The Sober New Yorker with Melissa McGovern

Nine years ago, Allie Clark walked into rehab wearing a tennis skirt, unaware that one decision would completely change her life.

In this episode, Allie shares how healing childhood trauma—including the effects of growing up with a narcissistic mother—became the foundation of lasting sobriety. Today, she's an alcohol-free and trauma coach helping others find the same freedom she did.

We talk about recovery, resilience, family, and why true healing goes far beyond putting down the drink.

Follow Allie:

https://www.instagram.com/soberdreamteam/

https://www.thesoberdreamteam.com/

What if the key to freedom isn't admitting you're powerless—but discovering just how powerful you really are?

In this episode, Melissa sits down with Lauren Fay—author of Blurred Lines, alcohol-free empowerment coach, Reiki Master Teacher, former collegiate athlete, and eight years sober—to challenge traditional recovery narratives and explore a different way of thinking about alcohol.

Together, they discuss powerlessness versus personal power, self-trust, and what becomes possible when we stop seeing ourselves as broken and start reclaiming our agency.

Because maybe the question isn't whether you're powerless over alcohol—it's whether you've forgotten how powerful you truly are.

Lauren's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/laurenfaycoaching/

Get her book!

https://laurenfay.co/book

Lisa Smith is the author of the acclaimed memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar, a candid and powerful account of her journey from addiction to recovery. A former high-powered New York City attorney, Lisa struggled with a high-functioning alcohol and cocaine addiction before finding lasting sobriety.

Now 22 years alcohol- and drug-free, Lisa is a leading voice in the recovery community. She is the award-winning host of the podcast Recovery Rocks, co-creator of The Sobriety Deck, and a sought-after speaker and advocate. Through her writing, podcasting, and recovery work, Lisa continues to inspire others by sharing her experience with honesty, humor, and hope.

In this conversation, Lisa reflects on writing her memoir years after its publication, what recovery looks like more than two decades later, and why getting sober had to be something she did for herself.

Get her book:

https://lisasmithadvisory.com/about-the-book/

Follow her on Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/lisasmithwrites/

This week, I'm joined by Jon Gustin—better known as The Tired Dad and author of the new book The Tired Dad: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most.

Jon opens up about his journey from numbing with alcohol to living with intention, honesty, and presence. We talk shame, sobriety, mental health, fatherhood, and what it really takes to stop escaping and start feeling your life again.

Jon's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thetireddad/

Buy his book:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784324/the-tired-dad-by-jon-gustin/

Adriana is a liver failure survivor who was given a second chance at life after alcohol nearly took everything from her. Now alcohol-free, she uses her social media platform to break the stigma around recovery, inspire others to step out of the shadows, and share why sobriety has been the best gift she's ever given herself and her family. A proud New Yorker, Adriana brings grit, honesty, and plenty of badassery to her mission of helping others find hope and healing.

Follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theadgeofsobriety/

Join me for NYC Sober October Retreat!

https://www.soberincentralpark.com/nyc-fall-retreat

Save $500 when you pay in full! Code: NYC500