Special Episode: 4 Different Journeys to SobrietySpecial Episode: 4 Different Journeys to Sobriety
The One You Feed
In this special collaborative episode with Eric Zimmer, Gillian Tietz, Casey McGuire Davidson, and Dave Wilson (aka Sober Dave), they each share... 1. The reasons they kept drinking and why they weren't ready or felt they could give it up. 2. The strategies or methods they used to get started on their recovery journey and how that evolved during the different stages of their recovery. 3. The importance of finding a supportive community, either in person or online, and understanding that recovery is not one size fits all- you must find what works for you and in your life. To learn more about our guests on this special episode. click here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1:05:16•6 Jan 2023
Four Unique Paths to Sobriety on The One You Feed
Episode Overview
- There is no single path to sobriety; AA, coaching, online groups, therapy and spontaneous decisions can all play a role.
- Attempts at moderation often keep people stuck; many found that full abstinence was the only workable option.
- Support needs change over time, from early practical help (like getting through friday nights) to deeper work on anxiety, mood and identity.
- Milestones such as one year sober can bring unexpected emotional dips, so it helps to plan new goals and sources of joy beyond simply not drinking.
- Shame and self‑stigma are major barriers, but hearing ‘me too’ from others in recovery reduces isolation and makes long‑term change more likely.
“Don’t confuse what getting sober is like with what it’s like to be sober.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This special conversation brings together four sober voices, each with a very different route away from alcohol, to show that there’s no single “right” way to quit.
Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed, shares how he first got sober in 1994 as a homeless heroin user facing serious jail time, then later had to quit again when life looked successful on the outside but felt “just as sick” inside.
Dave Wilson, known as Sober Dave, talks about decades of pub culture, litres of vodka, terrifying health warnings and a near-death night on a freezing beach before a simple text from a friend sparked what he calls “pure serendipity” in finally stopping. Coach and podcaster Casey McGuire-Davidson describes being a high‑functioning “red wine girl”, drinking a bottle or more most nights while climbing the corporate ladder and parenting young kids.
Her turning point came via a 100‑day challenge with a sober coach, layers of online support, therapy and medication. Jill, host of Sober Powered, brings in the science‑minded angle, talking about solo drinking, severe depression, suicidal thoughts and the huge relief of learning in therapy why she was so angry and ashamed. Across their stories, they talk honestly about failed moderation, the shame spiral, fear of labels like “alcoholic”, and the myth that quitting instantly fixes everything.
As Eric puts it, “Don’t confuse what getting sober is like with what it’s like to be sober.” You’ll hear practical ideas too: short‑term challenges, different types of support (AA, coaching, online communities, therapy), and how sobriety changes over time, especially after the first year. If you’re wondering whether your drinking is “bad enough” or you’re just tired of the hamster wheel of doom, which of these four journeys sounds closest to yours right now?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.