Step Zero

What does it really mean to be a grateful alcoholic? In this week’s episode, I reflect on six years of sobriety, how I went from resisting the label to fully embracing it, and why gratitude has been the foundation of my recovery. 

Through personal stories, journaling reflections, and lessons from AA, I share how choosing gratitude—even in the hardest moments—has kept me grounded, resilient, and deeply connected to my purpose.

We’ll explore how shifting your perspective can turn challenges into growth, why gratitude is a practice (not just a feeling), and how embracing joy can transform your journey—whether you're sober-curious or years into recovery.

Here are the highlights:

(2:17) Life Experiences and Relationships in Sobriety

(5:13) Challenges and Hardships in Sobriety

(11:20) Gratitude and Personal Growth in Sobriety

(14:06) Practicing Gratitude and Compassion

Meet a 'Wine Mom' Turned 'Sober Curious':

https://youtu.be/nG3qB1z5Qq8?si=1V9b2mDXL6PBPjd1

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Have you ever mistaken comfort for happiness? In today’s episode, I reflect on the difference between fleeting comfort and the deeper joy that comes from building character. 

Inspired by a profound quote from the 12 and 12 and a meeting I attended, I unpack why growth often requires us to sit with discomfort rather than numbing it with alcohol—or any other quick fix.

I’ll share how embracing humility, taking contrary actions, and seeking joy in daily moments has transformed my life and sobriety. 

If you’re ready to shift your focus from temporary relief to lasting fulfilment, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

(3:06) Checking In and Sharing Personal Experiences

(5:03) The Importance of Humility and Sharing Feelings

(7:26) Building Character and Finding Joy

(10:05) Final Thoughts

Matthew McConaughey - This Is Why You're Not Happy:

https://youtu.be/p0p1fjLPjYQ?si=T7vjXU731ZAbiODA

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In this heartfelt episode, I share a raw and reflective update amidst the aftermath of the California wildfires. From the challenges of navigating guilt and overwhelm to the simple yet profound steps I take to stay grounded and sober, this is a space for honesty and connection. If you've ever wondered how to find strength when the world feels unsteady, this one’s for you.

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How do the small choices we make every day either serve or sabotage our goals? In this episode, I’m unpacking the power of conscious decision-making and how it helped me stay aligned with my vision of sobriety. 

From identifying hidden commitments formed in childhood to recognizing avoidance strategies like scrolling or snacking, I’ll share tools to help you pause and make choices that truly move you forward.

You’ll learn how to uncover the unconscious patterns that keep you stuck and create empowering new commitments. Whether you’re exploring sobriety or chasing another goal, this episode is packed with insights to help you reclaim your power and transform your daily habits.

Here are the highlights:

(2:28) The Choice to Abstain from Alcohol

(4:36) Underlying Commitments and Their Influence

(5:57) Examples of How Choices Serve or Sabotage Our Vision

(9:41) Avoidance Strategies and Conscious Choices

(12:30) Making Conscious Choices and Commitments

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This episode is all about embracing change and creating a vision for your life that truly reflects your values and aspirations. I share my personal journey of becoming sober curious, the challenges I faced in breaking free from old habits, and the small, consistent actions that made a lasting difference. 

If you've ever wondered how to make a big life shift—whether it’s eliminating a habit like drinking or tackling something else that feels daunting—this episode offers practical insights and a roadmap to get started.

We’ll explore how vision fuels change, the choices that support or sabotage our goals, and the power of self-connection rituals. Plus, I’ll share tips to help you create a life aligned with your dreams, one micro-action at a time. 

Whether you're considering Dry January or just curious about making healthier choices, this episode is packed with relatable stories and tools to help you take the first step.

Here are the highlights:

(2:44) The Role of Vision in Creating Change

(5:03) Impact of Choices on Vision

(12:06) Micro Actions and Accountability

(13:13) Self-Connection Rituals

(15:26) Commitment to Self

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In this episode, I share how overwhelm can creep into our lives and the tools I use to stay grounded and maintain sobriety through life’s chaos. 

From managing holiday stress to handling life’s big and small moments, I reflect on how alcohol once seemed like a solution but only added to the problem. Now, with almost six years of sobriety, I’ve learned healthier ways to navigate challenges while staying true to myself.

We’ll talk about how routines, breath-work, and setting boundaries can transform overwhelm into something manageable. Plus, I share insights from Mel Robbins' "let them" theory and how embracing this mindset can lighten your emotional load. 

Whether you're looking for practical advice or just a little reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is all about finding calm in the storm.

Here are the highlights:

(3:25) Tools for Staying Sober During Overwhelm

(10:02) Using Alcohol to Cope with Overwhelm

(13:11) Tools for Combat Overwhelm

(17:08) Creative Activities and Setting Boundaries

(20:45) Human Connection and Professional Help

(23:44) Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory

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In this episode, I share my personal journey to sobriety, how I navigated the gray area of drinking, and the moment I knew I was done for good. 

From casual nights out and convincing myself “this is normal” to the quiet realization that alcohol was holding me back from unaltered joy, this is a story of self-discovery, honesty, and choosing to stop before hitting a crisis.

We explore the idea that everyone’s “rock bottom” looks different, and why it’s less about external consequences and more about the internal decision to stop. If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol—even just a little—this one’s for you.

Here are the highlights:

(1:01) Personal Rock Bottom 

(4:47) Drinking Prior to Sobriety

(7:19) Sober Curious Period

(16:50) Final Drinking Experience and Decision to Stop

(25:30) Realization and Commitment to Sobriety

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Ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, trying to control everything while juggling life’s curveballs? In this episode, I reflect on how letting go of control and asking for help can open doors to growth and peace.

I share personal stories—from moments with my daughter to lessons learned through sobriety—about the power of humility, connection, and releasing the ego. This isn’t about having it all together; it’s about embracing the messy, authentic journey of becoming.

We’ll explore tools like meditation, gratitude, and community support that have kept me grounded, even through grief and life’s chaos.

Whether you're curious about emotional sobriety or just looking for a fresh perspective on managing anxiety and finding balance, this episode is packed with real talk, practical insights, and a whole lot of heart.

Here are the highlights:

(2:02) The Power of Asking for Help

(6:08) Reparenting and Humility

(7:44) Daily Practices and Sobriety Tools

(9:37) Navigating Grief and Staying Grounded

(14:12) Handling Anxiety and Emotional Processing

(17:49) Observing and Choosing Sobriety

(21:43) The Importance of Community and Support

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This episode dives into the power and purpose of anonymity in Alcoholics Anonymous, tackling misconceptions and highlighting its role in creating safe spaces for sharing and healing.

I share my own experiences, from navigating sobriety to embracing anonymity, and discuss how it fosters trust and openness in recovery.

By comparing Tradition 12 and Step 12, I explore how to balance maintaining confidentiality while carrying the message of sobriety to others.

Whether you're new to the concept of AA or curious about the boundaries of personal storytelling in recovery, this episode offers a compassionate look at why anonymity matters.

Here are the highlights:

(3:53) Understanding Anonymity in AA

(7:41) Tradition 12 and Step 12

(8:20) Breaking Anonymity and Its Impact

(12:08) The Safety of Sharing in AA

(14:52) Carrying the Message While Maintaining Anonymity

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This episode explores the transformative power of morning routines, especially in the journey toward sobriety and personal growth.

I share my candid experiences of how a structured start to the day helped me break free from old habits, like relying on alcohol, and replaced them with practices that ground and energize me. From journaling and meditation to reconnecting with spirituality, these routines became a way to embrace clarity and self-discovery.

We’ll also discuss practical tips for creating a routine that fits your life—whether you’ve got five minutes or an hour. Plus, I explore the science-backed benefits of rituals, from reducing stress to boosting confidence.

If you’re curious about starting fresh each day and building habits that truly stick, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement.

Here are the highlights:

(2:00) How Morning Routines Impact Your Sobriety

(8:24) The Science Behind Morning Routines

(10:50) Finding What Works for You in Your Morning Routine

(15:28) The Role of Alcoholics Anonymous in Maintaining Morning Routines

(24:04) Adapting Your Morning Routine to Your Lifestyle

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