Welcome to How I Got Sober

Jessica Esfandiary is a dynamic writer, speaker, and podcast host whose expertise lies in the realm of open relationships and how the principles of these types of connections can be applied to everyday life. With a background in personal development and coaching, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge to her captivating presentations, challenging audiences to reexamine their beliefs and search for their purpose. Her frank candor and relatability have won her a devoted following, and her insights into love, connection, and non-monogamy are sure to inspire and enlighten anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

In this episode, we have a conversation about her relationship with alcohol, how she made the decision to stop drinking, and the many reasons why she intends to stay on the sober path.

Rebecca Smith struggled with substance abuse throughout her teenage years into young adulthood. A few years ago, after hitting many rock bottoms, she made the decision to transition to a sober lifestyle. Since then, after choosing to follow her heart, she has blossomed into such a kind and empathetic version of herself, and has built a life she is finally proud to live, with the help of her amazing community and the absence of alcohol.  

She is passionate about creative projects, self expression, self compassion and mental health advocacy. 

Professionally, she is a freelance bridal and special events makeup artist, a skin care professional and is the sole maker and creator of a small business making macrame fibre art. 

Listen to her journey to get inspired and learn what tools worked best for her.

Luc Zoratto aka @Marathon2Sobriety is marathoner and alcohol-free life coach, based in Toronto, who struggled with substance abuse for 15 years.

Now sober for 6 year, his personal mission is to promote a growth mindset that challenges the idea that hard work and alcohol go hand in hand. As a running enthusiast, he champions alternative ways to enjoy life and achieve personal growth without alcohol.

Tune in to hear his unique and inspiring journey!

Daniela Tudor is a social impact entrepreneur and the creator of the WEconnect platform. WEconnect is guided by Daniela’s core mission: using the vast potential of technology to connect people and communities for physical, mental and spiritual health.

 She is also a creative soul, in the last 5 years growing her music career as a DJ/Producer. She has been sober for almost 9 years. Tune in to discover her unique and inspiring story, and how sobriety/recovery tremendously impacted her life, in such a beautiful way.

Jaime Moar is a multi-faceted entrepreneur. She co-owns a marina with her dad, a yoga studio with her friend, and is a solopreneur with her own personal yoga and coaching business.

Jaime's life took a slight pivot in July of 2022 when she was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. Since then she has revisited both her relationship with food and alcohol in a really positive way.

Jennifer Atoapoma is a Barre and yoga instructor in Montreal.

After leaving a 4 year unhealthy relationship, she began to study holistic practices to heal her body. After 2 years of being sober and focusing on her health, Jennifer has found so much peace within which allowed her to connect with her feminine energy.

She now strives to empower other women to do the same through programs and retreats that she's co-creating with her partner and her soul sister.

Tune in to hear her journey through addiction, sobriety, and healing her beautiful self.

Eric Urbiztondo is such an inspiration to many people in the recovery/sobriety community. He works in film and tv as an actor and a writer, in Los Angeles, California. He's been sober for almost 9 years. 'The fact that space doesn't have walls is both terrifying and liberating to me, and I equate that to possibilities.There are truly no limits to one's potential.' Eric Urbiztondo You can find him on Instagram: Hucklebear_E

Nancy Zagbayou is Founder of The Yogini Nancy. She is an entrepreneur and a McGill Law Faculty graduate. Nancy is a proud member of the Hoodstock team, where she serves both on the Board of Directors and in the Justice Hoodistique Project, a restorative justice project by and for the Black Community. She has been sober for 3.5 wonderful years.

Jennifer Kruidbos is a dear friend who had quite an impact on my sober journey. She is the one who inspired me to take my first year off alcohol and recreational drugs. Jen doesn't see herself as an alcoholic, and still had a strong desire to stop consumming. In this episode, you'll learn her motive for becoming sober and what sobriety/recovery looks like for her. Jen is a transformational coach who helps heart centered entrepreneurs grow their businesses while keeping their humanity, joy, and pleasure in tact. You can find her @jenkruidbos on IG, Tiktok and Twitter.