Lauren O'Hanlon shares her powerful journey from teen blackouts to a turning point that reshaped her life. Navigating the pressures of motherhood, “mommy wine culture,” and a near-divorce, she realised something had to change. Now two and a half years alcohol free, Lauren opens up about transforming her relationship, healing her identity, and finding freedom in making alcohol “small and irrelevant.” Tune in to hear how she turned pain into purpose as a sobriety coach helping others do the same.

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

Dr. Shamistra Barathan breaks down the science of midlife weight gain and reveals the three missing pieces of the puzzle for women struggling despite diet and exercise changes. Some key points:

• Weight loss struggles are often tied to hidden hormonal imbalances
• Calories-in/calories-out model outdated – it's about hormones telling your body to store or burn fat
• Insulin resistance can exist for years despite normal blood sugar readings
• Chronic stress creates cortisol patterns that tell your body to store fat
• Muscle loss accelerates after 40, reducing your ability to burn calories
• Simple habit changes like morning protein, standing breaks, and basic resistance exercises can create significant results
• Perimenopause accelerates these challenges as estrogen declines

Take back control of your health with these practical, science-backed strategies to address the root causes of midlife weight gain!

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 happens when the wine you use to take the edge off becomes the very thing keeping you on edge? Julie Lively, alcohol freedom coach and This Naked Mind coach, shares her powerful journey from being caught in mummy wine culture to discovering true freedom beyond the bottle.

With four children in six years and a frequently-traveling husband, Julie's nightly wine ritual seemed like the perfect escape—until it wasn't. Without experiencing a dramatic "rock bottom" moment, Julie recognised something more subtle but equally powerful: the drinking she used to alleviate isolation was actually deepening it. After two years on what she calls the "drinking-no-drinking rollercoaster," she finally found her lasting day one.

This conversation goes beyond the typical sobriety narrative to explore what truly happens in our bodies and brains when we use alcohol as our primary relaxation tool. Julie shares practical, science-backed techniques for regulating your nervous system without alcohol, from the powerful 4-7-8 breathing method taught to Navy SEALs to simple sensory grounding practices that take just minutes.

Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or simply curious about more effective relaxation techniques, this conversation offers practical tools for creating a life where you don't need to take the edge off—because you're no longer living on edge.

Jullie's website: https://julielivelycoaching.com/

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

Maz Compton just makes the alcohol-free decision feel like a no brainer! Today Maz talks to Bella's Alcohol Freedom  Group about her powerful journey from being a successful radio host secretly struggling with alcohol dependence to living ten years alcohol-free and discovering her authentic self along the way. Maz covered many wonderful topics in this chat:

• Reaching career success while experiencing internal turmoil and alcohol dependence
• Using alcohol to manage social anxiety in a fast-paced, public-facing media industry
• Finding the courage to question drinking habits despite external success
• Experiencing a "Matrix pill moment" of clarity after 22 days without alcohol
• Moving from "not drinking" to self-discovery and self-compassion
• Creating new intentional friendships and redesigning social life around morning activities
• Handling life's challenges with greater resilience without using alcohol as a coping mechanism
• Remember, it's just one thing you don't have to do each day—drink alcohol. Keep it simple, focus on the 2-3 hour evening gap, and see what you discover about yourself along the way.

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, Meg & Bella address the pros and pitfalls of moderating alcohol. Everybody who drinks or has drunk has practiced it but not many succeed at it! We talk about alcohol moderation in the context of Dry July, this being the second day of it, when thousands of Australians dip their toe into the alcohol-free water and try their hand at giving up the booze for a full 31 days. Why this topic? Well, firstly, because most people who sign up for Dry July are having trouble moderating and curious about taking a break. Secondly, most who do Dry July plan to return to the booze but with great intentions to tighten up their moderation rules – at least at the start anyway! So why not use this month off alcohol to learn about your relationship with alcohol and make some changes that stick long term.  **IMPORTANT NOTE:  Dry July is a fundraising campaign, raising funds for people affected by cancer. To signup and donate, visit www.dryjuly.com**

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 talk about the term “alcoholic”.  The phrase “am I an alcoholic?” is frequently googled and many use this as the starting point for exploring whether alcohol has become a problem for them. We explore the derivation of this term, why some people with alcohol use disorders do not relate to or identify with this term and what are some alternatives to this label.  Two important points to note in relation to this episode: firstly, if you are moderate to heavy consistent drinker and you feel you may be physically addicted then it is important that you seek medical advice to detox safely.  Secondly, we respect everybody’s right to use the label that feels right for them and if you have opted to use the term “alcoholic” to describe your own relationship with alcohol then we 100% support this too. 

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

Darcy shares her powerful journey from teenage drinking to finding freedom from alcohol without traditional recovery programs or labels. Her story weaves through decades of substance use, career changes, grief after losing her brother to suicide, and ultimately discovering a path to sobriety that works for her unique needs.

In this episode, Darcy approaches sobriety not as rigid perfection but as a journey of self-discovery. When cravings arise, she asks what's really missing—often discovering it's connection, rest, or emotional processing rather than the drink itself. Her story demonstrates that freedom from alcohol dependency doesn't require accepting disempowering labels or following one specific path.

Darcy Insta: https://www.instagram.com/darcysinsidejob/

Contact Darcy: [email protected]

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

Do you know how much alcohol impacts our gut health, hormones, peri and menopause symptoms, contributes to increased inflammation levels, stress management and drastically reduces our energy levels? Do you want to know what steps you can take to heal your body after drinking? Trish Tucker May joins Bella's Alcohol Revolution 6 Week Program as a guest speaker and shares her insights on the liver’s role in hormonal balance and offers practical strategies for nurturing both gut and liver health. (NOTE: * Q&A at the end omits questions from program participants to protect privacy but includes Trish's brilliant answers so stay tuned.)

This episode is a master class in hormones, gut health and alcohol (and more) and includes:

- Importance of gut health in managing peri and menopause symptoms 
- Understanding the liver's role in hormone metabolism 
- Practical lifestyle changes to support liver and gut health 
- Practical tips for anxiety relief 
- Highlights of functional testing for tailored health solutions 
- Tips for creating a balanced diet and managing stress 

If you enjoyed the content, please don't forget to rate, subscribe or leave a review about this podcast. Your support helps us reach those who might need to hear it!

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRISH

https://trishtuckermay.com/

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

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 an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Libby Weaver as we explore the hidden impact of alcohol on nutrition and overall well-being. From the crucial role of zinc in immune health to alcohol’s effects on hydration, minerals, and cravings, Dr. Libby breaks down the science in a way that’s easy to understand. Plus, discover practical strategies for transforming food behaviours and supporting your body with whole-food supplements. Whether you're alcohol-free or simply curious, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you feel your best!

Dr Libby website: https://drlibby.com/

Bio Blends website: https://www.bioblends.com/

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

On the eve of celebrating five years of sobriety, Seana Smith joins Bella for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about recovery, resilience, and rewriting her story. In this riveting episode, Seana opens up about the profound impact of her father’s alcoholism on her childhood and how it shaped her journey toward healing. She shares how embracing emotional sobriety, building a strong support network, and writing her memoir, Going Under, became transformative steps in reclaiming her life. Seana also reflects on her move from Scotland to Australia, her path to self-forgiveness, and the joy that comes with emotional sobriety. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to redefine our relationships with addiction, embrace self-discovery, and find strength in the lessons our past offers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEANA

https://seanasmith.com/

https://soberjourneys.com/

https://www.instagram.com/seanasmith/

https://www.instagram.com/sober_journeys

In Australia: Going Under is available in bookshops and online stores in Australia and on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Going-Under-memoir-secrets-addiction/dp/0645497231/

In the USA: https://www.amazon.com/Going-Under-memoir-secrets-addiction/dp/0645497231/

In the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Under-memoir-secrets-addiction/dp/0645497231/

Going Under Audiobook: Going Under on Audible, narrated by Seana Smith, click here.

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