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
Pain Created Purpose: David's Sober Story
Nov 1901:00:11Tap to summarizeIn this compelling episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, David shares his intense journey from his upbringing in Ocean City, NJ, to struggling with addiction during high school, and eventually finding himself in psych wards and homeless. Highlighting the power of the right support system and the incredible transformations in his life, David discusses the pain and growth experienced in recovery, now thriving as a medical student with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around, harnessed his addiction for good, and discovered the true power of sobriety.---------New Podcast - Sober Motivation: Just Between Us: Subscribe HereSober Motivation Community (1 Month Free): https://sobermotivation.mn.co1:1 Mentorship Information: https://sobermotivation.comDavid's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.millar.mindset/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 Life Without Alcohol? Dre Thought Never — Now She is 4 Years Sober
Nov 1001:16:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Dre joins us to recount her journey with alcohol, starting with a disruptive childhood marked by constant moving. Hear what led her to her first drink at 13, setting off years of binge drinking, attempts at moderation, and eventually hitting rock bottom. She shares powerful insights on battling addiction, the impact of losing her mother and later her daughter, and her path to sobriety through self-discovery and community support. Please tune in to hear how she celebrates 4 years of sobriety today, November 10, 2025.Dre's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dre_eagle/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:16 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics01:42 First Drink and Teenage Years05:58 High School Struggles and Boarding School14:22 Post-High School and Early Adulthood16:55 Motherhood and Coping with Loss19:52 Relocation and Continued Struggles20:30 Acknowledging the Problem23:08 Attempts at Moderation and Realization30:32 Health Issues and the Path to Sobriety35:34 Struggles with Alcohol and Realization36:37 Impact on Family and Embarrassment37:41 Isolation and Binge Drinking39:54 The Tipping Point and Seeking Help41:05 First Steps Towards Sobriety52:22 Grieving and Building Community01:01:08 Reflections and Moving ForwardSober 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 →Is Quitting Alcohol Worth it? Updates with Liz, John and Justin
Nov 701:22:33Tap to summarizeIn this podcast episode, we catch up with three inspirational guests—Liz, John, and Justin—as they share their powerful journeys through sobriety. Liz reflects on the emotional and physical transformation she has experienced, John discusses the unexpected benefits of quitting alcohol to support his wife, Melissa, and Justin reveals the depths of his battles with substance abuse and how he rebuilt his life. Tune in to discover how sobriety has reshaped their lives and relationships in profound ways.Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dntcallmesarah/Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinbrien19/00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:23 Catching Up with Liz02:42 Liz's Sobriety Journey05:41 Life Changes and Insights07:37 Financial and Health Benefits09:25 Emotional Growth and Self-Discovery10:50 Challenges and Coping Strategies11:41 Reflections on Relationships and Anxiety14:17 Final Thoughts with Liz31:33 Introduction to John43:01 The Importance of Mindset in Relationships43:44 John's Journey: Overcoming Challenges44:31 Replacing Old Habits with Healthy Ones46:05 The Impact of Hydration and Planning47:05 A Shared Passion: Fishing and the F-15048:09 Reflecting on Sobriety and Support50:07 Introducing Justin: A New Perspective50:32 Justin's Struggle with Addiction55:25 The Turning Point: Seeking Help01:03:40 Life After Sobriety: Achievements and Reflections01:19:19 Concluding Thoughts and Resources 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 →Breaking Chains: Ian's 34-Year Battle with Alcohol to Sobriety
Nov 401:11:25Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I welcome Ian, who candidly shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol. Discover how Ian turned his life around after 34 years of drinking, failed marriages, and professional challenges, all while exploring the profound impact of finding clarity, gratitude, and setting powerful examples for his children. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of community, self-forgiveness, and the surprising benefits of a sober life.Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian.fee/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:16 Ian's Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol02:26 High School and College Years05:05 Career Beginnings and Drinking Culture14:23 Family Life and Struggles with Alcohol17:59 Rehab and the Road to Recovery32:13 Struggles and Realizations33:46 The Importance of Community38:12 Facing Social Pressures41:01 The Value of Time and Sobriety45:06 Forgiveness and Self-Improvement50:07 Gratitude and Daily Practices54:39 Impact and Purpose01:02:31 Final Thoughts 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 →From hiding alcohol bottles to sobriety with Christine
Oct 3001:14:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I sit down with Christine, a resilient mother and former nurse, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood affected by her father's alcoholism to her own struggles with addiction. Christine opens up about the challenges of growing up in a loving yet dysfunctional household, the impact of her father's early death, and eventually her own battle with substance abuse. She details her difficult path to recovery, which included losing her nursing license, the toll it took on her family, and her turning points. Christine discusses finding peace and purpose through sobriety, the support of her family, and the importance of honesty and community in her recovery journey.Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationChristine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sherisessober/00:00 Introduction to Season Four00:15 Meet Christine: A Long-Awaited Conversation00:43 Christine's Childhood: Love and Dysfunction04:14 School Days and Family Tragedy06:31 High School: First Encounters with Alcohol14:07 Post-High School Life: Family and Work15:41 Meeting Her Husband: A Funny Story18:14 Motherhood and Nursing School21:39 The Accident: A Turning Point24:00 Struggling with Addiction27:18 Seeking Help and Legal Troubles29:54 Relapse and Alcohol Dependency36:41 Facing the Consequences of Poor Choices36:59 Struggles with Guilt and Shame37:51 Losing a Beloved Career42:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Help44:13 Entering Detox and the Road to Recovery45:20 Rebuilding Relationships and Self-Identity53:11 The Importance of Honesty and Vulnerability55:47 Finding Peace and Purpose in Recovery01:09:41 Encouragement for Those StrugglingSober 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 →Navigating Childhood Trauma and the Path to Sobriety with Emily
Oct 2301:09:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Emily joins the show to share her powerful story of growing up with alcoholic parents, her own struggles with addiction, and the journey to sobriety. Emily recounts her move to Texas, feelings of disconnection, and major life challenges, including an unplanned pregnancy and battling an eating disorder. We explore Emily’s slow, nonlinear path of recovery after decades of chronic relapse, twenty institutions, a DUI with her child in the car, and ongoing neurological damage from alcohol use—all while mothering four children. She discusses her multiple stints in rehab and what led her to get sober again in 2016. Emily also speaks about her memoir, 'Wife, Mother, Drunk,' which explores her family's generational trauma, her personal experiences, and her path to healing and understanding. Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.coSupport the Show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationConnect with Emily on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/emilyredondo_author/ 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 Don Quit Drinking After Hitting Rock Bottom | Sobriety Story That Will Change You
Oct 1501:10:50Tap to summarizeHow do you quit drinking when you feel like you can’t stop?In this powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Don shares his raw and honest story of alcohol addiction, hitting rock bottom, and how he finally found a way to get sober.If you’ve ever struggled with alcohol, wondered how to quit drinking, or felt trapped in addiction, this sobriety story will hit home.Don opens up about growing up with an alcoholic father, experiencing early trauma, and how alcohol quickly became something he couldn’t control. What started as confidence and escape turned into full-blown addiction, near-death experiences, and a life spiraling out of control.This is more than just an addiction story—this is a story of recovery, transformation, and hope. Don on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donabenante/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 Don's Childhood and Early Exposure to Alcohol02:05 Memories of Don's Father04:19 The Impact of Don's Father's Death06:39 Don's Struggle with Alcohol Begins09:48 Life as an Alcoholic and Career Challenges12:18 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help16:00 The Turning Point: Finding Sobriety21:52 Rebuilding Life and Embracing Sobriety29:17 The Struggle with Sobriety29:38 The Turning Point30:07 The Battle with Kratom32:19 Support Systems and Sobriety34:08 Finding Peace in Sobriety37:21 Embracing Sobriety as a Superpower40:17 The Journey to Self-Acceptance45:25 Career and Sobriety46:21 The Netflix Opportunity48:04 Building a New Life01:00:15 Final Thoughts on Sobriety 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 →From Alcohol Blackouts To Finding Joy - Sam's Story
Oct 801:18:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I connect with Sam, a listener of the podcast. Sam shares his story growing up in Northern Virginia, where sports and family played significant roles, transitioning to a college life filled with heavy drinking and partying. After moving to Florida, Sam realized that alcohol prevented him from pursuing his passions and living a fulfilling life. A significant wake-up call from his boss helped Sam make the critical decision to stop drinking. Sam discusses his journey through sobriety, the importance of support systems like AA and podcasts, and how focusing on his hobbies and improving his mental health has changed his life. Sam now channels his energy into helping others and setting personal goals, celebrating one year of sobriety with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sammysharks9/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:40 Sam's Childhood and Upbringing02:21 Early Experiences with Alcohol03:40 High School Drinking Culture09:37 College Life and Escalation of Drinking14:00 Consequences and Realizations17:44 Post-College Reflections24:35 Health Issues and Denial27:20 Seeking Help and Self-Reflection34:19 Breaking the Cycle and Growth35:15 The Unexpected Journey to Sobriety35:41 Life in Tampa: Bars, Beaches, and Martial Arts38:18 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol40:09 The Decision to Quit: Work and Personal Life Collide42:52 The First Steps: AA and Early Sobriety46:28 Transformations: Physical and Mental Health Improvements48:20 Finding New Passions: Fishing and Fitness49:07 Supporting Others: The Power of Community01:00:45 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice and Encouragement 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 →Sober at 17: Logan thought alcohol was required for fun in life.
Sep 2501:06:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host I welcome Logan, who shares his powerful story of sobriety from alcohol and gambling addiction at a young age. Logan talks about his early experiences with alcohol, the challenges of growing up with ADHD, and the impact of his upbringing on his addictive behaviors. He recounts his struggle with substance abuse, the consequences he faced, and his transformative journey through detox and rehab. Logan also discusses the importance of support systems, the role of faith in his recovery, and the hard choices he made to change his life.-------------Logan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/newgenerationsobrietySober 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 going to cost Andy everything.
Sep 2201:15:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I sit down with Andy to discuss Andy's incredible journey to sobriety. We jump into Andy's childhood, his early relationship with alcohol, his struggles, and the moments that made him decide to seek help. Andy shares his experiences with the Sober Motivation community and highlights the positive changes that have come from his sobriety. This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at the challenges and changes of living a sober life.--------Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivationThe Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/Andy's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaernie/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.
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