The Sober Effect

In this episode, Kate and Steph bid farewell to their popular series on sobriety with reflections on their incredible journey so far, sharing some of the most transformative experiences, challenges, triumphs, and lessons they’ve gathered along the way and the changes they’ve seen in over two years of being sober. This episode is a heartfelt goodbye and a celebration of the growth and strength that...

In this episode, Kate and Steph dive into the vibrant world of travel and activities from a sober perspective. Whether you're newly sober or have been embracing a clean lifestyle for years, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration for making the most out of your travels and leisure time. If you're planning your next trip or just looking for new ways to enjoy your sober life, t...

In this episode, Kate and Steph talk to Sapha, who, after years of addiction and severe depression, finally got sober after an unexpected hallucinogenic encounter. He now runs a retreat in the Peruvian Amazon helping people with their recovery using knowledge and wisdom cultivated through years of working closely with Ayahuasca. He provides a fascinating insight into the integration of plant medic...

In this episode, Kate and Steph speak to Gary, who recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety. Gary shares his journey from hitting rock bottom in Spain to the years of self-discovery, navigating self-care, and grappling with the uncertainty of his future. He reflects on his current life – filled with laughter, happiness, family – and shares a surprising twist in his story that we guarantee will lea...

In this episode Kate and Steph answer some of your questions about their sober journeys, including a specific moment or experience that was pivotal in their decision to pursue sobriety, how their perception of themself has changed since becoming sober, any significant relationships that have evolved or strengthened as a result of their sobriety, any unexpected or surprising revelations and whether...

This episode, Kate and Steph talk to Paige about when becoming sober takes over and becomes your main identity. They talk about the importance of connection, especially in early sobriety, as well as how the focus can potentially become addictive, especially when paired with social media. It’s about forging a new life sober, without making your new life only about sobriety. Show Notes Check our Pai...

In today's episode, Kate and Steph talk to Rory about the common believe that alcohol alleviates stress. Despite its widespread reputation as a stress reliever, it can actually heighten stress levels. Join us as we delve into the intricate relationship between stress and alcohol consumption, exploring healthier alternatives for managing the everyday challenges of life. Show Notes Rory Kinsella is...

Some of us quit drinking because we recognise it’s become a problem for us, but what if others say you didn’t have a problem? And you didn’t even have a rock bottom? Do we need to be in the gutter, or jail, before people accept we have a bad relationship with alcohol? A high bottom is still a bottom. You get to decide when drinking becomes a problem. Nobody else. Show Notes Your thoughts can help...

This episode breaks from our usual format. Kate and Steph talk to Erica, a certified clinical hypnotist. She talks about behaviour change, and in particular, stress behaviours and how hypnosis can help to change unhealthy patterns in your life. She also provides two hypnosis exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home, and listen to again and again. With this in mind, you should not...

Childhood pressure often leads to teenage drinking as a means of seeking relief. In this episode, Hilary Phelps candidly shares her own journey, highlighting the pressure to fit in and connect as a teenager, which ultimately led her to lose sight of herself. Now over 16 years sober, she reflects on the non-linear nature of sobriety, emphasizing that challenges still arise. Hilary's story is a remi...

This episode, Kate and Steph talk to 'sexpert' Cindi Roberts. Join them as they delve into the much-requested topic of sober sex and intimacy. With 25 years of experience educating men and women about sex, Cindi brings some valuable insights and practical advice to the table. They cover everything from the challenges and benefits of sober sex to tips for improving intimacy without using alcohol as...

In this episode, Kate and Steph take a stroll into the world of consciousness with their guest, Duncan. They discuss what it really means and share tips on how to elevate your awareness and outlook. From the serene practice of meditation to the empowering act of self-love, they leave no piece of quartz unturned. Join them as they laugh, ponder, and even have a few 'a-ha' moments. Show Notes Books...

This episode Kate and Steph talk about finding yourself in sobriety. They cover a lot of ground, from accepting your insecurities, to using social media, and knowing when to take a step back when it starts to become a new addiction in your life. They talk about hobbies, and how much they dislike that word (and where it originated from) and cover therapies like hypnotherapy. It’s basically a smorga...

In this episode, Kate and Steph chat with Amanda about how connections with friends change when you stop drinking. They look at how socializing changes, and how friendships change, fade and improve when one of you decides to quit the booze. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The Sober Effect Podcast Survey. You can find our guest Amanda on Instagram @rethinkingalc...

This episode Kate and Steph talk about how different relationships are affected by drinking and sobriety. Like what happens when you’re in a marriage and only one of you quits? A situation they are both in. And how can friendships change when you stop drinking? These can be some of the hardest situations to navigate when you decide to stop drinking and this frank and honest conversation delves int...

This episode Kate and Steph talk to Azure about the dangers of not being honest with your healthcare providers about your alcohol consumption. Show Notes: Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The Sober Effect Podcast Survey. You can follow our guest Azure on Instagram @sober.chronicles Follow The Sober Effect on Instagram @ the_sober_effect_podcast Kate @‌walking_the_straight_...

This episode Kata & Steph talk to Soph about drinking to deal with grief and how it’s anything but helpful. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The Sober Effect Podcast Survey. Follow our guest Sophie on Instagram @sober_soph_ Follow The Sober Effect on Instagram @ the_sober_effect_podcast Kate @‌walking_the_straight_line Steph @‌this.is.steph.sober Email theso...

This episode Kata & Steph talk about the paths of their drinking careers – how they started and how they ended. They talk to Des about how times have changed, and male drinking culture – when ‘going down the pub with the lads’ starts to involve soda and lime instead of eight pints of lager. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The Sober Effect Podcast Survey. Fo...

This episode Kate & Steph talk about navigating emotions both as drinkers and as women who no longer drink. They chat to Duncan about his experiences and consider if avoiding emotions is one of the main reasons people drink in the first place. And why that's probably the worst thing you could do. Show notes: Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The Sober Effect Podcast Sur...

This episode Kate & Steph talk about facing the holidays sober. They talk about past years, when alcohol played the leading role, and the truth about how these festive times really played out. They consider the difference now they are both sober and discuss how to face parties, boozy lunches and staying away from alcohol when the rest of the world seems intent on getting drunk. Show notes Your...

This episode Kate & Steph talk to Luke, who was diagnosed with ADHD in his 30s. Luke had an unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol and never understood what it was he was trying to control or escape, but he knew it was something. We talk to him about how sobriety, an ADHD diagnosis and prescription drugs have totally changed his life. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future o...

This episode Kate & Steph talk to Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Alcohol Recovery Coach, Steph, about all things food and nutrition. We talk about things like what happens to your body when you stop drinking, why we get such bad sugar cravings and how long it takes to lose weight when you quit the booze. We also cover body image and what it means to get healthy in a truly healthy way. Sh...

This episode Kate and Steph talk with Shannon, a mom of three who has experienced first-hand the effect that mommy wine culture can have on an individual. We talk about the dangers of using alcohol as a way to cope with the challenges of parenting and consider what sort of impact social media is really having on our drinking habits. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. T...

This episode Kate and Steph talk with Lexa, who, at the age of 25, became her mother’s main caregiver. Her mother has Korsakoff syndrome, a memory disorder associated with alcoholism. Lexa shares her story and the truth about what alcohol can do to people on TikTok, where she films honest, raw and often heartbreaking moments in her day-to-day life. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the futur...

This episode Kate and Steph talk with Suze, who tried to moderate in numerous ways for five years before she finally quit. They discuss the far-fetched and often ridiculous ‘negotiations’ we make with ourselves when we are trying to limit our drinking and how this can often take us to an even darker and more tormenting place. Show Notes Your thoughts can help shape the future of the show. Take The...