“Moderation Was Torture” — Tanya’s Sobriety Story

Alcohol didn’t crash into Antoine’s life — it slowly became normal. In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Antoine shares how drinking started at just 12 years old, was reinforced through culture, school, and social life, and quietly followed him for three decades. From boarding school overseas where alcohol was normalized, to college, hospitality, and years of “functioning” drinking, his story shows how easy it is to miss the warning signs when everyone around you is doing the same thing. We talk about the pressure to fit in, living with ADHD, blackouts that were brushed off, and the moment in Apex, North Carolina that forced him to take a hard look at his relationship with alcohol. Antoine opens up about trying to cut back, why that didn’t work, and what finally made sobriety stick. This episode is for anyone who’s questioning their drinking, feels stuck in the cycle, or wonders what life could look like without alcohol. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a different path. One story at a time—you’re not alone.   -------------- Join the Sober Motivation Beta Platform FREE: https://sobermotivation.net/ Connect with Antoine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/asavageslife/

Derek shares a raw, unforgettable sobriety story: growing up in a chaotic home, learning early that alcohol was “dangerous,” and still getting pulled into a cycle of binge drinking, DUIs, and arrests. He opens up about the restaurant industry drinking culture, people-pleasing, shame, and how secrecy (“what happens in this house stays in this house”) fueled isolation. Eventually, alcohol dependence escalated to 25–30 beers per day, severe withdrawal, grand mal seizures, and DTs, leading to hospitalization and a medically critical turning point. Learn how he turns it all around. We also talk about Derek’s book The Dog Bowl—a fictional story built from real addiction pain and real recovery truth. ---------- Derek On IG: https://www.instagram.com/dpaquette1/  

“How do I get sober?” It’s the most common question people ask when they’re struggling with alcohol — and it’s a fair one. But in this solo episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad challenges the idea that how is the real problem. Instead, he offers a powerful reframe drawn from 16 years of personal recovery and 14 years of supporting people in sobriety: 👉 The real question isn’t how do I get sober — it’s what are you willing to do to get sober and stay sober? In this honest and reflective episode, Brad explores why so many people feel stuck when trying to quit drinking, even after trying rehab, meetings, therapy, books, podcasts, and recovery programs. He explains how the search for the “right way” to get sober often becomes a form of avoidance, and why willingness — not information — is what actually leads to lasting change. This episode covers: Why asking how to get sober can keep people stuck The role willingness plays in quitting alcohol and staying sober Why many people believe they’re “different” — and how that belief blocks recovery The fear of discomfort and change in early sobriety Why alcohol feels like it “worked” for so long The importance of changing routines, environments, and relationships Why doing sobriety alone rarely works How shame and ego prevent people from asking for help Why support and connection matter more than willpower

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Destiny for a raw and powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, and the moment everything changed. Destiny grew up carrying responsibility far too young, learned early how to survive chaos, and spent years believing she was “different” — that addiction wouldn’t take her where it had taken others in her life. What started as partying slowly escalated into something much darker, affecting her relationships, her identity, and her ability to show up as a mother. A near-fatal overdose became a turning point — not because someone forced her to change, but because she was finally ready. Destiny shares what didn’t work for years, what finally did, and why community and belonging became the foundation of her recovery. ----------- Destiny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo_des97/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Nicole to share a powerful and honest sobriety story. Nicole grew up in California in a home affected by alcoholism, struggled with anxiety and a deep sense of not belonging, and discovered early that alcohol could instantly change the way she felt. What started as weekend drinking eventually became daily drinking, secrecy, relationship chaos, and escalating consequences.   Nicole opens up about how she used alcohol for energy, confidence, and relief—until it stopped working and her life hit a devastating turning point in July 2022. She shares what finally created true willingness, why her first rehab stay didn’t stick, and how treatment, sober living, meetings, sponsorship, and rebuilding trust helped her stay sober. Today, Nicole is approaching four years sober, has rebuilt her relationship with her family, and is focused on living a life rooted in connection, service, and self-respect.   If you’ve ever wondered how to get sober, how to stop secret drinking, or how to rebuild after relapse, this episode will hit home. ------------- Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cargonicole/

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Ashton to talk about sobriety, party culture, and what happens when alcohol becomes tied to identity, confidence, and belonging. Ashton shares how growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa normalized drinking as a “rite of passage,” and how a chaotic childhood shaped his ability to adapt—but also made real attachment and emotional safety difficult. He opens up about using alcohol and cocaine to socialize, manage anxiety, and feel confident—until the consequences caught up. This conversation goes deep into shame, anger, trauma, public backlash, mental health, and the moment Ashton realized alcohol wasn’t the real problem—it was the tool he used to avoid what needed healing. He also explains the recovery shift that made sobriety stick: rebuilding discipline, changing environments, and addressing the physiology of recovery (dopamine, nervous system regulation, gut health, blood sugar, genetics, brain fog). If you’re sober curious, trying to stop drinking, stuck in “weekend-only” drinking, or rebuilding after regret—this episode is a real blueprint for growth. ---------------- Links: Ashton on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonpienaar/ Support The Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Tanya to talk about what it really looks like to get sober and stay sober when your journey isn’t linear.   Tanya shares how she grew up with a stable home and little exposure to alcohol—but still struggled with insecurity, belonging, and wanting to feel “cool,” which made alcohol feel like the solution. What started as binge drinking and partying progressed into DUIs, escalating consequences, and the painful truth many people discover: once the addiction wiring is there, moderation feels like torture. This conversation goes deep into relapse, grief, identity, relationships, resentment, and recovery—plus the power of community, AA, faith, service work, and learning to build self-worth from the inside out. Tanya also shares how she stayed sober through devastating loss and what helped her reach one year sober. If you’re sober curious, trying to quit drinking, rebuilding after relapse, or looking for real tools to protect your sobriety long-term, this episode will hit home. ------------- Just Between Us Podcast Sign Up: app.helloaudio.fm/feed/07bfba32-e173-41c6-973e-ceee488187c7/signup Sober Motivation 30 Day Free Trial: https://sobermotivation.mn.co

Gray Area Drinking, Binge Drinking, Alcoholism, Alcohol Use Disorder or Problem Drinking? How Do You Know When Alcohol Is the Issue. In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Shaz to share a raw and honest story of alcohol's role, blackouts, secret drinking, and pandemic-era daily drinking. This conversation is for anyone who doesn’t see themselves as fitting with a label, but still feels uneasy about their relationship with alcohol. Shaz walks through how alcohol shifted from social use to binge drinking, how gray area drinking quietly escalated, and how secrecy, rationalization, and comparison kept him stuck for years. You’ll hear why waiting for a diagnosis or label delayed real change—and how sobriety, connection, and community support became the turning point. If you’re sober curious, questioning your drinking, or wondering whether life would feel better without alcohol, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a path forward—without shame or judgment. Contact Shaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shazman07/  

In the final episode of 2025, Brad sits down with Brian, who share's a raw and honest sobriety story that spans decades. Brian opens up about growing up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by alcoholism, violence, and instability — and how hockey became his escape. As a teenager, alcohol quickly became more than “weekend fun,” turning into blackout drinking, fights, arrests, and a dangerous spiral that ended in a moment that forced everything to change. Brian shares what finally made him ask for help, why leaving his environment was a key part of getting sober, and what it took to rebuild identity, friendships, and confidence without alcohol. Brian’s last drink was December 28th, 1991 — and today he reflects on 34 years sober, life in Germany, and the mindset that helped him protect his recovery for the long haul. In this episode, we cover: •Childhood trauma, absent father, and growing up around addiction •Hockey as an outlet for anger, pain, and survival •Early drinking, escalation, blackouts, and legal consequences •The turning point that forced Brian to choose recovery •Treatment, relocating, and why “new environment” mattered •Rebuilding identity without alcohol (social life, confidence, dating) •Long-term sobriety tools: honesty, boundaries, and an exit plan •What 34 years sober has taught Brian about freedom and control   Join the Sober Motivation Community: Click here for 30 Days free Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbrianpiper/  

In this powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Jess, who shares her raw and honest sobriety story. Jess opens up about childhood trauma, sexual assault, military service in the Air Force, prescription drug addiction, Ambien misuse, alcohol dependence, and the moment that nearly ended her life. Jess also shares what it took to rebuild from the ground up — treatment, sober living, a complete life reset, and the mindset shift that helped her move from victim to survivor. Today, Jess is approaching 9 years sober and is finishing her PhD in psychology with a focus on addiction and recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction can hide in plain sight — and that long-term recovery is possible, even after unimaginable pain. Jess On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessosborn0824/