Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories Brad McLeod

In this episode, we have Johnny a veteran who shares his transformative journey from growing up amidst the chaos of his brothers' addiction during the South Florida crack epidemic, to falling into his destructive cycle of substance abuse. Despite excelling in school and initially resisting the path of addiction, Johnny's experimentation with alcohol in middle school eventually led to a spiral of drug use, including cocaine, opioids, and heroin. After experiencing homelessness, multiple overdoses, and the tragic loss of his brother, a moment in an abandoned apartment in Austin, Texas, led Johnny to seek recovery. His sobriety journey began in March 2019, during which he faced the immense challenge of rebuilding his life, re-establishing relationships with his family, and overcoming the remnants of his troubled past. Johnny's story highlights the power of hope, the significance of self-improvement, and the impact of reaching out for help. This is Johnny’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
Johnny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schreyj11/
00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast
00:11 Johnny's Childhood Amidst Family Chaos
01:20 School Life and the Start of Substance Use
04:16 The Slippery Slope: College and Consequences
08:13 Military Service: A Temporary Escape
16:47 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Homelessness
20:20 Reflections on Recovery and Rebuilding
24:12 The Dark Depths of Addiction
29:09 The Turning Point: A Glimpse of Hope
32:59 The Road to Recovery: Embracing Sobriety
41:47 Rebuilding Life: Family, Work, and Self-Discovery
47:44 A Message of Hope and Resilience

In this episode, we have Anne’s heartfelt story of growing up with a father struggling with addiction, his involvement in the Cornbread Mafia, and her own battles with drinking. Anne discusses the impact of her father's addiction on her childhood, leading to her own struggles with alcohol in an attempt to cope with her anxiety and feelings of unworthiness. She shares her moment of awakening and the decision to pursue sobriety, emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and the power of forgiveness in healing and recovery. Anne's journey highlights the transformative potential of sobriety and how sharing and community support can help overcome the challenges of addiction. This is Anne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
 
Follow Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bright_eyed_sober_girl/
Donate to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
 
00:00 Opening and Guest Introduction
00:12 Anne's Childhood and Family Background
01:13 Generational Struggles and Personal Challenges
02:51 Early Memories and Realizations of a Troubled Family Life
07:51 School Struggles and the Impact of Family Issues
10:32 The Turning Point: A Traumatic Event and Its Aftermath
16:10 The Descent into Alcoholism and Seeking Escape
21:27 Finding Hope and the Path to Healing
27:55 A Journey to Faith: From Starbucks to Salvation
28:12 Family Ties: Forgiveness and Transformation
30:14 Embracing Church and Discovering Self-Worth
31:12 The Struggle with Gray Area Drinking
33:54 A Turning Point: Awakening to Sobriety
45:27 Finding Strength in Community and Sobriety
48:54 Reflecting on the Journey and Offering Hope

In this episode we have  Brandi, who openly shares her harrowing journey through a rocky childhood riddled with exposure to alcohol and abuse, leading to her own struggles with alcohol and substance abuse.  Brandi narrates how early childhood traumas, including being raised by her grandparents due to her parents' youth and inability to care for her, normalized the presence of alcohol and chaos from a young age. Her story goes into the depths of her addiction, detailing a cycle of struggling relationships, involvement with drugs and alcohol, and the consequential negative impact on her life and her children's lives. The turning point comes when she decides to seek help and successfully enters rehab, marking the beginning of her journey to recovery. Brandi's narrative highlights the stark realities of addiction, the importance of support, and the possibility of redemption and rebuilding one's life.
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Contact Brandi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandilvick/
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Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories
00:19 Brandy's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety
00:36 The Early Years: Chaos, Alcohol, and Family Dynamics
04:22 Adolescence: Struggles, School, and the Spiral into Substance Abuse
10:23 Turning Points: Escaping Abuse and Finding New Paths
15:37 The Cycle Continues: Challenges, Loss, and the Fight for Sobriety
19:36 Reflections and Revelations: Navigating Life's Turbulent Waters
24:00 A New Chapter: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Change
25:05 A Journey Through Addiction and Loss
25:26 The Spiral of Addiction: Pills, Alcohol, and Cocaine
27:01 Family Struggles and the Cycle of Addiction
28:49 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
34:52 A New Chapter: Recovery and Sobriety
46:51 The Importance of Connection and Routine in Sobriety

In this episode, we are joined by Jenna, who shares her story from childhood as a 4.0 student who excelled in sports. And at 14 everything changed when alcohol became involved in her life.  She discusses the impact of her mother’s hidden struggle with alcohol, and how her pursuit of athletic and academic excellence masked deeper issues of loneliness and the need for acceptance. Jenna's story dives into her spiral into heavier drinking and partying during her teenage years, leading to dropping out of high school, multiple jobs, and eventually motherhood at a young age. She describes facing the reality of her mother’s deteriorating health due to alcohol, and her journey towards sobriety, sparked by a desire to change, therapy, and the sober community. Jenna emphasizes the importance of wanting sobriety, the role of fitness and social media in her recovery, and now a mother of 6 and over 500 days sober and living a more fulfilling life without alcohol. This is Jenn’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
Connect with Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennaraneamiller/
Support the Podcast here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Sign up for free sober buddy meetings: https://yoursoberbuddy.com/free-zoom-meetings/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories
00:14 Jenna's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety
04:19 The Turning Point: High School and the Spiral of Addiction
10:03 A New Chapter: Motherhood, Moving, and the Struggle with Alcohol
11:16 The Bartending Years: Navigating Work, Motherhood, and Alcohol
18:07 Seeking Change: The Move and the Battle with Alcoholism
20:17 The Harsh Reality of Alcohol: Mental Health and Seeking Help
21:48 The Struggle with Isolation and Alcohol
23:28 Finding a New Path: Entrepreneurship and Fitness
24:28 A Wake-Up Call: Family Health Crisis
25:59 The Journey to Sobriety: Therapy and Support
29:04 The Power of Sharing and Connecting
40:29 Reflections on Sobriety and Personal Growth
 
 

In this episode, we have John, who shares his deeply personal journey through childhood challenges, struggles with self-esteem and self-confidence, his battle with alcohol addiction, and eventually finding sobriety. Growing up in a family grappling with addiction, John's early experiences shaped his relationship with alcohol, which became a coping mechanism during his teenage years that carried into adulthood. Despite early signs of his struggle, the loss of his father and the responsibilities that followed further complicated his path.  The turning point in John's story comes with his decision to seek treatment, triggered by another trip to the hospital. His journey toward recovery is proof of the power of seeking help and the significance of a supportive community in overcoming addiction. John emphasizes the importance of trust, sharing his insights on how sobriety has transformed his life and relationships. Now, he strives to be a source of hope and support for others facing similar battles, highlighting that change is possible at any age.
 
Sign up for April 10th Meeting and others: https://yoursoberbuddy.com/free-zoom-meetings/
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Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobersinkiller/
 
00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories
00:24 John's Journey: From Childhood to Sobriety
00:38 The Early Signs: Growing Up with Addiction
02:37 High School Struggles: Acne, Fitting In, and Early Drinking
04:21 College Days: The Start of a Deeper Relationship with Alcohol
13:42 Post-College Life: Realizations and Responsibilities
19:34 Marriage, Parenthood, and the Turning Point
21:48 The Journey to Sobriety Begins
22:28 The Realization and Struggle with Sobriety
24:28 A Second Chance at Sobriety
27:42 The Impact of Family and Age on Recovery
28:49 Embracing Recovery and the Path Forward
35:18 The Power of Community in Sobriety
40:05 Final Reflections and Encouragement

In this episode we have Chris, who shares his compelling story of growing up in East Texas, his battles with alcoholism and drug abuse, and his journey to sobriety. Born in 1972 in Tyler, Texas, Chris grew up witnessing heavy drinking in his community  Despite a supportive extended family, Chris struggled with feeling uncomfortable in his own skin.  After several interventions in which he spent 12 months in a strict rehab center, Chris initially found sobriety at 22. However, after having another drink after 8.5 years of sobriety, he experienced a dark period of relapse. Chris openly narrates the challenging, yet ultimately successful, battle to regain his sobriety, his personal growth, and his current role as a father. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, the need for a strong support system, and how his views have changed over the years. This is Chris’s story on the sober motivation podcast.
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Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismcox72/
Follow Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast with Chris
00:16 Chris's Childhood in East Texas: Family, Culture, and Early Challenges
02:26 Feeling Different and Out of Place: Chris's Early Struggles
05:34 Turning Points: From Trouble to Treatment
08:56 A Journey Through Rehabilitation and Recovery
16:41 The Road to Sobriety: Challenges and Triumphs
18:56 Embracing Fatherhood and Finding Purpose in Sobriety
20:27 Finding Joy in Sobriety and Community
21:26 The Slippery Slope: From Sobriety to Relapse
22:44 The Harsh Reality of Addiction and Its Consequences
25:18 Struggling to Regain Sobriety: A Personal Journey
27:39 The Turning Point: From Despair to Hope
33:22 Building a New Life: Sobriety, Family, and Career
37:22 Embracing Change and Helping Others
41:08 The Power of Community and Virtual Support