Best High Functioning Alcoholic Podcasts (2025)

1
Craving Love, Not Wine: Reframing Addiction With Dr. Donna Marks 48:23

1d ago48:23

48:23

What if every addiction—whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or even your phone—is actually a substitute for love? In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with the wise and wonderfully candid Dr. Donna Marks. She’s a psychotherapist, addictions counselor, educator, and author with 30+ years of experience helping people find free…

1
Inside ‘The Telepathy Tapes’: Creator Ky Dickens Reveals The Extraordinary Story Behind The Podcast Sensation 2:00:15

1d ago2:00:15

2:00:15

Ky Dickens is the award-winning filmmaker behind "The Telepathy Tapes," the viral podcast phenomenon. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodiversity and consciousness as Ky shares her journey documenting non-speaking autistic individuals with apparent telepathic abilities. We discuss her transformation from pragmatic skeptic to someo…

1
E277: Being Willing to Start is the Hardest Part (“The Work”) 20:54

4d ago20:54

20:54

I thought getting sober was the end of the story. I did it, I succeeded, now life will be amazing forever. But the parade never came. Instead, I started to get uncomfortable and notice patterns in my behavior that I didn’t like, and without alcohol around, I couldn’t unsee it. This is where a lot of people fall off. Their work begins to show up, it…

1
What Most People Get Wrong About “Normal” Drinking 10:39

5d ago10:39

10:39

Think binge drinking means blacking out? Not quite. In this episode, we unpack the real definitions of moderate, binge, and high-intensity drinking—why the lines are easier to cross than you think, and what it means for your health (without the guilt). Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day tria…

1
The Modern Elder: Chip Conley On Reframing Midlife, Cultivating True Wisdom & Finding Purpose In Life's Second Half 2:05:30

5d ago2:05:30

2:05:30

Chip Conley is a hospitality maverick, founder of Modern Elder Academy, and the entrepreneurial sage who helped transform Airbnb from a startup to a global phenomenon. This conversation explores midlife as a chrysalis rather than a crisis—a transformative journey from ego to soul. Chip illuminates the path from horizontal achievement to vertical gr…

1
The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love with Alida Flannery 18:48

6d ago18:48

18:48

What really happens when you start dating sober? Sonia sits down with Alida Flannery, a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, founder of Epiphany Recovery, and co-founder of the women’s sober collective SOULBRIETY. Alida opens up about navigating love and relationships without alcohol—and let’s just say, her first sober date included dogs, a hike, an…

1
Muscle Analytics for Human Performance w/ Dr. Doug Goldstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #795 52:27

6d ago52:27

52:27

Founder, Altitude Performance & Measured Motion Former two‑sport collegiate athlete turned board‑certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Goldstein blends lab‑grade muscle science with hands‑on care. After earning his DPT from the University of Colorado and completing both an orthopedic residency and fellowship, he launched Altitude Performance, a conc…

1
Should You Quit or Cut Back? 7:50

8d ago7:50

7:50

Wondering if you should quit drinking or just cut back? You’re not the only one. In this episode, we explore why the goal you choose doesn’t have to be forever—and how giving yourself room to adjust might be the key to actually moving forward. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Lis…

1
Why Moderation Didn’t Work (Twice) With Chris Janssen 46:55

8d ago46:55

46:55

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Chris Janssen—board-certified coach, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, and all-around powerhouse when it comes to helping high-achieving women let go of shame and perfectionism and finally get free. Chris doesn’t just coach people through sobriety and m…

1
Beyond 10% Happier: Dan Harris On Meditation As A Superpower, Transforming Anxiety, & Finding Peace In Uncertain Times 1:58:19

8d ago1:58:19

1:58:19

Dan Harris is the former ABC News anchor whose on-air panic attack catalyzed his transformation from skeptical journalist to meditation ambassador. This conversation explores Dan’s journey with meditation—from stress management tool to profound inquiry into consciousness and uncertainty. We discuss his practice evolving far beyond his bestselling b…

1
Physiology Friday: [Inflammation] The Surprising Link Between Nutrition, Muscle, and Inflammation w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner 51:56

11d ago51:56

51:56

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is inflammation why does your body have it How inflammation can improve performance The difference between Good and Bad inflammation Proper ways to reduce inflammation What is Chronic vs. Acute Inflammation Work with RAPID Health Optimization Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson o…

1
E276: A Burst of Mental Clarity at 60 Days Sober (Cognitive Healing) 26:25

11d ago26:25

26:25

Many people experience a noticeable shift in mental clarity around 60 days sober. When it happened to me I felt like I was waking up from a long dream and I could finally use my brain again. This may feel like being present, having patience, better focus and attention, improved memory, and reduced mental clutter. In this episode, I’ll explain how a…

1
High-Functioning, Low Satisfaction 9:18

12d ago9:18

9:18

You’re doing fine. Life looks good on paper. But something about your drinking still feels... off. That’s what I call high-functioning, low-satisfaction—when alcohol isn’t wrecking anything, but it’s quietly getting in the way of feeling like yourself. In this episode, we talk about what it means to live in the middle, why this space is so common, …

1
The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love with Hilary Sheinbaum 14:24

13d ago14:24

14:24

She’s back! 🚨 In this bite-sized bonus episode, we welcome newlywed and sober lifestyle expert Hilary Sheinbaum—the brilliant mind behind GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge and Going Dry: A Workbook—for our new series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love. We hit her with 10 juicy questions about sober dating, first-time sober sex, r…

1
Living Alcohol Free w/ James Swanwick, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #794 56:50

13d ago56:50

56:50

Swanwick has worked as a print, TV and radio journalist. He began his career in 1993 as a reporter at The Courier-Mail in Brisbane, Australia. In 1996, Swanwick won the Queensland Media Award for his interview and exposé on Pauline Hanson, one of Australia’s most publicized and controversial political figures. Swanwick moved to London in 1999 where…

1
Why So Many Drinkers Still Say ‘It’s Fine’ (Even When It’s Not) 8:26

15d ago8:26

8:26

A recent Pew Research Center study found that 57% of drinkers in the U.S. believe their alcohol use doesn’t increase their risk of serious health problems—and only 15% say it’s caused any personal or social issues. But science tells a different story. In this episode, we break down the data, explore the psychology behind why so many people minimize…

1
Hypnotherapy for Habit Change with Silvia S. 35:14

15d ago35:14

35:14

Ever wish you had a reset button for your habits—and maybe your relationship with alcohol too? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are chatting with Silvia Subirana, a clinical psychologist and the Head of Content at MyDry30, an app that’s part sober-curious experiment, part life makeover. Silvia is here to share how MyDry30 …

1
Phil Stutz & Elise Loehnen Share Tools For Inner Well-being, How To Embrace Pain, Uncertainty & Constant Work As Divine Invitations, & Why Everything You’re Avoiding Will Transform Your Life 1:33:29

15d ago1:33:29

1:33:29

Phil Stutz is the legendary psychiatrist, author, and protagonist in the Netflix documentary “Stutz.” Alongside co-author and writer Elise Loehnen, they explore their new book “True & False Magic.” This conversation delves into “Part X”—the destructive force within us all—along with Universe 1 vs. Universe 2 thinking, and how pain, uncertainty, and…

1
Physiology Friday: [Cholesterol] How to Read Bloodwork for Lipids, Triglycerides, and Fatty Acids w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged 44:22

18d ago44:22

44:22

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: What are lipids What is cholesterol The difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol Why there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” cholesterol What are the bloodwork numbers for optimal cholesterol What is the perfect ratio of HDL and LDL Ratios for Triglycerides to HDL for optimal health Mechani…

1
E275: 3 Ways Alcohol Damages the Heart and How to Have Good Heart Health in Sobriety 25:55

18d ago25:55

25:55

Alcohol damages every area of the body, but in this episode we are focusing on the heart. I’ll explain 3 ways that alcohol damages the heart, how the heart heals after we get sober, and 5 things you can do to have good heart health moving forward. What to listen to next: E232: The 3am Wake Up E266: Can You Drink After Taking a Break? E268: Is Moder…

1
How Much Can You Drink and Still Be Improving? 10:12

19d ago10:12

10:12

You’re already on the path—tracking, planning, and drinking more mindfully. But what’s a good goal? How much is too much? In this episode, we reverse-engineer your ideal drinking habits based on your personal goals—whether it’s health, focus, energy, or showing up better in relationships. You’ll get clear on what “improving” actually looks like for…

1
Power, Property, & Prestige: Kurt Sutter & Katey Sagal Share The Unfiltered Truth About Marriage, Recovery, Success Addiction & The Path Back To Purpose 2:07:31

19d ago2:07:31

2:07:31

Kurt Sutter and Katey Sagal are the Hollywood power couple behind “Sons of Anarchy,” numerous iconic performances, and hosts of the podcast “PIE.” This conversation strips bare the intoxicating trap of fame, the parallel paths that led them both to sobriety at 31, and the brutal honesty required to save their relationship when “money, property, and…

1
Building the Endurance Athlete w/ Javier Pineda, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #793 52:18

20d ago52:18

52:18

Javier Pineda, endurance coach at RAPID Health Optimization and founder of Endurance Cartel, empowers athletes and professionals to master strength and stamina. With ten Ironman triathlons and two Ironman 70.3 races under his belt, he’s a CHEK Practitioner with top-tier certifications and insights from various mentors across his career. At DBC Fitn…

1
10-Min Mondays: The Monday Mirror: Who Are You Showing Up As Today? 9:14

22d ago9:14

9:14

What if every Monday was more than just the start of a new week — what if it was a mirror? In this episode, we explore how to use the “Monday Mirror” to reset your identity, whether you’re picking yourself back up after a tough weekend or riding high on the momentum of progress. You’ll learn why your habits are casting votes for the kind of person …

1
Step Zero With Kaitlin Henry 53:23

22d ago53:23

53:23

On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Kaitlin Henry, wellness advocate and host of the Step Zero podcast, to bust the myth that you need to hit rock bottom before making a change. Kaitlin shares her story of choosing sobriety not from crisis but from clarity — and how her decision to quit drinking started with a juice cleanse…

1
Let Them Theory: Mel Robbins On Reclaiming Your Power, Finding Freedom In Letting Go & The Simple Tool That's Transforming Millions of Lives 1:54:47

22d ago1:54:47

1:54:47

Mel Robbins is a celebrated podcast host, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most sought-after experts in mindset and behavior change. This conversation explores the paradox at the heart of human suffering—that we exhaust ourselves trying to control the uncontrollable. Mel’s counterintuitive “Let Them Theory” offers a deceptively …

1
Physiology Friday: Managing Stress and Performance for Tactical Populations w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash 49:15

25d ago49:15

49:15

Mike Lane is a professor at eastern Kentucky university teaching in the parks, recreation, exercise, and sports science on the graduate and undergraduate level. His phd is in exercise physiology with an emphasis in muscle physiology. Currently he works with a variety of sports and tactical athletes and performs research tracking those athletes and …

1
E274: High Dopamine, Low Effort Behaviors and Making Sobriety Feel Less Hard 27:28

25d ago27:28

27:28

Your brain is wired for quick hits of dopamine, or high-reward, low-effort habits that feel good in the moment but sabotage your long-term goals. Over time, this conditions your brain to expect rewards without effort, making real change feel harder than it actually is. In this episode, I’ll explain how these patterns destroy motivation, fuel incons…

1
How Do We ‘Trust the Science’ in an Age of Misinformation? 45:41

26d ago45:41

45:41

Fueled by emotion-driven and easily shared social media, the current waves of online misinformation casting doubt on science have grown in size, frequency and intensity. This episode of Health Science Radio features two guests from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus who are passionate about preventing and reversing the trend: Aimee …

1
Protecting Your Brain As You Age w/ Thoryn Stephens 40:00

26d ago40:00

40:00

Today’s episode is a little different than some of our others—but I promise, it’s one you’ll want to stick around for. If you’ve ever dealt with brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or you’ve just found yourself wondering why don’t I feel like myself lately—this one’s for you. We’re talking with Thoryn Stephens, a biotech exec turned data scientist …

1
Heart Attack Awareness for Fit People w/ Joel Jamieson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #792 46:43

27d ago46:43

46:43

Joel Jamieson is widely considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on strength and conditioning for combat sports, having trained many of the sports best athletes since 2004. He is the author of the bestselling book Ultimate MMA Conditioning and is a contributing writer to several top magazines and a frequent guest speaker at conferences an…

1
10-Minute Mondays: Who Are You Without the Buzz? 9:00

29d ago9:00

9:00

Dry days can feel off—like you’re missing a part of yourself. Maybe you feel less social, less relaxed, or just not fully “you.” In this episode, we explore what’s really behind that feeling, and how to reconnect with the version of yourself you think alcohol brings out. You’ll walk away with a simple mindset shift and one actionable step to try th…

1
Menopause, Alcohol & Stigma with Sukhi Dhillon 37:58

29d ago37:58

37:58

Let’s be honest—perimenopause isn’t exactly a hot topic at dinner, and alcohol’s role in our lives (and cultures) is often more complicated than we realize. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is diving into both with the help of Sukhi Dhillon is a dental educator, mom of two, and the voice behind OneSikhMom on social media, where she use…

1
You Are Already Enough: Maria Shriver On Finding Your Voice, Healing After Heartbreak, Brain Health Advocacy, & The Power Of Self-Acceptance 1:53:57

29d ago1:53:57

1:53:57

Maria Shriver is a renowned journalist, Kennedy family scion, and award-winning advocate for women's brain health. This conversation explores the parasocial relationship between public figure and audience as Maria shares her authentic journey of self-discovery through poetry. We discuss her upbringing in America's political "royalty,&q…

1
Physiology Friday: [Recovery] How to Build a Resilient Physiology w/ Anders Varner Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged 48:51

1M ago48:51

48:51

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to define resilience Understanding psychology vs physiological resilience What are the biomarkers of resilience Cortisol wakening response and how it relates to stress response Is balance possible between stress and recovery How much stress can you body handle before physiology begins to br…

1
E273: How the Sober Brain Breaks Down Alcohol Associations (But They’ll Build Back Up if You Drink Again) 33:10

1M ago33:10

33:10

We believe alcohol is required for vacations, unwinding, dealing with stress, celebrating, and socializing. We have built up powerful associations in our brains to reinforce these beliefs through dopamine and repetition. After you get sober, facing life without alcohol can feel impossible. Everything reminds you of alcohol. You start to notice how …

1
How to Turn Excuses Into Wins 7:22

1M ago7:22

7:22

We’ve all made excuses to drink — “I deserve it,” “It’s just one,” “It’s the weekend,” “Everyone else is.” We also make excuses not to change — especially when life feels busy, stressful, or uncertain. In this episode, we flip that habit on its head. You’ll learn a simple mindset shift that helps you spot better reasons, take back control, and use …

1
ROLL ON 2025 So Far: Navigating Uncertainty, Getting Unstuck, Elmo, Psychedelics, ‘Adolescence’ & More 2:02:07

1M ago2:02:07

2:02:07

Roll On is back baby! Today Rich and Adam Skolnick catch up on the decade that is 2025. On tap is SXSW, Elmo, psychedelics, the LA fires, and practical strategies for navigating the turbulence of our current moment. They also go deep on the Netflix hit “Adolescence” and its many important themes, including the impact of social media on teenagers an…

1
10 Ways to Build Self-Respect on Your Mindful Drinking Journey 8:43

1M ago8:43

8:43

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 ways to build real self-respect while working on your relationship with alcohol. These aren’t about willpower or perfection — they’re about shifting your energy, your mindset, and the way you see yourself. Inspired by Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention, this is a more grounded, self-compassionate approach to change.…

1
Rowing for Fitness, Strength, and Sport w/ Shane Farmer, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #791 57:29

1M ago57:29

57:29

Shane Farmer is the founder of Dark Horse Rowing. He’s a rower, a 4X CrossFit Games athlete, former gym owner, Concept2 Master Instructor and has made his career de-mystifying rowing for non-rowers. He’s married with two kids and has 13 chickens and an orchard. He loves soil regeneration, permaculture, and testing himself regularly at new and inter…

1
How Does Cannabis Use Affect Brain Function? 28:43

1M ago28:43

28:43

As a teenager, Joshua Gowin, PhD, remembers sitting through DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) classes and watching those frying pan-focused public service announcements: “This is your brain on drugs.” Gowin, assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is the lead author on a recent study published in JAMA…

1
10-Minute Mondays: Do You Really Have an Addictive Personality? 6:48

1M ago6:48

6:48

You’ve probably asked yourself that question—or heard someone else say it like it’s a fact. But what if that belief is actually blocking your progress? In this episode, we unpack why labels like “alcoholic” or “addictive personality” might be doing more harm than good, and offer a new way to think about change that’s more honest, more doable, and a…

1
The Power of Chakras & Holistic Healing with Dr. Erica 42:50

1M ago42:50

42:50

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Dr. Erica Matluck, a holistic doctor, mother, and the creator of Seven Senses, a holistic framework for healing and transformation. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, family nurse practitioner, Reiki Master, and multidisciplinary yoga instructor, Dr. Matluck brings over t…

1
The Explorer's Gene: Alex Hutchinson On Humanity’s Drive To Seek The Unknown, The Science Of Uncertainty, & Why Effort Creates Meaning 2:24:47

1M ago2:24:47

2:24:47

Alex Hutchinson is a National Magazine Award-winning journalist, Cambridge-trained physicist, and bestselling author of “Endure” and “The Explorer’s Gene.” This conversation explores Alex’s transcendent perspective on our primordial drive to seek the unknown. We unpack his fascinating evolution from elite runner and NSA researcher to becoming the v…

1
Physiology Friday: [Body Transformation] Simple Strategies to Getting Shredded w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner 48:10

1M ago48:10

48:10

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Setting goals for physique transformation How long should you plan for a bulk and cut Strategies for building muscle on a bulk How to handle lagging body parts Time frame for cutting weight and getting shredded Being realistic on the amount of fat you truly need to lose Prep cycles for peak wee…

1
E272: 6 Habits That Make My Life Better 24:03

1M ago24:03

24:03

When we develop a problem with alcohol, it becomes the center of our lives and most or all decisions are made after taking alcohol into consideration. When you remove alcohol, there’s a big empty hole in your life. You can fill this hole with other substances, sex or relationships, gambling or shopping, sitting around sad, or you can make some chan…

1
How Does Alcohol Really Affect Your Mental Health? w/ Jason Kilmer 30:40

1M ago30:40

30:40

We all know alcohol and mental health are connected, but what does the science actually say? Dr. Jason Kilmer, a leading researcher from the University of Washington, joins us to break down how alcohol impacts anxiety, depression, sleep, and emotional regulation. We discuss why drinking to "take the edge off" often backfires, how alcohol myopia alt…

1
Introducing Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting: "Should I Talk with My Teens About My Own Mental Health Challenges?" 1:01:54

1M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Today I’m sharing an episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting hosted by Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena explore the topic of "Should I Talk with My Teens About My Own Mental Health Challenges?" Subscribe to Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Find out more about Voicing …

1
Pain Free Performance at All Ages w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #790 54:47

1M ago54:47

54:47

Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was un…

1
10-Minute Mondays: How to Hack the "Alcohol Effect" 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

In last week’s conversation with Dr. Jason Kilmer, we uncovered something shocking—most of what we think alcohol does for us isn’t actually caused by alcohol itself. We like to believe that drinking makes us more confident, social, and relaxed, but Jason’s research proves that our brains create these effects based on expectation, not the drink itse…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

High Functioning Alcoholic Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen