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
From Alcohol Blackouts To 34 Years Sober: Brian's Story.
Dec 3100:59:52Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of 2025, Brad sits down with Brian, who share's a raw and honest sobriety story that spans decades.Brian opens up about growing up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by alcoholism, violence, and instability — and how hockey became his escape. As a teenager, alcohol quickly became more than “weekend fun,” turning into blackout drinking, fights, arrests, and a dangerous spiral that ended in a moment that forced everything to change.Brian shares what finally made him ask for help, why leaving his environment was a key part of getting sober, and what it took to rebuild identity, friendships, and confidence without alcohol. Brian’s last drink was December 28th, 1991 — and today he reflects on 34 years sober, life in Germany, and the mindset that helped him protect his recovery for the long haul.In this episode, we cover:•Childhood trauma, absent father, and growing up around addiction•Hockey as an outlet for anger, pain, and survival•Early drinking, escalation, blackouts, and legal consequences•The turning point that forced Brian to choose recovery•Treatment, relocating, and why “new environment” mattered•Rebuilding identity without alcohol (social life, confidence, dating)•Long-term sobriety tools: honesty, boundaries, and an exit plan•What 34 years sober has taught Brian about freedom and control Join the Sober Motivation Community: Click here for 30 Days freeBrian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbrianpiper/ 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 →9 Years Sober: How Jess Quit Pills, Ambien, And Alcohol
Dec 3001:17:49Tap to summarizeJess is a former Air Force sergeant, mom of three, and survivor who came back from a suicide attempt to build a life she once thought was impossible. After eight years in the military and a medical retirement, she spiraled into prescription pill addiction, Ambien abuse, and untreated trauma. In June 2016, her daughter came home from school with a stomach ache and found her unconscious on the bed.This is the exact story of how a stay-at-home mom with no friends and a 400 credit score ended up in a recovery house in York, Pennsylvania, lost custody of her kids, lost her marriage, and rebuilt everything from the ground up. She now has 9 years sober and is five months from finishing her PhD in psychology.You'll hear about: childhood trauma, hidden assaults, Ambien addiction, prescription opiates, a near-fatal overdose, the doctor who believed in her first, and what it took to forgive herself.If you've been through more than the people in your life know, this one's for you.Jess On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessosborn0824/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 →How To Get Sober? When Drinking Is All You Know with Chester and Rick Duff.
Dec 2302:10:37Tap to summarizeChester and Rick Duff share a special friendship, one that was once fuelled by drinking and addiction. They both joined me in the studio to share the full story of the different places addiction took them to and how they have been able to break the cycle. For Chester is was more daily drinking, which triggered a true hatred towards himself and Rick Duff was more of the weekend warrior but sobriety has changed things completely. We go over many "Rock Bottoms" and failed attempts at sobriety to Chester reaching 9 months sober on the date this episode goes live. ----------Chester on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chester_alarie/Rick Duff on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rickduffmusic/ 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 →How To Stay Sober Over The Holidays With Special Guests
Dec 1901:04:49Tap to summarizeThis episode of Sober Motivation Holiday features Jess Lopez, Megan, and Nisha, who share their collective experiences and expert insights on maintaining sobriety through the holiday season. Hosted by Brad, the discussion includes practical tips on planning for sobriety at social events, embracing joy and gratitude, handling grief, and supporting loved ones on their recovery journeys. The guests highlight the importance of community, self-care, and intentional living as essential tools for thriving in sobriety during the festive period.-----------Jess: https://www.instagram.com/mysobersunrise/Nisha: https://www.instagram.com/nishapatelcoaching/Megan: https://www.instagram.com/meganeileen3/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 →Jermaine's Story: Sober Up or Die
Dec 1701:08:00Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I stop?” or felt trapped by shame, this one hits deep. Brad sits down with Jermaine Dante’ Burse, a Bay Area native (Vallejo, California) whose drinking didn’t start as party chaos; it was quiet, functional, in-house alcoholism that escalated over a decade into withdrawal seizures, pancreatitis, liver failure symptoms, jaundice, a coma, and life support. Today, Jermaine is 12 years sober. wU8vxHo2GK1Lfb22s3Yq-------------The Sober Motivation: Just Between Us Podcast: Click HereJermaine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jermainedante_art/ 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 →Getting Sober After a Near-Fatal Crash: Olivia’s Story
Dec 1201:01:45Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I talk with Olivia about her sobriety journey, choosing an alcohol-free life, and what it really took to get sober after years of pain. Olivia opens up about growing up with severe OCD (intrusive thoughts/compulsions), trauma, and using alcohol as self-medication to quiet anxiety, feel confident, and fit in. She shares how addiction, BPD, and escalating alcohol + cocaine use led to chaos, toxic relationships, rehab attempts, and a near-fatal car crash that became her turning point toward sobriety. A “miracle” phone call led to the right opportunity, where she learned self-awareness, accountability, and built a sustainable, sober, alcohol-free life. This episode is for anyone trying to get sober, stay sober, and keep going. Proof that recovery and sobriety create a ripple effect for family, healing, and hope.-------------Oliva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobercoasterlife/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 →The Wake-Up Call: How Brittany Stopped Drinking and Took Her Life Back
Dec 1001:12:11Tap to summarizeBrittany joins the Sober Motivation Podcast to share her powerful story of growing up in Minnesota with a father who struggled with alcoholism, living with clinical depression, and using alcohol to cope with trauma, loneliness, and shame. She talks about becoming a “high-functioning” drinker—doing well at work and school while secretly relying on alcohol every day. Brittany also opens up about getting trapped in an abusive relationship, the trauma bond that kept her stuck, and the moment everything changed after a violent incident. On January 3rd, she chose sobriety, learned to ride out cravings, and started rebuilding a life filled with real joy, self-respect, and emotional healing. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, stuck in toxic patterns, or wondering if change is possible, this recovery story will give you hope and motivation to keep going.----------------Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationSober Motivation Community: Click HereBrittany on IG: https://www.instagram.com/innatedivinity/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 →Josh's Escape from Alcohol and Brink of Death to Sobriety.
Dec 300:55:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Josh shares his heart-wrenching journey from a childhood impacted by abuse and perfectionism to the depths that alcohol took him. Throughout the years of struggling, Josh had a DWI, rehab stays, but he never wanted to make changes for himself. He recounts hitting rock bottom with a near-death experience in Italy, which became the catalyst for his transformation. Through resilience, therapy, and unconditional love from his family, Josh finds his way back to himself, embracing sobriety and self-love. Josh’s powerful story is an example that life can turn around, and although sobriety is not easy, it’s worth it.----------Join the Sober Motivation Community: Join HEREListen to the Just Between Us Podcast: Click HEREJosh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgmaurice/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 →A Tradesman’s Journey to Sobriety with Mike
Nov 2700:49:48Tap to summarizeJoin Brad in another powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast as he chats with Mike, a Canadian tradesman who opens up about his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol to finding sobriety and changing his life. With candid insight, Mike shares the turning point during a trip to Barbados and the challenges of navigating sobriety in a world filled with social pressures. As Mike reflects on his past, therapy, and new motivations, listeners are left wondering - what finally led Mike to choose a life of sobriety?---------------Mike on IG: https://www.instagram.com/h4zen/Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co 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 Use Disorder - Tom's Sober Story
Nov 2400:49:57Tap to summarizeFor Tom, childhood was filled with positive memories—nothing that hinted he’d ever struggle with alcohol. After college, he stepped into his career, a world where late nights out were normal, and alcohol made social connections feel easier. At first, everything seemed under control.But when the pandemic hit, and isolation became a daily reality, drinking slowly picked up speed. Tom didn’t have what many would call a “rock bottom,” but internally, he felt the truth: something had to change.This is Tom’s journey of honesty, self-awareness, and choosing a different path. Check out the Just Between Us Podcast:https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/07bfba32-e173-41c6-973e-ceee488187c7/signup 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:20 Tom's Childhood and Upbringing01:43 College Life and Fraternity Influence04:09 Post-College Career and Move to Boston12:12 Pandemic Impact and Realization16:42 The Struggle with Alcohol23:06 The Hidden Truth About Alcohol's Impact on Society23:55 The Dopamine Connection: Alcohol and Gambling24:57 Personal Reflections: Evaluating Life Choices26:05 The Decade Mark: Recognizing the Need for Change26:50 The Internal Struggle: Awareness and Denial27:41 The Turning Point: Family and Sobriety31:20 Navigating Sobriety: Slips and Progress36:20 Therapy and Support: Tools for Sobriety40:58 The Journey Continues: Embracing Change44:45 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and SupporSober 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.
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