We’re brewing up some exciting new episodes here at Stack'n'Days headquarters, and we can’t wait to share them with you in the coming weeks! But today, we’ve got something special: an episode featuring our very own Ray Donovan on Dupe Witherick’s Thriving Alcohol Free Podcast. You might remember Dupe from her powerful appearance on our show last November. She shared how a 21-day alcohol-free challenge turned into nearly five years of sobriety, a renewed sense of well-being, and a deeper connection to her faith. 

Now, the tables have turned, and Ray is in the hot seat. In this episode, he opens up about his sobriety journey—sparked by becoming a father and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Realizing his relationship with alcohol didn’t align with the man he wanted to be for himself and his family, Ray made the life-changing decision to stop drinking over three years ago. 

Ray dives into moments of personal clarity, the power of vulnerability, navigating emotions, and how sobriety has shaped his life. This is your chance to hear his story in a fresh, intimate way—through the lens of an interview.

Enjoy this special episode, and stay tuned for more from Stack’n’Days!

Ray’s Toolkit:

• Prioritize Self-Awareness

• Establish Boundaries

• Seek Community

• Embrace Change

• Pursue Small Joys

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

https://www.thrivealcoholfree.com/podcast

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Podcast host, author, and coach Dupe Witherick describes herself as a “normal drinker.” Unlike common stereotypes, her relationship with alcohol didn’t involve a dramatic rock bottom—instead, she had seamlessly woven drinking into her daily life and identity. Dupe joins Ray to share how alcohol shaped her university years, professional life, and social interactions. It wasn’t until a personal loss and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic that she began to question her reliance on alcohol. What started as a 21-day alcohol-free challenge blossomed into nearly five years of sobriety, renewed well-being, and a deep connection to faith and a higher power.

Dupe’s Toolkit:

Dupe’s details 

Instagram: @thrivealcoholfree

TikTok: @thrivealcoholfree

Thrive Alcohol Free Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/thrive-alcohol-free/id1707202708

Thrive Alcohol Free: https://www.thrivealcoholfree.com/

Book - A Cocktail of Clarity: How to Ditch Drinking, Embody a Joyful New Identity and Thrive Alcohol Free: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3MNVZQS

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Ray sits down with Jasmine Rogers, whose journey to becoming two years sober from alcohol, has been anything but straightforward. The duo explores what it truly means to live authentically — the challenges, the triumphs, and the unexpected moments of growth. This is Jasmine’s second time in sobriety. Her first lasted a year, and then when she thought she was “cured,” she relapsed even worse. The staying factor is she always remembered the clarity sobriety gave her. So she started seeing a therapist, was encouraged to go to AA. Raising her son gave her a higher purpose to continue living alcohol-free. She went from being the life of the party to encouraging others through her own actions to seek a life unhindered by substances. It’s raw, inspiring, and filled with moments that will leave you rethinking what it means to live on your own terms. 

Jasmine’s Toolkit:

Instagram: @soulfully_sober

TikTok: @soulfully_sober

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Ray connects deeply with guest Andry Rakotoniaina as they share experiences from the food and beverage industry. Andry opens up about how, as the eldest in an immigrant family, he faced immense pressure, especially after his father’s passing. Alcohol became an escape from these heavy responsibilities, but over time, it took control of his life. With a career in the restaurant industry, where alcohol was always within reach, the journey wasn’t easy. Today, Andry is co-founder of the Kentucky chapter of Ben’s Friends, supporting hospitality workers in sobriety. This powerful conversation dives into addiction, the strength to break free, and how recovery can transform lives.

Andry’s Toolkit:

Andry’s details 

Instagram: @willpedal4brew

Ben’s Friends Hope: https://www.bensfriendshope.com/

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Ray catches up with Lunic Adisson-Boyd, a licensed minister, advocate for spiritual growth and entrepreneur and founder of God is Great Apparel, about her journey from addiction to recovery. Once living it up, Lunic eventually faced the harsh realities of substance abuse, especially when it comes to past trauma, and realized she needed to make a change. With a mix of humor and heartfelt honesty, she discusses how faith, community, and a bit of divine intervention helped her turn her life around. She encourages listeners to embrace grace, recognize their purpose, and empower themselves through service and entrepreneurship.

Lunic’s Toolkit:

Lunic’s details 

Instagram: @iamlunicthemessenger

God is Great Apparel Instagram: @godisgreatapparel

Website God is Great Apparel: https://www.godisgreatapparel.com/

Resources mentioned in the show: 

Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.narcotics.com/na-meetings/

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Grief, time, love and...pickleball. In this week's solo episode, Ray reflects on the past three years of his sobriety journey – what he considers the most challenging and deeply reflective years of his life. He opens up about the emotional weight of grief, the impact of aging family members, and the role of therapy in maintaining his sobriety. This podcast has become a therapeutic outlet. He talks about the importance of his Black female therapist, the lessons time teaches in recovery, and the importance of finding joy and levity along the way.

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/stclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/⁠⁠⁠ 

There’s a lot happening here at Stack'n'Days headquarters, and we’re excited to share some big personal updates with you next week in a brand-new solo episode! But today, we’re re-airing a fan-favorite conversation from episode 37 with Tammi Scott. Tammi’s journey, from being a single mother of three to getting sober in a 12-step program and staying sober for 27 years, is incredibly relatable. Now, as a yoga teacher and mentor in the sobriety space, she uses the lessons she’s learned to guide others. In this episode, she talks about coming home to yourself, especially as a Black woman in the U.S.

Tammi’s Toolkit:

The Early Struggles

Tammi opens up about her early days as a single mother of three, using alcohol and drugs to cope. Overwhelmed and internally struggling, it took a therapist's insight to link her substance use with her depression, sparking the beginning of her self-discovery journey.

The 12-Step Program

Tammi shares her journey into the transformative 12-step program, underscoring its pivotal role in her recovery. Her first AA meeting marked a turning point, providing a sense of community and resonant stories. Tammi stresses the importance of supportive communities and mentors in the recovery process.

Holistic Healing

As Tammi progressed in recovery, she explored holistic healing modalities like yoga and writing. These practices deepened her self-understanding and offered comfort and grounding. Tammi emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and cultivating kindness towards oneself.

Ongoing Growth

Throughout the episode, Tammi acknowledges that recovery is an ongoing process. She urges mindfulness against complacency and emphasizes prioritizing sobriety, even during stable periods.

Healing as a Woman of Color

Tammi's experience as a woman of color has had a significant impact on her journey of recovery. Throughout her early days of sobriety, she faced the double-edged sword of being a person of color in predominantly white spaces. She felt the weight of societal expectations and the lack of support for women of color in professional settings. This added layer of complexity made it challenging for Tammi to fully express herself and find her place in the recovery community. Additionally, the racial injustices and violence against people of color deeply affected her, but she struggled to find understanding and empathy within the 12-step community. Despite these obstacles, Tammi has persevered and found her own path to healing and self-discovery, embracing her identity as a black woman and using her experiences to uplift and support others.

Current Involvements

Tammi is actively involved in facilitating sober support community meetings and co-teaching online sober courses both at The Luckiest Club. Her passion lies in sharing experiences and assisting others in their recovery journeys. Tammi plans to teach yoga, focusing on heart-centered work and creating spaces for healing and self-discovery.

Tammi’s details

Instagram: @QueenieT_

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/alwayseverinward?mibextid=ZbWKwL⁠

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

In this episode, Ray sits down with Kristen Feemster, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and wellness coach, to talk about her powerful journey through addiction and recovery. A former college athlete, Kristen opens up about how the pressure to be perfect as a Black woman, growing up in a mostly white community, and other life stressors led her down a path of alcohol addiction. She shares the pivotal moments that made her realize she needed to change and the people and inclusive spaces that helped her along the way. Kristen also dives into the importance of having a strong support system, why open conversations about mental health and addiction matter, and the resources out there for anyone looking to heal their relationship with alcohol.

Kristen’s Toolkit:

Kristen’s details 

Instagram: @kristenfeemster

Facebook: B3 by Kristen

YouTube: @kristenfeemster

Website: B3 by Kristen

Resources mentioned in the show: 

She Recovers

Sober Black Girl’s Club

B3 by Kristen 

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/

Certified Sober and Life Coach Leonard Murphy shares his powerful journey through alcohol use, addiction, multiple relapses, and, eventually, recovery. Growing up with an alcoholic father, Leonard witnessed the damage alcohol can cause. He began drinking in college for confidence but soon spiraled into heavy use, impacting his marriage, children, and relationships. When his wife left with their children, Leonard realized the toll alcohol had taken on his life. After relapsing post-divorce, the death of his aunt from alcohol-related issues became his turning point. He entered rehab, embraced trauma therapy, and uncovered the root of his addiction, ultimately learning to forgive his father. Now, Leonard helps others in early sobriety find purpose and create a plan for their lives through his organization Empowered Through Sobriety. He emphasizes not just surviving but thriving in sobriety, focusing on spirituality, physical health, emotions, and finances. Leonard also shares strategies for supporting those in relapse and highlights the importance of community, particularly for men of color. Through prayer, meditation, and structure, Leonard leads a fulfilling life in recovery while inspiring others to do the same.

Leonard’s Toolkit:

Leonard’s details 

Instagram: @empoweredthroughsobriety

TikTok: @empoweredthroughsobreity

Facebook: Empowered Through Sobriety

YouTube: @EmpoweredThroughSobriety

Website: https://www.empoweredthroughsobriety.com/

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/stclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/⁠⁠⁠ 

In this episode, Ray interviews married couple Alisha and Ricci who share their individual journeys with alcohol and how it eventually intertwined in their relationship. Alisha grew up with alcohol always around her and started drinking as a teenager as a way to socialize and have a good time. Ricci, on the other hand, didn't have any alcoholic influences in his family but started drinking in his early twenties. As their relationship progressed, they started drinking together and it became a regular part of their lives. They would drink to relax, celebrate, and cope with the challenges of parenthood. However, their drinking habits escalated during lockdown, with Ricci hiding his excessive drinking from Alisha. Eventually, Alisha gave Ricci an ultimatum to address his drinking problem. This was the moment their lives and relationship changed for the better. 

Alisha + Ricci’s Toolkit:

Alisha + Ricci’s details 

Instagram: @blacksoberpod

Podcast: Black and Sober - The Podcast

Podcast YouTube: Black and Sober - The Podcast

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/