The No More Wasted Days Podcast

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

Ep. 135: Back to Day 1: How my Alcohol Free Journey Began

✨ Enrollment for PUSH to 100 is officially open! This is my signature 100-day alcohol-free challenge designed to give you daily support, live coaching, and community so you never have to walk this path alone. Enrollment closes September 11th and space is limited so grab your spot today! www.nomorewasteddays.co/push-to-100/
 
In this shorty episode, I’m taking you all the way back to my very first day alcohol-free: May 13, 2019.
I’ll share what life looked like the week before, how my husband and I went from heavy drinking to considering a break, and the exact details of how I got through Day 1. From writing “I do not drink” in my journal, to listening to This Naked Mind on my commute, to sipping LaCroix and kombucha at home. This was the day that quietly but powerfully changed everything.
You’ll hear:
The lead-up to my Day 1, including a cruise, milestone birthdays, and that inner knowing that I needed change.
How I set myself up for success with gratitude journaling, affirmations, quit lit, and non-alcoholic drinks.
The importance of having an after-work plan and identifying my “witching hour.”
The one piece I wish I had embraced sooner: community.
Whether you’re just thinking about quitting, preparing for your own Day 1, or already a few days in, my story will give you inspiration, practical tools, and the reassurance that you don’t have to figure it out alone.
👉 Ready to create your own Day 1? Apply now for PUSH to 100 and let’s do it together.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the podcast — it helps more people find encouragement for their alcohol-free journey.
 
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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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. 134: Alcohol-Free Routines That Actually Work (Even When You’re Busy)

Enrollment for PUSH to 100 is officially open! 🎉 If you’re ready to break out of the numbing cycle and discover what life feels like 100 days alcohol-free, this is your chance. Spots are limited to just 30 members, and once they’re gone, doors close. The challenge begins September 12th. Apply now at nomorewastedays.co/push-to-100.
September is often a season of fresh starts—kids head back to school, routines shift, and life gets busy. But whether you’re a parent or not, this is the perfect time to take a look at your alcohol-free routines and set yourself up for success.
In this episode, Sara and Heather share how routines reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to stay alcohol-free—even during the busiest seasons of life. From peaceful morning rituals to craving-time strategies, they’ll walk you through practical ways to create consistency without overwhelm.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why routines make your alcohol-free commitment easier to keep
The power of morning routines to reduce stress and decision fatigue
Midday “pick-me-ups” to keep cravings from sneaking in
Evening rituals that comfort you without reaching for a drink
The 3 Ds Method for cravings: Delay, Distract, Decide
Why it’s okay when certain routines don’t work—and how to find what does
By the end of this conversation, you’ll feel inspired to create simple, sustainable routines that make your alcohol-free journey lighter and easier.
✨ Reflection Prompt: What’s one small alcohol-free routine you want to start this week?
 
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. 133: Navigating Divorce Without Alcohol: Rebuilding Trust in Yourself

✨ Before we dive in—don’t waste another weekend. Join me for No More Wasted Weekends, a free alcohol-free challenge happening August 29–September 1. For four days, you’ll get live coaching, practical tools, and the community support you need to see what’s possible when you don’t lose your weekends to hangovers or regret. Imagine waking up Monday proud, energized, and clearheaded. Sign up now at nomorewasteddays.co/weekend.
Episode Overview
Divorce is more than the end of a marriage. It’s the unraveling of routines, identities, and visions of the future. In this episode, Heather opens up about navigating divorce while staying sober, and what it means to rebuild self-trust when the ground feels shaky.
Sobriety brings clarity, but that clarity can be overwhelming when you’re used to numbing or deferring decisions to others. Heather shares her raw experience of facing big life choices without alcohol, learning to sit in discomfort, and discovering strength in her own intuition.
Sara and Heather also highlight the importance of community support, the challenge of breaking old relationship patterns, and the quiet resilience that comes from keeping promises to yourself—even in the smallest ways.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How sobriety changes the way you navigate major life transitions like divorce
Why alcohol acts like a false compass, and what happens when you take it away
The role of self-trust and intuition in making hard decisions without numbing
How community support can provide a “soft place to land” during painful seasons
Why resilience isn’t built in the absence of hardship, but through it
 
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. 132: Finding Your People: How Community Transforms Sobriety

Enrollment for PUSH to 100 is officially open for waiting list members! 🎉 This is your chance to be one of just 30 people walking through 100 days alcohol-free together. Get on the waiting list now at nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist to claim early access before spots fill up.
 
Today’s episode is extra special because I’m joined live and in-person by Laura Van Antwerp, also known as Your Sober Pal. Laura is the founder of YSP Adventures, where she leads sober women on life-changing retreats like Backpacking 101, whitewater rafting, and Tahoe adventure weekends.
In this conversation, we dive into the importance of community in sobriety — how connection helps you go from just “not drinking” to actually thriving alcohol-free. You’ll hear two perspectives (Laura’s as an extrovert, mine as an introvert) on what it takes to find your people and why community is the missing piece for so many of us on this journey.
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
🌱 Why community is a key ingredient in long-term sobriety (and why going it alone is so tough).
🏔 How adventure, retreats, and shared experiences create accountability and excitement in sobriety.
💬 The healing power of shared stories from “me too” moments to celebrating sober wins together.
🤝 Practical tips for finding (or even creating) your own sober community, online and in real life.
Laura and I also share our own journeys - from online groups and AA meetings to retreats and the Day Makers community,  and how each stage of connection shaped our growth.
If you’ve been hesitant to step into community or you’ve been feeling stagnant in your sobriety, this conversation will remind you why connection changes everything.
👉 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the PUSH to 100 waiting list: nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist
Follow Laura on Instagram: @yoursoberpal + @ysp_adventures
Explore Laura’s retreats: https://www.yoursoberpal.com/pages/ysp_adventures
Learn more about the Day Makers community: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/
✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s building their alcohol-free life!
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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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 Laura on Social Media:
IG: @yoursoberpal
TikTok: @yoursoberpal

Ep. 131: Sober Milestones Explained: 30, 60, and 90 Days Without Alcohol

If you’re ready to go beyond 30 days and see what’s truly possible in 100 days alcohol-free, then the PUSH to 100 is for you. You’ll get the tools, coaching, and community to carry you through the hardest parts and into real transformation. Spots are limited, so don’t wait. Head to https://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist/ to join the waiting list.Thinking about what life really looks like when you remove alcohol? In this episode, Sara and Heather break down the real shifts that happen at 30, 60, and 90 days alcohol-free—the challenges, the wins, and the milestones that will carry you forward.
✨ Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
🌱 30 Days – The Wake Up Phase: Better sleep, clearer skin, mental fog lifting, and the first emotional rollercoaster. Why cravings and social triggers hit hardest here, and how to navigate them.
🔎 60 Days – The Clarity Phase: Rising energy, improved emotional regulation, and recognizing patterns. What to do when boredom or plateaus creep in, and why journaling and trying new things matters most.
🛠️ 90 Days – The Rebuild Phase: The identity shift of becoming “someone who doesn’t drink.” How to anchor into new routines, set boundaries, and start dreaming bigger for your alcohol-free life.
💡 Common challenges at each stage—like romanticizing drinking, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), complacency, or grief—and tools to help you keep moving forward.
🥂 Why hitting 100 days feels like one of the most powerful milestones of all.
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your alcohol-free journey, this episode will help you see what’s possible when you keep going—one day at a time.
👉 Ready for deeper support?
Join the PUSH to 100  and get the tools, community, and guidance to reach that next milestone with confidence. Join the waitlist here https://nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist/. Spots are limited to only 30 members
Want weekly live coaching and connection? Check out the Day Makers Community your first 14 days are just $7.
🎧 Listen in and remind yourself: you’re doing better than you think you are.
💬 Let’s Connect We’d love to hear how this episode lands for you! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so we can keep creating content that supports your alcohol-free journey.
 
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. 130: Why You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Quit Drinking

🚀 Enrollment is opening soon for PUSH to 100 – my 100-day alcohol-free program that gives you the tools, support, and community to confidently take your next step. You don’t have to wait until things “get bad enough” to choose more for yourself. Join the waitlist here: www.nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist — spots are limited!
In this short but powerful episode, I’m breaking down the rock bottom myth—the belief that you have to wait for a dramatic, movie-worthy moment to decide you’re done drinking.
I share my own story of how alcohol was quietly eroding my energy, patience, confidence, and joy long before anything “big” happened. And I’ll walk you through the questions I wish I’d asked myself sooner—questions that could shift you from Is it bad enough? to Is this good enough?
What you’ll hear in this episode: ✨ Why waiting for rock bottom delays action and keeps you stuck in shame ✨ How “functional” doesn’t always mean fulfilled ✨ The subtle cracks alcohol can create in your life (and how to spot them) ✨ Key questions to help you decide if your current reality is worth keeping ✨ How to take small, bite-sized steps toward alcohol freedom without deciding “forever”
This is your reminder: You don’t need permission. You don’t need a label. You don’t have to drink more than your friends or have your life fall apart. You’re allowed to choose better simply because you want better.
👯‍♀️ Want deeper support for your journey? Join the PUSH to 100 waitlist to be the first to apply for the next round (spots open August 22!). You’ll get structure, coaching, community, and tools that go far beyond “just don’t drink.” ✨ nomorewasteddays.co/100waitinglist
🎧 If this episode helped you feel seen, leave a quick review! Your words help this message reach more people on the path to freedom.
 
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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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