*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE. PLEASE SKIP THIS EPISODE IF YOU FIND THIS TOPIC TRIGGERING OR UPSETTING*

Mel Watkins, a psychotherapist and founder of Mel Watkins Therapy, shares her deeply personal journey to sobriety, elucidating the powerful links between alcohol, love addiction, and emotional health. Through candid reflections, Mel provides valuable insights on how overcoming dependency reveals deeper issues pertinent to relationships and self-worth. 

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into her world, from the chaos of her late twenties to the pandemic that eventually became a catalyst for transformative change. Mel's story is not just about overcoming addiction, but about finding clarity and relief from anxiety, depression and insecure relationships in the sober moments. Her reflections reveal the societal pressures in her hometown of Hobart, Australia, where alcohol often played a central role in seeking acceptance and belonging.

Mel and Bella take a closer look at the relationship between love, addiction, and sobriety. We engage in a heartfelt discussion about the profound effects of alcohol on personal relationships and self-awareness. By addressing personal challenges and fostering authentic connections, we celebrate the life-changing impact of sobriety.

LEARM MORE ABOUT MEL

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/melwatkinstherapy/
Web: https://www.melwatkinstherapy.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

Mike Shennan joins us to share his remarkable journey to sobriety and how it has laid the foundation for his fulfilling career in coaching. From growing up in a family culture where drinking was routine to facing the challenges of social drinking during his university years in Canada, Mike offers a raw and insightful look into his personal transformation. As he transitioned into marriage and parenthood, his commitment to being a present father starkly contrasted his own father's absence, inspiring a shift towards sobriety and emotional growth.

Listeners will uncover the profound shifts that come with overcoming alcohol dependence. Mike and I discuss how influential works like Annie Grace's "This Naked Mind" and Belle Robertson's "Tired of Thinking About Drinking" helped us transition from a willpower-centric approach to one focused on emotional change. Mike also discusses men who choose sobriety, and the strength it shows when these men do the work and make this momentous change! 

The episode wraps up with an exploration of reclaiming power through self-awareness and energy management. We delve into the transformative power of silence and inner peace, reflecting on how mastering self-coaching can lead to personal growth. Mike shares his passion for meaningful coaching conversations and how they open doors to personal empowerment. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking to understand the dynamics of personal change, this episode offers a wealth of insights and heartfelt stories to ponder.

Mike Shennan:
Website: www.trailblazerlifecoaching.com
Insta:  @trailblazerlifecoaching

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

Get ready to be inspired by Natalie Battaglia, the creative mind behind The Mindful Mocktail! In this episode, Natalie opens up about her transformative journey from struggling with alcohol dependence to crafting elegant, delicious non-alcoholic beverages that elevate any occasion. We dive deep into her personal story, exploring the power of mindful rituals, the art of creating visually stunning mocktails, and how to celebrate life without alcohol—all while embracing wellness and joy.

In this episode, you'll discover:  
• Natalie’s raw and honest account of her relationship with alcohol  
• How aesthetics and creativity breathe life into her mocktail recipes  
• The obstacles she overcame on her path to a healthier lifestyle  
• How motherhood reshaped her approach to drinking  
• Valuable lessons from Annie Grace’s Live Alcohol Experiment  
• Why inclusivity matters in the non-alcoholic space  
• Fun, innovative mocktail recipes perfect for any celebration  
• A peek into her fabulous Mindful Mocktail Recipe Book (on pre-order in Australia and for purchase internationally)

Whether you're sober-curious or just looking for ways to enjoy life more mindfully, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips!

NAT'S MINDFUL MOCKTAIL RECIPE BOOK

Pre-order (in Australia) or purchase (International orders) here: https://mindfulmocktail.com/MINDFUL-MOCKTAIL-RECIPE-BOOK/

LEARN MORE ABOUT NAT:

Nat: https://mindfulmocktail.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/themindfulmocktail/

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 reflects on three years of living alcohol-free and the transformative impact it's had on her life and relationships. From rebuilding trust with herself and her children to discovering the joy of self-validation, every step has been a revelation. 
With the support of a vibrant community and the power of coaching, Meg has turned distant dreams into reality. Join Meg as she shares insights from her six-year journey toward alcohol freedom, emphasising the importance of persistence, community, and incremental growth. 
This podcast is filled with hope, inspiration, and stories of personal transformation—reminding us that every small step counts and that freedom is within reach. Let’s embrace 2025 with gratitude, joy, and the simple pleasures of a life lived with intention.

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 our Christmas Eve One-Year Anniversary, we welcome Annie Grace, the trailblazing founder of This Naked Mind! 

Annie talks about her transformation to an alcohol-free author of This Naked Mind, creator of The Alcohol Experiment and a coach of alcohol coaches spreading her This Naked Mind methodology across the globe. 

 We talk about how she wrote This Naked Mind, the four-step liminal process that's reshaping lives, why her book works, what sets This Naked Mind Coaches apart from others and her top tip for all of us hoping to get through this Christmas Day alcohol free.

Annie is a guiding light for those of us who are ready to rewrite our story with alcohol. So do tune in to this episode if drink less less is on your New Year's Resolution list (again) for 2024.

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

Have you heard of people raving about the benefits of EFT to help process uncomfortable emotions, but are unsure about what it actually is or how to do it? If so, listen on. Cindy Johnston, founder of Soul Sobriety Coaching and Retreats and an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, shares her personal journey to emotional resilience and sobriety and discusses how tapping can enhance overall emotional wellbeing, sharing techniques for managing anxiety, stress, and depression.  Additionally, Cindy leads us all through an EFT exercise!

Cindy discusses how calming the brain's stress centre, tapping offers a simple yet powerful way to manage cravings and stress. Whether you're curious about new ways to cope during the challenging "witching hour" or seeking practical tools for emotional wellbeing, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.  This episode is explores EFT as another tool to use on your mission to drink less and find  greater emotional freedom and resilience.  Listen in!

MORE ABOUT CINDY JOHNSTON'S WORK

Web: https://soulsobriety.com.au/contact
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/soul.sobriety_coaching/
EFT Taster Bundle: https://soulsobriety.com.au/shop/p/eft-taster-4-sessions-payment-plan-option

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 explore the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation to support drinking less alcohol with Simonette Vaja, a trauma-informed psychologist and mindfulness teacher. Simonette introduces her ABCD model—Attention, Breathing, Compassion, and Detox—a practical framework for fostering emotional resilience and supporting an alcohol-free lifestyle. From enhancing decision-making to cultivating inner peace, her approach offers profound insights into how mindfulness can be a cornerstone in the journey to sobriety. 

Simonette introduces us to techniques like vagus nerve breathing, which activates the body’s relaxation response, and guided meditations to nurture self-compassion and overcome challenges such as perfectionism and anxiety. By addressing not only physical detox but also mental and emotional renewal, her approach provides a holistic path toward personal growth and emotional healing. 

This inspiring episode highlights the profound impact of practices like Loving-Kindness Meditation, encouraging listeners to embrace self-love and deepen their emotional connections. Whether you're navigating early recovery or seeking greater balance in life, Simonette’s insights offer a roadmap to a mindful, alcohol-free life. Join us to discover how mindfulness can transform your journey toward freedom and well-being. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMONETTE VAJA'S WORK

Web: https://www.artistryofwellbeing.com/
Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/simonettevaja

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 and Bella wish all of our dear listeners and podcast guests a huge Merry Christmas! Are you celebrating your Christmas at a Bowling Club? Probably not! We are! Meg and Bell discover they are each heading off to Manly and Balmain Bowling Club for a family game of bare foot bowls for Christmas. It's cheap, it's outdoors, it's fun and what's more, you get to delegate everything! Yes!

As the festive season unfolds, we're thrilled to announce our upcoming podcast plans, featuring curated episodes designed to ease the holiday stress, no matter your relationship with alcohol. With grateful hearts, we extend our warmest holiday wishes to our listeners, eager to continue this journey together into the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

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

Ange Chappel, the inspiring founder of Mind The Sip, returns to the Not Drinking Alcohol Today podcast to celebrate her incredible milestone of nearly a year alcohol-free. She shares her top tips for enjoying a fabulous festive season without alcohol holding you back. Ange also contributed invaluable insights to Bella’s November Alcohol Freedom Challenge, offering practical strategies to overcome common hurdles like managing cravings, navigating social pressures, and creating meaningful new traditions that honour your choice to drink less or not at all. 

Ange highlights how Mind The Sip serves as a powerful resource—not only for those pursuing mindful drinking goals but also for anyone committed to an alcohol-free lifestyle. We delve into the importance of community, exploring how joining groups of like-minded individuals fosters accountability, encouragement, and support. Ange’s wisdom and personal experience shine through, inspiring listeners to take control of their relationship with alcohol. 

Follow Ange on social media and download Mind The Sip to connect with her vibrant, alcohol-free, and mindful community, where shared stories and support help build lasting bonds. Together, let’s embrace the transformative power of mindful drinking and uncover the joy, freedom, and connection of an alcohol-free festive season! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGE

Mind The Sip: https://mindthesip.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mindthe.sip/

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 transformative episode, I’m thrilled to share insights from Natalie E. West, high-performance integrative psychotherapist and guest speaker during Week 2 of my (Bella's) November Alcohol Freedom Challenge. Natalie captivated our group with her profound understanding of how attachments—to substances like alcohol, food, and drugs—are often rooted in unmet emotional needs and external validation. Sharing her personal journey with alcohol, Natalie delved into the emotional and psychological factors that shape dependency and provided strategies for creating lasting change.  

We explore the groundbreaking connection between nutritional psychology and emotional regulation, revealing how the gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in breaking free from habits that no longer serve us. Natalie introduced tailored nutritional approaches, such as ketogenic and carnivore diets, that not only stabilise energy but also improve mental clarity and overall well-being. Her expertise sparked dynamic discussions and inspired the group to reframe their perspectives on cravings and dependency by focusing on internal values and purpose.  

Natalie’s empowering philosophy of replacing “I should” with “I choose” invites us to approach life with intention, authenticity, and self-prioritisation. By embracing conscious decision-making and fostering a stable emotional environment, Natalie shows how we can build self-value, navigate change, and create a life aligned with our core beliefs. Her talk was an unforgettable highlight of the challenge, and I’m excited to share her wisdom with you today. To learn more about Natalie’s impactful work, visit [natalieewest.com](https://natalieewest.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