In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, host Michal Charles speaks with author and recovery advocate Austin Rampt about his incredible journey through addiction to sobriety. Austin shares about his personal life, beginning with childhood tics and anxiety following his family's move to Japan, through his rapid descent into drug addiction starting very young, multiple rehab programs, and a 22-month period living in Mexico where he reached what he believed would be his final point of no return. He describes his struggles with relapse after significant stints of sobriety, including a severe overdose that led to stage 4 renal failure, and his eventual return to 12-step recovery where he found lasting sobriety. Austin emphasizes that while knowledge about addiction is important, true recovery requires daily spiritual maintenance and connection with others who understand the experience. This is one sober journey you’re not going to want to miss!

Austin Rampt spent over a decade fighting an addiction he couldn't name, couldn't control, and couldn't shake: no matter how many times he tried. Eight rehab programs. Multiple stints in jail. Time living with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. At the lowest point, he was barely surviving, not living. Today he's the opposite of that person. He is an Entrepreneur, Father of 5 kids and Author. Currently residing in Orlando, FL His time is focused in 12-step recovery, Service, Growth and Family. His memoir One Last Hit is his way of saying: if I made it through that, you can make it through this.

Book: One Last Hit

Website: https://onelasthitbook.com/

Podcast (YouTube): One Last Hit Podcast

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

In this episode of Sobertown Podcast host Michal Charles interviews Sarah Rusbatch, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and award-winning Health and Well-being Coach. Sarah shares her personal journey with grey area drinking, explaining that it describes individuals who use alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than those with physical dependence. She details how her drinking progressed from childhood through career success in London's recruitment industry, fertility struggles, motherhood in Australia, and her pathway to permanent sobriety in 2019. The conversation explores how alcohol affects women differently than men due to biological factors and reduced alcohol metabolism, with Sarah explaining that women are more susceptible to alcohol-related health issues including breast cancer and liver disease. Michal shares her own experience with kindling syndrome from binge drinking, and Sarah outlines five pillars for maintaining an alcohol-free life. You don't want to miss this information-packed episode! Sarah Rusbatch is a multi award winning accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, Menopause Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker and host of a community of over 25,000 women. She has been featured in publications such as ABC News, Mama Mia, Body & Soul, Women’s Health, The Sunday Times and is a regular media commentator. Sarah has appeared on over 200 podcasts. Sarah is author of the best selling book “Beyond Booze, How to create a life you love Alcohol Free' and is inspiring audiences across the globe to create and live their best lives as they age.

Book: Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free

Websit: https://sarahrusbatch.com/

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

Trigger warning: This episode includes several mentions of suicide and discussion of the loss of a family member to it. Please listen with caution if this is a sensitive topic. In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, host Michal speaks with author David Deane Haskell about his memoir "Wounded Angels" and topics relating to trauma healing, addiction recovery, and inner child work. David shares his personal journey through substance abuse and codependency, discussing how childhood trauma manifested in his life through extreme substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and self-sabotaging behavior. They explore the concept of shame, particularly David's profound experience of toxic shame at age nine after learning about his mother's suicide, and discuss shadow work techniques for accessing and healing different aspects of the inner child. The conversation covers the difference between "fake it till you make it" in early recovery versus toxic positivity, with David emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression and community support in the recovery process. They also discuss how creativity can serve as a healing outlet after loss.

David Deane Haskell writes about profound loss, addiction, creative expression, wellness, and recovery. His mother died under tragic circumstances when he was four — a fact that followed him into every room he ever entered. He later spent nearly ten years as a drummer and show creator at Disney and Universal, performing joy while privately carrying wounds he hadn't yet found words for. After eleven years of isolation, his work returned through Wounded Angels, written from the middle of the healing process rather than from a polished finish line. His current conversations center on trauma, recovery, voice, inner child work, and the creative life that followed.

Contact: daviddeanecreates@gmail.com

Website: https://daviddeanehaskell.com/

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com