In this weeks episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I chat with Kellie in Hong Kong.

Kellie is an Australian living in Hong Kong, a fitness lover, newly married, and mum to a daughter and step-son. I first met Kellie several years ago at a retreat called Phuket Cleanse in late 2017, which sparked years of sober curiosity for both of us.

Although Kellie's drinking wasn’t especially heavy, alcohol felt like it had a hold on her—even when she could moderate or go weeks and months without it. On New Year’s Day this year, Kellie stopped trying to moderate and chose full sobriety.

At 9.5 months sober at the time of recording, Kellie shares how making alcohol a “non-event” unlocked a profound sense of freedom, focus, and motivation.

This episode explores expat social pressures in Hong Kong, building an alcohol-free marriage, showing up fully for family, and the fitness routines and a passion for her career that reinforced her decision—offering a powerful reminder that you don’t need a dramatic rock bottom to choose a better life.

You can connect with Kellie on instagram at @sunshinejoy29.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People we explore one of the most asked questions: when does sobriety actually get better?

The truth is, there is no single timeline. The journey begins with what can feel like a muddy and overwhelming start, with cravings, exhaustion, emotions running high and a sense of loss that can feel like saying goodbye to your best friend. Social pressures and the fear of missing out only add to the challenge, but this stage is temporary. Think of it as planting a seed. Change is happening beneath the surface, even before you see the growth.

Then come the subtle shifts. The first genuine belly laugh. The first deep night’s sleep. The first morning you look in the mirror and see brightness return to your eyes. These breadcrumb moments are small but powerful reminders that things are changing, one step at a time.

Sobriety does not get better because of a date on the calendar, it gets better through the moments you live. A sober birthday. Dancing at a wedding without a drink. Handling stress and realising you survived it sober. Brick by brick, a new life is built.

We also talk through the milestones many people notice. Thirty days when your body thanks you. Ninety days when the fog begins to lift. Six months when new rhythms feel stronger than old habits. One year when you can look back on a whole cycle of life without alcohol. Beyond that, sobriety shifts into something bigger. It becomes your normal.

The turning point comes when the focus moves from what you have lost to what you have gained. Peaceful mornings. Money saved. Stronger connections. Self-respect. Trust in yourself. Joy in the little things. From there, the bigger payoffs shine through, such as better health, deeper relationships, more freedom, and the space to create the life you want.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

Episode Summary: From Sobriety to Real Healing

For many of us, getting sober feels like the finish line. In reality, it is just the beginning. In this episode, I share my personal journey of moving beyond simply not drinking into the deeper work of healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Sobriety was my gateway. It gave me clarity and space to finally face the patterns, beliefs, and wounds that had been shaping my life in the background. From there, I began to explore what I call the seven pillars of healing, the practices that helped me grow into a more authentic, compassionate, and empowered version of myself.

Together we explore letting go of other people’s expectations, releasing the need to take responsibility for other people’s feelings, shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, reconnecting with my inner child and healing early trauma, extending compassion to myself and others, paying attention to the stories I tell myself and choosing best case scenarios, and finally understanding my triggers and learning from them.

This episode is an honest reflection on how sobriety is just the first step, and how true healing is about reclaiming your voice, rewriting your inner stories, and embracing the wholeness that was always within you.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah from Peterborough, a mum of three daughters, wife, and dog lover, who is passionate about running, socialising, and spending time with her big, close-knit family.

Hannah shares her honest journey with alcohol – one that was “on and off” for years. In her twenties, she lived for the weekends, often with no off switch, though she would take breaks here and there and found herself becoming sober curious two to three years before finally committing to sobriety. She opens up about the role alcohol played as both a form of rebellion and a “reward,” and how the cycle of trying to moderate always ended the same way.

After one final night out where moderation slipped through her fingers again, Hannah woke up with a powerful “that’s it”energy and made the decision to quit drinking for good. Now, at 283 days sober (at the time of recording), she describes life as happier, clearer, and so much better without alcohol.

This is a story about freedom, self-discovery, and the joy that comes from choosing a life that truly feels good. You can find and follow Hannah on instagram at @hannahhewitt

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People, I speak with Ali, joining me near Reading in the UK, to share her powerful journey of sobriety. At the time of recording, Ali is 911 days sober.

Ali opens up about how her drinking began at 14 years old, carried into her early career as a journalist, and slowly became a part of her weekly life.

As a long-term ex-member of my THRIVE Sober Community, Ali has grown not only in her own sobriety but has also trained to become a sober coach herself — helping others find the freedom she has discovered.

Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Whether you’re sober curious, in early sobriety, or years alcohol-free, Ali’s journey will remind you that change is possible and that no one has to do it alone.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

✨ Sober Stories from Everyday People with Sassy Sober Mum ✨

This week’s guest is Daniel, known on Instagram as @jerseysoberwalker, who lives in Jersey and has been sober for 6 years and 1 month at the time of this recording.

In this powerful episode, Daniel shares his story of heavy drinking and the profound clarity that came when he finally stopped. His journey is a reminder of the freedom, perspective, and deep sense of self that sobriety can bring.

If you’ve ever wondered what life might feel like beyond alcohol, Daniel’s story is both inspiring and eye-opening.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

✨ Sober Stories from Everyday People with Sassy Sober Mum ✨

This week I’m joined by Emily from Dorset, who is celebrating 1,073 days of sobriety at the time of this recording. After a lifetime of casual drinking that often tipped into over-drinking, Emily reached a point where she was simply fed up with alcohol taking centre stage in her life.

Nearly three years ago, she made the spontaneous decision to stop drinking — a choice that changed everything. Since then, Emily has moved to the countryside, embraced being a more present and connected mum, and, most importantly, repaired the relationship with herself.

Her story is one of courage, clarity, and transformation. It’s a truly inspiring listen.

You can find and follow Emily on instagram at @sober_discovery.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People, I speak with Charlotte from Margate, UK, who is 579 days alcohol-free. She is currently a single mum of two in her 30s, studying at university to change and progress her career.

Charlotte had her first child at 22 and spent much of her early adulthood as a military wife, often on her own while her husband was away. Drinking was part of her social life, but things changed during lockdown when isolation from friends, family, and social life took its toll. After restrictions lifted, her drinking escalated, and attempts to moderate didn’t work. A Dry January challenge turned into long-term sobriety.

Around the same time as giving up alcohol, Charlotte became a single parent. She signed up for a marathon to give herself focus and structure, and discovered a love for fitness and the gym community. She says these changes have helped her feel more present, healthier, and better connected to herself.

We also discuss her thoughts on possibly having ADHD and how that might have influenced her drinking habits. Charlotte’s story is a frank and relatable look at making big changes during a challenging time and building a new life in the process. It's a fabulously insightful episode, I hope you enjoy!

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

Podcast Summary: Sober Stories from Everyday People with Sassy Sober Mum and James

In this episode, we chat with James, a proud Bristolian and passionate football fan, who shares his candid journey with alcohol. Starting off as a late teenager casually drinking John Smiths, James's drinking gradually escalated through his twenties, with almost every occasion marked by a drink. Becoming a dad sparked a turning point—he began to feel the need to slow down and reclaim control over his life.

James opens up about the ups and downs of sobriety, the benefits he's enjoyed since stopping at 36, and the regrets he's had over upsetting people along the way. While he admits there were fun times, the constant feeling of being “less than” eventually wore him down, pushing him toward freedom through sobriety.

Identifying as an alcoholic, James now hosts his own podcast, Mind Sober Matter, where he continues to explore sobriety with honesty and insight. You can listen to his show on Podbean and Spotify, and follow his journey on Instagram @soberfootball.

Tune in for a heartfelt and real conversation about breaking free, finding peace, and living sober on your own terms.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People — a re-upload after we had to take the original down — I’m chatting with Lou from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, who is 100 days sober at the time of this recording.

Lou is married with a big, blended family — three children, three stepchildren, and two dogs — and she brings incredible honesty and strength to our conversation.

We talk about her journey through a tough childhood, a toxic relationship with her children’s father, postnatal depression following the birth of her second child, and the heartbreak of losing her dad to COVID.

But Lou's story is also one of hope and transformation. After meeting her soulmate later in life and getting married, she now runs her own cleaning business and is embracing all the excitement of a new, alcohol-free life.

This is a moving, powerful, and ultimately uplifting conversation. I’m so glad we could bring it back — I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at [email protected]

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse