episodes
Sobriety Behind Bars: What No One Tells You About Prison & Addiction | Amika Mota
What’s the truth about getting sober in prison? In this powerful episode, Amika Mota shares her journey from addiction to incarceration—and the unexpected realities of recovery behind bars. From fighting fires as an inmate to leading change on the outside, her story is raw, eye-opening, and deeply human.
Nick Thune's Absinthe Relapse and the Comeback That Followed
Comedian and actor Nick Thune gets brutally honest about his sobriety journey—getting sober at 17, staying dry for 12 years, and the one drink in Vegas that triggered a decade-long relapse. From absinthe and near-death moments to a comeback rooted in faith, fatherhood, and self-forgiveness, this is one of Soberness’ most raw and redemptive episodes yet. If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, struggled with shame, or wondered what recovery can really look like—this conversation is for you.
Jonathan Goldstein on Family, Forgiveness & F-Bombs
What happens when humor meets heartbreak? In this episode of The Soberness Podcast, acclaimed writer and Heavyweight host Jonathan Goldstein dives into the tangled roots of family dysfunction, forgiveness, and the stories we carry from childhood. Through wit and vulnerability, Jonathan unpacks emotional inheritance, estrangement, and what it means to find peace without closure.
Black, Sober, and Still Not Believed: Stories from the Frontlines
Why Can’t We Talk About Race in Recovery Spaces? In this powerful and unfiltered live episode of the Soberness Podcast, we brought the community together at the historic Algonquin Hotel to unpack what it means to heal while Black in a system built without us in mind.
Margaret Cho Opens Up About 19 Months in Rehab—and What Came After
Comedian, actress, and activist Margaret Cho opens up about her 19 months in rehab, her sobriety journey, and how Korean culture, fame, and addiction intersected in her life. From using music and EMDR therapy to heal, to discussing phone anxiety, text therapy, and relapse fears, Margaret shares a deeply human and relatable path to recovery. We also talk about the pressures of perfectionism, the silence around addiction in Asian communities, and how she’s embraced aging, activism, and self-acceptance through comedy, style, and spiritual practice. If you're navigating sobriety, identity, or just love raw, honest conversations—this one’s for you.
Surviving AIDS and Addiction: Louie Mandrapilias’ Unbelievable Story
In Part 2 of this unforgettable Soberness conversation, Louie Mandrapilias returns to share the most haunting and transformational chapters of his story. From smuggling contraband across borders to spiritual awakenings in an Indian ashram, to surviving the AIDS crisis and a devastating overdose that left a friend dead, Louie unpacks it all with honesty, reflection, and grace.
He Didn't Know He Belonged—Until Al-Anon
Philip Galanes, beloved New York Times advice columnist and author of Social Q’s sits down with Cat Greenleaf on Soberness. Though not sober himself, Philip opens up about what he’s learned through decades of friendships with people in recovery, his experience attending Al-Anon, and his personal journey of healing after loss, shame, and self-doubt.
Radha Agrawal Built a Sober Party Empire—Here’s Why
In this joyful, soulful, and radically honest episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with Radha Agrawal—founder of the global sober dance movement Daybreaker, co-founder of THINX and TUSHY, and visionary behind The Belong Center. Radha shares her journey of choosing a sober lifestyle, creating safe spaces for connection and community, and redefining fun without substances.
Why Lawrence Zarian Almost Didn't Make It—and How He Turned It Around
Lawrence Zarian opens up like never before about his battle with addiction, his path to sobriety, and his journey toward self-acceptance. In this powerful Soberness episode, Lawrence shares emotional stories about surviving cocaine and alcohol addiction, embracing his identity as a gay man, and how nearly dying became the turning point that saved his life.
Blondie, The Sex Pistols & a Sober Life: Glen Matlock Tells All
Glen Matlock opens up like never before. In this revealing episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with the legendary Sex Pistols bassist to talk about life on tour, the day he saw a rabbit at the bar, the chip bag that changed his life, and why after 30+ years sober, he still thinks about Guinness.
Awkward, Honest, and Hilarious Sobriety Story
This isn’t your typical sobriety story. In this hilarious and honest episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with Victoria Vanstone of the award-winning Sober Awkward podcast to talk about tequila-fueled chaos, redefining what it means to be sober, and why laughter is a key part of healing. Expect puke stories, play-the-tape-forward wisdom, and unapologetic truth.
How A Gay International Smuggler Got Sober
In this jaw dropping episode of Soberness, Louie shares stories from his new book Flew Too High that feels like a blockbuster movie. Hear about his highs and the rock-bottom moment that forced him to confront his addiction. Louie tells the raw truth about his journey to recovery, the turning point that changed his life, and the lessons he hopes will inspire others on their path to sobriety.
Molly Jong-Fast on Surviving Addiction and Reinventing Herself
Journalist, author, and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast opens up about her battle with addiction, getting sober as a teenager, and the journey of reinventing herself. From navigating a tumultuous upbringing to finding her voice in media and politics, Molly shares the hard truths of recovery, the lessons she’s learned, and how sobriety has shaped her career and personal life.
Jason Biggs Opens Up About His Relapse Struggles
Jason Biggs opens up about the struggles with addiction that he kept hidden from the public eye. Known for his roles in American Pie and Orange Is the New Black, Jason shares the personal battles he faced behind the scenes, the wake-up call that led him to sobriety, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Get To Know Soberness Host Cat Greenleaf Via The Sober Cobras
In this very special episode of the Soberness podcast we meet the Sober Cobras (the team behind Soberness) as they interview host Cat Greenleaf. Learn about the most memorable and impactful guests and how this podcast as been a huge help to the creators as well as the audience.
How Rich Vos Found Redemption Through Recovery
How Rich Vos Found Redemption Through Recovery | Soberness Podcast In this candid episode of Soberness, legendary comedian Rich Vos opens up about his journey from addiction to sobriety and how recovery changed his life—both on and off the stage. He shares raw and hilarious insights into the struggles of staying sober in the stand-up comedy world, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why sobriety has made him a better comedian, husband, and father. With his signature wit and brutal honesty, Vos proves that even in the darkest moments, laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. Whether you're in recovery or just looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.
Anthony Weiner on Addiction, Regret & Recovery
In this raw and revealing episode of Soberness, Anthony Weiner opens up about his struggles with addiction, the fallout from his highly publicized scandals, and his journey toward redemption. He reflects on the personal and professional consequences of his actions, the role addiction played in his downfall, and what recovery has taught him about accountability and self-forgiveness.
This candid conversation explores regret, resilience, and the difficult work of rebuilding after hitting rock bottom. Whether you're on a sobriety journey or seeking insight into addiction and redemption, this episode is a must-watch.
How Alcohol Ruined My Wellness Journey
Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, shares her personal journey of wellness, sobriety, and the unexpected ways alcohol was holding her back. Despite living a health-conscious lifestyle, she found herself trapped in a cycle of nightly drinking—until she made the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, weed, and cigarettes for good.
How Loneliness Fuels Addiction: Chris Marshall’s Truth
Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar, shares his deeply personal journey from addiction to creating one of the first alcohol-free bars in the U.S. Recorded live at the Mindful Drinking Festival, Chris opens up about the wake-up call that led to his sobriety, the challenges of loneliness in addiction, and how he’s building a new social scene for sober and sober-curious people.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Trends in Food & Beverage
In this episode of Soberness, a panel of top chefs and mixologists discusses the challenges and triumphs of staying sober in the high-pressure world of hospitality. Recorded live at the Mindful Drinking Festival, these culinary experts share their personal stories of addiction, recovery, and how mindfulness has shaped their approach to life. Discover how the industry’s culture is shifting toward inclusivity, with non-alcoholic trends taking center stage and offering hope to those on their sobriety journey. Whether you're in hospitality or curious about the intersection of food and mindful living, this episode serves up plenty of inspiration and insight.