In this inspiring episode, Abby sits down with Ash Butterss, host of the Behind the Smile podcast, to explore the transformative journey of sobriety. Ash shares her personal story of addiction, the identity shifts she experienced after getting sober, and the tools that helped her navigate life alcohol-free.
Together, they discuss the power of mindfulness, meditation, community support, and spirituality in recovery. This conversation is full of raw honesty, practical insights, and motivation for anyone looking to embrace self-discovery, emotional healing, and lasting change.
Key takeaways:
Recognizing and confronting a problematic relationship with alcohol
The importance of sharing personal stories to inspire and connect
Navigating the challenges and identity shifts of sobriety
Mindfulness, meditation, and proactive steps as tools for emotional growth
Building self-trust, self-esteem, and finding a spiritual practice that resonates
By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired, uplifted, and ready to take your own journey of self-discovery seriously.
Listen to Behind the Smile here
Learn more about Ash here
Follow Ash on Instagram here
After retiring from her law career, Lucie Frost found herself stuck on the couch, drinking too much and binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé. She knew there had to be more — so she got curious.
That curiosity led her to unexpected passions, deep self-discovery, and ultimately to writing her book, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity. In this conversation, Lucie shares how sobriety became the through line in her journey, allowing her to confront hidden struggles like depression, let go of societal expectations, and find joy in small, everyday things.
We talk about how curiosity can be a powerful off-ramp from alcohol, the importance of community and connection in sobriety, and why life after drinking can be rich, fulfilling, and full of joy — without the extremes.
This is a lovely, inspiring conversation about not giving up, getting curious, and discovering how big and beautiful life can be when you get out of your own way.
Find Lucie on Instagram
Check out her website
Buy her book
Ryan Lee’s story is one of extremes. After years of chasing thrills through drugs and alcohol, a multi-day bender in New Orleans ended with an ambulance call that became his wake-up moment: no one was coming to save him — he had to save himself.
Through his recovery, Ryan became a digital nomad, traveling the world and rediscovering his true passion for adventure and connection. Instead of going back to the safety of a software sales job, he followed his intuition and founded Capsule Adventures — a sober travel company designed for people who want presence, community, and bucket-list experiences without the chaos alcohol often brings.
In this episode, Ryan shares his powerful recovery story, the lessons he learned from choosing courage over comfort, and how he turned pain into purpose. We talk about trusting your gut, finding adventure in sobriety, and why the best trips are the ones where you’re fully present.
Spoiler alert: by the end of this conversation, he sold me on booking a spot on his upcoming Machu Picchu adventure.
Find Ryan on IG here
At just 18 years old, Corey Warren was sentenced to jail for armed robbery. Years later, his battle with alcohol addiction nearly cost him his life after a withdrawal-induced seizure. But Corey’s story didn’t end there—it was only beginning.
Today, he’s a husband, father, and one of the most inspiring voices in the sobriety community. With over 228K followers on Instagram (@icorreywarren), Corey speaks to students across Michigan, shares his journey openly, and even opened the state’s first Medicaid-backed recovery center. In a powerful full-circle twist, the very judge who once sent him to prison now sits on the board of his recovery foundation.
In this episode, we dive into Corey’s redemption arc, what it really takes to rebuild a life, and why his story proves that we do recover.
Work with Corey here
Find Corey on IG here
Check out Clean Culture Co. here
Corey on YouTube here
In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Mike, to get his honest perspective on what it’s been like to walk alongside me on my almost two-year alcohol-free journey. We talk about what’s been hard, what he’s learned, and his best advice for couples navigating this kind of big life change together.
We also laugh about a few of our wild drinking days, share how we’re approaching our upcoming college football trip now that alcohol isn’t at the center, and even give you a peek into what Mike does for work. You can follow him here if you're also sports obsessed.
Mike gets real, vulnerable, and funny—and he offers some fantastic tips for husbands (and partners in general) on how to support an alcohol-free baddie. Whether you’re alcohol-free yourself, sober curious, or supporting someone who is, this is a fun yet heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, I sit down with Adrienne van der Valk, author of Big Sober Energy — a book that’s part memoir, part resource manual, and completely affirming. My copy is covered in notes, highlighted passages, and dog-eared pages because it’s just that good.
Adrienne shares her story, the mindset shifts that helped her transform her relationship with alcohol, and the incredible practical tools she’s packed into her book. We talk about spirituality, self-compassion, meditation, and why sobriety is less about deprivation and more about empowerment.
This was such a fun, inspiring conversation — I instantly wanted to be Adrienne’s friend, and I have a feeling you will too.
Adrienne van der Valk is the author of Big Sober Energy and a mentor for alcohol-free women and nonbinary people over 40 who want to feel powerful, peaceful, and confident in their sober lives. A certified meditation and yoga teacher, Adrienne practices a trauma-informed approach to mentorship, one rooted in neuroscience and mindfulness. She is also the founder of the Big Sober Energy community and the Free Minds, Free Spirits mentorship program. She lives in Southern California with her husband and a rescue pit bull named Zola. To learn more about working with Adrienne, visit bigsoberenergy.com.
Here is a free resource directly from Adrienne: 25 Ways to Make Sober Life More Fun
Author and musician Joshua Deen joins me to talk about his book Last Call, Stupid: An Exit from Toxic Drinking Culture — and how sobriety doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. We talk about forging your own path, the emotional thread connecting wildly different drinking stories, and why just one new perspective can change everything. Plus, I share how jail and pregnancy oddly overlap in sobriety breaks (you’ll see). This one’s honest, funny, and filled with insight — especially for anyone who doesn’t see themselves in traditional recovery spaces.
You quit drinking—but things still feel hard. Why? Because it was never just about the alcohol.
In this solo episode, Abby gets honest about how alcohol was her coping tool—helping her feel fun, accepted, and quiet inside—but underneath was disconnection from her truth, her dreams, and herself. She shares the deeper healing work that’s made sobriety sustainable and soulful, not just a willpower battle.
This one’s for anyone wondering why they still feel off, even alcohol-free. There’s another layer here—and it’s where the real freedom lives.
🔗 Follow the pod + share with a sober or sober-curious friend
🖤 Connect on Instagram @alcoholfreeabby
🎧 New episodes every week
In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been going on behind the scenes — the inner shifts, the outer milestones, and the unexpected softness in between.
I talk about my recent trip to New Mexico to visit Jess and Ale from Mocksicated, and how slowing down in that space opened me up to something I didn’t even know I needed — a kind of spiritual awakening that’s been guiding me into deeper inner work and healing.
I also share a behind-the-scenes look at the ABC News Nightline segment, how it came about, and why I had some complex feelings around it. Because even joyful moments can come with emotional whiplash — and that’s okay.
Plus, a quick look ahead at what’s coming: beach time, exciting new guests, and upcoming podcast features I’m honored to be part of.
If this episode speaks to you or you have feedback for future episodes, I’d love to hear from you. 💌
Follow me on IG! @alcoholfreeabby
In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Kendall B from Kendall B Therapy—a licensed therapist who specializes in anxiety, body image, and addiction. Kendall opens up about her own story: the personal challenges that inspired her to pursue therapy and how those experiences shape the way she helps women today. We talk about the roots of self-doubt, the connection between addiction and body image, and how to begin healing from the inside out. Whether you're just starting your mental health journey or deep in the work, Kendall brings insight, compassion, and hope.
Website: https://www.kendallbtherapy.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kendallbtherapy/?hl=en
In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough—loneliness. I’m sharing how it started for me in childhood, how it shaped my need to fit in, and how that longing for connection kept me drinking longer than I wanted to. From early years to motherhood, loneliness shows up in sneaky ways—but here's the twist: sobriety didn’t make it worse, it made it better. I talk about how going alcohol-free actually deepened my relationships and helped me find a sense of safety and connection that no crowd, cocktail, or “cool mom” circle ever could. Plus, a quick hot take on The Valley—because of course.
This week, I’m joined by Robin, the founder of Wallace Dry Goods, an alcohol-free bottle shop in Ardmore, PA that's making sobriety stylish, intentional, and full of flavor.
We chat about:
What inspired her to open Wallace Dry Goods
How she curates her shelf lineup with both heart and integrity
Why providing alcohol-free options is about so much more than just drinks
The joy of creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated
Whether you're local to the Philly area or just love discovering passionate AF creators and business owners, this convo will leave you feeling inspired—and probably craving a really good mocktail.
Plus, I share one of my favorite AF sips this summer from Cycling Frog—don’t miss it.
What if no one’s telling you to stop drinking—but deep down, you know something’s off?
In this episode, I sit down with Todd Kinney—lawyer, dad, and author of I Didn’t Believe It Either—to talk about the quiet, subtle ways alcohol can interfere with our lives… even when everything looks fine from the outside. Todd didn’t hit rock bottom. No ultimatums, no interventions. He just started questioning how alcohol made him feel—and what life might look like without it.
We talk about what inspired him to take that first break, the unexpected benefits he’s discovered since, and how men and women often experience drinking—and sobriety—very differently. This is a must-listen if you're navigating a relationship where one person drinks and the other doesn't, or if you're just starting to wonder what life might look like with less (or no) alcohol.
If you're looking for an alcohol-free swap that still brings the chill, check out Cycling Frog— drinks that actually help you unwind without the hangover. I share more in the episode!
Connect with Todd!
In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Hollie Nickolson—a fitness and fat loss coach for women over 40, a mom, and now officially one year sober! Hollie shares her deeply personal journey with alcohol, including the years spent trying to moderate, what finally led her to quit for good, and how everything shifted once she made that decision.
We also dive into her business and her mission to help women build strength and confidence without obsession or restriction. Hollie keeps it real about the challenges and the freedom that come with living alcohol-free—and how it’s made her a better coach, mom, and human.
If you’re curious about what changes when you give up drinking—or if you just love stories of transformation and badass women showing up fully—this one’s for you.
Big thanks to our episode sponsor, Cycling Frog — our favorite alcohol-free THC and CBD beverages that bring the chill without the booze. Because who says you can’t feel good and have fun—without alcohol?
How to find Hollie!!!
Why does “just one glass” so often turn into something that keeps us playing small? In this candid conversation, Michelle Smith—therapist, author, and creator of Recovery Is the New Black—shares how a seemingly “normal” wine-mom routine escalated, the moment she knew change was non-negotiable, and the surprising freedom (and fun) she discovered on the sober side of life. We unpack:
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or supporting someone who is, Michelle’s story proves there’s a bigger, brighter life waiting beyond the pour.
Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Cycling Frog—THC + CBD seltzers and gummies that deliver chill without the booze. Grab your favorite flavor at this link.
Connect with Michelle!!
In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Melissa from The Sober New Yorker to talk about her winding path to sobriety — the struggles, the relapses, and the moment it all finally clicked. At the heart of her story is a powerful relationship that helped guide her toward healing — and the tragic loss of that person to alcohol addiction. Melissa shares how that grief became her turning point, and how she now honors their memory by living fully and alcohol-free. This is an emotional and inspiring conversation about love, loss, and the strength it takes to keep choosing yourself.
This episode is sponsored by Cycling Frog — my favorite low-dose, alcohol-free seltzers and gummies. Try them for yourself here: https://cycling-frog.sjv.io/7aDnoV
Follow Melissa on Instagram: @thesobernewyorker
Visit her website: The Sober New Yorker
Listen to her podcast: The Sober New Yorker
Joe Sheehey went from NASA engineer to wellness entrepreneur after a wild wake-up call forced him to rethink everything. We talk partying, mental health, sobriety, and how plant wellness helped him build a new path—and a new purpose—with CURED Nutrition.
This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you are feeling suicidal or if this topic is particularly sensitive for you, please proceed with caution.
🧠 Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you're not alone. Help is available:
📞 U.S. National Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or Text: 988Available 24/7 for free and confidential support.More info: 988lifeline.org
🌐 International Resources:
International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres
Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
Shop CURED: Click Here
Use code ABBY for 15% OFF
CURED Nutrition: @curednutrition
Joe Sheehey - @josephsheehey
Get ready for a very special episode! I’m joined by my sober besties, Jess and Ale — the brilliant minds behind Mocksicated — who I had the absolute joy of meeting at a sober retreat. In this conversation, we dive into their incredible journeys: the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the major wins along the way.
One of the most powerful parts of hearing someone else's story is realizing how much of your own story is reflected back to you — and trust me, Jess and Ale bring it all with heart, humor, and pure badass energy. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just love a good comeback story, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and a little less alone.
Tune in — you’re going to love them as much as I do!
In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, host Abby Calabrese sits down with Jess Smith—a former school principal turned life coach—for a powerful conversation about redefining success, sobriety, and self-worth.
Jess shares her personal journey from "responsible drinking" to realizing alcohol was masking deeper struggles, and how stepping away from it became a gateway to radical self-awareness and growth. Abby and Jess reflect on their experience at the Sober Mom Life Retreat, the unique challenges high-achieving women face in sobriety, and how to navigate relationships, careers, and identity without alcohol.
They explore the intersection of fitness, mindset, and sobriety; the emotional rollercoaster of early alcohol-free living; and why letting go of guilt and shame is essential for true freedom. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk about the messy, magical process of getting to know yourself again.
Whether you're sober, sober curious, or just craving a deeper connection to yourself—this one’s for you.
In this episode of The Alcohol-Free Rebellion, I’m joined by the fabulous Rachel — better known as Sober in Central Park. Rachel shares her powerful and refreshingly honest journey to sobriety, what it’s like navigating alcohol-free life in New York City, and how going sober led her to a whole new world — including working with Bravo's, Carl Radke.
We also get into her time on Summer House, how she’s now helping create truly fun and elevated alcohol-free events through SoftBar, and what it means to live fully present in a city that’s always tempting you to check out.
This episode is full of real talk, honest revelations, and a whole lot of inspiration — whether you’re sober, sober curious, or just here for the Bravo tea. You’re gonna love this one.
