What that drink cost me

Have you ever thought, “if I get sober, maybe they’ll come back”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack why getting sober for someone else - an ex, a spouse, a family member - puts your recovery on shaky ground. I share my own story of getting sober after a breakup, what I learned the hard way, and how choosing sobriety for myself changed everything. This episode is for anyone struggling to...

What happens when you’re a full-time caregiver, navigating Filipino family expectations, queer identity, and the decision to get sober without a program? This week, I sit down with my friend Sam Hosea, a queer Filipino American caregiver who got sober without AA, rehab, or a 12-step program. We talk about: • The emotional and physical toll of caring for an aging parent • Drinking culture in Filipi...

Holiday triggers are real — family stress, loneliness, expectations, parties, social pressure, memories, and drinking everywhere you look. In this episode, I break down why the holidays are especially tough for people in recovery and how to stay sober without feeling deprived. You’ll hear my personal story of surviving my first sober Thanksgiving and learn practical strategies for getting through...

Sobriety can feel isolating — especially during the holidays and the start of a new year. In this episode, I break down the motivation and purpose behind my new 6-week sober coaching intensive. We’ll talk about why community matters in recovery, why resolutions often fail, and what kind of support people actually need to stay sober long-term. If you’re looking for sober community, accountability,...

I just moved to Amsterdam—and the first week was an absolute disaster. No phone. No WiFi. No hot water. No furniture. Just me, a new city, and a whole lot of uncertainty. In this episode, I talk about what it’s like to stay sober during major life upheaval, why transitions can trigger old habits, and how sobriety becomes a life raft when everything else goes wrong. If you’ve ever felt lost, overwh...

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a nap, this episode is for you. I dive into how hustle culture keeps us trapped in burnout — and how sobriety teaches a different way of living. Discover why slowing down isn’t weakness, how overworking mirrors addiction, and why real recovery starts with rest. Book your discovery call here: https://calendly.com/thopp84/30min

Eight years sober — and every day still teaches me something new. In this special anniversary episode, I share the eight biggest lessons I’ve learned in my eight years of sobriety — from learning to set boundaries and face loneliness, to finding freedom and joy in everyday moments. Whether you’re newly sober, sober curious, or years into recovery, this one’s a heartfelt reminder of why staying sob...

What happens when we bring therapy and sobriety into the same conversation? Myself and my guest, therapist Blair Buckley, dive into the emotional and psychological side of recovery — especially for queer folks navigating identity, shame, and healing. Together, we explore how therapy supports lasting sobriety, why queer people often face different recovery challenges, and what true emotional wellne...

Wars. Climate change. Politics. Chaos. It’s a lot. But drinking won’t fix any of it — and your sobriety might just be the thing that helps you face it all with courage and clarity. I share practical ways to protect your peace and keep showing up, one sober day at a time. Book your free discovery call here: https://calendly.com/thopp84/30min Sign up for my free webinar here: https://subscribepage.i...

In a world that celebrates big achievements, it’s easy to overlook the power of the little things. I share how the quiet, consistent wins in sobriety — the ones that no one claps for — are actually the foundation of lasting peace, gratitude, and joy. Book a discovery call here: https://calendly.com/thopp84/30min

Religion and spirituality often get lumped together — but they’re not the same thing. In this week’s episode, I share my own journey from growing up in the church to redefining what spirituality means in sobriety. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or neither, we’ll talk about how connection, meaning, and a “higher power of your own understanding” can help you stay grounded in recovery. Book you...

Suicidal thoughts are more common in recovery than most people realize — but they don’t have to define you. In this episode, I share my personal journey with suicidal ideation, how addiction made the darkness louder, and how sobriety offered new tools, clarity, and community. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about loss, stigma, and the power of reaching out for help. If you’re conside...

When you first get sober, you might worry that life without alcohol will be dull. But what if “boring” actually means safe, stable, and full of freedom? In this week’s episode, I break down the myth of the boring sober life and show how recovery opens the door to deeper fun, lasting joy, and the peace that chaos never gave us. Sign up for my free webinar here: https://subscribepage.io/imOkDW Sign...

Coming back from a dream vacation only to land right back in a toxic work environment reminded me just how draining these spaces can be — and how they once would’ve sent me straight to the bar. In this episode, I talk about why I don’t give my power away anymore, and the coping strategies that keep me grounded and sober no matter how chaotic things get. Book a free call with me: https://calendly.c...

Dating sober can feel terrifying, and rebuilding friendships or family relationships can be just as tricky. In this episode of What That Drink Cost Me, I share how sobriety reshaped my relationships—from losing drinking buddies to finding lasting love. Tune in for practical tips on navigating boundaries, first dates without “liquid courage,” and showing up as your authentic self in every kind of r...

Grief is one of the hardest parts of life—and for many of us, drinking was our only coping tool. But what happens when we lose someone after we get sober? In this episode of What That Drink Cost Me, I share my own story of navigating the loss of my mom while in recovery, the tools I leaned on to cope, and how grief looks different (and healthier) without alcohol. If you’re walking through loss sob...

Early sobriety can feel incredibly lonely — even when you’re surrounded by people. In this episode of What That Drink Cost Me, I open up about the isolation I faced after getting sober, and how I eventually built a supportive community. If you’re feeling alone on your journey, this episode is here to remind you: you don’t have to do it by yourself. Book a free discovery call with me: https://calen...

Sobriety is simple - don’t pick up a drink. But living a full, joyful life in recovery? That’s the hard part. In this episode, I share why sober coaching can be a game changer, especially in the early days of recovery. From accountability and structure to finding your identity outside of alcohol, discover how a sober coach can help you thrive in sobriety. Book a free discovery call with me: https:...

Finding recovery tricky to navigate because you find the “rules” of sobriety to be too rigid or controlling? This episode is for you. Here, I talk about four rules of sobriety that you don’t have to follow and how you can build your own path to recovery. One that works for you. Listen, subscribe and share. Want to work with me to figure out your own recovery path? Shoot me a DM on instagram @magic...

You’ve gotten sober but now you face an identity crisis. Who are you now that you’re not drinking? And how do you interact and engage with others without drinking? In this episode, I’ll tell you about the mindset shift I had to make when I got sober and how that changed how I interact with others and share space with them. Want to work with me? I’m currently accepting new clients for my recovery c...

The story of how I got sober and the benefits it has brought to my life Follow and subscribe. Want to work with me? Shoot me a DM on instagram @magicaltadrigal to discuss my sober coaching services and how they can help you. Want a little sober magic in your inbox? Join my email list - https://subscribepage.io/0w8SNr