Sober Life Rocks ®️

Sober Life Rocks
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Whether you are sober, sober-ish, sober curious, or just don’t like heavy drinking, professional meetings and parties can be stressful. If you’ve ever felt alone at these events, join us to hear from people just like you who are bravely sharing their stories. On other episodes, we share tips for meaningful networking, explain the concept of sober inclusivity, and explore the world of alcohol-free options. Hosted by Sober Life Rocks, a membership-based community where we champion inclusive and sober-friendly business meeting environments.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 87: High-Functioning Addiction Recovery and the Courage to Leap: Laura Cathcart Robbins

    High-functioning addiction recovery is rarely visible from the outside, and few stories illustrate that truth more powerfully than Laura Cathcart Robbins. In this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Laura shares how a life that looked polished and successful concealed anxiety, Ambien and alcohol dependency, and a deep need to stop hiding. The First Mask: Learning to Disappear Laura’s survival strategies began in childhood. With a verbally and physically abusive stepfather and an unpredictable home environment, she learned to shrink, read the room, and anticipate danger. At school, as the only Black child in a monastery classroom, she learned to code-switch. Different rooms required different versions of herself. Drinking Was Never the Point Laura did not begin drinking out of rebellion. In fact, she did not initially enjoy alcohol. But as adulthood unfolded, drinking became part of the social script. The real driver was anxiety—especially after becoming a mother. Nights brought racing thoughts, hypervigilance, and fear. When Ambien and Alcohol Collided Prescribed Ambien to manage insomnia, Laura initially found relief. But tolerance built quickly. What followed was a dangerous combination of Ambien and alcohol—one that spiraled into dependency while her external life continued to shine. “On the outside, everything looked perfect. Inside, I was dying.” The Perfect Life That Wasn’t Married to a Hollywood producer, active in elite circles, serving on boards and hosting elegant gatherings—Laura’s life appeared enviable. But addiction does not always look chaotic. Sometimes it looks polished. When she chose treatment, she told almost no one. And when she later shared her truth, many responded with disbelief. “Why? You don’t have anything wrong with you.” When Sobriety Makes the Masks Heavy Sobriety removes the numbing agent, but it also removes tolerance for inauthenticity. The roles Laura had played so well for so long became exhausting without alcohol to soften them. “I didn’t want to perform anymore. I wanted peace.” Writing Stash: My Life in Hiding Ten years sober, Laura wrote her memoir Stash: My Life in Hiding. With distance and integration, telling the truth felt expansive rather than terrifying. Writing became an act of wholeness. Faith Is the Leap Laura offered a recovery insight that reframes courage entirely: “We think faith is jumping from point A to point B. But faith is jumping from point A. Period.” Becoming Whole Today, Laura lives without hiding. The child who shrank, the woman who hosted glamorous parties, the mother battling anxiety, the writer telling the truth—all exist in one integrated self. Key Takeaways Survival strategies can become adult coping mechanisms. External success does not equal internal peace. Sobriety reduces tolerance for inauthentic living. Faith is the leap itself. Final Thoughts Laura Cathcart Robbins’ journey shows that high-functioning addiction recovery is about more than abstaining from substances. It is about removing the masks and choosing wholeness over performance. The post Episode 87: High-Functioning Addiction Recovery and the Courage to Leap: Laura Cathcart Robbins first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    46 min

  2. FEB 5

    Episode 86: Sober Entrepreneur Brooke Robichaud on Recovery, Purpose, and Using Your Voice

    Sober entrepreneur Brooke Robichaud is proof that recovery is not the end of life—it is the beginning of it. On this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Brooke shares how growing up around addiction shaped her relationship with alcohol, how sobriety unlocked clarity and confidence, and why she believes so many people in recovery are meant to build something meaningful from their pain. Growing Up Around Addiction and Longing for Stability Brooke grew up in low-income housing surrounded by addiction, instability, and scarcity. Chaos was normal. Survival was expected. Just down the street, however, she saw a family whose life looked peaceful and whole. They ate dinner together, laughed, and lived with consistency. As a child, Brooke connected the dots in the only way she knew how. She believed their stability came from church, so she began going with them, hoping that if she followed the same rules, she could earn a similar life. The First Drink and the Feeling of Belonging At fourteen, Brooke had her first drink. It wasn’t about intoxication—it was about belonging. Alcohol softened the edges of feeling different. For the first time, she felt like she fit in. What began as occasional drinking slowly grew. Over time, alcohol took on a larger role, eventually leading to blackout drinking—something Brooke once believed wasn’t even real. Cycles of Stopping, Starting, and Losing Ground Brooke’s relationship with alcohol followed a familiar cycle. Drinking escalated. Consequences followed. She stopped drinking, life improved, and once stability returned, she started again. A teenage pregnancy forced her to stop drinking and rebuild her life. She succeeded—temporarily. But the cycle repeated, costing her relationships, opportunities, and self-trust each time. The Moment She Was Truly Done Eventually, Brooke reached a moment of clarity that felt different. This wasn’t a pause or a break. She was done. No negotiation. No conditions. Choosing Sobriety and Saying It Out Loud When Brooke decided to get sober for good, she told people immediately. She didn’t hide or wait. Almost instantly, life began improving—faster and deeper than before. Sobriety didn’t quiet her. It amplified her. She felt energized, focused, and hopeful, sharing with anyone who would listen how different life could be without alcohol. Sobriety, Weight Loss, and Self-Trust In the first ten months of sobriety, Brooke lost nearly eighty pounds while enrolled in a weight loss program. People noticed the external changes, but the internal shift was even greater. For the first time, Brooke trusted herself. Sobriety gave her consistency, confidence, and the ability to follow through—something alcohol had never allowed. Building The Sober Biz Collective As Brooke shared her recovery online, she taught herself podcasting, videography, website building, and branding. People kept asking who handled her marketing. Her answer was simple. She did. That question sparked The Sober Biz Collective—a platform designed to help sober entrepreneurs launch podcasts, build websites, and create intentional brands rooted in purpose rather than hustle. Turning Pain Into Purpose Brooke believes recovery doesn’t just heal individuals—it creates leaders. Through addiction, relapse, and recovery, people emerge with insight, empathy, and something valuable to give. Sobriety didn’t shrink Brooke’s world. It expanded it. Key Takeaways from Brooke’s Journey Belonging drives behavior. Sobriety improves when you fully lean in. Sharing your recovery can inspire others. Lived experience creates purpose. Recovery can be the beginning of meaningful work. Final Thoughts Brooke Robichaud’s story is a reminder that if you feel a pull to do something more with your sobriety, it isn’t random. It may be an invitation to use your voice. The post Episode 86: Sober Entrepreneur Brooke Robichaud on Recovery, Purpose, and Using Your Voice first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    37 min

  3. JAN 29

    Episode 85: Emotional Sobriety and the Healing That Changes Everything with Veronica Valli

    If you’ve spent time in modern recovery spaces, you’ve likely heard the name emotional sobriety expert Veronica Valli. In this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Veronica shares why stopping drinking is only the beginning—and how emotional healing is what allows sobriety to truly last. When Alcohol Felt Like the Only Relief Veronica began drinking to survive. Debilitating anxiety and panic attacks consumed her early adult life, and alcohol quieted the fear when nothing else seemed to work. For a while, it felt like medicine. The Spiral of Anxiety and Alcohol Over time, the relief faded. The panic intensified, and the drinking increased. Veronica sought help everywhere—therapists, psychiatrists, hypnotists—but nothing addressed the root. Alcohol, once the solution, became the trap. Sobriety as a Last Resort At 27, exhausted and out of options, Veronica considered the one thing she believed she could never give up: alcohol. She feared sobriety would make her boring and disconnected, but she was willing to risk it if it meant freedom from fear. What Sobriety Really Brings Up Once the alcohol was removed, everything it had been suppressing surfaced—anxiety, shame, fear, and old wounds. Veronica realized alcohol had never been the problem; it had been the solution to deeper emotional pain. Why Emotional Sobriety Matters Veronica teaches that putting down the drink is only ten percent of recovery. Emotional sobriety is the remaining ninety percent—the work of learning to feel emotions without being controlled by them and responding with clarity rather than habit. Rediscovering Your True Self Emotional sobriety is a return to essence—the self that existed before drinking, before pain, before survival strategies took over. It is not about perfection. It is about honesty and self-connection. Childhood Messages and Identity Veronica explains how early needs for attachment and belonging shape adult behavior. When attachment feels threatened, children learn to hide parts of themselves to stay connected. Those messages often follow us into adulthood. Why We Learn to Hide If authenticity feels unsafe early on, we learn to shrink. Drinking becomes a way to manage the discomfort of not being ourselves. Emotional sobriety allows us to reclaim what we silenced. The Choice That Changes Everything Eventually, everyone reaches a choice: continue suffering or claim who you truly are. Emotional sobriety is the path of choosing yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Helping Thousands Heal For more than 25 years, Veronica has guided people through this work. Her teachings offer tools to understand triggers, reframe beliefs, and build a sober life that feels expansive instead of restrictive. Final Thoughts Veronica Valli’s story reminds us that sobriety is not the finish line. Emotional sobriety is where healing begins—and where lasting freedom is found. The post Episode 85: Emotional Sobriety and the Healing That Changes Everything with Veronica Valli first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

  4. JAN 22

    Episode 84: Identity-Based Sobriety and the Power of One Decision: Nigel Jones’ 9KM by 9AM Story

    Identity-based sobriety coach Nigel Jones is best known for his global movement 9KM by 9AM, but the foundation of his work began with a single decision. On this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Nigel shares how changing his identity—rather than relying on willpower—helped him stop drinking and reclaim clarity, discipline, and purpose. Growing Up in a Drinking Culture Nigel grew up in Wales, where alcohol was a normal and unquestioned part of daily life. Drinking wasn’t rebellion or escape—it was simply adulthood. By fifteen, alcohol had become routine, woven seamlessly into social and professional life. Success, Alcohol, and Exhaustion Through decades in high-powered public relations, alcohol was always present. Client dinners, celebrations, and entertainment revolved around drinking. By his fifties, the cycle was relentless—hangovers, sluggish mornings, and drinking simply to keep going. The Conversation That Changed Everything During a drive home from his son’s first year of college, Nigel experienced a moment of clarity that shifted everything. In that conversation, he made a firm decision to stop drinking—without drama, negotiation, or hesitation. Starting at the Top of the Mountain Previous attempts to quit had felt like climbing a mountain. This time, Nigel decided he was already at the top. He wasn’t trying to become sober—he was a non-drinker. Identity came first. Action followed. How 9KM by 9AM Was Born Early in sobriety, Nigel committed to walking nine kilometers every morning before 9AM. The rule was simple and non-negotiable. Over time, the habit reinforced his identity and rebuilt confidence, discipline, and physical health. From Journaling to a Global Movement Nigel documented his journey through journaling, which later became his book 9KM by 9AM. What began as a personal practice grew into a global movement, inspiring thousands to reshape their mornings and their lives. Reprogramming Beliefs Through NLP Nigel immersed himself in mindset work, studying NLP, hypnotherapy, and coaching. He explains that beliefs about alcohol function like software—installed early and reinforced often. Once recognized, they can be uninstalled and replaced. Why Identity Creates Behavior Rather than battling cravings or relying on motivation, Nigel focused on identity. When the decision is final, there is no internal negotiation. Behavior naturally aligns with who you believe you are. Key Takeaways from Nigel’s Journey You do not need a dramatic bottom to change. Identity creates behavior. Consistency builds confidence. Beliefs can be reprogrammed. When the decision is final, change becomes simpler. Final Thoughts Nigel Jones’ story shows that sobriety is not a climb—it is a decision. By choosing identity-based sobriety, he stepped into a future self that was already waiting. The post Episode 84: Identity-Based Sobriety and the Power of One Decision: Nigel Jones’ 9KM by 9AM Story first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    37 min

  5. JAN 15

    Episode 83: Sober Energy Healing and the Courage to Answer the Inner Call: Brigitta Dau’s Story

    Sober energy healing practitioner Brigitta Dau is a woman who listened when her inner voice asked for more. In this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Brigitta shares how sobriety, Reiki, and creativity helped her rebuild her life from the inside out—and finally come home to herself. The Moment She Knew Something Had to Change Brigitta’s turning point did not come from a dramatic rock bottom. It came during a routine doctor’s visit when bloodwork revealed dangerously elevated liver enzymes. Sitting in that office, she heard herself say words she had never fully allowed before: “I think I need to stop drinking.” Grief, Fear, and the Quiet Inner Voice Stopping alcohol felt like losing a coping tool. Brigitta grieved the idea of drinking, feared she would lose joy, fun, and even her marriage. Yet alongside the fear was a quiet knowing—a voice telling her there was more to life than this. Finding Community When She Needed It Most During the pandemic, Brigitta quietly joined a Sober Sis 21-Day Reset after seeing an ad online. Inside the community, she found honesty, laughter, and women speaking openly about behaviors once hidden in shame. On day twenty-two, she took her last drink. Reiki and the Power of Clarity Although Brigitta had studied Reiki while still drinking, sobriety transformed her practice. She explains Reiki as making space for energy—like opening blinds to let sunlight in. The light was always there. Sobriety simply removed the noise blocking it. Becoming a Reiki Master Once sober, Brigitta’s intuition sharpened. Her Reiki work deepened, and she eventually became a Reiki Master, weaving energy healing into coaching, workshops, and global group experiences focused on emotional truth and self-connection. Creativity as a Path Back Home Creativity became another powerful healing tool. Brigitta teaches art as meditation—bypassing the thinking mind and reconnecting people with inner wisdom. She now leads creative healing workshops worldwide, blending art, energy work, and emotional exploration. Listening to the Voice Beneath the Noise Everything Brigitta has built stems from listening—listening to fear, intuition, and truth. Sobriety cleared the space for her authentic self to emerge, revealing a joyful, connected, purpose-filled life. Key Takeaways from Brigitta’s Journey Grieving alcohol is natural. Community matters more than willpower. Clarity grows when you remove what numbs you. Creativity is a healing practice. Your inner voice is always available. Final Thoughts Brigitta Dau’s story shows that sober energy healing is not about becoming someone new. It is about remembering who you already are and allowing the light to come back in. The post Episode 83: Sober Energy Healing and the Courage to Answer the Inner Call: Brigitta Dau’s Story first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    41 min

  6. JAN 8

    Episode 82: Alcohol-Free Travel Experiences and Community: Susie Streelman’s Sober Life Rocks Story

    When you hear the name Susie Streelman, you may think of curated alcohol-free travel experiences, Sober in the City events, or thoughtfully designed sober gatherings around the world. On this episode of Sober Life Rocks, Susie shares the quieter, more introspective story behind the movement—one shaped by curiosity, self-reflection, and a desire to live more lightly. Growing Up with Clear Rules Around Alcohol Susie grew up in a home where alcohol was absent and viewed in black-and-white terms. Drinking was associated with being a “bad person,” and as a result, she didn’t drink in high school or college. When alcohol entered her life later, it did so gently and legally, eventually settling into a steady but unremarkable pattern. When Drinking Wasn’t a Problem—Just Constant As a health-focused physical therapist, Susie never felt out of control with alcohol. But over time, the consistency of drinking began to feel heavy. It wasn’t chaos—it was fatigue. “It was never out of control,” she shared. “It was just heavy.” The Slow Build of Awareness Susie experimented with Dry January, Lenten breaks, and short pauses from alcohol for years. These breaks helped clear her mind temporarily but didn’t change her long-term relationship with drinking. It wasn’t until the COVID years—marked by frequent hosting, wine, and exhaustion—that she recognized a deeper weariness. A Quiet Turning Point This time, Susie didn’t stop drinking to prove anything. She simply wanted life to feel lighter. Cutting back on alcohol, sugar, and hosting opened space for clarity. Finding community through Sober Sis helped sobriety take root naturally. “I didn’t stop because life was falling apart,” she said. “I stopped because I wanted it to feel better.” The Mocktail Problem Sobriety brought an unexpected frustration. Restaurants often treated alcohol-free options as an afterthought, offering sugary substitutes rather than thoughtful experiences. Susie didn’t want replacements—she wanted intention, elegance, and inclusion. The First Sober in the City Experiences In 2022, Susie and friends partnered with an alcohol-free spirits brand and a restaurant to create a curated non-alcoholic cocktail experience. It was thoughtful, elevated, and joyful. From there, small sober trips turned into bigger ideas. Sober in the City Is Born An overnight trip to Sacramento and a weekend in Austin proved something important: alcohol-free travel could be expansive, connecting, and deeply fun. These experiences became the foundation of Sober in the City. Zero Proof Experiences and Living Fully Susie realized avoidance wasn’t sustainable. Sobriety wasn’t about staying home—it was about living. Zero Proof Experiences was created to support sober and sober-curious people who still want to explore, gather, and celebrate without alcohol. “If this is your lifestyle, you cannot not travel,” she explained. “You can’t not live.” The World’s First Alcohol-Free Wine Tasting Tour One of Susie’s most groundbreaking projects was leading the world’s first alcohol-free wine tasting tour in Germany. The experience revealed how far alcohol-free craftsmanship has evolved and strengthened her commitment to creating elevated sober experiences. Key Takeaways from Susie’s Journey Curiosity is enough to begin. You don’t need a rock bottom. Community makes change sustainable. Alcohol-free travel is joyful and expansive. Thoughtful substitution can enhance—not diminish—experience. Final Thoughts Susie Streelman’s story reminds us that sobriety doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes it begins with a whisper: there has to be a lighter way. And there is. The post Episode 82: Alcohol-Free Travel Experiences and Community: Susie Streelman’s Sober Life Rocks Story first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    37 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Episode 81: Inside the Sober Storytelling Conference: Amplify Sober Voices Speaker Preview (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our speaker preview, we spotlight the voices shaping the sober storytelling conference Amplify Sober Voices—writers, creators, podcasters, youth advocates, and coaches who are redefining what sobriety looks like in culture today. Why Amplify Sober Voices Is Different Amplify Sober Voices was intentionally designed to be educational, actionable, and connective. This is not an event about polished perfection—it’s about authenticity, teachability, and real-world impact. How Speakers Are Chosen Each speaker was selected not just for reach, but for lived experience and clarity of message. These are people who have done the work, found their voice, and are actively changing conversations around sobriety, belonging, and influence. Speaker Spotlight: Adam Jablin Author of the bestselling memoir Lotsaholic, Adam Jablin brings raw honesty to the writing process. His work shows why stories written in the mess—not the polish—are the ones that change lives. Speaker Spotlight: Elise Bryson As founder of The Sober Curator, Elise Bryson is redefining sober influence. Through fashion, events, spirituality, and creativity, she’s building a culturally relevant and inclusive sober hub. Speaker Spotlight: Jake White Founder of Vibe18, Jake White speaks to thousands of young people each year about prevention, belonging, and connection. His work proves that storytelling reaches people best before they think they need help. Speaker Spotlight: Tamara As a podcast coach and producer, Tamara helps creators find clarity and confidence in their message. She supports people in breaking through fear and stigma to build podcasts with purpose. Special Guest: Annie Grace Author of This Naked Mind, Annie Grace joins Amplify to share insights on choice-based sobriety, neuroscience, and how writing can reshape the cultural narrative around alcohol. Additional Voices on Stage Margy Scholer will guide attendees through identifying and owning the message they’re meant to share, while Laura Nelson will speak on influence, audience clarity, and understanding who you’re really talking to. Why Being in the Room Matters Putting yourself in a room like Amplify creates momentum. It unlocks clarity, courage, and unexpected partnerships—especially for those wondering if their sober story is meant to stay private or be shared. Final Thoughts The sober storytelling conference Amplify Sober Voices is about more than content. It’s about community, courage, and building what comes next—together. The post Episode 81: Inside the Sober Storytelling Conference: Amplify Sober Voices Speaker Preview (Part 2) first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    36 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Episode 80: Behind the Scenes of the Sober Voices Conference: How Amplify Sober Voices Began

    In this special behind-the-scenes episode of the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we share the origin story of the sober voices conference Amplify Sober Voices—how it was born, why it had to be in person, and the powerful speakers who are helping normalize alcohol-free choices across industries. https://youtu.be/NK_OP3GpvQo Why Amplify Sober Voices Exists Choosing not to drink—especially at work events, networking nights, or celebrations—can feel isolating. Amplify Sober Voices was created to change that narrative. This conference is about visibility, community, and helping people use their voices to create cultural change. The Podfest Moment That Changed Everything The idea for Amplify Sober Voices came together at Podfest, where the realization became clear: this event needed to happen in person. Not online. Not someday. Right here, with real people in the room. How the Speaker Lineup Was Built The speakers for Amplify were chosen intentionally—not just for their platforms, but for their impact. Each speaker represents one of four core ways people amplify sober voices: podcasting, speaking, writing, and influence. Speaker Spotlight: Shane Ramer As the host of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane Ramer is a pioneer in sober podcasting. His work shows what it takes to sustain momentum and build a platform when you’re carving a path that didn’t exist before. Speaker Spotlight: Andy Ramage Andy Ramage brings insight into the mindset shift required for lasting alcohol-free change. His work focuses on identity, belief systems, and why so many people feel stuck even when they aren’t physically addicted. Speaker Spotlight: Janey Lee Grace Singer, broadcaster, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur Janey Lee Grace is a bold advocate for ending sobriety stigma. Her story highlights the courage required to step into a new chapter and say, “Why not now?” Speaker Spotlight: Toni Will Toni Will made history as the first and only woman general manager of a professional hockey team. Her presence at Amplify expands what sober influence looks like in male-dominated industries. Speaker Spotlight: Lisa Smith Author of Girl Walks Out of a Bar, Lisa Smith took professional risks long before sobriety was openly discussed. Her story shows what becomes possible when you stop hiding and start choosing yourself. Why This Moment Matters Even though it can feel like “everything has already been said,” this movement is just beginning. Amplify Sober Voices exists to support those who feel called to speak, write, podcast, or lead—especially if they’ve tried Dry January before and want it to stick. Final Thoughts The sober voices conference Amplify Sober Voices is not about perfection or labels. It’s about showing up honestly, building community, and using your voice to make alcohol-free living visible, supported, and celebrated. The post Episode 80: Behind the Scenes of the Sober Voices Conference: How Amplify Sober Voices Began first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.

    43 min
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Whether you are sober, sober-ish, sober curious, or just don’t like heavy drinking, professional meetings and parties can be stressful. If you’ve ever felt alone at these events, join us to hear from people just like you who are bravely sharing their stories. On other episodes, we share tips for meaningful networking, explain the concept of sober inclusivity, and explore the world of alcohol-free options. Hosted by Sober Life Rocks, a membership-based community where we champion inclusive and sober-friendly business meeting environments.

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