How I quit alcohol

In this episode of How I Quit Alcohol, coach Ruby Williams shares her experience of weight loss surgery, her changing relationship with alcohol, and her path to recovery.

We explore transfer addiction, how bariatric surgery can change the way the body responds to alcohol, and the emotional patterns that can continue after surgery. Ruby also shares how she learnt to respond to cravings and difficult feelings with greater awareness and self-compassion.

We discuss:

• Ruby’s personal journey with food, weight loss surgery and alcohol.
• Changes in alcohol’s effects after bariatric surgery.
• How coping behaviours can shift between alcohol, food, sugar and other outlets.
• Recognising emotional triggers and understanding the needs beneath cravings.
• The role of trauma, identity and self-compassion in recovery.
• Mindfulness, daily practices and connection as sources of support.
• Building a fulfilling sober life through ongoing self-discovery and care.

A conversation for anyone who has stopped one behaviour only to find themselves reaching for something else, and wants to better understand the pattern beneath it.

To find out more about Ruby

Alcohol Freedom Academy Wait List

Worried About Your Drinking? Quiz

Website

Private Coaching

Podcast

Instagram

YouTube

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In this solo episode, I share how we celebrated our daughter Sunny’s 18th birthday without making alcohol the main event, and the conversations we had with her about drinking, social pressure and making her own choices.

With music, speeches and words of wisdom from people she loves and admires, her birthday got me thinking about how we celebrate milestones in Australia. Why is turning 18 so often centred on being legally allowed to drink? And what else could we offer young people as they enter adulthood?

I talk about:

• Navigating Sunny’s curiosity about alcohol as a sober parent.
• Why I encouraged her to question her reasons for drinking.
• Social awkwardness and learning to feel comfortable without relying on alcohol.
• Making sure our kids know they can call us for help, whatever the situation.
• The role of mentors, elders and chosen family in helping young people feel supported.
• What our celebrations teach our kids—and how we can create new traditions.

A personal reflection on parenting in sobriety, celebrating differently and helping our kids feel loved, connected and enough as they are.

Music mentioned: “Don’t Worry, You’ve Got Time” by Emily Lubitz.

Content note: Brief discussion of sexual harm and personal experience.

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In this episode, photographer Ian Laidlaw shares his profound journey through addiction, sobriety, and self-discovery. He discusses how his career, personal struggles, and insights into self-acceptance and authenticity have shaped his path to recovery. Ian shares his profound journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, the impact on his mental and physical health, and the transformative power of sobriety. This episode explores the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and finding healthy flow states to live a more fulfilled life.

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.

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Danni explores the stages of change in behaviour, especially related to quitting alcohol, emphasisng that change takes time, practice, and compassion. She looks at the four stages of growth and change from the framework of Dr Rick Hanson, which helps to understand why we get highjacked by our cravings and triggers even when we are aware of them yet we still keep repeating patterns.

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, Danni and her husband, musician Ash Grunwald explore how sobriety, mindfulness, and daily practices can transform your life, highlighting their personal journeys and practical tips for creating a fulfilling life.

They talk about Ash's recent successes with his Sold Out Gospel show tour, how he stays on track and every day practices that help manifesting the life of your dreams. How grievances hold you back from a happy life and to get yourself out of a rut. Ash gives advice on one small change you can make daily if you are struggling.

To find an Ash show near you go to www.ashgrunwald.com or insta @ashgrunwald

For more information on our retreat in Bali go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au or dannicarrretreat.com

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summary

In this episode, Dr. Luke Sniewski and Danni Carr explore the transformative power of capacity building through somatic practices, authentic change, and the importance of self-awareness in healing and personal growth.

To reach out to Luke or find out more about his work go to

https://www.lukesniewski.com

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.

summary

In this episode, Emma Gilmour and Danni Carr explore the deep psychological roots of alcohol use, vulnerability, and self-compassion. They discuss how understanding our inner fears and needs can support sustainable change and healing.

Key take aways :

The psychological roots of alcohol use

How vulnerability influences drinking habits

The importance of self-compassion in recovery

Regulating the nervous system to support change

Understanding cravings as signals, not failures

The impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior

The concept of safety and resourcefulness in healing

Practical questions to explore when considering sobriety

For information on or to contact Emma :

INSTAGRAM: @hoperisingcoaching www.instagram.com/hoperisingcoaching/

WEBSITE: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

PODCASTS:

Midlife AF www.hoperisingcoaching.com/podcast

Menopause, Meltdowns & Magic - Two AuDHD Mums, Two Countries and Too Many Tabs Open - with Tanya Valentin www.hoperisingcoaching.com/menopause-meltdowns-magic

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

The Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment - live from 1 Oct, 30 days, small group coaching, 25 spots only. Early bird pricing ends 15 Sept.

Link for more information: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

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In this episode, Jo shares his profound journey through addiction, rehab, and recovery, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, healing modalities like breathwork, and the power of community and support in transforming lives. Jo talks about the cycle of shame that comes with addiction and breaking free of that cycle.

To reach out to Jo on insta go to @beyondthewave_

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.

 summary

In this episode, Danni and Chris Gimpel explore relapse in sobriety, sharing personal stories, common themes, and practical strategies for getting back on track. They emphasise the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and proactive support in maintaining long-term change. They also discuss warning signs of a lapse.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or to book in with Chris

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 discusses how to handle lapses in sobriety, the difference between a lapse and a relapse, and practical strategies to get back on track without shame. She shares personal stories, mental models, and actionable tips to support lasting change.

key topics

• Difference between lapse and relapse
• Immediate actions after a slip-up
• The importance of pausing and self-awareness
• Regulating the nervous system to prevent relapse
• Creating a relapse prevention plan
• The role of self-compassion and curiosity
• The impact of thoughts and beliefs on recovery
• Building trust and confidence in oneself

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