Thinking about doing Dry January or already in the middle of it and wondering why it feels harder than you expected? You’re not alone. Millions of people try Dry January every year, and many struggle not because they’re doing it wrong, but because they don’t have the right support, mindset, or tools going in. In this episode, Julie and Steve are joined by Charles and Amber for an honest, no frills conversation about how to approach Dry January in a way that actually feels doable. This isn’t about willpower or white-knuckling your way through 30 days. It’s about understanding what makes this challenge hard and learning how to make it easier.

After 172 episodes, Through the Glass Recovery is becoming No Alcohol Needed, with a new focus on what happens after you stop drinking. In this episode, certified recovery coaches Julie Miller and Steve Knapp share why they chose to rebrand, what nearly led them to quit the podcast, and how their own sobriety journeys have evolved beyond early recovery. This sobriety podcast episode explores life after alcohol, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and what it really means to build a happy, fulfilling life without drinking. Julie and Steve talk openly about why sobriety alone doesn’t automatically create joy, and why learning how to process emotions, navigate hard seasons, and grow as a person matters just as much. Listeners will hear what to expect from the podcast moving forward, including deeper conversations, familiar voices joining the show, weekly community meetings, and a renewed commitment to helping people be happy, no alcohol needed. Perfect for anyone who’s sober but still asking, “Now what?”

Thinking about moderating your drinking? That question shows up for a lot of people in sobriety. In this episode of No Alcohol Needed, Julie Miller and Steve Knapp are joined by Lucy, Brenton, and Bri for an honest conversation about moderation. They talk about what that “maybe I can have just one” voice sounds like, why moderation can feel so exhausting, and what actually happened when some of them tried it. This episode explores nostalgia, stress, self-medication, and decision fatigue, along with the relief many people feel when they finally take drinking off the table. You’ll hear real stories about relapse, clarity, freedom, and the peace that can come from letting go of the constant negotiation. If you’re questioning moderation, wondering if you’re “fine now,” or feeling worn down by the back-and-forth in your head, this episode offers perspective, validation, and hope.

What does “doing the work” in sobriety actually mean? In this honest conversation, Julie and Steve sit down with Dave and therapist Sean Rollinson to talk about emotional sobriety, early misconceptions, and why quitting alcohol is only the beginning. If you have ever wondered why life still feels hard after you stop drinking, this episode brings clarity, connection, and hope.

For a lot of people, AA is the only recovery path they’ve ever heard of. But what happens when you walk into a meeting and it just doesn’t feel right? What if you tried it, didn’t connect with it, or couldn’t see yourself adopting the identity or structure it requires? On this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with returning guests Alexandra McRobert and Barclay Mullins to talk honestly about how to get sober without AA, what worked for them, and what to do when you need a different path. In this episode: What each person expected AA to be and what their real experience was How to know when AA isn’t the right fit for you The pressure and identity struggles that can come with the program Why some people thrive in AA and others don’t The role of language, labels, and self-identity in recovery How to build your own recovery path without meetings Community options outside AA and why connection is still essential Internal work, spiritual practices, and tools that supported early sobriety Alternative resources like quit lit, apps, online groups, yoga, journaling, and coaching One small step you can take today if you want to get sober without AA   If you’re new here… Through the Glass Recovery is a podcast for people who want a life that feels happy and full, not miserable. We talk about emotional wellness, sobriety, self worth, and building a life you don’t wish you could escape from. Learn more about us: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com For full show notes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/getting-sober-without-aa/   Sign up for Julie's values workshop - https://createalifesofull.com/values-workshop-for-sobriety/   –SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES– WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching   Redesign a life without alcohol - with support. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/ FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM   Real conversations. No judgment.   https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/ JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG   Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol. https://createalifesofull.com FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation.  https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/

The holidays can feel overwhelming in sobriety. In this episode, Julie and Steve talk with Janice Johnson Dowd and Kristian Nylund about triggers, family stress, FOMO, and the awkwardness of your first sober season. They share real stories, practical tools, and hopeful perspectives to help you navigate the holidays without alcohol.

Socializing without alcohol feels awkward at first - like everyone is watching, judging, or wondering why you’re not drinking. In this episode, we get honest about that discomfort and share real stories, practical tools, and encouragement to help you show up confidently, connect deeply, and have fun again in sobriety.

When the numbing stops, anger shows up fast. In this episode, Julie and Steve talk with Lester Vaskin and Mike Coyne about anger in sobriety - why it’s not a “bad” emotion, how to respond instead of react, and how it can actually become a powerful tool for growth and healing.

Dating is hard. Dating sober is a whole new level. In this raw and relatable roundtable, Matt, Amber, Steve, and Julie talk red flags, sober sex, emotional safety, and learning to trust yourself again. Honest, funny, and full of hope, this one’s for anyone navigating love and connection without alcohol.

If you’ve ever thought, “I lost all my friends when I quit drinking,” you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about the loneliness that often follows sobriety - why friendships can fade when alcohol leaves the picture, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to build new, meaningful connections that actually fit the person you’re becoming. Tune in for honest stories, nsights, and hope that you can find your people again in sobriety.

Anxiety can feel louder after quitting drinking - but you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode, Julie Miller, Steve Knapp, and guests share real stories and simple tools for managing anxious thoughts without alcohol. From grounding and boundaries to routines and community, you’ll learn practical ways to calm your mind and find peace in sobriety. Whether you’re newly sober or years into recovery, this conversation will remind you that your anxiety doesn’t define you - and you have everything you need to handle it.

Conflict is one of those things most of us try to avoid - especially when we’re sober and trying to protect our peace. But avoiding conflict doesn’t make it go away; it just creates more problems and pain that we have to deal with later. In this episode, Julie, Steve, Rachel, and Azure sit down to talk about what healthy conflict looks like in sobriety - and how learning to face it with healthy skills, boundaries, and emotional maturity can actually make sobriety feel like something you want to do, not something you have to do. They get real about people-pleasing, anxious attachment, overreactions, guilt, and what it means to speak up honestly without losing your cool. You’ll walk away from this one feeling seen, equipped, and encouraged to show up for yourself - even in hard conversations. In this episode: Why conflict is not a sign of failure - it’s a chance to strengthen relationships The difference between reacting emotionally and responding with intention How sobriety changes the way we handle uncomfortable conversations People-pleasing, anxious attachment, and fear of being rejected The importance of emotional preparation before tough talks How to know when to engage - and when to just let something go Why authenticity sometimes means not being liked by everyone Conflict is an opportunity to make a relationship better. Every single time. Learn more about our guests and view the full show notes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/conflict-resolution-in-recovery/ Check out all the resources Through the Glass Recovery offers: Full podcast episode library Free Zoom virtual support group Affordable one-on-one support services Julie's blog: Create A Life So Full  

Planning your first trip without alcohol can feel intimidating. Imagining the airport, the activities, the culture might leave you wondering, "Can I even enjoy this?" In this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with Darci, Sarah, and Corina to share their experiences, sprinkled with honest, practical advice for traveling alcohol-free while still having fun, feeling connected, and enjoying every moment - without the hangover or the anxiety. In this episode: How to redefine adventure so your sober vacation leaves you feeling connected and fulfilled. How to plan and prepare for an alcohol-free vacation to set yourself up for success. Understand the let-down effect so it doesn't sabotage your sobriety. Mindset and reframes so you don't struggle with FOMO while traveling without alcohol. A sober travel toolkit to leave you confident that you'll have the time of your life, no alcohol needed. Your first sober vacation may feel unfamiliar at first, but with planning, support, and a little perspective, it can be even more fun, adventurous, and memorable than it ever was when you were drinking. You can read more about the Let Down Effect that comes after a sober vacation on Julie's blog: https://createalifesofull.com/let-down-effect-sobriety/ --- For full show notes and to learn more about our guests, visit the episode webpage: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/sober-travel-without-alcohol/ --- Find all the sobriety resources that Through the Glass Recovery offers: - Free virtual support group - Full library of podcast episodes - 1-on-1 personalized coaching for sobriety and recovery - Julie's blog 

Struggling to stay sober? In this episode, 5 sober voices share real tips and encouragement to make sobriety easier.

In this episode we explore how comparison in sobriety fuels insecurity, and how to turn it into growth, and confidence in your own recovery.

What happens when sobriety feels flat? Hear stories and tools for moving from feeling stuck to finding purpose and joy.

Real life stories of joy, connection, and letting go of old habits to create a life worth showing up for so you can enjoy life without alcohol

In this episode of Through the Glass, Steve and Julie share how they almost quit the podcast, why they chose to keep going, and what this new season will bring for the recovery community.

Discover the deep connection between perfectionism and addiction in this powerful re-release. Our group shares honest stories about how perfectionism fueled drinking, damaged self-worth, and complicated recovery - and the tools that helped them break free.

Trust doesn’t return the moment you stop drinking. In this replay, Rachael (Addict with Purpose), Michael (SoberPress), and Nadine share how they rebuilt trust with others—and themselves—through honesty, consistency, and humility. From “living the apology” to letting go of timelines, this conversation offers real stories and practical insight for anyone repairing relationships in sobriety.