Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

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 pool parties, and crying in the shower when everyone went home. Then on Easter she pulled her one year old son aside and told him he'd never see her drunk or hungover again. She hasn't had a drink since. In this episode Bri shares what gray area drinking looks like for a working mom; why her two month sobriety cycles kept breaking; the blackouts she hid from everyone; her first sober tax season; and what one year sober actually feels like. If you keep restarting, this one is for you. Bri's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@briinsobriety Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brimarshallll/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 harder. He lost his first marriage. He chose alcohol over her. When legal consequences finally forced him into treatment, three months of sobriety cracked open a truth he'd been hiding from: "I wasn't drinking to feel better. I was drinking to feel less bad." You'll hear about: the bitters experiment that proved his brain was wired differently; defending your drinking as an early warning sign; why consequences aren't the real measure of a problem; building a life where resistance is unnecessary. If you've ever told yourself it can't be that bad because things are still working, this one's for you. Dr. Donlad Crowe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Secondactrecovery Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 national speaker who's devoted his life to preventing the tragedy he caused. In this raw, unforgettable episode, Martin takes us back to his first drink at 14, the identity struggles that drove him to alcohol as a shy Black kid in 1980s Portland, the night his own twin brother begged him to slow down, and the newspaper article four days after the crash that changed everything. You'll hear about: what it's like to learn who your victims were; the DUI stop three months before the fatal crash; the "alcoholic's brain" that still whispers at 22 years sober; and Martin's warning for anyone who thinks one more drive home is fine. Martin on Instagram: Here Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 change. In this episode, Paul shares what it really looks like to live that way for decades, the denial that keeps people stuck, and the moment he finally chose to quit drinking. If you have ever questioned your drinking or felt stuck in the cycle, this one will stay with you. Paul on Instagram: Click Here Get Support. Get Connected Sober Motivation Website Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 talk about sober curiosity, emotional growth, and what it really takes to build an alcohol-free life. This conversation dives into the reality of quitting alcohol, learning how to deal with emotions without drinking, and why comparison and expectations can keep people stuck. Ash also opens up about the early days of sobriety, navigating major life changes, and how sobriety helped her reconnect with who she truly is. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, trying to stop drinking, or wondering if life could be better without it—this episode will resonate. Ash on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/ For support visit: https://www.sobermotivation.com/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 denial that kept him stuck, and the moment everything changed. We talk about the dangers of alcohol withdrawal, why asking for help can save your life, and what it takes to rebuild after years of drinking. Now approaching 5 years sober, Eric shares what life looks like today, how he handles cravings, and why sobriety has given him something alcohol never could. If you’re questioning your drinking, stuck in the cycle, or wondering if change is possible—this conversation will hit home. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sobermotivationpodcast Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, which made the cycle of addiction even harder to break. In this raw and honest conversation, Jason shares what relapse actually feels like, and what finally helped him get sober and stay sober long term. This episode covers: Whether you're struggling with alcohol addiction, trying to get sober, or supporting someone who is, you'll find real answers here, not just the usual recovery talking points. You are not alone, and there is a way forward. Get More Support: Here Check out the YouTube Channel: Here Support the show: Here Jason on Instagram: Here Check out sobrsafe: Here Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.com Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, motherhood. But behind the scenes, alcohol became a daily coping mechanism. This episode dives deep into: Mommy wine culture and how it normalizes drinkingalcohol addiction Megan’s story is a raw and honest look at how alcohol can slowly take over — and how it’s possible to take your life back. If you’ve ever questioned your drinking, struggled to stop, or feel stuck in the cycle, this episode will show you that recovery is possible. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan_on_the_rocks/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 things can escalate. On the outside, Greg had everything together. But underneath, he struggled with not feeling like he fit in—and alcohol became the solution. Over time, drinking went from social to something he relied on. Denial and ego kept him stuck, even as things got worse. After a series of personal losses, everything spiraled—leading to isolation, mental health struggles, and eventually being arrested and spending six months in jail. Even then, he didn’t believe alcohol was the problem. In this episode, we cover: If you’re struggling with alcohol, questioning your drinking, or looking for real sobriety stories, this episode is for you. Check out this episodes Sponsor: https://sobrsafe.com/pages/sobrsure Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregdownscoach/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 alcohol addiction, including one terrifying night when she rear-ended a car while drunk and fled the scene. After years of struggling with alcoholism and addiction, hospital visits, and hitting rock bottom, Jane realized she couldn’t stop drinking on her own. She made the decision to seek help, enter treatment, and begin her sobriety journey. Jane has now been sober since February 2nd, 1997. In this conversation she shares how sobriety, recovery, support groups, and taking life one day at a time helped her rebuild her life after alcohol addiction. If you’re struggling with alcohol, trying to quit drinking, or searching for sobriety, this episode is a powerful recovery story that shows lasting change is possible. — 🎙 Sober Motivation Podcast The Sober Motivation Podcast shares real sobriety stories, alcohol addiction recovery journeys, and conversations about quitting drinking and rebuilding life after addiction. Subscribe for more sobriety motivation, addiction recovery stories, and interviews with people who have found freedom from alcohol. Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for decades. This conversation explores grief, shame, regret, and the realization that some of the biggest consequences of alcohol aren’t the ones people see. They’re the ones we carry internally. Today John is over seven months sober and sharing his story to help others realize they don’t need to hit rock bottom to question their drinking. John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withorwithoutbacon/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it can really get — or if you're quietly wondering whether you're heading down this road yourself — this episode is for you. Mike survived the last stop. He's sharing his story so you don't have to go there. Mike On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jerzeymike/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 believed was impossible. Topics: alcohol addiction, alcohol blackouts, sobriety, recovery. https://www.instagram.com/wmmsjustjess/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 wine culture, Faith and recovery, Self-forgiveness If you feel like you “should know better” but can’t stop, this conversation will resonate. Links: Support Show Here Join the Sober Motivation Community Ashley Jo on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 cope eventually led to arrests and legal consequences — and ultimately a decision to quit drinking for good. We discuss: • DUI and the wake-up call that changed everything • Alcohol addiction and anxiety • Ego in recovery • The role of community and support meetings • What long-term sobriety really requires If you’re struggling with alcohol, thinking about quitting drinking, or looking for insight into long-term sobriety, this episode offers real perspective and hope. ---------- Phillip on IG: https://www.instagram.com/phillipbarbb/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Casual Drinking to Liver Failure: Jacob’s Story of Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Sobriety, and Second Chances In 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, Jacob never saw alcohol as dangerous. Drinking started socially and casually — a beer here, wine at dinner, fun with friends. But as stress increased through marriage, business responsibilities, and parenting, alcohol quietly shifted from celebration to coping. In 2023, Jacob was hospitalized with severe abdominal swelling (ascites), jaundice, and ultimately diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Doctors gave him a grim prognosis and discussed palliative care. But this is not a tragedy story. It's about what Jacob is doing with his second chance. ----------- Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ Jacob in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feel_sober_good/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 story shows how easy it is to miss the warning signs when everyone around you is doing the same thing. We talk about the pressure to fit in, living with ADHD, blackouts that were brushed off, and the moment in Apex, North Carolina that forced him to take a hard look at his relationship with alcohol. Antoine opens up about trying to cut back, why that didn’t work, and what finally made sobriety stick. This episode is for anyone who’s questioning their drinking, feels stuck in the cycle, or wonders what life could look like without alcohol. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a different path. One story at a time—you’re not alone. -------------- Join the Sober Motivation Beta Platform FREE: https://sobermotivation.net/ Connect with Antoine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/asavageslife/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 escalated to 25–30 beers per day, severe withdrawal, grand mal seizures, and DTs, leading to hospitalization and a medically critical turning point. Learn how he turns it all around. We also talk about Derek’s book The Dog Bowl—a fictional story built from real addiction pain and real recovery truth. ---------- Derek On IG: https://www.instagram.com/dpaquette1/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 sober — it’s what are you willing to do to get sober and stay sober? In this honest and reflective episode, Brad explores why so many people feel stuck when trying to quit drinking, even after trying rehab, meetings, therapy, books, podcasts, and recovery programs. He explains how the search for the “right way” to get sober often becomes a form of avoidance, and why willingness — not information — is what actually leads to lasting change. This episode covers: Why asking how to get sober can keep people stuck The role willingness plays in quitting alcohol and staying sober Why many people believe they’re “different” — and how that belief blocks recovery The fear of discomfort and change in early sobriety Why alcohol feels like it “worked” for so long The importance of changing routines, environments, and relationships Why doing sobriety alone rarely works How shame and ego prevent people from asking for help Why support and connection matter more than willpower Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.