Sober Edge

In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri Patterson welcomes coach and Reiki master Brigitta Dau for a soulful conversation about what healing truly looks like after alcohol. Rather than focusing only on behavior change, Brigitta invites us into a holistic model of recovery—one that integrates the mind, body, and soul. She explains how alcohol blocks intuition, disrupts nervous system safety, and disconnects us from our bodies, making it nearly impossible to trust ourselves. Together, Teri and Brigitta explore how creativity, play, Reiki, and community act as powerful regulators of the nervous system. They discuss why crafting, knitting, gardening, and other tactile practices are not frivolous—but essential for completing the stress cycle and restoring emotional balance. They also dive into trauma-informed healing, the neuroscience of play, co-regulation, intuition, and why your original "why" for quitting alcohol must evolve as your life expands. This episode is a powerful reminder that alcohol-free living isn't about deprivation—it's about coming home to yourself. SHOW NOTES HERE

Episode 200 is a celebration — and a reflection. In this milestone solo episode, Teri shares the distinction that has shaped her alcohol-free journey and her work with clients: the difference between becoming alcohol-free and living alcohol-free. Drawing on her own 10-year journey, coaching experience, and hundreds of podcast conversations, Teri explores how the early stages of stopping drinking focus on tools and support — while the later stages invite us into deeper self-trust, emotional regulation, values-based living, and purpose. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: "Is this it?" "Why does this still feel uncomfortable?" "What comes next?" The answer: life — fully lived. SHOW NOTES HERE

December 31 carries a lot of pressure — to reset, resolve, and reinvent. In this episode, Teri Patterson invites listeners to take a gentler, more grounded approach to the new year. Through the lens of nervous system science and identity-based change, she explores why real transformation doesn't begin with a calendar date — and why becoming alcohol-free (and living alcohol-free) teaches us how to carry wisdom forward instead of starting over. This episode is a reflection on roots, identity, and the quiet power of honoring who you already are as you step into what's next. SHOW NOTES HERE Join 26 for 26 - Free Community Event

What if you didn't have to climb your way to alcohol freedom — what if you were already there? In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri talks with Nigel Jones about the identity shift that makes alcohol-free living feel natural, expansive, and deeply aligned. Drawing on NLP, hypnotherapy, and lived experience, Nigel explains why changing how you see yourself changes everything — and why the mental battle disappears when identity leads the way. This is a conversation about becoming, not depriving. About clarity, not control. And about what's possible when you stop negotiating and start living. Show Notes HERE

What if you didn't have to climb your way to alcohol freedom — what if you were already there? In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri talks with Nigel Bruce about the identity shift that makes alcohol-free living feel natural, expansive, and deeply aligned. Drawing on NLP, hypnotherapy, and lived experience, Nigel explains why changing how you see yourself changes everything — and why the mental battle disappears when identity leads the way. This is a conversation about becoming, not depriving. About clarity, not control. And about what's possible when you stop negotiating and start living. Show Notes HERE

How to Calm the F Down (Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn) In this candid and neuroscience-backed episode, Teri breaks down how to "Calm the F Down" by understanding the four core nervous system states—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how they influence behavior, urges, and emotional patterns in alcohol-free living. Drawing on her recent trauma-informed nervous system certification, she reveals how alcohol numbs dysregulation, why early AF life can feel overwhelming, and how simple body-based tools help restore safety, self-trust, and emotional clarity. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of their own patterns, why their nervous system reacts the way it does, and how to begin regulating from the inside out. This is essential listening for anyone wanting to move from hypervigilance, shutdown, or people-pleasing into grounded, confident alcohol-free living. If you've ever said, "I don't know what happened—I just found myself drinking," this episode is for you! Shownotes HERE

In today's episode, Teri welcomes author Ian Fee to discuss his book Wild Ride to Sobriety—a raw, honest, and hopeful look at what it really means to take responsibility for your healing. Together, they dive into: Ian's "wild ride" years and the moment he knew something needed to change The turning point where responsibility stopped feeling like blame and started feeling like liberation Why recovery isn't linear and the stages Ian now recognizes in hindsight How identity shifts happen over time (and why early sobriety often feels like a personality remodel) The brain science of change, including prediction error, rewards pathways, and rebuilding self-trust Why loving your sober life is not an accident—and the habits, community, and mindset that help Show Notes Here

In this milestone episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, Teri Patterson, The Sober Nutritionist, celebrates her 10-year alcohol-free anniversary with a heartfelt reflection on the journey that changed everything. She shares 3 promises she's made to herself, 2 changes that surprised her, and 5 lessons that continue to guide her life — blending personal story with practical wisdom. From the way our brains learn safety and joy, to how community becomes the real secret ingredient, this episode is a love letter to growth, grace, and staying the course. 🎧 Listen to learn why healing is seasonal, how clarity becomes addictive in the best way, and why time — not alcohol — is the real luxury.   Full Show Notes HERE

In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri sits down with Nancy McKay — certified Equus Coach, author, and creator of the BRAVE framework. Nancy shares how horses help us reconnect to truth and emotional honesty, guiding people in recovery to rediscover self-trust and empowerment. Together, Teri and Nancy explore the five pillars of BRAVE— Belief, Resilience, Authenticity, Voice, and Empowerment — and how these qualities transform the way we live, lead, and love in sobriety. Whether you're early in your alcohol-free journey or walking confidently in recovery, this conversation invites you to step into your authentic power — one brave choice at a time. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

  We've all heard it: "If you're drinking five nights a week, cut back to three." It sounds like a reasonable step, but here's the truth—your brain doesn't heal from "just less." In fact, even small amounts of alcohol keep your reward circuitry, stress hormones, and sleep disrupted. In this episode, I dive into:  How alcohol hijacks dopamine and why cutting back doesn't restore balance The pain-pleasure seesaw (Dr. Anna Lembke's research) and why even one drink tips it  Why your stress, sleep, and mental clarity don't truly improve until abstinence  The powerful stats that prove there's no safe level of drinking A reframe: how choosing alcohol-free is not deprivation but the gateway to freedom I also talk about the word abstinence—why it can feel heavy, clinical, or judgment-laden, and how we might meet it with curiosity instead of resistance.  Whether you're exploring your own alcohol-free path or supporting others, this episode gives you the science and the inspiration to see why "just one less" keeps us stuck. Show Notes

In this episode of The Sober Edge, Adriana Marchione joins me to explore how art in all its forms can be a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Adriana shares her journey from movement and dance into formal training in Expressive Arts Therapy, and how creativity helps us reconnect with ourselves, regulate our nervous systems, and discover unexpected insights. We talk about the accessibility of creativity—even for those who don't see themselves as "artists"—and how it can open a pathway to deeper healing in an alcohol-free life. Full Show Notes Here

On this episode of The Sober Edge, I'm joined by Amber Hollingsworth, a family recovery expert who has spent nearly 20 years helping loved ones find a path through the chaos of addiction. Amber is known for her refreshingly direct and practical approach—what she jokingly calls being "a little bossy." Instead of leaving families guessing at what to do or say, Amber offers clear, actionable guidance that can ease tension, reduce resentment, and create real change. We talk about how families can support their loved ones without losing themselves, why trying to "always say the right thing" can backfire, and what to do instead. Amber also introduces her exciting new tool, Amber AI—a way for families to get her wisdom on demand, right when they need it most. This is a conversation full of hope, honesty, and the kind of advice that meets families where they really are. SHOW NOTES HERE

In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri explores Mel Robbins' viral Let Them Theory—a simple yet powerful mindset shift that can transform the way you navigate relationships, boundaries, and joy in your alcohol-free life. Learn how letting go of control and other people's opinions can bring more ease, excitement, and emotional freedom to your AF journey. Show Notes Here

In this inspiring episode of The Sober Edge, I sit down with Sophia Graniela, founder of Her Journey Home, to explore two powerful pathways to self-reconnection: sober travel and EFT tapping. Sophia shares how her alcohol-free journey opened the door to deeper emotional healing and authentic exploration—both on the road and within. We discuss how travel becomes a mirror when done with intention, and how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) helps regulate the nervous system, clear emotional blocks, and support us in returning to our true selves. Whether you're curious about tapping or dreaming of your next soul-nourishing adventure, this episode is your invitation to come home to who you really are. Show Notes Here

In this episode of The Sober Edge, we dive into the nervous system's survival responses—Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn—and explore how each one can unconsciously drive our alcohol use. Teri breaks down what each state looks and feels like in everyday life, and how recognizing our default response can be the first step toward healing and true emotional regulation without reaching for a drink. Tune in for the key to your own patterns, and, explore your healing journey. Show Notes HERE

What if trusting your gut started with feeding it better? In this episode of The Sober Edge, host Teri Patterson takes listeners on a journey from the microbiome to mindfulness. You'll discover how gut health directly impacts your ability to think clearly, regulate emotions, and even access intuition. Teri shares simple strategies for feeding your gut with food variety and fiber, and she connects the dots between physical nourishment and emotional insight—offering a whole-body perspective on self-trust and sobriety.  This episode is both science-based and soul-filled, perfect for anyone on the alcohol-free path ready to feel more grounded, clear, and connected.   Full Show Notes HERE

In this special solo episode, I share a behind-the-scenes update from my own alcohol-free journey and entrepreneurial life. I reflect on my word of the year—flow—and how it continues to guide me through the messy middle of seeking balance, recalibrating priorities, and tuning in to what really matters. Join me for a heart-to-heart check-in on rest, resistance, and finding a new rhythm that supports soul care, not just self-care. Whether you're in a season of full steam ahead or slow integration, this episode is your gentle reminder: you're not behind, you're exactly where you need to be. Full Show Notes Here

In this episode of The Sober Edge, host Teri Patterson explores the often-overlooked journey of rebuilding trust—starting with ourselves. With insights from Dr. Nicole LePera's How To Meet Yourself, Teri explains how nervous system states influence our ability to feel safe and connected, and how learning to interpret bodily cues is the first step toward healing trust—both inward and outward. If you've ever struggled to know what's "safe" in recovery, this episode is for you. Show Notes HERE

In this episode, I'm sharing my experience attending Sober in the City, a vibrant alcohol-free weekend in Scottsdale, packed with friendship, fun, and deeply healing conversations. From nervous system regulation to trauma recovery, the event spotlighted powerful topics while offering the gift of true connection. Join me as I reflect on how these moments reinforce the joy and richness of living alcohol-free. My personal reflections from attending Sober in the City in Scottsdale The magic of meeting alcohol-free women in person Conversations on nervous system regulation, trauma, and community healing How events like this support us in rewiring our relationship to socializing The joy of experiencing laughter, dancing, and connection—without alcohol Why these gatherings matter for long-term alcohol-free living Full Show Notes HERE

In this episode of The Sober Edge, Teri explores a powerful truth about the alcohol-free journey: after the chaos and drama of drinking, peace can feel... flat. Many people in early sobriety wonder if they've lost their spark or if boredom is the new normal. But what if this stillness is actually the foundation for something deeper — clarity, calm, and true contentment? You'll hear about: Why drinking creates a false sense of excitement How the nervous system reacts to calm after chronic overstimulation Why "boredom" might actually mean "discomfort with stillness" The mindset shift that reframes peace as powerful Tools for finding joy and purpose in a slower, steadier life Whether you're just starting your alcohol-free path or supporting others on theirs, this conversation will help you embrace the quiet victories and reimagine what it means to feel alive — without chaos. FULL SHOW NOTES