In this episode, I'm opening up about my personal experiences with bullying, burnout, and mental health challenges. I'm also discussing the importance of community in overcoming adversity and finding joy.

Key themes of this deeply personal episode include trauma, neurodiversity, midlife transitions, and creating a ""village"" of support.

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In this episode, I'm sharing my unexpected journey to being Midlife AF after deciding to do a Dry January experiment. I share how listening to the This Naked Mind podcast led me to question my beliefs around alcohol and ultimately stop drinking.

I also open up about the transformative effects on my life, from my health to my career path.

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This week I'm sharing tools and strategies for managing the pressures of Christmas while either drinking intentionally or staying alcohol-free. I'll cover making a plan, conserving energy, having excuses prepared, and choosing non-alcoholic drink options. 

I'm also diving into the challenges around social expectations and pressure to drink.

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I'm joined by autism advocate Viv Dawes who shares her expertise on autistic burnout. She discusses the signs and symptoms of burnout, and provides a 10-point "burnout prescription" for recovery and prevention.

Topics we chat about include acknowledging exhaustion, reducing demands, embracing neurodivergent identity, the importance of rest, sensory needs, and more.

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In this episode, I'm talking about reframing your relationship with alcohol from one of fear and resistance to making choices in the present moment.

I'll explore why we drink to escape uncomfortable feelings give you strategies for managing stress and self-care during the busy holiday season without relying on alcohol.

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Viv Dawes is an autism advocate and author who specialises in autistic burnout.

In this conversation, she discusses her experience helping parents of autistic children experiencing severe burnout and shares insights into the causes and effects of burnout. She also addresses the lack of understanding from professionals and how the education system can better support neurodivergent students.

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In this episode, I'm discussing personality types and attachment theory. I share how our personality types can be influenced by our upbringing and environment, and how certain personality types can make embracing an alcohol-free life more difficult.

I'm also giving you some tips for managing the upcoming holiday season without relying on alcohol.

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Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

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

In this episode, ADHD coach Sharon Collon shares her top tips for enjoying social events without relying on alcohol.

She discusses strategies for managing sensory overload and social anxiety, including visualising your ideal night, pacing your drinking with a sensible friend, and setting social challenges to stay engaged.

Episode Highlights:

Learn more about Sharon Collon at: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/ 
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @thefunctionalfamily
Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

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

In this episode, I'm discussing the difference between being preoccupied with alcohol vs finding freedom from it.

I'm talking about about how our triggers stem from unmet needs and big emotions, and how learning to regulate our nervous system and be present with difficult feelings is key to long-term change.

Episode Highlights:

RESOURCES

Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

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

I'm sitting down with autism advocate Jenny Loughran to discuss moving beyond a pathology model of understanding autism.

Jenny shares her journey of late diagnosis and how advocating for her son led to a deeper understanding of herself.

We discuss the importance of neurodiversity-affirming language and creating spaces where neurodivergent people can truly be themselves.

Episode Highlights 

RESOURCES

Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching

Follow Jenny Loughran on insta https://www.instagram.com/jennyloughran4/ 

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