshadow genuine emotions like joy, gratitude, and serenity, this episode encourages listeners to challenge ingrained beliefs and consider redefining what happiness truly means. 

Whether you're already on an alcohol-free journey or simply curious about alternative paths to joy, this conversation is packed with insights to help you feel healthier, freer, and more in control of your life. So get ready to explore the pursuit of true happiness, alcohol-free.

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

In this compelling episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, Ruby and Susan are joined by the inspiring Rose Clark, a courageous mother, wife, and law enforcement officer who shares her riveting journey of overcoming grief and addiction. Having experienced profound loss with the tragic passing of her daughter Catherine, Rose speaks candidly about the struggles of navigating life after such a devastating event and how alcohol initially became her crutch. 

Rose’s path to sobriety was ignited through self-reflection and a plea for guidance from her daughter. Her transformative journey led her to start a local grief group called Collateral Beauty and become an advocate for overdose awareness. Tune in as Rose discusses the importance of self-compassion, the pivotal role her daughter continues to play in her life, and her commitment to sharing hope and healing with others experiencing similar challenges. 

Discover the immense strength she found in sobriety and how she channels her energy into supporting others, creating community, and nurturing a life filled with gratitude and purpose.

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Welcome to Feel Lit Alcohol Free, your go-to podcast for navigating the empowering journey of living alcohol-free. We’re Coaches Ruby Williams and Coach Susan Larkin; today we’re tackling a potent emotion that many encounter on this path—anger.

A listener's question sparks a rich discussion: How can we process and understand the raw feelings that inevitably resurface in the absence of alcohol? Ruby and Susan explore how anger can mask deeper feelings like fear, embarrassment, or shame. Together, we'll peel back the layers of this fiery emotion, revealing its hidden connections to our past and its role in our present.

We'll share personal stories, uncover the significance of setting boundaries, and offer practical, transformative strategies to channel anger constructively. How can we allow, process, and release anger in ways that empower us rather than holding us back?

Whether you're on an alcohol-free journey or curious about emotional wellbeing, tune in to discover how embracing our emotions can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life. Ready to dive in and feel truly lit? Let’s get started!

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

In this episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, Ruby and Susan are thrilled to welcome Todd Kinney, a distinguished attorney and acclaimed author from Omaha, Nebraska. 

Todd opens up about the internal conflicts and societal pressures he faced before giving up alcohol. He reflects on the positive impacts sobriety has had on his life, especially in his role as a father.  With his memoir, "I Didn't Believe It Either: One Dad's Discovery That Everything is Better Without Alcohol," Todd offers invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of living an alcohol-free life. 

Join us as Todd discusses how sobriety has enhanced his personal and professional life, debunking myths and inspiring listeners to consider a life free from alcohol. 

Connect with Todd: [email protected]

His book: I Didn't Believe It Either: One Dad's Discovery That Everything is Better Without Alcohol

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Welcome back to another invigorating episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast! This episode answers a listener's question:  "There's so much talk about having a morning routine, I'm struggling with this. Why is a morning routine so important?"

Remember the days when "morning routine" just meant crawling out of bed to guzzle coffee & dash to work? Today, on the pod we are diving into the transformative power of the morning routine. Join Ruby and Susan as they explore the intricacies of starting your day with intention and how it can set the tone for an alcohol-free lifestyle. Whether you're seeking to reconnect with your body and mind or experimenting with new rituals that align with your personal goals, our hosts provide insights and tips that cater to different lifestyles and needs. From simple habits like expressing gratitude upon waking to more structured routines involving meditation and exercise, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire your own morning magic.  Your morning can be a pillar of strength and serenity—discover how it might just be the key to feeling lit, inside and out. Tune in and feel inspired to craft a morning that works for you!

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Welcome to the "Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast." In this episode, hosts Susan Larkin and Ruby Williams are joined by Kate Nichols. Kate shares her transformative journey of living an alcohol-free life, highlighting the profound impact it had on her relationships, health, and travel experiences. From savoring sophisticated mocktails like the Moscow Mule to embracing vibrant adventures in Cambodia and the Amazon, Kate illustrates how sobriety has enriched her life. She also touches on  the ripple effects of her decision on her loved ones.

 How has sobriety enriched Kate's life and what can you learn from her experiences? Tune in for an empowering episode filled with actionable insights, and let's explore this path to a vibrant, alcohol-free life together!

Kate Nichols is an Alcohol Freedom Coach certified by TNM and ALP trained. Find out more about Kate on her website: www.freedomaffect.com
Follow Kate: @kate_sobrietyandfitness
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-nichols-af/

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.

Ready to break free from the crippling "shoulds" that hold you back?
In this episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, co-hosts Susan and Ruby dive into the sneaky, self-destructive habit of "shoulding" ourselves. How often do you catch yourself thinking, "I should be happier," "I should be more successful," or even "I should be able to handle this"? These pervasive thoughts can weigh you down, but what if you could transform them into positive intentions?

Join us as we explore listener-driven stories and reveal the heavy impact of these constant judgments on our lives. Discover powerful, practical tools to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion, and ask yourself: How can reframing "shoulds" change your life? What if you could fully embrace a lit, alcohol-free lifestyle? Tune in for inspiring coaching advice and step into a life where you feel truly empowered and free. 

Don't miss out on this transformative conversation. Are you ready to feel lit, alcohol-free? Let's dive in! Now, get cozy and hit play on this enlightening episode! 

Time Stamp
00:00 Avoiding Self-Shoulding
03:44 Thoughts, Feelings, Behavior Cycle
06:34 Overcoming Self-Judgment Through Awareness
10:41 Rethinking Fitness: Beyond the Gym
15:53 Awareness and Managing Negative Thoughts
17:29 "Journey to Alcohol-Free Living"
19:59 Preference Questions and Personal Experiences
25:07 Finding Joy in Daily Chores
26:56 Mindset Shift: Gratitude Changes Perspective

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! Get started by taking a break that feels lit with a Feel Lit 21 Day Break. Click here to find out more: https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/buy-feel-lit-21-sg

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.