I first discovered podcasts in early recovery, when I began cleaning houses to bring in extra cash. I had no idea there was a whole world of talk shows and interviews that I could listen to whenever I wanted. From murder to mom life, you name it, there’s a podcast for it—including sobriety and recovery.
Life has gone on over the past few years: I have a full-time career, one more baby and I’m almost six years sober. I’m a writer, a wife, and a sponsor, but my love for podcasts has only deepened. I rely on true crime stories, boss babes, sober peeps and mental health advocates to get me through the week.
What Is A Podcast?
A podcast is an on-demand radio show, usually exploring one niche, by telling stories and interviewing guests.
Why Listen To Podcasts?
You can listen to podcasts on your commute, on your run, at your desk, in bed, while you’re doing dishes—wherever. As a busy mom I don’t often have time to read, watch TV, or attend meetings, so I turn to podcasts to learn and connect. For me, it’s the simplest and most convenient form of edu-tainment.
How To Listen To Podcasts
If you’ve never listened to podcasts, trust me when I tell you it’s super easy! Open the Apple Podcast app, Google Play app or even Spotify, type the podcast name into the search bar, and push play! You can find full instructions here.
Which Podcasts Do I Need To Lisen To?
Here’s a list of my top six recommended sober and inspirational podcasts. Happy listening!!
One Broken Mom
One Broken Mom isn’t about sobriety, but its message is just as important. It’s a show about overcoming trauma, and how our past becomes our present. Amee Q embarked on a journey from weekend parent to full-time parent, and in the podcast, she shares her experience of overcoming the narcissism she was raised with. The great thing about One Broken Mom podcast is how Amee combines life experience and science throughout the show. From interviews with other moms to interviews with authors and child psychologists, Amee tackles all struggles, head-on.
“My journey of personal discovery began as I dealt with, yet again, another significant life upheaval and wanted to find a way to stop the self-sabotage once and for all. Along the way, I uncovered the truths about how our brains form and the impacts of adverse and traumatic experiences in our childhood on our lives as adults and I was stunned.” ~ Amee Q
To 50 & Beyond
My go-to podcast when I need something soft but inspirational? To 50 & Beyond—the episodes remind me of having coffee with a friend. Host Lori Massicot sobered up later in life and launched this podcast as a way to share her story, and the powerful stories of other women. Topics include health and wellness, empowerment, menopause, sobriety, and everything in between. As a sober coach, Lori helps women of all ages, and the topics are relatable, despite the potential age gap. Recent episodes have covered: sober sex, midlife crisis, shopping thrifty, infertility, isolation and much more.
If you enjoy To 50 & Beyond, you can check out Lori’s other podcast RAW, where her and her business partner interview sober women from all walks of life.
The Unruffled Podcast
The Unruffled Podcast is another podcast with kickass women, talking with other kickass women, and the results don’t disappoint. What sets The Unruffled pod apart is the focus on creativity in sobriety. Co-hosts Sondra Primeaux and Tammi Salas are creative goddesses who aim to inspire and connect. If you’re looking for a hobby to fill the void addiction left in your life, this podcast is a great place to start. Not to mention the co-hosts have these incredibly calming voices—this podcast is the perfect way to start or end your day.
Sober Pod
Sober Pod is a hybrid type of podcast with three hosts and the occasional guest host. This podcast focuses on the 12 step programs, so if you’re not into 12 step, you may want to skip it. But if you do practice the 12 steps, this is one podcast you should absolutely subscribe to. If you’re a busy woman who doesn’t have time for many meetings, or you’re just seeking further connection, this podcast is for you. The hosts are entertaining and with a wealth of wisdom to share. Season 1 of Soberpod included topics such as self-esteem, resentments, fear, and sober socialization. In Season 2, the hosts dive into the 12 steps.
Soberful
If you’re looking for sober gurus, look no further. Soberful co-hosts Veronica Valli and Chip Somer rock the sober lifestyle in this self-help podcast. Recent episodes include dealing with difficult people, vacationing sober, emotional sobriety, anxiety in sobriety, binge drinking vs. alcoholism, and cross-addiction. Veronica and Chip share their plethora of knowledge, and I know you’ll be able to find whatever you’re looking for. Also, you can check out Veronica Valli’s interview our founder, Julie Maida!
We Are the Stigma
Since I know all the things about podcasts—I started my own. Join my husband and I as we break down the stigmas one by one with We Are The Stigma. My husband Cody Kreutz and I have been clean and sober for almost six years and are now on a journey to share, connect, and learn from others. No topic is off-limits—from sex work to the stay-at-home dad, we are on a mission to shed light on the stigmas people usually ignore. Though this podcast isn’t focused on addiction, it is discussed a lot. We believe that despite our differences, we all have the same struggles. Past episodes have included sex work, vulnerability and toxic masculinity, gender, mental illness, ageism, and love addiction (with Sober Mommies own Esther Nagle).
Let me know in the comments what recovery podcasts I’ve left out! I love adding to my library!!