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

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

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the nuanced connections between food, emotional well-being, and self-worth with special guest Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Ali brings a unique perspective to our understanding of food and body image, diving deep into how they shape—and often complicate—our personal stories

Ali breaks down big questions: How does food influence our sense of safety and belonging? What role does diet culture play in our self-worth? And how can we begin to reclaim our autonomy over our eating choices? Listeners will find Ali’s candid discussion on media messaging and societal expectations especially valuable, with practical advice on setting personal standards that nurture self-respect and belonging.

Throughout the episode, Ali addresses key concepts like body image, emotional eating, and the hidden impact of attachment chemicals on our relationship with food. Listeners will also hear about “self-authoring” our values—moving away from discipline and control and toward devotion to personal well-being. This episode covers functional medicine insights and tangible tools for aligning with our internal sense of self-worth.

Ali also opens up about her own personal story, reflecting on her early experiences with body image struggles and loneliness that many can relate to. Through her honesty, she shares how those moments shaped her journey to find true belonging, and how each of us can start unearthing our food and body stories to reclaim joy and freedom in our lives.

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.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her background
[00:01:13] Functional medicine and cognitive behavioral approach
[00:02:00] The intersection of food and sobriety
[00:04:45] Unearthing the stories we tell ourselves about food and body
[00:06:35] The willpower and discipline myth in dieting
[00:07:57] The concept of food as safety and belonging
[00:10:04] Kathleen shares her earliest food memory
[00:12:45] Food as a source of comfort for loneliness
[00:13:39] Attachment chemicals released by food
[00:17:14] Media’s impact on body image and self-worth
[00:21:40] Transitioning to self-authority in adulthood
[00:23:14] Self-worth and evolving the sense of belonging
[00:26:32] Kathleen discusses finding a supportive partner
[00:28:20] Building a community that aligns with self-worth
[00:30:53] The lasting impact of family messages on body image
[00:31:42] Moving from discipline to devotion in self-care
[00:33:32] Foods and drinks that impact blood sugar levels
[00:34:00] Outro and preview of part two with Ali Shapiro

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

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into topics of self-sabotage, overcoming limiting beliefs, and perfectionism with returning guest Lorina Christine, a transformational coach, mentor, and podcast host. Today, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you gain insights into managing high-achieving tendencies while embracing imperfection for lasting self-growth.

Lorina Christine brings her expertise on EFT tapping, emotional healing, and mindfulness practices such as breathwork and movement. The conversation delves into how perfectionism often masks fear of failure and how we can reframe this mindset to move forward. Key questions explored include: What are the root causes of perfectionism and self-sabotage? How can EFT tapping be used to release limiting beliefs and foster emotional healing? What daily practices can we use to realign our goals with our deeper purpose?

Listeners will walk away with valuable tools, like EFT tapping, to manage stress and anxiety, shift from a fear-based mindset, and gain self-confidence. Lorina also shares how incorporating self-compassion, movement, and breathwork can bring about transformation in everyday life. Whether you're dealing with self-sabotage, fear of failure, or just need a little encouragement to break through limiting beliefs, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

On a more personal note, Lorina opens up about her own journey from rebellion against societal expectations to becoming a high achiever in her entrepreneurial life. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up with a narcissistic step-parent and how that shaped her path. Get ready to hear Lorina's heartfelt story and learn from her experiences of overcoming obstacles to achieve personal and professional growth.

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:

00:01:17 – Overview of Lorina’s work and EFT tapping
00:02:00 – Perfectionism as a form of self-sabotage
00:02:32 – Lorina’s personal story of rebelling against societal expectations
00:03:23 – High achieving tendencies in entrepreneurship
00:04:45 – Root causes of perfectionism
00:05:50 – Strategies Lorina uses to manage high achieving tendencies
00:07:25 – Messy action vs. perfectionism
00:08:30 – Difference between fear of failure and perfectionism
00:09:55 – Importance of embracing imperfection
00:13:10 – How to identify and break self-sabotaging patterns
00:15:00 – Lorina discusses the role of self-concept in personal growth
00:16:30 – EFT tapping explained
00:17:50 – Lorina leads a live EFT tapping session
00:21:40 – Discussion of shifting energy with EFT
00:25:30 – The importance of acknowledging limiting beliefs
00:27:00 – How EFT works alongside other practices like breathwork and movement
00:32:00 – Lorina discusses emotional regulation and the impact of EFT
00:36:00 – How tapping can bring immediate relief and long-term results
00:40:00 – The healing power of dance and movement
00:44:00 – Lorina challenges Sonia to a self-love dance routine
00:48:00 – Shifting mindset from “I have to” to “I get to”
00:52:00 – Closing remarks and what’s next for Lorina Christine

Links:
Follow Lorina Christine on Instagram: @Lorina.Christine
Listen to Lorina’s podcast: Unleash Your Radiance for more wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset content
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

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined by Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW, a social worker and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help you dig deep into how ACT can support recovery and mental health. Together, they’re here to help you understand how ACT can help you live a fuller, more present life, especially when facing tough emotions and the challenges of addiction.

Tim Gordon isn’t just your average therapist—he’s an ACT trainer, international presenter, and co-author of several therapy books, including The ACT Approach and The ACT Deck. He’s passionate about using therapy to help people move through trauma, attachment issues, and addiction to live more meaningful lives. Tim’s warm, down-to-earth style will make it easy to follow along, even if you're new to the world of therapy.

In this episode, you’ll hear Sonia and Kathleen chat with Tim about the basics of ACT, focusing on how it helps people break free from negative patterns and take action in their lives. They dig into key questions like: What is psychological flexibility, and how can it help with recovery? How can you stop running from your emotions and start dealing with them in a healthier way? This episode covers all that and more, so you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how ACT works in everyday life.

Tim also shares practical tips and personal stories about how ACT helped him in his own life, from overcoming his own doubts to finding balance as a father and therapist. Whether you’re in recovery or simply looking for better ways to handle life’s ups and downs, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective on how to navigate the hard stuff without feeling stuck.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. For more support, tips, and resources, be sure to check out our Substack.

Time-stamped Highlights:

[00:00] – Welcoming today’s guest, Timothy Gordon, and introducing the topic of ACT
[00:01] – Tim’s background and how he got into social work and ACT
[00:03] – Why ACT is different from other therapies and why it matters in recovery
[00:06] – Understanding psychological flexibility and how it can change your life
[00:09] – The role of trauma and attachment in addiction
[00:12] – How ACT helps you show up for your emotions instead of avoiding them
[00:16] – Breaking negative cycles and finding new ways to cope
[00:19] – Tim shares a personal story about overcoming doubts with ACT
[00:22] – Practical tools for being present and mindful in everyday life
[00:25] – The power of accepting your emotions and using them to grow
[00:28] – Tim explains how small changes can make a big difference in recovery
[00:30] – How to be more mindful and break free from old habits
[00:33] – Finding connection and meaning in relationships and life
[00:36] – Addressing loneliness and disconnection in today’s fast-paced world
[00:38] – Tim talks about his new projects and balancing work with fatherhood
[00:41] – Why secure attachment is so important for recovery and well-being
[00:44] – Closing thoughts on how ACT can transform your recovery journey

Links:

• 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

In today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Megan Gluth-Bohan, a powerhouse CEO. Megan has built an impressive career, but what really makes her story special is how her personal journey to sobriety has shaped both her leadership style and her life. She’s here to chat about everything from navigating alcohol in a high-powered career to learning how to take care of herself along the way.

In this episode, Megan opens up about the challenges of being a high-functioning woman dealing with alcohol and the constant struggle of people-pleasing. We’ll dive into what it really means to take care of yourself as a leader, and Megan will share some practical, down-to-earth tips on balancing work, sobriety, and self-care.

You'll walk away with insights into why self-care isn’t all spa days and yoga retreats (though, those are nice too), how to handle social situations when you don’t drink, and how learning to trust your gut can be a game-changer. Plus, Megan’s journey will inspire you to think about what’s next for your own personal growth.

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.

Episode Highlights (Time-stamped)

[00:01:00] Megan introduces herself and discusses her role as CEO of Catalynt Solutions.
[00:03:00] How her struggles with alcohol impacted her career and personal life.
[00:06:00] High-functioning alcoholism in business – is it really a thing?
[00:08:30] Megan’s “farmer’s market” moment and the disconnect between who she wanted to be and who she was.
[00:10:00] Megan’s early days in AA and how she got started on her sobriety journey.
[00:12:30] Balancing early sobriety with a demanding career.
[00:14:20] People-pleasing, perfectionism, and setting boundaries.
[00:16:45] The fine line between being accommodating and abandoning yourself.
[00:18:00] How self-abandonment impacts personal growth and decision-making.
[00:22:50] People-pleasing and sobriety – Megan’s strategies for staying true to herself.
[00:26:00] Handling social situations related to alcohol and recovering out loud.
[00:27:30] Self-care as a leader and why it’s more than just a buzzword.
[00:29:50] Megan’s definition of self-care and small, everyday habits that keep her grounded.
[00:31:10] Sonia and Kathleen share their own simple self-care routines.
[00:34:30] Alcohol as perceived self-care – and how that mindset has shifted for Megan.
[00:36:00] Encouraging self-care at work and creating a supportive environment for her team.
[00:39:00] Why caring for employees leads to better business results.
[00:41:00] Redefining success – Megan’s take on balancing professional success and personal fulfillment.
[00:43:00] How to stay motivated, even when things get tough.
[00:45:00] The role of mindfulness and intuition in making leadership decisions.
[00:47:30] Megan’s mantra in sobriety: "Life on life’s terms."

Megan Gluth-Bohan's Social Links

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Links

• 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