Podcast
Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories
Hosted by Brad McLeod · EN
The Sober Motivation Podcast – Real Stories. Real Change.
Welcome to The Sober Motivation Podcast, the top-rated recovery podcast inspiring people to quit drinking, stay sober, and build a life they’re proud of. Hosted by Brad McLeod, founder of the Sober Motivation Community, each episode features real sobriety stories, life-changing conversations, and actionable tools to help you overcome addiction and rediscover purpose.
Whether you’re new to recovery, sober-curious, or years alcohol-free, this show will help you find the motivation and mindset to keep going—one day at a time. With millions of downloads and a growing global community, Sober Motivation is where hope meets action.
Topics include: quitting alcohol, relapse prevention, mindset shifts, personal growth, mental health, community connection, and rebuilding your life after addiction.
If you’re ready to live alcohol-free and create real change, follow The Sober Motivation Podcast today—because sobriety isn’t the end of your story, it’s the beginning.
Contact me anytime at www.sobermotivation.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
130episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Behind The Mask: Dean McDermott's Sobriety Story
Mar 11, 202500:57:02Tap to summarizeOn the episode, we are joined by Dean McDermott, who shares his rocky road to sobriety. He opens up about his traumatic childhood and his rise to fame. Over the years, Dean had numerous failed attempts at sobriety, and it wasn’t until he was willing to surrender that things changed. This is Dean’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ----------Dean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imdeanmcdermott/Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/00:00 Introduction to the Sober Motivation Podcast00:16 Meet Dean: A Journey Begins00:39 Early Life Struggles and Trauma02:52 First Encounter with Alcohol03:56 Losing a Parent and Turning to Alcohol04:30 Descent into Addiction05:52 Failed Attempts at Sobriety08:32 Life in Hollywood and Further Downfall13:04 The Turning Point: Surrender and Recovery20:15 Finding Faith and Building a New Life22:45 Challenges of Staying Sober30:24 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change32:06 A Cry for Help: Public Mistakes and Personal Realizations34:00 The Path to Recovery: Embracing the 12 Steps34:52 Parenting and Personal Growth: Lessons from Recovery35:58 The Struggle with Sobriety: Overcoming Self-Doubt43:44 The Power of Willingness: Embracing Change51:46 Finding Purpose: The Role of Service in Recovery54:17 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Alcohol was David's best friend, Sobriety Changed Everything.
Mar 6, 202501:20:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad interviews David, who shares his raw and emotional journey from a challenging childhood growing up in New Mexico. David excelled at football, but after an injury, it was time to hang up the cleats, and his alcohol drinking escalated. David describes alcohol as his best friend, and it wasn’t until he was faced with losing everything that he decided to make a phone call that would change the direction of his life. This is David’s story on the sober motivation podcast.------------Connect with David here: https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowsdope/00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:32 David's Early Life and Family Background02:26 First Encounters with Substance Use03:28 Struggles with Belonging and Early Substance Use06:33 High School Experiences and First Drinking08:55 College Life and Fraternity Challenges12:18 Football Dreams and Setbacks14:55 Post-College Life and Early Career29:15 Coaching and Early Signs of Alcohol Problems36:15 Relationship Struggles and Deepening Addiction39:24 Reflecting on a Serious Relationship40:29 The Path of Destruction42:14 Coping Mechanisms and Realizations48:50 The Turning Point: DUI Incident55:44 First Steps Towards Sobriety59:04 Embracing Sobriety and Support01:12:11 Life After SobrietySober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Rebecca Quit Alcohol And Never Looked Back.
Mar 4, 202501:04:24Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode, we welcome Rebecca, who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building a thriving bakery business. Despite her success, Rebecca struggled with alcohol and sugar, which she realized were masking deeper emotional traumas. Her unique story demonstrates that one doesn't need to hit rock bottom to make life-changing decisions. Rebecca dives deep into the cultural and societal norms that surround alcohol and her transformative path to health and wellness. She offers actionable insights and words of encouragement for anyone looking to live a more intentional and fulfilling life. This is Rebecca’s story on the sober motivation podcast.👉 Check out Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.hamilton.co/🤗 Check out the SoberMotivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/❤️ Donate to Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:46 Rebecca's Tumultuous Childhood02:37 Starting and Growing a Bakery Business04:13 The Role of Alcohol in Social Life07:58 Meeting Her Husband and His Sobriety Journey20:19 Health and Wellness Journey31:16 Struggles with Quitting Alcohol32:01 Finding New Ways to Cope32:53 The Turning Point35:48 A Pivotal Moment40:09 Life After Alcohol47:34 Empowerment and Belief Systems51:17 Advice for Those Struggling56:33 Raising Awareness and Final ThoughtsSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Nine Questions to Reflect on If You're Struggling with Leaving Alcohol Behind
Feb 20, 202500:10:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore nine critical questions designed to help those struggling with sobriety consider their relationship with alcohol. Addressing the personal and emotional costs, the episode delves into the importance of support systems, the fallacy of 'doing it alone,' the pitfalls of waiting for the perfect time to quit, and the common yet unique nature of drinking stories. Sober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Alcohol and Cocaine brought Sarah to a place of self-hatred, would sobriety change things?
Feb 10, 202501:01:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have Dr. Sarah Michaud who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through addiction and codependency. Sarah opens up about her childhood marked by alcoholism, her struggles with substance abuse, and the life-altering moments that led her to seek help. She discusses the hardships of growing up in a chaotic environment, the role of denial in addiction, and the sobering reality of hitting rock bottom. Through her story, Sarah illuminates the often painful but ultimately rewarding path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the life-changing benefits of sobriety. This is Sarah’s story on the sober motivation podcast.-------------Join the Sober Motivation Community HERE ---->>>> https://sobermotivation.mn.coSarah on YouTube here------>>> https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytownSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →From pints with the boys to the operating table, Steven’s battle with alcohol.
Feb 6, 202500:56:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode we have Steven who shares his journey battling alcohol addiction. Steven shares how his normal childhood quickly spiraled into heavy drinking during his early police career, leading to decades of escalating dependency and withdrawal struggles. He recounts staring death in the eye after drinking took a massive toll on his health and he was unsure if he would live or die. For Steven quitting alcohol changed everything, and he has been able to make massive changes in his life. From prints with the boys to the operating table, this is Steven’s story on the sober motivation podcast.---------------Steven's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6OuaPmR7xqSDfUxkcYVkrASteven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenalcoholfreelifestyle00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol02:05 Adolescence and Escalation of Drinking03:30 Joining the Police and Drinking Culture04:43 Marriage, Parenthood, and Increased Drinking06:32 First Attempts at Recovery and Relapse12:07 Struggles with Support Systems and Self-Medication15:29 The Vicious Cycle of Relapse27:11 The Collapse: Losing Everything28:16 The Stigma of Not Drinking28:57 Struggles with Alcohol Dependency31:37 Failed Attempts at Recovery33:14 A Turning Point: Seeking Help35:42 The Road to Recovery36:20 Rebuilding Relationships38:50 Life After Sobriety52:42 Final Reflections and AdviceSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Melissa struggled with binge drinking until she learned to trust the process of sobriety.
Jan 31, 202501:05:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have Melissa, who opens up about her upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin and how a great childhood led to struggles with alcohol. Despite not encountering drinking in her family, Melissa recounts her early experiences with alcohol, the toxic relationships, and the eventual descent into binge drinking and drug use. Melissa shares her turning point after a series of attempts at sobriety, including several 'dry Januarys,' in February of 2024, Melissa starts to reclaim her life. Her journey from the chaos of addiction to trusting the process. This is Melissa’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.------------Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.coMelissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mam_i_am1/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:16 Melissa's Childhood and Family Background01:21 High School Experiences and Early Relationships03:22 College Life and Introduction to Alcohol10:34 Post-College Life and Moving to D.C.17:36 Return to Wisconsin and Weight Loss Journey20:17 Struggles with Alcohol and Social Drinking Culture24:51 Reflecting on Drinking Habits and Health27:41 Dry January and the Impact of COVID-1931:52 Reflecting on the Party Lifestyle33:08 Questioning Drinking Habits34:14 The Hip Injury Incident37:37 YOLO Summer and Escalation39:48 Christmas Chaos and Realizations46:12 Attempting Moderation47:52 Embracing Sobriety56:06 Trusting the ProcessSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Simon's lifestyle was killing him and alcohol played a massive role. Sobriety changed everything.
Jan 22, 202500:56:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have Simon, who shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey from teenage grief to getting sober and completing Ironman's. Simon opens up about his struggles with alcohol and painkillers, the wake-up calls that spurred his transformation, and the profound emotional rewards of his sobering journey. Simon’s story underscores the transformative power of small, consistent actions and the support from loved ones in overcoming life's biggest challenges.----------------Simon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/keynotemaguire/Visit: https://www.sobermotivation.comSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Daily alcohol consumption was Jon's norm until he gave it up.
Jan 20, 202500:56:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have Jon, who shares his compelling story of growing up in the Northeast, experiencing significant losses at a young age, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Jon recounts his struggle with heavy drinking throughout high school, college, and into his adult life, detailing a near-death experience and some attempts to quit. He discusses the impact of losing his mother, the importance of his supportive father, and the eventual decision to embrace sobriety after decades of nightly drinking. Jon struggled with a deep sense of sadness and continues to work on himself every day, and this is Jon’s story on the Sober Motivation Podcast.----------Support the Show Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact Jon here: https://www.instagram.com/steelfirestudiollc/ 00:00 Introduction to Season Four00:32 John's Early Life and Family Loss02:31 High School Struggles and First Encounters with Alcohol04:10 A Near-Death Experience and Failed Attempts at Sobriety06:21 Private School Turnaround and College Challenges14:57 Post-High School: Marine Corps and DUI Incident18:31 Seattle Move and University Life26:28 Navigating Life's Challenges with Alcohol27:55 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol28:33 The Struggle with Sadness and Loss30:42 The Illusion of Control and Functionality33:17 Career Changes and Escaping Reality36:08 The Decision to Quit Drinking39:47 Life After Alcohol: A New Beginning41:51 The Support System and Personal Growth44:48 The Joy of Authentic Living51:12 Final Reflections and Advice Sober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Ben’s Hidden Battle with Alcohol and the Magic of Sharing
Jan 15, 202501:00:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we have Ben, a pastor from South Georgia, who shares his life story marked by childhood challenges, struggles with perfectionism, and eventually alcohol addiction. Ben discusses growing up in a tumultuous household, his late start with drinking at nearly 21, and how alcohol became both a coping mechanism and a source of shame. He talks about the moment that led him to seek sobriety in January 2022. Tune into Ben’s amazing story of sobriety and newfound gratitude that has transformed his life.--------------Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.coDownload the MyDry30 App: https://mydry30.com/Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgosden/Ben's Book: Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery Check it out here: https://a.co/d/7AAgfnTSober Motivation Mobile App: https://apps.apple.com/app/sober-motivation-app/id6759266291Sober Motivation Website: https://www.sobermotivation.comSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationContact me anytime: brad@sobermotivation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →