Sober Fit Life

Maureen Benkovich
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Sober Fit Life is the podcast for anyone caught in the cycle of drinking more than they want to, swearing it off, and ending up right back where they started—sometimes in the same day. If you're tired of the bloating, brain fog, shame, and mental tug-of-war over alcohol, you're not alone—and you're in the right place. Hosted by Maureen Benkovich, a former weekend binge drinker turned alcohol freedom coach, the show features real conversations with health pros, wellness experts, and people who’ve broken free from the cycle and reclaimed their health, clarity, and confidence. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. About finally living like the version of you that’s been buried under regret, excuses, and habits that don’t match your values. Expect honest stories, science-backed insight, and the kind of support that helps you feel proud of your choices—and strong enough to make new ones.

  1. FEB 16

    EP 48: Christy Osborne's 40 Day Fast That Will Change Everything

    I'm so excited to share this conversation with you! I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Christy Osborne, and let me tell you, her story is incredibly powerful. I've watched some of her journey firsthand, from writing her book to creating the 40-day fast that's now changing thousands of lives.  Christy is a Christian sobriety coach, author, and host of the Love Life Sober podcast. Christy shares her incredible journey from being a glamorous blogger in London to finding freedom from alcohol through faith and neuroscience-informed practices. Christy opens up about the complicated layers of her drinking story—from postpartum depression to the devastating loss of her mother. She reveals what life looked like behind the glossy Instagram posts and champagne glasses, and the divine moment that changed everything on the two-year anniversary of her mother's death. You'll hear about Christy's book "Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind," and learn about the upcoming Lent Fast starting February 18th—which I'll be coaching in alongside Christy! I'm so honored to join her.  This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered if they need to change their relationship with alcohol, especially Christian women who feel alone in their struggle. The next fast won't be until October, so if you've been thinking about this, now is the time! Join The Fast Get Christy's book  💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    34 min

  2. FEB 9

    Ep 48: Trina Dolenz: A Therapist’s Honest Take on Coaching With Maureen

    On the fence about coaching with Maureen Benkovich? Hear what it’s really like—from an actual client. Trina Dolenz is a couples therapist and relationship expert (VH1’s Tool Academy), author of Retool Your Relationship, and a familiar voice from the Dr. Drew universe (including guest hosting Loveline). And in this episode of Sober Fit Life, she’s not here to “teach”—she’s here to share her real experience being coached. Connect with Trina: https://www.couplestherapyannapolis.com https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/trina-dolenz-washington-dc/91622 Trina talks about her European upbringing where alcohol felt cultured, sophisticated, and nostalgic… and how that story can quietly turn into habit. You’ll hear what surprised her about a science-based, non-judgmental approach, why she didn’t want an all-or-nothing rulebook, and what it looked like to take a mindful break with structure. We get honest about the moments nobody posts about—being alone, being bored, and learning how to build new rituals and replacements that actually feel good. Trina also shares what she noticed in her attitude, presence, and gratitude as a grandmother, plus her therapist's take on how alcohol can quietly impact connection in relationships. If you’re thinking, “I know I’m drinking too much… I just don’t know how to change it,” this episode is for you. ✅ Take the quiz: Am I Drinking Too Much? https://www.soberfitchick.com/ami

    37 min

  3. FEB 2

    EP 47: The Hidden Form of People Pleasing

    In this episode of Sober Fit Life, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked reasons people keep drinking, even when they don’t want to: people pleasing disguised as politeness. This conversation is about what happens when alcohol becomes a social smoothing tool—not because you’re craving it, but because you’re trying to manage other people’s comfort, avoid awkwardness, or prevent imagined judgment. I share real coaching examples from clients who drank after months or even a year alcohol-free, not because they wanted to, but because they didn’t want to seem rude, difficult, or judgmental. We unpack the mindset behind those moments, why your brain treats assumptions like facts, and how “mind-reading” leads directly to self-sabotage. You’ll learn why this isn’t a willpower issue and how automatic negative thoughts quietly drive drinking decisions in social, personal, and professional settings. We also talk about: Why drinking to keep others comfortable is actually self-abandonment How alcohol solves discomfort for 30 minutes but creates regret for days Why confidence isn’t a personality trait—it’s a practiced decision How to stop apologizing for not drinking This episode is packed with practical coaching questions, mindset reframes, and simple scripts you can use at dinners, parties, and business meetings, without over-explaining or feeling awkward. If you’ve ever found yourself drinking just to keep things “smooth,” this episode will help you pause, choose differently, and build real self-trust—one moment at a time. 💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    35 min

  4. JAN 19

    EP 46: Stress, Surgery, and Big Changes

    Welcome back to Sober Fit Life! It's been a while, and there's a reason for that. 2025 threw me some major curveballs—two spine surgeries, a booze-filled cruise, and turning 60. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly what I learned navigating all of it completely alcohol-free. I talk about the mental work it took to recover from surgery without numbing out, what happened when I was accidentally served alcohol on a cruise (and the thoughts that went through my brain in those split seconds), and how I'm reframing what it means to celebrate a milestone birthday without a blowout party. If you've ever wondered whether you can handle life's biggest stressors, travel, or major transitions without alcohol, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the tools that got me through, the mindset shifts that made all the difference, and why I'm more confident than ever stepping into this next decade alcohol-free. I've been alcohol-free for years, and I'm still using those same tools my coach passed on to me when I first quit drinking. In this episode, I'm sharing some of them with you.  💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    32 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    EP 45: Curiosity Is The Cure For Gray Area Drinking

    In this episode of Sober Fit Life, I’m joined by my friend and former client Carrie Chojnowski, who returns to the podcast 14 months after completing my Six-Week Alcohol Reset. Carrie originally joined the reset out of curiosity, not because her drinking looked “out of control,” but because alcohol no longer aligned with the life and health she was building. Carrie shares what’s shifted since removing alcohol, from improved sleep and brain clarity to calmer relationships and deeper self-trust. As a holistic health coach with a background in speech pathology, Carrie opens up about why alcohol was the one health habit she avoided questioning—and how finally addressing it changed everything. We talk about gray area drinking, the detox-retox cycle many health-minded women fall into, and why sustainable change doesn’t come from white-knuckling or shame—but from curiosity, data, and self-awareness. This episode is for anyone who feels “fine” on the outside but knows something still feels off—and is ready to explore what life could look like without alcohol in the way. 📝 In This Episode, We Cover: What gray area drinking really looks like for high-functioning women Why Carrie joined the Six-Week Alcohol Reset despite already living a healthy lifestyle How alcohol quietly impacted her sleep, brain fog, anxiety, and relationships The surprising confidence boost that came from skipping alcohol at a family wedding How her children and husband noticed changes before she fully did Why boredom, stress, and connection needs often drive drinking Navigating social situations, travel, and airports alcohol-free The power of “data points” instead of shame when experimenting with drinking less How quitting alcohol made her a better coach and business owner Why removing alcohol helped everything else finally work 🔗 Connect with Carrie Chojnowski: Website Instagram 💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 My Six-Week Alcohol Reset Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    44 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Ep 44:Holiday Drinking: Simple Tools to Help You Drink Less

    In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact strategies I teach my clients when the holidays start holiday-ing a little too hard. Think: bottomless drinks, unending invitations, and that tiny inner voice that whispers, “We’ll deal with this in January.” (Fun fact: "January You" strongly disagrees.) We cover the tools and mindset shifts that help you move through this season with more clarity and less autopilot drinking. These are the same practices my clients use to feel better in their bodies, protect their sleep, stay connected to themselves, and truly enjoy the holidays — without slipping into habits that leave them feeling wiped out or disappointed. Here’s a snapshot of what we explore: • Why the holidays turn so many of us into “default drinkers.” • Why your sleep will thank you for drinking less • The HALT method and how it helps you pause before you pour • My Three P’s: Partner, Plan, Path — a simple strategy that removes pressure at parties • How to enter social events with more confidence and less anxiety Listen for more tools on boundaries, nervous system support, and noticing your patterns with compassion instead of self-judgment. If you enjoy having something festive in your glass, I share one of my favorites: Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs, an alcohol-free sparkling wine handcrafted in Italy. It comes in a beautiful bottle and feels celebratory without the after-effects. You can find it at BetterRhodes.com. Ready to start 2026 feeling clearer and more grounded? Join my 6-Week Alcohol Reset with Group Coaching.We keep the group small, so you get meaningful support, weekly live coaching, access to my FOUR “R” Method inside the course, and a connection with others who are walking the same path. 👉 Register here: https://www.soberfitchick.com/alcohol-reset  Let me know if today’s tools help you — I love hearing what shifts for you, even the small wins. Wishing you a holiday season that supports your body, your health, and your peace.

    19 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    EP 43: Rock Bottom: It's How You Feel, Not What Happened

    In this episode, Maureen sits down with Becca Stahl, the editor behind Sober Fit Life. What started as a casual conversation about sobriety turned into a powerful story of transformation that needed to be shared. Becca opens up about quitting drinking in her late twenties while working in the alcohol industry, how she discovered the concept of sober curiosity before she even knew what it was called, and why her version of "rock bottom" didn't look like what most people expect. She shares candidly about managing OCD and trauma, and why she's grateful she made this change before becoming a mom. This is a story about curiosity, self-honesty, and the courage to question everything you thought was normal. In This Episode, We Cover: Working in alcohol sales while secretly questioning her relationship with drinking The moment her boss said quitting was "bad for business" Why tracking her spending and drinking habits changed everything The harsh reality of moderate drinking: "This isn't fun when you're not blacking out" How she and her husband quit together (and the awkward kitchen island habit they had to break) Managing OCD and trauma after removing alcohol as a coping mechanism The difference between drinking buddies and real friends Parenting sober and modeling a different way of life for her daughter Why curiosity was the key to her entire transformation 💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    37 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    EP 42: The ADHD-Addiction Connection You Need to Know with Jheri South

    Could your struggle with alcohol actually be your brain's cry for dopamine? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Jheri South, certified ADHD specialist and neurodivergent woman, to uncover the shocking connection between undiagnosed ADHD and addiction. If you've ever felt like your emotions are too big, your reactions too intense, or wondered why willpower never seems to stick, this conversation might change everything. What You'll Discover: Why people with ADHD are 3-4 times more likely to struggle with addiction. The real story behind "rejection sensitivity dysphoria" (RSD) and emotional overwhelm. How dopamine depletion drives the constant search for stimulation. Why boredom feels unbearable for ADHD brains—and leads to self-medication. The truth about ADHD medication and addiction (it's not what you think). Practical strategies for managing ADHD without numbing out. About Today's Guest: Jheri South is a certified ADHD specialist, parent and teen coach, and neurodivergent woman who wasn't diagnosed until age 40. After navigating addiction herself and watching her family struggle, she became passionate about helping others understand the connection between brain wiring and behavior. Jheri has interviewed top ADHD specialists like Dr. William Dodson and believes that understanding your neurodivergence can be life-saving. Visit Jheri's website Jheri's FREE ADHD Quiz Jheri's Instagram  💬 Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇 Am I Drinking Too Much Quiz   Six-Week Alcohol Reset Drink Less By Monday  Book a FREE Discovery Call Follow me on Instagram

    52 min
See All (49)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Sober Fit Life is the podcast for anyone caught in the cycle of drinking more than they want to, swearing it off, and ending up right back where they started—sometimes in the same day. If you're tired of the bloating, brain fog, shame, and mental tug-of-war over alcohol, you're not alone—and you're in the right place. Hosted by Maureen Benkovich, a former weekend binge drinker turned alcohol freedom coach, the show features real conversations with health pros, wellness experts, and people who’ve broken free from the cycle and reclaimed their health, clarity, and confidence. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. About finally living like the version of you that’s been buried under regret, excuses, and habits that don’t match your values. Expect honest stories, science-backed insight, and the kind of support that helps you feel proud of your choices—and strong enough to make new ones.

Information

  • Creator
    Maureen Benkovich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2024 Sober Fit Chick
  • Show Website
    Sober Fit Life

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