Breaking Chains: Ian's 34-Year Battle with Alcohol to Sobriety
In this eye-opening episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I welcome Ian, who candidly shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol. Discover how Ian turned his life around after 34 years of drinking, failed marriages, and professional challenges, all while exploring the profound impact of finding clarity, gratitude, and setting powerful examples for his children. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of community, self-forgiveness, and the surprising benefits of a sober life.
Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian.fee/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:16 Ian's Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol
02:26 High School and College Years
05:05 Career Beginnings and Drinking Culture
14:23 Family Life and Struggles with Alcohol
17:59 Rehab and the Road to Recovery
32:13 Struggles and Realizations
33:46 The Importance of Community
38:12 Facing Social Pressures
41:01 The Value of Time and Sobriety
45:06 Forgiveness and Self-Improvement
50:07 Gratitude and Daily Practices
54:39 Impact and Purpose
01:02:31 Final Thoughts and Advice
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From hiding alcohol bottles to sobriety with Christine
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I sit down with Christine, a resilient mother and former nurse, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood affected by her father's alcoholism to her own struggles with addiction. Christine opens up about the challenges of growing up in a loving yet dysfunctional household, the impact of her father's early death, and eventually her own battle with substance abuse. She details her difficult path to recovery, which included losing her nursing license, the toll it took on her family, and her turning points. Christine discusses finding peace and purpose through sobriety, the support of her family, and the importance of honesty and community in her recovery journey.
Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Christine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sherisessober/
00:00 Introduction to Season Four
00:15 Meet Christine: A Long-Awaited Conversation
00:43 Christine's Childhood: Love and Dysfunction
04:14 School Days and Family Tragedy
06:31 High School: First Encounters with Alcohol
14:07 Post-High School Life: Family and Work
15:41 Meeting Her Husband: A Funny Story
18:14 Motherhood and Nursing School
21:39 The Accident: A Turning Point
24:00 Struggling with Addiction
27:18 Seeking Help and Legal Troubles
29:54 Relapse and Alcohol Dependency
36:41 Facing the Consequences of Poor Choices
36:59 Struggles with Guilt and Shame
37:51 Losing a Beloved Career
42:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Help
44:13 Entering Detox and the Road to Recovery
45:20 Rebuilding Relationships and Self-Identity
53:11 The Importance of Honesty and Vulnerability
55:47 Finding Peace and Purpose in Recovery
01:09:41 Encouragement for Those Struggling
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Navigating Childhood Trauma and the Path to Sobriety with Emily
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Emily joins the show to share her powerful story of growing up with alcoholic parents, her own struggles with addiction, and the journey to sobriety. Emily recounts her move to Texas, feelings of disconnection, and major life challenges, including an unplanned pregnancy and battling an eating disorder. We explore Emily’s slow, nonlinear path of recovery after decades of chronic relapse, twenty institutions, a DUI with her child in the car, and ongoing neurological damage from alcohol use—all while mothering four children. She discusses her multiple stints in rehab and what led her to get sober again in 2016. Emily also speaks about her memoir, 'Wife, Mother, Drunk,' which explores her family's generational trauma, her personal experiences, and her path to healing and understanding.
Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co
Support the Show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Connect with Emily on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/emilyredondo_author/
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Sobriety and Second Chances: Don's Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Don shares his journey growing up with an alcoholic father to his own struggles with addiction and eventual sobriety. Don recounts the turning moments that led him to realize the depth of his addiction, including his near-death experiences and the kindness of strangers who helped him find his way. He discusses how sobriety opened doors to unexpected opportunities, including a role in a Netflix show and a thriving career in building hot rods. Don's story is a testament to the power of resilience, support systems, and a higher power in creating a new, fulfilled life.
Don on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donabenante/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:32 Don's Childhood and Early Exposure to Alcohol
02:05 Memories of Don's Father
04:19 The Impact of Don's Father's Death
06:39 Don's Struggle with Alcohol Begins
09:48 Life as an Alcoholic and Career Challenges
12:18 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
16:00 The Turning Point: Finding Sobriety
21:52 Rebuilding Life and Embracing Sobriety
29:17 The Struggle with Sobriety
29:38 The Turning Point
30:07 The Battle with Kratom
32:19 Support Systems and Sobriety
34:08 Finding Peace in Sobriety
37:21 Embracing Sobriety as a Superpower
40:17 The Journey to Self-Acceptance
45:25 Career and Sobriety
46:21 The Netflix Opportunity
48:04 Building a New Life
01:00:15 Final Thoughts on Sobriety
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From Alcohol Blackouts To Finding Joy - Sam's Story
In this episode, I connect with Sam, a listener of the podcast. Sam shares his story growing up in Northern Virginia, where sports and family played significant roles, transitioning to a college life filled with heavy drinking and partying. After moving to Florida, Sam realized that alcohol prevented him from pursuing his passions and living a fulfilling life. A significant wake-up call from his boss helped Sam make the critical decision to stop drinking. Sam discusses his journey through sobriety, the importance of support systems like AA and podcasts, and how focusing on his hobbies and improving his mental health has changed his life. Sam now channels his energy into helping others and setting personal goals, celebrating one year of sobriety with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sammysharks9/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Sam's Childhood and Upbringing
02:21 Early Experiences with Alcohol
03:40 High School Drinking Culture
09:37 College Life and Escalation of Drinking
14:00 Consequences and Realizations
17:44 Post-College Reflections
24:35 Health Issues and Denial
27:20 Seeking Help and Self-Reflection
34:19 Breaking the Cycle and Growth
35:15 The Unexpected Journey to Sobriety
35:41 Life in Tampa: Bars, Beaches, and Martial Arts
38:18 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol
40:09 The Decision to Quit: Work and Personal Life Collide
42:52 The First Steps: AA and Early Sobriety
46:28 Transformations: Physical and Mental Health Improvements
48:20 Finding New Passions: Fishing and Fitness
49:07 Supporting Others: The Power of Community
01:00:45 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice and Encouragement
The Sober Motivation Podcast – Real Stories. Real Change.Welcome to The Sober Motivation Podcast, the top-rated recovery podcast inspiring people to quit drinking, stay sober, and build a life they’re proud of. Hosted by Brad McLeod, founder of the Sober Motivation Community, each episode features real sobriety stories, life-changing conversations, and actionable tools to help you overcome addiction and rediscover purpose.
Whether you’re new to recovery, sober-curious, or years alcohol-free, this show will help you find the motivation and mindset to keep going—one day at a time. With millions of downloads and a growing global community, Sober Motivation is where hope meets action.
Topics include: quitting alcohol, relapse prevention, mindset shifts, personal growth, mental health, community connection, and rebuilding your life after addiction.
If you’re ready to live alcohol-free and create real change, follow The Sober Motivation Podcast today—because sobriety isn’t the end of your story, it’s the beginning.
Listen to Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories, anything goes with emma chamberlain and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app