Jenna and Daniel discuss agitation, irritability and rage specifically as it applies to early sobriety, and how alcohol muted those feelings, in addition to feelings of happiness and joy, in active addiction. They address the expectation for everything to feel better immediately after getting sober when in reality it takes time to adjust to the influx of genuine and authentic feelings and emotions. They talk about strategies to combat newly sober irritability, and how in their active addiction they thought those strategies sounded ridiculous until they started to put them into practice.

Daniel asks Jenna about her progress with finding new hobbies and they explore the differences for Jenna this summer versus her first sober summer of 2022. They talk about how they continue to notice alcohol in shows and movies and how it can be a reflection of their own vulnerabilities. They also discuss the availability and social acceptance of alcohol and how that affects getting sober from alcohol versus other drugs.

Jenna and Daniel start by talking about road trips which leads to a discussion about Daniel attending a conference out of town and how those circumstances wouldn’t be an option if he was still drinking. They discuss how their sobriety has been a catalyst for opportunities they would have had otherwise. Daniel opens up about a recent triggering experience that made him crave a drink and how he overcame that hurdle. They talk about the power of vulnerability by sharing difficult personal experiences.

Daniel and Jenna talk about boredom, particularly in early sobriety. They also discuss the concept of perfection and different approaches to living sober, including how people in recovery can feel judged if they’re not reaching that perfection. They compare their individual experiences and challenges with year one versus year two and Daniel gives Jenna tips on battling boredom.

Daniel talks about a recent visit to Disneyland, which prompted a conversation between him and his wife about his process of sneaking alcohol in certain settings during his active addiction. Jenna and Daniel compare their differing reactions to being questioned about drinking, and acknowledge the fact that their loved ones didn’t realize the depth of their addiction. They also discuss different experiences they’ve had with their spouses while drinking and since getting sober.

Daniel and Jenna talk about participating in daily activities in active addiction versus in sobriety. They consider the challenge of being present and communicating with their kids about drinking without instilling too much fear.

Daniel and Jenna poke fun at themselves and how they differ in addressing negative or confrontational followers. They talk about how certain personality characteristics still exist in sobriety, and how some qualities were muted or magnified in active addiction.

Jenna and Daniel compare methods to squash cravings in early sobriety as well as in maintenance mode. They talk about doing what works regardless of how ridiculous it may seem, and blocking out nay-sayers who seem to find a problem to every solution.

Daniel and Jenna talk about the upcoming season of weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, and how spring and summer offer countless opportunities to justify drinking. They address their inability to moderate and how at times they envy those who can. They also discuss how some of their friends who can moderate choose to drink less as they get older.