49. The Moderation Tug of War with Paula @happiest_houraf

49. The Moderation Tug of War with Paula @happiest_houraf

What finally makes someone take an honest look at their drinking? After years of trying to make alcohol fit into the life she wanted, Paula reached a point where moderation was no longer sustainable and a deeper change became necessary. In this episode, Paula shares her journey from questioning her relationship with alcohol to building a life grounded in sobriety, connection, and purpose. This conversation explores the realities of early sobriety, the pressures and expectations surrounding alcohol, and the challenges of navigating sobriety in motherhood. Paula reflects on the moments that led her to reassess her drinking, the impact alcohol had on her relationships, and the support systems that helped her move forward. The discussion also touches on the “pink cloud” phase of sobriety, managing triggers and cravings, finding purpose beyond alcohol, and learning how to build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. If you’ve ever questioned your drinking, wondered whether moderation is enough, struggled to imagine life without alcohol, or found yourself searching for connection and support along the way, this episode will resonate with you. Follow Paula on Instagram: @happiest_houraf Learn more about her coaching: happiesthouraf.com [http://happiesthouraf.com] And don’t forget to follow @dryhumorpodcast on IG!

48. JUST THE TIP: What Are You Running From?

For many of us, alcohol wasn't the destination, it was the escape route. It offered temporary relief from the emotions and discomfort we didn't want to face, until eventually those feelings were still waiting for us on the other side of the drink. In this episode, we explore why so many people use alcohol to avoid difficult emotions, what sobriety reveals when the distractions are removed, and how learning to sit with discomfort (aka "rawdogging life") can become one of the most powerful parts of personal growth. This conversation looks at the difference between running away from problems and running toward something meaningful, whether it's better mental health, stronger relationships, physical health, purpose, or a life that feels aligned with who you want to become. If you've ever wondered what you're really seeking when you reach for a drink, or what becomes possible when you stop escaping and start moving forward – this episode is for you. Follow @dryhumorpodcast on IG.

47. From Rehab Runaway to Ultra-Marathoner with David @david.millar.mindset

What happens when you stop running away and start running toward something? In this episode, David shares his battle with alcohol and drugs from a young age and the challenges of getting sober. He opens up about the progression of his addiction, the moments that forced him to confront his relationship with alcohol and substances, and how he was able to make sobriety stick before it cost him the future he wanted. David discusses the realities of early recovery, from loneliness and temptation to learning how to experience life without relying on substances. He reflects on the stigma surrounding addiction, particularly in professional and academic settings, and the difficulty of balancing public and private identities while staying true to his sobriety journey. Through fitness, writing, community, and service to others, he found a new sense of purpose grounded in delayed gratification rather than instant escape. The conversation explores the impact alcohol can have on relationships, the importance of support systems and tough love, and why open conversations about recovery matter. David also shares how his sobriety transformed his outlook on life, fueled his passion for personal growth, and inspired him to help others discover what is possible on the other side of addiction. If you’ve ever wondered whether life can be exciting, meaningful, and fulfilling without alcohol, or if you’re looking for proof that change is possible, this episode will resonate. David’s story is a powerful reminder that sobriety isn’t about giving something up; it’s about creating a life that’s too good to escape from. Follow David on Instagram: @david.millar.mindset Learn more about his coaching: comebackchanged.netlify.app [http://comebackchanged.netlify.app] As always, follow @dryhumorpodcast on IG

46. JUST THE TIP: Can You Heal and Laugh at the Same Time?

Yes—and sometimes laughter is one of the clearest signs that healing is already underway. In this episode, the conversation explores the powerful connection between humor, sobriety, and healing. Inspired by the impact of Vic from the Sober Awkward podcast, it challenges the common belief that getting sober means becoming serious, boring, or disconnected from who you are. Instead, it examines how laughter can become an unexpected tool for growth, self-acceptance, and resilience. The episode dives into the ways humor can lower shame, create meaningful connections, and help people revisit painful experiences without reliving them. Through personal reflection and relatable insights, this conversation highlights how joy and sobriety can exist in the same space. Sobriety isn’t about losing your sense of humor. It’s about rediscovering yourself, finding freedom from shame, and learning that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, the ability to laugh at what you’ve survived is part of what proves you’ve made it through. If you’ve ever wondered whether life without alcohol can still be fun, worried that sobriety would change your personality, or found yourself searching for joy while healing, this episode is for you. Follow @dryhumorpodcast on IG

45. You Can Step Off The Merry-Go-Round with Victoria Vanstone of Sober Awkward

What happens when you say goodbye to alcohol and finally discover who was hiding behind the party animal? In this episode, the hilariously honest host of the Sober Awkward podcast Vic Vanstone discusses sobriety, motherhood, self-acceptance, and finding joy and purpose without alcohol. Vic shares how years of binge drinking and being the party animal left her with an identity tangled in alcohol, hangxiety and risky behavior. She outlines how ultimately motherhood left her to question her behavior and eventually led her to seek help. She opens up about the moment she realized she could get off the merry-go-round of drinking and how therapy helped her begin rebuilding trust in herself. This episode covers the pressures of alcohol culture, navigating sobriety as a parent, finding community, and rediscovering creativity, confidence, and authenticity in sobriety. It also explores why sober life can be surprisingly fun, from dancing without alcohol to embracing the awkward moments that make us human. This conversation is full of laughter, honesty, and hope for anyone who has ever wondered what life might look like beyond alcohol. Here are all of the ways to hang out with Vic (I told you she was a busy woman!): Follow allong on IG: @drunkmummysobermummy and @soberawkward Join Vic (and Sober Dave!) on a Sober Awkward Retreat: https://www.soberawkward.com/retreats [https://www.soberawkward.com/retreats] Listen to Sober Awkward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-awkward/id1565657975 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-awkward/id1565657975] Buy her book (audiobook also available): "A Thousand Wasted Sundays" https://www.soberawkward.com/store [https://www.soberawkward.com/store/p/4k7l3u23pmfobs71gi13gx2dje5cm6] As always, follow @dryhumorpodcast on IG