Sober Banter

In this episode of Sober Banter , host Rachel sits down with Heather Trumpfheller, a tech startup professional and world traveler, for an honest conversation about modern sobriety , identity shifts , and reclaiming life without alcohol . Heather shares how quitting drinking led her to also walk away from busyness, a decade long career that no longer aligned with her values, and patterns rooted in...

In this episode, hosts Colin Casey and Rachel Casey sit down with writer and recovery advocate Kristen Crocker for an honest conversation about parenting, sobriety, and modern recovery. Together, they talk about quitting drinking, navigating sobriety while raising kids, and how stigma, labels, and recovery culture shape the way parents seek support. (00:00) - Meet Kristen Crocker (03:54) - Struggl...

What happens when the bet stops being about money and starts being about control? When does gambling shift from entertainment to survival mode? In this episode of Sober Banter , Rachel and Colin sit down with Adam Lyons , host of The Modern Meeting , for a direct conversation about compulsive gambling and long term recovery. Adam shares nearly twenty years of chasing losses, normalizing chaos, and...

Episode Summary (Re-Released episode) Sober Banter hosts offer advice for Sober October, emphasizing realistic expectations, support systems, and self-compassion. Chapters 00:00 Managing Expectations and Social Pressure 01:21 Finding Support and Accountability 03:32 Health Benefits and Personal Growth 07:19 Tips for a Successful Sober October This episode is a re-release and goes back to our early...

This is an early Sober Banter episode brought back for Sober October. We were new at this, so you may hear a few hiccups. The lessons still land. We cover the hardest parts of Sober October and the simple habits that kept us steady. Think of this as day one support with honest talk and practical steps. It also shows how far we have come as hosts and as people in recovery. If you are here to start...

In this inspiring episode of Sober Banter, Rachel welcomes David McMenimen, who shares his remarkable 41-year journey of sobriety. David discusses pivotal moments that led him to AA meetings, including DUIs and a life-changing car accident. He candidly shares the challenges of early sobriety, the transformative impact of consistent attendance, and how the 12 steps provided spiritual and practical...

What if addiction is not about alcohol at all? What if the real root is trauma wired into the brain long before the first drink? In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel and Colin sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly for a direct conversation about neuroscience, childhood trauma, identity, and what permanent recovery actually requires. Episode 46 | Originally Released July 1, 2025 Dr. Kelly shares how he w...

Eryka V. is a queer, sober, first-generation founder and the co-creator of Namari —a non-alcoholic digestif rooted in intention, ritual, and bold flavor. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you quit alcohol, meat, and caffeine all at once —and how that radical choice led to clarity, creativity, and the launch of something revolutionary. From finding community to letting go of ego, Ery...

In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel is joined by Brenton Sconce, the meme genius behind @OfficeRecovery, a former pastor, and a fierce sober ally. Brenton opens up about his path to sobriety, beginning with rehab in July 2022 and evolving through deep aftercare, spiritual reflection, and a whole lot of humor. He shares the moment he finally admitted he was an alcoholic, how the pressures of mi...

In this refreshing episode of Sober Banter , hosts Rachel and Colin sit down with Sarah Kate , founder of Some Good Clean Fun and a proud sober Canadian mom shaking up the world of non-alcoholic beverages. Once a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, Sarah shares her transition from alcohol culture to alcohol-free confidence, offering candid stories about social pressure, parenting, and building a bra...

What do you get when you mix a fresh perspective on the 12 steps, a sharp sense of humor, and some unexpected twists in recovery? You get Danny Henriquez. In this episode, we sit down with the host of The Hen Dog Half to talk about getting sober, showing up for sponsees, and how to survive weddings without a drink in hand. Danny brings the kind of insight that makes you laugh, nod, and think, “Oka...

This week on Sober Banter, we’re joined by Tim Lineaweaver—a therapist, dad, and four decades sober. Tim takes us back to 1984, when he first got sober, and walks us through how recovery has evolved (and what’s stayed the same) over the past 40 years. From navigating trauma in sobriety to talking with your kids about alcoholism, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, humor, and heart. We d...

In this episode, Sam Thomas, a writer and campaigner from Brighton, UK, shares his journey of sobriety since November 2019. He discusses overcoming alcohol dependence, including withdrawal and hallucinations. Sam also talks about his unique therapy with exotic pets, which helped him rationalize his fears. He reflects on founding a charity for men with eating disorders and personal sacrifices. Sam...

In this episode of Sober Banter, hosts Rachel and Colin Casey test some new wireless mics and their audio quality and discuss various ’50-50’ questions that elicit strong opinions, including pineapple on pizza, pets in bed, and billionaires. They also touch on more serious topics like sober influencers and harm reduction. The episode concludes with reflections on staying grounded and victimhood in...

Neil Rutherford, creator of Alcohol Free Warrior, joins Sober Banter for a candid, judgment-free conversation about the nuances of sobriety, breaking free from labels, and finding empowerment beyond alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or long-term alcohol-free, Neil’s insights offer fresh perspectives to inspire your own journey. Connect with Neil Rutherford : Website: AlcoholFreeWarrior.com Ins...

What if saying it out loud is the first step toward healing?  In Episode 37 of Sober Banter, Rachel sits down with Kellie Adams, author of Shit I Do Sober , for a grounded and honest conversation about postpartum depression, mom wine culture, sober marriage, and the messy middle of recovery. Kellie shares what it really looked like to drink through motherhood, hide intrusive thoughts, and normaliz...

Can hitting the trails help you stay on the path to recovery? In this inspiring episode, Rachel and Colin chat with Nick Pearson, founder of Sober Outdoors, about how nature, community, and sobriety intersect. From the slopes to the boardroom, Nick opens up about the accident that changed his family’s life, his personal recovery journey, and how outdoor adventures became a powerful tool for healin...

What does it mean to heal across generations? In this deeply personal episode, Rachel and Colin sit down with Waylon, who opens up about his journey through alcoholism, receiving an ADHD diagnosis, and reconnecting with his Indigenous identity. Through raw reflection and cultural insight, they explore sobriety not just as a personal path—but as a reclamation of self, spirit, and community Enjoyed...

In this cozy and candid episode, Rachel is joined by writer Julie—author of Like a Normal Person —and Allison, creator of the Dare to Be newsletter. Together, they dive into the realities of sober creativity, from writing memoirs and navigating vulnerability to finding joy in kitchen gadgets and everyday rituals. It’s an honest, uplifting look at what it means to share your story and stay grounded...

Happy Valentine's Day from Colin, Rachel, and Evan!  Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected! 💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode. 💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us. 🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast ☕️ Support the show: Buy us a coffee at https://www.buyme...

In this powerful international episode, Colin and Rachel sit down with Krys from Canada, who shares how loneliness led her to seek sobriety—and ultimately, community and purpose. With raw honesty, she opens up about the highs, lows, and real growth that comes from staying the course. This one’s all about connection, resilience, and redefining what sober life can look like. Prefer to watch instead?...

This was our first in-person recording, and technical difficulties were real. We couldn’t afford proper equipment, and Colin’s audio suffered. We ask for your grace with the audio for this episode. Video Link - https://youtu.be/_nUSspE-pss 00:00 Welcome Priya! 00:15 Podcast Setup Struggles 02:10 Pet Peeves and Social Etiquette 09:55 Weather and Technology Debates 18:13 Dating Life and our Tinder L...

What happens when you get sober and realize it is not just about you anymore? What if recovery is not only about quitting alcohol, but about preventing the next generation from walking the same road? Remastered Audio Version | Originally released January 8, 2025 In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel and Colin sit down with recovery speaker and prevention advocate Nathan Wray for an honest conver...

Video Link - https://youtu.be/tQuqRPrHfaM 0:00 Dr. Brian Licuanan, Psychologist, Author and Addiction Expert 6:51 Exercise & Brazilian Ju Jitsu 10:24 New Years and Realistic Expectations 18:27 The Disease of Addiction 22:28 Drinking Risk Factors 37:28 Drugs and Treatment 44:43 Asking for help and seeking treatment 49:08 Dr. Licuanan’s Book - “How to Get Your Resistant Loved One into Treatment”...

Join hosts Colin and Rachel for a powerful conversation with author Tey Moore ( More to Come ) as they dive into the real, raw, and rewarding sides of sobriety. From AA to Substack, personal stories to collective wisdom, this episode of Sober Banter is all about honesty, healing, and hope. Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch...