

Sober Awkward
soberawkward
Winner, Best Well-Being Podcast at The Australian Podcast Awards 2024Have you ever woken up after a big night out and declared, “I’m never drinking again,” only to find yourself waving $50 at a barman by Happy Hour? Yep, Vic’s been there too.Join Victoria Vanstone, award-winning podcaster, author, and former binge-drinking party animal, as she explores what it’s really like to be sober in a world absolutely soaked in alcohol. Each week on Sober Awkward, Vic dives into boozy topics, social pressures, anxiety, identity wobbles, and the messy reality of quitting drinking, opening up the shame shed of humiliating stories so you don’t have to feel alone in yours.With humour, honesty, and zero judgement, Vic tells it like it is, from vomit and one-night stands to life on the other side of destructive drinking. If you’ve hit a wall, you’re fed up with anxiety, headaches, and blackouts, or you’re just quietly sober-curious, pop the kettle on and learn how to feel the awkward, and do it anyway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 12, 2025 • 41min
Enthusiasm: How to Stay Pumped When Everyone Else is Pissed!
Is sobriety really just herbal tea, beige cardigans, scrabble and bouffant hair?This week on Sober Awkward, Vic and Hamish tackle one of the trickiest parts of sober life… keeping your enthusiasm when everyone else is getting pissed. From rewiring your dopamine-starved brain to rediscovering what actually excites you (spoiler: it’s not Sambuca shots or Gary from accounts), they explore how to find genuine joy, fun, and buzz, minus the hangover and the shame-spiral.Expect laughter, science, awkward confessions, and a few deeply questionable dance-floor memories as they flip the “sober = boring” myth on its head. Whether you’re still wobbling on the fence with one leg in the pub and one in a yoga class, or you’re fully converted to the chamomile-tea-and-early-bedtime lifestyle, this episode will spark your sober mojo back to life.Sobriety isn’t beige!!! it’s sequins, silliness, and sweet, hangover-free freedom.Oh, and bring tissues. Vic gets emotional, Hamish overshares, and there’s some very naughty chat that probably should’ve been edited out. Do not play this one with the kids in the car.💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 2025 • 9min
New! Our Listeners' Sober Stories - Finding the Quiet Joy
Welcome to our new weekly shortened episodes - Sober Stories!After the overwhelming response to a recent writing competition during which we asked you to share your JOURNEYS to sobriety (the good, the bad and the ugly!), we felt compelled to take things a step further.We asked, you wrote, and now we're sharing the incredible, hilarious, and heartwarming stories you sent us. Get ready to be inspired by your fellow listeners, one story at a time!Happy Saturday, y’all.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you’ve been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we’re so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Sober Munchies
🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/41OlRG3E3MUYyk5iwYgyWu?si=1ea546dc93ce4682 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 2025 • 39min
Ever Got Sh*t-Faced on a Cruise?
Let's dive into the world of cruises - (full disclaimer: neither Vic or Hamish have ever actually been on one!)Today Vic and Hame explore the allure of cruise ships as “giant floating bars” or “Westfields on Water,” complete with endless buffets, towel animals, and drinks packages that basically dare you to drink your body weight in piña coladas before lunch. They chat about why they’ve always avoided this type of holiday, despite their extended families treating cruises like the holy grail of leisure.But are things changing? With unlimited alcohol packages still the main selling point, they look at the dangers of all-you-can-drink culture at sea — from sunstroke + sangria chaos to the grim statistics on alcohol-related accidents. At the same time, they ask whether the tide (pun intended) might finally be turning. Could cruises actually become activity-laden, dream holidays for sober folk — with gyms, spas, shore excursions, and, dare we say, mocktail menus worth ordering from?As ever, Vic and Hame bring honesty, humour, and a healthy dose of scepticism to the question: are cruises doomed to stay floating pubs, or can the sober awkward among us finally come aboard without dreading the drinks package sales pitch?Enjoy!💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
New! Our Listeners' Sober Stories - Stuck in the Middle
Welcome to our new weekly shortened episodes - Sober Stories!After the overwhelming response to a recent writing competition during which we asked you to share your JOURNEYS to sobriety (the good, the bad and the ugly!), we felt compelled to take things a step further.We asked, you wrote, and now we're sharing the incredible, hilarious, and heartwarming stories you sent us. Get ready to be inspired by your fellow listeners, one story at a time!Happy Saturday, y’all.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you’ve been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we’re so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2025 • 12min
Where do I find my Dopamine kicks now?!
🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iJcWJdZIF9OcJlpLNfv87?si=12067cd973cc404d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 2025 • 48min
When Bravery Backfires: Sobriety and RSD
This week on Sober Awkward, Vic confesses to bombing a speech so badly she considered faking her own death to escape the hotel. Turns out, all our “step out of your comfort zone!” pep talks might have been… well… a bit shit. Because sometimes you don’t just step out... you cartwheel out, land flat on your face, and want to live in a cave forever.Enter RSD, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, the sneaky brain glitch that makes one awkward moment feel like the whole world hates you. Vic and Hamish dive into what it is, why it bites harder in sobriety, and how success amnesia makes you forget every win you’ve ever had the second something goes wrong.Expect sweaty palms, public speaking disasters, spa-side meltdowns, and knob jokes (obviously). If you’ve ever spiralled over a slow text reply or considered joining witness protection after a minor faux pas, this episode is for you.💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 26, 2025 • 8min
New! Our Listeners' Sober Stories - The Dementor on the Road to Sobriety
Welcome to our new weekly shortened episodes - Sober Stories!After the overwhelming response to a recent writing competition during which we asked you to share your JOURNEYS to sobriety (the good, the bad and the ugly!), we felt compelled to take things a step further.We asked, you wrote, and now we're sharing the incredible, hilarious, and heartwarming stories you sent us. Get ready to be inspired by your fellow listeners, one story at a time!Happy Saturday, y’all.Sober Awkward Tools and LinksJoin Cuppa – our alcohol-free communityA kind, no-pressure space to connect with others navigating sobrietywww.cuppa.communityRead Vic’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at booze, motherhood, and self-discoveryhttps://amzn.asia/d/fanNMhaBook a one-on-one session with VicWriting mentorship, sobriety support, or just a good old chathttps://www.soberawkward.com/storeExplore the full podcast archiveCatch up on all the messy, funny, honest episodes of Sober Awkwardhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4qXlSc9lDGStYLeYIjrWPH?si=ece6e75ae4f041f9Follow us on InstagramBehind-the-scenes chaos, awkward moments, and sober inspo@soberawkwardThanks for listening. Your support means everything. Whether you’ve been here since day one or this is your first toe-dip into the awkward, we’re so glad you found us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 24, 2025 • 15min
Why Aren't I Feeling Better Immediately?
🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iJcWJdZIF9OcJlpLNfv87?si=12067cd973cc404d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 2025 • 54min
Unbottling Depression
Join Vic and Hame as they dive into the complex link between alcohol and depression. They explore the science behind why alcohol - a depressant - can make you feel good initially but leave your brain "wobbly" afterwards, potentially triggering a depressive episode.The hosts share their own personal stories, with Vic opening up about how her depression was 100% booze-related and Hamish describing his own lows. They tackle the "chicken or the egg" question: does drinking cause depression, or do people drink to cope with it? They also discuss how sobriety, while not a magical cure, can remove a major disruptor and provide the clarity needed to do the real work of healing.Thanks for tuning in!💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


