Best Good And Substantial Podcasts (2024)

1
Johnny saw addiction first hand growing up and swore that would never be his life until it was. 51:31

6h ago51:31

51:31

In this episode, we have Johnny a veteran who shares his transformative journey from growing up amidst the chaos of his brothers' addiction during the South Florida crack epidemic, to falling into his destructive cycle of substance abuse. Despite excelling in school and initially resisting the path of addiction, Johnny's experimentation with alcoho…

1
Anne got stuck on the moderation hamster wheel with alcohol until she quit drinking alcohol for good. 53:51

2d ago53:51

53:51

In this episode, we have Anne’s heartfelt story of growing up with a father struggling with addiction, his involvement in the Cornbread Mafia, and her own battles with drinking. Anne discusses the impact of her father's addiction on her childhood, leading to her own struggles with alcohol in an attempt to cope with her anxiety and feelings of unwor…

1
From Chaos to Clarity: Brandi's Journey Through Addiction and Redemption 52:31

6d ago52:31

52:31

In this episode we have Brandi, who openly shares her harrowing journey through a rocky childhood riddled with exposure to alcohol and abuse, leading to her own struggles with alcohol and substance abuse. Brandi narrates how early childhood traumas, including being raised by her grandparents due to her parents' youth and inability to care for her, …

1
Jenna, a mother of six, knew alcohol was a problem since she started at 14 years old; she could never have just one. 47:46

9d ago47:46

47:46

In this episode, we are joined by Jenna, who shares her story from childhood as a 4.0 student who excelled in sports. And at 14 everything changed when alcohol became involved in her life. She discusses the impact of her mother’s hidden struggle with alcohol, and how her pursuit of athletic and academic excellence masked deeper issues of loneliness…

1
John hated alcohol and swore it would never take over his life, but it did. 48:40

13d ago48:40

48:40

In this episode, we have John, who shares his deeply personal journey through childhood challenges, struggles with self-esteem and self-confidence, his battle with alcohol addiction, and eventually finding sobriety. Growing up in a family grappling with addiction, John's early experiences shaped his relationship with alcohol, which became a coping …

1
Chris was sober for 8.5 years before having "Just a few drinks" - 17 years sober - Chris shares the story. 46:49

17d ago46:49

46:49

In this episode we have Chris, who shares his compelling story of growing up in East Texas, his battles with alcoholism and drug abuse, and his journey to sobriety. Born in 1972 in Tyler, Texas, Chris grew up witnessing heavy drinking in his community Despite a supportive extended family, Chris struggled with feeling uncomfortable in his own skin. …

1
Alcohol helped Suze cope with the emotions resulting from several traumatic experiences in her life, but it came at a very high cost. Getting sober changed everything. 53:00

20d ago53:00

53:00

In this episode, we have Suze from England who shares she faced various significant life challenges, including being sent away to boarding school at a young age, facing bullying, the sudden death of her mother, and surviving the terrifying 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. She discusses her struggle with alcohol, which became a coping mechanism following th…

1
10 things you need to know about getting and staying sober. 16:16

22d ago16:16

16:16

In this episode I share personal insights on sobriety, debunking the notion of a linear process and emphasizing the importance of community, asking for help, and the realization that no external validation is required to quit. The episode also touches on misconceptions about hitting rock bottom, the gradually decreasing challenge of sobriety as one…

1
Alcohol played such a substantial role in Jordans life she never saw a way out. 52:23

27d ago52:23

52:23

In this episode, we have Jordan, a listener of the show with a compelling story of struggle, sobriety, and self-discovery. Growing up in a social, drinking-centered environment, Jordan felt like an outsider, which led to experimenting with alcohol and drugs at a young age. Despite attempts to fit in and find a community, Jordan's journey through hi…

1
Brantt Myhres, a former NHL player who received a lifetime ban from the league, shares his struggle with alcohol and cocaine. 42:43

1M ago42:43

42:43

In this episode, we have Brantt Myhres a former NHL player who shares his turbulent journey through addiction, his career in professional hockey, and his path to sobriety. Myers discusses the early roots of his struggles, beginning with a challenging childhood marked by abuse, which led him to find solace in hockey. His career escalated quickly, bu…

1
For Lucy alcohol seemed to help her check all the boxes until it caused so much chaos in her life. 47:41

1M ago47:41

47:41

In this episode of the sober motivation podcast, we talk with Lucy Bruce, who shares her journey of growing up in a household tainted by her father's violent alcoholism and her own struggles with drinking, eating disorders, and trauma. Though initially appearing picture-perfect, Lucy's family life deteriorated when her father began to spiral into v…

1
Meg's Journey from Gray Area Wine Drinking to sober curious to living a sober life. 51:26

1M ago51:26

51:26

In this episode we have Meg who shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a culture of appearances and early alcohol exposure to facing significant life challenges and navigating gray area drinking. Meg details her experiences with perfectionism, the pressures of life, early interactions with alcohol, and traumatic events in college tha…

1
Josh Connelly found the ultimate escape from himself with alcohol and drugs, sober since 2012. 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

In this episode we have Josh Connolly, discussing his childhood experiences and the impact of addiction on his life. Josh gives a candid recount of his complicated relationship with his alcoholic father and his struggles with substance use from an early age. After becoming a father at a young age, Josh found himself stuck in a toxic cycle of substa…

1
Surviving Trauma and Embracing Sobriety: Johnny's Journey 48:41

2M ago48:41

48:41

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Johnny Lawrence shares his path from an unstable and traumatic childhood to a fulfilling life of sobriety. Born into a mixed-race family subjected to domestic violence, Johnny found comfort in alcohol. However, he felt compelled to give up drinking when he became a father. Johnny discusses the detail…

1
Hadley experienced relief from her first drink of alcohol at 14 and went from binge drinking in college to mommy wine culture. 55:09

2M ago55:09

55:09

In today’s episode, we have Hadley, who speaks about her first drink at 14 and how it would remain complicated until quitting at 41. As life progressed so did the drinking from the binge drinking culture in college to the mommy wine culture that followed. After another night of broken promises to herself about remaining present and aware at a party…

1
After losing his father in a drunk driving accident, Gregg felt different. Alcohol and drugs covered up the pain. 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

In this episode, we have Gregg who opens up about his tragic childhood marked by his father's death in a drunk driving accident and being raised by a single mother. He talks about his struggle with substance abuse, including dealing drugs, and numerous arrests. Eventually, Gregg relays the turning point in his life – an encounter with a priest who …

1
Nick had tried sobriety before but struggled to be honest with himself and others. Changing that would change everything. 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

Nick joins the show; he has been sober for 10 years and shares his journey from substance abuse to sobriety. Nick describes his childhood marked by his parents' separation, their struggle with substance abuse, and his own progression into alcoholism and drug use. He ventures into various attempts at sobriety that he was unable to maintain. Nick hit…

1
Michelle Smith discovered that alcohol provided an escape from all of life’s responsibilities and it took her to a very dark place. 52:52

2M ago52:52

52:52

Michelle Smith (recoveryisthenewblack) who shares openly about her late-onset addiction to alcohol and turbulent journey to sobriety. Growing up in a household filled with alcoholism, she focused on academics and her career before gradually slipping into alcohol dependency due to life's pressures. Following multiple hospital visits, rehab stays and…

1
The Transformation Journey of WWF superstar Jake 'The Snake' Roberts: Addiction, Rebuild and Triumph 54:32

2M ago54:32

54:32

In this episode, we have Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, a WWF professional wrestling icon who shares his journey from growing up in a difficult environment to achieving fame in the wrestling world only to fall into addiction. Jake candidly recounts his destructive path, from enduring a damaged childhood to wrestling successes, severe injuries, and the s…

1
Leanne's struggle with alcohol and cocaine took her to the brink. Now 3 years sober she tells the tale. 59:16

3M ago59:16

59:16

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 dau…

1
Justin loved the escape from self alcohol and cocaine provided but knew he had a higher calling. 1:03:34

3M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

In this episode, I talk to Justin Brien about his life's journey. Starting from his childhood marked by low self-esteem and self-worth, Justin shares his deep dive into substance abuse and the toll it took on his relationships and mental health. However, the heart of the story lies in his road to recovery and self-discovery, marked by his admission…

1
Mailinn narrowly escaped death from alcoholism. Now sobriety has become a way of life for her. 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

Mailinn Hamre began drinking at the age of 13, and by the time she turned 18, things took a dramatic turn as it became the legal age to purchase beer in Norway. Initially, she started drinking to fit in with her friends, and the consequences of her actions didn't become apparent until some time had passed. She found herself becoming dependent on th…

1
Brett found himself in a several decade battle with grey area drinking. 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

In this episode we have Brett who shares a reflective account of his journey with alcohol, starting from his relatively normal, religious upbringing, through to his involvement with a Christian college, in the music industry, and his ever-shifting relationship with alcohol. He talks about the phases of his life where drinking culture was normalized…

1
Kate started drinking at 14, and it would take decades before she realized there had to be more to life. 56:22

3M ago56:22

56:22

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, I chat with Kate about her journey from childhood to adulthood fueled by heavy drinking, to her decision to choose a sober life. The discussion uncovers Kate's upbringing in a large London household and her early 20s described as a 'constant party', and her later relationship with alcohol, which led …

1
Mike's consumption of alcohol nearly took his life. After being in a coma for three weeks, Mike was given a second chance. 1:12:14

3M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

On this episode, we have Mike aka Jersey Mike. Early on in life, Mike struggled to find himself and where he belonged so he gravitated towards acting out., a rebel type lifestyle. Mike also reveals his experiences with substance abuse and his struggles towards recovery. His journey is further complicated by a separation, health complications, dysfu…

1
Michelle got into the mommy wine culture, until she lost her brother and her alcohol consumption became life or death. 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Michelle courageously shares her battle with alcohol. Growing up in a small town in Delaware, Michelle had a seemingly 'normal' life. Although initially, her consumption was socially oriented, as her environment and stress levels changed, she found herself caught up in mommy wine culture and her alco…

1
After a blacked-out date night Ray embarked on his sober journey. 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

In this episode, Ray discusses his experience of sobriety and how his journey has reshaped his life. Ray, who was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, shared about his childhood marked by his parents' divorce and recalled the instability and confusion during those years. Ray tracks his alcohol use back to his early teens when he started hanging out…

1
For Jeannine addiction was never part of the plan. 52:20

3M ago52:20

52:20

In this episode, we have Jeannine. She had a great childhood growing up in a lot of places but settled in Georgia. She opened up about her struggles, recounting how her parents' divorce sent her spiralling into self-destructive behaviour and later she would struggle with cocaine, alcohol and heroin addiction. After many run-ins with the law and end…

1
Charlie starting drinking at 14 and suffered a panic attack on national TV, looking back it was the alcohol. 48:09

4M ago48:09

48:09

In this episode, we have Charlie Beljan, a professional golfer who has been sober for 39 months. Always hanging out with the older crowd Charlie started drinking alcohol at 14 years old. Charlie shares his experiences of growing up and becoming a successful golfer while battling an addiction to alcohol that seeped into his personal and professional…

1
Sober Motivation Podcast: A Year in Review 8:02

4M ago8:02

8:02

This episode marks a year-end review of the Sober Motivation Podcast. I reflect on the journey of the podcast throughout the year, having shared many motivational stories from various individuals overcoming alcohol addiction. Major highlights include heart-touching narratives of former WWE superstar, Jake 'The Snake', former NHL player Nate Thompso…

1
Dustin struggled with alcohol and felt he was living two lives until he found sobriety. 58:37

4M ago58:37

58:37

In this episode we have Dustin. Dustin shared his experience growing up in a Christ-centered home, where he was shielded from alcohol. Although he was a talented athlete in high school and college, he found himself joining the drinking culture due to the social pressures that influenced his early adventures into alcohol consumption. Despite getting…

1
Andy Ramage: The Middle Lane to Alcohol-Free Living (Gray Area Drinking) 1:14:05

4M ago1:14:05

1:14:05

Andy Ramage had the boyhood dream to be a professional footballer and although that did come true his playing career was cut short due to an injury. As he grew older he noticed alcohol playing a bigger and bigger role in his life. At first, Andy began exploring areas of his life he would like to change but was not getting the results he wanted. The…

1
Brooke’s addiction took her to a very dark place and asking for help was the first step out. 48:54

4M ago48:54

48:54

In this episode, Brooke shares her rocky journey with addiction which began in her teenage years following the loss of her father. Raised in a close-knit family, she first turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism during this painful time. As she grew older, her drinking habit escalated. Despite facing further life challenges, including a battle with…

1
Stephanie Noble struggled with alcohol, weed and heroin until she got her 4th DUI after an overdose and everything changed. 56:56

4M ago56:56

56:56

Stephanie found great relief from herself in substances. As things progressed from drinking alcohol and smoking weed to pain pills and heroin. Stephanie was going through the motions on a daily basis trying to find an escape. In an underground parking garage, she overdosed and got her 4th DUI. She is a true example of what is possible if you put in…

1
Navigating the Holidays in Sobriety: A Special Holiday Edition with Jeff Simone, Megan Wilcox, SoberDave and Stephanie Noble 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this special holiday episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Brad sits down with Megan, Stephanie, Jeff and Dave. We talk about insights and strategies for staying sober through the holiday season. In a roundtable discussion, we touch upon various challenges people face during holidays including social pressures, family gatherings, and emotiona…

1
Sam had his first drink at 13 and couldn’t get enough - connection and honesty changed everything. 50:59

5M ago50:59

50:59

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, we have Sam. Originally from the UK, Sam talks about suffering from health anxiety from a young age and turning to alcohol and later drugs to alleviate his fears and anxieties. Sam talks about his gradual descent into full-blown addiction which eventually cost him his home, and job and nearly resulte…

1
Todd struggled with the confusing place of grey area drinking for years. 1:01:33

5M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

On this episode of the podcast, we have Todd. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Todd started drinking alcohol in high school and his consumption escalated throughout college and law school as he used alcohol to cope with stress. Todd would go on the graduate law school and become an attorney and from the outside, it appeared that Todd had cracked the …

1
Dan knew early on that his drinking was different from that of his peers, but a life without alcohol seemed so far away. 1:00:05

5M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

In this episode, Dan bravely shares his journey towards sobriety. He dives into his past, speaking about the childhood sexual abuse he endured and how this led him to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Despite these significant struggles, he found strength in his determination not to give up and decided to take control of his life. Dan shares how h…

1
Casey: From red wine girl to 7.5 years alcohol free. 50:07

5M ago50:07

50:07

On this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, we have Casey from the (Hello Someday Podcast) Growing up as a child of diplomats, she struggled with fitting in due to constantly moving countries, and that contributed to her anxiety and need to be liked. Her battle with alcohol didn't start until college when social pressures and the ability to 't…

1
Les knew if he was going to have a chance at sobriety he could not do it alone. 42 Years Sober 59:37

5M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode, we have Les who reflects on his upbringing often feeling like an outcast, and this would set the foundation for his struggle with alcohol. He recalls the moment he realized the extent of his addiction and the crucial choice he made toward recovery. Les discusses the value of connecting with others who understand this journey, and f…

1
Alison’s Journey from Sober Curiosity to Freedom 1:07:25

5M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

In this episode, we have my friend Alison. Growing up, her father struggled with alcohol, and it created a ripple effect in her life. At 20 years old, she got married and just celebrated 21 years of marriage, but it didn’t come without its challenges. Shortly after, she welcomed three beautiful children into the world and was busy raising them whil…

1
Liz engaged in binge drinking for the better part of 20 years and a google search about 3 day hangovers changed everything. 1:07:36

5M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

In this episode, we have my friend Liz who is originally from the Jersey Shore and was a binge drinker for the better part of 20 years. The cycle of drinking and then healing from drinking was exhausting. Despite this, the social connection it provided was something that Liz found helpful. After a few months of being alcohol-free, she began to noti…

1
At 13 Dan got his hands on a 6-pack of beer and he was hooked. Dan would later go on to struggle with opiates and meth. 54:57

5M ago54:57

54:57

From a young age, Dan was fascinated with alcohol, and all of his questions were answered when he got his hands on his first 6-pack of beer. Dan struggled to fit in growing up and switched friend groups from time to time. Over the years, Dan would lose custody of his son and the woman of his dreams. On February 12th, Dan's mother sat him down and u…

1
For 25+ years Joe was leaning on Alcohol and Drugs to fill a void on the inside. 51:25

6M ago51:25

51:25

In this episode, we meet Joe. Growing up, Joe had no shortage of traumatic experiences and never talked about the feelings or thoughts associated with these events. He found a level of acceptance through drinking alcohol and consuming drugs. Going through the motions in life, Joe found himself covering up his emotions with alcohol time and time aga…

1
David grew up around a lot of alcohol but never in a million years could have guessed how low it would take him. 42:19

6M ago42:19

42:19

In this episode, we have David, who just celebrated 3 years of sobriety. It took asking for help to get started. David grew up around a lot of alcohol, and as a young man, he joined the service, where alcohol began to take hold of his life. After some consequences arose, he sought help but struggled to maintain it. As his drinking worsened, so did …

1
Danielle Committed to Avoiding Alcohol After Witnessing Its Close-to-Home Side Effects 56:08

6M ago56:08

56:08

Danielle grew up around a lot of alcohol and witnessed firsthand the destruction it was capable of causing. Being from a military family, she moved a lot while growing up and had to mature quickly to help support her siblings. For the longest time, she swore she would never drink alcohol. However, when she reached college, alcohol became a massive …

1
Alcohol helped Gill cope with life, until it didn’t. 51:44

6M ago51:44

51:44

In this episode, we have Gill, who struggled early on in life with a lot of anger, and she would occasionally have friends growing up but because of being bullied so much in her youth, Gill's self-esteem and confidence were suffering. She focused a lot of her energy on her studies and excelled in the classroom. At home, things were also a struggle,…

1
Chris had his first drink at 13 and it marked his first experience with drinking, getting drunk, and blacking out. 54:57

6M ago54:57

54:57

This week's podcast guest is Chris, who received a constant message while growing up as a kid: 'We don't talk about our problems.' Facing struggles at home, Chris embarked on a search for a sense of belonging. Initially, he found it within the punk music scene and took his first drink at the age of 13. That moment marked his first experience with d…

1
Brad Garrett from Everybody Loves Raymond shares about his battle with alcohol and what happened after - Rerun Show 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

Brad Garrett has been sober since 1997. Due to childhood trauma and other factors, he found that he could escape from himself with alcohol and marijuana. Over the years, this addiction progressed, but the bottom never completely fell out. On a vacation trip to Maui, he had an experience that would change the trajectory of his life. Since then, Brad…

1
Alcohol took over Zac’s life early on and the consequences began to stack up. How did he break free and celebrate 16 years sober? 1:07:10

6M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

In this episode, we have Zac, who found some freedom with alcohol. Alcohol quickly became a close high school friend for Zac when he was struggling with an anxious mind. The more he drank, the more he needed to drink, and this escalated quickly. At 16, his parents intervened after finding alcohol in his vehicle, and he was off to rehab. With so lit…

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