Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories
The Sober Motivation Podcast shares real sobriety stories and actionable tools to help people quit drinking and stay sober. Hosted by Brad McLeod, founder of the Sober Motivation Community, each episode features life-changing conversations and practical advice for recovery. Topics include quitting alcohol, relapse prevention, mindset shifts, personal growth, and rebuilding life after addiction. The show aims to inspire both newcomers and those years into their alcohol-free journey.
Episodes
He Was Dying From Alcohol but Still Couldn’t Stop Drinking | Alcohol Addiction Story
What happens when you’re told you might only have weeks to live, but you’re still not ready to stop drinking?For Tom, what started as weekend partying eventually became a daily dependence on nearly 30 ounces of vodka. He was drinking from the moment he woke up until he passed out at night, all while trying to keep his struggles hidden from the people closest to him.After a devastating car accident
I Blacked Out, Woke Up in an Ambulance, and Still Didn’t Quit Drinking
Have you ever promised yourself you’d never drink like that again, only to find yourself doing the exact same thing a few weeks later?For years, Sam struggled with binge drinking, alcohol blackouts, and the anxiety that followed. He was the life of the party, had a successful career, and was surrounded by friends, but his drinking was becoming increasingly difficult to control.After blacking out o
Staying Sober: Why the Small Wins Matter Most
What really changes when you stop drinking, and what are some of the biggest benefits of sobriety that nobody talks about?When we think about quitting alcohol and getting sober, we often focus on the big milestones: 30 days sober, 90 days sober, one year sober, or even hitting rock bottom and turning our lives around. But some of the most powerful changes in recovery happen quietly, in the everyda
Robyn Ottolini on Sobriety, Creativity & Finding Her Spark Again
Country artist Robyn Ottolini didn’t lose everything because of alcohol. She had a career she loved, close friends, a supportive family, and plenty to be grateful for. But behind the scenes, drinking was contributing to anxiety, sadness, shame, and a growing feeling that something needed to change.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Robyn opens up about her decision to stop drinking,
Alcohol Addiction Cost Him Everything. Why Couldn’t He Stay Sober?
Feel like you’ll never get sober? Maybe you’ve tried again and again, but nothing seems to stick. Mike knows that feeling well.Mike’s alcohol addiction eventually cost him his marriage, his business, his relationship with his kids, and nearly everything he had. He went through treatment multiple times, tried AA, and even put together years of sobriety, only to find himself drinking again.Mike knew
Amanda Thought Getting Sober Would Cost Her Everything. She Was Wrong
Amanda built much of her identity around partying. Drinking, drugs, festivals, relationships, and a large social circle weren’t just things she did—they had become part of who she believed she was.Even when a doctor warned her that continuing to use drugs could kill her, Amanda couldn’t imagine stopping. In her mind, getting sober meant losing her friends, her relationship, her social life, and ev
She Looked Like She Had It All Together While Secretly Struggling With Alcohol | Kori’s Sober Story
No one knew how much Kori was really drinking. From the outside, she was a wife, mom, and hard worker who seemed to have everything together. Behind the scenes, she was secretly taking shots, hiding her alcohol use, and questioning whether she had a drinking problem.After years working in the bar and restaurant industry, drinking had become part of Kori’s everyday life. She could still show up for
After 7 Years Sober, Anthony Relapsed and Found Himself Back in Addiction
After more than seven years sober, Anthony never imagined he would find himself back in active addiction.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Anthony shares his powerful story of drug addiction, cocaine addiction, sobriety, relapse, and addiction recovery. He opens up about his early struggles with cocaine, going to treatment, getting sober, and eventually building a life he was proud
Alcohol Addiction Led to Liver Failure at 35 | Will’s Story Part 2
Will returns for Part 2 of his story.After 125 days sober, Will returned to drinking. His alcohol addiction progressed until he was facing end-stage liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and doctors telling his family he could have just weeks left to live.Will shares what it was like receiving a liver transplant, nearly dying again after his colon ruptured and his family was given a 4% chance that he w
He Thought He Would Die Drinking: Sober Dave’s Story of Alcohol Addiction and Recovery
David Wilson, better known as Sober Dave, spent decades drinking before alcohol slowly took over nearly every part of his life. What began with drinking socially eventually progressed from beer to cider, wine and finally vodka — at his worst, Dave was drinking around a litre of vodka every night.He would wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning still drunk, go to work hours later, spend entire weekends dr
From Alcohol Addiction and Liver Failure to Sobriety: Will's Sober Story
Will Gordon’s alcohol addiction progressed to drinking as much as 1.75 liters of vodka every two days. His health deteriorated, he was diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, and eventually his organs began shutting down.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Will shares the reality of alcohol addiction, secret drinking, blackouts, trying to quit drinking, liver failure, transp
Stage 4 Cirrhosis From Alcohol: Chelsea’s Sobriety Story
Chelsea was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cirrhosis after nearly a decade of heavy alcohol use, but even being told she could die wasn’t enough to immediately make her stop drinking. She shares the progression of her alcohol addiction, liver failure, ascites and the moment she finally got sober on September 29, 2024. Chelsea eventually received a liver transplant and today shares what recovery, sob
From Daily Vodka to Sobriety: How Shelby Quit Drinking
Have you ever promised yourself you would stop drinking tomorrow, only to find yourself doing the exact same thing the next day?For Shelby, weekend drinking eventually progressed into daily vodka, blackouts, hidden bottles, and trying desperately to control her relationship with alcohol. She knew she needed to quit drinking, but even after getting months of sobriety, she found herself returning to
10 Years of Trying to Quit Drinking: Andy’s Sobriety Story
What happens when you know alcohol is hurting your family, but you still can’t stop drinking?Andy returns to the Sober Motivation Podcast to share his journey from years of secret drinking and failed attempts to quit alcohol to reaching 18 months sober.For nearly a decade, Andy knew his relationship with alcohol needed to change. He would wake up hungover, promise himself he was done, and eventual
Alcohol Addiction Led to Liver and Kidney Failure at 29. Christine’s Sobriety Story
At 29 years old, Christine’s alcohol addiction led to liver and kidney failure. Her brain was swelling, she had lost the ability to walk, and doctors told her family she may have only 48 hours to live.Christine survived, but that still wasn’t the end of her drinking.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Christine shares how drinking progressed from teenage experimentation to physical al
The Drinking Problem He Couldn’t See | Mike & Kristen’s Quit Drinking Story
Mike never thought he had a drinking problem. He was working, providing for his family, and convinced himself he was still functioning. But behind closed doors, alcohol was quietly changing everything.In this powerful quit drinking story, Mike and his wife Kristen share both sides of their journey through alcohol addiction, denial, marriage struggles, and recovery. You’ll hear how daily drinking s
From World Cup Success to Alcohol Addiction | David Correy's Story
David Correy had reached the kind of success most people only dream about. He was performing around the world, creating music, and achieving goals he had worked toward for years. But behind the scenes, he was carrying unimaginable grief.After losing both of his parents within a short period of time, alcohol slowly became more than something to unwind with. What began as an occasional escape turned
She Thought She Was Stronger Than Alcohol | From Relapse to Recovery
Trisha never thought alcohol would take over her life.She survived three brain surgeries, built a successful barber shop, and raised two daughters as a single mom. When life became overwhelming, alcohol started as a way to cope with stress. Within months, she was physically dependent—drinking before work just to stop her hands from shaking.In this honest conversation, Trisha shares how alcohol slo
The Hidden Cost of Shame | Jason’s Quit Drinking Story
Jason spent decades believing he had everything under control.He built a successful career, became known as the guy who could outdrink almost anyone, and convinced himself that because he was still functioning, he didn’t really have a problem.But behind the scenes, alcohol—and eventually cocaine—had quietly become the solution to every uncomfortable feeling. Anxiety. Loneliness. Shame. Divorce. Th
I Interviewed 280 People About Sobriety. These 12 Lessons Changed Everything.
For the past several years, I’ve had one of the greatest privileges imaginable—sitting across from hundreds of people willing to tell the truth about addiction and recovery.As we approach 300 episodes of Sober Motivation, I wanted to step back and answer one question:What have all these conversations taught me?In this solo episode, I share 12+1 lessons that show up over and over again—from why sha
He Drank Until His Liver Failed | Aaron’s Sobriety Story
Aaron never believed alcohol would nearly cost him his life.Like many people, drinking started as a way to fit in, cope with anxiety, and numb painful experiences. After losing his father at a young age, finding his brother after a fatal overdose, and carrying years of grief and trauma, alcohol slowly became his answer to everything.By his early 40s, he was drinking from the moment he woke up just
Alcohol Addiction, Blackouts and Relapse: How Jess Finally Got Sober
Jess never imagined alcohol would take her here.After years of trying to stop drinking, repeated relapses, multiple detoxes, inpatient treatment, and three-day blackouts, she found herself waking up to police after her truck became stranded on train tracks. She thought she had destroyed her life—and that she would never be able to stay sober.In this powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast
Do You Really Need Rock Bottom to Quit Drinking? | Matt’s Sober Story
Many people believe they have to lose everything before they quit drinking.Matt’s story proves otherwise.From the outside, he looked like he had it all—a successful career, a loving wife, three boys, and a normal suburban life. But behind the scenes, alcohol slowly became the center of everything. Weekend binge drinking turned into nightly drinking, blackouts became more common, and he found himse
How Alcohol Almost Killed Me Before I Got Sober | Marty's Story
Alcohol didn’t almost take Marty’s life overnight—it happened one drink at a time.What started as partying with friends slowly became drinking alone, daily alcohol use, multiple ER visits, and eventually liver damage so severe his skin turned yellow.Doctors warned him that another drink could send him back into liver failure.In this powerful conversation, Marty shares:Why drinking alone was the tu
The Hidden Cost of Alcohol | Mike’s Sobriety Story
What is alcohol really costing you?In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Mike shares how alcohol slowly became part of his daily life without obvious warning signs. He kept his job, raised a family, and looked successful on the outside—but after quitting drinking, he realized alcohol had quietly taken far more from him than he ever imagined.We talk about growing up as a preacher’s kid,
She Drank 4 Liters of Vodka a Day | Mailinn’s Sobriety Story
At 28 years old, Mailinn was preparing to die.She was drinking up to 4 liters of vodka a day, vomiting blood daily, and losing the ability to walk. Doctors had run out of answers. Her family was bracing for the worst.Then her body shut down.In 2020, Mailinn was placed into a coma with multi-organ failure and given little chance of survival. What happened next would completely change the course of
How I Got Sober After Drinking Alcohol for 30 Years | Elisa’s Sober Story
Elisa drank alcohol for 30 years.What started as relief from childhood trauma slowly turned into alcohol addiction, DUIs, broken relationships, and a life she says she barely remembers.At eight years old, Elisa testified in court against someone in her own family. Growing up afraid and feeling like she didn’t belong, alcohol became the thing that finally quieted the fear.In this episode of the Sob
He Thought Addiction Had Won | Gio’s Sobriety Story
“I genuinely thought I was a hopeless alcoholic addict with no chance of return.”That’s where Gio found himself.After years of success as a hockey player—including a Division I scholarship and a professional career—addiction slowly took over. What started as drinking and partying became something much darker, leading Gio to a gas station parking lot where he finally called his dad and admitted:“I
High-Functioning Alcoholism Almost Destroyed Him: Manny’s Road to Sobriety
Manny grew up in New Orleans surrounded by alcohol, but after watching the damage drinking caused in his own family, he wanted nothing to do with it.That changed later in life.After marriage, business success, cocaine, alcohol, Hurricane Katrina, divorce, depression, day drinking, and eventually drinking four to five bottles of wine a day, Manny found himself isolated, physically broken, and barel
I Was Drinking at 7 A.M. and Hating My Life | Gary's Sobriety Story
He had a loving family, a private school education, great friends, and every opportunity in front of him. Yet by age 33, Gary was drinking in 7 a.m. bars in Spain, waking up in hostels with no money, and wondering how his life had fallen apart.In this episode of Sober Motivation, Gary Mairs shares how alcohol slowly took over despite what many would consider the perfect childhood. From teenage bin
I Wasn’t Drinking Every Day, But Alcohol Controlled My Life | Todd's Sober Story
Todd looked like he had it all together. He had a good job, a family, a home, and no major public consequences from drinking. But inside, alcohol was taking up more space than he wanted to admit.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Todd shares how weekend drinking, binge drinking, hangxiety, shame, and constantly thinking about the next drink made him question his relationship with alc
I Never Hit Rock Bottom, But I Knew I Had to Quit Drinking | Mateja's Story
“I never got a DUI. I never got arrested. I never lost my job. So how could I possibly have a problem with alcohol?”Mateja didn’t drink until she was 21. She had a successful career, a good family, and from the outside looked like someone who had it all together. But behind the scenes, alcohol was becoming harder to ignore.In this episode, Mateja shares her journey through college drinking, restau
I Was Drinking Every Day — How Alcohol Took Over My Life | JB’s Sobriety Story
For years, JB thought he could manage his drinking.What started as binge drinking slowly turned into drinking every day, hiding alcohol, drinking on the way home, anxiety, shame, and feeling completely trapped inside the cycle.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, JB shares his full sobriety story — growing up in chaos, starting alcohol and cigarettes at a young age, struggling with add
I Was Drinking 3 Bottles Of Wine A Night | Jessica’s Sobriety Story
From the outside, Jessica looked like she had it all together. But behind closed doors, she was drinking 3 bottles of wine every night, blacking out, throwing up before work, and quietly falling apart while trying to convince herself everything was fine.In this episode of The Sober Motivation Podcast, Jessica shares her journey through hidden alcoholism, mommy wine culture, trauma, undiagnosed ADH
Luke Didn’t Know Who He Was Without Alcohol to 7 Years Sober
Luke spent 14 years selling alcohol while it was slowly killing him. Three rounds of rehab. Hospital visits. Drinking in the morning. On December 30, 2018, he had his last drink.In this follow-up, Luke walks Brad through what changed in the seven years since. The scene with his daughter screaming "Dad, don't go" as he drove away in tears. The AA foundation that carried him through year three. The
From Hiding Vodka in the Bathroom to 6 Years Sober: Jimmy's Story
Jimmy used to drive his car around the corner, sit alone, and drink vodka all day instead of going to work. At home, he hid bottles behind the sink and inside the toilet cistern, sneaking off mid conversation to top up.He started drinking at 14. By his mid twenties he was going through three bottles of wine a night. A miscarriage, lost jobs, and a spontaneous flight to Mallorca all came and went.
Quitting Drinking Saved My Life | Stephanie’s Sobriety Story
Stephanie never thought she had a serious drinking problem. She was successful, working in healthcare, maintaining relationships, and doing everything she could to keep life together on the outside. But behind closed doors, alcohol slowly became the way she coped with anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, and major life changes.What started as gray area drinking eventually turned into hiding alc
From Alcohol Addiction to Sobriety | Ian Madsen’s Story
Ian Madsen grew up in Australia around heavy drinking and alcoholism, Ian shares how alcohol became normalized early in life after losing his mother and how that pattern followed him into professional sprint car racing in America. What started as partying and fitting in slowly turned into isolation, hiding alcohol use, treatment stays, losing relationships, and nearly losing himself completely.In
Quitting Drinking Without a "Rock Bottom": Paula's Story
You don't need a rock bottom to quit drinking. No DUI. No lost job. No moment where everything blows up. For Paula, life looked great from the outside, a beautiful home in South Florida, two kids, a marriage built in the alcohol industry, and a career soaked in alcohol. Nothing was falling apart on the outside or so she thought. She made every soccer practice. She was the homeroom mom. But the han
Quit Drinking Then Got Hooked on Kratom | What No One Talks About
From the outside everything looked perfect. Behind the scenes alcohol addiction was taking over and one night it nearly ended everything. In this episode Lauren shares her sobriety story from having her first drink at just 10 years old to years of hiding alcohol addiction behind a life that looked put together.Her drinking escalates over time leading to serious consequences and a life changing mom
Quitting Drinking After So Many Day Ones: Bri's Story
Bri is almost one year sober. For the year before that she tried to quit drinking over and over, racking up day ones nobody knew about. Two months sober, then a slip. Two months again, another slip. From the outside she was the picture perfect mom. Accountant, wife, two little boys, a pool in the backyard. Behind closed doors it was shots from the freezer on Christmas, weekend blackouts at her own
27 Years Sober: How Dr. Donald Crowe Quit Drinking
Dr. Donald Crowe was telling patients they needed to stop drinking. Then he'd go home, open two bottles of wine, and pass out. Every single night. A physician with 40 years in medicine, Donald started drinking in college and spent the next two decades convincing himself it couldn't be that bad because his career was still moving forward.A possible ALS diagnosis at 40 gave him the excuse to drink h
From DUI Manslaughter To 22 Years Sober — Martin's Story
On New Year's Eve 2003, Martin Lockett ran a red light drunk and killed two women, and severely injured a third. They where all long-time members of Portland's recovery community, one 16 years sober, one 17. They were returning home from a clean and sober New Year's Eve party. Martin served 17 and a half years in prison. Today he's 22 years sober, a certified substance abuse counselor, and a nati
He Drank for 25 Years… And Didn’t Recognize Himself Anymore
Quit drinking is not about willpower. It is about the moment you realize you cannot keep living like this anymore.For over 25 years, alcohol was part of Paul’s life. From the outside, everything looked fine.But inside, the anxiety was building, the anger was growing, and he was slowly becoming someone he didn’t recognize.There was no rock bottom.Just a quiet realization that something had to chang
You Don’t Have to Lose Everything to Quit Drinking - Ash Butterss
You don’t have to lose everything to question your drinking.In this episode, I sit down with Ash Butterss to talk about the moment she realized something needed to change—and why you don’t need a traditional “rock bottom” to quit drinking.Ash shares her sobriety journey, from living a life that looked fine on the outside to realizing she wasn’t truly happy or showing up as her authentic self. We t
Eric Drank Nearly Every Day for 23 Years | Now 4 Years Sober
Eric returns to share an update on his sobriety journey after nearly two decades of daily drinking.From 2008 to 2021, alcohol was part of his everyday life. What started as normal slowly turned into something much more serious—leading to severe withdrawal, hallucinations, and even seizures when he tried to stop.In this episode, Eric opens up about what it was really like living in that cycle, the
I Couldn’t Stop Drinking. Even After 13 Treatment Centers | Jason Wahler
If you've tried to quit drinking and keep relapsing, this episode is for you.Jason Wahler is known from Laguna Beach, The Hills, and Celebrity Rehab, but behind the cameras he was battling severe alcohol addiction for years. He went through 13 treatment centers, faced arrests, survived suicide attempt, and kept relapsing even when life looked successful from the outside. He also lived with OCD, wh
Mommy Wine Culture Had Me Hiding Alcohol | How Megan Quit Drinking
What does it take to finally quit drinking when your entire life revolves around it?In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Megan shares her powerful sobriety journey, opening up about growing up around addiction, losing her father to alcoholism, and how her own drinking slowly escalated into hidden alcohol dependence.From the outside, everything looked fine — successful career, family, m
I Didn’t Think Alcohol Was the Problem — Until I Lost Everything
If you’re trying to quit drinking or wondering if you have an alcohol problem, this story will hit home.Greg shares how a good childhood and successful career turned into alcohol addiction, denial, psych wards, and jail—and how he finally got sober.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Greg to talk about the reality of high-functioning alcoholism and how quickly thin
How I Quit Drinking After Alcohol Took Over My Life | 29 Years Sober
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Jane shares her powerful alcohol addiction recovery story and how she finally quit drinking after alcohol slowly took over her life.What started as drinking in high school escalated into blackouts, hiding alcohol, drinking in the morning, and living with the chaos of alcoholism. Jane talks about the shame, insecurity, and hopelessness that came with
After Nearly 30 Years of Drinking Alcohol, I Finally Saw the Truth | John’s Sobriety Story
Alcohol addiction doesn’t always look like rock bottom.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, John shares his story after more than 20 years of drinking and drug use — and the painful realizations that came when he finally got sober.From the outside, his life looked normal. No arrests. No dramatic collapse.But inside, alcohol was shaping decisions, regrets, and memories he would carry fo
Mike's Liver Failure Story And Early Warning Signs
Jerzey Mike rode the alcohol train all the way to the last stop. A liter of vodka a day, yellowing eyes, a coma, and doctors who weren't sure he'd make it. In this raw and deeply honest conversation, Mike walks us through the earliest warning signs of liver failure, what life looked like at his absolute worst, and the shame that nearly stopped him from getting help. If you've ever wondered how bad
How Jess Finally Quit Drinking After Years of Blackouts
Jess spent years blacking out from alcohol and convincing herself it was normal. After losing her mom at just 19, drinking became the way she coped — until everything finally caught up with her.In this episode she shares the reality of alcohol blackouts, addiction, relapse, and the moment she finally admitted she needed help.Today Jessica is over 20 months sober and rebuilding a life she once beli
"Sobriety Was the Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done" - The Tired Dad Returns
Jon (The Tired Dad) is back with a sobriety update — now 3+ years sober. We talk Dry January to kick things off and why the first year can be the hardest, why moderation didn’t work, parenting as the turning point, and how to build real tools instead of masking emotions. Plus, Jon shares the story behind his upcoming book 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most. Sober Motivation App on
From Grief to Grace: Losing a Child, Addiction, and Finding Sobriety
Ashley Jo shares her story of high-functioning alcoholism, grief, shame, and sobriety after years of mommy wine culture and secret binge drinking.A Christian mom, executive, and outwardly successful woman, Ashley struggled privately with addiction and suicidal ideation before choosing sobriety on August 14, 2020.This episode covers:Functional alcoholism, Comparing your drinking to others, Mommy wi
From DUI to 18 Years Sober: Phillip Barbb’s Recovery Story
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Phillip Barbb shares how a DUI at 22 became the turning point that led to 18 years of sobriety. This is a powerful conversation about alcohol addiction, anxiety, grief, and long-term recovery.Phillip opens up about using alcohol to silence anxiety, growing up under pressure, and how ego and perfectionism kept him stuck. What started as drinking to c
Diagnosed With Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis at 38 | A Sobriety Story That Will Wake You Up
From Casual Drinking to Liver Failure: Jacob’s Story of Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Sobriety, and Second ChancesIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Jacob shares his powerful journey from a normal upbringing and moderate drinking to developing alcoholic liver cirrhosis after a slow, 10-year descent into alcohol dependency.Growing up in Wisconsin with a loving family, sports, and strong values
I Started Drinking Alcohol at 12… It Took Me 30 Years to get sober - Antoine's Story
Alcohol didn’t crash into Antoine’s life — it slowly became normal.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Antoine shares how drinking started at just 12 years old, was reinforced through culture, school, and social life, and quietly followed him for three decades. From boarding school overseas where alcohol was normalized, to college, hospitality, and years of “functioning” drinking, his
Three DUIs, Two Seizures, One Last Chance At Sobriety with Derek
Derek shares a raw, unforgettable sobriety story: growing up in a chaotic home, learning early that alcohol was “dangerous,” and still getting pulled into a cycle of binge drinking, DUIs, and arrests. He opens up about the restaurant industry drinking culture, people-pleasing, shame, and how secrecy (“what happens in this house stays in this house”) fueled isolation.Eventually, alcohol dependence
How to Get Sober - Exploring the Missing Question.
“How do I get sober?”It’s the most common question people ask when they’re struggling with alcohol — and it’s a fair one. But in this solo episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad challenges the idea that how is the real problem.Instead, he offers a powerful reframe drawn from 16 years of personal recovery and 14 years of supporting people in sobriety:👉 The real question isn’t how do I get so
How Addiction Escalates: Destiny's Story of Getting Sober
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Destiny for a raw and powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, and the moment everything changed.Destiny grew up carrying responsibility far too young, learned early how to survive chaos, and spent years believing she was “different” — that addiction wouldn’t take her where it had taken others in her life. What started as
Nicole’s Sobriety Story: Anxiety, Alcoholism, Rehab, and Rebuilding After Rock Bottom
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Nicole to share a powerful and honest sobriety story. Nicole grew up in California in a home affected by alcoholism, struggled with anxiety and a deep sense of not belonging, and discovered early that alcohol could instantly change the way she felt. What started as weekend drinking eventually became daily drinking, secrecy, relat
Ashton from Below Deck, Drinking Culture, and Rebuilding Your Life Without Alcohol
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Ashton to talk about sobriety, party culture, and what happens when alcohol becomes tied to identity, confidence, and belonging.Ashton shares how growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa normalized drinking as a “rite of passage,” and how a chaotic childhood shaped his ability to adapt—but also made real attachment and emotional
“Moderation Was Torture” — Tanya’s Sobriety Story
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Tanya to talk about what it really looks like to get sober and stay sober when your journey isn’t linear. Tanya shares how she grew up with a stable home and little exposure to alcohol—but still struggled with insecurity, belonging, and wanting to feel “cool,” which made alcohol feel like the solution. What started as binge drink
I Almost Left My Family to Keep Drinking | How I Finally Quit Alcohol
Gray Area Drinking, Binge Drinking, Alcoholism, Alcohol Use Disorder or Problem Drinking? How Do You Know When Alcohol Is the Issue.In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Shaz to share a raw and honest story of alcohol's role, blackouts, secret drinking, and pandemic-era daily drinking. This conversation is for anyone who doesn’t see themselves as fitting with a label
From Alcohol Blackouts To 34 Years Sober: Brian's Story.
In the final episode of 2025, Brad sits down with Brian, who share's a raw and honest sobriety story that spans decades.Brian opens up about growing up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by alcoholism, violence, and instability — and how hockey became his escape. As a teenager, alcohol quickly became more than “weekend fun,” turning into blackout drinking, fights, arrests, and a dangerous spiral th
9 Years Sober: How Jess Quit Pills, Ambien, And Alcohol
Jess is a former Air Force sergeant, mom of three, and survivor who came back from a suicide attempt to build a life she once thought was impossible. After eight years in the military and a medical retirement, she spiraled into prescription pill addiction, Ambien abuse, and untreated trauma. In June 2016, her daughter came home from school with a stomach ache and found her unconscious on the bed.T
How To Get Sober? When Drinking Is All You Know with Chester and Rick Duff.
Chester and Rick Duff share a special friendship, one that was once fuelled by drinking and addiction. They both joined me in the studio to share the full story of the different places addiction took them to and how they have been able to break the cycle. For Chester is was more daily drinking, which triggered a true hatred towards himself and Rick Duff was more of the weekend warrior but sobriety
How To Stay Sober Over The Holidays With Special Guests
This episode of Sober Motivation Holiday features Jess Lopez, Megan, and Nisha, who share their collective experiences and expert insights on maintaining sobriety through the holiday season. Hosted by Brad, the discussion includes practical tips on planning for sobriety at social events, embracing joy and gratitude, handling grief, and supporting loved ones on their recovery journeys. The guests h
Jermaine's Story: Sober Up or Die
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I stop?” or felt trapped by shame, this one hits deep. Brad sits down with Jermaine Dante’ Burse, a Bay Area native (Vallejo, California) whose drinking didn’t start as party chaos; it was quiet, functional, in-house alcoholism that escalated over a decade into withdrawal seizures, pancreatitis, liver failure symptoms, jaundice, a coma, and life support. Today,
Getting Sober After a Near-Fatal Crash: Olivia’s Story
On this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I talk with Olivia about her sobriety journey, choosing an alcohol-free life, and what it really took to get sober after years of pain. Olivia opens up about growing up with severe OCD (intrusive thoughts/compulsions), trauma, and using alcohol as self-medication to quiet anxiety, feel confident, and fit in. She shares how addiction, BPD, and escala
The Wake-Up Call: How Brittany Stopped Drinking and Took Her Life Back
Brittany joins the Sober Motivation Podcast to share her powerful story of growing up in Minnesota with a father who struggled with alcoholism, living with clinical depression, and using alcohol to cope with trauma, loneliness, and shame. She talks about becoming a “high-functioning” drinker—doing well at work and school while secretly relying on alcohol every day. Brittany also opens up about get
Josh's Escape from Alcohol and Brink of Death to Sobriety.
In this episode, Josh shares his heart-wrenching journey from a childhood impacted by abuse and perfectionism to the depths that alcohol took him. Throughout the years of struggling, Josh had a DWI, rehab stays, but he never wanted to make changes for himself. He recounts hitting rock bottom with a near-death experience in Italy, which became the catalyst for his transformation. Through resilienc
A Tradesman’s Journey to Sobriety with Mike
Join Brad in another powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast as he chats with Mike, a Canadian tradesman who opens up about his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol to finding sobriety and changing his life. With candid insight, Mike shares the turning point during a trip to Barbados and the challenges of navigating sobriety in a world filled with social pressures. As Mike refle
Alcohol Use Disorder - Tom's Sober Story
For Tom, childhood was filled with positive memories—nothing that hinted he’d ever struggle with alcohol. After college, he stepped into his career, a world where late nights out were normal, and alcohol made social connections feel easier. At first, everything seemed under control.But when the pandemic hit, and isolation became a daily reality, drinking slowly picked up speed. Tom didn’t have wha
Pain Created Purpose: David's Sober Story
In this compelling episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, David shares his intense journey from his upbringing in Ocean City, NJ, to struggling with addiction during high school, and eventually finding himself in psych wards and homeless. Highlighting the power of the right support system and the incredible transformations in his life, David discusses the pain and growth experienced in recovery,
A Life Without Alcohol? Dre Thought Never — Now She is 4 Years Sober
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Dre joins us to recount her journey with alcohol, starting with a disruptive childhood marked by constant moving. Hear what led her to her first drink at 13, setting off years of binge drinking, attempts at moderation, and eventually hitting rock bottom. She shares powerful insights on battling addiction, the impact of losing her mother and lat
Is Quitting Alcohol Worth it? Updates with Liz, John and Justin
In this podcast episode, we catch up with three inspirational guests—Liz, John, and Justin—as they share their powerful journeys through sobriety. Liz reflects on the emotional and physical transformation she has experienced, John discusses the unexpected benefits of quitting alcohol to support his wife, Melissa, and Justin reveals the depths of his battles with substance abuse and how he rebuilt
Breaking Chains: Ian's 34-Year Battle with Alcohol to Sobriety
In this eye-opening episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I welcome Ian, who candidly shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol. Discover how Ian turned his life around after 34 years of drinking, failed marriages, and professional challenges, all while exploring the profound impact of finding clarity, gratitude, and setting powerful examples for his children. Tune in to learn
From hiding alcohol bottles to sobriety with Christine
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I sit down with Christine, a resilient mother and former nurse, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood affected by her father's alcoholism to her own struggles with addiction. Christine opens up about the challenges of growing up in a loving yet dysfunctional household, the impact of her father's early death, and eventually her own battl
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