Jermaine's Story: Sober Up or Die

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I stop?” or felt trapped by shame, this one hits deep. Brad sits down with Jermaine Dante’ Burse, a Bay Area native (Vallejo, California) whose drinking didn’t start as party chaos; it was quiet, functional, in-house alcoholism that escalated over a decade into withdrawal seizures, pancreatitis, liver failure symptoms, jaundice, a coma, and life support. Today, Jermaine is 12 years sober. ------------- The Sober Motivation: Just Between Us Podcast: Click Here Jermaine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jermainedante_art/  

On this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I talk with Olivia about her sobriety journey, choosing an alcohol-free life, and what it really took to get sober after years of pain. Olivia opens up about growing up with severe OCD (intrusive thoughts/compulsions), trauma, and using alcohol as self-medication to quiet anxiety, feel confident, and fit in. She shares how addiction, BPD, and escalating alcohol + cocaine use led to chaos, toxic relationships, rehab attempts, and a near-fatal car crash that became her turning point toward sobriety. A “miracle” phone call led to the right opportunity, where she learned self-awareness, accountability, and built a sustainable, sober, alcohol-free life. This episode is for anyone trying to get sober, stay sober, and keep going. Proof that recovery and sobriety create a ripple effect for family, healing, and hope. ------------- Oliva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobercoasterlife/

Brittany joins the Sober Motivation Podcast to share her powerful story of growing up in Minnesota with a father who struggled with alcoholism, living with clinical depression, and using alcohol to cope with trauma, loneliness, and shame. She talks about becoming a “high-functioning” drinker—doing well at work and school while secretly relying on alcohol every day. Brittany also opens up about getting trapped in an abusive relationship, the trauma bond that kept her stuck, and the moment everything changed after a violent incident. On January 3rd, she chose sobriety, learned to ride out cravings, and started rebuilding a life filled with real joy, self-respect, and emotional healing. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, stuck in toxic patterns, or wondering if change is possible, this recovery story will give you hope and motivation to keep going. ---------------- Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Sober Motivation Community:  Click Here Brittany on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/innatedivinity/

In this episode, Josh shares his heart-wrenching journey from a childhood impacted by abuse and perfectionism to the depths that alcohol took him. Throughout the years of struggling, Josh had a DWI, rehab stays, but he never wanted to make changes for himself.  He recounts hitting rock bottom with a near-death experience in Italy, which became the catalyst for his transformation. Through resilience, therapy, and unconditional love from his family, Josh finds his way back to himself, embracing sobriety and self-love. Josh’s powerful story is an example that life can turn around, and although sobriety is not easy, it’s worth it. ---------- Join the Sober Motivation Community:  Join HERE Listen to the Just Between Us Podcast: Click HERE Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgmaurice/

Join Brad in another powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast as he chats with Mike, a Canadian tradesman who opens up about his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol to finding sobriety and changing his life. With candid insight, Mike shares the turning point during a trip to Barbados and the challenges of navigating sobriety in a world filled with social pressures. As Mike reflects on his past, therapy, and new motivations, listeners are left wondering - what finally led Mike to choose a life of sobriety? --------------- Mike on IG: https://www.instagram.com/h4zen/ Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co  

For Tom, childhood was filled with positive memories—nothing that hinted he’d ever struggle with alcohol. After college, he stepped into his career, a world where late nights out were normal, and alcohol made social connections feel easier. At first, everything seemed under control. But when the pandemic hit, and isolation became a daily reality, drinking slowly picked up speed. Tom didn’t have what many would call a “rock bottom,” but internally, he felt the truth: something had to change. This is Tom’s journey of honesty, self-awareness, and choosing a different path.   Check out the Just Between Us Podcast: https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/07bfba32-e173-41c6-973e-ceee488187c7/signup   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:20 Tom's Childhood and Upbringing 01:43 College Life and Fraternity Influence 04:09 Post-College Career and Move to Boston 12:12 Pandemic Impact and Realization 16:42 The Struggle with Alcohol 23:06 The Hidden Truth About Alcohol's Impact on Society 23:55 The Dopamine Connection: Alcohol and Gambling 24:57 Personal Reflections: Evaluating Life Choices 26:05 The Decade Mark: Recognizing the Need for Change 26:50 The Internal Struggle: Awareness and Denial 27:41 The Turning Point: Family and Sobriety 31:20 Navigating Sobriety: Slips and Progress 36:20 Therapy and Support: Tools for Sobriety 40:58 The Journey Continues: Embracing Change 44:45 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and Suppor

In this compelling episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, David shares his intense journey from his upbringing in Ocean City, NJ, to struggling with addiction during high school, and eventually finding himself in psych wards and homeless. Highlighting the power of the right support system and the incredible transformations in his life, David discusses the pain and growth experienced in recovery, now thriving as a medical student with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around, harnessed his addiction for good, and discovered the true power of sobriety. --------- New Podcast - Sober Motivation: Just Between Us: Subscribe Here Sober Motivation Community (1 Month Free): https://sobermotivation.mn.co 1:1 Mentorship Information: https://sobermotivation.com David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.millar.mindset/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Dre joins us to recount her journey with alcohol, starting with a disruptive childhood marked by constant moving.  Hear what led her to her first drink at 13, setting off years of binge drinking, attempts at moderation, and eventually hitting rock bottom. She shares powerful insights on battling addiction, the impact of losing her mother and later her daughter, and her path to sobriety through self-discovery and community support. Please tune in to hear how she celebrates 4 years of sobriety today, November 10, 2025. Dre's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dre_eagle/   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics 01:42 First Drink and Teenage Years 05:58 High School Struggles and Boarding School 14:22 Post-High School and Early Adulthood 16:55 Motherhood and Coping with Loss 19:52 Relocation and Continued Struggles 20:30 Acknowledging the Problem 23:08 Attempts at Moderation and Realization 30:32 Health Issues and the Path to Sobriety 35:34 Struggles with Alcohol and Realization 36:37 Impact on Family and Embarrassment 37:41 Isolation and Binge Drinking 39:54 The Tipping Point and Seeking Help 41:05 First Steps Towards Sobriety 52:22 Grieving and Building Community 01:01:08 Reflections and Moving Forward

In this podcast episode, we catch up with three inspirational guests—Liz, John, and Justin—as they share their powerful journeys through sobriety. Liz reflects on the emotional and physical transformation she has experienced, John discusses the unexpected benefits of quitting alcohol to support his wife, Melissa, and Justin reveals the depths of his battles with substance abuse and how he rebuilt his life. Tune in to discover how sobriety has reshaped their lives and relationships in profound ways. Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dntcallmesarah/ Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinbrien19/ 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:23 Catching Up with Liz 02:42 Liz's Sobriety Journey 05:41 Life Changes and Insights 07:37 Financial and Health Benefits 09:25 Emotional Growth and Self-Discovery 10:50 Challenges and Coping Strategies 11:41 Reflections on Relationships and Anxiety 14:17 Final Thoughts with Liz 31:33 Introduction to John 43:01 The Importance of Mindset in Relationships 43:44 John's Journey: Overcoming Challenges 44:31 Replacing Old Habits with Healthy Ones 46:05 The Impact of Hydration and Planning 47:05 A Shared Passion: Fishing and the F-150 48:09 Reflecting on Sobriety and Support 50:07 Introducing Justin: A New Perspective 50:32 Justin's Struggle with Addiction 55:25 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 01:03:40 Life After Sobriety: Achievements and Reflections 01:19:19 Concluding Thoughts and Resources  

In this eye-opening episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, I welcome Ian, who candidly shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by alcohol.  Discover how Ian turned his life around after 34 years of drinking, failed marriages, and professional challenges, all while exploring the profound impact of finding clarity, gratitude, and setting powerful examples for his children. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of community, self-forgiveness, and the surprising benefits of a sober life. Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian.fee/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Ian's Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol 02:26 High School and College Years 05:05 Career Beginnings and Drinking Culture 14:23 Family Life and Struggles with Alcohol 17:59 Rehab and the Road to Recovery 32:13 Struggles and Realizations 33:46 The Importance of Community 38:12 Facing Social Pressures 41:01 The Value of Time and Sobriety 45:06 Forgiveness and Self-Improvement 50:07 Gratitude and Daily Practices 54:39 Impact and Purpose 01:02:31 Final Thoughts and Advice