The Kori Leigh Show | Sobriety & Recovery | Addiction | Faith & Hope

40. Recovery is the New Black | Interview with Michelle Smith on Family, Faith, and Sobriety

Hey friends, welcome back to The Kori Leigh Show, this episode is a powerful one. I’m sitting down with Michelle Smith, and she’s opening up about her journey through addiction, recovery, and breaking generational cycles. Michelle grew up in what looked like a picture-perfect home—think Leave it to Beaver—but behind the scenes, she was navigating life with a high-functioning alcoholic father. She shares how that experience shaped her, leading to her own struggles with alcohol, motherhood, and grief.
We talk about hitting rock bottom, the moment she knew something had to change, and how surrendering to the recovery process completely transformed her life. Now, as a sobriety coach, she’s dedicated to helping others find freedom from addiction, and she’s got big dreams of creating a treatment program for women and children. This conversation is raw, real, and full of hope. 
If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, love someone who has, or just want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and healing, this one’s for you. Tune in and let us know what resonates with you.
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
Connect with Michelle Smith 
@recoveryisthenewblack  
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If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

39. The Answer to Everything is Accepting Life On Life’s Terms (whether you like it or not)

Welcome back to The Kori Leigh Show! This episode is all about something that’s so much easier said than done—acceptance. Learning to embrace life as it comes (instead of fighting against it) has been a game-changer for me, but trust me, it hasn’t always been easy.
I’m opening up about my own journey—from battling addiction to navigating grief and loss—and how surrendering to God’s plan has helped me find real peace. We’re talking about:✨ Letting go of control (even when it’s hard)✨ Ditching the need for instant gratification✨ Leaning into discomfort to create lasting change
If you’re struggling to accept something in your life right now, this episode is for you. 
 
Episode 5 Navigating Life's Changes Like A Chess Game
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

38. Pursuing Peace is the Path to God’s Bigger Plan & We’ve Been Doing It Backwards

In this episode of The Kori Leigh Show podcast, I’m diving into something that’s been on my heart lately—finding peace and staying present as we head into 2025. Instead of obsessing over big outcomes and chasing the next destination, I’m talking about aligning with God’s will, which often shows up in the small, everyday moments of life.
I share a bit about my own journey—sobriety, spiritual growth, and what I like to call ‘dog shit spirituality.’ Yep, you read that right! It’s all about finding God’s presence in the mundane things, like walking the dog, making the bed, or just slowing down enough to notice the beauty in the now.
If you’re going through big changes or just feeling the weight of life, this episode is for you. Let’s explore how to stop rushing, embrace where we are, and lean into God’s guidance—one simple, present moment at a time.
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

37. The Pursuit of Peace: Surrender the Plan & Embrace the Present Moment

🎙️ New year, same you—just a little more aligned.
In this episode of The Kori Leigh Show, I’m kicking off 2025 by flipping the script on the whole “new year, new me” mindset. Instead of chasing endless self-improvement, what if the key to thriving is surrendering? I get real about my own journey—from hitting rock bottom to finding sobriety and, ultimately, peace. I’m sharing what it looks like to balance big goals with deep trust, to connect with God in the messiest seasons, and to embrace the life unfolding right in front of you.
If you’re tired of the hustle and ready to trade striving for surrender, tune in. Let’s make this year about peace, purpose, and showing up fully in the moment.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
Ep. 5 Knowing God's Will... Navigating Life's Changes like a Chess Board
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

36. Rock Bottom Isn’t What You Think It Is, Learning to Love Life Sober, & We’ve Got a Big Problem with “Mommy Needs Wine” Culture Interview with Christy Osborne

In this episode of The Kori Leigh Show podcast, I have an amazing conversation with Christy Osborne, author, podcast host, and sobriety & wellness coach, about her journey from struggling with alcohol to discovering sobriety and reconnecting with God. We dive deep into what it means to hit 'rock bottom,' how mommy wine culture can keep us stuck, and the myths we believe about alcohol's benefits. Christy opens up about coping with grief, the power of prayer, and how surrendering to God transformed her life. She also talks about her book '40 Days of Sobriety,' her coaching work, and the supportive community she's built for women walking a similar path. 
Whether you're rethinking your relationship with alcohol or wanting to deepen your faith, Christy's story is full of hope, practical tips, and inspiration.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 
Follow Christy Osborne lovelifesober on Instagram
Love Life Sober A 40 Day Fast
But Jesus Drank Wine Podcast
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

35. Right Here, Right Now: Sink Into Present Moment

 "The more that we can learn how to be, the better we become at doing."
In this episode of The Kori Leigh Show Podcast, I'm recording from my car on a Monday morning, and I want to share some thoughts as we approach Christmas and the New Year. I discuss the emotional spectrum of the holiday season and the collective reflection on 2024. Whether you're proud of your accomplishments or feeling down about the past year, I emphasize the importance of pausing to anchor into what is happening in the present moment. 
I want to invite you to find gratitude, even in small things, and to allow yourself to feel your current emotions. Being present now will enhance our ability to plan and execute our goals for the future. Wishing you all love and clarity as we move into a brand new year.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org

34. Preparation Season: How to Honor A Heavy or Slow Phase

In this episode of the Kori Leigh Show podcast, you know I love a good metaphor: let's use winter and its profound teachings, especially during the holiday season. I reflect on the emotional heaviness and introspection that comes with the shorter, darker days. I emphasize the importance of surrendering to the season, acknowledging our feelings, and finding balance between the call to hibernate and the holiday hustle. 
I am honest in sharing my personal struggles and triumphs, including my journey through sobriety, and offer practical tools for maintaining discipline and self-care amidst life's seasonal paradoxes. I encourage listeners to connect with me on Instagram and share how the podcast resonates with them.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org
 

33. Fun Redefined: Is What You’re Doing ACTUALLY Fun? Let’s Talk About It

In this short yet powerful episode of The Kori Leigh Show podcast, I challenge you to reflect on your definition of fun, especially during the chaotic holiday season. Drawing from my personal experiences with addiction and recovery, I contrast a life of reckless abandon with a disciplined, fulfilling sober life. I hope this gets you really thinking about the idea of moving the needle forward and living life with intention. This thought-provoking episode encourages you to redefine fun in a way that fosters long-term happiness and alignment with your values, rather than seeking instant gratification.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org
 

32. Tis the Season to SLAY… Discipline Tips for December

In this episode of The Kori Leigh Show podcast, I wanted to talk about the holiday season's emotional intensity upon us, I discuss the dangers of succumbing to instant gratification and the 'YOLO' mindset. Instead, I encourage embracing 'separation season'—a time to refine our discipline and set up for a successful new year. 
Join me as I explore how our daily actions move us toward long-term goals, maintain a clean slate, and foster a closer connection with God.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org
 

31. God’s Guidance > My Goals & Vision: Praying for Purpose & Letting God Direct Your Big Dreams

Hey Podcast Pals, welcome back to The Kori Leigh Show podcast! In this episode, I open up about my return to church after more than 20 years and the incredible impact it’s had on my life. I discuss the powerful theme of 'ask & you shall receive,' which was inspired by a recent sermon. I also reflect on my recovery journey and the importance of seeking and aligning with God's will. I'll share how this perspective has shaped both my business and personal life. Join me as I dig into the balance between setting goals and surrendering to a higher plan, with personal stories and insights on faith, prayer, and spiritual growth.
 
Connect with Me on Instagram 
@korileigh | @korileigh.co 
 
If you enjoyed this episode please share with someone you love, leave a rating & review, and follow so you are notified when a new episode drops!
 
If you are in search of the steps towards recovery check out www.aa.org
 
This podcast is produced & published by Joelle Suess