Sober Banter

Rachel & Colin Casey

Sober Banter is a sobriety podcast for people living real life without alcohol. Hosted by Rachel and Colin, it blends honest conversation, humor, and the messy middle of recovery.

  1. Sobriety, Identity, and Rebuilding Life Beyond Alcohol with Heather Trumpfheller

    4D AGO

    Sobriety, Identity, and Rebuilding Life Beyond Alcohol with Heather Trumpfheller

    In this episode of Sober Banter, host Rachel sits down with Heather Trumpfheller, a tech startup professional and world traveler, for an honest conversation about modern sobriety, identity shifts, and reclaiming life without alcohol. Heather shares how quitting drinking led her to also walk away from busyness, a decade long career that no longer aligned with her values, and patterns rooted in anxiety, people pleasing, and burnout. The conversation explores early sobriety, grief and loss, dating and traveling alcohol free, resentment, stigma, and why community is essential in recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that sobriety is not a punishment. It is freedom. And it is never too late to choose yourself. Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in July 2025 when Heather was 18 months sober. She is now over 2 years sober as her sobriety date is November 13, 2023. (00:00) - Welcome + Heather’s Sobriety Story (03:44) - Finding Community and Support (08:04) - Early Sobriety and Identity Shifts (12:28) - Celebrating Sobriety Milestones (24:13) - Grief, Loss, and Staying Sober (27:57) - Traveling and Dating Without Alcohol (35:34) - Labels, Stigma, and Recovery Culture (55:53) - Rest, Growth, and Final Reflections Connect with Heather 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/htrumpfheller 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertrumpfheller/ 📧 Emailhtrumpfheller@gmail.com Stay Connected: Listen, Subscribe, and Share 🎧🎙️Listen to Sober Banter Available wherever you get podcasts  🌐 Visit the Sober Banter Website Following the show or leaving a review helps more people find these conversations. 💌 Join Our Email List Get new episodes, updates, and bonus content delivered straight to your inbox. 🤝 Support the Show Help us keep Sober Banter independent and listener supported. 📚 Alcoholics Anonymous Explore AA as one possible recovery resource. 📩 Email us! podcast@soberbanter.com 📱 Follow Sober Banter on Social Media Instagram:  Facebook:  TikTok:  X:  Apple Podcasts Spotify Disclaimer Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource. ★ Support this podcast ★

    58 min
  2. Modern Sobriety: Parenting, AA, and the Labels We Use with Kristen Crocker

    JAN 29

    Modern Sobriety: Parenting, AA, and the Labels We Use with Kristen Crocker

    In this episode, hosts Colin Casey and Rachel Casey sit down with writer and recovery advocate Kristen Crocker for an honest conversation about parenting, sobriety, and modern recovery. Together, they talk about quitting drinking, navigating sobriety while raising kids, and how stigma, labels, and recovery culture shape the way parents seek support. (00:00) - Meet Kristen Crocker (03:54) - Struggles, relapses, and trying again (06:30) - Changing perceptions of alcoholism (10:39) - Navigating sobriety with family (16:42) - Pregnancy and sobriety (31:44) - AA Tradition 11 and social media (34:53) - Relapse and recovery insights (41:26) - Evolving AA literature and recovery culture Connect with Kristen Kristen writes Recoverettes, a Substack focused on normalizing recovery from alcoholism among strong, smart women. Her work explores motherhood, step-motherhood, staying sober through hard seasons, twelve-step recovery, neuroscience, and anything that actually works. Substack: https://recoverettes.substack.comProfile: https://substack.com/@kblantoncrocker 🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Sober BanterApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-banter/id1805475969Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A51zCDyW8K927va0adaby 💌 Join Our Email Listhttps://mailchi.mp/soberbanter.com/2026 🤝 Support the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 📚 Alcoholics Anonymoushttps://www.aa.org 📱 Follow Sober BanterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberbanterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sober.banterTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soberbanterX: https://twitter.com/soberbanter Disclaimer Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource. ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 5m
  3. Gambling, Alcohol, and Recovery with Adam Lyons host of The Modern Meeting

    JAN 22

    Gambling, Alcohol, and Recovery with Adam Lyons host of The Modern Meeting

    In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel and Colin welcome Adam Lyons, host of The Modern Meeting podcast, for an honest exploration of how chasing losses drives gambling addiction and how recovery is possible. Adam shares his personal journey through nearly twenty years of compulsive gambling, highlighting the powerful role of online media normalization and how gambling apps and social platforms quietly encourage risky behavior. The conversation dives deep into the overlap between gambling and alcohol use, revealing the challenges of breaking free when both addictions are present. Listeners will learn why chasing losses becomes a dangerous trap, how support can sometimes cross into enabling, and what real recovery looks like beyond just willpower. Whether you’re in recovery, questioning your relationship with gambling or alcohol, or supporting a loved one, this episode offers insight, hope, and actionable advice. (00:00) - Early Gambling, Poker, and the Illusion of Control (00:55) - A Spiritual Awakening in Oklahoma
 (07:30) - “Living Dirty” and Normalizing Chaos
 (08:37) - When Did Gambling Become a Problem?
 (14:27) - The Cycle of Chasing Losses
 (20:00) - Desperation and Survival Mode
 (25:17) - YouTubers and the Glorification of Gambling
 (31:08) - How Often Is the 1-800-GAMBLER Line Used?
 (44:52) - The Reality of Living With Addiction
 (54:01) - Final Thoughts and Resources Stay Connected to Sober Banter 💌 Join Our Email List Get new episodes, updates, and bonus content delivered straight to your inbox. 🤝 Support the Show Help us keep Sober Banter independent and listener supported. 🎙The Modern Meeting Podcast Listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Posdcast Email: modernmeetingpod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/modernmeetingpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmeeting 📚 Recovery Resources Learn more about Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 📱 Follow Sober Banter on socials: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter) 🎧 Listen and Subscribe whereever you get your podcasts! Apple Podcasts & Spotify 🌐 Visit the Sober Banter Website Following the show or leaving a review helps more people find these conversations. 📩 Email the Show podcast@soberbanter.com ★ Support this podcast ★

    55 min
  4. Managing Expectations during Sober October (Re-release)

    09/30/2025

    Managing Expectations during Sober October (Re-release)

    Episode Summary (Re-Released episode)Sober Banter hosts offer advice for Sober October, emphasizing realistic expectations, support systems, and self-compassion. Chapters00:00 Managing Expectations and Social Pressure01:21 Finding Support and Accountability03:32 Health Benefits and Personal Growth07:19 Tips for a Successful Sober October This episode is a re-release and goes back to our early catalog, before most people even knew Sober Banter existed. We are bringing it back because the advice still matters. Sober October is not about perfection, it is about managing expectations, leaning on accountability, and giving yourself compassion along the way. Please give us grace on any audio hiccups. I (Rachel) touched it up as best I could, but wanted to share it for the message, not polish it into perfection. Between college, parenting, and chronic illness, I overworked myself and had to step away. It was the right choice for my sobriety and emotional health. I also have a backlog of unreleased interviews. If one of those is yours, it will be out as soon as possible. I am pacing myself this time and will send updates by email. Thank you for your patience. The good news is that Colin and I are still sober, and we plan to record a new episode soon to share how we have stayed grounded. For now, enjoy this short audio-only throwback about Sober October. Let us know what you think, and remember to take it one day at a time. Stay Connected💌 Subscribe at soberbanter.com💬 Leave a review or comment to help others find us Leave a comment 🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it Share 📱 Follow on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast☕ Support the show: Buy us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter or Venmo at venmo.com/u/Soberbanter🌐 Questions or feedback? Visit soberbanter.com or email Rachel at rachel@soberbanter.com (00:00) - Managing Expectations and Social Pressure (01:21) - Finding Support and Accountability (03:32) - Health Benefits and Personal Growth (07:19) - Tips for a Successful Sober October ★ Support this podcast ★

    13 min
  5. Navigating Sober October From the Vault

    09/29/2025

    Navigating Sober October From the Vault

    This is an early Sober Banter episode brought back for Sober October. We were new at this, so you may hear a few hiccups. The lessons still land. We cover the hardest parts of Sober October and the simple habits that kept us steady. Think of this as day one support with honest talk and practical steps. It also shows how far we have come as hosts and as people in recovery. If you are here to start strong or find your footing again, press play. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sober Banter00:43 Personal Sobriety Stories03:33 Challenges of Sober October06:36 Daily Check-ins and Support08:58 Reflections and Rationalizations15:07 Cultural Perspectives on Drinking16:06 Conclusion and Wrap-Up 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected! 💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode. 💬 Leave a review or a comment because your thoughts mean the world and help others find us. 🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast ☕️ Support the show:  ·       Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter  ·       Make a donation at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter Do you have questions or feedback? Contact us at soberbanter.com or email Rachel at rachel@soberbanter.com (00:00) - Introduction to Sober Banter (03:33) - Challenges of Sober October (06:36) - Daily Check-ins and Support (08:58) - Reflections and Rationalizations (15:07) - Cultural Perspectives on Drinking (16:06) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min
  6. 41 Years Sober: David McMenimen on AA Meetings, Sobriety, and Understanding Alcoholism as a Threefold Disease

    07/07/2025

    41 Years Sober: David McMenimen on AA Meetings, Sobriety, and Understanding Alcoholism as a Threefold Disease

    In this inspiring episode of Sober Banter, Rachel welcomes David McMenimen, who shares his remarkable 41-year journey of sobriety. David discusses pivotal moments that led him to AA meetings, including DUIs and a life-changing car accident. He candidly shares the challenges of early sobriety, the transformative impact of consistent attendance, and how the 12 steps provided spiritual and practical tools for recovery. David explores alcoholism as a threefold disease—physical, mental, and spiritual—and how this understanding reshaped his approach to addiction and recovery. He reflects on how sobriety strengthened his relationships, shifted his outlook, and connected him to a supportive community. This episode delivers powerful wisdom and hope for those in recovery, sober curious, or supporting someone on their journey. (00:00) - – Introduction and Guest Welcome: David M. (02:04) - – The Turning Point: Legal Consequences (04:38) - – Embracing Sobriety and Working the 12 Steps (13:20) - – The Importance of Consistent AA Meetings (24:30) - – Growth Through Sharing and Learning in AA (38:56) - – Understanding Alcoholism as a Threefold Disease (45:35) - – How AA Has Evolved Over the Decades (58:29) - – The Legacy of Bill Wilson (01:07:14) - – Final Reflections and Gratitude Resources & Links:🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Sober Banter:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-banter/id1805475969Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A51zCDyW8K927va0adaby?si=f43451ae0fa44ef2 💌 Join our email list:https://soberbanter.com/subscribe 🤝 Support the show:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 📚 Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous:https://www.aa.org 📱 Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberbanterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sober.banterTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soberbanterX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/soberbanter Disclaimer Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource. ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 8m
  7. Dr. Robb Kelly on Trauma, Sobriety, and Healing Addiction with Neuroscience

    07/01/2025

    Dr. Robb Kelly on Trauma, Sobriety, and Healing Addiction with Neuroscience

    Happy July 1st! If you're looking for a reset this month, this one’s for you. We sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly, an addiction expert who blends neuroscience, spirituality, and trauma recovery. In this episode of Sober Banter, Colin and Rachel sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly - also known as the “Gordon Ramsay of Recovery”—to talk about his revolutionary approach to healing addiction. Drawing from neuroscience, trauma-informed therapy, and a spiritual mindset, Dr. Kelly breaks down why addiction is rarely just about alcohol. With a 98% success rate, his 90-day recovery program goes far beyond talk therapy, using brainspotting, 9D breathwork, subliminal messaging, and more to rewire the brain for long-term sobriety. Whether you're in recovery, sober curious, or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and powerful truths about trauma, identity, and the real science of recovery. 0:00 – Meet Dr. Robb Kelly: From Homelessness to Neuroscientist 2:00 – The 90-Day Program with a 98% Success Rate 5:00 – Why Trauma Is the Real Gateway Drug 9:30 – Rewiring the Brain with Breathwork, Brainspotting, and More 17:00 – Readiness, Mindset, and the Myth of “One Drink Away” 27:00 – If You Keep Relapsing, Look at Childhood Trauma 36:00 – Are Alcoholics Born and Addicts Made? 43:00 – AA, the Original Steps, and What Recovery Really Means 59:00 – Final Thoughts + Free Book Offer for Listeners Bonus: Dr. Robb is giving a free signed copy of his book to the first 10 listeners who mention this episode—listen closely for details. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Robb KellyWebsite: https://robbkelly.comInstagram: @drrobbkellyBreathwork & Healing: https://breathbox.studio A Quick Ask We’re an indie show that runs on coffee, chaos, and community support. If you believe in what we’re building here with real talk, honest stories, and a laugh or two about staying sober in a very not-sober world, please consider helping us keep the mics on. → Support the show with a one-time donation or sponsorship at https://buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter Seriously, it means the world. 💛 Rachel  (00:00) - – Meet Dr. Robb Kelly: From Homelessness to Neuroscientist (02:00) - – The 90-Day Program with a 98% Success Rate (05:00) - – Why Trauma Is the Real Gateway Drug (09:30) - – Rewiring the Brain with Breathwork, Brainspotting, and More (17:00) - – Readiness, Mindset, and the Myth of “One Drink Away” (27:00) - – If You Keep Relapsing, Look at Childhood Trauma (36:00) - – Are Alcoholics Born and Addicts Made? (43:00) - – AA, the Original Steps, and What Recovery Really Means (59:00) - – Final Thoughts + Free Book Offer for Listeners ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 3m
  8. "Just Because I Don’t Drink Alcohol Doesn’t Mean I Don’t Deserve a Damn Good Drink" -Eryka V. Namari

    06/19/2025

    "Just Because I Don’t Drink Alcohol Doesn’t Mean I Don’t Deserve a Damn Good Drink" -Eryka V. Namari

    Eryka V. is a queer, sober, first-generation founder and the co-creator of Namari—a non-alcoholic digestif rooted in intention, ritual, and bold flavor. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you quit alcohol, meat, and caffeine all at once—and how that radical choice led to clarity, creativity, and the launch of something revolutionary. From finding community to letting go of ego, Eryka shares wisdom on building a brand (and a life) that actually feels good. We dig into identity, connection, the power of ritual, and what it means to create something that tastes like love and intention—not just trend. If you’re craving depth, joy, or just a better non-alcoholic drink—this episode delivers. 1:21 – How Eryka Got Sober (Dry January… Plus No Meat, No Caffeine) 4:52 – The Band-Aid Rip: Goodbye Booze, Meat, and Coffee 7:46 – Building Namari: A Drink With Intention 11:52 – You Can Taste the Love (Like a Lemonade Stand in Summer) 17:19 – Finding Your People in Sobriety 22:12 – Saying “I Don’t Drink” Without Apology 29:16 – Choosing What Serves You (and Letting Go of the Rest) 33:58 – The Best Way to Drink Namari (Spoiler: Pineapple, Lime or Neat) Namari Website: https://drinknamari.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/drinknamari More Sober Banter: https://soberbanterpodcast.transistor.fmJoin Our Community: https://soberbanter.mn.co Love What You Heard?here’s how you can support Sober Banter: 💬 Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it seriously helps new folks find us. Just one or two sentences makes a difference. 💌 Subscribe soberbanter.com so you never miss an episode. 🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast ☕️ Support the show:Buy Me a Coffee or Venmo Thanks for being part of the Sober Banter fam. We’re here, we’re laughing, and we’re doing recovery our way. 💛 (01:21) - – How Eryka stopped drinking (04:52) - – The Band-Aid Rip: Goodbye Booze, Meat, and Coffee (07:46) - – Building Namari: A Drink With Intention (11:52) - – You Can Taste the Love (Like a Lemonade Stand in Summer) (17:19) - – Finding Your People in Sobriety (22:12) - – Saying “I Don’t Drink” Without Apology (29:16) - – Choosing What Serves You (and Letting Go of the Rest) (33:58) - – The Best Way to Drink Namari (Spoiler: Pineapple, Lime or Neat) ★ Support this podcast ★

    42 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Sober Banter is a sobriety podcast for people living real life without alcohol. Hosted by Rachel and Colin, it blends honest conversation, humor, and the messy middle of recovery.