Sober Curious? How to Stop Drinking Without Being a Buzzkill with Nisha Patel

In My Non-Expert Opinion

Content provided by Chelsea Riffe. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chelsea Riffe or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

4M ago 1:17:17

MP3•Episode home

263: "You can make a choice and still want to do the other thing. It’s not going to be like, 'Oh, it's all gone. The desire is gone.' I think that’s also a misconception because I made this choice, that means I’m all okay with it. Well, no, there are still parts of it that were fun, even though the majority of it was not fine. Let’s be honest here." — Nisha Patel

In this episode, Chelsea sits down with transformative Sobriety Coach and Licensed Counselor Nisha Patel to discuss the complexities of sobriety, especially in a booze-heavy culture where drinking is deeply ingrained in socializing, dating, and celebrating. They tackle everything from the emotional and psychological rollercoasters going sober puts you on, dodging relentless peer pressure, retooling relationships, and proving that you can have a blast without ever reaching for a drink.

Snippets from the episode:

If you’re in a business dinner or a social event, you don’t have to announce your sobriety to the world. You can just say, ‘I’m on a health kick,’ or ‘I don’t feel like drinking tonight.’ You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

If someone is really pushing back on your choice not to drink, I’d throw it back on them—‘Why does my decision make you so uncomfortable?’ Often, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.

Dating sober is comical. You start realizing how much alcohol was masking genuine compatibility—or the lack of it. And yes, sober sex is different, but it’s also deeper and more connected.

Celebration doesn’t have to mean alcohol. It could mean buying yourself your favorite dark chocolate, hosting a themed dinner with friends, or just sitting in gratitude and acknowledging your success.

If you’re judging people who are drinking, ask yourself: What about their behavior is triggering me? Sometimes, it’s not judgment—it’s just recognizing a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown.

Sobriety is not about deprivation; it’s about clarity, self-discovery, and r

Digital detox? Creative sabbatical? The 9-grid takeover? If you're burned out on the insatiable content monster aka social media, there's a better way: pitching yourself. Podcasts don't disappear in 24 hours; they work while you sleep, converting listeners into superfans. Applications open mid-June for Pitch Perfect's fall 2025 cohort. Get on the waitlist HERE to be the first to know when they drop!

Connect with Chelsea:

💻 Website

🎤 1:1 Podcast Coaching

🎙 Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop!

📲 Instagram 📲

✈️ Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seats

🔗 Pitch Perfect is coming back late Fall 2025. Get on the waitlist here!

👀 Ready to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE.

☎️ Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠.

🫶 Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency.

🙌🏼 Want to contribute to IMNEO to show your appreciation (and keep us going?) Click HERE

286 episodes

#Chelsea Riffe #Entrepreneur #Business