In this episode, Brenton shares his journey into sobriety following a personal crisis that forced him to confront addiction, identity, and the direction of his life. He reflects on how community support, faith, and intentional mindset shifts became foundational to his recovery—and why lasting sobriety requires changing how you think, not just what you stop doing.

Brenton discusses the role of humor as a healing tool in recovery, using cultural references like The Office to create connection, relatability, and emotional relief. He also introduces his bear crawl challenge, a powerful symbol of resilience, discipline, and showing up for yourself when the work is uncomfortable and unseen.

The conversation explores the critical importance of aftercare support and Brenton’s vision to create a scholarship for individuals transitioning out of treatment. He emphasizes the role of self-identity in recovery, the value of acts of service, and how giving back strengthens long-term sobriety and purpose.

• Sobriety after a personal crisis

• Community and accountability in recovery

• Faith and spirituality in sobriety

• Mindset shifts for addiction recovery

• Resilience and discipline in recovery

• Humor as a healing tool

• Pop culture and connection in sobriety

• Aftercare support and recovery resources

• Identity and purpose beyond addiction

• Acts of service in long-term sobriety

sobriety journey, addiction recovery, recovery mindset, community in recovery, faith and sobriety, resilience in recovery, humor in recovery, aftercare support, identity in sobriety, service in recovery

Topics CoveredKeywords for Search & Discovery

In this powerful episode of Sober as Fck*, Ryan and Jess sit down with Michelle to unpack her raw, unfiltered journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. Michelle shares how early exposure to substance use, unresolved trauma, and environmental influences shaped her addiction—and what finally led her to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Michelle opens up about hitting rock bottom, entering recovery, and learning how honesty, community support, and personal accountability became the foundation of her sobriety. She speaks candidly about the realities of parenting in recovery, rebuilding a sense of self, and navigating life without numbing or escaping. Along the way, she highlights the power of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and using humor as a tool for resilience rather than avoidance.

This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, sobriety is an ongoing journey, and healing requires both support and self-awareness. Michelle’s story will resonate deeply with anyone impacted by addiction, childhood trauma, or mental health struggles—and with anyone searching for hope, connection, and a way forward.

• Sobriety and addiction recovery

• Childhood trauma and its long-term impact

• Substance abuse and early exposure

• Hitting rock bottom and choosing recovery

• Community support and accountability

• Mental health and personal growth

• Parenting while in recovery

• Gratitude, resilience, and humor in healing

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“I get to go to work today.”
“I’m an addict in everything I do.”

00:00 – Introduction and meeting Michelle
03:47 – Childhood trauma and early life experiences
10:33 – Substance use and environmental influence
19:21 – Hitting rock bottom and entering recovery
37:24 – Finding hope and community in sobriety
54:34 – Rebuilding work, relationships, and self-worth
01:01:00 – Gratitude and perspective in recovery
01:15:19 – Humor as a healing tool

Key Topics CoveredMemorable QuotesEpisode Chapters

Episode Description

Season Three begins with reflection, intention, and momentum. In this episode of Sober As Fck*, Ryan and Jess celebrate the launch of their third season by looking back on their sobriety journey, sober holiday traditions, and the personal growth that comes from choosing intention over autopilot.

They reflect on their first sober holiday season, including meaningful travels to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, where connection, community, and curiosity shaped the experience. From meeting fellow sober individuals to bonding with strangers over shared recovery stories, the trip reinforced the unexpected depth that comes from living openly and authentically.

Ryan and Jess share how they rang in the New Year with a quiet, fulfilling night in, highlighting how sobriety has shifted their perspective on celebration, presence, and rest. They discuss the difference between resolutions and intentions, with Ryan choosing “growth” as his word for the year and Jess reflecting on the lasting impact of balance, listening, and restraint in relationships.

The conversation also explores the importance of listening without fixing, honoring personal rhythms, and allowing growth to include rest—not just constant motion. Along the way, they touch on Salem’s history, symbolism, and their tradition of collecting memories through mugs, hats, and tattoos as markers of shared experiences and transformation.

This episode sets the tone for Season Three—grounded, honest, and deeply human. Sobriety here isn’t framed as restriction, but as expansion: deeper connection, clearer communication, and the freedom to create a life that actually fits.

Keywords: sobriety, sober podcast, sober living, recovery conversations, sobriety community, personal growth, intentional living, New Year intentions, healthy relationships, listening skills, sober holidays, sober travel, Boston sober community, Salem Massachusetts, alcohol-free lifestyle, wellness podcast, mindset growth, recovery journey