Thirtysomethings break the shame around drinking with their diaries
We wouldn’t be Sober Power Moms if we didn’t share this gem with you! ELI (read her story) and As will soon be launching their podcast Schaamteloos Sober. An honest, raw, and liberating look at life without alcohol. Two powerful women, one mission: to show that there’s no shame in your search for clarity.
From wild nights to fully sober mornings. In the podcast Schaamteloos Sober, Astrid van der Haar (34) and Elisanne van der Tuuk (38) share their raw journey toward an alcohol-free life. Through entries from their personal diaries, they take the listener along for the ride. With embarrassing anecdotes, emotional dilemmas, and honest insights.
“Many people feel ashamed about their drinking, but we’ve moved past that,” says Van der Tuuk.
Psst…Wil je dit liever in het Nederlands lezen?
Head over to Nuchtere Powermama’s for the full Dutch version, packed with real talk, practical tips, and zero “wine mom” clichés. Go on, get your sober power fix in your own language
Breaking the Shame Around Alcohol
Both women inspire their Instagram followers with their sober lifestyles. One with hula hoops and poetry, the other with deep reflections. They’ve noticed how big the taboo still is.
Van der Haar: “Our followers would rather send us a DM than comment publicly. Elisanne and I no longer feel ashamed about alcohol, because living alcohol-free has brought us so much. That’s why we share our stories and struggles, to let people know: you’re not alone. And with the podcast, people can listen to us anonymously, anytime, anywhere.”
Addicted?
So how much did they actually drink? Van der Tuuk: “That’s the first question I get when I say I don’t drink anymore. I used to drink ‘only’ six glasses of wine a week. And only on weekends.
So was I addicted? No. But I was always negotiating with myself about it. It was affecting me.”
Now that she’s quit drinking, she says she’s come back to her senses. Sharper. More creative. More resilient. That resilience also comes through in the diary entries both women share.
Not a Drop Anymore
At the start of 2024, Van der Haar and Van der Tuuk each quit drinking, separately. One had a plan, the other went cold turkey. One has children, the other doesn’t. But while their paths looked different, they had one clear thing in common: they filled their journals with their experiences. And now they’re sharing those pages.
“We’re on a mission to make alcohol-free living more normal in this country,” says Van der Tuuk. Because not drinking, without having to justify it? According to these thirtysomethings, it’s about time.
Sobercurious
They’re not alone. Statistics show that alcohol consumption is on the decline. Dutch news outlet NOS reported just last month that the number of adults who drink little or nothing at all is growing. The term sobercurious has been gaining traction. A movement born from the question: why do I drink, and how much do I really need it? The rise of alcohol-free living is also reflected in the booming sales of 0.0 beverages.
Podcast: Schaamteloos Sober
In their raw search for an alcohol-free life, they explore questions like: Who are you without alcohol? Why would you quit? And how does your environment react?
It’s a podcast for anyone. Whether you drink, don’t drink, or are just a little sobercurious.
Listen to Schaamteloos Sober starting in September. (podcast available in Dutch)
Follow us via @soberpowermoms for inspiration, recognition, and a strong dose of sober power.
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