The No More Wasted Days Podcast

Ep. 145: From Chaos to Calm - Rediscovering Yourself After Alcohol

Sara sits down with her friend Chelsea Bohnstedt, a yoga instructor and certified sound healer, to talk about her powerful alcohol-free journey. At the time of recording, Chelsea is 562 days sober, but her path to get here was far from linear.
Chelsea opens up about:
Hitting rock bottom after repeated starts and stops, and how a medical crisis finally became her turning point.
The kindling effect. A dangerous neurological response that makes withdrawal symptoms worse each time you quit and start drinking again.
Finding recovery through SMART Recovery and Y12SR (Yoga for 12-Step Recovery) after struggling to connect with traditional AA.
Healing anxiety, rediscovering peace, and embracing the beauty of a “boring life.”
How yoga, meditation, and sound baths helped her reconnect with her body and spirit, and why spirituality doesn’t have to look “religious.”
Sara and Chelsea also share stories from their time together at the Sober Tahoe Adventure Retreat and reflect on how sound healing and self-care practices can unlock powerful emotional healing.
🧘‍♀️ Key Takeaways
Kindling is real. If you've started and stopped many times, it can make withdrawals more severe and even life-threatening. Always consult a doctor for support when quitting.
Peace is the new thrill. Sobriety gives you back your time, energy, and clarity.
Spirituality can be simple. Connection, mindfulness, and presence count just as much as prayer or religion.
Self-care is rebellion. Taking care of yourself and living with intention isn’t boring, it’s revolutionary.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
SMART Recovery Meetings
Y12SR – Yoga for 12-Step Recovery
Follow Chelsea on Instagram @yogini.chels
CLICK HERE to Join Chelsea’s hybrid yoga classes online through her studio (link in show notes).
💖 Favorite Quote
“Taking care of yourself is the most rebellious thing you can do. Especially as a woman.” – Chelsea Bohnstedt
If you loved this episode, please rate and review the show! Your support helps the No More Wasted Days Podcast reach more people who are ready to live free, present, and fully alive.
 
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🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 144: Transfer Addiction Explained: What Happens After You Quit Drinking

Ready to finally break free from alcohol—and stop the cycle of numbing? Start your journey today with the Refresh & Reboot: 30 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge. This self-paced program gives you daily guidance, mindset tools, and video support from Sara to help you thrive through your first 30 days without alcohol.
Podcast listeners get 20% off with code PODCAST20 at checkout.👉 Join the Challenge Here https://nomorewasteddays.co/30-day-challenge/
Episode Summary
When you quit drinking, you expect the hard part to be over, but sometimes, the brain finds a new outlet for the same addictive patterns. In this episode, Sara opens up about her personal experience with transfer addictions - how her addictive tendencies shifted from alcohol to food tracking, sugar, and weed, and what she learned about herself in the process.
Through stories, science, and self-compassion, Sara breaks down:
What transfer addiction (or cross-addiction) actually is
Why our brains latch onto new sources of dopamine when we remove alcohol
How dopamine depletion and reward substitution keep us chasing “the buzz”
Why it’s normal to experience new compulsions in early sobriety and how to move through them
7 powerful ways to heal the void and rebuild balance in recovery
You’ll also hear Sara share research-backed insights on dopamine regulation, neuroplasticity, and the incentive sensitization theory, explaining why we crave even when we no longer enjoy the thing we’re craving.
Whether your new obsession is sugar, scrolling, or staying “in control,” this episode reminds you that awareness is the first step toward freedom.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
01:16 Understanding Transfer Addictions
03:36 Promoting the 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge
04:43 Realizing Transfer Addictions
07:40 Defining Transfer Addiction
10:40 The Science Behind Addiction
20:27 Recognizing and Managing Transfer Addictions
22:06 Practical Tools for Overcoming Addictions
26:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
Refresh & Reboot: 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge - CLICK HERE to start your self guided 30 day alcohol free challenge today.
📚 Resources & Further Reading: Transfer Addictions, Dopamine, and Recovery
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
Volkow, N.D. et al. (2019). The Neuroscience of Drug Reward and Addiction. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 373–397.
Martinez, D. et al. (2005). Dopamine D2 Receptors in Addiction: Imaging Findings. JAMA Neurology, 62(4), 444–452.
Koob, G.F. & Volkow, N.D. (2016). Neurobiology of Addiction: A Neurocircuitry Analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 760–773.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) — The Brain, Addiction, and Recovery
Pettinati, H.M. et al. (2021). A Systematic Review of Addiction Substitution in Recovery: Clinical Lore or Empirically-Based?
Harm Reduction Journal (2024). Exploring Cannabis Substitution After Substance Recovery.
Robinson, T.E. & Berridge, K.C. (2008). The Incentive Sensitization Theory of Addiction: Some Current Issues. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 363(1507), 3137–3146.
Avena, N.M. et al. (2008). Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 32(1), 20–39.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. What Is Transfer Addiction?
Psychology Today. From One Addiction to the Next
PubMed Central (2018). Structural and Functional Brain Recovery After Abstinence from Substance Use.
 
🧘‍♀️Books to Read to Further Your Knowledge on this Topic
Gabor Maté. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction.
Judson Brewer, MD, PhD. The Craving Mind.
💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show!
*******************************************
🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 143: The One Mindset Shift That Finally Made Quitting Alcohol Easy

Sara discusses the mindset shift that helped her quit drinking effortlessly. She shares strategies from her personal journey, including writing daily affirmations, developing an unwavering commitment to sobriety, and adopting new identities.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:29 Early Days: Building Momentum
00:54 The Game Changer: 100 to 150 Days
01:09 Mindset Shift: Practical Steps
02:52 The Power of Affirmations
05:18 Deciding to Quit Forever
11:22 Identity and Willpower
12:52 Planning for Success
20:27 Creating a Support System
24:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
10 Mantras for the Beginning of Your Alcohol Free Journey - CLICK HERE to download the 10 Mantras that Sara used at the beginning of her alcohol free journey.
Refresh & Reboot: 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge - CLICK HERE to start your self guided 30 day alcohol free challenge today.
🧠 Sources & Further Reading
If you want to dig deeper into what’s really happening in your body during a hangover — from dehydration to acetaldehyde toxicity — here are the research-based resources referenced in this episode:
Patrick, V. M., & Hagtvedt, H. “I Don’t vs. I Can’t: When Empowered Refusal Motivates Goal-Directed Behavior,” Journal of Consumer Research, 2012.
Pignatiello, G. A., et al. “Decision Fatigue: A Conceptual Analysis,” Nursing Outlook, 2018.
Evans, D. R., et al. “The nature of self-regulatory fatigue and ‘ego depletion’,” Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2016.
Cooke, R., et al. “The effect of forming implementation intentions on alcohol consumption,” Health Psychology Review, 2022; see also 2023 update.
Malaguti, A., et al. “Effectiveness of implementation intentions on substance use,” 2020 review.
Milyavskaya, M., et al. “Saying No to Temptation: Want-to Motivation Improves Self-Regulation,” Journal of Personality, 2015.
Larimer, M. E., & Marlatt, G. A. “Relapse Prevention and the Abstinence Violation Effect,” overview.
💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show!
************************************************
🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 142: The Science of Hangovers: What Alcohol Really Does to Your Body

Sara dives into one of the most unforgettable parts of drinking → hangovers. From her worst-ever hangover in Punta Cana to the subtle shame-filled Sundays that followed too many nights out, Sara breaks down how hangovers evolved throughout her drinking years and how they became one of the biggest motivators for her sobriety.
She doesn’t stop at personal stories. Sara also explores the science of hangovers: what’s actually happening inside your body and brain when you’re feeling miserable the next day. You’ll learn why alcohol leads to dehydration, inflammation, anxiety, and that 3 a.m. wake-up, plus why “hair of the dog” only keeps the cycle going.
If you’ve ever wondered why hangovers hit so hard or need a vivid reminder of what you’re leaving behind, this episode is your reality check and your motivation to keep choosing a hangover-free life.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic
02:28 The Worst Hangover Experience
09:00 Evolution of Hangovers Over the Years
15:34 The Science Behind Hangovers
25:06 Conclusion
💡 What You’ll Learn
Sara’s most vivid hangover story and why it keeps her sober today
How her hangovers evolved from college through adulthood
The emotional side of hangovers → anxiety, shame, and isolation
The six science-backed reasons we experience hangovers
Dehydration and electrolyte loss
Acetaldehyde toxicity
Inflammation and immune response
Blood sugar drops
Disrupted sleep and neurotransmitter imbalance
The emotional fallout (“hangxiety”)
Why hangovers are a warning sign, not the price of fun
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
Path to Power Quiz - CLICK HERE to take the Path to Power Quiz and get your personalized podcast playlist today.
Refresh & Reboot: 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge - CLICK HERE to start your self guided 30 day alcohol free challenge today.
🧠 Sources & Further Reading
If you want to dig deeper into what’s really happening in your body during a hangover — from dehydration to acetaldehyde toxicity — here are the research-based resources referenced in this episode:
Mayo Clinic: Hangovers: Symptoms and CausesExplains how dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and poor sleep contribute to hangover symptoms.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Hangovers Fact SheetOverview of the biochemical and neurological effects of alcohol withdrawal and hangovers.
Harvard Health Publishing (2022): Why hangovers hurt and how to helpDiscusses blood sugar drops, dehydration, and sleep disruption caused by alcohol.
Wiese, J.G., Shlipak, M.G., & Browner, W.S. (2000): The Alcohol Hangover. Annals of Internal MedicineFoundational research describing the physiological mechanisms behind hangover symptoms.
Penning, R., McKinney, A., & Verster, J.C. (2010): The Pathophysiology of Alcohol Hangover. Current Drug Abuse ReviewsDetails inflammatory and immune system responses linked to acetaldehyde toxicity.
Stephens, R., Grange, J.A., Jones, K., & Heffernan, T.M. (2014): A Review of the Cognitive and Neurobiological Effects of Alcohol Hangover. AddictionExplores how alcohol affects neurotransmitters, sleep quality, and cognitive performance.
Quertemont, E. (2004): Acetaldehyde: A Biochemical Marker for Alcohol Addiction? Addiction BiologyExamines how acetaldehyde interacts with dopamine and reward pathways in the brain.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (1999): Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals. IARC Monographs, Vol. 71Classifies acetaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen. The same category as tobacco and asbestos.
NIAAA: Alcohol Metabolism: An UpdateExplains how ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde and then into acetate in the liver.
💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show!
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🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 141: What I Learned Going to a Wedding 100% Sober

Sara is taking you behind the scenes of her brother-in-law’s wedding, and sharing the real, sometimes awkward, sometimes empowering moments that come with showing up alcohol-free at big social events.
From facing the “no mocktail” disappointment at the bar to stepping onto the dance floor without liquid courage (and realizing nobody’s actually watching you), Sara unpacks three personal stories that each reveal a powerful strategy for navigating social gatherings with confidence and joy.
You’ll also hear how observing drunk guests held up a mirror to her old self, and why that reflection left her feeling nothing but gratitude.
If weddings, parties, or social events still make you nervous on your alcohol-free journey, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, prepared, and totally capable.
✨ You’ll learn:
How to handle limited drink options (and why it’s worth bringing your own NA stash).
What to do when the dance floor feels intimidating.
How visualization can make socializing sober feel easier.
The mindset shift that turns “missing out” into deep appreciation.
Four big-picture strategies for every event:
Have a plan for how you’ll respond when offered a drink.
Stay connected with a sober buddy or accountability partner.
Set time boundaries — you don’t need to stay till 2 a.m.
Plan next-day self-care to reinforce your alcohol-free win.
💡 Whether you’re attending a wedding, a work party, or a weekend dinner with friends, Sara’s insights will help you walk in with confidence — and wake up the next morning proud, clear, and hangover-free.
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
Free Alcohol-Free Checklist - CLICK HERE to download your guide to the essential tools and strategies that make alcohol-free living easier.
💬 If this episode resonated with you: Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's one of the easiest ways to support the show!
************************************************
🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 140: Building Healthy Habits in Sobriety Without Diet Culture

👉 Join the 30 Day Hype Human Reset Challenge (starting October 1st!) and get coaching, accountability, and community support. CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up.In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Bethany Judy, certified health coach, activist, and founder of The Hype Human. Bethany has been alcohol-free for over 7 years, and today she opens up about her sobriety story, the realities of quitting drinking, and how our relationship with food, body image, and self-worth can shift along the way.
We dive into:
Bethany’s journey to sobriety and the turning point that changed everything
Why quitting alcohol doesn’t always equal weight loss (and what to focus on instead)
The role of mindset, self-compassion, and community in building lasting change
How to move past “the f-it’s” and reset when you fall off track
The difference between health at every size vs. toxic diet culture — and how to find your personal definition of health
Bethany also shares details about her upcoming program, the 30 Day Hype Human Reset Challenge, which is designed to help you set realistic goals, build habits that stick, and find a supportive community while doing it.
👉 Join the 30 Day Hype Human Reset Challenge (starting October 1st!) and get coaching, accountability, and community support. CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up.
And be sure to follow Bethany on IG: @bethanyvibes_af and @thehypehuman If you’ve ever wondered what comes after quitting drinking, how to truly care for your body and mind without restriction or shame then  this episode will give you hope, tools, and inspiration.
 
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🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 139: I Ditched Weed - My First Year Completely Sober

This week, I’m opening up about something I’ve kept close to the chest: my journey to becoming one year weed-free. 🍃🚫
For years, I celebrated living alcohol-free while still using weed as a way to “take the edge off.” At first, it felt like harm reduction. A softer landing after quitting drinking. But over time, I realized it was keeping me stuck, sneaking around, and not fully free.
In this episode, I share:
Why I decided “Cali sober” didn’t feel aligned for me.
The messy truth of quitting weed (and how it was harder than quitting alcohol).
The failed attempts, restarts, and what finally made it stick.
How community, affirmations, and mindset shifts helped me reach one year.
The identity shift that came with saying, “I’m sober! Alcohol and THC free.”
The real benefits I’ve noticed, even when it didn’t feel easy.
This is a vulnerable episode, but I know I’m not alone. Many people in alcohol-free spaces also wrestle with weed, and I hope my story gives you encouragement, clarity, and permission to keep going even if it takes multiple tries.
✨ Free Resource: Grab my 10 Mantras to Stay Alcohol-Free (they work for THC too!) → https://nomorewasteddays.co/10-mantras/
If you’ve been curious about what life looks like without THC, or you’re somewhere in the messy middle, I hope this episode meets you exactly where you are.
 
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🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.
👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
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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

Ep. 138: Heather’s Farewell: Sobriety, Stress, and Following Your Inner Voice

This week’s episode is bittersweet. After two years of laughter, learning, and countless “aha” moments, Heather is saying goodbye as co-host of the No More Wasted Days podcast.
In this heartfelt conversation, Heather opens up about:
Why listening to your intuition becomes so much clearer when you’re alcohol-free
The difference between intuition and anxiety—and how to know which voice you’re hearing
What “the work” really looks like in sobriety (spoiler: it’s not a rigid manual, it’s simple next-right-thing choices)
Her own journey through stress, burnout, and learning to simplify life without alcohol
Memorable moments from past episodes—everything from deep values work to cracking up over “almond brothers” and making your bed
You’ll also hear Sara and Heather reflect on their favorite podcast memories, what they’ve learned from each other, and why laughter has been such an important part of tackling tough topics together.
Although Heather is stepping away as co-host, she’s still active in the Day Makers community, leading coaching calls and supporting people on their alcohol-free journeys. You’ll likely hear her voice again as a guest on future episodes, and she’s also working on an exciting new memoir project.
👉 If Heather has impacted you on this podcast, let her know! Follow her on social media (links below) and come connect with her inside the Day Makers.
This isn’t goodbye. It’s just “see you later.”
Resources Mentioned:
* Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. CLICK HERE to learn more here.
* Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 
 
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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
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:
IG: @withheatherp
TikTok: @withheatherp

Ep. 137: The First 100 Days Alcohol-Free: What Really Happens to Your Body and Mind

✨ Enrollment for PUSH to 100 closes tonight at midnight! If you’ve been waiting, this is your moment. Join me and an incredible community for 100 days alcohol-free. The challenge starts tomorrow, September 12th, and enrollment closes tonight (9/11) at midnight. Don’t do this alone. Join the PUSH to 100 here → https://nomorewasteddays.co/push-to-100/
What really happens when you go 100 days without alcohol?
In today’s shorty episode, I’m walking you through the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes that unfold during the first 100 days of alcohol-free living. This is more than just white-knuckling it through a few weeks. It’s about experiencing a full transformation in body, mind, and spirit.
We’ll break it down in clear timelines:
Days 1–10 → The shock and shift. Withdrawal, sleep disruption, cravings, and the importance of tools and mindset right from the start.
Days 11–30 → New patterns emerge. Energy begins to stabilize, mood regulation improves, and skin clarity starts to show.
Days 31–60 → Identity begins to shift. Confidence grows, relationships change, and new habits take root.
Days 61–90 → True rewiring. Dopamine recalibrates, triggers become easier to manage, and emotional resilience builds.
Days 91–100 → Transformation takes root. Sobriety feels natural, self-trust deepens, and life begins to expand in exciting new directions.
100 days is a milestone that changes everything. It’s not the finish line. It’s the launchpad for a whole new way of living.
Resources & Links
👉 Enrollment for PUSH to 100 closes tonight, September 11th at midnight. Join here: [https://nomorewasteddays.co/push-to-100/]
Listen to Episode 128 for more on what happens in the first 10 days.
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details 
 
Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
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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
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:
IG: @withheatherp
TikTok: @withheatherp

Ep. 136: Facing Loss Alcohol Free: How to Process Grief and Keep Moving Forward

💥 Enrollment for the PUSH to 100 closes Thursday, September 11th at midnight! If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Join me for 100 days alcohol free with coaching, community, and a clear plan so you can roll into the holidays feeling strong, steady, and proud of yourself. Doors close at midnight on Sept. 11th. Don’t miss it! Tap here to join now.
Losing a beloved pet can feel like the ground has been pulled out from beneath you. Pets aren’t “just animals”, they are companions, anchors, and members of the family who walk with us through our best and worst moments. And when they’re gone, the silence is deafening.
In this heartfelt episode, Sara and Heather open up about their own experiences with pet loss on the alcohol-free path. Together, they explore:
🐾 Why pet grief can feel so heavy, especially when you’re not numbing with alcohol.
🌙 The routines and memories that make loss so jarring—and why it always feels like a shock.
💔 How grief tests your sobriety tools and what helps (and doesn’t).
✨ The concept of somatic grief—how our bodies physically hold onto loss.
🎶 Creative and holistic ways to process emotions (sound baths, movement, writing).
🐶 Welcoming new pets without “replacing” the ones we’ve lost, and how animals can ground us in our sober routines.
This is a soft, compassionate space for anyone who has lost a pet, whether recently or years ago, and is navigating that grief in sobriety. Healing isn’t about forgetting, it’s about remembering with love and continuing forward, even through the cracks.
🔗 Resources & Links
Join the PUSH to 100 (enrollment closes Sept. 11 at midnight!) → CLICK HERE
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who might need this reminder: you are not alone in your grief, and you don’t have to numb the pain to move through 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
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:
IG: @withheatherp
TikTok: @withheatherp