The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

In today's episode, I sit down with my dear friend Julie Bloom - She's a coach, mental health trainer, multilingual communicator, and survivor of childhood abuse, and severe workplace trauma.  Julie shares her remarkable story of navigating PTSD, burnout, trauma, addiction, and a complete midlife unraveling… and how she rebuilt her identity through emotional regulation, nonviolent communication, and deep personal healing. Together we explore: ✨ Why emotional regulation is the foundation of all healing ✨ What actually happens in the brain during triggers ✨ How to respond instead of react ✨ The surprising power of compassionate communication ✨ The connection between trauma, addiction, and high achievement ✨ How sobriety opened the door for Julie's personal transformation ✨ Tools like the RAIN method, journaling, two-way prayer, adaptive thinking, and more If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to communicate your needs… this episode will give you hope and real strategies you can use today. Before we jump in, I want to wish all who are celebrating a Happy Thanksgiving! This episode will be released on a day where many of us spend the day with family, for better or worse. For those who find Thanksgiving to be a challenging day, whether it's due to being around people who push your buttons, or the loneliness that comes from distance or estrangement, I wanted to offer some practical advice on getting through the day sober - both physically and emotionally.  First, start your day with self-care for your body, mind and spirit. Even if you can only spend 30 minutes in the morning doing it, the return will be well worth the investment. Think of it like this, if you have to travel a long distance, you'd put gas in your car first so that you could go the distance. Same thing with challenging or high emotion days. Be sure to fill your tank with inspirational literature, or content before venturing out. Also, be sure to boost your positive feel good neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Go for a walk, do some yoga, or get a workout in too. The physical exercise will burn off anxious energy, and help you to respond instead of react in stressful moments. Lastly, have an exit strategy. Give yourself permission to make an excuse to leave whenever you need to. Remember, your sobriety and your feelings take priority over someone else's expectations.  And who knows, if you run the experiment, maybe you'll have a completely different experience of the holidays!  If you find this episode helpful, please share it with a friend. So that's it from me today. Please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Find Julie on Instagram at @juliebloomworld 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!   Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE.        Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with David Shamszad, author of I Am Someone You Know: The Fight for Recovery and Mental Health, to talk about the hidden pain behind high-functioning addiction, growing up in an alcoholic home, and the courage it takes to heal. David shares his journey through childhood trauma, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and eventual recovery, revealing how vulnerability and self-care became his path to freedom. We explore the power of telling your story, breaking cycles of generational trauma, and how choosing courage—moment by moment—can transform a life. 👉 If you've ever felt "high-functioning but secretly falling apart," this episode will speak directly to your soul. Before we get to it, it's time for "I have a question for you!" where you get to share your thoughts with the thousands of people listening to the podcast, across the world. Last week I asked about self-forgiveness with the question "What do you need to let go of?" What was interesting about the responses, is that they ALL came through DM's! I think there's still a lot of shame about things that are hard to let go of, but here are some of the responses. James sent me a DM on Instagram saying "Things I did before I got sober. There are people I can't make amends to." Tammy messaged me to say "Anger towards my ex! I wish he wasn't so controlling. He always makes everything so hard!" Ezra shared "I have to let go of the idea that I'll ever be able to drink normally." We all struggle with letting go at times, but the old cliche is true. The level of our serenity is in direct proportion to the level of our acceptance. For me, self-forgiveness is a practice that helps me let go of things I can't control. This week's question is about family. Thanksgiving is next week and for a lot of people, it's a stressful time. There's an old saying that family can push your buttons because they're the ones that installed them. So my question for you is "If you're spending Thanksgiving with your family, how will you take care of yourself if you feel triggered?"  Share your thoughts on instagram and follow my account arlinaallen or odaatpodcast So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!   👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

When Ashley Jo's world fell apart—the death of her young son, the collapse of her marriage, and the depths of addiction—she turned her pain into purpose. In this raw and emotional conversation, Ashley shares how she survived unimaginable grief, overcame suicidal thoughts, and found healing through sobriety, grace, and faith. We talk about: The devastating diagnosis and loss of her son What it's really like to grieve and feel relief at the same time How shame and secrecy fuel addiction Why her affair was actually an "exit affair" The spiral that led to her rock bottom moment—and how she came back stronger Finding peace with God, grace, and herself This is an episode about the power of truth, forgiveness, and redemption. If you've ever carried shame or struggled to believe in second chances, this one's for you. 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

At sixteen, Sean typed "how to end my life" into Google. What he found that night set him on a path of healing, spirituality, and eventually — the creation of Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app that helps people process pain and grow. In this raw and honest conversation, Sean and Arlina explore depression, men's mental health, and how AI can actually become a compassionate mirror for self-awareness. If you've ever felt hopeless or alone, this episode will remind you: your pain can become your purpose. Download The Rosebud App Here: https://www.rosebud.app/ 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

Today I am joined by my dear friend Michelle Ferriss, a licensed marriage family therapist. She's been on the podcast two other times because she's awesome! Her area of expertise is on dealing with codependency, how to escape narcissistic relationships and overcoming anger issues.  In this episode, we're going to talk about toxic friendships, how to know if you're in one, ways to improve them, and steps to take to escape them. This is such an important topic because as we grow, evolve and change, so do the relationships we have. And with people feeling more disconnected and lonelier than ever, we need to know how to make new friends too. Before we jump in, last week I started a new segment called "I have a question for you!" and the question was "how do you feel about the word Alcoholic?" On Instagram, one person wrote: "It took a while to be able to openly call myself an alcoholic. I attached very negative and generalized connotations to it until I identified it. Now, I embrace it because it was crucial to me getting sober." Another wrote: I think it keeps people that are sober curious from stepping fully into their sobriety because they think they have to call themselves an Alcoholic . In our society it has a negative connotation. They do not picture the soccer mom at the park with wine in her yeti cup who is still suffering. So, whatever you need to call it . The most important thing is that you don't have to label it at all. You can make a decision based on the results you're getting from drinking alcohol." Thank you all who wrote in! I think the big take away here is that it's all perspective based on the information you have or don't have. In the end, take what you like, and leave the rest. This week's question it tied to the topic of this episode, which is: "Can you still be friends with your old drinking or using friends after you're sober?" Let me know what you think on instagram @arlinaallen     So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Guest Contact Info:  👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

My guest today is Dr. Hector — a psychiatrist who specializes in helping people heal from addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and depression through a trauma-informed approach. He blends neuroscience, medication, and therapy with nutrition and lifestyle tools to support whole-person healing.    What I love about his work is that it's not just clinical — it's deeply compassionate. He helps people understand how their brain and body work together so they can build resilience, recover from addiction, and truly heal from the inside out.   He shares why most people relapse not because of willpower, but because trauma remains unresolved. From the role of GABA in calming the nervous system to how EMDR helps reprocess trauma, this episode is packed with practical tools and compassionate wisdom for anyone on the healing path.   Before we jump in, I have a new segment, called "A question for you!" Today I want to know how you feel about the word "Alcoholic".    I was interviewed on another podcast today and the host told me he thought it was a shame label. If you know me even a little bit, you'll know that the way I define it - it's a badge of honor, but also, it doesn't matter to me what you call yourself, as long as you get the support you need to heal and break free from addiction. So what do you think? Leave your comment under this episode at odaatchat.com Or leave a comment on my Instagram: @arlinaallen Next week I'll share some of your responses! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out. And with that, please enjoy this episode with Dr Hector. Guest Contact Info: doctorhector.com 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

🎉 400 Episodes! In this special milestone conversation, I sit down with my friend for a warm, nostalgic, and inspiring reflection on the journey so far — and a vision for the future. In this episode, we celebrate the incredible guests who shaped the conversation around sobriety, share behind-the-scenes stories you've never heard, reflect on the evolution of the recovery movement, and highlight YOUR listener stories that made a difference. Whether you've been here since episode 1 or you're just joining, this is a beautiful moment to pause, reflect, and look forward to what's next. 👉 In this episode we cover: 🎧 Top guests & unforgettable lessons 😂 Funny and touching behind-the-scenes stories 🌍 How sobriety conversations have evolved over time 💌 Listener stories that changed everything 🧠 What I'd tell my past self when starting this journey 🚀 Dreams and vision for the next 100 episodes 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

Have you ever felt like asking for help is just not an option—especially when it comes to quitting drinking? In this episode, we break down the real subconscious reasons why high-achievers struggle to reach out, how childhood conditioning shapes this pattern, and why asking for help is actually the key to lasting sobriety. You'll learn: Why relying on "figuring it out" alone keeps you stuck How subconscious beliefs fuel resistance The emotional cost of fierce independence A powerful mindset shift inspired by Albert Einstein How to ask for help safely and effectively This is your reminder: You are not a burden. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 🎧 Listen now to start shifting this powerful pattern. 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1       Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

In this powerful conversation, investigative journalist Shoshana Walter exposes the dark underbelly of America's rehab industry. Drawing from her eight years of research for Rehab: An American Scandal, she reveals how court-ordered rehab programs have exploited vulnerable people by sending them to work unpaid in dangerous jobs — all under the guise of "treatment." We discuss: The shocking origins of these labor-based rehabs and how they became so widespread Why our mainstream treatment system often fails people — and in some cases, increases overdose risk Real-life stories of individuals like Chris, April, and Wendy that illustrate both the broken system and the resilience of those fighting for change How loopholes and lack of oversight allow unethical rehabs to thrive Practical ways families can identify quality treatment programs and avoid predatory ones Despite the heavy subject, this episode ends with hope: a growing community of advocates and storytellers pushing for systemic change. Before we jump in, I just wanted to give you a little update on what I've been up to, and share a new meeting I'll be hosting.  After creating and teaching a course called "Inner Compass", I was feeling super burned out, so I decided to take some time off. I called it my "Self-Care Summer". I didn't do any new interviews, take on any new clients, or do any social media.  It was a time to reset, heal and think about the direction of my work. My guiding thoughts were centered around one question: "What does God want for my life?" I was practicing total surrender, and I gotta tell you, it was a leap of faith, but then something interesting happened. Two podcasters published interviews I gave, and I realized something. I truly love sharing what I've learned in recovery. It really fills my heart with joy. That's why I've been doing the Sobriety Reset series for those who are coming back from another "Day 1". Also I was invited to partner with OpenRecovery, a free app centered around recovery, to start a new community there. This means I'll be hosting free meetings that will make 12 principals accessible to my fellow skeptics, by providing a path around common obstacles.   I'll leave links in the show notes so you can download the app, and there will be announcements for the launch date. I've been wanting to host a meeting since I published the book, and OpenRecovery is providing me with the platform! I'm really excited about it and I hope you'll join me. One last thing,  if you enjoy this episode, it would mean the world to me if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It might surprise you to know that according to the analytics, less than 1% of our audience will actually leave a review. By leaving a review, it helps others who are suffering to find the podcast and get the life saving resources they need to get and stay sober. You can even think of leaving a review as an act of service! So thank you so much for your support! So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

If you're navigating the early days of sobriety, one of the hardest parts can be figuring out what to say to friends, family, and coworkers about your decision not to drink. In this episode, Arlina breaks down simple, empowering language you can use in different social situations, so you can protect your boundaries without shame or awkwardness. You'll learn how to talk to "safe" vs. "unsafe" people, how to prepare for social events in advance, and what practical steps you can take to avoid pressure and stay grounded in your choice. Whether you're participating in Sober October, No Booze November, Detox December, or Dry January, this conversation will give you the confidence to own your decision and feel supported every step of the way. 👉 If you're ready to ditch the guilt, communicate with clarity, and set yourself up for a strong alcohol-free season, this episode is for you. 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes!  

In this raw and moving episode, Josh shares his unbelievable journey through addiction, violence, and grief — and how he found his way to sobriety. From being stabbed and shot, to losing his brother to fentanyl, to nearly ending his own life, Josh's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  Through therapy, music, gratitude, and the 12 steps, he's learned how to take life "one day at a time." This episode is really a story of survival, resilience, and hope. Before we jump in, I have a big announcement! I am partnering with OpenRecovery, a free app designed to act as your 24/7 AI Recovery Coach. They are launching a new community feature where you can join online meetings to meet others just like you, who are on the path of recovery. I'll be hosting meetings focused on doing 12 step work in a safe, compassionate and empowering space. The meeting is scheduled for later this month and if you're interested in joining, just download the app for free! I'll leave links to the Apple App Store and Google Play in the show notes. Just visit odaatchat.com And in case you didn't know, I have several free resources you can download on my main website at soberlifeschool.com So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Apple App Store link : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/openrecovery-addiction-help/id6446251140 Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twelve_steps.twelve_steps&hl=en_US Guest Contact Info: https://joshdatant.com/ 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent & Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?   Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com   Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.       Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

Hey friend, Thanks for downloading this episode! My name is Arlina and I'll be your host. And if you haven't yet, check out our YouTube channel and subscribe! You'll find it by searching "The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast". Obviously.  Y'all I don't know what got into me when we recorded this episode. Maybe it was too much coffee, but I was having such a good day that I was a little loose shall we say?? Anyway I really enjoyed this conversation with psychotherapist and recovery coach Errol McCaffrey. We explore her journey of sobriety, the role of spirituality versus religion, building sustainable self-care practices, and practical tools to manage anxiety. Eryl shares what it was like growing up with an alcoholic parent, her own struggles with drinking, and the lessons she's carried into her work helping others heal. The discussion highlights the paradox of sobriety (freedom and overwhelm), the importance of simple daily rituals, why community matters, and body-based practices that help regulate anxiety and stress. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend. Reviews are how we consistently rank in the top 1% and how you can help others to break free from addiction. Thank you so much for all your support!! So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Guest Contact Info:  https://www.erylmccaffrey.com/higherselfhappyhour Instagram: @erylmccaffrey 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

The Three Phases of Sobriety: From Foundation to Lasting Change Sobriety isn't just about putting down the drink—it's about building a life that supports staying sober. In this episode of Sobriety Reset, I broke down the three phases of getting sober: building a foundation, uncovering and discarding old patterns, and creating lasting change. Phase 1: Building a Foundation The first step in sobriety is setting yourself up for success. This begins with looking at your family history and early survival strategies, which often don't serve us well in adulthood. From there, it's about learning new skills: Setting boundaries: Learning what you can and can't tolerate, and teaching others how to treat you. Clarifying your values and goals: Aligning your daily actions with what you truly care about. Preparing your environment: Removing alcohol, stocking healthy snacks (especially protein for willpower), and setting up positive supports like books, podcasts, and tools. Building a sober toolkit: This can include journaling, meditation (even just 12 breaths), supportive community, and strategies for managing emotions. Identifying triggers: Noticing what sparks the urge to drink and creating plans for how to respond. Phase 2: Uncover, Discover, Discard This phase is about doing deeper inner work to clean house. Using journaling, inventories, or therapeutic methods, you uncover resentments, discover the root causes, and discard what's no longer serving you. Make a list of resentments and the specific causes. Notice the patterns—especially how coping strategies like people-pleasing or anxious attachment may actually recreate the very situations you fear. Clarify what's truly your responsibility and what isn't. Get support from a sponsor, coach, or therapist for deeper trauma-related work. Phase 3: Creating Lasting Change Long-term sobriety rests on consistent self-care and connection. It's about turning healthy practices into lifestyle habits. Morning practice: Gratitude lists, journaling, meditation, and movement. Physical self-care: Hydration, regular exercise (start small if needed), nourishing foods. Spiritual practice: Whether it's prayer, meditation, or simply connecting with energy and love, find what sustains your spirit. Community: Surround yourself with sober people. Science shows we adopt the behaviors and beliefs of those closest to us. Sobriety lasts when you layer tools, heal root causes, and stay connected. These three phases give you a roadmap not just to get sober—but to make sobriety stick. Action Items Journal about your family history and early survival strategies. Write down your top 5 values and compare them to how you actually spend your time. Prepare your environment: remove alcohol, stock healthy snacks, and add sober resources. Start a sober toolkit: include journaling, meditation (try 12 breaths), supportive podcasts, and people you can call. Identify your triggers by looking back at your last few drinking episodes. Make a plan for how to respond. Make a resentment list: name the person, the cause, and how it affected you. Get clarity on what's your responsibility and what isn't. Seek professional support for trauma-related issues. Begin a daily gratitude list (5–12 items). Commit to consistent self-care: exercise, hydration, meditation, and journaling. Join or re-engage with a sober community, online or in person.

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, meditation teacher and author Billy Winn shares his journey from heavy drinking to finding peace and fulfillment through Zen Buddhist practice. Billy talks about the pivotal moment that led him to stop drinking, the lessons he learned from opening (and later closing) an alcohol-free bar, and the transformative power of meditation in rewiring the brain. He opens up about childhood adversity, workaholism, burnout, and how he ultimately found freedom by realizing he was already enough—without needing to do more or be more.  We also discuss his new book The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening and his work shaping psychedelic-assisted therapy policy in Colorado. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about sobriety, mindfulness, or how to find peace in a busy world. Before we jump in, I wanted to let you know I am about to publish the second episode of "Sobriety Reset" which will be focused on what I think are the 3 phases of recovery, and this is after 31 years of personal research and experience. I'm going to cover everything from how to rebuild self-esteem and why that's important, how to identify the root causes that may compel you to drink, and of course, emotion management to make sobriety stick. Please be sure to subscribe to the YouTube Channel. There will be a link in the show notes at odaatchat.com, and if you enjoy this episode, it would mean the world to me if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It might surprise you to know that according to the analytics, less than 1% of our audience will actually leave a review. By leaving a review, it helps others who are suffering to find the podcast and get the life saving resources they need to get and stay sober. You can even think of leaving a review as an act of service! So thank you so much for your support! And without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Guest Contact Info:  👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

Today I'm speaking with Edward Latimore—author of "Sober Letters to My Drunken Self". He's a former professional boxer, and in this episode, we explore his powerful journey from growing up in the projects, his life of addiction, and how he is now living a life of sobriety, self-mastery, and success.  Edward's story is about resilience, personal accountability, and the power of writing and community as tools for healing. Before we jump in, let's talk a little bit about recovery resistance. It's a term I use to describe that feeling of rebelliousness when we hear suggestions of things we could do for our recovery. It could be anything from journaling every morning, to spending 30 minutes meditating, letting go of toxic relationships, or even attending 12 step meetings, just to name a few. I actually dedicated a whole chapter in my book "The 12 Step Guide For Skeptics: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions Of A Path To Sobriety". The truth is, we experience internal resistance for a good reason, which is ultimately rooted in our subconscious need for safety. But there comes a point when we recognize that some of our habits actually threaten our safety, like addiction, and we need to take action to change that. This is where it gets sticky. You might be aware that you need to change, so you seek answers, but actually taking action - like the exercise, meditation, self-reflection, step work, therapy etc - we balk. We get distracted. We procrastinate.  To combat this resistance, I have a few solutions listed in the book, but here's a quick 4 step process to help you close the gap between knowledge and action. Recognize that resistance or procrastination is a stress response. Try to give yourself some compassion. Practice a technique called "chunking". Take the task at hand and break it down into tiny little steps. Commit to taking action for 2 minutes at a time Do a 3 second countdown and MOVE. Don't think, just act on that first 2 minute chunk. That's it! And chances are, once you start taking action, momentum will carry you through. If that feels helpful to you, please be sure to get a copy of my book through Amazon. It's full of mindset shifts, little bits of wisdom I've picked up over the years, and some practical suggestions on how to get and stay sober.  So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Guest Contact Info:  👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

✨ New Mini-Episode: Sobriety Reset ✨ If you're starting (or restarting) your first 30 days of sobriety, this episode is for you. I share three powerful shifts that make the early days less overwhelming and a lot more doable. Sobriety isn't about perfection—it's about simple strategies that keep you steady. 💛 🎧 Listen now on the One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast: https://www.odaatchat.com Highlights: A mindset trick that instantly takes the pressure off. The hidden reason isolation makes recovery harder. A surprising everyday factor that drains your willpower. The real meaning behind "boredom" in early sobriety. A simple shift that helps you build momentum instead of relapse. 👉 Tune in for the full episode and discover how these can change your first 30 days.   Contact Info: IG: @arlinaallen  👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent & Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast  

Hi Friend, Thanks for downloading this episode, my name is Arlina and I'll be your host. To contribute to recovery awareness, I am going to be publishing a series of weekly mini episodes for those who are thinking about getting sober or those who need a little bit of a sobriety reset. In fact, that's what I'm going to call it: Sobriety Reset. They will be short episodes focusing on the basics of sobriety. Everything from how to prepare for your first week sober, how to talk to family andamp; friends about it, and what to do when you feel overwhelmed by cravings. This idea is to present the mindset, tools, and practices that will help you reach 100 days and make sobriety stick! I'll post these to Youtube as well, so be sure to subscribe andamp; share with a friend! In this conversation, I'm speaking with Dr. Jason Giles, author of Outsmart Your Addiction. Dr Giles shares his powerful journey from fentanyl addiction to 25 years of recovery as a physician.  What really struck me about his story is that you can be very smart, extremely ambitious, successful by all accounts, and still be vulnerable to addiction.  He opens up about battling imposter syndrome, the belief that life without substances meant "the fun was over," and the turning points that led him to seek help. Dr. Giles reflects on the role of spiritual awakening, the importance of asking for help, and the lessons he's learned about recovery, neuroscience, and resilience. The discussion highlights how shifting our internal narrative can be the key to lasting change and why he remains hopeful about the future of recovery. So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! Contact Dr Giles: Book: Learn the Powerful System Developed by a Doctor to Conquer his own Fentanyl Habit 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

Hi friend, welcome to another episode! If you're new here, my name is Arlina, I've been sober for 31 years and I'm the author of the #1 best selling book "The 12 Step Guide for Skeptics: Clearing up common misconceptions of a path to sobriety".  And if you hear some snoring in the background, no thats not my husband Bob, its my english bulldog Teddy. Today I'm so excited to share a powerful conversation with author and long-term sober writer, Kyla. She's been sober for over a decade and has such a refreshing perspective on recovery, self-worth, and healing. We talk about the challenges of growing up feeling "not enough," how external validation can become its own addiction, and the freedom that comes from consistency in recovery practices. Kyla also opens up about her work with therapy and self-love practices, and how these tools continue to deepen her sobriety and sense of self. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and honesty—and I think you're going to walk away feeling both encouraged and inspired to keep showing up for yourself, one day at a time. So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think! 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast

 "The degree of magic you experience in your life will be in direct proportion to the degree you surrender and let go." Hey friend, My name is Arlina and I'll be your host. I actually have a quick story for you to tell you about today's guest. You may have heard me say that I've been feeling burned out, so I decided to take time off to do a "self-care summer". I had 3 months worth of amazing interviews pre recorded, I wasn't taking on new clients and the plan was to focus on quieting my mind so that I could listen for God's will for me and to pay attention to what brings me joy. Really, I have been in a state of surrender.  This is where it gets interesting. Sometimes I have to book guests months in advance, and that's what happened with today's guest. So imagine my surprise when it's finally time to interview today's guest Kute Blackson, and guess what… his message is all about the magic of surrender! He said so many things that have absolutely been haunting me, but like in a good way. For instance he said that sometimes our wants come from wounds, which struck me like a lightening bolt. I can see how we want certain things like success or love, but if it comes from a place of an unhealed wound, that it carries an energy of neediness, grasping, chasing, and dysfunction. So anything that we create from that place, is ultimately not going to feel fulfilling - because the wound still exists! Emotional wounds are like a black vortex. There is no amount of drugs, alcohol, romantic love or achievement that will fill that hole. It needs to be healed. Such a powerful lesson! To give you a little more background on today's guest, Kute Blackson is a transformational teacher, inspirational speaker, and bestselling author of The Magic of Surrender and You.Are.The.One. Known for his deeply spiritual yet down-to-earth approach.. His work has been featured on Larry King Now, NPR, and Impact Theory. Kute empowers people to break free from the conditioning of the past, embrace their true nature, and live authentically—starting with the courage to surrender. So without further delay, please enjoy this episode with Kute, and as always, let me know what you think! 👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life? Here are 3 ways to get started: 🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist Grab your copy here: https://www.soberlifeschool.com 🎁Free Journaling Exercise: How To Get Unstuck, Be Consistent andamp; Reach Your Goals Download Here: https://www.innercompassprogram.com ☎️Private Coaching: Make Sobriety Stick https://www.makesobrietystick.com Subscribe So You Don't Miss New Episodes! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theonedayatatimepodcast?sub_confirmation=1     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast/id1212504521 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4I23r7DBTpT8XwUUwHRNpB Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8eb438c-5af1-493b-99c1-f218e5553aff/the-one-day-at-a-time-recovery-podcast