Rewired Sober

What if the way you introduce yourself…is keeping you stuck?In this episode, we’re diving into something that’s deeply normalized in recovery spaces—but rarely questioned:The words you use to describe who you are.Because when you repeatedly say:“I am an alcoholic”“I am broken”“This is just who I am”Your brain listens.Not emotionally.Neurologically.And it starts wiring your identity around those words.But what if there’s another way?A DIFFERENT WAY TO APPROACH RECOVERYAs a SHE RECOVERS coach I love their guiding principle:We lead with our strengths, not our defects.Not denial.Not bypassing.Not pretending the past didn’t happen.But choosing to orient your identity toward:what’s workingwhat’s true about your resiliencewho you are becomingBecause that’s how people actually change.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEWhy identity language in recovery matters more than you thinkThe neuroscience behind repetition, language, and neuroplasticity“Neurons that fire together wire together” (and how your words reinforce patterns)Why your brain doesn’t fact-check you—it patterns youThe difference between a fixed identity vs. an evolving oneHow leading with your “wound” can keep you looping in itThe power of the spoken word (science + something deeper)Why some recovery language helps—and some quietly limits growthHow to shift your identity without denying your pastTHIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF:You’ve ever felt stuck in a label that no longer fitsYou’re sober… but still identifying with your lowest pointYou want to rebuild your identity—not just remove alcoholYou’re ready to think for yourself instead of blindly following recovery scriptsKEY TAKEAWAYSYour brain wires what you repeat—not what is objectively trueIdentity is not fixed—it’s built through language and behaviorLeading with your strengths creates expansion, not denialYou can honor your past without living in itThe way you speak about yourself directly shapes your futureWork with Kate: Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

Every year, the first Monday in May, the world watches the Met Gala—a spectacle of fashion, identity, and storytelling through art.And this year?I’m not on that carpet.But I am building something that matters a hell of a lot more.Because the version of me who used to drink herself into invisibility…is now creating a life out loud.In this episode, I’m taking you inside the real plot twist of sobriety—what happens when you don’t just quit drinking… you actually start living.We’re talking about:Why sobriety is not small, safe, or boring (it’s actually disruptive in the best way)How rock bottom can strip you down and make you unexpectedly fearlessThe identity shift that happens when you stop numbing and start noticing everythingMidlife power, body neutrality, and the freedom of no longer performing for approvalThe psychology of fashion, creativity, and self-expression in recoveryWhy “escaping” doesn’t go away—you just start escaping into things that expand youThe stigma around addiction and what happens when you tell the truth out loudWhat it’s like to exist in spaces (like fashion) where sobriety “doesn’t belong”… until it doesHow following small “breadcrumbs” led to building something bigger than I ever plannedThe vision behind the Vitela Runway Project—fashion, recovery, creativity, and communityBecause here’s the truth no one tells you:Sobriety doesn’t shrink your life.It expands it.And yeah—it’s inconvenient.Because now you actually have to show up for it.This episode is for the woman who:Quit drinking and is now thinking… “okay, but now what?”Feels more alive, more curious, and slightly overwhelmed by itIs ready to stop playing small and start experimenting with who she actually isWants more than just “not drinking”—she wants a lifeYou don’t need a perfect plan.You need a breadcrumb.KEY TAKEAWAYSSobriety doesn’t remove desire—it brings it back onlineRock bottom can create grounded fearlessnessMidlife can be your most powerful era—not your declineCreativity is a powerful replacement for numbing and suppressionInternal validation > external approvalYou don’t need clarity—you need curiosity and actionIf you’re in that space—you’ve quit drinking, but you’re not interested in a small, controlled life—Come sit with us.Inside Rewired Sober, we don’t just talk about not drinking.We talk about building something with your life.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

Mama- You’re not too angry.You’re finally paying attention.In this episode, we’re talking about something that gets misunderstood, minimized, and straight-up pathologized—especially in women:Rage.Not surface-level irritation.Not “I need a bubble bath.”I’m talking about the kind of anger that makes you look at your life and go:“Are you kidding me?”This isn’t a “calm down and regulate” conversation.This is about sacred rage—what happens when you stop suppressing yourself, stop numbing out, and start seeing things clearly.We’re getting into:Why anger often explodes in early sobriety (and why that’s normal)The difference between anger and resentment (one moves, one traps you)How women are conditioned to suppress anger—and why that’s not accidentalWhy “look at your part” can actually backfire for womenWhat anger is really protecting (hint: it’s not just anger)How triggers aren’t problems—they’re informationThe connection between rage, grief, shame, and heartbreakWhy humor might be one of your most underrated tools in recoveryHow to actually work with your anger instead of bypassing itBecause here’s the truth:Anger isn’t dysfunction.It’s data.And when you stop trying to eliminate it—and start understanding it—it becomes something else entirely:Clarity. Power. Direction.This episode is for the woman who:Feels more intense since getting soberIs tired of being told to “just let it go”Knows something isn’t right—but hasn’t fully trusted herself yetIs done being agreeable, quiet, and easy to manageYou don’t need to become unbothered to heal.You need to become honest.KEY TAKEAWAYSAnger is activating and truth-telling; resentment is looping and drainingWomen’s anger has been historically minimized to maintain controlEarly sobriety removes the buffer—so emotions come back louderAnger is often a secondary emotion (underneath = grief, shame, hurt)Triggers reveal unmet needs, not personal flawsYou can feel rage and still be grounded, self-aware, and in controlIf this episode hit a nerve—good.That’s not a problem. That’s information.And if you’re ready to stop suppressing, bypassing, or second-guessing yourself…and actually learn how to work with your mind, your body, and your emotions in a way that builds self-trust—Come sit with me inside Rewired Sober.We're not numbing it out.We're not bypassing it.We ARE learning how to use it.Begin. Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

What if the problem wasn’t just alcohol…but the way you were taught to stop thinking for yourself?In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something bigger than recovery culture.Deprogramming from AA dogma forced me to confront a deeper pattern—cult mentality—and how it shows up everywhere: sobriety spaces, religion, spiritual healing circles, coaching communities, friendships, and even romantic relationships.We’re not talking about extreme, fringe groups.We’re talking about everyday environments that:reward obediencepunish questioninguse fear, shame, or belonging to keep you in lineslowly disconnect you from your own voiceI break down the actual psychological characteristics of cult-like systems, including:thought reform and control dynamicsloaded language and black-and-white thinkingwhy questioning gets labeled as “resistance” or “ego”how doctrine can override your lived experienceand how self-trust quietly erodes over timeWe also go deep into something that doesn’t get talked about enough:spiritualized gaslighting.You know the vibe:“you’re not manifesting hard enough”“your energy is off”“you’re low vibe”“you’re blocked”When everything becomes your fault, even your pain.I share honestly about why I was vulnerable to this—early sobriety, early business, high school (yikes), and relationships where I needed validation because underneath it all, I didn’t trust myself.This is not about blaming groups or shaming people.It’s about understanding how smart, capable women lose themselves in systems that promise healing, certainty, and belonging.And more importantly—how we get ourselves back.If you’ve ever:felt afraid to question something you were told was “the answer”noticed your mental health decline in a space that was supposed to help youfelt like you had to perform, comply, or stay quiet to belongor realized you were outsourcing your identity, intuition, or worthThis episode is for you.Because recovery isn’t about following the leader.It’s about learning how to trust yourself again.⬇️ READY TO GO DEEPER?Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] AA Tools w/ Kirsten: https://www.sobrietybestie.com/

⬇️ READY TO GO DEEPER? Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] is talking about nervous system regulation—but what does that actually look like in real life?In this episode, Kate sits down with nurse coach Amyee to talk about emotional numbness, why so many women feel disconnected from themselves, and what’s really happening in the body after years of stress, trauma, and dysregulation.They explore the idea of numbness as a “black hole”—something many women avoid through coping behaviors like drinking, scrolling, shopping, overeating, and overworking. But what if those behaviors aren’t failures… and are actually attempts to regulate an overwhelmed nervous system?This conversation breaks down:why numbness happenshow the nervous system drives coping behaviorsthe difference between mindset work and somatic workwhy proper training matters in somatic coachingand how to start reconnecting with your body in practical, real-life waysIf you’ve ever felt checked out, flat, or like you’re just going through the motions—this episode will help you understand why… and what to do next.Key TopicsNervous system regulation in everyday lifeEmotional numbness and disconnectionTrauma, chronic stress, and dysregulationThe “black hole” of avoided emotionsWhy women numb out (alcohol, scrolling, food, shopping, overworking)Somatic work vs. mindset workThe importance of training and expertise in somatic coachingPractical tools for grounding and staying presentWhat We Get IntoNumbness Isn’t RandomWhy feeling flat, disconnected, or “off” is often the result of a chronically overwhelmed nervous system—not a personal failure.The Black HoleThe uncomfortable truth: many women avoid deeper pain, grief, or unresolved emotions by staying busy, distracted, or numbed out—and what it takes to actually face that space.Coping Isn’t the ProblemDrinking, scrolling, eating, shopping, overworking—these aren’t just bad habits. They’re attempts to regulate stress when your system doesn’t feel safe.Why Mindset Isn’t EnoughYou can’t think your way into feeling safe. This episode explores why empowerment has to include the body—not just thoughts.Somatic Work That Actually HelpsWhat real nervous system support looks like (and why training matters if someone is guiding others through this work).Practical Regulation (Without Escaping Your Life)Simple, realistic ways to stay grounded, aware, and connected to your body throughout the day.Connect with the guest Amyee Oen:www.amyeeoen.comIG/FB @amyeeoen @findyourtruenorthcoaching

Connect with Kate at Rewired Sober on All Social Media PlatformsBook a Discovery Call with Kate: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateEmail the Podcast: [email protected] this solo episode, Kate shares what she can feel falling away in her life—and what she’s consciously choosing to embrace instead.Inspired by a meditation on the goddess Kali from the work of Meggan Watterson and the spiritual teaching of choosing love over fear from A Course in Miracles, Kate reflects on the identities, beliefs, and systems she’s outgrowing.From recovery dogma and online hustle culture to “good girl” conditioning, this episode explores what it looks like to stop shrinking—and start living with honesty, courage, creativity, and unapologetic feminist energy.Kate reflects on a powerful question that emerged during a meditation inspired by the work of Meggan Watterson and her Divine Feminine oracle deck.The card of the goddess Kali invites a confronting but liberating intention:release all that doesn’t serve you and become the truth of who you are.This episode explores what it means to consciously choose love over fear, a concept also central to the teachings of A Course in Miracles.Kate shares several areas of life where she can feel old identities, beliefs, and structures naturally falling away—and what she is embracing instead.This conversation is about honesty, growth, and the courage to outgrow what once felt necessary.In this episode, Kate talks about:• Shedding the pressure of the online business “hustle culture” model and embracing authentic connection with real communities of women in recovery• Letting go of recovery dogma, fear-based thinking, and outdated rhetoric while embracing neuroscience, feminism, soul work, and self-trust• Releasing the “good girl” conditioning that keeps women quiet about politics, injustice, and women’s rights—and finding the courage to speak honestly• Redefining fashion and creativity as personal expression rather than trend-chasing or external validation• The spiritual practice of allowing old identities to fall away so a more authentic life can emergeThis episode is an invitation to ask yourself:What in my life is an old skin? What am I holding onto out of fear? And what might happen if I chose love instead?

Early sobriety can feel confusing, emotional, and honestly… pretty weird. You quit drinking and everyone expects life to magically improve overnight. But the truth is, the early stages of sobriety often come with exhaustion, emotional whiplash, boredom, and a lot of questions about who you are without alcohol.In this solo episode, Kate Vitela, RN, takes a no-nonsense, honest look at early sobriety—what’s actually happening in your brain, why emotions feel so intense, and why this phase can feel both awkward and transformative at the same time.Kate breaks down the real challenges people face after quitting alcohol, from the neurological recalibration happening in your brain to the emotional and identity shifts that often follow. She also shares practical ways to stabilize your nervous system, rebuild routines, and navigate the messy middle of sobriety without shame.This conversation is especially relevant for midlife women who have spent years carrying responsibilities, performing strength, and using alcohol as a socially acceptable coping tool. When alcohol leaves the picture, many women begin reclaiming clarity, boundaries, creativity, and self-trust.Early sobriety may feel uncomfortable at times—but it’s also where something powerful begins. It’s where you start rebuilding a life that no longer revolves around coping.If you’re newly sober or questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode offers a grounded reminder: nothing is wrong with you. Your brain and nervous system are recalibrating, and with time, support, and honesty, a new kind of confidence and clarity can emerge.In This EpisodeWhy early sobriety can feel emotionally intense and disorientingWhat’s actually happening in your brain after you stop drinkingThe emotional whiplash many people experience in the early stages of sobrietyWhy boredom is one of the most common and surprising challengesHow sobriety can shift relationships and social dynamicsThe identity questions that often arise after alcohol is removedPractical strategies that help stabilize the nervous system during early recoveryWhy midlife sobriety can become a powerful turning point for womenHow rebuilding self-trust becomes one of the biggest rewards of sobrietyThings That Actually Help in Early SobrietyCreating structure through sleep, meals, and daily routinesMoving your body to regulate stress and restore dopamine balanceStabilizing blood sugar with consistent nutritionBuilding new rituals to replace drinking habitsLearning emotional literacy and how to name what you’re feelingReducing unnecessary chaos and protecting your energyStaying curious about your experience instead of judging itFinding honest conversations and supportive connectionKey TakeawayEarly sobriety isn’t just about removing alcohol. It’s about rebuilding your nervous system, your identity, and your life. The process can feel awkward and uncomfortable at times—but on the other side of that rebuild is something many people never experienced while drinking: real clarity, self-trust, and freedom.Work With Kate: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateEmail The Podcast: [email protected]

⬇️ READY TO GO DEEPER?https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaIf you’re a midlife woman questioning your relationship with alcohol or figuring out what comes next in sobriety, I’ve created resources to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Nurses spend their careers taking care of everyone else. But what happens when the caregiver is the one who needs help?In this episode, Kate sits down with Stephanie, an ICU nurse with 26 years of experience, a mother of three, and a powerful advocate for honesty and compassion in the conversation around addiction and recovery in healthcare.Stephanie brings both clinical insight and lived experience to a topic that many nurses know exists—but rarely talk about openly: monitoring programs for healthcare professionals struggling with substance use.After Kate came across one of Stephanie’s social media posts about receiving a random UA, it sparked a deeper conversation about the realities many nurses face behind the scenes. It also brought Kate back to the origin of her own podcast journey—when the show was first called “You’ve Been Selected,” a phrase that captures what it can feel like to suddenly find yourself navigating recovery systems you never expected to enter.Together they explore the complex intersection of burnout, stigma, accountability, recovery, and motherhood, and ask a bigger question about healthcare culture:Are the systems designed to help struggling professionals actually supporting healing—or simply monitoring behavior?This conversation is not about avoiding responsibility. Patient safety and accountability matter. But so does compassion for the caregivers working in one of the most demanding professions on the planet.This episode opens an honest discussion about what it looks like to fall, take responsibility, rebuild trust, and find your way forward as both a nurse and a human being.In this episode we discuss:• The intense pressures nurses face in high-acuity environments like the ICU• The connection between burnout, substance use, and mental health in healthcare• What it’s really like to enter a professional monitoring program• The fear and stigma many nurses face when asking for help• Accountability, recovery, and rebuilding a career after crisis• Navigating motherhood and professional identity during recovery• How healthcare systems can better support nurses before things reach a breaking pointIf you’re a nurse—or anyone working in a high-pressure helping profession—this conversation offers an honest look at the human side of healthcare.You are not the only one who has struggled, and there is a path forward.Listen, reflect, and share this episode with a nurse who might need to hear it.Connect With Kate: https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Guest Info: Stephanie Kelley https://www.instagram.com/sober_steph_mom_nurse/

In this episode of Rewired Sober, host Kate Vitela, RN sits down with Dawn Nickel, founder of SHE RECOVERS, to explore what women’s recovery looks like when we stop forcing it into one narrow definition.SHE RECOVERS is a global nonprofit dedicated to making recovery accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all women—not just those recovering from substance use, but women healing from mental health challenges, trauma, eating disorders, burnout, and the many ways life impacts the nervous system.In this powerful conversation, Dawn shares:Why SHE RECOVERS was created as a nonprofit focused on accessible recovery for womenHow an intersectional approach honors race, LGBTQ+ identities, lived experience, and cultural contextWhy “we are all recovering from something” is more than a slogan—it’s a truth rooted in women’s biology and social conditioningThe importance of allowing the whole woman into recovery spaces, without fragmenting her experiencesDawn’s personal journey with workaholism and how socially acceptable addictions often go unnamedWhy traditional recovery models that insist on “no outside issues” often fail womenThis episode challenges the idea that women must separate their struggles into neat categories to deserve support. Instead, it offers a model of recovery that understands trauma, mental health, substance use, overwork, and identity as interconnected—not competing narratives.If you’ve ever felt like traditional recovery spaces didn’t fully see you, this conversation will resonate deeply.Because healing doesn’t happen in pieces.And women don’t recover in isolationConnect with Kate at Rewired Sober on All Social Media PlatformsBook a Discovery Call with Kate: https://calendly.com/katevitelacoaching/deep-dive-1-1-w-kateEmail the Podcast: [email protected] With Guest Dawn Nickel:Websites: https://dawnnickel.com/ and https://sherecovers.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnnickelphdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveringdawnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-nickel-phd-576ab021/

Women don’t just experience alcohol use disorder differently than men — they are judged differently too.In this episode, we explore the double standard women face around drinking, addiction, and recovery, including how stigma, biology, trauma, and social expectations intersect to create unique challenges for women.You’ll learn why women often develop alcohol problems faster, why shame and secrecy delay treatment, and how cultural pressures — including work, caregiving, and societal expectations — contribute to rising alcohol use among women.We also talk about the concept of being “gaslit” by cultural narratives that frame women’s struggles as moral failure instead of understandable responses to stress and life circumstances.Most importantly, this episode highlights treatment approaches and recovery pathways that actually support women — including trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, connection-based healing, and women-centered recovery communities.If you’ve ever wondered why drinking became a coping tool, or why recovery has felt complicated, this conversation will help you understand the bigger picture — and remind you that change is possible.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe double standard society applies to women who drinkHow stigma and shame impact women differently than menThe biology of alcohol and why women develop dependence faster (telescoping effect)Hormones, stress, and nervous system regulation in addictionTrauma exposure and psychological risk factors unique to womenThe cultural shift: work, caregiving, and the modern “double burden”Why alcohol marketing targets overwhelmed womenHow social and environmental stress affects substance use patternsTreatment approaches that work well for womenThe importance of safe spaces and women-centered recoveryRadical self-love, healing, and hope in sobrietyKey TakeawaysWomen are not broken.Women are responding to pressure — biological, psychological, and social.Understanding context reduces shame.And reduced shame increases the likelihood of recovery.Connect with Kate @rewiredsoberWork with Kate https://linktr.ee/KateVitela

What happens when a recovery program that once helped you… stops fitting who you’re becoming?In this episode, Kate sits down with Kirsten — known online as @sobrietybestie and host of the Sobriety Bestie podcast — to explore what it looks like to question Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) after years of participation.Kirsten spent 10 years in AA and has now been out for 5. Together, they discuss the complex reality that AA can be helpful for many people — while also examining how dogma, identity labels, and recovery folklore can become limiting or even harmful over time.This conversation explores topics rarely discussed openly, including:How experiences like trauma, neurodivergence, and mental health challenges are sometimes pathologized as “alcoholism”The psychological impact of labels like “dry drunk,” “defects,” and “restless, irritable, discontent”When recovery culture shifts from supportive to rigid or dogmaticAA folklore versus science-based understanding of behavior and changeMyths surrounding Bill Wilson and the founding narratives of AAWhy questioning recovery systems can provoke strong reactions — including backlash and hostilityThe fear many people feel when considering leaving a recovery communityRebuilding self-trust after years of outsourcing authorityWhether AA meets criteria associated with high-control groups — and why that question mattersWhat real freedom in recovery can look like outside traditional frameworksKate also shares her own experience: AA was helpful early in sobriety, but over time began to feel increasingly rigid and disconnected from her evolving understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and emotional health.This is not an anti-recovery episode.It’s a conversation about autonomy, critical thinking, and honoring the complexity of healing.Because two things can be true at once:A system can help you survive — and you can still outgrow it.Mentioned In This Episode:Pathologizing normal human experience as alcoholismTrauma, neurodivergence, and mental health in recovery spacesBig Book culture and “Big Book thumpers”Bill Wilson, AA history, and founder mythologyRecovery folklore vs neuroscience and psychologyFear-based messaging in sobriety cultureDogma, identity, and belongingIs AA a cult? Examining the question thoughtfullyBacklash, hate mail, and stigma around questioning AAReclaiming inner authority and sovereignty in recoveryKirsten, known online as @sobrietybestie, is a recovery advocate and host of the Sobriety Bestie podcast. Her platform focuses on helping people deprogram from Alcoholics Anonymous culture and reclaim their identity, autonomy, and lives after leaving 12-step environments.WORK WITH KATE Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Kate is joined by Simmy, founder of Miracle Maker 1111, for a conversation exploring the connection between belief, identity, energy, and manifestation.Together they unpack the idea that our internal world — our thoughts, expectations, emotions, and self-concept — shapes the life we experience. Simmy shares her step-by-step approach to manifestation, including the role of visualization, emotional embodiment, spiritual connection, and becoming the kind of person who expects good things to happen.Rather than framing manifestation as “wishful thinking,” this conversation explores how transformation happens when someone begins to see themselves differently, feel differently, and live from a new internal identity.Topics covered include:How thoughts and self-concept shape lived experienceVisualization as a tool for identity and behavior changeWhy embodiment matters more than positive thinkingBecoming the version of yourself who expects expansionEnergy, frequency, and the idea of alignmentThe role of spirituality and connection to something greaterWhat it means to “match the energy” of the life you wantManifesting health, confidence, change, and personal growthWhy real change requires internal coherence, not just external effortThis episode bridges spirituality, identity work, and personal development for anyone interested in how inner change creates outer transformation — whether you call that manifestation, mindset, embodiment, or becoming.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] Info: Simmy is a content creator and manifestation coach. She has been a management consultant for over a decade and is now following her passion of impacting and elevating lives through the power of manifestation. She runs the Miracle Makers_1111 page on Instagram. She explains manifestation from the lens of Neuroscience and Psychology. Her work centers on moving people out of limitation and into self-trust. She supports her clients through belief-rewiring tools, subconscious reprogramming and embodiment practices.IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_miracle_makers_1111/Website: https://the-miracle-makers.com/

Burnout isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a cultural one.In this episode, Kate sits down with former Sociology Professor turned Burnout Coach Dr. Jen Costanza for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it actually means to live in today’s world as a woman, a professional, and a human being with a nervous system.Together, they unpack how modern culture pressures women to perform wellness instead of experience it, why “having it all together” is often a lie, and how burnout is frequently a rational response to unrealistic expectations—not a personal failure.Dr. Jen shares openly about navigating imposter syndrome despite holding a PhD from Ivy League institution Brown University, and how even highly educated, accomplished women still struggle with self-doubt—especially when showing up online as coaches, educators, and thought leaders.This conversation is grounding, intelligent, funny, and deeply validating—especially for high-functioning women who are tired of trying to optimize themselves into worthiness.In this episode, we explore:Why burnout is both a nervous system issue and a societal issueThe cultural pressure for women to perform wellness instead of practicing itHow “wine culture” became a socially acceptable coping mechanism for overwhelmed womenThe invisible emotional labor women carry—and its impact on the bodyImposter syndrome, even with elite credentials and years of experienceWhat it’s really like to show up on social media as a coach, educator, or professionalOwning your voice and expertise without needing to over-prove yourselfWhy sustainable healing doesn’t require a complex or expensive wellness strategyThe overlooked power of foundational practices:SleepNutritionPurposeful movementNervous system regulationHow breathwork supports emotional regulation, safety in the body, and burnout recoveryRemembering joy, play, and pleasure as essential—not optional—parts of healingThe takeaway:You don’t need a perfect morning routine.You don’t need to buy your way into healing.And you’re not behind—you’re likely just burned out.Sometimes the most powerful path forward is the simplest one:tending to your body, telling the truth, resting without guilt, and remembering that you are already enough.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] Dr. Jen CostanzaDr. Jen Costanza is a former sociology professor turned burnout coach, and breathwork facilitator who studies the intersection of identity, culture, performance, and wellbeing. Her work centers around helping people move out of survival mode and reconnect with sustainable ways of living—without the pressure to constantly self-optimize.Connect with Guest Jennifer Costanza: @rooted.lifeWebsite: https://www.rooted.lifeFree Burnout Recovery Guide: https://rootedlife.myflodesk.com/map

In this raw solo episode of Rewired Sober, Kate celebrates eight years of sobriety while recording from New York City during her annual Fashion Week trip. This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s an honest reflection on self-trust, identity, boundaries, feminism, spirituality, grief, creativity, and what actually changes when you build a life you don’t need to escape from.Kate explores how sobriety reshaped everything: how she dresses, how she speaks up, how she chooses relationships, how she handles discomfort, and how she trusts herself more deeply than ever before. From tattoos and style as self-expression (not performance), to perfectionism, late blooming, public growth, financial stability, emotional resilience, and spiritual curiosity — this episode is about becoming more yourself with every year sober.If you’ve ever wondered who you’re becoming after you quit drinking, this one’s for you.In This Episode, Kate Talks About:• Celebrating 8 years sober in NYC during her annual Fashion Week trip• Self-trust as the real transformation of sobriety• Style, tattoos, and identity (no longer performing for approval)• Dressing for yourself, not the male gaze• Radical honesty and the peace of having nothing to hide• Realizing nobody is watching you as closely as you think• Building a sober life with structure, routines, and real energy• Outgrowing people, places, and identities naturally• Boundaries without guilt: “If it’s not fun sober, it’s not fun”• Emotional resilience and sitting with discomfort instead of numbing• Being wrong, evolving, and changing your mind publicly• Feminism, social awareness, and seeing the world more clearly in sobriety• Exploring spirituality without shame or self-abandonment• The concept of being both fully human and fully divine• Grieving the moments alcohol stole (vacations, concerts, presence)• Perfectionism, repression, and why rebellion softens when you choose yourself• Major life stressors navigated sober: loss, illness, financial strain, career upheaval• Building a bold, creative life after alcohol (business, podcast, public voice)• Late blooming, divine timing, and trusting your life’s unfolding• The financial clarity sobriety actually creates• Standing up for yourself professionally• Holding paradox: two things can be true at the same timeJoin my coaching program: Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

In this solo episode, Kate goes deep into a part of recovery that rarely gets named — but quietly shapes everything: religious wounding, self-trust, and soul work.For years, Kate approached recovery through neuroscience alone — partly out of rebellion against rigid dogma and hierarchical systems that taught her she was broken, powerless, or unable to trust herself. But over time, both her own healing and her work with hundreds of women revealed something deeper:Many women aren’t just healing from alcohol.They’re healing from self-abandonment.From spiritual disconnection.From being taught not to trust themselves.This episode explores the powerful overlap between:Religious conditioningPatriarchal structuresRecovery dogmaNervous system dysregulationShame, perfectionism, and people-pleasingKate shares how discovering feminist theology — particularly the work of Meggan Watterson — helped repair deep spiritual and identity-level wounds. Through this lens, God is not an external authority or judging figure, but what Watterson calls “the Good” — love, wisdom, presence — something we are already connected to, not something we must earn.You’ll also hear Kate reflect on the reclamation of Mary Magdalene as a teacher, mystic, and leader rather than the distorted trope of a “fallen woman,” and how reconnecting with the divine feminine strengthened her confidence, softened her nervous system, and deepened her self-trust.At the heart of this episode is a redefinition of soul work — not as religion, but as:The practice of learning how to listen to your own inner knowingRebuilding trust in yourself after years of overrideConnecting with love rather than fearComing home to yourselfKate also unpacks how healing requires both science and soul, including:How the brain rewires after alcoholWhy emotions feel louder in early sobrietyHow stress, habit loops, and nervous system dysregulation drive behaviorWhy willpower burns people outWhy lasting change comes from safety + repetitionWhy healing must also include grief, identity work, emotional honesty, and self-trustThis episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:Why they struggle to trust themselvesWhy traditional recovery spaces felt shaming or disempoweringWhy spirituality felt wounding instead of supportiveWhether you can believe in neuroscience, intuition, feminism, and God all at onceWhether you’re allowed to be both grounded and messy, logical and emotional, human and sacredKate’s answer is clear:You don’t have to choose one version of yourself.You’re allowed to hold the paradox.You’re allowed to be whole.Key Themes in This EpisodeReligious wounding and its impact on women’s self-trustThe overlap between patriarchal spirituality and recovery dogmaFeminist theology and the work of Meggan WattersonMary Magdalene reclaimed as teacher, mystic, and leaderRebuilding inner authority after years of self-overrideThe connection between nervous system healing and self-trustRedefining soul work as intuition, love, and embodied truthBeing fully human and fully divineHealing as integration, not perfectionRewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

pisode NotesThis is a bonus episode about staying sober in a world that feels like it’s on fire.I talk about capacity — not as a moral issue, but as a real limit — and why newly sober people do not owe the world constant engagement, takes, or emotional mastery.We cover:Why sobriety doesn’t mean being “above it”How self-abandonment masquerades as responsibilityThe difference between caring and burning yourself downWhy staying sober right now is infrastructure, not avoidanceWhen silence is regulation, not complicityJournaling as record-keeping, not self-helpThis episode is for anyone who is heartbroken, angry, overwhelmed — and still choosing to stay upright.No platitudes.No spiritual bypassing.Just honesty about what it takes to remain sober and intact when the world is heavy.Bookmark what you can’t hold yet.You’ll come back when you have the capacity.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

What happens when the very system that’s supposed to support healing starts to feel controlling, fear-based, or limiting?In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Tara Grace the host of the Recovery Rebellion podcast, who openly identifies as a “12-step dogma survivor” and advocates for a more nuanced, compassionate, and person-centered approach to recovery.We explore the darker side of the recovery world that many people are afraid to name out loud — including rigid ideology, shame-based messaging, and the ways people are often discouraged from trusting their own intuition.This episode is not about tearing down what helps people. It’s about expanding the conversation to include the many people who felt harmed, silenced, or dismissed within traditional recovery systems.In this episode, we discuss:The recovery industrial complex and how “heads in the beds” can sometimes matter more than individualized careWhat people mean when they talk about surviving 12-step dogmaHow rigid recovery models can become authoritarian, condescending, and psychologically unsafeThe problem with fear-based messaging like “you’ll die if you leave”How the disease model of addiction can be both helpful and limiting — and why it doesn’t tell the whole storyWhy many people experience real healing through natural recovery (without formal programs)The difference between support vs. control, accountability vs. complianceWhy harm reduction is often misunderstood — and who it actually servesThe emotional impact of being told your thinking is defective, your intuition is dangerous, or your questioning is “denial”How recovery can (and should) support self-trust, autonomy, and nervous system safetyWhy leaving AA or structured recovery spaces does not equal failureWhat compassionate, flexible, modern recovery could look like insteadThis episode is for you if:You’ve ever felt shamed, silenced, or patronized in recovery spacesYou’ve been told you were “in denial” simply for asking questionsYou were warned you would die if you left AA and felt terrified but also constrainedYou’re sober curious and hesitant to engage with traditional programsYou believe healing should feel empowering, not diminishingYou want a more expansive conversation about addiction recovery, neuroscience, agency, and choiceThis is a conversation about rethinking recovery, honoring lived experience, and creating space for people to heal without having to surrender their voice, identity, or autonomy.Because recovery should be about becoming more yourself — not less.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] Info: Tara Grace @burnthestigmawww.burnthestigma.comwww.burnthestigma.net/podcast

For decades, addiction has been widely defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease — a framework adopted by the medical system, treatment centers, and many recovery programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous.In this episode, Kate explores why that definition — while historically important — often falls short, especially for women who don’t experience their relationship with alcohol as a lifelong disease state.This conversation isn’t anti-recovery or anti-help. It’s about discernment, nuance, and intellectual honesty.Kate unpacks how the disease model became the dominant narrative, why it’s convenient for institutions, and how questioning it is often framed — particularly in 12-step spaces — as a symptom rather than a legitimate inquiry.In this episode, we cover:Why the “chronic, relapsing brain disease” definition became the gold standardHow medical and treatment systems benefit from a single, fixed narrativeThe difference between reducing shame and reinforcing permanent pathologyHow disagreement with the disease model is often labeled as “denial”Why pathologizing questions can shut down curiosity, autonomy, and growthThe psychological impact of being told your insight is evidence you’re sickWhy many women don’t see themselves reflected in traditional recovery explanationsHow authority-based recovery models discourage nuance and self-trustKate also discusses the cultural dynamics inside recovery spaces where questioning foundational beliefs can be interpreted as resistance, ego, or lack of willingness — rather than a thoughtful response to lived experience.The core message:Questioning a model is not denial. It’s discernment.Recovery should expand self-trust — not require surrendering your ability to think critically about your own experience.This episode is for women who:Feel uneasy with being labeled “chronically ill”Have been told their doubts are symptomsWant recovery without losing their voiceAre seeking a more nuanced, adult conversation about addictionYou’re allowed to ask questions. And asking them doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.

What actually happens when two women, two coaches, and two very different styles sit down to talk about Dry January, habit change, and why New Year’s resolutions so often fall apart?In this episode, I’m joined by Casey Davidson, host of the Hello Someday Podcast—one of today’s top mental health podcasts—and a nationally recognized voice in the sober-curious space who’s been featured across major media outlets.Together, we have a real, funny, unfiltered conversation about sobriety curiosity, consistency, and what actually helps people change—without dieting, white-knuckling, or pretending willpower is the solution.We talk about why most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions (spoiler: it’s not a discipline problem), how habit change really works, and why stacking consistent sober days matters far more than dabbling in on-again/off-again drinking.Casey also shares why she intentionally extends Dry January into a 100-day New Year program—because 30 days is often just enough time to start feeling better, but not long enough to truly feel the difference of life without alcohol. We explore what happens when people give themselves enough time to stabilize, build momentum, and experience the mental clarity, emotional steadiness, and confidence that only come with sustained time alcohol-free.This isn’t a Dry January hype episode.And it’s definitely not a “fix your life in 30 days” pitch.It’s an honest conversation between two coaches who approach this work differently—but agree on what actually supports sustainable change. We also unpack the quiet pressure of January: the urge to reset everything at once, optimize your life, and emerge transformed by February—and why that mindset often backfires when alcohol is involved.Expect laughter, nuance, and the kind of conversation you only get when two women trust each other enough to tell the truth.In This Episode, We Cover:Why New Year’s resolutions fail (and what actually helps habits stick)The difference between dabbling in sobriety and building real momentumWhy consistent sober days matter more than “just cutting back”Why 30 days can feel good—but 100 days can feel transformativeHow diet culture sneaks into early sobriety—and how to opt outWhat Dry January can be when framed as curiosity instead of punishmentHow two coaches with different styles still land on the same fundamentalsAbout the GuestCasey Davidson is the host of the Hello Someday Podcast, one of the top mental health podcasts today, and a leading voice in the sober-curious movement. Her work has been featured in major national media outlets, and she’s known for helping high-achieving women rethink their relationship with alcohol in a way that’s practical, compassionate, and grounded in real life. She’s also the creator of a 100-day New Year program designed to help people move beyond short-term challenges and into lasting change.Who This Episode Is ForAnyone who’s tried Dry January—or quitting—more than oncePeople who are sober-curious and tired of starting overHigh-functioning adults who want a smarter, steadier approach to changeListeners who want honesty, humor, and zero preachingFinal WordIf Dry January has ever felt like pressure, a test, or something you somehow “failed,” this episode is a reminder that real habit change doesn’t come from rushing the process. It comes from consistency, curiosity, and giving yourself enough time to actually feel what life is like without alcohol.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] Information: Casey M Davidsonhttps://www.instagram.com/caseymdavidson?igsh=aXczbXljZHNpNDZihttps://hellosomedaycoaching.com/podcast/

The Devil We Know: Why Sobriety Feels Uncomfortable Before It Feels FreeIn this episode of Rewired Sober, Kate explores one of the most misunderstood parts of sobriety: liminal spaces — the in-between seasons where the old way no longer fits, but the new way hasn’t fully formed yet.These are the moments when you know you made the right choice…but your nervous system still craves the relief of certainty.Using both neuroscience and lived experience, Kate unpacks why the brain prefers the “devil we know” — familiar patterns, predictable outcomes, even familiar pain — over the uncertainty that comes with real change.This episode also includes a live teaching pulled directly from Kate’s Rewired Sober group, where she speaks candidly about:wanting to want sobrietywhy early sobriety can feel strangely effortfuland why feeling unsettled doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrongIf you’ve ever thought “Why does this still feel weird?” — this conversation will land.This episode is for you if:You’re outgrowing alcohol but don’t feel fully at home without it yetYou find yourself wanting answers instead of wanting to sit in the unknownYou feel frustrated that sobriety still requires intentionYou’re in a transition season and questioning whether you’re “behind”In this episode, Kate explores:What liminal spaces are and why they’re unavoidable in sobrietyWhy the nervous system values predictability over freedomHow familiar habits create a false sense of safetyThe urge to rush certainty — and why it’s a stress responseWhy repetition, regulation, and time are what actually rewire the brainHow staying in the middle is not weakness, but integrationKey takeaway:Transformation doesn’t happen in the decision.It happens in the middle.You don’t rush liminal spaces. You listen in them.They are where your nervous system learns how to live in truth — without anesthesia.If sobriety feels right and unfamiliar at the same time, this episode will help you understand why — and remind you that this phase isn’t something to escape. It’s something to move through.About Rewired Sober:Rewired Sober is a science- and soul-based recovery space for women who are ready to understand their brain, trust themselves, and build a sober life that actually fits.Learn more about Kate’s group coaching, courses, and resources at the links in the show notes.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Rewired Sober™, we’re going straight for the jugular: pop culture, body image, drunkorexia, and the weaponized shame that’s kept women small, hungry, distracted, and drinking for decades.I break down how Sophie Gilbert’s Girl on Girl exposes the pressure cooker women have lived in for the last 20 years — the beauty standards, the public scrutiny, the Kardashian-era body illusions, the return of heroin-chic, the Jessica Simpson mom-jean debacle — and how all of it shaped not just how women see themselves… but how women cope.Then I bring in Caroline Knapp’s Appetites and her concept of “the real hungers” — the soul-level needs women are taught to starve. Not food. Not jeans sizes. But belonging, rest, connection, desire, meaning, permission to take up space. We talk about what happens when those needs get rerouted into dieting, perfectionism, and eventually, drinking.We get honest about drunkorexia — the collision between diet culture and drinking culture — and why it’s not a quirky college fad, but a symptom of patriarchy’s oldest trick: keep women underfed, self-conscious, tipsy, ashamed, and too exhausted to revolt.We cover:How pop culture trained women to hate their bodiesWhy women’s binge drinking nearly doubled in the last two decadesHow shame becomes internalized and fuels the drinking loopWhy wine culture and diet culture are sistersThe neuroscience behind hungry brains + alcoholHow patriarchy profits when women are distracted by self-maintenanceAnd why sobriety is, at its core, a feminist act of resistanceIf you’ve ever felt like you had to be thin, quiet, good, small, or “fine”… this episode will hit you right in the truth.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]#fuckheroinchic blog post https://thesobercurator.com/fuckheroinchic-a-flashback-to-1997/

In this unfiltered, real-as-hell episode, Kate sits down —makeup-free and bra-free, with her messy podcast editing skills — to talk about something she sees in nearly every woman she coaches:The Overachiever Wound.If you grew up being compared, dismissed, or made to feel less-than… your nervous system learned that safety comes from performance.So you overachieved, excelled, got the degrees, the gold stars, the promotions, the “good girl” identity — all because your body believed: “If I achieve, I’m safe. If I slow down, I’m exposed.”Kate breaks down why high-achieving women struggle to rest, why the goalpost keeps moving, and why no amount of success ever feels like enough. Spoiler: it’s not because you’re broken — it’s because your brain is still protecting a younger version of you.Inside this episode: The exact childhood moment most women learn to prove their worth Why your brain ties safety to doing The feminist and generational conditioning behind female overachievement Why rest feels terrifying for women who have been performing their whole lives What you are really avoiding by staying busy The neuroscience of "being seen" by other women How to start unwinding the proving pattern without burning down your lifeThis episode is messy, vulnerable, unfiltered… and exactly the medicine so many women need.If you’re tired of hustling for your existence — this one’s for you.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected]

In today's episode, Kate goes deep into why women’s drinking has never been a personal failure and why sobriety is, at its core, a feminist act. Drawing from neuroscience, history, spirituality, and lived experience, she unpacks how women were conditioned to numb themselves instead of trust themselves and why quitting alcohol often becomes the first moment a woman stops being manageable and starts becoming sovereign.This episode challenges patriarchy, recovery dogma, spiritual gatekeeping, and the idea that women need to humble themselves even more than they already have.In this episode, Kate dives into:Why women drink to numb the emotional and labor load they were never meant to carryHow sobriety leads to boundaries, agency, and personal freedomThe ways alcohol has been marketed to women as empowerment and rewardWhy women metabolize alcohol differently and get sicker fasterHow midlife hormones intensify alcohol’s impact on womenWhy sobriety often awakens feminist consciousnessThe truth about AA being written by men, for men, and why that matters for womenHow humility and ego language gets weaponized against women in recoveryWhy women rarely drink because of ego and more often drink from exhaustion and self abandonmentThe difference between intellectual knowing and soul knowingWhy trusting your intuition is radical and necessaryHow sobriety restores spiritual authority, voice, and self trustWomen do not drink because they are broken. They drink because they were taught to silence themselves. Sobriety is the moment when a woman stops being manageable and becomes sovereign.Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

In today's episode, Kate sits down with Amy Liz Harrison, a sobriety and recovery mentor who spent years feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and stuck in patterns that kept her exhausted. Amy shares how she slowly lost herself inside motherhood, marriage, people pleasing, and perfectionism, and how alcohol became the nightly escape valve she used to cope with stress she didn’t know how to name.Amy opens up about her moment of reckoning, her early sober days, and the emotional unraveling that came when she finally stopped drinking and had to face herself honestly for the first time in years. Together, she and Kate talk about the messy middle of sobriety, the awakening that happens in midlife, and how Amy rebuilt her sense of identity from the ground up.If you have ever wondered where your spark went or felt like everyone else in your life came first, this episode will hit you right in the heart.Kate and Amy discuss:The moment she admitted she could not keep going the way she wasWhy early sobriety felt both freeing and terrifyingReturning to your body after decades of running from yourselfMidlife shifts and why so many women wake up to their truth at fortyMotherhood, resentment, and the unspoken fears women carryHow Amy rebuilt her confidence, community, and identityWhat she teaches now inside her recovery work with womenAmy reminds us that sobriety is not about losing something. It is about remembering who you were before the world convinced you to shrink. Her story is a powerful invitation to come home to yourself, trust your intuition, and start building a life that feels aligned at every level.Amy Liz Harrison is a memoir coach, author of 20+ books, and the CEO of A-Team Press, where she helps people in sobriety write and publish their stories with clarity, courage, and zero shame. A proudly sober mom of eight, Amy brings big-heart energy, irreverent Gen Z humor, and deep compassion to her work. She's the host of Eternally Amy, where she holds space for the messy, the meaningful, and the magical parts of recovery—and reminds us that telling the truth is the most healing thing we can do.Connect with Amy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylizharrison/Website: https://www.amylizharrison.com/Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

In today's episode, Kate pulls apart one of the biggest topics showing up in women’s recovery circles right now: ADHD in women, late diagnoses, masking, and why so many sober women suddenly “realize” they weren’t anxious or lazy. They were neurodivergent.Kate breaks it all down with her signature mix of neuroscience, honesty, and unapologetic feminist fire.She dives into:Why ADHD in women has exploded in awareness and why it is not a trend.How ADHD presents internally for women and why that led to decades of misdiagnosis.The neuroscience behind dopamine, executive function, and why alcohol felt like magic until it wasn’t.The overlap between ADHD symptoms and drinking behavior.How masking, perfectionism, and people pleasing become survival strategies for neurodivergent girls.Why midlife, perimenopause, and sobriety unmask symptoms women have been carrying since childhood.How cultural expectations and patriarchy keep women invisible in diagnostic spaces.Why many sober women finally receive an ADHD diagnosis.The impact of estrogen, dopamine and hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms.What ADHD women actually need instead of shame.How recovery tools like structure, community support and nervous system regulation help you rewire.Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Why do so many sober women still struggle with people pleasing and codependency, even after years of recovery?In this powerful episode, Kate sits down with Dr. Sarah Michaud, clinical psychologist, author of Co-Crazy, and more than four decades sober, for a brutally honest conversation about the invisible emotional patterns that quietly drive addiction. Together, they explore the fears, childhood wounds, and survival strategies that keep women trapped in the cycle of pleasing, fawning, shutting down, and drinking to cope.Dr. Sarah brings compassion, science, and humor to this massive topic, breaking down why codependency isn’t what you think it is and why it shows up even for women with long-term sobriety and successful careers. This episode is a masterclass in emotional literacy, nervous system regulation, and taking your power back.In this episode, they discuss:The real definition of codependencyWhy women are conditioned to people please and fear disappointing othersHow childhood dynamics shape adult relationshipsThe link between codependency, resentment, and drinkingThe shutdown, fawn, and freeze responsesHow to recognize your interpersonal fears in real timeWhy identifying your needs feels impossible for so many womenHow to get back into your body during conflictPractical steps for speaking up, setting boundaries, and choosing yourselfWhy anger can be a healthy and necessary part of recoveryDr. Sarah’s wisdom reminds us that recovery starts long before the drink and continues long after. The work is learning to come home to yourself.Her Bio:Dr. Sarah Michaud is a clinical psychologist, author, and co-host of Leaving CrazyTown. For more than thirty years, she has worked in the field of addiction and codependency recovery, blending professional expertise with the hard-earned lessons of her own journey. Sober from alcohol and cocaine since 1984, she knows firsthand the pain of addiction—and the freedom that comes with recovery.Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Connect with today's guest Dr. Sarah Michaudwebsite: https://drsarahmichaud.com/Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What happens when your public self looks polished and high-functioning, but your private life is quietly unraveling?In this vulnerable and insight-packed guest episode, Kate sits down with Jennifer Mathieu, award-winning author of Moxie and The Faculty Lounge, longtime educator, and sober mom. Jennifer opens up about her ten-year spiral into “problematic drinking,” how alcohol became her nightly form of fake self-care, and the moment she became more curious than afraid about getting sober.Drawing parallels between teaching and nursing, Kate and Jennifer explore the emotional weight of public-facing professions, the pressure to perform, and the resentment cycle that leads so many women to drink in secret. Jennifer shares how sobriety reshaped her identity as a teacher, a writer, a mom, and a woman who finally learned to stop setting herself on fire to keep everyone else warm.In this episode, Kate and Jennifer talk about:What it feels like to live a double life in a public-facing careerThe ten-year buildup to Jennifer’s sobrietyWhy breaking a promise to her husband was the turning pointThe sneaky ways alcohol hides inside burnout, resentment, and people pleasingHow alcohol became her nightly coping tool after motherhoodThe power of seeing sober women thriving on social mediaLearning to set real boundaries at work and at homeReclaiming identity outside of teaching, writing, and caregivingSobriety as a “power boost” to years of therapy and personal workWhy midlife is often the breaking point and the breakthroughReferenced in this episode:Jennifer’s novels including Moxie (now a Netflix film) and The Faculty LoungeSober Mom Collective meetings, where Jennifer is a weekly group leaderRewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Connect with today's guest Jennifer Mathieuhttps://www.jennifermathieu.com/Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this powerful Veterans Day episode, Kate sits down with her husband, Phillip, a 20-year Army veteran and nearly four years sober, for an unfiltered conversation about PTSD, moral injury, institutional betrayal, and healing through recovery.Together, they unpack what really happens inside the brain and body after trauma, how hypervigilance, anxiety, and moral conflict can take root long after the uniform or scrubs come off, and why alcohol often becomes the coping tool of choice for soldiers, nurses, and first responders alike.Blending lived experience with neuroscience, Kate and Phillip explore what healing looks like for both veterans and civilians: self-compassion, connection, movement, and sobriety. This episode is both a love letter to those who serve and a reminder that trauma recovery isn’t about being broken, it’s about learning to rewire your nervous system and reclaim your life.In this episode, they talk about:What PTSD really is (and what it isn’t)The concept of moral injury and why it hits soldiers, nurses, and first responders so deeplyHow trauma rewires the brain and how sobriety helps rewire it backThe reality of institutional betrayal in military and healthcare systemsThe connection between trauma, alcohol, and survival mechanismsHow they each healed through therapy, connection, and movementWhy sobriety is the foundation of their recovery and marriageReferenced in this episode:The Mankind Project (for men’s emotional healing and connection): mankindproject.orgWhether you’ve served, supported someone who has, or just know what it’s like to live with unhealed trauma, this episode offers compassion, education, and hope.Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Connect with Today's Guest Phillip Vitelahttps://www.instagram.com/a13photography/SMART Recovery Meeting Finderhttps://smartrecovery.org/meetingMentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever find yourself sober and wondering, is this it?In this refreshingly honest solo episode, Kate dives into one of recovery’s least talked about stages: boredom. Through personal stories, neuroscience, and real talk, she explores why life can feel flat in early sobriety and how that “blah” feeling isn’t failure—it’s your brain and nervous system recalibrating after years of artificial stimulation.Kate shares what happens when dopamine levels drop, why we confuse stillness for boredom, and how to rebuild a sense of excitement, identity, and curiosity without reaching for the old quick hits. With humor and heart, she reminds us that sometimes healing looks like sitting in your messy diaper—the unglamorous, in-between stage where growth quietly begins.In this episode, Kate dives into:Why boredom in sobriety is actually your brain healingDopamine depletion and the science of “recalibration”The identity gap between who you were and who you’re becomingHow to rediscover curiosity and joy in everyday lifeBuilding real friendships and connection in recoveryWhy stillness isn’t punishmentKate closes the episode by reminding listeners that sobriety doesn’t take away your joy—it just gives you access to the real kind. And sometimes, the most powerful transformation starts in the stillness.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What happens when a word that once saved you stops fitting?In this raw and deeply personal solo episode, Kate opens up about one of the most controversial topics in recovery: why she no longer calls herself an alcoholic. After years in 12-step rooms and studying addiction as a psychiatric nurse, she’s unpacked what this label means medically, psychologically, and spiritually, and why it no longer reflects who she is today.Kate explores the evolution of her own recovery, the science behind addiction and neuroplasticity, and how healing changes not just your habits but your identity. This episode challenges old narratives while holding space for every path that keeps people sober, reminding listeners that recovery is personal and growth means you get to change your mind.In this episode, Kate talks about:Why she no longer identifies with the word alcoholicWhat neuroscience reveals about addiction and recoveryHow sobriety evolves from survival to self-trustThe role of language and identity in long-term healingWhy we must respect all recovery paths, even when they differ from our ownKate reminds us that sobriety isn’t about the label you wear. It’s about the life you build beyond it.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Can being too high-functioning actually keep you stuck in your drinking?In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Mack Martin, author of Functional: A High Performer’s Guide to Freedom from Alcohol, to talk about what it really means to look like you “have it all together” while quietly struggling with alcohol.Rachel, a director in financial services with an MBA and a life that appeared picture-perfect from the outside, opens up about how intelligence, success, and achievement can become tools of denial. Together, she and Kate unpack the hidden costs of being “functional,” why rock bottoms are overrated, and how letting go of perfection makes room for healing.In this episode, Kate and Rachel talk about:What it means to be a “functional drinker”Why intelligence can keep us stuck in denialThe myth of moderation and why it’s so seductiveHow Rachel’s 30-day break turned into 7 years of freedomNavigating relationships and social circles after quittingFinding support outside of traditional recovery pathsThe unexpected gifts of living alcohol-freeRachel’s story is proof that you don’t need to lose everything to change everything — and that being smart isn’t what saves you from addiction, it’s what helps you rewrite your story once you’re ready to see it clearly.Rachel Mack Martin is a director in financial services and holds an MBA, bringing an inquisitive mind to everything she does, including writing. Rachel lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three unpredictable cats. When not working or writing, you can find her drinking a strong cup of black coffee with at least one feline on her lap. Functional is her first book.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] with Today's Guest: Rachel Mack MartinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_mack_martin/Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/5EUckcAMentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What happens when one person in the family gets sober? The whole system shifts.In this solo episode, Kate unpacks what really goes down when you walk into family gatherings clear-headed for the first time. From side-eyes at the dinner table to Aunt Linda clutching her Riesling like an emotional support animal, Kate blends humor, compassion, and psychology to help you understand why your family reacts the way they do, and how to stay grounded through it.She explores family systems theory, the emotional minefield of the holidays, and how to set boundaries without losing your sense of self. Whether you’re one month or eight years sober, this conversation will help you find peace (and maybe a laugh) in the chaos.In this episode, Kate dives into:Why your sobriety “threatens” the family systemHow to handle guilt trips, silence, and side commentsWhy anger is information, not failureThe power of self-compassion in healing family woundsHow to create your own grounded rituals during the holidaysWhy your sobriety will always ripple farther than you realizeSobriety doesn’t just change you. It changes the whole dance. And even if your family never claps for you, you’re already rewriting the story.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What if getting sober didn’t just change your habits, but changed the entire life you thought you wanted?In this episode, Kate sits down with Kathryn Sabella, a divorced mom of two, recovery leader, and co-facilitator of The Sober Mom Collective. Kathryn shares how removing alcohol brought not only clarity but the courage to face the truth about her marriage and herself. Together, they unpack what it means to trust your intuition, navigate change, and choose self-love even when it disrupts everything around you.In this episode, you’ll hear:How sobriety gave Kathryn the clarity to confront hard truths about her marriageWhy intuition and self-trust become louder when alcohol is goneHow motherhood and people-pleasing can keep women stuck in “good enough” relationshipsThe difference between doing the next right thing and the next loving thingWhat it means to make peace with divorce and create two happy homesWhy giving up alcohol might be the first true act of self-loveKathryn’s story is a reminder that sobriety doesn’t cause change, it reveals what’s been waiting for you all along. When the numbing stops, your truth has space to rise.Kathryn is a divorced mother of two girls and has been living an alcohol-free life since September 26, 2019. Kathryn works a 12 step recovery program but also frequents several online sober communities and is one of the leaders of the Sober Mom Collective, an online space designed by moms for moms navigating sobriety. Based on her lived experience, she is most passionate about helping women navigate relationship changes in sobriety, including divorce.  Rewired Sober Group Coaching Space Is Now Open: Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance designed for women in sobriety. You’ll get instant access to the full program, plus weekly live coaching sessions to help you rewire your brain, heal old patterns, and stay consistent. Enroll here: https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-programConnect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platformsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Connect with Today's Guest Kathryn Sabella:Instagram: @kathryn.authenticaf

What if sobriety wasn’t about recovery, but about reclaiming your whole self?From fashion blogger to sobriety advocate, Suzanne Warye is challenging mommy wine culture, dismantling the myth of moderation, and showing women that sobriety is not deprivation but transformation. In this conversation, she and Kate dive into motherhood, identity, personal style, and what it really means to create The Sober Shift.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why Suzanne doesn’t use labels like “alcoholic” or “in recovery”How she built The Sober Mom Life podcast and communityThe subtle ways alcohol steals from women’s livesHow fashion and self-expression became part of her sober rediscoveryWhat to expect from her new book The Sober ShiftSuzanne’s story is proof that sobriety is about shifting perspective, owning your truth, and building a life that feels like home.Rewired Sober 1:1 Coaching Spots Are Open (But Fill Up Fast) Start anytime and get 3 months of guidance from Kate designed for women in sobriety. Book a discovery call to inquire: Connect with Kate @rewiredsober on all social media platforms:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Email: [email protected] with Today's Guest Suzanne Warye:Instagram: @suzannewaryePodcast: The Sober Mom LifeWebsite & book tour: www.suzannewarye.comBook: The Sober Shift (available now)Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate sits down with Melissa McGovern, better known as The Sober New Yorker. After decades of drinking, woven into everything from Wisconsin’s drinking culture to New York’s nightlife, Melissa hit a turning point when her best friend died from alcohol-related illness. A devastating loss, paired with a harsh wake-up call from her doctor, pushed her to stop negotiating with moderation and start living fully alcohol-free.Now two years sober, Melissa is a coach, podcaster, and speaker helping women “try sobriety on for size” because sometimes what doesn’t fit at first becomes the thing you never want to take off.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Melissa went from sober curious to fully committedThe moment her lab results forced her to get honest about her drinkingWhy community was the missing piece that kept her sober this timeHow New York City became brand new again through sober eyesThe power of retreats, groups, and podcasts in building lasting recoveryWhy “trying sobriety on for size” can transform your entire lifeMelissa’s story is a reminder that sobriety is not deprivation. It is expansion. When alcohol goes, everything else you have been longing for finally has space to move in.Melissa McGovern | The Sober New YorkerCoach. Speaker. Storyteller. No-BS Guide to Alcohol-Free Living.Melissa McGovern, known as The Sober New Yorker, is a speaker, podcast host, and alcohol-free coach who helps professional women change their relationship with alcohol so they can live longer, healthier, more present lives. With humor, heart, and zero shame, Melissa invites women to try sobriety on for size — not because they hit rock bottom, but because they’re ready for more.After taking her own 90-day break that turned into a permanent, powerful lifestyle change, Melissa now leads group coaching programs, hosts raw and real conversations on The Sober New Yorker podcast, and speaks at women's retreats about reinvention, presence, and pushing past limiting beliefs. Her work is rooted in truth-telling, compassion, and a fierce belief that you don’t have to settle for a life half-lived.When she’s not coaching or behind the mic, Melissa is often off exploring the world — one sober adventure at a time. Sober travel is one of her greatest joys, and she’s on a mission to show women that life without alcohol is anything but boring.She’s here to help women live big, bold, beautiful, badass lives — fully awake, fully present, and completely free.Connect with Melissa McGovern:Instagram: @thesobernewyorkerPodcast: The Sober New YorkerWebsite: www.thesobernewyorker.comAccess the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

What if one promise to your child completely rewired your life?In this episode, Kate sits down with Kim Bellas, founder of Sober Is the New Cool and the White Heart Initiative, to explore how motherhood, resilience, and a little white heart turned into a global recovery movement. Inspired by her son’s epilepsy diagnosis, Kim ditched alcohol “for three months”, and never went back. Now 12 years sober, she’s built a worldwide community dedicated to smashing stigma, creating connection, and showing that sobriety isn’t boring—it’s powerful.Kim shares how she reinvented herself in midlife, used hypnotherapy as a surprising tool to quit drinking, and why she believes we’re all recovering from something. From New York’s annual White Party to International Recovery Walks spanning 30 countries, her mission is clear: no one should feel alone.In this conversation, you’ll hear:How her son’s epilepsy diagnosis became the catalyst for her sobrietyWhy hypnotherapy helped her rewire habits and cravingsThe birth of Sober Is the New CoolWhat the White Heart Initiative means and the powerful stories behind itHow the sober community is rewriting stigma through fashion, events, and laughterThe gift of never missing another memoryKim’s story is proof that sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol, it’s about choosing a bigger, brighter, more connected life.Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, Kate sits down with Jessica Guerrieri, author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—a novel that has taken sober and sober-curious communities by storm. Jessica blends raw honesty, lived addiction, and the messy truths of motherhood into a work of “book club fiction” that’s reaching women where memoirs sometimes can’t.With over 12 years of sobriety, Jessica opens up about why she chose fiction over memoir, how writing became both a refuge and a mirror, and what happens when you say the scary things out loud. Together, Kate and Jessica dive into the intersections of motherhood, identity, secrecy and the profound relief that comes when you finally stop hiding.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fiction can feel safer—and more powerful—than memoir for exploring addictionThe “phantom life” so many women carry alongside motherhood and marriageJessica’s near-fatal return to substances during the pandemic and how she found her way backThe role of family systems, comparison, and people-pleasing in fueling addictionThe healing power of telling the truth on the page, and in real lifeA sneak peek into Jessica’s next book Both Can Be True (coming 2026!)Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply human, Jessica’s story is a reminder that addiction isn’t about weakness—it’s about suffering in silence. And recovery? It’s about finding your voice, telling your truth, and living unapologetically as yourself.About Jessica:Originally from the Bay Area, Jessica lives in Davis, California with her husband and three daughters. She has a background in special education but left the field to pursue her passion for writing and to raise her girls. Jessica Guerrieri is a vocal advocate for recovery with over 12 years of sobriety. Her debut literary book club fiction novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, won the Maurice Prize for Fiction from her alma mater, UC Davis.Follow and connect with Jessica:Website: www.jessicaguerrieri.netInstagram: @jessicaguerrieriauthorTikTok: @jessstayssoberAccess the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I continue breaking down Kate’s 8—the eight core practices that help us rewire our brains in recovery. Last time, we covered the first four, and today I walk you through the final four practices that create lasting change. Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking; it’s about building a new identity, new thought patterns, and a life that feels like your own.In this episode, I cover:Confidence + Compassion — Why practicing self-compassion (instead of shame) is essential for resilience, and how confidence grows when we let ourselves be human.Journal Prompt: Where in my recovery can I replace shame with compassion? How would I speak to myself if I were encouraging a friend?Humor as a tool — How laughter literally rewires the brain, releases dopamine, and helps us loosen the grip of shame and rigidity.Journal Prompt: When was the last time I laughed in sobriety? How can I intentionally add more humor into my daily life?Creativity in recovery — Why engaging your creative side (writing, painting, music, even fashion) builds identity, provides healthy dopamine, and becomes a powerful tool for self-regulation.Journal Prompt: What creative outlet feels exciting or nourishing to me right now? How can I make space for it this week?Emotional literacy + triggers — Learning to name and understand our emotions so they stop hijacking behavior, and how building emotional granularity keeps us from reaching for alcohol.Journal Prompt: What emotion do I tend to avoid the most? How does it show up in my body, and what can I do to sit with it rather than numb it?Rewriting your story — The most powerful part of neuroplasticity: our identity is malleable. Every sober choice is a micro-edit to the story we tell ourselves, and we get to choose the ending.Journal Prompt: If I were writing the next chapter of my story, what do I want it to sound like? What identity am I choosing today with my actions?When you take these tools into real life, you don’t just stay sober—you rewire your brain for long-term freedom.Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Sobriety isn’t just about putting down the drink; it’s about retraining the thoughts, loops, and behaviors that kept us stuck in the first place. In this solo episode of Rewired Sober, I’m walking you through the first four practices in what I call Kate’s 8—the eight core ways we actually rewire our brains in recovery. Thanks to the science of neuroplasticity, we know that real change is possible—and I’ll show you how it happens.In this episode, I cover:Interrupting old loops — How to identify the destructive thought-behavior cycles that used to end in drinking, and replace them with more empowering choices.Verbal processing — Why saying things out loud in a safe space helps build metacognition (the ability to think about your thinking) and shift from autopilot to conscious choice.Moving from reaction to reflection — Learning to create space between emotion and response so you can choose your actions instead of being ruled by impulsivity.Relational safety — How healing, trust, and new neural pathways are built through safe, compassionate connections with others (and why your brain can’t rewire in isolation).Each practice comes with a simple journal prompt you can use to dig deeper and apply these tools in real time.This is part one of a two-part series, so stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll unpack the second half of Kate’s 8.Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I sit down with Michelle Folan, certified health and nutrition coach and host of the globally ranked podcast Asking for a Friend. Known for her no-BS, sassy approach to midlife wellness, Michelle helps women over 50 lose fat, build strength, and reclaim their vitality using evidence-based fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.Michelle shares her personal journey with alcohol, from corporate entertaining and pandemic drinking to her realization that moderation wasn’t serving her anymore. Together, we dive into the intersection of sobriety, menopause, and midlife health—and the empowering freedom that comes when women take the reins on their wellbeing.In this conversation, we explore:Michelle’s honest story of how her relationship with alcohol shifted during the pandemic.Why midlife is often the breaking point where women realize alcohol is not their friend.The science behind how alcohol impacts hormones, sleep, mood, and weight gain in perimenopause and menopause.The myth of moderation and why it doesn’t work for everyone.The often-ignored role of sleep, hydration, protein, and strength training in women’s midlife health.How conversations around alcohol and menopause are finally becoming less taboo—and why that matters.Michelle’s work is all about helping women stop settling and start showing up for themselves. This episode is packed with real talk, science, and encouragement for anyone navigating sobriety and the massive physical changes of midlife.Connect with Michelle:Instagram: @askingforafriend_podMentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Why do we procrastinate so much in recovery?In this episode, I unpack the six key reasons why procrastination shows up during sobriety and how we can gently work through it:Six Reasons We Procrastinate in Recovery:1) Low Dopamine ToleranceOur brains are used to quick dopamine hits from alcohol. Without that, even basic tasks feel boring and unrewarding. I share ways to build motivation through small wins and habit stacking.2) Nervous System DysregulationSobriety means feeling everything again. Overwhelm can trigger a freeze response, making even simple tasks feel impossible. I talk about how to regulate your body and borrow safety from others.3) Learned HelplessnessAfter repeated failures, we start believing we can’t succeed. I dive into how this mindset forms and how to break the cycle with messy action and micro wins.4) Fear of FailureTrying and failing feels unbearable, so we avoid trying at all. I share how to reframe failure as data and growth, not proof that we’re broken.5) Fear of SuccessSuccess means change, and change can feel threatening. I explore how fear of growth can lead to self-sabotage and how to embrace expansion safely.6) Inner Critic ParalysisThat voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? It’s trying to protect you—but it’s keeping you stuck. I offer ways to quiet the critic and take imperfect action.Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Kaplan, founder of Rewriting Sober, midlife mom of two, writer, and walking proof that it’s never “too late” to rewrite your story. At 48, Andrea hit one year sober, not from a dramatic rock bottom—but from the quiet, heavy hell of anxiety, shame, and soul-numbing routine.We unpack the real transformation: moving from people-pleasing and control to clarity and confidence. Andrea shares how she survived early sobriety while parenting teens, traveling to Italy, going to Vegas (yeah, Vegas), and hosting milestone family events—all without pouring a drink.In this episode, we talk about:Why you don’t need a rock bottom to choose sobrietyHow people pleasing and control masked her internal chaosLetting go of the fantasy of “drinking like a normal person”The mental torture of moderation attemptsRewiring her relationship with fear, self-trust, and perfectionismWhat Italy, Vegas, and gelato taught her about sober joyThe subtle but life-altering moment when she finally felt hope againAndrea proves you can look like you’ve got it all together and still feel lost—and that healing is possible without hitting the floor. This one’s for the high-functioning women who are done trying to function their way through despair.Connect with Andrea: https://www.instagram.com/rewritingsober/Links: Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever wonder why you want alcohol so badly—only to feel like absolute garbage afterward? You’re not broken. Your brain is just doing its job. In this episode, I want to share more about the neuroscience of addiction, diving deep into the opponent process theory, neurotransmitter chaos, and the real reason that 5 p.m. craving feels like a freight train.In this episode I cover:The brain’s “AB Process” and how it wires us to crave booze and crash afterWhy the wine witch hour isn’t about willpower—it’s about biologyGABA, glutamate, dopamine & cortisol: what’s really going on in your brainHow tolerance and withdrawal escalate over time (and why)Why early sobriety feels like a hormonal rollercoaster—and how long it really lastsWhy understanding brain science is the ultimate tool to ditch shame and build lasting sobrietyI share the moment when everything clicked (in a Safeway parking lot, of all places), and how learning the science behind addiction finally made me feel empowered—not broken.Links: Access the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Ever wonder why telling your story in recovery feels so powerful? It’s not just emotional—it's biological. In this solo episode, I talk about how storytelling activates empathy, builds emotional safety, and rewires your brain for change.From mirror neurons to narrative psychology, learn why your messy truth is the medicine—and how sharing it might be the most powerful recovery tool you have.Today I cover:Why “stories go where science can’t” (but neuroscience is catching up!)The magic and messiness of early AA storytelling circlesHow mirror neurons and narrative psychology help us changeThe link between relational safety, vulnerability, and brain rewiringWhy your recovery story evolves—and why that mattersHow storytelling softens self-judgment and builds compassionThe science behind why hearing one powerful story can change everythingWhy women especially thrive through shared emotional narrativesResources Mentioned:Burnout by Emily & Amelia NagoskiWe Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowenResearch by Dan McAdamsLinks: You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode of Rewired Sober, I sit down with Leah Fulton Eng, a nurse, and the heart behind the Sober Mom Collective. Leah shares the truth about what it really looks like to get sober while parenting—and why community may be the most important part of recovery.Together, we unpack how the illusion of “mommy wine culture” keeps so many women stuck, and how the simple act of showing up—being seen—can be the first step toward lasting change.In this episode we talk about:Leah’s story of addiction, denial, and finally surrendering to recoveryWhy she didn’t think traditional 12-step recovery was for herThe surprising power of a phone call from another sober momWhat it's like to recover in the middle of motherhoodThe deep shame around secrecy, lying, and trying to do it all aloneHow visibility in community changed everything for herWhy it took 4 months to tell her husband the truth—and how he respondedThe inspiration behind creating the Sober Mom CollectiveLeah is the founder and CEO of the Sober Mom Collective, a certified holistic coach specializing in recovery, a postpartum doula, and a registered nurse. She is in recovery from alcohol use, cannabis use, depression, and anxiety, and is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for moms navigating both sobriety and parenting.Links + Resources:Learn more about The Sober Mom CollectiveConnect with Leah on Instagram: @sobermomcollectiveConnect with Kate: https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I take you on a raw and unfiltered ride through New York City—from gritty Canal Street lofts to unexpected moments of insecurity on the Upper East Side. I recorded this on the fly during a spring trip, reflecting on identity, recovery, and the unexpected ways old wounds still show up—seven years sober. What begins as a rant about bad hotel decor becomes a powerful story of self-awareness, self-talk, and rediscovering joy (and a little magic) on the sidewalks of Manhattan.Key Takeaways:Even years into sobriety, old insecurities can resurface—and that’s normal.Comparison is sneaky and shows up when you least expect it.Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking—it’s about learning who you are and what still needs healing.You don’t have to have it all together to have a good time or be proud of your progress.A gritty hotel and a fashion icon can remind you how far you’ve come.Connect with Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In today's episode I am speaking with a former coaching client and dementia specialist Tammy Pozerycki. With 551 days of sobriety under her belt, Tammy opens up about her long history of addiction—from food and smoking to alcohol—and the emotional roots that kept her stuck for years. She shares how body image issues, disordered eating, and generational trauma shaped her coping mechanisms.Tammy reflects on the internal pain that motivated her to change, the chronic health conditions that reinforced her decision, and the role of coaching in helping her face the truth, shed the victim mindset, and commit to growth. Her honest and relatable story is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, but it is absolutely possible—even later in life.Key Takeaways:Addiction doesn’t discriminate—being in healthcare doesn’t automatically mean you understand recovery.Tammy’s addiction shifted forms throughout her life: from food to smoking to alcohol, always as a way to escape emotional pain.Emotional wounds from childhood, including body shaming and generational trauma, can fuel disordered coping habits.Long-term sobriety required Tammy to build accountability, especially through women's recovery groups and coaching.Her turning point came from emotional exhaustion and a heartbreaking comment from her husband—not a public fallout or external crisis.Chronic health issues like pancreatitis and liver damage later reinforced the need to stay sober, but she had already made the internal shift before diagnoses.Coaching, especially with someone who has lived experience, helped her unpack denial, build healthier narratives, and stop seeing herself as a victim.Reclaiming her life included confronting past stories, healing family wounds, and learning to finally put herself first.Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking—it's a commitment to becoming your authentic self, even if that means rediscovering who you are in your 50s.Connect with Tammy:https://www.facebook.com/tammy.pozeryckiWork with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-InquiryRegister here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCHMentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

Welcome to the first official episode of Rewired Sober — formerly You’ve Been Selected. In this episode I pull back the curtain on the real reasons for the name change, what I've learned about ego, identity, and Instagram, and how getting lost in vanity metrics nearly derailed the heart of my mission — to help women recover through neuroscience, storytelling, and soul-deep honesty.If you’re craving a sober space that’s about rewiring your brain — not reposting filtered versions of your rock bottom — you’re in the right place.Why the Name Change MattersThe origin story of You’ve Been Selected and why it will always matterThe shift toward a more grounded, neuroscience-rooted message with Rewired SoberCreating a safe space for women in recovery, not a public catwalk“Making soup”: building personalized sobriety recipes based on who you are, not what works for someone elseHonouring neurodiversity, upbringing, trauma, and identity in recovery workWhy Rewiring Is the WorkAddiction as a well-worn neural groove — and how we form new pathwaysRecovery through verbal processing, compassion, and communityThe role of laughter, creativity, and storytelling in healing the brainWhy neuroscience and spirituality don’t have to be at oddsLinks: You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In today's episode, I sit down with Beate Pilgreen — a professional organizer, sober powerhouse, and all-around life declutterer — to talk about the connection between getting sober and clearing the damn clutter — both emotionally and physically.Beate shares her journey from growing up in Germany to making a "geographic" move to the U.S., thinking a new zip code could fix her heartbreak (and her drinking). Spoiler: it didn’t. But the story didn’t end there. After years of struggle, a 20-year marriage, and a full life reset, Beate found her way into sobriety — and, unexpectedly, into a whole new career helping other women find freedom through simplicity.In this episode, we cover:How Beate discovered professional organizing after getting sober (and realized it was more emotional work than she expected).The link between addiction, clutter, and self-worth — and why sober women often feel stuck in their homes post-recovery.Reclaiming your space as a sober woman and redefining comfort and safety.Living intentionally, consuming consciously, and learning to say “no thanks” to a bag of random hand-me-downs.Beate’s transition from in-home organizing to digital offers and coaching — and her dream of building an army of sober, clutter-free women.Whether you’re clearing out your closet or cleaning up your past, this episode is a heartfelt, hilarious, and grounding reminder that letting go — of stuff, of stories, of self-doubt — is powerful as hell.Follow her journey on Instagram @noworganizingLinks: You can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katevitela/Explore Kate’s blog: https://thesobercurator.com/category/sober-lifestyle/youve-been-selected/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Solita Roberts, founder of Style to Impact and a true catalyst for transformation—one wardrobe at a time.We go deep on how style isn't about playing dress-up for the world. It's about dressing in alignment with who you actually are. Whether you're stepping into sobriety, into leadership, or just into a new era of self, your closet shouldn't be holding you hostage to an outdated version of you.Solita shares how getting dressed during the darkest season of her life became an act of self-care—and ultimately, survival. Together, we unpack:Why style is about internal transformation first, not just external polishThe myth that shopping fixes confidence (spoiler: it doesn’t)The fear women have of being “too much” and why color is an act of rebellionHow personal style can shatter conformity and unleash executive presenceTips for reassessing your wardrobe when your identity has shifted—hello sobriety, hello authenticityIf you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, “Nothing in here feels like me anymore,” this episode is for you.Solita C. Roberts is a catalyst for transformation—unlocking the confidence and authenticity of women leaders to cultivate a bold leadership image and personal brand.As a speaker and founder of Style To Impact, Solita partners with organizations, entrepreneurs, and mid-to-C-suite executives to develop influential leaders and position top talent with strategies to show up authentically appropriate, and increase executive presence. Her work has impacted over 18,000 women leaders and earned her a LinkedIn Top Voice recognition.Solita understands the pressure to conform to traditional corporate image standards—often at the expense of one's authentic self.That’s why she is passionate about pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to lead with authenticity in a professional world where it’s easy to feel unseen, unheard, or undervalued.She believes style is a tool for empowerment, self-care, and resilience—enhancing presence, influence, and career growth.When she’s not on stage or leading workshops, Solita enjoys exploring the world of pickleball, finding inspiration in books, and cherishing quiet moments alone.To discover how Solita can help you or your team enhance perception, performance, and power by refining their executive presence, visit styletoimpact.com/workwithme.Together, let’s lead with purpose, style with intention, and transform how you show up in the world.Connect with Solita:WEBSITE: https://styletoimpact.com/INSTAGRAM: @styletoimpact https://www.instagram.com/solitacroberts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solitacroberts/Connect with Kate:The Gut Check: A Private Course for Self-InquiryRegister here to gain immediate access to Gut Check—your space for clarity, relief, and next steps.https://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/offers/2et4yoCHWork with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelahttps://www.instagram.com/katevitela/https://www.katevitela.com Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program