Emotional Sobriety Speakers
Booking someone who can actually speak to emotional wellness without sounding like a textbook?
That's harder than it should be.
You want someone real. Someone who can talk about emotional sobriety in a way that actually lands with your audience.
But how do you find the right emotional sobriety speakers when the internet's full of vague bios and recycled soundbites?
You're not just looking for credentials. You're looking for a voice that brings presence, clarity, and depth.
Emotional sobriety speakers know how to talk about self-awareness, recovery, resilience, and relationships in ways that feel human, not clinical.
They're for audiences who crave honest conversations.
Whether it's a wellness summit, a leadership retreat, or a podcast that goes deeper than usual, these speakers meet people where they are.
I've seen how the right voice can shift a room. And I've also seen what happens when a speaker doesn't quite connect.
That's why this list focuses on emotional sobriety speakers who bring lived experience, real presence, and a clear message.
Take a look below. See who fits your audience. And when you're ready, bring one of these voices to your event.
Top Emotional Sobriety Speakers List for 2025
Emma Gardner
Phoenix-like Emma sparks 'eureka' moments, reviving souls from addiction's ashes to vibrant authenticity.
James Loughman
Spiritually fit most of the time. Laughter and thank you are the greatest prayers.
Elizabeth Edwards
Empower Recovery and Embody Emotional Sobriety Through Daily Practices, Music, Advocacy & Inspiration. Let's Connect!
John McDonald
Unleash Your Divine Inner Power with Yogi John's Guidance
Nikki Rigby
Coach Nikki Rigby here to help you GetREAL With Alcohol!
Mawusi Ragland
Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Owner of WuRag Motivate Inc (homeless nonprofit) and Host of "Weekly Motivations - The Podcast".
Nat van Zee
From self-doubt to authentic leadership. More peace, impact and joy, not burnout.
What Makes a Great Emotional Sobriety Speaker
Take someone like Brené Brown. While she's not labeled strictly as an emotional sobriety speaker, her work on vulnerability and shame resonates deeply with the same audience. What makes her great is her ability to connect authentically, use storytelling to disarm, and offer actionable insights without preaching. That's the gold standard.
Great emotional sobriety speakers also know how to read the room. Whether they're on a virtual summit or a live stage, they adjust their tone, pace, and message to meet the audience where they are. They're not afraid of silence, nor do they rush to fill it. Instead, they create space for reflection-something that's often missing in fast-paced events.
And finally, they're generous. Not just with their time, but with their vulnerability. They're willing to share the messy middle, not just the polished outcome. That's what makes people lean in, take notes, and remember them long after the talk ends.
How to Select the Best Emotional Sobriety Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience's Needs.
- Are your listeners in early recovery, navigating emotional burnout, or seeking personal growth?
- Tailor your speaker choice to match their emotional stage and language preferences.
2. Search Smart.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to browse speaker profiles by topic, tone, and availability.
- Look for speakers with verified experience in emotional health, recovery, or therapy.
3. Review Their Content.
- Watch past talks, listen to podcast interviews, or read their published work.
- Pay attention to how they explain complex emotional topics-do they simplify or sensationalize?
4. Check for Engagement Skills.
- A great speaker interacts with the audience, even virtually. Look for Q&A sessions, live feedback, or breakout facilitation experience.
5. Ask the Right Questions.
- When reaching out, ask: "How do you define emotional sobriety?", "Can you adapt your talk to different cultural or age groups?", and "What outcomes do you aim for in your sessions?"
6. Match Energy and Format.
- If your show is high-energy and fast-paced, a slow, meditative speaker might not fit. Conversely, if your audience craves depth, avoid overly motivational tones.
7. Use the Speaker Page.
- On Talks.co, each speaker has a dedicated page with reviews, topics, and booking info. Use it to compare and shortlist candidates.
The best emotional sobriety speaker for your show is the one who not only knows their content but knows how to make your audience feel seen and supported.
How to Book a Emotional Sobriety Speaker
Step 1: Identify Your Event Goals.
- What's the purpose of the session? Healing, education, motivation?
- Define the desired outcome for your audience.
Step 2: Browse Trusted Platforms.
- Use Talks.co to explore vetted emotional sobriety speakers.
- Filter by availability, topic depth, and delivery style (keynote, workshop, panel).
Step 3: Review Speaker Pages.
- Each speaker's page includes bios, past appearances, testimonials, and topic outlines.
- Look for alignment with your event's tone and audience demographics.
Step 4: Reach Out with Context.
- When contacting a speaker, include details like date, format (live, virtual), audience size, and compensation.
- Be clear about expectations: Do you want a 30-minute talk, a Q&A, or a full workshop?
Step 5: Confirm Logistics.
- Once the speaker agrees, finalize the contract.
- Confirm tech needs, time zones, and promotional materials.
Step 6: Promote the Appearance.
- Use the speaker's name and topic to build anticipation.
- Share clips or quotes from their past talks to generate buzz.
Step 7: Follow Up Post-Event.
- Send a thank-you note and ask for feedback.
- If the session resonated, consider booking them again or referring them to peers.
Booking an emotional sobriety speaker is more than a transaction-it's a collaboration. Treat it like a partnership and you'll get the best results.
Common Questions on Emotional Sobriety Speakers
What is a emotional sobriety speaker
Unlike traditional sobriety, which focuses on abstaining from drugs or alcohol, emotional sobriety is about internal regulation. It's the next level of personal development, often discussed in recovery circles but increasingly relevant in corporate wellness, education, and leadership training.
These speakers typically have backgrounds in psychology, addiction recovery, coaching, or lived experience. They speak at events ranging from mental health summits to corporate retreats, offering tools for resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
What sets them apart is their focus on the emotional undercurrents that drive behavior. They might explore topics like codependency, emotional triggers, or the difference between reacting and responding. Their talks are designed to help people recognize patterns, build healthier relationships, and create emotional stability.
In short, an emotional sobriety speaker is a guide for navigating the emotional terrain of life-especially when the old ways of coping no longer serve us.
Why is a emotional sobriety speaker important
First, they bring language to experiences many people can't articulate. Whether it's the quiet anxiety of a high-performing executive or the emotional rollercoaster of someone in early recovery, these speakers help audiences name what they're feeling. And naming is the first step to healing.
Second, they normalize emotional struggles. In cultures or industries where emotional expression is stigmatized-like finance, tech, or even sports-having someone speak openly about emotional regulation and vulnerability can be revolutionary. It opens doors for deeper conversations and healthier team dynamics.
Third, emotional sobriety speakers offer frameworks. They don't just say "feel your feelings." They explain how to do it, what to expect, and how to stay grounded. Their talks often include tools like boundary-setting, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing.
Finally, they serve as catalysts. Whether it's a virtual summit or a corporate offsite, their presence often sparks ongoing dialogue, coaching programs, or policy changes. They help organizations and individuals shift from reactive to responsive living.
So if your audience is dealing with burnout, change, or just trying to grow, an emotional sobriety speaker isn't just helpful-they're crucial to the conversation.
What do emotional sobriety speakers do
They start by creating a safe space. Whether it's a 20-minute keynote or a 90-minute workshop, they set the tone for vulnerability and honesty. This is especially important in environments where emotional expression is rare or discouraged.
Next, they share frameworks and strategies. These might include:
- Emotional regulation techniques. Breathing exercises, journaling prompts, or mindfulness practices.
- Boundary-setting tools. How to say no without guilt, or how to recognize emotional enmeshment.
- Cognitive reframing. Helping people shift from victim mentality to empowered thinking.
They also tailor their content. A speaker addressing a group of educators might focus on emotional resilience in the classroom, while one speaking to tech leaders might explore emotional detachment and burnout.
Many emotional sobriety speakers also offer follow-up resources. This could be a downloadable workbook, access to a private community, or referrals to coaching or therapy.
Ultimately, emotional sobriety speakers act as facilitators of change. They help people move from emotional chaos to clarity, from reaction to response, and from isolation to connection.
How to become a emotional sobriety speaker
1. Define Your Core Message.
- What does emotional sobriety mean to you?
- Are you focusing on recovery, mental health, trauma, or resilience?
- Tip: Keep your message clear and consistent across all platforms.
2. Build Your Story and Signature Talk.
- Develop a compelling narrative that includes personal insights, lessons learned, and actionable takeaways.
- Use frameworks like the Hero's Journey to structure your talk.
- Practice delivering it live or on video to refine your delivery.
3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, headshots, sample videos, topics you speak on, and testimonials.
- This helps event organizers quickly assess your fit for their audience.
4. Start Small and Build Momentum.
- Speak at local events, support groups, online summits, or podcasts.
- Record these sessions to build your portfolio.
- Reach out to hosts via Talks.co or LinkedIn to pitch yourself as a guest.
5. Network and Collaborate.
- Connect with other speakers, coaches, and event hosts.
- Attend virtual summits or join speaker communities.
- Collaboration opens doors to new stages and audiences.
6. Get Feedback and Iterate.
- Ask for feedback after each talk.
- Use it to improve your content, delivery, and audience engagement.
7. Scale Your Reach.
- Once you've refined your talk, pitch to larger conferences, corporate wellness programs, or international summits.
- Consider creating a digital course or writing a book to expand your authority.
The key is consistency. Keep showing up, refining your message, and building relationships. Over time, your voice will resonate with the right people.
What do you need to be a emotional sobriety speaker
1. A Deep Understanding of Emotional Sobriety
Emotional sobriety is about maintaining emotional balance, especially in recovery or high-stress environments. Speakers in this space often address topics like trauma healing, mindfulness, addiction recovery, and emotional intelligence. You don't need to be a psychologist, but you should have a grounded understanding of the concepts you're speaking about.
2. Personal Experience or Professional Insight
Many emotional sobriety speakers draw from personal journeys through recovery, therapy, or life-altering experiences. Others come from clinical or coaching backgrounds. Either way, authenticity is key. Audiences connect with vulnerability and real-life insights.
3. Speaking Skills and Stage Presence
You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you should be able to communicate clearly, engage your audience, and adapt to different formats (virtual summits, podcasts, live events). Practice is essential. Record yourself, get feedback, and refine your delivery.
4. A Platform to Be Found
You need a digital presence. A speaker page on Talks.co is a great start. It acts as your online resume for event hosts. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a few short videos of you speaking. This makes it easier for hosts to book you.
5. A Network of Hosts and Collaborators
Emotional sobriety is a niche with growing demand. Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with summit hosts, podcast producers, and other speakers. Collaboration is often the fastest way to get booked.
In short, to be an emotional sobriety speaker, you need a message that matters, the ability to share it effectively, and the tools to get it in front of the right people.
Do emotional sobriety speakers get paid
1. Event Type Matters
- Corporate Wellness Events: These often pay well, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per talk depending on the speaker's profile.
- Virtual Summits: Many are unpaid or offer small honorariums ($100-$500), but they provide exposure and lead generation opportunities.
- Nonprofits and Recovery Groups: These may not have budgets for speakers, but they can lead to paid gigs through referrals.
2. Speaker Experience and Brand
- New speakers may start unpaid or low-paid but can scale up quickly with a strong message and good marketing.
- Established speakers with books, media appearances, or a large following can command higher fees.
3. Monetization Beyond the Stage
Many emotional sobriety speakers use speaking as a gateway to other income streams (see 'How do emotional sobriety speakers make money').
Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Direct income.
- Builds authority.
- Opens doors to consulting or coaching.
Cons:
- Not all events pay.
- Requires marketing and networking to get booked.
Bottom Line: Yes, emotional sobriety speakers get paid, especially when they position themselves well and diversify their income streams.
How do emotional sobriety speakers make money
1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Corporate wellness programs, HR trainings, and healthcare conferences often pay well.
- Rates vary based on experience, topic, and audience size.
2. Coaching and Consulting
- Many speakers offer 1:1 coaching or group programs focused on emotional intelligence, recovery, or leadership.
- Example: A speaker might charge $2,000/month for executive coaching rooted in emotional sobriety principles.
3. Online Courses and Memberships
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi allow speakers to package their knowledge into scalable products.
- Example: A 6-week self-paced course on emotional resilience priced at $297.
4. Books and Digital Products
- Writing a book can boost credibility and generate passive income.
- E-books, workbooks, and guided journals are popular in this niche.
5. Affiliate and Partner Revenue
- Speakers often recommend tools, books, or programs and earn affiliate commissions.
- Example: Referring clients to a therapy app or mindfulness platform.
6. Hosting Summits or Podcasts
- Hosting your own virtual summit can generate sponsorships, ticket sales, and email list growth.
- Podcasts can be monetized through ads or Patreon.
7. Licensing Content
- Some speakers license their talks or workshops to organizations for internal training.
In short, emotional sobriety speakers make money by combining speaking with scalable offers and strategic partnerships. The key is to align your message with services that solve real problems.
How much do emotional sobriety speakers make
Speaker Type | Typical Annual Income | Notes |
---|---|---|
Beginner | $0 - $10,000 | Mostly unpaid gigs, building portfolio |
Intermediate | $10,000 - $50,000 | Mix of paid talks, coaching, and digital products |
Advanced | $50,000 - $150,000+ | Paid keynotes, courses, books, and consulting |
- Audience Size: Larger audiences often mean higher fees.
- Platform: In-person corporate talks pay more than podcast interviews.
- Brand Authority: Speakers with books, media appearances, or TEDx talks earn more.
Examples:
- A speaker doing 2 paid keynotes/month at $2,500 each earns $60,000/year.
- Add a $297 course selling 100 units/year = $29,700 extra.
- Coaching 5 clients/month at $500 = $30,000/year.
Total Potential: With the right mix, emotional sobriety speakers can earn six figures. But it takes time, marketing, and a clear value proposition.
How much do emotional sobriety speakers cost
Speaker Level | Typical Fee Range | Use Case |
---|---|---|
New Speaker | Free - $500 | Community events, podcasts, virtual summits |
Mid-Level Speaker | $500 - $3,000 | Corporate wellness, conferences, workshops |
High-Profile Speaker | $3,000 - $15,000+ | Keynotes, international events, licensed content |
- Duration: A 20-minute talk costs less than a half-day workshop.
- Customization: Tailored content for your audience may cost more.
- Travel: In-person events may require covering flights, lodging, and per diem.
Tips for Booking:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to discover and compare speakers.
- Ask about package deals (e.g., keynote + breakout session).
- Consider virtual options to reduce costs.
Budgeting Example:
- For a virtual summit, you might pay $200-$500 per speaker.
- For a corporate retreat, expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 for a seasoned expert.
Bottom line: Emotional sobriety speakers are available at a range of price points. The key is matching the speaker's experience and message to your event's goals and budget.
Who are the best emotional sobriety speakers ever
2. Gabor Maté: A physician and author who speaks deeply on trauma, addiction, and emotional healing. His talks are grounded in science and compassion.
3. Melody Beattie: Author of 'Codependent No More', Melody has been a voice in emotional recovery and self-care for decades.
4. Johann Hari: His TED Talks and books on addiction and connection have reshaped how we think about emotional health.
5. Claudia Black: A pioneer in family systems and addiction recovery, her speaking engagements have influenced generations of therapists and recovery advocates.
6. Russell Brand: While unconventional, his raw, honest approach to recovery and emotional growth has resonated with global audiences.
7. Tara Brach: A psychologist and meditation teacher, Tara blends mindfulness with emotional healing in her talks and retreats.
8. Susan David: Her work on emotional agility has made her a go-to speaker for leaders and individuals navigating emotional complexity.
9. Don Miguel Ruiz: Author of 'The Four Agreements', his teachings on personal freedom and emotional clarity have inspired millions.
10. Marsha Linehan: Creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), her talks on emotional regulation and mental health are foundational in the field.
Who are the best emotional sobriety speakers in the world
2. Gabor Maté (Canada): His international lectures on trauma and addiction are sought after by professionals and the public alike.
3. Johann Hari (UK): With a global audience, Johann's storytelling approach makes complex emotional topics accessible and engaging.
4. Russell Brand (UK): His global reach and outspoken recovery journey have made him a powerful voice in emotional sobriety.
5. Susan David (South Africa/USA): A Harvard psychologist whose work on emotional agility is used by Fortune 500 companies and educators worldwide.
6. Tara Brach (USA): Her teachings on mindfulness and emotional healing attract a global audience through podcasts, retreats, and books.
7. Dr. Joe Dispenza (USA): While more neuroscience-focused, his talks on emotional transformation have global appeal.
8. Vishen Lakhiani (Malaysia): Founder of Mindvalley, he brings emotional intelligence and personal growth to a global audience.
9. Gabby Bernstein (USA): A spiritual teacher and speaker whose work on emotional healing and recovery has international reach.
10. Marisa Peer (UK): A therapist and speaker known for her work on emotional blocks and self-worth, with a global client base.
Common myths about emotional sobriety speakers
1. Myth: Emotional sobriety speakers only talk about addiction recovery.
This is a narrow view. While emotional sobriety is often discussed in the context of addiction, speakers in this space cover a wide range of topics: mental health, emotional intelligence, trauma healing, leadership under pressure, and even workplace wellness. For example, Dr. Gabor Maté speaks on emotional regulation and trauma in both clinical and corporate settings. Emotional sobriety is about balance, not just abstinence.
2. Myth: You need to be a licensed therapist to be credible.
Not true. While clinical credentials can add authority, many impactful emotional sobriety speakers draw from lived experience, coaching certifications, or interdisciplinary studies. Think of Brené Brown, who combines academic research with storytelling to connect deeply with audiences. Credibility comes from clarity, consistency, and connection, not just degrees.
3. Myth: It's all about sharing your personal story.
Storytelling is powerful, sure. But the best emotional sobriety speakers go beyond autobiography. They offer frameworks, tools, and insights that audiences can apply. They might use neuroscience, mindfulness techniques, or leadership strategies. It's not just about what happened to you... it's about what others can learn from it.
4. Myth: There's no real demand for emotional sobriety speakers.
Actually, demand is growing. From HR departments looking to support employee wellbeing to online summits focused on trauma-informed leadership, emotional wellness is a hot topic. Platforms like Talks.co are seeing more hosts actively searching for speakers who can address emotional resilience and regulation.
5. Myth: You have to be completely 'healed' to speak.
This one holds a lot of people back. But emotional sobriety isn't a finish line. It's a practice. Audiences resonate with speakers who are honest about their ongoing journey. Vulnerability, when paired with insight, builds trust. You don't need to be perfect... you just need to be real.
Case studies of successful emotional sobriety speakers
Then there's the story of a wellness coach in Nairobi who began hosting local workshops on emotional sobriety for young entrepreneurs. Initially drawing just a handful of attendees, her sessions grew through word of mouth and Instagram Lives. She now runs a digital membership community with over 3,000 members across East Africa, offering weekly emotional intelligence training and live Q&As.
In Australia, a former athlete turned speaker used his platform to address emotional sobriety in sports culture. His focus was on helping young players manage pressure and identity beyond their performance. He partnered with local leagues and schools, eventually launching a podcast that brought in guests from psychology, sports, and education. His blend of vulnerability and strategy helped normalize emotional conversations in traditionally stoic environments.
And let's not forget the educator in São Paulo who started speaking about emotional sobriety in classrooms. Her workshops for teachers focused on how to model emotional regulation for students. Her work caught the attention of Brazil's Ministry of Education, leading to a pilot program in public schools.
Each of these speakers took a different path. Some leaned into their professional background, others into their cultural context. But all of them found success by connecting emotional sobriety to something bigger than themselves. They didn't just speak-they built movements.
Future trends for emotional sobriety speakers
First, expect to see more hybrid delivery models. Speakers are no longer limited to stages. They're building online courses, hosting virtual summits, and launching subscription-based communities. Think of it as the Netflix model for personal growth: on-demand, immersive, and scalable.
Second, corporate wellness is expanding its scope. Companies are moving beyond yoga classes and into emotional intelligence training. Emotional sobriety speakers who can tie their message to leadership, DEI, or employee retention will find more doors opening. Especially in remote-first teams, emotional regulation is becoming a core skill.
Third, we're seeing a rise in cross-cultural emotional literacy. As more speakers address global audiences, they're adapting their frameworks to different cultural norms around emotion. A talk that resonates in San Francisco might need a different tone in Seoul or São Paulo. The most successful speakers will be those who can localize their message without losing its core.
Fourth, AI and data are entering the picture. Some speakers are using tools like sentiment analysis to refine their messaging or track audience engagement. Others are partnering with mental health apps to integrate their content into daily routines. Emotional sobriety is becoming measurable-and that's opening up new funding and partnership opportunities.
Key trends to watch:
- Micro-communities built around emotional sobriety topics (e.g., parenting, leadership, recovery)
- Speaker collectives offering bundled services to schools, startups, or NGOs
- More demand for multilingual content and translation-ready frameworks
- Integration with healthcare and wellness tech platforms
If you're stepping into this space, now's the time to think bigger than the stage. Think systems. Think ecosystems. The future belongs to speakers who don't just talk about emotional sobriety-they help people live it, every day.
Tools and resources for aspiring emotional sobriety speakers
1. Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for emerging speakers. You can create a profile, pitch to aligned hosts, and get booked on shows that care about emotional wellbeing. Tip: Use keywords like 'emotional intelligence', 'trauma-informed', or 'mental health' to increase match quality.
2. Canva. Whether you're creating slides for a virtual summit or designing a lead magnet, Canva makes it easy. Use their templates to build a consistent visual brand that reflects your tone-calm, grounded, and clear.
3. Teachable. Want to turn your emotional sobriety framework into a course? Teachable lets you build and sell online programs without needing to code. Bonus: You can bundle coaching or live Q&As to increase value.
4. Notion. Organize your speaking topics, audience personas, and outreach strategy in one place. Use it to track which podcasts or events you've pitched, what worked, and what needs tweaking.
5. LinkedIn Creator Mode. If you're not using LinkedIn to share insights on emotional sobriety, you're missing out. Creator Mode boosts your visibility and helps you build authority. Share short posts, carousels, or even go live.
6. Zoom Events. Hosting your own workshop or mini-summit? Zoom Events gives you more control over registration, branding, and analytics. It's ideal for building your own audience instead of relying solely on others' platforms.
7. Otter.ai. Use this AI transcription tool to repurpose your talks into blog posts, newsletters, or social content. It's a smart way to extend the life of your message and reach different learning styles.
Each of these tools serves a different purpose-visibility, content creation, monetization, or organization. Pick two or three to start with, and build from there. The key? Stay consistent, stay authentic, and keep refining your message as you grow.