Sober Stories
Title: Overcoming Opioids with Bachelorette alum, Hunter Montgomery In this episode of Sober Stories, host Beth Bowen sits down with Hunter Montgomery for an honest conversation about his personal journey through opoid addiction and recovery. Starting with an innocuous prescription of Vicodin for a football injury during his university years, Hunter candidly shares how his dependency evolved, leading him down the paths of alcoholism and eventually harder substances like heroin. A heart-to-heart chat with his grandfather offers a glimpse into the generational perspectives on...
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In this episode of Sober Stories, host Beth Bowen welcomes Millie Gooch, founder of Sober Girl Society, for a deep conversation on the journey to sobriety and the importance of creating a supportive, non-judgemental community for those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle. Millie, an alcohol-free advocate and accomplished author, shares her personal journey, reflecting on how her experiences getting sober as a young woman compelled her to create an online platform dedicated to providing resources and support for those interested in exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle. Beth and Millie...
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Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders and cannabis use. If these topics might be triggering for you, please know we always support you skipping to the next episode. In this episode, Beth interviews Meg Fee, the voice behind the Instagram page @youdonthavetodrink. Meg shares her Sober Story, from her upbringing in an Irish-American family where drinking was normalized, to living in NYC as a young professional, to the intensity of the blackouts she would experience when drinking no matter how much she consumed. Meg opens up about the challenges she...
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Title: Alcohol + the LGBTQIA+ Community, with Amy C. Willis In this episode, Sober Stories host, Beth Bowen, interviews Amy C. Willis, a highly respected sober coach known for her unique and holistic approach to sobriety. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Amy provided insight into the interwoven complexities of queerness, substance use, and the recovery process. Amy's candid reflections on her personal struggle with alcohol addiction and her transformative journey to sobriety provide a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for change. Amy introduces us...
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[Title]: The Sober Black Girls Club: Embracing Sobriety, Authenticity, and Joy with Khadi A. Oluwatoyin Khadi Oluwatoyin, a Nigerian-American, was born and raised in the heart of New York but is currently living in Tulsa Oklahoma, home of Black Wall Street and first settled by the Lochapoka Band of Creek Native American tribe. Khadi is an attorney, mental health and sobriety advocate, consultant, community builder, and social entrepreneur. Her work over the last few years has focused on increasing the wellness of Black girls, women, femmes, non-conforming folks, and queer folks of color. Khadi...
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Title: Duality: Navigating Life's Contrasts with Bachelor Alum, Dr. Taylor Nolan Dr. Taylor Nolan is a celebrated mental health advocate, therapist, and podcast host known for her compassionate and authentic approach to navigating complex emotional and psychological issues. With a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a doctorate in Human Sexuality, Taylor brings a unique perspective to her work, combining her expertise in mental health and sexuality to create a safe and inclusive space for her clients. Through her private practice, , Taylor offers therapy services...
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Jennie Canzoneri joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to talk about self-compassion and gentle self-talk after we make mistakes. Jennie shares her experience drinking again after long-term abstinence, how she returned to her sobriety, and all of the thoughts and self-talk that came along the way. Beth and Jenny talk about having to re-learn how to cope in healthy ways, the power of community, and how our “why’s” can evolve over time. Jennie explains the bloodwork that “scared her awake,” and Beth and Jennie discuss the ripple effect of our choice to quit drinking. Jennie shares what...
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Kevin Kreider of Bling Empire joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss alcohol in Hollywood, how sobriety gives us everything we thought we’d get from alcohol and the importance of visibility of minority communities in recovery. Beth and Kevin talk about how his sobriety has been represented on the show, Bling Empire, and how that visibility encouraged him to create his own non-alcoholic beverage brand, Sans. Kevin gives a few behind-the-scenes looks at the Bling Empire production and cast, and Beth and Kevin discuss the beauty of long-term sobriety. Kevin shares what his story would...
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Content warning: In this episode, our guest discusses childhood abuse/neglect and suicidal ideation/attempt. Inaya Zuwena joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss how sobriety has helped her work through childhood trauma and PTSD, the “rock bottom” that prompted her to get sober, and how sobriety unlocked her queer identity as a bisexual woman. Beth and Inaya talk about how her sobriety has evolved away from the 12 Steps and labels like “alcoholic,” and Inaya tells the story of reconnecting with her partner, Tom, after she quit drinking. Inaya explains the power of...
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Yaz Spark joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss the rapidly changing landscape in the non-alcoholic beverage space, diversity within the sober community, and how her own story motivated her to make zero-proof fun. Beth and Yaz talk about the shift in the way people are thinking about alcohol, how ditching booze dramatically impacted her anxiety, and how sometimes we lose friends along the way. Yaz shares what her story would be called: "The Journey to Becoming Myself." Yaz Spark runs a non-alcoholic cocktail bar service in the UK called Align Events, as seen on BBC and Alcohol...
info_outlineContent Warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders and cannabis use. If these topics might be triggering for you, please know we always support you skipping to the next episode.
In this episode, Beth interviews Meg Fee, the voice behind the Instagram page @youdonthavetodrink. Meg shares her Sober Story, from her upbringing in an Irish-American family where drinking was normalized, to living in NYC as a young professional, to the intensity of the blackouts she would experience when drinking no matter how much she consumed.
Meg opens up about the challenges she faced with alcohol and cannabis use, and the reality of substituting one addiction for another. Beth and Meg discuss the taboo of cannabis use in the alcohol-free community, and Meg shares how she discosvered she had replaced one addiction with another. Meg candidly shares her experience with cannabis withdrawal, and why she ultimately decided to remove it from her life.
Meg shared news of her upcoming podcast, "More Than Sobriety” — a podcast aimed at highlighting and supporting sober entrepreneurs, shining a light on an emerging and vibrant segment of the business world.
Key discussion points from the episode:
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Meg's journey through alcohol addiction and her path to recovery.
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Meg and Beth’s experiences with eating disorders, disordered habits around food and weight
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The complex issue of swapping one addiction for another.
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Meg's experiences with cannabis use and her decision to quit.
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The interplay between addiction and mental health.
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The role of self-awareness in managing sobriety and mental health.
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An introduction to Meg's upcoming podcast, "More Than Sobriety".
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The trend of individuals stepping away from the online Sober Space.
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The importance of holistic personal growth and recovery.
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Meg extends an invitation to our host, Beth, to be a guest on her podcast.
[About Meg Fee]
Meg is a vibrant voice in the world of sobriety, recovery, and personal growth. She's best known for her relatable content on her Instagram handle, @youdonthavetodrink. With a rich personal journey that includes overcoming alcohol addiction and embracing a life beyond sobriety, Meg presents a layered and comprehensive perspective on the path to wellness. As a successful branding expert and marketer, Meg leverages her professional skills to shed light on the booming industry of sober entrepreneurs and zero-proof businesses. Currently, she's embarking on a new venture - her podcast, "More Than Sobriety," where she further amplifies the voices of sober individuals, while demonstrating that life in recovery is multifaceted and extends far beyond the absence of alcohol.
Connect with Meg Fee:
- On Instagram - @youdonthavetodrink, @morethansobriety
- Online - https://www.morethansobriety.com/
- Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/61so4Ky6x9RSJAIA6ABj3Q?si=7ab6fb330cbb40e2
Support Sober Stories:
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From our sponsors:
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[Disclaimer:] The content provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The discussions and personal experiences shared are based on individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as therapeutic guidance. If you are seeking mental health support, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed therapist or healthcare professional who can provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Prioritize your well-being and seek professional help when necessary.
[About Sober Stories:]
Sober Stories is a transformative brand that aims to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to sobriety and beyond. Through their podcast and community, Sober Stories provides a space where people inspire others by sharing their personal narratives of overcoming addiction and embracing a sober lifestyle. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, Sober Stories cultivates a supportive community that celebrates living alcohol-free as a source of strength and resilience. Their platform showcases powerful stories of recovery, offering hope, encouragement, and relatability to those who may be facing their own struggles with addiction. Sober Stories embraces the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change and healing, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity among individuals seeking a sober life. With a mission to challenge societal stigmas surrounding addiction and promote positive narratives around and alcohol-free life, Sober Stories is a beacon of inspiration and support for all those who are reclaiming their lives and rewriting their own stories of triumph.
[About our host, Beth Bowen:]
Beth Bowen, LMSW, is a dedicated and compassionate licensed social worker and sober coach with a strong focus on supporting individuals in their journey to sobriety and overall mental well-being. With a Master of Social Work degree and specialized training in addiction counseling, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her work revolves around trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and substance misuse recovery. Beth is deeply committed to empowering individuals struggling with addiction, providing them with the necessary tools and strategies to overcome challenges and achieve lasting sobriety. She combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with her own personal experience in recovery, offering a unique perspective and genuine empathy. Beth's expertise in the field of addiction and her dedication to ongoing professional development make her a valuable resource for those seeking support in their sobriety journey. Through her coaching services, she creates a safe and supportive environment, helping clients navigate the complexities of addiction, heal from past traumas, and build a foundation for a fulfilling and alcohol-free life.
Keywords: Sobriety, Alcohol Addiction, Cannabis Addiction, Eating Disorder Recovery, Mental Health, Sober Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth, Alcohol-Free