In this episode of The Sober Sip, we’re joined by Rachel Hechtman, a content creator, coach, events consultant, and the Founder of Sober in Central Park, LLC. Rachel’s journey to sobriety began on January 3, 2021, and since then, she has been a powerful advocate for living an alcohol-free life. Her mission is to advance the sober movement and prove that you don't need alcohol to have fun.
Rachel spills the sober tea on everything from her early days of sobriety in New York City to her plans for opening a non-alcoholic bar with a reality TV star. We discuss the power of authenticity on social media, the challenges of staying sober in a city like NYC, and the importance of building a supportive community. Rachel also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for sober living full-time.
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Connect with Rachel:
Episode Resources:
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Join the Conversation:If Rachel’s story resonated with you, share this episode and tag us on social media! Don’t forget to follow Rachel for daily inspiration on living an alcohol-free life.
In this episode of The Sober Sip, Tommy is joined by the energetic and inspiring Frank Squadrito. Frank, a high-energy spin instructor who works in the sober field, shares his journey to sobriety, approaching eight years alcohol-free. With his infectious positivity, Frank opens up about the challenges and triumphs of sober living, the pivotal moments that led to his decision to get sober, and how his life has transformed since.
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Frank’s Sobriety Journey:
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Support Systems and AA:
Sober Relationships:
Advice for the Sober-Curious:
Connect with Frank: @efffstop
Connect with Tommy: @thetommyward
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In Episode 6 of The Sober Sip, host Tommy Ward welcomes back his sister Maggie for an unscripted, heartfelt exploration of their shared experiences and perspectives on sobriety, growth, and transformation.
Key Topics:
Memorable Quotes:"Alcohol keeps us unconscious." - Maggie Ward
"If you're thinking that you have a problem, you do, because otherwise it wouldn't cross your mind." - Tommy Ward
Connect With Us:
Follow Tommy's journey: @thetommyward
Connect with Maggie: @maggiewardcoaching
In this episode, education leader and school counseling expert Dr. Meredith Chamberland shares her unique perspective on sobriety as someone who chose to stop drinking not from hitting rock bottom, but from a place of conscious choice and curiosity. She discusses how this decision has improved her mental health, enhanced her work with students, and opened her eyes to society's deep relationship with alcohol.
Episode Highlights:
Key Quote:"I literally woke up in November... I just might not drink anymore. And nothing happened. There wasn't a fight, I wasn't wasted. I just was curious - I've drank for several decades of my life. What if I just didn't?"
About Meredith: Meredith is a wife and mother to two boys above all else. She has worked in the field of school counseling for twenty years as both a counselor and a director. Meredith completed her undergraduate degree at Villanova as a psych major, masters in school counseling from Bridgewater State, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Boston University. Meredith is very interested in the intersection of nutrition and mental health and also has a certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York. In her spare time, you can find her coaching boys basketball, hiking, or road tripping across the country in a quest to see all the National Parks.
Connect with Meredith:📸 Instagram: @eyeingadventure
Connect with Tommy:📸 Instagram:@thetommyward
In this episode, yoga teacher and fitness coach Sarah Tretter shares her incredible journey from addiction and self-destruction to sobriety, healing, and personal growth. Once caught in a cycle of alcohol, drugs, and reckless behavior, Sarah now empowers others through movement, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
Episode Highlights:
Key Quote:
"You have to replace the addiction with something positive—otherwise, you’ll always go back."
About Sarah:
Sarah is a sober wellness coach, personal trainer, and yoga teacher dedicated to helping others reclaim their lives. After 17 years trapped in addiction, she found healing through movement, meditation, and travel. Now over four years sober, she empowers others to create lasting change and proves that transformation is possible for anyone willing to take the first step.
Connect with Sarah:
📸 Instagram: @_sarahtretter
Connect with Tommy:
📸 Instagram: @thetommyward
In this episode, army veteran and former nightlife DJ JR shares his powerful journey from military service to sobriety and personal transformation.
Episode Highlights:
JR's experience serving in Iraq following 9/11 Transition from military service to the nightlife industry 15+ year career as a DJ working with major artists Battle with alcohol and cocaine addiction while in the nightlife scene Finding sobriety through AA and building a new life The importance of lifestyle changes beyond just quitting drinking Current focus on fitness, nutrition, and helping othersKey Quote:
"Not drinking and being sober are two totally different things."
About JR
Father, U.S. Army veteran, and former nightlife professional turned NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Accountability Coach. After spending 15 years as a DJ sharing stages with artists like Flo Rida, LMFAO, Marshmello, and Sean Paul, JR transformed his personal battles with addiction and mental health into his life's mission. Today, he specializes in helping those in hospitality and nightlife build healthier, more balanced lifestyles through his coaching program.
Instagram: @jhutter23
TikTok: @johnhutterfitness
Connect with Tommy:
Instagram: @thetommyward
In this personal episode, host Tommy takes listeners through his path to sobriety. From his early love of horses in Massachusetts to his struggles with identity and alcohol dependency, Tommy shares how hitting rock bottom in April 2021 led to his transformation. His story highlights that sobriety isn't just about quitting drinking—it's about reconnecting with your true self and building an authentic life.
Key Topics:
Early passions and identity struggles Journey from dependency to sobriety Rediscovering authentic self Building meaningful connectionsMemorable Quote: "Alcohol has never been my friend. It's not my friend. It's never served me."
Connect with Tommy: @thetommyward
In this debut episode of The Sober Sip, host Tommy Ward sits down with his sister, Maggie Ward, for a heartfelt conversation about his journey to sobriety. Tommy shares his path from addiction to recovery, highlighting the transformative power of embracing sobriety and building a life rooted in connection and purpose.
Together, they explore the challenges of early recovery, the cultural normalization of drinking, and the unexpected joys of living alcohol-free. From rediscovering passions like horseback riding to finding new communities through CrossFit, Tommy reflects on how sobriety has deepened his relationships and reshaped his life.
Key Topics:
Memorable Quote: "You gave up one thing for everything."
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