In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with David Shamszad, author of I Am Someone You Know: The Fight for Recovery and Mental Health, to talk about the hidden pain behind high-functioning addiction, growing up in an alcoholic home, and the courage it takes to heal.

David shares his journey through childhood trauma, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and eventual recovery, revealing how vulnerability and self-care became his path to freedom.

We explore the power of telling your story, breaking cycles of generational trauma, and how choosing courage—moment by moment—can transform a life.

👉 If you've ever felt "high-functioning but secretly falling apart," this episode will speak directly to your soul.

Before we get to it, it's time for "I have a question for you!" where you get to share your thoughts with the thousands of people listening to the podcast, across the world.

Last week I asked about self-forgiveness with the question "What do you need to let go of?"

What was interesting about the responses, is that they ALL came through DM's! I think there's still a lot of shame about things that are hard to let go of, but here are some of the responses.

James sent me a DM on Instagram saying "Things I did before I got sober. There are people I can't make amends to."

Tammy messaged me to say "Anger towards my ex! I wish he wasn't so controlling. He always makes everything so hard!"

Ezra shared "I have to let go of the idea that I'll ever be able to drink normally."

We all struggle with letting go at times, but the old cliche is true. The level of our serenity is in direct proportion to the level of our acceptance. For me, self-forgiveness is a practice that helps me let go of things I can't control.

This week's question is about family. Thanksgiving is next week and for a lot of people, it's a stressful time. There's an old saying that family can push your buttons because they're the ones that installed them.

So my question for you is "If you're spending Thanksgiving with your family, how will you take care of yourself if you feel triggered?"

Share your thoughts on instagram and follow my account arlinaallen or odaatpodcast

So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

When Ashley Jo's world fell apart—the death of her young son, the collapse of her marriage, and the depths of addiction—she turned her pain into purpose. In this raw and emotional conversation, Ashley shares how she survived unimaginable grief, overcame suicidal thoughts, and found healing through sobriety, grace, and faith.

We talk about:

• The devastating diagnosis and loss of her son

• What it's really like to grieve and feel relief at the same time

• How shame and secrecy fuel addiction

• Why her affair was actually an "exit affair"

• The spiral that led to her rock bottom moment—and how she came back stronger

• Finding peace with God, grace, and herself

This is an episode about the power of truth, forgiveness, and redemption. If you've ever carried shame or struggled to believe in second chances, this one's for you.

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

At sixteen, Sean typed "how to end my life" into Google. What he found that night set him on a path of healing, spirituality, and eventually — the creation of Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app that helps people process pain and grow.

In this raw and honest conversation, Sean and Arlina explore depression, men's mental health, and how AI can actually become a compassionate mirror for self-awareness.

If you've ever felt hopeless or alone, this episode will remind you: your pain can become your purpose.

Download The Rosebud App Here: https://www.rosebud.app/

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

Today I am joined by my dear friend Michelle Ferriss, a licensed marriage family therapist. She's been on the podcast two other times because she's awesome! Her area of expertise is on dealing with codependency, how to escape narcissistic relationships and overcoming anger issues.

In this episode, we're going to talk about toxic friendships, how to know if you're in one, ways to improve them, and steps to take to escape them. This is such an important topic because as we grow, evolve and change, so do the relationships we have. And with people feeling more disconnected and lonelier than ever, we need to know how to make new friends too.

Before we jump in, last week I started a new segment called "I have a question for you!" and the question was "how do you feel about the word Alcoholic?"

On Instagram, one person wrote: "It took a while to be able to openly call myself an alcoholic. I attached very negative and generalized connotations to it until I identified it. Now, I embrace it because it was crucial to me getting sober."

Another wrote: I think it keeps people that are sober curious from stepping fully into their sobriety because they think they have to call themselves an Alcoholic . In our society it has a negative connotation. They do not picture the soccer mom at the park with wine in her yeti cup who is still suffering. So, whatever you need to call it . The most important thing is that you don't have to label it at all. You can make a decision based on the results you're getting from drinking alcohol."

Thank you all who wrote in!

I think the big take away here is that it's all perspective based on the information you have or don't have. In the end, take what you like, and leave the rest.

This week's question it tied to the topic of this episode, which is: "Can you still be friends with your old drinking or using friends after you're sober?" Let me know what you think on instagram @arlinaallen

So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!

Guest Contact Info:

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

My guest today is Dr. Hector — a psychiatrist who specializes in helping people heal from addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and depression through a trauma-informed approach. He blends neuroscience, medication, and therapy with nutrition and lifestyle tools to support whole-person healing.

What I love about his work is that it's not just clinical — it's deeply compassionate. He helps people understand how their brain and body work together so they can build resilience, recover from addiction, and truly heal from the inside out.

He shares why most people relapse not because of willpower, but because trauma remains unresolved. From the role of GABA in calming the nervous system to how EMDR helps reprocess trauma, this episode is packed with practical tools and compassionate wisdom for anyone on the healing path.

Before we jump in, I have a new segment, called "A question for you!" Today I want to know how you feel about the word "Alcoholic".

I was interviewed on another podcast today and the host told me he thought it was a shame label. If you know me even a little bit, you'll know that the way I define it - it's a badge of honor, but also, it doesn't matter to me what you call yourself, as long as you get the support you need to heal and break free from addiction. So what do you think?

Leave your comment under this episode at odaatchat.com

Or leave a comment on my Instagram: @arlinaallen

Next week I'll share some of your responses! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out.

And with that, please enjoy this episode with Dr Hector.

Guest Contact Info: doctorhector.com

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

🎉 400 Episodes! In this special milestone conversation, I sit down with my friend for a warm, nostalgic, and inspiring reflection on the journey so far — and a vision for the future.

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible guests who shaped the conversation around sobriety, share behind-the-scenes stories you've never heard, reflect on the evolution of the recovery movement, and highlight YOUR listener stories that made a difference.

Whether you've been here since episode 1 or you're just joining, this is a beautiful moment to pause, reflect, and look forward to what's next.

👉 In this episode we cover:

• 🎧 Top guests & unforgettable lessons

• 😂 Funny and touching behind-the-scenes stories

• 🌍 How sobriety conversations have evolved over time

• 💌 Listener stories that changed everything

• 🧠 What I'd tell my past self when starting this journey

• 🚀 Dreams and vision for the next 100 episodes

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

Have you ever felt like asking for help is just not an option—especially when it comes to quitting drinking? In this episode, we break down the real subconscious reasons why high-achievers struggle to reach out, how childhood conditioning shapes this pattern, and why asking for help is actually the key to lasting sobriety.

You'll learn:

• Why relying on "figuring it out" alone keeps you stuck
• How subconscious beliefs fuel resistance
• The emotional cost of fierce independence
• A powerful mindset shift inspired by Albert Einstein
• How to ask for help safely and effectively

This is your reminder: You are not a burden. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

🎧 Listen now to start shifting this powerful pattern.

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

In this powerful conversation, investigative journalist Shoshana Walter exposes the dark underbelly of America's rehab industry. Drawing from her eight years of research for Rehab: An American Scandal, she reveals how court-ordered rehab programs have exploited vulnerable people by sending them to work unpaid in dangerous jobs — all under the guise of "treatment."

We discuss:

• The shocking origins of these labor-based rehabs and how they became so widespread

• Why our mainstream treatment system often fails people — and in some cases, increases overdose risk

• Real-life stories of individuals like Chris, April, and Wendy that illustrate both the broken system and the resilience of those fighting for change

• How loopholes and lack of oversight allow unethical rehabs to thrive

• Practical ways families can identify quality treatment programs and avoid predatory ones

Despite the heavy subject, this episode ends with hope: a growing community of advocates and storytellers pushing for systemic change.

Before we jump in, I just wanted to give you a little update on what I've been up to, and share a new meeting I'll be hosting.

After creating and teaching a course called "Inner Compass", I was feeling super burned out, so I decided to take some time off. I called it my "Self-Care Summer". I didn't do any new interviews, take on any new clients, or do any social media.

It was a time to reset, heal and think about the direction of my work. My guiding thoughts were centered around one question: "What does God want for my life?" I was practicing total surrender, and I gotta tell you, it was a leap of faith, but then something interesting happened. Two podcasters published interviews I gave, and I realized something. I truly love sharing what I've learned in recovery. It really fills my heart with joy. That's why I've been doing the Sobriety Reset series for those who are coming back from another "Day 1". Also I was invited to partner with OpenRecovery, a free app centered around recovery, to start a new community there. This means I'll be hosting free meetings that will make 12 principals accessible to my fellow skeptics, by providing a path around common obstacles.

I'll leave links in the show notes so you can download the app, and there will be announcements for the launch date. I've been wanting to host a meeting since I published the book, and OpenRecovery is providing me with the platform! I'm really excited about it and I hope you'll join me.

One last thing, if you enjoy this episode, it would mean the world to me if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It might surprise you to know that according to the analytics, less than 1% of our audience will actually leave a review. By leaving a review, it helps others who are suffering to find the podcast and get the life saving resources they need to get and stay sober. You can even think of leaving a review as an act of service! So thank you so much for your support!

So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

If you're navigating the early days of sobriety, one of the hardest parts can be figuring out what to say to friends, family, and coworkers about your decision not to drink. In this episode, Arlina breaks down simple, empowering language you can use in different social situations, so you can protect your boundaries without shame or awkwardness.

You'll learn how to talk to "safe" vs. "unsafe" people, how to prepare for social events in advance, and what practical steps you can take to avoid pressure and stay grounded in your choice. Whether you're participating in Sober October, No Booze November, Detox December, or Dry January, this conversation will give you the confidence to own your decision and feel supported every step of the way.

👉 If you're ready to ditch the guilt, communicate with clarity, and set yourself up for a strong alcohol-free season, this episode is for you.

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

In this raw and moving episode, Josh shares his unbelievable journey through addiction, violence, and grief — and how he found his way to sobriety. From being stabbed and shot, to losing his brother to fentanyl, to nearly ending his own life, Josh's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Through therapy, music, gratitude, and the 12 steps, he's learned how to take life "one day at a time." This episode is really a story of survival, resilience, and hope.

Before we jump in, I have a big announcement! I am partnering with OpenRecovery, a free app designed to act as your 24/7 AI Recovery Coach. They are launching a new community feature where you can join online meetings to meet others just like you, who are on the path of recovery. I'll be hosting meetings focused on doing 12 step work in a safe, compassionate and empowering space. The meeting is scheduled for later this month and if you're interested in joining, just download the app for free! I'll leave links to the Apple App Store and Google Play in the show notes. Just visit odaatchat.com

And in case you didn't know, I have several free resources you can download on my main website at soberlifeschool.com

So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!

Apple App Store link : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/openrecovery-addiction-help/id6446251140

Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twelve_steps.twelve_steps&hl=en_US

Guest Contact Info: https://joshdatant.com/

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?

Here are 3 ways to get started:

🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist

Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com

🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent & Reach Your Goals

Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com

☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick

https://www.makesobrietystick.com

Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast