Strong And Sober Podcast

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 Strong and Sober, Cristina opens up about medical discrimination, emotional eating, identity changes after massive weight loss, and why she’s now pursuing a path to become a nutritionist and trainer to help others who feel overlooked and hopeless. We also talk about self-worth, mental health, rebuilding habits, and how differently the world treats people based on appearance.This is a raw, honest conversation about survival, resilience, and becoming the person you thought was impossible to become.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

This is not the end, it's a shift.

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 themes of isolation and mental health, we dive into what these songs are really saying—and why so many people miss it.It’s not just about music. It’s about how easy it is to overlook what’s right in front of us.Some of the darkest stories… are hidden inside the catchiest songs.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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.We get into how to recognize it, challenge it, and stop letting it control your decisions, even when it sounds convincing.You don’t need to silence the voice.You just need to stop obeying it.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 silence.We talk about our own experiences with depression, the pressure on men to suppress what they feel, and why so many people avoid getting help. From stigma and access to treatment, to the role of fitness, routine, and connection, this episode is about opening the conversation—not fixing it.If you’ve ever felt like you had to carry everything alone, this one’s for you.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] New episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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, why healthy habits feel harder at first, and how your brain has to relearn what “feeling good” really means.The problem isn’t you.It’s what you’ve been trained to enjoy.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on Instagram.Send questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 loss, sobriety, and everyday habits — and what it actually takes to push through it.Your brain isn’t broken. It’s doing its job.The question is… are you willing to fight it?If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected]

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 version of himself he calls “the animal.”We talk about how success can mask addiction, how ego and alcohol amplify each other, what finally led to his sobriety on July 22, 2024, and what it’s like when people are still waiting for the old you to show back up.This isn’t a story about rock bottom. It’s about identity, masculinity, and redefining strength when the noise is gone.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 multiple recovery attempts, the role of physical transformation in his sobriety, why he believes everyone can benefit from the 12 steps, and how peer support changed everything.Matthew also hosts his own podcast, My Last Relapse, where he continues to share honest conversations about addiction and recovery.This episode isn’t polished. It’s real. And it’s a powerful reminder that rock bottom doesn’t have to be the end.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 to push forward without losing your foundation.If you’ve ever felt stuck between your past and your potential, this conversation is for you.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 key to change.Hard isn’t the problem. Avoiding it is.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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, medication-assisted treatment, motherhood, body image, and how strength training became a tool for structure, discipline, and self-respect. This isn’t a polished recovery story. It’s real life, real work, and real growth.If you’ve ever wondered why relapse happens, why white-knuckling sobriety doesn’t work, or what it actually takes to build a life worth protecting, this episode is for you.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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. Just real stories and honest reflection.We share personal moments where life taught us something quietly, awkwardly, or completely out of the blue, and why those lessons often stick longer than the ones we plan for.This episode is about paying attention, staying open, and realizing that growth doesn’t always announce itself when it shows up.If you haven't already please rate and subscribe to the show.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or requests to be a guest on the show to [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 them into realistic systems instead of relying on motivation.If you’ve ever started strong and burned out fast, this episode is for you.Please consider following and rating the show. It really helps us help others.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, success stories or to be a guest on the show, email [email protected] episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 him toward real change. Nothing is glamorized. Nothing is held back.This episode is for anyone in recovery, anyone struggling in silence, and anyone who needs to hear that no matter how far things have gone, recovery is possible.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.Follow Strong and Sober on Instagram @strongandsoberpodcast

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 could rate us that would be a huge help.Follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcast and send any questions, comments, success stories or requests for advice to [email protected]

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 it, if you could rate us that would be a huge help.Follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend questions or stories: [email protected]

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 be a huge help.Follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend questions, stories, or requests to: [email protected]

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 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 Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend questions, stories, or requests to: [email protected]

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 Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend questions or stories to: [email protected]

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 could rate us that would be a huge help.Follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcast and send any questions, comments, success stories, or requests for advice to [email protected]

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 takes to live intentionally in a world full of distractions.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 Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcast and send any questions, comments, success stories, or requests for advice to [email protected]

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 be a huge help.Follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcast and send any questions, comments, success stories or requests for advice to [email protected]

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 behind “starting over”Why most people don’t fail—they pauseHow to rebuild momentum when you feel stuckPractical tools to restart your journey without shameYou don’t need a Monday. You don’t need January. You just need today. Let's get back on track—together.

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 perfection—it’s about progress, mindset, and creating strength from the inside out.In this episode:How Jordan got into training, veganism, and coachingTips for building muscle and eating well on a plant-based dietWhat holds people back from starting—and how to overcome itThe mental side of strength, discipline, and showing up every dayWhether you're a beginner, plant-curious, or just need a push—this one's for you.

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 fixes—it’s about the real, lived experience of moving through the world in a body that feels like a burden.In this episode:The anxiety of walking into a gym when you already feel judgedAvoiding pools, tight clothes, mirrors, and camerasStruggling with basic movements—and pretending it’s fineLiving with the guilt of “knowing better” but still feeling stuckHow we learned to carry the weight differently—mentally, physically, emotionallyIf you've ever felt like you're the only one silently suffering, this episode is for you. You're not alone—and your worth has never been measured in pounds.

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 mornings, and moments of clarity you didn’t see coming.In this episode:What sobriety taught us about control, ego, and emotional maturityHow we learned to feel everything without runningWhat changes in friendships, identity, and purposeWhy the work doesn’t end—but the rewards keep growingThis is about becoming a person you’re proud to wake up as—and learning how to live a life that doesn't need escaping.

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, this conversation is packed with approachable advice, myth-busting, and a whole lot of motivation.🎧 Out now on Strong and Sober. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Please subscribe and rate the show. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend all questions, comments, success stories etc to [email protected]

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 change, and how martial arts became both a mirror and a lifeline in her recovery.Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that discipline, community, and courage can pull us out of even the darkest places.Please follow us on Instagram: @StrongandSoberPodcastSend any questions, comments, success stories or advice requests to [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 the work to believe you deserve a better life.In this episode:How addiction breaks your confidence—and how to take it backRelearning trust in yourself, one decision at a timeThe role of fitness, routine, and self-respect in rebuilding identityWhy confidence isn’t loud—it’s consistentIf you’re starting over, doubting your worth, or wondering if you’ll ever feel “normal” again—this one’s for you.Please follow us on instagram @StrongAndSoberPodcastSend us your questions, comments, success stories or anything else to [email protected]

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 with being fully awake in a world that often wants you numb.In this episode:The difference between existing and livingWhy presence is the ultimate flexHow to stop checking out when things get hardThe unexpected joy (and discomfort) of living life soberThis one’s for anyone who’s ready to stop running and start showing up—for themselves, and for the life they deserve.Please follow us on instagram @StrongAndSoberPodcastSend us your questions, comments, success stories or anything else to [email protected]

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 episode gives you real tools and mindset shifts to make your progress last.Follow @StrongAndSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments, suggestions etc [email protected]

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 life—without drugs, alcohol, or self-destruction🧠 The mental battles that still show up after getting clean💪 How fitness, routine, and mindset became anchors in his recovery💬 The importance of community, boundaries, and staying honest with yourself🙌 What he's learned—and what he wants others to know about getting betterThis episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. About showing up, staying real, and proving to yourself every day that you’re not the same person you used to be.Durt’s journey is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can climb back—stronger, wiser, and sober.Follow us on Instagram @StrongAndSoberPodcast or you can send any questions, comments, success stories or just looking for advice to [email protected]

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 days of rebuilding a life from the ground up.In this episode:🚨 Durt’s descent into meth addiction and alcoholism⚡ The rock bottom moment that finally broke through the denial🔄 The painful, messy first steps into sobriety—and why quitting meth is a war of its own💬 Honest reflections on shame, family, and finding a reason to keep goingThis is a story of grit, growth, and the brutal truth of recovery. Whether you’re in it, watching someone you love go through it, or just want to understand it—this is what real transformation sounds like.Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Durt’s life in recovery, the lessons he’s learned, and how he stays strong and sober today.Follow us on Instagram @StrongAndSoberPodcast or you can send any questions, comments, success stories or just looking for advice to [email protected]

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 through sweat—but still felt empty after the workout ended. Because transformation isn’t just physical. The real work is internal.Send questions, comments and suggestions to [email protected]

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, self-awareness, and early action can redirect your path—before chaos does.Join us as we redefine “rock bottom” and reaffirm that recovery can begin from the first moment you decide it's time.Follow @StrongAndSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments and suggestions to [email protected]

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 made the change stick—the mental strength it takes to stop running from yourself and start fighting for yourself.This episode is about more than pounds lost. It’s about identity, self-worth, and choosing growth—day after day.Whether you’re just starting or struggling to stay the course, this one is for you.Follow @StrongAndSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments and suggestions to [email protected]

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 one tells you about the process.If you’re on the edge, in the middle of the fight, or looking for hope, this one’s for you. There’s no sugar-coating here—just real stories, hard-earned wisdom, and the strength that comes from choosing a new path.Follow @StrongAndSoberPodcast on InstagramSend questions, comments and suggestions to [email protected]

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 transformation isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about building something better.Whether you're sober-curious, deep into recovery, or just looking to level up mentally, physically, or emotionally—this show is for you.Let’s walk the path together. One rep. One meal. One day at a time.Follow @StrongandSoberPodcast on instagram.Send questions, comments and suggestions to [email protected]