In this episode of The Shannon McCabe Show, I’m sharing everything I learned from my first sober Thanksgiving (spoiler: it wasn’t easy!) to how I now approach the holidays with peace, joy, and confidence completely alcohol-free. We’ll talk through what it really takes to stay grounded, protect your energy, and fully experience the holidays without the hangover, regret, or anxiety that used to come with it.

Inside this episode, I’m walking you through: 🎄 How to plan and prepare for your first sober holiday season ☀️ The routines and habits that keep me anchored 😌 How to handle stress, overwhelm, and family dynamics 💤 Why sleep, rest, and nourishment matter more than ever 🌱 How to create a structure that supports peace instead of pressure

I’ve bundled together some of the exact resources I’ve created to help you stay strong, intentional, and connected as you head into this busy season.

The Sober Holiday Collection

www.shannonleighmccabe.com

Follow Me on Instagram

Watch on YouTube

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who might need to hear it too. And if you’re enjoying The Shannon McCabe Show, it would mean the world if you could take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more people find these conversations and start their own journey to living alcohol-free.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you share on social media, tag me—I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. 💛

Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot once you’ve taken a break from drinking—this idea of “maybe I can just have one now and then.”

In this episode of The Shannon McCabe Show, I’m diving into the slippery truth about moderation—what it really means, why it’s so hard to maintain, and how the brain and body respond once alcohol re-enters the picture. I’ll share my personal reflections and the science behind why moderation can feel like such a mental tug-of-war. From decision fatigue to chemical cravings to the way alcohol hijacks your brain’s reward system, we’ll unpack why “just one” rarely stays “just one” for long.

Here’s what we cover: 💭 The emotional and mental drain of trying to moderate 🧠 What’s actually happening in your brain when you drink again after a break 💔 Why moderation can reignite cravings and old patterns 🌱 The peace that comes from full abstinence—and letting go of the exhausting mental math 💛 How to accept the truth about your relationship with alcohol without shame

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if moderation could work “this time,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing both the science and the soul behind what makes moderation such a slippery slope and why full freedom often comes from choosing peace over control.

www.shannonleighmccabe.com

Follow Me on Instagram

Watch on YouTube

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who might need to hear it too. And if you’re enjoying The Shannon McCabe Show, it would mean the world if you could take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more people find these conversations and start their own journey to living alcohol-free.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you share on social media, tag me—I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. 💛

In this episode of The Shannon McCabe Show, I’m sharing a precious insight from my morning devotional that deeply connects to the journey of quitting drinking and honestly, to any season of growth that feels hard.

So often, we see our struggles as roadblocks. But what if they’re actually refining us? What if the discomfort, the cravings, the doubts, and the messy in-between moments are the very things shaping you into the peaceful, confident, free version of yourself that you’re becoming?

In this heartfelt conversation, I’ll walk you through: 💛 How to reframe challenges as the tools that build your strength and character 🌱 Why the “hard days” in sobriety are often the ones that grow you the most 🙏 What my morning devotional reminded me about perseverance and faith ✨ The importance of showing up for the work even when it’s uncomfortable ⚡ How to start embracing the process instead of resisting it

I also share how my Alcohol-Free Blueprint program helps women navigate this exact transformation. In this program I am teaching you how to shift your mindset, reclaim your energy, and build a sustainable, joy-filled alcohol-free life.

If you’ve been feeling like the work is too hard or wondering if it’s worth it - I hope this is the reminder your heart needs. The hard stuff isn’t punishment; it’s preparation for your next chapter.

www.shannonleighmccabe.com

Follow Me on Instagram

Watch on YouTube

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who might need to hear it too. And if you’re enjoying The Shannon McCabe Show, it would mean the world if you could take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more people find these conversations and start their own journey to living alcohol-free.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you share on social media, tag me—I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. 💛