
Sober Banter
Colin & Rachel
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Top 10 Sober Banter Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Sober Banter episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Sober Banter for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Sober Banter episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

02/22/25 • 47 min
Thank you to Allison Deraney and Julie Fontes for gracing Sober Banter with your insights, wisdom, and hope. Please visit their newsletters; they’re wonderful writers with even more valuable content to share in their weekly publications!
00:00 Introduction and Ice Breakers
02:14 Being a Sober Creator
05:39 social media and similar platforms
09:32 Imposter syndrome in sobriety
13:17 High bottom drunks
19:55 Sober Travels & Dry January
22:51 Marrying your drinking buddy
26:58 Graffitied books
30:35 Evolving
38:18 Transparency comes at a price.
44:54 Fainting Goats
Support the show on https://buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter or Venmo.com/@soberbanter
Click this link for DARE TO BE by Allison Deraney
Click this link for Like a Normal Person by Julie Fontes
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Julie Fontes
Sober Banter
10/18/24 • 35 min
Julie Fontes, author of “Like a Normal Person”
02:41 Journey to Sobriety
04:33 Challenges and Reflections
12:29 Different ways to quit drinking
17:46 Recognizing the Problem
19:21 Family Dynamics and Sobriety
25:25 The Struggle with Labels
30:24 Reflections
💬 A Note from Us
This was a big moment for Sober Banter—our first guest interview and it was an honor to have Julie Fontes join us for it. Julie is the incredible author of Like a Normal Person, a memoir that moved us deeply with its raw honesty, vulnerability, and humor.
We’ll be real with you—this was our first time navigating interview mics, Zoom setups, and all the things behind the scenes, and yes... we were nervous. But Julie’s warmth and openness made us feel like we belonged in the space. She met us exactly where we were and gave us the confidence to grow as hosts.
We’re forever grateful that she trusted us to hold space for her story and became the voice that helped launch this next chapter of our podcast. Julie, thank you for being a part of our beginning—you set the tone for everything to come.
With so much gratitude,
— Rachel & Colin
Want to connect with today’s guest, Julie Fontes?
Visit her website at https://www.juliefontes.com.
You can also subscribe to her newsletter on Substack at https://juliefontes.substack.com.
Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!
💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.
💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.
🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
☕️ Support the show:
Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter
Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Hit us up at soberbanter.com or email Rachel at [email protected]
★ Support this podcast ★
04/26/25 • 44 min
Neil Rutherford, creator of Alcohol Free Warrior, joins Sober Banter for a candid, judgment-free conversation about the nuances of sobriety, breaking free from labels, and finding empowerment beyond alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or long-term alcohol-free, Neil’s insights offer fresh perspectives to inspire your own journey.
Connect with Neil Rutherford:
Website: AlcoholFreeWarrior.com
Instagram: @alcoholfreewarrior
Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!
💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.
💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.
🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
☕️ Support the show:
Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter
A few extra announcements....
🎤 We’re inviting new guests!
If you’ve got a story to share—or know someone who does—hit comment, reply, or email [email protected]. We’re looking for people who’ve lived it, felt it, and want to talk about it in a way that’s real, relatable, and maybe even a little funny.
📣 You can now leave us a voice message!
Got a question? A rant? A memory? Drop us a note on SpeakPipe.
We might even include your voice in a future episode.
✍️ Prefer to stay anonymous?
You can submit a question or topic right here—no names, no pressure, just real questions.
- (02:41) - – What Made Neil Stop Drinking?
- (07:07) - – The First Clear Moment in Sobriety
- (10:51) - – Rules Around Admitting Drinking is a Problem
- (12:07) - – Who Does Neil Coach?
- (14:12) - – Being Married to a Normal Drinker
- (22:02) - – Running a Business in Sobriety
- (26:33) - – Intertwined with Alcohol and Drugs
- (30:34) - – Parenting in Sobriety
- (35:41) - – Sobriety Speaks Globally
- (37:53) - – Everyone Recovers in Different Ways, But We Recover
- (40:19) - – Give Your Younger Self Advice, What Would It Be?
- (41:49) - – Get in Touch with Neil

Sober Living (ft. Priya)
Sober Banter
01/16/25 • 39 min
This was our first in-person recording, and technical difficulties were real. We couldn’t afford proper equipment, and Colin’s audio suffered. We ask for your grace with the audio for this episode.
Video Link - https://youtu.be/_nUSspE-pss
00:00 Welcome Priya!
00:15 Podcast Setup Struggles
02:10 Pet Peeves and Social Etiquette
09:55 Weather and Technology Debates
18:13 Dating Life and our Tinder Love Story
24:46 Superstitions and Religion vs. Spirituality
28:13 Do you have to forgive to move forward?
34:26 Making Amends
39:20 Conclusion and Farewell’s
If you’re feeling generous, any amount you can contribute would be appreciated. Here’s the link to the campaign:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Soberbanter
https://www.venmo.com/u/soberbanter
Priya’s IG - https://www.instagram.com/priya_mcc
★ Support this podcast ★
The Pilot
Sober Banter
08/28/24 • 23 min
Our first episode ever recorded....the beginning of Sober Banter
Happy Sober Thanksgiving from Colin, Evan and Rachel!
00:00 Meet Colin and Rachel
00:25 Our Sobriety Journey Begins
01:25 Sleep and Sobriety
02:16 Different Paths to Sobriety
04:27 Facing Social Situations
07:59 Open Conversations About Sobriety
12:14 The Decision to Get Sober
20:33 Encouragement and Conclusion
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe

Celebrating Small Wins
Sober Banter
10/08/24 • 23 min
00:32 The Sober Glow Transformation
03:08 Challenges and Boundaries
05:17 No Addiction Is The Same
10:25 Managing Overwhelm
14:22 Benefits of Sober October
22:41 Thank You For Listening
If Sober Banter has made you feel heard or helped you through a hard moment, you can help support the show 👉 buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Every share, listen, and cup of coffee keeps this space alive. Thank you. Truly.
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe

05/21/25 • 46 min
This week on Sober Banter, we’re joined by Tim Lineaweaver—a therapist, dad, and four decades sober.
Tim takes us back to 1984, when he first got sober, and walks us through how recovery has evolved (and what’s stayed the same) over the past 40 years. From navigating trauma in sobriety to talking with your kids about alcoholism, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, humor, and heart.
We dive into early cravings, drinking dreams, and what it means to help others while still protecting your own peace. Whether you’re newly sober or years into the journey, Tim’s perspective will leave you feeling seen and supported.
Want more from Tim?Follow his writing: wreckagetorecovery.substack.com
Reach out directly: [email protected]
Episode Highlights:
2:36 – Back to 1984: Getting sober
5:13 – Sobriety in the 80s & How Tim got sober
8:43 – Growing up in an alcoholic home
14:31 – Trauma and addiction
19:39 – Upcoming memoir & Earning a degree in sobriety
23:33 – What people misunderstand about trauma
26:09 – Never met someone who regretted getting sober
27:43 – What’s changed in recovery since the 80s
33:09 – The core message Tim wants people to hear
36:49 – Talking to kids about addiction
41:05 – Drinking dreams
43:53 – Tim’s call to sober publishers
P.S. Thanks for supporting independent recovery shows like ours. We’re a small but mighty team (okay, it’s mostly just me editing at midnight), and we’re so glad you’re here.
Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!
💌 Subscribe to Sober Banter so you never miss an episode.
💬 Leave a review or a comment—your thoughts mean the world and help others find us.
🔄 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @soberbanterpodcast
☕️ Support the show:
Buy us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Donate at https://www.venmo.com/u/Soberbanter
Do you have questions or feedback or want to be a guest? Go to soberbanter.com/guests or email [email protected]
- (02:36) - – Back to 1984: Getting sober
- (05:13) - – Sobriety in the 80s & How Tim got sober
- (08:43) - – Growing up in an alcoholic home
- (14:31) - – Trauma and addiction
- (19:39) - – Upcoming memoir & Earning a degree in sobriety
- (23:33) - – What people misunderstand about trauma
- (26:09) - – Never met someone who regretted getting sober
- (27:43) - – What’s changed in recovery since the 80s
- (33:09) - – The core message Tim wants people to hear
- (36:49) - – Talking to kids about addiction
- (41:05) - – Drinking dreams
- (43:53) - – Tim’s call to sober publishers

Empower, Inspire, Prevent with Nathan Wray
Sober Banter
01/08/25 • 99 min
YouTube Video Link - https://youtu.be/yYDy9R4S1vk?feature=shared
0:00 Meet Nathan Wary
0:42 Nathan’s Chicago Cubs Story
1:27 Colin’s Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Story
6:05 Nathan’s Sobriety Story
8:25 Working with Youth Prevention
16:09 Disposable Vapes
25:30 Empowered VS Disempowered
31:34 Flipping the Mindset
40:17 Yelping Bosses
56:40 Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
1:04:30 Connecting with Teens
1:11:31 New lingo with teens
1:17:00 Bringing Light to Heavy Moments
1:27:22 Marriage and Sobriety
1:32:53 (Colin’s Version)
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Soberbanter
Information about Nathan Wray and Links to Follow and Contact him!
Instagram and TikTok @thatnathanwray
Email: [email protected]
Nathan Wray is a youth mental health advocate and substance use prevention leader with over seven years of experience as a prevention coordinator. A former youth pastor turned motivational speaker, Nathan has received the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Award in Tennessee and helped reduce middle school vaping citations in his community by over 60%. Through his L-A-U-G-H framework, he empowers students and educators to build resilience and create positive childhood experiences.
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe

Valentine's Day: Love Through a Sober Lens
Sober Banter
02/14/25 • 26 min
Happy Valentines Day from Colin, Rachel and Evan!
00:00 Opening Banter
Support the show and buy us a coffee on buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
02:27 Guest Interviews and gratitude
05:07 Family Dynamics
06:01 Inappropriate Music Choices
09:08 Super Bowl Halftime Show
12:34 Handling Responsibilities in Sobriety
16:18 Podcast Plans and Personal Health
23:01 Valentine's Day Fun with Evan
Sober Banter is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support the show, consider becoming a subscriber.
For any comments or questions please contact us at [email protected]
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe

Two Time Zones, Zero Drinks
Sober Banter
10/21/24 • 18 min
00:11 Icebreaker and Sober Traveling
02:52 Conference Chaos and Misadventures
05:02 Adobe Max Sober
09:40 Premiere Pro Insights and Social Anxiety
12:14 Meditation and Self-Discovery
14:25 Daily Life and Reflections
If Sober Banter has made you feel heard or helped you through a hard moment, you can help support the show 👉 buymeacoffee.com/soberbanter
Every share, listen, and cup of coffee keeps this space alive. Thank you. Truly.
Get full access to Sober Banter at soberbanter.substack.com/subscribe
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FAQ
How many episodes does Sober Banter have?
Sober Banter currently has 107 episodes available.
What topics does Sober Banter cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Personal Growth, Addiction Recovery, Mental Health, Wellness, Sobriety, Comedy, Podcasts, Alcoholism and Mindfulness.
What is the most popular episode on Sober Banter?
The episode title 'Sober Bonds: Janice and Katie on Family, Recovery, and Healing' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Sober Banter?
The average episode length on Sober Banter is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of Sober Banter released?
Episodes of Sober Banter are typically released every 14 hours.
When was the first episode of Sober Banter?
The first episode of Sober Banter was released on Aug 28, 2024.
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