Podcast · Learning

Soberness Podcast

by Cat Greenleaf · English · Learning

Soberness—the podcast—is where celebrity raconteurs spill what broke them, what saved them, and what still f**ks with them today. Soberness—the concept—is freedom from f**kery: The f**kery of addiction. The self-inflicted f**kery. And the f**kery with no explanation. From Talk Stoop creator a

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 19 min

Elizabeth Gilbert on Love, Addiction, and Nowhere to Hide

Cat sits down with Elizabeth Gilbert live at the Algonquin Hotel, steps from Dorothy Parker's Round Table, to talk about her memoir All the Way to the River . It's the story of Liz's best friend, partner, and great love Rayya Elias, her death from cancer, and the addictions that ran through their relationship on both sides. Liz gets real about her own recovery from sex and love addiction, why she's chosen seven years of celibacy as a living amends to herself, and what it actually looks like to use people the way other addicts use drugs. She talks about recording the audiobook in the same…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E48 · 9 Mar 2026 · 46 min
DAVE MANHEIM: HEROIN, RELAPSE, AND AA
Dave Manheim, host of the addiction podcast Dopey , talks about heroin addiction, relapse, recovery, and the moment sobriety finally stuck. In this Soberness episode, he shares how decades of drugs, lost careers, and broken relationships led him to Alcoholics Anonymous. This conversation doesn't romanticize addiction. Dave talks about shooting heroin while working in television, losing custody of his daughter, living on methadone for years, and the strange moment that finally made him consider life without drugs. It wasn't a dramatic intervention. It was a simple question at an AA meeting.…
S2 · E47 · 17 Feb 2026 · 32 min
MOON UNIT ZAPPA: WHEN FAMILY IS THE ADDICTION
Moon Unit Zappa talks about family trauma, addiction without substances, boundaries, forgiveness, and survival. In this Soberness episode, she shares what it's like growing up famous, emotionally unseen, and carrying a last name that never belonged only to her. This is not a sobriety story built around alcohol or drugs. It's about obsession, inherited roles, and the quiet damage of growing up as an accessory inside your own family. Moon breaks down why forgiveness is often performative, how grief lingers longer than anyone admits, and what changed when she stopped needing anything from the…
S2 · E46 · 2 Feb 2026 · 37 min
ALCOHOL, COLONIZATION, AND 30 YEARS SOBER
Deb Haaland shares how sobriety, generational trauma, and survival shaped her life and leadership. In this Soberness episode, she speaks candidly about alcoholism, Native American boarding schools, and 30 years of sobriety. This is not a political interview. It's a conversation about how trauma gets passed down, how alcohol was weaponized against Native communities, and what it takes to choose sobriety when numbing feels easier. Deb Haaland reflects on family, public service, recovery, and the responsibility she carries to honor those who came before her. IN THIS EPISODE: HOW GENERATIONAL…
S2 · E45 · 19 Jan 2026 · 51 min
AJ McLean: The Relapse That Almost Cost Him Everything
AJ McLean opens up about addiction, relapse, sobriety, and fame in one of his most unfiltered conversations ever. The Backstreet Boys singer talks honestly about alcohol, drugs, recovery, fatherhood, and the moment that stopped him for good. This isn't a redemption arc or a PR version of sobriety. AJ walks through the lies, the manipulation, the relapses that "didn't count," and the brutal truth of knowing when you're out of chances. From hiding drinks on the road to being exposed by his own child, this is what addiction actually looks like when the lights go off. In this episode, you'll…
S2 · E44 · 5 Jan 2026 · 52 min
Everclear's Art Alexakis Hit Bottom "My Wife was Searching Morgues for me"
Everclear frontman Art Alexakis joins Tom Arnold for an unplanned, deeply honest conversation about addiction, blackout drinking, childhood trauma, fame, anger, fatherhood, and what it actually takes to stay sober long-term. What was supposed to be a standard Art Alexakis interview turned into one of the most raw and unforgettable sobriety stories ever recorded on the Soberness Podcast. This episode captures what happens when two very famous, very sober men realize — live — that their stories are disturbingly similar. In this Art Alexakis / Everclear interview, they talk about: 💥 Being…
S2 · E43 · 22 Dec 2025 · 34 min
The Tom Arnold Story You've Never Heard Before (Addiction, Relapse, Getting Sober)
Tom Arnold gets brutally honest in one of the wildest, funniest, and most heartbreaking conversations ever recorded on Soberness. From nearly dying on the PCH to relapsing on medical fentanyl, battling benzos, enduring organ failure, losing loved ones to suicide, surviving four marriages, and navigating fame, fatherhood, and addiction — Tom tells the truth with zero filter and a ton of heart ❤️. In this episode, Tom reveals: 💥 The motorcycle crash that triggered a secret year-long dependence on pain meds 💥 The terrifying reality of benzos — and how they contributed to Chris Cornell's death 💥…
S2 · E42 · 1 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
The Clay Aiken Story You've Never Heard Before (Fame, Fear & Finally Becoming Himself)
In this unfiltered and wildly funny conversation with Clay Aikin, Cat Greenleaf unpacks the American Idol legend's truth behind overnight fame, losing half his fanbase overnight, price of fame, coming out as gay in the public eye, running for Congress, and rebuilding his identity — again and again. In this episode of Soberness, Clay reveals: ✨ The whiplash of going from schoolteacher to global superstar in 12 weeks ✨ Touring with Kelly Clarkson after American Idol ✨ The paranoia and loneliness that fame quietly creates ✨ Why Broadway had to STOP a performance because fans ✨ The moment People…
S2 · E41 · 17 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Don Lemon Gets Raw About Fame, Truth & Rebirth after CNN
Don Lemon opens up like never before. In this raw, unfiltered conversation with Cat Greenleaf, he reflects on life after his CNN exit — the shock, the betrayal, and how he rebuilt his life from his living room. In this Don Lemon interview on the Soberness Podcast, he reveals the impact CNN had on his life and voice, how the experience made him wiser, more grounded, and why he's dedicated to fighting for the truth. From racism to violence, from truth in media to rebuilding his identity, Don Lemon speaks with clarity, courage, and conviction. If you've ever felt betrayed, voiceless, or afraid…
S2 · E40 · 30 Oct 2025 · 35 min
"I Hit Rock Bottom" Marky Ramone on Alcoholism, Regret, and His AA Story
Raw and unforgettable conversation with Marky Ramone, the legendary drummer of The Ramones. This is the definitive Ramones interview that goes beyond the music, exploring the dark side of rock and roll fame. Marky opens up about his personal struggle with alcohol addiction and the painful consequences that followed, including being fired from one of the greatest punk bands of all time. Marky details the low point that led him to seek help, his first reluctant visit to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and how the 12 Steps fundamentally changed his life. Hear the true story of his recovery, the…
S2 · E39 · 7 Oct 2025 · 51 min
The Woman Who Made Trump Pay $100 Mil | E. Jean Carroll Tells All
E. Jean Carroll is the only woman who made Trump pay, twice. This is her shocking story about being a woman, beating a billionaire in court, the verdict, and the aftermath of abuse on mental and relational health. E. Jean Carroll is a successful journalist and activist, and we're honored to hear her story live, kicking off season 2 of Soberness, Freedom from F*ckery. This episode of Soberness is empowering, shocking, and inspires us to stand up to those who have taken advantage of us. It's time to free ourselves from F*ckery! This episode is sponsored by Hand on Heart Wine…
S1 · E38 · 14 Jul 2025 · 54 min
Sobriety Behind Bars: What No One Tells You About Prison & Addiction | Amika Mota
What's the truth about getting sober in prison? In this powerful episode, Amika Mota shares her journey from addiction to incarceration—and the unexpected realities of recovery behind bars. From fighting fires as an inmate to leading change on the outside, her story is raw, eye-opening, and deeply human. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/QSD3sxd_wS4 LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok @SobernessPodcast YouTube @SobernessPodcast #AmikaMota #SobernessPodcast #Sobriety…
S1 · E37 · 30 Jun 2025 · 55 min
Nick Thune's Absinthe Relapse and the Comeback That Followed
Nick Thune's Absinthe Relapse and the Comeback That Followed Comedian and actor Nick Thune gets brutally honest about his sobriety journey—getting sober at 17, staying dry for 12 years, and the one drink in Vegas that triggered a decade-long relapse. From absinthe and near-death moments to a comeback rooted in faith, fatherhood, and self-forgiveness, this is one of Soberness' most raw and redemptive episodes yet. If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, struggled with shame, or wondered what recovery can really look like—this conversation is for you. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE…
S1 · E36 · 23 Jun 2025 · 53 min
Jonathan Goldstein on Family, Forgiveness & F-Bombs
What happens when humor meets heartbreak? In this episode of The Soberness Podcast, acclaimed writer and Heavyweight host Jonathan Goldstein dives into the tangled roots of family dysfunction, forgiveness, and the stories we carry from childhood. Through wit and vulnerability, Jonathan unpacks emotional inheritance, estrangement, and what it means to find peace without closure. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/u6P7J5KToQE LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok…
S1 · E35 · 12 Jun 2025 · 58 min
Black, Sober, and Still Not Believed: Stories from the Frontlines
Why Can't We Talk About Race in Recovery Spaces? In this powerful and unfiltered live episode of the Soberness Podcast, we brought the community together at the historic Algonquin Hotel to unpack what it means to heal while Black in a system built without us in mind. Hosted by Cat Greenleaf, this panel features: Exit Fame – Rapper, recovery mentor, and survivor, sharing his raw journey from addiction and incarceration to purpose and peace. Chris Marshall – Founder of Sans Bar in Austin, TX, talking about creating safe, sober spaces and navigating sobriety as a Black man in a party city. Ola…
S1 · E34 · 2 Jun 2025 · 1 hr
Margaret Cho Opens Up About 19 Months in Rehab—and What Came After
Comedian, actress, and activist Margaret Cho opens up about her 19 months in rehab, her sobriety journey, and how Korean culture, fame, and addiction intersected in her life. From using music and EMDR therapy to heal, to discussing phone anxiety, text therapy, and relapse fears, Margaret shares a deeply human and relatable path to recovery. We also talk about the pressures of perfectionism, the silence around addiction in Asian communities, and how she's embraced aging, activism, and self-acceptance through comedy, style, and spiritual practice. If you're navigating sobriety, identity, or…
S1 · E32 · 26 May 2025 · 41 min
Surviving AIDS and Addiction: Louie Mandrapilias' Unbelievable Story | Soberness Podcast
In Part 2 of this unforgettable Soberness conversation, Louie Mandrapilias returns to share the most haunting and transformational chapters of his story. From smuggling contraband across borders to spiritual awakenings in an Indian ashram, to surviving the AIDS crisis and a devastating overdose that left a friend dead, Louie unpacks it all with honesty, reflection, and grace. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/bk_6IYDnOMg LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok…
S1 · E32 · 19 May 2025 · 54 min
He Didn't Know He Belonged—Until Al-Anon | Philip Galanes On Soberness
Philip Galanes, beloved New York Times advice columnist and author of Social Q's sits down with Cat Greenleaf on Soberness. Though not sober himself, Philip opens up about what he's learned through decades of friendships with people in recovery, his experience attending Al-Anon, and his personal journey of healing after loss, shame, and self-doubt. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/84tWDAZAebE LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok @SobernessPodcast YouTube…
S1 · E31 · 12 May 2025 · 35 min
Radha Agrawal Built a Sober Party Empire—Here's Why | Soberness Podcast
In this joyful, soulful, and radically honest episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with Radha Agrawal—founder of the global sober dance movement Daybreaker, co-founder of THINX and TUSHY, and visionary behind The Belong Center. Radha shares her journey of choosing a sober lifestyle, creating safe spaces for connection and community, and redefining fun without substances. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/bk_6IYDnOMg LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok…
S1 · E29 · 5 May 2025 · 50 min
Gabby Bernstein on Getting Sober, Staying Grounded, and Letting Go | Soberness Podcast
#1 New York Times bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and motivational speaker Gabby Bernstein joinsthe Soberness Podcast to explore her profound journey through addiction recovery, trauma healing, and motherhood. Gabby opens up about her spiritual awakening, overcoming childhood trauma, and how her sober lifestyle deepened her connection to herself and others. They discuss anxiety relief, nervous system regulation, EMDR therapy, and the importance of truth-telling in sobriety. This conversation touches on manifesting miracles, conscious parenting, reparenting your inner child, and…
S1 · E29 · 28 Apr 2025 · 40 min
Why Lawrence Zarian Almost Didn't Make It—and How He Turned It Around | Soberness Podcast
In this powerful episode of Soberness, Jason Biggs opens up about the struggles with addiction that he kept hidden from the public eye. Known for his roles in American Pie and Orange Is the New Black, Jason shares the personal battles he faced behind the scenes, the wake-up call that led him to sobriety, and the lessons he's learned along the way. With honesty and vulnerability, he talks about relapse, recovery, and the pressure of maintaining a public image while fighting private demons. This is a must-watch for anyone navigating sobriety or looking for inspiration in overcoming personal…
S1 · E28 · 21 Apr 2025 · 42 min
Blondie, The Sex Pistols & a Sober Life: Glen Matlock Tells All
Glen Matlock opens up like never before. In this revealing episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with the legendary Sex Pistols bassist to talk about life on tour, the day he saw a rabbit at the bar, the chip bag that changed his life, and why after 30+ years sober, he still thinks about Guinness. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/yIShyWH5yvI LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok @SobernessPodcast YouTube @SobernessPodcast
S1 · E27 · 14 Apr 2025 · 30 min
This Isn't Your Typical Sobriety Story—It's Awkward, Honest, and Hilarious | Soberness Podcast
This isn't your typical sobriety story. In this hilarious and honest episode of Soberness, Cat Greenleaf sits down with Victoria Vanstone of the award-winning Sober Awkward podcast to talk about tequila-fueled chaos, redefining what it means to be sober, and why laughter is a key part of healing. Expect puke stories, play-the-tape-forward wisdom, and unapologetic truth. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/ljC2IGMDjGM LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok @SobernessPodcast…
7 Apr 2025 · 20 min
How A Gay International Smuggler Went Straight | Soberness Podcast
In this jaw dropping episode of Soberness, Louie shares stories from his new book Flew Too High that feels like a blockbuster movie. Hear about his highs and the rock-bottom moment that forced him to confront his addiction. Louie tells the raw truth about his journey to recovery, the turning point that changed his life, and the lessons he hopes will inspire others on their path to sobriety. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/MzvcoCmHH-Q LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast…
S1 · E25 · 31 Mar 2025 · 34 min
Molly Jong-Fast on Surviving Addiction and Reinventing Herself | Soberness Podcast
Journalist, author, and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast opens up about her battle with addiction, getting sober as a teenager, and the journey of reinventing herself. From navigating a tumultuous upbringing to finding her voice in media and politics, Molly shares the hard truths of recovery, the lessons she's learned, and how sobriety has shaped her career and personal life. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/sUlLzkDl6e0 LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok…
S1 · E24 · 24 Mar 2025 · 39 min
Relapse & Recovery: What Jason Biggs Learned | Soberness Podcast
In this powerful episode of Soberness, Jason Biggs opens up about the struggles with addiction that he kept hidden from the public eye. Known for his roles in American Pie and Orange Is the New Black, Jason shares the personal battles he faced behind the scenes, the wake-up call that led him to sobriety, and the lessons he's learned along the way. With honesty and vulnerability, he talks about relapse, recovery, and the pressure of maintaining a public image while fighting private demons. This is a must-watch for anyone navigating sobriety or looking for inspiration in overcoming personal…
S1 · E23 · 17 Mar 2025 · 51 min
Why Sobriety Made John Henson a Better Comedian
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Soberness , comedian and former Talk Soup host John Henson gets real about his journey to sobriety and how quitting alcohol transformed his life and career. John opens up about growing up with an alcoholic parent, the emotional toll that led him to drinking, and how getting sober helped him reconnect with his creativity and sharpen his comedic voice. Through humor and vulnerability, John shares the unexpected gifts of sobriety and the personal growth that has come with living alcohol-free. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/M5GfJR5rtLo…
S1 · E22 · 10 Mar 2025 · 54 min
Get To Know Soberness Host Cat Greenleaf Via The Sober Cobras
In this very special episode of the Soberness podcast we meet the Sober Cobras (the team behind Soberness) as they interview host Cat Greenleaf. Learn about the most memorable and impactful guests and how this podcast as been a huge help to the creators as well as the audience. - WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/iiU0bd8VVvY LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCASTS HERE: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CT7iEJi0PIzaVHxEBVZVi - FOLLOW SOBERNESS: Instagram @SobernessPodcast TikTok @SobernessPodcast YouTube @SobernessPodcast
S1 · E21 · 3 Mar 2025 · 37 min
Worst Podcast Guest Ever (in a good way) Rich Vos | Soberness Podcast
In this candid episode of Soberness, legendary comedian Rich Vos opens up about his journey from addiction to sobriety and how recovery changed his life—both on and off the stage. He shares raw and hilarious insights into the struggles of staying sober in the stand-up comedy world, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why sobriety has made him a better comedian, husband, and father. With his signature wit and brutal honesty, Vos proves that even in the darkest moments, laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. Whether you're in recovery or just looking for inspiration, this episode…
S1 · E20 · 24 Feb 2025 · 38 min
Anthony Weiner on Addiction, Regret & Recovery | Soberness Podcast
In this raw and revealing episode of Soberness, Anthony Weiner opens up about his struggles with addiction, the fallout from his highly publicized scandals, and his journey toward redemption. He reflects on the personal and professional consequences of his actions, the role addiction played in his downfall, and what recovery has taught him about accountability and self-forgiveness. This candid conversation explores regret, resilience, and the difficult work of rebuilding after hitting rock bottom. Whether you're on a sobriety journey or seeking insight into addiction and redemption, this…

About Soberness Podcast

Soberness Podcast is a English learning podcast from Cat Greenleaf. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Cat Greenleaf
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1768121457
Rights: 2024

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