Sober Edge

What if self-sabotage isn't really sabotage at all? In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri Patterson explores how many of the behaviors we criticize—procrastination, perfectionism, avoidance, people-pleasing, and even shutting down—may actually be nervous system strategies designed to keep us safe. Drawing on neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and her own experience after more than ten yea...

What if the problem isn't that you need more willpower? In this solo episode, Teri explores one of the biggest myths in alcohol-free living: the idea that lasting change comes from simply trying harder. Drawing on neuroscience, habit formation, nervous system regulation, and practical real-life strategies, she explains why willpower is a limited resource—and why successful alcohol-free living depe...

This week on The Sober Edge, I'm joined by my friend Lauren Fay for a conversation that feels honest, thoughtful, and deeply human. Lauren shares the story behind her memoir Blurred Lines —why she chose to move beyond a traditional coaching book and instead tell the truth through story. We talk about identity shifts, visibility, family dynamics, self-trust, nervous system healing, and what really...

If you've ever felt disconnected from your intuition after stepping away from alcohol, you're not alone. In this solo episode, Teri explores what intuition actually is (hint: it's biological, not mystical), how alcohol dulls our internal signals, and why things can feel confusing or "loud" in early alcohol-free living. You'll learn how your nervous system, brain, and body work together to create i...

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Teri sits down with award-winning actress Patricia Heaton to explore what really happens when alcohol is no longer part of your life—and what can take its place. From subtle signs of "gray area drinking" to the moment that shifted everything, Patricia shares her personal journey to becoming alcohol-free. But what makes this conversation especially compel...

What if your purpose isn't something you have to chase—but something you return to? In this conversation, Teri sits down with Peggy Cooney and Brigitta Dau to explore the idea of your "North Star"—your internal compass rooted in your core values. They unpack what happens after alcohol is out of the way , why alignment feels energizing (even when it's hard), and how to recognize when you're driftin...

In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Yager to explore what's really underneath the behaviors we're trying to change—whether it's alcohol, food, or patterns we just can't seem to break. We talk about the idea of "alchemy"—not as something mystical, but as the very real process of transforming our hardest experiences into something meaningful. Deborah shares her personal story of addiction, iden...

In this solo episode of The Sober Edge , Teri shares a powerful story from Mark Nepo about a simple monkey trap: a coconut filled with rice that monkeys refuse to release, even when letting go would set them free. It's a striking metaphor for many of the beliefs we hold about alcohol. For many of us, alcohol begins as something that feels helpful—relief, belonging, confidence, a way to take the ed...

What if the party was never in the glass? In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri Patterson is joined by Evan Cudworth—known as The Party Coach —for a refreshing and deeply honest conversation about fun, belonging, and identity in an alcohol-free life. Together, they explore why so many of us associate alcohol with connection, confidence, and celebration—and what happens when we remove it. Evan s...

Olympians don't rely on willpower — they rely on training. In this episode, Teri Patterson explores how elite athletes approach identity, discipline, recovery, and nervous system regulation — and why those same principles are essential for building a lasting alcohol-free life. Rather than pushing through cravings or "trying harder," alcohol-free living becomes a practice of conditioning the brain...

In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri Patterson welcomes coach and Reiki master Brigitta Dau for a soulful conversation about what healing truly looks like after alcohol. Rather than focusing only on behavior change , Brigitta invites us into a holistic model of recovery—one that integrates the mind, body, and soul. She explains how alcohol blocks intuition, disrupts nervous system safety, and...

Episode 200 is a celebration — and a reflection. In this milestone solo episode, Teri shares the distinction that has shaped her alcohol-free journey and her work with clients: the difference between becoming alcohol-free and living alcohol-free . Drawing on her own 10-year journey, coaching experience, and hundreds of podcast conversations, Teri explores how the early stages of stopping drinking...

December 31 carries a lot of pressure — to reset, resolve, and reinvent. In this episode, Teri Patterson invites listeners to take a gentler, more grounded approach to the new year. Through the lens of nervous system science and identity-based change, she explores why real transformation doesn't begin with a calendar date — and why becoming alcohol-free (and living alcohol-free) teaches us how to...

What if you didn't have to climb your way to alcohol freedom — what if you were already there? In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri talks with Nigel Jones about the identity shift that makes alcohol-free living feel natural, expansive, and deeply aligned. Drawing on NLP, hypnotherapy, and lived experience, Nigel explains why changing how you see yourself changes everything — and why the mental...

What if you didn't have to climb your way to alcohol freedom — what if you were already there? In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri talks with Nigel Bruce about the identity shift that makes alcohol-free living feel natural, expansive, and deeply aligned. Drawing on NLP, hypnotherapy, and lived experience, Nigel explains why changing how you see yourself changes everything — and why the mental...

How to Calm the F Down (Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn) In this candid and neuroscience-backed episode, Teri breaks down how to "Calm the F Down" by understanding the four core nervous system states—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how they influence behavior, urges, and emotional patterns in alcohol-free living. Drawing on her recent trauma-informed nervous system certification, she reveals how...

In today's episode, Teri welcomes author Ian Fee to discuss his book Wild Ride to Sobriety —a raw, honest, and hopeful look at what it really means to take responsibility for your healing. Together, they dive into: Ian's "wild ride" years and the moment he knew something needed to change The turning point where responsibility stopped feeling like blame and started feeling like liberation Why recov...

In this milestone episode of The Sober Edge Podcast , Teri Patterson, The Sober Nutritionist, celebrates her 10-year alcohol-free anniversary with a heartfelt reflection on the journey that changed everything. She shares 3 promises she's made to herself , 2 changes that surprised her , and 5 lessons that continue to guide her life — blending personal story with practical wisdom. From the way our b...

In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri sits down with Nancy McKay — certified Equus Coach, author, and creator of the BRAVE framework. Nancy shares how horses help us reconnect to truth and emotional honesty, guiding people in recovery to rediscover self-trust and empowerment. Together, Teri and Nancy explore the five pillars of BRAVE— Belief, Resilience, Authenticity, Voice, and Empowerment — a...

  We've all heard it: "If you're drinking five nights a week, cut back to three." It sounds like a reasonable step, but here's the truth—your brain doesn't heal from "just less." In fact, even small amounts of alcohol keep your reward circuitry, stress hormones, and sleep disrupted. In this episode, I dive into:  How alcohol hijacks dopamine and why cutting back doesn't restore balance The pain-pl...

In this episode of The Sober Edge , Adriana Marchione joins me to explore how art in all its forms can be a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Adriana shares her journey from movement and dance into formal training in Expressive Arts Therapy, and how creativity helps us reconnect with ourselves, regulate our nervous systems, and discover unexpected insights. We talk about the accessibility of...

On this episode of The Sober Edge , I'm joined by Amber Hollingsworth , a family recovery expert who has spent nearly 20 years helping loved ones find a path through the chaos of addiction. Amber is known for her refreshingly direct and practical approach —what she jokingly calls being "a little bossy." Instead of leaving families guessing at what to do or say, Amber offers clear, actionable guida...

In this episode of The Sober Edge , Teri explores Mel Robbins' viral Let Them Theory —a simple yet powerful mindset shift that can transform the way you navigate relationships, boundaries, and joy in your alcohol-free life. Learn how letting go of control and other people's opinions can bring more ease, excitement, and emotional freedom to your AF journey. Show Notes Here

In this inspiring episode of The Sober Edge , I sit down with Sophia Graniela, founder of Her Journey Home , to explore two powerful pathways to self-reconnection: sober travel and EFT tapping. Sophia shares how her alcohol-free journey opened the door to deeper emotional healing and authentic exploration—both on the road and within. We discuss how travel becomes a mirror when done with intention,...

In this episode of The Sober Edge , we dive into the nervous system's survival responses—Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn—and explore how each one can unconsciously drive our alcohol use. Teri breaks down what each state looks and feels like in everyday life, and how recognizing our default response can be the first step toward healing and true emotional regulation without reaching for a drink. Tun...