In this powerful episode of Sober as Fck*, Ryan and Jess sit down with Michelle to unpack her raw, unfiltered journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. Michelle shares how early exposure to substance use, unresolved trauma, and environmental influences shaped her addiction—and what finally led her to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Michelle opens up about hitting rock bottom, entering recovery, and learning how honesty, community support, and personal accountability became the foundation of her sobriety. She speaks candidly about the realities of parenting in recovery, rebuilding a sense of self, and navigating life without numbing or escaping. Along the way, she highlights the power of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and using humor as a tool for resilience rather than avoidance.

This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, sobriety is an ongoing journey, and healing requires both support and self-awareness. Michelle’s story will resonate deeply with anyone impacted by addiction, childhood trauma, or mental health struggles—and with anyone searching for hope, connection, and a way forward.

• Sobriety and addiction recovery

• Childhood trauma and its long-term impact

• Substance abuse and early exposure

• Hitting rock bottom and choosing recovery

• Community support and accountability

• Mental health and personal growth

• Parenting while in recovery

• Gratitude, resilience, and humor in healing

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“I get to go to work today.”
“I’m an addict in everything I do.”

00:00 – Introduction and meeting Michelle
03:47 – Childhood trauma and early life experiences
10:33 – Substance use and environmental influence
19:21 – Hitting rock bottom and entering recovery
37:24 – Finding hope and community in sobriety
54:34 – Rebuilding work, relationships, and self-worth
01:01:00 – Gratitude and perspective in recovery
01:15:19 – Humor as a healing tool

Key Topics CoveredMemorable QuotesEpisode Chapters

Episode Description

Season Three begins with reflection, intention, and momentum. In this episode of Sober As Fck*, Ryan and Jess celebrate the launch of their third season by looking back on their sobriety journey, sober holiday traditions, and the personal growth that comes from choosing intention over autopilot.

They reflect on their first sober holiday season, including meaningful travels to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, where connection, community, and curiosity shaped the experience. From meeting fellow sober individuals to bonding with strangers over shared recovery stories, the trip reinforced the unexpected depth that comes from living openly and authentically.

Ryan and Jess share how they rang in the New Year with a quiet, fulfilling night in, highlighting how sobriety has shifted their perspective on celebration, presence, and rest. They discuss the difference between resolutions and intentions, with Ryan choosing “growth” as his word for the year and Jess reflecting on the lasting impact of balance, listening, and restraint in relationships.

The conversation also explores the importance of listening without fixing, honoring personal rhythms, and allowing growth to include rest—not just constant motion. Along the way, they touch on Salem’s history, symbolism, and their tradition of collecting memories through mugs, hats, and tattoos as markers of shared experiences and transformation.

This episode sets the tone for Season Three—grounded, honest, and deeply human. Sobriety here isn’t framed as restriction, but as expansion: deeper connection, clearer communication, and the freedom to create a life that actually fits.

Keywords: sobriety, sober podcast, sober living, recovery conversations, sobriety community, personal growth, intentional living, New Year intentions, healthy relationships, listening skills, sober holidays, sober travel, Boston sober community, Salem Massachusetts, alcohol-free lifestyle, wellness podcast, mindset growth, recovery journey

This episode closes out Season 2 of Sober as Fck* and marks the end of 2025 with a curated compilation of the most impactful moments from every Season 2 episode.

This recap brings together honest conversations centered on sobriety, mental health, recovery, relationships, identity, boundaries, fitness, and personal growth. These moments reflect the vulnerability, truth, and real-life experiences that defined Season 2.

In this episode:
• Highlights from every Season 2 guest
• Conversations about sobriety and mental health
• Lessons learned, patterns broken, and growth achieved
• The importance of community, connection, and accountability
• A reflection on the themes that shaped Season 2 and 2025

We extend our sincere thanks to every guest who trusted us with their story and every listener who supported Season 2 by listening, sharing, and showing up. Your support is the reason this podcast continues.

Season 2 was about progress over perfection, choosing honesty, and doing the work. We are grateful to everyone who made this season meaningful.