Podcast
The Sober New Yorker
Hosted by Melissa McGovern · EN
The Sober New Yorker is where radical sobriety meets NYC grit. Hosted by Melissa—a sharp-tongued, big-hearted sober coach—this podcast dives into the real, raw, and heartfelt stories of people who’ve ditched booze and found something way better. No fluff, no filters, just deep convos, loud laughs, and the badass truth about living alcohol-free in a world obsessed with the next round.
Sober isn’t boring. It’s badass.
Help support the podcast:
coff.ee/thesobernewyorker
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Girl Walks Out of a Bar... and Into a New Life - Lisa Smith's Story
3w ago00:44:38Tap to summarizeLisa Smith is the author of the acclaimed memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar, a candid and powerful account of her journey from addiction to recovery. A former high-powered New York City attorney, Lisa struggled with a high-functioning alcohol and cocaine addiction before finding lasting sobriety.Now 22 years alcohol- and drug-free, Lisa is a leading voice in the recovery community. She is the award-winning host of the podcast Recovery Rocks, co-creator of The Sobriety Deck, and a sought-after speaker and advocate. Through her writing, podcasting, and recovery work, Lisa continues to inspire others by sharing her experience with honesty, humor, and hope.In this conversation, Lisa reflects on writing her memoir years after its publication, what recovery looks like more than two decades later, and why getting sober had to be something she did for herself.Get her book:https://lisasmithadvisory.com/about-the-book/Follow her on Socials:https://www.instagram.com/lisasmithwrites/
Transcribe →"Tired Dad", Sober Life: Jon's Story
4w ago00:44:59Tap to summarizeThis week, I'm joined by Jon Gustin—better known as The Tired Dad and author of the new book The Tired Dad: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most. Jon opens up about his journey from numbing with alcohol to living with intention, honesty, and presence. We talk shame, sobriety, mental health, fatherhood, and what it really takes to stop escaping and start feeling your life again.Jon's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thetireddad/Buy his book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784324/the-tired-dad-by-jon-gustin/
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A Second Chance at Life - Adriana's Story
Jun 300:57:12Tap to summarizeAdriana is a liver failure survivor who was given a second chance at life after alcohol nearly took everything from her. Now alcohol-free, she uses her social media platform to break the stigma around recovery, inspire others to step out of the shadows, and share why sobriety has been the best gift she's ever given herself and her family. A proud New Yorker, Adriana brings grit, honesty, and plenty of badassery to her mission of helping others find hope and healing.Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theadgeofsobriety/Join me for NYC Sober October Retreat!https://www.soberincentralpark.com/nyc-fall-retreatSave $500 when you pay in full! Code: NYC500
Transcribe →Dr. Brett's Redemption Story
May 2700:44:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brett Kessler — former President of the American Dental Association, triathlete, husband, father, and a man whose life has been completely transformed through recovery. Now almost 28 years sober, Dr. Brett shares his journey from addiction and self-destruction to becoming a powerful force for healing and service.We talk about the role recovery played in rebuilding his life, career, and purpose, and how he became known for helping people struggling with addiction restore their smiles after years of damage from methamphetamine and substance use — often paying for the work himself simply because he wanted to give back.This conversation is full of hope, resilience, perspective, and positivity. Dr. Brett is living proof that recovery doesn’t just change your life — it allows you to become the kind of person who changes the lives of others.Follow Dr. Brett:https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/https://bikodds.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brett-kessler/
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Rock Bottom in the Bar Car - Sydney's Story
May 2101:03:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sydney shares the many layers of rock bottom that ultimately led her to an alcohol-free life — including the unexpected moment that finally clicked for her: realizing there was a bar car on the train she was taking. What once felt normal suddenly became impossible to ignore.Now over two years sober, Sydney has completely transformed her life. She’s embraced running, built a huge community on TikTok, and is living proof that sobriety doesn’t make life smaller — it makes it bigger, freer, and far more badass. This conversation is honest, funny, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that change is possible at any stage.Follow Sydney:TikTok 😜 www.tiktok.com/@sydleemac?_r=1&_t=ZT-91BjUm2me3zhttps://www.instagram.com/sobersyd/https://www.sydneymacalister.com/
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The Hidden Programming Behind Alcohol with Karolina Rzadkowolska
May 1300:52:29Tap to summarizeKarolina Rzadkowolska is a bestselling author, alcohol-free empowerment expert, and founder of Euphoric, a global movement helping women transform their relationship with alcohol. She is the author of Euphoric and has helped thousands of women create healthier, more fulfilling lives without alcohol.On a personal level, Karolina is also my mentor and the woman I completed my coaching certification with. I deeply connect with her approach to changing subconscious beliefs around alcohol and the empowering way she helps women redefine what’s possible alcohol-free.Follow Karolina:https://www.instagram.com/euphoric.af/Join my Happier Hour group:https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJ
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From Loss to Liberation: How Alcohol Changed Her Life Twice
May 800:49:54Tap to summarizeToday I’m joined by Christina, a San Diego–based embodiment coach and somatics practitioner who helps women reconnect with themselves, rebuild self-trust, and feel more at home in their bodies. In this episode, we talk about Christina’s personal journey, what led her to this work, how she’s doing today, and the healing power of embodiment, connection, and movement. We also talk about the importance of community, learning to trust yourself again, and yes… when we can finally dance together.Follow Christina on IG:https://www.instagram.com/itschristinahorn/
Transcribe →High on NYC with Melissa and Rachel
Apr 3000:36:28Tap to summarizeMelissa (The Sober New Yorker) and Rachel (Sober in Central Park) are fresh off their very first NYC sober retreat—and still buzzing.In this episode, they share the magic of a weekend that brought women from around the country together for connection, laughter, breakthroughs, and experiencing New York City fully alcohol-free.This is just the beginning.✨ Want to join a future retreat?Fill out the form below to get on our list and be the first to know what’s next:https://forms.gle/CY1BgAdqeKEV9Zi29
Transcribe →I Knew There Had to Be More - Jaime's Story
Apr 2900:48:40Tap to summarizeJaime Anderson is an alcohol-free coach based in Seattle, Washington, who helps women build confidence and create a life they genuinely love without alcohol.Three and a half years alcohol-free herself, Jaime believes that letting go of alcohol isn’t about losing something—it’s about gaining everything. Through her group programs and one-on-one coaching, she supports women in redefining their relationship with alcohol and stepping into a more intentional, fulfilling life.She’s a strong voice for the idea that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose something different—you just have to be ready for more.Jaime's website:https://www.amazinglyalcoholfree.com/aboutAnd Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amazinglyalcoholfree/
Transcribe →She Chose Different: Nicole’s Story of Loss, Motherhood, and Recovery
Apr 2200:49:47Tap to summarizeNicole is a Northern California-based mom of five, recovery advocate, and a woman approaching four years of sobriety. After losing her father to alcohol use disorder, she made the courageous decision to change the trajectory of her own life in the middle of raising a busy family. Through working the steps and committing fully to her recovery, Nicole has built a life grounded in resilience, honesty, and purpose. Today, she uses her voice to support and inspire others navigating their own path to sobriety, proving that it’s never too late to choose differently.Follow Nicole on IG:https://www.instagram.com/cargonicole/
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