Step Zero

This episode with Sarah Siegel Kolodziejski is for anyone who has ever thought, this just is not working anymore, even if everything appears fine on the outside. 

Sarah is the founder of Pure Clarity and a certified alcohol free and mindset coach who chose to stop drinking in her late 40s, guided not by a dramatic rock bottom but by a quiet, steady inner voice. 

Today she supports women 35 and up who want to break the toxic cycle of alcohol and create a life that feels aligned, intentional and emotionally grounded. Sarah shares the private moments that pushed her toward change, the fear of imagining life without alcohol and the emotional spaciousness she discovered once she said enough. 

We explore mindful living, wellness practices, the rise of sober curiosity and why alcohol free lifestyles are becoming a cultural shift rather than a passing trend. 

If you have been questioning your relationship with alcohol, this conversation offers both understanding and encouragement.

Highlights:

(01:52) The private despair that friends never noticed

(04:26) Why the quiet inner knowing is often the turning point

(07:58) The July Fourth moment that changed everything

(10:33) Finding support when no one seems to understand

(14:50) What sobriety feels like when emotions finally rise

(18:45) Creating Pure Clarity and building a mindful, alcohol free community

connect with Sarah:

www.pureclaritynow.com

Instagram: @pureclaritynow

$500 off any coaching service: https://www.pureclaritynow.com/services-1

Promo code: Stepzero500

Connect with Kaitlin:

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In this episode, Kristin Key joins me with the honesty, humor, and heart that make her such a magnetic presence on stage and in life. 

Kristin, a nationally touring comedian and viral musical storyteller, opens up about the years she spent drinking to survive pain she did not yet have language for, and the emotional rock bottom that finally changed everything.

She shares how sobriety reshaped her creativity, her confidence, and her career, and why laughter, spirituality, and community have become grounding forces in her life. 

This conversation is full of vulnerability, ridiculous stories, and the kind of truth that helps us feel less alone.

Highlights:

(01:41) How Kristin’s comedy career and identity intersected in early life

(07:53) The growing consequences that signaled drinking was becoming a problem

(15:03) Kristin’s emotional rock bottom and the morning everything changed

(18:26) Walking into her first meeting terrified and hopeful

(23:58) Creativity in early sobriety and the unexpected projects that saved her sanity

(32:44) The pandemic moment that shifted her entire sense of purpose

Connect with Kristin:

https://kristinkey.com/

If Feelings Were Crayons: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrPPHMah/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinkeycomedy?_r=1&_t=ZT-91vGq8gsBbb

Connect with Kaitlin:

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This conversation is such a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, and sobriety isn’t about willpower, it’s about understanding yourself. 

In this episode, Allie shares her journey from high functioning drinking and Xanax use to medical detox, rehab and eight and a half years of continuous sobriety. She talks about the childhood trauma she didn’t have words for, the moment alcohol shifted from “fun” to “medicinal”, and the terrifying withdrawal that showed her she couldn’t keep going the way she was. 

Her honesty is grounding, generous and incredibly validating.

We also dig into complex PTSD, the rules we grow up with, the shame so many women carry and the tools that help regulate a dysregulated nervous system. 

Allie’s story shows what becomes possible when you stop forcing sobriety and start understanding your why. It’s emotional, uplifting and full of hope for anyone who’s sober curious or feeling stuck in old coping patterns.

Highlights:

(01:52) When alcohol shifted from social to medicinal

(12:35) The moment grief and drinking collided

(24:20) Withdrawal, fear and the breaking point that changed everything

(31:38) Detox, relief and the first glimpse of real support

(43:02) How AA built early stability and community

(50:46) Complex PTSD, inner parts work and the tools that actually help

Allie’s Instagram: @soberdreamteam

Connect with Kaitlin:

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I loved this conversation with Mikey, because his story is the perfect blend of honesty, purpose, and those goose bump moments that make you rethink what is possible for your own life. 

We talk about gambling addiction, nervous system healing, conscious community, and how he walked away from a corporate identity that was slowly burning him out. Now he is leading one of the most powerful wellness movements in Las Vegas, and trust me, you will feel the energy through this episode.

What I especially love about Mikey is how grounded he is. He is not selling perfection or a rigid routine. He is showing people what it looks like to build a life that truly feels good, one cold plunge and conscious breath at a time. 

If you have ever wondered whether you could rewrite your story before everything falls apart, this conversation will hit home.

Highlights:

(01:44) How Mikey realized his corporate path was turning toxic

(05:51) The moment he chose change before losing everything

(12:15) What makes Etho events feel safe for sober or sober curious people

(19:10) The power of regulating your nervous system as a community

(27:17) What wellness looks like in real life, not on social media

(31:48) The unforgettable moment a guest had a breakthrough in the ice bath

Connect with Mikey:

https://www.instagram.com/justlikemikey/?hl=en

https://www.ethoclub.com/

Connect with Kaitlin:

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This one’s a powerful story of rock bottom turned renaissance. Rafael McMaster shares about sobriety, self-awareness, and a mission to help the next generation live consciously. 

We talk about how art became his medicine, how he built a creative community that heals, and why emotional tools like acceptance and gratitude should be taught in schools.

You’ll hear how his nonprofit, Indivisible Arts, is giving kids the tools to handle life’s hard stuff through creativity and mindfulness - and how that healing ripples outward. 

It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection, it’s about purpose.

Highlights:

(02:10) – The moment Raphael knew something had to change

(06:50) – How prescription drugs led to hidden addiction

(10:25) – The “Big Three” tools that changed everything

(16:45) – How art and sobriety became a life mission

(26:40) – Inside the creative lab helping kids heal through art

(42:30) – Wisdom Seekers: circles, connection, and conscious youth

Connect with Rafael:

https://www.indivisiblearts.org/

https://www.rafaelmcmaster.com/

Fundamental Life Tools Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bCmCT3N

Rafael McMaster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.peace?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Rsin Laboratory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsn_lab?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Connect with Kaitlin:

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In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Karolina Rzadkowolska, best-selling author of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You. 

We talk about what really happens when you choose yourself and step into the woman you were always meant to be - not through perfection or pressure, but through courage and clarity. 

Karolina shares her powerful story of transformation, and the ripple effect that comes when one woman decides she’s done playing small.

It’s an honest, soulful exchange about emotional sobriety, purpose, and how freedom begins the moment you stop hiding from your own potential.

Highlights:

(02:15) – Karolina’s first wake-up call and how she decided to take her first real break from alcohol

(08:55) – The moment she realized “normal adults drink” was just a belief — not a truth

(13:50) – Flipping social drinking on its head and walking into parties with confidence

(20:10) – Why alcohol blocks your intuition and how to reconnect with your purpose

(33:15) – Experiencing a true spiritual awakening after giving up drinking

(47:00) – The ripple effect of women choosing themselves and creating lasting change

Connect with Karolina:

www.euphoricaf.com

www.euphoricaf.com/certification

www.instagram.com/euphoric.af

www.euphoricbook.com

Connect with Kaitlin:

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When Abby Calabrese decided to quit drinking, it wasn’t because she hit rock bottom. It was because she finally saw herself clearly. 

In this episode, we talk about the power of emotional sobriety, the quiet courage it takes to make a change, and how finding freedom from alcohol opens doors to self-trust, creativity, and joy.

Whether you’re sober curious or just rethinking your relationship with alcohol, her story reminds us that we don’t have to break down to break free. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply want better for ourselves.

Here are the highlights:

(06:19) When moderation stopped working

(09:01) The Halloween moment that changed everything

(15:06) A text from Abby’s sister that sparked 100 days alcohol free

(25:24) Meditation and morning pages as new emotional tools

(34:54) Finding joy again through dance and connection

(50:27) What Abby would tell her younger self today

Connect with Abby:

www.abbycalabrese.com

http://linkedin.com/company/alcoholfreeabby/

https://www.instagram.com/alcoholfreeabby

Connect with Kaitlin:

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In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Shannon Leigh McCabe, a holistic nutritionist and sober coach whose story will leave you inspired. 

Shannon opens up about her years caught in mommy wine culture, the shame of secret drinking, and the moment she finally decided to stop hiding and start healing. We talk about how sobriety becomes a bridge to self-trust, motherhood, and true emotional freedom. 

This one is raw, real, and full of heart. Shannon’s journey proves that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a better life - you just have to stop digging.

Here are the highlights:

The first cracks in Shannon’s “healthy drinker” identity (02:19)

Mommy wine culture and hidden shame (04:00)

Lockdown, panic, and the start of secret drinking (07:22)

What made quitting finally stick (17:21)

Replacing alcohol with self-awareness and structure (25:31)

How sobriety reshaped motherhood and self-worth (31:45)

Simple truths for women ready to begin again (35:36)

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.instagram.com/shannonleighmccabe/

www.shannonleighmccabe.com

Connect with Kaitlin:

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This week, I’m joined by the radiant Kim Peretz, host of the top-charting Claim Your Power podcast. 

We explore the heart of sober curiosity, emotional sobriety, and what it really means to strengthen your spirit instead of numbing it. Kim shares how giving up alcohol as a teenager became the doorway to deeper self-love, authenticity, and alignment. 

Together, we chat about staying grounded in chaotic environments, finding your “why,” and the power of building a community where women truly see and support one another. 

This one’s a reminder that your growth doesn’t need a rock bottom - it just needs your intention.

Here are the highlights:

Finding purpose behind sober curiosity (03:11)

Social media and soul fatigue (07:53)

Why self-awareness beats self-criticism (10:08)

Grounding practices that actually work (16:03)

The magic of community and feminine connection (19:34)

Quantum leaping and manifesting miracles (34:13)

Making peace with resistance (41:44)

How small daily choices create massive change (46:50)

Connect with Kim:

Quantum Leap Challenge Round 3🔥: https://stan.store/kimperetz/p/qlcnovember

Join Claim Your Power Membership for monthly workshops, community calls, Q&A, meditation challenges & sisterhood🌒✨: https://claimyourpowermembership.com

Listen to Claim Your Power Podcast🎙: https://claimyourpower.lnk.to/listen

📸Instagram: @kimperetz

🎥TikTok: @kimperetzz 

Connect with Kaitlin:

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I had such an honest and moving conversation with Richard Blair, founder and CEO of ALYST Health, who has been shaping the recovery world for over two decades. 

We talked about his early struggles, what it took to finally embrace sobriety, and how he turned those lessons into building one of the most respected recovery services in the world. 

His story is proof that you don’t need to hit rock bottom to change your life. Sometimes all it takes is a sliver of willingness and a “maybe this could work.”

Richard shares the funny, raw, and deeply human side of getting sober at 21, why community mattered more than anything, and how grace, structure, and persistence shaped his path. 

Whether you’re sober curious or years into recovery, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and reminders that growth is possible for all of us. Here are the highlights:

Here are the highlights:

The question that planted the seed for change (06:32)

Rock bottom at 21 and what finally clicked (09:20)

Finding community and sober fun (20:54)

Discovering purpose in helping others recover (24:45)

How A List Health was born and why it works (28:42)

Lessons from 20+ years in recovery and helping others (39:27)

Finding spirituality through logic (41:24)

One small step you can take if you’re sober curious (51:25)

Connect with Richard:

ALYST Health - https://www.alysthealth.com/about/our-team/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard.blair

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richieonline

Connect with Kaitlin:

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