DeAnn Knighton and Heather Lowe discuss their experiences with sobriety and the benefits and potential challenges of navigating non-alcoholic social scenes. Heather shares her journey from a high-functioning drinker to a sober coach, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and the role of non-alcoholic drinks in maintaining sobriety. They highlight the need for awareness and understanding of individual triggers and the benefits of normalizing sobriety for the broad range of individuals choosing sobriety, no matter the reason.  Action Items:  Explore non-alcoholic beverage opti ..read more

In this week's episode, DeAnn is joined by Marin Nelson, one of the original founding members of Soberforce and a current founding member of Sobrynth.   They discuss the role of anxiety and depression in addiction and highlight the importance of normalizing the conversation around sobriety in the workplace.   Key Discussion Points: * Marin Nelson shares her recovery journey and insights on workplace inclusivity for those in recovery. * Marin and DeAnn discuss the strange dynamic between those in recovery and those who identify as alcohol-free, with a focus on normalizing the convers ..read more

Cheryl Brown Merriwether, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPRC, CRSS, CM CoFounder, Vice President, Executive Director, International Center for Addiction & Recovery Education™(ICARE) Cheryl shares her personal story of growing up as an adult child of an alcoholic, facing challenges in her family of origin, and confronting her issues with codependency.  Prevention  Behavioral health merging brings positive change while also creating an additional burden on an already overwhelmed system.  Prevention programs focus on education and awareness, changing workplace cultures to make resources a ..read more

In this week's episode, DeAnn speaks with Earl Murphy.  Earl is the current president of Soberforce, the peer-led sober community within Salesforce that was started during the pandemic.  Conversation Includes:  Earl's journey from deep entrenchment in drinking culture to leading a business resource group for sobriety at Salesforce. Soberforce at Salesforce creates inclusive space for recovery and allyship. Sobriety, workplace dynamics, and personal growth.  Educational insights on the realities of early sobriety and the impact of alcohol in the workplace emphasize the nee ..read more

This week, co-founder Craig Knighton takes the host seat to interview DeAnn to discuss recent shared non-alcoholic experiences. The conversation considers trauma, triggers, and recovery impact.   They are joined by a special guest who shares an alternative perspective on recovery and non-alcoholic beverage options.  -Non-alcoholic options in a restaurant. -Alcohol triggers and inclusive dining experiences. -Recovery and abstinence approach -When the taste is a trigger for shame and other challenging emotions. Help us reach 1,000 LinkedIn followers on the Sober Positive Workplace S ..read more

Welcome to January and 2024.  This episode introduces the content dropping in January. We have FIVE great interviews coming this month, including an episode when Craig interviews DeAnn about a recent shared experience that did not go as expected.  Today's episode is a quick reflection episode to set that up, along with some foundation for the other upcoming interviews we are excited to share with you this month.  Topics include:  school update  tattoos  false confidence  Help us reach 1,000 LinkedIn followers on the Sober Positive Workplace Showcase Page ..read more

In this week's episode, we connect with Dr. Masica Jordan-Alston of Jordan Peer Recovery.  Dr. Jordan-Alston and her team have worked systematically to create change through diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all, starting with peer recovery training and certification in every US state and internationally.  She also has some powerful stories to share.   Gaps in inclusion both in research and human services: Lack of cultural diversity in delivering services while neglecting marginalized groups (LGBTQIA, black indigenous people of color, and people incarcerated ..read more

On this week's episode of our Sober Positive Workplace Series, DeAnn speaks with Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of "Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You".  Karolina is a powerhouse in the alcohol-free movement.  She has helped countless gray-area drinkers reconsider their relationship with alcohol.  The episode discusses alcohol culture and its impact on the workplace, generational considerations for how we think about alcohol and alcohol-related marketing, and the shifting expectations of the next generation who are the future leaders of our workforce ..read more

Host, DeAnn Knighton, and Janet Hadley, founder of Choose Sunrise (UK organization), review considerations for employers in building alcohol safety into their organizations  Stigma and workplace. 7:37 Reaching out to the gray area drinkers in the workplace Stigma is a result of our evolution to put people into groups, which is useful, but creates blind spots for gray areas. "Drink Responsibly" is a powerful slogan that enforces stigma  Who has a bigger problem with alcohol? 13:22 Alcohol is the number one risk factor for premature death of individuals ages 25 to 49, according to t ..read more

Welcome to the first official episode of the Sober Positive Workplace Series brought to you by Show Up and Stay and hosted by President and Co-Founder, DeAnn Knighton. This week is a quick background on the host and some general information about the Sober Positive Workplace project.  When we use the power of normalization to change the narrative. 1:46 Of the 46 million Americans who struggle with at least one substance use disorder, 60% of those over the age of 12 have a job, according to the National Survey on Drug Use.    Source:  https://fortune.com/longform/drug-addi ..read more