Sobriety... Now What? with Stuart Cline
Most sobriety podcasts tell you to stay sober. This one helps you figure out what to do with the life you're building.
Sobriety... Now What? is for people who are sober — or trying to be — and ready to go deeper than just not drinking or using. Each episode explores what it actually looks like to build a life worth staying sober for.
I'm your host, Stuart Cline — a licensed therapist, addiction counselor, and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) with over 25 years in clinical practice — from a locked inpatient psychiatric unit early in my career, to leading an intensive outpatient program, to 18 years of hospital-based clinical work alongside a private practice. In New Mexico I hold two active licenses: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC).
I also bring something no credential can give you. I grew up with two alcoholic parents — one who got sober, and one who didn't. The difference between those two paths shaped my life and my purpose. I know what recovery can cost, and I know what it can give back.
Each episode offers practical tools, honest conversations, and real strategies for navigating the emotional terrain of sober life — cravings, stress, relationships, purpose, identity, and everything in between. You'll hear from authors, musicians, teachers, business owners, and recovery experts, alongside solo episodes where I break down what works, why it works, and how to apply it.
There's no single right way to recover. But there are principles that help people thrive — and that's what we explore here.
This podcast exists to help you avoid unnecessary suffering and discover what's possible when sobriety becomes a foundation, not a limitation.
You're not alone — and you don't have to figure this out by yourself.
🌐 www.sobrietynowwhat.com ✉️ sobrietynowwhat111@gmail.com
Sobriety Now What? — Let's explore what comes next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not establish a therapeutic or counseling relationship.
Sobriety... Now What? with Stuart Cline
Ep 37 The Helper's High Without the Hangover — Francesca Donlan on Kindness, Recovery & the K20 Summit
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You’re sober… but still feeling stressed?
The to-do list doesn’t stop. Life feels heavy. And some days, just getting through feels like enough.
In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Francesca Donlan — my most downloaded guest — to explore a simple, powerful tool that can shift your mood, calm your mind, and improve your day without substances.
Francesca spent the entire year of 2025 doing one intentional act each day to improve connection and well-being — and what she discovered, backed by research, might surprise you.
We talk about a simple way to reduce stress and feel better fast, how small daily actions can improve mood and mental health, the “helper’s high” and why it works, how to reset your mindset when life feels overwhelming, practical ways to feel more connected in sobriety, and why self-compassion is a key part of lasting recovery.
This episode isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having a tool you can use on real days, in real life.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just off lately, this conversation can help you reset and move forward.
About My Guest
Francesca Donlan is a university educator and researcher focused on human connection and well-being. She has taught the science behind positive social behavior and is the organizer of the K20 Global Kindness Summit, bringing together leaders from around the world to explore how small actions can create meaningful change.
Key Takeaway
You don’t need to change everything to feel better. Sometimes one small action can shift your entire day.
Connect + Learn More
Learn more about the K20 Global Kindness Summit:
https://k20kindness.com
If This Helped You
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Invitation to consider at least one helpful piece of information to help them thrive in their sobriety and to share with podcast with others and to follow and email questions.
HI! If you would like to find out more things I offer check out the links below.
🌐 Website: www.SobrietyNowWhat.com
🌱 Stuart Cline: www.Stuartcline.com
🧠 Counseling Services: www.nmcounseling.com
📧 Email: SobrietyNowWhat111@gmail.com
Have a topic you’d like me to cover?
Send me an email—I’d love to hear what would be most helpful for you.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of support, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.
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