Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!

Finding Strength in Sobriety with Colette

My guest today is Colette Safhill who is the founder of Myth Drinks who shares her own story and gives us an insight into her alcohol free drinks company.
in this episode:-
Colette's mother was an alcoholic so she was well aware of the dangers of alcohol.
She started drinking heavily in her early 20s, influenced by her challenging circumstancesThe combination of a difficult childhood, an alcoholic mother, a stormy first marriage, and the challenges of raising a colicky baby resulted in five years of heavy drinking
Colette accepted that she had lost control after a series of personal setbacks and a car crash.
Her rock bottom resulted in her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and undergoing a medical detox.
She stayed under the care of a rehab facility for over a year, which marked the beginning of her long-term sobriety.
Although Colette has been sober for an impressive 24 years she still attends AA meetings and values the sense of community.
Colette and I agreed that we have to “find our people” for this recovery journey – whether its AA, Tribe Sober or another group – try several communities until you feel you are in a safe space and can be honest and vulnerable with the other members.
Colette has navigated the challenges of cancer treatment, remarriage, and raising children while maintaining her sobriety.
She highlighted the need for a balanced life with proactive choices and meaningful relationships.
Colette has created Myth Drinks to provide an alternative for people who don’t drink or who want an alcohol free alternative now and again
She developed a range of alcohol-free drinks, including a coconut rum substitute and ready-to-drink canned cocktails - her drinks are gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie.
Her website is mythdrinks.co.uk so you can go and check out her products on there 
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 

Drinking Dreams with Chris Pizarello

My guest today is Chris Pizzarello, an expert in EFT and Hypnotherapy
In this episode:-
Chris experienced some personal struggles which led to his discovery of EFT
He immersed himself in learning EFT and later studied hypnotherapy after realizing the need to address subconscious issues.
In his practice Chris uses a combination of EFT and hypnotherapy to help clients release negative energy and change the energetic signature of their stories.
He believes that we have to get the conscious and subconscious mind to agree before we can bring about effective change.
EFT involves tapping on specific points on the body to release energy blocks, while hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious to reinforce new, positive beliefs.
I loved his analogy of a "little red wagon" to describe how people accumulate emotional baggage throughout life.
Chris explained that EFT can lighten this load by releasing the energy attached to negative stories.
Both EFT and Hypnotherapy can help individuals struggling with alcohol dependency
Hypnotherapy will address limiting beliefs and subconscious motivations whereas
EFT can be used to manage cravings and reduce the emotional impact of addiction triggers.
I was really interested to hear Chris talk about our dreams…
 
He says that Dreams are a way for the subconscious mind to process information
Chris educates clients on the significance of dreams in the healing process and how they reflect the subconscious mind's work.
I loved his example of someone in early sobriety being on the edges of a party – acting as an onlooker – and how that can mean that they are still going through the grieving process which comes with saying goodbye to alcohol
Drinking dreams should be viewed positively as they mean that the subconscious is accepting that we are letting go of alcohol – it’s a sign of healing
Chris is accessible through his website efthypnotherapy.com for more information and booking sessions.
He is able to conduct online sessions for both EFT and hypnotherapy
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 

How Alcohol Limits Us... with Nikki Swart

My guest today is Tribe Member Nikki Swart who has been thriving in her alcohol free life for 5 years
In this episode:-
Nikki started her drinking career as a teenager, mainly to fit in with her peer group.
Her university years were relatively tame, with occasional bouts of binge drinking.
However as a working mom she found her drinking patterns shifting from socialising towards more of a coping mechanism.
During this period Nikki was diagnosed with bipolar 2
Despite the drinking Nikki built a successful career and managed her blended family. To an outsider she “had it all” but her relationship with alcohol was on her mind.
She began to take online tests for alcoholism and then decided to do a 90-day challenge, which started her journey to sobriety.
Nikki completed the 90-day challenge, which led to a positive change in her life.
She became involved in sobriety communities and used their resources.
She noted improvements in her mental health and stability after quitting alcohol - learning to manage emotions and express herself better.
Nikki also experienced improved physical fitness and health. She adopted healthier eating habits and regular exercise routines.
Sobriety has had such a positive impact on her family life, and she loves the fact that she’s providing a better role model for her children.
Nikki had some advice for anybody thinking of ditching the booze….
Educate yourself – read the books and listen to the podcasts – the more you learn about the damage alcohol does to our bodies and our brains the less you’ll want to drink it!
Nikki explains the value of her own Why list during the interview so she recommends writing a list of WHY you want to quit drinking – this will keep you on track when you’re finding it hard
Finally get some community support by connecting with others on the same path – others who will support and encourage you and hold you accountable – just go to ts.com and check out our international community
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 

From Addict to Author... with Nico Morales

My guest today is author and coach Nico Morales
In this episode:-
Nico had a difficult childhood which included abuse and left him with abandonment issues. He started using cannabis at 14, and was on heroin by the age of 20
He switched from heroin to alcohol but progressively increased his alcohol consumption, leading to severe addiction by 27.
Nico’s grandmother had died and his family allowed him to live in her house which had become derelict and was without furniture
His final rock bottom came on his 27th birthday when his mother and sister came to visit him – he realised that he had to change
Encountered rock bottom on his 27th birthday, leading to a realization of needed change.
He shifted his mindset from one of self-pity to curiosity and began seeking purpose and meaning.3 things that’s worked for Nico were:-
practicing daily prayer as a form of mental distraction.
implementing new routines and habits to fill his days and avoid substance use.
seeking accountability from trusted individuals.
Gradually he was able to reduce substance use and build up to full sobriety
He sought professional help and was able to further his education and get a degree
Nico wrote a book titled "Five Things to Know Before You Get Sober" to help others in recovery.
His book emphasizes the importance of mindset, and character in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
His "No Halo," organization focuses on helping individuals achieve sobriety and personal success.
Nico also works with organisations looking to develop leadership and is a certified public speaker
To find out more about Nico you can check out his website NoHaloNM.com -
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 

Alcohol...and your Brain with Dr Edie Sullivan

My guest this week was Dr Edie Sullivan, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University 
 
In this episode:-Neuropsychologist Dr Edie chronicles her journey from studying memory at MIT and working on notable cases like patient H.M., to her research on the devastating impacts of alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer's disease.She discusses her experiences with memory research, neuroimaging, and the significant relationship between alcohol use and memory impairment, including conditions like Korsakoff syndrome.The conversation also delves into the dangers of alcohol blackouts, the evolving understanding of alcohol use disorder as classified by the DSM, and the correlation with HIV risks.Dr Edie also offers insights on the impact of alcohol on adolescent brain development, strategies for recovery, and emphasizes the importance of community support and reputable resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 

Alcohol...and Anxiety with Maya Acosta

My guest today is Tribe Member and Health & Wellness Educator Maya Acosta who shares her own story as well as some inspiration and great advice!
In this episode:-
Maya grew up in a family which normalized alcohol consumption and this of course influenced her own drinking patterns.
She got married to a vascular surgeon which has given her a unique insight into the damage that can be done if we don’t look after ourselves – this was key to her changing her eating patterns
Maya invited me as a guest on her Healthy Lifestyle podcast to talk about the risks of drinking alcohol – this conversation caused her to question her own drinking patterns
She joined Tribe Sober in July 2022 and found the community support helpful in maintaining sobriety.
Although she’d had periods of sobriety she would eventually relapse but this time she it felt different and more sustainable
Maya is now heading for her second Soberversary and experiencing many benefits including better sleep, more energy, less anxiety and clarity of thought
Eliminating alcohol has reduced her stress levels and also minimized the hot flashes she was experiencing during menopause.
As a Health and Wellness Advocator Maya advocates lifestyle medicine, focusing on plant based diets and physical activity as well as avoiding risky substances such as alcohol
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
To learn more about Maya you can catch her podcast which is called "Healthy Lifestyle Solutions," or go to her website which is called healthylifestylesolutions.org 
 

Why you need a Tribe with Nigel Jones

My guest is author and coach Nigel Jones who shares his own story as well as some inspiration and great advice!
In this episode:-
Nigel started drinking daily at 18, struggled to quit for 36 years.
He found success with a mindset shift, declaring himself a non-drinker from day one.
We talked more about this identity shift during our first podcast interview which you can listen to here
Many of our members have found Nigel's identity shift to being a "non drinker" helpful 
Rather than clocking up the sober days they declare themselves a non drinker from day one
Apart from deciding that he was a non drinker Nigels strategies for quitting alcohol included
Replacing drinking with new habits like walking.
His "9 KM before 9 AM" walking routine led to a significant physical and mental transformation.
Creating new neural pathways through consistent healthy habits.
I shared my own habit change of going on a long walk every evening at 6pm which was my witching hour
We both agreed on the stength of peer pressure to drink
As drinkers we find ourselves in an alcohol drinkers tribe (ADT as Nigel calls it)
When we decide to quit we need to find a new Tribe
I went through this myself and I always say that recovery is about “finding your people”
If you think Tribe Sober might be your people then go to tribesober.com and hit the membership tab
Nigels benefits of sobriety included:
Improved physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being.
Increased time and energy for personal development and learning – for example he
Qualified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and he’s currently studying Hypnotherapy.
Nigel’s working on a New Book called Reroot Yourself
His book focuses on the healing power of nature.
Concepts like forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and the benefits of being in nature.
Nigel highlighted the scientific evidence for the mental and physical benefits of nature exposure.
He currently takes these concepts into corporates where he is observing a shift in attitudes towards mental health
Nigels Advice for people wanting to quit…
He advocates reading quitlit and listening to podcasts
Also joining a new tribe for support and encouragement – a tribe to replace your drinking tribe
I often say that to new members – you don’t even have to quit drinking when you join Tribe Sober
Just be curious, listen and learn.. and you’ll get inspired to make a change
As Nigel says curiosity can be a catalyst for change 
Nigel is a coach and runs workshops in corpoprates
Find out more about Nigel via his website 9kmby9am.com
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 
 
 

Finding Purpose in Sobriety with Nicole Klassen

My guest today is the lovely Nicole Klassen who did our very first 66 day Sober Challenge 5 years ago – not only has she been thriving in her alcohol free life ever since but she’s reconnected with her voice as a writer..
What a pleasure to hear Nicole's journey through sobriety, her rediscovery of writing and to learn about your current work which involves facilitating writing for mental health.
Also to know that this whole journey was triggered by our 66 day challenge!
If  you’re listening to this and you’re interested in what could be a life changing alcohol free challenge we start our 66 day challenges on 1st September and 20 March every year but if you want to get started right now then sign up as a Tribe Sober member and we’ll start you off n an alcohol free challenge today –
just go to tribesober.com and hit on the membership tab.
In this episode:-
She began experimenting with alcohol at 12-13 years old - binge drinking through high school and early adulthood
This shifted to self medication as she drank alone at home to quell her anxiety
Nicole’s last year of drinking was chaotic and involved frequent binges
She joined our Sober Spring Challenge back in 2018 for an initial 66 days
This started a shift in her focus from alcohol to self-improvement
Nicole describes the Sober Spring Challenge Experience as a transformative and beautiful period 
Community and journalling were significant supports during the Challenge
She experienced significant health improvements, including nervous system reset and healthier metabolism
She was into her second year of sobriety before her weight began to change and she lost 20 kgs
It does take a while for most of us to lose weight when we quit drinking so hang in there – I was 6 months sober when I lost some weight
I believe we mess up our metabolism when we drink and it gradually gets back to normal when we stop
Nicole also experienced Improved adrenal function and reduced cortisol spikes
There were significant Mental Health Benefits for Nicole as well:-
She experienced a Reconnection to Self and a sense of Purpose which included:-  - A Significant change in lifestyle and a sense of belonging  - An Enhanced connection to community   - A Rekindled passion for writing during sobriety as she  - Engaged in daily journaling and creative writing
These days Nicole works as a facilitator with the Life Writing Collective
In this role she focuses on writing as a tool for mental wellbeing
Nicole’s website is – Naluthando.co.za 
Nicoles advice for anyone struggling with their drinking
  - Take the first step by joining a supportive group
  - Recognize the importance of connection and community
  - Utilize resources like workshops and challenges to stay committedMore info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 

Unplugging from the Alcohol Matrix with Dustin Dunbar

My guest today is Dustin Dunbar, author and leader of the  Alcohol Free Revolution
In this episode:-
Alcoholism affected Dustins family; his grandfather and father both struggled with it.
Despite his early vow not to drink, Dustin began drinking as a teenager due to peer pressure.
He enjoyed a successful career in sales, real estate, and insurance.
Social drinking became part of his lifestyle, exacerbated by business and social environments promoting alcohol consumption.
Like with many of us Dustin’s alcohol use escalated gradually,
He recognized the negative impact of alcohol in his mid-thirties and quit drinking four years ago.
Like me he was Inspired by Annie Grace’s book "This Naked Mind," he began to see alcohol consumption as a form of unconscious behavior controlled by societal norms and marketing.
Dustin describes a crazy dream he had where he's on a gurney in a room filled with other people, all plugged into tubes pumping ethanol into them. He realizes he’s being controlled by Big Alcohol,
This dream leads him to conclude that society is trapped in an "alcohol matrix," where many people consume ethanol regularly, believing it to be normal and acceptable, despite its harmful effects.
I also love the expression Alcohol Matrix which I first discovered in the Unexpected Joy of being Sober by Catherine Gray – she has a whole chapter on how we need to unplug from the matrix… and its true
Unplugging can feel strange and lonely for a while but then it turns to a feeling of freedom…. And joy
Dustin founded the Alcohol Free Revolution, offering support, education, and community to those seeking to quit drinking.
The initiative includes coaches, therapists, and various experts to help individuals recover and lead alcohol-free lives.
He’s also written a book called You’re Doing Great… and other lies Alcohol old me – get his book and find out more about Dustin his website which is dustin-dunbar.com
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
To access our website click HERE
If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts, take a screenshot of your review and DM it to Tribe Sober’s Instagram page - see PS for instructions - we'll send you something special to say thank you!
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
How to leave an rating/review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS device)
1. Open the Podcasts app. EASY.
2. Choose "Search" from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (i.e., "Recover Like A Mother") into the search field.
3. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes).
4. Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews.
5. Click "Write a Review" underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale, and write a review (you can rate without writing, too but it's always good to read your experience).
 

Sobriety Myths with the late Eusebius McKaiser

I’m recording this exactly a year after the death Eusebius McKaiser died at the tragically young age of 44.
He was a national treasure for South Africans – an author, a journalist and broadcaster.  One of the smartest public intellects in the country he was a fierce defender of truth and justice as many politicians found out to their cost!
He was also a warm and generous friend.So instead of the planned episode I wanted to say a few words about my friend Eusebius and re-release one of the podcast interviews he did for Tribe Sober.
The story starts back in 2001 when I relocated from the UK to SA.  I started to watch national tv, trying to get my bearings in this beautiful and complex country.  I spotted Eusebius on a talk show and was impressed. I read a couple of his books and listened to him on the radio.  I discovered he’d been to Oxford University on a scholarship and had won a global award as a Debating Champion.
I first met him in person more than a decade ago…
Ironically I was drunk at the time!
We were at the Franschhoek Literary Festival where I’d been drinking wine most of the day.  This didn’t stop me dragging Long Suffering Husband to the Elephant and Barrel Pub in the evening. 
I spotted Eusebius in the bar.  He was with deep in conversation and I didn’t want to interrupt.  
However husband knew I was a fan and he nudged me towards him – not quite sure what Eusebius thought about this drunken Brit lurching at him but he was very kind.
For obvious reasons I don’t remember much about that conversation but that was the evening that our unlikely but enduring friendship was born.
I finally ditched the booze in 2015 and set up Tribe Sober.  Eusebius signed up for our Dry January Challenge and one of the mailers included my Goodbye to Alcohol letter – he asked me to come to Cape Talk and read it out on his Show.
So I did and we got plenty of calls from people who knew they needed to say Goodbye to Alcohol.  I’ll put a link to that radio program in the shownotes. 
Apart from reading my letter we raised more than R10,000 for Earthchild within 30 minutes.  Just like me he loved the work done by NGO Earthchild and for the last 8 years he helped me to fundraise more than R300,000  which enabled more than 1000 underprivileged children to get a year of yoga and lifeskill classes.
 I then became a regular on his show and many of our current and past members found us via Eusebius.  He loved the work we did at Tribe Sober and often promoted us on his social media.
He came to two of our workshops in Joburg.  The first one as a participant and the second one as my co-facilitator. 
We looked out for each other - he coached me to be a better speaker on the radio and I convinced him to start his own podcast when he left Cape Talk. 
Have a listen to this episode we recorded about 18 months ago
In this Episode
The sober curious movement is growing – we have an endless variety of AF drinks, many online sobriety groups and even our own magazine Hola Sober.
Eusebius believes that people should be free to make “bad choices” in life but did agree with me that education is important. Alcohol is a legal drunk which damages our health and drinkers need to be aware of that.
When tobacco advertising was banned the information about the link with lung cancer was all over the media – if alcohol advertising was banned we would hear a lot more in the media about the link between alcohol and 7 different types of cancer.
Women need to know that drinking more than 3 glasses of wine a week will raise their breast cancer risk by 15%
We tackled a couple of sobriety myths – first of all the myth that we can’t have fun without alcohol – the truth is that once you have navigated those early difficult months of sobriety then it’s easy to have fun without booze – and lovely not to have to pay the price of a hangover the next day! Our subconscious minds have been convinced by a combination of marketing and peer pressure that we need alcohol to enjoy ourselves – to deprogram this thinking we need to spend a few months socialising without alcohol – its not easy but treat it as a challenge and you will get there – your subconscious will eventually get it!
The second myth we busted was the myth that we need the buzz of booze to be creative – Eusebius wrote some of his early essays when on his way down from heavy drinking sessions but feels he has done some of his best writing since he’s been sober.
We talked about the social pressure to drink which is relentless and hard to cope with when we are in the early stages of sobriety – alcohol really is the only drug we have to justify NOT taking
That’s why CHALLENGES are so great – especially our January Challenge – we can just say “I’m raising money for charity by doing a Dry January” – nobody can really argue with that one!
We get more confident dealing with peer pressure to drink as time goes by and eventually many of us are proud of our sobriety and eager to talk about it!
Eusebius always maintains that it’s not our responsibility to make other people feel comfortable about their drinking and is quite happy to be rude to people who interrogate him about his sobriety!
We talked about dependency and I explained that I didn’t even realise what trouble I was in until I tried to cut down – and couldn’t. 
That’s another reason challenges are great – its an opportunity to test your dependency – if you can get through a month without booze easily then you are fine – if not then you may need to make some changes!
Do a challenge at least twice a year to keep your eye on your level of dependence.
A challenge is also useful if you want to cut down your drinking – low risk levels are just one and a half bottles of wine a week (or 6 beers) – so do a challenge, have a month off the booze and then it will be easier to reset your drinking pattern.
Eusebius stressed that the Earthchild project helps children to find a moment of peace in their difficult lives. Yoga may be perceived as a middle class pastime but in fact the postures and the breathing bring a sense of calm to children who grow up surrounded by gang violence and poverty.
We concluded with a few tips and benefits of sobriety:-
Eusebius main benefit which he wasn’t even expecting has been the time he has regained now he no longer drinks – he loves getting up early at the weekend and getting on with his day
His tip was to stock up on AF drinks – Dry January Challengers get a discount from DN.co.za
My benefit was sleep – as drinkers we get only 2 cycles of REM sleep (we need 7) – over the years we build up a permanent sense of fatigue if we drink – even a month off the booze will boost our energy levels
My tip was to find your people – its very hard to change your drinking alone so join tribe sober!
So I do hope we have inspired you to sign up for the January Challenge 
If you are listening to this and it's not January don't worry - we've got you covered - all you need to do is to go to our tribesober.com and hit Join Our Tribe and we'll put you on our 30 day starter challenge for new members.
More info
Subscription membership for Tribe Sober join up HERE
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If you would like a free copy of our "Annual Tracker" or our e-book "66 Days to Sobriety" please email janet@tribesober.com
If you would like to come to our Saturday afternoon Zoom Cafe as a guest and meet our community just email janet@tribesober.com
Episode Sponsor
          This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.             If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then  sign up today          Read more about our program and subscribe HERE
   
 
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