No Alcohol Needed: The Podcast

We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes this week while we get ready to launch brand new content. This conversation about perfectionism and recovery struck a chord with so many of you, and for good reason - it’s real, relatable, and packed with wisdom. Enjoy this re-release, and we’ll be back next week with fresh episodes you won’t want to miss.
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In this powerful episode, our group dives deep into the connection between perfectionism and addiction and how striving to be flawless can sabotage sobriety, self-worth, and emotional healing. Jessica, Sarah, Erica, Hope, Julie, and Steve share raw and honest stories of how perfectionism shaped their drinking, and what it looks like to work through those tendencies in recovery.
From redefining success and learning to sit with mistakes, to practicing self-compassion and choosing authenticity over image, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and “me too” moments for anyone struggling with not feeling good enough.
Key Topics in this Episode:
Defining our own standards of “good enough”
Authentic connection requires allowing others to see our imperfection
How perfectionism and overachieving go hand in hand to sabotage your mental wellbeing and sobriety
The intertwined journeys of recovery and how they all affect one another
Perfectionism as a sense of control
Recovering from perfectionism is an ebb and flow – some days are easier than others
The tools of sobriety also support recovering from perfectionism
Being a perfectionist can stop you from self reflecting, not wanting to admit your flaws and shortcomings – and therefore stopping you from ever working on them.
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To learn more about our guests, visit the full podcast show notes:
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/perfectionism-and-alcoholism/
For access to all of the resources Through the Glass Recovery has to offer, including
- FREE live virtual support group
- 1:1 coaching
- Informative blog articles
- A full podcast episode library
visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com

We’re nearing the end of our summer break, but we’re still sharing some of our favorite episodes with you through the end of August. This week’s replay is one that resonates with so many in recovery: rebuilding trust after you stop drinking. It’s a topic that hits close to home for nearly everyone on this journey - because even after we put down the drink, our relationships and our own self-trust don’t heal overnight.
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For many of us, our actions and behaviors have left our family and loved ones no longer trusting us, even after we’ve stopped drinking. So that begs the question – how do you regain trust after quitting alcohol? We’ve gathered Rachael, founder of Addict with Purpose; Michael, founder of SoberPress; and our adventurous friend Nadine to talk about what regaining trust from others – and in ourselves – has looked like in our lives.
You start getting trust back when you start telling the truth.
In this episode:
Learning to trust oneself
Consistency and time as the foundation of trust
Learning to do things that build trust
The value of authenticity in trust building
Honesty is a core component of trust
Living the apology
Understanding that we can’t put a timeframe on someone else’s trust
How to apologize with action
Learning to trust yourself through the hard times
Humility and its role in building trust
Also: learning to trust others
For all of the resources we offer at Through the Glass Recovery, including:
- FREE weekly support group on Zoom
- A full library of over 150 podcast episodes
- blog articles
- 1:1 coaching
Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com
 
 

We’re continuing our summer re-release series while we take a short break from new episodes until September. This week, we’re bringing back a powerful conversation about something almost every sober person wrestles with at some point: boredom. If you're sober but struggling to fill your time or feeling like life has lost its spark, this episode is for you.
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When you’ve been sober for a bit, boredom seems to be one of the first challenges that shows up. How to fill all that free time? This is especially true if you don’t have any hobbies, or if your social life revolved around drinking.
In this episode, we’re joined by Adriana from Dear Recovery, Jason from Sober Gangster, and sober rapper Gina (Modern Day Monk) to talk about how we dealt with boredom in early sobriety, and how we deal with it now that we’ve been doing this for awhile.
If you struggle to fill your time and find yourself wishing away the hours in the day, this episode is for you!
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“Boredom creates a willingness to try new things.”
In this episode:
Loneliness and boredom sometimes go hand in hand
Connecting with others is an almost instant cure to boredom
Rediscovering hobbies that alcohol had pushed aside
Learning not to overwhelm yourself with activities and to-do lists
Exploring the link between creativity and drinking
New hobbies and activities help build recovery skills
Boredom is not a bad thing!
Boredom is the door to creativity and trying new things
Learning to appreciate the stillness and quiet
Boredom encourages self reflection and “doing the work” of recovery
Asking yourself, “Where’s the void in my life?” and having the courage to address it
Discovering “biohacks” to make life – and sobriety – easier and more comfortable
Want to learn more about the EFT tapping that Adriana mentions? Check out this link.
The group also discusses the benefits of cold plunging.
If you’re still struggling with boredom in sobriety, check out this past episode, where a different group of people share their experiences.
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To learn more about our guests, visit the original show notes on our website: 
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/boredom-in-sobriety-2/
For tons of sobriety resources, including free support meetings, blog articles, a full library of podcast episodes, and 1:1 coaching, visit our official website:
throughtheglassrecovery.com
 

We’re bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes this week. If you’ve ever struggled with self doubt or felt uncertain about your purpose, this one’s going to stick with you.
In this conversation, we’re joined by sober motivational speakers Jacob Brown and Martin Lockett, along with the always powerful voice of Through the Glass regular, Molly. Together, we explore how self doubt creeps in, how it holds us back, and how we can move through it with courage, clarity, and community.
You’ll hear stories of facing fear, letting go of old narratives, and learning to live in alignment with personal values. We talk about what it means to define purpose, how to connect with your own "why," and why having support around you matters so much.
If you’ve ever told yourself you’re not ready, not good enough, or not qualified, this episode is your reminder that those thoughts are just part of the process. You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
A few of the topics we cover:
Recognizing how self doubt and impostor syndrome show up
Giving yourself permission to try
Living by your values instead of fear
The power of positive self talk and affirmations
Why vulnerability and connection are key to finding purpose
Speaking your goals into reality
The Japanese concept of Ikigai
Letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be, so you can become who you are
One of our favorite quotes from this episode:“Self doubt and impostor syndrome only come right before something amazing is about to happen.” – Jacob Brown
This re-release is full of wisdom, heart, and powerful perspective shifts. We’re so excited to share it with you again.
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To learn about this week’s guests, visit the official show notes:
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/finding-purpose-recovery/
For tons of free sobriety resources, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com or click any of the following links:
A full library of podcast episodes
Free sobriety support group on Zoom
1:1 Coaching with Julie or Steve
Julie’s sobriety blog - No Alcohol Needed

This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most downloaded and talked-about episodes: What if AA Doesn’t Work for You?
Alcoholics Anonymous is often the first (and sometimes only) option people hear about when they decide to get sober. But while AA has helped many people build lasting recovery, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. And if it didn’t work for you - or didn’t feel like quite enough - you’re not alone.
In this conversation, our guests share what led them to AA, what they found there, and why they eventually sought something different. Whether you’ve tried the 12 steps and felt out of place, or you’ve been wondering if there are other paths to sobriety, this episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no single right way to recover.
It’s okay to want more support, a different approach, or a path that better fits who you are. Recovery isn’t about fitting into a mold - it’s about finding what actually works for you.
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To learn about this week’s guests, visit the official show notes:
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/what-if-aa-doesnt-work/
For tons of sobriety resources, visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com or click any of the following links:
A full library of podcast episodes
Free sobriety support group on Zoom
1:1 Coaching with Julie or Steve
Julie’s sobriety blog

We’re taking a summer break from recording new episodes, and while we recharge, we’re bringing back some of our most important conversations - like this one.
This week’s episode explores something we don’t talk about enough: the connection between eating disorders and alcohol use disorder. Research shows that up to 50% of people with an eating disorder will also struggle with substance abuse, often as a way to cope with trauma, stress, and deep emotional pain.
In this honest and vulnerable conversation, three brave women share how their disordered eating and alcohol use were connected - and what recovery has looked like when facing both. Whether you’ve dealt with one, the other, or both, their stories offer hope, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
“It’s honestly harder to talk about the eating disorder than it is to talk about the alcohol.”
Key Topics in This Episode:
How food keeps you silent
Eating disorders and alcohol abuse are both related to trauma and stress
Overcoming shame as a key component in the recovery of each
Eating disorders as a way to deal with difficult emotions, when you don’t have the right tools
Fitting in, trying to be attractive, and it’s impact on your relationship with food
Alcohol urges and cravings are similar to the binge/purge urges
When you body is off balance – learning to recognize hunger cues and feeling full
Overexercise as a symtpom of addictive behavior
Learning how to feel
Body scanning and body mapping as tools for recovery
Learning to catch emotions before they become unhealthy
How dopamine fits into the picture
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To learn more about this week's guests, visit the full show notes at https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/eating-disorders-and-alcoholism/
Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:
A full library of podcast episodes
FREE support group on Zoom
1:1  coaching with Julie or Steve
 Julie's blog

Talking to your kids about your addiction is hard and it’s scary, but it’s also necessary. When you’re a parent and you’re working through addiction and recovery, it’s a challenge to know how much to share, and how to share it, with your children.
 
In this re-released groundbreaking episode, we have a conversation with Matt and Rachael about how we’ve approached talking to our own kids – of all ages – about our recovery. This is also a very personal episode, because Julie’s teenage daughter Cora joins us, to share with our listeners what it’s like from her perspective.
If you’ve got kids, this episode is a MUST listen.
In this episode:
Preparing for the hard questions your kids WILL eventually ask you
Allowing our kids to share what they experienced, without getting defensive or upset
The value of letting your kids see your flaws
Making your kids feel safe enough to ask for help
Creating a space where families can talk about addiction and recovery without shame or fear
How sharing our experiences with alcohol can affect the decisions they make when they’re confronted with it
Co-parenting with different viewpoints
Resources are available to support your kids, if you don’t feel capable right now
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To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes
Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:
A full library of podcast episodes
FREE support group on Zoom
1:1  coaching with Julie or Steve
 Julie's blog

We're continuing our summer re-release series with one of our favorite conversations—this week, we're diving into the ever-relatable experience of FOMO after you stop drinking. Whether you're early in sobriety or years alcohol-free, the fear of missing out can sneak in and make you question everything. But there's more waiting for you on the other side than you might think. Tune in as we revisit this honest and hope-filled episode with Eliza, Sherralyn, and Alex.
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Feeling like you’re being left out – or worrying about missing out – is soooo common when you’re sober. Some things just aren’t the same after you quit drinking, and it takes some time to get comfortable with that. And of course, sometimes we’re worrying far too much about things that end up not being an issue at all anyway. Join us as we chat with Eliza, Sherralyn, and Alex about FOMO – what it means, and how we overcome it so we don’t feel like we’re missing out on anything at all.
“You’re taking tomorrow’s joy and using it right now.”
In this episode:
It all gets easier with time
Jomo – the joy of missing out on the regret and embarrassment
Friends that matter will still invite you, and are still fun to be around
Risk vs. Benefit analysis to decide whether it’s worth it
Honestly, nobody cares if you’re drinking or not
Alcohol companies’ effects on why we believe we need alcohol to have fun
Mommy wine culture
Modeling sober fun for our kids and ending the cycle
“What about worrying about missing out on the rest of your life?”
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To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes
Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:
A full library of podcast episodes
FREE support meetings on Zoom
1:1 Sobriety coaching with Julie or Steve
No Alcohol Needed blog

As we continue our re-release schedule for the summer, we're excited to bring back this super important topic that seems to affect nearly all of us. If you find yourself wrestling with the pros and cons of social media now that you've created an alcohol free lifestyle, this episode will shine a light on the challenges and help you see everything more clearly.
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One “transfer addiction” that gets overlooked all too often is social media. And while social media has many benefits, it certainly also poses many dangers, especially when it comes to addiction recovery and mental health. In this week’s episode, we’re chatting with our friends Robbie, Britt, and Vanessa about how social media shows up in our lives, in our recoveries, and its impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing.
Key topics in this episode:
Taking a break from social media
The dopamine hits that come with posting and getting interactions
How to curate your feed to create a positive experience
Using social media to find true connection
Recognizing the different between real connection and surface connection online
The hidden dangers of external validation
Using social media to create drama and chaos when sobriety feels boring
Tools for managing social media use
Setting your intention when using social media
How comparing yourself to others on social media can damage mental health
AI and its detrimental effects on creativity, emotional intelligence, and relationships
To learn more about our guests, check out the full show notes
Visit our website for tons of sobriety resources:
A full library of podcast episodes
FREE support meetings on Zoom
1:1 Sobriety coaching with Julie or Steve
No Alcohol Needed blog
 

We're continuing our summer re-release schedule with a throwback all the way to Episode 7 from 2022. 
This conversation was so good we didn't want to stop, and ended up releasing it as a two part series. If you love the first half (and we know you will) you can find the second half here.
We hope you enjoy it! Make sure you subscribe to Through the Glass Recovery Podcast so you don't miss the rest of our summer re-releases, and the new episodes we've got coming in September.
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Everything we wish someone would’ve told us in the first 30 days of sobriety.
The first 30 days are some of the hardest on the recovery journey. In this episode – the first of a two part series – we talk with John, Kris, and Ashley about early sobriety. Everything we wish someone would’ve told us as we headed into the first 30 days of getting sober. 
We talk a lot about the work of sobriety here on Through the Glass. But before anyone gets to the point of doing that emotional work, they’ve got to get through the early days – the days when withdrawals are wearing them down, cravings are constant and brutal, and it seems like you think about drinking – or not drinking – about once every minute. 
It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.
Listen as we share what worked for us, and what didn’t. We talk about withdrawals – the physical misery that accompanies a decision to quit drinking, and the emotional struggles as well. Steve and Julie talk about fearing just leaving the house, wondering how they’d find the strength to drive past the liquor store instead of stopping. Kris talks about the importance of sleep, and needing more than she expected. Everyone agrees that there is a lot of crying that often happens in the early days, and that crying is where the healing begins, no matter how uncomfortable it is. 
Julie and Steve talk about deciding to tell others in your life or not. Julie didn’t tell anyone, Steve told everyone. They discuss the pros and cons of both options and how they affected their sobriety early on. Ashley shares about her worries that life wouldn’t be fun anymore, when alcohol is everywhere and permeates every part of life, especially for the younger crowd. Julie talks about wondering who she is at all without alcohol, and Steve says it felt like losing his best friend. 
Everyone agrees that finding support in a recovery community was the most important part of getting through the early days of recovery – and continues to be the most important part of their recovery paths. As John says, “It’s really hard to be facing that kind of eternity without someone there.”
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Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for access to our weekly sober support meeting on Zoom, and weekly insights and advice to support your recovery. You can sign up at throughtheglassrecovery.com.