We're Sober, Now What?

Amanda and Melissa share updates from their lives, including exciting personal milestones and the challenges of maintaining sobriety amidst significant life events.Hear about Melissa's spring self-care challenge, designed to refresh and reinforce positive habits as the season changes.They discuss the importance of adapting self-care practices to fit personal needs and the benefits of moving away from rigid habit tracking to a more forgiving and flexible approach.This episode will inspire you to :Reflect on your own daily habits.Embrace a flexible mindset towards tracking & setbacks Explore what you genuinely enjoy.Recognise discomfort & be mindful of self-sabotage.Identify and challenge negative self-talk . Trust in the process of personal growth. Love this episode? Subscribe to receive episodes direct to your inbox and join the conversation! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, we'd appreciate it. 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

What to do when you just start feeling 'Meh' in Sobriety? What happens when the "pink cloud" parts? Amanda & Melissa explore the challenges when life's excitement diminishes and how to cope with the mundane aspects of sober livingThey offer practical advice from their own experience of keeping sobriety engaging and fulfilling over the long term. As well as the importance of emotional regulation and choosing healthier coping mechanisms over old destructive habits.We hope this episode will encourage you to reflect on your own sobriety journey and be inspired to keep it vibrant and fulfilling.Love this episode? Subscribe to receive episodes direct to your inbox and join the conversation! Leave a review and let us know: How do you keep your sobriety vibrant and fulfilling? 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

What happens when you replace drinking with a relentless pursuit of self-improvement? In this episode, Amanda and Melissa explore the never-ending cycle of striving to be “better” in sobriety—and why it can be just as exhausting as drinking itself.They unpack the pressure to constantly optimise, hustle, and perform, especially in a world saturated with self-help and personal growth culture. Amanda reflects on her own perfectionism, the “arrival fallacy” that kept her chasing external goals, and the realisation that self-worth isn’t something to earn—it’s something to recognise.From online validation traps to "digital & geographic cures", this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like they need to do more, be more, or achieve more just to feel okay.Tune in for real talk on learning to be enough—without the endless chase.Love this episode? Hit like & follow, subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Leave a review and let us know in the comments: Have you ever fallen into the self-improvement trap? 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

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

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

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

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

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

Amanda & Melissa, discuss Ireland’s deeply rooted drinking culture, the historical and societal factors that have contributed to the country’s long-standing association with alcohol, from generational trauma to the lack of alternative social outlets.They share candid personal stories about the normalization of underage drinking, the pressure to drink in social settings, and the challenges of navigating sobriety in a culture that celebrates alcohol. The conversation also highlights promising shifts, such as the rise of the “sober curious” movement and new legislation aimed at reducing alcohol’s grip on Irish society.If you’ve ever wondered why drinking is so embedded in Irish culture—or how sobriety fits into this evolving landscape—this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful for change..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 also on 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

What if the key to thriving in sobriety isn’t just quitting alcohol, but finding your people? In this episode of We’re Sober, Now What?, Amanda and Melissa Kelly, PhD, pull back the curtain on the game-changing power of community and belonging in sobriety.You’ll hear raw, real stories about how alcohol shaped their identities, the surprising struggles of navigating life sober, and how rediscovering creativity helped them reclaim parts of themselves they thought were lost. They also reveal the power of online communities and anonymous spaces to foster connection when you’re feeling isolated or unsure where to turn.If you’ve ever asked, “How do I rebuild my life after alcohol?” or “How do I find people who get it?”, this episode is your roadmap. It’s time to stop surviving and start thriving in sobriety.Tune in now to learn how to build real connections, rediscover yourself, and create a life you love—no alcohol required.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why community is essential for thriving in sobriety. The surprising ways creativity helps reclaim personal identity. How anonymity and online communities can be lifelines in recovery. Tips for building a sober support network that aligns with your needs. The stark contrast between drinking and sober experiences—and how to navigate it.Love this episode? Subscribe to our SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Share your thoughts by leaving a review or connecting with Amanda & Melissa on their journey to sobriety and self-discovery. 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

Amanda and Melissa get real about the identity shifts that come with sobriety. Amanda shares how she avoided an identity crisis in early sobriety and opens up about a moment of self-sabotage that revealed her deeper insecurities. Melissa reflects on her former “party girl” persona and how sobriety brought her from chaos to control—and why that control wasn’t always healthy.They also tackle the pressures of hustle culture, how sobriety uncovers hidden insecurities, and some key changes that allow them to thrive without alcohol.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why early sobriety feels like an identity crisis—and how to navigate it. How alcohol shapes your sense of self and what happens when you stop drinking. Why purpose and accountability are essential in the early stages of sobriety. How to break free from the romanticised “drinking identity.” The role of societal pressures in shaping post-sobriety struggles. Practical tips for self-care to prevent burnout and build a strong sober identity.Connect With Us:Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe for free on SUBSTACK and share your thoughts. #SoberLife #LifeAfterAlcohol #SoberJourney #SoberCurious #SoberSupport#SoberInspiration #SoberPodcast 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

Amanda and Melissa Kelly, PhD, reveal their top tools for navigating the challenges of sober living. From managing triggers to sidestepping FOMO, they break down practical strategies that have kept them grounded and thriving. Wondering how to stay strong during a stressful holiday gathering or what’s inside Amanda’s emotional first-aid kit? Tune in for three life-changing tools to help you handle whatever life throws your way—and why they’re essential for a fulfilling, sober life.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The surprising evolution of triggers—and how to spot them before they sneak up on you. The best way to silence your inner critic without falling into self-pity. Three simple tools to shift your mindset instantly (and keep cravings at bay). Why diversifying your social media feed might just save your sanity—and your sobriety. How to prepare for emotional emergencies with a personal first-aid kit.Connect with Us:Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe to We’re Sober, Now What? On SUBSTACK and join the conversation! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your favorite sober tools with us. 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

Welcome to We're Sober, now what. We are Melissa and Amanda and we are.... you guessed it, sober!But who are we? What made us decide to start this podcast? And why should you care? Great questions!Tune in to hear us share about pivotal moments in sobriety, why we quit drinking in the first place, how sobriety has changed us & how we manage the various stressors of day to day life, without resorting to 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