Sober Stories  By  cover art

Sober Stories

By: Beth Bowen
  • Summary

  • Storytelling is a powerful medium, especially when it comes to our often complicated relationships with alcohol. Join sober therapist and host, Beth Bowen, as she interviews folks all across the “sober” spectrum, telling their stories of resilience, courage, and connection. With four years of sobriety and a decade working in the mental health field, Beth leads guests through candid and engaging conversations about the ups and downs of choosing a life without alcohol. If you're craving diverse experiences and a nuanced look at this whole “quit drinking” thing, this show is for you. Tune in each week as we tell these good, sober stories.
    2022
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Overcoming Opioids with Bachelorette alum, Hunter Montgomery
    Aug 25 2023
    Title: Overcoming Opioids with Bachelorette alum, Hunter Montgomery   In this episode of Sober Stories, host Beth Bowen sits down with Hunter Montgomery for an honest conversation about his personal journey through opoid addiction and recovery. Starting with an innocuous prescription of Vicodin for a football injury during his university years, Hunter candidly shares how his dependency evolved, leading him down the paths of alcoholism and eventually harder substances like heroin.   A heart-to-heart chat with his grandfather offers a glimpse into the generational perspectives on addiction, and Hunter introduces a relatable analogy, comparing addiction to a shellfish allergy - where exposure could mean life or death. After two rounds in rehab, challenges like a near-prison experience, and a turning point involving an overdose, Hunter's path to recovery finds him in a halfway house and taking on humbling roles, like bagging groceries, marking his journey back to stability.   Hunter's story isn't just about his personal battles; it’s also a call for a broader understanding and dialogue about sobriety. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the significance of open conversations around the subject. As Hunter puts it, there's value in making "sobriety a trend," not only for personal healing but also for societal acceptance and understanding.   Key Takeaways:   Hunter shares how a high school football injury led him, eventually, to a severe addiction to opioids and alcohol in college. In college, Hunter’s use increase while we was in a fraternity, and that his fraternity brothers were eventually the ones to call his parents. Hunter’s parents helped him go to rehab, but he tells stories of how he assumed he’d go right back to smoking marijuana and using drugs once he was finished.  After relapsing 60 days after getting out of rehab, Hunter’s use increased rapidly until he experienced an overdose. Thankfully, he was given a second chance and this experience was his turning point.  Hunter notes that he also experienced legal trouble that should have put him in prison, and that also impacts the new lease on life that he feels.  During Hunter’s second trip to rehab, he decided to do “the program” to the best of his ability, and he was able to find lasting sobriety from all substances as a result.  Hunter and Beth discuss mommy wine culture, and how it’s harming women and mothers.  Hunter says he appreciates the alcohol-free movement, and invites everyone to use the word “sober” if it helps them. Beth and Hunter discuss the differences between people who get sober with AA and those who don’t, and how wonderful it is that there are so many different ways to get sober in 2023.  Keywords: Sobriety, the bachelorette, opioid epidemic, alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, substance use disorder, alcohol-free, sober curious, sober, rehab, sobriety conversations   Support Sober Stories:   COMMUNITY WAITLIST: https://wearesoberstories.com/community Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories Receive email updates: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6206a036e0eda1a0d870a65d Shop our merch: https://wearesoberstories.com/merch   From our sponsors:   Plug into your favorite “quit lit” on the go: Give Audible a try and get your first month free at audibletrial.com/soberstories    Use code RZPSTORIES for 20% off your first Ritual Zero-Proof non-alcoholic spirits purchase.    Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program. [Disclaimer:] The content provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The discussions and personal experiences shared are based on individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as therapeutic guidance. If you are seeking mental health support, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed therapist or healthcare professional who can provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Prioritize your well-being and seek professional help when necessary. [About Sober Stories:] Sober Stories is a transformative brand that aims to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to sobriety and beyond. Through their podcast and community, Sober Stories provides a space where people inspire others by sharing their personal narratives of overcoming addiction and embracing a sober lifestyle. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, Sober Stories cultivates a supportive community that celebrates living alcohol-free as a source of strength and resilience. Their platform showcases powerful stories of recovery, offering hope, encouragement, and relatability to those who may be facing their own struggles with addiction. Sober Stories embraces the power of storytelling as a catalyst for ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Sober Girl Society's Millie Gooch: 30, Flirty, and Surviving
    Jul 21 2023
    In this episode of Sober Stories, host Beth Bowen welcomes Millie Gooch, founder of Sober Girl Society, for a deep conversation on the journey to sobriety and the importance of creating a supportive, non-judgemental community for those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle. Millie, an alcohol-free advocate and accomplished author, shares her personal journey, reflecting on how her experiences getting sober as a young woman compelled her to create an online platform dedicated to providing resources and support for those interested in exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle.  Beth and Millie discuss the way we can redefine socializing without alcohol, including “going out,” dating, and experiencing adventure. Millie emphasizes the necessity of addressing addiction issues promptly, drawing an analogy with extinguishing a small fire before it engulfs an entire building. Closing the episode, Millie sheds light on the impact the Sober Girl Society platform has had on individuals grappling with alcohol use, as well as their friends and families seeking ways to provide support. She also provides a preview of upcoming events and workshops designed to foster an inclusive and supportive community for those embarking on their sobriety journey.   Key Points: Millie's personal journey to sobriety that led her to establish the Sober Girl Society, a safe space online for individuals interested in an alcohol-free lifestyle. Redefining what we consider to be “fun” and “glamorous,” especially for young people. The importance of addressing addiction issues early and not letting them escalate, likened to extinguishing a small fire before it becomes unmanageable. Millie and Beth's discussions on trusting personal experiences, especially when they deviate from societal norms or expectations. An exploration of the unique challenges women face in society, particularly regarding drinking culture. The power and importance of sober spaces in providing non-judgemental support and community. Insights into the role social media can play in either supporting or hindering sobriety. The dangers of glamorizing alcohol use in popular media and the importance of pushing back against these narratives. A sneak peek into upcoming events and workshops hosted by the Sober Girl Society aimed at building community and promoting sobriety.   Keywords: Sobriety, Mental Health, Millie Gooch, Sober Girl Society, Sober Lifestyle, Alcohol-Free Living, Wellness, Sober Girl Society Handbook, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Alcohol Change UK, Alcohol and Society, Sobriety and Social Rituals. [About Millie Gooch] Millie Gooch is the founder of Sober Girl Society, a global platform supporting those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle, which she began after choosing sobriety for her own mental health in 2018. A former lifestyle journalist at Hearst Magazines, Millie's articles on sobriety have featured in numerous prestigious publications, and she's a frequent participant in panels and podcasts discussing the topic. Her bestselling book, "The Sober Girl Society Handbook", was published in 2021. Beyond her writing and speaking engagements, she collaborates with major brands to promote a healthier drinking culture, and is a charity ambassador for Alcohol Change UK.   Connect with Millie: On Instagram - @milliegooch, @sobergirlsociety   On TikTok - @milliegoochuk Online - https://sobergirlsociety.com/ Book - The Sober Girl Society Handbook Events - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sober-girl-society-21728722753    Support Sober Stories: COMMUNITY WAITLIST: https://wearesoberstories.com/community Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories Receive email updates: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6206a036e0eda1a0d870a65d Shop our merch: https://wearesoberstories.com/merch   From our sponsors: Plug into your favorite “quit lit” on the go: Give Audible a try and get your first month free at audibletrial.com/soberstories   Use code RZPSTORIES for 20% off your first Ritual Zero-Proof non-alcoholic spirits purchase.  Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program. [Disclaimer:] The content provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The discussions and personal experiences shared are based on individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as therapeutic guidance. If you are seeking mental health support, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed therapist or healthcare professional who can provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Prioritize your well-being and seek professional help when necessary. [About Sober Stories:] Sober Stories is a transformative brand that aims to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to sobriety and beyond. Through their...
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • More Than Sobriety with Meg Fee of @youdonthavetodrink
    Jul 7 2023
    Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders and cannabis use. If these topics might be triggering for you, please know we always support you skipping to the next episode.   In this episode, Beth interviews Meg Fee, the voice behind the Instagram page @youdonthavetodrink. Meg shares her Sober Story, from her upbringing in an Irish-American family where drinking was normalized, to living in NYC as a young professional, to the intensity of the blackouts she would experience when drinking no matter how much she consumed. Meg opens up about the challenges she faced with alcohol and cannabis use, and the reality of substituting one addiction for another. Beth and Meg discuss the taboo of cannabis use in the alcohol-free community, and Meg shares how she discosvered she had replaced one addiction with another. Meg candidly shares her experience with cannabis withdrawal, and why she ultimately decided to remove it from her life.  Meg shared news of her upcoming podcast, "More Than Sobriety” — a podcast aimed at highlighting and supporting sober entrepreneurs, shining a light on an emerging and vibrant segment of the business world.    Key discussion points from the episode: Meg's journey through alcohol addiction and her path to recovery. Meg and Beth’s experiences with eating disorders, disordered habits around food and weight The complex issue of swapping one addiction for another. Meg's experiences with cannabis use and her decision to quit. The interplay between addiction and mental health. The role of self-awareness in managing sobriety and mental health. An introduction to Meg's upcoming podcast, "More Than Sobriety". The trend of individuals stepping away from the online Sober Space. The importance of holistic personal growth and recovery. Meg extends an invitation to our host, Beth, to be a guest on her podcast.   [About Meg Fee] Meg is a vibrant voice in the world of sobriety, recovery, and personal growth. She's best known for her relatable content on her Instagram handle, @youdonthavetodrink. With a rich personal journey that includes overcoming alcohol addiction and embracing a life beyond sobriety, Meg presents a layered and comprehensive perspective on the path to wellness. As a successful branding expert and marketer, Meg leverages her professional skills to shed light on the booming industry of sober entrepreneurs and zero-proof businesses. Currently, she's embarking on a new venture - her podcast, "More Than Sobriety," where she further amplifies the voices of sober individuals, while demonstrating that life in recovery is multifaceted and extends far beyond the absence of alcohol.   Connect with Meg Fee: On Instagram - @youdonthavetodrink, @morethansobriety  Online - https://www.morethansobriety.com/Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/61so4Ky6x9RSJAIA6ABj3Q?si=7ab6fb330cbb40e2 Support Sober Stories: COMMUNITY WAITLIST: https://wearesoberstories.com/communityFollow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstoriesFollow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstoriesReceive email updates: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6206a036e0eda1a0d870a65dShop our merch: https://wearesoberstories.com/merch   From our sponsors: Plug into your favorite “quit lit” on the go: Give Audible a try and get your first month free at audibletrial.com/soberstories  Use code RZPSTORIES for 20% off your first Ritual Zero-Proof non-alcoholic spirits purchase.  Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program. [Disclaimer:] The content provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The discussions and personal experiences shared are based on individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as therapeutic guidance. If you are seeking mental health support, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed therapist or healthcare professional who can provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Prioritize your well-being and seek professional help when necessary. [About Sober Stories:] Sober Stories is a transformative brand that aims to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to sobriety and beyond. Through their podcast and community, Sober Stories provides a space where people inspire others by sharing their personal narratives of overcoming addiction and embracing a sober lifestyle. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, Sober Stories cultivates a supportive community that celebrates living alcohol-free as a source of strength and resilience. Their platform showcases powerful stories of recovery, offering hope, encouragement, and relatability to those who may be facing their own struggles with addiction. Sober Stories embraces the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change and healing, fostering a sense of connection and ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 18 mins

What listeners say about Sober Stories

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.