The Soberistas Podcast ~ Empowered By Sobriety

This week on the Soberistas podcast, Lucy is joined by Della Galton - bestselling novelist, journalist and author of One In A Million (previously released as Ice and A Slice ). Della talks openly about her journey to sobriety, now over 20 years ago, and why she has only recently begun speaking publicly about the role alcohol played in her life. Together, Lucy and Della explore the shame and secrec...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Chamberlain, founder of UnashamED - a powerhouse organisation dedicated to tackling shame in education, personal development, and sober living. With a background as a teacher, coach, and consultant, Sarah brings deep expertise in psychology and a fierce passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and unashamed. We dive into the hidden role of sha...

In this episode, I'm joined by Sean Daniels - internationally acclaimed theatre director, playwright, and artistic visionary - who has become one of the most powerful voices in the recovery movement. Sean’s work fuses art and activism, using theatre as a catalyst for healing and connection in the fight against addiction. From his celebrated play The White Chip - a New York Times Critics Pick...

In this powerful episode of Empowered by Sobriety , I sit down with Mel, Andy, and Helen to talk about Our Message Our Voice - a moving short film that highlights four deeply personal journeys through alcohol addiction and recovery. Together, we explore the themes of sober connection, the vital role of community, and the cultural conditioning that surrounds alcohol. Each guest brings a unique and...

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Sam Roome – sober coach, speaker, trainee counsellor, and author of The Sober Experience . We talk about the impact of trauma on drinking, and how it can be incredibly hard to access help when alcohol becomes a crutch in the midst of life’s chaos. Sam shares her deeply personal story of growing up with two alcoholic parents, becoming a mum herself, and the m...

In this episode, I sit down with Leon Clowes for a deep, inspiring conversation about sobriety and creativity. We explore the long-held belief that alcohol fuels artistic expression—and challenge it head-on. From personal stories to powerful insights, we discuss how true creativity often flourishes not in chaos, but in clarity. Whether you’re sober-curious, on your own alcohol-free journey, or sim...

Empowered By Sobriety – The Soberistas Podcast In this episode, Lucy Rocca sits down with the inspiring Liz Folan, known as Running Girl on Soberistas. Recently named the Soberistas Champion in January 2025, Liz embodies everything Soberistas stands for—embracing sobriety with positivity, living alcohol-free to the fullest, and stepping into her true potential as a strong, empowered woman. Tune in...

Lucy Rocca talks to sober influencer and retreats organiser, Isabel Van Zuilen, founder of Sobertopia , a platform for all things alcohol-free. Izzy's story of boozy binge drinker to happy, self-fulfilled and sharing the power of positive sobriety around the globe is as motivational as it is inspiring. Enjoy! 😊 About Izzy: Isabel van Zuilen (Izzy) is an expat from Amsterdam, living in San Fr...

From boozy benders to finding the joy of sobriety, Sober Mama is Rachael Shephard's debut book. It tells the story of her rollercoaster ride to abstinence and how ditching the Pinot Grigio for good completely transformed her life. In this podcast, I chat to Rachael about her journey to sobriety, writing the book, and everything she has learnt along the way.  You can follow Rachael on social m...

Soberistas provides round the clock support to anyone who wants to quit drinking and stay sober. Our members achieve amazing results in their sobriety, and this podcast episode shines the spotlight on one such member, Davelad. Davelad speaks about his four years of sobriety following years of destructive drinking, and how Soberistas helped him achieve this incredible lifestyle change. Discover wha...

In this episode, I speak with Chris Burn, who, in his younger years, successfully created an economic and cultural wilderness out of a secure and pleasant lifestyle, using only a bottle of Scotch. After entering rehab to get sober, Chris found solace and hope in creativity, and has written several books on recovery-related subjects.  Chris talks candidly about all the lessons he has learnt from 37...

In this episode of the Soberistas podcast, I chat with Dr Chloe Casey, a registered nutritionist and lecturer in nutrition and behaviour at Bournemouth University. Chloe's research interests are women's alcohol use, the impacts of alcohol on nutritional status, and the role of good nutrition in recovery.  In this podcast episode, Chloe answers Soberistas members' questions on alcoho...

I speak to guest Stephen Melling who started the group, Recovery Runners in Liverpool. I loved speaking to Ste in this podcast who is a true inspiration - following major suffering from his acute anxiety and longstanding drug and alcohol use, Ste discovered a secret weapon in the battle for his recovery: RUNNING!  We chat about how Ste's alcohol and other drug use began, his mental health str...

Lucy Rocca shares her tried and tested formula for change - Values and Vision. What gets in the way of success in changing our unwanted behaviours and letting go of unhelpful habits? How do you know what thoughts you should listen to and which ones you should override? Where do you find the impetus to push through your internal resistance and keep moving towards life goals that you desperately wan...

I speak with Soberistas So'Bro, David Lawrenson, about his amazing fundraising mission: David is climbing Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, nine times in three days to raise money for the Soberistas charity. David and I talk about the barriers to sobriety, how shame gets in the way of getting sober, and what on earth possessed him to tackle this incredible physical feat. For insp...

I speak with inspirational duo Zoe Zontou from Liverpool Hope University and colleague Emma Wilkinson from iChoose/Transforming Choice, who run the Pink Flamingo project in Liverpool. Pink Flamingo offers women a safe space to explore their identity, enjoy time for themselves away from life's stresses, and build connection in a safe environment. Also featuring Sarah, a participant of the Pink...