Sober Stories

David Wilson joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to share the story of how he went from being known by the nickname "Glugs" (at age 14) to "Sober Dave." Beth and Dave talk about the way his childhood impacted his drinking career early on, how his mental health had become impacted by alcohol, and eventually, how he quit drinking in his 50s. Dave explains the power of completely ending a relationship with alcohol, and Beth and Dave discuss what a massive impact community has on one's ability to remain sober. Dave shares what his story would be called: "One For the Road."

David Wilson is a speaker, sobriety coach, and Top 10 podcaster ("One For The Road") with over 3.5 years of sobriety. His work can also be found on the SoberDave app. David's new book, "One For the Road," is available on September 9th, 2022.

Key Takeaways:

• What helped David quit the booze.
• Spontaneous sobriety vs. the process to get sober.
• How and why you should seek community.

Connect with David:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/

App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soberdave/id1603232414

One for the Road Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-for-the-road/id1565341712

Email: [email protected]

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From our sponsors:

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

Content warning: In this episode, we briefly discuss suicidal thoughts/thoughts of self-harm.

Michelle Tea joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss coming of age in queer, punk culture of the 80's and 90's, the growing literary scene at that time, and how drugs and alcohol began taking a toll on her happiness. Michelle tells us what it has been like re-learning how to write, sober, and about how her sobriety has evolved over the years. Beth and Michelle talk astrology, psychedelic mushrooms, and knowing when you're using substances to cope, or not. Michelle shares stories of the early days of Sister Spit, her femme, queer literary movement, and Beth and Michelle talk about her newest book: Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility, out now. Michelle shares what her Sober Story would be called: "It's Not an Astrological Transit."

Michelle Tea is the author of the popular tarot how-to Modern Tarot, the cult classic Valencia, and many more works of fiction and non-fiction. She's a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow and has received awards from PEN/America, Lambda Literary, and other spots. She hosts the Spotify podcast Your Magic, as well as the live tarot room Ask the Tarot on Spotify Live. She is the mind behind Drag Queen Story Hour, Sister Spit, and other literary interventions. Michelle's most recent book is Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility, out now.

Key Takeaways:

• What it means to own your sobriety.
• Finding your identity as a non-drinker.
• Being sober in the queer community.

Connect with Michelle Tea:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleteaz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaMichelle

Order Michelle's latest book, Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility: https://bookshop.org/a/19833/9780063210622

Resources Mentioned:

• The Passionate Mistakes and Intricate Corruption of One Girl in America: https://bookshop.org/books/the-passionate-mistakes-and-intricate-corruption-of-one-girl-in-america/9781584350521
• Valencia: https://bookshop.org/books/valencia/9781580052382
• Modern Tarot: https://bookshop.org/books/modern-tarot-connecting-with-your-higher-self-through-the-wisdom-of-the-cards/9780062682406
• Your Magic Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MTRTty0d4ryv6Mjyb9kUc?si=857d0fd2f1564562

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

AspenRidge CEO Shannon Van Deman joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss where the recovery field is getting it right, helping people overcome addiction, and where the recovery field still has work to do. Shannon shares her personal connection to the recovery space — her experience growing up in a family where multiple people experienced addiction, including her brother, who passed away in 2021. Shannon explains how her company, AspenRidge Recovery, is working to prevent addiction before it ever starts, and Beth and Shannon discuss early intervention, harm reduction, and how people do not need to hit "rock bottom" before getting help.

Shannon Van Deman believes that behavioral health, like physical health, impacts everyone and that it is not simply attained, but requires effort throughout your lifetime to maintain. Shannon holds a doctorate in cognitive psychology from Notre Dame and an MBA from Ball State. She's dedicated her career to challenging and changing the status quo in behavioral health. She has affected legislation, co-chaired Colorado's Behavioral Health Task Force, and currently serves as the board chair and treasurer for Mental Health Colorado. Shannon is the CEO of AspenRidge Recovery, helping to realize their vision to expand education, advocacy, and access to behavioral health services.

AspenRidge Recovery creates a safe space for healing mental health, addiction, and trauma. They utilize the latest evidence-based methods as well as yoga, AcuDetox, art therapy, and more to provide a well-rounded healing experience. They offer up to a year of continuous treatment and a lifetime of recovery support. AspenRidge Recovery serves the state of Colorado through inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth medicine.

Key Takeaways:

• The integral tools to help with substance or alcohol recovery
• Quitting the booze is more than "will-power"
• How to make changes before hitting rock bottom
• What the recovery space is doing right vs. wrong

Connect with Shannon Van Deman & Aspen Ridge Recovery:

Website - https://www.aspenridgerecoverycenters.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aspenridgerecovery/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AspenRidgeRecoveryCenters

Support Sober Stories:

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Nikita Mehta joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss the agency and choice that we have to make considerable changes in our lives. Beth and Nikita talk about what made her last experience at a rehabilitation facility "stick," her experience after leaving an unsatisfying marriage, and how yoga and mindfulness have been woven through every stage. Nikita explains the importance of incremental change, and Beth and Nikita discuss the power of choosing "one more day." Nikita shares what her story would be called: "This is the Life That Alcohol Promised."

Nikita Mehta is a writer, researcher, yoga teacher, educator, and gray area drinking coach. She is a 3rd generation yogi from The Yoga School in Mumbai, India, and spent her childhood living between the US and India.

Her graduate research studied the interaction between the parasympathetic activations of yoga and meditation and their effects on the secondary manifestations of stuttering. Nikita is a grey area drinking coach, championing equal representation of Asian women in sobriety spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• How yoga and mindfulness played a part in Nikita's sobriety
• Advice to those who feel like they don't have control or agency to stay sober
• Shifting your mindset from lack to abundance

Connect with Nikita:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikitakmehta/

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstoriesFollow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstoriesReceive email updates

From our sponsors:

Save 20% off your first Ghia order with code 'STORIES,' at drinkghia.com

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, Kayla discusses her experience with eating disorders.

Kayla Lyons joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss what it means to be "soberish." Beth and Kayla talk about her experience in active addiction to benzodiazepines and alcohol, how court-mandated rehab put her on the path to sobriety, and how that sobriety has evolved over the last 7 years of her recovery. Kayla explains the importance of harm reduction in the recovery field, and Beth and Kayla discuss the importance of inclusive spaces in the sober/sober-curious community. Kayla shares what her story would be called: "How Are You Still Alive?"

Kayla Lyons is a Harm Reduction Advocate, soon-to-be Published Author, and Brand Builder. You may know her as the founder of 1,000 Hours Dry, Co-Host of the podcast Generation Dry, or creator of her newest venture, Join Soberish. Recently celebrating 6 years of recovery from an AUD and drug dependence, Kayla believes that all forms of sobriety and recovery are valid and hopes to continue to spread that message by being of service. When she isn't creating or writing, you can find her at a yoga or spin studio getting in her favorite sobriety tool— movement. Kayla is a dog mom to one very handsome Frenchie, and hopes to change the way the world views sobriety by not just being the change, but building it.

Key Takeaways:

• Harm reduction in the recovery field
• Finding alignment in your recovery vs. what is not
• Identifying red flags in your sober journey
• How the alcohol-free space is expanding in inclusivity

Connect with Kayla:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaylerlyons/, https://www.instagram.com/joinsoberish/, https://www.instagram.com/1000hoursdry/

Resources mentioned:

• Tune into Kayla's podcast, Generation Dry!
• You can also check out The Dry Life Podcast here.
• Want to learn more about Reframe App? Click here.

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Save 20% off your first Ghia order with code 'STORIES,' at drinkghia.com.

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, Bean shares her experiences with domestic violence and with suicidal ideation.

Bean Gill joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss how a virus taking the use of her legs eventually led her on a path towards sobriety. Bean talks about how she used alcohol to cope with an abusive marriage, how she ultimately learned to connect with feelings and emotions without numbing them, and where she uncovered the courage and bravery to speak her truth. Bean shares her experience as a South Asian woman in the sober and disability communities, how she navigates the pressure to drink as a sober person, and how ownership and agency has helped her reclaim her power. Bean shares what her story would be called: "Welcome to the Jungle."

Bean Gill is a Canadian-born South Asian woman, who describes herself as an "accidental advocate" after a virus paralyzed her from the waist down ten years ago. Now Bean runs the non-profit she co-founded, ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre, and uses her voice to raise awareness for disability rights, inclusion, and diversity. Bean is the reigning Miss Wheelchair Canada, won Global's Woman of Vision award, and was recognized by Mattel as one of Canada's top 60 inspiring women as part of Barbie's 60th Anniversary. She also won Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 and RBC's Women of Influence Award in the Ones to Watch category, a few steps forward in her plan to change the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Breaking away from society's programming and recognizing your self-worth.
• Re-discovering her new identity after becoming paralyzed and suffering from alcohol use disorder.
• Taking ownership of your life and overcoming the victim mentality.
• Bean's major turning point when she realized she had an alcohol problem.

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 4 - "Like a Mother" with Jyoti Chand of @mamajotes.
• Episode 9 - "Finding Freedom" with Payal Desai of @payalforstyle.
• Check out Beth's viral TikTok - "Alcohol is a Class 1 Carcinogen" here.

Connect with Bean:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/branzoid/

Website - https://www.reyu.ca/

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Save 20% off your first Ghia order with code 'STORIES,' at drinkghia.com.

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

Lazarus Letcher joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss gender, identity, race, and their intersection with sobriety. Beth and Lazarus talk about how Laz used to use alcohol as a way to perform masculinity, Laz's experience as a trans man before and after sobriety, and how powerful it is to see queer, sober elders in their community. Laz explains what the recovery industry is getting wrong about race, gender, and identity, and how they have found use of the 12-steps through communities led by and for queer folks. Beth and Laz discuss the idea of "outside issues," and how it's impossible to separate the political from the personal, especially in sobriety. Laz and Beth and discuss the long history of drugs and alcohol being mobilized against the BIPOC community, and how ingrained drugs and alcohol also are with queer communities. Laz shares their views on how we can increase access to recovery for marginalized communities and then shares what brings them JOY when things feel hard. Lazarus shares what their story would be called: "Until It Ran Into Me."

Laz lives on Tiwa Pueblo land in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They're a Ph.D. candidate in American Studies and focuses on the history of Black and Indigenous liberation and queer studies. Laz is a solo musician and a violist with the indie-folk band Eileen & the In-Betweens and Black queer art collective Stages of Tectonic Blackness. Laz works as a tech consultant and is passionate about bringing more trans and Black voices into the field. In their free time, they can be found galavanting along the Rio Grande with their pups Mahler and Billie Holiday.

Key Takeaways:

• The perception of masculinity and what feels authentic through alcohol recovery.
• The evolution of the 12-step program and other sober spaces led for and by queer people.
• The challenges of substance use and the interception of BIPOC and Queer communities.
• What the recovery programs are getting wrong.

Resources mentioned:

• Recovery Dharma - https://recoverydharma.org/

Connect with Laz:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/l.nuzzles/

Website - www.LazarusLetcher.com

You can also view a film they collaborated on, "Return to Blackdom," screening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center for the rest of the year.

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Save 20% off your first Ghia order with code 'STORIES,' at drinkghia.com.

Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

Brittany Kay joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss how her sobriety has influenced her mental health journey, eventually leading her to pursue a graduate degree in counseling. Beth and Brittany talk about how her struggle with alcohol came after rehab for Adderall, what it was like finding sobriety in her 20s, and how her relationship with the 12-steps has evolved over time. Brittany shares stories of vacationing while sober, and explains the ripple effect she has seen since she began sharing her story more publicly.

Brittany Kay started her journey to becoming alcohol-free several years ago but officially gave it up for good in 2016. She has since started sharing her experience with others online through social media with the intention of educating and uniting with those in similar situations. She's currently a graduate school student majoring in clinical mental health counseling and she works as a copywriter for Copypress.

Key Takeaways:

• The evolution of her recovery and the beliefs she holds about her personal sobriety.
• The trial and error of getting sober in your 20s.
• Vacationing sober and setting boundaries related to sobriety.
• How sobriety has supported her mental health journey.

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 4 - "Like a Mother" with Jyoti Chand of @mamajotes

Connect with Brittany:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heybrittkay/

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Use code SOBERSTORIES for 15% off your next De Soi order.

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

Shea Gomez of @noboozebabes joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss living an alcohol-free life as a 20-something. Beth and Shea dig into what sober sex is like, and how intimacy when you're fully present, is different than when you're drinking. Beth and Shea talk about how sobriety has changed her career in musical theater, what it's like on the dating apps as a sober person, and how sobriety can be just as glamorous and celebratory as drinking. Shea explains how her previous partner gave her the wake-up call to quit drinking, and how sobriety allowed her to show up more authentically. Shea and Beth talk about the expansion of the non-alcoholic scene both in bars and elsewhere. Shea shares what her story would be called: "No Booze Babe: The story of how being booze-free changed my life."

Shea Gomez is the creator of No Booze Babes, a community that celebrates and supports your beautiful, booze-free life. She launched the page when she was 6 months sober with the goal of normalizing and glamorizing sobriety and connecting with other like-minded women. She shares her sober stories, day-to-day sober life, and sober dating, and she also co-hosts a podcast with her sister called The Real Sisters of Sobriety - they don't need a strong drink to tell you what they really think.

Key Takeaways:

• Sober sex education.
• Creating safe environments when you're alcohol-free.
• What it's like to be sober in the city that never sleeps, New York City.
• Sober dating and Shea's recommendations for going on sober dates.

Resources mentioned:

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
• Episode 18 - "Dry Humping" with Tawny Lara, The Sober Sexpert

Connect with Shea:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/noboozebabes/, https://www.instagram.com/therealsistersofsobriety/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@noboozebabes?lang=en

Website - https://www.noboozebabes.com/

Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-sisters-of-sobriety/id1533023915

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Use code SOBERSTORIES for 15% off your next De Soi order.

Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.

Ruby Warrington joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to talk about the rapid evolution of the sober curious movement. Ruby shares the origin story of the term "sober curious," and what it was like to begin to put words to a new way of conceptualizing ones' relationship with alcohol. Beth and Ruby talk about how alcohol is portrayed in media, and how it actually separates us from others when we desperately want to connect. Ruby shares how her creative process as a writer has changed since she removed alcohol from her life, and Beth and Ruby discuss her upcoming book about choosing to not have children, Women Without Kids. Ruby shares what her story would be called: "Sober Curious"

Ruby Warrington is creator of the term Sober Curious. Author of the 2018 book of the same title, her work has spearheaded a global movement to reevaluate our relationship to alcohol. Other works include Material Girl, Mystical World (2017), The Numinous Astro Deck (June 2019), and The Sober Curious Reset (Dec 2020). With 20+ years' experience as a lifestyle journalist and editor, Ruby is also the founder of self-publishing imprint Numinous Books, and is known as a true innovator in the "Now Age" space. Her new book, Women Without Kids, will be published with Sounds True in early 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• Coining the term "sober curious."
• How Ruby discovered her sober curiosity and where she is today.
• Alcohol in the media from a journalist's perspective.
• Personality types and the commonalities with alcohol addiction.

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 14 - "Against the Grain" Sober Curious with Jordan Grainger https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-grain-sober-curious-with-jordan-grainger/id1612979571?i=1000564172297
• Sober Curious Workshop https://www.eomega.org/workshops/sober-curious/sober-curious
• Join Ruby's newsletter - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fff55528e3856b921432a8a

Connect with Ruby:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rubywarrington/

Website - http://www.rubywarrington.com/

Podcast - http://www.rubywarrington.com/podcasts/

Support Sober Stories:

Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories

Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories

Receive email updates

From our sponsors:

Use code SOBERSTORIES for 15% off your next De Soi order.