In this heartfelt episode of Mindful Sobriety, Jane sits down with the radiant Mel Warrener to explore her powerful and personal path to alcohol-free living. Mel opens up about her earliest memories with alcohol, the moment she knew something had to change, and the beautiful unfolding of her life in sobriety. They talk about the ripple effects of healing—how her family relationships shifted, how she reconnected with her true self, and how she's now supporting other women through coaching. Her story is a testament to the power of community, the necessity of self-awareness, and the truth that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Whether you're sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or deep into your journey, Mel’s insight will meet you where you are—with empathy, grace, and a whole lot of encouragement.

💡 Takeaways from Our Conversation:

• Mel’s wake-up call came with a simple truth: “I can’t live like this anymore.”
• She found strength and solace in a community of women who got it.
• Sobriety was her turning point—and everything changed from there.
• Self-awareness became her superpower in understanding her patterns.
• Life after alcohol brought her clarity, deeper relationships, and purpose.
• A strong toolkit of coping skills helps her navigate triggers and tough days.
• Her family life shifted in the best ways once she embraced sobriety.
• Mel reminds us that connection is the antidote—we’re not meant to do this alone.
• Ongoing growth and healing are part of the journey—there’s no finish line.
• Her story proves that it's never too late to choose joy, presence, and freedom.

🔖 Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Mindful Sobriety
02:16 – Mel’s Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
10:41 – Family Dynamics Before & After Sobriety
16:32 – The Moment Everything Changed
22:22 – Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
29:22 – Finding Support in Community
30:32 – A Life Transformed
33:39 – Rediscovering Who She Is Without Alcohol
36:17 – Confidence, Courage, and Change
39:15 – The Ripple Effects on Family
43:46 – Redefining Relationships Through a Sober Lens
49:19 – Joy, Peace, and Presence
53:17 – Awareness, Growth, and the Power of Connection
01:00:12 – Wrapping Up

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Meet Mel!

Mel is a former daily wine drinker turned alcohol-free coach who helps women break free from alcohol and navigate life after drinking to build a life they truly want and love.

Once stuck in a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and feeling controlled by wine, Mel believed she had entered her era of decline—lacking ambition and resigned to a life where alcohol played a central role. But everything changed.

Now, Mel craves adventure, connection, and community. She has emerged from the grip of alcohol as a powerful, accountable woman who no longer needs alcohol to cope. Her lived experience fuels her coaching, where she supports women through every stage of alcohol-free living—whether they’re just curious, taking a break, or quitting for good.

Mel guides her clients to see, feel, and hear what life without alcohol can be—because it’s not just possible, it’s incredible.

If you're ready to live with freedom, a fresh outlook, and the energy to create a life you truly love, Mel is here to help.

Mel's favorite inspirational reads:

The Well Lived Life by Gladys McGarey, MD
Any book by Brene Brown

Wisdom at Work by Chip Conley – How to reinvent the second half of your career.
The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burchard

Book yourself solid – Michael Port. – A great book for anyone going into a service-based business.

Connect with Mel on Instagram
or find her at https://www.melwarrener.com.au/

In this conversation, Suzie Jary shares her journey from a career in dance to becoming a licensed clinical social worker, emphasizing the importance of community, spirituality, and personal growth in recovery. She discusses her experiences in the theater, the role of sobriety in her professional life, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Suzie also reflects on the challenges of acceptance and loss, the power of self-inquiry, and the hope that comes from resilience in recovery.

• Suzie's journey into social work was influenced by her personal experiences with addiction.
• Community and support are crucial in the recovery process.
• Sobriety can coexist with a fulfilling professional life in creative fields.
• Education plays a vital role in becoming a licensed counselor.
• Spirituality can be a guiding force in recovery.
• Different recovery paths work for different individuals.
• Acceptance of loss is a significant part of healing.
• Self-inquiry and humility are essential for personal growth.
• Hope and resilience are key themes in recovery.
• Finding the right community can make a significant difference in one's journey.

• "Go where it's warm."
• "I always was seeking that."
• "I didn't get my way."

Have you ever received frightening news from your doctor?

Did it spur you into action?

Today Jane sits down with alcohol-free speaker, podcaster and life coach Melissa McGovern, also known as The Sober New Yorker, to share her transformative journey from gray area drinking to a vibrant, alcohol-free life. Melissa opens up about how grief and personal loss influenced her drinking habits, the pivotal moment when a doctor’s warning about her liver health became a wake-up call, and the profound changes she experienced after choosing sobriety.

The conversation explores the power of community in sobriety, the unexpected joys of traveling alcohol-free, and the ways in which quitting drinking has strengthened her relationships—including her marriage. Melissa emphasizes the importance of trusting the process, seeking support, and embracing the possibility of a life richer and more fulfilling than she ever imagined.

This episode offers inspiration and encouragement for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or seeking a fresh perspective on what’s possible in an alcohol-free life.

TAKEAWAYS

• Sobriety is not just about quitting drinking; it's about reclaiming your life.
• Loss and grief can significantly impact drinking habits.
• Community support is crucial in the journey to sobriety.
• Health warnings can serve as a wake-up call for change.
• An alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to improved physical health.
• Building alcohol-free friendships can create deeper connections.
• Traveling sober can enhance experiences and connections with others.
• It's important to trust your future self in the journey of sobriety.
• Embracing sobriety can strengthen relationships and improve family dynamics.
• Finding joy and fulfillment in life is possible without alcohol.

WHAT WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introduction to the Alcohol-Free Journey
03:03 Living in New York City: A Unique Perspective
05:41 The Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
08:10 The Impact of the Pandemic on Drinking Habits
10:51 Facing Loss and Its Consequences
13:43 Turning Point: A Decision for Change
16:19 Seeking Help and Medical Guidance
19:06 The Road to Recovery and Transformation
21:52 Finding Purpose and Motivation
24:25 Honoring a Friend's Memory Through Change
26:04 Embracing a New Life After Alcohol
27:09 Finding Community and Empowerment
29:20 The Depth of Alcohol-Free Friendships
30:27 The Journey to Sobriety: Timing and Acceptance
31:29 The Power of Social Media in Sobriety
32:23 Building New Habits and Routines
33:49 Empowerment in Midlife: A New Perspective
35:46 Healing Through Retreats and Travel
41:43 Marriage and Relationships in Sobriety
47:17 Advice to My Younger Self

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Learn More About Melissa!

Melissa considered herself a classic gray area drinker who from the outside seemed to have it all together. Her drinking ramped up in the pandemic when she lost her best friend and a routine visit to the doctor revealed some startling blood test results. She decided to turn her setback into a comeback, ditched the booze, made drastic behavioral changes and completely turned around her health in just three short months. She felt so good that she kept going and today she is a certified alcohol free mindset coach helping women like herself make the badass choice to live and thrive in an alcohol free life. She has made NYC her home for the last 30 years and now proudly goes by the title "The Sober New Yorker". When she isn't helping revolutionize the world, you can find her taking in a Broadway show, walking in Riverside Park, or spending time with her two grown children and husband John.

Connect with Melissa on Instagram @thesobernewyorker or find her at thesobernewyorker.com!

recovery, addiction, personal journey, mental health, sobriety, alcohol, hope, support, resilience, transformation

In this episode, Brian McManus shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. He discusses his early life, the normalization of alcohol in his family, and the gradual realization of his unhealthy relationship with drinking. Brian recounts the downward spiral that led him to a dark place, contemplating suicide, and ultimately seeking help. His recovery journey, marked by courage and support, transformed his life, allowing him to help others facing similar struggles. Brian emphasizes the importance of hope, community, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety while navigating life's difficulties.

Takeaways

• Brian's early life was steeped in a culture of alcohol.
• He recognized his unhealthy relationship with alcohol during college.
• The normalization of drinking in society can obscure the severity of addiction.
• Brian's turning point came when he contemplated suicide.
• Seeking help was a courageous step in his recovery journey.
• 12-step recovery provided a sense of community and support.
• Brian's experience in prison was a pivotal moment for his recovery.
• He found purpose in helping others struggling with addiction.
• Recovery is an ongoing process that requires resilience and support.
• Brian emphasizes the importance of hope and the ability to change.

"I crossed that line." "I can recognize that today." "I was given a second chance."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Brian McManus and His Journey

04:53
Early Life and Relationship with Alcohol

09:34
The Turning Point: Recognizing Problematic Drinking

15:55
The Descent: Consequences of Alcoholism

22:05
The Road to Recovery Begins

27:54
Life After Recovery: New Beginnings

33:49
Reflections on Recovery and Hope

35:20
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35:31
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In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica shares her journey through addiction, domestic violence, and recovery. She reflects on her childhood, the search for acceptance, and the impact of her relationships. Jessica discusses the turning points in her life, including the loss of loved ones and the realization of her need for change. Her story highlights the importance of gratitude, support, and resilience in the recovery process, ultimately leading to a renewed sense of purpose and connection with her son.

recovery, addiction, domestic violence, gratitude, childhood, motherhood, mental health, personal growth, resilience, coaching

• Proud of small accomplishments in recovery.
• Gratitude plays a crucial role in recovery.
• Childhood experiences shape our self-worth.
• The search for acceptance can lead to unhealthy choices.
• Domestic violence often intertwines with addiction.
• Loss can be a powerful motivator for change.
• Support systems are vital in recovery.
• Gratitude can be found in the smallest things.
• Motherhood can be a driving force for recovery.
• The journey of recovery is ongoing and transformative.

00:00
Finding Gratitude in Recovery

03:05
The Journey of a Recovery Coach

05:38
Childhood Reflections and Their Impact

08:22
The Struggles of Early Relationships

10:44
The Descent into Addiction

13:20
The Cycle of Abuse and Addiction

15:35
The Reality of Trafficking

18:09
The Loss of a Guiding Light

20:35
The Turning Point: Seeking Help

23:01
The Complexity of Domestic Violence

25:29
The Search for Identity and Acceptance

28:06
A New Chapter: Reaching Out to Family

29:51
Navigating Domestic Violence and Its Consequences

33:59
The Aftermath of Loss and Guilt

37:17
Turning Point: The Decision to Change

42:59
The Journey to Recovery and Reunification

47:45
Building a New Life in Sobriety

51:09
Finding Gratitude and Purpose in Pain

51:10
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51:21
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In this conversation, Jane and Amanda explore the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth during sobriety. They discuss the challenges of navigating unhealthy relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of authentic communication. The conversation emphasizes the significance of emotional safety, self-reflection, and the journey towards empowerment. They also touch on the importance of showing up for loved ones and finding balance in life, especially as they continue their sobriety journey.

Takeaways

• Sobriety can bring old family dynamics to the surface.
• Setting boundaries is essential for emotional safety.
• Self-reflection helps in understanding relationship patterns.
• Authentic communication can lead to healing.
• It's important to prioritize emotional safety over pleasing others.
• Recognizing unhealthy patterns can empower change.
• Showing up for loved ones is a powerful act of love.
• Emotional safety is crucial for personal well-being.
• Finding balance in life is key to maintaining relationships.
• We are not destined to repeat negative patterns from our past.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Family Dynamics in Sobriety
06:53 Empowerment and Leadership in Relationships
13:21 The Power of Clarifying Communication
16:07 Letting Go of Unhealthy Patterns
21:58 Finding Your People and Authentic Connections
28:42 Communicating Boundaries and Reality
31:07 The Importance of Emotional Safety
34:34 Understanding Nervous System Responses
38:12 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Reflection
40:06 The Power of Showing Up
47:23 Attunement and Parenting
50:21 Balancing Work and Family Life

We're shaking things up with Season 2 and we want your input!! Send us your questions and we'll be sure to give our two cents in our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' Episode! Submit your questions (or comments) here!

Are you inspired by what you've been learning on Mindful Sobriety The Podcast? We'd love the opportunity to meet you in person at one of our upcoming retreats! Snag one of the last spots for Living Your Purpose: Simplified Bali Retreat with Jane and Retreat Pura Vida Costa Rica with Amanda! Message us for more details or secure your spot today!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for YOUR support!

Sending love from your Mindful Sobriety Co-Hosts,
Jane and Amanda

Keywords

recovery, addiction, support systems, prison, personal growth, mental health, overcoming adversity, stigma, counseling, rehabilitation

In this episode, Amanda interviews LaTasha Cue, a recovery coach who shares her personal story of Darkness to Destiny. LaTasha spends her time advocating for those who are not yet willing to advocate for themselves, coaching clients and breaking the stigma around addiction. LaTasha is vulnerable in the most beautiful & healing way possible and a powerful leader in our community. She emphasizes the need for compassion, hope and understanding in the rehabilitation process and offers advice for those struggling with addiction. LaTasha has a heart of gold and a brilliant mind. She has a masters degree in mental health and after sitting for her upcoming exam, will be a licensed addiction counselor.

Takeaways

• LaTasha emphasizes the importance of support systems for individuals released from prison.
• She shares her traumatic experiences in prison and the lasting impact on her mental health.
• LaTasha highlights the stigma faced by those with felony records and the need for societal change.
• She discusses her journey of personal growth and education after prison.
• LaTasha's determination to prove doubters wrong fuels her passion for helping others.
• She encourages individuals struggling with addiction to focus on one day at a time.
• LaTasha believes that many return to prison due to lack of support and opportunities.
• She stresses the importance of compassion in the rehabilitation process.
• LaTasha aims to become a certified substance abuse counselor to help others.
• She shares her vision for a future where stigma is reduced and support is increased.

titles

• From Prison to Purpose: LaTasha's Journey
• Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Addiction and Stigma

Sound Bites

• "I would never come back."
• "It's not, it's actually making it worse."
• "I got my license, yes, I got my license."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Background

02:43
Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

05:32
Life After Prison: Challenges and Triumphs

07:56
The Importance of Support Systems

10:44
Overcoming Stigmas and Building a Future

13:33
Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction

18:17
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18:28
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