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Sober Awkward
Do You Stop Maturing When You Start Drinking Booze?
Season 10, Ep. 15
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In this episode, Vic and Hamish take a hilariously honest look at whether drinking stunts your emotional growth—and what happens when you finally put down the glass.
Vic reveals how she only really started maturing when she quit alcohol at 40. Gone are the days of pretending to be an adult while actually behaving like a teenager in a pub. Now, her idea of a wild night involves a cup of tea, a cosy blanket, and her latest passion project: an un-gratitude diary. Yep, you heard that right—while everyone else is jotting down affirmations, Vic is writing complaint letters to the council. It’s the ultimate sober hobby!
On the flip side, Hamish admits he’s still not quite ready to hang up his immature hat. And maybe that’s okay. After all, not every form of maturity involves buying beige cardigans and signing up for a neighbourhood watch committee. But when it comes to emotional maturity, sobriety has definitely helped him step up his game—because, let’s face it, crying into a kebab at 3 a.m. was not a good look.
Tune in to find out why growing up isn’t just about acting your age, why a bit of immaturity can be good for the soul, and why emotional maturity is the real glow-up of sobriety. Plus, get some top tips on how to turn your complaints into a constructive (and oddly satisfying) sober pastime!
SHOW NOTES
Vic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...
Buy Here on Audible and Ebook
and please give a review at www.goodreads.com
JOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291
www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.
@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy
@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotify
If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -
vicandhamish@soberawkward.com
https://podcast.feedspot.com/sobriety_podcasts/
https://podcast.feedspot.com/womens_sobriety_podcasts/
Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com
#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
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16. 'Why Alcohol Advertising is Legal Lying' with Anna Donaghey
47:00||Season 10, Ep. 16Ever wondered how alcohol brands make booze look like the ultimate ticket to happiness, success, and social belonging? This week on Sober Awkward, we’re lifting the lid on the world of alcohol advertising with Anna Donaghey, a former London-based ad exec who spent years working on big-brand alcohol campaigns.Anna shares insider knowledge on how the industry uses behavioural science to lure people in—crafting campaigns that convince us alcohol is our friend, our reward, and even our identity. We’ll uncover the sneaky tactics used to target mums with pink drinks, push the “work hard, play hard” mentality, and make us believe that a drink is the key to fitting in.Today, Anna spends her time working as an alcohol mindset coach and hosting of the Big Drink Rethink Podcast.And it’s not all doom and gloom—Anna also believes things are changing. With the rise of the sober-curious movement, new regulations, and shifting social attitudes, the industry is being forced to evolve. So, is the booze bubble starting to burst?Join us as we unravel the glossy façade of alcohol marketing, expose the industry’s biggest tricks, and explore whether the tides are finally turning for good.SHOW NOTESYou can connect with Anna through her website: www.thebeliefscoach.comor on social media where her Instagram handle is @bigdrinkrethinkAlternatively you can listen to her podcast 'The Big Drink Rethink' wherever you get your podcasts.💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk and the sober curious.👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety
How You Can Stay Sober Whilst Parenting
10:50|In this week's retrospective episode, Hame and Vic offer some tips on how you can approach staying sober during the ups and downs of parenting. What tools can you put in place to best prepare you?You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05gOJ3Ae8XHZQMxiIySEVu?si=8VJadZniTGmGHbFbTVWQBgShow Notes:Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
The Fatboy Slim Episode of Sober Awkward!
33:40|It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for…again!In this very special instalment of Sober Awkward, we sit down with none other than superstar DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.Recorded backstage at his Brisbane gig, just before he stepped out in front of thousands of fans, Norman opens up about his 14-year sobriety journey, the early days of The Big Beat Boutique, and that pivotal moment—when bringing Fatboy Slim home after a night out made him realise it was time to get help.Vic was lucky enough to see him live again just last night, and even though she was nervous, Norman was—as always—warm, open and welcoming. This conversation is packed with such wisdom, proof that you can still party hard, dance like mad, and live loud… without being wasted.Whether you’re sober curious or 10 years in, this is one for the books. Huge love and thanks to Norman, Al and Andy Mac for making it all happen.Let’s do it—press play and get inspired by one of the coolest sober legends around.Show Notes. Vic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundaysWhy the Shift to Parenthood often Leads to Over Drinking
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38:52||Season 10, Ep. 14Why do so many of those that over-drink have some kind of underlying trauma? Today's guest is Kelly Andrews - a trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with countless clients, battling with addictions in the search for sobriety or moderation. Kelly and Hame delve into why alcohol is often not the problem but a solution (an unhealthy and toxic one at that) to dealing with trauma. Why therapy and looking inwardly should be at the root of all sobriety and why it's important to remember that 'It's Not Your Fault' and 'They Weren't Right'.This was a fascinating conversation with a wise and wonderful psychotherapist who shared so much advice to help anyone battling any kind of addiction or trauma. I am SO excited for you to hear it and put some of her teachings into practice.SHOW NOTESYou can connect with Kelly through her website: https://www.brightonandhastingstalktherapy.co.uk/or on social media where her Instagram handle is @kelly_andrews_psychotherapyVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundaysWhat You Might Be Called When You Quit Drinking
24:05|In part two of our deep dive into labels, Hamish and Vic explore the names and identities you might encounter when you go sober. From “alcoholic" to to "boring twat" - getting sober often means facing a whole new set of labels—whether you like them or not.Why do people feel the need to define your sobriety? How do these labels impact the way we see ourselves? And most importantly, how can we reclaim the words that actually empower us?Join us as we break down the good, the bad, and the downright awkward labels that come with quitting booze, and why, at the end of the day, the only identity that really matters is the one you choose for yourself.You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02RBIqvlhMWrGPB6RGpiRq?si=dbe80edd428e4f60Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays13. Why Isn't My Life Perfect Now I'm Sober?
49:50||Season 10, Ep. 13Today is Vic's 7 Year Soberversary so we decided to take this opportunity to reflect.Sadly, a mistake that too many of us make in sobriety, is to expect the very act of giving up alcohol to solve all of life's problems. This it cannot do...but it's a damn good place to start!In today's episode, we aim to do something important. Something that no other podcast is doing. We want to shine a light on some of the disappointments that many of us still face in spite of our sobriety.We are doing this not to unmotivated you but to prepare you. To paint the full picture of what sobriety is!(Don't worry though - we will bring it all back together to not leave you feeling like a deflated balloon a week after your kids 3rd birthday party!)Listen, enjoy, share and join Hame in thanking Vic for 7 years of inspiring and hilarious work as a sobriety advocate!Show Notes:Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundaysLabels in Sobriety: What Are They and Do We Need Them?
20:06|In this retrospective episode, Hamish and Vic dive into the world of labels in sobriety. From “alcoholic” to “sober curious,” these words can carry a lot of weight—but what do they really mean? And more importantly, do we even need them?We explore how labels can empower some people while feeling restrictive or unnecessary to others. Are they a helpful tool for understanding and connection, or do they create more pressure and division?Join us as we unravel the complexities of labels in the sober space, sharing our own awkward experiences and asking the big questions: What defines you? And do you need a label to live your truth? It’s a thought-provoking start to a deep conversation about identity and sobriety.You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02RBIqvlhMWrGPB6RGpiRq?si=dbe80edd428e4f60Show Notes -Vic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays