The Sober Connection

Guilt and regret don’t always disappear when you stop drinking.
In fact, for many people, sobriety brings clarity — and with it, memories, shame, and self-judgement that can feel hard to shake.
In this episode, Abi explores why guilt lingers, the difference between healthy responsibility and toxic shame, and how self-forgiveness becomes a crucial part of moving forward. She shares a personal reflection, talks through when making amends is helpful (and when it isn’t), and offers a short guided journaling prompt to help you relate to your past with compassion instead of punishment.
This episode is for anyone who’s tired of replaying old stories — and ready to release the weight of who they used to be.
Get in touch:
Abi
NEW eBook - 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset
Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-ebook/
Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod
Email [email protected]
Affiliate links: 
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Music from #Uppbeat
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License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King speaks with recovery advocate Jimmy Thistle, who shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism. 
From his early experiences with drinking in Scotland to the consequences of his addiction, including lost relationships and jobs, Jimmy recounts the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses his time in rehab during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of relapse, and ultimately finding sobriety. 
The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the realisation of the dangers of alcohol, culminating in Jimmy's commitment to a sober life and helping others in their recovery journeys. 
In this conversation, Abi and Jimmy discuss their personal journeys with alcohol addiction, the challenges of recognising and overcoming their problems, and the importance of community support. They explore societal stigma surrounding addiction, the impact of advertising on drinking culture, and the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that comes with sobriety. 
They emphasise that it's never too late to change and that awareness and education are crucial in addressing addiction.
Get in touch:
Jimmy
Instagram @recovery_jimmy
Podcast - After Hours with Jimmy Thistle
Abi
NEW eBook - 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset
Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-ebook/
Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod
Email [email protected]
Affiliate links: 
Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide
I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more!
https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi
My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion
License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

If you’ve stopped drinking and your sleep feels worse instead of better, you’re not alone — and nothing has gone wrong.
In this episode, Abi unpacks why early sobriety often comes with broken sleep, vivid dreams, and early-morning wake-ups, and why this phase is a normal part of recovery, not a sign of failure.
You’ll learn:
How alcohol sedates rather than restores sleep
Why REM sleep disruption and rebound affect early sobriety
The role of cortisol in 3am wake-ups and night-time anxiety
Abi also shares her own experience of sleep struggles after quitting alcohol and offer three gentle ways to support your sleep without pressure: routine, light exposure, and simple wind-down rituals.
If sleep is making you question your relationship with alcohol, this episode will help you understand what’s happening — and remind you to be patient with your body.
Get in touch:
Abi
NEW eBook - 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset
Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-ebook/
Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod
Email [email protected]
Affiliate links: 
Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide
I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more!
https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi
My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion
License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

Listener note: This episode includes a short, non-graphic mention of suicide within a broader discussion. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please listen in a way that feels supportive.
In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King engages in a candid conversation with Jeremy Maxwell, a co-owner of a CrossFit gym and a person in recovery from addiction. 
Jeremy shares his journey from being a high-functioning addict to navigating the complexities of sobriety, including the impact of early trauma, the challenges of relapse, and the importance of community support. They discuss the role of exercise in mental health, the initiative 'Move the Weight' aimed at fostering community and connection, and redefine what recovery truly means. 
The conversation emphasises that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but also about addressing underlying issues and learning to cope with life's challenges without resorting to old habits.
Get in touch:
Abi
NEW eBook - 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset
Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-ebook/
Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod
Email [email protected]
Affiliate links: 
Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide
I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more!
https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi
My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion
License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

In this episode of The Sober Connection, Abi discusses the transformative journey from coping with sobriety to experiencing genuine joy. 
She emphasises the importance of recognising the emotional stages of sobriety, particularly during the hectic festive season, and offers practical steps to intentionally create joy in one's life. 
Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Abi illustrates how sobriety can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.
Get in touch:
Abi
NEW eBook - 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset
Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-ebook/
Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod
Email [email protected]
Affiliate links: 
Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide
I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more!
https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi
My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion
License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2