Quitting drinking is a monumental milestone—whether you’ve just had your last hangover or have been living alcohol-free for years. But what comes next? That’s e...
10. What We Wish People Understood About Our Sobriety
Amanda and Melissa respond to a listener request to talk about the misconceptions, challenges & sometimes the plain awkwardness of choosing a sober life.From navigating social situations to explaining their choice to others, they break down why sobriety is so much more than willpower or hitting “rock bottom.” If you've ever felt misunderstood in sobriety—or struggled with how to explain it—this episode will help you own your journey with confidence.Tune in for:The biggest misconceptions about sobrietyWhy willpower isn’t the solution—and what actually works.How media normalises drinking and why that matters.The emotional side of sobriety—self-discovery, shifting friendships, and setting boundaries.How to navigate social situations without feeling awkward.The best (and worst) ways to respond when someone shares they’re sober.Love this episode? Subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Leave a review and share your thoughts on this episode. Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit weresobernowwhat.substack.com
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9. Criticism & Praise
What happens when your self-worth is tied to what other people think? In this episode, Amanda and Melissa unpack the downsides of criticism AND praise and the trap of thinking our work - whether it be personal or professional - only has value if it gets attention.It’s not uncommon that patterns of approval seeking still linger post-sobriety. The hosts share the ways the need for external validation shows up in their lives still today & distracts from real growth.Together, they break down these different manifestations of craving and how to own these important needs & the meeting of them as an inside job.If you’ve ever felt like your value depends on how others see you & are ready to shift from needing validation to trusting your own voice—this episode is for you. Love this episode? Subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Leave a review and share your thoughts on this episode. Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit weresobernowwhat.substack.com
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8. Getting Clear: How to Identify What You Truly Need in Sobriety
What if the clarity you’re searching for isn’t something to find—but something to create? In this episode of We’re Sober, Now What?, Amanda and Melissa explore the power of clarifying needs and expectations in sobriety and beyond.Amanda introduces a powerful journaling exercise designed to help listeners pinpoint what they truly need—not just in sobriety, but in life. This process helps break down broad desires into tangible actions, qualities, and guiding principles that actually work.They also tackle the balance between trust and control, showing how shifting focus from seeking answers to recognizing them can transform the way we experience recovery. If you’ve ever felt like you’re waiting for external clarity, this episode will help you turn inward and take ownership of what you need.Tune in for insights, self-reflection tools, and a new way to align expectations with reality..Love this episode? Subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Leave a review and share how you’re creating clarity in your own journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit weresobernowwhat.substack.com
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7. From Alcohol Recovery to Burnout Recovery: Our stories
Sobriety stopped complicating life, but what happens when burnout takes over? In this episode , Amanda and Melissa highlight the unexpected parallels between alcohol recovery and burnout recovery—and why so many sober people find themselves chasing the next high through work, achievement, or external validation.They get real about: The misconceptions about burnout The addictive nature of workaholism &why slowing down feels like a threat. How the coaching industry fuels burnout with toxic productivity culture. The hidden costs of perfectionism, people-pleasing & chasing the algorithm. Practical tools to break free from burnout without falling into self-sabotage.If you’ve ever felt like you replaced drinking with overworking & over-achieving — this conversation is for you..If this episode resonates, we would be grateful if you could like, follow & rate the podcast & share with a friend. .Subscribe to We’re Sober, Now What? onSUBSTACK & join the conversation! Leave a comment and share your burnout experiences—we’d love to hear how you’re navigating recovery beyond alcohol! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit weresobernowwhat.substack.com
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6. Beyond Abstinence: Daily Practices That Build True Recovery
Sobriety isn’t just about quitting—it’s about what comes next. In this episode, Amanda and Melissa, dive into the difference between stark, raving abstinence (just quitting the substance) and actually doing the deeper work of recovery.Amanda shares a five-question daily journaling practice that’s helping her build self-respect, break free from external validation-seeking, and recover from burnout. Melissa opens up about her own struggles with self-doubt and the ongoing nature of inner work, even after years of sobriety.If you’ve ever felt like sobriety should feel better or wondered why old patterns keep showing up, this conversation will help you shift your focus from just abstinence to true healing.Tune in for honest insights, real talk about self-worth, and practical tools to support your sober journey..Connect With Us:Love this episode? Subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Share your thoughts by leaving a review or connecting with Amanda and Melissa on their journey to sobriety and self-discovery.Listen on SPOTIFY & APPLE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit weresobernowwhat.substack.com
Quitting drinking is a monumental milestone—whether you’ve just had your last hangover or have been living alcohol-free for years. But what comes next? That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about.
We’re Amanda Grace and Melissa Kelly, Ph.D.—two women who’ve traded happy hours for genuine happiness and are here to help you navigate the ups, downs, and downright hilarious moments of sober life.
Whether you’re looking for real talk, relatable stories, or actionable advice, this podcast is for you. weresobernowwhat.substack.com
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