Sober Socializing: Thriving, Not Just Surviving -Straight Talk with the Pushy BroadSober Socializing: Thriving, Not Just Surviving -Straight Talk with the Pushy Broad
Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart Pushy Broad from the Bronx
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of sober socializing, how to stay grounded during social events like parties, weddings, on vacations, and managing emotional triggers along the way. With questions submitted by people across the country, let’s...
25:42•23 Jul 2025
Sober Socialising in Summer: Straight Talk from the Pushy Broad
Episode Overview
- You don’t owe anyone an explanation for not drinking; simple statements and quick changes of subject can end awkward questions.
- Plan exit strategies before events, bring a sober buddy and leave as soon as cravings or discomfort arise.
- Remember the mantra "What other people think of me is none of my business" when facing unsolicited opinions about your sobriety.
- Using zero-alcohol drinks or mocktails in proper cocktail glasses can help you feel socially included without risking your recovery.
- Acknowledge nostalgia for past drinking days, but focus on creating new sober memories and appreciating experiences with clear eyes.
“What other people think of you is none of my business.”
How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober? This episode of *Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart, Pushy Broad from the Bronx* zeroes in on summertime social events and the pressure to drink, offering straight-talking guidance for anyone trying to stay alcohol-free while still having fun. Ellen, with 39 years clean and sober, answers anonymous questions from callers about barbecues, parties, holidays and travel.
Early recovery can make it feel like "having a good time equates to drinking myself under the table or getting high," and she tackles that belief head-on. You’ll hear practical scripts for what to say when someone asks why you’re not drinking, from "Alcohol and I just don’t mix" to simply "I’m not drinking tonight" followed by a quick change of subject.
She talks about exit strategies when cravings hit, stressing how vital it is to leave before "one drink" starts the spiral: "In recovery, we know a thousand isn’t too many and one drink isn’t enough." Bringing a sober buddy, planning an early departure and even having a friend call with a staged excuse are all offered as simple tools to stay safe.
One of the standout moments is Ellen’s favourite recovery mantra: "What other people think of me is none of my business." It becomes the backbone of her advice on handling unsolicited opinions about sobriety, setting boundaries and deflecting awkward conversations by getting other people talking about themselves instead.
From mocktail ideas and the comfort of a fancy glass, to facing wine tastings on holiday, to grieving old party friends and finding new sober connections, the conversation with Jessica stays honest and down-to-earth. The episode closes with an invitation to see summer with "clarity and focus and pure joy" and to test whether you can actually have a better time with sober eyes.
If summer socialising has you nervous about staying off the booze, could these straight-up tips be the push you need?
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