

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober
Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC
Why do some people stay sober and others relapse back and forth? Getting sober isn’t about restriction, it’s about rewiring your brain to function without intensity, chaos, dopamine spikes, and avoidance.
Hosted by Gill Tietz, a former biochemist turned sober coach, this show dives into the neuroscience of long-term sobriety — why some people relapse, why others stay free, and how to build the kind of brain that can handle life without alcohol.
Each episode blends science, psychology, and real experience to help you strengthen the four pillars of neuro-resilience:
1. Neural Recovery – healing your brain’s reward and stress systems after alcohol.
2. Emotional Regulation – calming reactivity and learning to feel without escaping.
3. Cognitive Rewiring – changing the thought patterns that pull you backward.
4. Behavioral Integration – designing routines and habits that make being sober your default.
Whether you’re newly sober or years in, you’ll learn research-backed tools and mindset shifts so sobriety stops feeling like something you’re trying to want and starts feeling like who you are.
This is hard work. If you want my support, then check out my online sober community or my 1:1 work.
Website: www.soberpowered.com
Hosted by Gill Tietz, a former biochemist turned sober coach, this show dives into the neuroscience of long-term sobriety — why some people relapse, why others stay free, and how to build the kind of brain that can handle life without alcohol.
Each episode blends science, psychology, and real experience to help you strengthen the four pillars of neuro-resilience:
1. Neural Recovery – healing your brain’s reward and stress systems after alcohol.
2. Emotional Regulation – calming reactivity and learning to feel without escaping.
3. Cognitive Rewiring – changing the thought patterns that pull you backward.
4. Behavioral Integration – designing routines and habits that make being sober your default.
Whether you’re newly sober or years in, you’ll learn research-backed tools and mindset shifts so sobriety stops feeling like something you’re trying to want and starts feeling like who you are.
This is hard work. If you want my support, then check out my online sober community or my 1:1 work.
Website: www.soberpowered.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 12, 2024 • 18min
E186: Anger Management
Every time I say I’m an angry person or that I struggled with rage in my first year people always laugh and say that they can’t imagine that. Anger doesn’t have to be outward and explosive, it can also be a deep boiling rage that you stuff down inside and don’t let anyone see. I’ve been triggered to drink a few times in my four years of sobriety, and every time I have one of these big triggers I immediately feel intense anger. I wanted to understand more about anger and how to help people with it, so I got certified as an anger management specialist through the national anger management association. I learned a lot and I want to share some of my learning with you today and moving forward in this podcast.Anger Management:https://www.soberpowered.com/angerDomestic violence article:https://www.soberpowered.com/episodes/alcohol-and-domestic-violenceResources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2024 • 52min
How Nutrition Can Support Your Sobriety with Dr. Brooke Scheller
Dr. Brooke Scheller is back on the show! We’re discussing her new book, How to Eat to Change How You Drink, and focusing on the role nutrition plays in anxiety, alcohol and sugar cravings, blood sugar, gut health, and more. Takeaways:
Nutrition plays a significant role in mental health, including anxiety and mood disorders.
Blood sugar imbalances can contribute to cravings for alcohol and sugar.
Testing nutrient levels can provide valuable insights into deficiencies that may be affecting mental health.
Finding a balanced approach to nutrition is important, avoiding extremes and focusing on small, sustainable changes.
Improving gut health can have a positive impact on cravings and overall well-being.
Society's view of alcohol is shifting, and it is important to educate ourselves about its impact on our health.
Reflecting on achievements and setting future goals is an important part of personal and professional growth.
Connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller:Website: www.functionalsobriety.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrookescheller/?hl=enBook Website: www.functionalsobriety.com/bookAmazon: How to Eat to Change How You Drink – https://a.co/d/6hjCXTEEpisode 140 with Dr. Brooke Scheller:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-you-quit-drinking-but-dont-feel-better-with-dr/id1520426877?i=1000601396638Resources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 5, 2024 • 14min
E185: Unexpected Things That Happen in Early Sobriety
For some, sobriety is the best thing ever and the benefits are really exciting. But for others, things may get worse before they get better. In this episode I’m sharing 7 unexpected things that happen in early sobriety like acne, drinking dreams, night sweats, and sugar cravings. Whether you have a pink cloud or not, you’ll experience some of these things.What to listen to next:E75: sleep in sobriety for up to 2 years soberE41: why we crave sugarE165: my 30 day break from sugarE157: brain fog and fatigueResources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 1, 2024 • 18min
E184: Benefits of Dry January: What the Research Says
Dry January is a great time to take a break from drinking after going hard over the holidays, but does it have an impact on your ability to drink less or stay sober? In this episode I’m discussing the research on Dry January participants, the benefits you may see this month, and if Dry January is associated with a reduction in drinking long term. I’ll also explain how you can increase your chances of success this month and my best tips for staying sober.What to listen to next:E164: how taking breaks helped me quit for goodE99: why we can never drink againE41: why we crave sugarE165: I quit sugar for 30 daysE58: how alcohol causes cancerE34: why drinking makes it hard to lose weightE17: alcohol and the heartE37: insulin and hormonesE157 and 175: fatigue and brain fogResources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 29, 2023 • 53min
Your Guide to Dry January with Casey Davidson, Suzanne Warye, Erinn O'Neill and Michaela Horvathova
Happy Dry January! In this episode I'm joined by Casey from the Hello Someday Podcast, Suzanne from The Sober Mom Life Podcast, and Erinn & Michaela from the 2 Sober Girls Podcast to discuss all things Dry Jan. We chatted about our experience with Dry January, what we think about the trend, the benefits we saw in our first month of sobriety, and advice we have for anyone just starting out.Connect with Casey:https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/caseymdavidson/Connect with Suzanne:https://mykindofsweet.com/https://www.instagram.com/mykindofsweet/Connect with Erinn & Michaela:https://www.healthwithmichaela.com/2sobergirlshttps://www.instagram.com/2sobergirlspodcast/Resources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Dec 24, 2023 • 10min
My First Sober Christmas
Christmas is one of those days that we future trip about. We think, how am I going to not have a drink on Christmas?! I was 6 weeks sober for my first sober Christmas, so in this episode, I'm sharing the story of my first sober Christmas, how I felt, and what helped me get through it sober.Resources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 2023 • 13min
E183: To Drink or Not to Drink? How Your Brain Decides
Not drinking requires you to exert cognitive control over your impulsive system, but it’s difficult to develop the pause between the urge to drink and drinking. In this episode you’ll learn how your brain makes decisions, how working memory can impact how much you drink, and how this can help you stay sober. You may hear a few meows in this episode hehe. That's Rudy. He wanted to help me record this episodeWhat to listen to next:E162: what to expect cognitively when you quit drinkingE163: can we learn to moderate our drinkingE154: keep coming back relapse is not the endResources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2023 • 8min
"But Everyone Drinks Like Me"... No They Don't
The podcast explores the belief that everyone drinks heavily like the speaker, and debunks this misconception by discussing the benefits of quitting drinking and attending social events without alcohol. They encourage listeners to challenge this belief and pay attention to others' drinking habits.

Dec 15, 2023 • 16min
E182: Why You Drink Habitually Without Thinking
A lot of us refer to our drinking as a bad habit. Something we have to break and then we’ll be okay. Something gets messed up with the way we build, maintain, and break habits and that’s what we’re discussing in this episode. You’ll learn about the different ways your brain determines what action to take, how this impacts cravings, and I’ll analyze a personal story about my experience with automatic drinking without any thought.What to listen to next:E164: how taking breaks helped me quit for goodE128: Why Cravings are So PowerfulResources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays with the sober tip of the week, announcements, interviews, and more. https://soberpowered.myflodesk.com/zzwwfuio1l
Ask a question, it could appear on the show! https://forms.gle/oKubeJKMZimkHvUJA
Free resources https://www.soberpowered.com/free
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 2023 • 8min
Losing Friends When You Quit Drinking
I lost friends when I quit drinking. If this is something you worry about or something that you're experiencing, then in this episode I'm explaining my perspective on why our friendships end when one person gets sober and why you may not be invited to things anymore.Resources I offer:
Community & Meetings: Living a Sober Powered Life https://www.soberpowered.com/membership
Dry January Group Coaching Program https://www.soberpowered.com/dry-january-coaching
(Coming Soon) Anger Management Program https://www.soberpowered.com/anger
Weekly emails on Thursdays where I explain the latest episode in more detail, share images to help you understand the concepts, share announcements, interviews, writing, discount codes and more. https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6107260617e156c4839768b5
Ask a question, it could appear on the show! https://forms.gle/oKubeJKMZimkHvUJA
Thank you for supporting this show by supporting my sponsors. Learn more:https://www.soberpowered.com/sponsorsIf you enjoyed this episode please consider buying me a coffee to support my work https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpoweredSources are posted on my websiteDisclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


