Ep. 81 Sober & Lit: Why Reclaiming Sobriety Is the New Cool

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The Reclamation of “Sober”—How a New Movement is Turning Alcohol-Free Living into the Ultimate Act of Wellness and Rebellion

Embracing Change: Why Words Matter

When it comes to the alcohol-free lifestyle, language is powerful. In this episode, Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin discuss the evolution of their podcast’s name, shifting from “Feel Lit, Alcohol Free” to “Sober & Lit.” This isn’t just a cosmetic rebranding—it’s the reflection of a deeper conversation happening around the words “sober” and “alcohol-free,” and what they mean in today’s world. 

Traditionally, “sober” has carried a sense of seriousness or even stigma, often closely linked to the idea of alcoholism or rock-bottom stories. But as Ruby and Susan highlight, this is changing. There's power in reclaiming words—like “sober” and “recovery”—and making them reflect empowerment, wellness, and choice rather than shame or deprivation. Whether you resonate more with “alcohol-free,” “sober curious,” or any label that fits your journey, the most important thing is connecting with communities and resources that support your goals.

Sober: A Modern Badge of Empowerment

There’s a growing movement—especially among younger generations—toward mindful drinking, alcohol-free living, and wellness-first lifestyles. As Susan and Ruby point out, recent studies show a significant portion of Gen Z plan to drink less or not at all, linking sobriety not to recovery from addiction, but to a conscious choice for health and fulfillment. Media narratives are shifting too, as major publications explore whether being sober is the new status symbol.

This cultural shift reframes going alcohol-free as a badge of rebellion against a society that normalizes drinking as the default mode for socializing, connecting, or coping with stress. Opting out, in many ways, has become the ultimate act of self-respect—demonstrating boundaries, discipline, self-awareness, and an insatiable desire to live life unfiltered and un-numbed.

Rebellion, Wellness, and the Joys of Sobriety

One of the most powerful refrains in Susan and Ruby’s conversation is that choosing not to drink is far from boring or lonely—it’s “badass.” In fact, rejecting the “wine is self-care” myth or the idea that beer equals personality is a true rebellion against outdated norms. Sobriety is increasingly being associated with true wellness—restorative sleep, emotional regulation, vibrant joy, and a life you don’t want to escape from.

Ruby passionately describes how much of life is “numbed out” by habitual evening drinking—up to 25%—and how liberating it feels to get all that time, energy, and presence back. From yoga and cold plunges to dancing barefoot at summer concerts, alcohol-free living opens doors to authentic experiences, rich connections, and deep enjoyment. Plus, with celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Chrissy Teigen, Tom Holland, and Bradley Cooper openly celebrating their sobriety, the conversation is more mainstream—and inspiring—than ever.

Community, Connection, and Building the Sober Movement

Going alcohol-free can still feel lonely, especially if your friends and family aren’t on the same path. Susan and Ruby emphasize the importance of community in making changes stick and feeling genuinely lit—whether through Facebook groups, private off-social media spaces, or programs like “Feel It for Life” and their upcoming “Sober September” challenge.

Connecting with others who share your values and goals not only provides support, accountability, and inspiration—it also gives you a chance to reclaim and define your own identity, free from societal expectations or old habits. Whether you’re newly sober, sober-curious, or years into your alcohol-free journey, there’s a place for you to grow, give back, and thrive.

Redefining What It Means to Be “Sober & Lit”

In the end, Susan and Ruby remind us: “We feel more lit not drinking than we ever did when we were drinking, and we think you will too.” Sober is no longer a word weighted with shame, but a lifestyle bursting with clarity, connection, and joy—a vibrant, fulfilling choice that you make for yourself.

Embrace the word “sober,” reclaim your time and presence, find your people, and start living the most badass, lit-up version of your life—alcohol free.
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Listeners have said that our podcast has helped them get alcohol free! So we created Feel Lit 21, a way for you to press your reset button and take a 21 day break from alcohol. Every day you will receive emails with videos, journal prompts, and the inspiration you need to embrace 21 days without alcohol that feels lit!
https://feellitpodcast.com/FeelLit21-sg

 Find community and connection on the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/feellitalcoholfreepodcast

Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching
Email: [email protected]