Solace and the City

This week I am so excited to welcome back entrepreneur, reality TV star, and my personal sober icon Carl Radke to the Solace and the City podcast! Carl first was a guest back in February of 2023, right as I was beginning my journey to sobriety. Back when we first spoke, I asked Carl if his company, Loverboy, would ever branch out into the N/A world with their spiked sparkling teas. You can imagine my excitement when I saw Carl announce that Loverboy was expanding into the N/A market a few months back!

In this episode, Carl and I talk about the various hurdles that one is faced with as they navigate their first, second, and third years of sobriety. Carl shares about how he is able to stay sober while being one of the main faces of an alcohol company and also provides tips on how to set yourself up for success while living a sober lifestyle.

I feel so blessed to have had Carl on my podcast not once, but twice! You can follow his journey on Instagram by following him @carlradke, and I highly encourage you to check out his website The Radke Boys. Here Carl shares his full sobriety story and provides resources for those who may be struggling. Finally, you can find Loverboys (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions) in stores near you!

Today marks my first year of sobriety, and so it feels only fitting that I share a conversation with someone who was an integral part of my journey to recovery. Chloe Veitch is an icon -- not only is she a model, media personality, and popular host, but also a star on multiple Netflix shows including Too Hot To Handle, The Circle, and Perfect Match. At only 24 years of age, Chloe is wise beyond her years. In this episode, Chloe shares her journey to sobriety which began at a time of personal, professional, and global tumult. We chat about how the drinking culture in the United Kingdom compares to the American tendency to binge and where reality television comes into play. Chloe truly is as kind, funny, and charismatic as she appears on the screens. I could not be more grateful to her and all of the other people who have acted as beacons of light as I navigated the murky waters of sobriety over the past twelve months.

This week I am so excited to share my conversation with Ari Borinsky, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy! (That's a lot of words, so let's break it down). Ari graduated from Columbia and became passionate about alternative medicines after attending his first ayahuasca retreat in Peru. When he started his own private practice, he knew that he wanted to incorporate some of the techniques he had learned from his mentors into his work. Now Ari incorporates ketamine into his psychotherapy sessions with clients, helping them to connect with their subconscious in a safe environment.

I literally knew nothing about KAP (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy) prior to chatting with Ari. I am so grateful for his kindness and wisdom, and I can't wait to see how the future of psychedelics unfolds! If you are interested in working with Ari, check out Brooklyn Psychedelic Psychotherapy in Greenpoint! https://www.brooklynpsychedelicpsychotherapy.com/

The most-listened-to guest of Solace and the City is back and better than ever! I am SO excited to be sharing my second podcast conversation with Hope Woodard with you all. In this episode, Hope and I have a sobriety catch-up. When we first recorded back in January, I had been only 10 or so days sober, and Hope had been well over the year mark. Fast forward to this conversation, and I just hit my 300-day mark! Over these 300 days, Hope has been re-evaluating her relationship with alcohol and other substances. We talk about the real struggles that come with maintaining a soberish lifestyle and the importance of meeting yourself where you are. Hope shares her plans to be boy sober for the next year and explains her theory about jumping in and out of the wagon when it comes to her own journey cutting off substances. I really think you all will enjoy this episode, as Hope is truly amazing. Be sure to share it with your friends, follow @justhopinalong, and check out her new podcast Phone A Friend!

CW: This podcast contains content related to disordered eating and sexual assault. If at any point this episode becomes too triggering, please be sure to pause it and take some time to yourself. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or is struggling after an incident of sexual assault, help is available. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1-800-656-4673.

I feel incredibly honored to share this episode with NYC-based comic, writer, and actress, Hanna Dickinson. I first heard Hanna speak on one of my favorite female-led podcasts and was completely moved by her story. Most people go through one or two major traumas throughout their entire life. Hanna experienced multiple in the matter of months. In this episode, Hanna talks about what led her to become sober from alcohol and amphetamines. She talks openly about being abducted and raped on her 29th birthday in Los Angelos, as well as contracting an STI in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hanna's story is first and foremost a testimony of her resilience. Despite the many traumatic experiences that she has faced in her young adult life, Hanna keeps on fighting and finding the silver lining to push forward. She finds humor in even her darkest days and uses comedy as a therapeutic outlet to share her struggles. One of my favorite quotes from a guest of this podcast is, "laughter is the greatest disinfectant." Hanna embodies this quote more than anyone I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I truly hope everyone takes a listen to her tale. You can keep up with Hanna by following her @hansdickie on Instagram.

Welcome back to Season 5 of Solace and the City! I can't believe we are coming up on our fifth year of this show. For those who are new here, I launched Solace and the City back in October of 2019 on a complete whim. It's truly amazing to be here four years later looking back on all the incredible progress I have made no only on the show but also in my own life. In honor of my 28th birthday now behind me and the fifth year of this podcast quickly approaching, I decided to record an episode of 28 lessons that I have learned in my 28 years of life. This lists consists of a mix of pieces of advice I’ve been given, favorite quotes and sayings, tips and tricks from my therapist, and other lessons that I’ve been working on and will continue to work on in the years to come.

I am not easily able to talk about times when I am proud of myself, but there is one thing I am certain of - I am SO proud of this episode! It truly was a labor of love. It would warm my heart if everyone takes a listen, because I guarantee at least one of these lessons will resonate with you. Please feel free to share this episode with a friend, a partner, a roommate, a parent, or anyone else who you think could benefit from these tidbits of guidance.

Cheers to another year around the sun and many more to come! Love you all.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by one of my swim and apparel favorite brands, LSPACE! Although summer is sadly behind us, LSPACE also has gorgeous and comfy sweaters for fall that I have been absolutely loving. You can click here to visit their website and use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first purchase!