First responders are trained to save lives, but who’s there to save them? In this powerful conversation, Kaitlin sits down with retired firefighter-paramedic Matty Fiorenza, founder of the First Responder Peace and Refuge Foundation.

Matty opens up about his battle with PTSD, addiction, and the struggles that nearly took his life—and the life-changing support that helped him heal.

They discuss the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions, why traditional therapy isn’t always enough, and the alternative treatments making a real difference.

If you or someone you love has ever felt trapped by trauma, this episode is a must-listen.

** We had a few connection problems on the call for this episode, so apologies for the drop in quality in some sections - it was such a great conversation though that we wanted to still get it out there **

Here are the highlights:

(5:22) Matty's Journey to Firefighting and Early Struggles

(13:25) Matty's Turning Point and Recovery

(29:50) Matty's Involvement in the First Responder Community

(1:03:22) Matty's Work with the First Responder Peace and Refuge Foundation

(1:07:36) Matty's Role in the Recent Wildfires and Community Support

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What does success really look like without alcohol? In this episode, I share how my perspective on achievement transformed after sobriety.

I once measured success by ticking society’s boxes—marriage, kids, a house—yet still felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I redefined success as a daily practice that things shifted.

Regulating your nervous system, being a safe presence for others, and embracing laughter - I explore how these simple but powerful principles can reshape your life.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re truly thriving, this episode offers a new way to measure success - one that’s authentic, joyful, and entirely your own.

Here are the highlights:

(2:11) Personal Achievements Post-Sobriety

(2:47) Pillars of Redefining Success

(3:25) Practical Steps to Achieve Success

(7:36) The Impact of Alcohol on Daily Life

(11:33) The Plant Analogy

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What does it really mean to be a grateful alcoholic? In this week’s episode, I reflect on six years of sobriety, how I went from resisting the label to fully embracing it, and why gratitude has been the foundation of my recovery.

Through personal stories, journaling reflections, and lessons from AA, I share how choosing gratitude—even in the hardest moments—has kept me grounded, resilient, and deeply connected to my purpose.

We’ll explore how shifting your perspective can turn challenges into growth, why gratitude is a practice (not just a feeling), and how embracing joy can transform your journey—whether you're sober-curious or years into recovery.

Here are the highlights:

(2:17) Life Experiences and Relationships in Sobriety

(5:13) Challenges and Hardships in Sobriety

(11:20) Gratitude and Personal Growth in Sobriety

(14:06) Practicing Gratitude and Compassion

Meet a 'Wine Mom' Turned 'Sober Curious':

https://youtu.be/nG3qB1z5Qq8?si=1V9b2mDXL6PBPjd1

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Have you ever mistaken comfort for happiness? In today’s episode, I reflect on the difference between fleeting comfort and the deeper joy that comes from building character.

Inspired by a profound quote from the 12 and 12 and a meeting I attended, I unpack why growth often requires us to sit with discomfort rather than numbing it with alcohol—or any other quick fix.

I’ll share how embracing humility, taking contrary actions, and seeking joy in daily moments has transformed my life and sobriety.

If you’re ready to shift your focus from temporary relief to lasting fulfilment, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

(3:06) Checking In and Sharing Personal Experiences

(5:03) The Importance of Humility and Sharing Feelings

(7:26) Building Character and Finding Joy

(10:05) Final Thoughts

Matthew McConaughey - This Is Why You're Not Happy:

https://youtu.be/p0p1fjLPjYQ?si=T7vjXU731ZAbiODA

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In this heartfelt episode, I share a raw and reflective update amidst the aftermath of the California wildfires. From the challenges of navigating guilt and overwhelm to the simple yet profound steps I take to stay grounded and sober, this is a space for honesty and connection. If you've ever wondered how to find strength when the world feels unsteady, this one’s for you.

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How do the small choices we make every day either serve or sabotage our goals? In this episode, I’m unpacking the power of conscious decision-making and how it helped me stay aligned with my vision of sobriety.

From identifying hidden commitments formed in childhood to recognizing avoidance strategies like scrolling or snacking, I’ll share tools to help you pause and make choices that truly move you forward.

You’ll learn how to uncover the unconscious patterns that keep you stuck and create empowering new commitments. Whether you’re exploring sobriety or chasing another goal, this episode is packed with insights to help you reclaim your power and transform your daily habits.

Here are the highlights:

(2:28) The Choice to Abstain from Alcohol

(4:36) Underlying Commitments and Their Influence

(5:57) Examples of How Choices Serve or Sabotage Our Vision

(9:41) Avoidance Strategies and Conscious Choices

(12:30) Making Conscious Choices and Commitments

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This episode is all about embracing change and creating a vision for your life that truly reflects your values and aspirations. I share my personal journey of becoming sober curious, the challenges I faced in breaking free from old habits, and the small, consistent actions that made a lasting difference.

If you've ever wondered how to make a big life shift—whether it’s eliminating a habit like drinking or tackling something else that feels daunting—this episode offers practical insights and a roadmap to get started.

We’ll explore how vision fuels change, the choices that support or sabotage our goals, and the power of self-connection rituals. Plus, I’ll share tips to help you create a life aligned with your dreams, one micro-action at a time.

Whether you're considering Dry January or just curious about making healthier choices, this episode is packed with relatable stories and tools to help you take the first step.

Here are the highlights:

(2:44) The Role of Vision in Creating Change

(5:03) Impact of Choices on Vision

(12:06) Micro Actions and Accountability

(13:13) Self-Connection Rituals

(15:26) Commitment to Self

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In this episode, I share how overwhelm can creep into our lives and the tools I use to stay grounded and maintain sobriety through life’s chaos.

From managing holiday stress to handling life’s big and small moments, I reflect on how alcohol once seemed like a solution but only added to the problem. Now, with almost six years of sobriety, I’ve learned healthier ways to navigate challenges while staying true to myself.

We’ll talk about how routines, breath-work, and setting boundaries can transform overwhelm into something manageable. Plus, I share insights from Mel Robbins' "let them" theory and how embracing this mindset can lighten your emotional load.

Whether you're looking for practical advice or just a little reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is all about finding calm in the storm.

Here are the highlights:

(3:25) Tools for Staying Sober During Overwhelm

(10:02) Using Alcohol to Cope with Overwhelm

(13:11) Tools for Combat Overwhelm

(17:08) Creative Activities and Setting Boundaries

(20:45) Human Connection and Professional Help

(23:44) Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory

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