How Do I Deal With Cravings and Triggers?

Let me paint you a picture. You walk into the grocery store for a normal errand… and suddenly the beer aisle lights up like a Christmas tree. You weren’t planning on drinking. You weren’t even thirsty. But out of nowhere, the craving hits. If you’ve ever found yourself negotiating with your own brain - "Maybe just one.""No, don’t do it.""Come on, you deserve it." -  then you know exactly what I’m talking about. In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, we’re continuing the 4-week series from my book:Sober Guy: How Do I? — Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life. We’re breaking down what cravings really are, why triggers happen, and the simple tools you can use to stay in control when the urge to drink shows up. Because here’s the truth:Cravings are normal. They’re temporary. And they don’t control you. In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why cravings and triggers happen (and why they’re not a sign of weakness)• The HALT method to identify what’s really driving the urge• The 5-minute rule that helps cravings pass• How to interrupt the pattern before you relapse• Simple strategies to stay strong in real-life situations If you’re trying to quit drinking, stay sober, or just want better tools to handle urges when they hit, this episode is for you. Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Want to go 30 Days Alcohol Free? Try our 30-Day Sober Performance Challenge — https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stress was one of my biggest drinking excuses. Rough day at work? I deserved a beer.Bills piling up? Couple drinks would “take the edge off.”Kids bouncing off the walls? Let’s drink about it. But here’s the truth I had to learn the hard way: alcohol never removed stress, it just delayed it. In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, I break down practical, real-life ways to handle stress without reaching for a drink. We’ll talk about why stress is such a powerful trigger, how drinking actually stacks stress instead of solving it, and the simple tools that help you stay calm, focused, and in control when life gets heavy. This episode is part of a special 4-week series from my book:Sober Guy: How Do I? — Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or tempted to drink when pressure hits — this one’s for you. You’ll learn:• Why stress triggers the urge to drink• How to reset your mind and body in minutes• The simple daily habits that reduce anxiety• How to respond to stress instead of escaping it Remember:Drinking made stress worse.Sobriety makes you sharper. Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of the biggest fears men have when they think about quitting drinking is this: What happens to my social life? In this episode, Shane dives into Chapter 3 of his book Sober Guy, How Do I: Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life and answers one of the most common questions guys ask when they start getting sober: How do I stay social without alcohol? You’ll learn practical strategies for navigating parties, work events, dinners, and nights out with confidence, without feeling awkward, isolated, or like the odd man out. Shane shares real-life experiences, mindset shifts, and simple tactics that make staying social without alcohol not only possible, but actually better. If you're worried that quitting drinking means losing your social life, this episode will change your perspective. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever feel like sobriety, and life just… stalls out? You’re not drinking.You’re doing the work.You’re showing up. But nothing feels like it’s moving. In this episode, Shane talks about the sober plateau, that strange season where the chaos is gone, life is stable, but you start wondering… is this it? The truth is, a lot of men hit this phase in sobriety. The excitement fades, the “pink cloud” disappears, and suddenly life feels quiet… sometimes even boring. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. In this episode we break down: Why the sober plateau happens Why many men self-sabotage during this phase The difference between peace and stagnation Three powerful ways to break out of the plateau without blowing up your life If you’ve ever thought “nothing is moving”… this conversation is for you. Because the plateau isn’t the end of growth. It might actually be the beginning of your next level. If you’re a man looking to quit drinking, rebuild discipline, and lead your life with clarity, you’re in the right place. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your life doesn’t change in big moments.It changes in reps. In this episode, Shane Ramer breaks down why breakthroughs are overrated, and why discipline, consistency, and daily action are what actually build authority, confidence, and sobriety. From a random airport encounter in Denver on his way to speak at Amplify Sober Voices and Podfest Expo… to recording early podcast episodes in a Chevy S-10 with no audience and no validation… this episode is about the quiet work most men avoid. We’ve been conditioned to chase moments: The viral clip.The big stage.The emotional breakthrough. But sobriety isn’t built in moments.Marriage isn’t built in moments.Leadership isn’t built in moments. They’re built in reps. Shane covers: Why most people quit before momentum ever kicks in The danger of waiting to “feel ready” The three forms every sober leader must train: authenticity, value, and consistency How daily alcohol-free decisions reshape your identity If you’re tired of chasing motivation and ready to build real strength, this episode will recalibrate your mindset. Moments are loud.Reps are quiet.Reps change your life. Join the Victory Circle, our free digital men’s community, and surround yourself with high-performing men living alcohol-free. And if you’re ready for deeper transformation, apply for the 12-week Sober Executive Performance Reset at thatsoberguy.com/coaching. Sober minds see straight. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Great article by Brooke Redelle from The Sober Stack - Your Story is the Catalyst: Reflecting on Amplify Sober Voices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California voters were promised $370 million in cannabis tax revenue for drug prevention and youth treatment through Prop 64. So why are tens, even hundreds of millions flowing through activist nonprofits and voter registration efforts instead? In this episode, we break down what Prop 64 promised… where the money is actually going… and why many critics say “drug prevention” has turned into a political slush fund wrapped in good intentions. We unpack: How cannabis tax dollars are allocated Why NGOs tied to political organizing are receiving prevention funds What this says about accountability, governance, and cultural leadership And most importantly, what this means for men who choose to live clear-headed, sober-minded, and awake. Because sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol.It’s about discernment.It’s about responsibility.It’s about seeing straight in a culture that profits off distraction. Join the Victory Circle our free digital men’s community and surround yourself with high-performing men living alcohol-free. Sober minds see straight… and straight calls make change. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod https://caldoge.rhetor.ai/prop-64 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gentlemen… what if the bar isn’t just a place to “blow off steam”… but a system designed to keep you from leveling up? In this episode, we break down a controversial idea: bars aren’t evil, but they are efficient. Efficient at sedating ambition. Efficient at normalizing mediocrity. Efficient at keeping men distracted from building legacies in business, family, health, and leadership. We unpack: • How bar culture subtly suppresses masculine drive• Why alcohol reduces ambition while increasing tolerance for mediocrity• The economic machine behind a $1.5 trillion global alcohol industry• How bars keep men predictable, distracted, and emotionally underdeveloped• Why younger men are quietly drinking less and what that means for leadership• The rise of sober social spaces and cultural shifts happening right now This isn’t a conspiracy rant. It’s a performance conversation. You can’t lead your company, your marriage, or your mission if your clarity is being fogged every weekend. Bars aren’t just “fun.” They shape behavior. They shape habits. They shape culture. And the real rebellion in 2026?Leaving early. Staying sharp. Building something meaningful. If you care about masculinity, leadership, high performance, sobriety, and building a life that actually matters, this episode will challenge you. Looking for 1 on 1 Coaching? Check out the Sober Executive Performance Reset Join our FREE online men’s community — The Victory Circle — for connection, accountability, and real conversations about alcohol, performance, and purpose. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Music - Going Late courtesy of Humans & Haven Sounds Inc. #ThatSoberGuy #Masculinity #Sobriety #MensLeadership #HighPerformance #AlcoholCulture #SelfMastery #EntrepreneurMindset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tattoo culture has always been wrapped in rebellion, late nights, and heavy drinking, but what happens when an artist decides to create without numbing? In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane Ramer sits down with renowned tattoo artist Jeff Crabtree to talk about art, identity, discipline, and the uncomfortable truths no one wants to admit about creativity and alcohol. Jeff opens up about his journey through addiction, tattoo culture, and how sobriety didn’t kill his edge, it sharpened it. Together, they unpack why so many creative industries normalize burnout and substance use, how sobriety changes the way you show up in your craft, and what it really takes to build a legacy instead of just a reputation. This conversation goes deeper than tattoos. It’s about mastery, presence, masculinity, and creating something meaningful without destroying yourself in the process. In this episode, we cover: How sobriety impacts creativity, focus, and discipline Identity beyond the “artist lifestyle” The difference between rebellion and self-control What it means to build long-term success without self-sabotage Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone questioning the role alcohol plays in your life, this episode will challenge some deeply ingrained narratives, and challenges the status quo. www.lighthousetattooidaho.com @lighthousetattoo.id Warrior Heart Boot Camp - Use promo code SOBERGUY and get $100 off any 2026 Boot Camp! Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when sobriety becomes a cultural priority, not just a personal choice? In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, we break down the Great American Recovery Plan and explore what it could mean if America truly shifted toward treatment over punishment, real recovery infrastructure, and accountability with support. This conversation goes beyond politics and into culture, identity, performance, and leadership, especially for men navigating business, family, and health in a world built on distraction and sedation. We also examine the broader recovery messaging gaining traction around: Mental health and addiction recovery Food quality and physical health Pharma dependence and long-term consequences Sobriety as personal sovereignty and leadership We ask the uncomfortable questions: What industries struggle when people get clear-minded? Why is avoidance normalized while discipline is questioned? What changes when men stop numbing and start leading? This episode isn’t about telling you what to think, it’s about helping you see the system clearly and decide for yourself. If you’re interested in sobriety, recovery, mental clarity, personal growth, and high-performance living, this episode will challenge you, in a good way. Listen now and join the conversation. Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reality TV isn’t just entertainment, it’s a mirror. And what it keeps reflecting back is worth questioning. In this episode of That Sober Guy Podcast, Shane breaks down why reality TV consistently centers alcohol-fueled chaos, reckless masculinity, and emotionally unregulated men—and what that says about our culture’s relationship with leadership, performance, and sobriety. From dating shows and house-based dramas to competition series and celebrity culture, alcohol isn’t just present—it’s the engine. The louder the conflict, the sloppier the behavior, the better the ratings. But at what cost? Shane contrasts today’s reality TV landscape with earlier eras of television that celebrated responsibility, growth, and strong family dynamics—and asks a bigger question:Why does modern media reward dysfunction while treating discipline Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Check out Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Tired of Drinking? Try Our 30 Day Quit Drinking Dude Challenge! - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast  Follow us on X @ThatSoberGuyPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.