Southern, Sober and Sassy

In this episode of Southern Sober & Sassy, we dive into a powerful recovery question: Are you seeking the solution, or are you sinking in the problem?In this episode of Southern Sober & Sassy, we dive into a powerful recovery question: Are you seeking the solution, or are you sinking in the problem?Life has a way of pulling us into fear, resentment, self-pity, and overwhelm. Whether you’re navigating addiction, codependency, family dysfunction, grief, or everyday stress, it’s easy to get stuck treading water in the problem rather than swimming toward the solution.We discuss how recovery teaches us to shift our focus from what is wrong to what can be done today. We explore the importance of identifying your “lifeguards”—the people, principles, tools, and spiritual resources that help keep you afloat when life gets stormy.In this conversation, we cover:The difference between problem-focused thinking and solution-focused livingWhy isolation keeps us stuckHow sponsors, mentors, therapists, recovery groups, and faith can serve as lifeguardsThe importance of asking for help before you’re in crisisPractical ways to move from overwhelm to actionRemember: recovery doesn’t require perfection—it requires willingness. The solution is often found in the next right step, not in having all the answers.Question for listeners: When life pulls you under, who is your lifeguard?Tune in and join us as we explore what it means to stop sinking in the problem and start swimming toward the solution. 🌊🤍Virtual Hugs! Amy & Kristy - [email protected]

Well hey y’all, welcome back to Southern Sober & Sassy, where recovery meets real life and we aren’t afraid to tell the truth about either one.Today’s episode is called “Unapologetically Sober.”Now somewhere along the way, a whole lot of us started believing we needed to apologize for getting healthy. Apologize for setting boundaries. Apologize for not drinking. Apologize for leaving the chaos behind.Bless our hearts.The truth is, recovery isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s something to be proud of. We fought battles most people never saw, climbed mountains we weren’t sure we’d survive, and somehow found our way back to ourselves.So if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable ordering sweet tea instead of a cocktail… if you’ve ever worried about what other people think of your recovery… or if you’ve ever shrunk yourself to make someone else comfortable, pull up a chair.Because today we’re talking about what it means to live out loud, stand firm in your sobriety, and quit apologizing for the very thing that saved your life.Grab your coffee, your sweet tea, or whatever keeps you sober and sane, and let’s get sassy about recovery.Y’all, let’s dive in!Amy & Kristy - [email protected]

Hey y’all… Welcome back to 🎙️Southern Sober & SassyWe’re Amy and Kristy—2 Sober Southern women talking real life, real healing, and real recovery… with a little grace and a little Sass.Today we’re talking about something we wish more people would say out loud:What happens when one recovery program doesn’t work?And whew… that can feel scary.Maybe you tried meetings.Maybe you got a sponsor.Maybe you worked the steps.Maybe you did treatment.Maybe you gave it your all……and still felt disconnected.That can bring shame.It can bring fear.It can make you wonder,“Is recovery just not for me?”And y’all—we want to say clearly today:No ma’am. No sir.It may not mean recovery isn’t for you.It may just mean that particular path wasn’t your fit.Because recovery isn’t cookie-cutter.Healing doesn’t look the same on every person.And thank God for that.So pull up a chair, pour the coffee or sweet tea, and let’s talk about how recovery can still work—even when your first plan didn’t.There are multiple pathways to recoveryRecovery support can include:* Alcoholics Anonymous* Narcotics Anonymous* Al-Anon Family Groups* SMART Recovery* LifeRing Secular Recovery* counseling/therapy* trauma recovery* faith communities* sober coaching* recovery podcasts* outpatient treatment* family systems work* healthy accountability*She Recovers*Celebrate RecoveryResearch and recovery communities increasingly recognize multiple pathways—not one single model for everyone.  Keep moving—don’t isolateThe dangerous place is often:“I tried and it didn’t work… so I’m done.”That’s where addiction loves to whisper.“See? Nothing helps.”But recovery says:Try again.Try differently.Stay connected.Stay teachable.Keep reaching.Don’t let one closed door convince you there isn’t another one open.There is still a path for you.And we believe with our whole hearts: There’s more than one way home.And we’re grateful you’re walking with us.Y’all keep showing up.One honest step at a time.💚 Amy & Kristy [email protected]

Hey y’all, welcome back to Southern Sober & Sassy—where recovery meets real life with a little Southern charm and just enough sass to keep it honest.We’re so glad you’re here.Today we’re talking about something close to the heart for so many families… Al-Anon Family Groups.Because let’s be honest… loving someone with addiction can leave you worn out, worried sick, walking on eggshells, and wondering if you’re the only one trying to hold everything together.And whew… that can wear a soul out.Al-Anon reminds us of something powerful:You didn’t cause it.You can’t control it.And you can’t cure it.But—you can heal.You can find support.You can learn boundaries.You can stop carrying what was never yours to carry.And you can find peace even when someone you love is still struggling.So pull up a chair, grab your coffee—or sweet tea if that’s more your style—and join us as we talk family recovery, letting go with love, and learning how to take your own life back… one honest step at a time.This is Southern Sober & Sassy… and y’all, we’re really glad you’re here.Amy & Kristy - [email protected]://al-anon.org

Down here in the South, we know how to say ‘I’m fine’ with tears in our eyes and anxiety in our chest. We know how to cook the casserole, show up for everybody else, smile at church… and still silently struggle. Mental Health Isn’t Separate From RecoveryEmotional sobriety mattersDry doesn’t always mean healedYou can be sober and still anxious, depressed, angry, or emotionally stuckTherapy, meetings, coaching, prayer, medication, boundaries — all can work togetherToday on Southern, Sober & Sassy, we’re talking about mental health, recovery, and why healing is not weakness — it’s courage.Recovery is more than putting down the drink, drug, toxic relationship, or unhealthy behavior. It’s learning how to care for your mental health without shame.Big Hugs! Amy & [email protected]

This is SUCH a strong podcast topic for approval addiction!! This addiction sits underneath so many recovery struggles: codependency, relapse, perfectionism, people-pleasing, toxic relationships, fear of rejection, social media validation, and even burnout in helpers/caregivers.“When your self-worth depends on other people’s opinions, you’ll abandon yourself just to avoid rejection.”Approval Addiction Is a Real AddictionJoyce Meyer in her book, "Approval Addiction" compares people-pleasing to addiction because it controls behavior. People become emotionally dependent on acceptance, praise, validation, and being “liked.” * “What happens when approval becomes emotional oxygen?”* “How many of us lost ourselves trying to keep everyone else comfortable?”* addiction recovery* codependency* enabling* social media validation* unhealthy relationshipsSome Points to think about...How many of us in recovery are sober… but still emotionally imprisoned by other people’s opinions?Mature recovery means learning that someone being unhappy with you does not mean you are bad.What if your value never depended on your performance in the first place?Ask yourself this: At some point in recovery, we all have to decide:Will I disappoint myself to keep others comfortable…or disappoint others to finally become free?Thank you as always for joining! Big Hugs and lots of Love, Amy & [email protected]

Hey Y'all!We were reading out of the Daily Affirmations by Tian Dayton "Forgiving and Moving On...Came across the reading from April 27th and had to dive deeper!In this episode of 🎙️Southern Sober & Sassy, we get real about the emotional walls we built as children just trying to survive.We talk about that deep, raw truth:We were born dependent.We needed safety, love, and consistency… and when that broke, something in us did too.So what did we do?We adapted.We built walls out of:• unspoken grief• resentment• fear• self-protection disguised as strengthAnd now, as adults in recovery, those same walls are keeping us disconnected—from others, from ourselves, and from God.This episode walks you through the shift:from “no one understands me” to “I can finally feel what I never got to feel”Because healing isn’t about becoming stronger…It’s about becoming safe enough to be soft again. “Unless you become like little children…” – Bible, Matthew 18:3We unpack what it really means to return to that childlike place—not broken, but open—and how that’s where connection with your Higher Power begins.Always here for you ! Amy & Kristy. [email protected]

🎙️ Southern Sober & Sassy: Slam the 🚪 DOOR❣️At some point in recovery, growth requires a decision—not to crack the door, not to peek back—but to slam it shut.In this episode of Southern Sober & Sassy, we’re talking about what it really means to slam the door:* On relationships that keep you stuck* On behaviors that no longer serve you* On patterns that once felt comfortable but now cost you your peaceBecause here’s the truth—recovery isn’t just about letting go… it’s about closing access.We dive into the emotional weight behind those decisions—the guilt, the fear, the second-guessing—and why leaving the door even slightly open can keep us tethered to the very things we’re trying to heal from.This conversation is bold, honest, and empowering. It’s about choosing alignment over attachment, peace over people-pleasing, and growth over going back.✨ If you’re ready to stop negotiating with what’s hurting you…✨ If you’re tired of revisiting what God already removed…✨ If you’re ready to fully walk forward…It might be time to slam the door.Always here for you all! Amy & [email protected]

Hey Y'all! “Today we’re talking about something that breaks a lot of hearts in the world of addiction… and that’s enabling.Families often say to me, ‘I didn’t mean to enable them… I was just trying to help.’ The truth is — most enabling doesn’t come from weakness. It comes from love, fear, guilt, and desperation. So today we’re going to unpack the real question:Why do families enable someone they love in active addiction?And even more importantly…how do we move from enabling to empowering recovery?”Always here for you! [email protected] Love! Amy & Kristy

Hey y’all… welcome back to Southern, Sober & Sassy — where we keep recovery real, raw, and wrapped in a little bit of grace.Today Amy & Kristy are talking about something that can feel… a little big when we first hear it in recovery.Spirituality.Now listen — when we first got sober, if you had told us spirituality was going to be part of our healing, We probably would’ve smiled politely… and then quietly panicked on the inside.Because WE thought spirituality meant WE had to have it all figured out.Spoiler alert: We did not.And truthfully? You don’t have to either.Today we’re breaking it down to the real basics of spiritual growth in recovery — the three simple but powerful principles:✨ Honesty✨ Willingness✨ Open-mindednessHoney, this is where it all begins.We are here for you! Reach out, [email protected] Love, Amy & Kristy

🎙️ Southern Sober & Sassy Podcast — “Lighting a 🔥 Fire in the Cold”Today’s episode was sparked by something we have been seeing and feeling a lot lately — the cold. Not just the weather, but the emotional cold that settles into families living in unhealthy patterns, addiction cycles, and enabling dynamics. When things feel frozen, stuck, and hard to move… it can seem easier to stay where we are.But here’s the truth: sometimes the cold is the very thing that reminds us to build a fire.In this episode, Kristy and Amy talk about what it means to “light a fire” under the behaviors that keep us trapped — the silence, the rescuing, the walking on eggshells, the patterns that feel loving but are actually enabling. Families often don’t mean to participate in unhealthy cycles. We do it out of fear. Out of love. Out of habit. Out of exhaustion.But warmth doesn’t come from staying still.It comes from action.Lighting a 🔥fire means:
• Saying the hard thing with love
• Setting a boundary even when it’s uncomfortable
• Choosing growth over guilt
• Refusing to participate in the same patterns
• Doing something different — even if your voice shakesChange doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with a spark. A decision. A moment where you say, “We can’t keep living like this.”And here’s the beautiful part — when one person changes, the whole room gets warmer.Families in recovery don’t need more shame. They need courage. They need permission to step out of old roles. They need action.So if things have felt cold in your home, your heart, or your relationships, maybe this is your reminder:Light the🔥 fire.
Warm up the space.
Let your actions lead the way.Because healing doesn’t happen by staying frozen.
It happens when someone is brave enough to strike the match. 🔥We are here for you! Amy & Kristy [email protected]

“Beautiful things don’t Beg”Y’all, let’s talk about relationships today. Because here’s the truth: beautiful things don’t beg. Healthy love doesn’t beg. Dignity doesn’t beg. And if you find yourself begging—begging for attention, begging for commitment, begging for basic respect—then it’s time to ask yourself, why am I fighting to keep something that doesn’t even want to be kept?Now, don’t get me wrong—relationships take work. They take compromise. But there’s a big difference between effort and begging. Effort is two people meeting each other halfway. Begging is one person crawling, while the other one sits back watching.If you’re in recovery, this hits even harder. Because when we start to heal, our spirit craves honesty, peace, and freedom. But sometimes we’re still attached to people who benefit from our brokenness. And when we start to get well, they pull away. And what do we do? We beg. We bargain. We try to shrink ourselves just to keep them. Here’s the thing, sugar: what is meant for you will never require you to beg. Real love doesn’t hide from you, it doesn’t confuse you, and it sure as heck doesn’t make you question your worth every single day. Begging is a symptom of fear.Fear of being alone, fear of starting over, fear that maybe we’re not enough. But begging never turns a toxic relationship healthy. It just prolongs your suffering. I’ll tell you this: if you have to beg for scraps, it’s not love—it’s crumbs. And you deserve a whole meal.So if you’re listening today and you’re in that spot where you feel yourself begging—whether it’s for love, attention, or respect—I want you to pause. Take a deep breath. And remember this: beautiful things do not beg. You are the beautiful thing, and the right person? They won’t need convincing. They’ll already see it.We are here for you! Kristy & Amy - [email protected]

Southern Sober and Sassy is where grit meets grace in recovery. Hosted by women who’ve walked through hell and came out healed, this podcast serves up real talk with a Southern twist—faith-filled, fierce, and free. Whether you’re new to sobriety or deep in the trenches, we’re here to remind you that healing isn’t linear, and being okay with the past and the process is a victory worth celebrating. Expect raw stories, honest conversations, and unfiltered sass—all wrapped in love, laughter, and the power of recovery.Thank you all for listening! Always here for [email protected] and Amy

Here on Southern Sober & Sassy, we don’t run from feelings — we own ‘em, sass and all.”In recovery, we don’t just put down the drink🍹🍺🍷or the drug 💉💊we learn to feel again.For so long, we ran. 🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️We numbed. We avoided🚫 pain at all costs. But real healing ❤️‍🩹 begins when we stop 🛑 being afraid 😱 of our own emotions.Today, I don’t have to fear sadness, anger, grief, or even joy. I don’t have to shove it down or mask 🎭it with a substance.I get to feel it all — and that is true freedom.♥️🤍💙Feelings are not facts. They don’t last forever.But facing them — with honesty, support, and faith — is how we grow.🌻Recovery gave US back our heart… ♥️ and taught me how to live with it.🕊️ One feeling at a time, one day at a time.Thank you for listening, Kristy and Amy are here for you!! [email protected]

hey y’all, and welcome back to Southern, Sober, and Sassy — The podcast where recovery meets real talk, a little bit of Jesus, and a whole lotta sass! We are your hosts Kristy and Amy, and today we are diving deep into one of the slipperiest snakes in the emotional toolbox… projection. That’s right — when our inner chaos starts showing up on other people like it’s their problem? Yeah, we’re going there.We’re pulling from one of my favorite truth-telling resources in recovery, Addictive Thinking by Dr. Abraham Twerski — a must-read if you’ve ever tried to gaslight yourself into believing your mess wasn’t your mess.So grab your coffee, your journal, or whatever helps you keep it honest — because today, we’re shining a big ol’ light on the lies we tell ourselves, and how projection keeps us stuck. And don’t worry — we’ll laugh a little, pray a little, and call ourselves out with love… Southern style. Always here for ya! Kristy & Amy. [email protected]

“Hey y’all, welcome back to Southern, Sober, and Sassy—where sweet tea meets truth talk and sobriety meets soul. We are your host, Kristy and Amy, and today we’re gettin’ real about one of the trickiest but most transformational concepts in recovery: ‘Principles Before Personalities.’ Or as I like to say—take the dang name tag off, honey!”Don’t forget—recovery ain’t a popularity contest. Keep it real, keep it honest, and keep them principles first. Thanks Y'all! - Virtual Hugs..Kristy & [email protected]

Welcome to Southern, Sober, and Sassy, where grit meets grace on the road to recovery and healing. In this season’s theme, Pieces for Peace, we explore how life is like a giant, messy puzzle—each experience, relationship, and lesson a piece that doesn’t always make sense on its own. From the heartbreaks to the breakthroughs, the sober wins to the sassy wisdom, we’re piecing it all together to find the kind of peace that isn’t just quiet—it’s powerful. Because sometimes, the parts of us we once tried to hide are the exact pieces that complete our picture. Join me as we embrace the chaos, celebrate the healing, and fit the broken bits into something beautiful.Thanks y'all!

Southern, Sober & Sassy: Easter EditionJoin us as we take a stroll down memory lane—bless our hearts—as we spill the sweet tea on Easters past: some sober, some… not so much. From jellybean hangovers to sunrise services with clear eyes (and clearer souls), we’re keeping it raw, real, and ridiculously Southern. Whether you’re here for the redemption or the ridiculous, this episode’s got all the grace, grit, and giggles you need this Easter season.

Happy 17 years in Recovery Kristy!“Go to any lengths” is a pivotal phrase in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, underscoring the idea that true recovery requires complete willingness and determination. By committing to “any lengths,” WE are reminded that sobriety isn’t just about abstaining from substances, but about embracing a transformative lifestyle. This call to action is meant to instill hope, as it affirms that no matter how far down one has gone, genuine freedom is possible if they remain open-minded, honest, and ready to do whatever it takes to stay sober.Thank you all for listening! We are here if you need us, [email protected]

Kristy and I talk about Recovery and Relationships and HOW IMPORTANT they are for us ALL in Recovery!Thank you all for listening! Big Virtual Hugs from us to you!We are always here for you, you can reach out to [email protected]

Thank you for joining! Joey K, my dear friend has a black belt in Al-Anon. She lives in California with her husband David who celebrated 20 years in Recovery on St. Patricks Day! She shares her story and how she became part of the Al-Anon Community. Addiction and Alcoholism is truly a Family Dis-ease.You can reach Joey K. - https://www.coachdavidmalow.com

Hey Y'a'll! Thank you for joining.Kristy shares today an AL-Anon brochure - "Alcoholism, A Merry Go-Round Named Denial"Such Great Content and we both are Grateful you joined us! Here are the resources we recommend:https://al-anon.org/https://coda.org/https://adultchildren.org/

Thank you for joining us! We are talking about getting sober and how to stop the generational trauma with our children and others as we pursue Recovery. Here for you! We reference and recommend the book, "Taming your Outer Child" by: Susan Anderson & "The Body keeps Score" by: Bessel Van Der Kolk [email protected] & Kristy

Hi! I wanted to lay out a base for speaking about trauma over the next few podcast episodes.Realizing that my own personal "trauma had commas's " was eye opening, and appreciate my Recovery as my healing from within is no longer as traumatic! - Amy [email protected]

Amy C. and Kristy S. utilize the book, "The Loving Parent Guidebook" from Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families.We dive into Chapter 11 to Recognize when our "Stinking Thinking" tries to navigate our mind, body and soul.Thank you for listening! We are here for you, [email protected]

We are excited to kick this New Year off and talk about #grace.We discuss some content from the book -"The Power of a Clear Conscience" By: Erwin W. LutzerWhat stood out to me what is Chapter 5 titled "Characteristics of Addictions" The Author speaks about "GRACE"The 3rd Characteristic was :"Grace does not enter closed doors".Open your door to your heart, mind and soul, and let's get Sober! Amy & Kristy

Happy Holidays! (2024)Kristy and I are talking about the acronym, SAW (we made it up.) SilenceAwarenessWisdomGod, Grant ME the Serenity to Accept the Things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.Learning that Silence speaks Volumes, and sometimes WE don't like it! Thank you for hanging out with us, and we are wishing you ALL a Happy Holiday Season! #serenityprayer #recovery #southern #sober #sassy

Amy & Kristy share about the Lies that Active Addiction tells us that keeps us sick. Even after getting Sober, we all have experienced lies from others and even the biggest lie of undeserving of the beautiful gift of Recovery, we can at times, tell ourselves. Thank you for listening!

Kristy's Story is powerful!We have been friends now for almost 2 years. We all have friends we are blessed to meet in Recovery. She is definitely one of my best!She will be joining me on this Podcast and so excited for you to hear her story!

Hey Y'all~Thank you for joining today, we have a choice everyday to either pick up the Handle of Faith or Fear. I strive daily to pick up the "Kettlebell" of Faith. Thank you KJ Love for joining.

Quoting Oprah Winfrey - "Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."Thank you all for listening!

Excited to collaborate with my sister in Recovery, Kelly. My story, just like YOURS matters! My name is Amy and my past roller coaster journey of this beautiful thing called “life” has given me the opportunity to provide you and those around you the guidance to work through addiction, unhealthy behaviors, unresolved trauma, and family dynamics. I truly believe that we are ALL worthy of healing!Thank you and I am looking forward to getting to know you all.