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

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/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

 

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

Meg takes a look back at her relationship with alcohol,  where she discovered a profound paradox that changed everything. She was terrified of losing precious moments—yet was drinking them away.

Meg's whole life revolved around preserving memories. She treasured photographs, constantly reminisced about childhood homes, and felt deep aches when thinking about the past. But as her drinking worsened, she began experiencing blackouts during the very moments she was desperate to remember. The irony was painful: her solution to the unbearable awareness that life keeps moving forward was causing her to miss it entirely.

When Meg randomly opened Brené Brown's "Atlas of the Heart" to a passage about bittersweet emotions, something clicked. The quote perfectly captured her experience: "The bittersweet side of appreciating life's most precious moments is the unbearable awareness that those moments are passing." This awareness was both why she drank and why she eventually had to stop. Meg couldn't bear another day numbing out the very experiences she feared losing.

Since becoming alcohol-free, Meg has learned to transform that bittersweet ache into presence. Now when teaching her youngest to drive or gathering with family, instead of drowning in nostalgia or numbing with alcohol, she take a breath and appreciates these fleeting moments as they happen. When difficult emotions arise, Meg sees them as signals to ask what she truly needs rather than reaching for a drink.

If you're struggling to break free from alcohol, ask yourself: what do you want the rest of your life to look like? Yes, feeling emotions fully can be hard—but numbing them is ultimately harder. Reach out if you need support; Bella and Meg are here to help you discover the clarity and freedom waiting on the other side.

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

 

What happens when four decades of heavy drinking suddenly stops? Ali Burke returns to share her remarkable transformation from a self-described "party pisshead parent" to a woman fully embracing authentic connection and present parenting.

Ali's drinking story began in her early teens, looking for courage, attention, and a way to fit in. As the youngest of seven children, alcohol became her tool for becoming "the funny one." This evolved into a forty-year relationship with alcohol that saw her drinking moonshine vodka by the litre, losing her driver's license three times, and prioritizing drinking over driving her teenage daughter home safely.

The turning point came after a deep hypnosis session and one final regretful wedding experience. What Ali calls her "spontaneous sobriety" has now lasted nearly four years, completely transforming every aspect of her life. Most significantly, she's rebuilt her relationship with her daughter, who once had to parent her drinking mother but now has a present, reliable parent she can count on.

Our conversation takes a joyful turn as we reflect on how we met at a sober retreat in Phuket, where we discovered the authentic connections possible without alcohol. The genuine laughter, dancing, and friendship we found proved that sobriety doesn't mean the end of fun – it marks the beginning of more meaningful experiences and "sore tummy muscles from laughing so much."

Ali shares exciting news about our upcoming podcast venture "Laughs Without Lager," where we'll continue sharing honest stories to help others seeking freedom from alcohol. Her journey demonstrates that even after decades of drinking, transformation is possible, and the rewards of clarity and authentic connection far outweigh anything alcohol seemingly offered.

Whether you're sober curious, taking a break, or committed to alcohol-free living, this conversation offers both hope and practical insights from someone who's walked the challenging but ultimately liberating path to freedom.

Ali Burke: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470602

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

Faye Lawrence, Psychologist, offers practical guidance for navigating social situations without drinking. She explores how our social identity and connections play a crucial role in sustaining behavior change around alcohol consumption.

• Discover how family experiences and cultural norms shape our relationship with alcohol
• Challenge commonly held beliefs about non-drinkers 
• Explore the fear of losing friends or missing out when stopping drinking
• Discover your authentic social preferences without alcohol's influence
• Understand the importance of community in shifting your identity from drinker to non-drinker, and
• Use sobriety as an opportunity for self-discovery and boundary-setting

The only way out is through. You can do this, and connecting with others on the same journey will make all the difference.

FAYE LAWRENCE

https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/

ADHD & Alcohol 8 Week Program: Breaking the Loop - https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/adhd-alcohol-program

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