Midlife AF Podcast

On this week's episode of Midlife AF, I know you’re going to love meeting a very special guest, Katie Underwood!

In this episode, Katie shares how to achieve an altered state through natural means when you are seeking something spiritual and enlightening without drugs or alcohol.

You’ll also discover:

Katie also shares how she uses breath, voice and instruments in her healing work with her extraordinary community. 

“Sometimes when we move into sobriety…there’s a grief that comes with it, because we don’t want to give that feeling up. I think that's what keeps people stuck in their patterns for so long. We want to be healthy, and we want to have good relationships, but we’re not ready to give up having a good time.”

Join us, as Katie takes you on a journey and shares practical strategies that you can use to move closer towards a goal of a greater integration, a greater love and connectedness with yourself and the world around you.

Resources:

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

Learn more about Katie at: https://www.underwoodhealing.com/

Follow Katie on insta @katieunderwoodhealing 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705 

In this week's episode of Midlife AF we talk about happiness, the pursuit of pleasure, and happiness as a form of contentment with the ups and downs of life.

Over the next 30 minutes, together we will unpack:

 "There are so many great ways to get natural highs. There are so many great ways to calm our nervous systems and to regulate our nervous systems - we just haven't been taught them.”

I'm on a journey to discover who I really am, and why alcohol became such a big part of my life for a long time. In this path of self-discovery, I realized that I used to drink to escape from my reality, and although this was hard for me to accept at first, I know now that this is such a common story for women in midlife.

I’ve learned that life is not meant to be a constant stream of pleasure and that the most interesting and pleasurable parts are in the journey - and I am delighted to share that journey with you.

Join me is discovering the magic in finding out who we are without alcohol!

Resources:

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

If you are interested in alcohol-free drinks, but don’t know what to choose or where to go to find out, this episode is for you. This week’s podcast guest is the founder of Dry But Wet, a business that provides reviews and recommendations for alcohol free drinks. She is passionate about connecting people with the best alcohol free options so that they can enjoy social situations without feeling like an outsider.

"I just sensed that I'd completely lost control and I wasn't enjoying it anymore."

A self-declared ex “Boozy Tragic”, Amy Armstrong is on a mission to normalise alcohol-free drinking experiences. Amy’s mission is to connect people with the best alcohol free drinks possible so that they can enjoy a special occasion or night out without having the dreaded FOMO, and still feeling like they're an adult when they're having a social drink. 

In this episode, Amy shares:

We believe that everyone deserves to drink the best things, and Amy is here to make sure of it!

Resources:

Victoria Hotel Footscray: Insta https://www.instagram.com/victoriahotelfootscray/?hl=en website https://www.victoriahotelfootscray.com/

Etch grown up soft drinks: insta https://www.instagram.com/etchsparkling/?hl=en Website https://www.etchsparkling.com.au/

The bitters tonic syrup I was talking about: https://www.sinkonah.com/

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979 

 If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

This episode is about getting the message out there that the Aussie Alcohol Experiment program is coming, what’s involved and why it means so much to me.  We talk about why stopping drinking is not the objective of joining the alcohol experiment. Why it’s a journey of love and self discovery and such an important self care option for women in midlife. Especially with the silly season fast approaching.

I hope you enjoy and I see you inside the Aussie Alcohol Experiment.  The last 2022 Alcohol Experiment closes on Wednesday 2nd November.  It will be back in March 2023. In the podcast I talk about the August zoom live session coaching times.  For the November group these are: 8pm Monday & 6pm every other day.  Each session is recorded and shared within the group within 24 hours.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The 30 Day Aussie Alcohol Experiment. ttps://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aussie-alcohol-experiment-november-2022

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/

DON’T FORGET TO…

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ November 2nd at 7pm AEST

here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

In this episode of Midlife AF, you'll get to meet my wonderful friend and virtual assistant Lou Coates. Lou joined me for the Aussie Alcohol Experiment back in July 2021. We'd never met each other before. And she was such an amazing help to me as a participant in the group reminding me to press record on my zooms, and so on. We ended up becoming friends. And I asked her to come and work with me. Lou and I have a lot in common. We both have teenage kids who've had their struggles recently, we both really identified heavily as drinkers, our partners both still drink. We both lost our dads. And in fact, Lou’s dad had just passed away when she decided to do the alcohol experiment and see what would happen for her if she took a break from drinking. And she talks about that very openly in this podcast. 

And both Lou and I are very happily alcohol free. Lou’s been through a momentous year this year. She's had a lot going on. And she's done it all alcohol free. As she says in her own words, she doesn't even think about alcohol anymore. I just think that's amazing. That's where we want to be right? Lou’s a woman just like all of us with ups and downs that happen in life. And she's got the added element of having a beautiful, very active four year old to wrangle with as well. 

So I'd love you to meet Lou, she's my right hand woman, and I think you will all relate to her story. 

So enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Aussies Alcohol Experiment. ttps://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aussie-alcohol-experiment-november-2022

This Naked Mind Podcast https://thisnakedmind.com/podcasts/

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/

DON’T FORGET TO…

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ November 2nd at 7pm AEST

here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

#05 - Natalie Bataglia - The benefits of taking a break from alcohol.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

In this episode of Midlife AF I talked to my friend, the beautiful Natalie Battaglia. Nat and I met during the alcohol experiment in 2020. And Nat runs the most beautiful and amazing business, called the mindful mocktail. She is one of the most intelligent and creative people I know. And I feel so privileged to have her in my life. In today's podcast Nat talks about what exactly taking a 30 day break from alcohol does to our body. And why one of the most magnificent things about becoming alcohol free, is the childlike joy you get back that you didn't realise you'd lost. My favourite thing about Nat is the work she does really creates that spirit of abundance, which is what we need to stop our brains from thinking they're missing out by taking a break from booze. I hope you enjoy this episode.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Nat’s website where you will find all her delicious Alcohol Free recipes along with resources on how the body improves when you take a break. Mindfulmocktail.com 

Nat’s benefits to taking a 30 day break from alcohol fact sheet: https://mindfulmocktail.com/1-month-alcohol-free-benefits/

Nat’s beautiful instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/themindfulmocktail/

And here is the link to her free mocktail recipe eBook: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d4009d71da631181f23711

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/

DON’T FORGET TO…

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ November 2nd at 7pm AEST

here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

In this episode of Midlife AF, I'm going to introduce you to one of my favourite people and probably one of the most influential teachers that I've come across since I've been following this path to an alcohol free midlife.

Jay has had such a big influence on so many different parts of my life. But particularly on my relationship with my family and my relationship with myself. Jay is a somatic experiencing coach, she will tell you about herself in the episode. But she's extraordinary. 

She taught me to understand why people-pleasing and over responsibility are so much part of our conditioning, particularly as women, how our emotional boundaries are so porous, we often don't know where we begin. I find drinkers as highly sensitive people, and we're often on high alert, feeling and taking on other people's experiences, so much so that our own experiences don't matter anymore. 

It's Jay who introduced me to parts work, recognising that we we are all such precious darling little souls, trying our very best in life. And things that we do and the maladaptive behaviours that we have are there for a reason that they're trying to keep us safe and that their intentions are so good, even if their methods are genuinely not great long term strategies. 

For a long time when we're drinking or escaping our world. We haven't been present for ourselves. And so our little souls don't feel like they've somebody who had their back who was looking after them, like somebody who loved them, and this is why my approach, and what I found so helpful in Jay’s work and that is also aligned with This Naked Minds methodology is it's not about beating ourselves up. It's not about saying I'm weak or being ashamed or berating ourselves. 

It’s about understanding why we stumble, acknowledging the very real feelings, worries and concerns that got us here. It's about building trust and comforting our precious selves and our distress, reassuring them that we're here now that we're not going to abandon them anymore. 

This is a brilliant episode, particularly for anyone who gets triggered and feels like their behaviour of the people around them is causing them to drink. And even if you're not drinking, it's important stuff to learn for when the people around you, your partners, your friends, your children are pushing your buttons and you feel like you're going to explode, which is your nervous system being dysregulated.

You are going to love this episode!!

NB since I recorded this episode I have learnt a lot more about Autism and PDA, with the knowledge I have now I know that whether or not my child goes to school or not will not impact whether they have a fulfilling life or not.  So I apologise if that triggers anyone going through something similar and having to advocate for their child’s autism.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Jay Fields: https://jay-fields.com/about-jay-fields

Jay’s ‘Yours Truly’ program: https://jay-fields.com/yours-truly The next cohort starts Feb 1 2023.

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/

DON’T FORGET TO…

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ October 27th at 5pm OR November 2nd at 7pm AEST

here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/pl/2147565979

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

#03 - Jolene Parks - Why the Body Matters

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

In this episode of midlife, we meet the Queen, the thought leader, the godmother of grey area drinking and coaching - Jolene Park.

Jolene has a TED talk, which has had over 300,000 downloads.

We are talking about the importance of nourishing our neurotransmitters, and supporting our nervous systems when we are looking to change our relationship with alcohol. 

We talk about trying to medicate a dysregulated nervous system - which is why a lot of people drink - when we've been triggered by our reaction to something or when we're feeling either really extremely joyful or we're feeling incredibly anxious. And the things that we can do, instead of drinking to calm our nervous systems in a way that moves us towards our goal of not drinking. 

Jolene explains exactly what Grey Area Drinking is and takes us through and grounding practice and explain why it is grounding that the body is seeking when it reaches for alcohol. It’s fascinating!

I think you’ll love Jolene, she has had a huge influence over my coaching and alcohol-free journey. Thank you for coming on this journey with me as together we find our groove without booze.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Jolene Parks, Grey Area Drinking: https://grayareadrinkers.com/

Sober AF Bundle https://grayareadrinkers.com/ultimate-course-bundles/

Sober Choice https://healthydiscoveries.mykajabi.com/the-sober-choice

NOURISH Gray Area Drinking Coach Training https://healthydiscoveries.mykajabi.com/nourish

Private 1:1 Coaching with Jolene https://grayareadrinkers.com/private-coaching-with-jolene-park/

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma  by  Dr Bessel Van der Kolk

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/

DON’T FORGET TO…

Join my 3 day virtual retreat ‘Change your relationship with alcohol -in just 3 days- without stopping drinking’ 24th-26th October 7:30-8:30 here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ October 27th at 5pm OR November 2nd at 7pm AEST here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

#01 - Faye Lawrence - ADHD, Alcohol Free

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

In this Episode Emma talks to her beautiful friend and fellow alcohol coach Faye Lawrence about their recent diagnosis as ADHD.  Faye founded the extraordinary social meet-up group for people who are wanting to socialise without booze. She has a TED talk on the importance of connection and fun in the alcohol-free journey and is a psych graduate and counselling student:

If you would like to know more about Faye and how to work with her, her details are below:

www.fayelawrence.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/_fayelawrence_/

https://www.facebook.com/FayeLawrenceCoach

Her Book: https://mybook.link/book/B0BJ27WS2L?fbclid=IwAR27UhZeGMWFz5ArH4-MFihGIGr6K5wfNj147bK4rqYsjaLrUj4xxWCPBQU

Faye's TEd Talk: https://youtu.be/PJadFi0uJNA

Thank you for coming on this journey with me as together we find our groove without booze.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Jenny Valentish http://www.jennyvalentish.com/books/woman-of-substances/

CHADD https://chadd.org/

ADDitude https://www.additudemag.com/

ADHD Foundation https://adhdfoundation.org.au/

Dokatela https://dokotela.com.au/ 

DON’T FORGET TO…

Join my 3 day virtual retreat ‘Change your relationship with alcohol -in just 3 days- without stopping drinking’ 24th-26th October 7:30-8:30 here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ October 27th at 5pm OR November 2nd at 7pm AEST

here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

In this episode Emma takes us on the journey from her days as a corporate marketing manager, via a pretty unpleasant breakdown (spiritual awakening), through her long and messy break-up with alcohol and ultimately to where we find her today working as a counsellor, psychotherapist & alcohol coach, living happily alcohol-free. She talks about:

Thank you for coming on this journey with me as together we find our groove without booze.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here.

If you are in need of immediate support please use this link to access the resources I know and trust can help you in a crisis 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Lisa Corduff: Ready For Change (Get Unstuck)  https://lisacorduff.com/

This Naked Mind: The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life Podcasts & This Naked Mind & Alcohol Experiment Books https://thisnakedmind.com/ 

Parenting Teens & Alcohol: Paul Dillon, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia Teens, socialising, alcohol and other drugs: Parenting post-COVID-19 https://darta.net.au/wordpress-content/uploads/2020/12/COVID-PARENT-EVENING-WEB-2020.pdf

DON’T FORGET TO…

Join my 3 day virtual retreat ‘Change your relationship with alcohol -in just 3 days- without stopping drinking’ 24th-26th October 7:30-8:30 here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ October 27th at 5pm OR November 2nd at 7pm AEST here:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20Nov

Take a 30 day break from booze with my Live Aussie Alcohol Experiment - Doors close on the 2nd November for a 3rd November start date:

https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

If you aren’t ready to stop drinking but want to make some positive steps to a healthier relationship or prepare for taking a break with alcohol download my FREE Awareness Worksheets: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol

If you need a quick reset or you want to get to know me and my methodology a bit more before you take a plunge into a longer program the 5 Day Alcohol Reset Program could be what you are looking for check it out here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/five-day-alcohol-reset-copy-1

Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com

Follow Emma on insta @hoperisingcoaching