In this kickoff episode of You’re Sober, Now What?, Lane and Tamar dive straight into one of the foundational aspects of long-term recovery: understanding and managing triggers—what they like to call "sparks." Join us as we explore what sparks are, how to recognize them in everyday life, and why identifying these moments is crucial to thriving in sobriety. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and pick up new tools to help you stay alcohol-free and empowered!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What “sparks” (triggers) are and why they matter in sobriety
• How typical emotions and situations can spark cravings or discomfort—even years into recovery.
• Practical strategies and creative exercises for recognizing and mapping your sparks.
• Healthy coping habits you can cultivate (from meal prepping to crafting) to manage sparks before they flare up.
• The community and support resources available to help you on your journey.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome, introductions, and bookstore stories
• [07:11] What are "sparks"? Reframing the idea of triggers.
• [08:49] Real-life examples: From the smell of perfume to walking by old haunts.
• [12:14] Exercises from Sobriety for Dummies: Mapping and understanding your spark points.
• [16:41] Building positive habits for sustainable recovery.
• [18:58] Planning meals, budgeting, and avoiding self-inflicted pain.
• [21:09] Environmental and emotional sparks: Real-world scenarios.
• [23:38] Coping skills: Community, meditation, crafting, and more.
• [25:02] Sneak peek of next episode and closing thoughts.

Resources & Links:

Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley—now in major bookstores and online.

Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com — Access worksheets, workbook, and more.

Becky, if you’re listening—shoutout! And thanks for making the in-store signing unforgettable.

Connect with Lane and Tamar on YouTube and other social channels for live Q&A and community events.

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.
• Sharing this episode with a friend, recovery house, or community that might benefit.

Ready to celebrate your sobriety and craft a life you love? Tune in every week for support, inspiration, and a dose of real talk.

In this episode of You’re Sober, Now What? Tamar Medford dives into embracing a life of continuous growth in sobriety. Discover the importance of setting goals and avoiding stagnation to keep your recovery journey fulfilling and dynamic.

What You'll Learn:

• The concept of continuous growth in sobriety.

• How setting personal and professional goals can enhance your sober life.

• The difference between maintenance and growth in recovery.

  Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

• [00:29] The importance of purpose in making better decisions.

• [02:13] Embracing continuous growth rather than just maintenance.

• [05:23] Personal growth and authentic living.

• [06:31] Balancing personal life and professional aspirations.

• [08:36] Tips on setting realistic and achievable goals.

• [10:33] Finding joy in the journey and avoiding instant gratification.

• [11:54] Closing thoughts and reminders for the next season.

• Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley and follow along with us

• Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

• Download The Mindful Life App

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

• Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

In this episode of You're Sober, Now What? Tamar Medford takes you on a solo journey to explore finding joy and purpose in sobriety. Dive into personal stories, practical advice, and engaging activities from the book "Sobriety for Dummies" to help you discover what truly lights you up inside.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to uncover your passions and interests.

• Strategies to find your purpose in sobriety.

• The importance of aligning daily activities with your North Star.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

• [01:16] Tamar's personal journey to finding joy and purpose. • [04:56] Exploring personal passions from childhood.

• [07:35] Setting goals to reignite old interests.

• [09:15] The role of community and mentors in self-discovery. • [13:06] Dive into discovering your ikigai.

• [15:04] Aligning actions with your mission and vision. • [16:24] Final thoughts and next episode preview.

Resources & Links:

• Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley and follow along with us

• Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

• Download The Mindful Life App

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

• Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

In this episode of You’re Sober, Now What?, we explore the importance of integrating health and movement in sobriety. Join us as we dive deep into how physical activity contributes to overall well-being and boosts confidence, even for those who have faced significant health challenges.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The significance of movement in sobriety.

• How to approach fitness after overcoming addiction.

• • The transformative power of consistent physical activity.

  
  

  Timestamps:

• • [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

  • [00:30] Overview: Why movement is crucial in sobriety.

  • [02:48] Meet Kate Patel and Felicia Hervelet.

  • [03:33] Felicia's journey: From rock bottom to finding movement.

  • [06:03] Movement as meditation.

  • [10:53] Lane’s journey to rediscovering fitness.

  • [15:00] The impact of physical health on sobriety.

  • [22:41] Community and movement: Connecting with others.

  • [23:28] Kate’s final thoughts.

  • [23:55] Closing remarks and future episodes.

  
  

  Resources & Links:

  • Grab your copy of ⁠Sobriety for Dummies⁠ published by Wiley and follow along with us

  • Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

  • ⁠Download The Mindful Life App⁠

  Support the Show:

  If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

  • Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

  • Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

  • Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

  
  

In this episode of You’re Sober, Now What?, Lane and Tamar delve into the crucial topic of seeking professional mental health support and medication in sobriety. They emphasize the importance of understanding the brain's chemistry in addiction, exploring various therapies, and creating a balanced routine to support long-term recovery.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The role of dopamine and brain chemistry in addiction.

• How to incorporate mindfulness and manage stress.

• The importance of seeking professional help and finding alternative treatment options.

• Understanding the role of sleep and routine in recovery.

• Celebrating progress and maintaining a positive mindset in sobriety.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

• [00:09] Discussing the heftiness of Chapter 8.

• [01:20] Overview of the podcast and book,

  Sobriety for Dummies

  .

• [01:58] Understanding the brain and dopamine deficiency in addiction.

• [04:25] Tamar’s journey to seeking professional help.

• [06:08] The impact of trauma and the need for professional guidance.

• [10:32] Exploring alternative treatments, including plant medicine and GLPs.

• [12:16] The critical role of sleep in recovery.

• [15:59] Developing a routine and the importance of mindfulness.

• [16:38] Celebrating recovery milestones.

• [18:12] Final thoughts and wrap-up.

Resources & Links:

• Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley and follow along with us

• Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

• Download The Mindful Life App

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

• Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

In this episode of You’re Sober, Now What? we delve into the essential topic of setting boundaries with friends and family. Join hosts Tamar Medford and Lane Kennedy as they discuss the importance of boundaries in sobriety, share personal experiences, and provide practical advice on how to assertively establish and maintain healthy boundaries.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The significance of boundaries in sobriety.

• Transitioning from people-pleasing to setting boundaries.

• Tips for handling family members who don’t understand your sobriety.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

• [00:09] Tamar’s journey with setting boundaries.

• [00:51] Impacts of people-pleasing. • [02:16] Re-evaluating friendships.

• [04:20] Saying no and its challenges.

• [06:46] The value of being honest.

• [07:07] Setting boundaries with family.

• [08:34] Using your voice effectively. • [09:10] Managing needy friendships.

• [12:19] Accepting others' boundaries.

• [13:33] Emotional responses to boundaries.

• [13:54] Growth in sobriety.

• [14:18] Closing thoughts and promotions.

Resources & Links:

• Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley and follow along with us

• Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

• Download The Mindful Life App

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

• Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

In this episode of You’re Sober, Now What? we dive into the process of creating a fulfilling and authentic sober social life. Join Tamar Medford and Lane Kennedy as they navigate through the complexities of social situations, from dealing with social anxiety to finding genuine connections in a sober lifestyle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The impact of alcohol on social interactions and how sobriety changes the dynamic.

• Techniques for managing social anxiety and awkwardness in sober settings.

• Tips and activities for building a vibrant and enjoyable sober social life.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction.

• [00:54] Importance of the chapter on navigating social situations.

• [01:50] Personal experiences with social anxiety and alcohol.

• [03:54] Lane’s experience with sober socializing and building real connections.

• [07:00] Activity suggestion: The Mindful Sobriety Social Quest.

• [09:00] Tamar’s tips on becoming mindful in social interactions.

• [12:10] Finding new social activities and redefining fun.

• [15:00] The importance of community and having a sober buddy.

• [17:24] Setting boundaries and maintaining sobriety in social settings.

• [20:12] Closing thoughts and upcoming topics.

Resources & Links:

• Grab your copy of Sobriety for Dummies published by Wiley and follow along with us

• Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

• Download The Mindful Life App

Support the Show:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider:

• Subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Leaving a review to help others discover the show.

• Sharing this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.

In this episode, we dive into the importance of cultivating spiritual wellness in long-term recovery. We explore the significance of intimate connections, spiritual principles, and the courage to live one's truth.

Key Points:

• Intimate Connections: Establishing deep relationships with friends or mentors can be integral to your spiritual toolkit, allowing you to feel safe and supported.

• Spiritual Principles: Embracing values such as honesty, hope, integrity, and willingness can profoundly impact your recovery journey.

• Living Your Truth: The courage to be vulnerable and live authentically enriches your spirituality and overall well-being.

Grab your copy of "Sobriety for Dummies" published by Wiley and follow along with us, or download the app to further engage with the content.

Get in Touch:Website: http://youresobernowwhat.com

Contact Us: lanekennedylevy@gmail.com or tamar@theroadforward.ca

Download The Mindful Life App: https://themindfullife.mvt.so/