In this powerful episode of Sober as F*ck, hosts Ryan and Jess sit down with Aaron Meade for an honest, unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and personal growth.

Aaron shares his journey from early experiences with alcohol and a deep desire to belong, through escalating drinking in college, relapse, and ultimately finding sobriety. He opens up about childhood trauma, emotional disconnection, and the moments that forced him to confront his relationship with alcohol and his mental health.

This episode explores the non-linear nature of recovery, the role of therapy, AA, and community, and how spirituality, breathwork, and emotional awareness became essential tools in Aaron’s healing. Rather than chasing perfection, Aaron emphasizes learning how to stay present—especially through discomfort, pain, and unresolved trauma.

Together, the conversation reframes addiction as a disease that requires ongoing care, honesty, and connection. It’s a grounded, deeply human discussion about what it really takes to rebuild your life in sobriety—and why growth doesn’t end once you stop drinking.

Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or navigating recovery alongside someone you love, this episode offers insight, perspective, and hope grounded in real experience.

Topics covered include:addiction, recovery, sobriety, alcoholism, mental health, therapy, community, spirituality, breathwork, emotional awareness, and personal growth.

In this episode, Brenton shares his journey into sobriety following a personal crisis that forced him to confront addiction, identity, and the direction of his life. He reflects on how community support, faith, and intentional mindset shifts became foundational to his recovery—and why lasting sobriety requires changing how you think, not just what you stop doing.

Brenton discusses the role of humor as a healing tool in recovery, using cultural references like The Office to create connection, relatability, and emotional relief. He also introduces his bear crawl challenge, a powerful symbol of resilience, discipline, and showing up for yourself when the work is uncomfortable and unseen.

The conversation explores the critical importance of aftercare support and Brenton’s vision to create a scholarship for individuals transitioning out of treatment. He emphasizes the role of self-identity in recovery, the value of acts of service, and how giving back strengthens long-term sobriety and purpose.

• Sobriety after a personal crisis

• Community and accountability in recovery

• Faith and spirituality in sobriety

• Mindset shifts for addiction recovery

• Resilience and discipline in recovery

• Humor as a healing tool

• Pop culture and connection in sobriety

• Aftercare support and recovery resources

• Identity and purpose beyond addiction

• Acts of service in long-term sobriety

sobriety journey, addiction recovery, recovery mindset, community in recovery, faith and sobriety, resilience in recovery, humor in recovery, aftercare support, identity in sobriety, service in recovery

Topics CoveredKeywords for Search & Discovery

In this powerful episode of Sober as Fck*, Ryan and Jess sit down with Michelle to unpack her raw, unfiltered journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. Michelle shares how early exposure to substance use, unresolved trauma, and environmental influences shaped her addiction—and what finally led her to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Michelle opens up about hitting rock bottom, entering recovery, and learning how honesty, community support, and personal accountability became the foundation of her sobriety. She speaks candidly about the realities of parenting in recovery, rebuilding a sense of self, and navigating life without numbing or escaping. Along the way, she highlights the power of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and using humor as a tool for resilience rather than avoidance.

This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, sobriety is an ongoing journey, and healing requires both support and self-awareness. Michelle’s story will resonate deeply with anyone impacted by addiction, childhood trauma, or mental health struggles—and with anyone searching for hope, connection, and a way forward.

• Sobriety and addiction recovery

• Childhood trauma and its long-term impact

• Substance abuse and early exposure

• Hitting rock bottom and choosing recovery

• Community support and accountability

• Mental health and personal growth

• Parenting while in recovery

• Gratitude, resilience, and humor in healing

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“I get to go to work today.”
“I’m an addict in everything I do.”

00:00 – Introduction and meeting Michelle
03:47 – Childhood trauma and early life experiences
10:33 – Substance use and environmental influence
19:21 – Hitting rock bottom and entering recovery
37:24 – Finding hope and community in sobriety
54:34 – Rebuilding work, relationships, and self-worth
01:01:00 – Gratitude and perspective in recovery
01:15:19 – Humor as a healing tool

Key Topics CoveredMemorable QuotesEpisode Chapters