E236: Angels with Dirty Faces: Amber Hollingsworth on Seeing the Good in Addiction
Send us a textWhat if the person you love isn’t broken—just buried under addiction?In this powerful episode, I sit down with addiction counselor and YouTube creator Amber Hollingsworth of Put The Shovel Down to talk about something we don’t hear enough in recovery: how to actually help a loved one struggling with addiction—without enabling or playing the villain.Amber shares insight from two decades of working with addicts and their families, including:Why tough love often backfiresThe dangers of playing the “bad guy” roleHow denial is a defense mechanism, not defianceThe strategy she teaches to gently nudge someone toward recoveryWhat really motivates change—and what pushes people awayWhether you’re sober yourself or trying to help someone who isn’t, this conversation will shift your mindset and give you tools you can use today.🔗 Check out Amber’s YouTube channel: Put The Shovel DownLove the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.comSupport the show📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.
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E235: Help Wanted: Why It’s Hard to Ask and Harder to Accept
Send us a textIn this episode of The Sober Friends Podcast, Matt and Steve get real about something that challenges many of us in sobriety—asking for help and, even harder, accepting it. Whether it’s a neighbor offering to help with yard work or a sponsor helping you through a relapse, support doesn’t always show up the way we expect. And sometimes pride, fear, or shame can keep us from accepting what we truly need.From stories of burnout and Cadillac problems to lessons learned through therapy, meetings, and humble pie, this conversation dives into how asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength. We also talk about what makes an offer of help actually useful—and why “Let me know if you need anything” usually falls flat.Whether you’re new to sobriety or have been around for decades, this episode reminds us all: you don’t have to do it alone.Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.comSupport the show📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.
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E234: Planes, Panic, and Staying Sober
Send us a textGetting out of your comfort zone is hard — especially in sobriety. In this episode, Matt and Steve dive into the real-life anxiety of leaving the safe routines of recovery to go on vacation. From travel stress to the fear of asking for help, they unpack how discomfort shows up, how to plan ahead, and why pushing through it can actually strengthen your sobriety. Matt’s heading to Orlando with his family, and spoiler alert: he really doesn’t want to go — but he’s doing it sober.Whether you’re new to recovery or have a few years under your belt, this one’s for anyone who’s ever said, “I don’t want to do this… but I know I need to.”Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.comSupport the show📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.
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E233: What Happens When the Pink Cloud Fades?
Send us a textIn early sobriety, everything feels possible. You’re sleeping better, your skin looks great, and the world seems full of hope—that’s the “pink cloud.” But what happens when that high starts to fade?In this episode of the Sober Friends podcast, Matt and Steve dive into the emotional crash that can come after the early euphoria wears off. We talk about why it happens (hello, brain chemistry), how to prepare for it, and what tools you’ll need to stay sober when life gets messy again. From getting a sponsor to finding a community, this conversation is full of real-life experience and practical advice to help you navigate the hard parts—and keep your recovery strong when the cloud lifts.Whether you’re on the pink cloud or watching it drift away, this episode is for you.Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.comSupport the show📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.
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E232: The Booze Stopped Working- Marcy R.s Wake-Up Call in COVID
Send us a textWhat happens when the wine stops working—and you’re left alone with yourself? In this raw and powerful episode, Marcy R. shares how her drinking escalated during the isolation of COVID, and how that stillness forced her to confront the truth. From growing up with addiction in the family, navigating single motherhood, living with undiagnosed ADHD, and surviving a toxic relationship—Marcy opens up about the moment it all clicked: “I’m not in the wrong 12-step room. I’m an alcoholic.”We talk about recovery on Zoom, the courage to get a sponsor, making amends even when everyone else said not to, and what it means to finally feel like yourself—sober. If you’ve ever wondered what recovery looks like when everything else falls away, this conversation will hit home.Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.👉 Subscribe for free at soberfriendspod.substack.comSupport the show📫 Get more honest conversations about sobriety delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to The Sober Friends Dispatch, our weekly newsletter where we go beyond the podcast to share real strategies for alcohol-free living. Join our community by clicking here.
The Sober Friends Podcast is a weekly show where you can listen to inspiring and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and wellness. Hosted by Matt J who has been there and done that, this podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about living a sober and fulfilling life. Whether you’re sober curious, in recovery, or just looking for some motivation and support, this podcast is for you. Tune in every week to hear from guests who share their stories, struggles, and successes on their sober journey. You’ll also get tips, resources, and advice on how to stay sober and thrive in all areas of your life. The Sober Friends Podcast is your go-to source for sober inspiration, education, and entertainment. Subscribe now and join the sober friends community!We speak for no 12 step program but we do try to remain anonymous.
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