The Alcohol-Free Rebellion

The Alcohol-Free Rebellion

By Abby CalabreseEducationSelf-Improvement
Download on the App Store

The Alcohol-Free Rebellion episodes

  • From Couch to Curiosity: Lucie Frost on Sobriety, Reinvention & Joy in Midlife

    After retiring from her law career, Lucie Frost found herself stuck on the couch, drinking too much and binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé. She knew there had to be more — so she got curious.

    That curiosity led her to unexpected passions, deep self-discovery, and ultimately to writing her book, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity. In this conversation, Lucie shares how sobriety became the through line in her journey, allowing her to confront hidden struggles like depression, let go of societal expectations, and find joy in small, everyday things.

    We talk about how curiosity can be a powerful off-ramp from alcohol, the importance of community and connection in sobriety, and why life after drinking can be rich, fulfilling, and full of joy — without the extremes.

    This is a lovely, inspiring conversation about not giving up, getting curious, and discovering how big and beautiful life can be when you get out of your own way.

    Find Lucie on Instagram

    Check out her website

    Buy her book

    41 min
  • From Bender to Bucket List: Ryan Lee’s Inspiring Story of Sobriety and Adventure

    Ryan Lee’s story is one of extremes. After years of chasing thrills through drugs and alcohol, a multi-day bender in New Orleans ended with an ambulance call that became his wake-up moment: no one was coming to save him — he had to save himself.

    Through his recovery, Ryan became a digital nomad, traveling the world and rediscovering his true passion for adventure and connection. Instead of going back to the safety of a software sales job, he followed his intuition and founded Capsule Adventures — a sober travel company designed for people who want presence, community, and bucket-list experiences without the chaos alcohol often brings.

    In this episode, Ryan shares his powerful recovery story, the lessons he learned from choosing courage over comfort, and how he turned pain into purpose. We talk about trusting your gut, finding adventure in sobriety, and why the best trips are the ones where you’re fully present.

    Spoiler alert: by the end of this conversation, he sold me on booking a spot on his upcoming Machu Picchu adventure.

    Find Ryan on IG here



    46 min
  • From Armed Robbery to Recovery Leader: The Redemption of Corey Warren

    At just 18 years old, Corey Warren was sentenced to jail for armed robbery. Years later, his battle with alcohol addiction nearly cost him his life after a withdrawal-induced seizure. But Corey’s story didn’t end there—it was only beginning.

    Today, he’s a husband, father, and one of the most inspiring voices in the sobriety community. With over 228K followers on Instagram (@icorreywarren), Corey speaks to students across Michigan, shares his journey openly, and even opened the state’s first Medicaid-backed recovery center. In a powerful full-circle twist, the very judge who once sent him to prison now sits on the board of his recovery foundation.

    In this episode, we dive into Corey’s redemption arc, what it really takes to rebuild a life, and why his story proves that we do recover.

    Work with Corey here

    Find Corey on IG here

    Check out Clean Culture Co. here

    Corey on YouTube here


    47 min
  • My Husband’s Take on My Alcohol-Free Journey

    In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Mike, to get his honest perspective on what it’s been like to walk alongside me on my almost two-year alcohol-free journey. We talk about what’s been hard, what he’s learned, and his best advice for couples navigating this kind of big life change together.

    We also laugh about a few of our wild drinking days, share how we’re approaching our upcoming college football trip now that alcohol isn’t at the center, and even give you a peek into what Mike does for work. You can follow him here if you're also sports obsessed.

    Mike gets real, vulnerable, and funny—and he offers some fantastic tips for husbands (and partners in general) on how to support an alcohol-free baddie. Whether you’re alcohol-free yourself, sober curious, or supporting someone who is, this is a fun yet heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

    42 min
  • Big Sober Energy with Adrienne van der Valk

    In this episode, I sit down with Adrienne van der Valk, author of Big Sober Energy — a book that’s part memoir, part resource manual, and completely affirming. My copy is covered in notes, highlighted passages, and dog-eared pages because it’s just that good.

    Adrienne shares her story, the mindset shifts that helped her transform her relationship with alcohol, and the incredible practical tools she’s packed into her book. We talk about spirituality, self-compassion, meditation, and why sobriety is less about deprivation and more about empowerment.

    This was such a fun, inspiring conversation — I instantly wanted to be Adrienne’s friend, and I have a feeling you will too.

    Adrienne van der Valk is the author of Big Sober Energy and a mentor for alcohol-free women and nonbinary people over 40 who want to feel powerful, peaceful, and confident in their sober lives. A certified meditation and yoga teacher, Adrienne practices a trauma-informed approach to mentorship, one rooted in neuroscience and mindfulness. She is also the founder of the Big Sober Energy community and the Free Minds, Free Spirits mentorship program. She lives in Southern California with her husband and a rescue pit bull named Zola. To learn more about working with Adrienne, visit bigsoberenergy.com.

    Here is a free resource directly from Adrienne: 25 Ways to Make Sober Life More Fun


    55 min
  • Last Call, Stupid: Joshua Deen on Escaping Toxic Drinking Culture

    Author and musician Joshua Deen joins me to talk about his book Last Call, Stupid: An Exit from Toxic Drinking Culture — and how sobriety doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. We talk about forging your own path, the emotional thread connecting wildly different drinking stories, and why just one new perspective can change everything. Plus, I share how jail and pregnancy oddly overlap in sobriety breaks (you’ll see). This one’s honest, funny, and filled with insight — especially for anyone who doesn’t see themselves in traditional recovery spaces.

    Follow Joshua on IG

    Check out his website

    Click Here to Buy The Book

    1 hr 9 min
  • It's not about the alcohol

    You quit drinking—but things still feel hard. Why? Because it was never just about the alcohol.

    In this solo episode, Abby gets honest about how alcohol was her coping tool—helping her feel fun, accepted, and quiet inside—but underneath was disconnection from her truth, her dreams, and herself. She shares the deeper healing work that’s made sobriety sustainable and soulful, not just a willpower battle.

    This one’s for anyone wondering why they still feel off, even alcohol-free. There’s another layer here—and it’s where the real freedom lives.

    🔗 Follow the pod + share with a sober or sober-curious friend
    🖤 Connect on Instagram @alcoholfreeabby
    🎧 New episodes every week



    28 min
  • From New Mexico to Nightline: A Season of Big Shifts

    In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been going on behind the scenes — the inner shifts, the outer milestones, and the unexpected softness in between.

    I talk about my recent trip to New Mexico to visit Jess and Ale from Mocksicated, and how slowing down in that space opened me up to something I didn’t even know I needed — a kind of spiritual awakening that’s been guiding me into deeper inner work and healing.

    I also share a behind-the-scenes look at the ABC News Nightline segment, how it came about, and why I had some complex feelings around it. Because even joyful moments can come with emotional whiplash — and that’s okay.

    Plus, a quick look ahead at what’s coming: beach time, exciting new guests, and upcoming podcast features I’m honored to be part of.

    If this episode speaks to you or you have feedback for future episodes, I’d love to hear from you. 💌

    Follow me on IG! @alcoholfreeabby

    25 min
  • From Struggle to Service: Kendall B’s Journey into Therapy, Healing, and Helping Women Thrive

    In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Kendall B from Kendall B Therapy—a licensed therapist who specializes in anxiety, body image, and addiction. Kendall opens up about her own story: the personal challenges that inspired her to pursue therapy and how those experiences shape the way she helps women today. We talk about the roots of self-doubt, the connection between addiction and body image, and how to begin healing from the inside out. Whether you're just starting your mental health journey or deep in the work, Kendall brings insight, compassion, and hope.


    Website: https://www.kendallbtherapy.com/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kendallbtherapy/?hl=en

    45 min
  • The Loneliness No One Talks About (And Why Sobriety Made It Better)

    In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough—loneliness. I’m sharing how it started for me in childhood, how it shaped my need to fit in, and how that longing for connection kept me drinking longer than I wanted to. From early years to motherhood, loneliness shows up in sneaky ways—but here's the twist: sobriety didn’t make it worse, it made it better. I talk about how going alcohol-free actually deepened my relationships and helped me find a sense of safety and connection that no crowd, cocktail, or “cool mom” circle ever could. Plus, a quick hot take on The Valley—because of course.

    40 min

About The Alcohol-Free Rebellion

From the publisher's feed

The Alcohol-Free Rebellion is a podcast for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol and craving something deeper. Host Abby Calabrese explores sobriety, mental health, identity, and purpose…

More shows like The Alcohol-Free Rebellion

Recovery Elevator by Paul Churchill

Recovery Elevator

1,711 Listeners

This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind Podcast

2,544 Listeners

Sober Vibes: Alcohol free lifestyle tips for long-term sobriety, whether you're sober curious or ready to quit drinking for good by Courtney Andersen-Sobriety Coach & Author

Sober Vibes: Alcohol free lifestyle tips for long-term sobriety, whether you're sober curious or ready to quit drinking for good

249 Listeners

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women by Casey McGuire Davidson

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women

718 Listeners

Alcohol-Free Lifestyle by James Swanwick

Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

214 Listeners

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober by Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober

1,252 Listeners

How I quit alcohol by Danni Carr

How I quit alcohol

179 Listeners

Sober Awkward by soberawkward

Sober Awkward

366 Listeners

The Sober Mom Life by Suzanne Warye

The Sober Mom Life

1,081 Listeners

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories by Brad McLeod

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

618 Listeners

2 Sober Girls Podcast by Erinn + Michaela

2 Sober Girls Podcast

198 Listeners

Happiest Sober Podcast by Madeline Forrest

Happiest Sober Podcast

218 Listeners

The Sober Rebel by Louisa Evans

The Sober Rebel

10 Listeners

The Sober New Yorker by Melissa McGovern

The Sober New Yorker

39 Listeners

SoberFitGirl by Kathryn Sauser

SoberFitGirl

83 Listeners