⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions that are not suitable for children. It includes conversations about sexual abuse, as well as experiences within a cult and abuse by a cult leader. Listener discretion is advised.

Disclaimer

The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or this podcast. This conversation includes discussion of psychedelics in the context of addiction. This podcast does not endorse or encourage the use of psychedelics or any illegal substances as a treatment approach. If you are struggling with alcohol or substance use, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider or addiction professional.

In this conversation, Danni catches up with Ali Laird, shares her profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation after experiencing loss, betrayal, and the challenges of alcohol. She discusses her relationship with her husband Colin, their struggles with alcohol, and the impact of community and spirituality on their lives. Ali emphasises the importance of facing one's challenges and finding inner love and forgiveness, ultimately leading to a deeper and more authentic relationship with herself and others.

She also shares in depth about her experience of being in a cult, the impact it had on her relationship, and the abuse she endured at the hands of the cult leader. She opens up about the pain of her husband’s infidelity, and how a powerful experience at Ulluṟu brought about a profound shift, awakening a deep sense of love and self-love that helped her heal her heart. Through this process, she was able to create strong energetic boundaries and, in time, move towards healing her relationship.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or this podcast. This conversation includes discussion of Iboga/psychedelics in the context of addiction. This podcast does not endorse or encourage the use of psychedelics or any illegal substances as a treatment approach. If you are struggling with alcohol or substance use, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider or addiction professional.

In this episode, Danni Carr interviews Colin Laird, a compassionate yoga teacher and poet, who shares his journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Colin discusses his challenging childhood in Scotland, his struggles with alcohol, and the profound impact of yoga and poetry on his life. He reflects on the role of love, trauma, and the importance of self-care in overcoming addiction. Colin also shares his experiences with psychedelics and how they contributed to his healing process. The conversation culminates in a touching moment where Colin reconnects with his estranged father before his passing. This was a truly heart opening chat about forgiveness and love.

Key Points

• Colin's journey began with a fractured childhood in Scotland.
• Alcohol was a means of coping with deep-seated trauma.
• Yoga and poetry became essential tools for healing.
• The heart is a portal to deeper understanding and love.
• Transformation often comes from facing our darkest moments.
• Psychedelic experiences can facilitate profound healing.
• Self-inquiry and responsibility are key to personal growth.
• Love is the foundation of true fulfillment and connection.
• Recognising and nurturing our inner child is crucial.
• The journey of healing is ongoing and multi-dimensional.

To find out about Colin's event Tickets are here

To order a copy of Colin's book email him at [email protected]

To reach out to him on FB go to https://www.facebook.com/colin.p.laird

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Danni catches up with Liz from Melbourne, who once turned to alcohol to relieve stress and escape the pain of an unhappy marriage. Drinking a bottle a day, she eventually reached a breaking point and knew something had to change.

Now 17 months sober, Liz recently attended one of the How I Quit Alcohol retreats. She opens up about the challenges that sobriety can bring, including how quitting can sometimes create tension in relationships, and shares how putting herself first and working with a great therapist have been key parts of her journey.

To be on the waitlist for the Danni and Luke Sniewski retreat in Byron Sept 2026 please email Danni at [email protected]

For more resources such as coaching, retreats or to join the next HIQA challenge go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Monday Distillery ads by Ash Grunwald

www.ashgrunwald.com

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Danni and Dr. Luke Sniewski explore the transformative power of self-discovery, compassion, and the importance of connecting with our bodies. They reflect on their recent retreats in Bali, the significance of emotional regulation, and the journey of healing through somatic practices. The discussion highlights the need to trust our bodies, navigate sensations, and embrace life with a 'yes' attitude. They also touch on the updates to Luke's book, SOMAwise, and the upcoming courses designed to deepen the understanding of body awareness in therapeutic practices.

To join the waitlist for the September 2026 retreat email

[email protected]

For more info on Luke and Somawise go to

https://www.lukesniewski.com

To purchase an updated copy of Somawise to go https://books2read.com/SomawiseWellbeing

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'How I Quit Alcohol', Danni Carr and her sister Nat discuss the final stretch of Dry July, reflecting on their personal journeys towards sobriety. They share experiences of celebrating milestones without alcohol, the mindset shifts that have occurred, and the importance of replacing old habits with healthier practices like yoga. The conversation emphasises the freedom and clarity that come from sobriety, as well as the support from family and friends. They encourage listeners to continue their journey, reminding them that the reward lies in their newfound freedom and self-discovery.

• Don't stop now, you've come too far.
• Celebrating milestones sober is empowering.
• Mindset shifts can make sobriety easier.
• Replacing drinking with yoga has been beneficial.
• Feeling free from alcohol is liberating.
• Self-discovery is a key part of sobriety.
• It's important to focus on what matters most.
• Support from family can enhance the journey.
• Every day without alcohol builds trust in yourself.
• The end of Dry July is just the beginning of a new journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Ben Williamson shares his journey from a life dominated by alcohol to one of sobriety and self-discovery. He reflects on his early experiences with drinking, the consequences it had on his relationships and self-esteem, and the pivotal moments that led him to decide to quit. Ben emphasises the importance of support systems, mindfulness, and forgiveness in the recovery process. He discusses the positive changes in his personal and professional life since becoming sober and offers insights on navigating social situations without alcohol. The conversation highlights the emotional growth that comes with sobriety and encourages listeners to be true to themselves.

• Ben shares his journey from drinking to sobriety.
• He discusses the impact of alcohol on his self-esteem.
• The importance of support systems in recovery is emphasised.
• Ben highlights the role of mindfulness in his journey.
• He reflects on the consequences of his drinking behaviour.
• The significance of forgiveness in the recovery process is discussed.
• Ben talks about the changes in his professional life post-sobriety.
• He shares insights on navigating social situations without alcohol.
• The conversation touches on the emotional growth that comes with sobriety.
• Ben encourages others to be true to themselves and not care about others' opinions.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I check in with Nat to see how she is going on her Dry July. How she is handling cravings using a positive outlook of playing it forward and all the benefits she is noticing as a result in taking this time off from alcohol.

For more resources please go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat with Claire McCreedy from the ACT. Claire grew up in an unpredictable and emotionally unsafe environment, with an alcoholic mother and parents who lived quite reclusively. From a young age, her nervous system was wired for survival. Social skills didn’t come naturally, home life was isolating, and by fourteen, alcohol became her tool for managing social situations.

As life progressed, Claire found herself in a domestic violence relationship and continued to use alcohol as a way to soothe anxiety and emotional overwhelm. After separating from her partner, the loneliness she felt on weekends without her children became unbearable, she describes those weekends as “one weekend I’m a mother, the next weekend I don’t know who I am.” Alcohol became a numbing mechanism to cope with that disconnection.

Her turning point came when a new partner gently but firmly reflected back the reality of her drinking, expressing that he couldn’t have that level of alcohol around his daughter. It sparked a powerful wake-up call.

Claire began to educate herself about alcohol and got sober-curious. Today, at 42, she’s over two years sober and thriving. She walks daily, uses breathwork to calm her nervous system, and is creating a life that’s grounded in clarity, health, and self-awareness.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo cast Danni dives into the benefits of trying out Dry July and looking at it as a really empowering choice.

Danni offers up some journaling prompts to help support you and also give you clarity to get into Dry July.

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.