Decidedly Dry - Sobriety, Alcohol-Free Living, Quit Drinking, Sober Curious

Well hello my sweet listeners and welcome to Decidedly Dry! This is your pal Jess and with ALL the feels - this is the last episode of the show.Today, I’ll walk ya through why I made this tough decision, all the things I’m incredibly grateful for and celebrating, and what’s next.First, in true Decidedly Dry fashion - let’s focus on the good. This podcast was created months after my very favorite podcast, Recovery Happy Hour shared her final episode. I remember heading out for a run one day, I was about a year and half into my sobriety at the time, I put my headphones in, pushed play, and started pounding away on the pavement. This was a ritual of mine. Plugging in and listening to others share their sober stories was extremely helpful for me. I was about a minute into the episode and I heard the words, “This will be the final episode of Recovery Happy Hour”. I’m not kidding you guys… tears began streaming down my cheeks! How could my favorite show be ending?! How could this be?! Now being in a similar place as a podcast host, I completely get it, but at the time I was heartbroken. Towards the end of the episode, Tricia said something on the lines of, “We need more recovery podcasts. If you’ve been thinking about starting one - do it!”And that my friend, is where the seed was planted.I quickly researched what it took to start a podcast, reached out to some resources, and the show was published in January of 2022. Yes, that means we celebrated our 2 year milestone this month. Since hitting that record button for the first time, we’ve published 85 episodes, became a top 1.5% globally ranked show, and most importantly, brought incredible individuals behind the microphone to share their sober stories. We ranked every single week on Apple Podcast’s charts and were downloaded not only in the US, but in Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland, and more. I dabbled in coaching, met amazing individuals, and if I’m being completely honest, hosting this here show has played a pivotal role in my own sober journey. It kept me alcohol-free and motivated me to continue serving YOU.Last December I celebrated 4 years of living alcohol-free. Was it a cake walk? Absolutely not. Has it be worth it? Absolutely yes. And if I’m being real with you, which is exactly what I’ve always promised to do, I’m getting to a point where I’m not feeling like I need to talk about sobriety as much. My friend Michelle, you know here as Recovery is the New Black, reassured me that this is so common and something she see’s all the time in the sober space. Individuals catch their stride, sobriety becomes part of who they are, and they get to the point where they not only want to talk about other things, but are ready to begin new exciting chapters.And friend, that’s exactly where I’m at. I’ve spent the past four years serving the sober community and I’ll tell you what - I don’t regret it for a single moment. But the time has come for me to pass the mic and hopefully inspire someone else to start recording and serving this space, just as I did.It’s funny, I was talking with my sister yesterday and told her I was going to be recording my last episode this week and she laughed. A very supportive laugh I might add, but she said to me, “Jess, you are so funny. You have this tendency of always trying new things, doing really, really, REALLY well. Then it’s like you’re at the top and you’re like, whelp - think I’m done here.” I laughed out loud and agreed with here 1000% percent. She completely gets me.After thinking about what she said, I laughed again and thought to myself maybe that’s why I like hiking so much?! Hear me out. I study what I need before I go, check out what hikers have said about the trail conditions recently, I arrive, typically work really hard on the way up, pausing from time to time to enjoy my surroundings, and then I hit the top. I come to a full stop and take in the beautiful view, am grateful for all the work I put in, and soak up all that I can see from the peak. Then I cruise down and start planning my next adventure.Speaking of my next adventure, you might be wondering what’s next for me? Friend, I’m not sure. And that’s a really exciting feeling.For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the girl whose friends consistently say, “I don’t know how you do it all, Jess!” I’ve spent a very long time taking on all the things and lately, I’ve had this beautiful shift in my mind (and life) to do less. To say “no” more, seek balance, rest, take care of myself even more, and prioritize family over everything. In fact, those are words I say to my family often: “Family comes first always.” And while deciding to be alcohol-free definitely makes me present, it also frequently encourages me to always level up and find other areas in my life where I can do better and BE better. So it’s time to unplug the mic, close the laptop, and savor these moments with my family.I think it’s also important to mention that the episodes will live on! So if you’re new around here, I definitely encourage you to go back and listen to the library of episodes that are available. If you’ve been tuning in for a while, perhaps consider revisiting past episodes. Sometimes depending on your mood, where you’re at in your sobriety, or even where you’re at in life - things might sound or hit differently the second time you hear it. Just sayin’.Before I sign off, I just want to say thank you again. You all mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support.Alright loves - this is it. Thank you for pushing play, for focusing on the good with me, and lastly, if you are working on your own sober journey and struggling - just focus on today, talk to a friend, and jump into the sober community with both feet. Today is a perfect day to start your alcohol-free journey.Love to you all. Good night! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Hiya friends and welcome to Episode #87! This 2-part episode not only marks the last episode of 2023, but also wraps up our current season. Decidedly Dry will be taking a break as we line up our amazing content for the New Year. As we sign off for the year, I want to make sure that I just take a moment to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being here, for listening, and supporting me. It warms my heart to know these conversations are reaching people and just so you know, every time you push play - well my friend, that motivates me to keep hitting record. So thank you. Before I get to today’s amazing conversation, I’d like to remind you that while we may be taking a break here on the show, I’ll be present and active over on Substack. What is Substack? Great question! Substack is a website/platform where I publish my newsletters, my journal prompts, podcasts, and writing. It’s where you can find a library of past episodes, posts and more tools. Most importantly, it’s where I’ll be running my Digging Deeper with Decidedly Dry January Challenge! We’ll be focusing on staying alcohol-free all of January and (for those interested) adding in a movement and faith piece as well. All is completely optional. You can find all the info at decidedlydry.substack.com and linked in the show notes below. Okay loves, lets get to todays episode! Today I am chatting with my new BFF, Rebecca Dollard.Rebecca Dollard is the momma, CEO, and coach behind The Motherhood Mentor and The Nourished CEO. She lives in Colorado with her hubs of 13yrs and their 2 kiddos. Becca is a somatic mind-body coach who works with leaders in healing spaces to lead and heal themselves. She specializes in somatic healing, somatic parts work, enneagram, emotional leadership and boundaries.I hope this episode blesses you! Ways to Connect with Becca:Website: https://www.the-motherhood-mentor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherhoodmentor/Masterclass: https://themotherhoodmentor.myflodesk.com/boundariesmasterclassRecommended Enneagram Quiz: https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/Recommended Enneagram Book for Beginners: The Road Back to You by Ian Crohn Recommended Enneagram Book for those wanting to getting into the deep spiritual medicine of enneagram: From Fixation to Freedom The Enneagram of Liberation Book a FREE Enneagram Exploration Call w/Becca: https://themotherhoodmentor.hbportal.co/schedule/658063d4a32a0800324d52baInterested in spending January growing in your alcohol-free journey, in movement, and in your faith? Join me! More details will be shared soon with those who are Decidedly Dry Substack Paid Subscribers. Click this link below to make sure you’re on my list and have upgraded to the paid subscription:https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Welcome to Episode #85 my dear friends! Today I’m chatting with Paige Zapata. Paige has been alcohol-free since September of 2021. She was born and raised in Texas, is the mother of two young-adult daughters, has had a career in banking for nearly 28 years and her hobbies include reading, watching movies, and honestly, she just loves being a homebody. Today she’s sharing her sober story and explains how there’s kind of 2 parts to her story: the attempts at cutting back; and then actually quitting for good. Oof, man do I feel that! I totally remember thinking I could simply moderate instead of quitting all together. I could totally be a “normal drinker”. Turns out it was more exhausting and utterly impossible to moderate. It’s like that saying, “If you can’t just have one, have none.” Alright everyone, enjoy another sober story here on Decidedly Dry. I give you… Paige.Ways to Connect with Paige and Links Mentioned During our Chat:Email Paige: allisonpaige76@att.netSober Powered Podcast with Gillian TietzThe Sober Diaries by Claire PooleySober Squeeze CommunityInterested in spending January growing in your alcohol-free journey, in movement, and in your faith? Join me! More details will be shared soon with those who are Decidedly Dry Substack Subscribers. Click this link below to make sure you’re on my list:https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #83: Today I have the wonderful and amazing Ali Shapiro on the show. Ali is the host of the top-ranked podcast, Insatiable, she’s a holistic nutritionist, integrated health coach, and a rebel with a serious cause. She’s academically, practically, and empathetically aware of how the medical system, diet culture, and body positivity movements all have their own flavor of crazy. Ali developed TRUCE while in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where she drew from her 17+ years of working with real life clients and her own personal healing journey from emotional eating and having cancer as a teenager. Ali’s work and clients’ unique success has been featured in well + Good, mindbodygreen, Prevention, Women’s Health and Forbes, as well as industry leading podcasts Being Boss, Tell Me Something True, and Food Heaven.Ali and I had actually never met prior to our interview - and Holy Toledo (!!!), did we hit it off. Our conversation is real, it’s raw, and it’s being delivered to your beautiful ears in just the right time. Can’t wait for you to enjoy this special chat and I sure hope this episode blesses you. 💙Ways to Connect with Ali:* Website: https://alishapiro.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimshapiro/* Truce with Food: The Group Experience: https://alishapiro.com/truce-with-food-the-group-experience/* Breakfast Experiment: https://alishapiro.com/breakfast-experiment/If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our Substack page:https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #81: Today I am chatting with my incredibly inspiring, beautiful friend, Jenn Kautsch. Jenn is the founder and creator of the SoberSis community and leader in the Sober Curious movement. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her hubby of 28 years and has 2 adult children in their 20's. SoberSis was born Christmas Day of 2017 and since then more than 200K women have downloaded her free Happy Hour Survival Guide and over 30K have participated in the 21 Day Reset Challenge. Those numbers are growing every month as she works hard to get the message out to more women! She is a motivational speaker and author of Look Alive, Sis.Fun fact, Jenn’s 21 Day Reset Challenge is the reset challenge I joined when I first became sober curious. It’s where I planted my roots, discovered the amazing benefits of being alcohol-free, and met countless, amazing women who were on a similar journey as I was. Shout out to my 2019 OG’s!!!It was an absolute blast to have Jenn back on the show and I have a feeling you are going to simply love our chat.I hope this episode blesses you. 💙Ways to Connect with Jenn:* Sober Sis Home Page - www.sobersis.com* ​ Survive the 5 Free Guide - www.sobersis.com/free-guide* ​ 21 Day Reset Challenge - www.sobersis.com/21daychallenge* ​ Follow On Facebook - www.facebook.com/sobermindedsister/* ​ Follow On IG @sobersis - www.instagram.com/sobersis* ​ ​Sober Sis 2024 Retreat - www.sobersis.com/retreat* ​ Look Alive, Sis! by Jenn Kautsch (book) - www.lookalivesis.com* ​ Look Alive, Sis! 7 Days to Awaken Your Sober Mind - YouVersion Bible PlanIf you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #79: Welcome back to the show my sweet friends, the show where I hopefully encourage you to take a look at your relationship with alcohol, stop drinking so much, or even explore going alcohol-free as a busy mom. Just as a reminder- I know how hard the struggle is, I too have walked this out, I too thought that I couldn’t have fun without alcohol, that I needed it to lessen my anxiety, that everyone else was drinking, so why shouldn’t I? But you guys, I discovered that my life without it is actually SO much more fruitful and so much more freeing. Speaking of being on a transformative journey, today I would love to dive into where I’m at on another journey; exploring my faith in sobriety.For those of you listening that are asking, “Jess… what the heck does sobriety have to do with you exploring your faith?” Friend, it has everything to do with my faith journey. Everything. If I had not retired that wine glass, I would not be the person I am today. I wouldn’t be as brave as I am now, as clear-minded or as empowered. I wouldn’t have the guts to even say the word ‘God’, let alone have a conversation about Him, especially here on this podcast. I wouldn’t have the time or dedication to sit in my feelings, ask hard questions, and have the awareness that maybe, just maybe, it hasn’t been the “universe” all along. Nope, it’s been God. In fact, if you would’ve told me five years ago I would be alcohol-free, be reading the Bible for the first time, and actively learning how to strengthen my relationship with God and develop deep roots of faith?! I would have called you CRAZY and poured another glass of wine.The point here is I am a different person than I was back then. I’m becoming a version of myself that quite frankly I don’t always recognize, but happens to be the best version I’ve ever met. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll say it again, it feels good to feel good. And I don’t know about you, but when I feel good, I want others to feel good too.So for today, I’d love to share 5 practical tips that will help sober women like yourself actively grow in your faith.Before I share them with you I want to make sure I say how cool it is that you’re listening to this today and are curious about God. Just like with sobriety, this curiosity about faith can be intimidating, overwhelming, and it can feel like you’re doing it wrong. I may not have even close to some of the right answers or words to share with you today, but I believe the one thing to remember is that your faith is yours. It can be whatever you want it to be. Just like with sobriety, it’s not a one-size-fits all. Keep that in mind. Enjoy this episode!As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #77: Hello my dear sweet listener and welcome back to the show! If I haven’t mentioned it lately, I sure do appreciate you pushing play and I’m so happy you’re here. Today’s episode is not a guest episode, therefore you’re so incredibly lucky - you’re stuck with silly ‘ol me! But have no fear, we’re still digging deep on a topic that has been on my mind all week and I’d love to bring here to the show. Today we’re going to chat about dealing with cravings after long-term sobriety and I’m going to walk us, that’s right I said us, through a 1-minute trick to stop that alcohol craving and be the boss of our own bodies. Sound good? Good.As always, if you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry head to my Substack here:https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and/or perhaps telling your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #75: Holy Toledo my friends, we have reached the 75th episode of Decidedly Dry! Can you believe it?! What a fun milestone I have the pleasure of celebrating with YOU! Today I am chatting with Emily McDermott. Emily is a wife, mother of two energetic boys, and a simplicity seeker. She is also the host of the top 1.5% globally ranked podcast, Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Emily enjoys writing poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar. I hope this episode blesses you. 💙Ways to Connect with Emily:Website: Simple by EmmyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelmEmail: info@simplebyemmy.comListen to the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast.Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #73: Hiya Friends and Welcome Back! In this week’s episode, I have my very first ever repeat guest! Heather Lowe is the Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company dedicated to helping professionals move away from alcohol and towards their highest selves. Heather is a Certified Professional Life and Recovery Coach, Certified Addiction Awareness Facilitator, and the Director of Marketing Consumer Products for the International Center of Addiction Recovery Education (ICARE). She’s an amazing, inspiring individual and I asked her to come on back to the show to talk about PURPOSE. I hope this episode blesses you. 💙Ways to Connect with Heather:Website: https://www.ditchedthedrink.comListen to Heather’s Sober Story on Decidedly Dry here: Episode 16: Ditched the Drink | Heather Lowe (Released May 3, 2022)If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #71: In today’s episode, we’ll be chatting about that dirty, dirty dog - SUGAR. I get a ton of questions about sugar. Many women write in asking, “Oh my gosh, Jess! You gotta tell me, do the sugar cravings ever stop?!” And man, I feel that to my core, pal. I’ve been there and I’d love to share what I’ve learned over the years.Truth is, alcohol has tons of sugar in it and when we take it away from our body, our bodies really miss it. So today we’re gonna touch on this hot topic, come up with some ways to battle this craving, and set ourself up for success, especially as we quickly approach Fall and our tendency to over-indulge over the holidays.I hope this episode blesses you. 💙If you’d like to stay in contact with Decidedly Dry, head over to our new Substack page: https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Episode #69: Today I’m chatting with fellow sober podcaster, Courtney Andersen. Courtney is a sober life coach, podcast host, and author. She is the founder of Sober Vibes and National Sober Day. She helps high-achieving women quit drinking alcohol and thrive in sobriety.Ways to connect with Courtney:Website: https://www.courtneyrecovered.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes TickTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@sobervibesofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sobervibes Podcast: https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/podcast Pre-order Book: https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order Free 30-day sober, not boring calendar: https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/opt-inTo stay connected with Decidedly Dry: https://decidedlydry.substack.comIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell your friends about Decidedly Dry. Thanks so much in advance!!Don't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Well hiya friends! Welcome back to Decidedly Dry, where we talk about all things sobriety, with a little dash of motherhood, wellness, and so much more! If you're looking for a recovery podcast that focuses on the GOOD, shares inspiring stories from real women, and leaves you feeling excited about embracing a sober lifestyle, well then… you are absolutely in the right place. I’m your host Jess and thank you for pushing play today. In today's episode, I'm going to give you 5 tips on how and when to talk to your kids about alcohol. Remember, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional, but I am a mom who has had some great chats with her children about this topic and I thought it might be a great one to bring here on the show. Along with my personal experience, I've done a little bit of research for this episode and I'm thrilled to share it with you! So listen with an open mind, take what ya want, leave what you don't. Sound fair? Great! Feel free to jot down the tips I share or you can always visit the blog and view them there. Support the showDon't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!Next Steps: Visit the Blog: www.decidedlydry.comSupport the Show: DonateContact: decidedlydry@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com

Hi guys and welcome back to Decidedly Dry, where we talk about all things sobriety, with a little dash of motherhood, wellness, and so much more! If you're looking for a recovery podcast that focuses on the GOOD, shares inspiring stories from real women, and leaves you feeling excited about embracing a sober lifestyle, well then… you are absolutely in the right place. I’m your host Jess and thank you for pushing play today. In today's episode, I'm going to give you 5 tips on how to not only survive a summer sober, but also how to actually have a good time while doing it! Feel free to jot down the tips I share or you can always visit the blog and view them there. I know that summer can bombard us sober-minded people with countless events centered around alcohol, but trust me sweet friend, we CAN stay strong in our alcohol-free journey and will most definitely never regret a day of NOT drinking. I hope this episode blesses you!Links to other episodes mentioned in today's chat: Episode #43 3 Tips on How to Have Fun and Stay Sober over the HolidaysEpisode #59 Worried You Won't Find a Sober Community?Support the showDon't forget: if the only thing you did today was stay sober, you are winning!Next Steps: Visit the Blog: www.decidedlydry.comSupport the Show: DonateContact: decidedlydry@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decidedlydry.substack.com