Sisters In Sobriety

By: Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen
  • Summary

  • You know that sinking feeling when you wake up with a hangover and think: “I’m never doing this again”? We’ve all been there. But what happens when you follow through? Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen can tell you, because they did it! They went from sisters-in-law, to Sisters in Sobriety. In this podcast, Sonia and Kathleen invite you into their world, as they navigate the ups and downs of sobriety, explore stories of personal growth and share their journey of wellness and recovery. Get ready for some real, honest conversations about sobriety, addiction, and everything in between. Episodes will cover topics such as: reaching emotional sobriety, how to make the decision to get sober, adopting a more mindful lifestyle, socializing without alcohol, and much more. Whether you’re sober-curious, seeking inspiration and self-care through sobriety, or embracing the alcohol-free lifestyle already… Tune in for a weekly dose of vulnerability, mutual support and much needed comic relief. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of sisterhood in substance recovery! Kathleen Killen is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and certified coach based in Ontario, Canada. Her practice is centered on relational therapy and she specializes in couples and working with individuals who are navigating their personal relationships. Having been through many life transitions herself, Kathleen has made it her mission to help others find the support and communication they need in their closest relationships. To find out more about Kathleen’s work, check out her website. Sonia Kahlon is a recovery coach and former addict. She grappled with high-functioning alcohol use disorder throughout her life, before getting sober in 2016. Over the last five years, she has appeared on successful sobriety platforms, such as the Story Exchange, the Sobriety Diaries podcast and the Sober Curator, to tell her story of empowerment and addiction recovery, discuss health and midlife sobriety, and share how she is thriving without alcohol. Your sobriety success story starts today, with Kathleen and Sonia. Just press play!
    Sisters In Sobriety
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Episodes
  • Ditching Mommy Wine Culture and Corporate Stress With Bella Ferguson
    Nov 25 2024
    This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Bella Ferguson, a certified This Naked Mind coach and co-host of the Not Drinking Alcohol podcast. Bella shares how she went from working in high-pressure corporate law, where "work hard, play hard" was the mantra, to embracing a sober lifestyle. Spoiler alert: she’s thriving, and she’s here to inspire anyone who feels stuck in the "mommy wine" spiral or corporate happy hour grind.In this episode, Sonia and Bella chat about the pressures of professional drinking culture, why “mommy wine time” isn’t as harmless as it seems, and how to start rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Is sobriety possible in environments where alcohol feels like the glue that holds everything together? And how do you deal with the awkward moments of being the only sober person at the party?You’ll hear Bella's tips for navigating social situations, finding joy in alcohol-free living, and tackling the emotional baggage that often comes with drinking. Learn how she rebuilt her confidence, discovered tools for emotional sobriety, and why regulating your nervous system is a total game changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance sobriety with career, parenting, and friendships, Bella's got the answers.We also dive into Bella’s personal story, including her rock-bottom moment and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up. From dodging awkward small talk with wine-loving moms to rediscovering her passion and purpose, Bella keeps it real about the ups and downs of sobriety—and why it’s so worth it.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women rethink their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamped Highlights:[00:01:00] Bella introduces herself and why she ditched the lawyer life.[00:02:13] The “work hard, play hard” drinking culture in corporate law.[00:03:56] How gender roles impact drinking expectations at work.[00:05:35] Why workplace drinking is more than a “work hard” problem.[00:08:51] Juggling kids, stress, and a wine bottle—Bella’s experience with mommy wine culture.[00:12:00] Bella’s wake-up call in the hospital that changed everything.[00:14:18] What happens to your marriage when drinking takes over.[00:17:39] The awkwardness of setting post-rehab boundaries with your partner.[00:21:25] Emotional sobriety: why white-knuckling it isn’t enough.[00:24:03] Helping clients figure out if moderation or quitting is right for them.[00:28:00] Core fears and beliefs that keep people stuck in drinking cycles.[00:32:15] How Bella’s friendships evolved after she chose sobriety.[00:36:00] Bella’s go-to self-care tips (hint: popcorn and trail runs are involved).[00:40:27] Why connecting with others is the secret weapon against isolation.[00:42:08] How ditching alcohol changed Bella’s career and life purpose.[00:45:00] Staying aligned with your values to keep sobriety on track.[00:46:28] What’s next for Bella: alcohol-free challenges and courses.LinksConnect With Bella! https://isabellaferguson.com.auYour Alcohol Revolution Online Programs: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/TheAlcoholRevolutionAlcoholFreeOnlineProgramOverviewFree Do I have a Drinking Problem 3 Day Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/doIhaveadrinkingproblemwithisabellafergusonYour Alcohol Revolution LIVE Program (next in February 2025): https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/alcoholfreedomchallengeInstagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaSisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)Kathleen’s Instagram
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    48 mins
  • The First 90 Days: How to Start and Stick with Sobriety with Courtney Andersen
    Nov 18 2024

    Today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety is all about navigating the ups, downs, and surprising discoveries of early sobriety! Sonia is joined by Courtney Andersen, the founder of Sober Vibes and a seasoned sober life coach who’s been alcohol-free for over a decade. Courtney’s also the author of Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First 90 Days Without Alcohol, a no-nonsense roadmap for getting through those crucial early months. She’s here to share real-life tips and laughs, making the road to sobriety feel a little less intimidating.

    In this episode, they dive into questions like: What can you do when the “witching hour” hits and cravings come knocking? How can you tell if moderation isn’t cutting it? And what are the realistic expectations for those tough first 90 days?

    Courtney offers her refreshingly honest take on some key concepts of early sobriety: managing withdrawal, building a support network, and learning to talk to yourself kindly (yep, that’s a big one!). She’ll break down how to replace old habits with new, feel-good routines that keep you steady—and maybe even make you excited about a new way of life.

    Things get personal as Courtney opens up about her rock-bottom moment, her “aha” pact with the universe, and her journey from feeling lost to finding purpose. If you’re looking for motivation to start or stick with sobriety, Courtney’s story is full of the grit, humor, and hope that will keep you moving forward.

    This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

    Highlights

    00:01:15 - A quick look at Courtney’s new book, Sober Vibes, and how it guides readers through the first 90 days.
    00:02:34 - Courtney shares her “I have to quit” moment and what drove her to finally make the change.
    00:03:00 - Falling in love with the bar scene and the “fun” side of drinking.
    00:04:50 - Panic attacks and anxiety kick in as the fun fades.
    00:06:50 - Courtney’s funny (and frustrating!) attempts at “moderation rules” for drinking.
    00:09:13 - The sneaky ways emotional dependency shows up when trying to quit.
    00:10:58 - The endless cycle of bargaining and why it’s exhausting.
    00:12:40 - Courtney’s rock-bottom night (and a lost cat!) that finally pushed her to quit for good.
    00:15:35 - Sonia and Courtney chat about how rock-bottom looks different for everyone.
    00:16:30 - What those first 90 days really feel like and why they’re so tough.
    00:17:45 - Withdrawal symptoms and the importance of checking in with a doctor.
    00:20:15 - How having a support network can help you feel less alone.
    00:21:45 - Redefining routines and how small changes can make a big difference.
    00:24:00 - Courtney’s “Friday night lights” TV binge for those hard weekend nights.
    00:26:22 - Easy tips for handling cravings and setting boundaries with friends.
    00:29:00 - Courtney’s “60-minute rule” for social events and getting home before triggers hit.
    00:31:50 - How journaling and reflection can help keep your sober mindset strong.
    00:33:00 - Simple, do-anywhere tools for getting through intense cravings.
    00:36:30 - How exercise and fresh air can be secret weapons for staying sober.
    00:37:04 - The underrated power of a good night’s sleep.
    00:40:00 - What to expect as cravings start to fade and you build a new normal.
    00:45:00 - Why staying present is the best way to approach your sobriety journey.

    Links

    • Connect With Courtney Here!

    Website- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com

    IG- https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes

    Book- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order

    • Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
    • Sisters In Sobriety Email
    • Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
    • Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
    • Kathleen’s Instagram
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    51 mins
  • Breaking Free from the Food Guilt Cycle with Ali Shapiro
    Nov 11 2024

    Today, Kathleen and Sonia bring you a fascinating chat with Ali Shapiro – health coach, speaker, and creator of Truce with Food. Together, they dig into the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to cravings, food, and the ways alcohol plays into it all.

    In this episode, they tackle questions we all ask ourselves: Why do I crave sugar after a long day? What’s really behind that urge to snack? and How can I start eating in a way that feels right for me? Ali shares practical insights on how to understand cravings, balance blood sugar, and build a healthier relationship with food that doesn’t feel like a battle.

    Listeners will get practical tips about blood sugar balance, ways to know the difference between “I need this” and “I want this,” and how to make food choices that feel natural. Ali also talks about her own journey with food, revealing how a health challenge as a kid shaped her approach to nutrition today. Whether you're struggling with cravings or just looking to feel more in tune with your body, there’s something here for you.


    This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

    Time-Stamped Highlights

    [00:01:00] Meet Ali Shapiro and her unique take on food and cravings
    [00:01:10] How blood sugar and alcohol mess with our cravings
    [00:02:00] Why emotional cravings happen and how to spot them
    [00:03:12] The never-ending cycle of caffeine and exhaustion
    [00:04:15] What’s the difference between wanting a snack and needing one?
    [00:05:23] Ali’s thoughts on why “intuitive eating” isn’t always so intuitive
    [00:06:54] Getting real about our emotional ties to food
    [00:07:52] Food as a way to connect with others – why it matters
    [00:08:10] Kathleen shares how food helped her through a hard time
    [00:09:19] How meals can help us slow down and feel more grounded
    [00:10:12] Finding balance when it comes to emotional eating
    [00:11:23] Ali’s “three types of hunger” approach – it’s not just about food!
    [00:12:42] How blood sugar balance can reduce cravings
    [00:13:56] Ali’s breakfast experiment – try it for yourself!
    [00:15:27] Peptides and insulin – breaking down what it all means
    [00:17:04] Why strength training is a midlife game-changer
    [00:18:29] Understanding how hormones impact our cravings
    [00:20:15] Building muscle to support a healthy weight
    [00:21:59] Busting the myth of calorie-counting diets
    [00:24:48] Separating health and weight without judgment
    [00:28:55] Ali’s Truce with Food program – what it’s all about
    [00:34:43] A sneak peek at Ali’s thoughts on gut health

    Links

    Get In Touch With Ali -

    • Free breakfast experiment
    • Truce with Food group program


    • Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
    • Sisters In Sobriety Email
    • Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
    • Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
    • Kathleen’s Instagram
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    36 mins

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