Podcast

The No More Wasted Days Podcast

Education, Health & Fitness, Self-Improvement

This is the No More Wasted Days Podcast. I'm your host - Sara Kaufman-Bradstreet.

Grab your favorite NA drink, and listen as we share vulnerable stories so you never feel alone on your alcohol free journey, and gain insights from us as we breakdown our most used tips and strategies that have kept us alcohol free. It’s time to break free from wasting any more of your days to the drinking/blackout/hangover cycle.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

Self-Improvement chart
#157
Episodes
202
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
29 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
18 hours ago

Episodes

202 episodes, newest first

  1. 7 Years Alcohol-Free, 2 Years Weed-Free: Here's What I'm Learning

    Episode 197

    Show notes

    I'm catching you up on what's been happening behind the scenes, from navigating my second summer without weed to managing anxiety, perimenopause, and all the changes that come with midlife.

    I'm also sharing how my latest challenge of walking 10,000 steps every day has reminded me SO much of my early days of quitting drinking. Turns out, the same tools that helped me become alcohol-free are helping me build new healthy habits, too!

    We'll talk about the power of routines, planning ahead, choosing long-term rewards over instant gratification, and learning to do hard things even when you really don't feel like it.

    Plus, I've got some exciting updates about the PUSH to 100, what's coming for Dry January, and a few changes happening with the No More Wasted Days podcast.

    Ready for some support on your alcohol-free journey? CLICK HERE to join us inside the Day Makers community! You'll find weekly group coaching calls, a supportive community of people who get it, and the encouragement you need to keep moving forward. Try it out for two weeks using the link below.

    And if you're enjoying the podcast, I'd love it if you'd leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    28 min
  2. She Got Sober. Her Husband Kept Drinking. Here's What Happened

    Episode 196

    Show notes

    What happens when you decide to quit drinking, but your partner isn't ready to give up alcohol?

    In this episode of the No More Wasted Days podcast, I'm joined by my friend Casey McGuire Davidson, host of the Hello Someday podcast, to talk about what it's REALLY like to get sober when your spouse still drinks.

    Casey and her husband were drinking buddies from the very beginning of their relationship. From partying in their 20s to date nights, vacations, and eventually mommy wine culture, alcohol was always part of their marriage. So when Casey decided to quit drinking, she worried about how it would change everything.

    We get into the fears, resentment, boundaries, and uncomfortable conversations that come with quitting alcohol when your partner doesn't. Casey also shares why she initially hid her sobriety efforts from her husband, how she found support outside her marriage, and how they learned to enjoy date nights and vacations without alcohol being the main event.

    And here's the best part: Casey is now 10 years sober!

    If you've been putting off your alcohol-free journey because you're worried about how it might affect your marriage, this episode is for you. Because your partner doesn't have to quit drinking for you to create a life you love without alcohol.

    Connect with Casey McGuire-Davidson

    • Hello Someday Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
    • Sobriety Starter Kit, Casey's coaching program and sober community for women

    Support the Podcast:

    If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    43 min
  3. 7 Reasons I Didn't Go to AA (And What I Got Wrong) with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

    Episode 195

    Show notes

    What if everything you thought you knew about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was wrong?

    In this episode of the No More Wasted Days Podcast, I'm joined by author and fellow sober podcaster Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, host of Drunk-ish, to talk about the seven reasons I chose NOT to go to AA when I quit drinking.

    From the fear of identifying as an alcoholic to the 12 steps, religion, powerlessness, and the commitment of attending meetings, Stefanie shares her firsthand experience with a 12-step program and challenges some of my biggest misconceptions.

    We also get into the importance of sober community, why asking for help can be so difficult, and how there is no one-size-fits-all approach to quitting drinking.

    Whether you're curious about AA, considering a 12-step program, or looking for alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous, this honest and hilarious conversation is a reminder that you don't have to get sober the same way someone else did. You just have to find what works for you.

    Connect with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

    • Book: Drunk-ish: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving Alcohol
    • Sobriety podcast:Drunk-ish Podcast
    • Parenting podcast:For Crying Out Loud
    • Pop culture podcast:Rose Pricks: A Bachelor Roast
    • Personal Instagram:@swildertaylor
    • Website:https://stefaniewildertaylor.com/

    Find Your Sober Community

    1.Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Find local AA meetings and connect with others following a 12-step recovery program. You can also find virtual meetings through theOnline Intergroup of AA.

    2.SMART Recovery A free, science-based recovery program focused on self-empowerment, practical tools, and overcoming addictive behaviors. Online and in-person meetings are available.

    3.Recovery Dharma A peer-led recovery community using Buddhist-inspired principles, mindfulness, and meditation to support recovery from addiction. Offers online and in-person meetings.

    4.Day Makers Community My alcohol-free community offers weekly group coaching calls, a private messaging community, accountability, and ongoing support from people who understand what it's like to build a life without alcohol.

    Grab the FREE Sober October Starter Kit, including a 31-day tracker, prep checklist, and curated podcast playlist, at http://nomorewasteddays.co/october.

    Support the Podcast:
    If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    59 min
  4. She Quit Adderall, Stopped Drinking, and Finally Made Weight Loss Stick

    Episode 194

    Show notes

    What happens when you triumph over an Adderall addiction, stop drinking alcohol and eventually take on a 60 lb. weight loss journey that finally sticks?

    In this episode of the No More Wasted Days Podcast, I'm joined by Ashley Beeman, fitness coach and host of The Fit Freedom Podcast, to talk about her journey from Adderall addiction and struggles with body image to a 365-day alcohol-free experiment that completely changed her perspective on drinking.

    Ashley shares why she decided to quit drinking even though she didn't consider herself to have a drinking problem, what she discovered about living alcohol-free, and how she broke free from the cycle of restrictive dieting and starting over.

    We also dive into the power of identity shifts, creating sustainable healthy habits, and moving from discipline to devotion. Whether you're sober curious, taking a break from alcohol, or ready to make bigger changes in your life, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to change everything overnight to transform your life.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • CLICK HERE to join Ashley Beaman's Fueled & Focused 8-week challenge (use the coupon code NMWD to save $100 on this challenge)
    • Ashley's The Fit Freedom Podcast
    • Join the Day Makers alcohol-free community with a $19 month pass

    Connect with Ashley: @the.ashley.beeman on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

    Grab the FREE Sober October Starter Kit, including a 31-day tracker, prep checklist, and curated podcast playlist, at http://nomorewasteddays.co/october.

    Want to try out the Day Makers for 1 month? CLICK HERE to grab your Day Makers October Pass

    Support the Podcast:

    If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    38 min
  5. I’m 2 Years Weed Free: This Was Harder Than I Expected

    Episode 193

    Show notes

    I’m catching you up on what’s happening behind the scenes, including my unexpected return to teaching, what I’m learning from the current PUSH to 100 group, and some exciting changes coming to No More Wasted Days.

    I’m also celebrating two years weed free and sharing honestly about why quitting weed has actually been harder for me than quitting alcohol, the identity piece I’m still working through, and why I continue to choose a completely sober life even when part of my brain still romanticizes my old one. Plus, I’m sharing the challenge I’m taking on for the final 100 days of the year and giving you a sneak peek at some incredible guests coming to the podcast soon.

    Grab the FREE Sober October Starter Kit, including a 31-day tracker, prep checklist, and curated podcast playlist, at http://nomorewasteddays.co/october.

    Want to try out the Day Makers for 1 month? CLICK HERE to grab your Day Makers October Pass

    Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    28 min
  6. Your Sober October Game Plan: 5 Things That Actually Help

    Episode 192

    Show notes

    Thinking about doing Sober October? Before you rely on willpower and hope for the best, there are a few things that can make the month a whole lot easier.

    In this episode, I share 5 practical ways to set yourself up for a successful alcohol-free month, including how to plan for your usual drinking window, handle the inevitable mental negotiations, replace the rituals alcohol used to fill, and start paying attention to what you're gaining instead of simply counting the days. Sober October isn't about proving you can survive 31 days without drinking. It's an opportunity to get curious about your relationship with alcohol and discover what changes when you give yourself some space from it.

    👉👉 Grab the FREE Sober October Starter Kit, including a 31-day tracker, prep checklist, and curated podcast playlist, at http://nomorewasteddays.co/october.

    Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    17 min
  7. Nobody Warns You About Days 30 to 100 Without Alcohol

    Episode 191

    Show notes

    What happens after the first 30 days without alcohol, when the excitement wears off and alcohol-free life starts to feel a little more real?

    In this episode, Sara breaks down what can happen between days 30 and 100, including sneaky cravings, boredom, the urge to try moderation, brain recovery, and the identity shift that comes with learning who you are without alcohol.

    Plus, she explains why 100 days can give you a much clearer picture of what life without alcohol actually feels like. Join the PUSH to 100 Ready to try it for yourself?

    Enrollment for PUSH to 100 is open now. Use code PODCAST50 to save $50 on your enrollment. https://nomorewasteddays.co/push-to-100/ Remember, the PUSH to 100 starts September 24th. Enrollment closes September 23rd at midnight.

    Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    23 min
  8. Ep. 190: After Nearly a Year Sober, She Tried “Just One Drink” (The Ugly TRUTH About Moderation)

    Episode 194

    Show notes

    Chelsea Stueve is back on the podcast, and this conversation goes even deeper into what life can look like on the other side of drinking. Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @yogini.chels CLICK HERE to register for Chelsea’s Wellness Unruled Retreat. Join the PUSH to 100 Ready to try it for yourself? Enrollment for PUSH to 100 is open now. Use code PODCAST50 to save $50 on your enrollment. https://nomorewasteddays.co/push-to-100/ Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    44 min
  9. Ep. 189: What Happens When You Stop Drinking for 100 Days

    Episode 193

    Show notes

    What can change when you give yourself 100 alcohol-free days? In this episode, Sara talks with Leah, a former PUSH to 100 member, about going from daily drinking and constant fatigue to feeling more present, empowered, and free. Leah shares how she navigated vacations, holidays, cravings, and a partner who still drank, plus the unexpected ways her life began to open up without alcohol. Ready to see what 100 alcohol-free days could do for you? Join the PUSH to 100 waiting list for early enrollment and the discounted waitlist rate: http://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    35 min
  10. Ep. 188: What Really Happens When You Stop Drinking for 30 Days

    Episode 192

    Show notes

    Your first 30 days without alcohol might not look like the highlight reels you see on social media, and that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. In this episode, I’m breaking down five things nobody tells you about your first month alcohol-free, including why sleep and energy may take time to improve, how much of drinking is actually habit, why boredom and big emotions can show up, and how every alcohol-free experience helps build confidence. Plus, we’ll talk about why Day 30 doesn’t have to be the finish line. It might actually be where things start getting really interesting. Ready to see what 100 alcohol-free days could do for you? Join the PUSH to 100 waiting list for early enrollment and the discounted waitlist rate: http://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    21 min
  11. Ep. 187: The First 7 Days Without Alcohol: What to Expect

    Episode 191

    Show notes

    In this episode, I’m walking you through what to realistically expect during your first seven days alcohol-free, from cravings and sleep changes to that sneaky voice that starts negotiating with you after a few successful days. You’ll learn simple strategies to make that first week easier, how to handle your usual drinking window, and why you shouldn’t judge alcohol-free life based on how you feel on day three. Most importantly, you’ll start gathering evidence that you really can do this. 👉👉 Ready to see what 100 alcohol-free days could do for you? Join the PUSH to 100 waiting list for early enrollment and the discounted waitlist rate: http://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    22 min
  12. Ep. 186: How to Reset Your Drinking After Summer

    Episode 190

    Show notes

    If summer left you feeling like alcohol took up more space than you wanted, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to wait until January to reset. We’re talking about using fall as a fresh start, setting a clear alcohol-free goal, focusing on what you’ll gain instead of what you’re giving up, and giving yourself permission to try alcohol-free life without deciding what “forever” looks like. Ready to see what 100 alcohol-free days could do for you? Join the PUSH to 100 waiting list for early enrollment and the discounted waitlist rate: http://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    19 min
  13. Ep. 185: Six Ways to Make Quitting Drinking Feel Easier

    Episode 189

    Show notes

    Quitting drinking doesn’t have to feel like deprivation. In this episode, Sara shares six simple strategies to help you feel more confident, supported, and joyful in your alcohol-free life. You’ll learn how to manage cravings without shame, strengthen your reason for quitting, navigate social situations with more confidence, tune out drinking culture, focus on what you’re gaining, and create real moments of joy without alcohol. Whether you’re just starting to question your drinking or you’re already on an alcohol-free journey, these strategies can help you build a life that feels bigger, not smaller, without alcohol. 👉👉 Ready for more support? Join the waiting list for the next round of PUSH to 100, Sara’s 100-day alcohol-free challenge: http://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    29 min
  14. Ep. 184: From Drinking Culture to a Life of Adventure with Christine Reed

    Episode 188

    Show notes

    In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Reed, author of Alone in Wonderland, for a conversation about sobriety, grief, independence, and the healing power of the outdoors. Christine shares how hiking the Appalachian Trail after losing her mother changed the direction of her life, why she decided alcohol was no longer serving her, and how becoming alcohol-free created space for a bigger and more intentional life. We also talk about solo adventure, van life, living with POTS, and what it means to trust your body while continuing to challenge yourself. 🏕️🥾Follow Christine (http://www.ruggedoutdoorswoman.com) on Instagram @ruggedoutdoorswoman and Substack at Rugged Outdoors Woman, check out her podcast and book club, Outdoorsy Women, and pick up a copy of Alone in Wonderland. 👉👉 Looking for support on your alcohol-free journey? Try your first two weeks inside the Day Makers community for just $7. https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    36 min
  15. Ep. 183: Transfer Addiction Explained: What Happens After You Quit Drinking

    Episode 187

    Show notes

    When you quit drinking, you expect the hard part to be over, but sometimes, the brain finds a new outlet for the same addictive patterns. In this episode, Sara opens up about her personal experience with transfer addictions - how her addictive tendencies shifted from alcohol to food tracking, sugar, and weed, and what she learned about herself in the process. Through stories, science, and self-compassion, Sara breaks down:

    • What transfer addiction (or cross-addiction) actually is
    • Why our brains latch onto new sources of dopamine when we remove alcohol
    • How dopamine depletion and reward substitution keep us chasing “the buzz”
    • Why it’s normal to experience new compulsions in early sobriety and how to move through them
    • 7 powerful ways to heal the void and rebuild balance in recovery

    You’ll also hear Sara share research-backed insights on dopamine regulation, neuroplasticity, and the incentive sensitization theory, explaining why we crave even when we no longer enjoy the thing we’re craving. Whether your new obsession is sugar, scrolling, or staying “in control,” this episode reminds you that awareness is the first step toward freedom. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 01:16 Understanding Transfer Addictions 03:36 Promoting the 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge 04:43 Realizing Transfer Addictions 07:40 Defining Transfer Addiction 10:40 The Science Behind Addiction 20:27 Recognizing and Managing Transfer Addictions 22:06 Practical Tools for Overcoming Addictions 26:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 📚 Resources & Further Reading: Transfer Addictions, Dopamine, and Recovery

    • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    • Volkow, N.D. et al. (2019). The Neuroscience of Drug Reward and Addiction. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 373–397.
    • Martinez, D. et al. (2005). Dopamine D2 Receptors in Addiction: Imaging Findings. JAMA Neurology, 62(4), 444–452.
    • Koob, G.F. & Volkow, N.D. (2016). Neurobiology of Addiction: A Neurocircuitry Analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 760–773.
    • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) — The Brain, Addiction, and Recovery

    • Pettinati, H.M. et al. (2021). A Systematic Review of Addiction Substitution in Recovery: Clinical Lore or Empirically-Based?
    • Harm Reduction Journal (2024). Exploring Cannabis Substitution After Substance Recovery.
    • Robinson, T.E. & Berridge, K.C. (2008). The Incentive Sensitization Theory of Addiction: Some Current Issues. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 363(1507), 3137–3146.

    • Avena, N.M. et al. (2008). Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 32(1), 20–39.
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. What Is Transfer Addiction?

    • Psychology Today. From One Addiction to the Next
    • PubMed Central (2018). Structural and Functional Brain Recovery After Abstinence from Substance Use.

    🧘‍♀️Books to Read to Further Your Knowledge on this Topic

    • Gabor Maté. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction.
    • Judson Brewer, MD, PhD. The Craving Mind.

    💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show! ************************************************ 🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward. 👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ ************************************************ Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    26 min
  16. Ep. 182: I Don’t Always Like Myself Sober

    Episode 186

    Show notes

    What happens when sobriety feels awkward, uncomfortable, or like more work than you expected? In this episode, I’m sharing the parts of being completely sober that I don’t always love, from making new friends without alcohol to setting harder boundaries, managing stress without checking out, and accepting that my house may be a little messier. I also explain why I’m still choosing sobriety every time. Because discomfort passes, but the clarity, self-trust, and freedom that come from facing life fully present are always worth it. Need sober friends who truly understand? Try the Day Makers community for two weeks for just $7. https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ Resources and Links: Join the Day Makers Community Looking for alcohol-free support, weekly group coaching calls, and a private community of like-minded alcohol-free badasses? Come join us inside Day Makers. You can try your first two weeks for just $7. CLICK HERE to join. Sara’s Favorite Things: https://nomorewasteddays.co/favorites/ Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    23 min
  17. Ep. 181: Beth Feraco on Sobriety, Fitness, and Breaking the Diet Cycle

    Episode 185

    Show notes

    In this episode, Sara sits down with Beth Feraco of Beth Feraco Fitness to talk about quitting drinking, rebuilding her identity, and creating a sustainable approach to fitness and weight loss. They discuss the connection between alcohol and disordered eating, why extreme diets fail, and how simple habits like sleep, walking, strength training, and consistent nutrition can change your life. Beth also shares why your health plan should fit your actual life, not the life of a fitness influencer, and how sobriety helped her stop wasting days and start building a life she truly loves. Follow Beth on Instagram and TikTok at @bethferacofitness or learn more about her coaching at http://bethferacofitness.com 👉👉 Looking for support on your alcohol-free journey? Try your first two weeks inside the Day Makers community for just $7. https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    38 min
  18. Ep. 180: From Chaos to Calm - Rediscovering Yourself After Alcohol

    Episode 184

    Show notes

    Sara sits down with her friend Chelsea Bohnstedt, a yoga instructor and certified sound healer, to talk about her powerful alcohol-free journey. At the time of recording, Chelsea is 562 days sober, but her path to get here was far from linear. Chelsea opens up about:

    • Hitting rock bottom after repeated starts and stops, and how a medical crisis finally became her turning point.
    • The kindling effect. A dangerous neurological response that makes withdrawal symptoms worse each time you quit and start drinking again.
    • Finding recovery through SMART Recovery and Y12SR (Yoga for 12-Step Recovery) after struggling to connect with traditional AA.
    • Healing anxiety, rediscovering peace, and embracing the beauty of a “boring life.”
    • How yoga, meditation, and sound baths helped her reconnect with her body and spirit, and why spirituality doesn’t have to look “religious.”

    Sara and Chelsea also share stories from their time together at the Sober Tahoe Adventure Retreat and reflect on how sound healing and self-care practices can unlock powerful emotional healing. 🧘‍♀️ Key Takeaways

    • Kindling is real. If you've started and stopped many times, it can make withdrawals more severe and even life-threatening. Always consult a doctor for support when quitting.
    • Peace is the new thrill. Sobriety gives you back your time, energy, and clarity.
    • Spirituality can be simple. Connection, mindfulness, and presence count just as much as prayer or religion.
    • Self-care is rebellion. Taking care of yourself and living with intention isn’t boring, it’s revolutionary.

    🔗 Resources Mentioned

    • SMART Recovery Meetings
    • Y12SR – Yoga for 12-Step Recovery
    • Follow Chelsea on Instagram @yogini.chels
    • CLICK HERE to Join Chelsea’s hybrid yoga classes online through her studio (link in show notes).

    💖 Favorite Quote “Taking care of yourself is the most rebellious thing you can do. Especially as a woman.” – Chelsea Bohnstedt If you loved this episode, please rate and review the show! Your support helps the No More Wasted Days Podcast reach more people who are ready to live free, present, and fully alive. ************************************************ 🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward. 👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ ************************************************ Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    40 min
  19. Ep. 179: The Truth About Being a Beachbody Coach: We Sold Fitness, Drank Alcohol, and Called It “Balance”

    Episode 183

    Show notes

    Ready for a real reset this summer? Join the Dry July Challenge, a 30-day alcohol-free challenge with daily support, coaching, mindset tools, and community. Stop white-knuckling, break the start-stop drinking cycle, and see how good you can feel without alcohol. Click the link to sign up today. http://www.nomorewasteddays.co/dryjuly In this episode, Sara talks with sober content creator and author Hadley Sorensen about quitting drinking, blackout drinking, moderation, mommy wine culture, and the pressure to make alcohol part of a “healthy” lifestyle. They also unpack their complicated pasts as Beachbody coaches, including the ways alcohol, fitness culture, and MLM-style marketing became intertwined. Hadley shares why she chose an alcohol-free life without identifying as an alcoholic, what socializing looks like now, and why none can be easier than trying to moderate. Follow Hadley on Instagram: @hadley_sorensen Get her book: The Dirty Truth on Social Drinking: Everything in Moderation and Other BS Sara’s Favorite Things: https://nomorewasteddays.co/favorites/ Support the Podcast: If you love the No More Wasted Days podcast, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate and comment on Spotify. It helps more people find the show and begin their own alcohol-free journey. *************************************** Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    35 min
  20. Ep. 178: The One Mindset Shift That Finally Made Quitting Alcohol Easy

    Episode 182

    Show notes

    Let's stop wasting our summers to hangovers! Get early access to the Dry July challenge. --> https://nomorewasteddays.co/waitinglist Sara discusses the mindset shift that helped her quit drinking effortlessly. She shares strategies from her personal journey, including writing daily affirmations, developing an unwavering commitment to sobriety, and adopting new identities. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:29 Early Days: Building Momentum 00:54 The Game Changer: 100 to 150 Days 01:09 Mindset Shift: Practical Steps 02:52 The Power of Affirmations 05:18 Deciding to Quit Forever 11:22 Identity and Willpower 12:52 Planning for Success 20:27 Creating a Support System 24:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 🎧 Mentioned in this episode:

    • 10 Mantras for the Beginning of Your Alcohol Free Journey - CLICK HERE to download the 10 Mantras that Sara used at the beginning of her alcohol free journey.
    • Dry July Challenge - CLICK HERE to get early access to the Dry July Challenge.

    🧠 Sources & Further Reading If you want to dig deeper into what’s really happening in your body during a hangover — from dehydration to acetaldehyde toxicity — here are the research-based resources referenced in this episode:

    • Patrick, V. M., & Hagtvedt, H.“I Don’t vs. I Can’t: When Empowered Refusal Motivates Goal-Directed Behavior,” Journal of Consumer Research, 2012.
    • Pignatiello, G. A., et al. “Decision Fatigue: A Conceptual Analysis,” Nursing Outlook, 2018.
    • Evans, D. R., et al. “The nature of self-regulatory fatigue and ‘ego depletion’,” Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2016.
    • Cooke, R., et al. “The effect of forming implementation intentions on alcohol consumption,” Health Psychology Review, 2022; see also 2023 update.
    • Malaguti, A., et al. “Effectiveness of implementation intentions on substance use,” 2020 review.
    • Milyavskaya, M., et al. “Saying No to Temptation: Want-to Motivation Improves Self-Regulation,” Journal of Personality, 2015.
    • Larimer, M. E., & Marlatt, G. A. “Relapse Prevention and the Abstinence Violation Effect,” overview.

    💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show! ************************************************ 🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward. 👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/ ************************************************ Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-no-more-wasted-days-podcast--7445193/support.

    Follow the podcast on Social Media:
    IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

    Follow Sara on Social Media:
    IG: @no_more_wasted_days
    TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

    26 min

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