The holidays can be one of the hardest times to stay sober—especially if you’re early in your journey. In this episode of The Sober Sip, I’m sharing how I actually stay sober during the holidays without overcomplicating it or losing my peace.

We talk about keeping your circle tight, choosing peace over pressure, going to events with a plan, and leaving the moment your energy shifts—no guilt, no explanations. I also get real about not glamorizing past drinking and why sobriety has actually made the holidays easier, not harder.

If you’re feeling nervous about this season, this episode is a reminder that you’re allowed to protect your space, trust yourself, and do what keeps you solid.

Stay safe. Stay sober. And you know where to go if you need a friend. 🤍

In this episode of The Sober Sip, Tommy gets brutally honest about the surprising joy of sobriety—the real kind, not the self-care hashtag version. From remembering how he got home to actually liking the person he sees in the mirror, Tommy shares what 56 months sober has really given him… and what he almost lost.

Tommy’s Takeaway

Sobriety is not about what you lose. It’s about the space you gain to actually live. Real peace. Real laughter. Real ambition. Real joy. Even if it’s quiet—and especially because it’s real.

If This Episode Hits Home…

• Share it with someone who might need it

• Leave a review so more people find The Sober Sip

• Follow along @thetommyward for more real talk

You never know whose life you might accidentally save.

In this episode of The Sober Sip, we’re joined by Rachel Hechtman, a content creator, coach, events consultant, and the Founder of Sober in Central Park, LLC. Rachel’s journey to sobriety began on January 3, 2021, and since then, she has been a powerful advocate for living an alcohol-free life. Her mission is to advance the sober movement and prove that you don't need alcohol to have fun.

Rachel spills the sober tea on everything from her early days of sobriety in New York City to her plans for opening a non-alcoholic bar with a reality TV star. We discuss the power of authenticity on social media, the challenges of staying sober in a city like NYC, and the importance of building a supportive community. Rachel also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for sober living full-time.

Key Topics Covered:

• Rachel's sobriety journey and the moment she knew she had to make a change.
• The role of Central Park in her healing process.
• How sharing her story on Instagram turned into a platform for sober advocacy.
• The evolution of the sober movement and the rise of non-alcoholic social spaces.
• Building a business and a community around sobriety.
• The impact of coaching and creating resources for those exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle.
• Upcoming projects, including the launch of a non-alcoholic bar in NYC.

Key Quotes:

• “There’s so much beauty around us—we just have to be present and look for it.” — Rachel Hechtman
• “I wasn’t trying to build a brand—I just wanted to hold myself accountable.” — Rachel Hechtman

Connect with Rachel:

• Instagram: @soberincentralpark
• Website: soberincentralpark.com

Episode Resources:

• Quit Like a Woman (mentioned by Rachel as an influential book).
• Sans Bar: A traveling non-alcoholic bar experience.
• Big Vision Events: A non-profit organization supporting sober social spaces in NYC.

Connect with Tommy

• Instagram: @thetommyward

Join the Conversation:If Rachel’s story resonated with you, share this episode and tag us on social media! Don’t forget to follow Rachel for daily inspiration on living an alcohol-free life.