Addiction Unlimited Podcast

From the outside, it might look like everything is smooth sailing, but the truth is, even those of us thriving in sobriety encounter challenges. As we wrap up 2024, I’m pulling back the curtain to share some personal struggles I’ve faced this year. In this episode, I open up about what’s been going on behind the scenes, how I’ve coped, and the lessons I’ve learned about resilience and self-compassion. Recovery is about more than just quitting alcohol—it’s about learning to handle life on life’s terms. I’ll tie my journey to the powerful topics we’ve covered in recent episodes, from emotional regulation to facing triggers head-on. Together, we’ll explore how recovery tools not only keep us sober but also help us navigate life’s ups and downs with strength and grace. To kick off 2025, I’m inviting you to join me for the Dry January Bootcamp, a transformative kickstart designed to help you reset, recharge, and step confidently into the new year. Whether you’re starting your sobriety journey or recommittin

Have you been trying to stay sober but find yourself back at square one? You’re not alone, and it’s not about lacking willpower. In this episode, we uncover the hidden roadblocks that could be sabotaging your sobriety. These challenges often fly under the radar, making it difficult to maintain progress. I'll share five of the most common roadblocks and offer practical strategies to overcome them. Get ready to identify these sneaky obstacles and take control of your sobriety journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The surprising factors that derail your sobriety without you realizing it. How emotional triggers play a crucial role in relapse. Why self-awareness and preparation are key to lasting sobriety. Sobriety isn’t just about resisting alcohol; it’s about changing how you approach life’s challenges. By spotting and addressing these roadblocks, you can create a clear path toward confidence and freedom.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Cozy Earth code for 40% off ANGELA:  cozyearth.c

True transformation happens when you fully embrace your identity as a non-drinking person and create a recovery lifestyle. It’s not just about quitting alcohol, it’s about stepping into a new lifestyle, taking responsibility, living with purpose, and feeling totally empowered by it all. When you want long-term sobriety, to feel confident in your recovery, and be happier… building a recovery lifestyle is the answer. So the question is, how do you do that? Especially in a world that is saturated with alcohol for every occasion. It’s at every gathering, at every store, all over TV and movies, it’s even in coffee shops and gyms now! To get into all the ins and outs of sobriety I brought in another Coach to join me. Chris and I are getting real about what it takes to shift your mindset, own your choices, and harness the power of the tools and programs available to build a thriving recovery lifestyle. Just like you and me, Chris had to take a hard look at his life and make a decision to change. But he didn'

Did you know that many people don’t realize they’re on the path to relapse until it’s too late? The truth is, relapse doesn’t happen in a single moment—it’s a slow buildup of emotions, stressors, and unchecked behaviors that compromise your decision-making over time. In this episode, we’re breaking down the early warning signs of relapse so you can recognize them before they get the best of you. From seemingly harmless triggers like work stress and family dynamics to emotional overwhelm and self-doubt, I’ll help you uncover the patterns that could be quietly steering you back toward drinking. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why cravings aren’t really about the drink but about the need to change how you feel. ✅ How daily stressors and emotions weaken your resilience over time. ✅ The key emotional and mental warning signs to watch for. ✅ Simple strategies to interrupt the relapse cycle and stay on track. The number one takeaway? Relapse is preventable when you know what to look for and have the tools to stay in c

The holiday season is magical—a time for sparkling lights, heartfelt traditions, and moments of togetherness. But for many of us in recovery, this time of year can feel like navigating a minefield of stress, temptation, and overwhelming expectations. The pressure to be everything for everyone, the endless to-do lists, and the ever-present cultural norm of celebrating with alcohol can make it feel like staying sober is an uphill battle. You’re not alone if the holidays bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. That’s why this episode is here to help. Today, I’m sharing practical, actionable tips to stay alcohol-free while embracing the joy and connection of the season. Whether it’s managing family dynamics, handling social events, or finding comfort in moments of solitude, we’ll cover strategies to help you navigate the challenges with confidence. I’m getting into the hidden triggers that you probably aren’t thinking about because it feels like the holidays put your emotions under a microscope. And to make

  All right, my friend. Don’t even try to deny it—you know the feeling I’m talking about. You start out with the best intentions, maybe after a particularly rough night or an emotional moment of clarity, and you tell yourself, This is it. I’m going to stop drinking, and everything will fall into place. But then, reality sets in. The road feels harder than you imagined. You’re not seeing the changes as quickly as you’d hoped, and before you know it, you’re wondering if you’re even doing it right. You’re not alone. These struggles are incredibly common, and they often stem from three big pitfalls: unrealistic expectations, a lack of direction or plan, and that deep desire to escape uncomfortable feelings. These challenges are not a reflection of your strength or your willpower—they’re just part of the journey. In today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through each of these pitfalls, step by step.

I wholeheartedly believe that learning to enjoy social situations without alcohol is one of the most empowering gifts you can give yourself. It’s a skill that brings freedom and joy, allowing you to show up as your authentic self—without a drink in hand. But as you probably already know, it’s not always easy. Whether it’s handling those awkward questions, navigating a wedding or happy hour, or simply feeling like you don’t fit in, sober socializing can feel daunting. In fact, social anxiety is considered one of the biggest hurdles for people who quit drinking. And I’ll be honest—this is something that hits close to home for so many of us. That’s why I invited Ellie, one of my 6-week program alumni, to join me for this episode. Ellie knows firsthand how tricky it can be to navigate social situations in early sobriety, and she’s here to share how she handled those challenges from day one so her friends new exactly what was going on, where she was, and what to expect. Ellie brings incredible insights

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by the journey to quit drinking, like there are a million things to figure out all at once? Or maybe you’ve wondered why it feels like a game of Whac-a-Mole with new habits popping up to replace old ones. If so, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely in the right place. In this episode, I’m breaking down three surprising traps that no one talks about when it comes to quitting drinking. These sneaky obstacles can easily keep you stuck, frustrated, and questioning your progress. But today, we’re getting into what they are—and more importantly, how to avoid them. The “Advanced Topic” Trap:  We’ll talk about how to stay focused on the “now” without getting distracted by what’s miles down the road. The “Fix Everything” Trap: Overloading yourself with too many changes at the same time only adds stress. The “Compulsion Replacement” Trap: Here’s a big one. Your brain naturally looks for ways to soothe, distract, or reward itself—and when alcohol isn’t an option, it’s

  Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey—it’s deeply personal, especially when you’re working to find what truly clicks for you. On this episode, I’m sitting down with Jason Wahler to dig into the power of a solid recovery plan, the strength it takes to get sober in the public eye, and the importance of finding your unique way to stay on track for the long term. Here’s what we’re diving into with Jason: Why finding what works for you is key – and how the right recovery approach can help you create a life that feels true, balanced, and fulfilling. Facing every intoxicated moment in the spotlight – and how Jason turned public challenges into opportunities for powerful personal growth. Building a strong recovery plan for the long haul – because resilience comes from knowing you’re set up for success in the real world. Jason has walked this path, and his story shows how resilience and authenticity can help you stand strong through even the hardest days. If you’re serious about your sobriety or ju

How are you feeling about your next social event? Calm, confident, and ready to connect? (Or did that question just stir up a wave of anxiety and second-guessing?) And what about your body? Tense, tight shoulders? Racing heartbeat? (If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.) The reality is that social anxiety can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you’re newly sober. The situations that used to feel easier with a drink in hand—work events, family gatherings, even vacations—now seem daunting without that familiar crutch. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to feel stuck or alone in these situations. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how you can manage and overcome social anxiety without alcohol. As someone who used to drink to relax and feel more comfortable around others, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate social situations without alcohol. But trust me when I say, it’s not only possible, it’s empowering. Today, I’ll share 5 proven strategies to help you bu

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, ‘Why do I keep spending when I know it’s not helping?’—you’re not alone. Many of us fall into the trap of trying to fill emotional gaps, manage stress, or escape uncomfortable feelings by shopping and buying more than we need. But that momentary buzz from clicking ‘add to cart’ quickly fades, leaving you feeling worse, not better. Today, we’re not just talking about what’s happening on the surface—we’re diving into the real reasons behind overspending and how to break free from that cycle for good. And to help us on this journey, I’m joined by a very special guest: Paige Pritchard. Paige is the inspiring voice behind the Overcoming Overspending movement, which has grown to millions of followers on social media. She’s also the host of the Money Love Podcast, where she empowers women to leave financial self-sabotage behind and unlock their full financial potential. I’ve also created something just for you to support your journey: The Emotional Cost of Overspending: Simple

Did you know that relapse can actually be a pivotal moment in your recovery journey? It’s a reality that many people face when quitting alcohol, but here’s the good news—it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful opportunities for growth and long-term success. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to view relapse as a stepping stone rather than a setback and why embracing it can actually strengthen your commitment to sobriety. ✅ How to reframe relapse as a learning opportunity, not a failure. ✅ Recognizing your triggers and stressors that led to relapse, and how to prevent them in the future. ✅ Building resilience after relapse and why it makes you stronger for the next stage of your sobriety. ✅ Developing an actionable plan to bounce back quickly and confidently after relapse. ✅ Tools and strategies for responding to cravings and stressors, so you can keep moving forward. And SO much more! Relapse doesn’t erase your progress—it’s a sign that you are still commi

Have you ever thought about leveling up your personal development? Growing your emotional intelligence and emotional maturity can open the door to incredible transformations, both personally and professionally. And today, my amazing guest is the perfect example of how expanding your emotional toolkit can be your best move ever. I’m thrilled to welcome my new friend and emotional intelligence guru, Noble Gibbens, to the show. Noble didn’t just improve his emotional intelligence; he went ALL IN on growing his emotional maturity, redefining his relationships, career, and life in the process. And he’s here to share his journey—how understanding and regulating his emotions empowered him to become a better husband, father,  entrepreneur, and mentor. Honestly—can you imagine navigating relationships or your career with the emotional skills you had as a teenager? No way! We all grow emotionally over time, and Noble’s story is a powerful example of how emotional intelligence is a key part of that growth. If I

I know this is going to ruffle some feathers because the world is embracing mocktails in full force right now. And I know alcohol-free drink options are a welcome alternative for many people and there’s nothing wrong with that. This is NOT going to be a conversation about if it’s RIGHT or WRONG. Because it’s neither. This isn’t about making a judgment on your choice or mine. I want to share with you the research, my personal experience, and some of the issues you’ve probably never considered that create unexpected risks. Especially if you are pretty early in sobriety because there are a lot of insights that you probably aren’t aware of yet. While you may not get the buzz, these alcohol imposters can still be harmful and I’m going to give you some alternative ways to think about the risks associated with non-alcoholic drinks so that you can make a smart and informed decision as to what’s best for your recovery. I’m going to share some deeper insights and advanced recovery concepts that you’ve probably ne

There’s only one thing you need to know, to understand you still can’t drink in a healthy way, even after a period of sobriety. It doesn’t  matter if you quit for a week, months, or years. I’m going to tell you how you know with 100% certainty that you still can’t drink. Over all the years of my own sobriety, and helping thousands of people navigate their own sober journey’s, one thing has always stood out that makes it clear to me our relationship with alcohol is different. And it will continue to be different for the rest of my life, no matter how long I go without a drink. I want you to understand why it’s such a mess when you quit drinking for awhile then decide you can probably drink again. I get it! I fell into the same trap the first time I ever took a break from alcohol – which is also something ‘normal’ drinkers don’t do, by the way. So what is the one thing? The thing that makes you and me different from those weirdos who sip on one glass of wine for an hour, or leave half a glass sitting on t

  What if the little things—traffic jams, work deadlines, or even family gatherings—are quietly sabotaging your sobriety? These everyday stressors could be leading you closer to relapse without you even realizing it. People say, I don’t even know how it happened, or, it was a split second decision, but that is really never the case. The point of this episode is to understand how and why you are compromised and weakened in a daily basis, and how that leads you to relapse without you knowing it’s happening. The number one thing I want you to understand in the addiction recovery equation is that it’s all emotion-based. Not to say that’s the only component, because it’s not. At the core of addiction is a desire to change how you feel. Whether it’s making your happy happier, quieting the noise in your head so you can relax, taking the edge off of stress, or numbing what you don’t want to feel at all. Craving isn’t about the substance, it’s about wanting to feel different. You are compromised every

If you struggle with alcohol, or marijuana, or any other addiction, chances are you’ve had some thoughts about your relationship with food, too. I’m right there with you, my friend. Many of us find ourselves in the situation of getting sober then find we are relying on food and sugar more than we ever did before. And being a compulsive person, with little understanding of the word ‘moderation’, you can find yourself questioning your habits and not feeling great about them. The good news is, almost everything is fixable, and our guest today is going to shed some much-needed light on food behaviors, the thought processes behind it, and how we are manipulated by the food industry. Ali Shapiro is the host of the Insatiable podcast where she explores and explains the intersection of food, culture, and psychology. Ali brings you insight from her own personal experience, as well as professional experience and this episode is full of lightbulb moments. She tells us about: The 4 Triggers of ‘food noise’ How sel

Are you struggling with trying to figure out what you’re going to do and how you’re going to spend your time when you quit drinking? Drinking takes up a lot of our time and mental energy. When you take that away, it leaves a big void. And if you don’t have a plan to fill the void, it will lead you right back to relapse. If you are on your 100th day one again, or if you’ve been sober for awhile and you’re feeling a little stagnant and need a jumpstart… … this episode is for you! I’m going to let you steal my Daily Plan: ✨ how I structure my day ✨ what to do ✨ when to do it ✨ why it works No need to take notes on this episode because I’ve got the plan laid out and ready for you to download! ⬇️   Links mentioned in this episode:  Get my Daily Plan: addictionunlimited.com/plan Mindset Makeover video series: addictionunlimited.com/mindset Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited  

Everyone from World Cup winning skier Lindsey Vonn, to legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, to actors Will Smith and Idris Elba, and musician Jay Z… …each of them uses this technique to give them a competitive edge, and also to cultivate a sense of belief, build confidence and to help build motivation. Science today estimates that 95 percent of our brains activity is unconscious. It handles everything your body needs to function properly, from eating and breathing to digesting and making memories. It also holds all the “programs” that control the way you think, what you believe, the way you feel, act, react, and pretty much everything else that forms who you are. So how do you work on that subconscious mind and write new stories for yourself so you can get more of what you want in life, and less of what you don’t? In this episode you’ll learn the power of this tool, plus:

  Grief shows up in unexpected ways and sometimes at unexpected times. You may lose a family member or friend, or your pet. Grief may be a part of the heartbreak of a divorce or breakup. You may grieve the loss of your youth, the loss of alcohol, or the life you aspired to live that didn’t happen, or the child you thought you would have but didn’t. These curveballs that life loves to throw at you can often create a sense of loss, and grief over something you want that is no longer in your reach. Healing from grief takes time and it’s not an easy process. In my personal search for relief I came across a framework that explains the process of grieving, why it’s so difficult, and what you can do to heal. This episode will change how you think about grief and give you a new process for healing in a healthy way that gets you long-term relief.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https: