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That thought you barely dare to say out loud, “Is this as good as it gets?”, can creep in even when life looks fine on paper. I’m Meg, and I’m sharing the real story behind that question: the years of doing everything for everyone else, the creeping sense I’d lost touch with myself, and the role alcohol played in helping me tolerate a life I wasn’t truly connected to.

I talk about the dreams I had as a teen, my love of communication and storytelling, and how anxiety and social phobia helped me pack those dreams away as “unrealistic”. Then came marriage, kids, bills, and responsibility. Like so many women in midlife, I kept showing up, but inside I felt lost. My drinking grew alongside that disconnection, until the inner voice got loud enough that I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

We also unpack why alcohol feels like relief in the moment. Our brains avoid discomfort, and alcohol can quieten the stress response and spike dopamine, but that short-term calm isn’t the same as healing. When we numb feelings instead of processing them, we repeat the cycle and lose clarity about what we actually need. The good news is those neural pathways can change, and putting down the booze can create the space to hear yourself again.

If you’ve been wondering about sobriety, alcohol recovery, or what it means to live consciously and realign with your values, this is for you. Listen through, share it with someone who needs it, and if it helps, please subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the show. What does “more” mean to you right now?

Contact Meg: 

Website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579436511475
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

Link to FREE discovery call with Meg:  

https://calendly.com/glassfulfilled

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You can look “fine” and still be struggling with alcohol. If you’ve ever held it together on the outside while quietly worrying about sleep, anxiety, confidence, or how often you’re thinking about that next drink, I’m speaking straight to you.

I’m Meg, and I’m opening this podcast with a topic that keeps people stuck for years: the stigma around the word “alcoholic”. I share why I don’t use that label for my own experience, what Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) actually means, and why the all-or-nothing idea of “either you’re an alcoholic or you’re fine” doesn’t match real life. We talk about the grey area so many people live in: setting rules, promising “just one”, waking at 3am with a racing heart, and still convincing yourself it can’t be a problem because you’re high functioning.

I also break down the science in plain language: how alcohol affects GABA, dopamine, and stress hormones like cortisol, why it can feel like instant relief, and why that relief comes with a rebound effect that feeds anxiety and cravings. Most importantly, we shift from shame to curiosity with better questions: Is alcohol helping me become the person I want to be? What is it costing me? How would my life feel without it?

If you’ve been wondering whether your drinking is bad enough to change, take this as your permission to stop waiting. Follow the podcast, leave a review, share it with someone who’s been quietly wondering too, and reach out if you’d like a free 30 minute chat via the link in the show notes or at meganwebb.com.au.

https://auditscreen.org/

 https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3909-alcoholism

https://www.nmhealth.com.au/health-wellbeing/helpful-articles-resources/how-alcohol-works/

Contact Meg: 

Website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579436511475
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

Link to FREE discovery call with Meg:  

https://calendly.com/glassfulfilled

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Alcohol can feel like the only way to switch your brain off, ease social anxiety, or get through another hard day, until you realise it’s also been keeping you disconnected from yourself.

I’m Meg, a trauma-informed alcohol recovery coach, and I’m kicking off Conscious Unbottling by sharing the real story behind the mic: years of hiding anxiety, using alcohol to cope, and the quiet cost of losing confidence, self-trust, and direction.

After giving up alcohol four and a half years ago, everything changed, not overnight, but through healing. The hardest part wasn’t missing the drink; it was meeting the authentic version of myself underneath it. We explore the nervous system, core wounds, self-worth, boundaries, and how to build a life you no longer want to escape from.

But Conscious Unbottling is about more than alcohol. It’s about unbottling the pain, shame, trauma, beliefs, and emotions we’ve carried for years instead of numbing them. In future episodes, we’ll have honest conversations about alcohol freedom, trauma-informed healing, somatics, people-pleasing, perfectionism, relationships, narcissistic abuse recovery, identity, and purpose, with practical coaching tools and expert guests.

Whether you're questioning your drinking, already alcohol free, or simply craving a more meaningful life, you're in the right place. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to know it's never too late to change.

Contact Meg: 

Website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579436511475
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

Link to FREE discovery call with Meg:  

https://calendly.com/glassfulfilled

After loving every second of creating Not Drinking Today, Meg and Bella are ready to branch out and continue their alcohol-free journey in new ways. We’ve cherished the incredible conversations with our guests and are so grateful for every listener who tuned in and supported us along the way. While Meg and Bella won’t be recording new episodes, you can still revisit all your favourites anytime on your preferred podcast platform.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

Ladies, have you ever wondered why menopause isn't a subject of everyday conversation, despite its life-altering implications? This episode aims to shift the paradigm, bringing menopause out of the shadows with our special guest, Dr. Rebecca Lewis, a GP and menopause specialist. Together, we untangle the intricate web of hormonal changes that underpin menopause, bringing to light its potential health risks like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even dementia. We discuss in-depth how estrogen deficiency can lead to a host of symptoms including anxiety, mood swings, and irritability. And we look at the different symptoms and how women often use alcohol to numb them. 

We don't stop there. As we delve into the impacts of menopause on physical and mental health, we also shed light on the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Lewis provides valuable insights into the body-identical type of estrogen in HRT, a mirror copy of the estrogen produced in women's ovaries. She also uncovers the alarming connection between menopause and excessive alcohol consumption. We explore the significant benefits of modern HRT treatments, from reducing leg pain to improving sleep and even mitigating the risks of certain diseases.

Lastly, we highlight the importance of making informed decisions about HRT, considering both its potential risks and benefits. We also introduce the free Balance app (by Dr Newson), a resource providing evidence-based information on menopause and its symptoms. Emphasising the need for open conversations about menopause, we wrap up our discussion with ways to support those navigating this stage of life. So, prepare your tea and get comfortable as we journey together with Dr. Rebecca Lewis through this enlightening exploration of menopause.

Balance App by Newson Health
https://www.instagram.com/dr.rebecca.lewis/
https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

Ever wondered how ADHD manifests differently in children and adults, or between males and females? In our latest episode, we promise to provide those answers and more with the help of our returning guest, Faye Lawrence. Now a specialized coaching therapist, Faye shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 and offers a unique perspective on understanding the three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Get ready to uncover the high heritability of ADHD and its intersections with other neurodiverse conditions like autism and OCD.

The journey to an ADHD diagnosis is often fraught with challenges, from navigating referrals to battling the shortage of specialists. We'll discuss these hurdles in depth and explore the complex relationship between ADHD and self-medication. Faye sheds light on how neurotransmitter deficiencies drive individuals to seek external stimuli, often leading to self-medication behaviors tied to feelings of low self-esteem and failure. Our conversation also tackles the potential for overdiagnosis and the varied experiences people face when seeking a diagnosis.

Awareness of neurodiversity is slowly reshaping societal structures, but there's still much to be done. Traditional work environments can be especially tough for those with ADHD and similar conditions. We advocate for more inclusive settings, referencing Tom Hartman's hunter-gatherer theory to highlight how modern environments may not suit neurodiverse individuals. Faye shares practical advice for managing ADHD's everyday challenges, from sensory sensitivities to the hidden toll on high-performing individuals. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on ADHD and addiction, ending with a message of understanding and compassion that aims to shift perceptions and promote a more inclusive society.

Faye's website: www.fayelawrence.com.au
Faye's blog: https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/blog/i-think-i-have-adhd
Other info on ADHD: 
https://allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things/
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-and-health-issues

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

In this episode we interview one of Australia's leading lights in managing
anxiety. An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports
parents and teachers to change their relationship with anxiety,
dial it right down and light the way for their children and students
to do the same.
Jodi is professional speaker supporting whole school communities
around Australia, the best-selling author of the books 'Anxious
Kids' and 'Anxious Mums', hosts the popular podcast 'Well, hello
anxiety' and is a mum of two. 
Learn how to manage anxiety before turning to alcohol to self medicate. An inspiring, educational and joyful podcast! 

Website https://drjodirichardson.com/
Podcast https://podfollow.com/1585382774
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

What if you could navigate the complexities of menopause with a little help from nutrition and lifestyle changes? Join us for a meaningful conversation with registered nutritionist and author Emma Bardwell, as we delve into the lesser-known facets of menopause and its impacts. Emma provides startling insights into Peri-Menopause, a phase that can span up to 12 years. We uncover how many women, unsure of what to expect during this period, use alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to further health complications. Emma stresses the importance of vitamins and minerals, emphasizing the need for increased awareness during this transformative time.

Have you ever thought about the interplay between alcohol and estrogen during menopause? Our discussion further explores how alcohol consumption during menopause can mess with estrogen levels, potentially affecting mental and physical health. We critique how society often downplays menopause compared to puberty, and call for more attention and support for women in this phase of life. Emma provides her expert take on hormone replacement therapy, its potential risks, and how it can be a game-changer for some women.

Emma underscores the importance of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction in managing menopause. She sheds light on the role of a nutritionist in providing advice on intermittent fasting and nutrition for weight management. She also highlights the power of community, both online and offline, and the support that can be found within these spaces. We also delve back into the risks surrounding alcohol consumption during menopause. Tune in to gain insights into the foundations of navigating menopause and the impact of hormone therapy on menopausal women.

website: https://www.emmabardwell.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/emma.bardwell/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

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Join us for Meg's interview for the Sober Summit with Maggie Klaassen's. 

Why can some people take or leave alcohol while others feel trapped in a drinking cycle? 

At 17, a panic attack in front of her class sparked years of social anxiety. At 18, alcohol felt like magic—it stopped the shaking and gave her confidence. Weekend drinks slowly turned into nightly home drinking, eventually reaching two bottles of wine a night.

In this conversation, Meg shares how hidden traumas and core beliefs—like feeling unlovable or not enough—fuel drinking. Alcohol may feel like relief, but it often worsens the anxiety we’re trying to escape.

Her journey to freedom began with asking why she drank and uncovering the wounds beneath, leading her to help others heal and reconnect with their authentic selves.

If you’re questioning your drinking or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, compassion, and the reminder that change is a process—one that begins with curiosity.

Maggie's website: https://soberlifecollective.com/

Contact Meg: 

Website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579436511475
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

Link to FREE discovery call with Meg:  

https://calendly.com/glassfulfilled

What happens when we wake up one day and decide that self-destruction isn't serving us anymore? For Faye Hughes, that awakening came on a plane ride home from Dubai after a family wedding gone terribly wrong. The shame, guilt, and regret she felt became the catalyst for a Valentine's Day decision that would transform her life: choosing sobriety as the ultimate act of self-love.

From watching her parents throw alcohol-fueled parties to experiencing her first blackout at fifteen, Faye's relationship with alcohol was problematic from the start. Her family history of alcoholism foreshadowed her own struggles, as she moved through university, hospitality jobs, and eventually to Australia, where her drinking escalated without the watchful eyes of concerned family members. The weekend binges became her escape from a life she merely tolerated Monday through Friday.

But what makes Faye's story so compelling isn't just her decision to quit drinking – it's the profound self-discovery that followed. She learned that genuine self-love simply isn't possible when our emotions are constantly filtered through the shame and regret of drinking behaviors. By removing alcohol, she created space for self-compassion, breathwork, and nervous system regulation that transformed her relationship with herself and others. Her sticky notes of affirmation around the house might have seemed strange to her boyfriend, but they represented the active rewiring of neural pathways from self-criticism to self-support.

Now two and a half years sober and helping others through her 100-Day Sober Glow Up program, Faye emphasizes that sustainable sobriety requires more than just abstinence – it demands a fundamental reshaping of self-talk and self-care. The synchronicities and clarity she's experienced since quitting drinking continue to affirm her choice, as does the healing of relationships with family members who once couldn't bear to witness her drinking behavior.

Whether you're sober curious or well into your alcohol-free journey, this conversation offers both validation and practical wisdom for transforming your relationship with yourself. Listen now to discover how choosing yourself over alcohol might be the ultimate Valentine's gift you've been waiting for.

Faye's website: https://soberglowup.com/
Faye's insta: https://www.instagram.com/fayelouise_____/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
 

BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au