This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

Episode: Sober Curious with Amanda Kuda | 270
Release Date: January 10, 2025

Introduction: Redefining Sober Curiosity

In this compelling episode of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil welcomes Amanda Kuda, an alcohol-free lifestyle expert, holistic life coach, and author of Unbottled Potential: Break Up with Alcohol and Break Through to Your Best Life. Together, they delve into the growing movement of sobriety and the concept of being "sober curious," exploring how redefining one's relationship with alcohol can lead to personal empowerment and fulfillment.

Amanda Kuda's Journey to Sobriety

Amanda opens up about her personal decision to eliminate alcohol from her life, a choice driven not by addiction but by a desire for holistic well-being.

[03:50] Amanda Kuda: "My decision came quite a bit earlier than I think a lot of people who choose to renegotiate their relationship with alcohol. I started getting this inkling when I was in my late 20s... I felt so dissatisfied. I felt so lost."

Despite achieving the traditional markers of success—the prestigious job, recognition in society magazines, and a comfortable lifestyle—Amanda felt unfulfilled. Her exploration into New Age spirituality and personal development led her to realize that alcohol was a barrier to her true potential.

[03:50] Amanda Kuda: "I tried moderation, but it just took up too much brain power and was too much effort. So finally in 2017, I decided I was just going to quit... and that experiment changed my entire life."

Distinguishing Between "Sober" and "Sober Curious"

Nicole seeks clarity on the terminology surrounding sobriety.

[07:54] Amanda Kuda: "The branding of the word sober and sobriety is addiction and recovery... 'Sober curious' was a brilliant shift because it allowed us to explore sobriety without the stigma of addiction."

Amanda explains that "sober curious" offers a non-judgmental way to reassess one's relationship with alcohol, making the journey more accessible to those who don't identify with traditional sobriety movements.

Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol

The conversation shifts to practical strategies for maintaining sobriety in social contexts where alcohol is prevalent.

[10:06] Amanda Kuda: "I approached it knowing this was something I was doing for myself... I went in with brazen confidence, and come hell or high water, I'm going to make it through."

Amanda emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and confidence in one's choices. She encourages reframing social gatherings as opportunities to discover new interests and connections beyond alcohol-centric activities.

[12:24] Nicole Kalil: "Having reasons to not go to some of those things is actually exciting for me... Do you find they tend to avoid those types of things or sort of somewhere in the middle?"

Amanda responds by highlighting the empowerment that comes from choosing meaningful engagements over obligatory social drinking.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Choosing Sobriety

Amanda outlines both tangible and intangible benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, linking sobriety to overall life optimization.

[20:50] Amanda Kuda: "Alcohol disrupts all of your vital organs at the cellular level... If you want better sleep, clearer skin, more effective workouts, and body optimization, removing alcohol is one of the fastest ways."

Beyond physical health, Amanda discusses the profound impact sobriety has on personal fulfillment and achieving one's true potential.

[20:50] Amanda Kuda: "Once I got alcohol out of the way, all of my wildest dreams came true in such a short period of time."

She underscores that sobriety removes barriers to creativity, motivation, and emotional clarity, enabling individuals to pursue their dreams with renewed vigor.

Addressing Emotional Challenges: Guilt and Shame

The episode doesn't shy away from the emotional toll that substances like alcohol can take on self-perception.

[23:54] Amanda Kuda: "There’s this internal niggling that something was going amiss... I had a sense of longing that I couldn’t be my fullest self when I was feeling sluggish."

Amanda speaks candidly about the pervasive feelings of guilt and shame associated with drinking, advocating for sobriety as a means to attain emotional liberation and self-respect.

Optimizing Time and Energy Through Sobriety

Amanda explores how alcohol consumption often leads to unproductive cycles, wasting valuable time and energy.

[25:38] Amanda Kuda: "I was operating at a dismal capacity for a lot of the week... Removing alcohol freed up infinite time and mental energy to pursue my dreams."

By eliminating alcohol, individuals can reclaim time previously spent on drinking and recovery, channeling that energy into personal and professional growth.

Practical Steps to Explore Sobriety

For listeners intrigued by the sober curious movement, Amanda offers actionable steps to begin their journey.

[28:58] Amanda Kuda: "Take a consistent consecutive break from alcohol... Start with 90 days to see what it's like and how good you could feel."

Amanda recommends a structured approach, such as a 90-day sobriety challenge, coupled with introspective practices like journaling to track personal growth and emotional changes.

Tracking Progress and Maximizing Benefits

To ensure a meaningful and transformative experience, Amanda advises on methods to monitor and enhance the sobriety journey.

[31:10] Amanda Kuda: "Journaling is essential to get mindful about what you're experiencing and how your mood is shifting... Do some introspection to understand what you were using alcohol for and find ways to address those needs without it."

By documenting emotions and reflections, individuals can better understand their motivations and celebrate the positive changes brought about by sobriety.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Choice

As the episode wraps up, Nicole and Amanda reinforce the core message of personal empowerment and the importance of making choices that align with one's true self.

[33:25] Nicole Kalil: "Creating a life and making choices that serve you is the ultimate form of self-respect and confidence... That, my friends, is absolutely worth cheersing."

Nicole encourages listeners to honor their decisions without seeking validation, celebrating the brave steps taken towards self-improvement and authenticity.

Connect with Amanda Kuda:

• Website: amandacuda.com
• Instagram: @amandakutta
• Book: Unbottled Potential available on Amazon and other bookstores.

Join Amanda's Challenge:
Participate in Amanda’s 90-day sobriety challenge by visiting amandacuda.com/challenge using the code tiww for exclusive access.

Podcast episodes empower listeners to redefine societal norms and embrace personal choices that lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. This episode serves as a heartfelt guide for anyone contemplating a shift towards sobriety, offering both inspiration and practical advice to catalyze meaningful change.