Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

In this compelling episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, John Buckley candidly shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey through alcoholism and his ultimate path to sobriety. Growing up in an Irish immigrant household with a father battling alcohol addiction, John reflects on his early encounters with drinking and the profound impact it had on his identity, education, and relationships. From dealing with high-stress environments on Wall Street to personal crises, including his father's death and his own terrifying health scare. Through immense challenges and with significant resilience, John has successfully reclaimed his life, offering hope and practical advice to those battling similar struggles. Links:  Sober Motivation Community 2 week trial: https://sobermotivation.mn.co 1:1 Sobriety Mentorship Info: https://www.sobermotivationmedia.com/1-1-mentorship SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/recover John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbuckofficial/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 John's Childhood and Family Background 01:39 Early Experiences with Alcohol 13:11 College Years and Identity Struggles 19:58 Career in Sales and Drinking Culture 24:15 Family Struggles and Father's Decline 32:39 The Illusion of Control 33:49 Life in Manhattan 35:19 Meeting Debbie 36:31 Fatherhood and Escalation 38:47 COVID and the Downward Spiral 41:07 Hitting Rock Bottom 44:03 The Turning Point 51:13 A New Beginning 53:16 Reflections and Advice

In this episode, we have Lisa, who shares her compelling story of sobriety and reclaiming her life. Growing up  Lisa faced a challenging childhood with a mother suffering from MS. Despite her struggles with self-esteem, she discovered sports as an outlet. However, in high school, alcohol became a coping mechanism for fitting in and dealing with uncomfortable feelings. Lisa recounts her college years, marked by risky behavior and other challenges, underscoring the central role alcohol played in her life. Her 20s and 30s saw professional achievements, including a career as a police officer. But personal losses, family tragedies, and health setbacks led to a deeper dependency on alcohol. A turning point in 2023, driven by sheer frustration with the control alcohol had over her, catalyzed her sobriety journey, marked by strong community support, embracing online platforms, and a profound commitment to self-care. Lisa shares insights about the importance of community, gratitude, and acknowledging the challenges of sobriety. And this is Lisa’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_m_amos/ Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co More information on SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/recover   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:34 Lisa's Challenging Childhood 02:14 Struggles with Fitting In 03:48 Early Encounters with Alcohol 05:09 High School and the Start of Drinking 13:44 College Years and Escalating Issues 19:18 Post-College Life and Career Beginnings 24:15 Finding Purpose in Policing 28:11 Major Life Changes and Daily Drinking 31:37 Reflecting on Past Counseling Experiences 32:13 The Journey to Sobriety Begins 32:50 Struggles and Attempts to Quit Drinking 35:35 Finding the Right Support and Tools 37:26 Embracing a Sober Lifestyle 39:17 The Importance of Community 40:43 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success 53:59 Sober Travel and New Experiences 57:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Journey

In this episode, we have Mason who shares his profound journey from childhood growing up in a family where alcohol was part of the norm, Mason recounts his experiences with his parents' substance use issues, navigating school life, and coming to terms with his own struggles. He dives into his periods of heavy drinking, the challenges of accepting his sexuality in the ’80s, and the spiral following his HIV diagnosis. Despite multiple setbacks and deep lows, Mason finds the strength to seek sobriety in his mid-40s, eventually leading to a fulfilling career helping others. His story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of change at any stage of life. ----------- Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co Sign up for SoberLink: https://soberlink.com/recover Donate to Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation     00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Early Life and Family Background 04:04 High School Years and Early Drinking 09:15 Post-High School Life and Marriage 12:55 Struggles with Substance Abuse 18:56 Facing Consequences and Isolation 21:13 Moments of Realization and Regret 24:28 Gaming and Personal Struggles 25:23 Facing the Truth 26:40 Sobriety and Self-Realization 28:21 The Turning Point 30:10 Early Days of Sobriety 32:19 Therapy and Self-Acceptance 36:49 Life Changes and Achievements 40:49 Continuous Self-Improvement 49:09 Final Thoughts and Advice  

In this episode, we have Stephanie who discusses her multiple-decade battle with alcohol addiction. As the youngest of five girls, Stephanie grew up in a household heavily exposed to alcohol, leading her to start drinking at a young age. Her journey through high school, college, and her professional life is marked by escalating alcohol use, culminating in a near-death experience and a hospitalization due to alcohol withdrawal seizures in December 2021. This life-changing event prompted Stephanie to seek help and embrace sobriety. Now, having reached 1,000 days sober, she shares her insights on the struggles and triumphs of sobriety, the importance of seeking help, and the tools that have helped her maintain a sober lifestyle. This is Stephanie’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ------------- Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co Donate to support he show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation More information on SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/recover Check out the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sobermotivationpodcast Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephrudnicki/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, we have Kelsey, who details her journey from a turbulent childhood to overcoming profound addiction challenges. Raised by her grandparents due to her parents’ substance abuse issues, Kelsey sought connection through drugs and alcohol, leading to a life marked by substance misuse, including cocaine, heroin, alcohol, benzos and DUIs. However, Kelsey’s story is one of transformation and hope. Through immense struggle and court-mandated rehabilitation, she achieved sobriety and now lives a fulfilling life as a mother and business owner. This episode also highlights the importance of community and supportive networks, with Brad discussing the newly launched Sober Motivation Community aimed at providing support for those on their sobriety journey. Join this episode to hear about the power of resilience and the possibility of redemption one story at a time. --------- Join the SoberMotivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co More information on Soberlink: https://www.soberlink.com/recover Kelsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyautry/  

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Caruso to discuss his incredible journey from skateboarding to overcoming addiction. Chad shares candid insights about his upbringing, his passion for skateboarding, and how he gradually fell into the damaging cycle of alcohol. Despite facing challenges like dropping out of school and multiple DWIs, Chad turned his life around, finding sobriety and embarking on ambitious projects such as skating across all 50 states in 50 days and ultimately setting a Guinness World Record by skateboarding across the United States. This is Chad's story on the Sober Motivation podcast. -------- Join the SoberMotivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ More Information On SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/recover Connect with Chad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, my buddy Ryan joins us to share his sobriety journey. Ryan reflects on his childhood in a tight-knit community, his introduction to alcohol in high school, and how his father's coping mechanisms influenced his own. He describes the progressive nature of his alcohol dependency, the strain it put on his relationships, and his eventual realization of needing change in 2020. After multiple attempts to quit, trying a few different pathways Ryan was tired of the life he was leading and realized his drinking did not only affect him it affected everyone around him.  Something had to change but how would Ryan go from a life of drinking to a life without? This is Ryan's story on the Sober Motivation podcast. --------------- Join the Sober Motivation Community here: https://sobermotivation.mn.co Ryan's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/weber.m.ryan/   00:00 Introduction to Season Three 00:14 Meet Ryan: A Journey Begins 00:43 Ryan's Early Life and College Days 01:25 The Role of Alcohol in Ryan's Life 02:39 Marriage and Moving Away 03:29 Struggles with Alcohol and Family Dynamics 04:47 Realizations and Early Signs of Alcohol Dependence 06:25 The Turning Point: Marriage and Parenthood 08:25 Hiding the Problem and Seeking Help 10:27 The Role of Community and Support 25:48 Fishing Trip Revelations 26:31 Struggles with Sobriety 27:00 A Turning Point 28:22 The Road to Recovery 30:07 Reflections and Realizations 35:32 Finding Community 47:34 The Power of Connection 52:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode we have Dave, who shares his deeply personal and inspirational journey from growing up with an anxious mind and early struggles with guilt and shame, to becoming a defined party guy in high school and college. Despite achieving professional milestones, Dave's life was becoming increasingly unmanageable due to his drinking. He opens up about the physical and emotional toll his addiction took on him and his loved ones. Dave recounts his turning point moment of seeking help, the challenges of early sobriety, and the transformative effects it has had on his health, relationships, and overall life. Dave and I discuss the importance of replacing drinking with healthier activities, the persistent struggle with alcohol cravings, and the critical role of self-awareness and support systems in recovery. --------- Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co   Dave's IG: https://www.instagram.com/daveg717/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, we have Ashley who shares about her journey from growing up in a single-parent household with attachment anxiety, through her struggles with alcohol addiction from her teenage years into her adult life. Ashley shares her experiences of hiding her addiction, the trauma of losing close family members to addiction-related causes, and the various stages of her drinking habits. She details her turning point, how she reached out for help, and her eventual path to sobriety. Ashley also discusses the importance of connection in overcoming addiction and how sharing her story publicly led to the creation of supportive communities and resources for those facing similar struggles. ---------------- Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach_ashley88/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:10 Ashley's Childhood and Early Struggles 01:05 High School Challenges and Coping Mechanisms 06:53 College Years and Escalating Alcohol Use 12:07 Young Adulthood and Moving to Alabama 16:15 Family Tragedies and Increased Drinking 19:30 Reflecting on Alcohol Use and Seeking Support 24:25 Overcoming Shame and Stigma 27:33 The Turning Point: Halloween 2022 28:26 Embracing Sobriety: The First Steps 34:42 Support Systems and Community 37:29 Sharing the Journey: Going Public 39:20 Building a Sober Community 40:54 Reflecting on the Journey 43:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the  Podcast, we have Jess, who shares her deeply personal and powerful story of growing up in a seemingly perfect middle-class family in Portland, Oregon, while dealing with an emotionally absent father and a series of traumatic experiences. Jess opens up about her early experimentation with alcohol, the challenging transitions during her school years, and an abusive relationship that drove her further into drinking. She discusses her wake-up call moments, the pivotal support from her now-husband, and the journey towards sobriety that began at age 20. Jess highlights the importance of addressing mental health and breaking the cycle of addiction for future generations. Her story emphasizes the necessity of recovering out loud and supporting others through their battles with addiction and this is Jess’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ------------- Donate to support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysobersunrise/   00:00 Introduction to Season Three 00:14 Meet Jess: Early Life and Family Dynamics 03:10 School Days: Navigating Childhood and Adolescence 05:05 First Encounters with Alcohol 10:58 Middle School Experiments and Social Circles 14:54 High School Transitions and Challenges 20:14 Struggles with Acceptance and Relationships 29:21 College Life and Escalating Issues 34:56 Parental Awareness and Hidden Struggles 36:24 Escaping an Abusive Relationship 39:25 The Turning Point: Realizing the Depth of Alcoholism 41:15 Failed Attempts at Moderation 44:26 The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse 48:22 Finding Support and Making a Change 55:20 Long-Term Sobriety and Family Impact 01:02:34 Breaking the Cycle for Future Generations

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Kari shares her powerful journey from a challenging childhood in an alcoholic environment to achieving sobriety. Despite growing up surrounded by alcohol and undergoing various personal struggles, Kari recounts her battle with alcohol, the impact it had on her life, and how she managed to find the strength to quit drinking. She discusses her multiple relapses, the emotional challenges she faced, and the turning point that led her to dedicate herself to sobriety. This is Kari’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.   Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Kari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari.nautique/   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:12 Carrie's Early Life in an Alcoholic Family 01:21 Teenage Years and First Experiences with Alcohol 02:32 Struggles with Alcohol and Personal Loss 04:34 Modeling Career and Escalating Alcohol Use 05:09 Toxic Relationships and a Suicide Attempt 06:29 Moving to LA and the Party Lifestyle 07:22 Realizations and the Beginning of Change 11:35 Motherhood and Continued Struggles 18:35 First Steps Towards Sobriety 25:36 Introduction to AA and Seeking Help 28:50 Struggles with Alcohol and Early Attempts at Sobriety 29:22 Cutting Ties and Seeking Help 30:11 Lockdown and the Nine-Month Sobriety Streak 34:16 Relapse and the Battle with Temptation 42:01 The Importance of Changing Environment and Community 46:06 Finding Purpose Through Service and Sobriety 48:20 Final Reflections and Moving Forward  

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Nikki recounts her journey of sobriety, beginning from her early experiences with alcohol in Sydney, Australia, where the legal drinking age is 18 and societal pressure to drink is high. She describes her youthful experimentation and eventual reliance on drinking during a difficult breakup, leading to a period of drinking alone. Nikki shares the challenges she faced in the alcohol-centric film industry and how societal expectations made it difficult to quit. Despite several stints of sobriety, during the lockdowns she first attempted to cut back on alcohol, finding initial success before societal pressures tempted her back. In 2021, Nikki quit drinking for good, supported by a non-drinking friend and a personal realization about her health and happiness. Nikki's story sheds light on the internal battles and societal pressures that make sobriety challenging, and she offers her insights and lessons learned for those on similar paths. ----------- Follow Nikki on IG: https://www.instagram.com/vanillathickshakee/

Leanne shares her journey of overcoming addiction to alcohol and cocaine, and the transformations she sees in her life since choosing recovery. She openly discusses her early life experiences, her struggles being adopted, dealing with ADHD, the pressures of a dancing career, and her almost life-ending relationship with substance abuse.  Leanne’s daughter was born with serious health conditions and she struggled to cope and went deeper and deeper into her addiction.  Leanne stresses the importance of honesty and introspection in recovery and the need for help and connection. Leanne and her daughter Darcy have a saying ‘We Move’ and from listening to her story you will understand the importance sobriety plays in her life. This is Leanne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ------------- Sobriety Shower Affirmation Cards : https://jaxkelly.com/products/sobriety-shower-affirmations  (USE code 'Sobermotivation' for 25% off) Leanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberlittlemotherred/ Giveaway on Sobermotivation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/

In this episode of the podcast, we have Shane, who reflects on a loving childhood that took a dark turn due to severe bullying in middle school, leading him to drink alcohol for the first time, from experimenting with alcohol and drugs in his adolescence to facing severe addiction in his adult years, including an impactful self-intervention and multiple arrests. Shane's breaking point came in 2011 when he faced serious legal consequences and ultimately found redemption through a faith-based rehabilitation program and the support of his family. Now dedicated to helping others, Shane underscores the importance of community, purpose, and addressing underlying traumas in the journey to recovery. ------------ Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/ Shane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverladder/

In this heartfelt episode of the Podcast, we have Tiffany, who opens up about her upbringing in a strict Christian home in the Midwest, where she was the eldest of six in a bustling family environment. Sharing her journey from a care-free childhood to battling perfectionism, and the emotional challenges she faced, Tiffany provides an honest recount of how alcohol and substance use became a coping mechanism. Despite several lows, including a stroke scare and a difficult first marriage, she found strength in her family, therapy, and her faith to embrace sobriety. Tiffany underscores the importance of community support, therapy, and self-worth as vital elements in her recovery process. Her story offers hope and a message that it's possible to rebuild a healthy, authentic life away from the shadows of addiction. ----------------- Support the show: www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Tiffany's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_epiphany0911/   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 Tiffany's Childhood Memories 02:45 School Life and Teenage Years 07:16 College and Early Adulthood 09:38 Marriage and Motherhood 14:31 Struggles with Alcohol and Drugs 27:25 Health Crisis and Reflection 29:49 The Struggle with Moderation 30:56 Family Vacation and High Bottom 32:24 The Turning Point: Family Intervention 33:06 The Importance of Sharing and Support 40:08 Building a Supportive Community 54:07 The Role of Therapy in Recovery 56:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections