Daniel and Jenna discuss their different approaches to confrontational people, specifically the practice of “tough love” and maintaining appropriate boundaries as it applies to social media as well as every day life. They talk about the “fix me” mindset and how some followers set certain expectations and get angry when those expectations aren’t met. They discuss how that mindset can also apply to addicts and their relationships with loved ones.

Jenna and Daniel talk about their experiences with drunk sleep, early sobriety sleep, and genuinely good sober sleep. They discuss their prospective sleep enhancement practices, including meditation and breathing exercises, and discuss the slippery slope associated with utilizing sleep aids. They acknowledge how everyone’s path is different and that any particular method may work for some and not others. Jenna recalls the inevitable anxiety she experienced while trying to sleep in early sobriety, and they talk about how everyone’s timeline with finally experiencing good sober sleep varies.

Jenna and Daniel discuss the societal designation of certain days of the week as acceptable drinking days, and how that ties in to rationalizations as alcoholics. They talk about recognizing wins and celebrating sober accomplishments, and how that contrasts with settling in to normalizing sober life.

Daniel talks about an unexpected struggle on a recent to trip to Las Vegas. Jenna and Daniel consider the power of our subconscious which prompts a discussion about “drunk dreams” and blackouts.

Jenna and Daniel discuss the stereotypes and stigma associated with alcoholism and their differing beginnings with active addiction. They consider the relative nature of having a “drinking problem” and the subjectivity of identifying as an alcoholic. Daniel explains his “staircase” analogy and how it applies to slips while getting sober. They talk about the concept of “Dry January” and how it is perceived differently by various types of drinkers.

Daniel recalls a recent experience with car sickness which prompts a conversation about the frequency of certain physical side effects of being drunk or hung over. They address the unfortunate reality of drinking during every day duties like parenting and driving, and how their own well-being was always their lost priority in active addiction. Jenna tells a story of how her mother unwittingly enabled her to nurse a hangover before hosting a party, and they discuss their inability to relate to people who have healthy relationships with alcohol.

Jenna and Daniel compare experiences with ‘dry January’ and Daniel shares how his final dry January is now his sober date. Jenna talks about how the sober seed was planted well before she took her recovery seriously. They talk about the lies they told themselves in active addiction.

Daniel and Jenna consider the concept of ‘rock bottom’ and its subjective nature. They talk about the juxtaposition of societal labels and how that applies to traditional sobriety programs. They also compare how their spouses were affected by their sobriety.

Jenna and Daniel discuss memory loss as a result of drinking, and the shift associated with certain activities in sobriety versus while drinking. They talk about being thick skinned and consider people’s motivation when they are hyper critical, particularly as it applies to the work and to social media.

Daniel and Jenna talk about how friendships evolve as a result of one’s sobriety and how connecting with fellow alcoholics is a critical piece of recovery. They discuss experiences with grief and loss pre- and post-sobriety and consider the potential challenge associated with maintaining sobriety during unexpected life changes.