The Sober Powered Podcast
Hosted By: Gillian Tietz, MS, CAMS-I, CCIS-II
Do you ever say, "I'm never drinking again!", but then you drink again? There are many reasons why this happens, and none of them are that we're weak-willed losers. After years of rationalizing why her drinking wasn’t that bad, Gill reached her breaking point. With her background in biochemistry, she set out on a quest to understand why some of us struggle with addiction and others don’t. In the Sober Powered Podcast, Gill uses science, psychology, and compassion to help you understand why you struggle to moderate, why it's so hard to quit drinking, and how to develop the coping skills you need to stay sober.
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Sober Powered Episodes
The easiest way to find an episode is to search in Apple or Spotify. Search for “Sober Powered + Topic” and you’ll find any relevant episodes.
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Emotional Tunnel Vision: When Little Problems are a Big Deal (E289)
In sobriety, minor stressors can feel monumental. Learn more about where tunnel vision from and and strategies to regain focus and manage everyday stressors effectively.
How to “Sit With It” Without Avoiding, Suppressing, Ruminating, or Escaping (E288)
Sobriety can be tough, especially when managing emotions. This episode explores effective ways to cope and thrive without resorting to unhealthy habits.
Are You “Strong Enough” or Just Stubborn? (Self-Control & Willpower) (E287)
Discover why willpower alone won't keep you sober. Learn effective strategies to rewire your brain and break free from the cycle of alcohol dependency.
5 Year Podversary Q&A (E286 Part 2)
Join me for a special Q&A episode. We talk about my story, my work, my gaming history, book writing, what I've noticed in the sober community, and more! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions.
How This Podcast Changed My Life (Happy 5 Years to Sober Powered) (E286)
Explore how my podcast began and its role in my sobriety journey. Learn about overcoming work addiction and embracing change. Don't miss part 2 where I answer your questions!
How Exercise Helps Your Brain and Body Heal From Alcohol (and How to Get Started) (E285)
Explore the healing power of exercise in recovery. Find out how to build a routine, resist cravings, and avoid the weight loss obsession.
Reward Substitution: Healthy vs. Harmful Replacements for Alcohol (E284)
Have you replaced alcohol with other habits? Listen in as we explore the process of finding healthier coping mechanisms and emotional relief.
Alcohol Shortens Your Perception of Time (Instant Gratification) (E283)
Learn about alcohol myopia and how it impacts your future thinking. Learn to embrace patience over instant gratification.
Minimizing, Rationalizing, and the Myth of “I Wasn’t That Bad” (E282)
Face the reality of your drinking. Explore how cognitive dissonance and self-protection keep you stuck, and learn to break free for real change.
Why Your Brain Makes Drinking Look Better Than It Was (E281)
Are your drinking memories too good to be true? This episode explores how your brain edits the past and offers tips to manage cravings effectively. Join me as I reveal how dopamine and emotional memory shape your perceptions and share my personal story.
Romanticizing Alcohol: What’s Going on in Your Brain (E280)
Discover how romanticizing alcohol can challenge your sobriety. Learn brain insights and 3 effective strategies to break the cycle of believing you can moderate when you engage with romanticizing thoughts.
The Pendulum Effect of Healing (E279)
Struggling with intense emotions while quitting alcohol? This episode explains the pendulum effect and offers 3 practical ways to help you find your balance.
Intrusive Thoughts About Drinking When You’re Already Sober & 3 Ways to Deal (E278)
Intrusive thoughts about drinking can linger long after quitting. Explore their roots and gain insights on coping strategies so they don’t derail your sobriety.
Being Willing to Start is the Hardest Part (“The Work”)(E277)
Sobriety isn't the end—it's just the beginning. Learn how to confront uncomfortable truths and start your personal growth journey with these three effective strategies.
A Burst of Mental Clarity at 60 Days Sober (Cognitive Healing) (E276)
Discover the mental clarity shift many experience around 60 days sober. Learn how sobriety enhances focus, memory, and cognitive recovery.
3 Ways Alcohol Damages the Heart and How to Have Good Heart Health in Sobriety (E275)
Discover how alcohol impacts your heart health. Learn 3 ways it damages your heart, how it heals after sobriety, and 5 tips for a healthier heart.
High Dopamine, Low Effort Behaviors and Making Sobriety Feel Less Hard (E274)
Struggling with motivation? This episode reveals how quick rewards can keep you stuck. Learn effective strategies to make sobriety easier and more rewarding.
How the Sober Brain Breaks Down Alcohol Associations (But They’ll Build Back Up if You Drink Again) (E273)
Discover how alcohol shapes our experiences and the brain's associations. Learn to navigate life sober and break free from these powerful connections.
6 Habits That Make My Life Better (E272)
Ready to reclaim your life after alcohol? Tune in to learn 6 powerful habits that have transformed my mornings and improved my quality of life.
Alcohol, Career Stress, and the Lie of “I Function Just Fine” (E271)
Learn about the hidden struggles of high-functioning drinkers in the workplace. Discover how career stress and identity shape our relationship with alcohol.