In this episode of Sobertown Podcast host Michal Charles interviews Sarah Rusbatch, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and award-winning Health and Well-being Coach. Sarah shares her personal journey with grey area drinking, explaining that it describes individuals who use alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than those with physical dependence. She details how her drinking progressed from childhood through career success in London's recruitment industry, fertility struggles, motherhood in Australia, and her pathway to permanent sobriety in 2019. The conversation explores how alcohol affects women differently than men due to biological factors and reduced alcohol metabolism, with Sarah explaining that women are more susceptible to alcohol-related health issues including breast cancer and liver disease. Michal shares her own experience with kindling syndrome from binge drinking, and Sarah outlines five pillars for maintaining an alcohol-free life. You don't want to miss this information-packed episode!Sarah Rusbatch is a multi award winning accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, Menopause Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker and host of a community of over 25,000 women. She has been featured in publications such as ABC News,Mama Mia, Body & Soul, Women’s Health, The Sunday Times and is a regular media commentator. Sarah has appeared on over 200 podcasts. Sarah is author of the best selling book “Beyond Booze, How to create a life you love Alcohol Free' and is inspiring audiences across the globe to create and live their best lives as they age. Book: Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free Websit: https://sarahrusbatch.com/     About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected]    Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!     Sobertownpodcast.com

Trigger warning: This episode includes several mentions of suicide and discussion of the loss of a family member to it. Please listen with caution if this is a sensitive topic.In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, host Michal speaks with author David Deane Haskell about his memoir "Wounded Angels" and topics relating to trauma healing, addiction recovery, and inner child work. David shares his personal journey through substance abuse and codependency, discussing how childhood trauma manifested in his life through extreme substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and self-sabotaging behavior. They explore the concept of shame, particularly David's profound experience of toxic shame at age nine after learning about his mother's suicide, and discuss shadow work techniques for accessing and healing different aspects of the inner child. The conversation covers the difference between "fake it till you make it" in early recovery versus toxic positivity, with David emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression and community support in the recovery process. They also discuss how creativity can serve as a healing outlet after loss. David Deane Haskell writes about profound loss, addiction, creative expression, wellness, and recovery. His mother died under tragic circumstances when he was four — a fact that followed him into every room he ever entered. He later spent nearly ten years as a drummer and show creator at Disney and Universal, performing joy while privately carrying wounds he hadn't yet found words for. After eleven years of isolation, his work returned through Wounded Angels, written from the middle of the healing process rather than from a polished finish line. His current conversations center on trauma, recovery, voice, inner child work, and the creative life that followed. Contact: [email protected] Website: https://daviddeanehaskell.com/   About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected]   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

Samantha Brantley Smith is a woman in long-term recovery, community leader, and advocate from rural East Tennessee. After overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life from the ground up, she now dedicates her work to helping others find hope, healing, and accountability. Samantha serves in multiple recovery and prevention roles within her community, including Recovery Court coordination, peer support leadership, and substance misuse prevention initiatives.Known for her honest “front porch” approach and bold conversations, Samantha speaks openly about redemption, resilience, faith, family, and the realities of recovery in small-town America. Her passion is helping people understand that a past does not define a person’s future.Today, she is a wife, mother, grandmother, advocate, and voice for second chances — using her story to help others believe change is possible. Shiloh Recovery Services: Website Shiloh Recovery Services: FB   Previous Interviews with Samantha EP 90: Uncovering Happiness - The Mind and Heart EP 333: Samantha’s Recovery Story   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Early Days, Michal explains her stance on the difference between a few common terms in the recovery community, sobriety vs. recovery, and lapse vs. relapse. She provides her personal experiences and invites listeners to email in with different viewpoints, even proposing a discussion panel if the opportunity should arise. Give it a listen and share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇🏻 About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected]

Hi, I’m Melissa Reeves! I am 6 years sober, thanks to our loving Father in Heaven. I was an addict for 20 years and God healed me. I’m passionate about connecting with people, exploring new ideas, and making every day count. As the leader of Daughters’ Heaven Bound Church, I find joy in sharing moments, helping others, and staying positive. Above all, I love telling people about Jesus and inspiring hope wherever I go. Let’s encourage one another—feel free to reach out! Hi, I’m Melissa Reeves! I am 6 years sober, thanks to our loving Father in Heaven.I was an addict for 20 years and God healed me. I’m passionate about connecting with people, exploring new ideas, and making every day count. As the leader of Daughters’ Heaven Bound Church, I find joy in sharing moments, helping others, and staying positive. Above all, I love telling people about Jesus and inspiring hope wherever I go. Let’s encourage one another—feel free to reach out!   On the SoberTown Podcast, Melissa shares how her faith in Christ led her out of a 20-year opioid addiction that began after dental surgery and escalated into homelessness, repeated overdoses, and losing her marriage and children. Raised in church as a music minister’s daughter, she describes childhood illness, being told she couldn’t have children, later having four, and emotional pain tied to her mother’s bipolar disorder that fueled her drug use. After periods of sobriety, she relapsed following the deaths of her mother and husband, then overdosed while her children were with strangers, which she describes as the moment God told her “no more.” Melissa recommitted her life to God, regained stability, and founded a women’s ministry, Daughters Heaven Bound, urging listeners to seek help, hold onto God, and find purpose in sobriety.   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, sober warrior Lauren Macpherson and host Michal Charles discuss Lauren's recovery journey, with Lauren emphasizing the importance of fully committing to recovery. Lauren shares how her challenging home life played a role in her early use and dependence on hard substances, discussing how she experienced multiple relapses over several years before achieving sobriety. She describes her struggles with heroin, benzos, and alcohol, as well as the impact of addiction on her relationships and physical health. Lauren explained how a particularly abusive relationship served as a wake-up call, leading her to gradually quit substances over time, including benzos a year ago and heroin 14 months ago. She emphasized that this time, her recovery efforts are self-driven rather than motivated by her son, and she has incorporated various approaches including therapy, meditation, support groups, and gym membership. Lauren’s recovery story is truly one of dedication and inspiration, which demonstrates what can happen when you refuse to give up! Lauren's Bio: Recovering from addiction and trauma, sharing my story to spread awareness and show that change is possible - one day at a time ✨💜   About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected] Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, Michal interviews author and blogger Justin Kinney, who has published a 365-day lesson book based on his own experiences with sobriety. Justin shares his journey from high school teacher and coach to author, explaining how his daily journaling practice over several years inspired him to write his book "From Rock Bottom to Redemption." He initially planned to create just six copies for his children but decided to expand the book's reach after realizing it could help others in recovery. Justin shares his recovery journey, describing how he maintained a successful public persona while struggling privately with addiction. He explains that recovery was initially forced upon him due to ultimatums from his then-wife and her family, rather than being something he voluntarily sought. This episode highlights that sometimes, no matter the path that gets us to recovery, it's the destination that truly matters! Justin Kinney is a high school teacher, coach, and author of From Rock Bottom to Redemption: 365 Daily Lessons for Rebuilding Your Life through Discipline, Faith, and Purpose. After overcoming addiction, he now shares a practical approach to rebuilding life through structure, accountability, and daily discipline. His work focuses on helping others take ownership, simplify their path forward, and create lasting change one decision at a time.Insta: @justin_kinney_0609 From Rock Bottom to Redemption: 365 Daily Lessons for Rebuilding Your Life Through Discipline, Faith, and Purpose     About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected] Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

Podcast description: In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, Michal and Jeff discuss recovery from addiction and the role that mental health disorders play. Jeff explains his counseling approach, emphasizing the importance of accepting reality rather than resisting it, and the concept that substances distort reality. They discuss how recovery is an individual process that requires connection with others, and how treatment centers help people by removing them from daily stressors to allow for rational decision-making. They delve into the role that dopamine plays in addiction, as well as exploring the topics of resentment and betrayal. The conversation also covered Jeff's book "Simple Sh!t for Complicated People," which aims to provide an accessible, conversational guide to recovery principles. They conclude by discussing the importance of authentic self-connection and the idea that just because something is familiar doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy. There’s a lot of information packed into this short episode, be sure to catch it! Jeff Hayward is an author, facilitator, and nationally and internationally accredited counsellor specializing in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Website: simpletheory.ca Insta: the_simple_theory_ FB: Simple Theory Book link: https://a.co/d/02BKc71o About Michal: Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello! Contact Michal at: [email protected] Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

King 13 follows up on intergenerational trauma, promotes Sober Town resources (nearly 400 podcasts and Zoom support), and shares researched reflections (not medical advice) on addressing trauma through open communication, commitment to change, and parenting with awareness. She explains adult attachment issues rooted in early neglect/abuse and outlines secure, ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles, plus how fears of abandonment, rejection, engulfment, vulnerability, and conflict can harm relationships. She describes trauma bonding’s seven stages, relationship red flags, codependency, and how substance use disorder affects partners and trust, offering strategies such as boundaries, self-awareness, weekly relationship check-ins, therapy, and healthier coping. He emphasizes self-love, CBT, challenging thoughts, and nervous system regulation tools like box breathing and vagus nerve practices (breathing, humming, singing, gargling), concluding with gratitude, resilience, and choosing a simple, healthy life.   About The Host: Deborah Battista aka King 13 began hosting podcasts not long after Sobertown launched. With their aligned values & passion to help others, Deborah changed career paths and became a qualified counsellor & established her own practice Counselling For Wellness.  Deborah credits connection & sharing with likeminded folk as the foundation to maintaining her sobriety to date.  Her holistic client-centered approach, active listening, collaborating and knowledge of useful tools will help you work out the best way to handle the challenges of life & addiction.  If you would like a complimentary 'get to know you' zoom email Deborah to arrange a time. Deborah.battista17 @gmail.com   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com

I often hear in sober meetings look for the similarities not the differences. The most common words I have heard from individuals who start a share is "I grew up in an alcoholic home". I had no idea just how many families have been affected by AUD. I have heard this statement from folks all around the globe. It is a society accepted pandemic of wild proportions. My research indicates that high numbers of families have suffered with addiction and produced generations of family members who are also affected and still suffering today. So if this topic interests you, grab a cuppa, take a listen and hopefully hear something that can help you and your families in the recovery journey. Remember you are not alone in this arena.   About The Host: Deborah Battista aka King 13 began hosting podcasts not long after Sobertown launched. With their aligned values & passion to help others, Deborah changed career paths and became a qualified counsellor & established her own practice Counselling For Wellness.  Deborah credits connection & sharing with likeminded folk as the foundation to maintaining her sobriety to date.  Her holistic client-centered approach, active listening, collaborating and knowledge of useful tools will help you work out the best way to handle the challenges of life & addiction.  If you would like a complimentary 'get to know you' zoom email Deborah to arrange a time. Deborah.battista17 @gmail.com   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups Sobertown Podcast Resource Center Recovery Online Meetings No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.  Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!Sobertownpodcast.com