Mindful Sobriety The Podcast

In this episode of Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast, Jane is welcomes back a beloved returning guest, Colleen Clifford—binge-drinking survivor, commercial fisherwoman, and alcohol-free & health coach.

Jane and Colleen recorded their first conversation almost exactly a year ago, and since then Jane has reached 1,000 days alcohol-free and Colleen has continued to build a beautiful, full life in her 60s—anchored in sobriety, service, and deep connection.

Together they dive into the realities of binge drinking, the terror and science of blackouts, the language we use around suicide, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Colleen shares about her late husband’s death by suicide, her ongoing healing, and how her upcoming book Life Beyond Binge Drinking is part love letter, part wake-up call for anyone caught in the binge cycle. They also talk about Bali retreats, horses, inner child joy, and why life can actually feel more vibrant, playful, and hopeful without alcohol.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• A podcast & sobriety milestone
  • Jane celebrates 1,000 days alcohol-free on the summer solstice
  • How growth and self-discovery keep unfolding well beyond the first sober year
• Colleen’s story: from binge drinking to “life beyond”
  • Her 40-year relationship with alcohol and why she calls herself a “binge drinking survivor”
  • The moment she woke up after driving home drunk with one eye closed—and knew something had to change
  • Why the 2% of the time she couldn’t moderate kept her stuck for years
• Blackouts & the brain
  • What actually happens in the brain during a blackout
  • Why those memories truly are not recoverable
  • How blackouts fuel denial, shame, and confusion for drinkers and loved ones
• Talking honestly about suicide & alcohol
  • Why Colleen uses the language “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”
  • How binge drinking can push someone over the edge, especially with underlying mental health struggles
  • The compassion of seeing suicide as a tragic outcome of illness, not a moral failing
• Asking for help when you’re the “strong one”
  • Colleen’s struggle with independence, pride, and the belief that she had to do everything alone
  • How hard it can be to receive support when you’re used to being the helper
  • Reframing asking for help as an act of courage and a compliment to the people you trust
• Life at 62: full-hearted, alcohol-free, and evolving
  • Why Colleen is genuinely excited about aging
  • Redefining success beyond income: impact, connection, and legacy moments people “never forget”
  • Volunteering with hippotherapy, horses, and the healing power of animal connection
• Inner child joy & alcohol-free living
  • How sobriety reopens space for play, creativity, and nature
  • Bali retreat memories, laughing in the water, flowers, animals, and letting the inner child lead
  • Giving yourself permission to be a beginner again and follow what lights you up
• Practical hope for anyone stuck in a binge cycle
  • The shame spiral of “I know better, so why can’t I stop?”
  • Gentle first steps: lurking in online groups, turning camera off in meetings, or simply listening
  • How coaches, communities, and peer support can help you untangle your “ball of yarn” and take one tiny step forward

Resources Mentioned

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support if you or someone you love is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide.
• Women for Sobriety – A free, women-centered recovery community and meeting platform.
• Recovery communities & support options (examples you can link):
  • Recovery Dharma
  • SMART Recovery
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Al-Anon (for loved ones of those struggling with addiction)
• Online alcohol-free communities – Facebook groups and online forums where you can start by simply reading and noticing what resonates.

Connect with Colleen

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: purepotential.health
• Instagram: @purepotentialhealth
• LinkedIn: Search “Pure Potential Health – Colleen Clifford”

Connect with Jane & Mindful Sobriety

• Instagram: @janeballardwellness
• Podcast: Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast (wherever you listen)
• Website: www.janewballard.com 

If You’re Struggling Right Now

If binge drinking, grief, or any kind of binge behavior is weighing on you, you are not alone—and there is real hope. Your first step doesn’t have to be perfect or public. It might be:

• Listening quietly to an online meeting
• Creeping in a Facebook group and reading others’ stories
• Sending a short email to a coach or therapist
• Telling one trusted person, “I think I need some help”

Tiny steps count.

Enjoying the Podcast?

If this conversation resonated with you, it would mean so much if you would:

• Follow / Subscribe to Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast
• Rate & review the show on your favorite podcast platform
• Share this episode with a friend who might need a little hope today

Your support truly helps this message reach more people who are quietly struggling and reminds them that a beautiful, alcohol-free life is absolutely possible. 💛

🎙️ Mindful Sobriety with Jane Ballard (stay tuned for more episodes with Amanda Cable coming soon!!)

Episode: Why Parents Are Embracing the Sober-Curious Movement

Host: Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C

In this solo episode, Jane shares her answers to questions from health journalist Melissa Daly for TheBump.com about why today’s parents—especially millennials and Gen Z—are drinking less and embracing the sober-curious lifestyle.

Jane explores how cultural shifts, mental health awareness, and the realities of parenting are influencing a generation to rethink alcohol. With warmth and clinical insight, she breaks down the science behind alcohol’s effects on stress, mood, and attachment—and why choosing to live alcohol-free may be one of the most powerful gifts you can give your children.

🌿 Key Topics

• Why “mommy-wine culture” is losing its appeal
• How alcohol affects attachment and emotional presence in parenting
• The physiological and emotional cost of alcohol on stress, mood, and sleep
• The rise of alternative connection and wellness practices (like breathwork and sound healing)
• Practical strategies for decompressing without alcohol
• What it really means to parent with presence, patience, and self-compassion

🧠 Jane’s Clinical Insights

• Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen (in the same category as tobacco and asbestos). There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
• For parents, alcohol dulls emotional attunement—making it harder to be responsive, accessible, and engaged (R.A.R.E.), the foundation of secure attachment.
• Choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol supports emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and deeper connection with your children.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn

1. Why the sober-curious movement is more than a trend—it’s a cultural shift toward health, connection, and clarity.
2. How to find your community of alcohol-free or sober-curious parents online and in person.
3. Simple ways to decompress in the moment (breathing, movement, fresh air, rest).
4. How to recognize and respond to intrusive thoughts and other perinatal mental health challenges.

📚 Mentioned Resources & Recommendations

Quit-Lit (Books for the Sober-Curious)

• We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen
• Push Off from Here by Laura McKowen
• Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker
• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

Wellness Practices Jane Mentions

• Sound Healing & Breathwork: Look for local events or facilitators in your city (try searching “sound healing + [your city]” on Instagram)
• Insight Timer App: Free meditations and guided breathwork (Jane mentions Taylor Somerville’s work, praised by Elizabeth Gilbert)

🌍 Global Perinatal Mental Health Resources

No matter where you are, support is available. Below are trusted organizations offering help for postpartum anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts:

United States

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) — Free helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (text “HELP” to 800-944-4773)

Canada

• Postpartum Support Canada — Directory of mental health professionals across provinces

United Kingdom

• PANDAS Foundation — Free helpline and peer support for perinatal mood disorders
• Mind – Perinatal Mental Health — Information and support options for pregnancy and postpartum

Australia & New Zealand

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — Helpline: 1300 726 306
• Mothers Helpers NZ — Postnatal depression programs and online support

India & South Asia

• Postpartum Support Network India — Education and local counselor directory
• The Mindful Life Practice — Yoga and mindfulness programs for alcohol-free women (founded by Alexandra McRobert)

Global & Online

• Postpartum Support International Global Directory — Find certified perinatal mental health providers worldwide
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance — International nonprofit advancing maternal mental health awareness and policy

🕊️ Closing Message

“Being alcohol-free isn’t deprivation—it’s liberation. It’s the freedom to show up calm, consistent, and emotionally present for yourself and your family.” — Jane Ballard

🔗 Connect with Jane

• Instagram: @janewballard
• Website: janewballard.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast: Mindful Sobriety with Jane & Amanda

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to like, rate, and review Mindful Sobriety wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women and parents who are curious about living with greater clarity, connection, and purpose. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Mindful Sobriety: Friendship, Playfulness & Trust with Renee Adams & Mara DeMauro

"It’s not about not caring what people think—it’s about not letting it control you."

Episode: Our first-ever returning-guest duo!

Guests: Renee Adams & Mara DeMauro

What You'll Hear: how a decade-long friendship evolved into sober curiosity, business partnership, and a playful approach to growth.

Episode summary

Renee and Mara return, this time together, to share the story of a friendship that began in grad school and bloomed into mutual mentorship, a joint podcast, and supportive sobriety paths. We talk about shifting from “am I drinking?” to “how do I want to live?”, navigating social events alcohol-free, what to do when moderation doesn’t stick, and why trust (not certainty) becomes the anchor. Expect honesty, laughter, and plenty of permission to be playful, weird, and fully yourself.

Highlights & takeaways

• Seeds take time. One sober wedding reel lit a spark that reshaped Renee’s choices months later. Plant seeds; they sprout when they’re ready.
• From sober to playful. Mara’s lens has moved from alcohol status to aliveness—silliness, creativity, surfing, and juice-making as present-moment rituals.
• Sober-ish is valid. Renee names “sober-ish/mindful” as her lane and explains why learning about alcohol’s effects made longer AF stretches feel natural.
• Community ≠ a crowd. Sometimes it’s just one person who “speaks your language.” Their multifaceted bond—friends, mentors, business partners—keeps each moving.
• If moderation keeps failing… Treat it as data, not defeat. Scale back triggers, build an “exposure ladder,” and practice discomfort tolerance.
• Clarity vs. certainty. Sobriety can bring clarity, but it’s trust—in yourself and your path—that carries you through uncertain moments.
• Rebuilding self-trust. Keep small promises (mocktail plan, leave-early option, walk at craving time). Each follow-through repairs confidence.

Practical tips mentioned

• Go in with a plan: check menus for mocktails, have a default order (sparkling water + lime, Coke Zero), and a ride-home/leave-early option.
• Rehearse out loud: practice how you’ll respond when asked “you’re not drinking?” so it feels authentic in the moment.
• Reduce load for a season: skip high-trigger settings while you build skills; loneliness/grief are normal—tend to them, don’t white-knuckle.
• Swap, don’t stop: movement, fresh air, fruit/juicing, creativity, and “four rooms” check-ins (spiritual, creative, physical, mental) as daily anchors.

Timestamps

• 00:02 Welcome & why this duo matters
• 01:47 Mara’s update: from AF focus to playfulness
• 03:43 Renee’s update: sober-ish, movement, purpose
• 07:05 Origin story: grad school to co-creators
• 08:57 The “sober wedding” seed & authenticity
• 14:25 Practice over perfection: caring without attachment
• 16:06 Why one true ally beats a big crowd
• 25:14 Tricky situations & conflict with compassion
• 27:18 Mocktail plans, rehearsing lines & “data points”
• 31:01 Exposure ladders, grief, and scaling triggers
• 36:32 Clarity vs. certainty; choosing trust
• 38:00 Rituals, the “four rooms,” and playful healing
• 44:01 Where to find Renee & Mara

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Connect with our guests

• Renee Adams: Instagram @coach_radams (Coach_radams) • Website reneeadamscoaching.com
• Mara DeMauro: Instagram @maradimaro • Website maradimaro.com
• Their podcast: Nosedive — email topics to [email protected]

In this episode of Mindful Sobriety, Amanda discusses the critical role of self-trust in recovery and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of rebuilding self-trust through practical steps and mindful practices, encouraging listeners to start small and be consistent. The conversation highlights the journey of self-trust as a process of remembering one's true self and cultivating inner peace.

Sound Bites

• "Self-trust allows us to stay grounded."
• "Start small, trust grows from consistency."
• "Lean into love instead of fear."

Takeaways

• Self-trust is essential for recovery and personal growth.
• Lack of self-trust can lead to inner chaos and shame.
• Rebuilding self-trust involves making and keeping small commitments.
• Mindful pauses can help in recognizing fear versus love in decision-making.
• Daily affirmations can reinforce self-trust and positive thinking.
• Consistency is key to rebuilding self-trust over time.
• Journaling can help identify areas of misalignment and promote self-awareness.
• Compassion is crucial in the journey of rebuilding self-trust.
• Self-trust is a journey, not a destination.
• It's important to show up for yourself in every moment.

Chapters

00:00
Rebuilding Self-Trust in Recovery

04:14
Practical Steps to Rebuild Self-Trust

10:30
The Journey of Self-Trust

11:51
Mindful Sobriety Pod Intro .mp4

11:52
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In this powerful episode of Mindful Sobriety, Jane sits down with author and advocate Chris Jansen to explore the deeply personal journey behind her book Grace Yourself. Chris shares her experience navigating addiction, the struggle with moderation, and how sobriety became a path back to joy, freedom, and authenticity.

Together, we unpack the transformative power of grace, self-compassion, and community, and why self-worth is the foundation for lasting recovery. Chris speaks candidly about the danger of limiting beliefs, the liberation in rewriting your story, and why addiction is not a moral failure.

Whether you're on your own path of recovery or supporting someone you love, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and empowerment. You are worthy. You are not alone. And healing is always possible.

✨ What You’ll Hear:

• Why grace is a radical act of self-love
• The harm of moderation for some and the freedom of abstinence
• How to reframe limiting beliefs and reclaim your narrative
• Why community is a cornerstone of sustainable sobriety
• The cultural shift happening around alcohol—and how we can lead it
• A reminder that you were born worthy

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Chris Jansen and Her Journey

01:49
The Inspiration Behind 'Grace Yourself'

06:08
Understanding Self-Worth and Addiction

10:22
The Concept of Grace and Self-Compassion

15:13
Chris's Relationship with Alcohol

20:49
Finding Freedom in Sobriety

23:04
Understanding Limiting Beliefs About Alcohol

25:46
Rewriting the Narrative: Changing Your Story

28:58
The Power of Community in Recovery

31:11
Navigating Different Recovery Paths

36:08
The Importance of Agency and Choice

39:48
Cultural Shifts Around Alcohol Consumption

41:39
Recognizing Inherent Worth Beyond Addiction

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Meet Chris!

Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a USA Today bestselling author and board-certified performance and mindset coach. With a master’s in counseling psychology and experience on Tony Robbins’ elite coaching team, Chris helps high-achieving perfectionists overcome self-sabotage and thrive under pressure. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Thrive Global, and more. A California native, Chris lives with her husband Scott and enjoys skiing, golf, horses, and outdoor adventures.

Connect with Chris at chrisjanssencoaching.com or follow her for more inspiration on Instagram! Grab your copy of Grace Yourself today!

In this heartfelt episode of Mindful Sobriety, Jane sits down with the radiant Mel Warrener to explore her powerful and personal path to alcohol-free living. Mel opens up about her earliest memories with alcohol, the moment she knew something had to change, and the beautiful unfolding of her life in sobriety. They talk about the ripple effects of healing—how her family relationships shifted, how she reconnected with her true self, and how she's now supporting other women through coaching. Her story is a testament to the power of community, the necessity of self-awareness, and the truth that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Whether you're sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or deep into your journey, Mel’s insight will meet you where you are—with empathy, grace, and a whole lot of encouragement.

💡 Takeaways from Our Conversation:

• Mel’s wake-up call came with a simple truth: “I can’t live like this anymore.”
• She found strength and solace in a community of women who got it.
• Sobriety was her turning point—and everything changed from there.
• Self-awareness became her superpower in understanding her patterns.
• Life after alcohol brought her clarity, deeper relationships, and purpose.
• A strong toolkit of coping skills helps her navigate triggers and tough days.
• Her family life shifted in the best ways once she embraced sobriety.
• Mel reminds us that connection is the antidote—we’re not meant to do this alone.
• Ongoing growth and healing are part of the journey—there’s no finish line.
• Her story proves that it's never too late to choose joy, presence, and freedom.

🔖 Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Mindful Sobriety
02:16 – Mel’s Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
10:41 – Family Dynamics Before & After Sobriety
16:32 – The Moment Everything Changed
22:22 – Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
29:22 – Finding Support in Community
30:32 – A Life Transformed
33:39 – Rediscovering Who She Is Without Alcohol
36:17 – Confidence, Courage, and Change
39:15 – The Ripple Effects on Family
43:46 – Redefining Relationships Through a Sober Lens
49:19 – Joy, Peace, and Presence
53:17 – Awareness, Growth, and the Power of Connection
01:00:12 – Wrapping Up

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Meet Mel!

 Mel is a former daily wine drinker turned alcohol-free coach who helps women break free from alcohol and navigate life after drinking to build a life they truly want and love.

Once stuck in a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and feeling controlled by wine, Mel believed she had entered her era of decline—lacking ambition and resigned to a life where alcohol played a central role. But everything changed.

Now, Mel craves adventure, connection, and community. She has emerged from the grip of alcohol as a powerful, accountable woman who no longer needs alcohol to cope. Her lived experience fuels her coaching, where she supports women through every stage of alcohol-free living—whether they’re just curious, taking a break, or quitting for good.

Mel guides her clients to see, feel, and hear what life without alcohol can be—because it’s not just possible, it’s incredible.

If you're ready to live with freedom, a fresh outlook, and the energy to create a life you truly love, Mel is here to help.

Mel's favorite inspirational reads:

The Well Lived Life by Gladys McGarey, MD
Any book by Brene Brown

Wisdom at Work by Chip Conley How to reinvent the second half of your career
The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burchard

Book yourself solid by Michael Port. A great book for anyone going into a service-based business
Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You by Karolina Rzadkowolska

Connect with Mel on Instagram 
or find her at https://www.melwarrener.com.au/

In this conversation, Suzie Jary shares her journey from a career in dance to becoming a licensed clinical social worker, emphasizing the importance of community, spirituality, and personal growth in recovery. She discusses her experiences in the theater, the role of sobriety in her professional life, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Suzie also reflects on the challenges of acceptance and loss, the power of self-inquiry, and the hope that comes from resilience in recovery.

• Suzie's journey into social work was influenced by her personal experiences with addiction.
• Community and support are crucial in the recovery process.
• Sobriety can coexist with a fulfilling professional life in creative fields.
• Education plays a vital role in becoming a licensed counselor.
• Spirituality can be a guiding force in recovery.
• Different recovery paths work for different individuals.
• Acceptance of loss is a significant part of healing.
• Self-inquiry and humility are essential for personal growth.
• Hope and resilience are key themes in recovery.
• Finding the right community can make a significant difference in one's journey.

• "Go where it's warm."
• "I always was seeking that."
• "I didn't get my way."

Have you ever received frightening news from your doctor?

Did it spur you into action?

Today Jane sits down with alcohol-free speaker, podcaster and life coach Melissa McGovern, also known as The Sober New Yorker, to share her transformative journey from gray area drinking to a vibrant, alcohol-free life. Melissa opens up about how grief and personal loss influenced her drinking habits, the pivotal moment when a doctor’s warning about her liver health became a wake-up call, and the profound changes she experienced after choosing sobriety.

The conversation explores the power of community in sobriety, the unexpected joys of traveling alcohol-free, and the ways in which quitting drinking has strengthened her relationships—including her marriage. Melissa emphasizes the importance of trusting the process, seeking support, and embracing the possibility of a life richer and more fulfilling than she ever imagined.

This episode offers inspiration and encouragement for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or seeking a fresh perspective on what’s possible in an alcohol-free life.

TAKEAWAYS

• Sobriety is not just about quitting drinking; it's about reclaiming your life.
• Loss and grief can significantly impact drinking habits.
• Community support is crucial in the journey to sobriety.
• Health warnings can serve as a wake-up call for change.
• An alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to improved physical health.
• Building alcohol-free friendships can create deeper connections.
• Traveling sober can enhance experiences and connections with others.
• It's important to trust your future self in the journey of sobriety.
• Embracing sobriety can strengthen relationships and improve family dynamics.
• Finding joy and fulfillment in life is possible without alcohol.

WHAT WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introduction to the Alcohol-Free Journey
03:03 Living in New York City: A Unique Perspective
05:41 The Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
08:10 The Impact of the Pandemic on Drinking Habits
10:51 Facing Loss and Its Consequences
13:43 Turning Point: A Decision for Change
16:19 Seeking Help and Medical Guidance
19:06 The Road to Recovery and Transformation
21:52 Finding Purpose and Motivation
24:25 Honoring a Friend's Memory Through Change
26:04 Embracing a New Life After Alcohol
27:09 Finding Community and Empowerment
29:20 The Depth of Alcohol-Free Friendships
30:27 The Journey to Sobriety: Timing and Acceptance
31:29 The Power of Social Media in Sobriety
32:23 Building New Habits and Routines
33:49 Empowerment in Midlife: A New Perspective
35:46 Healing Through Retreats and Travel
41:43 Marriage and Relationships in Sobriety
47:17 Advice to My Younger Self

Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

Learn More About Melissa!

Melissa considered herself a classic gray area drinker who from the outside seemed to have it all together.  Her drinking ramped up in the pandemic when she lost her best friend and a routine visit to the doctor revealed some startling blood test results.  She decided to turn her setback into a comeback, ditched the booze, made drastic behavioral changes and completely turned around her health in just three short months.  She felt so good that she kept going and today she is a certified alcohol free mindset coach helping women like herself make the badass choice to live and thrive in an alcohol free life.  She has made NYC her home for the last 30 years and now proudly goes by the title "The Sober New Yorker".  When she isn't helping revolutionize the world, you can find her taking in a Broadway show, walking in Riverside Park, or spending time with her two grown children and husband John.

Connect with Melissa on Instagram @thesobernewyorker or find her at thesobernewyorker.com!

recovery, addiction, personal journey, mental health, sobriety, alcohol, hope, support, resilience, transformation

In this episode, Brian McManus shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. He discusses his early life, the normalization of alcohol in his family, and the gradual realization of his unhealthy relationship with drinking. Brian recounts the downward spiral that led him to a dark place, contemplating suicide, and ultimately seeking help. His recovery journey, marked by courage and support, transformed his life, allowing him to help others facing similar struggles. Brian emphasizes the importance of hope, community, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety while navigating life's difficulties.

Takeaways

• Brian's early life was steeped in a culture of alcohol.
• He recognized his unhealthy relationship with alcohol during college.
• The normalization of drinking in society can obscure the severity of addiction.
• Brian's turning point came when he contemplated suicide.
• Seeking help was a courageous step in his recovery journey.
• 12-step recovery provided a sense of community and support.
• Brian's experience in prison was a pivotal moment for his recovery.
• He found purpose in helping others struggling with addiction.
• Recovery is an ongoing process that requires resilience and support.
• Brian emphasizes the importance of hope and the ability to change.

"I crossed that line." "I can recognize that today." "I was given a second chance."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Brian McManus and His Journey

04:53
Early Life and Relationship with Alcohol

09:34
The Turning Point: Recognizing Problematic Drinking

15:55
The Descent: Consequences of Alcoholism

22:05
The Road to Recovery Begins

27:54
Life After Recovery: New Beginnings

33:49
Reflections on Recovery and Hope

35:20
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35:31
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In this conversation, Jane sits down with Natalie Fannin, AKA Boss Lady Zero Proof on Instagram. Natalie shares her journey of becoming alcohol-free after years of navigating the complexities of drinking culture, particularly as a professional woman. She discusses her upbringing in a non-drinking household, the gradual shift to alcohol consumption in her adult life, and the impact of 'mommy wine culture.' Natalie emphasizes the importance of mindset, motivation, and mentorship in her sobriety journey, highlighting the supportive community she found along the way. She also expresses her aspirations to inspire others through motivational speaking and coaching. In this conversation, Natalie shares her journey of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of mindset and support from friends and family. She discusses the joy and clarity that come from living alcohol-free, the role of personality types in understanding one's relationship with alcohol, and the new opportunities that arise when one chooses to quit drinking. The conversation also touches on health risks associated with alcohol, creative alternatives to drinking, and the sense of community that develops among those on a similar journey. Ultimately, Natalie encourages listeners to embrace the temporary challenges of sobriety and to explore the beautiful life that awaits them.

TAKEAWAYS

• Natalie has been alcohol-free for over two years and is proud of her journey.
• She emphasizes that quitting drinking doesn't require hitting rock bottom.
• The Enneagram has become a significant part of her personal and professional life.
• Natalie started drinking at 26, influenced by her corporate environment.
• She experienced a shift from a non-drinking upbringing to embracing 'mommy wine culture.'
• Moderation proved to be a challenging and unsustainable approach for her.
• Mindset, motivation, and mentorship are crucial for anyone seeking sobriety.
• Building a supportive community has been vital in her alcohol-free journey.
• Natalie aims to inspire others through motivational speaking and coaching.
• She encourages others to find their own path to sobriety without judgment. Mindset is crucial for a successful sobriety journey.
• Support from friends and family can make a significant difference.
• Quitting alcohol can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
• Understanding personality types can help navigate sobriety challenges.
• Sobriety opens up new opportunities and experiences.
• Health risks associated with alcohol consumption are often overlooked.
• Creative alternatives to alcohol can enhance social experiences.
• Sobriety can lead to a ripple effect of positive changes in life.
• Community and connection are vital in the sobriety journey.
• Embracing the temporary nature of challenges can lead to growth.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Natalie’s Journey

03:47
Early Life and Alcohol's Absence

08:09
The Shift to Drinking

11:44
Mommy Wine Culture and Its Impact

15:34
The Struggle with Moderation

19:08
Mindset, Motivation, and Mentorship in Sobriety

22:59
Building a Sober Community

25:16
Mindset and Support in Sobriety

26:19
The Journey of Quitting Alcohol

28:33
Finding Joy in Sober Living

30:44
Understanding Personality Types and Sobriety

32:36
New Opportunities in an Alcohol-Free Life

35:17
Health Risks and Alcohol Awareness

36:57
Creative Alternatives to Alcohol

38:48
The Ripple Effect of Sobriety

41:27
Community and Connection in Sobriety

Connect with Natalie on Instagram @bossladyzeroproof where you can learn more about her monthly women's groups and her inspiring alcohol free journey!

Links to Resources Mentioned

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

Intoxicating Lies by Meg Geisewite

Unbottled Potential by Amanda Kuda

This Side of Alcohol by Peggy Cooney

When Facing Temptation, Are You an All-Or-Nothing Person? | Gretchen Rubin

The Enneagram Institute

We're shaking things up with Season 2 and we want your input!! Send us your questions and we'll be sure to give our two cents in our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' Episode! Submit your questions (or comments) here!

Are you inspired by what you've been learning on Mindful Sobriety The Podcast? We'd love the opportunity to meet you in person at one of our upcoming retreats! Snag one of the last spots for Living Your Purpose: Simplified Bali Retreat with Jane and Retreat Pura Vida Costa Rica with Amanda! Message us for more details or secure your spot today!

Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for YOUR support!

Sending love from your Mindful Sobriety Co-Hosts,
Jane and Amanda