33. From Rock Bottom to Zero Proof: Peggi Cooney's 6-Year Sobriety Anniversary and How She Turned Pain into a Purpose-Driven Life

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Peggi Cooney, author of This Side of Alcohol, to celebrate her 6-year anniversary of sobriety on July 12, 2025. Peggi opens up about her deeply personal journey—from early trauma and late-onset drinking to walking away from alcohol at 58 and rebuilding her life with purpose.She shares how burnout and secondary trauma from her social work career contributed to her drinking, and what finally pushed her to stop. We talk about how her year-long journaling during recovery became a published book, how community is key in sobriety, and why she’s now helping others find their “what’s next” through Zero Proof Experiences.Peggi brings humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom to a conversation that will inspire anyone who’s sober, sober-curious, or simply navigating personal transformation.TakeawaysThe journey to sobriety is deeply personal and often rooted in unresolved trauma.Helping professionals are at high risk for secondary trauma and burnout.Recognizing the need for change is the first real turning point in recovery.Writing can be both cathartic and impactful—Peggi turned her 365-day journal into a book.Alcohol-free communities (like Zero Proof Experiences) offer support, connection, and fun.Self-publishing is a powerful option for getting recovery stories into the world.Having inclusive beverage options helps people in recovery feel seen and supported.Raising awareness of alcohol marketing’s influence on youth is more important than ever.Everyone’s path is different—and respecting individual recovery choices is key.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Peggi's Book : This Side of AlcoholI Didn't Believe it Either by Todd KinneyThis Side of Alcohol Facebook GroupZero Proof ExperiencesOcean Beach CafeAll the Bitter Non-Alcoholic Bottle ShopChapters00:00 – Introduction and Background  02:55 – Journey to Sobriety  05:39 – Impact of Trauma on Drinking  08:21 – The Role of Menopause and Medication  11:28 – Writing and Publishing the Book  14:08 – Life After Alcohol  16:44 – Current Projects and Initiatives  19:41 – Zero Proof Experiences and Community Engagement  22:10 – Reflections on the Alcohol Industry  24:46 – Educating the Next Generation  27:42 – Conclusion and Future Aspirations  Connect with AF Superpowers: Website  Instagram