Send us a text Join Matt, and Steve as they dive deep into one of recovery's most crucial warning signs - HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). Through personal stories and real experiences, they explore how these seemingly simple states can create dangerous unguarded moments in sobriety. From dealing with family dynamics and feeling unappreciated to finding healthy coping strategies, this episode offers practical solutions for maintaining recovery during vulnerable times. Learn why breaking a sh...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 205
Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Sober Friends podcast, host Matt shares his deeply personal experience with Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous, tackling one of recovery's most challenging hurdles: connecting with a higher power. Whether you're new to sobriety, curious about AA, or a seasoned veteran in recovery, Matt's candid storytelling breaks down the misconceptions about spirituality in recovery and offers fresh perspectives on finding your own path. Key highlights include: Confro...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min•Ep. 203
Send us a text When life feels overwhelming, where do we find the resilience to get through it? In this episode, Matt and Steve have an honest discussion about coping with stress, loss, and difficult news. They explore strategies like finding purpose, building community, and focusing on what's within your control. With empathy and real-life examples, they provide hope and practical advice for anyone struggling to maintain their sobriety or wellbeing during challenging times. Key Takeaways: Ackno...
Nov 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 202
Send us a text Anger and resentment can feel like a never-ending battle, especially for those in recovery. In this raw and relatable conversation, hosts Matt and Steve dive deep into their personal struggles with these challenging emotions. From childhood trauma to strained relationships, they share how anger has impacted their lives and sobriety. Discover strategies they've learned through therapy, the 12 steps, and outside resources to manage these powerful feelings. Hear about those "ah-ha" m...
Nov 05, 2024•34 min
Send us a text Looking for deeper connections in recovery? Join Steve and Matt as they explore the transformative power of recovery retreats. From intimate 35-person gatherings to step-focused weekends, discover how these getaways offer more than just a break from daily life. Learn why investing in a retreat might be exactly what your recovery needs, whether you're newly sober or years into your journey. Steve shares his recent retreat experience, including a powerful revelation about anger and ...
Oct 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 200
Send us a text Are you questioning your relationship with alcohol but thinking "I haven't lost everything yet"? In this raw and revealing episode, we dive into what it really means to be a "high bottom" alcoholic in today's world. Matt shares his personal struggle with Step One, challenging the traditional "rock bottom" narrative from the 1930s Big Book. From the exhausting mental gymnastics of "just one drink" to the profound revelation that unmanageability isn't always about losing homes or jo...
Oct 22, 2024•18 min•Ep. 199
Send us a text Are you stuck in survival mode, always waiting for that "one thing" to make you happy? In this raw and insightful episode, Matt shares a powerful revelation from an AA meeting that struck him "square between the eyes." Discover how the constant struggle to just get by can fuel addiction, and learn how embracing vulnerability and asking for help can transform mere survival into true thriving. Whether you're newly sober or years into recovery, this episode offers a fresh perspective...
Oct 15, 2024•20 min•Ep. 198
Send us a text Join us for an illuminating conversation with Tricia Lewis, host of the Recovery Happy Hour podcast and advocate for inclusive sobriety. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of recovery, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be "alcoholic" and exploring the diverse paths to sobriety in today's world. Tricia shares her personal journey and insights on: Why you don't need to hit "rock bottom" to choose sobriety The role of non-alcoholic beverages i...
Oct 08, 2024•47 min•Ep. 197
Send us a text In this raw and honest episode, Matt and Steve dive deep into the challenging journey of self-forgiveness and building self-worth in recovery. They explore how the weight of past mistakes can fuel addiction and hinder progress, sharing personal stories of their own struggles and triumphs. Discover practical strategies for letting go of guilt, embracing patience in personal growth, and finding self-esteem through "estimable acts." Whether you're new to sobriety or years into your j...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min•Ep. 196
Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into a compelling New York Times article that challenges how we view obesity—is it a disease or just a symptom of a larger issue? This sparks a broader conversation about alcoholism and addiction. Could it be that, like obesity, alcoholism is merely masking deeper, underlying problems? Join Matt and Steve as they explore their personal journeys with recovery and weight loss, drawing fascinating parallels between the two. They discuss...
Sep 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 195
Send us a text Are you feeling stuck in your recovery journey, seeing the same faces and hearing the same stories over and over again? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the rut that many of us experience and how stepping out of your comfort zone can reignite your passion for sobriety. Join Matt as he shares his recent experience as a speaker at a virtual newcomer’s meeting, where the fresh energy and diverse voices revitalized his commitment to service. We also explore the val...
Sep 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 194
Send us a text In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, we dive into the deep end of social anxiety and imposter syndrome—two common struggles that many of us face, especially on our sober journeys. Join us as we share personal stories of navigating awkward social situations, feeling like outsiders, and the challenge of finding our place in new communities. Whether it’s at a kid’s soccer game or a fancy dinner party, we’ve all experienced those moments of not fitting in. But what do we do w...
Sep 03, 2024•31 min•Ep. 193
Send us a text In this deeply personal episode, we dive into the striking parallels between food indulgence and the battles of addiction. It all started with a simple craving for greasy food that spiraled into a night of severe discomfort and unexpected reflection. Join us as we explore how one small slip-up triggered memories of past struggles with alcohol, leading to a profound conversation about recovery, self-destruction, and the daily battles to maintain sobriety. Whether it’s greasy food o...
Aug 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 192
Send us a text The fourth and fifth steps can cause a lot of fear when we first come into a twelve step group. For me, they were liberating. We discuss why the fourth and fifth steps are so important. This is not a how to, this is why they are great steps, how they help you learn more about yourself and why you drink and help you understand how to stay away from the bottle. The fifth step helps you build trust and to have a deep conversation with an another alcoholic about your defects and how y...
Aug 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 191
Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sobriety among well-known public figures. From presidents to Hollywood stars, many famous faces have openly battled addiction, offering both inspiration and complex reflections on the struggle with substance abuse. Steve and I explore what it means to see these celebrities maintain sobriety, how it resonates with those of us in recovery, and whether their stories bring hope or highlight the harsh realities of this relentless disease....
Aug 13, 2024•30 min•Ep. 190
Send us a text You get both of these amazing episodes in one day! If you have not listened to my excellent interview with William Schaberg, then you are in luck today! If you have, you'll love going over this again! I hope you consider buying his book, "Writing the Big Book," which I will link in the notes. You'll be blown away by Bill's insight. In Part 2 of the interview with Bill Schaberg, we discuss: What really happened when Ebby Thatcher visited Bill Wilson (The Kitchen Table Story) The pr...
Aug 06, 2024•41 min
Send us a text I love this episode and its so far in the back of the catalogue, you may not have seen it, especially if you are a new listener. I got the privilege of interviewing William Schaberg, author of the book, "Writing the Big Book." To me, it's the definitive history of the period when Bill write the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is what we discuss: The genesis of the why he wrote the book Bill W’s realization of why a book was written Bill W’s original plan to help alcoholics ...
Aug 06, 2024•51 min
Send us a text In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, Matt dives deep into the often challenging topic of faith and spirituality in recovery. Reflecting on his personal struggles with the concept of a higher power, Matt shares his experiences and doubts, from growing up in a Catholic household to grappling with the notion of an afterlife. He explores the conflicts many face when reconciling scientific reasoning with spiritual beliefs, especially within the context of sobriety and 12-step ...
Jul 30, 2024•14 min•Ep. 189
Send us a text I struggle with what I can't control. If things are not going my way and I have no control over it, it can cause me great stress. That's when I think of the serenity prayer and try to learn from it's wisdom. In this episode, we discuss those things we think we'd control much better and learn when to let go. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch , our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the...
Jul 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 188
Send us a text Join Steve and Matt in this enlightening episode as they delve into the transformative power of peace, serenity, and mindfulness. They discuss the importance of recognizing the universe working in our favor and the profound impact of the 11th Step Prayer, also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Steve shares his personal journey of navigating sobriety, the challenges of maintaining a spiritual practice, and the benefits of incorporating prayer and meditation into daily routines....
Jul 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 187
Send us a text Summer is a time we get out of the house and start socializing. For those of us without the alcohol crutch, how do you survive? We talk about it on this week's episode. Having a 12 step group is helpful because you have a group of people you know. Even if you don't belong to a fellowship, you can learn some tricks to stay sober and happy! Have a plan Leave if you have to Take two cars Bring your own drinks We talk about how to survive socializing without booze this week. Support t...
Jul 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 186
Send us a text In this eye-opening episode we delve into the inspiring origins of Dry July, where three friends’ commitment to sobriety sparked a global movement for health and cancer support. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of pausing alcohol consumption—not just for our bodies but for our minds, wallets, and communities. From a mental health renaissance to economic elevation, discover the transformative impact a dry month can have on every facet of life. Whether you’re seeking bett...
Jul 02, 2024•19 min•Ep. 185
Send us a text What is service work in recovery? It's doing a task or a job that helps support others getting sober. In a meeting, it can be as small as putting chairs away to making coffee. It can be more involved like being a GSR at District, working at Area or GSO or volunteering for committees. In the end, it's doing the job that supports others getting sober. Steve and I are experienced with all kinds of service work and we hope you'll learn a little more about this important part of recove...
Jun 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 184
Send us a text Our family of origin can be a cause of stress in recovery. That's the case for me. I've had to deal with an unexpected situation around my family of origin this week and I needed my higher power to help me through it. I shared this stress in a way I hope helps you. In this episode, we get vulnerable and discuss how the past can show up in the present and how to deal with it. Steve helps me out in not developing new resentments and how to manage stressful situations with the family...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 183
Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the profound yet practical philosophy of “Take the Next Right Action.” This simple mantra holds a world of meaning, especially for those on the journey of recovery. It’s about the courage to confront the challenging tasks we’d rather avoid, the selfless acts of kindness that elevate others at the expense of our own comfort, and the quiet heroism in extending a hand to those who are wrestling with their own battles. For many, recovery is not just a pa...
Jun 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 182
Send us a text Relapse is common in sober communities. Can chronic relapse be disruptive to the group? If it is, how should it be addressed? We talk about chronic relapsers and how their presence can actually enhance the sobriety of those who continue with their recovery journey and how they should be treated with empathy. We discuss some who relapsed for decades, only to finally find continuous sobriety. We also discuss how to address anyone in a recovery community who is disruptive. Support th...
Jun 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 181
Send us a text With summer coming up, it's a great time to talk about the third promise. Lots from the past give us cause to pause, but we should not regret it but learn from it. Matt and Steve talk about the past, the harms caused and how to learn from them to make sobriety even better. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch , our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies f...
May 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 180
Send us a text I thought everything would be perfect once we stopped drinking? WRONG! Life still happens. The difference is that you don't have to drink over it and have new tools to get you through the things that happen in life. This week, Matt had a whole bunch of things happen and I'm sure in 6 months they will be forgotten. But today, they stink. Has this happened to you? Do you struggle with life on life's terms? Then this show is for you! Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations ...
May 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 179
Send us a text Join us for an insightful journey as we delve into the nuances of relapse triggers and celebrate wellness milestones! Today, we're opening up about the daunting specter of relapse triggers, sharing personal experiences, and unveiling strategies to fortify your sobriety armor. But before we dive in, catch up on a candid health update from Matt and how embracing a CPAP machine has been a game-changer in reclaiming restful nights and newfound vitality. As we pivot to the heart of our...
May 14, 2024•30 min•Ep. 178
Send us a text You ever wonder why the old timer with 30 years of sobriety still reads the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous over and over and over again? Didn't they have reading comprehension and could get it the first time? We talk about it this week and discuss how we treat the Big Book of AA as a text book and something to aways learn from. And we discuss how re-reading helps the new guy or gal. Support the show 📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscri...
May 07, 2024•32 min•Ep. 177
