Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge

Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery

Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge

  • Self-Supporting Holiday

Self-Supporting Holiday

Wednesday 24th December 2025

Explore the paradox of comfort and growth in sobriety with Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger. A journey of emotional maturity awaits.
22 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Motivational
Supportive

About this podcast

Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery
Author:
Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Finding Strength in Sobriety: Comfort vs Growth

Episode Overview

  • Prioritising comfort can lead to discomfort; growth requires pushing boundaries.
  • Aligning with reality is crucial for emotional sobriety.
  • Self-care should be a respite, not a constant state.
  • Redefine success by effort and attitude, not just outcomes.
  • Making amends is a significant part of recovery.
"We want to claim our experience; we don't want it to claim us."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this episode of 'Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery,' Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger take listeners on a reflective journey through the paradoxes of comfort and growth. The episode is a heartfelt exploration of how prioritising comfort can sometimes lead to discomfort, and why pushing boundaries is essential for personal growth.
Drawing wisdom from philosophers like Arthur Schopenhauer and real-life anecdotes, the hosts discuss the importance of aligning with reality and the dangers of being stuck in a cycle of avoidance. Listeners are treated to a candid discussion about the balance between self-care and self-support, highlighting how comfort should be a respite rather than a constant state.
The hosts share personal stories, including a poignant moment of making amends with a past co-worker, illustrating how recovery isn't just about abstaining from alcohol but also about transforming one's relationship with it. They also touch upon the cultural pressures to constantly 'feel good' and how this mindset can hinder true maturity. With light humour and profound reflections, Thom and Allen encourage listeners to redefine success, not by outcomes but by effort and attitude.
This episode is not just for those in recovery but for anyone seeking to understand the deeper layers of personal growth and emotional sobriety. So, what does success look like for you in your journey? Dive into this episode to reflect on your own path.
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