Let’s be honest—perimenopause isn’t exactly a hot topic at dinner, and alcohol’s role in our lives (and cultures) is often more complicated than we realize. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is diving into both with the help of Sukhi Dhillon is a dental educator, mom of two, and the voice behind OneSikhMom on social media, where she uses humor, heart, and reels to talk about everything from Sikhi and parenting to cycle-breaking, menopause, and yes—booze. She is a go-to community voice for honest conversations and cultural connection. So what’s really going on when it comes to menopause in the South Asian community? Why do so many women feel blindsided by symptoms—and alone in dealing with them? Sukhi helps us unpack questions around health literacy, how culture shapes what’s considered “private,” and why it’s so hard to get support. We also dig into alcohol—how it’s celebrated and expected in many South Asian spaces, but stigmatized differently for women. And of course, we get into that tricky question: Why do we feel like fun has to come with a drink in hand? From early onset menopause in South Asian women to the double standards around alcohol use, Sukhi sheds light on topics most people are too shy—or too uncomfortable—to bring up. She talks about the importance of culturally specific care, the role of peer pressure in adult drinking (yes, it’s still a thing), and the value of being “that person” who starts the hard conversations. If you’re curious about cycle-breaking, mental health, or talking to your kids about alcohol in a more honest way than just yelling “don’t do it!”—this is the episode for you. Sukhi also shares her own journey—how years of confusing symptoms led her to research perimenopause herself, why she started speaking out online, and the powerful messages she receives from women every day who finally feel seen. This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources—and maybe pass this episode along to a friend who needs to hear it. Episode Highlights 00:01 Meet Sukhi: mom, educator, community organizer, content creator 01:50 Why she started speaking up about taboo topics in the South Asian community 03:30 The perimenopause denial phase—what she wishes she’d known sooner 04:30 Sharing symptoms publicly and the surprising response she got 06:00 Her DMs are full of important conversations (and ideas for future content) 07:00 Organizing mobile health clinics at the Gurdwara 08:30 Why reproductive health is still so hush-hush in our families 09:30 The impact of being told to “push through it” like our moms did 10:30 How menopause symptoms differ for South Asian women 11:00 The science behind early menopause—and why doctors often miss it 12:00 Traditional remedies, soy, and navigating food myths 14:00 Culture vs. religion when it comes to women's health 15:30 Alcohol as status, celebration—and coping mechanism 16:30 Aunties drinking publicly and the shift in expectations 18:00 The peer pressure to drink, even as adults 20:00 “You’re not drinking? What’s wrong with you?” 21:00 Stigma around sobriety and how it impacts recovery 22:00 The very real struggles South Asian women face in getting help 23:00 Resources that are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed 25:00 Intergenerational trauma, parenting styles, and how it all connects 27:00 How to actually talk to your kids about alcohol (without freaking out) 29:00 Why our parents didn’t prioritize self-care—and how we can 31:00 Teaching kids that emotions are not a weakness 32:00 The glamorization of drinking in pop culture and Punjabi music 34:00 Where to go for reliable South Asian health info 36:00 What Sukhi’s working on next—and how to follow along Get in touch with Sukhi YouTube Instagram TikTok Facebook Links • Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community • Sisters In Sobriety Email • Sisters In Sobriety Instagram • Kathleen’s Website – Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast • Kathleen’s Instagram Our Sponsors: * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Dr. Erica Matluck, a holistic doctor, mother, and the creator of Seven Senses, a holistic framework for healing and transformation. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, family nurse practitioner, Reiki Master, and multidisciplinary yoga instructor, Dr. Matluck brings over two decades of experience in both conventional and alternative medicine to her work. She integrates Eastern philosophy and ancient wisdom into her approach to wellbeing, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Vogue, and Women’s Health. This episode dives into the mind-body connection, exploring how chakras can be a framework for healing. Dr. Matluck shares her personal journey from conventional medicine to holistic healing and explains why compartmentalization in healthcare limits our ability to thrive. How does alcohol fit into the equation? The discussion covers emotional bypassing, the root cause of disease, and how to decompartmentalize health for a more integrative approach. Listeners will learn about the chakras as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms, the role of emotional bypassing in addiction and numbing behaviors, how to recognize energetic imbalances in the body and start self-healing practices, why conventional medicine focuses on survival but true healing goes beyond functionality, and how to reconnect with yourself after quitting alcohol. Dr. Matluck opens up about how losing her mother to cancer at a young age sparked her curiosity about alternative healing. She shares how witnessing both conventional and holistic treatments shaped her philosophy of care. From her early introduction to Reiki to working in mainstream medical institutions, she reveals how her approach evolved—ultimately leading her back to the wisdom she first discovered decades ago. This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources. Highlights: [00:00:00] Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety – introducing Dr. Erica Matluck [00:01:08] Erica’s background in naturopathy, nursing, Reiki, and yoga [00:01:39] Why she transitioned from conventional medicine to holistic healing [00:02:13] How losing her mother to cancer shaped her approach to healing [00:04:37] Discovering Reiki and energy work as a teenager [00:06:14] What are chakras? Erica’s unique perspective on this ancient framework [00:08:15] The chakras as bridges between the conscious and unconscious mind [00:10:41] Why compartmentalized healthcare leaves us feeling disconnected [00:14:50] How to identify energetic imbalances and blocked chakras [00:18:09] The power of breathwork in balancing your energy [00:20:00] Why modern medicine separates survival from true wellbeing [00:26:39] Alcohol and emotional bypassing: how numbing prevents true healing [00:28:49] The importance of intention in alcohol consumption [00:30:15] What happens when we remove numbing agents? Preparing for discomfort [00:32:16] Meditation and movement: tools for processing emotions without alcohol [00:34:34] Post-alcohol healing: daily strategies to reconnect with yourself [00:36:07] Common misconceptions about holistic medicine and integrative health [00:40:00] How defining “holistic” for yourself helps you find the right practitioner [00:41:15] Upcoming projects: Erica’s Substack, retreats, and courses on root cause healing [00:42:07] Closing thoughts and where to find Erica online Links & Resources: How to Connect with Erica: Dr. Erica Matluck’s Substack - https://drericamatluck.substack.com/ Seven Senses Retreat: Gnosis Mallorca - https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/gnosis-mallorca Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community Sisters In Sobriety Email Sisters In Sobriety Instagram Kathleen’s Website - Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast Kathleen’s Instagram Our Sponsors: * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever feel like you need to hit rock bottom before making a change? Think again! This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Andrea Seydel, a happiness and resilience expert who’s here to challenge the outdated recovery narrative. Andrea is the author of Recovery Without Rock Bottom and the creator of Ready for Recovery Magazine, a fresh take on healing that’s all about building yourself up—not tearing yourself down. With a background in happiness studies and positive psychology, she’s got the science-backed tools to help you rethink recovery and reclaim your life. So, what’s on the table today? Do you really need to hit rock bottom, or is that just a myth?What are some early signs that your relationship with alcohol (or other habits) might need a reset?Why do so many recovery programs focus on what you need to quit instead of what you need to build?How can we rewire our brains to make lasting, positive changes?What’s the best way to support someone struggling with addiction without losing yourself in the process? Takeaways from this episode: Recovery isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about rediscovering yourself.You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to make a change.Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace.Your brain is wired for change, and small shifts can make a huge difference.Community and support matter more than willpower alone. Andrea also shares her personal story—how loving someone with addiction led her to a breaking point, and how she turned that pain into a mission to help others. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a little extra motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice. This is Sisters in Sobriety—the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Find extra tips, resources, and support on our Substack! Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Seydel and her take on recovery[00:02:09] When loving someone with addiction starts to break you[00:05:00] The myth of rock bottom (and why it’s holding people back)[00:08:10] “In-betweeners” who don’t fit the traditional recovery mold[00:12:48] Red flags: When to check in with yourself (or someone else)[00:14:42] Why values matter more than willpower[00:16:42] The science of addiction: Rewiring your brain for good[00:19:00] Tiny habits that make a huge impact[00:25:47] Playing the tape forward: Using fear vs. motivation[00:27:05] Sobriety changes everything—including what you value most[00:29:00] Setting boundaries vs. making “rules to live by”[00:35:34] Why support groups work (even if you’re not into group stuff)[00:38:40] Preventing relapse before it starts[00:41:19] Forgiveness: What it really means and who it’s for[00:44:41] Andrea’s new project, Ready for Recovery Magazine[00:46:00] Final thoughts: Recovery isn’t about being broken—it’s about taking your power back Links & Resources: Connect with Andrea: Andrea's WebsiteReady for RecoverySaving You Is Killing Me Sisters in Sobriety Substack – More tips, tricks, and supportSisters in Sobriety EmailSisters in Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)Kathleen’s Instagram Our Sponsors: * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy