In this powerful episode of Sober as F*ck, Ryan and Jess sit down with Krista Martinez, a resilient mother, domestic-violence survivor, and the creator of the lifestyle brand Always Improving. Krista opens up about her raw and remarkable journey through addiction, recovery, self-worth, mental health, and the fight to rebuild her life from the ground up.

Krista shares the truth behind her early relationship with alcohol, the trauma of surviving abusive relationships, and the devastating health consequences that nearly took everything from her—including a battle with pancreatitis. She speaks candidly about relapse, shame, and the complicated role motherhood played in reshaping her identity and purpose.

Her story is a masterclass in resilience, personal growth, and reclaiming self-worth after years of addiction and domestic violence. Krista emphasizes how reconnecting with a higher power anchored her recovery, and how vulnerability became her strongest tool for healing.

Today, Krista channels her pain into purpose through her brand Always Improving, inspiring others in sobriety and reminding us that recovery isn’t a destination—it’s a lifestyle.

If you’re navigating addiction, healing from trauma, rebuilding your confidence, or redefining your identity in sobriety, this episode hits hard in all the right ways.

• Feeling pressured to drink in high school shaped the early stages of Krista’s addiction.

• She survived domestic violence and carried deep wounds into adulthood.

• Her drinking escalated to serious medical issues, including pancreatitis.

• Recovery requires developing a personal relationship with a higher power.

• Motherhood shifted Krista’s motivation for long-term sobriety.

• Relapse is not failure—it's data and an opportunity to rebuild.

• Self-worth is foundational when breaking cycles of abuse.

• Turning her story into a lifestyle brand helped her reclaim her power.

• Vulnerability is essential in recovery, connection, and personal growth.

• Healing is not linear—it's a continuous journey of choosing yourself.

• “I am a domestic violence survivor.”

• “I was so connected to that design.”

• “I think you should write a book.”

00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome
03:04 Early Drinking & Fitting In
05:58 Abusive Relationships & Lasting Impact
09:51 Beginning the Sobriety Journey
14:45 Relapse & Consequences
19:00 Rebuilding Strength After Setbacks
24:04 Faith, Higher Power & Recovery
28:02 Healing, Mental Health & Growth
31:57 Supporting the Next Generation
34:09 Final Reflections
36:31 Understanding Self-Worth
40:59 Recognizing the Cycle of Abuse
42:52 Healthy Relationships After Trauma
48:53 Creating a Lifestyle Brand in Recovery
52:29 Resilience, Reinvention & Transformation
01:01:18 Finding Humor in the Darkness

Major TakeawaysSuggested TitlesFeatured QuotesChapters

• Feeling pressured to drink in high school shaped the early stages of Krista’s addiction.

• She survived domestic violence and carried deep wounds into adulthood.

• Her drinking escalated to serious medical issues, including pancreatitis.

• Recovery requires developing a personal relationship with a higher power.

• Motherhood shifted Krista’s motivation for long-term sobriety.

• Relapse is not failure—it's data and an opportunity to rebuild.

• Self-worth is foundational when breaking cycles of abuse.

• Turning her story into a lifestyle brand helped her reclaim her power.

• Vulnerability is essential in recovery, connection, and personal growth.

• Healing is not linear. It's a continuous journey of choosing yourself.