The Sober Connection

Abi King
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

Hosted by Abi King, an ex-daily drinker turned sobriety coach based in New Zealand, this podcast is for people who are curious about a sober life. Episodes will discuss a variety of sobriety related topics with the aim of helping people understand the dangers of a regular drinking habit. With a mixture of short "tips & tricks" episodes, and longer guest interviews, The Sober Connection podcast hopes to provide you with a glimpse into a life without alcohol, proving that being sober is anything but boring.

  1. 1D AGO

    Season 3 - Episode 1: When You Know It's Not Working Anymore

    There’s a moment that doesn’t get talked about enough - the one when everything still looks fine on the outside but deep down, you know something isn’t working anymore. In this episode, I’m talking about that quiet turning point. The awareness that your drinking isn’t quite where you want it to be, even if it doesn’t look like a “problem” from the outside. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in that in-between space - not bad enough to change, but not feeling good enough to stay the same - this one’s for you. This is the first episode in a new series where I’ll be walking you through: – why you keep going back – what’s actually driving the habit – why moderation can feel so exhausting – and what starts to change when you do things differently So if this episode resonates and you’ve had that moment of thinking “this isn’t really working anymore” - stay with me. Get in touch: Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    10 min
  2. Season 2 - Episode 20: My Chat with Ryan Nel

    FEB 19

    Season 2 - Episode 20: My Chat with Ryan Nel

    In today’s episode, I am joined by Ryan — also known as The Sober Kiwi — to talk about his journey with alcohol, what led him to make a change, and what life looks like on the other side. What I love about this conversation is how real and grounded it is. There’s no big dramatic story here — just honest reflections on mindset, habits, and the quiet shifts that can completely change the direction of your life. We talk about:  What his relationship with alcohol used to look like  The moment things started to shift  The realisation that it's the first drink that often gets us into trouble What early sobriety was actually like for him  How his identity, health, and daily life have changed since going alcohol-free  And what it’s like choosing sobriety in a culture where drinking is still so normalised Ryan also shares his perspective as someone who’s experienced different drinking cultures, and how that’s shaped his journey. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol — but not quite sure where you fit — this episode will feel very relatable. Get in touch: Ryan Instagram @ryanthesoberkiwi Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    45 min

  3. FEB 12

    Season 2 - Episode 19: The Starting Over Trap

    If you feel like you’re constantly starting over when it comes to drinking… you’re not alone. Taking a break. Cutting back. Telling yourself “this time will be different.” And for a while, it works… until it doesn’t. In this episode, Abi talks about why that keeps happening — and why starting again isn’t actually the problem. After recently losing her Instagram accounts and being forced to rebuild from scratch, Abi found herself facing a very familiar thought: “Do I really want to start again?” And it made her realise just how similar this is to the stop-start cycle so many people experience with alcohol. In this episode, Abi explores:  Why the “starting again” cycle feels so frustrating  What’s actually keeping you stuck (it’s not what you think)  Why willpower isn’t the issue  And what needs to change if you want something more sustainable If you’re tired of resetting, restarting, and wondering why it’s not sticking… this one’s for you. And if you’re ready to take the next step: ✨ 30 Days to Freedom – a gentle reset for sober curious women ✨ Steady & Strong – a longer-term coaching partnership for lasting change Links are in the show notes below. You don’t have to keep starting over. 💛 Get in touch: Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Steady & Strong - 6-month partnership More information available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/coaching-options/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    8 min
  4. Season 2 - Episode 18: My Chat with Ian Fee

    FEB 5

    Season 2 - Episode 18: My Chat with Ian Fee

    In this episode, I sat down with Ian Fee, who lived the “work hard, play harder” lifestyle while building his business… until it caught up with him. What followed wasn’t just about getting sober - Ian rebuilt his life, his relationships, and his sense of purpose from the ground up. This is a really honest conversation about: high-functioning drinkingbusiness culture & alcoholthe moment things have to changeand what life actually looks like on the other sideIf you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol might be holding you back — even just a little — this one’s for you. Get in touch: Ian Wild Ride to Sobriety by Ian Fee Available here - https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=wild+ride+to+sobriety+ian+fee&crid=1GCLS4JB8XDA3&sprefix=wild+ride+to+sobriety+ian+fee%2Caps%2C258&ref=nb_sb_noss Instagram @ian.fee Website - www.ianfee.com Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    55 min

  5. JAN 29

    Season 2 - Episode 17: Letting Go of Guilt & Regret

    Guilt and regret don’t always disappear when you stop drinking. In fact, for many people, sobriety brings clarity — and with it, memories, shame, and self-judgement that can feel hard to shake. In this episode, Abi explores why guilt lingers, the difference between healthy responsibility and toxic shame, and how self-forgiveness becomes a crucial part of moving forward. She shares a personal reflection, talks through when making amends is helpful (and when it isn’t), and offers a short guided journaling prompt to help you relate to your past with compassion instead of punishment. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of replaying old stories — and ready to release the weight of who they used to be. Get in touch: Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    7 min
  6. Season 2: Episode 16 - My Chat with Jimmy Thistle

    JAN 22

    Season 2: Episode 16 - My Chat with Jimmy Thistle

    In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King speaks with recovery advocate Jimmy Thistle, who shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism.  From his early experiences with drinking in Scotland to the consequences of his addiction, including lost relationships and jobs, Jimmy recounts the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses his time in rehab during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of relapse, and ultimately finding sobriety.  The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the realisation of the dangers of alcohol, culminating in Jimmy's commitment to a sober life and helping others in their recovery journeys.  In this conversation, Abi and Jimmy discuss their personal journeys with alcohol addiction, the challenges of recognising and overcoming their problems, and the importance of community support. They explore societal stigma surrounding addiction, the impact of advertising on drinking culture, and the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that comes with sobriety.  They emphasise that it's never too late to change and that awareness and education are crucial in addressing addiction. Get in touch: Jimmy Instagram @recovery_jimmy Podcast - After Hours with Jimmy Thistle Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    1h 11m

  7. JAN 15

    Season 2 - Episode 15: Alcohol & Sleep

    If you’ve stopped drinking and your sleep feels worse instead of better, you’re not alone — and nothing has gone wrong. In this episode, Abi unpacks why early sobriety often comes with broken sleep, vivid dreams, and early-morning wake-ups, and why this phase is a normal part of recovery, not a sign of failure. You’ll learn: How alcohol sedates rather than restores sleepWhy REM sleep disruption and rebound affect early sobrietyThe role of cortisol in 3am wake-ups and night-time anxietyAbi also shares her own experience of sleep struggles after quitting alcohol and offer three gentle ways to support your sleep without pressure: routine, light exposure, and simple wind-down rituals. If sleep is making you question your relationship with alcohol, this episode will help you understand what’s happening — and remind you to be patient with your body. Get in touch: Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    10 min
  8. Season 2 - Episode 14: My Chat with Jeremy Maxwell

    JAN 8

    Season 2 - Episode 14: My Chat with Jeremy Maxwell

    Listener note: This episode includes a short, non-graphic mention of suicide within a broader discussion. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please listen in a way that feels supportive. In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King engages in a candid conversation with Jeremy Maxwell, a co-owner of a CrossFit gym and a person in recovery from addiction.  Jeremy shares his journey from being a high-functioning addict to navigating the complexities of sobriety, including the impact of early trauma, the challenges of relapse, and the importance of community support. They discuss the role of exercise in mental health, the initiative 'Move the Weight' aimed at fostering community and connection, and redefine what recovery truly means.  The conversation emphasises that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but also about addressing underlying issues and learning to cope with life's challenges without resorting to old habits. Get in touch: Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2

    1h 1m
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About

Hosted by Abi King, an ex-daily drinker turned sobriety coach based in New Zealand, this podcast is for people who are curious about a sober life. Episodes will discuss a variety of sobriety related topics with the aim of helping people understand the dangers of a regular drinking habit. With a mixture of short "tips & tricks" episodes, and longer guest interviews, The Sober Connection podcast hopes to provide you with a glimpse into a life without alcohol, proving that being sober is anything but boring.

Information

  • Creator
    Abi King
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sober Connection
  • Show Website
    The Sober Connection

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