Your Sober Big Sister

Erika Vichcales

Welcome to Your Sober Big Sister! A community of real people with real questions and plenty of real talk. Erika has been alcohol free since 2019 and knows the sober journey isn’t always an easy one. Join host Erika each week as she answers questions because sometimes you just need a big sister to talk to. Whether you are newly sober, sober curious, several years in or just want to support your sober friends and family, this is the podcast for you. We are never meant to be on this journey alone, and together we don’t have to be. Let's dive in!

Episodes

  1. 12/31/2024

    7. New Year's Eve While Sober, Kid-Free Celebrations & Dry January

    Summary In this episode of 'Your Sober Big Sister,' Erika discusses the challenges and reflections surrounding New Year's Eve, particularly for those navigating sobriety. She shares personal experiences of gratitude during the holiday season, addresses family dynamics, and provides tips for enjoying a sober New Year's Eve. The conversation also includes various 'Am I the A*****e?' scenarios related to family gatherings and setting boundaries regarding alcohol and children. Erika emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for sobriety. Chapters 00:00 New Year's Eve Reflections and Gratitude 03:06 Question 1: Am I the A*****e for Canceling New Year’s Eve After the Christmas we Just Had? 06:19 Question 2: Advice for my first sober New Year’s Eve? 13:58 Question 3: Am I the A*****e for skipping New Year’s Eve at my sister’s house?  17:13 Question 4: Considering Sobriety: A Personal Journey 22:08 Question 5: Am I the a*****e for telling my sober friend it isn’t my responsibility to have her exact non-alcoholic beverage at my party? 28:07 Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    29 min

  2. 12/24/2024

    6. Navigating Holiday Challenges: A Sober Perspective

    In this episode, Erika discusses the complexities of navigating holidays, especially for those in recovery or dealing with family dynamics. She addresses questions about setting boundaries around alcohol, the emotional challenges of family gatherings, and the importance of creating new traditions. Erika emphasizes the need to protect one's mental health and the right to feel disappointed when family expectations clash with personal well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Question 1: AITA for refusing to have alcohol in my home while hosting Christmas? 10:41 Question 2: AITA for being hurt that my mother -in-law wanted to exclude my daughter from Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect my sister-in-law? 19:26 Question 3: How do you celebrate the holidays when you are no contact with your family? 24:52 Question 4: How do I choose between my mental health and spending time with my family who struggles with addiction? 30:12: Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    31 min

  3. 12/17/2024

    5. Family traditions, sibling dynamics & setting boundaries

    In this episode of 'Your Sober Big Sister', host Erika dives into various family dynamics. She addresses questions about setting boundaries with parents, the impact of family traditions on personal identity, the struggle of allowing oneself to have fun, navigating sibling relationships, and the challenges of caring for a parent with addiction issues. Erika emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and understanding the complexities of family relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Question 1: AITA for not wanting to be my mom’s personal problem solver? 08:32 Question 2: AITA for not wanting to name my baby following my partner’s family tradition? 15:42 Question 3: Why does it feel so wrong to have fun? 23:20 Question 4: AITA for asking my parents to stop playing favorites with my siblings? 33:50 Question 5: How to navigate complex family dynamics? 42:06 Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    43 min

  4. 12/10/2024

    4. Ending engagements, ultimatums & all things relationships

    In this episode of the Sober Big Sister podcast, Erika discusses various topics related to relationships and sobriety. She answers questions ranging from not wanting to be sober for a partner to are drunk words sober thoughts? Erika provides advice and insights on each topic, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, taking responsibility for one's actions, and supporting a partner's recovery journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Weekly Gratitude 03:40 Question 1: AITA for having a drink when my partner is sober? 09:07 Question 2: AITA for not wanting to be sober for my wife? 18:02  Question 3: AITA for ending my engagement over a beer? 23:46 Question 4: AITA for missing my boyfriend now that he is sober?  29:18 Question 5: AITA for saying mean things to my boyfriend while drunk and then telling him to brush it off? 34:39: Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    35 min

  5. 12/04/2024

    3. Wedding planning, dysfunctional parents & dry weddings

    This episode of Your Sober Big Sister focuses on all things weddings! Erika shares her own experience planning a wedding while being sober and provides advice to listeners who have questions in similar situations. She discusses dealing with unsupportive friends, navigating relationships with alcoholic parents, and planning a dry wedding. Your sober big sister also addresses feelings of sadness and insecurity as the wedding approaches and provides tips for managing expectations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:49 Question 1: My friend is not respecting my sobriety for my wedding events. What should I do? 10:07 Question 2: AITA for asking my mom to be sober on my wedding day? 19:22 Question 3: Is it weird to have a dry wedding if the bride and groom are sober? 27:25 Question 4: I do not want my alcoholic parent making a speech at my wedding. How do I handle this? 35:27 Question 5: I am feeling sad and insecure while my wedding approaches 46:46 Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    47 min

  6. 12/03/2024

    2. Maintaining a Social Life While Sober

    In this episode, Erika discusses how to have a social life while sober. She addresses questions about telling friends about sobriety, isolating oneself at the start of sobriety, and dealing with the FOMO of partners who drink. Your Sober Big Sister emphasizes the importance of doing what is best for oneself and finding new friends and activities that align with a sober lifestyle. She also encourages seeking support from 12-step programs and creating a sense of community. Overall, the episode highlights the challenges and rewards of maintaining a social life while staying sober. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 01:58 Question 1: How to Tell Friends About Sobriety? 11:47 Question 2: Should Isolate While Starting Sobriety? 18:20 Question 3: My Husband's Friends Miss His "Party Energy" Because of My Sobriety 36:49 Question 4: How Do I Stay Sober in Social Events? 37:15 Question 5: Exploring Non-Alcoholic Drink Options 44:28 Outro If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    45 min

  7. 12/03/2024

    1. My Sobriety Story + How to Not Be Lonely While Sober

    In the first episode of the Your Sober Big Sister podcast, host Erika shares her sobriety story and introduces the concept of the podcast. Community and support in the sobriety journey is crucial. Your Sober Big Sister encourages listeners that it is never too late to rewrite their story and create a new future for themselves. Erika also answers the first question of the podcast where she talks about the feelings of boredom, loneliness, and depression that can arise during sobriety. She offers advice on finding new activities, building a supportive network, and seeking professional help if needed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 03:50 Sharing My Sobriety Story 22:15 Question 1: How to Combat Boredom & Depression While Sober 30:34 Finding New Activities and Hobbies 34:56 Building a Supportive Community 37:03 Conclusion and Encouragement If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    38 min

  8. 12/03/2024 ·  Bonus

    Welcome to Your Sober Big Sister!

    Welcome to Your Sober Big Sister! Tune in to learn about your host Erika, why she created this podcast and who can benefit from this community. Erika has been on her sobriety journey since 2019 and has learned so much along the way. In Your Sober Big Sister, her goal is to help others whether they are sober curious, many years into their journey or just looking for some big sister advice. We cannot wait to grow with you! If you want to ask your own question for Your Sober Big Sister, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsucVur02XXlASDTKxV6N0FgZSpKTx-8KdJoM8Yp_XRNkuOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

    7 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your Sober Big Sister! A community of real people with real questions and plenty of real talk. Erika has been alcohol free since 2019 and knows the sober journey isn’t always an easy one. Join host Erika each week as she answers questions because sometimes you just need a big sister to talk to. Whether you are newly sober, sober curious, several years in or just want to support your sober friends and family, this is the podcast for you. We are never meant to be on this journey alone, and together we don’t have to be. Let's dive in!

Information

  • Creator
    Erika Vichcales
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Erika Vichcales
  • Show Website
    Your Sober Big Sister