Becoming the Butterfly — Episode 2: Visioning the Butterfly Crossing the River of Change   Series: A 6-part Tribe Sober x Lynette Le Roux mini-series Host: Lynette Le Roux Music: “Remember” by Sutherland — used with permission   Episode summary   From the Not This awakening to the imaginal becoming: Lynette maps how Brooke Castillo’s Model (C→T→F→A→R) meets the butterfly’s cocoon. You’ll practice creating from your future self, activating “imaginal cells” of new thoughts and feelings to shape different actions and results.   What you’ll learn The cocoon as the river of change where the old dissolves and new wings form How thoughts (the “imaginal cells”) create feelings → actions → results A practical way to think from your future self instead of your past   Reflection & practice Write two Models: (1) Old Self and (2) Imaginal/Future Self Practice the new feeling (from your future self model) for one minute daily this week   Timestamps (optional) 00:00 — Opening: “Remember” (Sutherland) 00:44 — Welcome & recap 01:45 — Cocoon & imaginal cells 02:22 — The Model explained 06:38— Wine example (two realities, one bottle) 08:30 — River of change (a.k.a. “river of misery”) 09:56 — Future-self visioning practice 12:45 — Revisit your Why List 13:49 — Two-model journaling + daily feeling rep 16:37— Wisdom Echoes 17:18 — Call to action & teaser for Ep 3 18:08 — Outro: “Remember” (reprise) Links Tribe Sober: https://tribesober.com Email Lynette: lynette@llrcoaching.com Call to action If you’d like help with your Models or crafting your future-self vision, email lynette@llrcoaching.com and let’s start a conversation. Credits Host & writer: Lynette Le Roux Collaboration: Tribe Sober Music: “Remember” by Sutherland (used with permission)  

Butterfly series: Episode 1 “Not This — The Moment the Butterfly Knows”   Series: Becoming the Butterfly (6-part mini-series with Tribe Sober & Janet Gourand) Host: Lynette Le Roux Music: “Remember” by Sutherland (used with permission)   Episode summary Lynette opens the series with the tender, catalytic moment of “Not This”—the quiet inner knowing that your current life no longer fits. Through the butterfly metaphor, mindfulness (Ellen Langer), and Positive Intelligence, she invites you to notice where your own wings are beginning to stir.   What you’ll learn Why a Not This moment is both painful and sacred How surrender (the cocoon) precedes transformation A gentle mindfulness lens: “the simple act of noticing new things” A reflection prompt to begin moving from awareness to change   Reflection prompt   Journal: “I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I know… not this.” Then ask: “If not this, what feels lighter, truer, more alive?”   Timestamps 00:00 — Opening music: “Remember” (Sutherland) 00:44 — Series intro & collaboration with Tribe Sober 03:52 — Lynette’s story: the Not This moment 07:23 — Teaching: Mindfulness in transformation (Ellen Langer) 09:34 — Reflection & call to action 10:47 — What’s next in the series + how to connect 13:25 — Outro music: “Remember” (reprise)   Resources & links Tribe Sober — community, challenges, and support: tribesober.com Email Lynette — coaching & programs: lynette@llrcoaching.com   Teaser — Episode 2 Turning Not This into a clear vision: Lynette introduces the cognitive tool that changed her life and how to cross the “river of misery” with compassion and practice.   Credits Host & writer: Lynette Le Roux Collaboration: Tribe Sober & Janet Gourand Music: “Remember” by Sutherland (used with permission)  

My guest this week is a very special member of our Tribe Sober Team I first met Lynette LeRoux when she came to one of our workshops more than 8 years ago She was in a dark place back then but the workshop was the catalyst she needed to change everything Lynette has been transforming and enriching her life for the last 8 years – she’s found her passion and qualified as a Coach and for the last 3 years she has been working for Tribe Sober as a Coach In this episode Lynette first tasted alcohol at the tender age of 9 – she’d got hold of some tiny bottles of whisky and brandy which she kept near her bed.  She would take a sip when she went to bed as it comforted her Going off to boarding school at the age of 5 left her with lingering feelings of isolation – a feeling that those little sips chased away. As she reflects back she realises it was a way to feel nurtured and held She didn’t drink much in her teens but in her 20’s she met a guy who loved his whisky and she began to drink regularly Lynette had never really felt comfortable in her own skin so alcohol helped her to socialise Her relationship deteriorated due to her partners drunken rages and he left her when she was pregnant She coped well over the next few years and began to develop her career The usual after work drinks culture prevailed and Lynette fell back into her old patterns She would drink excessively at the weekends as well as after work sometimes Like many of us she would resolve to stop or cut down but nothing really changed Then she met her current husband who hardly drinks at all He thought she drank too much so she tried hard to make a change She managed some sober stretches but as she got into her 40’s the alcohol came back into her life Even though she was drinking Lynette tried a lot self development programs during this period Looking back she realises that she never tried to integrate her learnings into her daily life If we don’t apply the learnings then the courses are really a waste of time and nothing will change As she moved into her 50’s Lynette became more dependent on alcohol She felt she was losing connection with her husband and her friends Always looking for the quick fix she decided to study plant medicine As part of Lynette’s ongoing odyssey for a quick cure for her problems she came across our one day workshop She attended the workshop but true to form she never really engaged After the workshop she didn’t apply the tools or connect via the chatgroups So nothing really changed and three months after the workshop she hit her rock bottom Driving to work and struggling with an awful hangover she had a “not this” moment Followed by a “if not this then what?” moment Out of desperation she looked at her Tribe Sober workshop notes and decided to reconnect Lynette went to the coffee meetup and engaged on the WhatsApp group After reading other peoples messages for a while she decided to reach out She posted a message that she felt really low Another member explained that she felt that way because her brain was recalibrating and healing This really resonated with Lynette and became her mantra She began to study coaching and started to see that a different way of life was possible As Lynette has been coached herself and has coached many people I asked her to explain why coaching is so valuable She explained that coaching helps us to get perspective on our life and our mind Coaching enables a growth mindset as we move towards our future self We talked about the benefits she has gained from 5 years of sobriety The biggest benefit for Lynette was reconnecting with herself and then developing her passion for coaching She’s learned so much about her beautiful brain and she’s learned how to feel She’s learned that emotional pain is a sign of growth and she must learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable That's a lesson she’s taught us all here at Tribe Sober We agreed that there is so much more to recovery than “not drinking” As Lynette

Today’s guest is the wonderful Ann Dowsett Johnston who many of you will have heard of – she is a pioneer of the modern recovery movement and published her book "Drink" back in 2013 – which makes it one of the very first QuitLit books In this episode:- Ann's book Drink has been out for more than a decade and is still selling well – her TED talk has had 1.5m views  I did a previous interview with Ann a couple of years ago that you can listen to here.  The prologue to the book describes alcohol's seductive charm…and eventual harm I love this analogy and here at Tribe Sober we suggest that our members write a "Goodbye Letter" to alcohol as it evolves from a handsome stranger to an abusive lover Ann predicted the dramatic rise in risky drinking for women, which has sadly come true over the last decade There is an epidemic of female drinking, especially among younger women, with serious health consequences – we are even seeing young women presenting with liver disease The alcohol industry has been targeting women for the last couple of decades – using the tobacco marketing playbook  and they’ve been stunningly successful Many of us believed that we couldn’t have fun or relax or cope with stress without alcohol – and it certainly takes a few months to deprogram our thinking, to overturn those limiting belief Ann is from Canada so had first hand experience of the public backlash that the low drinking guidelines (two drinks a week) caused! The reduction in drinking guidelines came as new research was published linking alcohol to cancer and many other health conditions Ann and I both love the modern recovery movement and the many different recovery pathways – I often say that if you want to give up drinking you need to find your people – if you think that Tribe Sober might be your community then click here Ann mentioned the three levers for change: price, marketing reduction, and availability, but government action is slow and Big Alcohol will continue to use its lobbying power So as individuals we must actively seek out the knowledge – we need to educate ourselves about the harm that alcohol can do to our brains and our bodies Knowledge is power and the more we understand about alcohol the less we’ll feel like drinking it Even if we decide to drink it should be an informed decision, we need to understand the risks Ann talked about her "Writing Your Recovery" courses which offers support and tools for memoir writing. Its a powerful 8-week online memoir-writing course. Go to her website annsdowsettjohnston.com for more info  Ann will also be facilitating a South African writing retreat during week commencing 25th November – more info on that HERE Ann now has more than 15 years of sobriety and spoke of the many benefits she has experienced She returned to school at 64 to become a psychotherapist, specializing in women's substance issues and trauma She has a wonderful relationship with her grandchild Ann strongly believes that once we walk away from alcohol remarkable things will happen – the universe has a plan for us – she is awakened to wonder as she puts it She’s built a rich and an alcohol free life that she loves, a life she definitely doesn’t want to escape from! More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up todayRead more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts

On last weeks podcast I talked you through the Breaking Free course in detail so do have a listen if you missed it I recently hosted a discussion on Zoom with four Breaking Free graduates which will give you a real insight into the results that people are getting… You’ll hear from Grania and Helen who did the course last year and then you’ll hear from Lynne and Lori who have just completed the latest program… On the podcast you'll hear the soundtrack from that discussion So if you want to be sure of a place on the next BF program which kicks off on 11th May then please sign up today as places are filling up fast You can sign up for Breaking Free here More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up todayRead more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

On this weeks solo episode I talk about our 3-month Breaking Free program which we run just three times a year.  Registration for the current program is open   - more info on tribesober.com We limit each Breaking Free group to 20 so you’ll always get personal attention In this episode:- I talk about the warning signs of alcohol dependence as well as the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle The Breaking Free program has four components… Four pieces of a puzzle that come together to create a transformation… The first piece of the puzzle is Community Support so we connect you with the other people on the Breaking Free program  We put you in a chatgroup with where you’ll also find some TS team members to answer any questions you may have You'll also be invited to several Zoom meetings every week The second piece is our 4 hour Masterclass – a group session which we hold via Zoom.  Another opportunity to get to know the other people on the program as everyone will share their story at the beginning of the session.  By the end of the Masterclass you’ll understand:- The importance of a mindset change and the damage alcohol does to our health We’ll be sharing our tried and tested sobriety toolkit and you’ll end the session feeling motivated and excited about the changes ahead. While the Masterclass will give you an overview of the Tribe Sober approach to thriving in sobriety the online course will enable you to dive deeper at your own pace.  You’ll get all the theory and training you need to overturn your limiting beliefs around alcohol which is the key…. Just as we’ve been programmed into thinking that alcohol is an essential part of our daily lives our online program will de-program you and enable you to understand that you will be happier and healthier without it! The third piece is our online course which includes videos, podcasts, articles and book recommendations so you’ll be able to throw the book at your sobriety – you’ll be able to treat it as a 3-month project that will take a deep dive into psychology, biology and neuroscience - a project that will change the trajectory of your future. The fourth part of the puzzle is the personal support.  You’ll have a 1.2.1 Zoom call with Monica who will explain how everything work and help you with any tech issues Mid-way through the 3 month program you'll have a session with Coach Darren to review learnings so far A final session with our Coach Lynette who will discuss how you are applying the theory of the Breaking Free program to your daily life So that’s the four pieces of our Breaking Free puzzle, four pieces that will come together to create an alcohol free lifestyle that you love.. Apart from creating a program that will get results we’ve created a program that is flexible and will fit in with your busy lives….  All of the 1.2.1’s can be scheduled to suit your convenience, the online course can be worked through at your own pace so the only timeslot you need to fit in is the four hour Masterclass. (we can send you a recording if  you can't make it) While we’re on the subject of time that’s one of the unexpected benefits of sobriety….. when we no longer spend time drinking and recovering from the drinking we find ourselves with extra time on our hands…. As well as the energy to do something constructive with that time! Registration for the current Breaking Free program is open - more info on tribesober.com More Info Tribe Sober membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com.   Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up todayRead more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spr

In this inspiring episode, Janet talks with Sarah, known online as the “Sober Sherpa”, about her journey from teenage drinking, to a “work hard, play hard” corporate lifestyle, to finally embracing the freedom of sobriety. Sarah shares how the COVID lockdown became a turning point, helping her finally step away from alcohol after years of trying to moderate. She opens up about the tools that helped her succeed, the unexpected benefits of life without booze, and how she’s now using her passion for adventure to help others in their recovery through the Sober Adventure Collective. In this episode:- How Sarah’s drinking started young and became tied to her identity and success The moment she realized her drinking could cost her the career she’d worked so hard to build How an online 12-week recovery program and “This Naked Mind” changed her perspective on alcohol The surprising emotional freedom and confidence that came with sobriety Why adding new passions and connections is just as important as removing alcohol How the Sober Adventure Collective helps people heal through nature, movement, and connection Why helping others in recovery has become one of the most meaningful parts of her journey Resources and Links Follow Sarah on Instagram: @thesobersherpa Grab the Epic Speakers Summit recordings: www.thesobersherpa.com Book recommendation: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace Join Tribe Sober's FREE 7 day Bootcamp (7-14th September) via this link More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (Tribe Sober) into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

Meet Julie, a Johannesburg-based music therapist who uses music as a powerful tool for healing and recovery. In this episode:- Learn how music therapy differs from sound healing — and why it’s an interactive, evidence-based process. Discover Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), where curated music helps clients process emotions, grief, and life transitions. Hear how music therapy supports sobriety by building resilience, self-expression, and the ability to sit with difficult feelings. Get practical tips on using music in recovery — from mindful listening to creating playlists and even learning an instrument. A moving client story shows how music therapy can open new pathways for growth and self-discovery. Contact Julie via https://juliemusictherapy.co.za/Join our FREE 7 day Bootcamp (7-14th September) via this link More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (Tribe Sober) into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

This week's guest is Tribe member Christelle who did our #Sober66 Challenge 7 years ago and has been thriving in her alcohol free lifestyle ever since... in this episode:- Christelle realized that her drinking habits were problematic and knew she would have to make a changeShe knew that drinking a bottle of wine a night was damaging her health A particular worry was her heart rate which was in the high 80’s Christelle had signed up for our Dry January Challenge but she only lasted 30 minutes – rather than the 30 days of the Challenge Although she had not stuck at Dry January she decided to have a another try… at our 66 day Sober Spring Challenge It was hearing me on the radio tasting some alcohol free wines that gave her a light bulb moment… For Christelle her evening wine was a ritual…a ritual which had become a dependence due to the addictive nature of alcohol But if she could keep the ritual and change the ingredient by drinking alcohol free wine then it should be easier… To her relief Christelle met other people with a similar problem in the Challenge Community She connected regularly on the Challenge Whatsapp group and learned a lot  As early as Day 8 of the Challenge she realized she could live without wine so long as she had the  alcohol-free wine. So if you haven’t yet discovered alcohol free wine then do check it out – it could be a gamechanger for you just as it was for Christelle Her Benefits of Sobriety include:  - Better looks (reduced puffiness and clearer skin).  - Better sleep quality.  - Reduced heart rate from 84 to low 60s – and probably most importantly of all…  - Increased self-esteem and happiness. We agreed that for anyone who is even slightly concerned about their drinking should take a break from alcohol to check their dependence Doing our #Sober66 Challenge will provide online and community support  To sign up for #Sober66 just CLICK HERE More info Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor           This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  You can join our private Facebook group HERE How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device) 1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY. 2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field. 3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). 4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. 5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).  

My guest this week is Kai from Switzerland who did our 66-day Challenge back in 2018 - and he's been sober ever since In this episode: Kai liked the competitive aspect of a “challenge” and once he’d checked out the science behind our 66 he was keen to join He never had a “rock bottom” moment; the realization that he was drinking too much came gradually over 5 years. Three main drinking situations: Friday/Saturday nights with his wife. After-work beers with colleagues. Holidays with daily alcohol. He’d always struggled with moderation; although he did attempt a “Dry January” most years. Kai started his 66-day challenge with confidence, expecting to moderate afterward. He found the accountability, group support, and reading resources helpful. He maintained his social life but switched to alcohol-free alternatives. Family Reactions were interesting… His wife didn’t fully understand the need for Kai to join a group in South Africa to do the challenge His children gave him some honest feedback that they never would have told him if he was still drinking Son disliked the smell of alcohol on his breath. Daughter disliked his loudness and unsteady walking after drinking. After the 66 days he felt great and extended challenge to 100 days and then to 6 months Then his daughter’s challenged him to do one year – that was 7 years ago and he’s been alcohol free ever since! Benefits Noticed Easier life – loved the simplicity of not counting drinks or worrying about driving Health improvements: better skin, digestion, sleep, mood. No more hangovers and much more energy. Kai’s Perspective has changed.. No current reason to drink; sees alcohol as incompatible with healthy living. Notices social norms promoting alcohol; predicts attitudes may shift like they did with smoking. Enjoys being a role model for his children and colleagues. Advice to Others Know your “why” before starting. Use the toolbox, community, and resources. Observe social drinking without judgment. Challenges help identify if drinking is truly a problem. He avoided the daunting idea of “forever” by setting achievable milestones. So if Kai has inspired you to try our #Sober66 Challenge just click on this link to join Next week we’ll be featuring another #Sober66 Challenger so don’t forget to tune in! If you're looking for a community then try Tribe Sober! More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening! 

Today's 66 Day Challenger is Chez, a South African who heard me being interviewed about sobriety on the radio She didn’t act immediately but the seed was sewn… Chez did our Challenge back in 2018 when it was called the Sober Spring Challenge.  Of course the 1st September is the beginning of Spring here in South Africa but we are so international these days that we’ve rebranded the Challenge #Sober66… So of course if you live in the northern hemisphere it will be a Sober Autumn for you!   In this episode: Chez knew for years that she had a drinking problem but struggled to find a method that worked — rehab and AA didn’t suit her. Her turning point came after hearing about Tribe Sober on the radio and joining the Sober Spring Challenge in 2018. She committed to 66 alcohol-free days, which were initially difficult — with poor sleep, low energy, and emotional struggles but Somewhere between Day 55 and Day 66, everything shifted — she started sleeping well, felt energized, happy, and truly present with her son. She describes a poignant moment: watching her son in a colour run and truly enjoying it without a hangover. The WhatsApp support group was crucial for accountability, encouragement, and connection — and helped her make lasting friendships. After completing the 66 days, she tried to go it alone — but eventually relapsed. This made her realise the importance of ongoing support so She rejoined Tribe Sober as a full member and credits the community and her son as her two biggest motivators to stay sober. Chez speaks openly about her experience with bipolar disorder, noting that alcohol had rendered her medication ineffective — sobriety allowed it to work properly. She highlights multiple benefits of sobriety: improved sleep, emotional stability, stronger relationships, better skin, weight loss, and energy. Chez believes that habit change takes time — research shows that 66 days is long enough to break old habits and form new ones. She encourages others to take the #Sober66 Challenge — not just to stop drinking, but to assess their relationship with alcohol and what might be holding them back. So if Chez has inspired you then just go to tribesober.com and click on the membership tab – everyone who signs up as a member before September 1st will automatically be added to the Challenge and If you want to read more about the challenge then click on the Sober66 banner on our website homepage Next week we’ll be featuring another #Sober66 Challenger so don’t forget to tune in! If you're looking for a community then try Tribe Sober! More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening! 

My guest this week is Becca Jacobson who has a remarkable life story to share.. She’s written a brave memoir which is called From Prostitute to Professor and summarises her journey of personal transformation so get ready to be inspired! In this episode: Becca entered the sex industry as an exotic dancer in her 20s while she was struggling with alcohol dependency. During this period her mom launched an escort agency and recruited Becca and her sister to work alongside her Although none of her family had attended college Becca was determined to pursue higher education and was accepted in 3 different colleges. She earned 3 degrees and taught English and Writing for 20 years. However the drinking continued and Becca reveals how shame, secrecy, and isolation kept her trapped in binge drinking for decades, even while functioning professionally. After 11 visits to detox and countless failed attempts to quit drinking her turning point came in 2018 after an 8-day blackout that led her to finally speak the truth and accept some help A detox center and an eight-week treatment program marked the beginning of her lasting recovery. We both agreed on the critical role of community in sobriety and the danger of trying to recover in isolation. It was only when Becca stopped hiding her problem and asked for help that things began to change. Journaling became a key tool in Becca’s healing, eventually leading her to write and publish her memoir: Prostitute to Professor: A Guide to Radical Transformation. These days she encourages women to create space for self-reflection, and now offers virtual retreats and an 8-week coaching program for women over 40. Becca shares practical tips for women, including how to carve out time for themselves and establish boundaries during recovery. Today, she’s passionate about helping women reclaim their lives, find purpose, and embrace sobriety with pride. You can connect with Becca at beccajacobson.com and listen to her podcast which is called Sober Living Snippets. If you're looking for a community then try Tribe Sober! More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening!   

My guest this week is British Marketing Guru – Teresa Heath Wareing Teresa struggled to answer when I asked her when she started drinking – that’s because she felt that alcohol was always there .  Drinking was normalized in her family - and ever-present in both celebrations and crises. From high-flying marketing roles to becoming a solo business owner, drinking remained central – even becoming part of her identity – G & T with T was a regular feature! Despite appearing very functional, Teresa was secretly struggling. A pivotal moment came when she was too hungover to say goodbye to her daughter on a Monday morning. Years of therapy helped her gradually acknowledge her dependence. She tracked over 100 units of alcohol in a week – a shocking realization especially when the UK low risk limits are only 14! Like many of us, she tried to control her drinking but found that moderation was impossible. Her husband drank the same amount but didn’t seem to have a problem – he had an off switch whereas Teresa didn’t! Getting sober in 2023 was the hardest thing she’s ever done. Her struggle was a long one and It took nearly a year before she began to feel good again. Teresa kept her sobriety private at first, worried how it would affect her brand. Eventually, she shared her story through a 15-episode podcast: Losing Part of Me. Her benefits of sobriety included More energy and focus – leading to greater business success. Improved relationships, especially with her husband. She began to love herself againTop Sobriety Tips: Treat sobriety as your main project. Be patient – healing takes time. Replace drinking with meaningful goals or passions (e.g. her garden). Join a community for support and accountability. Teresa’s Message to  listeners: “If you’re listening to this, that’s the sign you need. Sobriety is hard – but joining a community will get you through... If you're looking for a community then try Tribe Sober! More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening!   

My guest this week is Deb from Kentucky – aka Mocktail Mom   This was her second time on the show - click here to listen to the first interview In this episode:- Deb quit drinking on December 31, 2020. She originally took a break to evaluate her drinking and felt so good she just kept going! Deb was a Late Starter and only started drinking heavily in her 40s during after her divorce. Like many of us she was a Gray Area Drinker: She often found herself drinking more than she had intended, particularly when she was alone on weekends without her kids. Debs Turning Point: came when she realized that alcohol was taking up too much mental space I loved her analogy of the ticker tape of breaking news that we see on tv – Deb felt she had an alcohol related ticker tape constantly turning in the background of her mind! She joined a sobriety challenge in January 2021 and community did the trick It was a breakthrough for Deb when she finally accepted that moderation wasn’t working for her Like many of us she discovered it was easier to stop completely altogether than to try to control it. This is because alcohol changes our brain chemistry – once we have crossed the line into dependence just one drink can trigger intense cravings I wish someone had explained that to me before I spent 10 long years trying (and failing) to control my drinking! Deb's Top 3 Benefits of Sobriety: Freedom from ticker tape mental chatter about alcohol. No more waking up with guilt and shame. Confidence and trust in herself (she gave that example of being able to collect her daughters if they called her in the evening.) Mocktail Mom Platform: Deb shares mocktail recipes and alcohol-free fun on Instagram and TikTok. Created a mocktail recipe book: The Happiest Hour. Learn more via her website mocktailmom.com Both Deb and myself are breast cancer survivors. We didn’t know about the alcohol-cancer link when we were drinking so are keen to let as many women as possible understand that alcohol is linked to 7 types of cancer Debs Sobriety Advice: Don’t think in terms of “forever.” Take it one day or one event at a time. Don’t worry about future events (e.g., weddings or trips). Celebrate any alcohol-free progress; it all adds up. Her last tip was to get support—having a community made all the difference for her If you're looking for a community then try Tribe Sober! More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening! 

My guest this week is Sobriety Coach Rachael Shephard, mom of 2 young boys and author of  "Sober Mama" In this episode:-Early Drinking Years Rachael always drank to excess, experienced frequent blackouts, and never had an off-switch. Used to look forward to drinking like a child anticipates Christmas. The Turning Point By her late 30s, Rachel felt exhausted and sick and tired… of feeling sick and tired A boozy holiday made her realize she needed to stop—shaking in the morning was her wake-up call. The Role of Motherhood Drinking increased after having children—became a way to cope with stress. Once sober, found motherhood became easier, with more energy, patience, and connection. Challenges in Early Sobriety First few weeks involved sugar cravings, extreme fatigue, and boredom. Found a "pink cloud" of euphoria around two weeks, followed by a flat period of low motivation. I loved her story about struggling to find something that was “fun” in early sobriety – so she spent her time organizing and decluttering her home so that life would be easier when she began to feel better Mindset Shift Realized alcohol was the cause of her anxiety, not the cure. Rejected the “mommy juice” culture and recognized societal normalization of addiction. Sober Coaching & Writing I loved Rachael’s sobriety timeline which she uses as a coaching framework. She has written a book called “Sober Mama” to centralize tools, stories, and support in one place. Advice for Others Suggests people try sobriety for just two weeks and take daily photos to see the transformation. Like us at Tribe Sober Rachael avoids the word "forever"—encouraging Sober Stretches of 30- or 90-days Where to Find Rachel Her book is available in UK bookstores and on Amazon. Coaching and resources at sobermama.co.uk   More info  Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening! 

We’re featuring the soundtrack from our recent Webinar in this episode If you’d like to see the Webinar slides while you’re listening then click here to access Webinar on our You Tube channel During the Webinar:- We focussed a lot on mindset which is so much more powerful than willpower Quitting drinking isn't about deprivation—it's about transformation. We don’t have a drinking problem—we have a life-changing opportunity! 🔑 We covered the Three Essential Steps to Quit Change Your Mindset Undo decades of conditioning from marketing and culture. You do that by Educating yourself with books, podcasts, and Tribe Sober content. We need to Reframe quitting – we’re not missing out – we’re gaining: health, peace, energy, sleep, time. Rewire Your Brain Willpower isn’t enough—use repetition and neuroplasticity. Build new habits with tools, practices, and support. The “pause” before a drink = golden moment for change. Find Your People Connection is the opposite of addiction. Tribe Sober provides role models, accountability, and encouragement. "You’ve come home" – shared experience creates rapid bonding. 🧠 Tools & Resources in Tribe Sober Member Journey Course (7 modules: psychology, biology, neuroscience) Members Vault with searchable tips and content Daily check-ins, trackers, 5 Zooms meetings a week – to suit all timezones Personal guidance from coaches, ambassadors, and cheerleaders More infoSubscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening!   

Tribe Sober - inpiring an alcohol-free life! My guest this week is Podcast Business Coach and Weight Loss Guru - Adam Schaeuble. His story is similar to mine in that he resolved his own issues and then went on to help others to do the same   In this Episode Adam shared his personal transformation story with us We agreed that many of the methods he uses to help his community can be used in the Tribe Sober community The first step - asking for help - is the hardest - we have to put our ego to one side and reach out Adam uses a strategic approach with his clients - gets them to plan 28 days in advance and look for "danger zones" We discussed the importance of not letting a "slip up" derail you - just get back on track straight away Anchor points are essential - they give you a dopamine hit to keep going forward  Adam explained the difference between motivation and inspiration - we need to be inspired if we are going to succeed If you don't feel inspired then get some coaching - if  you come to the coaching session "motivated" you will leave "inspired" He shared his transformation timeline with us - and stressed the importance of finding a new purpose at the end of the journey More infoSubscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE To access our website click HERE If you would like a free copy of our e-book "66 days to sobriety" please email us at janet@tribesober.com If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.comEpisode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.   Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening!   

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living! This week I'm chatting to an inspirational woman Mary Ann Shearer who is a best selling author and a motivational speaker. In this Episode Mary Ann is a woman before her time and was advocating veganism thirty years ago! Her first book "The Natural Way" was written more than 20 years ago She explained that if you give your children lots of sweet things it sets them up for alcohol dependency later in life Mary Ann had alcoholic parents and as a result she craves order and control and has never drunk alcohol We agreed that children of alcoholic parents tend to be like her - or they tend to follow the pattern of their parents She advised people who have stopped drinking to satisfy their cravings by eating fresh fruit not chocolates or sweets Our bodies need glucose and eating fresh fruit satisfies the craving for alcohol Mary Ann feels that alcoholics are clever people who need a creative outlet - sobriety will give them the time and space to find one She explained the damage that alcohol does to our endocrine system - and how it makes menopause much worse To find out more about Mary Ann go to her website - https://maryannshearer.com/ - her book is called "Perfect Health - The Natural Way" available on Amazon More infoSubscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERETo access our website click HERETo join our January Challenge click HERE - a small donation to a good cause will provide you with community and online support during January If you want to go it alone and would still like one of our trackers then email us at janet@tribesober.com Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.    Help us to spread the word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  You can catch our FB live on Saturday mornings (11am SAST) and you can join our private Facebook group HERE Thank you for listening!  Till Next Week Janet x

My guest this week is Tabin Almond who shares her powerful journey from high-functioning drinking to lasting sobriety. In this episode: Tabbin grew up in a drinking culture and entered the boozy world of advertising. She tried AA but couldn’t relate – the labeling and negative focus didn’t resonate. Her breast cancer diagnosis became a pivotal moment  Tabbin read This Naked Mind and had coaching support to stop drinking for good. She’s now a certified alcohol-free coach working with professionals and organisations. She’s written a book called Bottling Up Trouble – which explores the hidden costs of alcohol in the workplace. There are some fascinating statistics in her book – including the fact that: 94% of people lie about alcohol-related sick days. The book also examines how workplace drinking culture impacts productivity, safety, inclusion, and wellbeing. Tabbin encourages companies to shift away from booze-centric bonding events and lead with empathy. She has a free assessment tool which you can access here:-  bottlinguptrouble.com – this assessment tool enables both leaders and employees to review any problem areas and start a dialogue Her book advocates for compassion, culture change, and better health education around alcohol. More Info Subscription membership – you can join up HERE. To access our website, click HERE. If you would like a free copy of our “Annual Tracker” or our e-book 66 Days to Sobriety, please email janet@tribesober.com. If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community, just email janet@tribesober.com. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up todayRead more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We’ll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You’ll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it’s always good to read your experience).  

We’re always on the look out for new benefits to offer our Tribe Sober members So these days apart from coaching, hypnotherapy, art therapy and accountability groups we can offer our members a functional medicine coach. A Functional Medicine Coach can help us with the transition between drinking a building a healthy lifestyle.  We all know vaguely what we need to do to be healthy but a Health Coach will personalise that plan for you and then ensure that you put it into action! So Tribe Sober’s new Functional Health Coach is called Laura Gujadhur  We began by clarifying the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine. Laura explained that conventional medicine is disease management and treatment of symptoms whereas Functional medicine looks at the root cause of disease An example would be going to a conventional doctor with a rash – that doctor would be unlikely to ask you about your diet, your stress levels and whether you’ve had allergy tests -he would probably give you a cream to calm down the rash but he wouldn’t have got to the root cause of whats going on So functional medicine looks at the root cause of disease and illness and starts from there Conventional medicine is something we resort to when we are already sick Whereas functional medicine encourages you to work on your health so that you don’t develop chronic diseases… You become the architect of your own health Laura’s interest in health and wellness began about 5 years ago when she quit drinking A member of her family was diagnosed with depression and immediately put on anti-depressants which didn’t sit well with Laura About that time she had stumbled across a book called The Ultra Mind Solution by Dr Mark Hyman In this book he explains that when he heals someone’s gut and sorts out the imflammation the cognitive function improves and depression and anxiety go away As an ex nurse married to a doctor this came as a revelation to Laura – they never learned anything like this in medical school Laura decided to approach functional medicine in the same way that she had approached sobriety – she would read everything she could get her hands on After all Annie Grace’s book “The Naked Mind” had been such an eye opener for her and made her realise that Big Alcohol are inundating us with false messaging Her research into Functional Medicine made her realise that conventional medicine was simply driven by Big Pharma and that she had been naïve not to question it during her medical training and career. Laura’s decision to quit drinking for a month came after a party when she woke up with a hangover and thought…enough She white knuckled her way through the month and used the time that she saved (by not drinking) to read everything she could. Her belief systems around drinking had already been overturned by The Naked Mind and she realized that she couldn’t go back to drinking Laura threw the book at her sobriety and like so many others who have succeeded she treated it like a job. She told her husband she wouldn't be entertaining or going anywhere for three months as she wanted to concentrate on her reading. We all learn differently so it can be helpful to reflect on our personal learning style as we approach the difficult task of giving up alcohol and learning to navigate society without it. There are 4 distinct learning styles identified by Honey & Mumford in 1986. Activist Theorist Pragmatist Reflector So we all learn how to navigate our alcohol free journey in our own way and shouldn’t be comparing our progress with others… just keep trying and it will come together. Back to Laura.  What I found interesting was the fact that once she’d done all her research and reading she was absolutely ready to make a firm decision and her mantra was:- "Never Question the Decision" I think that’s such a helpful strategy which will stand her in good stead if she has a craving or is under pressure from others to drinking… She approached her sobriety