Episode 251:It Started with Mouthwash … It Ended with a Sober Empire with Jen Hirst

Nov 21

Going alcohol-free was one of the most empowering things Jen Hirst has ever done – and now, she’s an icon in the alcohol-free industry. But you might not know where she started how and the lows she experienced before turning her life around.

Alcohol abuse led Jen to lose her job, her car, and almost her marriage. In her darkest moments, she found herself drinking mouthwash, blacking out, and blowing a .34 on the BAC scale.

Her conversation with Karolina reveals not only her decision to go alcohol-free after years of struggling with drinking, but why she kept it a secret before ultimately launching her empire.

Today, Jen is the founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, which marries fitness and daily habits to help women go alcohol-free. She is also an alum of Karolina’s Empowered AF Coach Certification program.

Jen is the definition of a true trailblazer in the alcohol-free industry and a beacon of hope for those struggling with alcohol. Here, she shares the habits that spurred her personal growth and made all the difference for her and her clients, helping them remain resilient and become excited about the life before them.

IN THIS EPISODE:

How Jen transitioned from a "closet alcoholic" – who at her lowest found herself drinking mouthwash and rubbing alcohol – to celebrating over 11 years alcohol-free

The life-changing decision to go public with her sobriety and become a sober coach – and the realization that sobriety is something to be incredibly proud of

Jen’s approach to help clients create new habits, including the daily 5 that she credits with much of her success.

The power of consistency and connecting with your bigger “why” – plus, Jen’s visualization that changed her life

REFLECTION QUESTION

Think about your current social circle—are there people who inspire and support your goals? How can you build a stronger community around you?

“I looked down on my life of this girl who had everything: great parents, great childhood. I didn't fit the bill of an alcoholic. I don't like to even use that term anymore. And that's even another discussion of how I label myself. And now I'm sitting here homeless, in detox with no job. And I just said, I don't know what's going to happen with my life, but as long as I don't drink, I can't make this any worse. I cannot go any lower. And it was that moment where I just surrendered. I let go and I just kept doing the next right thing.” - Jen Hirst

“I didn't intend to be a sober coach, ever. I didn't even talk about my sobriety for four years. I kept in the sober closet. I did not talk about it. I didn't think anyone cared. No one asked me about it. But there was this deep desire of: why aren't people asking me about it? Are people afraid? I want to share about it. Being raised in the rooms of AA – there's nothing wrong with AA. That was just all that was around way back when. Being anonymous didn't sit well with me because it solidified the shame – that this is something I should be ashamed about.”- Jen Hirst

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

Follow Jen Hirst on Instagram, learn about Lighthouse Sobriety, and read one of Jen’s favorite books, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.

Lose your desire to drink and lean into your dream life with Karolina’s book Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You. When you order today, you’ll also unlock tons of resources and checklists to support you on your journey.

Loved the book? We’d be honored if you left a review!

Follow @euphoric.af on Instagram and watch me romanticize the AF lifestyle and show you how to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true.

And as always, rate, review, and subscribe so we can continue spreading our message far and wide.