Strong And Sober Podcast
The Strong and Sober Podcast explores sobriety, strength, and self-mastery. Hosted by two friends who have battled addiction, it shares raw conversations about recovery, fitness, mindset, and discipline. The show offers practical tools for staying sober and rebuilding life mentally and physically. There is no fluff or filters, just real growth for those who want to dominate their body, mind, and mission.
Episodes
Ep39: She Was Called a Drug Seeker. The Real Problem Was Killing Her. The Cris Salazar’s Story
Cristina Salazar’s story is about far more than weight loss.After years of struggling with her health, weighing over 300 pounds, and feeling dismissed by doctors who blamed everything on her weight, Cristina found herself hospitalized and fighting for answers. What followed was a complete transformation through fitness, nutrition, and rebuilding her life from the inside out.In this episode of Stro
Update on the Future of Strong and Sober
This is not the end, it's a shift.
Ep38: Songs That Sound Happy (But Are Hiding Cries For Help)
Last week we talked about mental health and how people can hide their pain in plain sight. This week… we realized we do the exact same thing with music.In this episode of Strong and Sober, we break down songs that sound upbeat, catchy, or even happy on the surface—but are actually about addiction, depression, and real-life struggles underneath. From blackout drinking and meth addiction to deeper t
Ep37: The Voice in Your Head (And Why You Keep Listening to It)
There’s a voice in your head… and it’s not always on your side.In this episode of Strong and Sober, we break down the internal voice that tells you to skip the workout, have the drink, wait until tomorrow, or tear yourself down when things get hard. We talk about how that voice shows up in addiction, depression, discipline, and everyday life—and why most people mistake it for who they really are.W
Ep36: Strong Doesn’t Mean Silent: The Truth About Mental Health
Strength isn’t pretending you’re okay.In this episode of Strong and Sober, we have an honest conversation about mental health, depression, and the reality that you never truly know what someone else is going through. Following the recent loss of Bo Lueders from the band Harm's Way and the podcast Hardlore, we reflect on how even people who seem strong, successful, or happy can be struggling in
Ep35: Why the Things You Love Are Making You Feel Worse
If it feels good… why does it leave you feeling worse?In this episode of Strong and Sober, we break down what’s actually happening in your brain when you chase quick hits of pleasure — from food and alcohol to scrolling and dopamine spikes — and why those same things often lead to crashes, cravings, and burnout.We talk about the difference between instant gratification and lasting satisfaction, wh
Ep34: Why Your Brain Hates Change (And Tries to Sabotage You)
Ever wonder why every time you try to get in shape, get sober, or improve your life… it feels like something is pulling you backward?In this episode of Strong and Sober, we break down how your brain is wired to resist change. From cravings and laziness to boredom and relapse, we talk about why growth feels so uncomfortable and why most people quit too early.We dive into how this shows up in weight
Ep33: Power, Money, and the Animal Within - The Saga of Anthony Rosso
He built a million-dollar company. He controlled rooms. He bought the bar. And when that didn’t work, he’d intimidate it.In Episode 33 of Strong and Sober, we sit down with a former business owner who built one of the largest parking enforcement companies in Broward County, Florida — all while alcohol was fueling his ego, aggression, and chaos. He opens up about money, power, control, and the vers
Ep32: From Homeless to Hopeful - The Story of Matthew Handy
Homeless in downtown San Diego. Daily use of eight different drugs. Multiple arrests. A bank robbery. And now… recovery.In Episode 32 of Strong and Sober, we sit down with Matthew Handy for one of the most raw conversations we’ve had. He opens up about heroin addiction, living on the streets during COVID, surviving chaos, and the moment he says he “fell out of love” with heroin. We talk about mult
Ep31: Who You Were vs. Who You’re Becoming
Growth sounds exciting… until you realize it means outgrowing yourself.In this episode of Strong and Sober, we talk about the identity shift that happens in sobriety, fitness, and life. The uncomfortable middle phase where you’re not who you used to be, but you’re not fully who you’re becoming yet. We dive into what growth really costs, why we sometimes miss the old version of ourselves, and how t
Ep30: Comfort Is The Real Addicition
What if you’re not addicted to alcohol, food, or scrolling… but to comfort?In this episode, we break down how chasing relief from stress, boredom, and discomfort fuels addiction, sabotages weight loss, and makes sobriety harder than it has to be. We talk about why early recovery feels overwhelming, why most people quit when things get hard, and how building discomfort tolerance might be the real k
Ep29: Rebuilding a Life Worth Staying Sober For - The Story of Katie Laye
In this episode, we sit down with bodybuilder Katie Laye for one of the most raw and honest conversations we’ve had on the show. Katie opens up about the chaos of active addiction, the obsessive behaviors that followed her early sobriety, and what it really means to rebuild your entire life, not just quit the drugs.We talk about identity after addiction, missing the chaos, dating in early recovery
Ep28: Unexpected Teachers: Lessons From the Unlikeliest Places
Not every life lesson comes from a book, a coach, or a big turning point. Sometimes it comes from a random conversation, a strange moment, or a situation you never expected to learn anything from at all.In this episode of Strong and Sober, Matt and Luke talk about the unexpected teachers that shaped them. The people, moments, and experiences that left a mark without trying to. No research. No prep
Ep 27: New Year, New Me (Why It Fails and How You Can Do It Differently)
New Year’s resolutions sound great… until February.In this episode of Strong and Sober, Luke and Matt break down why people set resolutions, why most of them fail, and what actually works when it comes to building habits that last. We share our personal goals for the year, from nutrition and getting shredded to endurance challenges, weight loss, and skill-based fitness goals, and how we’re turning
Ep26: From Meth to Meaning: Troy’s Story of Recovery and Brotherhood
In this episode of Strong and Sober, we sit down with Troy from the Sober Riders Motorcycle Club for one of our most raw and vulnerable conversations to date.Troy opens up about his addiction to meth, the isolation and destruction it brought into his life, and the painful truths he had to face to begin healing. He speaks honestly about relapse, accountability, and the moments that finally pushed h
Ep25: It's Dangerous To Go Alone: Why Community Changes Everything
Isolation feeds addiction, anxiety, and shame. In this episode, we talk about why real healing doesn’t happen alone, and how community plays a critical role in sobriety, mental health, and personal growth. From shared struggles to being truly seen, this conversation breaks down why connection isn’t optional, it’s essential.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at it, if you
Ep24: Inside the First 14 Days
Two weeks into sobriety, our guest Dana Sobota joins us for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, rock bottom, and what early recovery really feels like. We talk about the hard truths, the identity shift, the isolation, and the hope. This one isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about finally asking the right questions.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at i
Ep23: No Holding Back, Hard Questions, Honest Answers
In this raw and revealing episode, Luke and Matt put each other on the spot with 10 personal, no-fluff questions about addiction, sobriety, fitness, mental health, shame, and growth. No scripts. No safety nets. Just truth, vulnerability, and the kind of conversation that reminds you you’re not alone.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at it, if you could rate us that would
Ep22: Fighting Fentanyl — Luis Romero’s War for Recovery
Luis Romero is a bold voice in the battle against fentanyl and the founder of the Fuck Fentanyl movement and podcast. In this episode, Luis shares his journey from addiction to advocacy, what rock bottom looked like, what saved his life, and why he’s dedicating it now to saving others. From grief to grit to grassroots action, this is a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to fight back.Please sub
Ep21: Breath, Laughter, and Getting Sober: Janie Nelson’s Path to Healing
Therapist and substance abuse counselor Janie Nelson joins us to talk sobriety, self-awareness, and why healing doesn’t have to be so damn serious. We dive into her journey from drinking to deep work, exploring breath, sound, and the beauty of structured silliness.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at it, if you could rate us that would be a huge help.Follow us on Instagr
Ep20: Straight Edge Strength: Living Clean, Lifting Heavy w/ Mitch Snyder
Powerlifting meets purpose in this episode with our guest Mitch: a hardcore straight edge athlete who’s built his life around discipline, strength, and clean living. We dive into what it means to reject the party culture, how lifting became his therapy, and why saying “no” can be one of the strongest decisions you ever make.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at it, if you
Ep19: Regimented & Peaceful: Mike Inumerable on Discipline, Sobriety, and Plant-Based Living
In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Mike Enumerable, an 11th and 12th grade teacher, vegan since 2014, and four years sober. Mike shares how structure, early mornings, journaling, and fitness transformed his life into something disciplined but deeply peaceful. We talk about his journey into sobriety, how plant-based nutrition impacts mental and physical performance, and what it t
Ep18: The Power of Course Correction
We all hit that moment—when you realize you’ve been the problem. But that awareness? It’s powerful. In this episode, we talk about recognizing your patterns, taking ownership, and building new systems to grow instead of staying stuck.Brief, real, and packed with tools to help you pivot with purpose.Please subscribe and share the podcast. And while you're at it, if you could rate us that would
Ep17: Getting Back on Track — The Psychology of Starting Again
Falling off track happens to everyone. What matters is how you respond.In this episode, we dig into the real reasons people lose momentum on their health, sobriety, and personal growth journeys—and what it actually takes to start again. We talk about the guilt, the perfectionism, the self-sabotage... and how to break free from the “all or nothing” trap.Inside this episode:The hidden psychology beh
Ep16: Meat-Free Muscle – Jordan Dranes on Strength, Veganism, and Starting From Zero
You don’t need to eat meat—or have it all figured out—to get strong.In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Dranes, a vegan bodybuilder, personal trainer, and all-around force of nature. From his early struggles to building a body that reflects discipline and purpose, Jordan shares what it really takes to get started, stay consistent, and thrive on a plant-based lifestyle.This isn’t about perfect
Ep15: The Weight You Don’t See: Secret Struggles of Being Overweight
People see the number on the scale—but they don’t see the shame, the fear, or the everyday battles that come with carrying extra weight. In this deeply honest episode, we open up about the hidden side of being overweight: the social anxiety, the embarrassment in dressing rooms, the fear of being seen, and the emotional weight that often hurts more than the physical.This isn’t about diets or quick
Ep14: What Sobriety Taught Us (That No Book Ever Could)
There’s what you read about sobriety—and then there’s what you learn from actually living it. In this episode, we get honest about the deep, unexpected, and sometimes uncomfortable lessons that only come with real-life recovery.We’re not talking about program slogans or Instagram quotes—we’re talking about the raw, hard-earned truths that show up in relationships, routines, late nights, early morn
Ep13: From Fear to Fitness — Michael Toler on Starting Strong Without Meat
What stops most people from stepping into a gym isn't fear, it's a lack of knowledge. In this powerful episode, personal trainer and nutritionist Michael Toler shares his journey from self-doubt to strength, how vegetarianism reshaped his approach to health, and the simple truths that every beginner needs to hear. Whether you’re plant-based, meat-loving, or just tired of starting over, thi
Ep12: Black Belt Battles: Jessica Lara’s Fight for Sobriety
Jessica Lara is a multi-time black belt and kenpo instructor—but the toughest fight she ever faced wasn’t in a dojo. In this episode, Jessica shares her deeply personal story of battling alcoholism, a struggle that nearly cost her everything: her career, her family, and herself.Through raw honesty and quiet strength, she opens up about the darkness she lived through, the wake-up call that sparked
Episode 11: From Chaos to Clarity: David Millar’s Journey Through Addiction and Ultra Endurance
Ultra runner David Millar shares his raw journey from addiction to endurance. From chaos and recovery to clarity and ultra marathons—this is what it means to fight for your life and find purpose on the other side.Please follow us on Instagram @StrongAndSoberPodcastSend us your questions, comments, success stories or anything else to StrongandSoberPodcast@gmail.com
Ep10: Rebuilding Confidence After Addiction
Addiction doesn’t just take your health—it steals your confidence, your identity, and your belief in yourself. In this episode, we talk about the slow, powerful process of rebuilding self-worth after addiction.We share the small wins that meant everything, the internal battles no one sees, and the moments we started to feel like us again. This isn’t about fake it till you make it—it’s about doing
Ep9: Life Hits Different When You Show Up For It
Sobriety isn’t just about quitting—it’s about arriving. In this episode, we talk about what it feels like to finally be present in your own life. The hard conversations. The real connections. The little moments you used to miss.We dive into how showing up—mentally, emotionally, physically—has changed everything from relationships to routines. And we get honest about the growing pains that come wit
Ep8: Why Most Diets Fail—and What Actually Works
Let’s be real—most diets are built to break you. In this episode, we get honest about the toxic cycle of fad diets, quick fixes, and all-or-nothing thinking. With over 300 pounds lost between us, we share what finally worked, what absolutely didn’t, and how to build a healthier relationship with food, fitness, and yourself.Whether you're starting from scratch or stuck in the yo-yo cycle, this
Ep7: From Meth to Mindful: Durt’s Story, Part 2
The comeback continues.In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Luke, Matt and his brother Durt pick up where they left off—this time diving into the recovery side of the story. What does it actually take to rebuild your life after addiction? What happens after the chaos ends—but the real work begins?This is where the story shifts from surviving to growing.In this episode:🔧 How Durt built a new li
Ep6: From Meth to Mindful: Durt’s Story, Part 1
This is our most personal episode yet.In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, we sit down with Matt's brother, Durt, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, destruction, and the fight to get clean.From battling meth and alcohol to losing everything including the will to survive, Durt opens up about the chaos of addiction, the moment that changed everything, and the early day
Ep5: The Gym Saved My Life... But It Wasn't Enough
For many of us, the gym became a sanctuary in early sobriety—a place to rebuild routine, channel energy, and reclaim our health. But what happens when fitness turns into another obsession? When chasing the perfect body masks the healing we still need to do?In this episode, we open up about how fitness helped anchor our recovery—but also where it fell short.This one’s for anyone who found salvation
Ep4: Rock Bottom or Wake-Up Call?
You don’t need to lose it all to start rebuilding. In this episode, we unpack the powerful misconception that transformation only comes from hitting “rock bottom.” Instead, we explore the idea of a wake‑up call—that moment of clarity that can spark change before life unravels.If you’ve ever wondered, Do I really have to hit rock bottom to change?, this episode is for you. We discuss how clarity, s
Ep3: Beyond the Scale: How We Lost the Weight and Gained Ourselves
This isn’t just a weight loss story—it’s a story about reclaiming our lives.In this episode, we open up about our combined 300-pound transformation and the real work that went far beyond the gym. From growing up as overweight kids to trying every diet in the book, we share the setbacks, the shame, and the small wins that built momentum.But most importantly, we talk about the mindset shift that mad
Ep2: From Chaos to Clarity: Our Sobriety Stories
Everyone has a moment—the breaking point, the wake-up call, the quiet realization that something has to change. In this episode, we open up about ours.We share the raw truth behind our sobriety journeys: the highs, the lows, the painful lessons, and the powerful wins. From the darkest moments to the first brave steps toward a better life, we talk about what it really takes to get sober—and what no
Ep-1: From the Bottom to the Barbell: Our Story Begins
Welcome to the very first episode of Strong and Sober — a weekly podcast where we get real about sobriety, strength, and starting over. In this intro episode, we’re pulling back the curtain to share who we are, why we started this show, and what makes us qualified to have these conversations.You’ll hear personal stories of hitting reset, finding strength in unlikely places, and learning that true
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