Episódios

  • Send us a text

    Are you feeling stuck in your recovery journey, seeing the same faces and hearing the same stories over and over again? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the rut that many of us experience and how stepping out of your comfort zone can reignite your passion for sobriety. Join Matt as he shares his recent experience as a speaker at a virtual newcomer’s meeting, where the fresh energy and diverse voices revitalized his commitment to service. We also explore the value of switching up your routine, from virtual meetings with international participants to intimate small group gatherings, and the unexpected ways these can help combat that feeling of disconnection. Whether you’re struggling with motivation or just curious about how others are keeping things fresh, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you reconnect with your recovery. Tune in, and let’s rediscover the joy of the journey together!


    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, we dive into the deep end of social anxiety and imposter syndrome—two common struggles that many of us face, especially on our sober journeys. Join us as we share personal stories of navigating awkward social situations, feeling like outsiders, and the challenge of finding our place in new communities. Whether it’s at a kid’s soccer game or a fancy dinner party, we’ve all experienced those moments of not fitting in. But what do we do when these feelings become overwhelming, and how can we learn to cope without turning to alcohol?

    We’ll also explore the surprising connections between social anxiety and drinking in isolation, and share practical strategies for building connections, one person at a time. Plus, a heartfelt shoutout to our amazing listener who bought us a coffee and shared how our podcast helps them stay positive on their sober path. If you’re struggling with social anxiety, or just want to hear some relatable stories and tips on staying true to your sober self, this episode is for you.

    Join us, connect, and remember—you belong here.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Estão a faltar episódios?

    Clique aqui para atualizar o feed.

  • Send us a text

    In this deeply personal episode, we dive into the striking parallels between food indulgence and the battles of addiction. It all started with a simple craving for greasy food that spiraled into a night of severe discomfort and unexpected reflection. Join us as we explore how one small slip-up triggered memories of past struggles with alcohol, leading to a profound conversation about recovery, self-destruction, and the daily battles to maintain sobriety. Whether it’s greasy food or alcohol, sometimes the things we enjoy the most are the ones we must learn to live without. This episode is a candid look at why we fall into destructive patterns, how we pick ourselves back up, and the vital importance of sharing our stories along the way.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    The fourth and fifth steps can cause a lot of fear when we first come into a twelve step group. For me, they were liberating. We discuss why the fourth and fifth steps are so important. This is not a how to, this is why they are great steps, how they help you learn more about yourself and why you drink and help you understand how to stay away from the bottle. The fifth step helps you build trust and to have a deep conversation with an another alcoholic about your defects and how you have similarities.

    What was your experience with the fourth and fifth steps? Let us know at [email protected] and on instagram @soberfriendspod.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sobriety among well-known public figures. From presidents to Hollywood stars, many famous faces have openly battled addiction, offering both inspiration and complex reflections on the struggle with substance abuse. Steve and I explore what it means to see these celebrities maintain sobriety, how it resonates with those of us in recovery, and whether their stories bring hope or highlight the harsh realities of this relentless disease. Join us as we discuss the triumphs and trials of living a sober life, no matter the resources at hand.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    You get both of these amazing episodes in one day! If you have not listened to my excellent interview with William Schaberg, then you are in luck today! If you have, you'll love going over this again! I hope you consider buying his book, "Writing the Big Book," which I will link in the notes. You'll be blown away by Bill's insight.

    In Part 2 of the interview with Bill Schaberg, we discuss:

    What really happened when Ebby Thatcher visited Bill Wilson (The Kitchen Table Story)The problem with most AA historyThe many stories Bill told on how the steps were writtenWho really wrote, “To Wives,” and the urban legends about this chapterHank Parkhurt’s role in writing the Big Book and his later resentment of Bill Wilson

    Check out Bill Schaberg's site writingthebigbook.com where you can pick up his book, Writing the Big Book.

    Learn more about Hank Parkhurst at hankparkhurst.com

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    I love this episode and its so far in the back of the catalogue, you may not have seen it, especially if you are a new listener. I got the privilege of interviewing William Schaberg, author of the book, "Writing the Big Book." To me, it's the definitive history of the period when Bill write the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is what we discuss:

    The genesis of the why he wrote the bookBill W’s realization of why a book was writtenBill W’s original plan to help alcoholics recoverHank Pankhurst - the founder that drank and how there would be no Big Book without himThe Oxford Group - how the originals got soberBill Schaberg’s controversial take on who should be on the AA Mount Rushmore

    Check out Bill Schaberg's site writingthebigbook.com where you can pick up his book, Writing the Big Book.

    Learn more about Hank Parkhurst at hankparkhurst.com

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, Matt dives deep into the often challenging topic of faith and spirituality in recovery. Reflecting on his personal struggles with the concept of a higher power, Matt shares his experiences and doubts, from growing up in a Catholic household to grappling with the notion of an afterlife. He explores the conflicts many face when reconciling scientific reasoning with spiritual beliefs, especially within the context of sobriety and 12-step programs.

    Join us as Matt candidly discusses the feelings of envy towards those with strong faith, the fear of vulnerability in giving control over to a higher power, and the desire for a more concrete understanding of the divine. Whether you're religious, agnostic, or just curious, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of belief, doubt, and the quest for meaning in a sober life. Tune in to connect with Matt's journey and share your own experiences and insights on faith in sobriety.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    I struggle with what I can't control. If things are not going my way and I have no control over it, it can cause me great stress. That's when I think of the serenity prayer and try to learn from it's wisdom. In this episode, we discuss those things we think we'd control much better and learn when to let go.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    Join Steve and Matt in this enlightening episode as they delve into the transformative power of peace, serenity, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of recognizing the universe working in our favor and the profound impact of the 11th Step Prayer, also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Steve shares his personal journey of navigating sobriety, the challenges of maintaining a spiritual practice, and the benefits of incorporating prayer and meditation into daily routines. Discover how these practices, alongside mindful exercise, can help cultivate inner peace and improve overall well-being. Whether you're struggling with personal challenges or seeking ways to enhance your spiritual life, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating a more centered and harmonious existence.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    Summer is a time we get out of the house and start socializing. For those of us without the alcohol crutch, how do you survive? We talk about it on this week's episode. Having a 12 step group is helpful because you have a group of people you know. Even if you don't belong to a fellowship, you can learn some tricks to stay sober and happy!

    Have a planLeave if you have toTake two carsBring your own drinks

    We talk about how to survive socializing without booze this week.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    In this eye-opening episode we delve into the inspiring origins of Dry July, where three friends’ commitment to sobriety sparked a global movement for health and cancer support. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of pausing alcohol consumption—not just for our bodies but for our minds, wallets, and communities. From a mental health renaissance to economic elevation, discover the transformative impact a dry month can have on every facet of life. Whether you’re seeking better health, questioning your drinking habits, or simply curious about this charitable cause, this episode is your invitation to a journey of clarity, charity, and change. Tune in and find out why Dry July is more than a personal challenge—it’s a collective stride towards a healthier society.

    Call to Action: Ready to raise your glass of water in solidarity? Listen now and join the Dry July movement—one day at a time.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    What is service work in recovery? It's doing a task or a job that helps support others getting sober. In a meeting, it can be as small as putting chairs away to making coffee. It can be more involved like being a GSR at District, working at Area or GSO or volunteering for committees. In the end, it's doing the job that supports others getting sober. Steve and I are experienced with all kinds of service work and we hope you'll learn a little more about this important part of recovery and maybe even share your own experience.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    Our family of origin can be a cause of stress in recovery. That's the case for me. I've had to deal with an unexpected situation around my family of origin this week and I needed my higher power to help me through it. I shared this stress in a way I hope helps you. In this episode, we get vulnerable and discuss how the past can show up in the present and how to deal with it. Steve helps me out in not developing new resentments and how to manage stressful situations with the family.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    In this episode, we delve into the profound yet practical philosophy of “Take the Next Right Action.” This simple mantra holds a world of meaning, especially for those on the journey of recovery. It’s about the courage to confront the challenging tasks we’d rather avoid, the selfless acts of kindness that elevate others at the expense of our own comfort, and the quiet heroism in extending a hand to those who are wrestling with their own battles.

    For many, recovery is not just a path to personal healing, but a road paved with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. “Doing the next right thing” isn’t about grand gestures; it’s found in the everyday choices that, while they may seem small, create ripples of positive change. Whether it’s choosing honesty over convenience, service over self-indulgence, or hope over despair, these decisions shape the journey of recovery and reflect the heart of this podcast.

    Join us as we explore stories of resilience and generosity, and discuss how embracing this mindset can transform not only individual lives but also weave a tapestry of communal support and understanding. Together, we’ll learn that sometimes, the hardest choices are the most rewarding, and helping someone struggling might just be the next right thing for you.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    Relapse is common in sober communities. Can chronic relapse be disruptive to the group? If it is, how should it be addressed? We talk about chronic relapsers and how their presence can actually enhance the sobriety of those who continue with their recovery journey and how they should be treated with empathy. We discuss some who relapsed for decades, only to finally find continuous sobriety. We also discuss how to address anyone in a recovery community who is disruptive.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    With summer coming up, it's a great time to talk about the third promise. Lots from the past give us cause to pause, but we should not regret it but learn from it. Matt and Steve talk about the past, the harms caused and how to learn from them to make sobriety even better.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    I thought everything would be perfect once we stopped drinking? WRONG! Life still happens. The difference is that you don't have to drink over it and have new tools to get you through the things that happen in life. This week, Matt had a whole bunch of things happen and I'm sure in 6 months they will be forgotten. But today, they stink.

    Has this happened to you? Do you struggle with life on life's terms? Then this show is for you!

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    Join us for an insightful journey as we delve into the nuances of relapse triggers and celebrate wellness milestones! Today, we're opening up about the daunting specter of relapse triggers, sharing personal experiences, and unveiling strategies to fortify your sobriety armor.

    But before we dive in, catch up on a candid health update from Matt and how embracing a CPAP machine has been a game-changer in reclaiming restful nights and newfound vitality.

    As we pivot to the heart of our discussion, brace yourself for a raw exploration of relapse fears and the resilience of sobriety. Unpack the realness of stress as a silent saboteur, its insidious allure, and the battle-tested tactics to reclaim inner peace. From yoga's blissful embrace to the transformative power of prayer, uncover an arsenal of coping mechanisms to navigate life's tumultuous waves.

    Plus, delve into the pivotal role of community support, the profound impact of therapy, and the unyielding commitment to prioritize mental well-being. Reflect on the poignant moments of resistance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a life untethered by addiction.

    Tune in for an episode brimming with vulnerability, triumph, and the unwavering resolve to embrace each day with renewed strength and purpose. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that's as heartwarming as it is enlightening!

    Article sourced.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now

  • Send us a text

    You ever wonder why the old timer with 30 years of sobriety still reads the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous over and over and over again? Didn't they have reading comprehension and could get it the first time? We talk about it this week and discuss how we treat the Big Book of AA as a text book and something to aways learn from. And we discuss how re-reading helps the new guy or gal.

    Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal.

    Support the show

    🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? 📩 Stay in the loop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter! Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus insights from our guests, and exciting updates delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out – join our community today! 👉 Subscribe Now