The Sober New Yorker

What if the key to freedom isn't admitting you're powerless—but discovering just how powerful you really are?In this episode, Melissa sits down with Lauren Fay—author of Blurred Lines, alcohol-free empowerment coach, Reiki Master Teacher, former collegiate athlete, and eight years sober—to challenge traditional recovery narratives and explore a different way of thinking about alcohol.Together, they discuss powerlessness versus personal power, self-trust, and what becomes possible when we stop seeing ourselves as broken and start reclaiming our agency.Because maybe the question isn't whether you're powerless over alcohol—it's whether you've forgotten how powerful you truly are.Lauren's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laurenfaycoaching/Get her book!https://laurenfay.co/book

Lisa Smith is the author of the acclaimed memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar, a candid and powerful account of her journey from addiction to recovery. A former high-powered New York City attorney, Lisa struggled with a high-functioning alcohol and cocaine addiction before finding lasting sobriety.Now 22 years alcohol- and drug-free, Lisa is a leading voice in the recovery community. She is the award-winning host of the podcast Recovery Rocks, co-creator of The Sobriety Deck, and a sought-after speaker and advocate. Through her writing, podcasting, and recovery work, Lisa continues to inspire others by sharing her experience with honesty, humor, and hope.In this conversation, Lisa reflects on writing her memoir years after its publication, what recovery looks like more than two decades later, and why getting sober had to be something she did for herself.Get her book:https://lisasmithadvisory.com/about-the-book/Follow her on Socials:https://www.instagram.com/lisasmithwrites/

This week, I'm joined by Jon Gustin—better known as The Tired Dad and author of the new book The Tired Dad: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most. Jon opens up about his journey from numbing with alcohol to living with intention, honesty, and presence. We talk shame, sobriety, mental health, fatherhood, and what it really takes to stop escaping and start feeling your life again.Jon's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thetireddad/Buy his book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784324/the-tired-dad-by-jon-gustin/

Adriana is a liver failure survivor who was given a second chance at life after alcohol nearly took everything from her. Now alcohol-free, she uses her social media platform to break the stigma around recovery, inspire others to step out of the shadows, and share why sobriety has been the best gift she's ever given herself and her family. A proud New Yorker, Adriana brings grit, honesty, and plenty of badassery to her mission of helping others find hope and healing.Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theadgeofsobriety/Join me for NYC Sober October Retreat!https://www.soberincentralpark.com/nyc-fall-retreatSave $500 when you pay in full! Code: NYC500

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brett Kessler — former President of the American Dental Association, triathlete, husband, father, and a man whose life has been completely transformed through recovery. Now almost 28 years sober, Dr. Brett shares his journey from addiction and self-destruction to becoming a powerful force for healing and service.We talk about the role recovery played in rebuilding his life, career, and purpose, and how he became known for helping people struggling with addiction restore their smiles after years of damage from methamphetamine and substance use — often paying for the work himself simply because he wanted to give back.This conversation is full of hope, resilience, perspective, and positivity. Dr. Brett is living proof that recovery doesn’t just change your life — it allows you to become the kind of person who changes the lives of others.Follow Dr. Brett:https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/https://bikodds.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brett-kessler/

In this episode, Sydney shares the many layers of rock bottom that ultimately led her to an alcohol-free life — including the unexpected moment that finally clicked for her: realizing there was a bar car on the train she was taking. What once felt normal suddenly became impossible to ignore.Now over two years sober, Sydney has completely transformed her life. She’s embraced running, built a huge community on TikTok, and is living proof that sobriety doesn’t make life smaller — it makes it bigger, freer, and far more badass. This conversation is honest, funny, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that change is possible at any stage.Follow Sydney:TikTok 😜 www.tiktok.com/@sydleemac?_r=1&_t=ZT-91BjUm2me3zhttps://www.instagram.com/sobersyd/https://www.sydneymacalister.com/

Karolina Rzadkowolska is a bestselling author, alcohol-free empowerment expert, and founder of Euphoric, a global movement helping women transform their relationship with alcohol. She is the author of Euphoric and has helped thousands of women create healthier, more fulfilling lives without alcohol.On a personal level, Karolina is also my mentor and the woman I completed my coaching certification with. I deeply connect with her approach to changing subconscious beliefs around alcohol and the empowering way she helps women redefine what’s possible alcohol-free.Follow Karolina:https://www.instagram.com/euphoric.af/Join my Happier Hour group:https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJ

Today I’m joined by Christina, a San Diego–based embodiment coach and somatics practitioner who helps women reconnect with themselves, rebuild self-trust, and feel more at home in their bodies. In this episode, we talk about Christina’s personal journey, what led her to this work, how she’s doing today, and the healing power of embodiment, connection, and movement. We also talk about the importance of community, learning to trust yourself again, and yes… when we can finally dance together.Follow Christina on IG:https://www.instagram.com/itschristinahorn/

Melissa (The Sober New Yorker) and Rachel (Sober in Central Park) are fresh off their very first NYC sober retreat—and still buzzing.In this episode, they share the magic of a weekend that brought women from around the country together for connection, laughter, breakthroughs, and experiencing New York City fully alcohol-free.This is just the beginning.✨ Want to join a future retreat?Fill out the form below to get on our list and be the first to know what’s next:https://forms.gle/CY1BgAdqeKEV9Zi29

Jaime Anderson is an alcohol-free coach based in Seattle, Washington, who helps women build confidence and create a life they genuinely love without alcohol.Three and a half years alcohol-free herself, Jaime believes that letting go of alcohol isn’t about losing something—it’s about gaining everything. Through her group programs and one-on-one coaching, she supports women in redefining their relationship with alcohol and stepping into a more intentional, fulfilling life.She’s a strong voice for the idea that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose something different—you just have to be ready for more.Jaime's website:https://www.amazinglyalcoholfree.com/aboutAnd Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amazinglyalcoholfree/

Nicole is a Northern California-based mom of five, recovery advocate, and a woman approaching four years of sobriety. After losing her father to alcohol use disorder, she made the courageous decision to change the trajectory of her own life in the middle of raising a busy family. Through working the steps and committing fully to her recovery, Nicole has built a life grounded in resilience, honesty, and purpose. Today, she uses her voice to support and inspire others navigating their own path to sobriety, proving that it’s never too late to choose differently.Follow Nicole on IG:https://www.instagram.com/cargonicole/

Andy Ramage is a leading voice in the alcohol-free movement, entrepreneur, and co-founder of OneYearNoBeer, a global platform helping people take a break from alcohol and transform their lives. After leaving a high-pressure career in finance, Andy has dedicated his work to helping others unlock more energy, clarity, and purpose without alcohol.He is the bestselling author of Let’s Do This! and the creator of Going Dry, an upcoming documentary exploring our relationship with alcohol and what’s possible when we step away from it.Andy’s work is especially meaningful to me—OneYearNoBeer was the program that kick-started my own sobriety journey back in 2019, making this conversation a true full-circle moment.Follow Andy:https://www.instagram.com/andyramageofficial/https://www.instagram.com/goingdrymovie/Craving Community? Come join my Happier Hour!https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJ

In this episode, I’m joined by Nikki Brown—a young mum from Sydney, writer, and social media pro—who’s breaking the mold of “wine mom” culture.After years of early exposure to drinking, solo nights at home, and the cycle of stopping and starting, Nikki made the decision to quit for good. Now 4.5 years alcohol-free, she’s showing young moms they don’t have to drink to cope, connect, or belong.Follow Nikki:https://www.instagram.com/vanillathickshakee/https://www.instagram.com/sobermumclub/

Meg Geisewite is a mom, speaker, and award-winning bestselling author who is redefining the narrative around mommy wine culture and our pro-drinking society. After beginning her sober curious journey in 2019, her passion for science led her to uncover the truth about alcohol and break free from grey area drinking. In her debut book, Intoxicating Lies, Meg challenges the beliefs that keep women stuck and disconnected from their worth. She is the founder of The Healing Hive, an emotional sobriety community, and is deeply committed to helping women reclaim their lives beyond alcohol.Follow Meg on social and subscribe to her community!https://www.instagram.com/intoxicatingliesbook/https://www.intoxicatinglies.com/thehealinghive

Sara Kaufman-Bradstreet is the founder of No More Wasted Days and has been alcohol-free since May 2019. She quit drinking on her own, not believing she had a “problem”—but two years into sobriety, she realized just how much alcohol had been impacting her life.Today, she helps others take breaks from alcohol through 30- and 100-day challenges, showing them what’s possible on the other side. After a few bumps along the way, Sara also celebrated one year weed-free in September 2025.Based in Western Washington, she and her husband spent four years building their home by hand. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her hiking, kayaking, or singing—she was a music teacher for 18 years.Follow Sara on Socials:https://www.instagram.com/no_more_wasted_days/

Chris Tompkins is a therapist, author, and speaker originally from Tucson, Arizona, now based in Los Angeles. He’s passionate about helping people heal shame and build self-worth from the inside out.After nearly 15 years of numbing pain with alcohol and drugs, Chris got sober in 2014—a turning point that continues to shape both his life and his work. Today, his recovery fuels his mission to help others break free from shame and reconnect with who they truly are.Chris' Socials:https://www.instagram.com/aroadtriptolove/https://www.facebook.com/aroadtriptolovehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christompkinslife/Join my Happier Hour Community!https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJGet my newsletter:https://thesobernewyorker.com/

Toni Will is a professional hockey executive, speaker, coach, and podcast host who is redefining what leadership can look like without alcohol. As the former General Manager and Governor of a men’s professional hockey team—an environment where drinking culture runs deep—Toni chose an alcohol-free lifestyle to gain clarity, strengthen her boundaries, and perform at a higher level.In this episode, The Alcohol-Free Executive, Toni shares her honest journey with alcohol, including taking a break, returning to drinking, and ultimately reevaluating her relationship with it. We talk about navigating sobriety in the culture of men’s professional sports, the role her supportive husband Josh played in asking the questions that helped her pause and reflect, and what leadership can look like when you choose clarity over cocktails.Toni's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/imtoniwill/Toni's Website:https://www.toniwill.com/

Marci Hopkins is the host of Wake Up with Marci and the author of Chaos to Clarity. After overcoming a chaotic childhood and years of personal struggle, she is now 10 years sober and committed to helping others turn their pain into purpose. Through her show, podcast, and writing, Marci shares stories of resilience, recovery, and transformation.Marci's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wake_up_with_marci/April 2nd Webinar:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R1SVJpqYRzmmh9q31LEM1w?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnLZ8nOQsv5QPP1W4oK9kgarnwcCdq5Jva-x2Y7cNFo3F77lDdyrjtPz5Jw4w_aem__DkPLeyDZNBExhb7BMBcDg#/registrationChaos to Clarity:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955272115/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_8XAHQN97RC844XPH2SQD_0?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnpVpPDJEPdFJSU86eAlcpK3rfuH-B6ykcONh3gInVsYz87nf5EbBIoYCC-kg_aem_7iXLVcNYXweqa5b2nJVfNw&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=igMy Happier Hour Group:https://thesobernewyorker.com/

I met Chris on a hike in Hollywood and within minutes we discovered we were both sober. Chris is retired, leads hikes in LA, has two grown sons, and has been in AA for 35 years.In this episode, I ask him all the AA questions I’ve always wanted to ask — about meetings, sponsorship, long-term sobriety, and what actually keeps someone alcohol-free for decades. Chris shares openly, with wisdom, humility, and plenty of laughs.If you’ve ever been curious about AA or what 35 years sober really looks like, this conversation is for you.

Dave Wilson (Sober Dave) joins me for an honest, no-BS conversation about choosing an alcohol-free life. We talk about how sobriety becomes something you get to do—not something you have to do—plus how we met in London, had some great laughs, and yes… there’s a funny story about my husband in there too.If you’re curious about what’s possible on the other side of drinking, this episode is for you.Follow Sober Dave on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/?hl=enWant more support?Join my Happier Hour community for just $29/month inside the Heartbeat app—a supportive space for women choosing an alcohol-free life with connection, coaching, and real talk.Join here: https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJ

Bri is a sober mom from Indiana who’s here to flip the script: sobriety isn’t something to whisper about—it’s something to celebrate out loud. Living an active, healthy life with her husband and two sons, she’s learned that the secret sauce to staying sober is helping others along the way. Bri is all about honest, real-deal conversations that spark connection, confidence, and a whole lot of pride in living alcohol-free.Follow Bri's badass adventures!https://www.instagram.com/brimarshallll/https://www.tiktok.com/@briinsobriety

Patrick is the founder of Zero Proof Pass, Milwaukee’s first non-alcoholic passport program, launched in July 2025. Based in downtown Milwaukee, he created Zero Proof Pass to challenge the idea that alcohol is required to fully experience the city. Through partnerships with bars, cafés, breweries, cocktail lounges, and nightclubs, the program makes zero-proof options more visible, accessible, and celebrated across Milwaukee.Growing up in Wisconsin—where drinking culture runs deep—Patrick’s relationship with alcohol wasn’t linear. He experimented with being alcohol-free before it finally stuck. Without a business background, but with a sharp eye for what was missing, he recognized that people who don’t drink are craving real connection and social experiences that don’t revolve around alcohol. Zero Proof Pass was born from that gap, helping to reshape what community and nightlife can look like without booze at the center.Connect with Patrick:https://www.instagram.com/414_milwaukee/https://zeroproofpass.com/

Frank Scarso lost everything to alcohol and drug addiction—his marriage, his children, his home, and his career. After a 20-year run on Wall Street ended in collapse, he slowly crawled his way back.Now over eight years sober, Frank is the CEO and Founder of Avanza Capital Holdings, a funding platform that has deployed more than $250M to small businesses across 48 states. He’s also a leading voice on recovery, redemption, and responsible leadership. His upcoming book, The Hard Way Home, tells the story of losing it all—and rebuilding a life rooted in purpose.Get in touch with Frank:https://avanza.nyc/about-us/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-scarso-989894118/

Polly Lovell is a UK-based sober and life coach who stopped drinking at 57 and proved it’s never too late to change your life. Now, she supports others in building healthier, more intentional lives—without alcohol—and loves strength training, walking, yoga, and fashion.Follow Polly on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sobercoachpolly/Polly's Website:https://www.sobercoachpolly.com/

Erica is a chef, homesteader, and founder of Chaotic Canning Co.—a small-batch canning company and apothecary she built from the ground up after nearly losing her life to organ failure caused by years of alcohol abuse and burnout. Sobriety forced her to slow down and rebuild everything—her health, her purpose, and her identity. Today, she shares her story to show that healing doesn’t have to look perfect—sometimes it looks like chaos in a mason jar.Follow Erica:https://www.instagram.com/chaoticcanning.co/https://chaoticcanning.com/

In this episode of The Sober New Yorker, Melissa talks with Casey McGuire Davidson — Life & Sobriety Coach and host of the Top 100 mental health podcast The Hello Someday Podcast — about why Dry January is such a powerful reset.A former red wine–loving corporate climber who quit drinking over a decade ago, Casey breaks down the real benefits of taking 30 days off alcohol, how it builds clarity and self-trust, and why Dry January can open the door to longer-term change — without pressure or labels.If you’re sober-curious or craving a fresh start, this conversation will change how you think about taking a break from alcohol.Casey's website:https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/caseymdavidson/Hello Someday Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hello-someday-podcast-for-sober-curious-women/id1508913688

Colleen ___ is a commercial fisherwoman of more than 30 years, a writer, and a woman who rebuilt herself from the deepest kind of loss. After losing her husband to alcohol-related suicide and battling decades of binge drinking herself, Colleen chose a new path — one of clarity, sobriety, self-respect, and truth. Now over four and a half years sober, she’s writing her debut book, Life Beyond the Binge, a raw and hopeful story about surviving addiction, grief, the sea, and herself.Stay up to date on Colleen:Freebie on her website!https://purepotential.health/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BzoknbUMkRVOt%2BnSyAAGQOw%3D%3DFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Pure-Potential-Health/61567862578775/For more info on my group coaching "Happier Hour" please email me: [email protected]

In this heartfelt conversation, Liz shares her journey from a chaotic life filled with addiction to finding sobriety and healing. She discusses her childhood struggles, the impact of alcohol in her adolescence, and the pivotal moments that led her to acknowledge her addiction. Liz emphasizes the importance of community support in recovery and shares her experiences of facing challenges along the way. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope, inspiring others to seek help and embrace their own journeys to recovery.

Mitch — known as Mitch Motivates on Instagram — is the author of My Addiction My Superpower and a powerful voice in the recovery community. Though he grew up in a loving, supportive home, he was drawn to risk from an early age and fell into substance use young. With the help of his family and a transformative stay in rehab, Mitch turned his life around. Now, 20 years sober, he shares his story through his writing and podcast conversations, showing others how addiction became the catalyst for his greatest strength.Follow him on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mitchmotivates/Buy his book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=my+addiction+my+superpower&crid=FXUI6FK84RV6&sprefix=my+addiction+my+superpower%2Caps%2C92&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Chester, a Montréal musician, spiraled into addiction through years of heartbreak, anxiety, and hard-partying tours. Alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed his life until he finally surrendered and got sober. Now he’s a full-time artist experiencing music with a clarity he never thought possible. His journey is a raw, honest look at resilience and rebirth.Follow him on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chester_alarie/Our Sober Motivation Community. Sign up for a free 30 day trial:https://sobermotivation.mn.co/share/U8aWhgssczqJAikG?utm_source=manual

Nadine, known to many as The Sober Butterfly, is a proud New Yorker, educator, podcaster, and expert sober traveler who’s been living alcohol-free for over four years. Through her podcast and vibrant online presence, she inspires others to embrace sobriety as a path to freedom, exploration, and self-discovery.In this conversation, Nadine opens up with raw honesty about the realities of content creation, Instagram burnout, and a high-functioning depressive episode that reminded her—and all of us—that even in sobriety, mental health matters. Her vulnerability is a powerful reminder that taking breaks, slowing down, and honoring our well-being is not weakness—it’s self-respect.Folow Nadine on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the.soberbutterfly/

Megan Wilcox is the founder of the SobahSistahs Empowerment Club, where she helps women embrace alcohol-free living with confidence, joy, and sisterhood. Coming up on five years of sobriety, she’s a powerhouse coach, retreat leader, and a featured voice in an upcoming documentary on the sober movement set to release later this year. Megan is also currently writing her first book, continuing her mission to make sobriety a true celebration of life.You can hear Megan and me together on the Sobriety Is the New Epic Virtual Speaker Series, launching November 10th — follow my registration link to save your spot!Sober is the New Epic - Speaker Series:speakerseries.soberadventurecollective.com/melissaFollow Megan and the Sobah Sistahs on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sobahsistahs/

Lisa is a women’s empowerment and running coach based in upstate New York. Through her coaching and her Ella Go Podcast, she inspires women to find strength, confidence, and community through movement—both on and off the pavement. Lisa leads both virtual and in-person running groups, helping women tap into their inner power and resilience.In this episode, Lisa opens up about the moment she realized a friend’s drinking had crossed a line—and the courage it took to speak up. What began as a difficult and emotional conversation led to unexpected healing and transformation, not only for her friend but for Lisa herself.Together, Melissa and Lisa explore what it takes to lovingly confront someone who may be struggling with alcohol, why so many people avoid these conversations, and how compassion and courage can change everything.Lisa's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellagocoaching/Ella Go Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ella-go-podcast/id1508916576

In this episode, Melissa sits down with playwright and director Sean Daniels, the creative force behind The White Chip and Executive Director of the Recovery Arts Project. Sean shares how his own journey through addiction and sobriety inspired his groundbreaking play and how he’s using the arts to challenge stigma and spark new conversations about recovery. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about storytelling, healing, and the power of turning pain into purpose.Follow Sean on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seanddaniels/Donate to Recovery Arts Project:https://www.bigvision.nyc/recovery-arts-projectRecovery Horror Film Reading:https://www.bigvision.nyc/calendar/horror-film-reading

Just 30 days after quitting drinking, Dr. Sheri Lake survived a head-on collision that nearly took her life. That experience not only deepened her sobriety, but opened a powerful connection to her intuition and the spiritual world. Today, Sheri shares how self-trust guides her healing — and how her journey led her to offer angel readings that help others find clarity and hope.Listen in for a story of resilience, spiritual awakening, and the extraordinary life that sobriety makes possible.Sheri's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/drsherilake/Get in touch:https://sherilake.com/

In this episode, Melissa and Brad share the magic of the very first Sober Motivation Community in-person meetup in Toronto, Canada. After years of connecting only through screens and social posts, the community finally gathered face-to-face, forging bonds that felt both immediate and deeply familiar. Together, Melissa and Brad swap stories from the weekend, reflect on the power of shared alcohol-free living, and explore how these meetups open the door to honest conversations we don’t always have in everyday life. It’s a celebration of connection, courage, and the freedom of choosing sobriety—together.Follow Sober Motivation and Brad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/

This week I’m celebrating two milestones: my 50th episode and my 54th birthday. I’m reflecting on three birthdays—my "crashing" 19th, my shaky first sober one at six weeks alcohol-free, and today’s milestone fresh off an unforgettable sober meetup in Toronto.I’m beyond grateful to everyone who’s helped me get here—especially you, my listeners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for tuning in, for sharing space with my stories and interviews, and for reminding me that sober storytelling matters. My hope is that these episodes inspire you to make bold choices and become the badass you already are.Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesobernewyorker/Sober Motivation - FREE 30 Day Trial:https://sobermotivation.mn.co/share/U8aWhgssczqJAikG?utm_source=manual

Melanie Curtis is a world-record skydiver turned keynote speaker and peak performance coach with over 12,000 jumps and 30 years of experience leading and coaching worldwide. Eight years sober, she shares openly about her journey and how psychedelic medicines played a powerful role in her healing. Today, she uses her platform to shift the narrative around their potential and to inspire transformation. With heart, humor, and real tools for growth, Melanie empowers audiences to rise into their untapped potential and take bold leaps—in life, in leadership, and in themselves.Follow Melanie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/melaniecurtis11/Book her to speak!https://melaniecurtis.com/

Kim Bellas is the inspiring founder of Sober Is the New Cool, a global movement redefining what it means to live alcohol-free. Her journey began when her teenage son was diagnosed with epilepsy and told he would never be able to drink. Determined to support him, Kim promised to go alcohol-free herself—ironically while holding a glass of wine. What started as a 30-day challenge turned into 60 days, and eventually 12 years. Today, Kim stands as one of the leading voices in the sobriety space.Through Sober Is the New Cool, Kim has become a beacon of positivity, resilience, and empowerment, showing the world that living sober isn’t just healthy—it’s powerful, stylish, and, yes, the new cool. She’s a beautiful ray of sunshine who inspires countless people to embrace sobriety with pride, and it was truly an honor to sit down with her for this conversation.Be sure to follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sober.is.the.new.cool/The beautiful book Kim mentioned in the podcast:https://www.amylizharrison.com/mybooks

Rachel Hechtman is a certified life coach, content creator, and founder of Sober in Central Park—a vibrant community redefining what it means to live alcohol-free.Since beginning her sobriety journey on January 3, 2021, Rachel has become a leading voice in the sober movement, using storytelling, mindset work, and social media to help others break free from limiting beliefs and create lives they love.She consults for non-alcoholic brands, hosts wellness events across NYC and The Hamptons, and is building Soft Bar—a non-alcoholic bar and event space designed to reshape how we connect, celebrate, and socialize.Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/soberincentralpark/Next time you're in Brooklyn, check out SoftBar:https://www.instagram.com/softbarcafe/

Steve is a Sarasota, Florida–based Physical Therapist Assistant who once lived and breathed the craft beer lifestyle. What started as a hobby turned into a habit—and eventually into major health concerns. At over 100 pounds overweight, Steve realized he was a ticking time bomb. On New Year’s Eve 2022, he made a life-changing decision: he set down his last craft beer.Now two years and eight months sober, Steve has transformed his life in remarkable ways. He recently celebrated his 58th birthday by joining The Sober New Yorker podcast, where he shared his story with humor, honesty, and plenty of laughs. Steve is also the host of The Craft Free Podcast, where he dives deep into sobriety, resilience, and current events—with the occasional conversation with his beloved dog, Cheeky Pint, just for fun.When he’s not podcasting, Steve immerses himself in Stoicism, travels with his fiancée, and fully embraces the beauty of a sober life. His journey is proof that change is possible, joy is accessible, and life outside the bar can be even more rewarding.Catch Steve's podcast on spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2FHzpQ3CnsNyiZbNbuvxF1?si=42b08379bf1040b2Follow him on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/craftfreepodcast/

Kate Vitela is a Certified Addiction and Mental Health Nurse and the founder of Rewired Sober. As a sobriety coach and podcast host, she helps people rewire their brains and thrive in recovery. After struggling with alcohol herself and receiving a DWI while working as a psychiatric nurse, Kate turned her life around and is now seven years sober. With medical expertise, lived experience, and deep empathy, she offers transformational coaching, supporting clients in building tools for lasting sobriety. A proud sober woman, Kate is a dedicated advocate for mental health, harm reduction, and long-term healing.Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

In this solo episode, I’m celebrating two years alcohol-free and sharing what truly came alive for me in year two. I open up about my three biggest breakthroughs—and how each one was born from stepping beyond my comfort zone. From doing the things that scared me most to realizing that fear is often the signpost pointing toward growth, this year has been about expansion, courage, and joy I never thought possible. If you’ve ever wondered what’s waiting for you on the other side of fear, this one’s for you.

Ali, from Long Island, New York, is living proof of the transformation that’s possible through recovery. After years of struggle and multiple stints in rehab, she’s now three years of sober—with the help of AA and the 12 steps. Her journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and service, as she gives back through volunteering and supporting others on their own paths. Today, Ali’s life is filled with connection, purpose, and hope, offering an inspiring testament to what’s possible when you commit to change.

Abby Calabrese – Podcast Host, Content Creator & Alcohol-Free Rule BreakerAbby Calabrese is a podcast host, content creator, and unapologetic voice in the alcohol-free space. As the host of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, she invites women to break the rules, ditch the expectations, and finally question the “normal” that never felt right.In our conversation, we laughed, we reflected, and we celebrated the radical choice to walk away—not because we hit rock bottom, but because we knew we didn’t have to. For Abby, that moment came when she began recognizing patterns that echoed the behavior she witnessed growing up. Instead of letting history repeat itself, she made the powerful decision to rewrite the story—not just for herself, but for her children.Abby’s message is clear: you don’t have to wait for things to fall apart to know it’s time to walk away. She’s living proof that you can exit before the impact, embrace your wild, waiting self, and live fully without the numbing.Be sure to follow her on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/alcoholfreeabby/

Kat made the courageous decision to share her sobriety journey publicly just three days after putting down her last drink. What began as an act of accountability quickly grew into a powerful message of hope and resilience. One year later, she has not only maintained her sobriety, but transformed nearly every aspect of her life—losing 30 pounds, completing a half marathon, and reconnecting with her role as a present, engaged wife and mother.Her honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to change have made her a relatable voice for anyone navigating early recovery. Kat is living proof that when you choose to show up—for yourself and the people you love—everything can change.Follow Kat on Instagram for daily inspo!https://www.instagram.com/iamkat_rose/

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Yonah is a proud alum of the University of Vermont and a graduate of Hofstra Law School. In his mid-30s, he made a bold move to Israel, where he built a life with his wife and together they are the proud parents of four incredible sons, ranging in age from 13 to 23.Though he maintained a professional and personal balance for much of his life, his relationship with alcohol began to shift in his 50s, evolving into a pattern of weekend binge drinking. He didn’t experience a traditional rock bottom, but a series of life circumstances compelled him to reevaluate his habits. That reflection led to a powerful decision: to take a break from alcohol.Since March 10, 2023, he has been living alcohol-free—embracing a journey of clarity, growth, and intention.Connect with Yonah:https://www.facebook.com/yonah.davidhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yonah-david/

Todd is an attorney and author who lives in Omaha, NE with his wife, four kids and three wiener dogs. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, hanging out with his family (when they let him) and spending an unhealthy amount of time and money supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. He quit drinking in 2019 and considers it the best thing he's ever done for himself and his family.His memoir about his drinking, his decision to give it up and everything he learned in the process, was published in 2023. It's called I Didn't Believe It Either: One Dad's Discovery That Everything Is Better Without Alcohol. It is available on Amazon.https://www.instagram.com/tkinney111/https://www.toddkinney.com/

Destiny is a 27-year-old girl mom from North Carolina who’s on a mission to break the cycle of addiction and generational trauma. She got sober on May 2, 2023, after growing up in a home where substance use and mental health struggles were the norm—and where self-love was never taught.For years, she looked for peace in all the wrong places. Now, she’s reclaiming her story, rewriting the rules, and raising two daughters who will grow up knowing exactly what self-worth feels like.Destiny’s Self-Love Legacy is where she keeps it real about sobriety, motherhood, healing, and everything in between. Her message is simple but powerful: we are not what we come from—we are who we choose to become.Show Des some love on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/xo_des97/

Mike Savidant drank for over 30 years, with the habit becoming a daily ritual after his divorce. What started as a coping mechanism quietly evolved into a dependency—one he never saw coming. At 49, at what he calls his personal rock bottom, Mike found the courage to admit that alcohol had taken control. That moment of truth became a turning point. He hasn’t had a drink since October 29, 2022.Today, Mike describes himself simply as another alcoholic in recovery, showing up each day with the intention of making the next right [email protected]://www.instagram.com/sobersavvy/