For years, we believed the lie—alcohol made us more confident, more social, more fun. But what if that wasn’t true? In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, we’re busting the myth that booze ever gave us real confidence. We’ll unpack how alcohol actually dulls our true personalities, why genuine self-assurance comes from within, and how going alcohol-free reveals the most authentic, magnetic version of ourselves. Plus, we’ll tie it all back to pop culture moments and personal experiences that prove confidence isn’t found in a bottle—it’s found in you.

"Mommy needs wine" culture is everywhere—but what happens when you decide to step away from it? In this episode, I’m diving into how quitting drinking has transformed my experience as a mom, helped me break generational patterns, and made me more present for my kids. We’ll explore the pressures of alcohol in motherhood, how sobriety creates a healthier family dynamic, and why taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. If you've ever felt guilt, frustration, or uncertainty about your drinking as a parent, this one’s for you. 💛

🎧 Listen in as we talk about:
✔️ The truth about “mommy wine culture” and why it’s so normalized
✔️ Breaking the cycle of alcohol in families
✔️ How sobriety makes parenting easier (yes, really!)
✔️ Letting go of guilt and embracing a new way of showing up

If this episode resonates, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM, share your story, or leave a review. 💕

In this episode, I’m diving deep into what it’s like to rediscover yourself after quitting alcohol — and trust me, it’s not as simple as it sounds. When you start drinking in adolescence, your personal and social development can hit pause. Alcohol becomes a crutch, so you never really figure out who you are, what you like, or what you actually find fun. But once you remove alcohol? It’s like you’re transported back to the age you started drinking — awkward, unsure, and relearning everything — but with the maturity and life experience you’ve gained along the way. I’ll share my own experience with this, including some surprising social situations that felt flat-out weird without alcohol and how attending a sober retreat helped me build real confidence in who I am now.

Then, of course, we’ve gotta talk Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Sutton is seriously giving me the ick this season with her money flexes — especially since it came from her ex-husband — and using it as a power move against Dorit? Weird. Also… what is even happening with Mo and Kyle?! Money might buy a lot of things, but a personality isn’t one of them.

So grab a non-alc bev and settle in — we’re talking sobriety, self-discovery, and reality TV chaos.

Why is quitting drinking so hard—especially when our entire social world seems built around it? In this episode, I dive into the unspoken rules of drinking culture, from the pressure to “have just one” to the way elite drinking is romanticized with fancy cocktails and expensive wines. No one bats an eye when you’re hungover, but the moment you say, “I’m not drinking,” you become the outsider. Who made these rules, and more importantly—how do we break them?

We’ll talk about the brain’s addiction to alcohol, why early sobriety feels so isolating, and how we can shift the narrative by showing (not preaching) that an alcohol-free life is full of joy, fun, and freedom. Plus, at the end of the episode, I’ll share some thoughts on Southern Charm—because you know I have opinions.

Let’s talk about it.

What if your relationship with alcohol isn’t just about the drink itself—but something deeper? In this episode, I dive into the hidden connection between childhood trauma, perfectionism, and alcohol use, sharing how my own experiences shaped my need for control and how alcohol played a deceptive role in my life.

We’ll also explore the science behind dopamine, drinking, and why alcohol tricks your brain into thinking you need it to have fun. And of course, I wrap things up with my latest thoughts on RHOBH—who’s bringing the drama, who’s surprising me, and what’s making this season stand out.

Tune in for an honest, eye-opening conversation that just might change the way you think about alcohol.

Sobriety isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in this episode, we dive into the spectrum of what sober curious living looks like. I share what’s been working for me, explore the growing sober curious movement, and reflect on a fabulous sober event I attended—complete with Bravoleb sightings! To wrap things up, we switch gears and chat about the drama unfolding on Real Housewives of Potomac this season. From personal growth to Potomac gossip, it’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this debut episode, I dive deep into my personal history with drinking and share the pivotal moments that led me to choose an alcohol-free lifestyle. After 437 days sober, I reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Plus, because I can’t resist a little Bravo drama, I sprinkle in my thoughts on the season finale of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Join me as I open up about the path to a healthier, more balanced life—and dish on all things Housewives!

Welcome to The Alcohol-Free Coterie Podcast! I’m Abby Calabrese, an alcohol-free coach, wife, and mom navigating life one year sober. Join me as I share my journey, lessons learned, and struggles with sobriety—all with a dose of humor and reality TV gossip. We’ll tackle tricky topics like redefining “sober” and navigating awkward drinking conversations. Let’s talk openly about the ups and downs of living alcohol-free and lift the weight of silence together. Plug in, press play, and join the coterie—you’re not alone!