Sober Friends

Send us Fan Mail In this candid and heartfelt episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, Steve and Matt dive deep into the challenges of maintaining long-term sobriety. They explore the subtle dangers of complacency, the importance of keeping recovery fresh, and how finding new perspectives can reinvigorate your journey. From Joe and Charlie workshops to unexpected sources of inspiration like TikTok, t...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Sober Friends, Matt and Steve dive deep into the transformative role of social media in addiction recovery. Discover how platforms like TikTok and Blue Sky are revolutionizing the way people approach sobriety, offering unprecedented support, community, and hope for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Learn about the importance of compassion, meetin...

Send us Fan Mail How much recovery work is 'enough'? In this candid episode, we dive deep into a common struggle many face in sobriety - the pressure to do more. From navigating the end of the 'pink cloud' phase to finding balance in service work, we explore why feeling like you're not doing enough might actually be a sign you're on the right path. Whether you're...

Send us Fan Mail Join Matt, and Steve as they dive deep into one of recovery's most crucial warning signs - HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). Through personal stories and real experiences, they explore how these seemingly simple states can create dangerous unguarded moments in sobriety. From dealing with family dynamics and feeling unappreciated to finding healthy coping strategies, this e...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of the Sober Friends podcast, host Matt shares his deeply personal experience with Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous, tackling one of recovery's most challenging hurdles: connecting with a higher power. Whether you're new to sobriety, curious about AA, or a seasoned veteran in recovery, Matt's candid storytelling breaks down the misconceptions...

Send us Fan Mail When life feels overwhelming, where do we find the resilience to get through it? In this episode, Matt and Steve have an honest discussion about coping with stress, loss, and difficult news. They explore strategies like finding purpose, building community, and focusing on what's within your control. With empathy and real-life examples, they provide hope and practical advice f...

Send us Fan Mail Anger and resentment can feel like a never-ending battle, especially for those in recovery. In this raw and relatable conversation, hosts Matt and Steve dive deep into their personal struggles with these challenging emotions. From childhood trauma to strained relationships, they share how anger has impacted their lives and sobriety. Discover strategies they've learned through...

Send us Fan Mail Looking for deeper connections in recovery? Join Steve and Matt as they explore the transformative power of recovery retreats. From intimate 35-person gatherings to step-focused weekends, discover how these getaways offer more than just a break from daily life. Learn why investing in a retreat might be exactly what your recovery needs, whether you're newly sober or years into...

Send us Fan Mail Are you questioning your relationship with alcohol but thinking "I haven't lost everything yet"? In this raw and revealing episode, we dive into what it really means to be a "high bottom" alcoholic in today's world. Matt shares his personal struggle with Step One, challenging the traditional "rock bottom" narrative from the 1930s Big Book. F...

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...