Most of us have parts of ourselves we don’t like to look at.

The reactions we regret. The thoughts we don’t say out loud. The behaviors driven by shame, fear, or old coping patterns.

In this episode of No Alcohol Needed, Julie Miller and Steve Knapp are joined by Robbie Pike and Matt Shambo for an honest conversation about what it really means to face the “dark side” or shadow self, and why learning to integrate those parts of ourselves is essential for emotional growth.

They’re not trying to make the shadow disappear. They’re talking about understanding where these behaviors came from, recognizing how they once protected you, and learning how compassion makes real change possible.

Together, they explore:

• What people mean when they talk about shadow work
• How shame quietly drives many unhealthy reactions
• Why awareness without compassion can lead to self-punishment
• How to recognize shadow behaviors in real time
• The connection between recovery work and emotional healing
• Why integration leads to freedom, not self-rejection

If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating patterns you don’t fully understand, or ashamed of parts of yourself you wish you could change, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and a path forward.

—

https://noalcoholneeded.net/meet-the-voices/

–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–

WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching

Redesign a life without alcohol - with support.

https://noalcoholneeded.net/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM

Real conversations. No judgment.

https://noalcoholneeded.net/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG

Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.

https://createalifesofull.com

FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES

Explore every No Alcohol Needed conversation.

https://noalcoholneeded.net/category/blog/