Advertise on podcast: The Alcohol-Free Rebellion

When you stop drinking, something unexpected happens. Space. Space in your calendar. Space in your mornings. Space in your brain. Space in your relationships. Space in your home. And at first… it can feel really uncomfortable. In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, I sit down with alcohol-free mentor Mel Burbank of Alcohol Free Females to talk about the part of sobriety that almost no one prepares you for. That quiet. The slowing down. The invitations that stop coming. The grief for the life you used to live. And the moment when you realize… that space is actually where your new life begins. We also talk about: • Why the early months of sobriety can feel lonely • The “middle 50%” of drinkers who don’t fit the typical recovery narrative • Why many women think they’re doing sobriety “wrong” at first • How alcohol quietly takes up way more space in your life than you realize If you’re newly alcohol-fre

When Mary Alice Stephens took her last drink, it wasn’t in a jail cell or rehab. It was at a sunny pool party with a giant glass of rosé in hand. In this episode, Mary, author of Uncorked—shares the story of the blackout that became her emotional bottom. No DUI. No dramatic intervention. Just a quiet, devastating realization: “I don’t want to parent like this.” Abby and Mary dive into: The “in-between” bottom so many high-functioning women experience Wine culture, sophistication myths, and sober avoidance The witching hour and why alcohol feels like emotional latex People-pleasing, mom friendships, and navigating social life sober Physical withdrawal, raw nerves, and early sobriety loneliness What “emotional sobriety” actually means Losing friends, evolving identity, and becoming safe & predictable What changes after 1 year… 5 years… 14 years alcohol-free This is an honest, nuanced conversation about motherhood, identity shifts, and the long game of personal growth without alcohol. If you’ve ever thought, “Nothing tragic has happened… so am I really that bad?” — this episode is for you. Grab your copy of Uncorked here Follow Mary on IG here Visit Mary's website here

Alcohol is one of the only substances that we’re expected to consume and judged when we don’t. But why? In this episode, Abby sits down with Mike Marshall, CEO of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance and a longtime advocate in the public health and recovery space, to unpack how alcohol became so deeply embedded in our culture and who benefits from that. Mike shares his personal sobriety journey, his background in politics and advocacy, and why alcohol should be treated as a public health issue not just a matter of “personal responsibility.” Together, they explore the links between alcohol and cancer, mental health, violence, and motherhood, as well as why most people don’t actually have access to this information. This conversation is eye-opening, validating, and empowering, especially if you’ve ever felt like opting out of drinking made you the “weird one.” In this episode, we cover: Why alcohol is regulated differently than tobacco The connection between alcohol and breast cancer How the alcohol industry shapes social norms Why sobriety and moderation aren’t just personal, they’re political What real change could look like at a policy level To learn more or get involved, visit alcoholpolicy.org.

What was supposed to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure turned into one of the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences of our lives. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Rachel (@soberincentralpark) as we finally unpack our trek to Machu Picchu — the altitude sickness, panic attacks, injuries, tears, fear, rage, and moments where we truly didn’t know if we could keep going. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s an honest conversation about: What happens when expectations don’t match reality Navigating fear and overwhelm in the middle of nowhere The emotional side of endurance challenges no one prepares you for How resilience is built when you don’t have an exit plan We also talk about why experiences like this stay with you — not because they were perfect, but because they show you what you’re capable of. If you’ve ever felt unprepared, pushed past your limits, or proud of yourself after something broke you open...this episode is for you.

What if you didn’t need a rock bottom to question your relationship with alcohol — or your life? In this episode, I’m joined by Renée Adams and Mara DeMauro, co-founders of Nosedive, a platform and podcast dedicated to numbing less and living more. Together, we talk about growing up around alcohol, high-achieving culture, wellness contradictions, and the quiet dissatisfaction that can exist even when life looks “successful” on paper. Mara shares her sober-curious journey, including how psychedelics helped her step outside herself and see how numbing was showing up in subtle ways. Renée opens up about habitual drinking, identity loss, and the realization that productivity and alcohol were keeping her disconnected from herself. We also dive into: Why sober curiosity isn’t all-or-nothing Letting yourself feel emotions instead of numbing them Going alcohol-free without a dramatic breaking point Identity, creativity, and rebuilding confidence Entrepreneurship, balance, and giving yourself permission to evolve This conversation is for anyone who’s felt stuck in a cycle of work hard, drink harder and is quietly wondering if there’s another way. You don’t have to burn your life down to build something better. Sometimes, it starts with curiosity. Mara on IG Renée on IG Nosedive on IG Nosedive on TikTok

In this deeply honest episode, Abby sits down with Kathryn Sauser — creator of Sober Fit Girl, coach, podcaster, and almost six years sober — to talk about the parts of drinking we don’t usually say out loud. Kathryn shares her full story, including pieces she’s never publicly told: growing up in a chaotic alcoholic home, losing her father to addiction, becoming the “ultimate party girl,” chasing escape across multiple cities, mixing drinking with party drugs, getting stuck in toxic relationships, and realizing that moderation was keeping her trapped. Together, Abby and Kathryn break down: why trauma shapes the way we drink how grief fuels the party-girl persona the truth about moderation and why it feels harder than sobriety what it’s like to rebuild your identity after drinking how Gen Z is changing drinking culture navigating mommy wine culture, suburb life, and the loneliness of early sobriety why community is the key to staying alcohol-free the exact moment Kathryn knew she was done This conversation is raw, vulnerable, hilarious in spots, and full of relatable moments that help so many women feel less alone. Follow Kathryn at @kathrynsauser and @soberfitgirl, and check out the Sober Fit Girl Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Elizabeth, sober companion, integration guide, and founder of Beyond Sobriety, to explore how sobriety can be a launchpad for radical transformation. Ashley shares her journey from a high-powered six-figure career to facing her struggles with alcohol and substance use, getting sober, and completely reinventing her life—including a bold move to Costa Rica. We dive into the role psychedelics have played in her healing, how she blends behavioral psychology, trauma-informed care, and somatic practices to support others, and why sobriety can unlock not just freedom from substances, but clarity, purpose, and empowerment. Whether you’re early in your journey or looking to step into next-level personal growth, Ashley’s story offers insight, inspiration, and practical guidance for reclaiming your life. Find Ashley on IG Check out her website https://www.beyond-integration.co/ Book a FREE discovery call with Ashley

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses substance use, psychosis, hospitalizations, and intense mental health struggles. Please take care while listening. Brou’s story is one of the wildest, rawest, and most inspiring journeys you’ll hear. From high-pressure kitchens in NYC, Philly, and San Francisco to a full mental health collapse, psychosis, and finally a long climb back into recovery — she’s lived through what most people don’t talk about. Her clean date is February 19, 2020, forged in the stillness of lockdown, service work feeding 500 people a day, and finally learning who she was without substances. Today she’s a thriving digital creator and restaurant storyteller in Philly, living a life she once never thought she’d reach. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they could come back from rock bottom. You can. Brou did — and she’s telling the truth about how. Brou on IG Brou on YouTube Brou's Website

What happens when a sommelier trades wine pairings for wellness elixirs? In this episode, Abby sits down with Jillian Fontana, the founder of Mod Elixirs, to talk about her transition from the world of fine wine to crafting sophisticated, alcohol-free beverages that celebrate connection, creativity, and intention. Jill shares how her background in hospitality shaped her approach to mindful drinking, the art of building rituals that actually fill your cup, and what it means to bring a sommelier’s palate to the alcohol-free space. This conversation is equal parts inspiring and practical — proof that sophistication and self-awareness can absolutely coexist in your glass. Mod Elixirs Website Mod Elixirs IG

In this inspiring episode, Abby sits down with Ash Butterss, host of the Behind the Smile podcast, to explore the transformative journey of sobriety. Ash shares her personal story of addiction, the identity shifts she experienced after getting sober, and the tools that helped her navigate life alcohol-free. Together, they discuss the power of mindfulness, meditation, community support, and spirituality in recovery. This conversation is full of raw honesty, practical insights, and motivation for anyone looking to embrace self-discovery, emotional healing, and lasting change. Key takeaways: Recognizing and confronting a problematic relationship with alcohol The importance of sharing personal stories to inspire and connect Navigating the challenges and identity shifts of sobriety Mindfulness, meditation, and proactive steps as tools for emotional growth Building self-trust, self-esteem, and finding a spiritual practice that resonates By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired, uplifted, and ready to take your own journey of self-discovery seriously. Listen to Behind the Smile here Learn more about Ash here Follow Ash on Instagram here

After retiring from her law career, Lucie Frost found herself stuck on the couch, drinking too much and binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé. She knew there had to be more — so she got curious. That curiosity led her to unexpected passions, deep self-discovery, and ultimately to writing her book, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity. In this conversation, Lucie shares how sobriety became the through line in her journey, allowing her to confront hidden struggles like depression, let go of societal expectations, and find joy in small, everyday things. We talk about how curiosity can be a powerful off-ramp from alcohol, the importance of community and connection in sobriety, and why life after drinking can be rich, fulfilling, and full of joy — without the extremes. This is a lovely, inspiring conversation about not giving up, getting curious, and discovering how big and beautiful life can be when you get out of your own way. Find Lucie on Instagram Check out her website Buy her book

Ryan Lee’s story is one of extremes. After years of chasing thrills through drugs and alcohol, a multi-day bender in New Orleans ended with an ambulance call that became his wake-up moment: no one was coming to save him — he had to save himself. Through his recovery, Ryan became a digital nomad, traveling the world and rediscovering his true passion for adventure and connection. Instead of going back to the safety of a software sales job, he followed his intuition and founded Capsule Adventures — a sober travel company designed for people who want presence, community, and bucket-list experiences without the chaos alcohol often brings. In this episode, Ryan shares his powerful recovery story, the lessons he learned from choosing courage over comfort, and how he turned pain into purpose. We talk about trusting your gut, finding adventure in sobriety, and why the best trips are the ones where you’re fully present. Spoiler alert: by the end of this conversation, he sold me on booking a spot on his upcoming Machu Picchu adventure. Find Ryan on IG here

At just 18 years old, Corey Warren was sentenced to jail for armed robbery. Years later, his battle with alcohol addiction nearly cost him his life after a withdrawal-induced seizure. But Corey’s story didn’t end there—it was only beginning. Today, he’s a husband, father, and one of the most inspiring voices in the sobriety community. With over 228K followers on Instagram (@icorreywarren), Corey speaks to students across Michigan, shares his journey openly, and even opened the state’s first Medicaid-backed recovery center. In a powerful full-circle twist, the very judge who once sent him to prison now sits on the board of his recovery foundation. In this episode, we dive into Corey’s redemption arc, what it really takes to rebuild a life, and why his story proves that we do recover. Work with Corey here Find Corey on IG here Check out Clean Culture Co. here Corey on YouTube here

In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Mike, to get his honest perspective on what it’s been like to walk alongside me on my almost two-year alcohol-free journey. We talk about what’s been hard, what he’s learned, and his best advice for couples navigating this kind of big life change together. We also laugh about a few of our wild drinking days, share how we’re approaching our upcoming college football trip now that alcohol isn’t at the center, and even give you a peek into what Mike does for work. You can follow him here if you're also sports obsessed. Mike gets real, vulnerable, and funny—and he offers some fantastic tips for husbands (and partners in general) on how to support an alcohol-free baddie. Whether you’re alcohol-free yourself, sober curious, or supporting someone who is, this is a fun yet heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, I sit down with Adrienne van der Valk, author of Big Sober Energy — a book that’s part memoir, part resource manual, and completely affirming. My copy is covered in notes, highlighted passages, and dog-eared pages because it’s just that good. Adrienne shares her story, the mindset shifts that helped her transform her relationship with alcohol, and the incredible practical tools she’s packed into her book. We talk about spirituality, self-compassion, meditation, and why sobriety is less about deprivation and more about empowerment. This was such a fun, inspiring conversation — I instantly wanted to be Adrienne’s friend, and I have a feeling you will too. Adrienne van der Valk is the author of Big Sober Energy and a mentor for alcohol-free women and nonbinary people over 40 who want to feel powerful, peaceful, and confident in their sober lives. A certified meditation and yoga teacher, Adrienne practices a trauma-informed approach to mentorship, one rooted in neuroscience and mindfulness. She is also the founder of the Big Sober Energy community and the Free Minds, Free Spirits mentorship program. She lives in Southern California with her husband and a rescue pit bull named Zola. To learn more about working with Adrienne, visit bigsoberenergy.com. Here is a free resource directly from Adrienne: 25 Ways to Make Sober Life More Fun