Thriving at social events without alcohol can feel impossible until you do it. I sat down with Lauren Fay, who’s been alcohol free for seven years. She shares what it takes to walk into events confidently, without a drink in your hand, and still feel like you belong.

We’re talking about creating a new identity, letting go of the fear of missing out, and understanding why most of us are less extroverted than we think.

Lauren shares her take on the term California Sober, how she gave up caffeine, and why the rituals matter more than the alcohol itself.

If you’re wondering how to show up, stay true to yourself, and have fun without drinking, you’ll love this one.

We’re choosing freedom over fear, clarity over numbing, and showing up fully as ourselves!

We also unpack why moderation rarely works, the mental energy alcohol steals, and how to stop justifying your choice not to drink.

Whether you’re newly sober, sober curious, or just tired of feeling like alcohol is the only way to have fun, this is your permission slip to rewrite the rules. Thriving at social events sober isn’t just possible; it’s powerful.

Connect with Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenfaycoaching/

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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It’s officially Sober Girl Spring, time for the ultimate alcohol-free glow-up.

We're ditching booze, hangovers, and all that messy regret. Trust me, I’ve been there (falling on my sweet elder dog, Charlie, was definitely my lowest). But quitting alcohol changed my whole life.

No more puffy face, brain fog, or anxiety-filled mornings. Sobriety gave me back confidence, clear skin, and way more energy. And let’s be real, mocktails in cute glasses are totally a vibe I can get behind.

This spring, it’s all about romanticizing sobriety, creating fresh rituals, and finding your sober alter ego. Because the real flex isn’t holding your liquor, it’s not needing it at all.

Ready to glow? Let’s do this.

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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Ever wonder how alcohol is really impacting your hormones, weight gain, energy, and mood? We’re breaking it all down. From how alcohol raises cortisol and wrecks your sleep to why it makes your face puffy, your periods heavier, and your energy crash.

Silene Brown, FNP, shares why alcohol is so hard on your liver and hormones, especially during perimenopause and menopause. We’re talking estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and why alcohol keeps you stuck feeling tired, inflamed, and moody, even if you’re working out and eating clean.

We also dig into how alcohol messes with your sex hormones and your libido, what’s really happening with your stress hormones, and why quitting (or even cutting back) can change your life, your face, your body, and your brain.

Plus, we chat about parasites, detoxing, and what it really means when you’re wide awake at 3 am.

This conversation is fall of the stuff no one’s talking about when it comes to alcohol and hormones.

Connect with Silene on Instagram @refresh.beauty.and.wellness

Check out the Booty Worm Episode CLICK HERE

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Choosing sobriety every damn day isn’t always easy, and sometimes it takes a humbling moment to stay locked in. I’m sharing the story of my “suddenly moment” sitting in front of a Maverick gas station, fighting the urge to buy drinks, and realizing how close I came to throwing away nine months of sobriety.

I talk about how my brain spiraled, what tools I reached for, and how I got myself back on track by leaning into my support system, attending meetings, and surrendering to the process. It wasn’t perfect, but it reminded me why I choose sobriety every single day.

This isn’t about one big decision, it’s about the small, daily choices we make to stay strong. Some days are easy, and some catch you off guard. I’m sharing how I recommitted to my sobriety, why surrendering isn’t about giving up, and the daily practices that help me stay grounded when things get tough.

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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Michelle Smith, founder of Recovery Is the New Black, joins me for a unfiltered conversation about sobriety, shame, and breaking free from the grip of alcohol. We spill the tea about the truth behind mommy wine culture, the trap of moderation, and why drinking is so deeply ingrained in women’s lives.

Michelle shares her journey from working in corrections and addiction recovery to struggling with her alcohol use disorder, exposing the stigma that keeps so many stuck.

We talk about how to build real connections without alcohol, the hardest parts of getting sober, and why quitting drinking is the ultimate act of self-love.

If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or wondered, "Do I have a problem?", this conversation will bring you the answer you need. And can provide you with hope to end the guilt and shame cycle, once and for all!

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @‌RecoveryIsTheNewBlack
Website & Coaching: Recovery Is The New Black

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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I’m sitting down with Coach Tehya, a health and fitness coach who has been through it all and come out stronger on the other side. We’re talking about sobriety, fitness, and the real impact of alcohol on your body and mind.

Tehya shares her journey from starting drinking at 13 to getting a DUI, realizing she needed to make a change, and ultimately finding a way to rebuild her life without alcohol.

So what really happens when you stop drinking? How alcohol affects everything from your metabolism to your mental clarity, and why so many people struggle with the idea of sobriety. She breaks down the connection between alcohol and weight gain, the social pressure to drink, and the unexpected ways people react when you decide to quit.

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, wondered why cutting it out can feel so hard, or just want to hear a story about taking back control and creating a healthier, happier life, this conversation is for you. Tehya keeps it real, sharing what worked for her, the challenges she faced, and why she’s never looking back.

Join us for an open and honest conversation about making big life changes, setting boundaries, and what it really means to take care of yourself.

Connect with Tehya

Instagram   |    TikTok 

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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Writing can be a powerful tool for healing, and I want to invite you to try this exercise with me. Writing about your experiences can help you see the lessons in your past and guide you toward an alcohol-free life.

I met my 19‑year‑old self for drinks today and remembered a time when overwhelming nausea, stress, and early motherhood pushed me toward a Sprite to ease the pain. That moment reminded me how our earliest struggles set the stage for the choices we make later, teaching the importance of self-care even in the darkest times.

I encountered my 22‑year‑old self, who reached for a vodka cranberry to dull the heartbreak and chaos of raising a baby amid a difficult breakup. That memory made it clear that numbing the pain only deepens it, and true healing begins when we face our emotions head-on.

At 30, I saw a version of me juggling entrepreneurial dreams and heavy responsibilities, clinging to the illusion of a drink in hand to hide my vulnerability. This meeting taught me that growth comes from accepting our fears and realizing that real self-acceptance blossoms when we let go of harmful crutches.

Finally, meeting my 39‑year‑old self—who chose long runs, early coffee dates, and genuine connections over another round—reminded me that transformation is possible when we honor our true selves and choose clarity over the chaos of alcohol.

I encourage you to try this writing exercise on your own. Reflect on your past, write down your memories, and discover the insights that can lead you to a more authentic, alcohol-free future.

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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Is wine mom culture keeping you stuck?

Today, I’m sitting down with Emily Allen to talk about midlife sobriety, breaking free from alcohol, and redefining what life looks like without wine. Emily opens up about her journey to sobriety, the wake-up call that changed everything, and how quitting alcohol in midlife gave her more freedom than she ever imagined.

We’re diving into why midlife is actually the perfect time to go alcohol-free, how wine culture keeps so many women trapped, and what happens when you finally break free. Emily shares the surprising benefits of sobriety beyond just feeling better, plus how to navigate friendships, social events, and family dynamics without alcohol.

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or just wondered if there’s a better way, this conversation is for you. Discover what’s possible when you ditch the wine and reclaim your power.

Connect with Emily

Instagram @livingfreewithemily 

Take the What’s Your Empowered Alcohol-Free Personality? HERE

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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What does alcohol do to your body? From your gut microbiome to your hormones, metabolism, and even cancer risk, Dr. Valerie Gettings, is here to spill the tea.

Dr. Gettings is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and Certified Sports Nutritionist who helps hypothyroid women go from being bloated and exhausted to having mental clarity and energy so they can finally crush their to-do list.

She’s also in long-term recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, bringing a unique perspective to healing after addiction and recovering from liver failure at 22 years old.

We dive deep into
- What qualifies as normal drinking
-How alcohol impacts the gut microbiome and thyroid
-The shocking connection between alcohol and cancer risk
-How alcohol slows metabolism and wrecks hormones
-Steps to heal your body after alcohol abuse
-Blood sugar balance & why protein is non-negotiable

Check Your Alcohol Use Here: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/

If you’re questioning your drinking or looking for real solutions to restore your health, this is a must-watch.

Drop a comment, and have you experienced any of these effects from alcohol?

Connect with Dr. Valerie Gettings:
IG: @‌DrValerieGettings

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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Have you ever wondered if your drinking habits are actually normal? I’m breaking down the eight biggest signs that made me realize I wasn’t a “normal” drinker.

We’re diving into both facts and feelings because sometimes we need science to slap us in the face and other times, we know in our gut.

If you’ve ever found yourself mentally preparing for drinking events, obsessing over your calendar, or pushing drinks on your friends just so it feels normal, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:
- The moment I realized I wasn’t a “normal” drinker
- The guilt & shame cycle keeps us stuck
- Why setting new health goals without changing your drinking never works
- How alcohol tricks you into thinking you’re in control

- The difference between social drinkers & alcoholics

And let’s be real, if you’ve ever felt proud for “handling” your drinking one night only to spiral the next, that’s a major red flag. It’s not about if you drink; it’s about how much space alcohol takes up in your mind and life.

If this hits home, take the Check Your Drinking Quiz here

Check Your Drinking | Alcohol | CDC

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Join me over on Sam’s Sober Stack for deep dives, personal stories, and my 30-Day Printable Sober Journal. Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive content for just $7/month! Let’s do this together.

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Did any of these signs hit home for you? You’re not alone in this, and I promise, life on the other side is so much better.

Step into Your Sober Era! Are you ready to embrace a life of clarity and empowerment? ✨ Check out Sam’s Sober Club on Substack for journals, tips, community and more [Subscribe Now ➔] Sam's Sober CLUB | Samantha Parker | Substack

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