The Sober Connection

In this episode, Abi, a sobriety coach, explores the concept of sober curiosity, emphasising its significance as a starting point for many on their journey to alcohol-free living. 

She discusses the growing trend of sober curiosity among millennials and Gen Z, the fears and myths surrounding it, and practical steps to begin exploring a life without alcohol. 

Abi highlights the benefits of sober curious, including improved mental clarity, genuine connections, and a deeper understanding of oneself. She also offers resources and support for those interested in this journey.

Free "The Sober Curious Journey" eB...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King engages in a candid conversation with Heps, who is navigating the complexities of wanting to quit drinking while still being drawn to it. 

They explore Heps' experiences with alcohol, the impact of his DJ career on his relationship with drinking, and the social dynamics surrounding alcohol consumption. 

The discussion delves into the benefits of sobriety, including increased productivity and self-awareness, as well as the fears and challenges associated with a life without alcohol. 

Heps shares his insights on accountability and the importance of ref...

In this episode, Abi shares her transformative experience of a sober holiday in Bali with her teenage daughters. She contrasts the typical drunk holiday experience with the benefits of traveling without alcohol, highlighting how sobriety enhances connection, memory, and overall enjoyment. 

Abi provides insights into the unexpected advantages of sober travel, including financial savings, health benefits, and the opportunity to create lasting memories. 

She concludes with practical tips for those considering a sober holiday, encouraging listeners to embrace the clarity and presence that comes with it.

Get in touch:

Abi...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews Lencha Nastova, who shares her transformative journey from cocaine addiction to sobriety and wellness coaching. 

Lencha discusses her early experiences with addiction, the pivotal moment that led her to seek help, and the challenges she faced during her recovery. She emphasises the importance of self-discovery, emotional healing, and the role of community support in maintaining sobriety. 

Now living in Mexico, Lencha is dedicated to helping others on their recovery journeys as a holistic coach.

Get in touch:

Lencha

In this episode, Abi welcomes listeners to Season 2 of The Sober Connection, focusing on the Sober October movement. She discusses the challenges and benefits of going alcohol-free for a month, emphasising the importance of mindset, building new routines, and the health benefits that come with sobriety.

Abi encourages listeners to approach the month with curiosity and to celebrate their wins, while also providing tips for maintaining motivation and connection with others on a similar journey.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR...

Join Abi in the final episode of season 1 as she sits down with Wez Pollock, a New Zealander celebrating nearly five years of sobriety. In this candid conversation, Wez shares his experiences growing up in a home with alcoholic parents and his journey to breaking the generational cycle of addiction. 

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of living a sober life, the societal norms surrounding alcohol, and the importance of self-awareness and change.

Get in touch:

Wez

Instagram @wezdom_nz

Abi

Website www.l...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, Abi explores the profound effects of alcohol on various relationships, including romantic partnerships, family dynamics, friendships, and the relationship individuals have with themselves. 

She discusses how alcohol can erode communication, trust, and intimacy, leading to significant challenges in parenting and social interactions. 

Despite these challenges, Abi emphasises the potential for healing and growth when alcohol is removed, highlighting the importance of authentic connections and personal development in sobriety.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_so...

In this episode of the Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews Dave Wilson, known as Sober Dave, who shares his journey of sobriety since 2019. Dave discusses his early experiences with alcohol, the challenges he faced, and the transformative impact of sobriety on his life. 

He emphasises the importance of self-awareness, emotional sobriety, and the need for genuine connections in recovery. The conversation also touches on the societal perceptions of alcohol, the challenges of maintaining sobriety in social situations, and the significance of storytelling in the recovery process.

Get in touch:

Dave

In this episode, Abi delves into the pervasive issue of shame surrounding alcohol consumption. She explores how shame can become a barrier to seeking help and shares personal insights and statistics to highlight the commonality of this struggle. 

Abi offers practical steps to break the cycle of shame and encourages listeners to reach out for support.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod

Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz

Affiliate links: 

Terps & Co. www.dr...

In this compelling episode, host Abi King engages in a heartfelt conversation with Luke Jones, a sobriety coach from the Isle of Man. Luke opens up about his personal journey from a life of excessive drinking to becoming a guiding light for others seeking sobriety. 

He shares the pivotal moment when his son asked, "Are you an alcoholic?"—a question that sparked a profound transformation. Now, as a sobriety coach, Luke helps men shift their mindsets, embrace a sober lifestyle, and become the best versions of themselves.

Get in touch:

Luke

In this episode, host Abi King delves into the intricate relationship between anxiety and alcohol. Discover why the common belief that alcohol reduces anxiety is a misconception, and learn about the physiological effects of alcohol on anxiety levels. 

Abi shares personal insights and practical tools for managing anxiety without alcohol, including mindfulness, movement, and community support.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod

Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz

Affiliate links: 

Terps & Co. www.dr...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews Hinenui Wano-Bryant, who shares her inspiring journey of sobriety. Recently having celebrated one year sober, Hinenui reflects on her past experiences with alcohol, the impact of sobriety on her mental health, and the importance of support systems. 

She discusses the challenges of navigating social situations, the emotional healing that comes with sobriety, and the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Hinenui emphasises the significance of self-discovery and the transformation of her identity through this journey, ultimately encouraging others to embrace their own p...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, Abi discusses the profound effects of alcohol on brain health, emphasising that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. 

She explores both the short-term and long-term impacts of alcohol on cognitive functions, memory, and emotional regulation, particularly highlighting the risks for young drinkers and women. 

Abi also addresses common misconceptions about alcohol's benefits and concludes with a message of hope regarding brain recovery and the importance of sobriety.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @le...

In this episode, host Abi King interviews Victoria Vanstone, a reformed party girl turned sober parent and co-host of the Sober Awkward podcast. They discuss Victoria's journey to sobriety, the challenges of parenting while drinking, and the impact of societal norms on alcohol consumption. 

Victoria shares her experiences with therapy, writing, and the importance of seeking help. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the Sober Awkward podcast, powerful guest insights, and the significance of indefinite sobriety. 

Ultimately, they explore the journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned through sobriety and parenting.

Ge...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, Abi King explores the pervasive mummy wine culture, which normalises alcohol consumption among mothers as a coping mechanism for parenting stress. She discusses the dangers of this culture, including the normalisation of unhealthy coping skills, the masking of deeper issues, and the impact on children. 

Abi also highlights the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and encourages listeners to challenge the narrative surrounding mummy wine culture, advocating for healthier coping strategies and support systems.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews her long-time friend Mike Parker, who shares his journey through addiction, rehab, and recovery. Mike reflects on his early experiences with alcohol, the challenges he faced during his addiction, and the transformative power of rehab. He discusses the importance of routine, fitness, and the support of loved ones in maintaining sobriety. 

Mike emphasises that recovery is a continuous journey, filled with ups and downs, but ultimately leads to a fulfilling life. His story serves as an inspiration for those struggling with addiction, highlighting that change is p...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, Abi discusses the misconception that willpower alone is sufficient for achieving sobriety. She explains the psychological and biological factors that contribute to alcohol addiction and emphasises the importance of developing healthier coping mechanisms. 

Abi shares personal experiences and practical tools that can support long-lasting sobriety, including accountability, mindset shifts, and self-compassion.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod

Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz

Affiliate links: 

Terps & Co....

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews Lotta Dann, a sober author and community leader, who shares her personal journey from being a daily drinker to embracing sobriety. Lotta discusses the challenges she faced, the decision to quit drinking, and the importance of community support. They explore the emotional aspects of sobriety, the impact of societal messaging around alcohol, particularly for mothers, and the insights gained from Lotta's books. 

The conversation highlights the transformative power of feeling emotions and the need for healthier coping mechanisms. In this conversation, Abi and Lotta discuss the c...

In this episode of the Sober Connection, Abi discusses the challenges of relapse during the journey to sobriety. She shares her personal experiences with alcohol, the emotional turmoil of relapsing, and the importance of self-compassion. Abi emphasises that relapse is a part of the recovery process and offers practical advice on how to acknowledge, learn from, and move forward after a setback. She highlights the significance of identifying triggers, seeking support, and celebrating progress in sobriety.

Get in touch:

Abi

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod<...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi King interviews Sharon Hartley, a prominent advocate for sober living and co-host of the Over the Influence podcast. They discuss Sharon's journey to sobriety, the importance of community support, and the life-changing benefits of quitting alcohol. 

Sharon shares her experiences, challenges, and the surprising discoveries she made about herself after becoming sober. The conversation emphasises the power of connection, the joy of laughter, and the realisation that one can live a fulfilling life without alcohol. 

In this conversation, Shaz and Abi discuss the profound impact of so...

**** Please note - this episode contains conversations around domestic violence and sexual abuse. There are resources at the bottom of these show notes for anyone that may need them.

In this episode, Abi King shares her personal journey from being a daily drinker to achieving over three years of sobriety. She discusses her early experiences with alcohol, the impact of domestic violence on her life, the challenges of motherhood, and her realisation of having a drinking problem. 

Abi emphasises the importance of support and self-discovery in her recovery journey, ultimately finding happiness and f...

**** Please note - this episode contains open & honest conversations around mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts. There are resources at the bottom of these show notes for anyone that may need them.

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi interviews Michael Sargood, a former heavy drinker turned fitness enthusiast and ambassador for Alcohol Change UK. Michael shares his journey from addiction to sobriety, discussing the various rock bottoms he faced, the importance of community support, and how he reinvented his life through fitness and new hobbies.

The conversation emphasises the challenges...

In this episode of The Sober Connection, host Abi discusses the concept of grey area drinking, a term that describes individuals who drink more than occasionally but do not fit the traditional stereotype of an alcoholic. She shares her personal journey from being a heavy drinker to achieving sobriety, emphasising the importance of recognising unhealthy drinking habits and seeking help. Abi provides insights into identifying grey area drinking behaviours and encourages listeners to make positive changes in their relationship with alcohol.

Get in touch:

Website www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com

Instagram @levelup_sobriety OR @thesoberconnectionpod<...

In this episode of the Sober Connection, Abi chats with Kate Taylor about their journeys to sobriety, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community support. Kate shares her early experiences with alcohol, the turning points that led her to quit, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace a sober lifestyle. Both women reflect on the power of self-reflection and the role of online communities in their recovery journeys, highlighting the importance of connection and support in overcoming addiction. 

In this conversation, Abi and Kate explore their individual experiences with sobriety, discussing the transformation from n...

In the very first episode of The Sober Connection podcast, host Abi King shares parts of her own personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and offers valuable tips for those in the early stages of their sobriety journey. 

Abi discusses her struggles, the impact of her drinking on her family, and the positive impact on her life since becoming sober. She provides five essential tips for starting out in sobriety, emphasising the importance of community support, education, and self-compassion.

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