Marina Crouse is a writer, editor and writing coach living in Los Angeles. Marina and Ally chat about their love for coffee, how they deal with anxiety and balancing their own writing with the work that pays the bills, allyship, what escapism looks like for each of them and much more.

Follow Marina on Instagram @marinacrousewrites

Check out her website here.

Today officially marks 7 years sober for Ally. In this cute little episode, Ally shares some lessons, hard truths and important reminders as she reflects on what she's learned in the last 7 years.

If you're looking for some quick encouragement, this is definitely worth the listen!

Just like baseball, Ally used to associate alcohol with weddings for such a long time that she declined invitations to several friends' weddings. Whatever it takes to not drink, right? In this episode, Ally talks about the only wedding she was drunk at and the weddings she attended sober. Guess which ones were better for her? :)

Resources corresponding to this episode:

5 Ways to Stay Sober at a Wedding

9 Tips For Going To A Wedding When You’re Not Drinking

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

On this BONUS episode of IGADW, Ally chats with filmmaker Justin Garascia on everything from filmmaking to gay representation to alcohol and creativity and so much more.

Justin's brand new short horror-comedy "Trip Upstate!" is currently in post production, and Justin's team recently hit over 100% on their crowdfunding campaign for their project!

Justin is also a director, writer and actor based in New York City. Before "Trip Upstate," his short film "Go Crazy With Crazy" premiered at the 2020 Big Apple Film Festival and subsequently went on to receive top mention at multiple international film festivals both virtually and in person. Justin currently co-leads the Manhattan Chapter of Filmshop.

"Go Crazy With Crazy" serves as a proof concept for a feature film which is currently in development.

Support Justin further by checking out the following links:

"Trip Upstate!" Crowdfunding Campaign on Seed & Spark

Follow Justin on Instagram

Follow Justin on Twitter

Filmshop Manhattan Chapter & Screener for "Go Crazy With Crazy"

On this episode, Ally chats with Megan Ryder, a 31 year old who quit drinking alcohol on 1/22/21. Her one year soberversery is next weekend!! Tune in for details about navigating sobriety as a medical marijuana patient. Megan is a traumatic brain injury survivor with severe pain and requires medical marijuana to thrive. She has struggled with the balance of no alcohol and adding edibles for the pain. However, the conclusion she has come to, for her, is that she chooses to treat the pain in the most holistic manner possible—which means marijuana is a necessity in her life. Lack of alcohol, on the other hand, led her to start achieving and living her best life. She is so proud and grateful to share her story with us.

TW: substance abuse, medical trauma and suicidal ideation.

Resources for this episode:

https://www.leafly.com/learn/legalization/medical-states

https://patient.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/medical-marijuana-pain-what-use-for

Nearly a year ago, Ally almost broke her sobriety.

From loneliness to light, Ally's 2022 is a prime example for anyone that things get better, and if you don't know what to do: just keep going and stay hydrated - day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.

While she wishes it were different (and easier), some times we have to fight for our happiness and that's exactly what Ally spent doing last year. And it was far from easy and it was incredibly lonely at times, but it is absolutely worth it.

Welcome to the other side...where things are happier and so much more fun!

Ally's 21st birthday was one that she actually wants to remember, and she does because she remembers most of her drunken times. Her big 2-1 was one of the few times she felt safe and was okay and had fun while drinking all day.

In this episode she recounts her activities for the day and reflects on being 21 and still in the closet.

Additional Support & Resources

Hope for Sober Teens & Dorm Life

Is it Possible to Stay Sober in College? YES.

Tips for Staying Sober in College