Sisters In Sobriety

By: Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen
  • Summary

  • You know that sinking feeling when you wake up with a hangover and think: “I’m never doing this again”? We’ve all been there. But what happens when you follow through? Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen can tell you, because they did it! They went from sisters-in-law, to Sisters in Sobriety. In this podcast, Sonia and Kathleen invite you into their world, as they navigate the ups and downs of sobriety, explore stories of personal growth and share their journey of wellness and recovery. Get ready for some real, honest conversations about sobriety, addiction, and everything in between. Episodes will cover topics such as: reaching emotional sobriety, how to make the decision to get sober, adopting a more mindful lifestyle, socializing without alcohol, and much more. Whether you’re sober-curious, seeking inspiration and self-care through sobriety, or embracing the alcohol-free lifestyle already… Tune in for a weekly dose of vulnerability, mutual support and much needed comic relief. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of sisterhood in substance recovery! Kathleen Killen is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and certified coach based in Ontario, Canada. Her practice is centered on relational therapy and she specializes in couples and working with individuals who are navigating their personal relationships. Having been through many life transitions herself, Kathleen has made it her mission to help others find the support and communication they need in their closest relationships. To find out more about Kathleen’s work, check out her website. Sonia Kahlon is a recovery coach and former addict. She grappled with high-functioning alcohol use disorder throughout her life, before getting sober in 2016. Over the last five years, she has appeared on successful sobriety platforms, such as the Story Exchange, the Sobriety Diaries podcast and the Sober Curator, to tell her story of empowerment and addiction recovery, discuss health and midlife sobriety, and share how she is thriving without alcohol. Your sobriety success story starts today, with Kathleen and Sonia. Just press play!
    Sisters In Sobriety
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Episodes
  • The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beer With Go Brewing’s Joe Chura
    Jan 27 2025
    On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the intersection of hustle culture, entrepreneurship, and sobriety with Joe Chura, Founder and President of Go Brewing. Joe’s story is about reinvention, starting from his early days working on an automobile assembly line, to co-founding and selling two successful tech companies, and finally launching a non-alcoholic brewery. He shares how his journey led him to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol, prioritize his health, and create a brand that’s redefining social drinking.What happens when high achievers find themselves burnt out and needing to reset? Joe dives into his personal and professional evolution, including the moment he realized his drinking habits were holding him back, and how he transformed his health and mindset. He also shares insights into the growing market for non-alcoholic beer and the cultural shift around social drinking.Listeners will take away valuable lessons about navigating success while maintaining personal well-being, practical strategies for reassessing alcohol consumption, and how small shifts in behavior can lead to life-changing transformations. Joe also shares the challenges and triumphs of building Go Brewing, the importance of community in the alcohol-free movement, and his perspective on mindful drinking versus total abstinence.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamped Highlights[00:01:01] Joe’s journey from the Ford assembly line to selling two companies for $165 million.[00:01:50] How Joe’s struggles with health and drinking led to the creation of Go Brewing.[00:02:08] The connection between hustle culture, entrepreneurship, and sobriety.[00:04:00] The mental and physical toll of overwork and how Joe overcame burnout.[00:06:00] Why passion doesn’t always mean sustainability—finding balance in work.[00:07:52] How a 75-day challenge changed Joe’s relationship with alcohol.[00:09:12] The unexpected mental clarity and reduced anxiety that came with sobriety.[00:12:03] The proximity effect: Why alcohol cravings intensify after drinking.[00:14:12] The role of non-alcoholic beer in curbing cravings and sustaining sobriety.[00:15:57] How Joe navigated social events while cutting back on drinking.[00:17:54] Thanksgiving epiphany: Realizing he didn’t need alcohol to celebrate.[00:19:20] The growing cultural shift towards non-alcoholic social beverages.[00:23:28] Remember tomorrow: Joe’s method for making mindful drinking decisions.[00:25:00] The spectrum of drinking habits and how to determine your relationship with alcohol.[00:27:17] The lightbulb moment that led to the creation of Go Brewing.[00:32:00] The surprising reaction from the sober community when Go Brewing launched.[00:37:33] The future of non-alcoholic beer: Functional beverages and beyond.[00:40:33] Overcoming skepticism and backlash in the brewing industry.[00:43:00] The shocking moment when a band insulted the non-alcoholic community at Go Brewing.[00:50:49] Why Go Brewing has become a safe and inclusive space for all drinkers.[00:54:00] The challenges of running a brewery and why Joe insists on making everything in-house.LinksGobrewingJoe's insta - https://www.instagram.com/joechura/Go Brewing's Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gobrewing/?hl=enSisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community.Sisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast.Kathleen’s InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    56 mins
  • How to Rewrite Your Life Story – With Amity Cooper
    Jan 20 2025

    Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety! Today, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you navigate the challenges of sobriety, and we’re joined by a powerhouse guest—Amity Cooper. Amity is an entrepreneur, mental health professional, and Lifebook facilitator, helping people rebuild their lives after rehab. From her 40-acre equine ranch in Colorad Amity’s approach is holistic, compassionate, and innovative.

    How do mental health and recovery intersect? What are the biggest challenges in treating mental health and addiction simultaneously? How can polyvagal exercises, mind-body alignment, and habit-building support long-term sobriety? And, what role does emerging technology like VR and AI play in the future of therapy?

    Amity also opens up about her personal journey from the corporate world to therapy, navigating a career crisis, and finding purpose beyond external success. She shares powerful lessons on resilience, rethinking limiting beliefs, and stepping into a purpose-driven life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re at a crossroads in sobriety, this episode will inspire you to take control and design a life you love.

    This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

    Time-Stamped Highlights

    [00:00:00] Sonia & Kathleen welcome Amity to the podcast

    [00:01:01] Amity’s background in entrepreneurship, mental health, and recovery coaching

    [00:04:00] The moment of crisis that led Amity to shift her career to mental health

    [00:06:25] Redefining recovery as a life transition, not just addiction

    [00:09:00] Why addiction is often a coping mechanism for deeper issues

    [00:12:00] Sonia shares personal struggles with family mental health challenges

    [00:14:00] Breaking free from externally driven life paths

    [00:17:00] The biggest challenges in early recovery & how to navigate them

    [00:19:00] The importance of morning and evening routines for stability

    [00:21:30] How nature, movement, and polyvagal exercises help with grounding

    [00:24:00] A deep dive into the polyvagal nervous system and emotional regulation

    [00:29:00] The Life Book System—how to rewrite your personal narrative

    [00:33:00] Why most people settle for mediocrity and how to break free

    [00:37:00] The future of therapy—VR sessions, AI diagnostics & tech-driven support

    [00:43:00] How AI is revolutionizing therapy, but won’t replace human intuition

    [00:49:00] The barriers to mental health access and how technology can solve them

    [00:52:00] Kathleen’s Himalayan shawl story and why it holds deep meaning

    [00:54:00] Final thoughts from Amity—how to create a purpose-driven life


    Links & How to Work with Amity


    • Amity’s Website - Learn more about Amity’s work
    • Clinical Career Collective - Amity’s company supporting mental health professionals


    • Sisters In Sobriety Substack - Find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
    • Sisters In Sobriety Email
    • Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
    • Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
    • Kathleen’s Instagram


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    56 mins
  • The Ultimate Dry January Game Plan: Stay Motivated & Succeed
    Jan 13 2025

    The new year is here, and it’s the perfect time to check in with yourself and your habits. Whether you’re feeling the post-holiday burnout or just curious about how alcohol impacts your life, Dry January offers a chance to hit pause and reset. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to guide you through the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering tips and real talk to help you make the most of your Dry January journey—whether it's your first time or your fifth.

    Ever wonder why Dry January seems to be everywhere? Sonia and Kathleen dive into questions like: What makes it so popular? What physical and mental benefits can you really expect? What if you slip up mid-month? With honest reflections and practical advice, this episode will leave you feeling ready to take it one day at a time.

    You’ll come away with simple, effective ways to succeed—like setting realistic goals, building a support system, and swapping old habits for new ones that actually feel good. Sonia and Kathleen also dig into strategies for overcoming cravings, reframing challenges, and creating routines you’ll look forward to. Plus, they share fun and easy ways to replace your go-to drink with something delicious, because it’s not just about taking something away—it’s about adding wellness, joy, and calm back into your life.

    And don’t worry—this isn’t some rigid guide to perfection. Sonia shares how her tea bar (complete with hot chocolate mix!) became her nighttime favorite, while Kathleen talks about how even the strongest cravings can be a chance to show yourself some love. It’s a reminder that small wins—like finding joy in a cozy drink or celebrating with a letter to yourself—can make a big difference.

    This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

    Episode Highlights:
    • [00:00:00] Introduction to Dry January and its purpose
    • [00:01:16] Sonia and Kathleen discuss the origins and rise in popularity
    • [00:02:29] Research spotlight: the link between alcohol and health risks
    • [00:03:34] Health Canada’s new guidelines on alcohol consumption
    • [00:05:15] The role of the sober-curious movement and influencers
    • [00:07:26] Benefits of Dry January: improved sleep, clear skin, mental clarity
    • [00:10:29] How to set a personal “why” for motivation
    • [00:12:10] The importance of planning for social triggers
    • [00:13:36] Kathleen’s breakdown of SMART goals
    • [00:16:25] Strategies for those feeling overwhelmed by a 31-day challenge
    • [00:19:35] Managing cravings and identifying unexpected triggers
    • [00:22:31] Mocktail recommendations and the joy of experimenting with alternative drinks
    • [00:25:48] New evening rituals: small ways to relax and unwind
    • [00:27:04] Celebrating progress without alcohol: creative reward ideas
    • [00:29:59] Kathleen shares her “urge surfing” technique for dealing with cravings
    • [00:32:25] Explanation of the RAIN mindfulness method
    • [00:36:12] What to do if you slip up during Dry January
    • [00:39:00] How to reflect on your Dry January experience
    • [00:41:17] Deciding your next steps after January ends
    • [00:43:40] Sonia’s insights on using Dry January as a springboard for personal growth
    • [00:46:17] Final reflections and key takeaways from Sonia and Kathleen

    Links:

    • Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
    • Sisters In Sobriety Email
    • Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
    • Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
    • Kathleen’s Instagram


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    48 mins

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