118 episodes

My name is Shelby John and July 1, 2002 was the first day of my second life! And I haven’t found it necessary to take a drink or a drug since! My sobriety has given me the freedom to dedicate my life to helping others as a clinical social worker specializing in trauma. In this podcast you will hear real life talk about building confidence and transforming your life beyond recovery!

Confident Sober Women Shelby

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.7 • 24 Ratings

My name is Shelby John and July 1, 2002 was the first day of my second life! And I haven’t found it necessary to take a drink or a drug since! My sobriety has given me the freedom to dedicate my life to helping others as a clinical social worker specializing in trauma. In this podcast you will hear real life talk about building confidence and transforming your life beyond recovery!

    Reclaiming and Loving Yourself with Dr. Donna Marks - Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Life

    Reclaiming and Loving Yourself with Dr. Donna Marks - Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Life

    Join us in today's episode as we delve into a powerful and transformative conversation with Dr. Donna Marks, an author, consultant, public speaker, and psychotherapist with over three decades of experience. Dr. Marks shares her personal journey with addiction, starting from her childhood, and the keys to reclaiming oneself and living a fulfilling life.
    Highlights:
    Introduction to Dr. Donna Marks, an author, consultant, public speaker, and psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience.Dr. Marks discusses the top three aspects of her emotional, physical, and spiritual design for living, and how they are essential for reclaiming oneself and finding one's way back.Donna shares her personal story of addiction, starting from her childhood, when she experienced alcoholism, eating disorders, and sexually inappropriate behavior in her family.How she got sober at 30, maintained sobriety for 23 years, and then intentionally relapsed after facing numerous catastrophes in her life.The need to become healthy and recognize the deadly toxins in our lives, such as nicotine, alcohol, trans fats, and sugar, and how they contribute to the majority of major medical illnesses.The importance of reclaiming our freedom from addiction, valuing our brains and individuality, and thinking for ourselves.Encouraging listeners to find their unique mission in life and fulfill their individualized and special purpose.Tune in to this inspiring and insightful episode with Dr. Donna Marks as we explore the journey to reclaiming ourselves, loving ourselves, and overcoming addiction. Discover the steps to living a healthy, meaningful, and purpose-driven life, free from the chains of addiction. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools for personal transformation.



    Links:
    https://drdonnamarks.com/https://drdonnamarks.com/books/exit-the-maze/#buyhttps://drdonnamarks.com/videos/podcasts/https://drdonnamarks.com/videos/guided-meditations/

    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 51 min
    The Other Side of Darkness: Mom/Author Valerie Cantella on The Effects of Alcoholism on a Marriage, Special Needs Parenting, and Learning to Embrace the Unimaginable

    The Other Side of Darkness: Mom/Author Valerie Cantella on The Effects of Alcoholism on a Marriage, Special Needs Parenting, and Learning to Embrace the Unimaginable

    My guest today is Valerie Cantella. Valerie is an award-winning multi-passionate communications and public affairs professional who's living a life beyond her wildest dreams. She is the author of Off Script: A Mom's Journey Through Adoption, A Husband's Alcoholism, and Special Needs Parenting. In this episode, she shares her journey as a mother of teens with mental health issues, the struggles of special needs, parenting, the effects of alcoholism on a marriage, and how she learned to embrace the unimaginable to create an extraordinary life.




    Highlights:


    Learning her husband was an alcoholicLearning how to set boundaries in difficult situationsOvercoming the shame and fear associated with addictionWhat it’s like to see your child struggle with addiction and get clean and sober

    Links:
    Off Script: A Mom's Journey Through Adoption, A Husband's Alcoholism, and Special Needs ParentingValerie's WebsiteFollow Valerie on IG

    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober.  Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.






    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 48 min
    Transforming Lives Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Dawn Nickel on Building Confidence and Connection

    Transforming Lives Beyond Recovery: A Conversation with Dawn Nickel on Building Confidence and Connection

    My guest today is Dawn Nickel, founder of SHE RECOVERS® Foundation, who is a thought leader in the women's recovery sphere as well as an accomplished leader, dedicated researcher, and visionary in the recovery moment. Dawn has been in long-term recovery since 1987 and she shares her story of addiction to cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, and pills, and how recovery has been a lifelong journey of healing. 
    Dawn believes that everyone is recovering from something, whether it be overdrinking, overworking, eating disorders, love addiction, or gambling. In today's episode, she shares her personal journey and the different modalities she has explored to address the underlying issues that led to her addiction.
    Dawn also discusses how she started in 12-step recovery, but after hitting a wall with workaholism, she started a movement called She Recovers with her daughter. They started with a yoga retreat in Mexico and have now hosted over 50 retreats and launched a coach designation program. She Recovers has evolved from a passion project to a business and has hosted conferences all over the US.
    Recovery is a journey through the past and into the present and learning how to live in the present. Dawn encourages everyone to explore different modalities and find what works best for them.

    Links:
    https://sherecovers.org/
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober.  Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.







    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 48 min
    Letting Go Of The Stories We Tell Ourselves and Breaking Free From Shame w/ Erin Khar

    Letting Go Of The Stories We Tell Ourselves and Breaking Free From Shame w/ Erin Khar

    My guest today is Erin Khar, an author, and advocate who has made a name for herself by writing about addiction recovery, mental health, parenting, and relationships. Her debut memoir, “Strong Out,” has garnered critical acclaim and earned a spot on many anticipated reading lists. Erin also writes a popular weekly advice column on Substack.


    Today’s episode focuses on destigmatizing addiction and the shame that surrounds it. Erin shares her personal story and discusses the importance of having open and honest conversations about addiction. She explains house addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones and communities.


    Highlights:


    The root causes of addiction and the impact of trauma The role of compassion and empathy in helping those struggling with addictionThe importance of community-based programs 

    Links:
    Ask Erin Erin's WebsiteFollow Erin on IG
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober.  Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 52 min
    Breaking the Cycle: Healing Trauma and Building Boundaries in Long-term Recovery w/Lisa Frederiksen

    Breaking the Cycle: Healing Trauma and Building Boundaries in Long-term Recovery w/Lisa Frederiksen

    My guest today is Lisa Frederiksen. Lisa is an author, speaker, and consultant who focuses on substance use disorders, mental health disorders, secondhand drinking, toxic stress, trauma, and related topics. In this episode, we discuss core values and healthy boundaries in the context of living in recovery from substance use disorders. We delve into the idea that once someone becomes sober, underlying feelings of trauma, shame, guilt, and self-loathing often persist and can drive negative behavior. We discuss the importance of addressing these underlying issues in order to achieve long-term recovery.


    We also touch on the concept of “families are sick,” and how dysfunction at a high level can impact everyone in the family.


    Highlights:


    Generational trauma and breaking the cycles.The importance of understanding that the stress response is wired into being human, and how experiences during the first three years of life can shape the way our brain works in relation to stress.The importance of creating healthy boundaries, not just in relation to substance use, but also in relation to other areas such as relationships, work, and family.The importance of learning to honor and respect yourself enough to make yourself a priority, which is what emotional sobriety work is all about.

    Links:


    Lisa's Website
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober.  Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 49 min
    Transforming Your Relationship with Food and Your Body: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Shame, and Perfectionism for Sustainable Weight Loss w/ Jess Reid

    Transforming Your Relationship with Food and Your Body: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Shame, and Perfectionism for Sustainable Weight Loss w/ Jess Reid

    My guest today is Jess Reid. Jess is a weight loss and personal development coach specializing in ketogenic nutrition. She was also recognized as one of the Top Personal Development Coaches by Coach Foundation. In this episode, we discuss how to help women heal their relationship with food, weight, and body image. We also explore why it can be so difficult to change our behaviors long-term and how our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs play a big role in our behaviors. 


    We dive into the importance of self-care, self-soothing, and the idea that not all coping mechanisms are created equal. It’s about identifying which ones are helpful and which are harmful and finding new ways to care for ourselves.


    Highlights:


    The foundation of weight loss and how it can be used as a tool to help break the cycle of self-sabotage, shame, and pain.The conditioned beliefs that women have about food, weight, and body image, and how they can limit us in our weight loss journey.The all-or-nothing mentality that many people have when it comes to diet and nutrition. How perfectionism and restriction can be replaced with a more sustainable mindset that encourages a holistic and mindful approach to weight loss.

    Links:


    Jess's WebsiteFree Meeting My Own Needs Mindset ClassFollow her on Instagram and Facebook: @theketofitPodcast: Self Care Keto
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober.  Grab a copy of Recovering in Recov
    Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, I have an awesome course called Creating Healthy Boundaries; it's affordable, easy to follow, and will make a big difference in how you feel. Check it out here.

    If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

    And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
24 Ratings

24 Ratings

Lisa@BTC ,

Great Podcast!

I love this podcast! Shelby John’s hosting skills, questions and conversational style have resulted in many great podcasts on a variety of health topics. I will definitely be following Confident Sober Women!

Chase13woods ,

Shelby:)

I love the different guests she has on no matter what the topic is, it’s always a good podcast.

megkdaly ,

Practical and effective tools

Shelby has a way of making sobriety inspiring….While listening to her it’s as if you feel empowered to do the things that you know you must do to achieve the life that you know you were meant to live. Great podcast! ☘️☘️

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Scicomm Media
Jay Shetty
Peter Attia, MD
Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes
Ten Percent Happier
Dr. Mark Hyman

You Might Also Like

A Sober Girls Guide
Casey McGuire Davidson
Gillian Tietz
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
Annie Grace
Lynn Matti