Breaking the Mold: How Laura Nelson is Redefining Sobriety and Event Culture
Posted by Rosabel Zohfeld | Rosabel Unscripted Podcast
On this episode of Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Laura Nelson—author, speaker, and co-founder of Sober Life Rocks. Her story is one of clarity, courage, and community. After decades of navigating professional spaces where alcohol was not just common but expected, Laura made the life-altering decision in 2020 to stop drinking—and hasn’t looked back.
“I didn’t hit rock bottom,” she told me. “I just got tired. Tired of the expectations. Tired of feeling like I couldn’t bring my best self forward because alcohol was always in the picture.”
For Laura, sobriety wasn’t about giving something up—it was about getting something back. It was about reclaiming energy, mental clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Life on the Other Side of the Glass
In her former life, Laura was constantly on the road attending dental industry conferences and networking events—settings where alcohol flowed as freely as conversation. But after a pivotal moment at a conference where she had to turn down a last-minute speaking opportunity due to feeling off from the night before, something clicked. That morning at the gym, she discovered a TED Talk on “gray area drinking” that reframed the way she saw her own habits.
Armed with that clarity, Laura began chronicling her journey on TikTok—first for herself, then for others who were quietly wrestling with similar thoughts. Her voice became a beacon for professionals who, like her, were ready to break away from the “normal” that no longer served them.
Creating Space for Change
As Laura’s clarity deepened, so did her mission. In 2023, she co-founded Sober Life Rocks, an initiative designed to support professionals who are navigating sobriety in industries still heavily tethered to alcohol. One of their biggest wins? A zero-proof bar at a major conference that became more popular than the traditional bar. Attendees—many of whom were previously silent about their sobriety—finally felt seen, included, and respected.
Laura also wrote The Inclusive Event Planner, a free guide for anyone looking to create more thoughtful, alcohol-optional environments. “It’s not just about removing the booze,” she said. “It’s about reimagining connection.”
Identity, Purpose, and Sobriety
When I asked Laura how quitting drinking reshaped her identity, her answer struck a chord:
“I didn’t even realize how much of myself I had numbed. Sobriety didn’t take something away from me—it gave me clarity I never knew I needed.”
She also reminded us that this journey doesn’t require shame or labels. Just pause. Reflect. Ask if it’s really serving you.
Her Call to You
Whether you’re sober-curious or simply wondering how to make your events more inclusive, Laura’s work is an invitation to rethink the way we connect—and what we center our gatherings around.
“Stop trying to quit. Start getting curious.”
Ready to Learn More or Connect with Laura?
- 🌐 Visit www.soberliferocks.com to download The Inclusive Event Planner and learn about the upcoming Amplify Sober Voices conference in Orlando.
- 📘 Order or download her book The Inclusive Event Planner—great for events of any size.
- 📱 Follow Laura and her team on Sober Life Rocks social platforms for daily inspiration.
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