Sober & Lit Podcast

Susan Larkin & Ruby Williams

Are you worried you might be drinking too much?  If you’ve tried cutting back your drinking, but can’t imagine your life without wine? This podcast is for you.  Sober & Lit is the podcast for women in midlife who want encouragement, support, and real strategies to live their best life without alcohol. Whether you identify as a gray area drinker, a daily drinker, are exploring how to stop drinking, or are wondering how to know if you even have a drinking problem, this show offers practical tools and honest conversations. In each episode we answer real listeners’ questions about how to stop drinking and how to stay stopped. With sober stories, empowering insights, and practical tips and tactics for living sober with mindfulness, confidence, and joy. If you're ready to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle and step into your most vibrant, “lit” life you're in the right place.   This podcast is for you if you’ve ever asked: Why can’t I drink like everyone else?  Why do I drink more than I want to?  I had weight loss surgery and why am I drinking every day now?  What is a gray area drinker?  Why can’t I stop drinking once I start?  How can I drink less during stressful times (holidays, divorce, empty nest, grief) Is it possible to enjoy life without alcohol?  How do I cut back without quitting completely?  What’s the first step to changing my drinking?  How much alcohol is too much for a woman my age?  Every episode ends with how we and our guests feel lit with practices that support your mental health, optimizes your fitness goals and enhances personal growth. If you’re sober-curious, or alcohol-free and ready for your next amazing chapter in life, this podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, real talk, and some laughs!

  1. 2d ago

    Stop Waiting to Feel Ready to Quit Drinking / EP 136

    What if you're never going to feel completely ready to quit drinking? You keep waiting... After vacation. After the wedding. When work calms down. Next Monday. But here's the twist: Motivation doesn't create action. Action creates motivation. In this episode, we're sharing 3 ways to finally get fired up without rock bottom, more willpower, or beating yourself up: Make one decision from self-love.Borrow hope until you have your own.Replace pressure with curiosity.And Ruby shares the fascinating bamboo story that may completely change how you see all those times you thought you “failed.” Because maybe you haven't been failing at all... maybe you've been growing roots. If you've been waiting for some magical moment when you'll finally feel ready to change your drinking... this is your "get lit" episode. 🧡 Here's the link to schedule a call with Coach Ruby: https://coachingwithruby.com/Chat We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  2. Aug 11

    Alcohol Was Keeping Me Playing Small with Lorna Wilson / EP 135

    Could the best years of your life still be ahead of you? Most women think going alcohol-free means giving something up... What if it's actually the beginning of becoming someone you've never met before? ✨ In this episode we sit down with Lorna Wilson, a life and alcohol-free coach from Canada whose journey into sobriety began in midlife. You'll discover: • Why alcohol often keeps women playing smaller than they're meant to. • How midlife can become the doorway to purpose, reinvention, and possibility. • Why your inner critic may be the only thing standing between you and your future self. • The powerful coaching questions that help women dream again... at any age. If you've ever wondered... ✨ "Is it too late for me?" ✨ "Have I missed my chance?" ✨ "What if there's still something more?" This conversation may be exactly what your future self has been waiting for.  ______ Guest Resources for Lorna Wilson- Website: http://lornawilsoncoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LornaWilsonCoaching We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  3. Aug 4

    Alcohol & Boredom: Why You Keep Drinking / EP 134

    Ever notice how boredom seems to whisper... "Have a drink?" What if that urge has less to do with boredom... and more to do with how alcohol has trained your brain? In this episode of Sober & Lit, Ruby and Susan unpack why everyday life can feel dull after years of drinking... and why that's not your fault. Inside this conversation: • Why alcohol rewires your brain's reward system • The surprising upside of boredom • Coach Ruby's powerful 4 Boredom Buckets coaching tool • Simple ways to create new habits that actually stick If weekends, quiet afternoons, or "nothing to do" moments are your biggest drinking triggers, this episode could completely change how you see boredom... and yourself. ______ Do you find yourself reaching for a drink simply because you're bored? Download my FREE Alcohol & Boredom Worksheet to discover what's really driving the urge... and explore simple, meaningful ways to create a life that feels more fulfilling than a glass of wine. 🧡 Get your free worksheet now: https://coachingwithruby.com/AlcoholBoredom We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  4. Jul 28

    When Doctors Struggle with Alcohol & Depression with Dr. Valerie Brooke / EP 133

    What happens when the person everyone turns to for help is quietly falling apart? Doctors spend their lives caring for others... but who cares for them? In this powerful episode of Sober & Lit, we sit down with Dr. Valerie Brooke, who bravely shares the story she kept hidden for years. Together we explore: • The silent relationship between alcohol and depression • Why high achievers often struggle in secret • The fear of asking for help when your career is on the line • How honesty became the first step toward healing She was the doctor... but no one saw her pain. From the outside, Dr. Valerie Brooke had a successful medical career. Behind the scenes, she was battling depression, alcohol, and the overwhelming pressure to appear strong. You won't want to miss this conversation! ______ Guest Resources for Valerie Brooke- Substack: https://substack.com/@drvaleriebrooke Instagram: @drvjbrooke Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvjbrooke/ We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  5. Jul 21

    The Missing Step When Changing Your Drinking / EP 132

    What if you're not stuck... just unheard? You know alcohol isn't helping. You've read the books. You've learned the science. You've tried to change. So why do the same patterns keep coming back? In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby explore the missing piece that many alcohol-free journeys overlook: Why knowing isn't always enoughThe hidden beliefs that quietly fuel drinkingHow self-compassion creates lasting changeA simple practice to soothe your inner critic instead of fighting itIf you're ready to stop battling yourself and start healing from the inside out, this episode will meet you with hope, compassion, and a new perspective on what true alcohol freedom looks like.  We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  6. Jul 14

    Why Alcohol-Free Travel Changes Everything with Darci Murray / EP 131

    What if your best vacation didn't include alcohol? If the thought of traveling without wine, cocktails, or all-inclusive drinks sounds impossible... this episode might surprise you. Join Susan and Ruby as they chat with Darci Murray, founder of Hooked Travel, about how going alcohol-free transformed the way she experiences the world.  Together they explore: Why alcohol-free travel is more fun than you thinkHow to enjoy vacations without feeling like you're missing outFinding deeper connection, adventure, and presence on every tripPractical tips for creating unforgettable alcohol-free experiencesCould giving up alcohol actually make your vacations better? Tune in to discover why more women are choosing to travel alcohol-free... and coming home with memories they never want to forget.  ______ Guest Resources for Darci Murray of Hooked Travel- Email: hookedtraveladventure@gmail.com Website: https://hooked-on-travel.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hookedalcoholfreetravel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookedalcoholfreetravel We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  7. Jul 7

    Is Alcohol Causing Your Midlife Weight Gain? EP 130

    You're eating better. Exercising more. Maybe you've even had bariatric surgery... so why is the scale still moving in the wrong direction? In this episode of Sober & Lit, Ruby and Susan uncover one of the most overlooked contributors to midlife weight gain... alcohol. Together, they explore how alcohol affects your metabolism, hormones, sleep, cravings, and recovery, and why it can quietly sabotage your health goals... even when you're doing everything else "right." You'll discover: Why alcohol impacts weight differently after 40The surprising connection between alcohol and bariatric surgeryHow hormones, sleep, and cravings work togetherWhy this isn't about willpower... and what you can do insteadIf you've ever wondered... "Why can't I lose weight anymore?" "Is it menopause... or is it alcohol?" "Could alcohol be the missing piece?" This conversation will leave you with a new perspective, practical insights, and hope that feeling healthier, lighter, and more energized may be closer than you think. Listen in! _____ Wondering if alcohol could be affecting your weight, hormones, or energy more than you realized? Download my FREE Alcohol & Weight Gain Worksheet to uncover the hidden ways alcohol may be impacting your body... and start making choices from clarity instead of frustration. 🧡 Get your free worksheet now: https://coachingwithruby.com/AlcoholWeightGain We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

  8. Jun 30

    Embarrassed to Be Alcohol-Free? Here's How to Own It / EP 129

    What if the hardest part about becoming alcohol-free isn't giving up alcohol... ...it's letting go of the identity that came with it? In this episode of Sober & Lit, Susan and Ruby answer a listener question that so many women quietly struggle with: "Why do I feel embarrassed to call myself alcohol-free?" Together they explore why our brains worry so much about fitting in, how limiting beliefs shape our identity, and why becoming alcohol-free is less about losing something... and more about rediscovering who you've been all along. You'll learn: • Why fear of judgment keeps us stuck • How to stop mind-reading other people's opinions • A simple mindset shift that builds lasting confidence • Practical coaching tools to help you feel proud, authentic, and free If you've ever wondered... "Will people think I'm boring?" "Who am I without alcohol?" "How do I stop caring what everyone else thinks?" This conversation may completely change the way you think about your alcohol-free journey.  We Love Hearing From You Don't forget to follow and subscribe and leave a review! It helps to get the word out that living sober is lit!  Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! Join our private community!  Connect with the Podcast Hosts: Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/ Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

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About

Are you worried you might be drinking too much?  If you’ve tried cutting back your drinking, but can’t imagine your life without wine? This podcast is for you.  Sober & Lit is the podcast for women in midlife who want encouragement, support, and real strategies to live their best life without alcohol. Whether you identify as a gray area drinker, a daily drinker, are exploring how to stop drinking, or are wondering how to know if you even have a drinking problem, this show offers practical tools and honest conversations. In each episode we answer real listeners’ questions about how to stop drinking and how to stay stopped. With sober stories, empowering insights, and practical tips and tactics for living sober with mindfulness, confidence, and joy. If you're ready to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle and step into your most vibrant, “lit” life you're in the right place.   This podcast is for you if you’ve ever asked: Why can’t I drink like everyone else?  Why do I drink more than I want to?  I had weight loss surgery and why am I drinking every day now?  What is a gray area drinker?  Why can’t I stop drinking once I start?  How can I drink less during stressful times (holidays, divorce, empty nest, grief) Is it possible to enjoy life without alcohol?  How do I cut back without quitting completely?  What’s the first step to changing my drinking?  How much alcohol is too much for a woman my age?  Every episode ends with how we and our guests feel lit with practices that support your mental health, optimizes your fitness goals and enhances personal growth. If you’re sober-curious, or alcohol-free and ready for your next amazing chapter in life, this podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, real talk, and some laughs!

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