In this week's episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People I am chatting to Tom from Bolton, Leeds.

Tom grew up in Leeds and began drinking young, navigating restlessness, big emotions, and a sense of never quite fitting in. Drinking quickly became a way to cope, to belong, and to quiet an inner discomfort he couldn’t yet explain. As the years went on, alcohol became tightly woven into masculinity, friendships, and work culture, reinforcing the belief that drinking was simply “what men do.”

As his drinking escalated through his late teens and twenties, Tom describes a growing emotional numbness and disconnection from himself. By his early thirties, despite outward signs of a settled life, he found himself feeling stuck, depressed, and without purpose.

Since stopping drinking, Tom speaks openly about the internal shifts he’s experienced; learning to sit with emotions, rebuilding motivation, and reconnecting with a sense of self that had long been buried.

Towards the end of the episode, Tom shares an important realisation: that many of the struggles he had spent years trying to numb with alcohol are now making sense through the lens of ADHD. Understanding this has brought him compassion, clarity, and a deeper understanding of why sobriety was never just about alcohol, it was about finally learning how his mind works.

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

In this inspiring episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People, we meet Kelly from Long Ditton in Surrey, who is 344 days sober at the time of recording. Kelly is a mother of two boys and the founder of a thriving music and drama company that brings creativity and confidence to children in schools.

Growing up in the late 70s and 80s and coming of age in the 90s, Kelly’s relationship with alcohol will feel familiar to many listeners—weekend drinking woven into socialising, identity, and adult life. But after a particularly messy night out with colleagues—who also happen to be her employees—Kelly reached a turning point. With Christmas approaching, she made the brave decision to quit drinking for good.

Her first alcohol-free Christmas brought its challenges, but clarity arrived on New Year’s Day during a walk through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. In that moment, surrounded by nature and a deep sense of peace, she knew without doubt that she had made the right decision.

Kelly’s story is one of self-awareness, courage, and the powerful transformations that can unfold when we choose to step off the drinking treadmill. Her honesty and warmth will resonate with anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or seeking inspiration on their own sober path.

You can follow Kelly on Instagram at @scalesandtales123

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse

TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains personal experiences and expressions that may be sensitive to some listeners.

In this heartfelt episode of Sober Stories from Everyday People, we meet Jo, who’s approaching two years of sobriety and embracing what she calls her “second spring.” Living in France with her two children, Jo reflects on her journey through difficult relationships, early drinking experiences, and the powerful decision to finally stop drinking after years of struggle.

With 17 years in France, Jo shares how her healing journey has blossomed through education, therapy, and connecting with nature. From herbal medicine to massage and mindfulness, she’s finding new ways to nurture her wellbeing.

Her story is one of quiet strength, courage, and transformation. proof that it’s never too late to begin again. This conversation is an invitation to everyone standing at the edge of change to trust in their own second spring.

You can follow Jo on instagram at @laguerisseuseverte. You can also find therapist Emma Bates on instagram: @Emma_l_bailes_

Helpful links:

Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com

Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com

Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w

(use coupon code HALFPRICE)

Join my super friendly and safe online women’s sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription

Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

1. Alcohol Change UK
   • Website: https://www.alcoholchange.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (Available Monday to Friday 9 AM - 8 PM)
2. Mind (Mental Health Support)
   • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
   • Helpline: 0300 123 3393
3. NHS Alcohol Support Services
   • Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse