It’s the story of a romantic courtship and the rekindling of a spark felt when they were in their youth. Bhavini loved him and wanted so badly for it to work that she ignored the red flags that she recognizes only now in hindsight. As she processes her whirlwind experience as the spouse of an alcoholic, she pays tribute to love, learning and a deep thoughtfulness woven through her emotionally moving story. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

It’s the story of a romantic courtship and the rekindling of a spark felt when they were in their youth. Bhavini loved him and wanted so badly for it to work that she ignored the red flags that she recognizes only now in hindsight. As she processes her whirlwind experience as the spouse of an alcoholic, she pays tribute to love, learning and a deep thoughtfulness woven through her emotionally moving story. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep204 – Love, Loss & Forgiveness with Bhavini

Bravery is not just about what you do or say or refuse to tolerate. There is another component. Bravery is also about what you are up against. In this episode, Sheri and Matt discuss his relentlessness as a tyrannical protector of their family secret, and what bravery was in Sheri’s circumstances. Sometimes, often really, survival is a remarkable display of tremendous bravery. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

Bravery is not just about what you do or say or refuse to tolerate. There is another component. Bravery is also about what you are up against. In this episode, Sheri and Matt discuss his relentlessness as a tyrannical protector of their family secret, and what bravery was in Sheri’s circumstances. Sometimes, often really, survival is a remarkable display of tremendous bravery. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep203 – Bravery

Who has the right to tell the story and seek support? When you are involved in an alcoholic marriage, your stories are woven together, and opening up means shame and anger. But it also means relief and healing. How do you find balance? That’s the topic that ten very experienced loved ones explore LIVE from our Echoes of Recovery retreat in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

Who has the right to tell the story and seek support? When you are involved in an alcoholic marriage, your stories are woven together, and opening up means shame and anger. But it also means relief and healing. How do you find balance? That’s the topic that ten very experienced loved ones explore LIVE from our Echoes of Recovery retreat in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep202 – LIVE from the Echoes of Recovery Retreat

Ep200 was Cathryn’s story. Sheri’s and Matt’s insightful and intelligent daughter shared her experiences of growing up with high-functioning alcoholism, and she revealed things on that episode that shocked Matt and confirmed Sheri’s sadness. On this episode, Sheri and Matt react. This is not about defensiveness. This is about the very start of coming to grips with the destruction. Alcohol has no respect for what we want for our children. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

Ep200 was Cathryn’s story. Sheri’s and Matt’s insightful and intelligent daughter shared her experiences of growing up with high-functioning alcoholism, and she revealed things on that episode that shocked Matt and confirmed Sheri’s sadness. On this episode, Sheri and Matt react. This is not about defensiveness. This is about the very start of coming to grips with the destruction. Alcohol has no respect for what we want for our children. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep201 – Alcoholic Parenting: Teaching Dishonesty, Fear & Hatred

What better way to honor our bicentennial episode than with the most special guest in the history of the podcast, Sheri’s and Matt’s daughter. Cathryn describes in painful detail what it is like to grow up in a house with a high-functioning-alcoholic parent. It is amazing how many similarities they discuss between the defense mechanisms of the children and the defense mechanism of the spouses. It is equally eye opening how and why Cathryn kept her truth hidden from Matt for so many years. If you think you have done a good job of protecting your kids from the ravages of alcoholism, you should listen. If you have a teen who could benefit from exploring our newest program, a writing workshop, led by Cathryn, for teenagers who have been impacted by the drinking of someone close to them, we encourage you to check out The Developing Story.

What better way to honor our bicentennial episode than with the most special guest in the history of the podcast, Sheri’s and Matt’s daughter. Cathryn describes in painful detail what it is like to grow up in a house with a high-functioning-alcoholic parent. It is amazing how many similarities they discuss between the defense mechanisms of the children and the defense mechanism of the spouses. It is equally eye opening how and why Cathryn kept her truth hidden from Matt for so many years. If you think you have done a good job of protecting your kids from the ravages of alcoholism, you should listen. If you have a teen who could benefit from exploring our newest program, a writing workshop, led by Cathryn, for teenagers who have been impacted by the drinking of someone close to them, we encourage you to check out <a href="https://thestigma.org/the-developing-story/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Developing Story</a>.

Ep200 – Our Daughter, Cathryn

There are short-term relapses that last a day or a weekend or a week, and there are long-term relapses that last weeks or months. Can you guess which type of relapse Sheri and Matt have come to believe is more dangerous? Like everything else related to addiction and recovery, the answer is counterintuitive (and worth a listen). Also, Matt guesses right. Kelly Miller’s awesome new podcast is called The Addiction Nutritionist Podcast. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

There are short-term relapses that last a day or a weekend or a week, and there are long-term relapses that last weeks or months. Can you guess which type of relapse Sheri and Matt have come to believe is more dangerous? Like everything else related to addiction and recovery, the answer is counterintuitive (and worth a listen). Also, Matt guesses right. Kelly Miller’s awesome new podcast is called <a href="https://www.theaddictionnutritionist.com/podcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Addiction Nutritionist Podcast</a>. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep199 – Relapse

Amber Hollingsworth

She is back with her signature combination of charm, empathy and brutal honesty that many of our listeners recognize from her engaging and informative YouTube channel, Put the Shovel Down. Addiction Counselor Amber Hollingsworth makes a return appearance on the podcast – this time answering questions from lots of our listeners and participants in our Echoes of Recovery group. In addition to her YouTube channel, check out all the resources on her Hope for Families website. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

She is back with her signature combination of charm, empathy and brutal honesty that many of our listeners recognize from her engaging and informative YouTube channel, <a href="https://youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Put the Shovel Down</a>. Addiction Counselor Amber Hollingsworth makes a return appearance on the podcast – this time answering questions from lots of our listeners and participants in our Echoes of Recovery group. In addition to her YouTube channel, check out all the resources on her <a href="https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hope for Families</a> website. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep198 – Roundtable Q&A with Amber Hollingsworth

This episode quickly devolves into an hour long therapy session for Matt. He and Sheri talk about judgement, shame and hiding, with a healthy dose of religion and spirituality in reaction to a listener question. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

This episode quickly devolves into an hour long therapy session for Matt. He and Sheri talk about judgement, shame and hiding, with a healthy dose of religion and spirituality in reaction to a listener question. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep197 – The Shame and Hiding Continues after Alcohol

Guilt can be a motivator. Guilt can be a moral compass. Guilt is not all bad. But the guilt that builds and festers in a family that is dealing with alcoholism is anything but helpful. On this episode, Sheri and Matt discuss the distinction, and offer suggestions for how we can manage the overwhelming guilt experienced in an alcoholic partnership. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

Guilt can be a motivator. Guilt can be a moral compass. Guilt is not all bad. But the guilt that builds and festers in a family that is dealing with alcoholism is anything but helpful. On this episode, Sheri and Matt discuss the distinction, and offer suggestions for how we can manage the overwhelming guilt experienced in an alcoholic partnership. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep196 – Guilt

Back home Again in Indiana, and Sheri and Matt were thrust unexpectedly into the deep end of alcohol impact. If you think addiction is required in order for alcohol to leave painful, traumatic memories, give this episode a listen. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

Back home Again in Indiana, and Sheri and Matt were thrust unexpectedly into the deep end of alcohol impact. If you think addiction is required in order for alcohol to leave painful, traumatic memories, give this episode a listen. Sheri and Matt start the episode by answering a listener’s question Do you want to ask the couple something too? if so, send your question to <a href="mailto:matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com">matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com</a>. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our <a href="https://thestigma.org/echoes-of-recovery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echoes of Recovery</a> program.

Ep195 – Back Home Again in Alcohol(ism?)

Sheri and Matt Salis just wanted a normal life – normal marriage, normal careers, a normal house and happy kids. Instead, they lived a life of lies and terror as they struggled with Matt’s alcoholism. While their experience sounds rare, with over 15 millions problem drinkers in America, their alcoholic marriage was all too normal.  Matt has been writing about their experiences in alcoholism and recovery for years. On the Untoxicated Podcast, Sheri and Matt talk about it, too.  No subjects are off limits as the couple discusses the trauma of active addiction, the pain of early recovery, the destruction and rebuilding of trust, and the impact on their intimate relationship. If you love an alcoholic, the disease will terrorize your relationship. We hope you’ll listen and find healing in our shared stories.  For more support from Sheri and Matt, check out their Echoes of Recovery program providing connection and healing for the loved ones of alcoholics.

Untoxicated Podcast

I've talked and written extensively about my relationship with my wife. Now it is her turn to talk. Hear about the damage done to our marriage as we suffered decades of alcoholism and emerged clinging to survival. This is the most emotional and raw episode we've ever recorded. Hear what an alcoholic marriage is all about.

Ep9 – Sheri’s Story: Matt’s Wife on an Alcoholic Marriage

In part two of a three part series about how Matt's alcoholism has damaged our marriage, Sheri talks about the process of recovering our marriage from the depths of distrust and deceit. While we've made good progress, learning to love again is ongoing and requires patience and massive effort. The raw emotion in this episode tells the whole story.

Ep17 – Sheri’s Story, Part 2: Recovering Our Marriage

Everyone knows addiction is a leading cause of divorce, but did you know sobriety destroys marriages, too? Sometimes - quite often, really - couples adapt their behaviors and reactions to manage heavy drinking in the marriage. It isn't until one or both people in the relationship get sober, and the marriage dynamics change so drastically, that the bond cannot survive. Getting healthy can poison a marriage.Matt's good friend and outspoken recovery warrior, Simone Meyer, bravely and openly discusses her alcoholism and the damage it inflicted on her family. Her relationships with her children suffered, and there is a lot of repair work ongoing in recovery. But her marriage didn't survive Simone's transformation in sobriety. Listen to her brutally honest account of the collateral damage of addiction.

Everyone knows addiction is a leading cause of divorce, but did you know sobriety destroys marriages, too? Sometimes - quite often, really - couples adapt their behaviors and reactions to manage heavy drinking in the marriage. It isn't until one or both people in the relationship get sober, and the marriage dynamics change so drastically, that the bond cannot survive. Getting healthy can poison a marriage. Matt's good friend and outspoken recovery warrior, Simone Meyer, bravely and openly discusses her alcoholism and the damage it inflicted on her family. Her relationships with her children suffered, and there is a lot of repair work ongoing in recovery. But her marriage didn't survive Simone's transformation in sobriety. Listen to her brutally honest account of the collateral damage of addiction.

Ep5 – When Sobriety Ends the Marriage

Sheri and I are stuck. We have made tremendous progress in the recovery of our relationship, now in the third year of my sobriety, but resentments from the past continue to haunt us. We have unpacked, dealt with, explored, rehashed, discussed and worked through all of the issues. We have apologized - me for my drunken behavior, and Sheri for her angry responses - sincerely and endlessly. But it isn't enough to free Sheri of the burdens of resentment.Good news - Jason is back. Untoxicated Podcast co-founder and licensed addiction counselor and couples therapist Jason Polk is our guest, and he is joined by his friend Lana Isaacson, also a licenced couples therapist and addiction counselor. They offer suggestions about releasing resentments and getting unstuck, as well as tips on a host of other topics faced by relationships in recovery.We are proud to recommend the workshop Lana and Jason are hosting for couples in recovery. They call it, "Have Each Other's Backs Again," and it will be held November 10th in suburban Denver. What a great way to get your marriage back on track after dealing with trauma from alcoholism or anything else that has you stuck. For more information, or to register, go to Lana's website or Jason's website.

Sheri and I are stuck. We have made tremendous progress in the recovery of our relationship, now in the third year of my sobriety, but resentments from the past continue to haunt us. We have unpacked, dealt with, explored, rehashed, discussed and worked through all of the issues. We have apologized - me for my drunken behavior, and Sheri for her angry responses - sincerely and endlessly. But it isn't enough to free Sheri of the burdens of resentment. Good news - Jason is back. Untoxicated Podcast co-founder and licensed addiction counselor and couples therapist Jason Polk is our guest, and he is joined by his friend Lana Isaacson, also a licenced couples therapist and addiction counselor. They offer suggestions about releasing resentments and getting unstuck, as well as tips on a host of other topics faced by relationships in recovery. We are proud to recommend the workshop Lana and Jason are hosting for couples in recovery. They call it, "Have Each Other's Backs Again," and it will be held November 10th in suburban Denver. What a great way to get your marriage back on track after dealing with trauma from alcoholism or anything else that has you stuck. For more information, or to register, go to Lana's website or Jason's website.

Ep18 – Getting Our Marriage Unstuck with Jason & Lana

Jolene Park

Jolene Park and her friends were like the cast of Sex in the City with their nights on the town and affinity for classy wines while complaining about their relationship struggles. The dots where there, but Jolene couldn't connect them. Until she stopped drinking.Now Jolene is a leading voice talking about the benefits of going alcohol free, no matter where you are on the spectrum from casual drinker to falling-down drunk. Learn more about her nutrition and freedom from drinking coaching at grayareadrinkers.com and healthydiscoveries.com.Check out Jolene's interview on the Home Podcast with Laura McKowen and Holly Whitaker that really launched her work in this area. Then, check out her Tedx that went viral and has over 120,000 views.This is a great conversation with a health care professional and sobriety badass doing great work to destroy the stigma and help people become their best selves when they leave drinking behind.

Jolene Park and her friends were like the cast of Sex in the City with their nights on the town and affinity for classy wines while complaining about their relationship struggles. The dots where there, but Jolene couldn't connect them. Until she stopped drinking. Now Jolene is a leading voice talking about the benefits of going alcohol free, no matter where you are on the spectrum from casual drinker to falling-down drunk. Learn more about her nutrition and freedom from drinking coaching at <a href="http://grayareadrinkers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">grayareadrinkers.com</a> and <a href="http://healthydiscoveries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">healthydiscoveries.com</a>. Check out Jolene's interview on the Home Podcast with Laura McKowen and Holly Whitaker that really launched her work in this area. Then, check out her Tedx that went viral and has over 120,000 views. This is a great conversation with a health care professional and sobriety badass doing great work to destroy the stigma and help people become their best selves when they leave drinking behind.

Ep24 – When Alcohol Stops Working with Jolene Park

Learn about our program to help people navigate the treacherous waters of early sobriety. It is called SHOUT Sobriety, and we offer this six week strategy for those concerned about their drinking, and for the families of those who abuse alcohol.Hear my story and what worked for me to achieve permanent sobriety. Editorial note - when I say, "strokes," I mean, "seizures."*SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below:SHOUT Sobriety

Learn about our program to help people navigate the treacherous waters of early sobriety. It is called SHOUT Sobriety, and we offer this six week strategy for those concerned about their drinking, and for the families of those who abuse alcohol. Hear my story and what worked for me to achieve permanent sobriety. Editorial note - when I say, "strokes," I mean, "seizures." *SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below: SHOUT Sobriety

Ep11 – SHOUT Sobriety Week 1

Christy Wynne

Christy Wynne didn't have a spectacular, catastrophic, up-in-flames relationship with alcohol. Sure, she partied for many years, but she decided to leave the booze behind because she just didn't feel right, and she could deny the cause of her health just being off no longer. Now she has taken her sobriety to new levels by coaching other gray area drinkers and speaking out about the damage caused to women by the mommy wine culture. In this episode, we debate the use of the label, "alcoholic," and talk about Christy's one-day-at-a-time approach to sobriety versus Matt's commitment to permanent sobriety. The bottom line is that there is a wide spectrum of people who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, and Christy shares what she has learned about treating each person individually to help them feel better and reach full potential.Christy is @danceyourselfcleancoaching on facebook and Instagram, and you can check out her website and email below:danceyourselfcleancoaching.comchristywynne@yahoo.comHere's an article published in Urban Life Wash Park in January of 2019 where Christy discusses gray area drinking:Alcohol and Women: The Unsexy Truth

Christy Wynne didn't have a spectacular, catastrophic, up-in-flames relationship with alcohol. Sure, she partied for many years, but she decided to leave the booze behind because she just didn't feel right, and she could deny the cause of her health just being off no longer. Now she has taken her sobriety to new levels by coaching other gray area drinkers and speaking out about the damage caused to women by the mommy wine culture. In this episode, we debate the use of the label, "alcoholic," and talk about Christy's one-day-at-a-time approach to sobriety versus Matt's commitment to permanent sobriety. The bottom line is that there is a wide spectrum of people who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, and Christy shares what she has learned about treating each person individually to help them feel better and reach full potential. Christy is @danceyourselfcleancoaching on facebook and Instagram, and you can check out her website and email below: <a href="http://danceyourselfcleancoaching.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">danceyourselfcleancoaching.com</a> christywynne@yahoo.com Here's an article published in Urban Life Wash Park in January of 2019 where Christy discusses gray area drinking: Alcohol and Women: The Unsexy Truth

Ep22 – Gray Area Drinking with Christy Wynne

In this episode, I share a speech I gave to a community of people recovering from alcoholism through the twelve steps. It was not an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, though many of the people in the audience were AA participants. In the speech I make the argument that alcoholism is not a spiritual problem for me, so a spiritual solution is no solution at all. The speech led to a lively, yet open-minded discussion. Now I want to know what you think. I hope you'll listen, share a comment or send me an email at matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com.

Ep25 – My Alcoholism is Not a Spiritual Problem

This is our third consecutive sober holiday season, and it is monumentally better for both my wife and me. In this episode, Sheri and I discuss the differences in Christmas number three on our quest for recovery. The stress and excitement are still there, but we've finally shed the pressure from both keeping up appearances, and the dreadful anticipation of alcoholic antics. It's really much, much better, but it didn't come easily nor quickly.

Ep26 – Surviving the Holidays Sober

Matt Salis

Matt's love affair with alcohol began with sips of his dad's beer as a kid, continued with experimentation in high school and binge drinking in college, and developed into full-blown addiction with after work cocktails and beer filled weekends as a young adult. He struggled and fought his way through life as a high-functioning alcoholic somehow managing to conceal the extent of his disease while he clung to his marriage, raised children and maintained a career.Matt's is a unique story. It's only been repeated millions upon millions of times. Maybe you've heard it before. Listen and see if it sounds familiar.

Matt's love affair with alcohol began with sips of his dad's beer as a kid, continued with experimentation in high school and binge drinking in college, and developed into full-blown addiction with after work cocktails and beer filled weekends as a young adult. He struggled and fought his way through life as a high-functioning alcoholic somehow managing to conceal the extent of his disease while he clung to his marriage, raised children and maintained a career. Matt's is a unique story. It's only been repeated millions upon millions of times. Maybe you've heard it before. Listen and see if it sounds familiar.

Ep3 – So What’s Matt Salis’ Story?

While the COVID-19 pandemic is nothing like the terrorist attack on America we suffered during 9/11, it does isolate and confine us in a similar way. Back then, 19 years ago, I sat on the couch, watched cable news, drank massive amounts of vodka and sulked. I can't help but imagine that millions of drinkers will have the impulse to do the same thing now as we hunker down and watch the news about the spread of the disease and associated closings and cancelations. On this episode of the Untoxicated Podcast, that's what Sheri and I talk about. Avoid the temptation, it will only make you feel worse.

Ep33 – Quarantine and Isolation – Alcohol will Only Make it Worse

Jason and Matt have interviewed experts on addiction and relationships. Now it's time to hear the stories of the damage their addictions have caused in their own marriages. These are painful stories, but they are also the stories of survival and love.

Ep8 – When Love Survives Addiction

On our first remotely recorded episode due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt and Debbie Scheer discuss the public policy decision that threw Denver into chaos. The mayor announced that liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries were not essential, and would close the following day. That order lasted about an hour due to the chaos it caused. Lines wrapped around blocks as people scrambled to get their booze before their access was cut off. It would be funny if not so damn sad, for a number of reasons that Debbie and Matt discuss.

Ep34 – Pandemic Policy Fuels Epic Liquor Store Lines

Emily Schrader has always been a risk taker. Drinking alcohol and doing drugs was a natural fit for a woman living life on the edge. Now, with 15 years of sobriety, she is taking a different kind of risk putting everything she's got into her non-profit mission called Bar Zero. Starting as a catering company that offers an exotic dry bar experience, Bar Zero will eventually grow into a full brick and mortar restaurant and bar here in Denver. With the "sober curious" movement proving to be more than a passing trend, I'm not sure her vision is much of a risk at all. After hearing her story of redemption, compassion, dedication and proven experience, I'm excited to see what the future holds for those of us who want a place where we fit, with a wide variety of mixed drinks, hold the poison. Visionaries like Emily are making the dream happen in cities all over the United States. Only listen if you want to get excited about it, too.For more information about Bar Zero, to contact Emily Schrader or to get involved with their mission, please checkout their website.

Emily Schrader has always been a risk taker. Drinking alcohol and doing drugs was a natural fit for a woman living life on the edge. Now, with 15 years of sobriety, she is taking a different kind of risk putting everything she's got into her non-profit mission called Bar Zero. Starting as a catering company that offers an exotic dry bar experience, Bar Zero will eventually grow into a full brick and mortar restaurant and bar here in Denver. With the "sober curious" movement proving to be more than a passing trend, I'm not sure her vision is much of a risk at all. After hearing her story of redemption, compassion, dedication and proven experience, I'm excited to see what the future holds for those of us who want a place where we fit, with a wide variety of mixed drinks, hold the poison. Visionaries like Emily are making the dream happen in cities all over the United States. Only listen if you want to get excited about it, too. For more information about Bar Zero, to contact Emily Schrader or to get involved with their mission, please checkout their website.

Ep28 – Bar Zero: Great Food, Exotic Drinks, Fun People with No Alcohol

Sheri and Matt dive deeper than ever before into the intimate details of our alcoholic marriage. Our relationship started in a very typical manner - we mixed booze and romance and lowered all inhibitions. As life pressure built from work stress and raising children, our intimacy morphed from typical to tragic, and love was squeezed out of our physical connection. Now, in recovery from alcoholism, we are trying to pick up the pieces and restore trust and intimacy from the rubble of our alcoholic marriage.Looking back is hard. Moving forward is harder still.

Sheri and Matt dive deeper than ever before into the intimate details of our alcoholic marriage. Our relationship started in a very typical manner - we mixed booze and romance and lowered all inhibitions. As life pressure built from work stress and raising children, our intimacy morphed from typical to tragic, and love was squeezed out of our physical connection. Now, in recovery from alcoholism, we are trying to pick up the pieces and restore trust and intimacy from the rubble of our alcoholic marriage. Looking back is hard. Moving forward is harder still.

EP31 – The Destruction of Intimacy in our Alcoholic Marriage

Melissa Ryan

Counseling couples to help them navigate challenges in their relationships often involves tackling the many issues surrounding addiction. In Ep6, our Untoxicated Podcast guest, Therapist Melissa Ryan, talks with us about the ways addiction effects our interactions with the ones we love. From open and communicative partners who are willing to work to improve their relationships, to quiet and closed partners who struggle to open up, Melissa is adept at working with even the most challenging relationship dynamics.If you like Melissa as much as we do, check out her therapy practice, Cambium Counseling in Golden, Colorado. Melissa's office number is 970-235-0913.

Counseling couples to help them navigate challenges in their relationships often involves tackling the many issues surrounding addiction. In Ep6, our Untoxicated Podcast guest, Therapist Melissa Ryan, talks with us about the ways addiction effects our interactions with the ones we love. From open and communicative partners who are willing to work to improve their relationships, to quiet and closed partners who struggle to open up, Melissa is adept at working with even the most challenging relationship dynamics. If you like Melissa as much as we do, check out her therapy practice, Cambium Counseling in Golden, Colorado. Melissa's office number is 970-235-0913.

Ep6 – Relationships in Recovery with Therapist Melissa Ryan

In the third week of the SHOUT Sobriety program, we discuss two very important topics in early sobriety.We have to be patient with ourselves and our brains as we begin to recover from alcoholism. Not only does it take time for our brain chemistry to improve, but it takes time for our sobriety muscles to gain strength. Social events are dangerous for the first year of sobriety, and should be avoided when possible, and prepared for when they are required.What we eat can cure us. We are talking about a pro-recovery diet that will stimulate the generation of neurotransmitters and help us avoid cravings to drink alcohol. My good friend and nutrition expert, Kelly Miller, taught me everything I know about this subject, and it works (I am living proof)! Check out Kelly's website or find her on social media (facebook and Instagram) at The Addiction Nutritionist.*SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below:SHOUT Sobriety

In the third week of the SHOUT Sobriety program, we discuss two very important topics in early sobriety. We have to be patient with ourselves and our brains as we begin to recover from alcoholism. Not only does it take time for our brain chemistry to improve, but it takes time for our sobriety muscles to gain strength. Social events are dangerous for the first year of sobriety, and should be avoided when possible, and prepared for when they are required. What we eat can cure us. We are talking about a pro-recovery diet that will stimulate the generation of neurotransmitters and help us avoid cravings to drink alcohol. My good friend and nutrition expert, Kelly Miller, taught me everything I know about this subject, and it works (I am living proof)! Check out Kelly's website or find her on social media (facebook and Instagram) at The Addiction Nutritionist. *SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below: SHOUT Sobriety

Ep13 – SHOUT Sobriety Week 3

God has an important place in my life. He always has. I am a very spiritual person, and I pray constantly both now and back when I was in active alcoholism. That's why I don't believe God wants us to let go and let God. For me, God has given direction to my life, but he expects me to do the work to get sober. I don't believe alcoholism is a spiritual problem. I believe it is a brain disease. My faith helps me, but it is not required for permanent sobriety. That's why we leave God mostly out of our SHOUT Sobriety program. We want you to feel welcomed regardless of you spirituality or beliefs.On this episode, we are talking about preparing to send a coming out letter to announce your alcoholism to the world. That's what I did a year into my sobriety, and the day I sent that email was the best day of my life. You don't need to send it today in week six of this program, but it is important to begin crafting the letter and prepare to announce your enlightenment to the world.*SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below:SHOUT Sobriety

God has an important place in my life. He always has. I am a very spiritual person, and I pray constantly both now and back when I was in active alcoholism. That's why I don't believe God wants us to let go and let God. For me, God has given direction to my life, but he expects me to do the work to get sober. I don't believe alcoholism is a spiritual problem. I believe it is a brain disease. My faith helps me, but it is not required for permanent sobriety. That's why we leave God mostly out of our SHOUT Sobriety program. We want you to feel welcomed regardless of you spirituality or beliefs. On this episode, we are talking about preparing to send a coming out letter to announce your alcoholism to the world. That's what I did a year into my sobriety, and the day I sent that email was the best day of my life. You don't need to send it today in week six of this program, but it is important to begin crafting the letter and prepare to announce your enlightenment to the world. *SHOUT Sobriety is a donation-based program, and a $25 per month recurring donation is required to help us keep alive our mission to crush the stigma. For more information, or to enroll, please click below: SHOUT Sobriety

Ep16 – SHOUT Sobriety Week 6

Listen to this speech I wrote for the students at a large, racially and economically diverse high school after they experienced a series of brazen and dangerous incidents of alcohol abuse. We can't convince all adolescents to abstain from alcohol, but we can convince them to make drinking a choice with two acceptable answers. Let's reduce peer pressure and increase mutual respect. Maybe we should give our teens the chance to make the right choice when drinking alcohol isn't an expectation.If you would like to talk about speaking opportunites, please contact me at matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com, or visit my Outspoken website.

Listen to this speech I wrote for the students at a large, racially and economically diverse high school after they experienced a series of brazen and dangerous incidents of alcohol abuse. We can't convince all adolescents to abstain from alcohol, but we can convince them to make drinking a choice with two acceptable answers. Let's reduce peer pressure and increase mutual respect. Maybe we should give our teens the chance to make the right choice when drinking alcohol isn't an expectation. If you would like to talk about speaking opportunites, please contact me at matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com, or visit my Outspoken website.

Ep19 – Fearless Teen Drinking: Make Alcohol a Choice

Almost 15 million Americans have cancer, but there are more than 15 million American alcoholics. Addiction to alcoholism touches all of our lives. In this speech designed to inform and destigmatize, I talk about how victims of cancer are treated with love and care while victim of alcoholism are treated with scorn and shame. The cure for alcoholism is available to us in changed attitudes and in the voices of those of us willing to tell our stories - willing to wear the label alcoholic without fear. It is a speech about misperception and bravery. It is about societal influence and rejecting the stigma. Most of all, it is about the cure.For more information about speaking opportunites, please visit the Outspoken page of my SoberAndUnashamed.com website, or contact me at matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com.

Almost 15 million Americans have cancer, but there are more than 15 million American alcoholics. Addiction to alcoholism touches all of our lives. In this speech designed to inform and destigmatize, I talk about how victims of cancer are treated with love and care while victim of alcoholism are treated with scorn and shame. The cure for alcoholism is available to us in changed attitudes and in the voices of those of us willing to tell our stories - willing to wear the label alcoholic without fear. It is a speech about misperception and bravery. It is about societal influence and rejecting the stigma. Most of all, it is about the cure. For more information about speaking opportunites, please visit the Outspoken page of my <a href="http://SoberAndUnashamed.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SoberAndUnashamed.com</a> website, or contact me at matt@SoberAndUnashamed.com.

Ep20 – Alcoholism is More Prolific than Cancer, and We Are the Cure

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