Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Ashton to talk about sobriety, party culture, and what happens when alcohol becomes tied to identity, confidence, and belonging.

Ashton shares how growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa normalized drinking as a “rite of passage,” and how a chaotic childhood shaped his ability to adapt—but also made real attachment and emotional safety difficult. He opens up about using alcohol and cocaine to socialize, manage anxiety, and feel confident—until the consequences caught up.

This conversation goes deep into shame, anger, trauma, public backlash, mental health, and the moment Ashton realized alcohol wasn’t the real problem—it was the tool he used to avoid what needed healing. He also explains the recovery shift that made sobriety stick: rebuilding discipline, changing environments, and addressing the physiology of recovery (dopamine, nervous system regulation, gut health, blood sugar, genetics, brain fog).

If you’re sober curious, trying to stop drinking, stuck in “weekend-only” drinking, or rebuilding after regret—this episode is a real blueprint for growth.

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Links:

Ashton on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonpienaar/

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In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Tanya to talk about what it really looks like to get sober and stay sober when your journey isn’t linear.

 

Tanya shares how she grew up with a stable home and little exposure to alcohol—but still struggled with insecurity, belonging, and wanting to feel “cool,” which made alcohol feel like the solution. What started as binge drinking and partying progressed into DUIs, escalating consequences, and the painful truth many people discover: once the addiction wiring is there, moderation feels like torture.

This conversation goes deep into relapse, grief, identity, relationships, resentment, and recovery—plus the power of community, AA, faith, service work, and learning to build self-worth from the inside out. Tanya also shares how she stayed sober through devastating loss and what helped her reach one year sober.

If you’re sober curious, trying to quit drinking, rebuilding after relapse, or looking for real tools to protect your sobriety long-term, this episode will hit home.

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Gray Area Drinking, Binge Drinking, Alcoholism, Alcohol Use Disorder or Problem Drinking? How Do You Know When Alcohol Is the Issue.

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Shaz to share a raw and honest story of alcohol's role, blackouts, secret drinking, and pandemic-era daily drinking. This conversation is for anyone who doesn’t see themselves as fitting with a label, but still feels uneasy about their relationship with alcohol.

Shaz walks through how alcohol shifted from social use to binge drinking, how gray area drinking quietly escalated, and how secrecy, rationalization, and comparison kept him stuck for years. You’ll hear why waiting for a diagnosis or label delayed real change—and how sobriety, connection, and community support became the turning point.

If you’re sober curious, questioning your drinking, or wondering whether life would feel better without alcohol, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a path forward—without shame or judgment.

Contact Shaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shazman07/

In the final episode of 2025, Brad sits down with Brian, who share's a raw and honest sobriety story that spans decades.

Brian opens up about growing up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by alcoholism, violence, and instability — and how hockey became his escape. As a teenager, alcohol quickly became more than “weekend fun,” turning into blackout drinking, fights, arrests, and a dangerous spiral that ended in a moment that forced everything to change.

Brian shares what finally made him ask for help, why leaving his environment was a key part of getting sober, and what it took to rebuild identity, friendships, and confidence without alcohol. Brian’s last drink was December 28th, 1991 — and today he reflects on 34 years sober, life in Germany, and the mindset that helped him protect his recovery for the long haul.

In this episode, we cover:

•Childhood trauma, absent father, and growing up around addiction

•Hockey as an outlet for anger, pain, and survival

•Early drinking, escalation, blackouts, and legal consequences

•The turning point that forced Brian to choose recovery

•Treatment, relocating, and why “new environment” mattered

•Rebuilding identity without alcohol (social life, confidence, dating)

•Long-term sobriety tools: honesty, boundaries, and an exit plan

•What 34 years sober has taught Brian about freedom and control

 

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Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbrianpiper/

In this powerful episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad sits down with Jess, who shares her raw and honest sobriety story. Jess opens up about childhood trauma, sexual assault, military service in the Air Force, prescription drug addiction, Ambien misuse, alcohol dependence, and the moment that nearly ended her life.

Jess also shares what it took to rebuild from the ground up — treatment, sober living, a complete life reset, and the mindset shift that helped her move from victim to survivor. Today, Jess is approaching 9 years sober and is finishing her PhD in psychology with a focus on addiction and recovery.

This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction can hide in plain sight — and that long-term recovery is possible, even after unimaginable pain.

Jess On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessosborn0824/