Posts

377 Healing in the Spotlight: A Comedian’s Story of Childhood Trauma, Addiction, and Suicidal Ideation In Sobriety

Welcome to the podcast! Its been a minute since I introduced myself, so in case we havent met yet, my name is Arlina and Ill be your host. I have been sober for 31 years, happily married for 28, a mother of two amazing young men, and an english bulldog called Teddy, that you might hear snoring in the background on occasion. Im also the bestselling author of The 12 Step Guide for Skeptics Clearing up common misconceptions of a path to sobriety. As a sober coach, I help my clients navigate the complex world of recovery and support them through lifes challenges. I coach men and women as they move through early sobriety, transitions at work, healing relationships, and work life balance just to name a few. Recovery is a process and we dont do this alone. If you need additional support, you can learn more my coaching by visiting soberlifeschool.com Today I am speaking with Sam Miller, comedian, father, and a person in long term sobriety. We talk about the complicated relationship he ha...

376 Why You Sabotage Your Eating Goals and How to Stop

Hey friend, Thank you for downloading the episode, my name is Arlina and Ill be your host. Were doing something a little different today. On this call I am speaking with Joslynn who is in long term sobriety, but like many of us, she has been struggling with sticking to a healthy food plan. The funny thing is, we all know what we should eat. But knowing what to do and being able to do it are two different things. What we are going to do on this call, is address the two opposing desires the part that wants to eat healthy and the part that wants to indulge. We will be going through a process called Polarized Parts Work where we honor the intentions of both parts. This is actually a process I take my clients through to help them overcome that internal resistance that shows up when were trying to break out of old habits, start new ones, and generally reach for bigger goals. I hope that this demonstration gives you a little bit of insight into how you can close the gap between knowing wha...

375 Unsung Heros: Life on the Frontlines of Addiction

Today I am joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Brock Bevelle. Hes a retired police officer and a man in long term sobriety from opioid addiction. He also manages the Tiktok and IG accounts called @Fentanylprojectaz where he interviews people on the street in active addiction. We are going to talk about what its like to be in long term sobriety and actually get into some of our dark addiction stories that keep us sober that we dont normally talk about. I also wanted to bring awareness to Brocks work where he is actually in the streets trying to help people kick fentanyl addiction. He offers basics like hygiene kits, sunscreen, and water, but he also offers emotional and recovery resources. Not only that, he is literally saving lives on a regular basis. There are many videos on Tiktok where he Narcans people who are actively overdosing. Its heartbreaking, but also so inspiring to watch as he gives hope to so many people. The main reason I wanted to talk with Brock again is becaus...

374 A Marriage That Survives Alcoholism

Can marriages really survive alcoholism? Well today my guest Melissa shares how hers almost didnt, but with the support of her 12 step program, professional help, and a lot of work, her marriage is now better than ever! Melissa Stoeltje is the author of Drunk Love Marriage Under The Influence. A memoir that not only shows the dark side of a high achiever who struggled with her drinking, but the steps she took to get her life back on track. Before we jump in, did you know that there are a bunch of resource guides on the website? Theres a guide for your first 30 days, a resource list of 100 books, podcasts and meetings? Theres even a guide on how to have sober fun! Just visit odaatchat.com Lastly, if you are enjoying the podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple podcasts. Your review helps our rankings so that others like you can find the support they need too. I read every review and your support means the world to me. So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, an...

373 Money, Booze and The Biology of Desire

Hey friends, welcome to the podcast, in case nobody has told you yet today, you are loved! If youve been listening to the podcast for a while youll know Ive been addressing my financial insecurities lately. Honestly its kind of embarrassing to admit this, but Ive always had a dysfunctional relationship with money. I know this isnt really true, but I have deeply rooted beliefs that money will solve all my problems, and these beliefs are at the root of my workaholism. Today I will be joined by Barney Whiter, a financial coach who is also sober! Well dive into his story of alcoholism, his relationship with money and how he helps people feel more at ease with it and reach their goals. Before we jump in, I am looking for volunteers who would like coaching around procrastination, self-discipline, and work life balance. The coaching sessions will be recorded anonymously and published as bonus episodes. I want listeners to get a feel for what coaching is like and benefit from hearing other ...

372 Is It Cheating? The Truth About Medication-Assisted Recovery

Just a little programming note Today as I record this, which is April 23 2025, I am celebrating 31 years of sobriety! Im going to record a solo episode in a few days to talk about some of the things I learned this year, and some projects Im working on to better service you, the listener, and my private clients. So stay tuned for that! If you want to help me celebrate this milestone, I would be so grateful for a review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The debate around the use of medications in recovery has been going on for decades, if not longer. With the development of new drugs that treat detox, cravings, anxiety, depression and trauma, its easy to get confused when trying to decide if medications are right for you. Today I have invited Dr. Eric Arzubi, a medical doctor and Psychiatrist to join me as we discuss evidence-based medications, why there is so much stigma around needing them, and how the impact of childhood trauma could be affecting you in adulthoo...

371 Recovery Without Rock Bottom: Reclaim Your Life From Addictive Behaviors

Hey Friend, thank you for downloading the episode, my name is Arlina and Ill be your host. On April 23 I will be celebrating 31 years of continuous sobriety. Its always a time for reflection and as I look back, I want to share the top 3 things that have been key in maintaining my sobriety. The first is that I have made sobriety my number 1 priority. It comes before my husband, my job, and even my kids. I know that if I dont take care of my mental and emotional well being, that my sobriety could become vulnerable, and thats a risk Im just not willing to take. Theres an old saying that no matter how far down the road you go, youre still the same distance from the ditch. I am very clear that I cannot drink like a normal person, despite how long Ive been sober. Sobriety is the foundation of this life I love so much. Another component to my sobriety has been community. I have surrounded myself with other people who also have made sobriety their number 1 priority. Theres an idea called th...