Sisters In Sobriety

In this classic episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," hosts Kathleen and Sonia bring a light-hearted touch to the serious topic of staying sober during New Year's Eve. With warmth and humor, they recount their own past holiday experiences, marked by not-so-glamorous moments of substance abuse, and compare them to their now joy-filled, sober celebrations.Kathleen and Sonia take us through the often overwhelming social pressures and emotional challenges that come with the holiday season, yet they keep the mood buoyant by sharing their favorite alternative sober celebration ideas. Whether it's hosting a cozy get-together, enjoying a lively sober event, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, they remind us that there are countless ways to make New Year's Eve special and memorable without alcohol.The duo emphasizes the shift in perspective that sobriety brings, turning New Year's Eve from a potential obstacle into an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. They sprinkle their conversation with encouraging and hopeful quotes, like Sonia's humorous take on relearning how to party sober and Kathleen's expressions of deep gratitude for the new life she has found in sobriety.Kathleen and Sonia show that sobriety doesn't mean missing out on fun—it means rediscovering joy in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. Tune in for a dose of positivity and inspiration on how to turn New Year's Eve into a celebration of new beginnings and true happiness.00:00:00 | Celebration of download milestone!00:02:16 | Reasons why New Year's Eve is tough to stay sober00:04:00 | Importance of having a plan for a sober New Year's Eve00:04:43 | Ways to reframe the idea of New Year's Eve00:07:00 | Sonia's experience of being sober on New Year's Eve00:08:00 | Kathleen's experience of being a messy drinker on New Year's Eve00:09:00 | Story of Kathleen's New Year's Eve where she found herself high, cold, and stranded00:10:00 | Reflection on the past and commitment to sobriety00:11:00 | Conclusion and end of the transcript00:11:48 | Risky behavior and addiction to risk-taking00:15:21 | Shift in priorities after getting sober00:17:15 | Drug and alcohol-free New Year's Eves00:19:32 | New Year's Eve as a time for reset and renewal00:20:22 | New Year's resolutions and gratitude00:22:00 | New Year's Eve activities and possibilities00:23:29 | New Year's Eve retreat ideas00:25:37 | Exploring alternative plans for staying sober on New Year's00:26:00 | Hosting a sober gathering with a friend and kids00:27:58 | Emphasizing the freedom and possibilities of being sober00:28:14 | Reflecting on the gratitude of being in control and soberLinksSisters 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 podcastKathleen’s InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ready to kick off the new year with a fresh perspective? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you plan your best sober year yet. From goal setting to finding balance, they’re sharing ideas to make 2024 your year of growth and intentional living—whether you’re brand new to sobriety or already a few years in.How do you set goals that stick? What’s the secret to staying motivated when things don’t go as planned? And how do you balance everything without burning out? This episode has all the tips and stories to keep you inspired and moving forward.You’ll learn simple strategies like habit stacking, breaking big goals into manageable steps, and why self-care is so much more than bubble baths. Plus, Kathleen and Sonia share how they use tools like planners and trackers to stay on course—and why progress always beats perfection.Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own journeys, from learning to adapt when life throws curveballs to embracing the quirks that make them who they are. Their stories are full of laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to embrace sobriety with confidence.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] Sonia and Kathleen kick off the episode: planning your best sober year yet.[00:01:50] Kathleen’s 2024 goal: prioritizing physical and mental health.[00:03:14] Sonia’s funny habit-stacking method for stretching before Netflix.[00:05:45] Kathleen talks about the lessons she learned from setting unrealistic goals.[00:08:13] Breaking big goals into bite-sized, manageable pieces.[00:10:44] Celebrating small wins in creative ways—popcorn in bed, anyone?[00:12:00] Sonia looks back at years of “moderation” goals that didn’t stick.[00:14:20] Why Kathleen prefers harmony over balance in her sober life.[00:16:59] Plans for a work-life reset: Kathleen is finally taking a vacation![00:19:00] Sonia’s non-negotiable: sleep as the ultimate self-care tool.[00:21:25] Using tech like Apple Watch and Oura Ring to track goals.[00:23:54] The protein-packed breakfast tip that’s changing Sonia’s mornings.[00:25:00] Kathleen’s story about adapting her yoga practice as a single mom.[00:29:00] Sonia reframes her narrative around sobriety and relationships.[00:31:49] Kathleen shares practical ways to flip the script on negative self-talk.[00:33:43] Byron Katie’s four questions for letting go of limiting beliefs.[00:36:00] Self-compassion as the secret to letting go of old narratives.[00:37:15] The connection between self-worth and self-care.[00:38:11] Kathleen’s quirky planner obsession and why it works for her.[00:39:00] Closing thoughts: It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and intention.LinksSisters 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 podcastKathleen’s Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Sonia and Kathleen dive into the world of non-alcoholic sangrias during the fan-favorite "Mocktail Hour." If you've ever missed the fruity, festive allure of sangria or wondered how non-alcoholic alternatives stack up, this episode is for you!The duo kicks things off with a taste test of two sangrias: the Sangria Señorial, a Mexican soda-style sangria, and the Clever Sangria. Expect honest reviews, accidental spills, and insights into how these drinks could be enhanced or incorporated into festive settings. While one drink sparks nostalgia and creativity, the other leaves the hosts debating its place in the sangria universe. Check out our own sangria recipe on our substack!Did you enjoy the taste test? Have a favorite sangria recipe or another mocktail you'd like us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a sip of our Mocktail Hour. Join the conversation and explore more recipes, reviews, and sober inspiration on our Substack!Highlights[00:01:54] First Impressions of Sangria Señorial - Sonia and Kathleen taste the Sangria Señorial and share their initial thoughts[00:03:08] Discussion on the sweetness, aftertaste, calorie count, and how it might work as a base for homemade sangria.[00:04:16]Kathleen reflects on why Sangria Señorial doesn’t quite match up to traditional sangria flavors.[00:05:13] Kathleen opens the Clever Sangria, and the duo explores its citrus-forward profile and less syrupy sweetness.[00:05:45] Ideas for enhancing Clever Sangria with spices like cinnamon and clove to make it more festive and complex.[00:06:47] Kathleen shares versatile ideas for serving Clever Sangria, from summer dockside drinks to Christmas brunch.[00:07:52] Sonia and Kathleen give their ratings: Clever Sangria scores high, while Sangria Señorial falls short.[00:09:00] The hosts declare Clever Sangria the winner, while debating whether the two drinks belong in the same category. LinksSisters 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 podcastKathleen’s Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined once again by Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the transformative Truce with Food program. Ali’s approach integrates emotional storytelling to help people heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. A returning guest, Ali also hosts the popular podcast Insatiable, where she delves into the psychology of cravings and the broader narratives around food and body image. Today, Ali, Sonia, and Kathleen tackle timely topics around food, belonging, and self-awareness during the holiday season.How do cultural narratives around food shape our holiday habits? Can traditions and modern health wisdom coexist? In this episode, Ali shares her insights on balancing enjoyment and nourishment during celebrations, navigating holiday pressures, and redefining emotional safety in family dynamics. With key questions like "What role does food play in our sense of connection?" and "How can we honor our health while participating in long-standing traditions?" this discussion offers a fresh perspective on holiday wellness.They get into actionable strategies for balancing blood sugar, managing holiday expectations, and identifying emotional triggers that lead to overeating. Key takeaways include understanding the physiological impact of food choices, the importance of timing meals to avoid cravings, and the role of belonging in emotional eating. With insights into how traditional cuisines naturally align with our seasonal needs, Ali provides a roadmap for mindful eating and resilience during this festive yet often challenging time.Ali opens up about her personal journey, including how family traditions like her grandmother’s fenugreek tea remain a source of comfort and connection. Through stories of her clients’ experiences, she illustrates the delicate balance of maintaining emotional intimacy while setting boundaries during the holidays. With heartfelt examples of how small, thoughtful shifts can transform holiday dynamics, this episode is a blend of practical advice and deep, personal reflection.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:[00:00:00] Introduction of Ali Shapiro and her work.[00:01:13] Overview of Ali's previous episodes and themes.[00:02:00] How cultural narratives around food have shifted over the decades.[00:03:23] Discussion of body positivity and the physiological effects of sugar.[00:05:02] Strategies for avoiding extreme diets and quick fixes.[00:06:23] How food symbolizes connection and emotional belonging.[00:07:10] Ali shares her grandmother’s fenugreek tea tradition.[00:09:27] Reconciling cultural food traditions with modern health narratives.[00:11:24] The importance of meal timing and balanced blood sugar.[00:12:50] Managing holiday expectations and body image pressures.[00:15:24] How to discern personal values for the holiday season.[00:16:49] Connecting food and movement to resilience and mood.[00:19:13] Recognizing physiological feedback from food choices.[00:20:18] Differentiating “waves of belonging” and building emotional safety.[00:22:40] Client stories: Finding connection amidst family challenges.[00:24:51] Holding emotional complexity: Flexibility in relationships.[00:26:22] Reflections on the Tao Te Ching and embracing adaptability.[00:27:00] Cultivating self-authored belonging and emotional capacity.[00:28:30] The role of compassion in breaking generational patterns.[00:29:00] Closing remarks and teaser for part two.LinksGet In Touch With Ali - Stop the quick fix cycle (free session!)Free breakfast experimentTruce with Food group programSisters 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 podcastKathleen’s Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy