The Sober New Yorker with Melissa McGovern

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brett Kessler — former President of the American Dental Association, triathlete, husband, father, and a man whose life has been completely transformed through recovery. Now almost 28 years sober, Dr. Brett shares his journey from addiction and self-destruction to becoming a powerful force for healing and service.

We talk about the role recovery played in rebuilding his life, career, and purpose, and how he became known for helping people struggling with addiction restore their smiles after years of damage from methamphetamine and substance use — often paying for the work himself simply because he wanted to give back.

This conversation is full of hope, resilience, perspective, and positivity. Dr. Brett is living proof that recovery doesn’t just change your life — it allows you to become the kind of person who changes the lives of others.

Follow Dr. Brett:

https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/

https://bikodds.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brett-kessler/

In this episode, Sydney shares the many layers of rock bottom that ultimately led her to an alcohol-free life — including the unexpected moment that finally clicked for her: realizing there was a bar car on the train she was taking. What once felt normal suddenly became impossible to ignore.

Now over two years sober, Sydney has completely transformed her life. She’s embraced running, built a huge community on TikTok, and is living proof that sobriety doesn’t make life smaller — it makes it bigger, freer, and far more badass. This conversation is honest, funny, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that change is possible at any stage.

Follow Sydney:

TikTok 😜 www.tiktok.com/@sydleemac?_r=1&_t=ZT-91BjUm2me3z

https://www.instagram.com/sobersyd/

https://www.sydneymacalister.com/

Karolina Rzadkowolska is a bestselling author, alcohol-free empowerment expert, and founder of Euphoric, a global movement helping women transform their relationship with alcohol. She is the author of Euphoric and has helped thousands of women create healthier, more fulfilling lives without alcohol.

On a personal level, Karolina is also my mentor and the woman I completed my coaching certification with. I deeply connect with her approach to changing subconscious beliefs around alcohol and the empowering way she helps women redefine what’s possible alcohol-free.

Follow Karolina:

https://www.instagram.com/euphoric.af/

Join my Happier Hour group:

https://app.heartbeat.chat/happier/invitation?code=GC36CJ

Today I’m joined by Christina, a San Diego–based embodiment coach and somatics practitioner who helps women reconnect with themselves, rebuild self-trust, and feel more at home in their bodies. In this episode, we talk about Christina’s personal journey, what led her to this work, how she’s doing today, and the healing power of embodiment, connection, and movement. We also talk about the importance of community, learning to trust yourself again, and yes… when we can finally dance together.

Follow Christina on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/itschristinahorn/

Melissa (The Sober New Yorker) and Rachel (Sober in Central Park) are fresh off their very first NYC sober retreat—and still buzzing.

In this episode, they share the magic of a weekend that brought women from around the country together for connection, laughter, breakthroughs, and experiencing New York City fully alcohol-free.

This is just the beginning.

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