Sisters In Sobriety

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined once again by Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the transformative Truce with Food program. Ali’s approach integrates emotional storytelling to help people heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. A returning guest, Ali also hosts the popular podcast Insatiable, where she delves into the psychology of cravings and the broader narratives around food and body image. Today, Ali, Sonia, and Kathleen tackle timely topics around food, belonging, and self-awareness during the holiday season.How do cultural narratives around food shape our holiday habits? Can traditions and modern health wisdom coexist? In this episode, Ali shares her insights on balancing enjoyment and nourishment during celebrations, navigating holiday pressures, and redefining emotional safety in family dynamics. With key questions like "What role does food play in our sense of connection?" and "How can we honor our health while participating in long-standing traditions?" this discussion offers a fresh perspective on holiday wellness.They get into actionable strategies for balancing blood sugar, managing holiday expectations, and identifying emotional triggers that lead to overeating. Key takeaways include understanding the physiological impact of food choices, the importance of timing meals to avoid cravings, and the role of belonging in emotional eating. With insights into how traditional cuisines naturally align with our seasonal needs, Ali provides a roadmap for mindful eating and resilience during this festive yet often challenging time.Ali opens up about her personal journey, including how family traditions like her grandmother’s fenugreek tea remain a source of comfort and connection. Through stories of her clients’ experiences, she illustrates the delicate balance of maintaining emotional intimacy while setting boundaries during the holidays. With heartfelt examples of how small, thoughtful shifts can transform holiday dynamics, this episode is a blend of practical advice and deep, personal reflection.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamped Highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction of Ali Shapiro and her work.[00:01:13] Overview of Ali's previous episodes and themes.[00:02:00] How cultural narratives around food have shifted over the decades.[00:03:23] Discussion of body positivity and the physiological effects of sugar.[00:05:02] Strategies for avoiding extreme diets and quick fixes.[00:06:23] How food symbolizes connection and emotional belonging.[00:07:10] Ali shares her grandmother’s fenugreek tea tradition.[00:09:27] Reconciling cultural food traditions with modern health narratives.[00:11:24] The importance of meal timing and balanced blood sugar.[00:12:50] Managing holiday expectations and body image pressures.[00:15:24] How to discern personal values for the holiday season.[00:16:49] Connecting food and movement to resilience and mood.[00:19:13] Recognizing physiological feedback from food choices.[00:20:18] Differentiating “waves of belonging” and building emotional safety.[00:22:40] Client stories: Finding connection amidst family challenges.[00:24:51] Holding emotional complexity: Flexibility in relationships.[00:26:22] Reflections on the Tao Te Ching and embracing adaptability.[00:27:00] Cultivating self-authored belonging and emotional capacity.[00:28:30] The role of compassion in breaking generational patterns.[00:29:00] Closing remarks and teaser for part two.LinksGet In Touch With Ali - Stop the quick fix cycle (free session!)Free breakfast experimentTruce with Food group programSisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcastKathleen’s Instagram

Mocktail Hour is back! In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are helping you navigate the world of non-alcoholic beverages with their honest review of St. Agrestis mocktails, including the Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso. They’ll roll up their sleeves, sip, critique, and share their favorites, all while keeping things fun and relatable.Ever wondered how the Phony Negroni stacks up against its alcoholic counterpart? Or what makes Amaro Falso a wintery, herbal delight? Sonia and Kathleen dive into the flavor profiles, discuss pairings, and tease out the differences in mouthfeel and aftertaste. They’ll answer questions like: How does the bitterness compare? Can these mocktails hold their own as aperitifs or digestifs? And most importantly, are they worth a spot in your fridge?This episode is packed with insights for the sober-curious and mocktail enthusiasts alike. You’ll learn about the perfect pairings, creative additions to elevate the drinks, and whether these options are right for your next dinner party or cozy night in. Sonia and Kathleen leave no bottle uncorked, providing a thorough breakdown that’s as entertaining as it is educational.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamps:00:00:00 – Mocktail Hour kicks off with Sonia and Kathleen’s signature honesty.00:01:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and its origins.00:02:05 – First impressions: color, smell, and initial taste test.00:03:00 – Breaking down the flavor: juniper berry notes and orange peel accents.00:04:00 – Discussing how the Phony Negroni feels like a “sophisticated” drink.00:05:00 – Ideal serving occasions for the Phony Negroni.00:05:54 – Rating the Phony Negroni on a scale of 1 to 10.00:06:00 – Introduction to St. Agrestis Amaro Falso and its unique qualities.00:06:42 – Flavor comparison: herbal and citrus notes of Amaro Falso.00:07:22 – Sonia experiments by adding ginger ale to Amaro Falso.00:08:20 – Describing Amaro Falso as a wintery, moody drink.00:09:00 – Aesthetic appeal: the elegant design of the St. Agrestis bottles.00:09:28 – Rating the Amaro Falso and who might enjoy it.00:10:14 – Comparing aftertastes and complexity between the two drinks.00:10:40 – Sonia reflects on mocktails mimicking alcoholic beverages.00:11:00 – Kathleen shares how the Phony Negroni evokes gin nostalgia.00:11:20 – Head-to-head verdict: Phony Negroni wins as a pre-dinner favorite.00:11:40 – Amaro Falso as a digestif: best for post-dinner sipping.00:12:00 – Plans to explore more of St. Agrestis’ non-alcoholic offerings.00:12:12 – Closing thoughts and a thank-you to listeners.LinksSt Agrestis Beverages Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcastKathleen’s Instagram4o

The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a time of joy and celebration, it often presents unique challenges for those navigating sobriety. In this week's episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. From grief and estrangement to social pressures, they’re sharing heartfelt insights and actionable strategies to help you find peace and joy in a potentially stressful season.What makes the holidays so difficult for those on a sobriety journey? Is it the abundance of alcohol at every gathering? The intricate family dynamics? Or the emotional weight of grief and estrangement? Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into these questions, exploring everything from setting boundaries and managing triggers to the emotional labor that often falls on one person in a family. This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you feel supported and prepared.Sonia and Kathleen talk about recognizing and managing emotional triggers, practicing gratitude to combat feelings of isolation, and creating new traditions to honor lost loved ones while finding moments of joy. They'll also discuss the importance of self-compassion, realistic expectations, and setting healthy boundaries to protect your peace during this busy time.Personal stories take center stage as Sonia and Kathleen share their experiences with estrangement, grief, and the holiday blues. From Kathleen’s first Christmas after her father’s passing to Sonia’s reflections on navigating family estrangement, these heartfelt anecdotes provide a relatable and comforting perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed or alone during the holidays.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamped Highlights[00:02:00] Sonia shares her love for Christmas and the traditions in Toronto.[00:03:10] Kathleen discusses the pressures and emotional triggers of the season.[00:03:52] Sonia opens up about grief, estrangement, and loneliness during the holidays.[00:05:30] Kathleen reflects on navigating the holidays after losing her father.[00:07:00] Honoring loved ones through traditions and memories.[00:08:48] Tips on avoiding perfectionism and setting realistic expectations.[00:10:12] Sonia explains how journaling and therapy help with estrangement.[00:12:05] Practical advice for setting boundaries during family gatherings.[00:15:00] Comparing estrangement stories to highlight shared struggles.[00:16:28] Kathleen shares her annual photo album tradition for year-end reflection.[00:18:55] How gratitude can transform holiday experiences.[00:20:25] Sonia recounts a tough holiday experience after her divorce.[00:23:30] Strategies for reconnecting or avoiding estranged family members.[00:25:43] Balancing hope and acceptance in family relationships.[00:28:09] Redefining family and creating values-driven holiday traditions.[00:30:10] Coping with holiday triggers and reframing difficult memories.[00:32:00] How to handle grief waves and their unpredictability.[00:34:25] Writing letters as a first step to reconnect with family.[00:37:15] Using humor and realistic expectations to navigate tough situations.[00:40:00] Lessons on navigating sobriety and growth through shared challenges.LinksSisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcastKathleen’s Instagram

Grief and sobriety—two paths that often intertwine yet feel isolating. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore how grief transforms when faced with the raw clarity of sobriety. Together, they share personal insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complex emotions of loss while staying grounded in recovery.How does grief feel when faced without substances? What misconceptions about grief might be holding you back? How can we better support others who are grieving in sobriety? From understanding anticipatory grief to exploring the nuances of conflicting emotions, Sonia and Kathleen tackle it all in today’s heartfelt discussion.They talk about:The myth of the "5 stages of grief" and why grief is non-linear.Recognizing and navigating anticipatory grief and cumulative grief.Practical self-care practices to stay emotionally healthy during grief, especially while sober.Why outward mourning and ongoing grief should be normalized.Sonia reflects on the surprising lessons from her divorce and how it continues to shape her sobriety journey. Kathleen opens up about the loss of her father, sharing moments of vulnerability and growth, including how she honors his memory through continuing bonds. Together, they reveal the healing power of connection, honesty, and allowing grief its space.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Highlights[00:01:00] Sonia and Kathleen introduce the topic of grief and sobriety.[00:02:02] "What does grief feel like when sober?" Sonia shares her thoughts on sitting with raw emotions.[00:03:31] Exploring what grief looks like versus societal expectations.[00:06:13] Sonia discusses the mindset shift of “the only way out is through.”[00:08:41] Kathleen opens up about the anticipatory grief she felt before her father’s passing.[00:10:54] Types of grief in sobriety: divorce, loss of identity, and cumulative grief.[00:13:00] Misconceptions about grief: Can you grieve someone still alive?[00:17:03] Kathleen’s strategies for emotional self-care during her grief journey.[00:20:03] Continuing bonds: How Kathleen honors her father’s memory.[00:21:12] Sonia reflects on grieving her old life and navigating uncertainty post-divorce.[00:25:13] "You don’t control life as much as you think," Kathleen shares hard-earned wisdom.[00:28:38] Sonia on self-imposed grief milestones and the challenges of “re-litigation.”[00:30:00] The spectrum of what is “normal” in grieving.[00:32:42] Healthy vs. unhealthy grieving: The role of substances and emotional numbing.[00:34:14] The stigma of mourning in Western cultures and its emotional impact.[00:36:00] Supporting someone grieving while sober: showing presence and offering practical help.[00:38:00] Sonia and Kathleen discuss holding space without pushing for "moving on."[00:39:24] The power of directly asking someone what support they need during grief.[00:41:00] Sonia and Kathleen reflect on lessons learned from grief and how to show up for others.LinksSisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)Kathleen’s Instagram