Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!

From Pain to Power: Why Your Past Doesn’t Define You ✨ Episode Overview Have you ever felt like your past is the reason you struggle… the reason you drink… the reason you feel stuck? In this powerful episode, Lynette explores the truth about our past and how the meaning we give it shapes our present experience. Drawing from her own journey and coaching experience, Lynette shares how she once believed she was broken — and how rehashing old wounds became part of the cycle that kept her stuck in drinking. This episode will gently challenge what you believe about your past and offer you a new perspective: 👉 Your past is over 👉 Your power is in what you choose to make it mean   If you’ve ever felt held back by your story, this episode will help you begin the shift from pain… to power. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why your past is not causing your pain today The difference between what happened and the story you tell about it How revisiting old wounds can keep you stuck in drinking patterns Why there is no such thing as “old pain” How to shift from victim thinking to personal power A simple process to reframe your past in a way that supports your growth 🔥 Key Takeaway You don’t need to change your past… You need to change your relationship to it. 🌱 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Join the Tribe Sober 3-Day Reset (12–14 April) Led by Tribe Sober Cheerleader Lynne A powerful opportunity to reset, reconnect, and take your first step forward 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1744287436538124 🎧 Listen to Lynne’s inspiring podcast interview with Janet From Whiskey to Water — a beautiful story of transformation and possibility   💫 Path to Purpose This is the deeper work Lynette offers — where you learn to rewrite your story, reconnect with your true self, and start living fully, unapologetically, as you 🎶 Music Intro and outro music Remember by Sutherland 💬 Connect with Lynette : Lynette@llrcoaching.com If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this message. And remember…   You don’t have to carry your past forward. You get to choose who you become from it. 🔖 Hashtags #TribeSober #SobrietyJourney #AlcoholFreeLife #RecoveryPodcast #MindsetShift #FromPainToPower #SelfLeadership #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #SoberLiving #SoberCurious #ChooseYourStory #YouAreNotBroken #PathToPurpose #TransformationJourney

In this episode, I chat to Tribe Sober Ambassador Lynne, who spent years as a “normal” drinker - functioning well on the outside, but quietly questioning her relationship with alcohol. There was no dramatic rock bottom. No crisis. Just a growing awareness that something wasn’t working anymore. Lynne shares how her nightly whisky habit slowly increased in quantity and shifted from a reward to something that no longer felt good - and how she found her way to an alcohol-free life that feels calmer, clearer, and more aligned. If you’ve ever wondered whether your drinking is “bad enough” to change, this conversation will really resonate. 🔑 What We Cover What it means to be a grey area drinker How habits quietly become harder to control Why moderation often doesn’t stick The subtle signs that alcohol is no longer serving you Life without alcohol — what actually changes Why you don’t need a rock bottom to make a change 💬 Key Takeaway You don’t have to wait for things to fall apart to rethink your drinking. Sometimes the quiet nudge — “this isn’t working anymore” — is more than enough. 👣 Next Steps If Lynne’s story resonated, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. 👉 Join our 6-week Accelerate programme and start building an alcohol-free life that actually feels good 🔗 https://www.tribesober.com/accelerate-2/    

📝 Show Notes 🎙️ From Rock Bottom to Real Self: The Power of Returning to Yourself 🎶 Intro & Outro Music: “Remember” by Sutherland What if rock bottom isn’t the end… but the beginning? In this episode, Lynette explores the journey from rock bottom—or what we sometimes call a high bottom—into self-leadership, emotional power, and a return to your true self. Inspired by the story of Alysa Liu, this episode goes far beyond success or achievement. It’s about what happens when we lose ourselves in pressure, expectation, and survival… and how we begin to come back. If you’ve ever found yourself asking: “Why can’t I just stop?” “Is this my rock bottom?” “I’m sober… now what?” …this episode is for you.   🌿 In This Episode Why rock bottom can be a turning point—not a failure The difference between rock bottom and “high bottom” How nervous system stress and disconnection drive addictive patterns What it means to lose your sense of self—and how to reclaim it The shift from performance and people-pleasing → self-leadership Why recovery is not about becoming someone new, but returning to who you are A simple way to anchor into identity (what Lynette calls a “power pattern”) Emotional power: learning to feel without needing to escape 🔑 Key Takeaway You don’t change your life by trying harder. You change your life by returning to yourself— with awareness, with choice, and with authority. 💫 Ready for Support? If you are still struggling… still slipping… or wondering if you’ve hit your rock bottom—please don’t do this alone.   ✨ Accelerate Programme (Tribe Sober) A new programme is launching this weekend. 👉 Contact Tribe Sober to find out more and get started. email Mon@tribesober.com   If you’ve had a few months of sobriety and you’re ready to go deeper… If you’re asking: “I’m sober… now what?”   ✨ Work with Lynette Explore one-on-one coaching or mentorship programmes: 👉 Email : Lynette@llrcoaching.com   🌊 Final Reflection What if your past hasn’t broken you… but initiated you? And what if this next chapter is not about fixing yourself… …but about coming home to yourself?

In this episode, Janet talks with clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Michaud, who has been sober since 1984 and specialises in addiction and codependency. Sarah shares her powerful recovery story and explains why codependency is often the missing piece in long-term sobriety. In this episode Growing up in a family affected by alcoholism Why addiction often begins as a way to escape emotional pain The moment that led Sarah to get sober at 24 What codependency really means and how it shows up in relationships Why trying to fix or control other people never works How to start setting healthy boundaries in early sobriety Why guilt is normal when you begin changing people-pleasing patterns The importance of asking yourself: What do I want? What do I need? Why asking for help is the first step to recovery Key message Recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking. It’s about reconnecting with yourself and learning healthier ways to relate to others. Resources Dr Sarah Michaud – Co-Crazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Addiction and Codependency Podcast: Leaving Crazy Town Website: drsarahmichaud.com Support: Tribe Sober More Info This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

Episode Title: When Strategy Isn’t the Problem — Identity Is Episode Description Many people who want to change their relationship with alcohol believe they simply need a better strategy — more discipline, better rules, or a stronger moderation plan. But what if the real issue isn’t strategy at all? In this episode, Lynette explores a deeper truth: lasting change rarely comes from trying to control alcohol — it comes from expanding beyond the identity that believes alcohol is necessary. Drawing on insights from neuropsychologist Dr. Julia DiGangi and years of coaching experience, Lynette explains why so many attempts at moderation fail and why identity transformation is the real turning point in recovery. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be able to moderate,” this episode may help you see the pattern in a completely new way. In This Episode Lynette explores: Why many people struggle with alcohol even when they genuinely want to change The hidden difference between strategy change and identity change The “capability fantasy” that keeps people stuck in the moderation cycle How personality and identity influence our relationship with alcohol Why arguing with reality creates suffering The concept of “expanding beyond personality” from Dr. Julia DiGangi’s work The powerful shift from trying to control alcohol to becoming the person who no longer needs it Key Insight From This Episode One of the most powerful shifts in recovery happens when we stop asking: “How do I control my drinking?” And start asking: “Who am I becoming?” Sobriety is not simply about removing alcohol. It’s about expanding beyond the identity that once believed alcohol was necessary. A Quote From This Episode "The goal isn’t just to stop drinking. The goal is to become the person who no longer needs to". Want Support Exploring Sobriety? If this episode resonated with you and you’re curious about what life might look like with alcohol no longer running the show, Lynette offers exploratory coaching sessions. You can contact her at: lynette@llrcoaching.com These sessions are a safe space to explore your relationship with alcohol and what might be possible for you moving forward. About Lynette Lynette Le Roux is a coach specialising in helping people change their relationship with alcohol and step into a more empowered, alcohol-free life. Through coaching, Positive Intelligence mental fitness training, and deep emotional insight work, she supports clients in transforming the patterns and identities that keep them stuck. Final Reflection Remember: You’re not giving something up. You’re stepping into the freedom of who you really are.  

Tribe Sober - inpiring an alcohol-free life! My guest this week is British Psychiatrist Dr Tony Rao.  He is an international expert of alchohol misuse in older people - with more than 20 years experience in this area. He works with Baby Boomers in the UK who have alcohol issues - I was one of those for many years so found this conversation fascinating.. In this Episode Dr Tony explains how his interest in the field started with his parents who were both medics He believes it's essential to understand the community his patients are from if he is to understand their problems The baby boomer generation is more susceptible to alcohol abuse as we grew up with very different cultural attitudes  We believed it was ok to get drunk sometimes and the "work hard, play hard" ethos was encouraged in many corporates After decades of drinking the older generation have not even tried to cut down - many of them rely on it more as they get older Dr Tony believes that the "low risk" limits for alcohol should be reduced for older people as our bodies are less resilient Extra risks for older people include falls, mixing with medications and the fact that it takes longer to metabolize We agreed that although people are living longer the emphasis should be on "living well" for the last 10 years Dr Tony advises that we take the low risk limits seriously and reach out for help if we need it - there is always help. He has written a book called "Catch Me When I Fall" which dramatises the issue - available via Amazon More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our membership and subscribe HERE    Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook and Instagram.  Thank you for listening!  Till Next Week Janet x

🎙 Episode 4: Falling in Love With Your Brain Love Series – Tribe Sober Podcast   This month we’ve been exploring love. Love as compassionate witness. Love as unconditional. Love as unbreakable across time.   And in this final episode of the series, we go deeper. What if one of the fiercest acts of self-love in sobriety is falling in love with your brain?   Not believing every thought. Not fighting your mind. But understanding it. Training it. Leading it.   Because if you don’t direct your brain… it will direct you.   And when it comes to alcohol, your brain isn’t protecting you from drinking. It’s protecting your access to drinking. That distinction changes everything.   In this Episode we explore : ✨ Why your brain isn’t broken — it’s programmable ✨ The five common distortions that argue for alcohol ✨ Why sobriety isn’t about willpower — it’s about leadership ✨ The power of deciding ahead of time who you are becoming ✨ What Olympic champion Eileen Gu teaches us about self-leadership ✨ How curiosity replaces self-criticism ✨ Why loving your brain is an act of fierce devotion   Lynette also shares a deeply personal reflection: Her 54-year-old self — in her “Not This” moment — would absolutely love the 62-year-old woman she has become.   Not because everything is perfect. But because she didn’t stay stuck.   She got curious. She trained her thinking. She led herself first.   And that is available to you too. The Core Message Sobriety is not about fighting yourself. It’s about understanding the instrument you are living inside.   When you love your brain, you train it. When you train it, you change your life.   And when you change your life, you become the version of yourself your former self would admire. Ready for Support? If you’re still early in sobriety and want structure and compassionate guidance:   👉 Accelerate – A practical, science-based program to help you stop drinking and build momentum. https://www.tribesober.com/accelerate-2/   If you’re sober and asking, “Now what?” 👉 Path to Purpose – Lynette’s monthly coaching membership where we apply this work deeply. Identity. Emotional mastery. Conscious self-creation. https://www.tribesober.com/path-to-purpose/   If you are serious about strengthening your brain intentionally:   👉 Mental Fitness Program & 1:1 Mentorship – High-level brain training, emotional regulation, and personal leadership work. DM Lynette directly to explore : lynette@llrcoaching.com   If this Love Series stirred something in you — don’t leave it at inspiration.   Take the next step.   Because love isn’t just emotional.   It’s neurological. It’s intentional. It’s leadership.   And sobriety?   Sobriety is you deciding to create a version of yourself you are proud to be.   💛 See you soon.

Unbreakable Love - Having your own back Across Time This month we’re talking about love. And yes… I speak about love a lot. Because I genuinely believe that love is the most powerful force in the universe.   But the most important place to practice love isn’t in your romantic relationships.   It’s in your relationship with yourself.   In this episode, we explore a deeper, sturdier kind of self-love — the kind that has your back across time.   Not fluffy love. Not “treat yourself” love. Not self-soothing disguised as self-care.   But unbreakable love.   The kind that protects your future self. Honours your past self. And steadies your present self.   Especially in sobriety, this distinction matters.   Because if something feels good in the moment but harms your future self — it isn’t love. It’s relief.   In this episode, I share: The difference between romance love and sturdy love Why self-discipline is actually devotion How to stop shaming your past self and start integrating her A powerful bridge metaphor for loving yourself across time Why loving yourself properly makes you more available to love others And I offer a simple, practical exercise to strengthen your relationship with:   ✨ Your past self ✨ Your present self ✨ Your future self   If you’re still trying to get a handle on your drinking:   👉 Join my free Accelerate Webinar happening today, 21 February. We’ll explore practical tools to stop the cycle and build momentum. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hpmdAdvxQO-bA0f8loMnIA#/registration   If you’ve stopped drinking and you’re ready for deeper growth:   👉 Path to Purpose is my monthly coaching community where we apply this work in real life — identity, emotional mastery, purpose, and steady self-leadership.   If you want to strengthen your inner steadiness daily:   👉 My Mental Fitness Pods are where we practice having our own backs — consistently.   If this episode resonated with you, send me a DM - lynette@llrcoaching.com Let’s talk about what support looks like for you. The world needs more love. But not just romantic love. It needs steady love. Grounded love. Self-trusting love.   And that begins with you.   Have a beautiful week. 💛

Episode 2 – Unconditional Love, Lovability & The Sobriety That Follows   In this second episode of our February Love Series, we go deeper into one of the most powerful forces in our lives: love.   Not romantic love. Not conditional love. But unconditional love — and what it has to do with sobriety.   What if choosing sobriety is one of the fiercest acts of love you will ever perform?   What if withholding love — from others or from yourself — is what keeps you stuck in shame, relapse, resentment or self-sabotage?   In this episode, Lynette explores: Why love is not weak — it is strong and protective How unconditional love is a skill you can train The difference between love and expectation Why lovability is not something you earn — it is something you already are What to say to yourself at 3am after a slip Why sobriety powered by love lasts longer than sobriety powered by shame “I’m sober… now what?” — and how to step into your next chapter Lynette also shares a client story illustrating how choosing regulation over reaction becomes an act of self-respect and emotional leadership. Whether you are still questioning your relationship with alcohol, early in sobriety, or months/years alcohol-free and wondering what comes next — this episode will meet you exactly where you are.   ✨ Ready to Go Deeper? If you’re exploring stopping drinking or want practical support: Free Webinar – Accelerate Your Sobriety Register here: https://www.tribesober.com/accelerate-2/   If you’re sober and asking “Now what?”:   Path to Purpose – Monthly Coaching Membership This is where we take this material and apply it. We train it. We embody it. We study it at a deeper level. https://www.tribesober.com/path-to-purpose/ Music Opening and closing music: Remember by Sutherland    

💛 The Love Series — Episode 1 Intro music: 🎵 “Remember” by Sutherland   Love as Self-Leadership: Becoming the Compassionate Witness February is often called the month of love. But what if love isn’t something we look for outside of ourselves — what if love is how we lead ourselves, especially when things feel messy, tender, or hard? This episode is the first in a four-part mini-series exploring love as self-leadership — through sobriety, self-talk, and the way we meet ourselves in moments of struggle. In this opening episode, we begin with the idea of the compassionate witness — the part of us that can notice what’s happening without judgment, punishment, or shame. If you’ve ever woken up in the early hours of the morning replaying a slip, a choice, or a moment you wish had gone differently… this episode is for you. Instead of berating ourselves, what if the most loving response sounds more like: “What’s the matter, love?” “Help me understand.” “We’ll solve this in the morning.” In this episode, Lynette explores: Love as an act of self-leadership, not self-indulgence Why how we speak to ourselves matters more than willpower How sobriety deepens our relationship with truth and self-trust What it means to meet a wobble or slip with curiosity instead of cruelty A gentler way to work with early-morning shame spirals and mental noise This conversation invites you to soften — not to give up, but to grow up emotionally. To move from punishment to partnership with yourself. This is not about being perfect. It’s about practicing love where it matters most — inside.   ✨ This episode is the beginning of The Love Series. Over the next three episodes, we’ll explore love through repair, self-trust, choice, and the quiet courage of staying.   If this resonates, stay with me.   🎧 Listen if you: Are exploring or recommitting to sobriety Struggle with harsh self-talk or inner criticism Want a kinder, steadier relationship with yourself Are learning to respond to life with compassion rather than force 💌 Stay connected If you’d like to go deeper into this work — through sobriety, emotional self-leadership, and building self-trust — you’re warmly invited to explore working with Lynette or joining one of her programs. Email lynette@llrcoaching.com to set up an exploratory session.

This week we're celebrating our 300th podcast by taking you through our top 10 podcasts. The episodes that have had the most downloads since we started the podcast back in 2020. So coming in at number 10 is James Swanwick who has some great advice about Alcohol and your Body Fat He explained how Alcohol consumption can compromise sleep quality, metabolism, and overall health. It can also disrupt the body's natural processes, leading to weight gain, reduced productivity, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Coming in at number 9... Recovery it's a Brain Thing – which is the name of the book by my two guests – David & Susan Kenney They run a program to train Recovery Coaches and one of our Tribe members Darren was so impressed by their approach he signed up for their course and is now a qualified recovery coach working with our Breaking Free program  Coming in at number 8 is Dr. Loretta Breuning, who helped me to unpack the cause of my own early sobriety blues. Have a listen to the first interview I did with her, which was in August 2021 We called her episode - how to be sober...and happy At number 7 we have the brilliant William Porter William is a lawyer with a passion for the science behind alcohol dependence, and he's written two books, Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Explained 2. They're both essential reading, and I think the more we understand the damage that alcohol does to our bodies and brains, the less likely we are to want to drink it. His episode is called Why we get Hangxiety Coming in at number 6 we have Neuroscientist Staci Danford  Stacy taught us about our lizard brain and how we need to manage it before it manages us. She even recommended that we give it a name. She calls hers Ernie. My interview with Stacy came out in August 2021 and is called Your Lizard Brain At number 5 is Stanford Psychiatrist Dr Anna Lembke  Anna has written a top selling book called Dopamine Nation. It's an awesome book, which I highly recommend if you're interested in the science of addiction. Her explanation of the pain pleasure balance is superb. That episode is called, Why We Get Addicted, and it came out in November, 2023. Next up at number 4 is a firm favourite with Tribe Sober – Ken Middleton with his “How Drinking Limits our Potential” episode He's the author of Bamboozled, which has the clever subtitle of How Alcohol Makes Fools of Us All,  Do grab a copy if you haven't yet read it. Such a brilliant description of how we've been manipulated by big alcohol for decades. I often quote Ken, who says, "even if alcohol doesn't destroy us, it will limit our potential".  His Tribe Sober episode is called How Alcohol Limits Your Potential - released in April 2023 Ken was also one of our guests back in November 2020 when he shared his own story and explained the science behind alcohol dependence. And why drinking regularly for 20 years means you're very likely to develop a problem Next up at number 3 is me sharing my story - our very first podcast episode, which was released in May 2020 to celebrate my fifth soberversary. At number 2 we have another episode by William Porter - called Managing Cravings Finally, still hogging the number one slot is Australian sobriety coach, Kathryn Elliott. It's called "How to Stop Binge Drinking" and came out in June 2022. Like me, Catherine's had breast cancer, which prompted us to do an episode together recently. Because neither of us had realized that our heavy drinking was putting us at risk of breast cancer, so we celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having a conversation about it, spreading the word to other women that more than three glasses of wine a week increases your risk of breast cancer. We called it "Drink Less for Your Breasts" and it was released in October 2023. So that's our top 10. I'd like to say a big thank you to all our listeners. Thanks to you, the Tribe Sober podcast has had nearly  450, 000 downloads, which keeps its global ranking in the top 2 percent of all podcasts. More importantly, nearly 20 percent of our members found their way to us via the podcast. So don’t forget to make a playlist of our Top Ten and you might want to check out our Top 100 Playlist  So if you want to join our tribe and connect with others on this path, just hit Join Our Tribe  More Info This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

On last weeks podcast I talked you through the Breaking Free course in detail so do have a listen if you missed it I recently hosted a discussion on Zoom with four Breaking Free graduates which will give you a real insight into the results that people are getting… You’ll hear from Grania and Helen who did the course last year and then you’ll hear from Lynne and Lori who have just completed the latest program… On the podcast you'll hear the soundtrack from that discussion So if you want to be sure of a place on the next BF program which kicks off on 31st January then please sign up today as places are filling up fast You can sign up for Breaking Free here More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

On this weeks solo episode I talk about our 3-month Breaking Free program which we run just three times a year.  Registration for the current program is open   - more info on tribesober.com We limit each Breaking Free group to 20 so you’ll always get personal attention In this episode:- I talk about the warning signs of alcohol dependence as well as the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle The Breaking Free program has four components… Four pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a transformation… The first piece of the puzzle is Community Support so we connect you with the other people on the Breaking Free program  We put you in a chatgroup with where you’ll also find some TS team members to answer any questions you may have You'll also be invited to several Zoom meetings every week The second piece is our 4 hour Masterclass – a group session which we hold via Zoom.  Another opportunity to get to know the other people on the program as everyone will share their story at the beginning of the session.  By the end of the Masterclass you’ll understand:- The importance of a mindset change and the damage alcohol does to our health We’ll be sharing our tried and tested sobriety toolkit and you’ll end the session feeling motivated and excited about the changes ahead. While the Masterclass will give you an overview of the Tribe Sober approach to thriving in sobriety the online course will enable you to dive deeper at your own pace.  You’ll get all the theory and training you need to overturn your limiting beliefs around alcohol which is the key…. Just as we’ve been programmed into thinking that alcohol is an essential part of our daily lives our online program will de-program you and enable you to understand that you will be happier and healthier without it! The third piece is our online course which includes videos, podcasts, articles and book recommendations so you’ll be able to throw the book at your sobriety – you’ll be able to treat it as a 3-month project that will take a deep dive into psychology, biology and neuroscience - a project that will change the trajectory of your future. The fourth part of the puzzle is the personal support.  You’ll have a 1.2.1 Zoom call with Monica who will explain how everything work and help you with any tech issues Mid-way through the 3 month program you'll have a session with Coach Darren to review learnings so far A final session with our Coach Lynette who will discuss how you are applying the theory of the Breaking Free program to your daily life So that’s the four pieces of our Breaking Free puzzle, four pieces that will come together to create an alcohol free lifestyle that you love.. Apart from creating a program that will get results we’ve created a program that is flexible and will fit in with your busy lives….  All of the 1.2.1’s can be scheduled to suit your convenience, the online course can be worked through at your own pace so the only timeslot you need to fit in is the four hour Masterclass. (we can send you a recording if  you can't make it) While we’re on the subject of time that’s one of the unexpected benefits of sobriety….. when we no longer spend time drinking and recovering from the drinking we find ourselves with extra time on our hands…. As well as the energy to do something constructive with that time! Registration for the current Breaking Free program is open - more info on tribesober.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

My guest this week is James Swanwick, an Australian-American investor and entrepreneur He is the creator of the Alcohol Free Lifestyle, which helps people change their relationship with alcohol In this episode:- James was a moderate drinker, but after 20 years of consistent drinking, he realized the negative effect on his health and stopped for what was supposed to be a 30-day experiment. That was 13 years ago and he’s been alcohol free ever since! Like many of us James hesitated to quit due to societal conditioning – he associated alcohol with socializing and fun and feared being perceived as dull or boring without alcohol. And indeed… There was some Social Awkwardness for a while - navigating social situations without alcohol felt awkward and he shared a story of pretending to drink alcohol when on a date – this strategy proved to be a mistake when his date discovered he had lied!   In spite of the tricky start James was soon embracing his alcohol-free lifestyle openly. We discussed the strong influence of peer pressure and the need for a supportive tribe when quitting alcohol. We are both seeing a societal shift as people acknowledge the health risks of drinking alcohol – which is heading for a cigarette moment. Although drinking alcohol before bedtime may help initially with falling asleep but compromises the quality of sleep, leading to irritability, fatigue, and other negative effects on health. Alcohol's Effects on Sleep and Health:  Alcohol consumption can compromise sleep quality, metabolism, and overall health. It can disrupt the body's natural processes, leading to weight gain, reduced productivity, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods. James shared some Benefits of his alcohol-free lifestyle which included improved physical health, mental clarity, productivity, and financial success. I I asked him for his advice for anyone who is struggling to get started on this journey: He suggested starting with a commitment to at least 30 days of sobriety as an experiment, but most importantly be open to extending it to 90 days or longer. We agreed on the importance of Avoiding the stop-and-start cycle and focussing on the long-term benefits of sobriety. Overcoming cultural conditioning and resistance may feel challenging, but taking action building an alcohol free lifestyle will lead to transformative results and a better quality of life You can contact James Swanwick via his website alcoholfreelifestyle.com More Info   Tribe Sober subscription membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com. to join our mailing list click HERE    Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

In this New Year episode, Lynette records from a small guesthouse in Evander, a dusty coal-mining town in South Africa — a place marked by both decay and unexpected beauty. Through a moving real-life encounter, she reflects on how we are all dealt a hand of cards in life, and how joy, purpose, and meaning are not found in better circumstances, but in how we meet the life we have. This episode gently explores the illusion of “readiness,” drawing on the work of Dr. Julia di Gangi, to show why change is not about more time, but about emotional power, identity, and presence. Using the poetic metaphors of the snake shedding its skin and the horse moving forward with aligned energy, Lynette invites listeners to step into the now — not by forcing change, but by listening to the quiet inner yes. This is a conversation about emotional sobriety, relationships with self and others, and creating a life of vibrancy and quiet joy — right where you are. In This Episode, We Explore: How life’s “hand of cards” doesn’t determine our joy — how we play it does Creating heaven or hell through how we meet our circumstances Why waiting to feel “ready” keeps us stuck Emotional power vs. time and overthinking The snake as a symbol of shedding old survival patterns The horse as a symbol of presence, aligned movement, and inner power Sobriety as a doorway, not a destination Emotional sobriety and learning to meet life on life’s terms Relationships with self, others, and life itself Trusting the quiet yes instead of forcing the how Path to Purpose Path to Purpose is for people who are sober and asking: now what?   It’s about learning how to take your hand of cards and create a life of vibrancy, connection, and joy — meeting life on life’s terms without numbing, bracing, or waiting for things to be different. The next intake opens in February. If you feel a quiet yes, you don’t need to work out the how. Path to Purpose is the what. 📩 Email Lynette: lynette@llrcoaching.com  

This week I'm doing a solo episode - 10 reasons to do an alcohol free January - and 14 tips to get you through. In This Episode REASONS TO DO AN ALCOHOL FREE JANUARY You've got a great "reason" to not be drinking when people ask! A dry month is a great way to test your dependency - if you can't get through a month without booze then you need to make some changes Alcohol is so toxic that just taking a month off will have significant health benefits Alcohol is linked to liver disease and 7 different types of cancer - 1 glass of wine will raise your risk of breast cancer by 15% Alcohol will weaken our immune systems - and put us more at risk of becoming infected with Covid 20% of regular drinkers will become dependent over the years - drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week may damage your health A month off alcohol will reduce your anxiety, freshen up your looks, help you lose weight and enable you to get some good quality sleep Making a donation to our January fundraiser will give you a dopamine hit (giving makes you feel good) and enable you to receive online and community support for 31 days - you can sign up here TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH Shake up your daily routine and exercise every day Be ready to cope with your emotions - if you've been numbing your feelings with alcohol they will come to the surface Use a journal to track your progress, note your triggers and process your emotions Listen to music, make a soundtrack for your January Challenge - a real mood changer Have your go-to drinks -drinknil.co.za are offering 10% discount on all their alcohol free drinks for people doing our Challenge Find your tribe - its hard to do this alone - check out our membership program here Please donate to our Earthchild Fundraiser - and get 30 days of community and online support - sign up link is here MORE INFO To access our website click here Please subscribe and share this podcast so we can reach more people who need our help. Thank you

Undefended Joy Choosing Willingness, Acceptance, and Faith This Holiday Season The holiday season can be joyful — and it can also be triggering. Family dynamics, social gatherings, unmet expectations, and old habits often leave us feeling tense, reactive, and searching for relief. In this episode, Lynette explores a powerful and compassionate practice she calls Undefended Joy — a way of meeting life without armour, self-protection, or resistance. Drawing on teachings from Dr. Julia DiGangi and real-life experiences, Lynette shares how willingness, acceptance, and faith can gently replace the need to escape with alcohol or other numbing behaviours. This episode is not about forcing happiness or “getting it right.” It’s about softening, staying present, and discovering that joy becomes available when we stop fighting reality. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why so many of us drink or overdo things in search of relief The difference between being undefended and being defenseless How willingness creates emotional resilience and mental fitness Why the opposite of certainty is faith How accepting difference (in ourselves and others) reduces conflict A simple question to ask when you feel triggered Why joy is not something to chase — but something that emerges when fear loosens its grip Lynette also shares a gentle invitation to support yourself through the festive season with Tribe Sober’s Festive Open House, offering free access to community support, inspiration, and live sessions. A question to reflect on: What would it look like to meet this moment — just as it is — undefended and willing?   🎄 Tribe Sober Festive Open House For the first time ever, Tribe Sober is opening its doors for a Festive Open House from 21 December to 2 January. It’s completely free and gives you a chance to sample: Daily inspiration Community support Live Zoom sessions Practical tools for staying sober and grounded over the holidays 👉 Visit tribesober.com, sign up for monthly membership, and use the coupon code OpenHouse12 If you need help, you can also email mon@tribesober.com  

My guest this week is  couples therapist Zach Brittle who is based in Seattle  I was able to pick his brain about that very common question we hear from some of our members – How can I quit when my partner drinks?   In this episode:- Zach's drinking escalated during COVID lockdown—he felt depressed and family relationships were under strain. He reached that point that many of us get to – his “not this" moment as we call it in Tribe Sober He approached a sober friend, Dave, who became his sponsor and helped him to work the 12 steps He only attended a few in-person AA meetings but actually found a South African online meeting that became his home group – so he has a soft spot for us here in SA He quit alcohol quickly and without too much trouble, but deeper emotional recovery took much longer. Zach stressed the difference between quitting drinking and being sober. His marriage had involved heavy shared drinking and his wife had been his drinking buddy But after he got sober, his wife began to drink more and had her own recovery journey to tackle Their 15-year-old daughter also “spun out” as the family system recalibrated Family members are now all healthy and connected I loved Zach's analogy as a family being like a child mobile – hold one piece steady and the other pieces wobble – how true Zach had some great advice for partners struggling with a drinker who won’t change: Take care of yourself first — get grounded and stable. Build your “healthy place” and invite your partner into it. You can’t decide their behaviour, but you can decide what works for you. Early sobriety is fragile — ignore comments like “you’re boring.” Focus on your own survival. Zach's Top Benefits of Sobriety Feels like an adult for the first time in his life. Sleep transformed — falls asleep naturally, sleeps through, wakes refreshed. Clear mind & emotional stability — no hedging, hiding, or dodging. Better marriage — calmer, more intimate, more predictable. Massive financial savings — used to spend ~$12k/year on bar tabs. Advice for Anyone Struggling Ask yourself: “Am I ready?” If yes, do the work: find community, a sponsor, a meeting, a book, a mentor. The work isn’t quitting alcohol — it’s understanding yourself and building emotional sobriety. Zach’s Podcast & Work Hosts Marriage Therapy Radio — weekly episodes with real couples. Has published books and has a new one coming in 2027 on relational recovery. Works mostly in person in Seattle but does some online work. Zach Brittle is his website More Info   Tribe Sober subscription membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com. to join our mailing list click HERE    Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

In this episode, Lynette shares a deeply personal story from her early sobriety and offers powerful insights on how to navigate the holiday season alcohol-free. From understanding your emotional triggers to anchoring into your Sage energy, Lynette guides you through practical and heart-centered ways to stay grounded, proud, and connected during a time that can feel overwhelming.   You’ll also hear the story of Anna, a woman who created her first joyful alcohol-free holiday through intention, structure, and emotional leadership — a journey that mirrors what’s possible for all of us.   Whether this is your first sober Christmas or your tenth, this episode will help you walk into the holiday season with clarity, confidence, and compassion for yourself.   🎄 Want more support? Join Lynette on 10 December at 5pm SA time for a gentle, practical masterclass on navigating the holidays alcohol-free. Email lynette@llrcoaching.com or mon@tribesober.com for details.

My guest this week is a psychotherapist Dr Ginny who has had her own struggles with alcohol and food addiction. Dr Ginny had a long history of drinking - since college Like many of us she was “High-functioning” — working as a director for a non profit Drinking + emotional eating became her escape Hit crisis point at 55: inflammation, pre-diabetic, struggling to walk Realised she was heading toward chronic illness — and possibly a nursing home 🍷 Drinking & Denial Told herself it was “self-care” Rationalised with rules (“only weekends”, “never a bottle... then more”) Depended on wine to soothe stress, numb emotions Felt ashamed, trapped, out of alignment with her values Emotional crash cycle: regret → resolve → repeat “She would say every morning, ‘I won’t do it tonight,’ and by the end of the day I wanted it again.” 💡 Turning Point Came when she worked in a nursing-home and many patients her age Realised alcohol + ultra-processed food = metabolic decline Fear of losing mobility + independence Began exploring science-based nutrition and alcohol-free living Joined Annie Grace’s work early & became a coach 🥗 Healing Through Nutrition Quit drinking and ultra-processed foods together Focus on abundant, nutritious whole foods Massive improvement in: Inflammation Sleep Weight (lost 60 lbs naturally) Pre-diabetes reversed Mental clarity + emotional calm 📚 Her Program Slender for Good Science-based nutrition & mindset work Focus on adding nourishment, not restriction Works especially well for women in midlife & recovery Book: Slender for Good After 50 🌐 Where to Find Her Website: slenderforgood.com Works with clients worldwide via Zoom If Dr Ginny inspired you to avoid that metabolic decline she spoke of then why not buy her book “Slender for Good” and sign up for a Tribe Sober membership. On December 1st we open our Annual Fundraiser for Earthchild –  make a small donation to this very good cause and in exchange you’ll get a month of support. Just go to tribesober.com and click on the Earthchild Banner…