Sober Yoga Girl

This episode, recorded live in Sober Soul Sundays, was a deeply meaningful Sober call as we explored the profound intersection of trauma, grief, and healing with our guest, Angela Ogle. Angela and Alex met in Bali this past year. She is a yoga teacher and lost her son in 2015. She is running her first Grief and Trauma Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica in February! In this call we discussed how practices like yoga, mindfulness and community connection can help us navigate the journey of recovery and transformation. You can learn more about Angela's work here:https://www.mamayogibear.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

1/6/25 • 33:31

On today’s episode, I reflect on my second day of stepping away from social media and the parallels between Instagram addiction and my sobriety journey from alcohol. Inspired by Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism and Joseph Goldstein's Mindfulness, I dive into the true costs of social media, how it fuels craving, and ways to let go.Social media, much like any addiction, feeds on craving—whether it’s for likes, validation, or endless stimulation. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and the 12 Steps, I explore how freedom from craving leads to inner peace and balance.I share my personal story of how social media once helped build my sobriety and business but has now become a vortex of comparison and distraction. Through mindfulness, meditation, and reflection, I’m working to approach my digital life with awareness and equanimity—or perhaps detach from it entirely.I’ll leave you with this powerful thought from Newport: “Checking your likes is the new smoking.”Join me as I unpack these ideas and invite you to reflect on your relationship with social media. If you’re part of the detox group, I’d love to hear about your experience!https://stan.store/alexmcrobs/p/join-the-30day-social-media-detox-in-january-2025Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

1/1/25 • 11:42

In this episode, I share the raw and honest story of why I’m stepping away from social media for 30 days. As someone who has built a business and community online, this decision wasn’t easy—but it feels necessary. I dive into my complicated relationship with Instagram, how it mirrors my struggles with addiction, and the  ways it’s impacted my mental health and relationships.You’ll hear about the inspiration behind this detox, the ancient wisdom from the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, 12 Steps, and Buddha Dharma that guides me, and the incredible community that has joined me on this journey. I also explore how this isn’t just about rejecting technology but reclaiming attention, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what truly matters.If you’ve ever felt addicted to your phone or overwhelmed by the pressures of social media, this episode will resonate deeply. Tune in to hear my first reflections on this detox, how it’s already shifted my habits, and what I hope to discover over the next 30 days.Join the Free 30 Day Social Media Detox Challenge Here: https://stan.store/alexmcrobs/p/join-the-30day-social-media-detox-in-january-2025Follow my journey on my new Substack, where I'll be writing daily during this time about the detox and how it connects us to yoga philosophy: Dharma Daily with Sober Yoga Girl. https://dharmadaily.substack.com/?r=jbwok&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklistSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

1/1/25 • 16:15

In this episode of the show I express some of my takeaways from the last month I spent in Panama and Costa Rica, including:- The wild ride of Karma (sutras 4.7 - 4.8)- ​ Clarity in Contrast- The Light Was Always On- ​ The 12 Steps and Finding Spiritual Friendship- Bhakti as the Next Chapter​Tune in and let me know what you think!Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

12/30/24 • 14:33

I loved having my teacher Rolf on the show for a third time. In previous episodes, Rolf shared a bit of his sober journey. In this episode, I ask Rolf to share about shame in the sober journey. We talk about some practices for the sober journey to release shame. Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

12/23/24 • 19:51

Renee has been a part of the Mindful Life Practice community for a few years and sober for multiple years! ​In this session, we will be discussing change in sobriety. There are both challenges and rewards of transformation in sobriety. ​In this session, we’ll talk about embracing these changes, practices for releasing the old, and welcoming new habits and mindsets.​You can check out Renee's website at: https://www.reneejernigan.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

12/16/24 • 25:58

In 2013, Kim Bellas’ 15-year-old started having seizures. Like many teenagers, he liked going to parties. He was unable to drink our to his seizures. Kim instinctively wanted him to know that drinking alcohol wasn’t necessary for him to enjoy himself. It dawned on her how hypocritical she was being, as she frequently found herself drinking wine. To prove a point for her son, she stopped drinking for three months, and then added another three months. What started as an example for her son became something she wanted to commit for herself. She is now 11 years sober, and started the Sober is Cool movement. Tune into this episode to learn more about Kim's Story. Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

12/9/24 • 28:54

This conversation, which was recorded live in Sober Girls Club, is "Conscious Finances for Sober Women." Carol is a financial coach based in Dubai but originally from Ireland, that Alex worked with a few years ago when she lived in the UAE! ​This episode is an empowering conversation between Carol and Alex around some of the common worries and concerns around finances when going on your sober journey. This conversation will help empower you in taking control of your financial well-being with mindful and intentional strategies. ​If you are interested in any of Carol's offerings, apply the code MINDSET10 at checkout on her website here: https://www.consciousfinancecoaching.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

12/2/24 • 36:09

In this conversation with Alex & Susie Streelman, the creator of Zeroproof Experiences (also known as Sober in the City!) Alex and Susie will be speaking about the importance of building meaningful relationships on your sober journey. We'll speak about how to create and sustain a supportive sober network, and why it's important. ​Join one of our sober events and gatherings by checking out what we have to offer at: www.themindfulllifepractice.com ​ ​Alex and Susie will also be at Sober in the City in Scottsdale, Arizona in May. Join them here! https://zeroproofexperiences.com/scottsdaleSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

11/25/24 • 33:18

I loved having my Yoga Teacher Training Graduate, Lauren Brassfield, on the show! Lauren is one year sober. Lauren and I connected while she was on a s Sober Curious Women's Retreat in Bali. Lauren fell in love with Bali, and came back to participate in the 200-Hour YTT in Bali this past July. Lauren is passionate about helping women heal from trauma and serving the neuro-recovery community. ​Listen to this inspiring episode to learn more about Lauren's journey! The next 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is in July 2025. ​Grab your spot here: https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/bali-200-hourSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

11/17/24 • 29:23

In this episode, I spoke to my friend Peggi Cooney, the Chief Connections Officer of Zeroproof Experiences. Peggi is all about sober connection and in this episode we talk about the importance of connecting with people on their alcohol-free journey. Peggi also shares her story of how the Zeroproof Experiences movement grew over time. ​ ​Alex & Peggi will be at the Sober in the City event in Scottsdale, Arizona, in May. Join them there! The link to book is here. https://zeroproofexperiences.com/scottsdale ​You can also join one of our retreats and events at this link: www.themindfullifepractice.comSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

11/11/24 • 41:41

I loved having Dupe Witherick on my podcast! On this episode of the show, Dupe shares about her journey going alcohol-free, and how she supports women in finding their passions alcohol-free. She also supports women to thrive in sobriety, build resilience in sobriety, and build a life without alcohol. ​You can learn more about Dupe's offerings at this link! https://www.thrivealcoholfree.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

11/4/24 • 37:49

I absolutely LOVED having Payal on the show! For those who don't follow Payal Desai on Tiktok, follow her now! https://www.tiktok.com/@payalforstyle?lang=en. ​Payal is a mom, Tiktoker, instagrammer and is also four years sober. In this inspiring episode we discuss her journey to go alcohol-free, along with her journey to quit her teaching job, and TikTok fame!Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

10/28/24 • 43:03

In this inspiring episode, Rosie Turner speaks about her personal journey with ADHD, alcohol, and recovery, and what has inspired her to lead ADHD-specific trainings. ​ If you are a yoga teacher with ADHD or have ever wondered if you could have ADHD, this is an excellent episode to listen to to learn more about how it presents in women versus men, how it manifests, and how yoga can help. ​You can learn more about Rosie's offerings here: https://www.untangledco.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

10/21/24 • 45:21

Juliet is one of the most recent graduates of the Mindful Life Practice's 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali! She is an educator based in Texas. In this episode, I get to sit down with Juliet and hear about her sober journey, and what led her to Bali to become a yoga teacher with our program. ​You can sign up for our next 200-Hour YTT in Bali here! https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/bali-200-hourSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

10/14/24 • 36:30

Crystal Nicholson and I have been connected in the sober world for a long time! Crystal is the founder of Sober Flow Retreats and is on a mission to build a supportive and inclusive community for sober and sober-curious people. Having battled with alcohol and drug abuse for many years, she understands the importance of finding peace with our internal world and champions mindful practices such as yoga, breathwork, sound, and community to achieve this. ​​You can connect with Crystal on Instagram at: @iamcrystalapril@soberflowretreatsSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

10/7/24 • 26:09

It was SO COOL to have Susanna Barkataki on the podcast! I have followed Susanna for years and really admire her work. Susanna focuses on decolonizing yoga, and inclusivity in yoga. She authored the book "Embrace Yoga's Roots" which I recommend to all of my 200-Hour YTT students. In this episode, we discuss cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation and the work that students of yoga and teachers of yoga can do to uplift, inspire, and educate each other on this important subject. ​If you're listening to this episode and want to learn more about Susanna's work, check out her website: https://www.susannabarkataki.com/. ​As well, her book can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Yogas-Roots-Courageous-Practice/dp/1734318112/?geniuslink=true Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

9/30/24 • 46:40

I met Simmone when she came on a Bali sober women's retreat this past April! Simmone just hit one year sober and I knew I had to have her on the show to celebrate her accomplishments! In this episode, we speak about what prompted her sober journey, what led her to Bali, what her sober dating life has been like, and her dreams for her second year in sobriety. Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

9/23/24 • 28:27

I loved recording this episode with Jaimy Frances! Jaimy was a student on a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training I taught last year in Bali. She is going to be returning to Bali for her 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with me this October - November! In this episode Jaimy speaks about her journey to become a Manifestation Coach & Yoga Teacher, and how she has transitioned to living nomadically and traveling around the world. We still have one room left on our 300-Hour Advanced YTT - if it's calling your name, you should join us! ​Here's the link to find out more: https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/300-hour-ytt-in-baliSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

9/16/24 • 27:47

I loved recording this episode with Kyle Jason Leitzke! Kyle is a men's group facilitator and ayurvedic coach, and we got connected through a mutual friend when he was planning a retreat to Bali. In this episode, we discuss his childhood trauma of the death of his brother, which led to binge eating patterns as a consequence. We discuss how Ayurveda as a practice came into his life and transformed his ways of thinking and living for the better. ​ ​You can check out Kyle and everything he has to offer here: https://www.kylejasonleitzke.com/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

9/9/24 • 50:13

In this episode, I sat down with my friend Sarah Williamson live in London, England! Sarah asks me about my new book, Sober Yoga Girl. I share with her about the writing process, the editing process, and some of my fears and hopes around the book release (which is this week - September 5!)​You can get on the waitlist for the book here: www.soberyogagirl.com. Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

9/2/24 • 32:53

Arlina Allen is an absolute inspiration in the sober world. She is a Certified Life & Sober Coach and Hypnotist, and host of the award winning recovery podcast "The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast" since 2016. Arlina is the founder of Sober Life School where she works with women to achieve sobriety, and create a life they love. In this episode we talk mostly about some of the misconceptions related to AA - and why people avoid it, but are really missing out on a good thing! I love this episode because I used to be very anti-AA and Arlina really changed my perspective on a lot of things. ​You can connect with Arlina at the following links:​Sober Life School- http://www.soberlifeschool.com Reinvent - Self Esteem Course http://www.selfesteemcourse.com Podcast http://www.odaatchat.com Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

8/26/24 • 39:48

I loved recording this episode with Melissa McGovern, the Sober New Yorker. Melissa just hit one year sober this August, and we met on the Sobah Sistahs retreat this past April in Bali. In this emotional and inspiring episode Melissa shares about her journey towards sobriety and the people that inspired her along the way.Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

8/20/24 • 42:26

I am thrilled to be sitting down with Jade Lee in this episode and learning more about her sober story. Jade participated in the Sober Girls Yoga 30 & 60 Day Challenge early in her sober journey and has been a member of our community for a long time! ​In this episode, she shares about her sober story, and her recent vipassana meditation experience. Jade completed the Everest base camp trek in Nepal many years ago, where she met her now husband. ​In this episode, Jade shares us how the vipassana meditation retreat experience aligned with her sober journey, and what she learned about life while doing it.​Listen to this episode to learn more about Jade's story. You can check out her Everest Base Camp Trekking Retreat here! https://www.jadeleeyoga.com/trekSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

8/12/24 • 43:32

After a short few weeks away...we're back with regular episodes again! I loved recording this episode with Kristi Tanner, aka Mocktail Mommy, live as part of Sober Girls Club. Kristi is a powerhouse of a woman and such an inspiration. Living in Wisconsin, Kristi found herself a single mom of four children under the age of five during the pandemic. In this episode she tells her story of where she came from - and how she overcame it all - to start Sober Social, her new non alcoholic bar in Wisconsin. You can find Kristi on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mocktailmommy If you are interested in joining our live Sober Girls Club each Sunday (which includes a check-in, meditation and a guest speaker or journal prompt) join our membership here! https://themindfullifepractice.uscreen.io/Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

8/5/24 • 40:55

I loved recording this episode with Emily Killeen. Emily is a sober community leader who I have collaborated with in the past, and I previously had her on the show a few years ago, when she shared her inspiring sober story. The theme of our discussion on this episode, which was recorded live in Sober Girls Club, was what it really means to be "Happy, Sober and Free" but when I reflect back on the talk, the theme that really showed up in this episode for me was having the courage to start again. When we last connected over three years ago, Emily had built up her dream of building her own retreat centre with her then husband. Since then, her husband left her, they sold the retreat centre, and she's left her entrepreneurship career to start a new career as a sober companion. What I truly admire in this episode is Emily's vulnerable share, her standing in her truth, and really demonstrating for all of us what it means to have the courage to start again. Emily can be found here: https://www.emilykilleen.com/#/In this episode, Emily speaks about her Happy, Sober, Free Sedona Summit, which is happening in 2025. You can book this event here. https://www.happysoberfree.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0FL8J7f7_H1NbriWYng8ixLkA2IZTtce62nyaH9g_no7sgDItIan3GLgI_aem_vGk0Hc9gh4M52II3u0lm8w#/%E2%81%A3Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

7/3/24 • 41:03

I LOVED sitting down with Cindy Payne and recording this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast together.  Cindy is an absolute inspiration. When she was a few months sober, she googled alcohol free women's retreats in Bali...and that's how she ended up on the Sober Girls Yoga 2023 Bali Retreat! :) Since then Cindy has gone on to complete our Online 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, join the India 2024 Sober Girls Yoga Retreat, and be a crucial member of our community, joining our Sunday Sober Girls Yoga Meetings. I genuinely mean it when I say Cindy is an absolutely inspiring woman and I'm sure if you listen to this show you will feel that way about her too!Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

6/27/24 • 32:19

I loved recording this episode with Jay Chase. I had Jay on the show in 2022. In this episode, we connect and catch up. Jay is one of the most positive and uplifting people I've connected with on this story and I find his sober story inspirational (scroll back to the first episode we did together to hear it!) In this episode we talk about how his life has shifted in the last two years (including becoming a dad!) The context of "protecting your mindset" and one of his takeaways from the last year of developing a system. We speak about the role that faith plays in his life and his necessary self care practices to keep him well. Tune into this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! Support the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

6/20/24 • 33:43

I loved sitting down with Sasha Quince in this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast! Sasha and I go way back to our Abu Dhabi days, when we were both yoga teachers in Abu Dhabi.Sasha Quince saved her own marriage in 2017 by healing past trauma, overcoming love fears, breaking family patterns and building emotional safety within. Her own journey empowered her to mentor women to do the inner work to heal and as a result attract and sustain love that lasts. Sasha knows relationships are hard and believes we don't have to figure it out alone, we deserve to come together and learn, how to create healthy lasting love! In this episode we discuss:- Sasha's journey with conscious love - what led her to this work, and why she is so passionate about it.- Advice she would give to women in sobriety who wake up and realize that their relationship is no longer fufilling to them - Advice to women who are re-entering the sober dating world - Debunking dating/relationship mythsAnd more! Give this episode a listen - you will LOVE it! You can discover everything Sasha has to offer here. https://linktr.ee/sashaquinceSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

6/16/24 • 42:51

I loved recording this episode with one of my YTT Graduates, Carolyn! Carolyn is originally from South Africa, but has been living in the Middle East for several years. She completed her YTT online with me in 2022, and since has gone on to teach yoga in her workplace and also lead her first yoga retreat to South Africa! In this episode we speak about Carolyn's experience in the medical industry working in finances, which led her to relocate her family to the Middle East.  In this episode she speaks about the mental benefit yoga gave her for her stress in a hectic and high responsibility job. She also talks about overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a newly graduated Yoga Teacher, her journey to start teaching yoga in her workplace and leading her first retreat in South Africa, and the commitment it takes to keep showing up even when it is discouraging when no one shows up to your class. I think she is an amazing person and so inspiring!Join our next online Yoga Teacher Training starting in June here: https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/online-200-hour-yoga-teacher-trainingSupport the showCheck Out All Our Programs at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

6/6/24 • 39:29