This week I am pleased to introduce you to Laura McKowen. Laura had a long, successful career in public relations and the Mad Men–esque drinking culture of advertising. After getting sober, she quickly became recognized as a fresh voice in recovery, beloved for her soulful and irreverent writing online and in print. She now leads sold out retreats and courses, teaching people to how to say yes to a bigger life. Laura is the author of the bestselling memoir, We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life.
This discussion dives into the clarity and potential that can be unearthed when living a sober life. We talk about our intentions behind drinking, and the many messages that we've received around alcohol over the years. Check out Laura's Best Selling Book here, and find her on Instagram here.
Discover:

Emotional pain is a sign of function rather than dysfunction

We are one hard decision away from reclaiming our sovereignty

What's below what you numb?

The culture of drinking

The truth about lying

Normalizing alcohol

Why alcohol is the one drug we have to explain why we "aren't drinking"

In discomfort you will find your answer

Co-dependency, people-pleasing and sobriety

What is it like to be fully embodied?

Can you sit with yourself?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#132: Say Yes to a Better Life with Laura McKowen

Jam out with Mark Groves as he takes you on a journey to explore the juiciest parts of the human experience and what it’s like to live authentically in the modern world. You’re invited to lay down what you were taught and explore new viewpoints and discoveries in mental and emotional health, physical health and wellness, relationships and the human connection, and hot topics of the world. Open your ears and your eyes to The Mark Groves Podcast.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Relationships

Self-Improvement

This special episode is a sneak peek of Liberated Love's audiobook. After each chapter, Kylie and I have recorded special bonus conversations where we dive deeper into the content and our personal journeys. Today’s episode is a preview of the discussion we have about Chapter Four called Getting Right with Reality. Want to listen to more of these conversations? Get the audiobook here: http://createthelove.com/liberatedlove

—Get My New Book! Liberated Love - Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire: http://createthelove.com/liberatedlove
—Get the Replay of our Liberated Life Event! Liberated Life - Learn How to Live and Love on (Y)our Terms: http://createthelove.com/liberated 

For updates and more info on The Big Delete (up until June 1st):
—Follow me on Instagram - @createthelove: https://www.instagram.com/createthelove
—Follow me on Facebook - @createthelove: https://www.facebook.com/createthelove

Otherwise, follow me and my work here:
—Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/markgrovestv 
—Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://createthelove.myflodesk.com/join-my-newsletter
—Subscribe to my Substack: https://markgroves.substack.com

If you want to dive deeper into my content, search through every episode, find specific topics I've covered, and ask me questions, go to my Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Authenticity, Belonging, Breakups, Relationships, Boundaries, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Codependency, Transformation, Conflict, Grief, Liberated Love, Book, Freedom, Patterns, Self-Awareness, Personal Growth

Drop us a note at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just to say hello!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#365: Embracing Reality: The Way to Transform Your Life & Relationships

In this episode, I'm joined by Matthew Hussey, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and coach specializing in confidence and relational intelligence. Matthew discusses the transformative power of authenticity and vulnerability – highlighting how personal struggles can deepen empathy and strengthen interpersonal connections. He shares insights from his own journey, including battles with chronic pain and the pursuit of happiness. Our conversation dives into themes of self-acceptance, inner peace, and reframing perspectives to lead a more fulfilling life. We also explore strategies for managing emotional and physical pain, transitioning from victimhood to proactive resilience. Join us for this empowering discussion, where we learn to find contentment, navigate emotions effectively, and cultivate self-compassion for healthier relationships and resilience in life's challenges.

Matthew Hussey’s YouTube channel is number one in the world for love life advice, with over half a billion views. He writes a weekly newsletter and is the host of the podcast Love Life With Matthew Hus­sey. Hussey provides monthly coaching to the members of his private community at LoveLifeClub.com. Over the past fifteen years, his proven approach has inspired millions through authentic, insightful, and practical advice that not only enables them to find love but also feel confident and in control of their own happiness. He lives in Los Angeles.

—Matthew’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthewhussey
—Matthew’s Website: https://matthewhussey.com/
—Matthew’s Book - Love Life: https://matthewhussey.com/lovelifebook-announce/
—Matthew’s Live Retreat: https://matthewhussey.com/live-retreat-2024/
—Matthew’s Love Life Club: https://matthewhussey.com/llc/

If you want to dive deeper into Mark’s content, search through every episode, find specific topics we’ve covered, and ask him questions, go to his Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Authenticity, Belonging, Breakups, Relationships, Boundaries, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Dating, Transformation, Conflict, Career, Mental Health, Purpose, Grief, personal growth, vulnerability, self-acceptance, self-compassion

This episode is sponsored by:
—BON CHARGE: Use code MARKGROVES to save 15% at http://boncharge.com/MARKGROVES
—Organifi: Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off sitewide at http://www.organifi.com/createthelove

Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#364: Heal Your Deepest Pain & Live Happily No Matter What w/ Matthew Hussey

﻿In this episode, I discuss the vital role of repairing ruptures in relationships – diving into the significance of mutual understanding, empathy, and consistent repair as foundational elements for building trust and deep emotional connections. I talk about the importance of addressing unresolved issues early on to prevent lingering negativity and nurture intimacy. I also explore the challenges in modeling repair, the barriers to genuine apologies, and the valuable insights gained through reflecting on past experiences. Join me in this conversation as we prioritize repair over ego, embrace love in our lives more deeply, and co-create a culture of grace for stronger, healthier relationships.

—Get My New Book! Liberated Love - Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire: http://createthelove.com/liberatedlove
—Get the Replay of our Liberated Life Event | Liberated Life - Learn How to Live and Love on (Y)our Terms: http://createthelove.com/liberated

For updates and more info on The Big Delete (up until June 1st):
—Follow me on Instagram - @createthelove: https://www.instagram.com/createthelove
—Follow me on Facebook - @createthelove: https://www.facebook.com/createthelove

Otherwise, follow me and my work here:
—Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/markgrovestv 
—Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://createthelove.myflodesk.com/join-my-newsletter
—Subscribe to my Substack: https://markgroves.substack.com

If you want to dive deeper into my content, search through every episode, find specific topics I've covered, and ask me questions, go to my Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Relationships, Breakups, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Codependency, Infidelity, Dating, Transformation, Conflict, Emotional Health, Grief, Repairing Ruptures, Empathy, Intimacy, Grace, Apology, Healing, Relational Repair

Drop us a note at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just to say hello!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#363: Relationship Repair: Navigating Through Conflict

﻿In this episode, I welcome Violet Benson back to the podcast. We dive into the transformative process of shadow work and the impact of confronting grief. In order to help understand how past experiences have shaped our present behaviors, Violet speaks about the significance of understanding our personal experiences of childhood trauma and the coping mechanisms we’ve developed. She also discusses the power of self-expression, boundaries, and the channeling of emotions into constructive actions. Violet encourages us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth – sharing the tool of shadow work as a means of healing past wounds, enhancing emotional intelligence, and cultivating fulfilling relationships with oneself and others. Join us for this enlightening conversation that invites honesty forward and deepens our connections within.

Violet Benson, comedian, motivational speaker, creator of Daddy Issues and podcast host of the largest self love podcast and movement for women. Known for her solo episodes and amazing guests, You can catch new episodes of Almost Adulting, every Tuesday and Thursday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—Violet’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetbenson/
—Violet’s Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostadulting/
—Violet’s Meme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddyissues_/
—Violet’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/daddyissues
—Violet’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IY1Gjc1uktmDCmNLA0HXo

If you want to dive deeper into Mark’s content, search through every episode, find specific topics we’ve covered, and ask him questions, go to his Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Authenticity, Belonging, Relationships, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Transformation, Conflict, Career, Mental Health, Shadow Work, Grief, Trauma, Self-Expression, Emotional Health, Healing, Personal Growth, Boundaries, Coping Mechanisms

﻿This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth: Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at http://www.cozyearth.com

Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#362: Heal Your Wounds & Reclaim Your Life Through Shadow Work w/ Violet Benson

﻿In this episode, I discuss anxiety as a signal for self-exploration, not an internal flaw.  I offer a sentence stem practice for us to walk through together – a tool to further embrace self-expression and use anxiety as a guide for personal growth. By reframing anxiety as a tool for empowerment we can begin to navigate challenges with strength and authenticity – fostering deeper connections and self-assurance.

—Get My New Book! Liberated Love - Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire: http://createthelove.com/liberatedlove
—Get the Replay of our Liberated Life Event | Liberated Life - Learn How to Live and Love on (Y)our Terms: http://createthelove.com/liberated

For updates and more info on The Big Delete (up until June 1st):
—Follow me on Instagram - @createthelove: https://www.instagram.com/createthelove
—Follow me on Facebook - @createthelove: https://www.facebook.com/createthelove

Otherwise, follow me and my work here:
—Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/markgrovestv 
—Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://createthelove.myflodesk.com/join-my-newsletter
—Subscribe to my Substack: https://markgroves.substack.com

If you want to dive deeper into my content, search through every episode, find specific topics I've covered, and ask me questions, go to my Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Authenticity, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Transformation, Mental Health, Self-Exploration Practices, Anxiety, Self-Exploration, Self-Expression, Personal Growth, Self-Assurance

Drop us a note at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just to say hello!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#132: Say Yes to a Better Life with Laura McKowen

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