Are you ready to ditch daily drinking, reclaim your confidence, and create a life of freedom? Each week, Angela combines no-nonsense advice, personal stories, and science-backed strategies to tackle the challenges of sobriety. Angela Pugh is a globally-ranked Life Coach and podcast host, a professional Interventionist, and entrepreneur with more than 18 years of personal sobriety, helping people rebuild their lives since 2008. From navigating relationships to managing triggers, you’ll discover practical tools, empowering insights, and real-world solutions to thrive in sobriety. It’s time to stop feeling stuck and start feeling unlimited. Listen now for the inspiration, tools, and support you need to live a sober, confident, and happy life.
The 4-Stage Recovery Roadmap and What to Work on at Each Stage
Feb 11, 2026
The 4-Stage Recovery Roadmap and What to Work on at Each Stage
If you’re feeling stuck or confused about where you are in your sobriety and what you should actually be working on, this episode is for you.
I see it all the time: people trying to fix everything at once, or trying to skip ahead to the deep emotional work when they haven’t even built a stable foundation yet.
And then they relapse. Or they burn out. Or they just stay stuck in the same patterns.
Today, I’m breaking down the four stages of recovery—what you should be focusing on at each stage, and why you can’t skip ahead.
Here’s the thing: the timelines I’m giving you are general guidelines. They’re not rules.
For me, I spent way more time in Stage 2. I needed that time. But Stage 3 went faster for me because I loved that part of my process —it was hands down my favorite part of the steps.
So don’t get hung up on the timeline.
What matters is that you’re doing the work required in each stage before you move on to the next one. You get out of this exactly what you put into it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
–> 3:17: What Stage 1 actually looks like—and why the only goal is “don’t drink today”
–> 6:03: How to navigate Stage 2 when you’re asking “Who am I without alcohol?”
–> 11:05: Why Stage 3 is about rebuilding what matters and letting go of what doesn’t
–> 14:11: What it means to shift from surviving to thriving in Stage 4
–> 16:50: Why you absolutely cannot skip stages—and what happens when you try
Listen in and figure out where you are right now. Then focus on the work that actually matters at this stage—so you can build a life so powerful, so clear, so good that you’ll never want to leave it.
Overwhelmed by Sobriety Advice? Here’s How to Actually Start
Feb 04, 2026
You know what’s keeping you from getting sober? All the advice telling you how to get sober.
Everyone’s got a different rulebook.
The old-timers say meetings every day, get a sponsor immediately, work the steps to a tee.
People like me say do it your way—you don’t have to follow the doctrine perfectly.
And newer recovery voices are teaching completely different avenues to recovery.
And you’re stuck in the middle, just trying to figure out how to get through today without a drink, paralyzed by all these options, wondering which path is “right.”
Here’s the truth nobody’s telling you: There is no wrong way.
I’m giving you the three universal foundations that every strong sobriety is built on, and showing you how to stop waiting for permission and just start.
You’ll learn:
Why success rates prove the program doesn’t decide—YOU do (and what recent research actually shows)
The three universal foundations every strong sobriety is built on
How to pick your path when everyone’s telling you something different
What to actually DO today to start building your sobriety
Remember, a program doesn’t determine your success. You do.
A program doesn’t work or not work.
YOU work. YOU show up, do the things, follow guidance… or you don’t.
Your success is your decision.
In this episode, I’m cutting through all the noise and breaking down exactly what you need to start your recovery journey today—no matter which path or program you choose.
→ Recovery Starter Kit Step-by-step lessons, worksheets, checklists, and conversation starters for the hard talks. Walks you through building the three foundations with actual tools, not just concepts.
Book a Call → addictionunlimited.com/call Not sure where you are or what level of support you need? Let’s talk. We’ll figure out what’s the right fit for you right now.
Why You’re Sober But Still Have the Same Problems
Jan 28, 2026
You quit drinking. So why do you still have all the same problems?
You quit drinking. That’s huge. But if you’re sitting there wondering why you still have all the same problems you had when you were drinking – I can tell you exactly why.
Drinking was never the actual problem. It was a symptom.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between sobriety (removing alcohol) and recovery (healing the patterns underneath the behavior).
Because putting down the drink is just the starting line, not the finish line.
We talk about why you’re still making the same shitty choices (just without alcohol), the patterns keeping you stuck that have nothing to do with drinking, how to identify what you’re actually feeling when emotions are totally foreign, and the one thing that separates people who heal from people who stay stuck.
Here’s the truth: most people think quitting drinking is the finish line. It’s not.
Sobriety removes alcohol. Recovery heals the patterns.
If you quit drinking but you’re still people-pleasing, self-sabotaging, avoiding discomfort, or reacting emotionally to everything – you’re just living your drinking life without alcohol.
Same patterns, same problems, just without the numbing agent.
This one’s raw, real, and no fluff. Just the truth about what it actually takes to heal.
In this episode, I share:
3:30: Why drinking is only a symptom of bigger problems
8:03: The patterns you need to heal (and how to identify them)
13:14: What to do when you can’t even recognize what you’re feeling
15:10: Why action – not information – is what actually changes your life
Listen in, and if you’re ready to take big action and get big results, I have three coaching spots open this month. Book a call at addictionunlimited.com/call.
And check out this episode about how presence is not equal to participation:
Everything you need to know about why sobriety alone isn’t enough – and what real recovery actually looks like.
Listen, I see this pattern ALL the time with the people I work with.
They quit drinking, they think they’ve done the hard part, and then a few weeks or months in… they’re confused.
They’re disappointed. They’re thinking, “Is THIS what the rest of my life is going to be like?”
And the answer is: only if you stop here.
Sobriety is quitting. Recovery is healing. And the only way to stay sober – the only way to actually build a life you love – is to do the healing work
Most people quit drinking hoping sobriety won’t be too inconvenient.
They want the same life. The same relationships. The same routines. Just… without alcohol.
And at first, it works. You feel better. Clearer. Less foggy.
But then — weeks or months in — the feelings come back.
Anxiety. Overwhelm. Anger. Fear.
All the things alcohol was quietly managing for you? They’re still there. And now they’re loud because you aren’t numbing them anymore.
That doesn’t mean sobriety is failing. It means your nervous system is healing.
Today, I’m sitting down with Michael Z, who has 30 years of sobriety.
And let me tell you, this conversation is GOLD.
Michael is old-school AA, incredibly honest, and he shares exactly what it was really like in early sobriety and what it takes to build a life you actually want to live long-term.
Because recovery isn’t a destination — it’s a practice.
If you’re newly sober and struggling – if you’re thinking “why is this so hard?” or “I thought things would be better by now” – you’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just in the gap. The gap between sobriety and recovery.
Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and let’s talk about what it really takes to stay sober.
Trust me, this conversation is going to give you the clarity and the roadmap you need to move forward.
If you’re done white-knuckling, overthinking, or feeling stuck in that miserable middle — and you want real support to build a solid recovery foundation — I can help.
👉 Book a call with meand let’s talk about what support would actually move you forward.
Michael Z’s book: The Wisdom of the Rooms (daily recovery quotes and reflections)
Michael Z’s book: The Twelve Steps of Modern Hero’s Journey (recovery through the hero’s journey framework)
Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation – and neither does healing.
You’re Not Doing the Work — You’re Just Watching Other People Do It
Jan 14, 2026
Reading about sobriety isn’t the same as doing the work to get sober.
If you feel like you’re doing everything for your sobriety—but nothing is actually changing—this episode is for you.
And trust me, there’s a huge difference!
Here’s the thing: when I got sober, the landscape looked completely different.
There were no podcasts, no endless library of quit lit books, no free challenges.
But today? You can fill every spare moment with sobriety content.
And while that’s amazing in so many ways, it’s also created something I see over and over: people who mistake presence for participation.
They’re reading books, listening to podcasts, signing up for challenges, even showing up to meetings – but they’re not actually engaging.
They’re just… there.
And that’s how people stay stuck for years—busy, informed, and still drinking.
So in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what it means to shift from passive presence to active participation.
Because that shift?
That’s where real transformation happens.
I dive into: 3:48 – Why passive sobriety feels like progress but quietly keeps you stuck 8:30 – The false comfort of other people’s stories vs. doing your own work 13:12 – How to tell if you’re participating… or just observing 17:36 – Why only showing up for celebration hurts your recovery (this one stings) 19:56 – What real participation looks like—and why the same people succeed 21:49 – Simple ways to start participating today, even if you’re uncomfortable
Tune in and get ready to shift from being present in your recovery to actually participating in it.
Because that’s where the magic happens, my friend.
And I promise you’re capable of it – right now, exactly as you are.
If you’re done consuming recovery content and ready to actually change, Sober Society is where that happens.
Join us in Sober Society for just $27/month! We’ve got meetings throughout the week (and we’re adding more in February, including a meditation meeting!).
This is a place where people actually show up, support each other, and do the work together.
Stop Trying to Change Everything: Why Sobriety Needs 100% of Your Focus
Jan 07, 2026
If you’re getting sober in 2026, make it your only focus—everything else can wait.
Here we are, in that weird part of early January where everyone’s trying to overhaul their entire life at once.
New year, new you, right?
Quit drinking AND hit the gym AND change your diet AND meditate AND deal with your trauma… all at the same time.
But… when you try to transform everything simultaneously, you’re not being ambitious—you’re sabotaging the one thing that actually matters.
Today is my 20th sobriety birthday, and I’m sharing something that helped me get from one day to the next in early recovery: making sobriety my ONE thing. This simple approach allowed me to start accumulating time, finding relief, and building belief in myself—one day at a time.
Because sobriety isn’t 10% of your energy. It’s 100%.
In this episode, we dive into:
>> The hard truth about alcohol: it worked as your relief system, and you have to replace that relief
>> Why early sobriety is a full-time job disguised as “just not drinking”
>> How to do an inventory of your pain points and build a new survival toolkit
>> The ONE question to guide every decision: Is this getting me closer to sobriety or closer to a drink?
Early sobriety means managing cravings, sitting with unbearable feelings, rewiring every social situation, and learning to survive without your only coping mechanism.
That’s not a side project. That’s the entire project.
If you’re getting sober in 2026, or recommitting to sobriety, make it your sole focus.
Do this one thing well. Master it. And when it becomes stable, you can add something else.
But right now? Just stay sober. Everything else comes from that.
Listen in, and remember: sobriety IS the transformation.
Why You Can’t Quit Drinking and What Stage You’re Actually In
Dec 31, 2025
Why January 1 Isn’t the Answer — and What Actually Moves You Forward
It’s New Year’s Eve, and if you’re feeling that familiar pressure—that maybe-this-year-will-be-different energy—I want you to take a deep breath and listen up.
Whether you’re planning to drink tonight (even though you don’t really want to), or you’re already sober but looking at 2026 like it’s some kind of test you have to pass… I see you.
And here’s what I need you to know: You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just in a stage.
In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the Stages of Change—a professional framework used in psychology and addiction recovery that’s going to help you figure out exactly where you are in your journey. Because once you know your stage, you’ll know exactly what to do next.
No more spinning your wheels. No more beating yourself up. Just clarity, action, and a path forward.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The 5 stages are:
Pre-Contemplation
Contemplation
Preparation
Action
Maintenance
(Spoiler: If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re already past stage 1. But where are you really?)
Why people get stuck in contemplation (and the one thing that moves you forward—hint: it’s not more research)
The difference between preparation and action (and why support is the bridge between the two)
Why January 1st isn’t going to save you (but action will)
How to avoid burnout in maintenance (and why my 90-Day Focus Planner is built to help you actually make progress)
🎉Why This Episode Matters Right Now
If you’ve been beating yourself up for “not having it figured out yet,” this episode is going to shift everything for you.
You’re not failing. You’re not lacking willpower or motivation. You’re just doing the wrong work for the stage you’re in.
And once you understand that? Everything changes.
🔗Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Dry January Bootcamp – 31 days of structure, support, and figuring out who you are without alcohol.
90-Day Focus Planner – Built for people who want to make real progress without burning out. Three goals at a time.
Coaching with Angela – If you’re ready to stop effing around with starts and stops, book your consultation call and let’s get you the support you need.
The Real Purpose of the 12 Steps: Healing Patterns, Not Just Addiction
Dec 26, 2025
Healing, growth, and personal transformation — with or without a label.
This episode is the final conversation in The Unlimited Life™ Starter Series — The 10 most powerful episodes from the Addiction Unlimited archives to help you rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.
And I saved this one for last for a reason.
Because what Ian Morgan Cron and I talk about here goes beyond sobriety… Beyond addiction… Beyond labels.
This is about transformation.
The truth is, everyone has patterns. Whether it’s alcohol, perfectionism, food, control, or people-pleasing — we all have behaviors we use to cope. And the 12 steps offer a framework to heal the emotional root — not just the habit on the surface.
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to be a drug addict to crave peace. And you don’t need a label to want something more.
This episode is your reminder that you belong in the work of healing — no matter how it looks on the outside.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why the 12 steps work for any human — not just those in addiction
What it means to transform your character, not just your habits
The truth about higher power — and why you might already have one without realizing it
What to do when you feel like you’re “not sick enough” to belong
How the 12-step framework helps with emotional sobriety, identity work, and deep personal growth
In this episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Fix, to talk about how the 12 steps aren’t just for addicts — they’re for humans.
I Have No Idea What to Say Today (And That’s Okay)
Dec 24, 2025
Exhausted from overthinking everything before you even start? You’re not alone.
Well, my friend, I’m going to be really honest with you today – after 400+ episodes, I had absolutely no idea what to talk about for this one.
And you know what?
That’s actually the most honest thing I could share with you on Christmas Eve.
Here’s the truth: Even after 20 years sober, I’m still an alcoholic.
I still overthink everything. I still doubt myself. My brain still goes to worst-case scenarios sometimes.
The only real difference between me and someone newer to recovery? I’ve had more practice—and I know that everything will be okay.
So if you’re exhausted from trying to have it all figured out before you start, if you’re burnt out on constant self-improvement, or if you’re just… tired—this episode is for you.
No five-step plan. No worksheets.
Just real talk about what it actually looks like to show up when you don’t have all the answers.
In this episode, you’ll hear all about:
00:13: Why I had no idea what to talk about today (and why that’s the most honest thing I could share) 02:30: What showing up actually looks like when you’re tired, confused, and a little bit lost 05:40: THE REAL WORK – How we burn through all our energy overthinking before we even start 07:34: Taking it one minute at a time with you, me, and my microphone 09:45: What long-term recovery actually looks like – not the absence of doubt, but the absence of panic about it
Listen in, and remember: you’re allowed to just be tired. You’re allowed to not have the answers. And you’re allowed to show up anyway.
Welcome to the club, my friend – you’re in great company.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
• Dry January Bootcamp – Facebook group opens next week! Get structure, support, and direction one day at a time. addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp (VIP upgrade option available for weekly group coaching)
• Book a Call with Angela – Tired of the BS? Tired of crying? Ready for real relief? Let’s talk about working together: addictionunlimited.com/call
How to Survive Holiday Overwhelm Without Compromising Your Sobriety
Dec 19, 2025
Practical tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and stay sober during the most overwhelming time of year.
In this episode, we’re talking about why the holiday season is such a perfect storm for stress, exhaustion, and relapse risk — and what actually helps you stay grounded, calm, and sober when everything feels like too much.
This isn’t about “just don’t drink” or powering through with willpower.
It’s about planning ahead, setting real boundaries, managing your energy, and protecting your sobriety like it actually matters — because it does.
These tools are timeless and incredibly relevant right now — especially as we head into the final stretch of the year.
HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
1️⃣ Holiday Stress Isn’t the Problem — Lack of Planning Is
The holidays don’t sneak up on us. They come at the same time every year. When you plan ahead — for your schedule, your energy, and your triggers — you dramatically reduce overwhelm and vulnerability.
2️⃣ Boundaries Are a Sobriety Tool, Not a Personality Flaw
Boundaries around time, conversations, commitments, and how long you stay at events aren’t selfish — they’re how you stay regulated, present, and sober when stress is high.
3️⃣ Rest, Connection, and Support Are Non-Negotiable
Sleep deprivation, emotional exhaustion, and isolation make cravings louder. Staying connected to your sober support and refueling your energy keeps you strong when willpower runs out.
We’re days away from Christmas. If your energy is low and your stress is high, that doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means it’s time to slow down, simplify, and protect what matters most.
Take what you learn today and use it. Planning, boundaries, rest, and connection aren’t optional extras. They’re how sobriety lasts.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Dry JanuaryBootcamp If you’re done white-knuckling your way through the holidays and into January, Bootcamp gives you structure, support, and a clear plan to protect your sobriety and start the new year strong.
👉 Book a Call If you want personalized support and clarity on next steps, book a call to talk through your options.
👉 Join the Free Facebook Group Connect with others who get it — support, encouragement, and real conversations about sobriety.
What ‘Rock Bottom’ Really Means and How It’s Keeping You Stuck
Dec 17, 2025
If you’re a high-functioning drinker waiting for rock bottom to give you permission to quit, this episode will change everything.
Most people think rock bottom is an external event—a DUI, job loss, or divorce. But that’s not what rock bottom actually is, and this misunderstanding is keeping you stuck in a cycle that never ends.
In this episode, I break down the real meaning of rock bottom and why waiting for external proof is preventing you from taking action on what you already know.
You’ll learn why comparing your life to other people’s disasters keeps you drinking longer, what to listen for in recovery meetings (hint: it’s not the external details), and why the question “Do I really need to quit?” is actually your answer.
What You’ll Learn:
Why high-functioning drinkers misunderstand rock bottom and how it keeps them stuck
The “I’m not that bad” fallacy and why comparing external circumstances is the wrong measuring stick
What rock bottom actually is (internal, not external) and why it changes everything
How to recognize rock bottom moments before they become major disasters
Why people who don’t have a drinking problem never wonder if they need to quit
The real reason your brain keeps offering alcohol as a solution when things get uncomfortable
How lowering the bar and rationalizing red flags keeps the cycle going
Why you don’t need to wait for things to get worse to make a change
Key Takeaways:
Rock bottom is internal, not external. It’s not about what happens to you—it’s about the moment you realize you can’t live like this anymore, even if your life still looks good from the outside.
You’re comparing the wrong things. When you compare your life to other people’s disasters, you’ll always feel like you’re “not that bad.” But when you compare your internal experience—the exhaustion, the mental gymnastics, the constant negotiation with yourself—that’s when you recognize the real problem.
External events don’t create clarity—they force action. Most dramatic rock bottom moments are years in the making. There are a million smaller red flags that get rationalized away before the big event happens. You don’t have to wait for the big event.
If you’re asking the question, that’s your answer. People without drinking problems never wonder if they need to quit. They don’t think about alcohol constantly, plan their days around it, or spend energy managing and moderating it. If you’re here listening to this, you already know.
Episode Highlights:
[00:12] The common misunderstanding about rock bottom that keeps high-functioning drinkers stuck
[02:00] Why “I’m not that bad” only works if rock bottom is external (spoiler: it’s not)
[05:50] The AA meeting trap: comparing external details instead of internal feelings
[09:33] What rock bottom actually is: internal, emotional, and the moment you realize you can’t live like this anymore
[11:00] My two-year rock bottom and why I waited so long to take action
[14:42] If you want to wait until things get worse, they will (and here’s what that looks like)
[16:30] The small red flags we rationalize away that lead to bigger disasters
[17:50] A client’s rock bottom moment: choosing a drink over playing with his son
[19:19] Why asking “Do I really need to quit?” is actually your answer
[21:31] The takeaway: You already know. Stop waiting for permission.
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Can You Drink Again After Sobriety? The One Test That Tells You Everything
Dec 12, 2025
Here’s something nobody tells you about long-term sobriety: your brain doesn’t forget its relationship with alcohol just because you stop drinking.
After 19+ years sober, I can still walk into a restaurant and automatically glance at the bar. I can spend 10 minutes with my best friend analyzing five drinks in a hotel cooler. I notice who’s drinking at parties when my non-alcoholic mom never does.
And that’s exactly how I know – even after almost two decades – that I still can’t drink.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the ONE thing that tells you with 100% certainty whether you can drink again after sobriety. Spoiler: it’s not about time. It’s not about willpower. It’s about how much mental real estate alcohol still occupies in your brain.
What You’ll Discover:
The “mind space test” – how aware are you of alcohol even when you’re not drinking?
Why “normal” drinkers never think about alcohol (and why you can’t stop)
How alcohol becomes your higher power without you realizing it
Real stories from my own journey – including that champagne bottle I saved to celebrate 30 days sober (yep, I did that)
The difference between your brain and a non-alcoholic brain – and why it matters more than sobriety time
Why the fact that you’re even asking “can I drink again?” is actually your answer
The Bottom Line:
Non-alcoholic people don’t wonder if they drink too much. They don’t count down to their next drink. They don’t notice the bar when they walk into restaurants. They don’t plan their social lives around alcohol availability.
If you’re still hyperaware of alcohol – whether that’s craving it, avoiding it, or constantly thinking about it – your relationship hasn’t changed. Time doesn’t fix this. Only honesty with yourself does.
Struggling with the starts and stops?
Book a free call with Angela to explore your options (not a free coaching session, but a real conversation about what might help): addictionunlimited.com/call
From Witching Hour to Power Hour: Getting Through the Hardest Part of Sobriety
Dec 10, 2025
Why 5pm Feels Impossible (And What To Do About It)
Let’s talk about the hardest part of early sobriety: that predictable window of time when the craving hits like a wave and you’re not sure you can ride it out. Maybe it’s 5pm on a Tuesday. Maybe it’s Friday night when everyone’s posting their wine glasses on Instagram. Maybe it’s standing in the parking lot at your kid’s soccer game watching all the other moms with their Stanley cups.
In this episode, I’m breaking down what I call the witching hour—that specific time when staying sober feels almost impossible. But here’s the truth: it’s not about the drink. It never was. The drink was the solution you were using for something else—exhaustion, overwhelm, loneliness, anxiety, boredom.
I’ll walk you through the four different types of witching hours, what you’re really craving during each one, and most importantly—what to actually DO about it. Because willpower alone won’t get you through this. You need a plan. And if you’re doing nothing, you’re planning to drink.
3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:
1️⃣ The Drink Was Never the Point — When you say “I want a drink,” what you’re actually saying is “I’m exhausted and need to turn my brain off” or “I’m anxious and need relief right now.” Understanding what you’re really craving changes everything.
2️⃣ Different Witching Hours Need Different Tools — The daily 5pm decompression requires different strategies than weekend FOMO or emotional overwhelm. Once you know your type, you can prepare accordingly.
3️⃣ Doing Nothing IS a Plan—It’s a Plan to Drink — If you know your hardest time is Friday at 5pm and you’re sitting back with no strategy, you’re not being neutral. You’re setting yourself up to give in. Proactive planning is non-negotiable.
Want structured support to actually implement these strategies? My Recovery Starter Kit walks you through exactly how to set up your environment, calm your mind when triggers hit, build real support, and create a daily rhythm that makes sobriety feel steady instead of shaky. It’s $197 for instant access—plus 30 days free in my Sober Society community. Perfect if you’re white-knuckling it through the holidays and need more than just willpower.
And this Friday, a bonus drop from the Unlimited Life Starter Series — the 10 most powerful episodes to rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.
From Alcohol to Sugar: Understanding Food Addiction in Recovery
Dec 05, 2025
You Put Down the Drink, But Now You Can’t Stop Thinking About Food. Here’s Why.
If you’ve traded your nightly wine for nightly ice cream binges, you’re not alone.
And no, it’s not just about willpower or “getting your act together.”
In this episode, I sit down with Ali Shapiro, creator of the Truce with Food methodology, to unpack the real reasons we turn to food and sugar in recovery—and it goes way deeper than you think.
Ali shares her personal journey from childhood cancer and pesticide exposure to developing a complicated relationship with food that mirrored so many of the patterns we see in addiction.
We dive into the difference between food addiction and disordered eating, why belonging (not hunger) drives most of our food choices, and the four emotional triggers that send us straight to the pantry.
This conversation will change how you think about food forever.
We talk about the TAIL framework (Tiredness, Anxiety, Inadequacy, Loneliness), why protein is your secret weapon against sugar cravings, and how self-trust—not perfection—is the real foundation of recovery from any substance.
If you’ve ever felt crazy around food, ashamed of your eating habits, or wondered why you can’t just “eat normal,” this episode is for you.
HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
1️⃣ Food Isn’t the Problem—Belonging Is — Understanding this invisible string changes everything.
2️⃣ The TAIL Framework Reveals Your True Triggers — When you can identify what job food is doing for you, you can address the real need underneath.
3️⃣ Protein Is Your Anti-Craving Superpower — It’s not about willpower—it’s about physiology.
Explore Angela’s Programs + Tools — From courses to coaching, find the right support for your recovery journey.
Related Episode:What No One Tells You About Your Eating Habits — Food and fitness expert, Adam Gilbert, sets the record straight on the most common pitfalls of making lifestyle changes and how to overcome them.
How to Stay Sober When You Can’t Control Your Family: 8 Radical Shifts for the Holidays
Dec 03, 2025
How to Stay Sober When You Can’t Control Your Family
The holidays don’t threaten your sobriety. Your addiction to control does.
In this episode, we’re tossing out the traditional holiday survival guides — no more tips about mocktails or leaving early. Instead, we’re talking about the real threat to your peace: the compulsive need to manage everything and everyone around you.
Because if you’re honest, it’s not just Uncle Bob at the punch bowl stressing you out — it’s your internal pressure to make everything go just right.
This isn’t about avoiding triggers. It’s about mastering yourself. You’ll learn 8 things you need to STOP trying to control this season — and the ONE thing you can control that changes everything.
If you’re ready to protect your peace and stop abandoning yourself in the name of keeping the peace, this is your guide.
🎯 In this episode: • How trying to control others’ drinking is still an addiction behavior • The emotional cost of managing everyone’s comfort but your own • How to set boundaries without apologizing or backtracking • Why “perfect holidays” are a trap — and what success actually looks like • The ONE thing you can control that makes sobriety sustainable
This is your permission slip to let go of chaos and reclaim your sanity. You don’t need a strategy. You need ownership.
🎁 Free Resource: Grab the Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist — your go-to episodes on cravings, boundaries, family dynamics, and sober socializing. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/holidayplaylist
📞 Book a Free Call with Angela: Ready to stop starting over and get serious about relief and recovery? Let’s talk about your next best step. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
🚨 BONUS: Don’t miss this Friday’s drop from The Unlimited Life™ Starter Series — 10 powerful episodes to rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace before the New Year.
6 Sobriety Traps That Trigger Relapse in Early Recovery
Nov 28, 2025
Avoid these traps so your recovery doesn’t become a revolving door.
Sobriety is just the beginning… and these 6 traps are the exact reason why so many people relapse even when they’re trying to stay sober.
In this episode, Angela Pugh breaks down the most common early recovery mistakes that sabotage your progress, wreck your structure, and chip away at your confidence. You’ll learn how to shift from barely hanging on to leading yourself with clarity, consistency, and personal power.
Whether you’re 2 weeks in or 2 years sober — this is a must-listen if you want long-term peace without chaos.
🔑 HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1️⃣ Recovery Is Biological — Not Just Emotional PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) can hijack your energy, mood, and motivation for months. Learn how to support your brain and body so you stop spiraling and start stabilizing.
2️⃣ Bartering = Relapse in Disguise That inner voice that says “just one won’t hurt”? That’s not logic — that’s addiction bartering. You’ll learn exactly how to shut it down with truth and structure.
3️⃣ Fun Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Requirement You won’t stay sober if you hate your life. This episode gives you permission (and strategy) to build joy into your routine — so recovery feels rewarding, not restrictive.
🗂️ The 90-Day Focus Planner Built on the life domain structure you heard in this episode — this is your tool for clarity, consistency, and follow-through in sobriety and life. 👉 Grab your planner → addictionunlimited.com/planner
🧠 Google This Term: Anhedonia — the inability to feel pleasure after quitting drinking. Knowing this one word could explain everything you’re experiencing.
Stop Waiting to Feel Ready — Start Living Now
Nov 26, 2025
Waiting to Feel Ready? Why Confidence Follows Action — Not the Other Way Around
Still waiting to feel ready before you take that next step? Spoiler alert: that moment may never come — and that’s exactly why this episode is here to shake you out of hesitation and into momentum.
Inside this powerful episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’ll break down:
Why readiness is a myth (and how to stop waiting for it),
How confidence is built through action, not preparation,
And the daily discipline of doing what needs to be done — even when you don’t feel like it.
You’ll walk away with clarity, practical tools, and a renewed sense of ownership over your goals, your emotions, and your next move.
This episode is your call to stop waiting, start building, and trust that the path reveals itself as you move.
💡 3 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Readiness is Built, Not Found If you’re waiting to feel ready — for sobriety, a hard conversation, or your next big step — you’re stuck in a cycle that won’t break itself. Readiness comes after action, not before.
2️⃣ Confidence Follows Action Confidence doesn’t come from thinking. It comes from doing. And the only way to feel more capable is to show up and prove it to yourself, one action at a time.
3️⃣ Discipline is the Bridge Motivation is fleeting. Discipline is how you stay consistent. Angela shares how to build the muscle of follow-through — even when your brain is throwing every excuse in the book.
💬 Mentioned In This Episode:
Book a Coaching Call – In honor of Black Friday, I’m offering exclusive bonuses for those ready for serious transformation. 🎁 Mention “Black Friday Bonuses” when we talk! 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
Cozy Earth Holiday Picks – Use code ANGELA to stack up to 40% off the world’s softest pajamas, blankets, and gifts. 👉 Shop Now
🎧 Bonus Drop This Friday: Don’t miss the next drop from the Unlimited Life Starter Series — 10 powerhouse episodes to rebuild rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.
Why Emotional Intelligence Is Your Secret Weapon After Sobriety
Nov 21, 2025
Sobriety gets you stable — emotional intelligence gets you unstoppable.
If you’ve ever felt like you got sober… then life got louder, messier, and more emotionally demanding — this episode is your roadmap.
I’m joined by my friend and emotional intelligence powerhouse, Noble Gibbens, to break down why EQ isn’t a nice-to-have in recovery — it’s the foundation of building a life you’re actually proud to live.
Noble’s story is wild: military, high performer, “business cult,” decades of people-pleasing… and then a full-blown wake-up call that forced him to confront emotional immaturity head-on. What he learned rebuilt his marriage, rewired his relationships, reshaped his career, and transformed his entire identity.
And listen — if you’re sober, even for a day, you know exactly why this matters. Alcohol numbed everything. Sobriety brings all of it back. EQ is how you handle it.
This episode is loaded with tools, book recommendations, emotional vocabulary tips, and straight-up truth bombs to help you grow stronger, calmer, and more resilient in your day-to-day life.
Plus, I created a full companion guide for you — every resource mentioned in this episode is inside it.
Here are 3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:
1️⃣ Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill — Not a Personality Trait
You weren’t born knowing how to navigate emotions. No one handed you a manual. EQ is learned, practiced, strengthened, and refined over time — and it becomes your competitive advantage in sobriety and in life.
2️⃣ Self-Awareness Is the First Step (and It’s Usually the Hardest)
Most people think they’re self-aware… until they start naming their emotions, tracking their triggers, and seeing how much of their behavior is fueled by fear, people-pleasing, or old survival patterns. Awareness is the doorway to freedom.
3️⃣ Growth Requires Discomfort — But Discomfort Builds Power
You can’t emotionally mature without running straight into the stuff you’ve been avoiding for years. But the moment you start doing the work, everything shifts — your relationships, your confidence, your boundaries, your entire sense of self.
Codependency, Control, and the Illusion of Being Needed
Nov 19, 2025
The Hard Truth About Being “The Helper” (And Why It’s Keeping You Stuck)
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood patterns in relationships: codependency.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted from being “the strong one,” guilty when you prioritize yourself, or frustrated when someone doesn’t take your advice, this conversation is for you.
I break down how codependency masquerades as love but is actually a hidden form of control—and how the need to be needed keeps both you and the people you care about stuck.
You’ll learn to recognize the subtle daily patterns that signal codependency, from checking your phone for someone else’s emotional weather to canceling your own plans when someone seems “off.”
Then, I walk you through the practice of detachment with love—caring deeply while releasing your grip on outcomes.
This isn’t about being cold or distant. It’s about trusting that others have their own path, their own lessons, and their own capacity to grow.
I share practical steps like setting real boundaries (yes, you can not respond to every text), tolerating discomfort, and offering support without attachment.
Finally, we dive into personal responsibility and emotional independence.
You’ll discover how to build your own sense of meaning that doesn’t depend on being needed, practice self-compassion with the same kindness you give others, and reclaim the energy you’ve been pouring into everyone else’s lives.
The One Tool That Transformed My Sobriety (and Still Does)
Nov 14, 2025
The Same Tool Used by Olympic Athletes & Top Performers to Change Your Life
If you’ve ever wondered how elite athletes, top entrepreneurs, and high-performers create insane results… this is it.
And no — it’s not woo, it’s not wishful thinking, and it’s not pretending life is perfect. It’s science. And when you learn to use it to rewire your subconscious, override old limiting beliefs, and shift the way you feel about your life… everything changes.
Here’s the wild part:
Science says 95% of your brain activity is unconscious.
That means almost everything you do — your habits, reactions, decisions, fears, beliefs — is driven by the part of your mind you don’t even realize is in control.
It’s running old programs. Old stories. Old beliefs you didn’t choose.
So the question becomes:
How do you work with your subconscious mind to rewrite those stories so you can get MORE of what you want in life… and LESS of what you don’t?
This episode breaks the whole thing down for you.
You’ll learn:
👉 The neuroscience behind why visualization works (And why your brain treats imagined events like real ones)
👉 How your Reticular Activating System filters your entire life (And how to reprogram it so it works for you)
👉 Why fear + anxiety are just negative visualizations (and how to interrupt that pattern instantly)
👉 A super-simple visualization process you can start today No crystals. No chanting. No drama. Just actual science you can use right now.
If you’ve been stuck in the start–stop cycle… doubting yourself… or fighting the same old patterns over and over…
This tool changes everything.
Grab your headphones and let’s dive in, my friend — you’re going to love this one.
Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Anxiety: The Patterns Keeping You Stuck After Sobriety
Nov 12, 2025
You Might Be a Perfectionist (And It’s Stealing Your Peace)
If you’re constantly overthinking, procrastinating, or beating yourself up for not doing “enough” — this episode is going to hit home.
Because perfectionism isn’t about having high standards. It’s about control, fear, and anxiety — and it’s quietly running your life behind the scenes.
In this episode, we’re exposing how perfectionism shows up in real life (even if you don’t think you’re a perfectionist), where it really comes from, and how to start breaking the cycle.
If you’ve ever said:
“I just want it to be good…”
“I’ll start when I feel ready…”
“I can’t screw this up…”
…then this one’s for you.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
Why perfectionism is actually a coping mechanism for anxiety
How it shows up as procrastination, irritability, people-pleasing, and control
Why so many high-functioning sober people feel stuck — even years into recovery
How to spot the perfectionist pattern before it steals your peace
6 powerful mindset and structure shifts to move forward without the shame spiral
You’ll also hear a personal story from me that cracked this wide open — and gave me a whole new lens on my own fear and vulnerability.
If this episode called you out in the best way, share it with a friend, and DM me on Instagram!
👉 The Daily Plan to Stay Sober Your daily structure to regulate anxiety, create momentum, and keep your head clear — one page, five minutes, every day.
🛍️ Cozy Earth — Early Black Friday Sale! Get up to 40% off sitewide + stack my code ANGELA at checkout. Shop now at CozyEarth.com
Why You Keep Making Bad Decisions (Even When You Know Better)
Nov 07, 2025
You already know better. So why do you keep saying yes to what you’ll regret tomorrow?
In this episode, Angela gets brutally honest about why you keep making decisions that don’t align with who you want to be — and how instant gratification is keeping you stuck in the cycle.
This isn’t just about drinking. It’s about how you handle discomfort. Fear, frustration, boredom, anxiety — you’ve trained your brain to escape instead of lead.
And that habit? It’s wrecking your confidence, your progress, and your peace.
Inside this episode:
How instant gratification fuels bad decisions (even sober ones)
Why your “first thought” is often the wrong one — and what to do instead
What real commitment looks like when you want to protect your peace
The power of delayed gratification — and how it builds self-trust
You don’t need more willpower. You need structure, discipline, and the courage to lead yourself differently.
If You’re Wondering “Can I Drink Again?”… Listen to This First
Nov 05, 2025
If you’re thinking about drinking again — that’s the clearest sign you still can’t.
Maybe you’ve been sober for a while… and you’re starting to wonder if you could handle drinking again. If that thought has crossed your mind — I want you to pause right here and hit play on this episode.
We’re talking about the subtle signs that tell you everything you need to know about your relationship with alcohol — even now.
In this episode, I’m sharing the addict traits that still show up in my life after almost 20 years sober — and how they confirm, without a doubt, that I’m not someone who can ever drink normally.
We’ll talk about:
The “more” mentality — when enough is never enough
Overthinking and rumination (AKA emotional avoidance)
Feeling “less than” no matter how much you accomplish
Being extra in everyday ways (and what that really means)
Why avoiding hard things in sobriety is just as dangerous as numbing them
And we’ll bring it all back to the biggest red flag of all: Just how much mental energy you’re spending thinking about alcohol.
You’ll hear the truth about the addict personality: how it still shows up in overthinking, overdoing, compulsive patterns, and that constant hunger for “more.”
Because if you’re fantasizing, negotiating, or justifying a future where you might drink again… that’s not healing. That’s the addiction, whispering in a different voice.
The Daily Plan for Sobriety, Structure, and Getting Unstuck
Oct 31, 2025
A step-by-step plan to structure your day after quitting drinking.
You didn’t just remove alcohol — you removed the thing that used to shape your day, distract your mind, and give you a false sense of control.
So what now?
If you’re stuck in the cycle of starting over… Or if you’ve been sober for a while but feel like you’re drifting through your days…
This episode is for you.
I’m walking you through my exact Daily Plan — the structure I use to stay sober, focused, and grounded in my sober power.
You’ll learn: ✨ What to do when you wake up ✨ How to avoid the afternoon crash ✨ Why structure creates peace ✨ And the #1 mistake that keeps people in relapse loops
This isn’t about willpower — it’s about ownership.
🎯 Your Next Step: Don’t just listen — download the free Daily Plan and start putting structure into action. This is where sobriety becomes your strategy.
Why character work never ends — and how to dismantle the ego patterns and excuses keeping you stuck.
You don’t do character work once and ride off into a peaceful sober sunset.
You don’t quit drinking and magically become the healthiest version of yourself.
This work never ends.
And if that sentence annoyed you a little — you’re exactly who this episode is for.
This episode is a wake-up call if you’ve been sober for weeks, months, or years—and life feels flat, repetitive, emotionally dull, like you’re just going through the motions.
No joy. No spark. No goals.
That’s a sign your emotional growth has stalled.
You’re not fired up about life. You’re avoiding discomfort instead of growing. And your excuses sound really reasonable… but they’re killing your progress.
This is where relapse starts—not always with alcohol, but with chaos, overspending, overeating, overworking, control, drama… anything to feel something.
That’s why this whole idea that “more time sober = more maturity” is garbage.
Character isn’t measured in time. It’s measured in effort and behavior.
And plenty of people have a lot of time sober but stop working on themselves – and they’ll get stuck just as quick as someone with 10 days sober.
Today, we dig into the real problem: it isn’t alcohol anymore. It’s ego, excuses, and emotional stagnation.
🎧 In this episode:
(3:00) Sobriety solves the alcohol problem—not the everything underneath it problem
(8:00) What ego really is and why a big ego + low self-esteem are the same thing
(16:00) The excuse system: how your mind lies to protect your comfort
(23:00) What emotional sobriety actually is (not a meme—real psychology)
(30:00) The path forward: emotional fitness tools that create real change
Sobriety is the foundation. Character is the house.
And character gets built by dismantling ego, eliminating excuses, and developing emotional sobriety—the ability to feel everything without being controlled by it.
Stop Starting Over: Use Structure to Make Habits Last
Oct 24, 2025
If you’re tired of starting back at day one, this episode will show you how to rebuild habits that last — with structure, not willpower.
You don’t need more motivation. You need a better system.
This is one of the most downloaded episodes I’ve ever released — and for good reason.
Because when life gets hard, we fall into old routines. We wait for motivation to magically reappear. And we keep starting over — again and again.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact structure I use (and teach my clients) to create habits that actually stick. No fluff. No trendy hacks. Just real, brain-based strategies that work.
You’ll learn:
How habits form in your brain — and why they’re so hard to break
What the habit loop actually is (cue → routine → reward)
How to identify your weak spots and reinforce them
Why reframing your goals makes all the difference
Simple ways to change your environment to support your new life
And if you want more on the motivation piece — go listen to the last episode: “How to Take Action When You Don’t Feel Motivated.” That link is in the show notes, too.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
💬 Sober Society Membership Your private community for accountability, structure, and serious transformation. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/membership
📅 Book a Free Clarity Call Ready to get serious? Let’s talk about your goals and map out your next steps. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
🎧 Episode 396 – How to Take Action When You Don’t Feel Motivated If you want more support with motivation, don’t miss this one. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/396
How to Take Action When You Don’t Feel Motivated
Oct 22, 2025
How To Take Action When You Don’t Feel Motivated: 3 Structure Hacks That Actually Work
Waiting to feel motivated before taking action? That’s the myth keeping you stuck.
I used to think successful people had endless motivation — some secret energy source I didn’t have access to. I’d wait to feel ready before starting anything: the workout, the journaling, the business tasks.
But here’s what I learned the hard way: motivation doesn’t create action. Action creates motivation.
The truth? Motivation is just a mood. Movement is a decision. And if you want to build consistent habits and reach your goals, you need to stop using your feelings as your strategy.
In this episode, I’m sharing why waiting for motivation keeps you stuck, the psychology behind emotional reasoning vs. executive function, and the three proven structure hacks I use to take action even when I don’t feel like it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why motivation is a terrible strategy for consistent action and productivity
How to stop emotional reasoning from sabotaging your goals
The 90-Second Rule for overcoming resistance and building momentum
How to create daily non-negotiables that anchor your routine
Visual trigger techniques to make good habits easier to maintain
Why discipline creates freedom (not restriction)
How to separate feelings from actions and take control of your decisions
Key takeaway: Structure gives your future self a fighting chance. When you stop waiting to feel ready and start moving anyway, everything changes.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:
✅ Get my Daily Plan (Free Download) Your one-page structure to stay grounded and consistent — even when your mind is spinning. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/plan
🧠 Book a Free Coaching Call with Angela If you’re ready to stop trying to figure it out alone, let’s talk. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
🛏️ Cozy Earth Angela’s favorite sheets and blanket for calming your nervous system and elevating your 5–9. 👉 https://cozyearth.com/ + discount code ANGELA
🎧 Unlimited Life Starter Series 3 Surprising Ways You’re Still Sabotaging Your Sobriety 👉 addictionunlimited.com/395
3 Surprising Ways You’re Still Sabotaging Your Sobriety
Oct 17, 2025
If you’ve quit drinking but still find yourself frustrated, low-energy, or stuck in “what’s next?” limbo… this episode is exactly what you need.
Because… you don’t need another lecture on willpower. You need to understand the real ways you’re still sabotaging yourself — even if you’re doing everything “right.”
In this powerful episode from the Addiction Unlimited archives, I’ll break down 3 sneaky patterns that silently kill your momentum in sobriety.
These are the mindset traps and emotional blind spots that no one talks about — and they’re probably the reason you still feel like something’s missing.
Whether it’s unrealistic expectations, lack of direction, or mistaking emotional overwhelm for alcohol cravings — this episode pulls back the curtain and helps you take your power back.
This is the kick-off of the Unlimited Life™ Series — bonus episodes released every Friday through the end of the year — where we bring back the most-loved episodes that laid the foundation for this movement.
They’re not just throwbacks. They’re tools to help you build structure, confidence, and personal power in life after alcohol.
🎯 If you’re ready to stop coasting through sobriety and start building something real — this one’s for you.
🔗 Links & Resources from this Episode
📄 Grab the Free Daily Plan Start building structure and focus into your sober life today. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/plan
💬 Join the Conversation in Sober Society (Free FB Group) Surround yourself with high-level sober support — connection, clarity, and real talk. 👉 Facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited
🎯 Book a Free Coaching Call If you’re ready to stop surviving sobriety and start leading your life — let’s talk. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
Why Am I an Alcoholic? The Bio-Psycho-Social Truth About Addiction
Oct 15, 2025
Ever found yourself wondering, “Why me?”
Why can’t I drink like other people? Did I inherit this? If I’d made different choices, would it have turned out differently?
If these questions have kept you up at night, you’re not alone — and this episode is your answer.
Inside, I’m breaking down the real, full-picture WHY behind alcohol addiction — not in vague theories or shame-based clichés, but with a powerful, science-backed model that makes everything finally make sense: the Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Addiction.
We’re going deeper than “you drink too much.” We’re unpacking what drove you to seek relief in the first place — and how you can finally start to untangle the layers keeping you stuck.
If you’ve ever felt confused, exhausted, or like sobriety still isn’t working the way you hoped — this episode is your wake-up call.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The truth about addiction: why it’s not just genetics, trauma, or stress — it’s the collision of all three.
What most people get completely wrong when trying to stop drinking
Why “just quitting” isn’t enough — and what to do instead
The exact factors that make some people more vulnerable (and how to take your power back anyway)
The one thing I tell every client about where to start when recovery feels overwhelming
🎧 Ready to finally understand your drinking — and start rebuilding from clarity, not confusion? Press play now and discover how to reclaim your power with truth, structure, and ownership.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
📘 The Recovery Starter Kit: A self-paced online course to help you build the foundation of a strong, sustainable recovery lifestyle. Tools for cravings, triggers, boundaries, emotional regulation, and more. → Get instant access here
📄 The Daily Plan: The #1 free resource to help you stay focused, clear, and on track every day — because structure is freedom. → Download it here
🤝 Work with Angela: If you’ve tried everything, you’re exhausted, and you’re ready to get serious — you can always book a call to see if we’re a fit to work together. → Book Your Call here
When Quitting Drinking Isn’t Enough Anymore
Oct 08, 2025
What No One Tells You About Life After Sobriety — Until You’re In It
Whether it’s been 10 days or 10 years — if you’ve found yourself stuck in a cycle of blah, you are not alone.
You’re not counting days. You’re not struggling to stay sober. But something’s still missing — and you can’t quite put your finger on it.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I thought I’d be happier by now…”
“What’s wrong with me — shouldn’t I be better by now?”
“Why do I feel so bored, stuck, or disconnected?”
This episode is going to help you breathe a big sigh of relief. Because there’s nothing wrong with you. You’ve just outgrown the survival chapter of your recovery — and now it’s time to build something deeper.
This isn’t another episode about early sobriety tips or why alcohol is bad. This is about what comes after — the emotional flatness, the boredom, the floating — and how to get out of it.
🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why that “off” feeling isn’t a setback — it’s an invitation to rebuild
The truth about boredom in recovery (and why it’s not what you think it is)
Why ownership starts the minute the pink cloud ends
How to shift from just being sober… to living with structure, direction, and personal power
💬 If you’re ready to stop circling and start rebuilding…
Book a free call with Angela to talk about what’s next for your recovery journey: 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
Using Sober October to Build Real Change That Goes Beyond Day 31
Oct 01, 2025
Using Sober October to Build Real Change That Goes Beyond Day 31
In this episode, I’m getting honest about what “just taking a break” really means. Whether you’re trying to reset, test your willpower, or prove something to yourself, I want to help you go deeper — and actually get what you came here for.
I’ll walk you through the two times I took breaks (30 and 60 days), how I convinced myself I was in control, and why both times led to even worse drinking. You’ll learn how to spot when your relationship with alcohol has gone too far, why 30-day challenges don’t create lasting change, and what to do instead if you want to stop starting over.
If you’re waking up on Day One of Sober October with mixed feelings — hope, fear, uncertainty — this episode will give you a plan and a path forward.
HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
1️⃣ Taking a break isn’t proof of control. It’s often a sign you’re already negotiating with something that has too much power.
2️⃣ 30 days won’t fix what alcohol was covering up. The real transformation comes after the “break” ends — when you’re building a life that works without alcohol.
3️⃣ You need a plan that holds you. Structure, self-trust, and emotional support are the foundation for lasting change — not just willpower or white-knuckling.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you’re serious about making this stick — not just in October, but in real life — you need more than good intentions.
Love this episode? Take a second to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more high-functioning adults who are ready for real change.
🎙 Thanks for listening to Addiction Unlimited. See you next week!
Why You Drink When You Don’t Want To — And How to Stop for Good
Sep 24, 2025
Ever find yourself pouring a drink thinking, “I don’t even want this…”?
In this episode, we’re going deep into the neuroscience of cravings, the patterns behind self-sabotage, and most importantly — how to get back in the driver’s seat of your brain.
You’ll learn exactly what it takes to interrupt the pattern, rewire your brain, and take back authority over your decisions — even in the hardest moments.
Whether you’re early in sobriety or stuck in “start-over” mode, this is your guide to finally feeling clear, confident, and in control of your recovery — without shame and without starting over.
This one is packed with science, strategy, and the real-talk I wish I had in early sobriety.
You’ll hear:
Why your survival brain overrides logic (and how to interrupt it)
How to rewire reward loops and stop white-knuckling every craving
3 coaching tools to break the pattern without breaking yourself
How to lead yourself with clarity instead of fear
And if you’re ready to stop spinning in start-over cycles and finally feel in control of your sobriety — this is your roadmap.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
💬 Book your free clarity call with Angela Ready for real change and fast results? Let’s get clear on what’s keeping you stuck and map out your next steps together. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
🛏️ Shop Cozy Earth + Get 40% Off Upgrade your recovery routine with the bedding that feels like a full-body exhale. Use code ANGELA for 40% off! 👉 cozyearth.com
🎧 Episode #372 – The Real Reasons You Self-Sabotage Your Sobriety (And How to Stop) This episode pairs perfectly with today’s show if you want to go deeper on the patterns that keep you stuck. 👉 Listen here
💬 Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts
If you loved this episode, leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps other listeners find the show and join us on this journey. Just scroll down in Apple Podcasts, tap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and leave your thoughts!
And don’t forget to follow the show — so you never miss a new episode, bonus trainings, or juicy real-talk about recovery.
Sleep Struggles After Quitting Drinking: Fixing the 3AM Brain Spiral
Sep 17, 2025
3am wakeups after quitting drinking? Let’s fix your sober sleep—for good.
You jolt awake at 3am. Your heart is racing. Your brain is going 100 miles an hour. You know you’re exhausted—but you’re wired and wide awake.
Welcome to the 3AM Club, my friend. It’s not just you. And it’s not just early sobriety.
Sleep issues can hit you at any point in recovery—whether you’re 30 days sober or 30 years in. And in this episode, I’m going to show you exactly what’s going on in your brain and body when it happens—and give you real tools to quiet that 3AM mind.
Because here’s the truth: This isn’t a “you problem.” It’s a nervous system issue. And you don’t need to panic—you need a plan.
In this episode, I walk you through the hidden causes of those middle-of-the-night wakeups (ADHD, anxiety, sugar, trauma, overstimulation… just to name a few), and I hand you my 3AM GET-YOUR-CALM-BACK PLAN—the exact system I use to calm my brain, get grounded, and take my power back.
No more shame spirals. No more doom scrolling. Just strategy, structure, and the truth about what’s really happening behind the scenes.
🔊 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: (03:22) Why waking up at 3am isn’t just an early sobriety thing (and why it still happens years later) (08:55) The truth about ADHD, anxiety, sugar, and your overloaded nervous system (16:33) How cortisol, trauma, and hangxiety hijack your brain in the middle of the night (25:40) What your brain needs to finally feel safe enough to rest (29:12) My full “3AM Calm-Back Plan” to stop the spiral and get grounded fast (41:20) The biggest mistakes to stop making when you wake up anxious (46:44) How to rewire your beliefs about sleep—and start trusting your body again
This isn’t about chasing 8 perfect hours. It’s about regulating your body, reclaiming your calm, and learning to rest without sedation.
👉🏼 Listen now and start building your 3am strategy—because a regulated brain is a rested brain.
Numb… Anxious… or Overwhelmed? What the Hell Is Going On With Your Feelings?
Sep 10, 2025
Numb, Anxious, or Overwhelmed: What the F Is Going On With Your Feelings After You Quit Drinking?*
The hardest part of sobriety isn’t cravings… it’s the F-word.
No, not that one. (Although you know it’s a personal favorite.)
I’m talking about feelings.
The ones you spent years numbing. The ones that come flooding in after you stop drinking. Or… the ones you can’t seem to feel at all.
Whether you feel numb, anxious, totally overwhelmed, or like your emotions are playing hide-and-seek with your brain—this episode is for you.
💥 In this episode, I’ll walk you through:
What’s really going on when the Pink Cloud fades
Why your emotional overwhelm (or shutdown) is actually a sign of healing
What Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) has to do with it
How emotional avoidance becomes emotional disconnection
Why this phase is where many people relapse—not because of cravings, but because they don’t have the tools to deal
And 3 powerful tools to help you feel again—without drowning in it
You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of why your nervous system is acting up, the real reason you can’t explain how you feel (and why that’s perfectly okay), and my favorite strategies for handling emotions without shutting down, blowing up, or reaching for a drink.
This is the work I do every day with my coaching clients. We don’t just “talk about feelings.” We build the emotional skill set that alcohol took away.
So if you’re done screwing around… and ready to build real sobriety, confidence, and peace— 📲 Book a free coaching call with me. Let’s talk about what support could look like for you.
When Life Feels Out of Control, Here’s How to Stay Sober
Sep 03, 2025
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I should be managing this better…”—this episode is for you.
Between work, family, caregiving, and trying to keep your sober routine intact, it’s easy to feel like life is spinning and you’re barely holding it together. You’re showing up, doing the work, and still questioning if it’s enough. That’s not failure—it’s a sign you’re at capacity. And your sobriety doesn’t break in those moments. It’s actually being built in them.
In this episode, we’re talking about what emotional sobriety looks like in real life—not the highlight reel. You’ll learn how to stay grounded when everything feels out of control, and how to reset without spiraling, starting over, or white-knuckling your way through it.
We’ll unpack:
What control really looks like in high-functioning sobriety
The 3-step emotional reset to reconnect with yourself (without doing 10 things)
How to calm the chaos and stay sober without shame
Why these messy moments are proof that you’re growing—not slipping
This isn’t about checking every box perfectly. It’s about leading yourself with presence, not pressure.
Whether you’re 30 days sober or 3 years in, you’ll walk away with tools to breathe again, anchor into your why, and feel strong—even when life is anything but easy.
Tired of Starting Over? Why Willpower Isn’t Enough to Quit Drinking
Aug 27, 2025
Listen On:
You’re not failing—your method is.
You’ve already tried harder. You’ve done the dry weeks. You’ve poured bottles down the sink. You’ve promised yourself, “Just weekends. Just one. This time it will stick.”
And yet, here you are… back in the same shame spiral, asking yourself: “Why can’t I get it together?”
In this episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’re burning down the biggest lie in sobriety: that if you just had more willpower, you’d finally quit drinking for good.
👉 Spoiler alert: willpower is a faulty system. Every. Single. Time.
What you actually need is a system—one that gives you structure, support, and solutions so you can stop starting over and finally move forward.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 Why willpower fails (and always will) — the science behind anxiety, decision fatigue, and why your brain defaults to alcohol when it’s overwhelmed.
⚙️ The 3 Pillars of Lasting Recovery — my proven framework: Science, Strategy, and Self.
📌 How to design your sober system — calming rituals, accountability, and practical tools that give you relief without a drink.
🚫 The ego trap of “testing yourself” — why it’s total BS and guaranteed to keep you stuck.
💪 Radical personal responsibility — the boundaries you must set with people, places, and yourself to protect your sobriety.
By the end, you’ll understand exactly why trying harder has never worked for you—and how to replace the endless loop of Day Ones with a system that actually sticks.
🎧 Hit play now, because you don’t need more motivation. You don’t need another Day One. You need a system. And this is where it starts.
Cozy Earth — Use code ANGELA for 40% off: CozyEarth.com
Loneliness in Sobriety: Why It Happens + How to Heal
Aug 20, 2025
Loneliness and substance use often go hand in hand. But what most people don’t realize is that loneliness can follow you into sobriety—and if you don’t address it, it can quietly push you toward relapse.
Sobriety means growth. It means changing your habits, your identity, and your relationships—and often, that kind of change means losing the people and places that once made you feel connected.
And it’s not just about early sobriety. Sometimes it’s the next chapter: Maybe your kids are grown and gone, and the house is too quiet. Maybe the marriage didn’t last. Or the friendships didn’t make it. Or maybe… you just don’t feel like you anymore.
You’re not drinking. You’re doing the work. But you still feel disconnected—from your people, your purpose, maybe even from yourself.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel so alone in sobriety?” This episode is going to answer that.
We’re unpacking the real reasons loneliness shows up in recovery—and exactly what to do about it so you can protect your peace, support your growth, and create a connected, fulfilling life that feels aligned with who you are now.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why loneliness is common in sobriety—even years in ✅ How identity shifts, life stages, and personal growth create disconnection ✅ 5 powerful ways to rebuild connection in recovery ✅ Why waiting to feel better doesn’t work—and what to do instead ✅ How to stop relying on old social circles that no longer fit your life ✅ The role of community, consistency, and aligned relationships ✅ Why being of service is one of the most healing tools you have ✅ How to stop living in emotional isolation and start feeling supported again
Most people in early sobriety experience loneliness because their life is changing faster than their social circle is. But others feel it later on, when life transitions—like divorce, empty nest, or major growth—create emotional distance from the people they once leaned on.
This isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s a sign you’re evolving. And that’s exactly why you need a new kind of connection to support who you’re becoming.
The Mental Exhaustion of Trying to Control Your Drinking
Aug 13, 2025
If you’ve ever told yourself, “If I could drink in moderation, I would do it all the time,” this episode is going to feel like I’ve been eavesdropping on your thoughts.
Maybe you’ve tried switching to beer, only drinking on weekends, skipping alcohol at home, or limiting yourself to “special occasions.” And for a short time, it works—until the rules bend, the “just one more” slips in, and you’re right back where you started. The truth is, you’re not weak. You’re not broken. Your brain is doing exactly what it’s wired to do: protect what feels familiar, even when it’s holding you back.
In this powerful episode, I’m breaking down:
Why your brain keeps selling you on moderation—even when you know it doesn’t work
The hidden mental, emotional, and physical costs of the moderation loop
The shift you need to make if you truly want freedom from alcohol
We’ll pull apart the survival brain’s “safe compromise” pitch, expose the decision fatigue moderation causes, and talk about how it chips away at your self-trust over time. You’ll see why moderation isn’t about control—it’s about delay—and how it quietly steals your energy, your confidence, and the life you want to live.
By the end, you’ll have a new target: freedom, not control. You’ll learn how one clear decision can remove hundreds of tiny exhausting ones, and how to focus on what you’re gaining—not what you’re giving up.
If you’re ready to stop starting over and step into real freedom, I can help. Book your free clarity call today at addictionunlimited.com/call. Together, we’ll create a plan that works—without willpower games or endless “rules.”
Because you deserve more than managing your drinking. You deserve to be free.
How to Break the 5PM Drinking Habit (Without Losing Your Mind)
Aug 06, 2025
If your witching hour feels like a daily emotional ambush—when the stress, noise, and cravings all collide—you are not alone. That 4 or 5PM pull toward wine or alcohol isn’t just a bad habit… it’s a wired-in loop your brain has learned over years. And breaking it takes more than willpower.
In this episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’re diving deep into why 5PM is such a trigger—and how to interrupt the craving cycle before it takes over.
Angela unpacks what’s really happening when that evening craving hits, from decision fatigue to emotional overload to the brain’s need for relief. This isn’t about being broken—it’s about building a new system that supports you when your brain and body are done.
What You’ll Learn:
Why your brain cues up cravings before you even leave work
The truth about decision fatigue and emotional depletion
How to use the “Interrupt Ritual” to break autopilot
The 5PM Flip: Replacing your reward without punishment
How to identify emotions using H.A.L.T. and stop numbing with alcohol
What neuroplasticity means—and why small shifts change everything
Angela also shares a powerful story from her early sobriety behind the bar, proving that the craving loop can be broken—even when it’s deeply ingrained.
This episode is a real-world, neuroscience-backed guide to help you stop surviving your evenings—and start leading them with intention and power.
Thriving in the Mess: The Real Work of Sobriety
Jul 30, 2025
Listen On:
If life feels messy and sobriety feels like an uphill battle — this episode will give you relief, language, and a path forward.
Let me guess… You thought quitting drinking would solve most of your problems.
You figured, once the alcohol was gone, things would finally calm down. You’d feel happier, more stable, less overwhelmed. But instead — sobriety hit, and life still feels like one giant mess.
Here’s the thing no one really talks about: Life doesn’t stop life-ing just because you quit drinking.
There are still bills, breakups, bad days, and unexpected chaos. The difference is, now you’re trying to face it without your old escape button.
And that’s not because you’re doing sobriety wrong — it’s because life is still life, and your nervous system is still learning how to handle it.
This episode is all about learning how to deal with the hard stuff — curveballs, chaos, and everyday stress — without unraveling. I’m going to show you how to build the kind of emotional endurance that helps you stay calm, grounded, and clear… even when life gets messy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why just not drinking isn’t enough to feel better
The real reason you still feel stuck or triggered
How to stop getting derailed by every curveball
The coping tools that actually work — and how to start using them
What it really means to “do the work” in recovery
If you’re sober (or trying to be) but life still feels chaotic, overwhelming, and exhausting — this is your episode.
It’s not just about not drinking anymore. It’s about learning to live — really live — without running, numbing, or blowing up your life.
How to Make Peace With Your Past (Even If You Regret Everything)
Jul 23, 2025
Listen On:
Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself for what I did when I was drinking?” If the shame feels too big, the guilt too heavy, and the past impossible to escape—this episode is your turning point.
In this powerful conversation, we’re diving deep into self-forgiveness—what it is, why it’s so hard, and how to actually begin the process of releasing regret and reclaiming your power in sobriety.
I’m also walking you through a powerful 3-minute reflection practice from my brand-new Self-Forgiveness Starter Kit—designed to help you stop punishing yourself and start moving forward.
Because your past doesn’t get to have the final word. You do.
✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why shame feels necessary—and why that belief is hurting you
How rumination blocks your ability to move forward
The emotional + physical toll of carrying unresolved guilt
The truth about what forgiveness really means (and what it doesn’t)
A simple practice to reset your mindset and start healing today
This isn’t just mindset work—it’s a full-body reset for anyone stuck in guilt, self-punishment, or emotional paralysis after quitting drinking.
If you’re tired of carrying your past like a weight, and you’re ready to build something better… it all starts with one radical act:
👉 Forgive yourself.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
🎁 Download the Self-Forgiveness Starter Kit Your free, printable toolkit to start releasing shame and building real inner peace. 👉 https://addictionunlimited.com/forgive
Worried About Your Health in Sobriety? Here’s How Your Body Heals After Drinking
Jul 16, 2025
A step-by-step breakdown of how your body heals after alcohol, from your liver to your heart to your gut.
I know the fear you feel when you quit drinking and suddenly start paying attention to every little twinge in your body. You wonder:
Did I mess up my liver for good?
Is this brain fog normal?
What if I’ve already done permanent damage?
And if you’re anything like most people in recovery, you might have spent years avoiding the doctor, hiding your drinking, and ignoring the warning signs.
That means your health anxiety isn’t just physical — it’s deeply emotional.
You’re carrying around shame, guilt, and fear, wondering if your past choices have caught up with you.
But here’s the truth: your body is incredibly resilient. And healing is happening — even if you can’t feel it yet.
In this episode of the Addiction Unlimited Podcast, I’m walking you through what’s really going on inside your body after you stop drinking. We’ll look at how alcohol impacts your liver, brain, heart, and gut — and what recovery looks like from the inside out.
You’ll also learn how to spot the difference between real health issues and the fear-based spirals that come from anxiety. I’ll give you simple, actionable tools to calm your nervous system, trust your body again, and stop Googling symptoms at 2 a.m.
Because your recovery deserves more than panic and guesswork — it deserves clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
In this episode, I share:
5:45 — What “health anxiety in sobriety” is and why it hits so hard 10:12 — How your liver, brain, and heart really respond when you stop drinking 14:18 — Why your gut is your “second brain” and how food affects your healing 20:33 — What’s normal (and not) when it comes to stomach issues and recovery 24:10 — Tools to manage fear without spiraling into Google 28:05 — How to stop letting fear run the show and build real coping skills 30:50 — Why you’re not broken — your body is healing
If you’ve been living in a constant state of “What if it’s too late?” this episode is going to give you hope, knowledge, and peace of mind.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Book a free call with me to get serious about your recovery and build a plan that actually works
Grief in Sobriety: Saying Goodbye to Your ‘Best Frenemy’
Jul 09, 2025
Why do we miss alcohol—even when we know it’s destroying us?
In this raw and powerful episode, I’m unpacking the real reason it feels like grief when you quit drinking. We’ll look at how alcohol grooms you like a toxic partner, hijacks your identity like a cult, and lingers in your brain like a sleeping bear that’s always ready to wake up.
This isn’t just about quitting a habit—it’s about breaking up with a manipulative force that’s been running your life. And when you understand why it hurts so much to let it go, you’ll finally be able to reclaim your peace, your power, and your self-trust.
💥 In this episode, we’ll cover:
What makes alcohol feel like a “best frenemy”
The grooming phase: when drinking felt fun, light, and helpful
How alcohol rewires your brain and conditions emotional dependency
The cult-like takeover of your identity and social life
What it really means to “poke the bear” in sobriety
5 actionable ways to rebuild trust and keep the bear asleep
Why you’re not crazy for missing it—and how grief is actually a sign of healing
Download your free guided journal prompts to help you process the grief of quitting drinking and reconnect with your true self.
✅ Process the emotional layers of letting go ✅ Understand what alcohol really gave you—and what it took ✅ Start journaling with purpose, power, and peace
⏱️ Timestamps – Episode #380: Grief in Sobriety: Saying Goodbye to Your ‘Best Frenemy’
00:00 – Why You Miss Alcohol (Even When It’s Hurting You) Exploring the emotional confusion of quitting drinking and why it feels like grief.
01:30 – What No One Tells You About Early Sobriety Angela shares the emotional chaos of missing alcohol and how it impacts your identity.
03:15 – How Alcohol Slowly Takes Over Your Life The grooming phase: how drinking goes from social fun to emotional dependency.
06:10 – The Science of Craving: How Alcohol Hijacks Your Brain Learn how alcohol rewires your reward system and trains your brain to believe you need it.
08:25 – When Alcohol Becomes Your Identity From “fun wine girl” to isolation—how alcohol slowly shapes how you see yourself and your social life.
11:40 – Grieving the Lie: The Emotional Breakup with Alcohol Why quitting feels like losing a part of yourself—and how to start healing emotionally.
13:00 – The Bear Analogy: Understanding the Addicted Brain Angela’s signature tool to explain relapse triggers and how to protect your progress.
15:45 – 5 Triggers That Wake the Bear (and What to Do Instead) Clear, actionable tools to stay grounded in recovery and stop sabotaging your success.
19:30 – Coaching That Helps You Go Deeper How personalized support can take you from surviving sobriety to building a life you love.
21:00 – Free Recovery Resource: Goodbye, Alcohol Healing Journal Grab the journal prompts that help you unpack your grief and stay emotionally clear.
💬 If this episode hit home…
Please share it with someone who needs to hear it.
The Identity Crisis No One Talks About in Sobriety
Jul 02, 2025
You quit drinking to feel better — and you do. But you also feel… a little lost. Your old life doesn’t quite fit, and the new one still feels unfamiliar. Welcome to the identity crisis no one warned you about.
In this episode, we’re talking about what really happens after you get sober — the part beyond the cravings and the willpower. Because when alcohol is no longer part of your life, it takes your old routines, confidence, and identity with it.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore…” this episode is for you.
You’ll learn:
Why feeling disconnected is actually a normal part of early sobriety
The 3 phases of the identity shift that every sober woman goes through
How to get out of the “in between” phase and build a life that actually feels aligned
Plus, I’ll give you practical tools and journal prompts to help you reconnect with who you really are — without alcohol.
This isn’t just about staying sober — it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.
If this episode cracked something open for you, “Relief Not Relapse” is the perfect follow-up—especially if you’re caught in the on-again, off-again loop. Go listen when you’re done here!
⏱️ Episode Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro Sarah’s story, the trap of moderation, and why this episode is your turning point.
1:20 – Welcome + What We’re Talking About Today Why this conversation matters, what moderation really represents, and what you’ll learn.
2:30 – Segment 1: The Moderation Mindset Why moderation feels safer, how it keeps you stuck, and the emotional bait-and-switch no one talks about.
7:45 – Segment 2: The Dangerous Truth About Moderation The real-life costs of trying to moderate, the risks you’re inviting, and the moment that could change everything.
11:30 – Segment 3: The Clarity Framework Three powerful questions to get honest about your next step (and stop spinning in the maybe).
14:30 – Your Takeaway + Invitation What to remember from this episode, where to get your Clarity Questions, and how to take the next step with support.
Sober Self-Care for Moms Who Feel Like They’re Drowning
Jun 18, 2025
If wine feels like the only way you can get through dinner, laundry, or one more bedtime meltdown—this episode is for you.
In this powerful solo episode, I’m diving deep into the emotional truth behind mommy wine culture and why it’s not about the alcohol—it’s about the overwhelm, burnout, and emotional depletion so many moms are silently carrying.
We’re breaking down:
Why quantity doesn’t define a drinking problem—intention does
The emotional load motherhood places on women (and what alcohol pretends to fix)
3 real-life sober self-care tools that actually work when you’re overstimulated and exhausted
How to shift from using alcohol as a coping mechanism to building a self-support system that lasts
Whether you’re already sober, sober-curious, or just tired of feeling like wine is your only relief—you’ll leave this episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered.
[03:12] Why wine feels like emotional fuel—not just a treat
[08:45] “Am I drinking too much?” The real question to ask
[13:01] The One-Song Reset: a powerful nervous system hack
[16:17] Grounding techniques for overwhelmed moms
[20:42] Reclaiming your energy without the glass of wine
[26:05] The truth about emotional addiction (and how to break it)
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Relief Not Relapse
Jun 11, 2025
What to Do When Cravings Hit and Drinking Feels Like the Only Option
When a craving hits, it can feel instant and overwhelming. One minute you’re handling your day, and the next, your brain is screaming for a drink.
But here’s the truth: you don’t actually want the drink—you want relief. And in this episode, I’m giving you the tools to get that relief without sabotaging your sobriety.
We’re breaking down the C.A.L.M. Method, a 4-step, science-backed process you can use in the exact moment a craving strikes. Whether you’re early in sobriety, navigating emotional triggers, or just sick of the cycle, this episode gives you the step-by-step guide to interrupt the urge and come out stronger on the other side.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The crucial difference between thinking about drinking and actually craving a drink
Why cravings are physical, not just mental—and how to calm your nervous system fast
A powerful mantra that will change how you think about relapse
How to shift from panic to empowerment in just a few minutes
Real tools, real stories, and a repeatable framework that works
You don’t need to white-knuckle your way through a craving. You need strategy, support, and a system that works—especially on the hard days.
So if you’re ready to take your power back, press play now.
5 Hidden Patterns That Keep You Drinking
Jun 04, 2025
You don’t drink because you’re weak. You drink because you’ve been stuck in patterns no one ever taught you how to recognize.
In this powerful solo episode, I’m walking you through five emotional patterns that quietly sabotage your sobriety—even if you’ve quit drinking before, even if you think you “should have this figured out by now.” These patterns are subtle, but they run deep… and they’re often the very reason women end up back at Day One.
So if you’ve ever asked yourself:
“Why do I keep doing this when I know better?”
“Why does it feel impossible to stop?”
“Why do I start strong and then fall right back into old habits?”
This episode is for you.
Here’s what we’re covering:
✅ The “Peacekeeper Pattern” (a.k.a. people-pleasing and emotional burnout) ✅ Why escape isn’t about alcohol—it’s about unprocessed pain ✅ How perfectionism, control, and identity confusion are fueling the cycle ✅ The exact thoughts these patterns whisper to keep you stuck ✅ Journal prompts to help you break the loop and move forward for good
💬 I’ll walk you through each pattern, what it sounds like, how it hijacks your thinking—and how to start taking your power back, one decision at a time.
🎧 Tune in if:
You’re tired of starting over and want real tools to make this stick
You feel like you’re doing “okay” on the outside but still struggling in secret
You’re ready to stop half-assing sobriety and start healing for real
✨ Ready to stop spinning your wheels?
If you’re done screwing around with the same tired cycle—and you’re ready for deep, lasting change—book a free call with me. We’ll get honest about what’s keeping you stuck and map out exactly what working together could look like.
If this episode hit home, share it with a friend, post it on IG and tag me @addictionunlimited, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other women find this life-changing work. 💛
5 Things to Do Instead of Drinking Tonight
May 28, 2025
You don’t actually want the drink. You want relief. You want to quiet your mind, slow your breath, and feel just a little more okay.
But here’s what you may not realize: You don’t need alcohol to get there. You need tools—tools that work with your brain and your body, not against them.
In this episode, I’m giving you 5 powerful, science-backed things you can do instead of drinking tonight—things that soothe your nervous system, break the craving loop, and help you feel proud of yourself when your head hits the pillow.
Whether you’re fresh on your sober journey, struggling with nightly cravings, or just need a plan that actually works when the witching hour starts whispering, this episode is for you.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why movement interrupts cravings and resets your nervous system
The surprising reason eating something nourishing can make cravings disappear
How to rewire your habit loop (without overhauling your whole life)
The power of casual connection and why it regulates your brain instantly
One simple mindset shift that builds your self-respect and makes drinking less appealing
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through tonight. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan.
When Family Triggers You in Sobriety: How to Stay Sane, Set Boundaries, and Protect Your Peace
May 21, 2025
Do you feel like your sobriety gets harder the second a family event hits the calendar?
You’re not imagining it—family is one of the most powerful and underestimated sobriety triggers.
The roles, the judgment, the pressure to be “fine”—it all adds up to stress, emotional regression, and the urge to escape.
In this episode, we break down why family triggers hit so hard (even years into recovery), how your nervous system gets hijacked by old conditioning, and what to do before, during, and after those emotionally loaded moments.
You’ll learn how to:
Spot mental, emotional, and social triggers early
Set boundaries without guilt or people-pleasing
Create an exit plan that protects your peace
Use real-life tools to reset your energy and stay grounded
Plus, I’ll share my own experience with family dysfunction and how I use a simple strategy I call “Don’t poke the bear” to keep my sobriety strong—especially when emotions run high.
If you’ve ever felt like the confident, grounded version of yourself disappears around family, this episode will help you reconnect with your power and protect your recovery like your life depends on it—because sometimes, it does.
💬 Let’s Connect on Instagram – DM me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode: @addictionunlimited
⭐️ Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts
If you loved this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the show—it helps more amazing women like you find the support they need in sobriety.
Here’s how:
Open the Addiction Unlimited podcast in Apple Podcasts
Scroll to the bottom
Tap to rate with 5 stars
Select “Write a Review” and share what you loved most
And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. I’ve got bonus content dropping all the time, and I don’t want you to miss a thing. 🎧
Thank you so much for being part of this community—super grateful for you. 💛
The Real Reasons You Self-Sabotage Your Sobriety (and How to Stop)
May 14, 2025
You’ve probably been here before…
You say this time will be different. You make a plan, set your intentions, tell yourself you’re really going to do it.
You’ll say no to the wine night. You’ll go to the meeting. You’ll open the journal, start the morning routine, follow through.
But then… you don’t. And you tell yourself you’ll start tomorrow. Again.
If you’ve ever wondered why you keep sabotaging your own progress — even when you desperately want to succeed — this episode is for you.
We’re not just talking about self-sabotage on the surface. We’re going deeper into the hidden emotional pattern underneath it all: broken self-trust.
Because self-sabotage isn’t just procrastination or giving in to cravings — it’s what happens when you’ve made so many promises to yourself (and broken them) that you no longer believe your own word.
And when you don’t believe yourself, it becomes almost impossible to stay sober, feel confident, or keep showing up.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
Why guilt turns into shame — and how that spiral fuels self-sabotage
What it really means to “break your own trust” (and why that matters in sobriety)
The lightbulb moment most people miss when they keep starting over
And how to start healing this cycle with one small, powerful shift: micro-promises
If you’re tired of starting over, if you’re stuck in the “I’ll do better tomorrow” loop, or if you’re ready to feel proud of yourself again — this conversation is going to feel like exhaling for the first time in a while.
It’s time to stop quitting on yourself — and start building a version of you that feels strong, steady, and in control.
So grab your green tea and ear buds… and let’s get into it.
How to Stay Sober When Everyone Around You Still Drinks
May 07, 2025
Here’s what to do when you’re trying to stay sober… and everyone around you is still drinking like nothing’s changed.
Whether it’s your partner having a glass of wine with dinner, your friends pouring cocktails on the summer trip, or your coworkers heading out for happy hour—being the only one not drinking can feel isolating, awkward, and downright exhausting.
And if you’ve quit drinking before (maybe more than once), you might be thinking, “I don’t even want to tell anyone this time.”
If that’s where you are, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down how to stay sober in a world that doesn’t always see your struggle—so you can feel strong, clear, and proud of your decision without isolating or explaining yourself to death.
I’ll walk you through:
How to set boundaries without guilt (even if you’ve “been here before”)
What to say when people ask why you’re not drinking
Emotional prep and restore strategies to keep your cravings in check before, during, and after events
And don’t worry—I’ve put everything into a free download you can grab right now:
🎁 The Sober Social Survival Guide. You’ll get:
5 boundary-setting scripts
3 quick exit strategies
A simple emotional prep checklist
A sneak peek at the Weekly Overview from my 90-Day Focus Planner This is the stuff I use with my clients (and myself!) to stay grounded, confident, and in control.
So whether you’re heading to a family gathering, a dinner with friends, or just feeling the pressure of people not “getting it”—this episode has your back.
If you found this episode helpful, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to rate and review the podcast. It helps more people—just like you—find this show and get the support they need.
✅ Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about this episode!
And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a bonus episode or tool drop. Follow now!
How to Build a Daily Sobriety Routine That Reduces Cravings and Eases Anxiety
Apr 30, 2025
Early sobriety can feel like emotional whiplash—your brain is loud, your body is anxious, and you’re constantly wondering how to make it through the day without drinking. That’s why creating a daily sobriety routine isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
In this episode, we’re digging into the power of routine and how building just a few small, calming habits into your day can help reduce cravings, lower anxiety, and give you back a sense of control—without overwhelm or perfectionism.
Whether you’re a few days in or still thinking about taking the leap, this episode will help you build a structure that supports your recovery, your nervous system, and your peace of mind.
🔗 What You’ll Learn:
Why your anxiety feels out of control in early sobriety (and how routine helps)
The science behind why structure soothes your nervous system
What to include in a calming sobriety routine (morning, midday, and evening)
How to stick with it even when you’re unmotivated or “not in the mood”
A real-life client story of how simple routines created massive change
Get the free companion guide that walks you through everything we cover in this episode—plus journaling prompts, calming routine ideas, and support to help you follow through even on the hard days. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/daily
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Who Are You Without Alcohol?
Apr 23, 2025
You’ve been sober for a while now. The cravings are manageable. The routines are in place. But something still feels… off.
You’re no longer who you used to be—but you’re not exactly sure who you are now. You’ve done the work of quitting alcohol… but no one prepared you for what comes next: The identity shift.
In this episode, we’re talking about what happens after you stop drinking—when the buzz is gone, and you’re left with the question: “Who am I without alcohol?”
I’ll walk you through the emotional layers of this transition, why it can feel so lonely, and how to start figuring out what actually feels aligned, fulfilling, and true in your sober life.
This is real talk about:
Letting go of the identity alcohol gave you
Why growth can feel lonely (and how to deal with it)
Understanding your energy: introvert vs extrovert
How to explore new activities, relationships, and routines that actually fit the real you
What it means to evolve—and why that doesn’t always feel graceful
Whether you’re 6 months sober or 6 years in, this conversation will speak to the part of you that’s quietly wondering… “What now?”
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Get Sober Without AA (And What’s Really Holding You Back)
Apr 16, 2025
You’ve said it before: “I don’t want to do AA,” or “I’ll figure this out on my own.”
But if you’re stuck in the cycle—making promises, breaking them, and wondering why nothing sticks—this episode is your wake-up call.
In this powerful conversation we break down the real reasons your past attempts to quit drinking haven’t worked… and what it actually takes to get and stay sober—with a program or without one.
You’ll learn:
Why success rates are low across all recovery paths (and what most people miss)
The three conditions addiction needs to thrive (and how you’re unknowingly feeding them)
What’s really behind the fear of joining a program like AA
Why removing alcohol means removing relief—and what you need to replace it with
The truth about connection, vulnerability, and being seen
Whether you’re trying to quit alcohol without AA, searching for sober coaching, or just starting to question your drinking, this episode will give you the clarity, truth, and motivation you need to stop managing and start healing.
👉 This isn’t about the program. It’s about the work.
Cozy Earth promo code ANGELA for 40% off: CozyEarth.com
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
What to Do When Sobriety Feels Like a Constant Battle
Apr 09, 2025
You quit drinking.
People congratulated you. Maybe you posted your day count, joined a group, downloaded a tracker, even started journaling…
But deep down, it still feels like you’re just barely holding it together.
This is white-knuckling—where you’re sober, but not free.
Surviving… not thriving.
And what no one tells you is: that’s not recovery. That’s emotional burnout.
You’ve heard me say this before: sober is quitting the substance. Recovery is healing so you don’t go back to the substance.
If you don’t have tools to regulate your stress, manage your emotions, and reset your nervous system… Then every single day will feel like an uphill battle.
We’re getting into the biological and emotional reasons behind why you still feel overwhelmed after quitting alcohol, including how post-acute withdrawal and anhedonia can hijack your healing.
You’ll also get the 7 emotional triggers that sabotage sobriety and simple, powerful tools to help you respond rather than react.
This is about more than just staying sober—it’s about feeling free, in control, and proud of your life again.
🔗 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why “white-knuckling” sobriety isn’t a long-term solution
What anhedonia is and how it impacts your motivation in recovery
How post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) keeps your brain foggy
The 7 emotional triggers that lead to cravings (and how to disarm them)
How to build real emotional coping skills without alcohol
What emotional sobriety really looks like—and how to start living it
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Relapsed Again? How to Start Over Without Shame and Reclaim Your Sobriety
Apr 02, 2025
If you’ve relapsed recently or had a drink after a solid streak of sobriety, I want you to take a deep breath and hear this:
✨ You are not broken. ✨ You have not failed. ✨ And you are absolutely not alone.
Whether it’s a one-time slip or a full-on spiral, relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
It’s feedback.
And it’s fixable.
If you’re feeling stuck in guilt, shame, or that voice in your head telling you, “You blew it,” this episode is your safe space to breathe, regroup, and move forward.
🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why relapse happens (even to strong, smart, capable women)
How to stop the shame spiral and take back your power
What to do right now to recommit to your sobriety
Why you’re NOT starting from scratch—and how to build a better foundation
You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and real-life tools to help you rise stronger and more grounded than ever.
🎯 PLUS—I’m inviting you to join my Alcohol-Free April 21-Day Challenge, starting soon.
This challenge is your step-by-step reset:
Daily structure
Real-time tools
Accountability
And the community you need right now
You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Secret to Feeling Strong and Staying Sober Through Stress
Mar 26, 2025
People often ask me, “How do you stay sober when life gets stressful?”
And my answer is always the same: I don’t just work on staying sober—I work on managing stress and anxiety every single day.
Because here’s the truth: Your brain doesn’t actually want alcohol—it wants relief.
When you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious, your first instinct is to reach for something that changes how you feel. And if alcohol has been your go-to coping mechanism for years, of course your brain still thinks that’s the solution.
You might be here because:
You still crave alcohol when stress hits, and it frustrates you.
You’re white-knuckling your sobriety and it still feels like a constant battle.
You’re overwhelmed and just want simple, doable ways to actually feel better.
No matter where you are, you’re in the right place.
In this episode, I’m sharing the real strategy that helps you:
✅ Reduce alcohol cravings ✅ Build emotional strength ✅ Stay sober even when life feels hard ✅ Stop using alcohol as your only stress relief
This is the heart of emotional sobriety—managing stress before it manages you.
🎧 Press play to learn the tools, habits, and mindset shifts that can help you stay sober and feel strong, calm, and in control—no matter what life throws your way.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Small Daily Decisions That Make or Break Your Sobriety
Mar 19, 2025
Your sobriety isn’t determined by one big decision—it’s shaped by the small, daily choices you make.
If you’re wondering why staying sober feels so hard or why you keep falling into the same patterns, it’s time to take a closer look at your daily decisions for sobriety.
In this episode, we’re diving into the subtle habits that either strengthen or sabotage your recovery.
Are you prioritizing your sobriety the way you once prioritized drinking?
Are you still making excuses instead of real commitments?
The truth is, the little choices—whether you attend a meeting, set boundaries, or change your routine—are what truly determine your success.
If you’re ready to stop saying you want to be sober and start proving it with your actions, this episode is for you.
Tune in as we break down the mindset shifts and simple daily actions that will help you stay committed, consistent, and in control of your sobriety.
This episode will challenge you to reflect on where your commitment really lies and help you shift from half-hearted attempts at sobriety to fully showing up for your recovery.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re caught in a cycle of saying you want to quit but somehow always ending up with a drink in your hand, this episode is for you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Finding Freedom from Compulsive Overeating and Emotional Eating
Mar 12, 2025
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of overeating, promising this time will be different, only to break that promise again?
The guilt, the frustration, the feeling that you just can’t trust yourself—it’s exhausting. If you’ve ever wondered why food feels like it has power over you, this episode is for you.
Today, I’m sitting down with Tim, who spent decades battling compulsive overeating while working in the high-pressure world of Hollywood.
His mind was constantly consumed with food—what to eat, when to eat, and how to stop—but nothing ever seemed to work.
Sound familiar?
His story is proof that freedom is possible, and recovery from food addiction is just as real as recovery from alcohol.
We’re diving into: ✔️ The surprising similarities between compulsive eating and alcoholism ✔️ How breaking promises to yourself erodes your self-trust ✔️ The power of community in overcoming food addiction ✔️ Simple mindset shifts to help you take back control
If you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to change your relationship with food, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step toward freedom.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How Your Thinking About Alcohol Is Keeping You Stuck
Mar 05, 2025
Have you ever tried to control your drinking with rules like, only on weekends, only two drinks, only on special occasions… only to find yourself breaking them?
Have you ever told yourself, “I’m not really an alcoholic,” just to justify drinking?
Or maybe you’ve struggled with the fear of labeling yourself but still felt deep down that alcohol had too much control in your life?
The truth is, when alcohol is a problem, moderation is just a trap to keep you stuck.
We stay stuck in the cycle because we want to believe we’re in control—even when the evidence says otherwise.
We convince ourselves we’re “not that bad” because facing the truth is uncomfortable.
And by staying stuck in this cycle, we sacrifice the very thing we crave most: freedom.
In this episode, we’re uncovering the distorted thinking that keeps you drinking, and I’ll unpack the mental gymnastics we go through when trying to rationalize drinking, the fear of acknowledging our struggles, and how embracing sobriety—without needing a perfect label—can lead to real freedom and transformation.
If you’ve ever wondered why quitting alcohol feels so hard, or felt trapped between wanting to quit but convincing yourself you don’t have to, this episode is for you.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Want new opportunities for help with quitting alcohol? Book A Call Here to learn more: addictionunlimited.com/call
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Make Dating Apps Less Frustrating and More Fun
Feb 26, 2025
Why do people flake? Why do they lie in their profiles? Why does it feel like no one is actually looking for a real connection?
Dating apps promise endless possibilities, yet so many of us find ourselves endlessly frustrated.
You swipe and swipe, hoping for a spark, only to be ghosted, breadcrumbed, or hit with yet another “Hey” that leads nowhere.
It’s exhausting, discouraging, and sometimes downright infuriating.
It’s easy to blame the apps, the algorithm, or the people on the other end of the screen, and to assume that the other side has it easier, that they’re the ones doing the ghosting or playing games.
But in reality, they’re just as fed up with the disappointment, rejection, the feeling of being ignored, the frustration with people not putting in effort…
Men and women are equally frustrated with inaccurate or just bad photos, the mixed signals, and the endless cycle of swiping with little reward.
So today, we’re diving into the shared struggles of modern dating—the things we all complain about, why they happen, and most importantly, what we can do about it.
Because when things don’t go the way we want, we get mad—at the apps, at the people, at the whole dating process.
But maybe, just maybe, we’re all part of the same problem… and the same solution.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Best Dating & Relationship Lessons I Learned From My Sponsor
Feb 19, 2025
You have more power in your dating life than you think.
The way we think about dating—our expectations, assumptions, and mindset—shapes our experience before we even meet someone.
When we go in with pressure, self-doubt, or fear of rejection, dating feels hard, like a lost cause, and discouraging.
But with a few small mindset shifts, dating can become lighter, more fun, and way less stressful.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the life-changing lessons I learned from my sponsor—lessons that helped me break free from destructive dating habits, stop chasing people who weren’t right for me, and start approaching dating with clarity and confidence.
And here’s the biggest shift: I realized I was the one holding the power all along, and so are you.
💯You get to choose who you invest in.
💯You get to decide what you want.
💯And you don’t have to take it personally when someone else’s choices don’t align with yours.
And the best part?
These lessons aren’t just for dating—they apply to every relationship in your life.
Whether you’re single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, learning to shift your expectations and own your choices will help you build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
If dating feels frustrating, exhausting, or just not fun, this episode is for you.
Let’s talk about how small shifts in your perspective can make all the difference.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Dating Smarter, Not Harder by Setting Clear Dating Intentions
Feb 12, 2025
That rush of excitement when you meet or match with someone new—the butterflies, the spark, the hope that maybe this time it’s real.
And then… it fizzles.
They ghost. 🚫
They’re not who they said they were. 🎭
Their pictures were old or heavily filtered, and you don’t even recognize them in real life. 🤦♀️
Or worse—they seem amazing, but they don’t feel the same way about you.
And just like that, excitement turns into disappointment, frustration, maybe even bitterness.
Sound familiar?
Let’s be real—dating isn’t hard because there’s a shortage of good people.
It’s hard when we don’t have a clear plan, when we ignore red flags, and when we’re too focused on what other people are doing instead of how we’re showing up.
In today’s episode, we’re shifting the focus away from what other people are doing and taking control of our own dating experience.
Dating gets easier when we get better at it, not when we expect others to change.
That means setting clear standards, communicating our intentions, and filtering out the people who don’t align with what we truly want.
Whether you’re actively dating, in a relationship, or even married, these skills will help you navigate love at every stage.
I want to shift your entire approach and how you even think about dating, and what I’m about to share with you will transform the way you think about love, relationships, dating, and most importantly, yourself.
If you’re tired of feeling frustrated with dating, ready to stop second-guessing your choices, and attract the kind of relationship that actually makes you happy then this episode is for you.
So if you’ve ever felt like you’re losing hope, or that you’re destined to be alone, grab your latte, fire up your earbuds, and let’s talk about how to date smarter, not harder.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Why You Keep Attracting the Wrong People – And How to Stop
Feb 05, 2025
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of attracting the wrong people?
You keep finding yourself in confusing, frustrating, or downright toxic relationships and you’re left wondering: What is wrong with me? Why do I always attract liars, cheaters, or emotionally unavailable people? Are there even any good ones out there?!
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And in this episode, we’re breaking it all down.
👉 Why do we attract the same types of people over and over again? 👉 What subconscious patterns are keeping you stuck in unhealthy relationships? 👉 How can you recognize and break these habits to create healthier connections?
I’ll share some of my own hard-earned lessons (trust me, I’ve made ALL the mistakes), plus actionable tips to help you shift your mindset, set better boundaries, and finally attract the kind of relationships you truly deserve.
💡 If you’ve ever thought:
Why do I keep picking the wrong people?
Is everyone emotionally unavailable or is it just me?
Why do my relationships feel so one-sided?
How do I break free from toxic patterns?
Then this episode is for you!
We’re getting real, we’re getting deep, and we’re getting you out of that cycle for good.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Healing, Growth, and Freedom: The 12 Steps for Everyone
Jan 29, 2025
Everyone has compulsions or addictions, and needs relief from the discomforts of life.
Whether you’re in a treatment center getting treatment for substance abuse, or the soccer mom who struggles with overeating that doesn’t resonate with typical alcoholic or addict, but can’t stop using food to feel better – to the people-pleaser that is causing major discomfort in their own life, and the lives of everyone around them – they’re seeking support and could use the steps without the program because they don’t fit in an AA room.
I often say I wish everyone would go to 12 step meetings because there are so many life-changing lessons you learn to just be a better, more balanced human.
I also understand it’s both exciting to heal and change and, at the same time, terrifying.
It’s like we all have a love hate relationship with personal development because we want the results, but we are scared to death of the discomfort of doing the work.
I’m always interested in hearing different ways of how to recover, especially if you struggle with behaviors but not substances – because those options feel far more limited.
So I wanted to bring someone on who is in the trenches everyday of bringing the value of 12 steps out of the rooms of 12 steps to be more accessible to everyone.
You may have heard Ian on other podcasts or media outlets before because he is passionate about opening the doors of healing to all the people, with all the problems.
And he wrote this book to do just that.
Let’s dive in and chat with Ian all about using the 12 steps if you don’t fit the traditional alcoholic/addict mold.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between: https://amzn.to/3PSFO2D
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
What It Really Means to Be a Dry Drunk and How to Change
Jan 22, 2025
Have you heard the term dry drunk and wondered, “Is that me?”
Can you be sober and be a dry drunk?
Or you may think, what’s the difference between dry drunk vs. sober or in recovery.
Today, I’m going to break down the ins and outs of dry drunk. From what does it mean and is it me all the way to how to avoid it and/or change it.
This is a jam-packed episode and perfect for the newbie, just getting sober, or the seasoned old-timer who always needs a good reminder of the importance of emotional sobriety.
Or, anyone in between who may have been lulled into thinking that alcohol was the only problem.
If you feel like:
🚨you’re not making as much progress as you thought you would
🚨you have some time sober, moved away from your recovery work, and find yourself feeling like your life is suffering because of it
🚨you feel your spiritual fitness slipping away
Then this episode is going to change your sober life.
Can you be sober and be a dry drunk?
What’s the difference between dry drunk vs. sober or in recovery
Does it happen in early sobriety, can it happen in long-term sobriety
If you’re having trouble understanding the difference, or worried you might fall into the dry drunk camp and need solutions to get back on track, this episode is for you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Start Your Healing Journey Today
Jan 15, 2025
Have you ever felt stuck in the shadow of your past, unable to move forward but unsure of how to start healing?
In this transformative episode, we dive deep into the power of healing trauma and how it can unlock a life of clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.
Whether you’ve experienced a single event or the ongoing stress of circumstances like the recent California wildfires, or maybe you don’t even know you have trauma because you had a great childhood – this conversation is here to remind you: healing begins when we acknowledge the impact of our experiences and choose to face the pain rather than numb it.
This episode will help you see that healing isn’t about being “perfect” or “getting over it.”
It’s about moving forward, one brave step at a time, toward a life where you feel more connected, more at peace, and more in control of your own story.
Healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about transforming.
And together, with my guest Kristen Boice who is a marriage and family therapist and psychotherapist working with people for 25 years, we’ll explore how to take those first steps toward a new chapter filled with hope, resilience, and growth.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How Dry January Can Transform Your Year
Jan 01, 2025
Happy New Year, my friend!
I hope you are waking up today ready to tackle this thing HEAD ON.
If this is your day 1… I’m glad you are ready to kick some a** and make big changes starting today.
There’s no way around it. Holiday season is ex-haust-ing.
I’m right there with you. 🙌
If your head is a little fuzzy today, I want you to start with nourishing your body. Drink lots of water, get rest, and take a little time to do a gratitude list to start the first day of 2025 on the right foot.
Don’t waste time beating yourself up and looking at yesterday, instead, look forward to who you are going to be from this moment on. ❤️
Let’s kickoff this new year together!
Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Bootcamp with ME & YOU!
WHAT: A 30-Day ass-kicking community to start your sober year STRONG. 💪
WHY: This is an easy HECK-YES to get you a quick win with some truth bombs and major insight.
BOOM BABY: In 30 short days you could boost your recovery to new levels, have a plan of action to stay on track, and get the *serious relief* you’ve been dying for.
Put all of your doubts, excuses, and fears aside because you DO have what it takes and I’m here to help you turn your dreams into reality in 2025 and beyond.
Behind the Scenes: My 2024 Struggles and How to Start Fresh with Dry January
Dec 25, 2024
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 recommitting to your goals, this bootcamp has coaching, accountability, and an amazing community of like-minded people ready to thrive.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
5 Roadblocks Sabotaging Your Sobriety (And How to Spot Them)
Dec 18, 2024
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.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Building a Recovery Lifestyle That Works
Dec 11, 2024
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’t just want to stop drinking; he wanted to live a life he could be proud of.
Together, we’ll explore how to tap into recovery programs and tools to build a lifestyle that works for you – We’ll share personal stories of the sobriety journey to remind you that you’re not alone and that change is not only possible but right at your fingertips.
If you’ve ever wondered how to take your sobriety to the next level or felt stuck in the same cycle, this conversation is for you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Recognizing the Early Signs of Relapse and What NOT to Do
Dec 04, 2024
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 control.
You don’t have to let life’s challenges derail your sobriety. Let’s get clear on how to protect your progress and keep moving forward, one day at a time.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Holiday Stressors Nobody Talks About & a Playlist Just for You
Nov 27, 2024
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 this journey even easier, I’ve created something special for you—my Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist You Need, packed with binge-worthy episodes to keep you grounded, motivated, and inspired through every holiday moment.
This episode is your toolkit for a stress-free, alcohol-free holiday season.
So, grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s dive into how you can make this season not only sober but truly magical.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Overcoming Frustration and Staying Strong in Sobriety
Nov 20, 2024
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.
💡We’ll talk about how to reset your expectations so you can embrace progress instead of perfection.
💡I’ll show you how to create a simple plan to stay grounded and focused, even when life throws you curveballs.
💡And we’ll unpack the real reason behind cravings—spoiler alert: it’s not actually about the drink—and how you can handle them with confidence.
And as always, stick around until the end because I’ve got a bonus for you: a free resource that will help you put today’s tips into action and keep moving forward with clarity and confidence.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into these common pitfalls and, more importantly, how you can overcome them to build a strong, empowered recovery.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Managing Social Situations With Friends & Family When You Quit Drinking
Nov 13, 2024
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 and practical tips to help you feel confident, calm, and ready to face any social situation.
In this inspiring conversation, Ellie shares how to:
Prepare for events and gatherings so you feel empowered and in control.
Create meaningful connections with others without relying on alcohol.
Stay grounded and true to yourself—even in high-pressure situations.
Plus, Ellie reflects on the lessons she’s learned since my 6-week program and the tools that continue to help her thrive in her sober life.
I’ll go ahead and call it now—this episode is going to be a favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
3 Hidden Obstacles to Quitting Drinking That No One Talks About
Nov 06, 2024
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 common to replace it with other compulsive habits, like food, shopping, or even social media. I’ll share tips on how to recognize this tendency, so you can create healthier coping mechanisms and feel empowered to stay on track.
Each of these traps can quietly hold you back, but with a little insight and the right tools, you can recognize them and break free.
So, if you’re ready to quit drinking and finally feel in control without feeling overwhelmed by distractions and pitfalls, this episode is a must-listen.
It’s time to give yourself grace, simplify the journey, and know that every small step is a win on the path to a sober, fulfilling life.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Jason Wahler on Facing Sobriety in the Spotlight and Building Lasting Recovery
Oct 30, 2024
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 just looking to strengthen the path you’re already on, this episode is for you.
Together, we’re breaking down the real-life recovery tools you need to make every day a win—and to keep building that life you truly deserve.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
5 Proven Steps to Conquer Social Anxiety After Quitting Alcohol
Oct 23, 2024
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 build confidence, ease anxiety, and enjoy social gatherings without relying on alcohol. By the end of this episode, you’ll have real, actionable tools to help you handle those tricky situations with grace and confidence.
You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin, no matter the setting.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Emotional Cost of Overspending
Oct 16, 2024
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 Steps to Regain Your Money & Your Mind.
This free resource gives you all of Paige’s expert insights and strategies in one place.
In this episode, Paige will share her expert insights into what drives those spending impulses and how to develop practical strategies to regain control.
Together, we’ll explore:
🚨the emotional roots of overspending
🚨the mindset shifts needed for lasting transformation
🚨and actionable steps you can take today to build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money.
So if you’re ready to stop wondering, ‘Why do I keep doing this?’ and start finding your financial freedom—this episode is for you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How Relapse Will Make You Build Strong Recovery
Oct 09, 2024
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 committed to change, and you now have an opportunity to improve your tools, awareness, and support systems.
So listen in to these valuable insights on how to turn relapse into a growth moment and continue thriving in your sober life.👇
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Why Emotional Intelligence is the New Superpower to Level Up Your Recovery & Life
Oct 02, 2024
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 think about the difference between my emotional capacity in my first few years of sobriety compared to today, the transformation is massive!
Whether you’re just beginning to explore emotional intelligence or have been working on personal growth for years, this conversation is filled with valuable insights on self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the often overlooked power of emotional maturity.
Today you’ll hear about:
>> (4:13) Noble talks about his emotional fitness journey
>> (6:15) Understanding emotional maturity and how it affects your life
>> (11:17) Noble breaks down being over 40, married, and having zero understanding of feelings and emotions
>> (20:32) How building your emotional vocabulary is a key factor in growth and healing
>> (23:00) The manipulation behind people-pleasing addiction
>> (35:34) Taking ownership of your growth and change
Listen in if you’re feeling ready for the next chapter of your recovery and your life.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Are Non-Alcoholic Beers and Mocktails a Wise Choice for Those With An Alcohol Problem?
Sep 25, 2024
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 never thought of when you’re considering drinking NA beer or not.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Think You Can Drink After a Period of Sobriety? Here’s Why Your Brain Says No
Sep 18, 2024
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 the table and walk away?
Your brain will tell you everything you need to know… grab your earbuds and tune in to save yourself some time and drama.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
10 Everyday Stressors that Increase Your Risk of Relapse in Sobriety
Sep 11, 2024
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 day by life’s daily stressors, and if you don’t do anything to feel better, to regulate your nervous system so that you can make better decisions…
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Professional Tips for Understanding Your Relationship With Food
Sep 04, 2024
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 self-trust plays a role in our food decisions
And how food is connected to attachment (and how that drives us)
If you feel like you struggle but aren’t sure where you fit, you won’t want to miss this one!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Steal My Daily Plan to Stay Sober One Day At A Time
Aug 28, 2024
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! ⬇️
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
A Simple Tool to Transform Your Life
Aug 21, 2024
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:
👉 The neuroscience of WHY it works
👉 The simplicity of HOW it works
👉 And a process you can start TODAY to change your life
Get your earbuds out and your green tea in hand, my friend, you’re going to love this!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Secrets Behind Healing Grief No One Is Talking About
Aug 14, 2024
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.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Science Behind Making and Breaking Habits
Jul 31, 2024
You know you want to change.
You know you need to change.
Yet, you resist change for some reason you have yet to understand.
This episode’s for you.
But that old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, just isn’t true.
Not saying you are old… or a dog…
The truth is, old habits are hard to break.
And new ones are challenging to create.
But if you follow these easy steps, you’ll be a healthy habit champion in no time!
I’d love to tell you, “Just believe in yourself!”, but we aren’t always good at that.
Especially if you’ve been battling the same ugly habits for years and losing.
What I will tell you is… believe in your ability.
Because you are able, and capable, of doing anything you want. And I’m happy to show you how.
Listen in for these easy and actionable steps you can start TODAY, and one of my super secret keys to success.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Why You Make Bad Decisions You Regret
Jul 24, 2024
Many aspiring sober people get hung up on the thought of never drinking again.
You don’t make a REAL commitment to stopping.
You want to be wishy-washy, on the fence, telling yourself you’ll be able to drink again one day…
…then you wonder how you end up hungover again feeling like sh*t about yourself.
I’ll tell you why; because it all starts with your decision-making.
Once you put down the drink, you have to learn the skills to get your decisions in line with your desire to be sober.
This week, we’ll talk about the pitfalls of instant gratification and how it will trip you up ALL THE TIME.
Instant gratification is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome, and once you see it, you can change it.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Are You Thinking About Going to AA but Feeling Nervous? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Jul 17, 2024
If you’ve never attended a 12-step meeting, you likely have fears and anxieties running through your and keeping you from going.
Or, maybe you went to a meeting or two and wrote it off as ‘not for you’, but as you’ve continued to struggle with staying sober you’re starting to wonder if it might be the solution.
Either way, I want you to have the real real about what it’s like, what we are doing, and why we do it the way we do.
Feeling nervous about going to a meeting is totally normal!
Every one of us in that room felt nervous walking through the door the first time so we know exactly how you feel and we want to welcome you with love and support.
Being connected to successfully sober people is what will allow you to kick start, and build, your sobriety.
In fact, the more open-minded and connected you are, the stronger you will be and the faster you will grow.
Why not stay closely dialed in to the people who have what you want?
That’s the best way to achieve what they have…with your own flavor and style, of course.
Let’s start with debunking a few things:
No, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. For 18+ years I have said, “Hey everybody, I’m Angela, alcoholic, and I’m just going to listen today.”
Yes, you can leave early if you want to. There’s no AA police that will chase you down and, for the most part, no one cares.
No, you don’t have to believe in God or go to church just because AA uses the word God. 🤷♀️
AA has been around for decades with a sole purpose to help people. And all of us in those rooms want to help you, too.
In this episode I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you the lowdown on how things are done and why we do it the way we do.
We’ll talk about some of the myths, why suggestions are suggested, and how much power you have in your journey.
Your experience is your decision and I hope to see in the rooms one day.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
3 Weird Pitfalls That Actually Sabotage Your Sobriety
Jul 10, 2024
If you’ve been on the relapse rollercoaster stuck in that cycle of up and down, sober then relapse, over and over feeling like you are getting nowhere…listen up, my friend.
I’m going to give you my top 3 pitfalls that will sabotage your sobriety every… single… time.
You’re going to see that you may be looking at this thing ALL wrong.
You’re also going to get some clear-cut actions you can start taking today to feel better and get farther than you’ve gotten before.
Grab those earbuds and put on your running shoes, or walking shoes in my case, and let’s dive in to this solution-focused episode to change your sobriety for good.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Powerful Coping Skills To Cope With Everyday Life
Jul 03, 2024
Skills, strategies, and tools for your emotional toolbox…
…any thing or activity that is good for your mental wellness and helps you stay balanced and happy.
Coping skills are things we can do in the moment, when we are feeling uncomfortable/anxious/angry/overwhelmed, to help us turn down the volume of our emotions and avoid letting them take control.
They help us to get through stressful situations with a little more ease, and without doing something we’ll regret later on.
Having healthy coping strategies isn’t going to cure WHY you have the anger, resentment, or general discomfort in life, but what it does, is allow you to create more calm in your life by having healthier responses to emotions.
And when you can respond to emotions in a healthier way you have more power in your life and you won’t need to turn to alcohol to numb.
Different coping skills serve different purposes, too, so let’s dive in to the coping strategies that will change the way you live.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Understanding What Your Feelings Are Trying to Tell You
Jun 26, 2024
Do you wish you had more balance and control over your feelings and moods?
Tens of millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety, depression, and general overwhelm with life. And, although these feelings are now more common, many find it hard to understand what they’re feeling and how to find the right solutions for them.
Rest assured there are solutions to this common discomfort and that’s what we’re talking about in this episode. You need support, emotionally and physically, and with a little guidance anyone can banish the panic that comes with not being able to identify feelings and manage them.
Identify, understand, and balance your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress and anxiety, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Creating A Recovery Lifestyle With A 90-Day Plan
Jun 19, 2024
If you’re sick of feeling like sobriety is a constant fight, it’s time to stop winging it and start building a recovery lifestyle that works.
Because staying sober isn’t about white-knuckling your way through the day — it’s about creating structure, intention, and goals that support a life without alcohol.
In this episode, I walk you through a 90-day recovery plan that gives you the tools to stop relapsing, stay focused, and build the confidence to live a life you’re proud of.
We’ll cover:
How to create a recovery lifestyle instead of just “not drinking”
What a solid 90-day sobriety structure actually looks like
The real reason most people relapse after 3 weeks
How to set sobriety goals that help you heal emotionally, not just physically
How to rebuild your life around purpose, not fear
This is the foundation of long-term sobriety — the lifestyle shift that makes it stick.
💬 You’ll Hear:
(3:45) Why recovery has to become your lifestyle to work
(10:08) Why “get my life together” is not a real sobriety goal
(15:12) Breaking your 90-day plan into doable daily steps
(22:00) How daily structure prevents relapse and burnout
(27:50) Emotional goals that support lasting change (boundaries, confidence, self-trust)
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Is Relapse A Part of Recovery or A Decision You’re Making?
Jun 12, 2024
At the end of my drinking career, it was not fun anymore.
I hated it.
I felt like its hostage, and I despised it.
At the same time, I couldn’t survive without it.
At that stage, I didn’t have a choice.
Alcohol had me brainwashed, and that bear was fully in control.
But here’s the catch- once we have some time without alcohol, the physical withdrawal is over, the mental fog starts to clear, and that bear is starting to lose control.
He’s losing his grip on you and you are making your own choices now.
Once you get a few weeks, a few months- you have made the choice a million times to not take a drink- so you know you’re capable.
You have also made a million other choices like seeking out podcasts, going to meetings, reading books, getting a Coach- you are making choices every day.
And this is where I get confused when people say they ‘hope’ they don’t relapse.
You don’t ‘hope’, you DECIDE.
And this episode will tell you what to do and how to do it so relapse doesn’t have to be an ongoing part of your recovery.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Interesting Analogy You Need For Managing Your Control Issues
Jun 05, 2024
What would it feel like to continue NOT having a plan and wake up six months from now in exactly the same place- hungover again, feeling terrible, hating life?
I know that moment all too well.
My sponsor said to me once, “I want you to think about holding a hula hoop”,
“Okay”, I said.
“What all fits inside your hula hoop”?
And I was like, what the hell is this dude talking about?
And I looked at him and said, “Me”.
To which he responded, “Exactly. And that’s everything you have control of. So if it doesn’t fit inside your hula hoop, leave it alone”!
It was a moment that was equally frustrating and life-changing all at the same time, lol.
But if it doesn’t fit in my hula hoop, I can’t control it and I don’t need to expend a lot of time and energy TRYING to control it.
My Letter to Relapse and the Raw Truth About How to Stay Sober
May 29, 2024
Getting sober is one thing. Staying sober is the real fight.
If you’ve ever relapsed and thought, “What the hell just happened?” — this one’s for you. In a raw moment of heartbreak and rage after a friend’s relapse, I wrote a letter to relapse itself. It’s not warm. It’s not fuzzy. And it’s exactly what you need to hear.
We’re digging into:
Why relapse doesn’t just happen — it’s a series of choices
The dangerous trap of indecision that keeps you stuck
What it looks like to truly commit to your sobriety
3 no-BS actions to take right now to protect your peace and your sobriety
Whether you’re 10 hours sober or 10 years in, this episode will remind you who’s really in charge.
💬 You’ll Hear:
(2:01) What relapse really is — and why it doesn’t just “happen” to you
(9:14) The most common lies we tell ourselves about “controlling” our drinking
(17:20) How my 60-day break turned into my biggest drinking spiral
(27:33) The exact moment I lost control — and what I should have done instead
(39:45) 3 actions to take today to make relapse much less likely
🧠 Quote to Remember
“Relapse doesn’t start with a drink. It starts with a thought. And that’s where you take your power back.”
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
This Is Why You’re Anxious: What’s Happening Under the Surface
May 22, 2024
You may think you just have anxiety, alcoholism or ADD, but wait ’til you hear what’s going on under the surface and how to heal it.
My special guest, Dr. Don Wood is an inspired leader in the field of trauma, healing, and how our brain controls us. This isn’t only a field of interest for him, but a personal crusade that began with a desire to support his wife in her healing, and to unravel his daughter’s illness from the inside out.
He has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, is a renowned author, and has a special offer for Addiction Unlimited listeners!
Dr. Wood reveals how we’ve created codes in our brains that dictate our behaviors, like addiction, AND the way to re-write the code. You won’t want to miss this.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Does Your Attachment Style Play A Role In Your Addiction?
May 15, 2024
There are many theories about the causes of addiction and many of us are curious about what our underlying issues are, that lead us to an unhealthy relationship with substances and behaviors.
What we know for sure is it’s a combination of factors – biological, psychological, social, and environmental.
This is also what makes addiction more challenging to treat because it isn’t an illness that can be approached with a single solution.
It’s not a matter of just putting down the drink and moving on with your life.
Even if there was a way to fix the genetic piece of addiction, that solution wouldn’t be able to fix the psychological pieces. And when you work on the psychological healing, that won’t fix the biology or change the environmental and social aspects.
Many of my clients spend a lot of time searching for why this happened to them.
How did I end up like this? Why did this happen to me?
But one theory that is super interesting to me, and will offer you some additional insight, is attachment theory.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Why Your Inner Voice Is So Mean & How It Affects Your Recovery
May 08, 2024
Why is your inner critic so freakin’ mean??
We all have that inner monologue – We talk to ourselves all day long.
We debate with ourselves about eating another cookie, or drinking another cup of coffee, or how to respond to an email.
Regardless of the topic, we hear that inner critic running through our head all day.
At times this little voice can actually be helpful and keep you motivated toward reaching goals—like when it reminds you that what you’re about to eat isn’t healthy or what you’re about to do may not be the best decision.
But oftentimes, this voice can be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it gets into excessive negativity that can really bring you down.
Basically, negative self-talk is any inner dialogue you have with yourself that may be limiting your ability to believe in yourself and your own capabilities.
It isn’t just stressful; it can also make it difficult to get motivated and achieve the things you want for your life and family.
Today we’re talking about that inner voice we all struggle with:
why it’s so mean sometimes
how it’s holding you back from getting the life and recovery you really want.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Can Quitting Drinking Cause Depression?
May 01, 2024
The REAL reason for feeling some depression or symptoms of depression when you quit drinking alcohol.
And one of these may be something you’ve never heard of.
If you’ve ever used alcohol to deal with feelings of depression, you may have found that after your buzz wears off, you feel even lower than before.
It’s a chicken and egg situation – which came first?
Were you struggling because you were drinking, or were you drinking because you were struggling?
Well, both can be true.
Drinking can increase depression – but depression is also linked to heavier alcohol use.
There are a few things to be aware of to make sense of what you may be feeling and, more importantly, help you cope and have the understanding that it is fixable.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
3 Things I Would Do If I Was Starting Sobriety Today
Apr 26, 2024
If you find yourself in yo-yo sobriety, and you can’t figure out why you keep going back to drinking when you KNOW you don’t drink well – I’m going to give you some solutions.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I’m all about solutions and I’m a believer in investing the majority of my time and energy into solving a problem rather than obsessing about it.
One thing I can tell you with certainty is, I know what works for recovery.
Not only from my personal recovery and fighting all the same battles you’re fighting, but also from the thousands of people I’ve worked with over all the years of my career.
Addiction, alcoholism, alcohol use disorder… whatever you want to call it – is very predictable.
It’s course and progression is the same in everyone, and the core solutions are the same, too.
So if you are back at ‘day one again’ or you have been sober for a minute and you’re fighting your head telling you, “maybe it wasn’t that bad”, “maybe you can control it now”, “you can get away with just one drink!” – if you can relate, I want you to listen up, and take action.
Now let’s get into the magic of solutions and what to do to feel better, and stay sober longer.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Hooked From the First Drink with Pete Sousa
Apr 24, 2024
Does recovery give you a framework to follow to build a happy and fulfilled life?
Pete Sousa definitely thinks so, and he’s here to tell you all about it in this week’s episode!
In this episode, Pete breaks down his addiction step-by-step and shares all the things he did to get, and stay, sober.
Pete is a news anchor in Texas, an ESPN broadcaster, and a powerful recovery advocate on his podcast The Payoff with Pete and today he’s sharing his whole story with you.
From backing his car into a ditch at his friend’s party, going to treatment, and working at KFC to strengthen his recovery, Pete’s dedication to sobriety is second to none.
This episode is overflowing with moving personal stories, self-acceptance, and real life examples of how to live a recovery lifestyle for years to come.
Click here to listen on the web, or go to your favorite podcast app to listen to this incredible conversation with Pete!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
High-Functioning Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Have a Drinking Problem
Apr 20, 2024
Being High-Functioning Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Have a Drinking Problem
I understand why you feel that way and how easy it is to separate from the pack when your habits and struggles look different.
It does create a sense of being different and not fitting in to traditional methods and programs.
And it’s hard to call yourself an alcoholic when your picture of what an alcoholic is, is not good.
But let me ask you this – if you are high-functioning, does that mean your problem is different? Or your lifestyle is different?
And if you continue to view your problem as different, which is probably what you’ve been doing, then you could continue to stay stuck in yo-yo sobriety, wasting your time and energy for months or years.
So what do high-functioning problem drinkers do to be successful at sobriety?
Well, we start with facing the real problem, instead of being distracted by the lifestyle and labels.
Think about it – there are tens of millions of people with drinking problems across the globe. There is no way all of our details are going to be the same.
How we live, education, houses, jobs, cars, money, how much we drink, how often we drink, trauma… all of these details will vary to some degree.
But our misuse of alcohol is the same.
If you’re like most of my clients, you use alcohol as a way to numb feelings and discomfort. You use it as a way to connect with your friends, to make laundry and kids and chores feel more doable, to escape the stresses of reality and adulting.
So, isn’t it more important to focus on the causes and conditions so you can get away from alcohol, get control of your life back, and be present with your family?
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Embracing Sobriety in Mid-Life with Lori Massicot
Apr 17, 2024
The uncomfortable topic no one is talking about. Or, not too many people are talking about because it can be awkward and weird like everything else in life.
But it’s so important for women to understand.
And, there are some great recovery revelations in this episode that have nothing to do with life stages or being a man or a woman – but have everything to do with getting sober and living the life you really want.
You may know today’s guest from the To 50 & Beyond podcast.
When she quit drinking at forty-five, she felt like she had been run over by a truck for years.
She was doing the back and forth, back and forth thing, and she finally decided to quit drinking after thirty years of a close relationship with alcohol – finally tired of settling for that life.
Lori Massicot loves to talk about the disadvantage of just a small amount of alcohol.
From sleepless nights, waking up in the morning fuzzy and hungover, to ending the day with another drink even when you promised yourself you weren’t going to drink today.
She found herself in mid-life, stressed out, she didn’t like her work, had no confidence, and knew her life had to change.
And if you aren’t a 12-step person, you’re definitely going to love the inspiration and motivation that comes with Lori’s story because she had a different path, is respectful of the program, and has amazing and fulfilling sobriety.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
6 Powerful Recovery Phrases Sure to Make Life Better
Apr 12, 2024
Many of us love to get annoyed with the AA one-liners and all the recovery phrases out there, but the truth is, they work.
And if you get them, they can change your whole trajectory.
When you understand what they mean, the few simple words take on a whole new meaning and it becomes its own shorthand language where you hear these few words, and you know exactly what to do.
It’s a game changer.
Especially if you are caught up in future-tripping, thinking about a bunch of possibilities, what if this happens… what if they do this or say this… what will I do if this…
Did you know that studies show 85% of the things you worry about, never happen?
85%!!
That’s a lot of wasted time and energy.
I’m going to go through 6 of my favorite, life-changing phrases, what they mean to me, and how to use them.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
If You Have An Addictive Personality, You May Have Behavior Addictions, Too
Apr 10, 2024
What does an addictive personality actually look like?
People always tell me, “I have a very addictive personality”.
Well, I’m right there with you, my friend – if you struggle with substances, it just makes sense we will struggle with behavior addictions, too.
Today we’re talking about having an addictive personality and the behavior addictions we can pick up along the way.
If I do something and I like it, I want more of it.
Food, people, work, exercise, self-improvement and recovery, television, ice cream – it could literally be anything.
If I get some gratification from it, I want to do it again, as soon as possible.
One common factor underlying nearly every addiction is the feeling of reward.
Your brain registers all pleasures in the same way, whether it’s a cold beer after work, a shopping spree, morning sex, or a delicious meal.
When you experience that feeling of reward, the brain is flooded with the neurotransmitter dopamine.
It’s the feel-good neurotransmitter and it is the thing we are chasing for most of the time.
So let’s get into some of the traits of an addictive personality, what they look like in everyday life, and how they manifest in some of the most common behavior addictions.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
5 Signs You Are Dealing With Post-Acute Withdrawal
Apr 05, 2024
Whether you’re in the early stages of sobriety or have been in recovery for a while, understanding post-acute withdrawal can help you navigate the ups and downs of addiction recovery more effectively.
PAWS can be a challenging phase in the addiction recovery journey, and knowing the symptoms and signs can help you create processes and gather tools to get through it without relapse.
🔸What is it 🔸What are the symptoms 🔸What to do
If you’re feeling a little crazy and need a name for it, this may be it.
Don’t worry about taking notes with this episode because I’ve created a whole guide for you as a part of the 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Getting Over Your Fears of Recovery
Apr 03, 2024
Recovery fears are the absolute worst, because let’s be real: all you want to do is get your life together and be present with your family, but you can’t stop thinking about all the ways your life will change and wondering if you can handle it.
This can also come in the form of not wanting to engage so much with friends because you are feeling torn between two lives and totally uncertain about what your future is going to look like. And I get it – I know that life, sober or not, isn’t always rainbows and kittens, but you shouldn’t be stuck in fear and letting it hold you back.
You may know Charlie LeVoir from the Way Out Podcast where he talks about powerful sobriety topics and recovery stories to inspire your recovery journey.
He was struggling with a drinking problem, but convinced his wife he could quit whenever he wanted to. In his attempt to moderate his drinking he almost lost a hand while carving the Thanksgiving turkey and that’s when it all came crashing down.
No more denial, no more convincing the wife, straight to treatment he went.
Through working steps and doing trauma therapy Charlie shares how he had to straighten out all the relationships in his life that were confused and not right, including the relationship he had with himself.
The major truths he had to face
The counselor that set him straight
And the realization that got him into recovery full-time
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
4 Stages of Alcoholism
Mar 29, 2024
Alcoholism, or Alcohol use disorder, is a brain disorder that impairs your ability to stop or control your drinking.
Welcome to our first 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series where each week for the next 30 days I’m dropping an extra episode to answer some of the most confusing questions about this crazy alcohol issue we’re dealing with.
Today we’re talking about the stages of alcoholism to help you get clarity on yourself, and your habits, so that you can stop screwing around and get the support you want.
Alcoholism develops gradually and symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on what stage you’re in.
If you’re asking yourself:
what the heck is happening to me
do I have to quit forever or can I moderate
…you’re in the right place.
We’re going to talk about different stages of drinking, how it works, and when you cross the line where attempts to moderate your drinking are going to be a waste of time and energy.
It is important to know the signs so that you can accurately gauge where you are in the process and, hopefully, it will help you out of any denial that’s keeping you from getting help and getting in recovery.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
10 Easy Habits That Will Transform Your Life
Mar 27, 2024
You guys know me and how much I love simple strategies that get you exactly the results you’re looking for.
Creating a life you love doesn’t happen overnight.
Most of us are so wired for instant gratification that when we don’t get immediate results we get disappointed and discouraged and you can easily fall into thinking it’s too hard.
Or, your brain will start justifying giving up by telling you, ‘you don’t have time to focus on this right now’, or, ‘it isn’t even working so why are you wasting your time??’
I am the person who, if I eat well and work my buns off at the gym that day and stay on my food plan, I expect to see results the next morning!
And I’ve learned along the way, that’s not how it works.
Remember this: habits are the building blocks of results.
If you want a result, focus on the habits, the actions you take, to get you there. And I’m giving you 10 powerful habits that will change your life.
And I have a special surprise for Alcohol-Free April!
Bonus podcast episodes each week
Expert resources
Personalized guidance
Inspirational stories of other high-functioning people, just like you, who have overcome drinking and are living alcohol-free.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Expert Secrets You’ll Love For Sober Results
Mar 20, 2024
If you’re listening to the Addiction Unlimited show, I’m guessing you’re a fan of living a sober lifestyle, right? If you’ve ever thought about going to a 12-step meeting or wanted to grow your sober community to have more support and fun, this is the perfect episode to get started. And I’m telling you – this conversation is not just for all of you; I also found so much value in this conversation and it warmed my heart taking me back to my 12-step roots!
Enter Arlina Allen, the fabulous founder of Sober Life School, the host of the One Day at a Time podcast & Self-Help Junkie podcast, and massive self-help junkie herself. I’ve recently gotten to know Arlina and I was a guest on her One Day at a Time podcast, and it’s been such a blast!
Arlina is another high-functioning alcoholic who left her corporate job to follow her personal development dreams. Now, she’s following her heart and helping others get the life they really want and working with amazing and powerful women every day.
We talk about the changes in the recovery world we’ve watched over decades of sobriety, what it feels like to be an old-timer in this space, and the beauty of simplicity in your recovery plan. She’s absolutely mastered long-term sobriety and is sharing all of her wisdom and humor with you!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
6 Smart Tips to Simplify Sponsorship (or Coaching!)
Mar 13, 2024
If you are trying to stay sober and change your life, I need you to understand this concept of Sponsorship – or Coaching.
Do you feel a little weird about getting a sponsor or having a hard time finding a reliable sponsor?
Maybe you have no idea what it is and don’t know if you actually need one.
This episode is all about sponsorship for those in 12-Step programs, and Coaching for those who aren’t, because the concepts are the same.
A Coach guides you in a process just like a sponsor guides you in 12 step programs.
I also like to highlight the similarities in these concepts because I consider my sponsor my very first Coach.
And, for the record, I was weird about a sponsor at first, too.
I didn’t really understand it or understand it’s value and, like a good alcoholic, I thought I could figure it out on my own.
Looking back, I wish I would have done it sooner because it was really fun to have someone in my corner and to have that person to ask questions about things I didn’t understand.
I’m going to cover 6 super smart insights to understand sponsorship from the inside out – the things I learned along the way, over the course of YEARS – and I’m sharing it all here with you so that you have all the answers I had to learn the hard way!
We’re going to cover:
What a sponsor does
Why you need one
Where you get one
What to look for
How it works
Things to consider
This is your all-in-one cheat sheet for all the questions you didn’t even know you had about working with a sponsor, or a Coach.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
New York Times Best-Selling Author of “Party Girl” and Book Publisher Anna David
Mar 06, 2024
Anna David is the New York Times bestselling author of Party Girl (plus seven more!), she is the founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing and three-time TEDx speaker who has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, The Talk and dozens of other programs.
As if that wasn’t enough, her first novel, Party Girl, is in development as a feature film.
With a list of successes that impressive, it would be easy to get the impression that her journey has been easy.
But, just like you and me, her life, career, and recovery have been a steady stream of surprises, lessons, and victories – and she’s sharing them all on this episode.
Anna shares her surprising insight on the world of traditional publishing, how she learned to ride the waves of change life loves to bring, to being a new mom, an old soul, and a badass recovery rockstar.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Setting Sobriety Goals In A New Way That Makes Sense
Feb 28, 2024
According to research 92% of people give up on their goals or fail to follow through.
What happens with traditional goal-setting –
set the goal, go after the goal, not hit the goal. Not only not hit the goal, but totally bomb and feel bad about yourself.
set a goal, go after the goal, reach the goal, but it happens a month late or three years later so you still feel a little bad about yourself.
set the goal, go after the goal, and all of a sudden something shiny and new pops up and it looks better, or sounds like a better idea, so you move over to that thing and you feel like a loser because you bailed on the original goal.
Can you relate to these?? Because I feel like I just outlined my life.
Goal setting can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
But, are you setting the same goals; pay off the Visa, go to Hawaii, lose 10 pounds, quit drinking FOR REAL THIS TIME…
…and when you think about those goals you feel completely uninspired with no real direction?
You’re about to learn an unconventional way to set and reach those goals.
No stress, not fear-based feeling like you’re going to fail before you even start – but a powerful and inspirational way to look at what you truly want, feel good about what you’re going after and the way you are going after it.
How do you set sobriety goals, and actually achieve them?
Or, any goal, for that matter.
If this is something you’ve struggled with, you’re in the right place.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
9 Simple Things Holding You Back From the Life You Want
Feb 21, 2024
What’s holding you back from the life you’ve always wanted?
When you want to make a big change in your life, you need to face anything and everything holding you back from making that change successfully.
Anything that drains your energy, distracts your focus, or clutters your mind.
Mental clutter is often what prevents us from moving forward at all or, at the very least, it makes our progress much slower.
It’s baggage that has to be unloaded.
As an expert in helping people, I can confidently say that, most times, people aren’t even aware of what’s really holding them back.
You may think you are doing everything you possibly can but sometimes it takes slowing down and practicing true self-awareness to see your blind spots.
If you’re trying to figure out what yours are, this episode has nine simple things keeping you from getting the life you’ve always dreamed of.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
6 Secrets You Need to Know to Drastically Improve Your Dating Life
Feb 14, 2024
Most people are going about dating ALL WRONG.
Have you ever felt like you attract all the wrong people in your dating life?
I hate to be the one to tell you… but there are reasons you keep ending up in undesirable situations and it’s not because of everyone else.
I know, it was a hard lesson for me, too.
You see the red flags early on, and you ignore them.
That person you know isn’t a great fit or is a little unhealthy asks for your number, and you give it.
Your date lies to you about where they were or why they didn’t call, and you let them get away with it.
This is how we end up with people that aren’t good for us.
The common denominator in all my failed relationships was ME. It wasn’t everyone else’s fault.
I was broken, so I picked broken people, and made all the bad choices to end up in all the bad relationships.
Most people are doing it ALL WRONG.
You ignore red flags, accept behaviors that really aren’t okay with you, then you find yourself in a situation where you aren’t being respected or valued, and you wonder how you got there.
This episode is going to shine some much-needed light on a big topic complete with action steps you can take today, to improve your dating life starting right now.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Growth Principles You Need To Know For Self-Help & Healing
Feb 07, 2024
I’m willing to bet you have a lot going on in your life right now.
It feels like there are dozens of things that have to be done every day and, of course, life loves to throw those curve balls.
I just had a huge curve ball of my own when my father unexpectedly had to have open-heart surgery and our whole world changed in the blink of an eye.
He’s okay, btw – he is back home and we are taking his care one day at a time.
And that phrase, one day at a time, is exactly the kind of growth principles this episode is about.
It’s easy to wonder why things happen and how we’ll get through all the curve balls.
Why is this happening right now? Why do I have a problem with alcohol? Why do I have a spending problem or a food problem? How do I fix my problems? Why do I feel stuck? Why am I so overwhelmed?
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, that’s okay. And this will be a great episode for you.
And if you’re thriving and all the things are going good right now, I still want you to listen up- because this episode is jam-packed with recovery and growth principles that will take your self-help game to a new level.
You may know my guest from his own top-ranked pod, The Addicted Mind podcast.
And as Duane shared his story with me there were so many growth principles in every step of his journey. From the tried-and-true one day at a time, to perseverance, curiosity, asking for help, being willing to try something different, getting out of his comfort zone and facing fears and insecurity, and the list could go on and on.
You’re going to hear a lot of self-help buzzwords in this episode, too, and if you stick around to the end, I’m going to give you some ideas about what you can do with those to get you farther in your self-help, healing and recovery journey.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
3 Smart Strategies for Anger Management
Jan 31, 2024
Have you ever had one of those moments where somebody said something and you feel yourself instantly in anger?
Your ears get hot – maybe your ears ring – you feel your face flush – your heart rate elevates – stomach turns… there are all kinds of indicators.
We all know what anger is and we’ve all experienced it – whether it was a quick annoyance or full-blown rage.
Anger is a normal, often healthy, human emotion.
Feeling angry can be positive when it motivates you to make positive changes, stand up for yourself, or get out of unhealthy situations.
But when it gets out of control anger can also motivate unhealthy behaviors like abuse – whether it’s verbal, emotional, or physical — isolation, food issues, depression, and self-harm – drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs might be ways of coping with anger issues…
…and you know those will just make you feel worse and likely create bigger problems.
And all of those behaviors lead to problems at work, in your personal relationships, and have negative effects on your overall quality of your life.
You could be angry at a specific person (such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (a traffic jam, a canceled flight), or your anger could be caused by worrying about your personal problems.
If you find yourself in some of these unhealthy behaviors, it’s a good sign that it’s time to get some support.
So get your earbuds ready, my friend, we’re diving into solutions.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Journey of Personal Growth and Sobriety with Elizabeth Chance
Jan 24, 2024
If you’re listening to the Addiction Unlimited show, I’m guessing you’re interested in sobriety and recovery, right?
If you’ve struggled to make sense of it all because you are high-functioning, have a great job, a family, and a house in the right zip code…
…but you know deep down that you need to make a change, and make it last, this is the perfect episode to get serious insight on how alcohol doesn’t discriminate.
It doesn’t care if you have money or come from a prominent family, it doesn’t care how cool your handbag or car is, it just doesn’t discriminate.
Enter Elizabeth Chance, the fabulous host of the Busy Living Sober podcast and massive champion in the recovery community. I’ve recently gotten to know Elizabeth better and it has been a blast!
Elizabeth is a high-energy mom and wife who came from a country club family and followed the family legacy right into an alcohol-fueled lifestyle.
From distinguished galas to exclusive fundraisers with government officials, it took the simple words of a complete stranger to get her attention, and compel her to make a change.
We talk about the process of understanding you have a problem despite all the privilege and prestige, how she got sober, and how much the world of recovery has changed over the years.
She has absolutely mastered her recovery lifestyle and is sharing all of her challenges, tragedies, and the many sweet sober victories with you!
So listen in, my friend, because the opportunities to learn something new are endless.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
9 Different Types of Overthinking and How to Stop Overthinking
Jan 17, 2024
73% chronically overthink??
You heard that right.
73% of 25- to 35-year-olds chronically overthink, along with 52% of people ages 45 to 55 struggle with chronic overthinking.
It might feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night, dwelling on a decision you made earlier that day or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list, but if you’re nodding your head yes right now because you are an overthinker… you’re not alone.
We live in a fast-paced and demanding world, and although it’s easy to fall into the trap of overthinking, it can be detrimental to our mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.
While overthinking itself is not a mental illness, it is associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use disorders.
Ding, ding, ding… sound familiar??
The great news is – it’s a habit. And with some dedication and practice, the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome this habit and get peace of mind.
And in this special episode I’m taking the guesswork off your plate and breaking down the 9 types of overthinking, and how to stop it!
In this episode, I’ll help you understand…
What overthinking is and how it shows up
The 9 types of overthinking so you can identify what to work on
Why we do it and HOW it impacts your daily life
Effective techniques to stop the overthinking and regain control of your thoughts
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Create Accountability in Recovery and Get It Right
Jan 10, 2024
Accountability is your secret weapon.
Quitting alcohol is a powerful decision, and maintaining sobriety requires accountability. It’s not just about giving up a habit; it’s about creating a new, healthier lifestyle.
If you’re serious about stopping the self-destruction and chaos that drinking brings to your life, this is something you want to understand, and get it right.
In this episode we talk about some of the major misconceptions about recovery that will trip you up and keep you from getting the results you want.
I’ll also walk you through:
Personal Accountability
External Accountability
And how to have a plan that will get you the results you actually want.
Creating accountability is a process and, if you listen closely, I’ll tell you the real reason behind WHY you’re not doing it!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Doing the Work: Quitting Drinking Is Only the Beginning
Jan 03, 2024
Why do you drink? Why do you have this problem? What are the underlying issues??
You’ve probably asked yourself these questions a million times in your journey to live alcohol-free.
When you decide to quit drinking, you might have a sense of hope, relief, and optimism.
You can see your new life free from alcohol, where you can finally be your true self and get your life in order.
But, the reality is that quitting drinking is not a magic pill that instantly solves all your problems. It’s easy to track all of our problems back to alcohol, and to believe if you remove the alcohol, you remove the problems, but that’s not the truth.
Sobriety is quitting drinking, recovery is healing.
To truly transform your life and maintain sobriety, you need to do the work. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today – we’ll explore why quitting drinking is only the first step, what the underlying issues are, and how you can continue your journey to a healthier, happier, alcohol-free life.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Rebuilding Life, Having Fun, and Staying Committed to Sobriety Goals
Dec 27, 2023
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to step into the unknown, and commit to sobriety 100%?
In a world where drinking, and over-indulging are often front and center, it’s easy to feel that way.
You know firsthand how difficult it is to step into this process, make a decision to quit drinking, then figure out how to stick to that decision on a daily basis, figuring out how and where to get help, with the constant anxiety of, what will my family say, how will I ever have fun again, are my friends going to ditch me, am I really never going to drink again???
No one truly understands the pressure of sobriety like you and I because we live it.
And if you’re a partner, and a parent, there are added pressures and anxieties that can feel too big to overcome.
But, you’ve heard me say this before – if I can do this, I promise you, you can, too.
And today, you’re going to spend a lot of time nodding your head in agreement as you hear this story.
She’s a wife, she’s smart, was a business owner and always high-functioning, and a super-mom.
And, like so many of us, she realized she was using alcohol as a coping mechanism because she didn’t have the necessary coping skills to deal with all the daily life challenges.
She struggled to find help and support – devastated by the thought of leaving her family and kids to go to inpatient treatment, feeling uncomfortable with traditional support groups because of past religion trauma, and she knew she needed a private, personalized solution to help her figure out how to stay sober on a daily basis.
You’ll hear Kari C. talk about how she found her perfect program, and also how she came to understand that it’s okay to take pieces from different programs and do your recovery your way.
She’ll also tell you how she got through:
Feeling selfish, as a mom, taking time away from her family for herself
Realizing how important it is to take care of herself
Finding the right support for her personal recovery plan
And understanding how important it is to manage anxiety on a daily basis
So, how did she find the strength to take action, and get help?
You’re about to hear every detail with all the ups and downs, in this episode.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Stay On the Journey Even When Life Throws You Lemons
Dec 20, 2023
We all know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
And, I get it – lemons are sour and difficult to eat on their own – but if you add some water and sugar, all of a sudden you’ve got something sweet and refreshing.
Take a challenge and make something good out of it.
But sometimes, life hurls lemons at you so hard they splatter when they hit. And no one can make lemonade out of that.
So, what do you do when you look at your life and realize you are barely surviving? When you feel like you are in a perpetual state of just putting one foot in front of the other, keeping your head above water, stuck full on in survival mode?
Well, I’m not going to pretend to have all the answers, but I am going share with you some of the best tools that have helped me over the years.
And, if you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I have literally made almost every mistake there is to make. I have screwed up everything and have had to dig my way out of it all, all by myself.
And it is true that profound transformation often comes from difficulties and challenges and pain. It’s also true that profound transformation takes a long time.
And, if you’re anything like me, you want everything yesterday.
I’m going to share some very specific skills you can start RIGHT NOW, that will make your life, and your recovery, a thousand times better.
If you feel like life is throwing you more than your share of lemons, and you want some relief right the F now, then this episode is for you, my friend.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Relapse Mistakes You Can’t Make Again
Dec 13, 2023
Relapse –
When it comes to recovery, maintaining the effort to avoid a relapse can feel like a lot.
Even for someone with a couple of years sober, great kids, friends, and a job he loves.
Today, we’re talking about relapse, and specifically, I’m taking you behind the scenes with one of my favorite radio personalities to share his recent experience with relapse.
Scott Parks, from Dana & Parks, is sharing all the details from:
pre-planning his relapse
to the insanity of hiding all the empty bottles… from himself
and how his co-host and family came together for an intervention where a few simple words from his daughter gave him the clarity he needed to get help and get back on the sober track
And my favorite part of this story is his honesty and openness with his audience – giving us the truth and allowing us to support him as strangers, and providing hope for those still suffering who need to hear that we do recover.
Rebuilding his sobriety one day at a time and here to tell you how he’s done it so far.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Your Step by Step Guide to Stay Sober During the Holidays
Dec 06, 2023
The holidays are right around the corner – along with extra stressors and temptations.
But staying sober doesn’t have to mean missing out on all the fun.
So, how can you navigate the holiday parties and events with less stress and without taking a drink when it feels like everything centers around alcohol??
That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you in this episode.
I’m giving you a step-by-step process that you can actually apply. Not more of the same stuff that comes up in a Google search over and over again.
I’m here to give you the tools you need to get the results you want.
You’ve worked so hard to get this far in your sobriety – don’t let the holidays derail your progress.
With some planning and the right support system, you can enjoy all the wonders of the season without compromising your sobriety or wellbeing.
I’ve got a step-by-step plan to keep you sober during this holiday season in a way that is simple and effective.
Map it
Plan it
Do it
And you’ll get farther in your journey with a lot more happiness if you have a buddy to help you through. So, as you’re listening, be thinking about someone you can share this episode with so you can go through the plan (and the events) together.
A quick text helps stay on track when willpower alone won’t cut it.
You’ve got this – stay strong, remember why you chose recovery, and most of all be proud of how far you’ve come!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
10 Healthy Habits That Make A Difference
Nov 29, 2023
Healthy Habits –
What if I told you there are a handful of simple actions you can take right now that will definitely improve your life?
Would you be willing to try?
Even if you “don’t feel like it”?
We’re supposed to eat healthy, get 10,000 steps a day, work, sleep, take care of your family, exercise, go to your support group meetings, do self-care… and…seriously?!?
Well, I’m here for you, my friend!
I found a list of some of the best tools out there and they are free, proven, and at your fingertips.
Creating a life you love takes work. But, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be hard, or miserable, or expensive.
Get your ear buds in and be ready to take some notes because this is a list of tools that will change your life… starting now.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Tools You Can Use to Quiet the Never-Ending Mind Chatter
Nov 22, 2023
Mind Chatter –
Does your brain start chattering and seemingly never stop?
Do you feel distracted and unable to focus, like your brain just won’t shut up and it can be so noisy up there it’s overwhelming?
I’m right there with you, my friend.
The constant mind chatter that analyzes every single thing about you and your life, your circumstances, your fears, and all of your shortcomings.
Reflecting on your problems and noodling over solutions is one of the best ways to move forward in life even if it’s not the most pleasant way to spend your time.
But sometimes all that mind chatter in our heads gets mean.
We beat ourselves up for the slightest things, talk ourselves out of doing things we should actually do, or get stuck in a loop of worry or shame.
We have brains that have a life of their own, and they have all kinds of thoughts and ideas they want to share with us all day every day.
And there’s no question it can be overwhelming.
It’s like background noise that never ceases, from the moment you wake up to the moment you lay down to go to sleep. It can even prevent you from falling asleep.
Here are some of the questions we’re going to answer in this episode:
Figuring out the balance of life and recovery to lessen the mental chatter
Understanding healthy boundaries
The difference between sobriety and recovery and how it helps you
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Long-Term Sobriety Success Story
Nov 15, 2023
Sobriety –
When you think about your sober future, what kind of life do you dream of living?
What kind of impact will you have on your family?
If you don’t think it’s possible to feel crystal clear on how to take your recovery and use it to build your dream life, happiness, and have a powerful impact on your family… you’ve never met Veronica Valli.
Veronica is a busy mom and wife who passionately splits her time between her podcast, Soberful, writing books, and being the leader of her coaching business helping people build happy recovery.
Veronica is on a mission to change the narrative on sobriety with 23 years of personal experience and a long career of helping people get sober, find happiness, and change their lives.
Just like she has.
Relocating from the UK to the US, raising kids, figuring out how to make sobriety fit in the mix, and growing a business is just another day in the life for Veronica.
She doesn’t just talk the talk — she walks the walk.
And in this episode, Veronica is breaking down how she connected all the pieces over the years to build strong long-term sobriety and purpose in her life.
Together, we talk about:
How she ‘accidentally’ got sober
How 23 years of sobriety started with a commitment to just 30 days
The key to lasting sobriety for anyone and everyone
and so much more!
So grab your headphones and click to listen — just wait ’til you see what’s possible!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Alcoholism and Relationships: Navigating the Impact of Addiction on Personal Relationships
Nov 08, 2023
Alcoholism and Relationships –
If you think being an alcoholic is hard, try being in a relationship with one!
You’ve heard me talk about relationship dynamics from time to time, and just how important it is to communicate with the people around us and to be patient with one another. But I’ve never really talked about what this looks like for the family, friends, and partners.
On their own, keeping your sobriety in tact and navigating a relationship are tough. Put them together?
It’s an entirely different beast. The fact is, addiction brings a very different dimension to relationships.
People that don’t struggle with addictions or compulsions are baffled by how our brains work and they usually have more support and empathy from friends and family members for their trials and tribulations in life. Alcoholism can be very isolating, which is one reason it’s more challenging to get support, and even harder to ask for help.
So today, we’re getting into the details from both sides.
In this episode I’ll tell you:
Why getting sober is harder than our friends and family realize
Some of the thoughts and fears your partner is having about your sobriety that they aren’t telling you
How to give each other what you need, EVEN during the most stressful times
What recovery requires to be long-lasting
Your relationships can be as awesome as you want them to be, but it does take everyone pitching in and being part of the team. And everyone has to be willing to pause, and see the other person’s point of view.
You might be surprised by all the information you get from this episode!
This is every bit as important as planning your next recovery meeting or your next attempt at sobriety. You’ve got to understand what’s happening for the people around you with the same passion and intensity that you put into your recovery.
Go listen now, then share this episode with the people closest to you – they will thank you for it, I promise 😉
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Myth of Rock Bottom When You’re High-Functioning
Nov 01, 2023
Rock Bottom –
You’re all familiar with the concept.
You see it in movies, all over television, and we read it in books.
Someone’s life is spiraling out of control – they are getting DUIs, getting arrested, getting fired, going to prison – and when they are at their all-time low, they land at their rock bottom moment and decide they have to change their lives.
The problem with this picture of addiction and rock bottom is – it doesn’t leave space for all of you that haven’t had any of those consequences. It doesn’t give you, the high-functioning person, an opportunity to see yourself and see how you fit in sobriety and what your path might look like.
To be clear, not everyone destroys their lives before getting sober.
You can be living a life with a nice roof over your head, a job, relationship, kids, drinking a latte and working out regularly and still have a substance problem.
You may even relate to my situation where I was a little bit of both – I had some tragic moments that definitely got my attention – but the truth is, I was totally high-functioning.
I made plenty of money. I lived in a beautiful home. I had an expensive car and a Louis Vuitton handbag.
And none of those things had any impact on my drinking problem. It did allow me to avoid the seriousness of my problem and continue putting off taking action.
Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding “rock-bottom,” there’s a lot more misconception than truth.
You may know my guest from The Sober Friends Podcast – Matt J is with me to talk about what ‘rock bottom’ looks like, when you’re a high-functioning person.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How Your Mental Health Improves When You Quit Drinking Alcohol
Oct 25, 2023
Quit Drinking Alcohol –
You may feel like alcohol helps with feelings of stress, anger, worry and sadness, but it isn’t what it seems and can actually have negative effects both in the short-term and long-term.
Let’s get into this topic about your mental health – how you improve when you stop drinking, are the effects of substances permanent or is it fixable, and what that journey looks like.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the surprising effects of substance use on mental health and how it impacts your overall well-being.
Unlock effective strategies to improve your mental health and reclaim control of your life.
Learn about the fascinating impact of alcohol on neurotransmitters and how it can disrupt your brain’s natural balance.
Explore practical ways to increase dopamine levels naturally and experience greater happiness and motivation.
Gain insights into maintaining sobriety and how it can lead to significant improvements in your mental health.
Also listen in to get the 3 most powerful ways your brain changes once you quit drinking alcohol, and eight simple (and mostly free) actions you can take today to improve your mental health and boost your dopamine and serotonin naturally.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Unmasking Deception: Insights on Betrayal Trauma
Oct 18, 2023
Betrayal Trauma –
If a parent or romantic partner violates your trust, you may experience betrayal trauma.
Any betrayal can cause emotional distress and that trauma may affect your self-esteem, emotional health, and relationships with others.
Psychologist Jennifer Freyd first introduced betrayal trauma in 1991. She described it as a specific trauma that happens in key social relationships where the betrayed person needs to maintain a relationship with the betrayer for support or protection.
Most people with addiction struggles also have trauma and most people, in general, have some traumas. What is interesting in betrayal trauma is that we have it because of our parents and partners, but we also cause it in our active addiction.
Lying, deceiving, hiding details about life and addictions, these are all causes of betrayal trauma.
Kristin Snowden is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and one of her specialties is addiction recovery.
She’s going to shed some light on betrayal trauma, what it looks like, and what to do about it.
Some interesting facts you’ll hear about betrayal trauma are:
It can come from a parent or other childhood caregiver
it can come from a romantic partner
you may be willing to accept the betrayal for your sense of safety and security
The struggle is real, my friend! And this topic hits close to home.
We also touch on all the fears our partners experience when sobriety comes into our lives and how to change the disruptive stories you tell yourself about what will happen or how things will end.
This episode is full of lightbulb moments that will change how you view your relationships, and yourself.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Six Major Characteristics of Addictive Behavior
Oct 11, 2023
Addictive Behavior –
Have you ever felt like you have an addictive personality? Like you don’t have an off switch in anything. When you start something new it becomes your sole focus, you’re 100% in, and if it feels good and you like it, you just want to do more of it.
I’m willing to bet, you’re nodding your head yes right now and I’m right there with you.
The good news is, there’s nothing wrong with you. And you may be surprised by how many people struggle with addictive behaviors.
Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
What are the characteristics of addictive behavior?
What does it mean?
How do you know if a behavior has become addictive?
Millions of people worldwide struggle with various forms of addiction, from substance abuse to gambling and even internet addiction. Addictive behavior is more common than you might think.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
What You Do When Moderate Drinking Fails
Oct 04, 2023
Drinking in moderation
Wherever you may be in your journey, attempts to moderate drinking are a part of (almost) everyone’s story.
It’s a relationship we spend years nurturing. It has your back, it’s always there, and it always gives you what you need.
Until it doesn’t.
You may know today’s guest as the superstar host of the Hello Someday Podcast. And, believe it or not, she had all the same fears and anxieties that you have when she was facing the thought of quitting drinking.
She worked at a Fortune 500 company, had the husband, and the kids and had a hard time wrapping her head around a drinking problem.
Like you have probably done over and over again, she first tried to moderate drinking. You know what I’m talking about, all the rules you put in place for yourself to try to force you to not drink too much.
I’ll only drink on the weekends
I won’t drink until after 5
I’ll only drink beer, NO liquor
Only on special occassions!
I know, my friend, I did it, too.
Lucky for us, Casey started her journey with baby steps. She decided to quit for a little while then built her alcohol-free life from there.
Little by little she eased herself into long-term sobriety and you can hear all about what worked for her, and what didn’t, and what might work for you in this episode.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
6 Tips to Stay Sober on Vacation
Sep 27, 2023
Sober Vacation –
What do you have planned for your next trip?
A family vacation? A family reunion, a work trip, or a camping trip?
Days on the beach? Nights on the town?
It’s hard to imagine doing any of it without a drink in hand, especially if you are new to sobriety or, if you are facing your first ever sober travel.
Going on vacation usually means relaxing and being carefree. And for many of us, relaxing meant excessive consumption of alcohol or other substances.
I was exactly the same. Every trip I ever took was a drinking trip. Honestly, everything I did was about drinking whether there was a trip or not.
One of the greatest things about being sober is that my whole world expanded. I mean that, literally.
I’ve gotten to travel the world and see beautiful places and have phenomenal experiences that I couldn’t have done in my drinking life.
But as a sober person, traveling is full of triggers, and that can feel a bit daunting.
This episode gives you a play-by-play of exactly what to do to keep your sobriety firmly in tact while you travel, and still have the time of your life.
Sober travel is empowering – it is a way to establish your independence as a sober person — that you don’t need to be afraid of alcohol or have it limit your life any more.
If you do the things you need to do to keep your recovery strong, and if you plan ahead, the only question really is: Where do you want to go?
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
A Sober Journey to Becoming an Author
Sep 20, 2023
Ever wonder what’s possible when you change your life?
In this episode, we’ll get into the amazing success story of Will Thatcher, a sober guy and published author.
Will, the author of Killing Hurt, has taken his recovery to new levels by harnessing a passion that was already inside of him but had been hiding quietly for years.
I understand that feeling of wanting to do things, have fun in your life, and be passionate about something – when I got sober, I had no idea who I was or what activities I liked!
But let me assure you, it changes the game and can transform your sober life, just like it did for Will.
And here’s the thing: You don’t have to be a pro with years of experience with something or have a ton of money to spend to find what lights you up.
In this episode, Will shares it all. Including how his life was forever changed in one family vacation and what he did to get it together, to be a better father, husband, and now author.
Even if you are on the fence about the power of living sober, Will’s story will empower you to dig deep to see what may be already inside you to make your alcohol-free life even better.
A sneak peek:
How his private drinking problem all of a sudden became very public
What he did to stop
How he fell in love with a new genre of books, Addiction Fiction
When he knew he wanted to have more fun in sobriety
The process of writing a book for the first time
So if you’re eager to unlock the potential of sobriety and have more fun, pop in your earbuds and give this episode your full attention!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
6 Habits to Long-Term Sobriety
Sep 13, 2023
Long-Term Sobriety
Successful recovery has everything to do with how you approach your daily life.
Imagine this scenario:
Your recovery is going great. You’re staying sober everyday, things are on track, and overall, you’re feeling pretty proud of what you’ve accomplished so far.
But let’s b real — you’re also feeling a little bit burnt out from pouring every ounce of your soul into your sobriety, and some things are starting to slip because… well, you’re human, living life.
Maybe your days are packed so full you feel like you have absolutely no room to breathe, or you’re losing focus on the actions that got you this far because your mind is constantly occupied with other things.
Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and scattered, and have no idea where to even start.
Can you relate?
I don’t know about you, but if I look to far into the future, I can easily get frazzled.
Overthinking everything, trying to think of every possible scenario that I can’t control, and it starts to feel like I have no idea what I’m doing.
In this episode I’m sharing my list of 6 habits you can start working on today, to stay on top of your game and move forward with a clear path to long-term recovery and all the other goals you have for your life!
It’s time to tighten things up, my friend — are you ready?
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Forgive on Your Journey to Emotional Recovery
Sep 06, 2023
How to Forgive:
When someone wrongs you in some way, you may feel certain you’ll never be able to forgive them. Even after your immediate anger calms down, you may continue to think about the betrayal instead of letting it fade into the past.
It’s pretty common to feel this way. The problem is, holding onto the negativity will harm you more than anyone else.
Forgiveness might seem challenging, but in reality, forgiveness simply means choosing to let go of anger, hurt, and any desire for revenge.
Think you may be ready to forgive but you aren’t sure where to start?
That’s okay, we’ve got answers on this episode with Forgiveness Coach Brenda Reiss.
Brenda shares why forgiveness is all about you, NOT the other person, how it benefits you overall, and how to start the process.
Forgiveness helps you heal! It’s a part of your emotional recovery that allows you to close wounds and move forward.
It’s you deciding to let go of the burden of being stuck with unresolved emotions, let go of some of the pain that holds you back, so you can move forward in your life with a happier and much lighter heart.
Forgiveness improves your relationships, has health benefits, and reduces stress!
It also leads to a more fulfilling relationship with yourself.
If you’ve been wondering how to let go and move forward, to forgive others and yourself, you’ll want to tune in to this one!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Under the Influence: How Alcohol Impacts Your Physical Health
Aug 30, 2023
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Figuring out your relationship with alcohol can be hard.
Especially if you’re looking for all the reasons to convince yourself you’re “not that bad”.
And, on top of all the questions flying around in your head, like, am I really that bad? Will I be able to control it after I stop for awhile? Do I really have to quit forever?
You may also be wondering what type of damage alcohol is doing to your body.
You may even think you don’t drink enough to have physical effects from alcohol. But I’m here to tell you, alcohol is far more damaging than you think. And the surprising thing is, some of the risks are just as high for “normal” drinkers, as they are for chronic alcoholics.
So today we’re talking about the effects of alcohol on the body.
And not only the post acute withdrawal type of stuff, but really about the real risks that come with drinking alcohol.
A sip of alcohol can feel like a your savior. You think it’s rescuing you from your anxieties, insecurities, boredom, and all the things you’re unhappy about in your life.
And under that lie, there is so much more going on and it’s manipulating your body’s landscape.
From the first drink to the last, and no matter how many there are in between, alcohol takes a journey through your body, changing things like your brain and heart and it’s creating long-term risks you don’t want.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Coping With Cravings
Aug 23, 2023
Cope With Cravings For Alcohol
Can you relate to this:
You’ve made a commitment to yourself, and maybe even your family, that you aren’t drinking anymore.
You remind yourself you’re going to be more committed than ever, you’ve started some morning rituals to keep you on track, and you know this time it has to be different.
Maybe you’ve made it a week or a month- maybe you’ve even made it a few months.
Then one day, you are minding your own business, and out of nowhere you are hit with a craving for a drink. And it’s powerful.
You try to tell yourself to ignore it, distract yourself, it will go away.
But it feels like it is getting stronger, and the stronger it gets the more you start to panic.
All the thoughts are flying through your head a thousand miles an hour
what am I going to do?
How am I going to get through this?
Is one drink going to kill me?
Should I have one? Should I not have one?
Should I call somebody?
Now your brain is off like a runaway train.
Cravings can be one of the most challenging pieces of living a sober lifestyle.
Romanticizing the drink, the past, the nostalgia, and the comfort it once provided can all come together and create an emotional whirlwind.
We have some incredibly talented people in the recovery/alcohol-free podcast world, and today’s guest is one of your favorites. Gill Tietz, from the Sober Powered podcast, a fan favorite in the sobriety podcast space and an inspiration for countless people on their journey to sobriety.
We got together for an episode to talk about cravings.
You’re going to hear our personal experiences with cravings and how we got through them- and you’ll probably be pretty surprised when you hear how different it was for the two of us!
We’ll tell you what was challenging, the importance of feeling safe during this journey, and some of the dangers of experimenting with non-alcoholic drinks.
These drinks might seem harmless, and sometimes they are! But they can also trigger memories, feelings of being left out or different, and all of that together can create cravings.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Avoid Relapse in Sobriety
Aug 16, 2023
Avoid Relapse
You’ve heard it before, right? Relapse is a part of recovery.
So how do you actually avoid relapse?
The truth is, the vast majority of people relapse in their first year of sobriety. I know through my own experiences and those of my clients that understanding relapse and having a plan in place to overcome it, can dramatically change your life.
What does that plan look like? How do you make a plan?
We’re going to get into some strategies and specifics today to help you get your head wrapped around where you want to focus in terms of your relapse prevention efforts.
This episode is all things relapse prevention. Not just because it’s a huge topic, but because it’s something we need to continually talk about to make sure you’re putting your efforts in the right place and moving forward in your sober life.
So, I want to get you fully up to speed on the 3 pillars of relapse prevention and the exact strategies for each of those pillars so that you can focus your time and energy only on what you really want to be working on and you’ll get the confidence you want to feel good in your life and not to feel like you’re constantly looking over your shoulder waiting for a relapse to take you down.
Alcohol can’t pour itself down your throat. You have A LOT of power in this situation. That’s what this episode is all about.
By the end of this episode my hope is that you will have a really good understanding as to where you’ve gone wrong in the past and where you need to put a little more effort and focus to make your relapse prevention plan stronger than its ever been.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Escaping the Cycle of YoYo Sobriety and Rebuilding You
Aug 09, 2023
One of the most challenging aspects of breaking the cycle of yo yo sobriety is learning to believe in yourself again.
Rebuilding confidence isn’t an overnight process, but with the right guidance and mindset, you can rebuild a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
We all understand that facing the relentless cycle of stopping and starting again can be incredibly disheartening.
It’s a rollercoaster of hope, guilt, and desperation, leaving you feeling trapped and defeated.
But remember, you’re not alone.
You may know today’s guest from the Euphoric AF podcast. Karolina is a powerful alcohol-free Coach and advocate and we are diving into the pain of coexisting with alcohol when you know your relationship has expired.
We’ll talk about the isolation, sadness, and shattered self-esteem, and recognizing your own resilience to come out stronger on the other side.
Remember, your journey is unique, and healing is a process that takes time.
It’s okay to stumble along the way – what matters is your commitment to getting back up and moving forward. Karolina’s story will remind you that setbacks are not failures; they’re stepping stones towards your ultimate transformation.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Overcome Perfectionism
Aug 02, 2023
Are you tired of constantly chasing this elusive ideal of how you think you should be, only to end up feeling frustrated and burnt out? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the tumultuous waters of perfectionism and learning how to conquer it.
Perfectionism is this sneaky little thing that creeps into our lives, whispering lies in our ears. It convinces you that nothing you do is ever good enough, that the world will fall apart if you make the tiniest mistake or if things don’t go exactly as planned.
But let me tell you something: perfectionism is the ultimate party pooper. It drains your energy, takes all the joy out of everything, and turns you into an anxiety-ridden mess.
In this episode, we’ll explore some pain points that hit close to home. We’ll talk about the sleepless nights spent obsessing over that one typo in an email. We’ll talk about that paralyzing fear of starting something new because you’re terrified of screwing it up or not being good at it. And we’ll talk about the pressure these unrealistic expectations put on your relationships.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Getting Your Life Back On Track When You Feel Broken
Jul 26, 2023
If you know me, you know I live for a good success story. And today is definitely one of those.
What you’ll love about my guest today is that she shares her real life and real struggles, from sitting in her life pre-pandemic dealing with a break-up, weight gain, and over spending to soothe her broken heart, to how she used the global pandemic to her advantage.
You may know Alexa Lowe as a beauty influencer and content creator on YouTube, but let me tell you, she’s so much more than her beauty.
When covid shut down the world she was struggling with feeling unattractive, unwanted, and overwhelmed. And not only was she over spending, she also lost her job.
This episode gives you all the feels because she is sharing what inspired her to take back control of her life and turn it all around, and how she did it.
Alexa will tell you:
how she used a bad situation for good
when she decided enough is enough, we have to get it together!
what she did to get started when she had SO many things to work on
This is an episode of inspiration and practical tips on getting yourself in gear when it feels like the odds aren’t in your favor.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Can You Ever Drink Again?
Jul 19, 2023
Have you ever wondered if someday you’ll be able to drink again? Wondering if you quit for a few months, a year, or even multiple years, if you’ll be able to come back around and drink like a “normal” person?
First of all, there is nothing normal about those people- they’re terrible alcoholics and they have no idea what they’re doing- but I’m willing to bet, if you’re listening to this podcast right now, you’ve had these thoughts.
And today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the absolute truth about the whole situation;
we’ll talk about the different levels on the spectrum of problematic drinking
when you hit the point of no return
and WHY it happens no matter who you are or how high-functioning you may be
This is Addiction Unlimited and I’m Angela Pugh- your personal life & sobriety Coach to guide you through this journey to transform yourself and your life. And if you’re done screwing around with all the starts and stops, you’re in the right place.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Bi-Polar Disorder, Family Trauma & Breaking the Cycle
Jul 12, 2023
Did you know that 56% of people with bi-polar disorder have a history of drug abuse? And 44% struggle with alcohol issues?
I’m so glad you’re here today, because this is something that we, as a community, need to continue talking about more, and that is our mental wellness.
And I’m raising my hand right now as someone who struggles with wellness, and I’m curious if you are as well.
Here’s the truth: if you don’t manage your mental health well—addiction and recovery can be difficult and lonely. There’s decision fatigue, you can have recovery burnout, there are tons of external pressures with friends and family, or, drowning in this drinking culture—and if we’re not managing our own wellness, all of that stuff will take over.
And because I believe in my core that recovery can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself, I want to bring more awareness to these issues that run rampant in our society and definitely in the world of substance abuse and recovery.
Luckily, there are people out there who also take this seriously and are willing to show up, be brave, and help. And one of those people is Bailey Reber.
She’s the host of Distressed to Joyful; Bailey’s Way Podcast where she helps her audience learn to navigate the journey of mental health, family trauma, substance abuse, bi-polar disorder and so much more.
Like the greatest leaders, she doesn’t only talk the talk, but she walks the walk.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Secret to Being Yourself
Jul 05, 2023
In general, “be yourself” means be true to your core identity rather than faking a different one because you think it will be attractive to others. (psychologytoday.com)
You’ve heard the saying your whole life – Just be yourself!
But how do you “just be yourself”, when you don’t have a solid sense of who you are?
That’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode.
How do you figure out who you are so that you can be authentic in your life and create relationships with people that are fun, exciting, and fulfilling.
Because when you don’t know who you are, it’s impossible to show others who you are, to set healthy boundaries for yourself, and to have a life you LOVE.
And if you want to live a substance-free lifestyle, you have to LOVE your life. It has to feel rewarding and empowering and fun.
And that, my friend, is an inside job.
Let’s plunge into:
some different ways to start figuring out who you are
setting boundaries to teach people about you, and how to treat you
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Replacing Old Negative Behaviors With New Positive Ones
Jun 28, 2023
Does exercise and movement give us a framework to follow for sobriety and fulfillment?
Coach Blu definitely thinks so, and he’s here to tell you all about it in today’s episode!
In this episode, Blu breaks down how to align your passion for sobriety with getting moving and healing your wounds… instead of just getting by day in and day out.
Blu is a mental health therapist, host of the Addict II Athlete podcast, and founder of the non-profit Addict II Athlete – an action-orientated organization focused on recreating recovery, one healthy activity at a time.
His mission is to establish and maintain recovery by erasing negative behaviors and replacing them with positive ones so you can learn how to help yourself, find inspiration, hope and the support you need.
And in this episode, he’s bringing the whole story to YOU.
When you listen in, you’ll hear Coach Blu break down the importance of healing and the premise of moving from ‘addict’, to athlete… but not in the way you may think.
This episode is overflowing with moving stories of trauma and triumph, self-acceptance, and real-life examples so you can walk away with new inspiration and put into a plan of action.
So don’t wait – click here to listen on the web, or go to your favorite podcast app to listen to my amazing conversation with Coach Blu!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Top 3 Things You Can Do to Make Your Summer Plans A Sober Success
Jun 21, 2023
Does the thought of doing all the summer things and trying to stay sober at the same time absolutely overwhelm you? If so, I can guarantee you’re not alone.
I felt the same way when I thought about the lazy days at the pool with all of my over-drinking friends, or the 4th of July bbq’s where the bbq is really an afterthought and the cocktails are the main attraction. I knew I didn’t want to drink, I just had to figure out how I was going to make it happen.
But here’s the good news — it’s totally doable, and doing both things doesn’t have to feel defeating. While going to all the summer events while also keeping your sobriety in tact is definitely a commitment, pulling it off is more possible than you think.
It’s true, my friend — and I am living proof.
In this episode, I’m going to share with you the 3 things that your summer fun strategy needs if you want to stay sober comfortably and confidently.
And here’s the really good news. I also share how some of my clients have used these exact strategies to set themselves up for sober success in any situation, and I promise – it’s simple, completely manageable, and doesn’t require a ton of your time. Sounds pretty great, right?
So if you are in the throes of anxiety over all the pool parties, bbq’s, and family vacations coming up, this one is for you. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and listen closely — because this episode is sure to set you up for success.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
No Nonsense Talk About Emotional Abuse & Toxic Relationships
Jun 14, 2023
If you come from a dysfunctional upbringing, have failed relationships, and struggle with boundaries, codependence and/or people pleasing.. you’ll want to tune in to this episode, my friend. We’re going to cover all the bases of toxic traits in relationships, emotional abuse, selfishness, and everything in between.
And you may be surprised by a few details I share about myself.
My guest today is a true Coach. And I say that because he is in the trenches, doing the real life-changing, emotional and difficult work not only with his clients, but he’s doing the work for himself.
He’s a regular guy who loves playing guitar, being out in nature, and he went through some major life-changing events, had a breakdown in the desert thousands of miles from home, and that breakdown led him to his breakthrough.
He started his own journey of healing and that led him to be the Behavior & Relationship Coach he is today, and he hosts 2 successful podcasts, The Overwhelmed Brain, and the Love and Abuse Podcast.
We are going deep in relationship issues and the nuances we all struggle with every day. If you want some super valuable insights into those toxic traits that make you crazy, it’s all in this conversation with Paul.
And, I have to tell you, this is one of my favorite episodes of Addiction Unlimited.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
4 Secrets to Thrive In Life
Jun 07, 2023
Thrive in Life
Feeling stuck despite all your efforts to improve your life? You’re not alone.
As your personal Life Coach, I know firsthand how frustrating it is when progress feels impossible—when you’re doing all the “right” things but still not gaining traction. You’re making changes, putting in the effort, but somehow it doesn’t feel like enough. Sound familiar?
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a complete life overhaul to start thriving. Sometimes, a few simple shifts can transform everything.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4 key differences between people who thrive and people who simply go through the motions. These aren’t complicated strategies or overwhelming action plans—they’re practical, doable changes that create real momentum.
Imagine waking up feeling in control of your life and future. Picture yourself building the relationships and social life you’ve always wanted. That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s completely within your reach, and I’m going to show you exactly how to get there.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The 4 habits that separate thriving people from those stuck in neutral
A powerful (and often overlooked) way to dissolve guilt and shame that’s been holding you back
An actionable checklist you can implement RIGHT NOW to start feeling better immediately
My favorite life-changing quote that shifted everything for me—and can do the same for you
You already have everything you need to create the life you want. This episode will help you unlock it.
This is a short, high-impact episode designed to give you clarity and momentum. Whether you’re struggling to make progress or just ready to level up, these insights will help you move from surviving to thriving.
Fire up your earbuds—let’s turn your life into the success story you deserve.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Benefits of Reinventing Yourself with Dirk Foster
May 31, 2023
When it comes to facing your recovery head on, breaking down your approach can be simple as 1-2-3:
> Who can you open up to
> Where can you get support
> What lifestyle changes do you need to make
Today’s guest is a podcast host, sober warrior, and the author of several books about addiction and recovery and we’re breaking down the most important pieces of any recovery journey. You can apply these lessons, trials & tribulations to your own program or process and use them to your advantage.
Dirk Foster spent 30+ years drinking and realized his life was passing him by. Wasted time, energy, money, and happiness in an endless loop of drinking, hangovers, regret and shame.
It wasn’t until he got sober that his life truly began.
Today he’s sober more than 15 years and couldn’t be happier. He’s married, healthy, has financial security, and enjoys every aspect of life.
He went from dreaming about all the great things he wanted to do, and fantasizing about the big life he wanted to live, to actually doing the things and living the life! From travel, to writing, to running his own business, he gratefully owes it all to his sobriety and the support he had along the way.
So tune in and give it a listen for all those golden sobriety nuggets, and maybe give it a second listen if you really want the goodness to sink in!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Top 10 Life Problems and How to Deal With Them
May 24, 2023
When life feels like a big struggle, it can be difficult to move forward.
You can choose to embrace it and enjoy the ride, learning from your experiences along the way, or you can choose to avoid it, pretend it’s not happening, or be bitter and resentful over every thing that doesn’t go your way.
The thing is, overcoming your struggles is what helps you get strong and feel happiness in your life. In fact, it’s the most effective way to create real change in your life and motivate you to take action on the things you truly want.
No matter where you find yourself, there is always room for improvement. Even a monk strives daily to improve himself, and you and I can do the same.
Let’s dig in to the top 10 struggles of life that most people will encounter throughout the journey.
Focus on the solutions, not the problems.
Challenges in life are a given, and they can be used to your advantage. Each one is an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Ultimately, the goal is to use what you learn as you grow to become the best version of yourself.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Breaking the Chains of Negative Body Talk
May 10, 2023
If you are tired of diet culture and obsessing about what to eat, how you look, and how to change it… know, you’re not alone.
The negative thoughts you have about your body are not your fault. The diet culture has us obsessing about “fixing” ourselves and it’s draining our time and energy.
My guest today, Summer Innanen is also a Coach and she specializes in body image, self-worth, and confidence. And these are all things we need to talk about!
She is also a best-selling author and the host of the Eat the Rules podcast where she features interviews with leading experts in body image, the anti-diet movement, self-help, and feminism.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Overcome the Fear of Missing Out
May 03, 2023
How to Deal With FOMO
Understanding FOMO meaning is the first step to breaking free from its grip on your life. If you’ve ever abandoned a cozy night in because of a social media post, this episode is for you.
Picture this: You’re finally in bed after a long week, book in hand, ready to relax. The pillows are perfect, you’re sinking into the warmth—pure bliss. Then your phone dings.
It’s a photo of friends out on the town, dressed up, smiling, living their best lives. Instantly, that wave of FOMO hits. Three seconds ago you were ecstatic to be cozy in bed. Now? You feel inadequate lying there in pajamas at 9pm on a Saturday.
What is FOMO and why does it control your decisions?
The fear of missing out meaning goes deeper than just wanting to join the fun. FOMO hijacks your decision-making, leading you to say yes to things you don’t actually want to do—just to appease your ego or social media feed.
I’ve been there too. Saying yes to events I didn’t want to attend, staying out way later than I like, driven by thoughts of “I should be out doing things” and “I should be having fun.” The result? Exhaustion, regret, and anger at myself for not honoring what I truly wanted.
In this episode about overcoming FOMO, you’ll learn:
The real FOMO meaning and how it affects your mental health
Why fear of missing out contributes to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
How to recognize when FOMO is driving your decisions
Practical strategies for overcoming FOMO and making authentic choices
Questions to ask yourself before saying yes to anything
How to stop letting social media dictate your happiness
FOMO steals your attention from what truly matters and disconnects you from the present moment. It’s time to ask yourself: what are you saying “yes” to that you should be turning down?
Stop letting fear of missing out run your life. Learn to make choices that actually serve you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Benefits of Hypnosis for Treating Addiction and Other Ailments
Apr 26, 2023
Hypnosis for Anxiety
Can hypnotherapy for anxiety really quiet that critical voice in your head?
The statistics say yes—and they’re remarkable.
I’ll be honest: the committee in my head has knocked me off track more times than I’d like to admit.
There’s always the fear voice saying, “You might really screw this up!” and the insecure voice chiming in with “You can’t do this” and “You’re not good enough.”
Sound familiar? Those messages aren’t true, but they’re deeply rooted in past experiences.
So what do you do when negative thoughts are running wild and you just want to feel better?
Why hypnotherapy for anxiety works so well
Here’s a mind-blowing statistic: Dr. Alfred Barrios found that hypnotherapy has a 93% success rate after just 6 sessions.
Compare that to 38% for psychoanalysis (after 600 sessions!) and 72% for behavior therapy (after 22 sessions).
Those numbers speak volumes.
My guest today, Mark Tyrrell, is a hypnotherapy expert who’s going to show you exactly how this powerful tool works.
With a background in psychology and years working in a locked-down psychiatric unit, Mark understands trauma, addiction, dopamine, and how our minds really work.
In this episode about hypnotherapy for anxiety and personal growth, you’ll discover:
What hypnosis actually is and how it quiets anxious thoughts
How to use hypnotherapy techniques at home
Common myths about hypnosis debunked (you stay in control!)
Different ways hypnotherapy helps with anxiety, habits, and self-improvement
Why hypnotherapy works faster than traditional therapy
Real applications for silencing your inner critic
If you’re searching for a proven method to manage anxiety and feel better, hypnotherapy might be the missing piece.
This episode gives you everything you need to understand how it works and whether it’s right for you.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Addiction Unlimited Turns 5 And We’re Going Back to Episode Zero
Apr 19, 2023
Addiction Unlimited just turned 5! And to celebrate this journey that has been fulfilling and rewarding beyond my wildest dreams, I thought we would go back to day 1.
At least once a week I get messages from people who are looking for episode zero, About Me.
Keep in mind as you listen, my editing skills have come a long way, lol.
This is Episode 0, About Me.
I wanted to share some information about myself so you know who you are listening to and why I do what I do.
In a nutshell, I got sober on January 7, 2006 after crashing my car at 70mph and hitting another car. That was my rock bottom moment.
And, don’t get things confused. My rock bottom moment was low, but I was high-functioning.
Like many of you out there struggling, I could rationalize all the reasons I didn’t need to quit drinking. I had a good job, I made a lot of money, I lived in a beautiful place with a super expensive car in the garage, and, from the outside, it looked like I had it all together.
But that’s the funny thing about ‘rock bottom’, people think rock bottom is an event, but it’s really a feeling.
So, I quit drinking and focused all my energy on building a new life.
When I started to see all the changes happening to me and saw myself growing into an amazing sober, honest, upstanding person, I knew that all I wanted to do was help others get that same feeling of loving themselves, trusting themselves, and feeling proud of who they are becoming.
I got certified as a Life Coach, I did a 2 year Addiction Counseling program, started building a practice as a Professional Interventionist, went to social work school, and worked full-time to achieve 6000 supervised hours for my counseling credentials in a neighboring state.
My journey has taken a lot of twists and turns. I’ve struggled with self-esteem, relationships, money, food and weight issues on top of anxiety, workaholism, and a plethora of other things!
I want to share with you all the things I’ve tried and all the mistakes I’ve made so I can tell you what works, and what doesn’t.
This episode is a brief insight into me, my quirks, and my love of f-bombs.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Your Smug Inner Critic and How to Shut It Down
Apr 12, 2023
Silencing your inner critic might be the most important skill you never learned.
If negative self-talk is controlling your life, this episode will show you there’s a way out.
That constant critical voice in your head? It creates feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that shape every decision you make. Learning how to quiet your inner critic changes everything—your relationships, your choices, and how you see yourself.
My guest Jill knows this journey intimately.
From the outside, she had it all—husband, kids, successful career. But her inner critic was relentless, telling her she wasn’t enough, that her husband didn’t love her, that she was invisible.
Silencing your inner critic: A real-life transformation story
Drowning in negative self-talk and a high-stress lifestyle, Jill sought validation wherever she could find it.
Work made her feel successful and seen, which led her down a path she never imagined—straight into an affair that would shatter everything.
When rock bottom came, Jill faced brutal truths about her marriage, her choices, and the role alcohol played in keeping her stuck.
But she also discovered something powerful: how to silence her inner critic and rebuild from the ground up.
In this raw conversation about overcoming negative self-talk, you’ll learn:
Proven techniques for silencing your inner critic and reclaiming your power
How negative self-talk destroys relationships (and how to stop it)
The wake-up call that changed everything for Jill
Practical strategies for taming the critical voice in your head
Why rock bottom can become your strongest foundation
If you’ve ever felt unworthy, lost, or controlled by harsh inner dialogue, Jill’s story proves that transformation is possible.
You can learn to silence your inner critic and create the life you deserve.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
3 Stages Of Relapse And How To Triumph Over Temptation
Apr 05, 2023
stages of relapse
What if I told you that you could statistically increase your chances of living an alcohol-free life, even if you’re just getting started, or you’ve been struggling with staying sober?
Well, today I have 3 proven steps to help you do exactly that, and these are the same steps you’ll use to get through each of the stages of relapse.
If you’re like me, and most of my clients, you know the struggle of trying to get and stay sober. And sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we fall back into our old patterns. So today, we’re going to explore the three stages of relapse and how to fight against them. We’ll take a look at how to recognize the signs, how to move through them, and how to come out on top.
Things that may surprise you in this episode are:
In stage one, you aren’t actually even thinking about drinking
High-risk situations can be hard to identify, but you’ll have a clearer picture after this
Bargaining! (I thought this was just one of the stages of grief!)
So when you start to feel frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s important to understand where you are and take steps to manage your emotions and stress level.
You might start to doubt yourself or feel like you can’t handle the situation but I’m here to tell you, you absolutely can. And with the steps we talk about in this episode, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to protect yourself and nourish your recovery.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
What to Do When Your Finances Are Out of Control
Mar 29, 2023
finances
I want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart, and if you aren’t already thinking about this in your life and finding solutions, you’ll want to start after this conversation.
This is a huge issue, not only in recovery, but for everyone. 63% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.
And, most of us don’t have the know-how, the skills, or the confidence to not only get out of debt, but to properly manage the money we do have!
From total avoidance, trying to pretend it’s not happening, to just plain irresponsibility and overspending – it will affect every area of your life.
Jobs, how you live, your dating and relationship life, keeping secrets, never letting friends too close because you don’t want them to know too much, how you keep family at a distance because you don’t want them to know yet another way you are falling short – it is a lot.
So, when I came across my guest today, she got my attention immediately.
She is a financial Coach and she really gets that emotional attachment to money and how powerful it is in both negative and positive ways.
We’re going to talk about some practical money management strategies, and some emotional connections to money. Understanding your relationship to money, what motivates you and what makes you anxious- and how to start fixing it when your finances are out of control.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
When You Understand Emotional Intelligence Your Feelings Are More Manageable
Mar 22, 2023
Emotional Intelligence
Today we’re talking about some limitations.
You know those habits you have that turn a conversation into a fight, or, make you avoid a conversation altogether because you know it won’t go well – the kind of traits that you absolutely need to develop and strengthen to improve every area of your life, but that aren’t so fun to talk about.
When I think about fun in my life, I think about travel, and friends, my family, and my businesses and all the amazing and cool things. I don’t necessarily think about these traits, although these traits I’m going to lay out for you today are absolutely essential in your personal growth and the growth of your relationships.
Both at home, and at work. I have grown so much in my emotional intelligence over the years and these skills have made my life so much better and easier!
Now, let’s dig into emotional intelligence so you can make your feelings more manageable, and continue building yourself into a person you love and respect.
Just to give you an idea of how important this topic is, check this out-
A 40-year study at UC Berkeley reported that emotional intelligence is nearly 4 times more powerful than IQ at predicting success.
So, what exactly is emotional intelligence, or EQ? What does it mean to be emotionally mature?
Emotional maturity means having the self-control to manage your emotions and work to understand them. As an emotionally mature individual, you don’t view emotions as a weakness. Instead, you value them and don’t try to hide them.
There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
How to Unlock Your Emotional & Relationship Patterns
Mar 15, 2023
Some of you may be aware of another program we talk about in recovery, or, another struggle many of us have, and that’s being the adult child of an alcoholic/addict or being an adult child from a dysfunctional family.
And for those of you who aren’t familiar… growing up with these circumstances leaves wounds and scars and trauma. And we carry all of that into our adult life, it shapes how we interact in the world, how we choose partners, and the patterns we repeat over and over again.
My guest today, Andrea Ashley, talks about these topics in such a simple and refreshing way I couldn’t wait to get her on the show!
She is the host of the Adult Child Podcast, and some of the topics I want to get into today is the ‘convincing’ she talks about, as well as how being an adult child affects our dating and mating lives. Picking and dating emotionally unavailable people, You know this topic hits close to home for me, my friend, so buckle up and get ready for some TMI.
I also want to cover some of the common characteristics of growing up in this type of environment, what that looks like, and how we can heal.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Must-Hear Tips to Elevate Your Self-Care Routine
Mar 08, 2023
self care routine
If you are a human being with a beating heart, you’re going to want to take notes with this episode because this topic is a game-changer!
And you know how I love to come at things from a different angle so we are talking about this in a way that no one else is talking about it.
We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves, you hear it everywhere, the buzzwords… self-care.
You hear the catch phrase, ‘you have to put your oxygen mask on first’, but how many of you are actually taking the time to put this into your daily life practice?
Are you really taking care of yourself?
Because, if you’re anything like me, and most of my clients, your life is busy.
You have a big job, a family, a partner, a house- and all the responsibilities that come with it.
And, usually, we get so caught up in all the things and getting the to-do list done and keeping the kids alive another day that everything gets prioritized over your self.
I hear you saying it,
“I should start exercising”
“I should spend more time with my friends or build new friendships”
“I really want to travel more”
… you are saying all the things… but when do you make it a priority to take care of you?
I want you to feel happier in your daily life and be more present with your family and feel more confident in yourself and your abilities.
So today, we’re talking to Dr. Melissa Durfey , aka The Self-Care Doc, all about taking everyday things and making them self-care rituals.
This is essential to your overall health and quality of life – it affects how you think, feel, how you act and respond to situations.
AND, when it comes to mental health, self-care can help people manage stress, lower their risk of illness and increase energy levels.
What I’m saying is… it’s kind of a big deal.
Get in your favorite podcast-listening position, my friend, and let it alllll sink in!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Quitting Sugar Tips To Make You Feel Motivated
Mar 01, 2023
quitting sugar
If you’re looking for inspiration to get more energy, lose some extra pounds, get rid of your achy joints, improve your skin and digestion… you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re anything like me, you want to live a healthier lifestyle and make good choices for yourself and your family. And being a bit of a perfectionist leaves you feeling overwhelmed and totally confused by all the conflicting information in the diet culture.
You want the health benefits of intermittent fasting, you love the idea of being sugar-free and eating clean, but you struggle to actually give up your favorite comfort foods and, let’s face it, who wants to give up sugar?!?
No matter how strong, smart, and educated you are… this stuff is HARD.
With all the eat this, don’t eat that, intermittent fast, drink a gallon of water a day, no carbs, no sugar, go vegan, eat paleo, exercise, high-protein, high-fat… it’s so hard to know where to start and what’s right for you.
And when you reach a breaking point, much like I did, you are humble enough to know you need some support and guidance to change your habits, make healthier choices, and feel better.
My guest today is Netta Gorman. And her passion is to inspire you to live a happy and healthy sugar-free life that you love!
On this episode, Netta is going to share with you how making these changes brought her a life of freedom:
freedom from cravings
energy crashes
from that love-hate relationship with sugar
from all the health issues she had
Buckle up, my friend! We’re getting down and dirty about clean eating!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Healthy Coping Skills to Deal With Uncomfortable Feelings
Feb 22, 2023
coping mechanisms
If you know that picking up a drink, or joint, or whatever is no longer an option, there’s no more Wine Wednesday or day drinking at brunch on the weekend, and you are ready to feel better and more in control of your life, you’re in the right place.
Stress can sometimes get the better of us and understanding coping skills for everyday stress, for big stressful life changes or negative situations can help you maintain some equilibrium and continue to grow your self-esteem and belief in yourself.
Coping skills are things we can do in-the-moment to turn down the volume of our emotions and allow the opportunity to relax so that you can respond in a more appropriate way and protect yourself from getting too overwhelmed where you make choices you aren’t proud of.
If you’re looking in on me and my life, you’ll see a regular exercise routine, rituals for dealing with stress, and the dedication to take control of my life and be super intentional about how I live.
You may even be working on some of those same things.
This is about learning how to cope with things differently and not just drinking to numb everything. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable and learning how to sit with feelings and situations and handle them better.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Making It Back When Relapse Is A Part of Your Recovery
Feb 15, 2023
relapse
When you make a BIG mistake, pull up your bootstraps, get scrappy, and use it as a learning experience.
Have you ever made a hasty mistake in your personal development journey that had the potential to be a disaster?
I definitely have. In fact, I think back to the night I realized I had no control over my drinking. I had to see my probation officer the next morning and decided I would have just one drink while I took my dog for a walk after work. Next thing I know, it’s 5 in the morning, I’m drunk, and my appointment was at 10. I was angry at myself, in shock that I really couldn’t stop drinking once I started, and I didn’t know what to do about it.
But here’s the thing that I couldn’t see at that time: Making those kind of mistakes, like the one I made years ago, are necessary — no matter how much you think you know and how careful you think you’re being. You have to muster some strength, channel your inner bad*ss, and use the experience as an opportunity to learn.
That’s what my guest on this episode (and 6 week course alumni!), Debbie McKillop, did when she had that moment of clarity that she had to stop drinking once and for all.
Some people fall apart under the pressure of a sober future, but Debbie did the exact opposite.
Instead of beating herself up and falling to pieces, she immediately got into action and figured out how to use this frightening momentum to her advantage. And guess what? She went on to rebuild a sober life that is happier than ever before…
Yes, you heard me right.
In this episode, Debbie shares her story of how she used the experience of relapse, to better herself as a mom, wife, and daughter, plus exactly what she did to get the fun and supportive sobriety we all want. She also shares:
Her major a-ha moment when she realized she couldn’t moderate her drinking and needed to quit 100%.
The things about recovery she wished she would have known from the beginning.
What she plans to do next to take her sober life to the next level.
This is a great listen for anyone, no matter where you are in your sobriety – and I know you’ll find Debbie as inspiring as I do.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Refuse to Give In: 6 Ways to Curb Your Cravings
Feb 08, 2023
addiction cravings
When it comes to dealing with urges and cravings, check your thoughts, first.
What is your real struggle?
If you’re like most of my clients, especially in my 6 week program, you’re a very high-functioning, successful person. You have achieved things, you have a good job and family, and this makes it even more challenging trying to troubleshoot what the heck is going on with.
Sound familiar?
It’s like, “Wow, I’ve done all these great things and I’ve built this life, so whey the heck can’t I figure this one thing out? How do I not have control in this one area??”
It’s super frustrating, it’s totally normal, and we can work through all of it.
And I do this, too!
I will eat healthy and exercise and I want to see pounds fall off my body. The problem is, I’ll do it for like 3 days then get mad that I haven’t lost 10 pounds.
Then I start ruminating about how hard it is and how hard it’s going to be to keep it up long enough to get the results I want, and how much sacrifice it’s going to take… and BAM! All of a sudden I want a cheeseburger.
You see what I’m saying here?
Underneath the craving is my fear of how hard it’s going to be and my fear that I’m not strong enough to do it. That fear is what’s driving the craving.
If you’re ready to get answers, you’re ready for REAL solutions that no one else is telling you about, then you’re in the right place! This is an action-packed checklist for you to get to the bottom of what really fuels your cravings so that you can kick them to the curb and get more of what you want in your recovery and life.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Marijuana Addiction Treatment Grows As More Potent Weed Creates More Addicts
Feb 01, 2023
Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Well, that was the story when it was still an unregulated, illegal and illicit market.
Now, the market is shifting, legalization is spreading, and THC is bringing on a whole new range of issues and causing more people to be addicted.
Although marijuana is just as addictive as alcohol, opioids, or stimulants, it looks different on the surface and may make you question if you have an addiction at all.
It doesn’t usually come with the classic ‘rock bottom’ moment you hear others talk about in their addiction stories, and the signs and symptoms aren’t so easily identified.
But that doesn’t change the fact that people are suffering, they need resources, and they need support.
In, A Doctor’s Opinion About Marijuana Addiction, it says:
“The unfortunate truth is that the lack of serious, early consequences to marijuana addiction allow for a long, slow decline, often without recognition, resulting in later-stage addiction before the problem is confronted. An individual may wake up years into this chronic illness, without a reasonable understanding of how their life got so far off track. Often one has no major medical or legal problems, no sudden tragedy that drives the search for an answer. However, isolation from friends and family, loss of interest and lack of participation in those activities that used to bring joy, and the crushing weight of missed opportunities add up.”
If any of this sounds familiar to you, you won’t want to miss this episode, my friend.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Moderation, Gray-Area Drinking, and the Stages of Alcoholism
Jan 25, 2023
what is moderate drinking
If the illusion of moderation is very persistent and you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I can, in fact, have just ONE drink”.
And things aren’t going as well as you’d hoped, or you find yourself feeling left out in groups, or the lie tells you that once you ‘work through it’ then you can manage just one drink.
If any of this sounds familiar then you, my friend, are in the perfect place right now. This is a must-listen-to podcast if you are any of those scenarios.
So, if you’ve ever had challenges with the moderation myth or your brain keeps telling you it will different now and you’re a little bit worried about how to get through it, today is like a checklist of different areas that you can troubleshoot to make sure if you’re stuck you can move through it; and if you haven’t fallen into the trap yet, then you can side step some of these big mistakes.
It’s important that you actually listen to this episode and not tune out because this isn’t happening for you right now. This is a weird little tick in sobriety that can happen any time. None of us are shielded from these thoughts and traps- no matter how long you’ve been sober.
It took me a few situations before I really understood that I couldn’t control my alcohol intake. And when I say that, it doesn’t mean I never had nights out that I controlled it, I did. I had a few of those nights when I just had a few and went home without any drama.
But those nights were very few and far between. Just like you can quit for 30 days for Dry January or Sober October, or, sometimes we quit for much longer- and that feeds the myth that there is some level of control.
Let’s go ahead and dive into the trouble with your moderation dreams.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Addiction On Screen: Using Movies About Addiction to Get Sober
Jan 18, 2023
Movies About Addiction
Today’s episode is a little extra special.
The reason for that is that we’re approaching this topic from a totally different angle.
We’re not going to talk about programs. We’re not talking about pitfalls, recovery plans, and another day 1. Not that we’re not talking about any of it, but, we are going to talk about a totally different approach to quitting drinking that you’ve probably never thought of before.
Today, we are talking about movies about addiction. That might seem a little bit weird as a way to get sober, and, if you know anything about me you already know I’m a planner and like to have things laid out. So this completely unorthodox way of approaching recovery really intrigued me.
When my new friend, Ted Perkins, reached out to me about his book and wanted to talk about the connection between movies and addiction and how he used movies about addiction to get sober, I thought it was something I definitely wanted to explore.
Ted is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, and a successful screenwriter for film and television
He watched 100 movies in 100 days to beat his alcohol addiction and documented his journey in his new book, Addicted in Film, and he’s here to tell you all about it! It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the best (and worst) movies ever made about addiction and recovery, and what they can teach us about living a happier, healthier, more balanced life.
I like that Ted turned to what he knows and loves, and used it as his support to make huge changes and understand sobriety on a new level. This is the epitome of figuring out a plan that is individualized to you!
I also really value what he shares. It’s different than how my brain works and that’s sometimes uncomfortable and always exciting at the same time. I don’t want to give it all away. I am going to let you listen in and see if this is something you might want to take action on. I know I definitely will be.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Free Bootcamp: addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
5 Useful Methods To Make Dealing With Triggers Easier
Jan 11, 2023
dealing with triggers
I’m going to start this episode with a mind-blowing statistic. Are you ready? Okay, here we go. Everyone has triggers. Crazy, right? I know, I know, it’s not that mind-blowing when you think about it because we are all living life, dealing with the ups and downs and the changes we have to make as we go through it.
Change is inevitable. And when we are undergoing change, leaving old behaviors, habits, and people behind, there will be triggers.
It’s also a little comforting to know we’re in this together because if you’ve had to overcome triggers, like I have, then we’re not alone. Actually, we’re in great company.
Now, if I told you that you can get through all your triggers and I can show you how to do it, would you be interested? Yes? I hope you just said yes because that’s what we’re doing today. It’s important to continue talking about this topic of triggers because I know many of my clients experience it, to the point that they fear starting new and exciting endeavors or they will start and they definitely don’t follow through on these new and exciting endeavors because they begin to think, “I don’t want to deal with triggers and cravings 24 hours a day. Thursdays are a huge trigger for me and I don’t know how to get through it.” And so they don’t start, or stick with, the process.
Have you been guilty of this? I know I have, for sure. And I’ve overcome it, and I want to talk about how you can as well. The thing is, triggers are a real thing. And if you’re dealing with them and sometimes feel like they are winning the battle, I want you to know you are far from alone, there is nothing wrong with you, and you can definitely overcome it.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
The Truth About People-Pleasing You Can’t Ignore
Jan 04, 2023
people pleasing
People pleasing is a common struggle for most people, especially those of us with addiction issues. The key is to not let those habits stop you from doing the work that you know you need to do. So what do you do when the fears of saying “no”, or setting boundaries around your time and energy threaten to throw you off your game or derail you completely? You get guidance, take action, and learn to keep moving forward. And sometimes you need a little inspiration to keep you going.
In this episode, my friend Nick Pollard (TikTok phenom) and I are going to dig into the underlying fears and feelings people have that turn us into exhausted little people-pleasers. As a Coach, Nick’s work is to pull back the curtain on the underlying issues we have to work on to create happier lives with more energy for our friends and families, and feeling more confident in the choices we make. Some of the very things you may be experiencing now may be obstacles, but they are not insurmountable.
This is my 15th year of being a Life Coach and Nick is in his 10th year! We’ve seen it all and have experienced ALL the fears ourselves (and still do!), so get your ear buds ready and listen in to the helpful insights Nick is sharing for you and your life!
You’re going to learn some valuable tips and tricks that will help you navigate the fears that come with making changes in your life, cutting back the people-pleasing, and stepping into a better version of yourself.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Create A Powerful New Year Plan That Will Actually Work
Dec 28, 2022
New Year Plan
Can you believe 2022 is over already?
I know it’s so cliché and everyone is saying it- but this year has gone by so fast!
Maybe you can relate. I know when a year is packed with as many projects, challenges, milestones reached and lessons learned as 2022 has been for me, it makes time fly by.
Some years ago I adopted a new way of thinking about it – instead of thinking about resolutions, as if something isn’t right and needs to be resolved – I think about my intentions for the upcoming year. And because my sobriety birthday is in January, I have a tradition at the end of the year I always reflect back on what my life was like before I got sober.
Of course, that immediately puts me in a place of gratitude because I was such a mess in so many ways.
And, it gives me fresh inspiration on how I want to approach the coming year.
This year, I went through some major stuff. And, if we all get honest here, every year is full of major stuff.
So as I was reflecting on the past 12 months, I was writing down so many things that I had to turn it into a whole podcast episode for you.
Because, I want you to approach your next year with a fresh perspective and sense of determination like you’ve never had before. But also, a sense of ease. Like, we’re going to make this so effortless, and you are going to feel so empowered, that you look forward to getting started and following through!
The strategy I’m going over today is all about a different way to approach your goals so that…
you will get more done
everything is set up for you to succeed with ease
you end the day feeling more satisfied with your whole life
In particular, if you want to build a life around recovery and confidence in whatever you do, this strategy will be really applicable for you.
It will help you get more done with less stress, less guilt, and less resources… you know, all the precious commodities we never have enough of.
I suggest curling up with the last Christmas cookie, stir a little eggnog creamer into your coffee, and enjoy a final moment of holiday hibernation to brainstorm your 2023 intentions.
In the end, your intentions are really all about your balance. Understanding we are working on personal growth and taking on new habits more than just accomplishing tasks. Adding too little will leave you underwhelmed and unsatisfied; adding too much is just way more stress than you need.
This episode is your personal low-down on how to think about your intentions, and how to set yourself up for success from day one so that you can get your life and your goals aligned for an amazing year!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Why Your Mindset Affects Your Outcome
Dec 21, 2022
Feeling better, adulting better, and how life will steer you the right direction (whether you’re ready for it or not!)
A mom with a huge heart, a nurse, and determined to change the game, Lucy Maina is here and she’s ready to help you take action on your recovery dreams, move forward even when fear wants to hold you back, and use the gifts you already have to support your sobriety.
I love this interview with Lucy, and I know you will, too. In this episode we talk about how she channeled her energy from the beginning to support her decision to quit drinking, why her thoughts and mindset were such a powerful tool in the process, and the importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
There are so many light bulb moments, “a-has”, and brow-raising WOWS in this episode, I can’t even name them all. You’ll just have to listen to the podcast and hear them for yourself.
On this show, conversations have a life of their own and a lot of wisdom is revealed. And when Lucy says, “I decided to focus on two things that were really hard for me to distract me in the beginning,” you’re going to stop multi-tasking and listen in to hear the conversation that follows.
You’re in for a treat, my friend! Listen in, get excited and inspired, and driven to take action with Lucy’s insight and experience.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
What to Focus On to Keep A Healthy Routine During the Holidays
Dec 14, 2022
Healthy Routines
When you’re going into a stressful time of year your healthy routines get off balance, there are tons of things to do, and stressors lurking around every corner.
And if you don’t know what to do, that lack of clarity can you lead you down the path of overwhelm and high anxiety. That’s why I recorded today’s episode. To take away your stress and make this process a lot easier for you.
I’m breaking down a few fundamental steps to focus on when your rituals and routines are thrown off balance in the holiday season with travel, family, and all the added financial and time stressors. Whether you’re just getting started, or you have decades of sobriety under your belt. These are absolutely crucial for a successful and sober holiday season (or any high-stress situation!).
Are you a successfully substance-free and getting through stressors with ease? Don’t click away because this episode is for you, too. I not only focus on these steps for the holidays, but I still practice this today whenever I travel or have any disruption in my routines and rituals.
Here’s a snapshot of what I’m focusing on in today’s episode:
–> action steps to keep your sobriety in tact
–> strategies you can use RIGHT NOW
–> a step-by-step plan to set you up for sober success
I don’t want you to feel like you are walking into a high-stress situation completely unprepared so I’m going to walk you through what to focus on so you are happy, healthy, and staying sober even when your routines and rituals are turned upside down.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Figuring It Out When You Don’t Fit In Anywhere with Nate Kelly
Dec 07, 2022
I don’t fit in anywhere
Not all success stories are created equal.
There are easy stories, hard stories, and everything in between. All are different and unique in their own way and all of them can have a happy ending.
In this episode, I share an enlightening conversation with Nate Kelly about his quest of growing up, figuring himself out, and ending up in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
He talks about…
How he used alcohol to make him more social and to fit in more. The successes, and struggles, he went through trying to figure out where he fit and what his life would look like. Plus, we delve into trying to find yourself in a world that doesn’t support those of us who don’t fit in anywhere.
If you’ve ever just felt different, and unsure about how you fit or where you fit, this episode is for you!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
This is the Practical Mental Wellness Plan You Need
Nov 30, 2022
Mental Wellness
I wholeheartedly believe that mental wellness in recovery can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It gives you the freedom to design your life the way you want to and gives you the energy to do the things you love.
But as you have probably figured out, if you don’t have the right plan in place, the stress of social and family events can really take a toll on you. Every day, recovering people are dealing with things like anxiety, loneliness, and burnout.
The statistics on relapse are alarming, and if I’ll be straight with you… the numbers are far too high and hit a little close to home.
It’s a goal of mine to bring more awareness and solutions to this issue that affects so many people. And that’s why we’re talking all about the actions, solutions, and tools you need to protect your recovery and continue to build on that happiness and comfort you’re striving for in sobriety.
Especially when you are going into social and family situations that can push ALL your buttons and triggers.
You want fast and easy solutions and I’ve got them for you!
> No time commitment! >> It’s totally FREE! >> And you can do it in your jammies!
In this episode I’ll tell you exactly how to navigate every party, gathering, and anything else that makes your anxiety shoot through the roof.
AND some science-backed actions that will change your life.
Find balance between feeling vulnerable and being able to lean on your own instincts and plans when in stressful situations. Tap into your ability to feel joy, confidence, and acceptance when things don’t go your way, versus fear and anger. And how to navigate FOMO and loneliness and so much more!
I’m going to make the call — this episode is going to be a fan-fave. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Take Control of Your Life with Sloane Freemont
Nov 23, 2022
take control of your life
When it comes to creating the life you want, most people think they are at the mercy of outside forces.
But what if I told you… you have the power to create what you speak? 🤔😯 It may sound like a cliché, but it’s 💯 true.
The thoughts we entertain and the words we speak create our reality.
One of the most important things you can do to take control of your life is to be mindful of your thoughts and words.
I’m telling you my friend, everything you think and say has an impact. So be deliberate in what you put out in the universe.
→ pay attention to the language you use when speaking about yourself and your life
Are you using positive, empowering language, or are you putting yourself down?
→ get clear on what you want and focus on creating that reality
When you know what you want, you can begin to take steps towards making it a reality.
Your thoughts are powerful and today’s guest, Sloane Freemont, is giving us the lowdown on how to create what you speak. Which is also the name of her podcast!
She speaks from personal experience of hitting an all-time low in her life, knowing she had to make major changes, and how she started digging her way out.
I know, I know…we can all relate to this!
She’s a podcast host, a brilliant mind, and new friend and she walks us through the power we have in our lives:
👉 If you focus on the negative, you’ll get more negative.
👉 If you focus on the positive, you’ll attract more positive.
So choose your thoughts wisely and create the life you want!
With a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating the life you deserve — simply by speaking it into existence!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
4 Simple Ways For Finding Passion In Your Life
Nov 16, 2022
Finding Passion
If you find yourself doing busy work because you don’t know what else to do, or feel like you are at a total loss when it comes to knowing yourself and your hobbies, it’s time to start finding passion in your life.
Imagine this: You get out of bed early feeling refreshed and ready for your weekend. You love to spend time with your kids and make their favorite pancakes for breakfast, and you can’t wait to get some time for yourself to do the things you love. You know your happy place, you love your hobbies, and you feel excited to get there!
Having activities you enjoy in your life is important! And, as much as we enjoy being workaholics, parents and partners, there has to be more to your life than just work and family.
Studies show that taking part in fun and leisure activities improves your overall health, but when you get lost in addiction you often lose sight of yourself and the things you once loved.
What are you passionate about?
What activities do you enjoy on your day off?
If you don’t take action to find what you love to do then you will always look for substances or food or shopping to fill that void. And none of those things will serve you well.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed or confused, let’s talk about some actionable steps you can take to find your self again.
In this episode you’ll get:
💥 Easy actions to find the self you’ve lost
💥 A gameplan to curb the overwhelm and get clarity on what makes you happy
💥 And a quick note on all the ways your life is going to improve!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Breaking Free From Mommy Wine Culture with Michelle Smith
Nov 09, 2022
mommy wine culture
You feel embarrassed and humiliated because you know you are hiding this secret, and you feel like you should know better. Unfortunately, way too many moms fall victim to the mommy wine culture and as a result, get completely lost in the comfort of the drink.
If this sounds familiar to you, then keep reading, my friend, because today’s guest, Michelle Smith, has a powerful story about losing yourself in alcohol and hiding it from the world, all while trying to work and be a great mom.
Michelle is a speaker, influencer, and educator with a digital community for women exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle
Her recovery is thriving — but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, it took a lot of soul searching, exploration, and life struggles for Michelle to land in a safe sober place in her life and how it truly lit her up. And by staying on track and pushing through some really difficult situations, she was able to create the sober life of her dreams
Today, Michelle shows women all across the country actionable steps for creating a successful sober lifestyle while also building a solid foundation for motherhood — and she doesn’t need a drink to get through the day.
In this episode, Michelle opens up about her story and how living a double life was taking a toll, and how getting honest with herself ended up being her way out.
So if you’re ready to move from the wine mommy culture and the darkness of a double life into sweet sober freedom, get your ear buds ready for this one!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Getting Back To Basics When Your Life Is Turned Upside Down
Nov 02, 2022
When life throws you a curveball, sometimes you have to get back to basics until you feel better.
When you are going through something really heavy, at some point you have to make a decision to get into action.
Otherwise, you’re going to sink.
I was sinking. And I knew I would continue to sink if I didn’t make a conscious choice to do some things, to take action to counteract all the negativity and sadness. I had to feel better.
And my first thought was, just get back to basics. Just do the most basic things that you know are good for you and if you do those things consistently, and let time heal you, you will get better.
There will be times in our lives that we will cry. There will be curve balls that make you feel like your soul is dying. Those days that are a struggle, that you don’t want to do it, you want to give up – those are the days that define who you are.
Don’t quit.
Hard times come for everyone, and they are what make you strong but only when you make the decision to keep moving forward.
Giving up, or wanting to give up is human nature. It’s just fear of the ‘what ifs’.
What if I can’t do it, what if I’m bad at it, what if it’s a mistake, what if I fail?
It feels easier to just quit.
But here’s the problem, you’ve heard me say it before, if you shrink to accommodate your fear, you are sentencing yourself to a lifetime of shrinking, and failing. You lose faith in yourself and the world around you.
Instead, get back to basics.
What are your basics?
What do you need to do to take care of yourself?
How do you push through to nurture your mental wellness?
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Sober Motivation
Oct 19, 2022
Sober Motivation
It may sound crazy to think about getting geared up for holiday season, but I want you to be prepared so we are starting with some warm and fuzzy motivation.
In the midst of all the weight of getting sober, having jobs, raising kids, and being high-functioning… it can be exhausting to stay excited about this self-help journey.
And knowing there is plenty of stress for everyone, I want you to take a minute to breathe, and think about all the rewards for the hard work you are doing.
It’s so easy to look at the road ahead and get focused on how far we have to go. It is a road with no end, by the way, our work is never finished. At the same time, focus also on how far you’ve come.
I went back in the archives of Addiction Unlimited and pulled some clips from some of my favorite guests to put together an episode that is laser focused on the beauty of transformation and all the rewards that come with having a clear mind and a vision for the future.
Allyson Kane, Russ Perry, Omar Pinto, Mark Crandall, Emily Paulson, Chris Hill, and our very own 6 week program alum, Amorie. They all shared their stories with us on the podcast and I want you to hear the blessings and gratitude that recovery brings.
These are all high-functioning, educated, entrepreneurs and self-starters, just like all my clients, and they have taken full advantage of the gifts of sobriety. As we move into the most demanding season of the year, I want you to have a fresh perspective and renewed energy moving forward.
We’ll do a series of episodes on getting through the holidays and, as you know, mindset is where it all starts. So get your ear buds ready, start your workout or curl up in your quiet space, and let’s energize your mindset with the gifts of transformation.
Links mentioned in this episode:
If you want to listen to the last episode I did like this, you can find it here: addictionunlimited.com/133
Join us in the Facebook group for more support, conversation, and ❤️, click here.
When you’re ready for max support, to get happy and confident in your sober journey, book a call with me here.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
4 Ways To Build Strong Sobriety When You Don’t Have Family Support
Oct 12, 2022
family support in sobriety
If you’ve ever made a big change in your life then you know firsthand how lonely it can feel to be on the road less traveled.
And it’s not because the change you are making is bad or wrong (trust me, I’m a huge fan of changing and growing), you most likely feel lonely because the people around you are staying the same.
Having a strategy is the surefire way to stick to your change. It’s the driving force that will keep you going when it gets difficult or feels overwhelming – when you’re exhausted, and think you want to give up, isolate in your room with the door locked and watch the latest episode of Love Is Blind.
I’ve been there before, and I know you have, too. And that’s why, in this episode, I am giving you 4 easy actions you can take to ease the anxiety of feeling like you don’t have family support in sobriety and you begin to doubt whether it’s worth your time and energy to keep going.
Grab a pen & paper… or open an app… and get ready to jot down these steps so that those big beautiful sober goals you set for yourself are closer than ever before.
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
When Recovery Feels Intimidating, Do It Your Own Way
Oct 05, 2022
If you’re a human being on this planet then I’m willing to bet there have been a million times that you have said, “If only I knew then what I know now, I would have ____________.”
Yes, my friend. Hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s so much easier to see the truth of your situation when you’re looking back on it in the past rather than standing in it in the present moment.
It’s also easy to look back and blame yourself for the “mistakes” you made. But here’s the thing, you were doing the best you could with what you knew at the time. And when you know better, you do better
I mean, I thought it was a great idea to overpluck my eyebrows in the early 2000s, and here we are now spending a small fortune to restore those beautiful brows back to the thicker life they once had.
But all jokes aside, in this episode you’ll meet Bob, one of my star clients with an incredible success story. He’s going to share his own bumpy ride to recovery, how relapse helped him stay sober, the things that have given him a ton of momentum in his sober life and how he pieced it all together one step at a time.
Bob will also share a couple of things he did that really moved the needle. And, I hope you’ll consider doing them, too.
As you know, it’s my goal to share powerful experiences with you — both good and bad — so you can learn from them and create the sober life of your dreams.
So if you’re ready, get out your earbuds and listen in!
“I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Relationships In Recovery
Sep 28, 2022
Relationships in recovery
It scares you and excites you all at the same time.
You are making lifestyle changes and want, more than anything, to regain control of your life. You can see this sober future full of friends and laughter, having a clear mind, and achieving more than ever to build your dream life.
But where does romance fall into the equation?
Maybe the thought of leaving the booze behind to pursue an alcohol-free life gives you butterflies, but every time you think about how it will affect your marriage or your dating life you think, “Oh man, this could change everything.”
Something I’ve learned over the last 16+ years of recovery and personal development is that nothing is more important than communication. Those butterflies in your stomach are a loud and clear message that it’s time to shake things up and take some action.
It isn’t always comfortable- I mean, let’s keep it 100 – you have to get out of your comfort zone to do anything amazing and rewarding. But I can promise you this, the biggest moments of growth are the ones where I stepped out of my comfort zone. My life, my business, my recovery… none of it would be where it is today without being willing to take a leap of faith- whether big or small.
In this episode, I share with you some strategies to navigate your relationship when you get sober and your partner doesn’t. This is a major topic that comes up over and over again and I want you to have some simple pointers to get you started in dealing with this journey.
Then, we take a turn and talk about dating in recovery and how to deal with some of the common difficulties in that situation. As a single person myself, I’ve tried dating all the different ways over the years and it is one of my favorite topics.
And, as usual, if you have more questions and want to talk more about this topic, join us in the Facebook group where you can find me every single day interacting, answering questions, and cheering you on.
If you are ready for more support and guidance to take your recovery to the next level, you can book a call with me here.
Addiction In The Family
Sep 21, 2022
Addiction in the family
Any difficulty can be resolved when people are willing to own their emotional issues and to get the process of communication healthy. You can have the kind relationships you have always wanted, but it takes becoming the kind of person who treats others the way you want to be treated regardless of how they treat you.
This is a story of a father and son’s journey to healing through substance abuse, depression, anger and family conflict. It is a story of redemption and growth through the emotional anguish that many families experience in the teen years and shares a message of hope that shows a path to maturity for struggling teens and for their parents.
These stories are told both through a father’s eyes as a family therapist and through the teen’s perspective and shares the profound heartache and deep love between a father and son. The lessons learned and the growth for parents and teens are clearly described so everyone who reads this can use these lessons in their own lives.
Healing is a journey and this is a family dedicated to doing the work and sharing the journey. The book, workshops, and a commitment to continued growth, there is something for everyone here.
5 Truths You Must Accept to Battle Addiction
Sep 14, 2022
“I don’t know where to start! I feel so overwhelmed by sobriety!”
Sound familiar?
No worries! I’ve got you covered.
Most people know it’s important to take action and do certain things to get, and stay, sober. But there’s a big problem.
They aren’t sure how to do the right things at the right time to be consistently building their recovery and feeling better.
They get super busy with a giant TO DO list filled with books to read and podcasts to listen to, and that’s only part of the equation.
There is a HUGE piece of this that starts right between your ears, with your beliefs and thoughts about sobriety.
As parents and spouses and business owners we don’t want to waste any more time on feeble attempts to get sober, to relapse again, and have zero understanding what happened and even less understanding of what to do next.
Am I right?
There’s a better way to think about recovery and there are certain truths you HAVE TO get clear on to create your sober life without more overwhelm and failed attempts.
I’m going to save you a lot of time. These are some of the most common misconceptions and missteps I see people make over and over again. It all starts in your head and you don’t even realize how you set yourself up for failure, before you even start.
I did it, too.
You don’t have to do this by yourself without a roadmap. You have support and resources, motivation and inspiration at your fingertips:
ADHD Symptoms: Do You Have It & How To Treat It
Sep 07, 2022
ADHD Symptoms
Do you have ADHD symptoms?
Have you ever struggled to complete the most basic life tasks? Being on time, keeping up on the housework, and never knowing what day it is?
Does this scenario sound familiar? You sit down at your computer, you open a tab to get started on your first task. You know you have a few important things to complete today and you are ready to get it done.
Then something else catches your eye and you think, “I’ll just do this real quick”, and next thing you know two hours have flown by, you’ve got 20 tabs open on your computer and you never completed the original task you sat down to do.
I think most of us can relate to a scene like this at one point or another. But there is hope, my friends! And that hope comes in understanding what’s happening for you, why, and how to deal with it. And this episode is FULL of all of that information!
With some simple tweaks in the way you approach your day, and your life, you’ll find much more success in the small things that may drive you crazy. Excited about showing up to things and being on time, feeling confident that you are good in conversations because you aren’t constantly interrupting, and having a new sense of calm without major over-reactions to small things.
And this is where Kristen Carder comes in. Kristen, founder of Focused membership community, shows you how to recognize ADHD symptoms and how to manage them with support and education.
A few common symptoms of ADHD:
👉 Impulsivity 👉 Time Blind 👉 Difficult toIdentify, Regulate, and Soothe Emotions
I wasn’t familiar with the term ‘time blind’ until recently and this was a major aha for me! Are you ready to listen and get solutions?
After the episode, join us in the Facebook group for more conversation and support!
And if you want more support to get farther faster in your journey, you can book a call with me here.
The Secret To Change How You Feel About Yourself
Aug 31, 2022
Change how you feel
You use substances and behaviors to change how you feel, because you don’t feel good.
For all my listeners who have dreams of a wonderful life and maybe struggle with a little self-doubt, fear of failure, or have an inner critic that tends to be a little harsh, this episode is for you.
My guess is that most of you just thought, “Yes. Angela, that is me 100%.”
And I get it because it’s me too. I deal with those same struggles. In fact, as humans, I think we all do, which is why it’s something that needs to be worked on day in and day out.
In this episode I’m going to break down the truth about change, and it may surprise you.
Best Money & Credit-Building Strategies You Can Start Today
Aug 24, 2022
Credit Repair
If you’ve lost hope, or you’re looking for some, you’re not alone and today’s episode is all about taking some small simple steps to find hope in the midst of the overwhelm of credit stress and credit repair.
I’ve worked with a lot of clients through financial stress – job loss, divorce, over spending, and (like me!) just being irresponsible and immature with money.
When we are facing big life changes it’s not uncommon for finances to be one of those stressors, which is why I thought it was time to have some conversation about this here on the podcast. It’s a perfect time, post-Covid, when people are facing challenges they’ve never faced before. Our world has been turned upside down and now it’s time to start the clean-up process.
The relief you get from taking the smallest step is unbelievable, and I want that for you, too!
If you are anything like me, when you have financial stress or fear of money problems, it is overwhelming. It took such a toll on my self-esteem, it consumed my thoughts all day every day, dodging phone calls from bill collectors, crying every day, and feeling like I had no idea what to do to fix it all.
I have ruined my credit multiple times in my adult life, and I’ve rebuilt it from the ground up.
In today’s episode, Deryk Faber is going to walk us through some common misconceptions about finances, credit, and how to face the problems we’ve created.
I want you to have solutions so that you can make progress and feel better. And that’s what this episode is all about. How can you start to make changes? How do you figure out where to start? What do you do?
We’ve got all that and more, so tune in!
And if you want more information and education on financial healing and wellness, join us in the Sober Society Membership Community where Deryk will share tips, tricks, and strategies on credit repair and money 101 on a monthly basis!
Join us in the Facebook group for more support. It’s totally private, and free.
Guaranteed Ways to Make Sleep Easier for You
Aug 17, 2022
Sleep Hygiene
I’ve been at this Life Coaching thing for a long time and sleep hygiene is a problem for a lot of people. I’ve worked with thousands of people and I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing patterns. Specifically, patterns that cause challenges and often stop capable people in their tracks.
One common struggle I’ve seen countless times over the years is the struggle to get good sleep when you’re trying so hard to make positive changes in your life. Here’s the thing. Sleep can be tough, especially for people with anxiety, and it can definitely be frustrating.
One of my clients asked, “Angela, this is one of the reasons I drank, to quiet my mind. How do you learn to sleep when the chatter in your head is so loud?”
Another client asked, “It’s so hard just to fall asleep in the beginning stage of my sobriety. No matter how many calming exercises I do before bed, I just can’t go to sleep easily. What do you do when it feels like nothing is working?”
Have you ever felt like this? Have you ever wondered how you will survive with nights of tossing and turning, waking up frustrated and still tired, and feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel?
Well, you’re not alone, my friend. It’s all valid. And that’s why I wanted to have this conversation with you today because I want you to have solutions!
You’re going to get a super easy checklist to start creating your very own sleep routine, building your sleep hygiene, and these are actions you can take TODAY!
your winding-down routine
set your sleep and wake up time
get your environment in order
We are taking a deep dive into how you can set yourself up for sweet sleepy success, my friend, and how to keep it super simple so you’ll have no problem following through so you can feel better and be better.
Undo Heavy-Duty Food Habits Now For A Promising Healthful Lifestyle
Aug 10, 2022
Food Habits
Food habits is a topic that comes up frequently in my professional, and personal, life.
We see people in the Facebook group posting about eating too much sugar in early sobriety, or that they are eating out of control now that they aren’t drinking.
Some wonder if they will lose weight, others are scared to quit drinking because they think they’ll gain weight. I was there, too.
I want to talk to you about food, lifestyle, and being health-minded. Not necessarily about what to eat and what not to eat, although we will talk about some of that because I know what it’s like to want to lose weight so badly, and when someone is making good food choices the first thing I want to do is ask, “What are you eating? What diet are you doing? Are you cutting out carbs?”
All of these are normal questions, but what I’ve learned on my lifestyle journey is those are the least important questions to get stuck on. The conversation I want to have is about how to create positive change in your life that you feel good about. Change that is sustainable and that empowers you, builds your self-esteem, and changes your mindset about your life.
And that didn’t happen for me when all I focused on was the number on the scale and the increasing size of my love handles.
As a part of my membership community, the Sober Society, I am bringing in a new focus on lifestyle. Relationships, feelings, finances, and food.
Nutrition & Health Coach, Ellie Stewart, is going to share her knowledge and experience about food myths, how recovery can affect food habits, and she’s going to give you a few key activities and choices to focus on if you are ready to start treating your body better.
It’s not about cleaning out all your cabinets and replacing all the junk food with broccoli. Or, wishing you were the person you thought you were when you bought all those fruits and vegetables at the store only to throw them away when they went bad in the refrigerator.
Been there, done that. Many times.
This episode is to focus on understanding and making small shifts to feel good about yourself and change your life in positive ways and you’re going to get some great tips on how to get that party started without turning your life upside down and stressing yourself out.
I really hope as you listen to this episode and hear how I approach this that you decide enough is enough and you are going to figure this out in your own way so this doesn’t become something that is holding you back from living the life you want to live. My food habits, eating habits, and weight gain were holding me back from that in a dramatic way until I finally hit my breaking point.
Ellie offers some great starting tips, a lot of knowledge and personal experience with food habits, and you can get more of her in the Sober Society membership soon!
Strategies You Need To Turn The Tables On Wine O’Clock
Aug 03, 2022
Wine O’Clock
A successful recovery has everything to do with how you plan your day and approach your challenges.
Imagine this scenario:
You’ve been alcohol-free for a minute, and you really want to continue waking up without a hangover and having a clear head. You’re getting through the days, you’re on track, and overall, you’re feeling pretty proud of your accomplishment.
But let’s be real — you’re also feeling a little bit burnt out from pouring every ounce of your energy into fighting cravings, and some things are starting to slip because… you’re human.
Maybe you’re packing your days so tight that you have absolutely no room to think about wine, or you’re struggling to focus on the day in front of you because your mind is constantly going into future things and stressing about upcoming events. Or maybe, you’re just feeling overwhelmed and lost, and have no idea what the heck to do. Sound familiar?
I don’t know about you, but I definitely had a ‘witching hour’ when I would get a little frazzled and start to lose focus on the goals and intentions I set for myself and my new life.
And if you’ve been a listener for some time, you probably know that having a plan in place sets the tone for my entire life — and if I want to be successful in my intentions, I keep my plans front and center. Even if they just stare at me blankly as I daydream about a nap.
In this episode, I’m sharing powerful strategies you can do to avoid getting sucked down the rabbit hole of wine o’clock so that you can stay on top of your game and move forward with a clear mind and a grateful heart that you didn’t give in to the craving and wreck all the good progress you’ve made.
It’s time to tighten up, my friend — are you ready?
Book a call with me here.
Join the Facebook group here.
How to Stay Engaged and Inspired In Your Life
Jul 27, 2022
How to stay engaged in life
Get ready to tackle the uninspired daily grind and uncover this not-so-secret framework that I use in my life (and with my clients!) to stay engaged in your life and feel inspired.
Let’s be real: kids, jobs, sobriety, households, yoga, and everything else you try to do to have a happy life can take a lot of time out of an already busy day.
Just when you think you’re on top of everything, you feel a nagging reminder in the back of your head that you aren’t feeling super happy.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re just running from one thing to the next thing and you can’t even catch your breath. You’re in good company, my friend – many power players just like you are in the same boat.
That’s why in this podcast episode, I’m tackling that underlying feeling of discontent so you can start ramping up the inspiration in your life and start living the life you want.
Not only will you get some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks on how I stay engaged, feel inspired and fulfilled but you’ll also get the inside scoop on the framework I use to stay balanced.
Here’s what you’ll get:
How to use this framework to create an engaged life so it’s exciting and creates a sense of clarity and happiness
Ways you might be missing huge pieces of your life and a simple solution to help across the board
Getting past the dreaded excuses you’ll make to talk yourself out of taking action so you can build the life you want
Get ready to break through that irritable, restless, and discontent barrier and get into an action-based state of mind – this episode is ready for you.
If you are struggling with solutions and want some pointers on what to do, join us in the Facebook group where you’ll have a whole community of people to support you, share their experiences, and offer solutions to all the problems.
And for all my goal-getter action takers out there, if you’re thinking about working with me as your Coach, you can book a call with me to get all the info and start working with me ASAP. Book here: addictionunlimited.com/call
How To Conquer Mental Resistance and Energize Your Life
Jul 20, 2022
Mental Resistance
Stop getting trapped in mental resistance.
And right now, you may be saying, “But Angela, you don’t know my life and how hard things are. I don’t have support, I have kids and activities and work….”
Oh boy. Do I hear you. I’ve had the same thoughts a thousand times.
But I also want to challenge you on how that resistance is working against you…and that’s exactly what I’m doing on this episode.
In this episode, I want to talk to you about recognizing resistance, even when it is totally logical and real, and starting to change that thought process to better serve you.
Mental resistance comes up in many different ways. It’s laziness, procrastination, telling yourself you can’t do something, you can’t afford it, you don’t have time, now isn’t the right time, you aren’t strong enough, you don’t have enough support. Or, it’s overwhelm, or fear.
I want you to lean into what might feel uncomfortable, but also actually may create more strength underneath all that discomfort.
And I want to challenge you in an area that you’re probably doing yourself a great disservice and staying stuck.
My friend, I am happy to help you gain as much courage as you need — and you’ll find some in this episode — overcome mental resistance and put it to bed for good in your life so that you can step fully into this version of you that you are today, and continue to grow into the amazing human you are destined to be.
If you’ve been thinking about doing a private coaching package with me and want to book a call, click here.
Unlock the Meaning of Self-Sabotage & Helpful Ways to Overcome It
Jul 13, 2022
Self-Sabotage Meaning
The title says it all. Let’s start with self-sabotage meaning:
Self-sabotage occurs when we destroy ourselves physically, mentally, or emotionally or deliberately hinder our own success and wellbeing by undermining personal goals and values-
But why do we do it, and what does it mean?
I think the best explanation I’ve ever gotten for this was from my friend, Adam Gilbert, from My Body Tutor. He said: usually, people self-sabotage because the thought of maintaining the thing they are trying to achieve is more overwhelming than staying the same.
So let’s dig into some self-sabotaging behaviors so that you can recognize it and start breaking it down. Remember, when you want to break something down you have to directly counteract it with an opposite behavior.
In this episode you’ll learn:
the most common self-sabotaging behaviors
they ‘why’ behind your own self-sabotage
how to start changing TODAY
Self-sabotage isn’t an inherent part of your character, nor does it define who you are as a human being. Why do we self-sabotage?
Self-sabotage is typically fear based. And that fear plays into toxic perfectionism or habitual procrastination. And that, increases anxiety and takes you into future tripping with all the what-ifs.. what if this thing happens… or what if that thing happens.
Or, you catastrophize and go straight to worst-case scenarios. These are distorted beliefs and they are exactly the thing that perpetuates the fear and causes you to self-sabotage.
Self-sabotage isn’t a character flaw; it is nothing more than a set of behaviors, usually arising out of fear-based negative beliefs, that are preventing you from achieving your goals.
Be patient with yourself and reach out for help if you feel stuck. These are all the things we work on in Coaching and, if you’re thinking about working with me as your Coach, you can book a call with me to ask questions and get more information.
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