Sober Banter

Eryka V. is a queer, sober, first-generation founder and the co-creator of Namari—a non-alcoholic digestif rooted in intention, ritual, and bold flavor.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when you quit alcohol, meat, and caffeine all at once—and how that radical choice led to clarity, creativity, and the launch of something revolutionary. From finding community to letting go of ego, Eryka shares wisdom on building a brand (and a life) that actually feels good. We dig into identity, connection, the power of ritual, and what it means to create something that tastes like love...

In this episode of Sober Banter, Rachel is joined by Brenton Sconce—the meme genius behind @OfficeRecovery, a former pastor, and a fierce sober ally. Brenton opens up about his path to sobriety, beginning with rehab in July 2022 and evolving through deep aftercare, spiritual reflection, and a whole lot of humor.

He talks candidly about the moment he finally admitted he was an alcoholic, how the pressures of ministry shaped his addiction, and how The Office went from background comfort to a powerful language of recovery and connection.

We also dig into his latest mission: Th...

In this refreshing episode of Sober Banter, hosts Rachel and Colin sit down with Sarah Kate, founder of Some Good Clean Fun and a proud sober Canadian mom shaking up the world of non-alcoholic beverages. Once a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, Sarah shares her transition from alcohol culture to alcohol-free confidence, offering candid stories about social pressure, parenting, and building a brand that celebrates sobriety without shame.

Together, we talk about:

What do you get when you mix a fresh perspective on the 12 steps, a sharp sense of humor, and some unexpected twists in recovery? You get Danny Henriquez. In this episode, we sit down with the host of The Hen Dog Half to talk about getting sober, showing up for sponsees, and how to survive weddings without a drink in hand.

Danny brings the kind of insight that makes you laugh, nod, and think, “Okay... this guy gets it.” If you’re into honest recovery talk without the doom and gloom, this one’s for you.

🔍 Topi...

This week on Sober Banter, we’re joined by Tim Lineaweaver—a therapist, dad, and four decades sober.

Tim takes us back to 1984, when he first got sober, and walks us through how recovery has evolved (and what’s stayed the same) over the past 40 years. From navigating trauma in sobriety to talking with your kids about alcoholism, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, humor, and heart.

We dive into early cravings, drinking dreams, and what it means to help others while still protecting your own peace. Whether you’re newly sober or years into the...

In this episode, Sam Thomas, a writer and campaigner from Brighton, UK, shares his journey of sobriety since November 2019. He discusses overcoming alcohol dependence, including withdrawal and hallucinations. Sam also talks about his unique therapy with exotic pets, which helped him rationalize his fears. He reflects on founding a charity for men with eating disorders and personal sacrifices. Sam candidly discusses the ongoing nature of recovery, self-reflection, and his aspirations for a memoir. This episode explores addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Connect with Sam Thomas!
https://www.instagram.com/samthomas8186/
https://linktr.ee/samthomas8186

In this episode of Sober Banter, hosts Rachel and Colin Casey test some new wireless mics and their audio quality and discuss various ’50-50’ questions that elicit strong opinions, including pineapple on pizza, pets in bed, and billionaires. They also touch on more serious topics like sober influencers and harm reduction. The episode concludes with reflections on staying grounded and victimhood in alcoholism. Tune in for humor, personal insights, and candid opinions.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—yo...

Neil Rutherford, creator of Alcohol Free Warrior, joins Sober Banter for a candid, judgment-free conversation about the nuances of sobriety, breaking free from labels, and finding empowerment beyond alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or long-term alcohol-free, Neil’s insights offer fresh perspectives to inspire your own journey.

Connect with Neil Rutherford:

Website: AlcoholFreeWarrior.com
Instagram: @alcoholfreewarrior

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

📱...

What happens when hitting rock bottom becomes the beginning of your biggest breakthrough? In this raw and riveting conversation, Rachel sits down with Kellie Adams—author of Shit I Do Sober—to explore her path from addiction to authenticity. From navigating postpartum depression to planning a sober wedding, Kelly shares the unfiltered truth about recovery, resilience, and finding purpose through pain.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💬 Leave a review or a comment—...

Can hitting the trails help you stay on the path to recovery? In this inspiring episode, Rachel and Colin chat with Nick Pearson, founder of Sober Outdoors, about how nature, community, and sobriety intersect. From the slopes to the boardroom, Nick opens up about the accident that changed his family’s life, his personal recovery journey, and how outdoor adventures became a powerful tool for healing and connection.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

Get in contact with Nick Pearson, Founder & Executive Direct...

What does it mean to heal across generations? In this deeply personal episode, Rachel and Colin sit down with Waylon, who opens up about his journey through alcoholism, receiving an ADHD diagnosis, and reconnecting with his Indigenous identity. Through raw reflection and cultural insight, they explore sobriety not just as a personal path—but as a reclamation of self, spirit, and community

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find...

In this cozy and candid episode, Rachel is joined by writer Julie—author of Like a Normal Person—and Allison, creator of the Dare to Be newsletter. Together, they dive into the realities of sober creativity, from writing memoirs and navigating vulnerability to finding joy in kitchen gadgets and everyday rituals. It’s an honest, uplifting look at what it means to share your story and stay grounded while living—and creating—in sobriety.

Thank you to Allison Deraney and Julie Fontes for gracing Sober Banter with your insights, wisdom, and hope. Please visit their newsletters; they’re wonderful...

Happy Valentine's Day from Colin, Rachel, and Evan! 

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.
💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.
🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
☕️ Support the show:
Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter

Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Hit us up at s...

In this powerful international episode, Colin and Rachel sit down with Krys from Canada, who shares how loneliness led her to seek sobriety—and ultimately, community and purpose. With raw honesty, she opens up about the highs, lows, and real growth that comes from staying the course. This one’s all about connection, resilience, and redefining what sober life can look like.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never...

This was our first in-person recording, and technical difficulties were real. We couldn’t afford proper equipment, and Colin’s audio suffered. We ask for your grace with the audio for this episode.

Video Link - https://youtu.be/_nUSspE-pss

00:00 Welcome Priya!

00:15 Podcast Setup Struggles

02:10 Pet Peeves and Social Etiquette

09:55 Weather and Technology Debates

18:13 Dating Life and our Tinder Love Story

24:46 Superstitions and Religion vs. Spirituality

28:13 Do you have to forgive to move forward?

34:26 Making Amends

39:20 Conclusion and Farewell’s

Video Link - https://youtu.be/yYDy9R4S1vk

0:00 Meet Nathan Wary

0:42 Nathan’s Chicago Cubs Story

1:27 Colin’s Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Story

6:05 Nathan’s Sobriety Story

8:25 Working with Youth Prevention

16:09 Disposable Vapes

25:30 Empowered VS Disempowered

31:34 Flipping the Mindset

40:17 Yelping Bosses

56:40 Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

1:04:30 Connecting with Teens

1:11:31 New lingo with teens

1:17:00 Bringing Light to Heavy Moments

1:27:22 Marriage and Sobriety

Information about Nathan Wray

https...

00:00 Intro

03:11 Tennis and the Challenge of Sobriety

06:12 The Psychology of Surrendering Alcohol

12:42 Cultural Differences in Alcoholism

15:57 Theories on Alcohol Allergy

18:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If Sober Banter has made you feel heard or helped you through a hard moment, you can help support the show 👉 buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter 

Every share, listen, and comment keeps this space alive. Thank you. Truly.

Video Link - https://youtu.be/tQuqRPrHfaM

0:00 Dr. Brian Licuanan, Psychologist, Author and Addiction Expert

6:51 Exercise & Brazilian Ju Jitsu

10:24 New Years and Realistic Expectations

18:27 The Disease of Addiction

22:28 Drinking Risk Factors

37:28 Drugs and Treatment

44:43 Asking for help and seeking treatment

49:08 Dr. Licuanan’s Book - “How to Get Your Resistant Loved One into Treatment”

Get in touch with Dr. Brian Licuanan!

His Website - https://drbrianlicuanan.com

Order Dr. Licuanan’s book - https://drbrianl...

Join hosts Colin and Rachel for a powerful conversation with author Tey Moore (More to Come) as they dive into the real, raw, and rewarding sides of sobriety. From AA to Substack, personal stories to collective wisdom, this episode of Sober Banter is all about honesty, healing, and hope.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

00:00:00 Meet Tay Moore (Setvontay Moore)

00:09:18 The Role of AA

00:14:31 Finding a sponsor

00:22:43 Daily Commitment to Sobriety

00:27:02 Punked by Ashton

Jack Millikan joins Sober Banter for a deep, honest talk on connection, letting go of judgment, and what it really means to live alcohol-free.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

00:00 Introducing Our Special Guest: Jack Millikan

04:47 Social Pressures and Honesty

09:35 College Life and Alcohol

13:26 Family, Upbringing and Dating

19:20 Filling the Void: Life After Alcohol

29:10 Losing Friends After Quitting Drinking

34:32 The Impact of Alcohol on Life

40:19 The Power of Conn...

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

00:00 Welcome Paulina Pinsky author of newly sober - Sober since 12/22/2021

02:55 Writing and Sobriety

06:01 The Sex Talk

10:30 Marijuana Addiction

23:42 Paulina’s sober life in Minnesota

35:22 The Addictive Nature of Modern Weed

38:07 A Sober Christmas Journey

46:34 The Role of Family in Recovery

51:05 The First Year of being newly sober (Sign up for her newsletter if you want to read more!)

01:00:38 The Magic of the...

Jane, Sarah, and Rachel, three sober individuals, engage in a lively conversation about the influence of alcohol on mediumship, the concept of drinking dreams and intuition while drinking.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

00:00 Welcome Medium Curious: Jane and Sarah

07:31 The Impact of Alcohol on Mediumship

15:14 Drinking Dreams

19:36 “Rocketed into the 4th dimension”?

28:16 Sarah was Introduced to AA in the coolest way

34:22 Jane's Sober Stand-up Comedy

35:20 A blackout story due to a mix...

Rachel recorded this on her phone because she was too sick to attend her 3-year chip ceremony or join a Zoom call. She wanted to share it with Colin, but we asked for permission to share it on the podcast because it captures the transformative power of sobriety.

Brice met us at only a few days sober and remains a close part of our journey 3 years later. He speaks to the different ways Colin and Rachel work their program and still remain happy, joyous, and free. If you haven’t been to a birthday night, I highly re...

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

0:00 Welcome Paul Summers Jr.

6:54 Asking for help in addiction

11:08 Getting sober with kids

13:14 Bringing kids to AA meetings

21:00 NA and AA

28:00 Viva Las Vegas & Camp Sober Fest

35:00 Relapse and Recovery

41:00 Tuning a set back into a comeback

49:32 Paul’s Sound Healing

1:00:20 Pauls new Book “Hide and Seek”

1:06:44 Paul brings us home and that’s a wrap!

www.paulsumm...

Janice J. Dowd, a Licensed Master Social Worker, discusses her experiences in recovery, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding relationships, helping others, and finding serenity.

Prefer to watch instead? Catch the full video episode on Sober Banter’s YouTube channel – click here to watch!

00:00:00:00 Janice J. Dowd and her daughter, Katie.

00:06:06:15 Janice's background as a Licensed Master Social Worker.

00:17:50:01 Truths about Recovery meetings.

00:22:18:13 "Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery."

00:26:59:24 Being of service to others.

00:32:24:21 It takes what it takes.

00:38:45:19 “Finding Serenity in Sobriety,”

00...

Choosing the sober life together since November 22, 2021. It wasn’t planned that way…it’s just how it happened.

00:00 Discussing Sobriety Anniversary

00:43 Our Sobriety Journey

01:34 Understanding Sobriety Dates

03:27 First AA Meeting Experience

06:57 Recognizing Alcohol as the Problem

09:32 Reflections and Conclusion

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might n...

The podcast discusses sober October, trick-or-treating, football, Halloween, parenting, memories, a movie review, and medication in sobriety.

00:00 Introduction and Reflecting on Sober October

03:16 Trick or Treating Social Dynamics

05:10 Football Fandom

07:21 Halloween and Sober Experiences

13:08 Parenting in the Modern Age

15:51 Memories and Regrets

18:41 Movie Review: Clean and Sober

24:41 Medication in Sobriety

27:21 Closing

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean...

Sober Banter podcast covers sobriety challenges, trauma, addiction, relapse, cross-addiction, gambling, weed, alcohol, early sobriety, and community activities.

00:00 Welcome to Sober Banter

04:55 Icebreaker

08:09 Sobriety Challenges

22:40 Listener Q&A

27:00 Trauma, Addiction, and Relapse

30:01 Cross Addiction and Substituting Vices

35:46 Gambling and Sobriety

41:15 Weed, Alcohol, and Sobriety

43:01 Early Sobriety and Seeking Loopholes

44:46 Community Activities

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your...

Addiction recovery journey, support, and relapse prevention.

0:00 The Laundry Dilemma

03:36 Sobriety Differences and Shifts

04:18 The Importance of Rehab and Meetings

07:14 Triggers and Unexpected Challenges

10:50 The Power of Transformation

12:42 Addiction and Relapse Risks

18:57 The Role of Support and Community

Reflections on Sobriety and Travel, Sober October Reflections, Coping Strategies and Support Systems, Exit Row Etiquette and Airplane Safety

00:00 Introduction and Sober October Progress

05:25 Reflections on Sobriety and Travel

07:33 Exit Row Etiquette and Airplane Safety

09:07 In-Flight Drinking and Snacks

11:29 Sober October Reflections

14:11 Coping Strategies and Support Systems

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this...

The sober couple, Chaos and Misadventures, engage in witty banter about their travels while sober. Their podcast delves into the challenges of sober social anxiety and the power of meditation.

00:00 Sober Traveling

02:52 Conference Chaos

05:02 Adobe Max Sober

09:40 Social Anxiety

12:14 Meditation and Self-Discovery

14:25 Daily Life and Reflections

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode...

History behind Alcoholics Anonymous, Sober Banter explores its history, from its founding principles to its impact on lives worldwide.

0:00 Open

03:44 The Influence of Ebby Thatcher

05:38 The Oxford Group and Its Impact

08:49 The Birth of AA and Its Principles

13:29 Spiritual Experiences and Beliefs

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!

💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.

💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.

🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.

Julie Fontes, author of “Like a Normal Person”

02:41 Journey to Sobriety

04:33 Challenges and Reflections

12:29 Different ways to quit drinking

17:46 Recognizing the Problem

19:21 Family Dynamics and Sobriety

25:25 The Struggle with Labels

30:24 Reflections

💬 A Note from Us

This was a big moment for Sober Banter—our first guest interview and it was an honor to have Julie Fontes join us for it. Julie is the incredible author of Like a Normal Person, a memoir that moved us deeply with its raw honesty, vulnerability, and humor...