202 - Don't let your sobriety get STALE

202 - Don't let your sobriety get STALE

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This chat between host Tom Conrad and long-time friend and colleague Benjamin B zeroes in on a problem many people don’t expect: what happens when sobriety starts to feel a bit stale. Aimed at people with some sober time under their belt, this episode looks at the quiet dangers of complacency.

Ben talks about hitting 11 years sober and suddenly facing a new challenge: trying to keep his recovery first while being a present husband and dad.

He even shares how he recently said no to a speaking commitment for the first time in 11 years because, as his wife pointed out, “you’re going to be gone four nights this week.” Tom balances that with his own story of easing off meetings, building a career and family, and then slowly finding his way back to a regular home group.

Both of them stress that long-term sobriety doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, but losing touch with recovery altogether is a serious warning sign. You’ll hear plenty of practical ideas: keeping some service going, staying connected to sober people, and treating fitness and food as part of mental health, not just body image.

Ben jokes that he’s got a “survival kit” of quick, cheap, reasonably healthy food in his office, while Tom admits that a box of Oreos is still a genuine battle. They also highlight the value of ongoing therapy and honest communication with partners, especially around time spent on meetings, work, and self-care. As Tom puts it, “stale sobriety is not worth having,” and the whole conversation circles back to one big theme: balance.

If your recovery feels flat or overloaded, this episode may get you asking the right questions and trying a few fresh moves to keep your sobriety alive and active.