The No More Wasted Days Podcast
This is the No More Wasted Days Podcast. I'm your host - Sara Kaufman-Bradstreet.
Grab your favorite NA drink, and listen as we share vulnerable stories so you never feel alone on your alcohol free journey, and gain insights from us as we breakdown our most used tips and strategies that have kept us alcohol free. It’s time to break free from wasting any more of your days to the drinking/blackout/hangover cycle.
Listen on:
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Ready to take your first step toward an alcohol-free life? During the month of May, you can join the Reboot & Refresh: 30 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge for $20 off with the code MAY20. Inside the challenge, you’ll get daily videos, daily emails, a printable workbook, and a mindset journal to help you build momentum and confidence in your alcohol-free journey.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the No More Wasted Days podcast, Sara sits down with sobriety content creator Adriana Cavallo for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what happens when you stop numbing yourself with alcohol and weed.
Adriana shares her story of developing severe alcohol addiction while working in the restaurant industry, being hospitalized for liver failure at 30 years old, and the long road that followed after trying to moderate, becoming “Cali sober,” and eventually realizing she needed to become fully substance-free.
In this episode, we discuss:
What it’s like trying to quit drinking while working in the restaurant industry
Why “special occasion drinking” slowly pulled Adriana back into alcohol
The hidden struggles of being “Cali sober”
Why weed became another form of escapism
How boredom and stillness can actually become peaceful in sobriety
The importance of sober community and support
Why recovery doesn’t have to look perfect or extreme
How both Sara and Adriana learned to finally feel comfortable in their own skin
This episode is honest, emotional, funny, and incredibly relatable for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, weed, or escapism in general.
You can follow Adriana on Instagram and TikTok at @theadgeofsobriety for more inspiration and support on your alcohol-free journey.
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the 30 Day Challenge:https://nomorewasteddays.co/30-day-challenge/
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode helped you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
I’m celebrating my 7 year alcohol free anniversary on May 13th, and you’re invited to celebrate with me.
👉 Join the Reboot & Refresh: 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge Use code MAY10 to save 10% this month.
Inside the challenge: • Daily videos + emails for guidance • Printable workbook + mindset journal • Self-paced, simple structure to get you through your first 30 days
This is exactly how I started my journey, and it changed everything.
Episode Summary
In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mindset shifts in early sobriety:
Alcohol isn’t a reward, it’s a sedative dressed up as one.
When you remove alcohol, it’s common to feel flat, bored, or restless. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means your brain is healing and recalibrating.
I’ll walk you through how to rebuild your reward system so you can actually feel good again, without relying on alcohol.
What You’ll Learn
Why alcohol trains your brain to associate it with relief, celebration, and relaxation
Why early sobriety can feel “meh” (and why that’s a good sign)
The difference between quick dopamine hits and real, lasting pleasure
Simple, repeatable daily rewards that help retrain your brain
How to shift from numbing out to actually enjoying your life
Build Your New Reward System
Use this simple framework to start today:
1 Daily Reward – quick, grounding, repeatable
1 Weekly Reward – something fun and intentional
1 Future Reward – something to look forward to
This is how you stop relying on alcohol and start creating a life you genuinely enjoy.
Key Reminder
You’re not losing something when you quit drinking.You’re upgrading your entire reward system.
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the 30 Day Challenge:https://nomorewasteddays.co/30-day-challenge/
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode helped you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
If you’ve ever quit drinking and found yourself struggling with food, body image, or control… this conversation will hit home.
In this episode, Sara sits down with sober dietitian Lindsay Sparks (@soberandnourished on Instagram) to unpack the deep connection between alcohol, disordered eating, and the pursuit of control. From growing up in diet culture to navigating sobriety, Lindsay shares how healing her relationship with food ultimately led her to question her drinking, and later, her relationship with weed.
This is an honest, layered conversation about what it really means to feel at home in your body without numbing out.
In this episode, we talk about:
How body image struggles often begin early and are shaped by culture, media, and family influences
The restrict–binge cycle and how it mirrors patterns with alcohol
Why control (with food or drinking) often backfires
The concept of intuitive eating and reconnecting with your body’s cues
The overlap between disordered eating and alcohol use
Why quitting drinking doesn’t automatically “fix” your relationship with food
Sugar cravings in early sobriety and what your body actually needs
Lindsay’s journey from alcohol-free to fully substance-free (including quitting weed)
The hidden and normalized nature of both diet culture and alcohol use
How to approach health, weight, and body changes without obsession or shame
Key Takeaways:
You’re not “failing” at moderation. These cycles are patterns, not personal flaws.
Control creates backlash. Whether it’s food or alcohol, restriction often leads to overcorrection.
Healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, consistency, and self-trust.
Early sobriety requires nourishment, not punishment.
You can build a life where you feel good in your body without numbing, restricting, or obsessing.
Connect with Lindsay:
Instagram: @soberandnourished
Work with Lindsay through Nourish (telehealth dietitian services)
Website coming soon (link will be added in show notes)
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the Day Makers:https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Remember, you only get one life. The question isn’t “why quit?” It’s “why stay disconnected from it?”
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
What if being alcohol-free didn’t feel like a daily battle… but just who you are?
In this episode, Sara breaks down the shift from relying on exhausting willpower to stepping into true empowerment, where sobriety feels natural, aligned, and even effortless over time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “white-knuckling” your way through this journey, this episode gives you practical ways to change that.
The 6 Strategies to Move from Willpower → Empowerment:
Reframe Your Mindset Shift from “I can’t drink” to “I don’t drink.” Start seeing your alcohol-free life as an upgrade, not a loss.
Strengthen Your Why Get clear on why this matters to you, and make it personal. Your why should feel powerful enough to guide your decisions.
Embrace a Growth Identity Focus on who you’re becoming. Start living like that version of you now through habits, routines, and hobbies.
Automate Your Habits Create routines that reduce decision fatigue. The less you have to decide, the easier it is to stay alcohol-free.
Surround Yourself with Empowering Influences Audit your environment, both online and in real life. Choose people, content, and communities that support your growth.
Celebrate Identity Shifts Acknowledge your wins, big and small. Reinforce the identity of someone who doesn’t drink.
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the Day Makers:https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Remember, you only get one life. The question isn’t “why quit?” It’s “why stay disconnected from it?”
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
In this episode, Sara sits down with Jessi Hartnett, host of the Honor Your Heart Podcast, to talk about breaking free from cigarettes, weed, and alcohol, and what it really takes to stay free.Jessi shares her journey from perfectionism and burnout to healing, revealing how substances were never the real problem – they were the solution she used to cope. Together, they unpack the emotional roots of addiction, the surprising challenges of quitting weed, and why true freedom comes from learning how to meet your needs in healthier ways.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of numbing out, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to start reconnecting with your authentic self.
What You’ll Learn
Why perfectionism and workaholism often fuel substance use
The emotional rollercoaster behind drinking, smoking, and using weed
The truth about weed withdrawal that no one talks about
Why quitting all substances at once can sometimes be more effective
How anger can actually help you break free
The difference between external success and internal peace
Why lasting change requires inner work, not just willpower
Key Takeaway
You’re not just quitting a substance—you’re learning how to come back to yourself.
Connect with Jessi
Connect with Jessi Hartnett on social media (@honor_your_heart)
You Can Quit Smoking Podcast - https://www.honoryourheart.net/podcast
www.honoryourheart.net
Honor Your Heart: Your Path to Stop Smoking and Stay Stopped - https://a.co/d/0iIIsM2w
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the Day Makers:https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Remember, you only get one life. The question isn’t “why quit?” It’s “why stay disconnected from it?”
***************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Quitting drinking when your partner doesn’t can feel isolating, but it’s more common than you think.This episode breaks down how to stay grounded in your alcohol-free journey without trying to control or change your partner. Learn how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and create new ways to connect without alcohol.You’ll walk away with practical tools to protect your peace, strengthen your relationship, and build a life that actually feels better without drinking.Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join the Day Makers:https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Remember, you’re not too much. You’re not broken. And you’re not imagining things.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
👉👉 Join the Alcohol Free April Challenge today and start your 30-day reset with daily support, tools, and community. www.nomorewasteddays.co/alcoholfreeapril
In this powerful conversation, Sara sits down with mindset coach and speaker Jill McKnight to explore the connection between alcohol, emotional manipulation, and learning to trust yourself again.
Jill shares her personal experience navigating a narcissistic relationship and how alcohol can both mask and intensify the confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion that often come with it.
Together, they unpack how to recognize red flags, rebuild self-trust, and begin reclaiming your identity, whether you're still in the relationship or starting your healing journey.
If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” questioned your reality, or used alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety, this episode will help you see things more clearly and remind you that you are allowed to want more.
In this episode, we cover:
How narcissistic traits and alcohol misuse feed off each other
Why you may feel like you’re the problem (and why you’re not)
The role alcohol plays in numbing and delaying clarity
Early warning signs of toxic or narcissistic dynamics
How to start rebuilding trust in yourself
Why leaving feels so scary, and how to move through that fear
Small, practical ways to reconnect with your identity
Connect with Jill McKnight
Connect with Jill on Instagram @locatecoaching
Jill’s Website - https://www.locatecoaching.com/
Jill’s Podcast: Life After: From Surviving to Thriving
Free resource: 5 Ways to Identify a Narcissistic Relationship - https://locatecoaching.activehosted.com/f/3
Links, Resources, and Sponsors:Join Alcohol-Free April (starts April 1):https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/alcoholfreeapril
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Remember, you’re not too much. You’re not broken. And you’re not imagining things.
***************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
If you’ve ever quit drinking… started again… and then wondered why it feels harder the next time, this episode is for you.
Because it’s not about willpower.It’s about what’s happening in your brain.
In this episode, I break down why the start-stop cycle makes cravings, anxiety, and day one feel heavier each time, and how you can finally break that loop.
What We Cover
Why quitting feels harder every time you restart
The dopamine loop that keeps pulling you back in
Why anxiety and poor sleep get worse
How the start-stop cycle impacts your nervous system
The kindling effect (and why it matters)
The Core Truth
You’re not failing.You’re reinforcing a loop your brain has learned:
Craving → Drink → Relief → Crash → Repeat
And each time it repeats, it gets stronger.
How to Break the Cycle
Consistency over intensityFocus on not drinking today, not forever.
Stop relying on willpowerUse tools, routines, and support.
Shift your identityStart telling yourself: I do not drink.
Learn what alcohol is actually doingKnowledge builds confidence and weakens the pull.
Links & Resources
Join Alcohol-Free April (starts April 1):https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/alcoholfreeapril
Athletic Brewing:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing
Upper Left Strength Co.:https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft
Final Thought
Instead of asking, “Why can’t I get this right?”
Ask:👉 “What if I’ve just been taught the wrong way?”
If this episode helped you, be sure to follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it 💛
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
What if quitting drinking wasn’t the end of the fun… but the beginning of your second act?
In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara sits down with Melissa McGowan, also known as The Sober New Yorker. Melissa shares how she transformed her life after alcohol and created a vibrant, joyful lifestyle filled with creativity, travel, community, and confidence.
From Broadway dance classes to sober retreats in New York City, Melissa proves that an alcohol-free life can be anything but boring.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible on the other side of quitting drinking, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about your own future.
Download Sara’s Free 10 Mantras
If you’re working on shifting your mindset around alcohol, Sara created 10 powerful mantras that helped her in early sobriety.
You can download them here:👉 https://nomorewasteddays.co/10-mantras
In This Episode
Melissa shares the story behind her decision to quit drinking after years of social drinking slowly became something that no longer felt good. A wake-up call from her doctor and the loss of a close friend helped her realize it was time to change her life.
*Transcript* Episode 164_ Inter…
Together, Sara and Melissa talk about:
The moment Melissa knew it was time to quit drinking
How alcohol quietly shrinks your world and keeps you “playing small”
Why confidence often increases after quitting alcohol
Letting go of shame and owning your alcohol-free identity
The surprising joy of rediscovering old passions
How Melissa found a new outlet through Broadway dance classes
Navigating alcohol-free game days as a diehard Green Bay Packers fan
Traveling the world sober (including trips to Bali, Italy, and London)
Why it’s never too late for a “second act” in life
Melissa’s story is proof that removing alcohol doesn’t take away your personality, it amplifies who you really are.
A Powerful Reminder from Melissa
When you’re drinking, you give up everything for one thing.
When you quit drinking, you give up one thing for everything.
About Melissa McGowan
Melissa McGowan is the creator behind The Sober New Yorker, where she shares her alcohol-free journey and inspires others to live fully without alcohol.
She is a:
Podcast host
Speaker and sobriety advocate
Coach for people exploring an alcohol-free life
Host of sober retreats in New York City
Melissa is known for her vibrant social media presence where she shares her love for Broadway dance, travel, and living life out loud without alcohol.
Connect with Melissa
Follow Melissa and learn more about her work:
Instagram: @thesobernewyorkerWebsite: https://thesobernewyorker.comPodcast: The Sober New Yorker
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who might need to hear that life after alcohol can be bigger, brighter, and more joyful than they ever imagined.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Perimenopause can feel like a rollercoaster. Mood swings, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and night sweats can leave many women searching for relief. And because our culture constantly tells us that a glass of wine is the perfect way to relax, many women turn to alcohol to cope.
But what if that nightly drink is actually making perimenopause symptoms worse?
In this episode, Sara breaks down the science behind alcohol and perimenopause, explaining why drinking during this stage of life can intensify symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, hot flashes, and mood swings. She also shares why midlife women are particularly vulnerable to alcohol’s effects and what actually helps support your body and nervous system during this transition.
If you’ve been feeling confused about what’s happening in your body during this stage of life, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical steps you can take to feel better.
In This Episode
➡️ What perimenopause actually is (and why it can start earlier than many women realize)
➡️ Why alcohol hits women harder than men, especially in midlife
➡️ How drinking can worsen hot flashes, sleep issues, anxiety, and mood swings
➡️ Why many women start drinking more in their 40s
➡️ The connection between alcohol and breast cancer risk
➡️ How alcohol disrupts REM sleep and emotional processing
➡️ The role alcohol plays in bone density loss during midlife
➡️ Why nervous system regulation matters more than numbing out with alcohol
➡️ Simple strategies that support your body during perimenopause
What Actually Helps During Perimenopause
Instead of relying on alcohol to cope, research shows that these practices can support your body and hormones during this stage of life:
✨ Prioritizing quality sleep
✨ Regular movement and exercise
✨ Stress-reducing practices like breathwork, yoga, or meditation
✨ Finding connection and community
✨ Talking with a doctor about options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
🎯 Ready to Try Life Without Alcohol?
My ✨ Reboot & Refresh: Alcohol Free April ✨ is starting soon, and it’s designed to help you explore what an alcohol-free life could feel like with guidance, tools, and community support.
👉👉 Join the waiting list to get early enrollment and a special discount:https://nomorewasteddays.co/waitinglist
Resources Mentioned
🔹 Dr. Stacy Sims
🔹 Dr. Mary Claire Haver
🔹 The Flo App (cycle tracking)
🔹 The Unplug App
🔹 The Gabby App
Connect with Sara
If this episode resonated with you:
Share it with a friend who is also navigating perimenopause
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Comment on Spotify or YouTube
Subscribe to the No More Wasted Days YouTube channel
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
Follow Sara on Social Media:
IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
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Research for this Episode
Female Biology & Alcohol Metabolism
Gender Differences in Alcohol Metabolism — Duke University
Gender Differences in Moderate Drinking Effects — PMC/NIH
Sex Differences in Alcohol Metabolism — Women's Health Research Institute
Drinking — It's Different for Women — Mayo Clinic Press
Alcohol & Perimenopause Symptoms
Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be a Dangerous Mix — Mayo Clinic
Does Menopause Change the Way You Metabolize Alcohol? — University Hospitals
How Alcohol Consumption Can Impact Your Menopause Symptoms — Henry Ford Health
Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Risk of Vasomotor Symptoms — PMC/NIH
Perimenopause and Alcohol: A Balancing Act — Women of a Certain Stage
Alcohol and Menopause: A Balancing Act — Contemporary OB/GYN
Alcohol Use Trends in Midlife Women
Changes in Excessive Alcohol Use Across the Menopausal Transition — Biology of Sex Differences (SWAN study)
Women's Alcohol Use in Mid-Life: Menopause Symptoms, Drinking & Mental Health — SAGE Journals (2025)
Alcohol Use at Midlife and in Menopause: A Narrative Review — Mayo Clinic / Maturitas (2024)
Menopause, Ageing, and Alcohol Use Disorders in Women — ScienceDirect
Breast Cancer & Alcohol Risk
Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk — Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Female Breast Cancer Risk — PubMed Systematic Review (Sohi et al., 2024)
7 Facts About Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk — MD Anderson Cancer Center
Alcohol and Cancer Risk — U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory (2024)
The Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer — WHO Europe