Sober Sex and Dating - Anna Wolfe

Sober Sex and Dating - Anna Wolfe

Anna, host of the brilliantly titled show “How To Get Wet When You're Dry”, talks about reaching rock bottom with alcohol and a severe eating disorder, and how rehab initially focused only on food because she “did not mention my drinking because I was in denial.” She shares how community, honesty and other sober friends changed everything: “I did not trust myself, but I trusted the people around me.” From there, the chat moves into the messy reality of sober dating.

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation between host Janey Lee Grace and journalist–podcaster Anna Wolfe heads straight into one of the most awkward topics in early sobriety: sex and dating without booze. Anna explains why she couldn’t date heavy drinkers anymore and how being fully present has become non‑negotiable. She jokes about needing men to “actually have a personality and impress me” now that alcohol isn’t smoothing over bad dates.

You’ll hear smart, grounded tips like giving people at least three dates, “opening your funnel” to consider those you might usually dismiss, and flipping the question from “do they like me?” to “do I like them?” On sober sex, Anna stresses communication and knowing your own body first, especially for women who grew up with shame around sexuality.

She contrasts her old detached, drunk experiences with what she has now: “sex for me is about intimacy… being in the moment, not performing.” Alongside this, Janey weaves in her usual mix of humour, rants and resources – from calling out alcohol culture in Parliament to talking about early trauma, cross‑addiction and the lack of joined‑up support in the UK.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t think I’ve *ever* had sex sober,” this is a reassuring, sometimes funny, sometimes raw conversation that reminds you you’re definitely not the only one. Ready to rethink what dating and intimacy can look like without a drink in hand?