The Cool Side of Sobriety with Katie Scott & Megan Poakeart
Oct 27, 2025
What If Sobriety Isn't the End—But the Beginning of Everything?
Based on my conversation with Katie Scott and Megan Poakeart on Sober Fit Life
Picture this: You're flipping through a magazine that looks suspiciously like those Highlights magazines from your childhood—you know, the ones with "Hidden Pictures" and "What's Wrong with This Picture?" But instead of finding teddy bears hidden in tree branches, you're spotting the uncomfortable truths about drinking culture that were hiding in plain sight all along.
That's exactly what happened when I sat down with Katie Scott and Megan Poakeart to talk about their brilliant new book, The Sober Empath. What started as a conversation about creativity and sobriety quickly became something much deeper—a complete reframe of what it means to live alcohol-free.
The 80s Throwback That Became a Mirror.
Their approach is genius in its simplicity. They created a book that feels like nostalgic fun but delivers some serious truth bombs. Think "spot the difference" illustrations that reveal how differently we see social situations when we're not viewing them through alcohol-tinted glasses.
"We were sold so many myths about alcohol and connection," and honestly, it hit me right in the gut. How many times did I believe that wine was necessary for a good time with friends? That champagne made the celebrations more special? That I needed a drink to "take the edge off" after a hard day?
The Hangover Illustrations That Made Us Laugh (And Cringe)
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when Katie and Megan described the hangover depictions in the book. We've all been there—the pounding head, the shame spiral, the "never again" promises we made to ourselves while hugging the toilet. But here's the thing: we rarely talk about these experiences with the humor and honesty they deserve.
There's something incredibly healing about being able to laugh at what we've been through. Not in a way that minimizes the pain, but in a way that takes away some of its power over us.
Why We've Got Sobriety All Wrong
Here's what really struck me about our conversation: sobriety isn't about what you're giving up—it's about what you're gaining.
For too long, we've been conditioned to see alcohol-free living as:
- Missing out
- Being boring
- Losing our social identity
- Giving up fun
But Katie and Megan flipped that script completely. They reminded me that when we stop numbing out, we start fully engaging with life. When we stop needing liquid courage, we discover our authentic confidence. When we stop using alcohol as social glue, we build genuine connections.
The Shift from Numbing to Living
One moment from our conversation keeps replaying in my head. We talked about that shift—you know the one—from using alcohol to check out of your life to actually wanting to be present for every messy, beautiful, complicated moment of it.
That's not doom and gloom. That's not deprivation. That's freedom.
What This Means for You
Whether you're sober-curious, already questioning your relationship with alcohol, or walking the alcohol-free path, here's what I want you to remember:
**Your story doesn't end when you stop.
Listen to Sober Fit Life here 🎧
Get your copy of The Sober Empath here 📚
Follow Megan on Instagram
Follow Katie on Instagram
Their Illustrator Claire Morales
