Sober Edge

Imagine if you could elevate your mood, kick cravings to the curb and break the cycle of overdrinking forever! My guest today specializes in using Amino Acid Therapy to help those with alcohol use disorder get off the roller coaster of stopping and starting when it comes to drinking.

Chris Engen is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN ™) and holds a Nutrition Consultant Certificate (NC) from Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts. She also holds an Advanced Certification as a Recovery Nutrition Coach (CRNC2) for Nutritional Therapy / Amino Acid Therapy from The Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition.I really enjoyed this conversation and I learned so much about neuro transmitters and the importance of balancing our brains. This episode goes deep on the science and highlights the importance of getting the individualized support we need on this journey to living our best and healthiest lives.

FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Christy Wynne first appeared on the podcast in October 2021, episode #2. When she and her husband Billy pressed pause on AWAKE, Denver, I knew it was time for an update. Listen in as Christy shares her hopes and plans for AWAKE 2.0 and the gift it has been to create this safe and beautiful alcohol-free space. We also talk about her recent travels to Spain, her upcoming 50th birthday and the challenge and joy of embracing simplicity. This update is followed by the original episode that aired on October 27, 2021.

FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Karla Adkins is a Senior This Naked Mind Coach, wife, mother, dog-mom and she is also the face of the dark and dangerous side of drinking. In 2014, Karla found herself in the hospital fighting for her life as her liver was failing. Her drinking to quell her panic attacks had resulted in the terrifying diagnosis of cirrhosis. Karla discovered first hand the shame and stigma associated with this disease and is passionate about opening up the conversation between patient and provider. Her first book "And She Came Tumbling Down" is available for pre-order and will be released on September 7th.

This conversation is raw and real, heartbreaking and triumphant. Karla, by sharing her personal story is breaking the silence that surrounds this disease. Her courage is paving the way for each of us to question our own relationship with alcohol and to open our hearts to others who are struggling for their own freedom.

Full Show Notes

My guest today is Christy Osborne, the creator of the wildly popular lovelifesobewithChristy Instagram account. Christy is an expat living in London where she has created resources for other moms around drinking and learning to live in a foreign country. Christy shares her own story of changing her relationship with alcohol and the joy she has found in being fully present with her family and children. Christy shares her take on the mommy wine culture and how she chooses to see the word 'sober' as a proud declaration of choosing a bigger, better and brighter life!

Full Show Notes Here

Kimberly Pittman-Schultz describes herself as a poet and a human. Kimberly is also a Grief Mentor. We had an incredibly powerful conversation where Kimberly shares the deep work that she does in helping people reimagine and recreate their lives so they can hold on to their loved ones in a new way, move into the future with a sense of purpose, and experience joy again.

Kimberly Pittman-Shultz is the author of two books: Grieving Us: A Field Guide for Living with Loss Without Losing Yourself and Mosslight a poetry book. Her gift is addressing the special needs of those grieving a beloved companion; implementing mindfulness & sensory healing; writing—poetry, personal storytelling & journaling.

Full Show Notes

Jennifer Salzman considered herself a 'normal' drinker until her divorce in 2012. Gradually she started drinking more and more, believing the lies of the alcohol industry that alcohol was the answer to all the pain and loneliness. After 8 long years of struggling to drink less, Jennifer decided to make a change. She spent 8 months without drinking alternating between misery and willpower. After discovering This Naked Mind, Jennifer joined the Path and began her journey to freedom. Along the way, Jennifer began to see herself through the eyes of her fellow pathmates as someone whole and worthy. She discovered how to live happily as a non-drinker and that the biggest act of rebellion was NOT drinking! Jennifer's new confidence and joy led her to train as a This Naked Mind Coach. Jennifer is newly certified and specializes in helping people claim their inner rebel and ditch booze for something better!

Full Show Notes

Catching Your Breath with Cancer Survivor Victoria English Martin

Victoria is a This Naked Mind Senior Coach and a personal friend. She is also a breast cancer survivor. This episode is about her journey through cancer and the strength and beauty that she found on the other side. Her story is emotional, painful and so inspirational. From her early days of drinking to quell panic attacks, to finding herself drinking again after a brutal battle with cancer, Victoria opens up her heart to show what is possible when we give up our armor and allow our hearts to break wide open.

Victoria English Martin is a mother of four, integrative nutritionist, alcohol coach, best-selling author, podcast host and breast cancer survivor. She began misusing alcohol in her 30's. Today, Victoria strives to help people reframe their relationship with drinking while finding empowerment in all areas of life.

Full Show Notes Here

Moderation is a subject that comes up all the time in my alcohol-free coaching. This topic is surrounded by a lot of emotion and when someone is considering changing their relationship with alcohol, it often seems that moderation is the perfect answer, the 'golden ticket'. "If I could just have one", "If I could just drink like normal people, take it or leave it", are sentiments that I hear a lot in the coaching programs where I work. And I get it. That was me. I wanted to moderate because I could not imagine a life without alcohol. I also wanted to still drink occasionally because giving up alcohol forever would mean I had a problem with alcohol (was I an alcoholic?) and I wasn't ready to admit that to anyone, even myself. On the podcast, I share three reasons that make moderation so difficult including the science behind tolerance. Think moderation is the easy way out? Let's explore together!

Full Show Notes Here

Bigger Than Alcohol with Joshua James

Josh is a career bartender who decided to take a year off of drinking to see what would happen. Along the way he began exploring AF beverage options and decided to record 50 YouTube reviews of NA products. Now 3 years into this project and his own alcohol-free life,, Josh has opened Ocean Beach Cafe, the largest NA bottle shop on the West Coast and one of the only brick and mortar sober bars in the United States. Ocean Beach Cafe serves as home base while Josh continues to explore the more than 300 NA beverages from around the world that have hit the market in recent years. Josh takes his passion to the streets with sober meet ups and teaching people how to rebrand sobriety. Follow him on IG at Josh the non-alcoholic and be sure and check out Ocean Beach Cafe when you visit SF!

Full Show Notes Here

Playing to your strenghts

I'm a sucker for a quiz or assessment; Enneagram, Meyers-Brigg, DISC, all of them. I particularly love the framework of The Four Tendencies, created by author Gretchen Rubin. If you have ever wondered about the why some people find it so easy to create a new habit and others find it nearly impossible - this is the quiz for you. Find out if you are an Obliger, Upholder, Questioner or Rebel and discover how to 'play to your strengths'. When it comes to taking control and following through, whether it's alcohol, sugar or exercise, understanding yourself better is key!

Full Show Notes Here