Introducing my New Podcast!
Yes, I'll be jumping on the podcast bandwagon shortly, launching "The Sober Connection with Abi King" within the next couple of weeks. This has been a long time coming, but my nerves and self-doubt have held me back from just going for it for far too long. But I decided to bite the bullet a few weeks ago, and have spent the last wee while trying to learn all I can about recording podcasts, inviting guests to join me for a chat and getting the background "stuff" sorted.
The idea behind the name is that we all benefit from connection with others when we're on our sober journeys. In fact, Johann Hari states in his book "Chasing the Scream: The First & Last Days of the War on Drugs" that "addiction isn't primarily a substance abuse problem, but rather a social issue stemming from a lack of meaningful connection and belonging. This perspective suggests that building healthy connections and addressing feelings of isolation and loneliness can be more effective in combating addiction than solely focusing on abstaining from substances."
When I was giving up alcohol, I was living in small town New Zealand where EVERYONE drank. I became the local pariah, the outcast. I stopped getting invited to things, even my kids stopped getting invited to things. How sad is that? I ended up going back to drinking many times because I was lonely and craving connection.
Eventually, I wanted to be sober more than I wanted to hang out with other drinkers so I got involved in the online sober community instead. Connecting with other people who were going through the same thing as me was a game changer - there's no judgement, no one telling you you're boring for not drinking, no one laughing at your struggles, just pure support and love from people from all around the world, the majority of whom you will never meet.
With my weekly podcast, I will be alternating between short advice-based episodes, where I will be giving tips and tricks for getting and staying sober, and longer guest interview episodes. My guests and I will touch on their drinking history and how they got sober, and then will discuss what their life looks like now and their plans for the future. I already have some amazing guests lined up, with my first interview happening this Wednesday!
The aim of this podcast is to show what life can look like on the other side of this sober journey. All of my guests have completely changed their lives, as have I. Many of us work in some way or another within the sober space, offering our support and guidance to those that want to quit alcohol for good.
I find it truly amazing that something that had a hold on us all for so long, and had such a negative impact on our lives has enabled us to have such a positive influence on others. That is the power of connection. I'm looking forward to sharing this new chapter with you all.