The Sober Seat

The Sober Seat | With Aish
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I’m Aish, and this is The Sober Seat. The podcast for the sober, the sober curious, and especially for the thirty-somethings who thought they’d have it all figured out by now. This seat? This is where I used to drink alone — self-medicating undiagnosed ADHD and eventually becoming a round-the-clock drinker by the age of 27. Now, it represents something very different: hope, sobriety, recovery, and a place for anyone who might still be struggling. Each week, a new guest will sit in The Sober Seat to talk openly about how addiction impacted their life, the unfiltered reality of recovery, and what rebuilding life sober really looks like. I’ll also be speaking to the loved ones of those affected by addiction, sharing a whole new perspective. They’ll discuss some of the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve tried their best to support the people they care about. Because addiction doesn’t just impact the person experiencing it — it affects everyone around them too. These are the stories the world needs to hear. Real people with very real experiences. Stories that shouldn’t be hidden in the shadows of shame that so wrongly surrounds addiction. These episodes share personal experiences around addiction and mental health. They are not intended as medical advice. If you relate to any of the topics discussed, please reach out to a medical professional for support. If you’d like to sit down in The Sober Seat and tell your story, you can contact us at: thesoberseat@gmail.com Or connect on socials: TikTok @thesoberseatpod @kindathrivinaish If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, free helplines are available: Samaritans — 116 123 (24-hour free listening support) NHS Crisis Team — Call 111 and select option 2 Shout — Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free crisis text support Talk to FRANK — 0300 123 6600

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Alcoholism, Drugs and Codependency| How The Swinging Scene Once Wasn't Just a Storyline

    In Part Two of this episode, Bernadette opens up about the blurred line between fiction and lived experience. What once became material for storytelling was, at one point, the reality she was surviving inside. Behind the parties, relationships and chaos was something far darker: emotional dependency, addiction, dissociation and a growing loss of self. What looked exciting from the outside slowly became survival disguised as freedom. This episode explores: • Alcohol and drug use as coping mechanisms • Codependency and toxic relationship dynamics • Dissociation and emotional numbness • The psychological link between trauma and addiction • Losing identity through survival mode • Rock bottom, treatment and the moment everything stopped feeling sustainable • Turning lived experience into storytelling, honesty and recovery Bernadette reflects on the environments she normalised, the patterns she mistook for connection, and the difficult process of separating survival from identity. Because sometimes the hardest part isn’t hitting rock bottom. It’s realising how long you called it home. This conversation sheds light on the quieter, often invisible side of addiction, the part that starts long before anyone notices there’s a problem. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself, stuck in cycle of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Or Toxic Codependent relationships you can’t explain. Like you’ve been surviving more than living, desperate to get Sober. this episode is for you. So, get comfy. Pull up a chair. Come sit with us. This is The Sober Seat 🎧✨ New episodes every Wednesday at 8PM. Make sure you follow The Sober Seat and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Where to find us on Socials @aish_thesoberseat @thesoberseatpod @bernadettefrancis_

    1h 5m

  2. May 20

    Alcohol, Drugs & Toxic Men | How Dissociation and Survival Mode Turned an Addict Into an Author

    This week on The Sober Seat Pod, in Part One of a Two Part Episode. Bernadette Francis shares the reality behind alcohol, drugs, and toxic relationships, and how years spent in survival mode slowly blurred into addiction, dissociation, and emotional shutdown. What looked like a fast-paced, party-filled lifestyle on the outside was actually a cycle of coping, numbing, and trying to survive internal chaos. She opens up about how dissociation became a normal state of being, how substance use fitted into that pattern, and how toxic relationships reinforced it all. This episode explores how addiction is often not the starting point, but a response to emotional overwhelm, trauma patterns, and survival mechanisms that go unrecognised for years. We also follow the turning point, the slow awareness that something had to change, and how that same lived experience eventually became the foundation for finding voice, identity, and becoming an author. In this episode, we cover: • Dissociation and emotional numbness as survival responses • Alcohol and drug use as coping mechanisms • Toxic relationship patterns and emotional dependency • Living in survival mode and losing sense of identity • The hidden link between trauma and addiction • The shift from self-destruction to self-awareness • How lived experience can be transformed into purpose and storytelling This conversation sheds light on the quieter, often invisible side of addiction, the part that starts long before anyone notices there’s a problem. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself, stuck in cycles you can’t explain, or like you’ve been surviving more than living, this episode is for you. So, get comfy. Pull up a chair. Come sit with us. This is The Sober Seat 🎧✨ New episodes every Wednesday at 8PM. Make sure you follow The Sober Seat and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Where to find us on Socials @aish_thesoberseat @thesoberseatpod @bernadettefrancis_

    54 min

  3. May 13

    Alcohol Alternative Spirals Into A Kratom Addiction | 12 Bottle a Day Feel Free Addiction

    This week on The Sober Seat Podcast, Jasmine shares the truth behind her experience with Feel Free Tonic — the viral “wellness” drink containing kratom that she says quickly turned from a sobriety aid into a hidden addiction. What started as a small blue bottle sold in gas stations and wellness stores became something she relied on every single day. From withdrawals and secrecy to isolation and dependency, Jasmine opens up about how quickly something marketed as “natural” began taking over her life. In this episode, we unpack the growing controversy surrounding Feel Free, the wider conversations around kratom addiction, and why more people online are speaking out about their experiences. This conversation explores the reality of addiction that doesn’t always look dangerous from the outside, the stigma surrounding “legal” substances, and how easily wellness culture can blur the lines between healing and dependency. We talk about: • Feel Free Tonic and kratom explained • Hidden addiction and dependency • Withdrawal, secrecy, and isolation • Sobriety and substance replacement • Wellness culture and addiction concerns • Recovery, honesty, and finding hope again If you’ve seen the little blue bottles online or in your local convenience store, this is a conversation you need to hear. So, pull up a chair & come sit with us. 🪑✨ This is The Sober Seat. New episodes every Wednesday at 7PM 🎙️

    1h 10m

  4. May 7

    Drug Addiction & Psychosis | The Cocaine, Alcohol & Stripper Lifestyle Behind It All

    This week on The Sober Seat Pod, Alice shares the reality behind the party lifestyle, the stripping industry, and the dangerous cycle of cocaine and alcohol addiction that slowly led her into self-destruction. What looked glamorous from the outside was masking chaos behind closed doors. From normalising heavy partying and substance use within nightlife culture to losing herself completely in addiction, Alice opens up about the emotional toll, the isolation, and the moment she realised something had to change. This episode is an honest conversation about addiction, survival, shame, recovery, and rebuilding your identity after rock bottom. In this episode, we cover: • The reality behind the glamour of the stripping industry • How partying culture normalised cocaine and alcohol misuse • Addiction, escapism, and emotional numbness • The impact addiction had on mental health and self-worth • Shame, secrecy, and living a double life • Hitting rock bottom and choosing sobriety • Healing, recovery, and rebuilding life after addiction This conversation shines a light on the parts of addiction people rarely talk about openly, especially within industries where substance use becomes part of the culture. If you’re struggling with cocaine addiction, alcohol dependency, party lifestyle burnout, or navigating your own recovery journey, this episode is for you. So, get comfy. Pull up a Chair. Come Sit with us. This is The Sober Seat 🎧✨ New episodes every Wednesday at 7PM Make sure you drop The Sober Seat a follow and turn your notifications on so you never miss an episode. Where to find us on Socials ⬇️⬇️⬇️ @aish_thesoberseat @thesoberseatpod @findingwonderland3

    58 min
  5. Opiate Addiction| 100 Pills a Day | A Mothers Secret Addiction That Nearly Took Everything

    Apr 10

    Opiate Addiction| 100 Pills a Day | A Mothers Secret Addiction That Nearly Took Everything

    Abby’s story is raw, honest, and impossible to ignore. In this episode of The Sober Seat Podcast she opens up about the lasting impact of parental abandonment, how it shaped her relationship with addiction, and the weight of shame and stigma she carried for years. From navigating motherhood while struggling, to confronting the dark realities of substance dependence, once a drug that provided confidence and "safety" Abby shares what it really looks like behind closed doors. This conversation explores the link between trauma and addiction, the toll it takes on mental health and family life, and what it takes to finally break the cycle. We talk about: • Childhood trauma and its role in addiction • Shame, stigma, and silent struggles • Motherhood and addiction • The reality of substance dependence • Mental health and recovery • Finding hope through sobriety If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand… this one will hit home. There is a way out. And this is what it can look like. So, pull up a chair & come sit with us. This is the The Sober Seat New episodes every Wednesday at 7PM

    1h 18m
  6. Gambling Addiction| The Silent Killer | Discovering The Truth Behind My Fathers Death

    Apr 2

    Gambling Addiction| The Silent Killer | Discovering The Truth Behind My Fathers Death

    This week on The Sober Seat Podcast, Beyond The Bet (Shell) shares the heartbreaking truth about gambling addiction — the silent addiction that took her dad’s life. Often hidden behind closed doors, problem gambling and compulsive gambling can go unnoticed for years. There are no obvious physical signs, yet the impact on mental health, finances, relationships, and families can be devastating. Through this deeply personal story, we explore the reality of gambling harm — not just for the individual, but for the affected others left navigating guilt, grief, and loss. In this episode, we cover: • Why gambling addiction is known as the silent addiction • The link between gambling, mental health, and suicide • The impact of problem gambling on families and loved ones • Emotional struggles: guilt, shame, isolation • Grief after addiction-related loss • Recovery, healing, and finding support This conversation gives a voice to the affected others — the partners, children, and families living with the consequences of addiction every day. If you’re struggling with gambling addiction, supporting someone with problem gambling, or navigating grief and recovery, this episode is for you. So, get comfy. Pull up a Chair. Come Sit with us. This is The Sober Seat New episodes every Wednesday at 7PM Make sure you drop The Sober Seat a follow and turn your Notifications on so you never miss an Episode 🌱🎧🩷 Where to find us on Socials ⬇️⬇️⬇️ @aish_thesoberseat @thesoberseatpod @beyond_the_bet

    48 min
  7. High-Functioning Alcoholism | The Secret Alcohol Addiction Hidden Behind Success

    Mar 26

    High-Functioning Alcoholism | The Secret Alcohol Addiction Hidden Behind Success

    n this episode of The Sober Seat Podcast, Tamsin (The Sober Journo) shares the truth behind high-functioning alcoholism — and what it’s really like living with a hidden alcohol addiction while building a successful career. On the outside, she was a thriving journalist. Showing up. Delivering. Holding it all together. But behind closed doors, she was battling alcohol dependence, stuck in the exhausting cycle of functioning alcoholism, denial, and quiet isolation. This episode explores the blurred lines between “normal drinking” and alcohol abuse — the justifications, the secrecy, and the toll it takes on mental health. We talk openly about: • High-functioning alcoholism and hidden addiction • The cycle of alcohol dependence and denial • Binge drinking and questioning your relationship with alcohol • Shame, isolation, and internal struggles • The pressure to appear “fine” while struggling • Early sobriety and the reality of stopping drinking • Taking the first steps toward alcohol recovery If you’ve ever wondered… “Can I still have a problem if my life looks fine?” This conversation will hit home. This is for anyone navigating alcohol addiction, functioning alcoholism, or starting their sobriety journey — especially if you feel like you don’t fit the stereotype. So get comfy, pull up a chair and come sit with us This is the Sober Seat New episodes every Wednesday at 7PM

    1h 1m
  8. Codeine Addiction | From Life-Saving Surgery to A Codeine Prescription Addiction

    Mar 11

    Codeine Addiction | From Life-Saving Surgery to A Codeine Prescription Addiction

    In this episode, we explore Stevie Marie’s story After a life-saving operation, Stevie Marie was prescribed medication to help manage pain and support her recovery. From an Operation to remove Cervical Cancer, a Diagnosis she'd received 3 times by the time she was 25. At first, it seemed like the treatment she needed to heal. What was Medically Prescribed to reduce pain and support with recovery. Like for so many others, eventually became an Addiction. We dive into how prescription medications can sometimes lead to unexpected addiction, why it happens, and how difficult it can be to recognise the problem when the drug comes from a doctor. Stevie Marie’s experience is a powerful reminder that even medications meant to heal can carry hidden risks—and that recovery is possible, even after losing years to addiction. Stevie Marie, who is now Sober and in Recovery from Codeine Addiction bravely shares her story over on Social Media to raise awareness and support others. You can follow her Journey - @Stevie_Marie12 If you're sober, sober curious, or in your 30s and wondering why life still feels confusing and messy sometimes, this Episode is for you. So get Comfy, Pull up a Chair, this is The Sober Seat.🩷💚 New episodes every Wednesday at 7pm. Drop "The Sober Seat Pod" over on TikTok to keep up to date with the latest Episodes and forward this to a friend who might be struggling. We Do Recover! A Full List of Free Helpline Support will be posted after each Episode. @Thesoberseatpod @kindathrivinaish

    51 min
  9. How I Finally Got Sober For Good | Relapse, Withdrawal & Rock Bottom

    Mar 5

    How I Finally Got Sober For Good | Relapse, Withdrawal & Rock Bottom

    In Part Two of My Story: How I Got Sober In this episode, I talk about the relapse that finally led me to get sober for good. After I found myself back in the same cycle — waking up in withdrawal and reaching for vodka at 7am just to feel normal again. What started as a way to cope went straight back to Vodka at 7am, and the reality of addiction was impossible to ignore. I share honestly about what relapse looked like for me, the fear and exhaustion of living through alcohol withdrawal, and the moment I realised something had to change. Addiction had taken a serious toll on both my mental and physical health, and I knew I couldn’t keep living that way. This episode is about the brutal reality of relapse, the shame that often comes with it, and why relapse doesn’t mean recovery is over. I talk about what finally pushed me to ask for help and commit to sobriety for good. If you're sober, sober curious, or in your 30s and wondering why life still feels confusing and messy sometimes, this Episode is for you. So get Comfy, Pull up a Chair, this is The Sober Seat.🩷💚 New episodes every Wednesday at 7pm. Drop "The Sober Seat Pod" over on TikTok to keep up to date with the latest Episodes and forward this to a friend who might be struggling. We Do Recover! A Full List of Free Helpline Support will be posted after each Episode. @Thesoberseatpod @kindathrivinaish

    25 min
  10. How Alcohol Took Over My Life at 27 | Addiction, ADHD & Getting Sober

    Mar 5

    How Alcohol Took Over My Life at 27 | Addiction, ADHD & Getting Sober

    I’m sharing the honest story of how drinking to quiet my mind turned into full-blown alcohol addiction by 27 — and the moment I finally asked for help and got sober. In this episode, I share the honest story of my struggle with alcohol addiction. What started as a way to quiet my racing thoughts and cope with undiagnosed ADHD slowly turned into something far more serious. By 27, I had become physically dependent on alcohol and was drinking around the clock as my life spiralled out of control. I talk openly about alcohol-induced psychosis, the guilt and shame that come with addiction, and how easy access to alcohol delivery made it harder to stop. What once felt like comfort and relief quickly began to damage both my mental and physical health. This episode explores the reality of living with alcoholism, the loneliness and misunderstanding that often come with it, and the moment I finally asked for help and began my journey to sobriety. If you're sober, sober curious, or in your 30s and wondering why life still feels confusing and messy sometimes, this conversation is for you. So get Comfy, Pull up a Chair and Come and Sit with Us - This is The Sober Seat:🩷💚🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 7pm. ✨ Listen now to hear the reality of addiction and recovery — raw, honest, and unfiltered and Follow The Sober Seat on TikTok for updates Tiktok  @thesoberseatpod @Kindathrivinaish

    23 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

I’m Aish, and this is The Sober Seat. The podcast for the sober, the sober curious, and especially for the thirty-somethings who thought they’d have it all figured out by now. This seat? This is where I used to drink alone — self-medicating undiagnosed ADHD and eventually becoming a round-the-clock drinker by the age of 27. Now, it represents something very different: hope, sobriety, recovery, and a place for anyone who might still be struggling. Each week, a new guest will sit in The Sober Seat to talk openly about how addiction impacted their life, the unfiltered reality of recovery, and what rebuilding life sober really looks like. I’ll also be speaking to the loved ones of those affected by addiction, sharing a whole new perspective. They’ll discuss some of the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve tried their best to support the people they care about. Because addiction doesn’t just impact the person experiencing it — it affects everyone around them too. These are the stories the world needs to hear. Real people with very real experiences. Stories that shouldn’t be hidden in the shadows of shame that so wrongly surrounds addiction. These episodes share personal experiences around addiction and mental health. They are not intended as medical advice. If you relate to any of the topics discussed, please reach out to a medical professional for support. If you’d like to sit down in The Sober Seat and tell your story, you can contact us at: thesoberseat@gmail.com Or connect on socials: TikTok @thesoberseatpod @kindathrivinaish If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, free helplines are available: Samaritans — 116 123 (24-hour free listening support) NHS Crisis Team — Call 111 and select option 2 Shout — Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free crisis text support Talk to FRANK — 0300 123 6600

Information

  • Creator
    The Sober Seat | With Aish
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sober Seat | With Aish
  • Show Website
    The Sober Seat

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