Episode Description
In this episode of Sober Banter, host Rachel sits down with Heather Trumpfheller, a tech startup professional and world traveler, for an honest conversation about modern sobriety, identity shifts, and reclaiming life without alcohol.
Heather shares how quitting drinking led her to also walk away from busyness, a decade long career that no longer aligned with her values, and patterns rooted in anxiety, people pleasing, and burnout. The conversation explores early sobriety, grief and loss, dating and traveling alcohol free, resentment, stigma, and why community is essential in recovery.
This episode is a powerful reminder that sobriety is not a punishment. It is freedom. And it is never too late to choose yourself.
Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded in July 2025 when Heather was 18 months sober. She is now over 2 years sober as her sobriety date is November 13, 2023.
- (00:00) - Welcome + Heather’s Sobriety Story
- (03:44) - Finding Community and Support
- (08:04) - Early Sobriety and Identity Shifts
- (12:28) - Celebrating Sobriety Milestones
- (24:13) - Grief, Loss, and Staying Sober
- (27:57) - Traveling and Dating Without Alcohol
- (35:34) - Labels, Stigma, and Recovery Culture
- (55:53) - Rest, Growth, and Final Reflections
Connect with Heather
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/htrumpfheller
💼 LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertrumpfheller/
📧 Email
htrumpfheller@gmail.com
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Sober Banter is not a medical or clinical podcast. We share lived experience, not professional advice. If you are navigating alcohol withdrawal, mental health concerns, or need additional support, please seek help from a qualified provider or trusted recovery resource.
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