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

This week on Sober Stories from Everyday People, we’re joined by Becs from Manchester, who is 205 days sober at the time of recording.

At just 25 years old, Becs has been on a journey with sobriety that began with sober curiosity as early as age 19. Now, with over six months alcohol-free under her belt, she shares her refreshingly honest take on what it’s like navigating sobriety as a young adult in a culture that often glorifies drinking.

Growing up in the 90s and 00s and later entering the fashion industry, Becs found herself caught in the cycle of binge drinking—something that intensified during her university years. But today, she’s found new purpose and focus: renovating her first home, which she recently bought. With a very supportive partner and a toolkit of healthy habits, Becs is building a life that aligns with who she truly wants to be.

This episode is full of inspiration—especially for younger listeners who might be wondering what life without alcohol can actually look like. We talk about everything from mental health and journaling, to making yourself accountable, weighing the real cost of drinking, and why keeping busy can be one of the best tools for staying on track.

You can follow Becs on Instagram at @becselizt to keep up with her sobriety journey, renovations, and life in progress.

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

** TRIGGER WARNING **

In this week's episode of 'Sober Stories from Everyday People' I am chatting all things spiritual with Claire who is a Reiki practitioner, a shamanic healer and a clairvoyant.

Claire is 136 days sober at the time of this recording. It is not Claires first bout of sobriety although things feel very different this time round.

In this episode I talk openly about my own spiritual awakening which has been happening progressively over the last 6-8 months. It is a deep conversation and a vulnerable one for me personally as I have never shared these thoughts openly with anyone. I have to say it is very exposing putting this episode out there but I do it in an attempt to help stitch together the sobriety and spiritual story together in a way that I have never heard before. I am wondering how many people feel similarly to me and whether this content resonates and relieves the thoughts of isolation a spiritual awakening can bring.

Claire also talks about rape so please protect yourself if this will be triggering for you.

Claire has a lovely energy and compelling tale of courage and bravery. You can find and follow her on instagram at @healingforascension and via https://www.healingforascension.co.uk.

I hope you enjoy the episode and I would be extra grateful if you messaged me directly if this helped you in any way.

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 ‘Sober Stories from Everyday People’ podcast I am chatting with Nina in London who is 116 days sober at the time of this recording. Nina is a member of my THRIVE online women’s Community and has also worked with me directly for several weeks.

Nina talks openly about the twists and turns that kept her drinking regularly in her life up until her late 40’s. With two children and a husband, Nina feels like she is really thriving in life and growing stronger every day in sobriety.

You can find and connect with Nina on Instagram at @wonderfullysober.

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

TRIGGER WARNING (references suicidal thoughts)

​In this week's episode of the "Sober Stories from Everyday People" podcast, host @sassysobermum interviews Daniel, a 47-year-old from Jersey who has been sober for six years.

Daniel discusses Jersey's strong drinking culture and reflects on his chaotic youth, which included a traumatic childhood and early marriage with children. He worked his way up in the IT sector but faced challenges with alcohol. After quitting cold turkey, he experienced severe depression and contemplated suicide. Thankfully, he sought support from colleagues, leading to personal growth and active involvement in the sober community.

Daniel now engages in local mental health initiatives and maintains an Instagram presence under the handle @thejerseysoberwalker. ​

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

This week I am talking with Catriona in Kilkenny, Ireland. Catriona is 10 months sober at the time of this recording. She lives with her husband and two young children and is a small business owner. Catriona talks candidly about the destructive impact alcohol had on her life and how she managed to get sober. Catriona talks about life changes, getting stronger everyday and how the prescribed drug Antabuse helped her begin the journey of quitting for good.

You can connect with Catriona on Facebook under Catriona Byrne.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

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]

In the first episode of 2025 I chat with Hana in New York City who is 2 years sober at the time of the recording. Hana's journey is littered with stories of going too far and having no off switch. Hana drank for over 2 decades before deciding enough was enough and quitting for good in the festive season.

Hana is brave, inspiring and open with her story. I hope you find it comforting.

You can connect with Hana on Instagram at @hanaziggy

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]

Welcome to this special episode to mark 100 episodes of the Sober Stories from Everyday people podcast. During this episode I explore reflections from my own life and from the lives of the many people I have worked with. Sobriety is a challenging, beautiful and scary process, especially during holiday seasons. I offer insight, wisdom and reassurance for all things early sobriety and hope that you take at least one positive thing from listening, to help you navigate the impending Christmas period.

Sending love and best wishes this Christmas.

You can do it!

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]

In this episode I am talking to Nancy from Essex who is sober 10 months at the time of this recording. Nancy is married with 2 children. Nancy talks about growing up in a sociable household and trying alcohol-pops for the first time. The transition from carefree childfree days to mortgage, kids and work pressures, Nancys drinking followed a similar path to many other guests on this show. Once Nancy decided to quit she threw herself into the learning and mindset work to be successful.

You can follow Nancy on instagram at lil_miss_kiddy

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]