If you’ve ever wondered:
'Who am I without alcohol?'
'Why do I still want it even though it’s hurting me?'
'Is it possible to feel genuinely good without it?'
This episode is for you.
In episode 239 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick sits down with fitness coach and sobriety advocate Sam LaPage for a raw, honest, and surprisingly uplifting conversation about identity, injury, shame, and learning how to actually love yourself.
Sam grew up in a small town where drinking in the park wasn’t just something you did… it was who you were.
Alcohol became confidence. Belonging. Fun. Validation.
At the same time, he was living a double life, chasing excellence in rowing while quietly numbing feelings of not being 'enough.'
When a back injury ended his rowing career in the US, it didn’t just take away a sport. It took away an identity.
What followed was years of drinking driven by failure, shame, and a deep sense of not measuring up.
And then something changed.
Awesome topics covered in this episode:
Why his drinking was never really about alcohol
How shame became the real cycle keeping him stuck
The unexpected power of fitness in building sobriety
What it actually means to 'love yourself' (and how awkward that felt at first)
Why early sobriety can feel flat… and why that’s normal
The difference between chemical highs and genuine joy
How he rebuilt his identity without alcohol
Patrick and Sam also dive into vulnerability, masculinity, and why being 'radically human' means feeling everything, not escaping it.
Connect with Sam LaPage
Instagram: sam_lapage_coach
Work with Patrick:
Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol.
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Connect with Patrick:
Instagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcast
Want to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:
The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.
👉 Join the challenge here
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