Sober Friends

Send us Fan Mail Are you stuck in survival mode, always waiting for that "one thing" to make you happy? In this raw and insightful episode, Matt shares a powerful revelation from an AA meeting that struck him "square between the eyes." Discover how the constant struggle to just get by can fuel addiction, and learn how embracing vulnerability and asking for help can transform me...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an illuminating conversation with Tricia Lewis, host of the Recovery Happy Hour podcast and advocate for inclusive sobriety. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of recovery, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be "alcoholic" and exploring the diverse paths to sobriety in today's world. Tricia shares her personal jour...

Send us Fan Mail In this raw and honest episode, Matt and Steve dive deep into the challenging journey of self-forgiveness and building self-worth in recovery. They explore how the weight of past mistakes can fuel addiction and hinder progress, sharing personal stories of their own struggles and triumphs. Discover practical strategies for letting go of guilt, embracing patience in personal growth,...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into a compelling New York Times article that challenges how we view obesity—is it a disease or just a symptom of a larger issue? This sparks a broader conversation about alcoholism and addiction. Could it be that, like obesity, alcoholism is merely masking deeper, underlying problems? Join Matt and Steve as they explore their person...

Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling stuck in your recovery journey, seeing the same faces and hearing the same stories over and over again? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the rut that many of us experience and how stepping out of your comfort zone can reignite your passion for sobriety. Join Matt as he shares his recent experience as a speaker at a virtual newcomer’s meeting, wh...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, we dive into the deep end of social anxiety and imposter syndrome—two common struggles that many of us face, especially on our sober journeys. Join us as we share personal stories of navigating awkward social situations, feeling like outsiders, and the challenge of finding our place in new communities. Whether it’s at a kid’s soccer ga...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode, we dive into the striking parallels between food indulgence and the battles of addiction. It all started with a simple craving for greasy food that spiraled into a night of severe discomfort and unexpected reflection. Join us as we explore how one small slip-up triggered memories of past struggles with alcohol, leading to a profound conversation ab...

Send us Fan Mail The fourth and fifth steps can cause a lot of fear when we first come into a twelve step group.  For me, they were liberating.  We discuss why the fourth and fifth steps are so important.  This is not a how to, this is why they are great steps, how they help you learn more about yourself and why you drink and help you understand how to stay away from the bottle.  The fifth step he...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sobriety among well-known public figures. From presidents to Hollywood stars, many famous faces have openly battled addiction, offering both inspiration and complex reflections on the struggle with substance abuse. Steve and I explore what it means to see these celebrities maintain sobriety, how it resonates with those of us in recov...

Send us Fan Mail I love this episode and its so far in the back of the catalogue, you may not have seen it, especially if you are a new listener. I got the privilege of interviewing William Schaberg, author of the book, "Writing the Big Book."  To me, it's the definitive history of the period when Bill write the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Here is what we discuss: The genesis...

Send us Fan Mail You get both of these amazing episodes in one day!  If you have not listened to my excellent interview with William Schaberg, then you are in luck today!  If you have, you'll love going over this again!  I hope you consider buying his book, "Writing the Big Book," which I will link in the notes.  You'll be blown away by Bill's insight.   In Part 2 of the i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, Matt dives deep into the often challenging topic of faith and spirituality in recovery. Reflecting on his personal struggles with the concept of a higher power, Matt shares his experiences and doubts, from growing up in a Catholic household to grappling with the notion of an afterlife. He explores the conflicts many face when reconcili...

Send us Fan Mail I struggle with what I can't control.  If things are not going my way and I have no control over it, it can cause me great stress.  That's when I think of the serenity prayer and try to learn from it's wisdom.  In this episode, we discuss those things we think we'd control much better and learn when to let go. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations a...

Send us Fan Mail Join Steve and Matt in this enlightening episode as they delve into the transformative power of peace, serenity, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of recognizing the universe working in our favor and the profound impact of the 11th Step Prayer, also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Steve shares his personal journey of navigating sobriety, the challenges of maintain...

Send us Fan Mail Summer is a time we get out of the house and start socializing.  For those of us without the alcohol crutch, how do you survive?  We talk about it on this week's episode.  Having a 12 step group is helpful because you have a group of people you know.  Even if you don't belong to a fellowship, you can learn some tricks to stay sober and happy! Have a plan Leave if you hav...

Send us Fan Mail In this eye-opening episode we delve into the inspiring origins of Dry July, where three friends’ commitment to sobriety sparked a global movement for health and cancer support. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of pausing alcohol consumption—not just for our bodies but for our minds, wallets, and communities. From a mental health renaissance to economic elevation, disco...

Send us Fan Mail What is service work in recovery?  It's doing a task or a job that helps support others getting sober.  In a meeting, it can be as small as putting chairs away to making coffee.  It can be more involved like being a GSR at District, working at Area or GSO or volunteering for committees.  In the end, it's doing the job that supports others getting sober.  Steve and I are...

Send us Fan Mail Our family of origin can be a cause of stress in recovery.  That's the case for me.  I've had to deal with an unexpected situation around my family of origin this week and I needed my higher power to help me through it.  I shared this stress in a way I hope helps you.  In this episode, we get vulnerable and discuss how the past can show up in the present and how to deal...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the profound yet practical philosophy of “Take the Next Right Action.” This simple mantra holds a world of meaning, especially for those on the journey of recovery. It’s about the courage to confront the challenging tasks we’d rather avoid, the selfless acts of kindness that elevate others at the expense of our own comfort, and the quiet heroism in e...

Send us Fan Mail Relapse is common in sober communities.  Can chronic relapse be disruptive to the group?  If it is, how should it be addressed?  We talk about chronic relapsers and how their presence can actually enhance the sobriety of those who continue with their recovery journey and how they should be treated with empathy.  We discuss some who relapsed for decades, only to finally find contin...

Send us Fan Mail With summer coming up, it's a great time to talk about the third promise.  Lots from the past give us cause to pause, but we should not regret it but learn from it.  Matt and Steve talk about the past, the harms caused and how to learn from them to make sobriety even better. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to...

Send us Fan Mail I thought everything would be perfect once we stopped drinking?  WRONG!  Life still happens.  The difference is that you don't have to drink over it and have new tools to get you through the things that happen in life.  This week, Matt had a whole bunch of things happen and I'm sure in 6 months they will be forgotten.  But today, they stink.   Has this happened to you? ...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful journey as we delve into the nuances of relapse triggers and celebrate wellness milestones! Today, we're opening up about the daunting specter of relapse triggers, sharing personal experiences, and unveiling strategies to fortify your sobriety armor. But before we dive in, catch up on a candid health update from Matt and how embracing a CPAP machine...

Send us Fan Mail You ever wonder why the old timer with 30 years of sobriety still reads the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous over and over and over again?  Didn't they have reading comprehension and could get it the first time?  We talk about it this week and discuss how we treat the Big Book of AA as a text book and something to aways learn from.  And we discuss how re-reading helps the new...

Send us Fan Mail Change is so hard.  I've heard of people saying they love change.  I've also heard of people stop drinking after their beverage was only half drunk.  I could never understand either.  In this episode, we talk about change, why it's hard and how we got through it through our program of recovery.  Are you someone who has challenges with change?  We have lots of tools...