Creative Sobriety

Episode 61: Mary Alice Stephens (@maryalicestephenswrites)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Welcome back. In this episode I'm chatting with author Mary Alice Stephens about her sobriety journey and her memoir, Uncorked: A Memoir of Letting Go and Starting Over.

Mary is an award-winning storyteller who shares her raw, funny, and ultimately inspiring journey from alcohol-fueled chaos to clarity, connection, and self-acceptance. Uncorked was an Amazon #1 new release in alcoholism recovery, reached #4 on the Amazon bestseller list in midlife self-help, and won a PenCraft Best Book Award for Inspirational Nonfiction.

Mary is a former television writer and producer for HGTV, Food Network, and other media outlets. She earned her MFA in creative writing from Dominican University of California and lives in Marin County, CA.

Get a copy of Uncorked today and be sure to leave Mary a review!!

Follow Mary on IG @maryalicestephenswrites

Connect with me on IG @creativesobriety and please follow along and subscribe to my Substack newsletter www.kristenbear.substack.com where you will also find The Creative Sobriety Method video workshop series!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 60: Sober Summer Tips, Asking the Right Questions & More w/Kristen (@creativesobriety)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Hey Y'all!

In this episode I'm dishing out a few of my top tips for beginning a sober summer. From purging our space to honoring our commitment with a proper ritual, there are absolutely ways to set ourselves up for success and flow when it comes to giving up booze just as patio season is kicking into full gear.

Quitting drinking doesn't have to feel like a consequence or downgrade. It's all in our mindset, how we approach the shift, and who we surround ourselves with.

If you are looking for a more structured guide and resonate with my language and sober vibe, may I suggest The Creative Sobriety Method--It's available on Substack for paid subscribers--a four-part series with video and text content plus journal prompts and workshop style questions following each section.

Look out for a special Substack post next week all about prepping for a summer sans alcohol.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 59: Patricia Heaton and David Hunt (@solubrae)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm joined today by Emmy Award-winning actress and producer Patricia Heaton and award-winning filmmaker, David Hunt. Talk about a power couple.

Patricia is best known for her roles in Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, she's earned multiple awards and nominations and is also a bestselling author and philanthropist.

David Hunt's work spans theater, television and film. A graduate of The Julliard School, Hunt has collaborated with directors including Clint Eastwood and Stanley Kubrick. He most recently directed and produced the feature film Unexpected.

Together they've just launched Solubrae, a premium non-alcoholic wine hand crafted from California-grown grapes and designed for modern, mindful living.

Heaton, who will celebrate eight years of sobriety in July, says, "Solubrae is about inclusion. No one should feel left out of a toast."

This conversation was a dream! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Go get yourself a bottle of Solubrae today! I tried both the Daylight and Sundown varietals at a Killjoy tasting in Nashville and was blown away.

Onward we go!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 58: Ash Meredith and Why Alcohol and Fitness Don't Mix (@ashmeredith11)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm chatting with fitness and wellness creator Ash Meredith about her alcohol-free journey and why alcohol and fitness do not belong in the same conversation.

We discuss everything from alcohol's impact on sleep and relationships to the way it prevents fat loss and erases our hard work in the gym. Ash and I both share a history with disordered eating and have an honest chat about the ways alcohol played a pivotal role in those struggles as well as how sobriety has helped us find balance and peace around food.

If you are someone who is curious about how eliminating alcohol completely might aid in your fitness journey, someone who has dealt with an eating disorder, or just someone who needs some inspiration on a new sobriety or wellness journey, then this episode is for you!

Follow Ash on IG @ashmeredith11 for daily workout inspiration and nutrition content that feels more nourishing than restrictive.

Check out more of her offerings here!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 57: Richard O'Brien (@giesenwines)

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hey Y'all!

Welcome back! I'm happy to bring you a conversation with Richard O'Brien, General Manager of Giesen Group which is one of New Zealand's leading family-owned wineries and a global leader in premium non-alcoholic wine.

Since joining the company in 2015, Richard has held senior roles across finance and commercial strategy, playing a pivotal role in Giesen's growth in both traditional and emerging wine categories. He leads the company's global sales and marketing efforts, with a strong focus on the U.S.--Giesen's number one export market.

I was eager to chat with Richard about how Giesen had the foresight to enter the NA market before so many others and why he thinks there is mass resistance among traditional winemakers to innovating and joining the non-alcoholic category.

He shares a bit about the dealcoholization process, what's next for Giesen's NA portfolio, and where he sees the NA market headed in 2026.

I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Check out the full Giesen lineup

Follow Giesen Wines on IG @giesenwines

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 56: Carly Schwartz (@carlicita)

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm so excited to have writer Carly Schwartz on the show today. Carly is the former editor in chief of the San Francisco Examiner and founding editor of HuffPost's San Francisco bureau. Editor and Publisher named her one of 10 "Women to Watch," and her writing has appeared in the San Francisco Standard, ELLE Magazine, MSNBC, and more.

As an advocate for suicide prevention and addiction recovery, Carly has been a spokesperson for the Jed Foundation and Google's Recovery Month. She's also the founder of Mindwriters, a workshop series designed to help people transform their lives through storytelling. She lives in San Francisco's Mission District.

Pick up a copy of Carly Schwartz's debut memoir, I'll Try Anything Twice: Misadventures of A Self Medicated Life, out now from She Writes Press and available wherever books are sold.

Buy Carly's book from Bookshop.org and support local bookstores!

Follow Carly on IG @carlicita

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 55: Kathryn Sauser (@kathrynsauser @thesoberfitgirl)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

Welcome back! I'm excited to have Kathryn Sauser on the show today. Kathryn is over five years sober and has more than a decade of experience as a fitness, nutrition, and mental health coach. She's helped thousands of women transform their bodies, but everything changed for her after getting sober.

She created SoberFitGirl because it was everything she needed and couldn't find.

Visit soberfitgirl.com to work with Kathryn!

Check out The Sober Fit Girl Podcast

Connect with Kathryn on socials @kathrynsauser and @thesoberfitgirl

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 54: New Year Starts Now, Big Alcohol Hates Dry January, and Diddy and Epstein Both Have DIageo Ties

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

Welcome back to another solo episode with me, Kristen, today! I'm catching up on everything that's gone down so far in 2026 when it comes to booze and it's a lot.

I'm talking about Dry January, the new alcohol guidelines from the clowns at HHS, the Year of the Fire Horse, Jeffrey Epstein, Sean "Diddy Combs, and Diageo's ties to all things dirty business. I'm even giving my review of Emerald Fennel's "Wuthering Heights." Strap in!!

Check out the full article about all the Diageo/Epstein ties on Substack here

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 53: Sara Hershkowitz and Max Hoetzel (@glasrosefarm)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

I'm so excited to bring you the first new episode of 2026! I've got Sara and Max on the show today, founders of Glasrose Farm. The American opera singer and German-born wine maker are raising their daughter on an organic vineyard filled with live oaks and herds of grazing sheep.

Sharing a deep love for the land and a commitment to mindful living, the vineyard is not just their home but a testament to their creativity and commitment to sustainability.

After a Dry January turned February and beyond, Max decided he wanted to make something new. The couple has been developing a beautiful zero proof beverage made from organic verjus from their vineyard and exciting and unexpected ingredients like cardamom, hibiscus, and black pepper.

Check out their offerings!

Be sure to follow Sara, Max and their family on IG @glasrosefarm

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 52: Jermaine Dante' Burse (@jermainedante_art)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

I'm so pleased to introduce you to Jermaine Dante' Burse today. He is an author and critically acclaimed visual fine artist whose life embodies radical transformation. Once consumed by addiction, Jermaine rebuilt himself through discipline, honesty, and an unwavering devotion to creative expression.

His fine art, known for its emotional depth and bold storytelling, has been commissioned by major recognizable brands and collected by professional athletes, entertainers, and celebrities around the world.

His debut book, Autopsy of My Former Self, captures the profound inner excavation that led to his personal rebirth, offering a powerful reflection on recover, identity, and the courage required to evolve. Beyond the canvas and page, Jermaine channels his creativity into meaningful ventures and experiences that inspire others to confront their truth and rise. His story is not just about overcoming--it's about becoming.

Follow Jermaine Dante' on IG @jermainedante_art

Purchase his book, Autopsy of My Former Self

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 51: The European Union Is Bailing Out Their Wine Industry, Should We? w/Kristen (@creativesobriety)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

I'm back with another solo episode, a follow up to my most recent Substack piece about a potential wine bailout in the US that reflects how the EU is approaching their struggling wine industry.

In this episode I go through some key points of the EU's agreement including incentives for no and low alcohol production.

I also take a fun little detour through some of the wine industry's more notable scandals in recent history including Austria's antifreeze moment in 1985, a Napa CEO's midnight heist, and a "Catch Me If You Can" con-man that swindled rich wine snobs out of over $35 million dollars before he was caught. It's a fun one.

My opinion is that the wine industry needs more than cashflow, they need an attitude adjustment. We have reached sink or swim season for wine--swim towards innovation or sink with tradition. Grab your popcorn!

Here's an article about the EU bailout

A fun read in Los Angeles Magazine about Rudy Kurniawan

Be sure to catch up on my Substack posts on all of this!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 50: Inga Headland Seppala (@thelandlineshow)

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

So excited to introduce you to Inga Headland Seppala today! Besides being an all-around cool sober chick, Inga is a creative director, writer, and the creator of Landline, a lo-fi call-in show about connection and second chances.

After more than a decade designing pitch decks for studios like Netflix, HBO, and Apple, she now helps writers clarify their stories through her app, The Perfect Pitch Deck.

Inga got sober in her 40's and draws on recovery, humor, and faith in all of her creative projects.

I think all creative artists would benefit from Inga's app, The Perfect Pitch Deck, regardless of medium. Check it out!

Tune into The Landline Show on YouTube and follow along on IG @thelandlineshow

Want to be a caller on Landline?? Call The Landline Show 615-212-5437

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 49: The Alcohol Industry Doesn't Like Curiosity w/Kristen (@creativesobriety)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

Back at you with another solo episode today. I'm offering some context to help the alcohol industry understand why people aren't drinking as much (spoiler alert: it's not because we are Victorian moralists who want to ruin everyone's party).

I go through a quick recap of how we got here, what tactics the industry is using to discredit the modern sobriety movement, and the support I've been receiving from sober people who have different methods and practices from me.

Curiosity killed the cat. It's also killing the industry's bottom line. That's that sh!t they don't like. Tap in!

Be sure to stay up to date via Substack. Link below.

Onward we go!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 48: The Self Magazine Article Debacle w/ Kristen (@creativesobriety)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

Welp. Can't let this one go. I'm diving deeper into the meltdown over the Self Magazine article from Ronnie Koenig, titled, "Can People Stop Being So Sanctimonious About Not Drinking?"

I already wrote a lengthy response to the piece over on Substack so please go check that out and share it!! I had some new information come my way, specifically about some of Koenig's previous work that feels relevant. I wanted to share that with you today as well as some other verbiage connections I've noticed between the Self article and rhetoric coming out from the wine industry.

The Self Article

My Substack Piece

Another Substack Piece that's relevant

Koenig's Flow Space article

The Times piece about drinking in youth

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 47: Will Abeles (@willabelescomedy)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to have Will Abeles on the show this week. Will is a nationally touring producer, comedian, and podcaster based in Nashville, TN.

He has captured the #1 spot on the iTunes Comedy Charts twice with back to back albums, his 2017 debut, "Regrets of My Father," and his most recent release, "The Pride of Hagerstown." His special, "The Pride of Hagerstown," is out now on YouTube through FourbyThree Productions.

Will shares his sobriety journey and is just over three months sober at the time of our recording. His story is a lot like everyone's in the sense that it's been full of starts and stops and now he finds himself looking ahead with a new mindset and some of the missing pieces he needed to stay the course.

Check out one of Will's upcoming shows or find his work below!

Wesley Chapel, FL Nov 20-22, 2025

The Pride of Hagerstown Comedy Special

Will's YouTube Channel

Follow on socials @willabelescomedy

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 46: Nadine Mulvina (@the.soberbutterfly)

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

Meet Nadine Mulvina! She is the beauty and brains behind The Sober Butterfly, a podcast and lifestyle brand redefining what it means to live alcohol-free. Based in NYC, Nadine is just over four years sober.

Her content is honest, funny, and inspiring, always infused with just the right mix of radical honesty and humor.

Nadine also vlogs her adventures around the world, showing that life without alcohol can be full of freedom, beauty, and adventure.

Be sure to follow Nadine @the.soberbutterfly and listen to her podcast.

Onward we go!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 45: Amanda Thomson (@noughtyaf @noughtyamanda)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

I'm so excited to introduce you to Amanda Thomson today. Amanda is the CEO and founder of Thomson & Scott and created Noughty, the world's first premium non-alcoholic wine portfolio.

Amanda won the LCB Entrepreneur Award for Best Wine Concept and was voted one of Business Insider's "Coolest People in Food and & Drink." She's been awarded Le Cordon Bleu's Entrepreneur of the Year title and most recently won The Drinks Business's Entrepreneur of The Year Award for 2025.

Noughty now sells to the world's coolest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Some top locations where you can find Noughty are The Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz Carlton.

Amanda is a generous mentor to aspiring founders and brand builders and has a wealth of valuable knowledge when it comes to creating a successful business and leading a company. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

ALSO!! Please check @creativesobriety on IG this Friday for a fun giveaway you do not want to miss!

Follow Noughty on socials @noughtyaf and Amanda's jet set entrepreneur journey @noughtyamanda

Shop Noughty here!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 44: Heather Lowe (@ditchedthedrink)

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today I'm speaking with award winning sober, life, and business coach, Heather Lowe. Heather is also the writer behind AFTER Magazine's "Ask A Coach," column!!

Heather shares her journey to sobriety with us, how it's changed her relationships and work, what it all means to her, and how she's now helping other women find the same confidence and freedom.

Heather has so much passion for what she does and offers so many great resources, visit her website to start exploring and connect with her!

Follow Heather on IG @ditchedthedrink

Read Heather's AFTER Magazine column here!

P.S Don't forget to snag a ticket to this weekend's Literary Salon in San Francisco with author, Jessica Guerrieri! Tix here.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 43: Sober Book Club Events Happening 10/25 & 11/1 w/author Jessica Guerrieri!! (@jessicaguerrieriauthor and @lowelch)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey Y'all!!

Today I have two special ladies on the show to discuss some exciting events taking place this month, one in Tampa FL on 10/25 and one in San Francisco on 11/1.

Fiction author, Jessica Guerrieri, joined me in Nashville this summer to discuss her debut novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Harper Muse), and the much needed update to the narrative around women and alcohol in fiction.

We had such an amazing turnout and response from the community that we've decided to take this show on the road! Lauren Welch, sober mom and entrepreneur in Tampa Bay, reached out and offered to host us at her beautiful space, Lux West Collective!

This is going to be such a beautiful evening of literature, thoughtful discussion, networking, and community. Whether you are sober/sober-curious, a book lover, a non-alcoholic beverage enthusiast, or just interested in doing something different on a Saturday evening-this is for you!

We are doing it all again the following weekend on the west coast at Ocean Plant in San Francisco. Links to tickets for both locations below!

Shoot me a message on IG @creativesobriety if you have any trouble with the links or any questions at all. Hope to see your beautiful faces!

Tampa Tix 10/25

San Francisco Tix 11/1

Be sure to follow Jessica and Lauren on IG and check out Jessica's website for all of her upcoming tour information and to pre-order her sophomore novel, Both Can Be True.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 42: SOBER OCTOBER and other NEWS w/Kristen (@creativesobriety)

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today we are talking about Sober October and why this is the perfect month for a reset. I'm sharing some tips for getting the most out of your dry month!!

I'm also going to dive into some of the latest news on the impending 2025-2030 dietary guidelines that are due out before the end of the year and why alcohol is at the front of that discussion.

If you want to go deeper into that topic please check out the pieces I've written on Substack specifically about the 2025 alcohol guidelines, the controversy surrounding the reports used to inform them, and the players involved on all sides. It's fascinating!!

Also, if you want to hang in person I have two live events coming up later this month. I'll be in Tampa, FL on 10/25 and San Francisco, CA 11/1!! I'm sitting down for a conversation with sober writer, Jessica Guerrieri, to discuss alcohol in women's fiction. Join us for a literary salon, thoughtful discussion, and amazing non-alcoholic drinks. Message me on IG for more info and check out my posts for those events.

Happy Sober October!!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 41: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez (@timothy.s.rodriguez)

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Welcome back! I'm so honored to bring you a conversation with author, Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, today. Timothy is over four years sober and his memoir, Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging, is slated for May 5th, 2026.

Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez spent almost a decade in gay conversion therapy-all while working behind the scenes at some of the most influential Evangelical Christian megachurches. After embracing his identity as a gay Christian and stepping away from church work, he co-founded Church Clarity, an organization that helps queer people find affirming faith communities.

His story and work have been featured by NBC, VICE, Huffington Post, Religion News Service, and Newsweek. Born in the Midwest, he now calls New York City home. Timothy works as a writer, digital strategist, and advocate for queer people of faith.

Connect with Timothy on IG @timothy.s.rodriguez and Substack timothysrodriguez.substack.com

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 40: Shea Gomez (@noboozebabes)

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to bring you a conversation today with the lovely Shea Gomez, founder of No Booze Babes and The Drī Edit!

Shea is creating community and glamorizing the alcohol-free lifestyle through creative content, boozefree events, and a new newsletter all about the happenings within the non-alcoholic beverage space!

Shea shares her sobriety story with us as well as what her vision for No Booze Babes began as and where it's headed.

Follow Shea's beautiful work on IG and subscribe to The Drī Edit!

IG @noboozebabes and @thedriedit

thedriedit.com

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 39: Natalia Lalonde (@natalialalonde)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today I'm speaking with my friend Natalia Lalonde, fashion model and certified folk herbalist.

When I started doing my research for a Substack piece about the resurgence of herbalism, I knew I wanted to talk to my friend Natalia! She studied at School of the Sacred Wild and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to plant medicine and herbal remedies.

Natalia offers suggestions for those on a sobriety journey looking to incorporate herbs into their wellness routine. From skincare to anxiety and digestive health, Natalia says "there's an herb for that."

I loved this conversation and hope you do too!

On this episode Natalia mentions the book, Plant Spirit Medicine, by Eliot Cowen and School of the Sacred Wild (schoolofthesacredwild.com)

Follow Natalia on socials @natalialalonde

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your physician or certified specialist before starting any new herbal remedies or experimenting with plant medicine.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 38: Brian Larson (@brian.reads)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Meet Brian Larson! Brian is a writer, speaker, and finance professional whose work explores identity, addiction, and personal transformation. Now six years sober, Brian began writing to see himself, and other sober LGBTQ+ individuals, reflected in literature.

His debut nonfiction book, The Afterparty: A Queer Guide to Joy, Belonging, and Life After Drinking, is slated for 2027. Brian lives in New York City where he's also built a career in corporate America, challenging alcohol-centric workplace culture.

You can find him on IG @brian.reads where he shares insights on sobriety, books, and personal growth. Follow Brian on Substack as well @brianwrites

https://substack.com/@brianwrites

https://www.brian-larson.com/

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 37: Daniela Scrima (@danielascrima @broadsnextdoor)

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to have my girl Daniela Scrima on the podcast today! Daniela is the host of the podcast, Broads Next Door. I've done a few episodes with her on that podcast about spooky stuff intersecting with sobriety which you should check out! I'm sure you've seen her sharp and witty memes and pop culture videos on Insta, she's brilliant.

Today we are talking about turning 40 (we both did this year!) and how it's so much different than we thought it would be, especially as women who are now living alcohol and drug free.

We discuss the societal pressures on women to remain youthful and why it's all such bullsh!t. We see 40 as a power move, just the beginning.

I hope you enjoy our conversation and be sure to give Daniela a follow on socials and listen to her podcast. Let me know what spooky topics you'd like to hear a couple of sober broads chit chat about too!

Daniela's podcast: Broads Next Door (all platforms) https://open.spotify.com/show/3bKRTDn9ws19tEmVUTwmqf?si=63b509a59c7948d6

IG: @danielascrima and @broadsnextdoor

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 36: Valeria De La Pava and Carolina Kohn (@ambrosia_elixirs)

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm so thrilled to bring you a very special episode today. I am speaking with Ambrosia Elixirs founder Valeria De La Pava and her chief strategy officer Carolina Kohn.

I met these ladies at a beverage convention in Brooklyn late this spring and was immediately intrigued, not only about the beautiful herbal elixirs I tried but also about Valeria's personal story and connection to plant medicine.

If you want to dive down that enthralling, inspiring, folklore-esque, path with me please read my full essay on Substack titled The Resurgence of Herbalism and The Return to Feminine Wisdom. (available now)

https://open.substack.com/pub/kristenbear/p/the-resurgence-of-herbalism-and-the?r=18jra0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode Valeria shares how her childhood in Colombia influenced her work and created a deep connection to the natural world. She learned by watching her mother and grandmother using herbs in the kitchen as well as working with indigenous communities in her home country.

The newly launched Ambrosia Elixirs is finding major success in the non-alcoholic beverage market and can be found in NY's Virgin Hotels as well as luxury spas and farm to table restaurants in The Hamptons.

Be sure to follow Ambrosia on IG @ambrosia_elixirs and check out their offerings now at www.ambrosiaelixirs.co

Enjoy!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 35: Björn Taylor (@kingbjornce)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today's episode features sober bartender and non-alcoholic beverage expert and ambassador, Björn Taylor. Based in Austin, Tx, Björn is known for shaping award-winning beverage programs in ATX's top venues like Otoko, Emmer & Rye, and Midnight Cowboy.

Since getting sober over five years ago he has become a passionate advocate for wellness and mindful hospitality. Recently, he's helped open Uptown Sports Club and The Equipment Room at Hotel Magdalena in Austin. Björn is a newly minted rep for Oddbird wines, as well.

Björn is a golden resource for anyone looking to learn more about the non-alc beverage market or upscale their hospitality to better serve the growing consumer base of non-drinkers.

If you are someone working in the bar or restaurant industry I highly encourage you to check out Ben's Friends, a recovery support community specifically tailored to those in the hospitality industry.

Follow Björn on IG @kingbjornce and @odd.bjorn where he would love to connect with you!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 34: Devin Noir (@devilmaycrytattoo)

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to bring you Devin Noir's sobriety story in this brand new episode!

Devin is the owner and artist of Devil May Cry Tattoo in Bushwick, BK. He has over 11 years of sobriety and shares his journey with profound honesty and vulnerability.

After a near death experience Devin got a second chance and hasn't been the same since. He is a big believer in working the steps and the power of surrendering his life over to God, or as he calls it, HP.

I think this episode will be inspiring for those who find a lot of solace in the spiritual nature of life, those who have been to or are considering inpatient treatment options, and those who grew up feeling like they suffered from "terminal uniqueness," never quite belonging anywhere.

Follow Devin on IG @devilmaycrytattoo and hit him up if you want to connect in the NY area or maybe get some fresh ink!!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 33: Apryl Jones (@aprylsjones)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm so excited to share my conversation with mega-talented creative artist, Apryl Jones. Apryl is an actor and singer based in Los Angeles, CA who has appeared in productions like The Comeback with Taye Diggs, I Got A Story To Tell on BET, and Tyler Perry's The Oval.

Apryl just celebrated one year of sobriety in June of this year, so we dove into what led her to her choice to get sober, how she did it, and how it's changed her.

We talk about the grief of losing a parent, the glow-up that comes with ditching booze for good, the shift in relationships and social circles when we stop drinking, and how Apryl is navigating the entertainment industry with her newfound focus on healing and wellness.

I loved this chat so much and I just know that there are golden nuggets of inspiration in here for so many people. Apryl is such a beautiful person, inside and out, and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Follow Apryl!

IG: @aprylsjones

TikTok: @aprylsjonesofficial

Facebook: Aprylsjones

Snapchat: @aprylsjones

Threads: Aprylsjones

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 32: Christine Cant (@no_crave)

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to bring you another great conversation with a badass woman absolutely smashing an alcohol-free lifestyle! Christine is a full time art dealer living in West London, UK and just crossed the two year mark on her alcohol free journey. She's a soon to be fully qualified alcohol-free life coach with a mission to share her joy and freedom of living and breathing "the life-hack no one talks about."

An ex gray-area drinker and alcohol-free lifestyle warrior, Christine focuses on the power and creativity that come with total psychological freedom from booze, the semantics of the AF life and how labels can keep people stuck.

She is the founder of No Crave, on IG @no_crave, and I highly recommend following her for some real talk and down to earth musings on this big, wild, and rewarding journey of sobriety and healing.

If you are looking for more guidance on your sobriety journey, check out The Creative Sobriety Method, now live on Substack! kristenbear.substack.com

As always, feel free to send me a message on socials if you have any questions or feedback!

Onward we go,

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 31: Jessica Guerrieri (@jessicaguerrieriauthor)

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today I'm speaking with debut fiction author and fellow sober girl, Jessica Guerrieri, about her new release Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Harper Muse).

Jessica shares her sobriety and recovery journey as well as her author journey and it's such an inspiring conversation. Anyone who has creative goals of their own will find some value in this episode! This is an especially great listen for any mothers out there who are finding themselves stuck in the toxicity of "mommy wine culture," or feel like no one understands their struggle. Even if you aren't a mother, this conversation will resonate with you if you've ever felt like alcohol was the only coping mechanism you had for disappointment, fear, and all of the many other emotions that women must carry.

Jessica's novel is available now!! Run, don't walk, to get your copy and support this sober artist. Let me know what you think after you read it! Warning: you won't be able to put it down sooo maybe block off a free day to get lost and follow her protagonist, Leah O'Connor, all the way to the edge...

Follow Jessica on IG @jessicaguerrieriauthor, TikTok @jessstayssober, and visit her website to purchase her book and peep upcoming tour dates www.jessicaguerrieri.net

Onward we go,

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 30: Michaela and Erinn (@2sobergirlspodcast) PART 2

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

We are running it back today for PART 2 of this conversation with Michaela and Erinn of 2 Sober Girls about sober sex and dating.

We dive even deeper into how to cultivate, access, and protect our powerful sexual energy in sobriety and how to practice honesty when it comes to what we want!

This is a pretty adult conversation so fair warning to any listeners with little ears nearby :)

I've loved getting your feedback from PART 1 so keep it coming and we will keep this conversation going!

Make sure to follow Michaela (@healthwithmichaela) and Erinn (@recoverwitherinn) and check out their podcast and other offerings at www.2sobergirls.com

P.S. If you're looking for guidance on your sobriety journey check out The Creative Sobriety Method video workshop series I just launched on Substack!

https://open.substack.com/pub/kristenbear/p/the-creative-sobriety-method-pt-1?r=18jra0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Onward we go,

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 29: Michaela and Erinn (@2sobergirlspodcast) PART 1

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Today's episode is so fun! I'm chatting with two sober girls, literally, and also the co-founders of 2 Sober Girls, Michaela and Erinn.

These two found each other through sobriety and have created a safe haven for women looking for guidance, community, and all things wellness, spirituality, and beauty on their sober paths.

We decided to tackle the subject of sober sex and dating because it's something we all have to face once we quit drinking and it can be overwhelming. Not enough women talk about this stuff openly and we want to change that!

This is PART 1 of a two-part series so check back in for PART 2 coming soon!

Follow them on socials @2sobergirlspodcast, @healthwithmichaela, @recoverywitherinn, and check out all of their offerings at www.2sobergirls.com

Let me know if you want more conversations about this subject! Enjoy.

Onward we go,

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 28: Dr. Janine Ellenberger (@calmerry) and certified interventionist Charmaine Crowley

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm excited to bring you a highly educational and informative new episode with two special guests today.

Dr. Janine Ellenberger has over two decades of experience as a physician, entrepreneur, and health executive spanning three continents. She is the co-founder and chief medical officer of Behavidence as well as the chief medical officer for Calmerry, an online portal for therapy that I've been testing out for the past month. (I'm loving it!)

Charmaine Crowley is an ARISE-trained interventionist and a Recovery Care Partner independent contractor with years of experience both personally and professionally in the field of addiction recovery.

We talk about substance abuse treatment from both a medical and community angle, discussing the need for the right team to help a person find successful sobriety.

I believe there will be valuable information for you in this episode, especially if you are currently looking for help with a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse and needing direction and resources.

visit www.calmerry.com to be matched with a therapist and explore all of the resources available through the online portal!

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Sunday Series-Don't Fear Being Misunderstood (@creativesobriety)

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

I'm starting a new series called the "Sunday Series." Think Supersoul Sundays without the Super (or the Oprah).

In sobriety I am learning to deeply accept all the pieces of "me," pieces that not everyone understands or values. This is the only way to attract the people and experiences into our lives that are truly aligned to lift us higher.

I hope you'll find some peace with me each Sunday as I share these little bits of my soul, some wonderings and wisdom, and hope for what's to come.

Onward we go,

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 27: Ron Sparkman @therecoveringnomad

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all! Welcome back to Creative Sobriety where we talk to interesting people who happen to be sober! Today I have the treat of hosting my friend, Ron, who you may know online as @therecoveringnomad! Ron is a self-proclaimed digital nomad who's visited over 44 countries all while maintaining a sober lifestyle.

Ron shares a bit about his sobriety story, his work in the very important men's work and mental health spaces, as well as an abundance of resources specifically for men interested in unlearning maladaptive masculinity and working on emotional vulnerability.

I'm so grateful Ron was willing to be open and vulnerable about his own journey and that he now dedicates so much of his time and energy to paying it forward and facilitating the same healing for other men.

Big thanks to Ron and you can find links to some of the resources he mentioned down below. Enjoy!

Onward we go.

Love,

Mankindproject.ca

Heybrother.co

Www.skool.com/heybrother

Acalltomen.org

https://www.successstoriesprogram.org/

HolisticTherapies4Life.com

Witchschool.ca

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Episode 26: Tiarnie @tiarnietalks

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Welcome back to Creative Sobriety where we talk to interesting people who happen to be sober! Today I'm speaking with world class astrologer, Tiarnie of @tiarnietalks on IG and TikTok!

She is a wealth of knowledge for all my woowoo sober friends out there interested in astrology and how we can use the energy of the cosmos to our advantage. Tiarnie shares some of the most important transits currently happening as well as those to come later in 2025. We talk about her sobriety journey (she just celebrated 1 year!!) and some of the placements that might indicate a person should stay away from substances.

This episode is for anyone who wants a deeper dive into astrology and is interested in how they can apply it to all areas of their lives.

Visit www.tiarnie.com.au to book a reading with Tiarnie, join a masterclass, or connect with her about her work!

Onward we go.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

A New Season Starts Here: "Right Now Is The Right Time"

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0400

I'm so excited to be bringing you brand new episodes of the Creative Sobriety Podcast! It's been a minute and I've really missed connecting with you all in this way. This season I'll be bringing you interviews with cool, interesting, creative sober people as well as shorter solo episodes that will hopefully serve as reminders, pep talks, and a general reference for anyone starting, re-starting, or maintaining a sobriety journey.

Today I'm kicking us off with a refresher on how to care for ourselves at the beginning of this major lifestyle change. Rome wasn't built in a day and the happiest, healthiest, highest version of yourself won't be either.

Sobriety is an opportunity to know ourselves more deeply and unlearn a lot of societal messaging around alcohol and its place in our lives.

2025 is a mixed bag. There is plenty of negative news and heaviness available to us but there is also transformation available to us. I challenge you to lean into the positive changes you can make within yourself this year and buy-in to the idea that sobriety might just be the plot twist you've been looking for.

Glad to be back!

Onward we go.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 24: Joshua James (@joshthenonalcoholic & @ocean.beach.cafe)

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all! I sit down with Joshua James, owner of San Francisco's Ocean Beach Cafe, to talk all things modern sobriety, non-alc beverage, and why the time is right NOW to explore sobriety or even start a business in the non-alc space.
Josh and I have known each other for a while now and I am so excited to share his energy and passion with you guys, he's such a legend!

If you want to connect with Josh shoot him an email at aloha@oceanbeachcafe.com or a DM on Instagram @joshthenonalcoholic or @ocean.beach.cafe

Onward we go!

Love,
K

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 23: Live at Killjoy in Nashville w/ Cait Madry of Clearheaded (@caitmadry, @clearheaded.co)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!

Welcome to a very special episode of the Creative Sobriety podcast! We recorded this conversation in front of a live audience at Killjoy-Nashville's first and premier non-alcoholic bottle shop.

My guest is the lovely Cait Madry, co-founder of Clearheaded, an online guide for "Sober-Care." In addition to the website and social media platform, Clearheaded is also a podcast! I was a guest on Cait's show and was incredibly grateful when she agreed to come on mine and let me ask the questions.
Cait is an actor, entrepreneur, and sober tastemaker. Her goal is to create the GOOP of sobriety with her company, Clearheaded, leaning into the value of the "Sober-care routine," sophisticated NA beverage market, and modern approach to living #intheclear.

We talk about Cait's journey to sobriety and how she came to the decision to ditch the booze for good as well as the creative life and what lies ahead for Cait in her sobriety journey. We also take a few questions from the audience at the end of the episode so stick around until the end.

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors Hiyo and Killjoy!! Follow along with the exciting things happening with both of them. @drinkhiyo and @killjoy_nash
Another giant thank you to Sara Ashcraft, Cait's partner/co-founder of Clearheaded.co, for running our tech and sound for this event! @sara_m_ashcraft

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!! Keep in touch @creativesobriety on IG and check out my new Substack at http://kristenbear.substack.com

Onward we go,

K

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 22: Amy Darling (@amyxdarlingx)

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hey, y'all! I'm so excited to bring you this conversation today with Amy Darling. Amy is 37 and lives in Nashville, TN. Her sober date is 9/15/20 but she has maintained her sobriety from hard drugs since 2018.
Amy is a rockstar through and through. She is a frontwoman of a rock band, a DJ, and has style and charisma for days.
I think her story is a beautiful example of the non-linear path of healing and self-discovery. Amy shares experiences from LA to London to Nashville with biting honesty and beautiful self-awareness.
She's such a testament to retaining that wild, artistic spirit in sobriety, and proof that you can be sober and still ROCK N' ROLL.
Follow her on social @amyxdarlingx to peep her killer vintage finds and stay up to date on her upcoming shows and DJ sets.
Enjoy!!

Love,
K

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 21: Andrea Howard (@andreahoward_tn)

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all! Welcome back, so happy to bring you an all new episode today with the lovely Andrea Howard.
Andrea's sober date is 1/1/23. She is 31 years young and a former NFL cheerleader who currently works as a model and actress based in Nashville, TN. Andrea and I actually have the same talent agent so we talk a lot about the industry and how sobriety is necessary to keep your competitive edge. She shares her journey to sobriety with us, acknowledging the role childhood trauma plays in our choices to numb and escape vulnerable emotions. Andrea's story is unique in the sense that she knew she wanted to quit drinking for a long time, but kept partaking in social scenarios despite no real desire to drink. This one may be for you if you're not necessarily a problem drinker but have a gut feeling that it may be time to eliminate substances completely to reach a higher level in life.
This conversation is so fun! We discuss everything from acting class to dating and I hope you find some inspiration from Andrea's story. I know I did!

ALSO!!! Spots are filling up for the Costa Rica trip in October, so please reach out if you're interested in booking or have any questions. As always, follow me on Instagram for more details and to stay connected to all things @CREATIVESOBRIETY
Love y'all!

-K

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 20: Jeremy Lister (@jeremyblister)

Fri, 05 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Hey, y'all! I'm so excited to introduce you to Jeremy Lister on episode 20 of the podcast! Jeremy is an incredibly talented artist and even better human being. Jeremy's sober date is 4/26/15. Jeremy shares his journey to sobriety with us and it's a beautiful reminder that no matter how dark things get, we are capable of changing our lives and accomplishing more than we ever dreamed of.

Jeremy walks us through finding success in the music industry, landing a spot on a popular reality tv singing competition, record deals and headlining tours-all while battling substance abuse that eventually snowballed into a life threatening situation.
Faced with the grim reality of where his drinking was leading, Jeremy made a choice to give sobriety everything he could.

Fast forward to today. Jeremy is running ultra marathons, owns a hot sauce company with his brothers, landed a songwriting deal with a top Nashville publishing house, and June 23rd you can catch him live at East Side Bowl in Nashville for a 10 year anniversary and vinyl release show for his album "The Bed You Made."

I hope his story inspires you the way it has me and so many others!

Follow Jeremy on socials @jeremyblister
and check out his DELICIOUS hot sauce @blisterhotsauce

Onward we go.

Love,
K

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 19: Olivia Burd (@moliviab)

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hey, ya'll! Excited to bring you a new episode this week with the lovely Olivia Burd. Olivia shares her journey to becoming alcohol-free with us and how her experiences with chronic pain and illness played a huge role in her decision. This conversation was so fascinating to me, we talk about everything from her family history of alcoholism and depression to epigenetics and the way collective trauma can be passed down from generation to generation. *(Trigger warning-THC/cannabis)

I hope you enjoy this conversation! Olivia is one of the beautiful souls who will be joining me for the retreat in Costa Rica this fall, so if you come you'll get to connect with her there too! We still have spots available and 6 spots left for the early bird discount! If you want to book your spot or find more information head to my Instagram page @creativesobriety

Love ya'll!
Onward we go.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 18: Stephanie Styll (@killjoy_nash) and Brandon Styll (@brandon_nrr)

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all!! Welcome back to the podcast I am so excited to be bringing you new episodes! This is a special one, I have not one, but two sober guests doing great work in Nashville who happen to also be brother and sister.

Today I'm speaking with Stephanie Styll who is the founder/owner of Killjoy, Nashville's first non-alcoholic bottle shop and all around badass sober woman. Her sobriety date is 10/3/20 and she talks about how her young son was one of the biggest catalysts for her choice to go alcohol free. She's passionate about bringing the NA beverage market to Nashville (something I'm personally SO grateful for!) and creating a community for those looking to reevaluate their relationship with booze.

Brandon Styll is an executive in the Nashville hospitality industry as well as the host of the podcast "Nashville Restaurant Radio." His sober date is 10/28/19 and Brandon shares his story with us with so much honesty and vulnerability. His decision came after a rock bottom moment led him to an AA meeting. He credits the 12 steps and the support of his family and community for his success in sobriety. Brandon also mentions a wonderful resource for sober professionals in the food and beverage industry called "Ben's Friends" follow them and find meetings @bensfriendshope

Their sober journeys are very different in so many ways, but the way these two support and encourage each other is so inspiring to me. I know you're going to love this conversation!

Follow Stephanie and her shop @killjoy_nash
Follow Brandon @brandon_nrr and his podcast @nashville_restaurant_radio

Thanks for listening and as always please follow and connect with me, Kristen! @creativesobriety

Onward we go.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

The Creative Sobriety Retreat in Costa Rica!!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Hey, y'all!! I wanted to let the podcast fam know that I am hosting a retreat in Costa Rica this fall!

OCT. 25-30th we will be visiting La Fortuna and Tamarindo! I've done the leg work to ensure we have a good mix of exploration and relaxation. Join me and other sober, curious, like-minded souls as we connect, support, and create memories!

I'm offering the presale link here exclusively for friends of the podcast! It launches for the public sale tomorrow morning (4/19) and there are only 20 spots! Check my Instagram highlights for more info, feel free to drop a DM!

Reach out with any questions, hope to see you there!

xo
Kristen

https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-kristen-bear-oct-2023?earlyBird=true

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 17: Catching up with Andi Marie! (@andimariere)

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Hey, ya'll! I'm so glad to be back! I have been so excited about getting back on the microphone and chatting it up again about all things sobriety.

As those who follow me on Instagram may know, I lost my mom late last year and took an extended break from the podcast. I appreciate all of your support and will be releasing an episode about my experiences with that at some point in the future.

For today, I've brought back one of my original guests, Andi Marie, who's become one of my most trusted friends. I thought it would be a great way to get back in the swing of things to just hop on the mic with her and record what is pretty much just a normal conversation between us! No intro, no outro, just two sober buds shooting the stuff. (We do use quite a bit of adult language, fair warning.)

We talk about everything from Joni Mitchell (our queen), to regrets we have about drinking days, to some of the addictive behaviors we worry we may still be carrying with us, to advice for anyone struggling to get sober or fighting a relapse. Come ponder, laugh, grieve, and cope with us!!

I'm so glad you're here. Onward we go.

Love,
K

@creativesobriety
@kristencaroljeane

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 16: Gabrielle Valdes (@gabriellevaldes)

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode we hear from Gabby who is a dating coach living in Chicago, IL with a sober date of 7/12/19. Gabby talks about her journey with alcohol and why she decided to quit drinking. She describes alcohol as something she used as a crutch in social situations and romantic relationships and tells us about the differences she's seen now that she no longer drinks. Kristen and Gabby discuss dating sober and sober sex as well as learning to socialize without alcohol in the beginning of sobriety. Connect with Gabby on IG @gabriellevaldes and visit her website and blog www.gabriellevaldes.com

Gabby mentions the following resources:
Nomo (app)
"This Naked Mind" (a book by Annie Grace)
Joe Rogan Experience (Episode featuring Mathew Walker)
Tempest (an online sobriety support group and information resource)

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 15: Kristen Bear (@creativesobriety)

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In the season 2 premiere we hear from the host of The Creative Sobriety Podcast, Kristen. Kristen is an actor and creative artist, living in Nashville, and her sober date is 2/26/20. After struggling with her mental health, self-esteem, and personal life Kristen decided to quit drinking for good. She used podcasts, quit-lit, and the online sober community to stay connected and find inspiration.
Kristen works in the fashion and entertainment industries and shares how "Creative Sobriety" became one of the biggest components of maintaining her own sobriety.
Connect with Kristen online @creativesobriety and @kristencaroljeane

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 14: Pete Heidorn (@pete_heibrid)

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Pete is 33 years young and lives in Minneapolis, MN. His sober date is 4/8/20.
Pete shares his sobriety journey with us as well as his creative passions and goals for the future.
Pete is a single dad who is proud to be writing the story his son will tell about him one day, a story of a man who picked himself up when things got hard and wasn't angry or bitter about it, but motivated to be better.
Pete's energy is contagious and he has a wonderful ability to articulate himself in a way that is relatable and inspiring to others.
Connect with Pete on instagram @pete_heibrid and visit his website www.peteheidorn.com

Pete's favorite Audiobooks

"The Obstacle Is The Way" Ryan Holiday
"Can't Hurt Me" David Goggins
"The Four Agreements" Don Miguel Ruiz
"Atomic Habits" James Clear
"Anything" Malcolm Gladwell

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 13: Abigail Olin (@abigailolin)

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

TW: sober-curious

Abigail is 30 years old and lives in Nashville, TN. She talks about her journey with alcohol and how she's slowly coming to the realization that alcohol doesn't have a place in her life. After a terrible hangover around the end of 2020 and recognizing that alcohol was holding her back from fully pursuing her dreams as a songwriter and model, Abigail decided to cut alcohol out of her life while still leaving room for the option in the future. She experimented with having a few sips of wine on occasion and didn't see the need or like the way it made her feel.
Kristen and Abi discuss the need for conversations surrounding a sober-curious lifestyle and how for some people the term "sober" isn't helpful when removing a substance from your life. Abigail shares with us the huge difference cutting out booze has had on her creativity and overall happiness in life. She encourages others to examine why they are drinking and to question if you're drinking for the wrong reasons.
There is room in the recovery community for shades of gray and no one size fits all when it comes to getting sober.
Connect with Abi and check out her work as a singer/songwriter and model on Instagram @abigailolin

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 12: Jessica Martinez (@sobergirlatx)

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Jess is 31 years old and lives in Austin, TX. Her sober date is 7/2/18. Jessica shares with us how the overwhelming grief she felt after losing her mother fueled her over-drinking. As a super sensitive person, Jess says the weight of it all was too much and she didn't want to deal with the emotions so drinking was a coping mechanism. After two DWI'S her sister stepped in and made Jess promise to turn her life around and quit drinking so her mom could rest in peace, knowing she was safe.
Jess never looked back. Not only is she thriving in a new city working as a successful hair stylist, she also hosts sober socials in Austin. She is such a bright and positive woman and now uses what she's learned to support others both online and in her community.
Connect with Jess on Instagram @sobergirlatx for sobriety support and @rosestudiosalon for hair services in ATX.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 11: Tiana Marie (@_themmefatale)

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

TW: marijuana use/harm reduction
Tiana is 31 years old and lives in Los Angeles, CA. Their sober date is 12/13/20.
Tiana is open about their decision to keep weed in their life as an effective form of harm reduction from alcohol and cocaine. Kristen and Tiana discuss harm reduction and how remaining nonjudgmental of others' recovery journey helps save lives.
Tiana was born with Tuberous Sclerosis and describes how they struggled with insecurity and self-esteem as a teenager, wishing they could change how they looked, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
After a few attempts, Tiana quit drinking for good and now hopes to inspire others to find their own unique path to health and confidence.
Tiana is an all-around creative, using their platform to push for representation for all in the modeling and fashion world. They describe the difference going alcohol free has made in their life and give advice to others wishing to ditch the booze.
Connect with Tiana on IG @_themmefatale and on TikTok @_themme.fatale

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 10: Missing Mei (@thecreativesober)

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Missing Mei is a DJ, writer, podcaster, and sober creative originally from Hawaii and now based near Seattle, WA. Mei's sober date is July 1, 2019.
Mei talks to us about two stints in sobriety, the first being 5 years long and how this time is different because now they trust the universe and listen to their intuition.
Mei is an overall creative person with interests across the board in writing, music, podcasting and more. They are open and candid about the ups and downs of their drinking and sobriety stories and hope to inspire others to reach out for support and learn to trust their own inner guides as to what path is right for them.
Connect with Mei on Instagram @thecreativesober and find The Creative Sober Podcast on all major platforms.

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 9: PEP TALK

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Hey y'all! I've taken some of the most useful, 1-3 minute clips from my guests over the past month and compiled the first of what I'm calling "Pep Talks."
These are relatively short episodes that you can listen to on your way to the grocery store, to pick up your kids from school, or while you're making your coffee in the morning!
Think of it as a quick pick me up!!
I think there's a little something for everyone and you might just hear something that changes your whole perspective, or keeps you from picking up today. Enjoy!
Please message me, Kristen, @creativesobriety on Instagram if you ever have a question!!
Love you guys,

Onward we go

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 8: Mike M (@faithfullysober)

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Mike is 36 years old and lives in Ft Worth, TX. His sober date is 9/20/20. Mike shares that his personal struggle with alcohol almost cost him everything.
His marriage was failing, his health was deteriorating, and he had almost given up on life altogether before he finally entered rehab for the second time. This time it stuck.
Mike talks about getting sober and the root causes he believes were fueling his addiction. Childhood trauma, fear of vulnerability, and difficult family relationships were all part of Mike's journey.
In recovery, Mike found God, opened his heart to healing, renewed his marriage and now pays it forward. Mike is proud to be vocal and honest in the sober community and now finds much of his motivation comes from helping others.
Follow and connect with Mike M on Instagram @faithfullysober

Stay up to date with all upcoming events and offerings www.creativesobriety.co

Episode 7: Manny Minnie (@manny_minnie)

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Manny is an artist who lives in Temecula, CA and his sober date is 6/13/20. Manny shares his story of addiction and how it was impacted by body dysmorphia and low self-worth. After a difficult medical diagnosis and subsequent deteriorating health, Manny received an ultimatum from his family, "Get help or we're done, because we can't watch you kill yourself." This shook Manny and gave him the strength to face his demons and find help.
Manny talks about how multiple AA meetings a day and painting saved his life. Manny shares his journey to spirituality and how he used to feel like he was living for darkness but now lives for God, and to serve others. His story is remarkable and inspiring. Please connect with Manny on Facebook (Manny Minnie) and Instagram @manny_minnie his DM's are always open to anyone who needs an ear. Check out his art as well!

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Episode 6: Andi Marie (@andimariere)

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Andi is 30 years old and lives in Nashville, TN. She is a singer/songwriter and commercial actor originally from the mountains of East Tennessee.
Andi is just over a year sober and shares her story from some starts and stops in sobriety to finally making it stick. For Andi, pride was one of the obstacles she had to overcome in order to get sober. She recalls some events that should have been wake up calls (in her eyes) but actually sent her deeper into over drinking. After an intervention from her husband and family Andi went home to her parents house to detox. Six months into her first attempt at sobriety she had a relapse but acknowledges it was all part of the process for her.
As an artist Andi has become much more productive and now loves writing early in the morning, creating visual art to accompany her music, and is releasing a full album in the fall of 2021. Andi highly recommends the book "Alcohol Explained" by William Porter for those trying to get sober or deepen their understanding of alcohol's affect on the brain.
Connect with Andi online and check out her work! @andimariere on IG

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Episode 5: Katie McNicol (@thissobergirl)

Fri, 28 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Katie is a blogger, vlogger, teacher, and retired party girl from Manchester, UK. She is 26 years old and has a sober date of 11/13/19. Kristen and Katie discuss the correlation between alcohol and mental health and why Katie decided to get sober after living the ultimate party lifestyle at university in Newcastle.
Katie says that sobriety has given her the opportunity to rediscover herself and feels like she is living an "HD" life now. She is committed to making herself feel good and sharing what works for her to inspire others.
Connect with Katie McNicol on YouTube and on IG @thissobergirl
ENJOY!

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Episode 4: Christine Wayne (@onthemocks)

Fri, 21 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kristen talks to Christine Wayne of @onthemocks. Christine has just over 2 years of sobriety with a sober date of May 6th, 2019. Christine shares her recovery story and journey to self-love after 40 years of trying desperately to "fit in." Kristen and Christine delve into the NA drink world and their mutual love of Heineken Zero. Christine has a passion for crafting mocktails, standing firm in her choice to remain fun in her alcohol-free life, and sharing proudly to inspire others on their own journeys.
Connect with Christine on Facebook and Instagram @onthemocks and @misschristinewayne
https://www.facebook.com/groups/onthemocks/

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Episode 3: Elena (@poshxxgod)

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kristen talks to Elena who lives in Atlanta, GA. Elena's sober date is April 8th, 2020. Elena discusses how covid was her breaking point and she decided to get sober after a two-week binge in lockdown. They discuss the restaurant industry's role in overdrinking and choosing to get sober without AA. Elena has found her creativity in sobriety and discusses wanting to try new things such as writing a book, podcasting, fashion blogging, and comedy. Follow Elena's journey on Instagram @poshxxgod

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Episode 2: Matt Pink (@better_life_guy)

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kristen talks with Matt Pink whose sober date is April 21, 2020. Matt shares his story of finding sobriety after a tragic loss sent him to rock bottom. Kristen and Matt discuss the drinking culture in the UK, the benefits of an alcohol-free life, and dating in sobriety. Matt has made it his mission to share positivity and encouragement with others seeking to live a sober lifestyle. Follow his journey on Instagram @better_life_guy

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Episode 1: Mary Broome (@thisisevelynrose)

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kristen speaks with her friend, Mary Broome. Mary's sober date is May 6, 2020. She is an artist and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She describes how her drinking started off "normally" in college but progressed into "something else." Now, sober, Mary feels like she has gotten her power back. Mary discusses her journey to sobriety and how her creativity has blossomed in her new alcohol-free life. Connect with Mary on Instagram at @thisisevelynrose and @mabroome
www.thisisevelynrose.com

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