New Life, New You: Figuring Out Who You Are Sober
New Life, New You: Figuring Out Who You Are Sober

Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart Pushy Broad from the Bronx

That uncomfortable “Who am I now?” feeling might actually be your biggest opportunity. The Pushy Broad walks you through how to turn confusion into clarity and use this moment as a powerful turning point. We talk about shedding old labels, building...

InspiringSupportiveInformativeEncouragingHonest

26:41•10 Jun 2026

RSS Feed

New Life, New You: Figuring Out Who You Are Without Alcohol

Episode Overview

You don’t become a new person in sobriety; you’re the same person seeing more clearly, so start by listing your strengths, however small.
Focus on daily accountability, structure and balance to create simple, repeatable habits that keep recovery on track.
Let new purpose emerge from small actions such as hobbies, classes, volunteering and caring for your health, rather than chasing the next high.
Rebuild trust and relationships through consistent behaviour and responsibility, as actions speak louder than endless apologies.
Treat setbacks as information, looking calmly at what led up to them so you can adjust your plan instead of labelling yourself a failure.

“"You're the same person, but with a clearer map."”

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Here, Ellen Stewart, the Pushy Broad from the Bronx, talks straight to anyone feeling lost in early sobriety and wondering, "Who am I now?" Rather than lecturing, she answers real questions posed by her producer Jessica, keeping the pace lively, practical, and reassuring. A big theme is identity.

Ellen reminds people that, "You're the same person, but with a clearer map." Instead of imagining some totally new self, she suggests starting with a simple list of strengths – anything from "I am smart" to "I have white teeth" – to rebuild confidence bit by bit. You’ll hear a strong focus on daily structure.

Ellen boils it down to three words: "Accountability, structure, and balance." She explains how small wins like getting up, showering, and taking vitamins can be major momentum-builders in early recovery, even after 40 years sober herself. Purpose and values come next. She contrasts the old "purpose" of chasing the next drink or drug with new goals such as hobbies, volunteering, or investing in health.

Values like honesty, connection, and growth become a compass, helping people choose truthful conversations, genuine friendships, and social experiences that support sobriety. Ellen doesn’t shy away from tough topics either: rebuilding trust, handling boredom, dealing with partners who still use, financial messes, and relapse scares. She reframes setbacks as data rather than disaster, asking what warning signs were missed and what can be done differently next time.

This episode suits anyone in early recovery – from 30 days to a year sober – who feels disoriented, especially heading into social seasons like summer. It offers straightforward humour, real-world examples, and lots of permission to take things "one day at a time". If you’re asking yourself who you are without substances, why not let these questions and answers spark your own?

PreviousADHD Kids Unlocked