Episodes

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober pop artist Ella Collier—a rising independent singer, songwriter, and producer whose story is as raw and powerful as her music. A graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music and a recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame scholarship, Ella is redefining what it means to create art with purpose and presence. Her journey shows that sobriety isn’t about losing your edge—it’s about finding your truth. Before Sobriety: The Noise That Wouldn’...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober endurance athlete Nick Klingensmith—a four-time cancer survivor, Type 1 diabetic, and accomplished business leader who has turned adversity into endurance and recovery into purpose. His story is proof that courage, honesty, and consistency can transform any obstacle into fuel for growth. Growing Up Between Addiction and Recovery Nick’s childhood was shaped by two contrasting realities—a father in recovery and a mother battling act...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with recovery coach trainer Shelly-Anne McKay—an award-winning producer turned Master Certified Coach who’s helping people transform their pain into purpose. Her story moves from the high-pressure world of television production to the deeply fulfilling work of recovery coaching, reminding us that healing isn’t just about stopping—it’s about starting again with clarity and courage. From the Red Carpet to Recovery You may know Shelly-Anne as the ...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober life coach Lauren Fay—author of Blurred Lines—to explore her journey of breaking free from perfection, embracing vulnerability, and living a life built on purpose. Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t about what we leave behind—it’s about what we create moving forward. Behind the Perfect Mask Lauren grew up in a military family where image and discipline were part of everyday life. As the daughter of a naval o...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober media personality Cat Greenleaf—Emmy Award-winning journalist and creator of Talk Stoop—to discuss her courageous path to sobriety and the quiet strength it took to reclaim her life. Known for her disarming interviews with A-list celebrities, Cat is now using her platform to share a new kind of story—one rooted in truth, healing, and hope. Behind the Stoop: The Hidden Struggle Cat Greenleaf built a dream career—hosting a hit show ...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with executive sobriety coach Nick Jonsson—author, speaker, and global business leader—whose journey from addiction and isolation to purpose and connection is redefining what it means to lead sober. His story proves that sobriety isn’t the end of success—it’s the beginning of real strength. Growing Up in Sweden—and Watching the Patterns Begin Nick grew up in Sweden, where alcohol was part of celebrations and milestones, not daily life. But b...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with gray area drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch, whose journey from Scotland’s drinking culture to sober leadership in Australia is inspiring women worldwide to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Her story reminds us that sobriety isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about coming home to yourself. Growing Up in a Culture That Celebrated Drinking Sarah grew up in Scotland, where every celebration—from birthdays to ordinary weekends—was ...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober therapist Wendy Behar—a coach, author, and mother who has been sober for 28 years. Her story is one of quiet strength and transformation, proving that recovery isn’t about becoming someone new, but finally becoming yourself. A Childhood Surrounded by Alcohol Wendy grew up in a home where drinking was a nightly ritual. Her father was a liquor distributor, and cocktails were part of the household routine. By middle school, she was alre...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sobriety advocate Will Gordon—an educator, speaker, and survivor whose story redefines what it means to truly start over. Will’s journey from alcohol dependence to surviving multiple transplants is not only extraordinary but a testament to the power of honesty, faith, and service. A Childhood Surrounded by Expectations and Alcohol Will grew up in Boston as the youngest of four boys in a traditional Irish Catholic household. Alcohol was a c...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober workplace advocate Heather McGuire, a single mother, professional leader, and passionate voice for alcohol-free inclusivity in the workplace. Her story is both relatable and revolutionary—showing how personal recovery can lead to professional change across entire industries. Early Exposure and Familiar Patterns Heather’s story began in Michigan, where alcohol was part of her environment but never seemed dangerous. As a teen, she disc...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober chef Jonathon Sawyer—James Beard Award winner, acclaimed restaurateur, and TV personality—who opened up about his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and building a foundation to help others in the restaurant industry choose sobriety with strength and support. A Family History of Addiction Jonathon grew up in a family where addiction was present on both sides. He was introduced to alcohol and drugs as a teen, using them ...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober mindset coach Andy Ramage, whose story proves you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a powerful change. Andy’s journey shows how choosing clarity over alcohol can transform health, career, and confidence while inspiring thousands to do the same. Growing Up in a Culture of “Normal” Drinking Andy grew up in East London where alcohol was simply part of the culture. As a shy introvert, he quickly discovered that alcohol gave him th...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober memoir author Jason Mayo—a writer, father, and peer recovery advocate whose new book, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood, shares his deeply personal journey from high-functioning chaos to a grounded, present life in recovery. Growing Up in Emotional Turbulence Jason’s early life was shaped by his parents’ divorce and the depression and anxiety that followed. Alcohol became both a social tool and an emotional crutch, offering re...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we welcomed mindful sobriety coach Hamza Najam, a recovery coach, meditation facilitator, and founder of a mindful recovery community. Hamza’s story takes us from growing up in Pakistan, where alcohol is illegal, to the depths of addiction in Canada—and ultimately to a life built on stillness, neuroscience, and deep healing. From Secret Binge Drinking to Public Excess In Pakistan, alcohol was taboo, but Hamza and his friends found ways to drink—chugging...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with Enneagram sobriety coach Tracy O’Malley—a powerhouse speaker, transformation coach, and truth-teller whose story moves from binge-drinking corporate executive to internationally recognized leader working with Fortune 500 companies and Google. Her journey is proof that you can rewrite your story no matter how deep the patterns run. From a Childhood of Chaos to High-Functioning Binge Drinker Growing up in an Irish-American household with ...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with Beth McDonough—a veteran news broadcaster, survivor of multiple rock bottoms, and author of the upcoming addiction recovery memoir Standby. Her journey from public downfall to personal reinvention is a powerful testament to what’s possible after addiction. A Family History of Addiction Beth’s story began in a home where her mother and stepfather abstained from alcohol but where her biological father, sister, and grandparents all battled...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober leadership speaker Jake White—an entrepreneur and advocate who’s transforming college culture through substance-free leadership. From a failed Kool-Aid party to a national movement, Jake’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, pivots, and empowering others. From Observer to Advocate Jake’s decision to live sober started early, shaped by the painful loss of his uncle to addiction. In college, he quickly realized that a sober life...

In this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with sober event creator Rachel Hechtman—an alcohol-free advocate, coach, and all-around force of nature. Rachel’s story is one of radical transformation, fueled by honesty, clarity, and a passion for building joyful, sober social spaces. The Early Years: Anxiety, ADHD, and the Search for Relief Rachel grew up struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety. By middle school, alcohol became her coping mechanism. A pivotal moment came when a tea...

On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with functional health recovery coach Samantha Lander—whose story proves that radical transformation is possible, no matter where you start. From addiction and incarceration to relapse and full-body healing, Samantha’s journey is both bold and inspiring. A “Normal” Start with an Early Turn Toward Alcohol Unlike many stories, Samantha didn’t grow up around addiction. She had a “normal” family life. Yet by middle school, she was drinking to bl...

This week on the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with a man who doesn’t just talk sobriety—he lives it with purpose and grit. Shane Ramer, host of the popular sober podcast for men, That Sober Guy, has turned a personal recovery story into a global mission. With over four million downloads, his impact is undeniable. Growing Up in Chaos—But Not Without Love Shane opened up about his early life surrounded by addiction. Though there was love, the chaos planted the seeds of his own struggle....

On this episode of the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we had the chance to sit down with Stephanie Botts — a dental hygienist, speaker, and wellness advocate — to unpack her deeply personal sober dental hygienist story and the rich, fulfilling life she leads today. Stephanie’s story is one that resonates with many: a slow build into problematic drinking, high-functioning denial, the decision to quietly get sober, and eventually, the courage to speak up and help others do the same. Her story isn’t ab...

In one of the most heartfelt episodes of the Sober Life Rocks Podcast, host Margy Schaller sat down with Carolyn Delaney to explore her powerful recovery journey. From addiction and rock-bottom moments to founding a national magazine that amplifies stories of sobriety, Carolyn’s experience is a testament to the power of purpose and community. Coping Through Alcohol: The Early Years Carolyn’s recovery journey began with years of drinking to cope. She started young, drinking alone in quiet despe...

On the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we love spotlighting real stories of transformation, and today we’re sharing the sober authenticity journey for Samantha Parker, and it’s one of the most honest and powerful we’ve heard. Her path to recovery wasn’t linear or polished — it was messy, raw, and deeply human. In our recent episode, she opened up about the chaos that shaped her early years, the turning points that brought her clarity, and how embracing her truth has helped her build a thriving busine...

On a recent episode of the Sober Life Rocks podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Welch — a woman whose honest and relatable journey into sobriety has inspired thousands. Lauren’s story isn’t one of rock bottom or rehab. Instead, it’s about subtle realizations, personal transformation, and the power of curiosity. Her path into sobriety began quietly — like so many others — with a single decision to just pause. Now, with nearly 800 days alcohol-free and the launch of her new proje...