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In this episode of gAy A, your queer sober hero show, I’m sharing holiday tips and tricks to help you navigate the festive season while staying sober. Whether you’re celebrating your first holiday in recovery or just looking for a little extra support, this episode dives into advice from listeners and my own experience on avoiding triggers, setting boundaries, and thriving through the season.

I’m also celebrating 1300 days of continuous sobriety and reflecting on the tools and community that have helped me along the way. If the holidays feel overwhelming, you’re not alone, and we’ve got you covered!

Episode Highlights:

• Why the Holidays Are Challenging for Sobriety:
  • Unrealistic expectations for joy and happiness can amplify feelings of isolation.
  • Family dynamics and alcohol-heavy work events can be major triggers.
  • Reflection on the past year may bring up both positive and difficult emotions.
• Listener Advice for Staying Sober:
  • “If you feel stressed or tempted, just leave. You always have a way out.” – Laura
  • “Avoid triggers at all costs. Prepare mentally for difficult situations.” – J Dusty Grimes
  • “Sobriety is the best gift you’ll ever receive. Stay humble and grateful.” – Charlie Gray
• Practical Sobriety Tips:
  • Use HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) to avoid emotional pitfalls.
  • Set boundaries for yourself and plan an exit strategy for challenging events.
  • Lean on sober support systems like meetings, literature, or sobriety podcasts.
  • Focus on mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage stress in real-time.
• My Reflections on Celebrating Without Alcohol:
  • Learning to embrace sobriety as a gift.
  • How recovery tools and planning have helped me navigate triggers.
  • The joy of celebrating milestones and holidays sober and authentically.

Want to Share Your Story?
I’d love to feature you on the show in the new year! Send me an email at gayapodcast@gmail.com or DM me on social media @gayapodcast to share your experiences with sobriety and recovery.

Thank You for Listening!
Thank you for tuning in to gAy A. Wishing you a safe, happy, and sober holiday season. I’ll be taking a short break over the holidays but will return with fresh episodes in the new year. Until then, stay safe, stay grounded, and most importantly—stay sober, friends.

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In this episode, originally released on April 22nd, 2022, Steve welcomes Scott to share their experience, strength, and hope with you, along with advice on getting and staying sober.

Follow Scott on Instagram @scotttgrasso and follow us while you are at it @gAyApodcast.

Also check out their website: https://www.scottgrasso.com/

Thank you for listening. Please rate and review if you have found this information helpful.

If you are interested in sharing your story, getting involved with the show, or just saying hi, please e-mail me at gayapodcast@gmail.com

Or Follow Us wherever you are listening so you can get new episodes when they come out every Monday and Thursday. Until that time, stay sober, friends!

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Episode Description:
Hey there, Super Sober Heroes! This week on Gay A, I’m diving back into the vault to revisit one of my earliest episodes on astrology and addiction. Originally recorded at just 105 days sober, this episode explores how our zodiac signs might influence our relationship with alcohol.

But that’s not all—I'm adding fresh insights and exploring a new article on zodiac signs and their connections to other addictive tendencies. Whether you’re a Leo who loves to splurge (looking at you, Amazon cart), or a Pisces drawn to emotional escapism, there's something here for everyone.

So, does your sign align with your past or present tendencies? Let's break it down together!

What’s Next?
✨ Listen to the full episode and share your thoughts on how your zodiac sign aligns with your past habits.
✨ Join the conversation: Email me, text the show, or connect on socials @GayAPodcast.
✨ Don’t forget to follow Gay A for weekly episodes every Thursday!

Resources Mentioned:

• Original Zodiac and Alcohol Article
• New Zodiac and Addiction Article

#GayAPodcast #QueerSobriety #AstrologyAndAddiction #ZodiacSigns #SoberCurious #LGBTQRecovery #SoberJourney #AddictionRecovery

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Sober Steve is joined by Ralf Rasmussen, host of RealClearFetish! Talks RealClearPlay!
Ralf shares his journey from addiction to seven years of sobriety, delving into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the intersection of recovery, kink, and queer identity.

We discuss:
🌈 The power of embracing authentic queer identity in sobriety.
🖤 Ralf’s journey through addiction, recovery, and reclaiming his kink life without substances.
🎤 How creating a podcast and a sober kink community became pillars of his recovery.
💡 Insights on navigating mental health and ADHD in recovery.

Whether you’re curious about sober kink, need inspiration for your recovery journey, or want to hear from someone living their truth, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and hope.

Guest Info:
Find Ralf’s podcast, Real Clear Fetish Talks, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Follow him on social media @realclearfetish or email at realclearfetish@gmail.com.

What’s Next?
Hit play to hear Ralf’s inspiring journey! Don’t forget to follow gAy A for weekly episodes, and leave a review to help other sober queer heroes find us.

#GayAPodcast #QueerSobriety #SoberKink #RecoveryJourney #RealClearFetish #LGBTQRecovery #SoberHeroes

Photo of Ralf by @joshidotphoto

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Check out my guest appearance on RealClearTalk this week, and check out the show wherever you find this podcast!!

Show notes from the episode:

Steve B has been sober since May 28th, 2021, and is the host of gAy A: The Queer Sober Hero Show.
Having isolating during his drinking, he has only begun embracing his interests in leather, fetish, and kink in sobriety- something he believes is necessary for him in order to live a full, happy, and sober life.
He is forever grateful for his sober family, his podcasting community, and kinksters like you!
#RealClearFetishTalksRealClearPlay
Music: Valence - Infinite [NCS Release]
Instagram: @gayapodcast
Instagram: @juststevesrq
All podcast platforms:
gAy A: The Queer Sober Hero Show
#RealClearFetishTalksRealClearPlay
Music: Valence - Infinite [NCS Release]
Recorded on 17th October 2024 on Zoom, see original video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Q0aY-8QvW6U
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode of Gay A: The Queer Sober Hero Show, host Sober Steve welcomes Richard Dean, a fellow sober friend, to share his inspiring journey through addiction, recovery, and the exploration of codependence. Richard opens up about the challenges he faced in early sobriety, the lessons he learned from relapse, and the powerful transformation he experienced through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Codependents Anonymous. Together, they discuss the unique aspects of queer sobriety, the importance of finding balance in relationships, and the pivotal role of fellowship in maintaining sobriety.

Topics Covered:

• Richard’s journey from addiction to recovery, including relapses and the turning points that inspired lasting change.
• Navigating queer identity in sobriety and the importance of community connection.
• The impact of codependency in relationships and how Codependents Anonymous helped Richard find balance.
• Staying close to program practices, the role of daily routines, and how meditation, prayer, and fellowship play into Richard’s recovery.
• Richard’s advice on staying connected and finding joy in the present, along with embracing authenticity and freedom in life.

What's Next? Hear the full episode to dive into Richard’s story and gain valuable insights into navigating recovery and codependence as part of the queer sober community. Make sure to follow Gay A on your favorite podcast platform to catch new episodes every Thursday!

Follow Richard Dean: Instagram: @richarddean326

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In this episode of gAy A: The Queer Sober Hero Show, Sober Steve welcomes back Julianne Griffin, aka Jewels, the founder of Swift Steps—a unique sober community for Swifties in recovery. They dive deep into the therapeutic power of journaling, finding balance in sobriety, and the challenges of staying accountable in recovery. Jules shares how the love for Taylor Swift’s music, lyrics, and journey has become a powerful anchor for Swift Steps members to connect, support each other, and grow.

What’s Covered in This Episode:

• Swift Steps 101: For those unfamiliar with Swift Steps, Jules provides an overview of this inspiring recovery community for Swifties.
• Journaling with Taylor: Discover how the Swift Steps course, Blank Spaces and Brave Faces, uses Taylor Swift's music and lyrics as a journaling framework, encouraging members to explore their recovery journeys, release shame, and embrace self-compassion.
• Personal Growth and Accountability: Jules reflects on the challenges of showing up for herself, balancing self-care with the demands of community leadership, and the importance of support networks in recovery.
• Navigating Family Triggers: From co-dependency to challenging family relationships, Jules opens up about the struggles of setting boundaries and seeking personal growth within recovery.
• The Power of Swift Steps Community: Hear how Swift Steps members inspire each other, keep each other accountable, and bring a shared purpose that continues to enrich Jules’ own journey in sobriety.

What’s Next?
Curious to learn more about Swift Steps or join this vibrant community? Head over to their social media @swiftsteps13 or check out swiftsteps.org to join the mailing list and receive all the details.

Tune in for insights, laughs, and a whole lot of Taylor-inspired recovery wisdom, and don’t forget to hit "follow" so you never miss an episode of gAy A! 🌈✨

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Hey there, super sober heroes! 🦸🏽‍♂️ This week on Gay A, Sober Steve is thrilled to welcome back a fan-favorite guest and globetrotter, Frankie New! Steve and Frankie dive into a topic close to Frankie's heart: Traveling in Sobriety.

In This Episode: Join Steve and Frankie as they discuss the unique adventures and perspectives that come with sober travel. From finding queer-friendly destinations and the occasional surprise doll museum to embracing the joy of being fully present in each moment, Frankie shares insights on the empowering freedom that sobriety brings to his journeys. Here’s what else to look forward to:

• 🎒 Sober Travel Tips: How to stay grounded, prioritize safety, and find enjoyment—wherever in the world you are.
• 🌏 Navigating Different Cultures: Frankie's experiences with queer and sober spaces across continents and why he feels more comfortable than ever traveling solo.
• 💫 Rediscovering Fun and Connection: How being sober has allowed Frankie to connect more deeply with the places he visits and the people he meets.

Follow Frankie on Instagram and TikTok at @FashionQueerHistorian to keep up with his latest journeys and fascinating research!

Follow Us Here, and on all the Socials @gAyApodcast

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