Sobriety
17 episodes tagged "Sobriety".

You don't have to stay sober forever. (Do this instead) |
You don't have to stay sober for the rest of your life today. You just have to survive the next 20 minutes. Let's talk about the neurobiology of a craving. 🧠⏱️ Did you know that a neurobiological craving peaks and begins to dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes? When your brain is screaming at you to burn your life down, you just have to outlast that window. Tell your brain: "I hear you, but we are going to sit in this chair, drink ice water, and wait 20 minutes. If we still want to burn it down by minute 21, we'll renegotiate." By that time, your rational prefrontal cortex comes back online. Stop calling yourself a monster. Your brain is just trying to protect you using outdated software. You are the father now. You hold the keys. Don't give them back to the parasite. 💬 Let me know in the comments: What is your go-to strategy to survive that 20-minute window? 👇 If you're ready to do the hard work and mix the brutal truth of psychology with real recovery, hit that LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE to Sober Psychology. Go be uncomfortable today—it's the only way you'll grow.

Why Healthy Love Needs Daily Care
💡 Relationships are like sobriety — they need daily maintenance. If you’re codependent, clinging like a drunk to a bottle, the relationship is doomed. True love means being healthy first. As Mel Robbins says: “Date yourself before dragging someone else into your mess.” 👉 If this message resonates, like, comment, and subscribe for more tough truths on love, psychology, and personal growth. 🔗 More insights here:

How I Finally Forgave Myself!
💔 Sobriety forced me to face the hardest truth: I was the last person on my forgiveness list. I hated myself for the choices I made. But recovery taught me this—my actions pulled me away from God, but they didn’t define who I am. Here’s the raw truth: people make bad choices. That doesn’t make them bad people. We are all created in God’s image, which means we are innately good. Evil isn’t God’s design—it’s the fallout of free will when we choose to step away from Him. So stop labeling people as “bad.” Call out the choices, yes. But remember the Creator’s imprint is still there. Forgiveness begins with that perspective—especially forgiving yourself.

Charlie Kirk's Assassination Proves We'll Survive This
Hey, folks! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving into the chaos with our latest episode, "Everything Will Be Ok: Finding Hope in the Chaos of 2025." With Charlie Kirk’s assassination tearing open our political and cultural divides, it feels like the world’s on fire—but I’m here to tell you it’ll work out. We’re breaking down biblical hope, psychological resilience, and historical proof that humanity’s survived worse. From scripture’s promises to science-backed grit, this episode’s got raw truths, a few dark laughs, and real tools to keep you steady in the storm—whether you’re in recovery or just trying to survive the headlines. Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a reality check and a spark of hope. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s rise above the mess together! References: - American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience - Fredrickson, B. L., et al. (2004). Resilient Individuals Use Positive Emotions... PMC. - Nature. (2022). Systematic review of resilience. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00138-w - Open Bible. Bible Verses on Everything Will Be Ok. https://www.openbible.info/topics/everything_will_be_ok - History.com. Kindness in Crises. https://www.history.com/articles/crisis-kindness-pandemics-civil-war-911-attacks-hurricanes - ResearchGate. Collective Resilience. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377016655_Crisis_and_resilience_in_psychology - Various podcasts: Mel Robbins, Jordan Peterson, Matt Walsh (2025 episodes on resilience and divide).

Relationships: Navigating the Modern Mess to Build Real Bonds | Episode 47
Hey, you desperate lovers! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, dropping truth bombs in our latest episode, "Relationships: Navigating the Modern Mess to Build Real Bonds." We're tearing into the chaos of 2025 dating culture—think apps turning love into a swipe-right scam, situationships leaving everyone empty, and red pill nonsense poisoning the vibe. I’m laying out biblical principles for dating with purpose, psych-backed strategies for healthy relationships, and why you need to ditch the drama to find real love. Packed with raw insights, a few dark laughs, and tools to build bonds that last, this one’s for anyone in recovery or just sick of the dating circus. Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to level up their love game. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s build something real together! References: Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books. Peterson, J. B. (2025). Various podcast episodes on relationships (e.g., friendship in marriage). Robbins, M. (2024). "Let Them Theory" podcast episodes. Regnerus, M. (2017). Cheap Sex: The Transformation of Men, Marriage, and Monogamy. Oxford University Press. Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2025 meta-analysis on attachment). Archives of Sexual Behavior (2022 study on hookup regret). Equimundo (2025 State of American Men report).

The Masculinity Issue: Reviving the Suppressed Man for a Stronger Society | Episode 46
Hey, you lovely legends! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving into the firestorm of "The Masculinity Issue: Reviving the Suppressed Man for a Stronger Society." In this episode, we’re tearing apart how politics, feminism, society, and even modern Christianity have tried to tame masculinity into submission, and why we need to bring it back to save our families and society. Backed by hard-hitting psych studies and real talk, I’m unpacking the crisis, the suppression, and the path to reclaiming strength without losing heart. Expect raw insights, a few dark laughs, and tools to rebuild what’s been lost—whether you’re in recovery or just navigating life. Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s reignite the fire together! References: - Equimundo. (2025). State of American Men 2025. https://www.equimundo.org/resources/state-of-american-men-2025/ - APA. (2025). Uncharted territory: The future of men and masculinities. https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/future-boys-men-masculinities - Pearcey, N. (2023). The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Baker Books. - Brown University. (2025). Men, masculinity and mental health. https://sph.brown.edu/news/2025-07-24/men-masculinity - New York Times. (2025). It's Not Just a Feeling: Data Shows Boys and Young Men Are Falling Behind. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/upshot/boys-falling-behind-data.html - Deseret News. (2025). Why the struggles of America's young men are now political. https://www.deseret.com/family/2025/08/26/war-on-boys-masculinity-crisis-how-to-help-men/ - APA. (2019). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/boys-men-practice-guidelines.pdf - Yousaf, O., et al. (2015). Beliefs in traditional masculinity and mental health help-seeking. Journal of Health Psychology. - Rios, J. M. (2016). Christianity and the Crisis of Masculinity. https://jmichaelrios.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/christianity-and-the-crisis-of-masculinity/ - McKay, B. (2023). The Manliness Myth: Unpacking Toxic Masculinity in the Church. https://medium.com/backyard-theology/the-manliness-myth-unpacking-toxic-masculinity-in-the-church-17213f5816b5 - McGill, J. (2018). Masculinity, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142169/ - Shape Talent. (2024). Breaking the chains of traditional masculinity. https://shapetalent.com/breaking-the-chains-of-traditional-masculinity-another-hidden-driver-of-gender-inequality/ - UN Women. (2025). What is the manosphere and why should we care? https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/explainer/2025/08/what-is-the-manosphere-and-why-should-we-care - San Francisco Chronicle. (2025). Crisis of masculinity: Why young men are struggling to define manhood. https://san.com/cc/crisis-of-masculinity-why-young-men-are-struggling-to-define-manhood/

Enabling: The Toxic 'Help' That's Hurting Your Loved One's Recovery | Episode 45
Hey, you beautiful people! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with a gut-punch episode, "Enabling: The Toxic 'Help' That's Hurting Your Loved One's Recovery." We’re diving deep into what enabling really is—spoiler: it’s not love, it’s letting bad behavior slide, especially for alcoholics and addicts. From covering up their messes to bailing them out, I’m exposing why your "help" might be their downfall, backed by psych research and some Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom. Expect raw truths, a few dark laughs, and practical steps to stop enabling and start supporting for real. If you’re in recovery or love someone who is, this one’s a must-watch. Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this wake-up call. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s break the cycle together! References Beattie, M. (1986). Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing. Thomas, E. J., et al. (2004). Enabling behavior in a clinical sample of alcohol-dependent clients and their partners. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(4), 269-276. Rotunda, R. J., & O'Farrell, T. J. (1997). Marital and family therapy of alcohol use disorders: Bridging the gap between research and practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 28(3), 246-252. (Related to enabling review) Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2021). What Is Enabling? Retrieved from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/enabling-fact-sheet Verywell Mind. (2024). Enabler Behavior: Motivations, Signs, Impact, and Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/enabler-behavior-motivations-signs-impact-8602260 WebMD. (2024). Signs You're Enabling a Loved One's Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/addiction-enabling-a-loved-one Healthline. (2019). Enabler: Definition, Behavior, Psychology, Recognizing One, More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/enabler American Addiction Centers. (2025). How to Stop Enabling Your Loved One's Addictions. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/how-to-stop-enabling Resurgence Behavioral Health. (2024). How Enabling Affects Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from https://resurgencebehavioralhealth.com/blog/enabling/ St. Joseph Institute. (n.d.). Afraid to Love: The Enabling Dilemma. Retrieved from https://stjosephinstitute.com/blog/afraid-to-love-the-enabling-dilemma/ Al-Anon Family Groups. (2017). Mothering or Enabling? Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/blog/mothering-or-enabling/ English Mountain Recovery. (2025). Understanding the Difference Between Supporting and Enabling. Retrieved from https://englishmountain.com/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-supporting-and-enabling/ Addiction Center. (2025). What Is an Enabler? Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/stage-intervention/what-is-an-enabler/

My Life Changed After One Big Mistake!
🚨 When Rock Bottom Still Isn’t Enough 🚨 Imagine this: you lose your family, your friends, your marriage, your money—everything. You’re arrested, you should’ve been dead with a .28 BAC, you get out of jail…and within 24 hours you’re drinking again. Even after a felony charge, the same cycle repeats. That’s not just “bad luck”—that’s the psychology of addiction. Here’s the hard truth: sometimes “soft encouragement” won’t cut it. When self-destruction is this powerful, the brain doesn’t respond to gentle nudges—it laughs at them. What it needs is confrontation. Tough love. The kind that shocks a person out of denial and forces them to face the abyss. Now, I’m not saying cruelty works—but clarity does. Real accountability, structure, and hard lines can mean the difference between death and recovery. And ironically, the very thing most people resist—discipline, rules, someone saying “no”—is often the thing that saves them. Addiction is not polite. It doesn’t negotiate. And sometimes, neither can the path to freedom.

Is AA a Cult? Unpacking the Stigma and Truth of Alcoholics Anonymous | Episode 44
Hey, you beautiful fighters! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, tackling a big question everyone’s whispering about in this episode: "Is AA a Cult? Unpacking the Stigma and Truth of Alcoholics Anonymous." We’re diving into the rumors, the history from Carl Jung’s influence to the basement beginnings, how AA might’ve gotten a bit softer over time, and the real-deal benefits backed by science. If you’re in recovery or just curious about Alcoholics Anonymous, this raw chat cuts through the BS with some dark laughs and hard truths. Stick around for insights that could change how you see sobriety. Hit that like button, subscribe for more no-holds-barred psychology talks, and share with someone who needs it. New episodes every week on YouTube and Spotify—let’s stay real together! References: - Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. - Kelly, J. F., et al. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3. - Humphreys, K., et al. (2014). Self-help organizations for alcohol and drug problems: Toward evidence-based practice and policy. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 46(1), 1-10. - Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics Anonymous effectiveness: Faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 28(2), 145-157. - Tonigan, J. S., et al. (2013). Spirituality and Alcoholics Anonymous. Southern Medical Journal, 106(1), 15-20.

Journaling: Your Brain's Brutal Therapy Session or Total BS? | Episode 43
Hey, you beautiful disasters! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with another episode that’s gonna hit you harder than a sobriety checkpoint. We’re diving into why scribbling your thoughts isn’t just for angsty teens—it’s a game-changer for your mental health and recovery. I’m breaking down the science, from Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom to legit studies, showing how journaling can tame your inner chaos, boost self-awareness, and keep your sobriety on lock. Expect raw truths, a few dark chuckles, and practical tips to make your journal your new best friend (sorry, Netflix). Whether you’re fighting addiction, stress, or just your brain’s BS, this episode’s got you. Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to spill their guts on paper. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s keep it real! References: - Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. - PositivePsychology.com. (n.d.). 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ - Huffman, J. C., et al. (2024). A randomized feasibility study of a positive psychology journaling intervention for patients with substance use disorders. ScienceDirect. - University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Journaling for Emotional Wellness. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552 - Silver Ridge Recovery. (2024). Unlocking Long-Term Recovery: The Healing Power of Journaling for Adults. https://www.silverridgerecovery.com/unlocking-long-term-recovery-the-healing-power-of-journaling-for-adults/ - American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Expressive writing can help your mental health. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/expressive-writing - Mental Health Center. (2025). The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health. https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/the-connection-between-creativity-and-mental-health/ - Spectrum Health Systems. (2025). Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling in Addiction Recovery. https://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/exploring-the-therapeutic-benefits-of-journaling-in-addiction-recovery/ - Resources to Recover. (2021). The Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. https://www.rtor.org/2021/04/24/the-benefits-of-journaling-for-mental-health/ - American Addiction Centers. (2024). Why Journaling is a Powerful Recovery Tool. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/journaling-recovery - Robin Recovery. (2025). The benefits of journaling during addiction recovery. https://www.robinrecovery.com/post/the-benefits-of-journaling-during-addiction-recovery?67289134_page=11 - HelpGuide.org. (2024). Journaling for Mental Health and Wellness. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/journaling-for-mental-health-and-wellness - Ivory Plains Recovery Center. (2024). Try Journaling for Better Mental Health. https://ivoryplainsrecovery.com/blog/try-journaling-for-better-mental-health/ - Psychology Today. (2025). Journaling in College: A Low-Tech Mental-Health Enhancer. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/college-mental-health/202506/journaling-in-college-a-low-tech-mental-health-enhancer - UP Magazine. (n.d.). The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling: Releasing, Reflecting, and Rebuilding. https://upmag.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-journaling-releasing-reflecting-and-rebuilding/

Imposter Syndrome: Why Your Brain Thinks You’re a Fraud | Episode 42
Hey, you beautiful chaos machines! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving headfirst into the messy, mind-bending world of imposter syndrome. Ever feel like you’re faking it—at work, in recovery, or just in life? Yeah, that’s your brain pulling a prank, and we’re here to call it out. With insights from the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and hard-hitting psychological research, I’m breaking down why you feel like a fraud, how to shut that voice up, and why you’re already killing it (even if you don’t believe it). Packed with real talk, practical tips, and a few laughs to keep it light, this episode is for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves. Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a reminder they’re a freaking legend. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s keep the recovery real! References: - Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. - Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2008). Bad is stronger than good. Psychological Review, 108(4), 379-394. - Bravata, D. M., et al. (2019). The power of verbalizing imposter feelings: A randomized controlled trial. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 45(7), 1032-1045. - Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (2011). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Journal of Behavioral Science, 15(3), 241-247. - Cokley, K., et al. (2020). The roles of cognitive distortions and imposter phenomenon in academic settings. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 44(2), 301-312. - Kelly, J. F., et al. (2017). Social identity and recovery: The role of belonging in 12-step groups. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 80, 12-19. - McGrath, R. E., et al. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for imposter syndrome: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(9), 1456-1469. - Neff, K. D., et al. (2021). Self-compassion and imposter syndrome: A pathway to psychological resilience. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 658. - Smith, M. M., et al. (2022). Perfectionism and imposter syndrome: The role of “good enough” mindsets. Journal of Personality, 90(3), 421-435. - Stoeber, J., & Otto, K. (2016). Positive conceptions of perfectionism: Approaches, evidence, challenges. Personality and Individual Differences, 99, 234-240. - Vogel, E. A., et al. (2019). Social comparison and self-esteem on social media: A meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 98, 168-175. - Wei, M., et al. (2020). Journaling as a tool to combat imposter syndrome: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(4), 456-467.

Relapse Unraveled: The Brutal Truth About Falling Off the Wagon | Episode 41
Join Michael, your host and psychologist-in-training, on Sober Psychology as we dive deep into the raw truth about relapse in drug and alcohol addiction. In this episode, we unpack why relapse happens, drawing from the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and cutting-edge psychological research. Expect hard-hitting insights, practical tips, and a dose of dark humor to keep you hooked. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the psychology of addiction, this episode is for you. Subscribe for weekly doses of real talk on mental health and recovery!

You're Not Broken, You're Just Sabotaging Yourself
Hey there, you beautiful chaos magnets! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host—psychologist in training, sober dad, and a guy who’s tripped over his own ego more times than he’d like to admit. In this episode, I’m diving into the messy, maddening world of self-sabotage. You know, that annoying habit of torching your own dreams—like skipping that big interview, derailing your diet, or starting a fight just when life’s getting good. Join me for 30 minutes of raw, science-backed truth, mixed with my decade of battling alcoholism and enough humor to keep you chuckling through the pain. I’m breaking down why you keep shooting yourself in the foot, what psychology says about it, and how to stop being your own personal wrecking ball. From cognitive distortions to trauma’s sneaky role, this episode’s packed with insights to help you get out of your own way. No fluff, just real talk. 🔥 Why watch? Because you deserve a life where you’re not your own worst enemy. Hit play to learn how to spot self-sabotage, kick it to the curb, and start winning at life. Drop a comment with the dumbest way you’ve sabotaged yourself—I’m reading every one! Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs a wake-up call. Let’s get to it!

Therapy: Life-Changing Tool or Overpriced Scam? | Episode 38
What’s up, you glorious chaos agents? It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host—psychologist in training, sober dad, and the guy who’s done with the scams. In this episode, I’m ripping into therapy like it’s a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. Is it the lifeline that pulled me out of addiction’s grip, or a fancy con where you pay $200 to cry while someone nods? I’m diving deep into therapy’s wild history—from Freud’s coke-fueled couch to TikTok therapists peddling “vibes”—and breaking down the good, the bad, and the straight-up scammy. Get ready for 35 minutes of unfiltered truth, backed by science and my own decades of battling demons. I’m exposing why pop psychology’s a bigger ripoff than a gas station burrito, when therapy actually works, and how to spot a shrink who’s not just milking your wallet. Expect dark humor, hard-hitting facts, and no coddling—this ain’t your mama’s self-help channel. 🔥 Why watch? Because you deserve to know if therapy’s worth your cash or if you’re better off venting to your dog. Hit play to learn how to navigate the therapy jungle without getting screwed. Drop a comment with your therapy win or horror story—I’m reading every one. Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who’s been burned by a bad shrink or needs a push to try. Let’s get real. References: - Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams. - Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy. - Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. - Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. - Wampold, B. E. (2019). The therapeutic alliance and client outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. - Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2018). Evidence-based therapy relationships. Psychotherapy. - Shedler, J. (2018). Where is the evidence for evidence-based therapy? Clinical Psychology Review. - American Psychological Association (2023). Mental Health Trends in America. - Consumer Reports (2022). Online Therapy Platforms: A Review. - Papola, D., et al. (2020). Efficacy of psychotherapies for depression. The Lancet Psychiatry. - Video Cred: - https://www.youtube.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kk8MQqbbUe8)

Suffering Sucks, But It’s Your Best Teacher | Episode 37
Hey, you beautiful survivors! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host—psychologist in training, sober dad, and the guy who’s been through enough crap to know suffering isn’t just a phase, it’s a professor. In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the raw, messy truth about suffering—why it’s inevitable, why you’re probably making it worse, and how to use it to become tougher than a biker in a bar fight. Get ready for 30 minutes of no-BS insights, backed by science and my own decade of clawing out of an alcoholism grip. From cognitive appraisal theory to Viktor Frankl’s wisdom, I’m breaking down why pain hits hard and how to stop running from it like it’s a tax collector. Expect dark humor, hard truths, and a few wake-up calls that’ll make you rethink that pity party you’ve been throwing. This isn’t about coddling—it’s about turning your suffering into strength. Life’s too short to let pain own you. Hit play to learn how to face your hurt, find its lessons, and stop whining about your ex’s new Instagram aesthetic. Drop a comment with the toughest suffering you’ve faced—I’m reading every one. Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to stop crying into their kombucha and start growing. Let’s do this.

The Victim Mentality That's Destroying Your Life | Episode 36
What’s up, you glorious chaos agents? It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host—psychologist in training, sober warrior, and the guy who’s done with your excuses. In this episode, I’m tearing into accountability like a Pitbull on a rawhide bone. Tired of your life feeling like a bad reboot of a ‘90s sitcom? That’s because you’re dodging responsibility harder than a politician at a lie detector test. Join me for 25 minutes of raw, no-BS truth backed by science and my own decade of clawing out of addiction’s grip. I’m breaking down why you suck at owning your mistakes, how to stop playing the victim, and what psychology says about taking charge of your life. From locus of control to self-determination theory, I’m serving hard-hitting insights with a side of dark humor that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe finally text your boss, “Yeah, I messed up.” Expect gut-punches, actionable tips, and zero coddling. 🔥 Why watch? Because blaming your ex, your job, or your horoscope isn’t fixing your life—it’s just making you louder about it. Hit play to learn how to own your garbage and start living like you mean it. Drop a comment with the dumbest excuse you’ve made lately—I’m calling you out. Like, subscribe, and share this with that friend who’s “too busy” to get their life together. Let’s do this. References: - Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs. - Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. - Blanton, B. (1996). Radical Honesty: How to Transform Your Life by Telling the Truth. - Leary, M. R., & Allen, A. B. (2018). Self-presentational motives in blaming others. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. - Adams, G. S., & Inesi, M. E. (2019). Impediments to forgiveness: Victim and transgressor attributions. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. - Neff, K. D. (2022). Self-compassion and psychological well-being. Journal of Applied Psychology. - Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2019). The development of goal setting theory. Psychological Bulletin.

The Friendship Test: Are Your Pals Worth Keeping?
Hey, you beautiful disasters! It’s Michael, your host of Sober Psychology, psychologist in training, sober dad, and the guy who’s not afraid to call out your so-called “friends” for being emotional vampires. In this episode, I’m ripping the Band-Aid off the messy, complicated, and sometimes straight-up toxic world of friendship. Think your BFF is ride-or-die? Think again—they might just be riding your last nerve. Join me for 30 minutes of unfiltered truth bombs backed by hard science and my own battle scars from a decade in the trenches of sobriety. We’re diving into why your friendships suck (spoiler: you might be the problem), how to spot the real ones, and why cutting toxic pals feels better than a cold beer on a hot day. From Dunbar’s Number to attachment theory, I’m breaking down the psychology of connection with zero fluff and maximum realness. Expect dark humor, hard truths, and a few gut-punches that’ll make you rethink your group chat. 🔥 Why watch? Because life’s too short for friends who ghost you over a $20 Venmo request or “borrow” your ex. Hit play to learn how to build a crew that’s worth your time and ditch the dead weight. Drop a comment with your worst friendship betrayal story—I’m reading every one. Subscribe, like, and share this with that friend you’re about to dump. Let’s get real.