For Tom, childhood was filled with positive memories—nothing that hinted he’d ever struggle with alcohol. After college, he stepped into his career, a world where late nights out were normal, and alcohol made social connections feel easier. At first, everything seemed under control.
But when the pandemic hit, and isolation became a daily reality, drinking slowly picked up speed. Tom didn’t have what many would call a “rock bottom,” but internally, he felt the truth: something had to change.
This is Tom’s journey of honesty, self-awareness, and choosing a different path.
Check out the Just Between Us Podcast:
https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/07bfba32-e173-41c6-973e-ceee488187c7/signup
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:20 Tom's Childhood and Upbringing
01:43 College Life and Fraternity Influence
04:09 Post-College Career and Move to Boston
12:12 Pandemic Impact and Realization
16:42 The Struggle with Alcohol
23:06 The Hidden Truth About Alcohol's Impact on Society
23:55 The Dopamine Connection: Alcohol and Gambling
24:57 Personal Reflections: Evaluating Life Choices
26:05 The Decade Mark: Recognizing the Need for Change
26:50 The Internal Struggle: Awareness and Denial
27:41 The Turning Point: Family and Sobriety
31:20 Navigating Sobriety: Slips and Progress
36:20 Therapy and Support: Tools for Sobriety
40:58 The Journey Continues: Embracing Change
44:45 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and Suppor
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49:57
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49:57
Pain Created Purpose: David's Sober Story
In this compelling episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, David shares his intense journey from his upbringing in Ocean City, NJ, to struggling with addiction during high school, and eventually finding himself in psych wards and homeless. Highlighting the power of the right support system and the incredible transformations in his life, David discusses the pain and growth experienced in recovery, now thriving as a medical student with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around, harnessed his addiction for good, and discovered the true power of sobriety.
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Sober Motivation Community (1 Month Free): https://sobermotivation.mn.co
1:1 Mentorship Information: https://sobermotivation.com
David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.millar.mindset/
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1:00:11
A Life Without Alcohol? Dre Thought Never — Now She is 4 Years Sober
In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Dre joins us to recount her journey with alcohol, starting with a disruptive childhood marked by constant moving. Hear what led her to her first drink at 13, setting off years of binge drinking, attempts at moderation, and eventually hitting rock bottom. She shares powerful insights on battling addiction, the impact of losing her mother and later her daughter, and her path to sobriety through self-discovery and community support. Please tune in to hear how she celebrates 4 years of sobriety today, November 10, 2025.
Dre's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dre_eagle/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:16 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
01:42 First Drink and Teenage Years
05:58 High School Struggles and Boarding School
14:22 Post-High School and Early Adulthood
16:55 Motherhood and Coping with Loss
19:52 Relocation and Continued Struggles
20:30 Acknowledging the Problem
23:08 Attempts at Moderation and Realization
30:32 Health Issues and the Path to Sobriety
35:34 Struggles with Alcohol and Realization
36:37 Impact on Family and Embarrassment
37:41 Isolation and Binge Drinking
39:54 The Tipping Point and Seeking Help
41:05 First Steps Towards Sobriety
52:22 Grieving and Building Community
01:01:08 Reflections and Moving Forward
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1:16:39
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1:16:39
Is Quitting Alcohol Worth it? Updates with Liz, John and Justin
In this podcast episode, we catch up with three inspirational guests—Liz, John, and Justin—as they share their powerful journeys through sobriety. Liz reflects on the emotional and physical transformation she has experienced, John discusses the unexpected benefits of quitting alcohol to support his wife, Melissa, and Justin reveals the depths of his battles with substance abuse and how he rebuilt his life. Tune in to discover how sobriety has reshaped their lives and relationships in profound ways.
Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dntcallmesarah/
Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinbrien19/
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:23 Catching Up with Liz
02:42 Liz's Sobriety Journey
05:41 Life Changes and Insights
07:37 Financial and Health Benefits
09:25 Emotional Growth and Self-Discovery
10:50 Challenges and Coping Strategies
11:41 Reflections on Relationships and Anxiety
14:17 Final Thoughts with Liz
31:33 Introduction to John
43:01 The Importance of Mindset in Relationships
43:44 John's Journey: Overcoming Challenges
44:31 Replacing Old Habits with Healthy Ones
46:05 The Impact of Hydration and Planning
47:05 A Shared Passion: Fishing and the F-150
48:09 Reflecting on Sobriety and Support
50:07 Introducing Justin: A New Perspective
50:32 Justin's Struggle with Addiction
55:25 The Turning Point: Seeking Help
01:03:40 Life After Sobriety: Achievements and Reflections
01:19:19 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
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1:22:33
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1:22:33
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
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.
Ireland