No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

We've heard so many people say they quit drinking and they realized they didn't even know who they were. As we make our way through life without alcohol defining us, we get to redefine ourselves. We're joined by author and podcaster Jean McCarthy, Andrew from Palm Beach Recovery Center, and podcast host Steph to talk about the process of discovering our identity after addiction.
"Jumping out of a burning airplane, hoping the parachute is going to open. That's what it felt like for me."
You'll hear us talk about the following points:
Drinking to fit in
Grieving the loss of our old identity
Drinking to keep others comfortable
Realizing we have beliefs that aren't really ours
Discovering the freedom that comes with authenticity
Embracing our flaws and making friends with them
Learning to be honest with ourselves
Figuring out where our expectations come from
Codependency
Doing the work to heal and realign
Discovering likes and dislikes
"I just didn't even exist to myself."
We've heard so many people say they quit drinking and they realized they didn't even know who they were. As we make our way through life without alcohol defining us, we get to redefine ourselves. We're joined by author and podcaster Jean McCarthy, Andrew from Palm Beach Recovery Center, and podcast host Steph to talk about the process of discovering our identity after addiction.
"Jumping out of a burning airplane, hoping the parachute is going to open. That's what it felt like for me."
You'll hear us talk about the following points:
Drinking to fit in
Grieving the loss of our old identity
Drinking to keep others comfortable
Realizing we have beliefs that aren't really ours
Discovering the freedom that comes with authenticity
Embracing our flaws and making friends with them
Learning to be honest with ourselves
Figuring out where our expectations come from
Codependency
Doing the work to heal and realign
Discovering likes and dislikes
"I just didn't even exist to myself."
Get in touch:
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Find us on:
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
For a full transcript of this episode, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com

The helplessness and hopelessness that comes with having a family member in addiction is heart wrenching, and our guests share some of the wisdom they've gained with their own experiences with this. But we also get a glimpse into what it was like for our families, while we fought our own addictions. Listen as we learn what it means to find healthy ways to help those we love who are struggling with addiction.
"I feel like it's harder on this side, than it is being the addict."
Some of the ideas we talk about include:
Understanding what our own families went through
Grieving our loved ones even though they are still alive
Being the example for our children
Setting and maintaining boundaries with family members in addiction
Caring for ourselves, maintaining our own recovery
Knowing when and when not to try to save them
Recognizing enabling actions and behaviors
Releasing control allows them to blossom and thrive
Symptoms of codependency and enmeshment
Understanding that others' recovery journeys are their own
"We can never control another person's recovery."
Meet our guests:
My name is Derrick Deidel. I am 3 years sober. I have come from the depths of addiction, trauma, mental health , prison and homelessness to be a light in this world. I love recovery and am a huge advocate for it and those seeking help. I work for Mile High Recovery Center managing the Residential treatment house, I am a peer recovery coach and personal trainer. I try to be kind and gracious to everyone cause that same stuff changed my life.
Hi , I'm Jenn from Arizona. 51 years old and coming up on 2 years May in my sobriety!  I work in early childhood education as a preschool teacher and have 2 adult children who also struggle with alcohol  .Lots of changes in my life since I've been sober. It's been one challenge after the other but I am determined to stay sober not just for myself but to help support and guide my children in the right direction.
Ann lives in Pennsylvania and will be 2 years alcohol-free on May 6, 2023. She believes in community, daily meditation, and reading everything you can get your hands on about recovery, sometimes over and over again. With alcoholism in her immediate family, she is a member of Al-Anon to support her recovery and wellbeing. For her, detachment with love is a magical tool, and life is too short and too amazing to dilute with alcohol.
Raul: I am so thankful for the sober community and I am involved in so many different platforms.  My foundation/bedrock is the AA program.  As it relates to this pod cast, my son went to a 30 in person recovery facility in California as he was given an ultimatum at work.  He almost opted to find another job because his ego took a tremendous hit.  It is obvious to everyone that he has a drinking problem except for him apparently.  My recovery afforded me the opportunity to be present and to let him know I love him.  I said I would love him no matter what he decided but this was all his decision to make and he decided to go. Thank you for my recovery.
Get in touch:
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Find us on:
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For a full transcript of this episode, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com

In this episode we explore the feeling of rejection. We are joined by musician Benjamin Lerner, Becki, the founder of the soberlife.love sober dating website, and Steve's friend Andrea. Listen as we share how rejection has affected our patterns of thinking and behavior over the years - even starting in childhood - and how we're learning to live with the feelings instead of drinking them away. 
"If I felt rejection, I internalized it deeply. I rejected myself, rejected who I was."
Some of the points we cover include:
The beginning of our unhealthy coping mechanisms, going back to our teens
Internal rejection - when we start rejecting authentic selves
Feeling left out and excluded
Reframing the stories we tell ourselves - changing the narrative
Undoing the chameleon effect - becoming who "they" want you to be
Fitting in vs. Belonging
Learning not to take things personally
Recognizing and releasing our desire to control things
Refuting negative self talk
Having the courage to share tough experiences with others
The shame that rejection causes
Discovering our true identity
The reality that our growth might make others uncomfortable
"I thought of all the times I had held myself back from growth in order to not be rejected."
Benjamin Lerner, the Great-grandson of Irving Berlin (composer of such iconic tunes as “GodBless America” and “White Christmas”), is a Vermont-based Composer, Writer, Radio Host, andRecovery Advocate. Benjamin started his musical career as a classical piano prodigy. By his earlytwenties, he was an IV heroin and crack cocaine addict. Now sober since June 13, 2016, hejournals his journey in addiction and sobriety in his piano-raps, which combine classical pianoand rap. Benjamin credits his continued success in recovery to his ability to express hisemotions relating to his struggle through word and song.Benjamin has had the pleasure of performing for the National Academy of Medicine and TheAspen Institute. In 2019, he was the composer-in-residence at 1761 Arts, in 2021, he appearedon legendary Hip Hop DJ Funkmaster Flex’s Unsigned Cypher Vol. 2 and performed a rap aboutrecovery and he made his Carnegie Hall debut in April 2022 as part of the Indie Collaborative.Benjamin’s debut album, CLEAN, was released in February 2020. It was produced at Old MillRoad Recording in East Arlington, Vermont. Benjamin regularly posts recovery-affirming videoson platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which have accrued millions of views.Benjamin’s weekly column, also entitled, CLEAN, is published weekly in the Vermont NewsGuide. In January 2021, Benjamin started hosting CLEAN Jams on 102.7 WEQX, an innovativeradio program that shines a spotlight on rap, hip-hop, and recovery. CLEAN Jams is sponsoredby Old Mill Road Media. The Composer and Inspirational Speaker has received significantacclaim for his efforts. The Vermont Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mark Levine, stated:“Benjamin Lerner’s ability to articulate his life struggling with addiction – and the challenges ofRecovery – is truly remarkable. I am inspired by his commitment to sharing his story andadvocating for those engaged in the same struggle. As we unite to confront the disease ofaddiction, we must focus not only on the challenges we face, but also recognize and takeinspiration from those who, like Benjamin Lerner, are succeeding against all odds.”
Becki is an inspiring individual who achieved a remarkable milestone on 6.8.2020 when she chose to get sober at the age of 50. Her journey towards sobriety was not an easy one, but Becki's determination and strength allowed her to rebuild her life and achieve a healthier and happier future.
In addition to her personal journey, Becki has also made a significant impact in the lives of others. She recognized a need for a supportive community for individuals in recovery who are seeking meaningful relationships and founded Soberlife.love, a sober dating website.
Through her website, Becki has created a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery to connect with others who share similar experiences and values. 
Let’s Connect!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Find us on:
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Find a full transcript of this episode at throughtheglassrecovery.com

Sobriety and recovery are often used interchangeable, but are they the same? Have you ever wondered what the difference between them actually is? Have you ever wondered what people actually mean when they talk about their "recovery"? We are joined by sober influencer Ryan from The Sober Mountain; recovery mentor Dana, founder of The Yarn Consolery LLC; and author and motivational speaker Martin Lockett to explore the meanings of these two words, and the importance in understanding the difference. We'll also dig into what the word "recovery" means to each of us, and how we apply that in our own lives.
"Recovery is equal parts healing and growth."
Some of the other concepts we touch on include:
"Who Am I?" Discovering and rebuilding your new identity in recovery
Defining recovery as a continuous lifestyle
The biopsychosocial spiritual model of recovery
Developing a naturally healthy emotional response to situations
Finding the emotional wound, uncovering the root, and working to heal it.
Recovery should consist of things you find enjoyable
The value of developing a recovery plan
Rewired by Erica Spiegelman
Honesty with self - authenticity
Breaking down old responses and rebuilding them with intention
Learning to deal with incorrect thinking
Coping with suppressed emotions starting to surface
"The #1 reason people relapse is due to negative emotional states."
Meet our guests:
Martin Lockett is a substance abuse counselor, author, public speaker, and advocate for reducing DUI fatalities. He spent 17.5 years in prison for a DUI fatality that claimed two lives and severely injured another. Lockett devloted the rest of his life to honoring his victims' legacies by helping others who struggle with substance abuse. While incarcerated, Martin earned a BS in sociology, MS in psychology, and acquired state certification as a substance abuse counselor, and published two books. Now released, Lockett continues his mission and message by helping those in need of counseling for mental health and substance use disorders and sharing his powerful story across the country.
Ryan is passionate about helping people in their 20's and 30's naviage the challenges of sobriety in a culture that encourages dirnking. Getting sober in your 20's is weird, is' fun, it's difficult, but it's worth it. He truly believes that on the other side of sobriety, your talents, passions, and most authentic self are waiting for you. Find Ryan on Instagram @thesobermountain
Dana's chased recovery for 30 years. Arrests/the legal system didn't get her sober. Using drugs/alchol she completed her Masters degree and married; only briefly getting clean during pregnancy. Through therapy, meditation, quit lit, the I Am Sober app, contributing to Sobertown Podcasts, brainspotting, trauma yoga, facilitiating Rewired support groups, starting the Yarn Consolery, LLC and crisis training, she recovered. Cravings after having a NICU baby reignited her passion for life over addiction. Find Dana on Instagram @theyarnconsoleryllc
Resources:
Dana and Julie discuss the book Rewired by Erica Speigelman and how it's benefitted their recovery.
Martin refers to the biopsychosocial spiritual model. Click here for more information.
Let’s connect!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Find us on:
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
 
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com for a full transcript of this episode.

People often say they drink alcohol to calm their anxiety. As we start to understand that alcohol actually contributes to our anxiety, we have to start learning healthy ways to cope with it. It's not easy. In this episode, we talk with Travis, Antje, and Zoe about how we deal with anxiety in recovery, and we all walk away with some valuable new ideas. We hope you do, too.
"Anxiety is like being nervous, but with teeth."
Some of the concepts we cover include:
How to stop ruminating
The power in identifying anxiety
Learning to name feelings
Using creativity to cope and to explore feelings
Signs of childhood anxiety
Skin picking
Tools for dealing with anxiety
Recognizing what doesn't work
Self care as crisis prevention
Medication assisted treatment
"I've had to learn to make friends with my anxiety."
Travis mentions grounding exercises often used for anxiety. You can find more info here.
Julie mentions the I Am Sober app. You can learn more about the app on their website.
Antje and Julie talk about how much the book Alcohol Explained by William Porter helped them understand the connection between axiety and alcohol.
Meet Our Guests:
Antje first discovered drinking as a way to "fix" her eating disorder. She thought that drinking was more acceptable than binging and purging all of her meals. When drinking grew more and more out of control, she reluctantly considered sobriety in January of 2022. Soon after, she found connection and support in an online sober community. She is so glad to that she took that first, scary step and gave sobriety a chance.
Let's Connect!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Find us on:
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
 
For a full episode transcript, visit our website at www.throughtheglassrecovery.com

Getting honest with ourselves and taking ownership and responsibility for our actions is one of the hardest and most important parts of the recovery journey. In this episode, we are joined by Jason, Robbie, and Dave as we take a vulnerable dive into taking responsibility and taking action, to make the changes necessary to live a full and healthy life.  
Some of the concepts we cover include:
Acknowledging and owning that we have a drinking problem and taking action
Determining what is our responsibility and we need to let others own
Remembering why we chose to take action
Apologies in recovery
Taking responsibility for our mental health and emotions
Noticing when we blamed others for our drinking
Recognizing changes we need to make
Sharing the stories that bring us shame
The importance of community
Increasing meaningful connection in relationships
Self forgiveness
"Taking responsibility means taking an action."
Robbie is 44 years old, from Rapid City, South Dakota and he's been sober 120+ days. He's a trail endurance athlete and running coach, and Robbie is also the host of the Golden Hour Adventures Podcast.
Dave is 7 months sober from his over 20 year relationship with alcohol. He went to rehab on August 12th, 2022. His Rock Bottom didn’t look like losing everything or a long path of destruction, but it was his bottom. He has suffered from childhood trauma, and comes from a long line of addiction. Breaking the cycle and healing is his new goal. He hopes to inspire others, while sharing his daily story through social media.
Jason is father of two boys and an experienced executive and entrepreneur. He is an active public speaker, philanthropist, and has held board of directors seats at various non-profits and educational institutions throughout New England.Jason’s recovery began on December 27, 2022 and included overcoming alcohol abuse as well as multiple mental/emotional health disgnoses. He continues to lean on his sober network and close friends for support while giving back to the community through hosting meetings and offering assistance where he can. Jason prides himself on authenticity and being true to himself.
Get in touch!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
Find us on:
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
For a full episode transcript, visit our website at www.throughtheglassrecovery.com

We're joined by recovery coach and superstar Daph, the host of Creating Ripples podcast, Alex, and our good friend John to talk about how perfectionism shows up in our recovery. It seems like some people struggled with perfectionism, and it was one of the causes of their drinking. And others fight perfectionism now that they're in recovery, wanting to make up for lost time. Either way, we're diving into perfectionism into this episode, sharing what we've learned and sharing where we've struggled.
"I realized I lived my whole life by expectations."
Some of the concepts we cover include:
Trying to 'perfect' our recovery
Learning to embrace where we are right now
Parenting and perfectionism
Learning to accepting being 'good enough'
Finding balance in the all or nothing mentality
People pleasing and becoming a doormat
The opposite of perfectionism - where don't even bother to try
Trying to get people to like us
Discovering our own expectations
Communicating and knowing our limits
The tendency to quit things we can't do perfectly
Talking to ourselves like we would if we were children
"We shouldn't 'should' our lives away."
Meet Daph: I have been sober since July of 2018, after 6 days of detox then door to door intensive inpatient treatment for 90 days. I use a personal recovery path which includes AA & Refuge Recovery. I recover out loud trying being the voice I never heard but needed. After covid hit, to fill my spare time, I decided to learn all I could about this disease.I enrolled in online virtual classes and I am now a Nationally Certified Sober Coach, Sober Companion, Safe Transport, Relapse Prevention Professional. I share my experience, strength and hope with everyone to show that recovery is possible. I put the same effort and time into recovery as I did my drinking. 
Alexandra Zauner is a life experimenter with a mission to create ripples in the world. 8.5 years ago Alex removed alcohol from her life and that change has impacted her life in more ways than she could have ever imagined. A journey that initially was met with resistance ended up being exactly what she needed to guide her on an exploration of self & provided her with many lessons & learnings. Alex has a mission to guide others on a journey of self exploration, adventure and personal growth to bring you back home to self.  Alex enjoys spending her time with her family relaxing at the lake, playing with her kids, traveling and exploring new places, hosting her podcast Creating Ripples, spending quality time with her people, coaching, moving her body and creating sober opportunities for others to discover the magic of sobriety.
Let's connect!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
Find us on
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
 
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com for a full transcript of this episode.

Today, we're going to dig into self worth, and all of the ways that a lack of self worth can affect our recovery and affect our lives. This one's for you, you've ever struggled with people pleasing, with setting boundaries, with fear of failure, or if you've ever found yourself wondering, "Who am I?"
We have invited fellow sober podcaster Tim (The Sober and Happy Podcast), sober blogger Jessica, and our good friend Christina to talk about their struggles with self worth and how they've faced them in recovery. The conversation turns toward finding and embracing our identity after we put down the bottle, which can be an adventure in itself!
Some of the topics you'll hear about include:
Understand and setting boundaries
Facing a fear of failure
Earning validation from others
Finding hobbies and activities that increase our self worth
Taking the time to do things just for us
Dealing with unsupportive people
Letting go of limiting beliefs
Social media and it's effect on self esteem
Allowing other people to support us
Authenticity, allowing ourselves to be truly seen
New ways to look at bad days
The often over-looked value of introverts
Learning to work through negative emotions
For more information on things mentioned in this episode:
Tim also recommends the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Julie mentions the book Rewired by Erica Speigelman
Christina talks about social media addicton
Jessica mentions a previous episode she was on about Finding Hope After Addiction
Meet Our Guests:
Tim has over a decade of sobriety and has gone through the journey from rehab to 12-step programs, to finally discovering his own path to recovery and happiness. He has transformed from the daily battle of trying to stay sober to learning to love himself and his life so much that he no longer needs to drink. He hosts the Sober and Happy Podcast, where you will learn how to discover yourself and blaze your own path, methods to help you along your journey to recovery, and motivation to help live a sober and happy life.
My name is Jessica. I’m a married mom of two from Connecticut, and I’ve been sober since August of 2022. I’m the youngest of 3 girls, I married the guy I fell in love with when I was 15 and I’m a huge true crime buff. My highest priority is to be the very best mom to my children that I’m able to be, so I live every day working hard to break unhealthy cycles.
We would love to hear from you!
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok

How much have you let self doubt hold you back in life? How often do you dream about the life you want, but you let fear stop you from making it happen?
In this episode, we've invited sober motivational speakers Jacob Brown and Martin Lockett, along with the always amazing Through the Glass regular Molly, to share their experiences of self doubt, and their thoughts on overcoming it. Listen as we also discuss defining and understanding our purpose in life - by first identifying our values, and then implementing them with the support of the people around us. 
If you've ever let a lack of confidence stop you from chasing your dreams, and could use some inspiration, this episode is for you!
"My biggest impediment was myself." -Martin Lockett
Some of the many concepts you'll hear us talk about include:
Overcoming societal beliefs and narratives
Understanding that other people's reactions are a reflection of them
Dealing with others' negativity
Recognizing growth
Working through Impostor Syndrome
Allowing ourselves to try new things
Allowing ourselves the freedom to live a full life
Faith in what you don't know
Actions aligned with values come with less self doubt
Understanding the commonality - that we are all on the same journey
Knowing and recognizing our purpose in life
The importance of connection in manifesting our purpose
Ikigai - the Japanese concept of life purpose
Speaking your goals to create your reality
The effects of self-talk and positive affirmations
Vulnerability - allowing others to support us
"Self doubt and impostor syndrome only come right before something amazing is about to happen." - Jacob Brown
For full show notes, links, and transcript, visit throughtheglassrecovery.com

When you quit drinking, it suddenly feels like days are 143 hours long. How do you fill all that time?
In this episode, we talk with Rai, Jessie, and Jamie about dealing with boredom in sobriety. We talk about what it feels like in early recovery to start filling all that new found free time, and discuss some of the ways we did that. We talk about finding new hobbies, how to deal with previously fun activities starting to feel boring, and we chat about how finding meaningful connections has helped fill our time in a positive way.
Other things we talk about include:
Learning how to do normal tasks sober
Being careful not to replace one addiction with another
Restlessness
Fear of being alone with our thoughts
Realizing we used alcohol to create drama
Trying new things and the fear of failure
Moving past limiting beliefs
Boredom creates potential and creativity
Authenticity - discovering who you really are
Deciding what is actually worth your time and energy
The value of play
"There's no harm in doing something new and being bad at it."
Jessi is 32 and spent her 20s wandering New York City until she found her passion for healthcare. She now lives back home in Texas with her wife and animal babies. She’s been sober since 11/22/22 and spends her insomnia hours enjoying time with her first love: drawing.
Get in touch!
We would love to hear your thoughts! Join in the conversation on social media, or send us an email.
throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
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