In this powerful episode of RAW, host Alison Hite (Thacker) – founder of TheCheekyClean and Conscious Cart – sits down with Tony Kost — Cleveland hospitality leader, event coordinator at Cordelia, and nearly 10 years sober — for one of the most honest conversations about addiction and recovery the show has hosted.

Tony shares his full story: alcoholism in the restaurant industry, rock bottom, detox, shame, relapse, therapy, grief, and the long, nonlinear work of building a life from the inside out. Together, he and Ali explore how comparison, disconnection, and social pressure keep people stuck — and why sobriety, community, and radical self-honesty are what set people free.

This episode is for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, supporting someone in recovery, or simply trying to live more authentically.

Follow Tony: https://www.instagram.com/tony_and_oscarjames/ 

Follow TheCheekyClean: https://www.instagram.com/thecheekyclean 

🌿 This episode is sponsored by TheCheekyClean Collagen — use code RAW10 for 10% off Collagen at https://www.consciouscart.com 

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Show Notes + Other RAW Resources:

This Week’s Episode: https://www.thecheekyclean.com/podcast/episodes/sobriety-addiction-recovery-self-love-tony-kost 

All Episodes: https://www.thecheekyclean.com/podcast/episodes