The Zero Proof Life

What happens when alcohol slowly disconnects you from yourself… and from God?

In this heartfelt episode of The Zero Proof Life Podcast, Becca sits down with Carolyn Bennett — co-founder of The Zero Proof Life, certified This Naked Mind Coach, Ecotherapy Practitioner, and creator of the Sips of Serenity devotional — for a deeply honest conversation about faith, healing, identity, and what it means to truly “thaw out” emotionally after alcohol.

Carolyn shares her personal story of feeling spiritually disconnected during her drinking years, how fear and shame fueled her relationship with alcohol, and how reconnecting with God, nature, and her body became an essential part of her healing journey.

Together, they explore:

• How alcohol disconnects women spiritually, emotionally, and physically
• Why so many women feel “numbed out” or detached from themselves
• The concept of “thawing out” emotionally in alcohol-free living
• Learning to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it
• The connection between faith, nervous system healing, and recovery
• Nature, intuition, and hearing the “still small voice” again
• Shame, self-worth, and remembering that you are not broken
• Carolyn’s inspiration behind her devotional Sips of Serenity
• How science and scripture beautifully complement one another in healing
• Morning routines, gratitude, and simple practices that bring life back into living

This episode is especially meaningful for women who feel stuck between knowing alcohol no longer serves them… but still longing for peace, purpose, and connection.

A Few Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

Resources & Links:

🌿 Download Carolyn’s FREE Sips of Serenity Devotional
https://winter-hall-28614.myflodesk.com/30daydevo 

Also available through Carolyn’s Instagram and Facebook:
@carolynbennett2.0 

🌿 Learn More About The Zero Proof Life:
https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/

🌿 Follow The Zero Proof Life:
Instagram & Facebook: @thezeroprooflife

About Carolyn Bennett

Carolyn Bennett is a certified This Naked Mind Coach, Ecotherapy Practitioner, speaker, and co-founder of The Zero Proof Life. She is passionate about helping women explore alcohol-free living through compassion, faith, and connection to nature. Her devotional Sips of Serenity was created to help women feel less alone and more spiritually anchored on their alcohol-free journey.

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who may need it and leave us a review. Your support helps more women discover freedom, healing, and hope.

Until next time — stay curious, stay kind, and keep choosing The Zero Proof Life.

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

In this episode, Suzette Bray, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses the fundamentals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its practical applications for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and managing intense feelings—especially relevant for those navigating alcohol-free living.

keywords

DBT, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mental health, alcohol-free, coping skills, workbook, therapy, mindfulness, emotional intelligence

key topics

• Introduction to DBT and its origins
• Core skills of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness
• Practical tools like the STOP skill and mammalian dive reflex
• DBT in schools and community settings
• The connection between trauma, mental health, and alcohol use

takeaways

• DBT was initially developed for chronically suicidal and self-harming individuals but is broadly useful for emotional regulation.
• Skills like the STOP technique and mammalian dive reflex can be practiced anywhere to manage high distress.
• Teaching DBT skills in schools helps normalize emotional health and provides early intervention.
• Alcohol often masks underlying emotional issues; addressing these with DBT can lead to lasting change.
• Consistent practice of coping skills is essential for them to become natural responses in high-stress moments.

guest: 

Suzette Bray
https://www.suzettebray.com/

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, hosts Karla Adkins and Lorna Wilson are back in the Limiting Belief Lab to break down one of the most common beliefs tied to alcohol use: "I deserve a drink."

Whether it shows up after a hard day, a big win, or a nerve-wracking moment, this belief is deeply woven into our culture — and in this episode, Karla and Lorna walk you through their four-step process to examine it, challenge it, and transform it.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why "I deserve a drink" actually comes from a beautiful, healthy impulse — and how our thinking around it gets twisted
• The Backpack — the cultural, family, and social messages we've absorbed about drinking as a reward
• The Hard Drive — how our subconscious mind files these experiences and drives automatic behavior without fact-checking
• Real, personal stories from Karla and Lorna about what it actually cost them when they acted on this belief
• What your wiser self already knows — and how to start building new, truly restorative ways to celebrate and decompress

The Four Steps of the Limiting Belief Lab:

1. Name it — Write it down and single it out
2. Where did it come from? — Explore your backpack (external messages) and your hard drive (subconscious patterns)
3. What is it costing you? — Fact-check the belief against your real experience
4. What does your wiser self know? — Discover what genuinely fills your cup and restores you

Show Notes Recap — The Four Steps:

Step 1 — Name It: Write down the belief. "I deserve a drink." Naming it and isolating it is the first step to examining it.

Step 2 — Where Did It Come From?

• The Backpack: Think about what you absorbed growing up — from family, TV, workplace culture, happy hours. These messages were loaded into your backpack before you ever made a choice about drinking.
• The Hard Drive: Your subconscious mind files sequences — work hard → drink — without fact-checking them. These become automatic responses. The good news: science shows you can create new neural pathways.

Step 3 — What Is It Costing You? Write down specific examples from your own life. How did using alcohol as a reward actually make you feel? Did it deliver on its promise — or did it rob you of sleep, clarity, memory, or your sense of accomplishment?

Step 4 — What Does Your Wiser Self Know? What does she say? What does truly restoring yourself actually look like? What fills your cup, helps you wake up feeling proud, and sets you up for the next challenge?

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

What if just three words could shift everything about how you experience your alcohol-free life? In this episode, Karla Adkins shares the simple but powerful phrase that transformed her mindset and confidence on her alcohol-free journey: I don't drink.

Karla takes us back to an early moment in her sobriety — a turbulent solo flight where she had to decide how to respond when a fellow passenger offered to order her a drink. What happened next was small, but the impact was anything but.

In this episode, Karla breaks down:

• Why saying "I can't drink" or "I wish I could, but I can't" keeps you stuck in a mindset of deprivation and invites unwanted questions
• How shifting to "I don't drink" reclaims your power and reflects who you truly are
• Why your language around alcohol matters more than you think
• A simple challenge to try for yourself the next time someone offers you a drink

Whether you're brand new to the alcohol-free life or years into your journey, this episode is a great reminder that the words we use shape the way we feel — and sometimes, three little words really can make all the difference.

Episode Keywords: alcohol-free, sober curious, sobriety, mindset, language, confidence, anxiety, alcohol-free lifestyle, zero proof

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

This episode kicks off a brand new series called The Limiting Belief Lab — a deep dive into the beliefs that keep people stuck in their relationship with alcohol. Karla and Lorna explore how our beliefs around drinking are often the biggest barrier to finding freedom, and introduce a four-step framework for dismantling them.

Today's Belief Under the Microscope:

"I will lose my friends if I stop drinking."

The 4-Step Limiting Belief Lab Process

Step 1 — Name It Identify and plainly state the belief that's coming up for you. There's no shame in it — the fear of losing friends is a deeply human response rooted in our need for connection and belonging.

Step 2 — Where Did It Come From? This is the meat of the process, broken into two parts:

• The Backpack — Social conditioning we carry from childhood onward. Alcohol is romanticized everywhere — in advertising, at weddings, on girls' weekends — and becomes fused in our minds with joy, celebration, and togetherness.
• The Hard Drive — Your subconscious mind. Biologically, humans are tribal beings. Belonging meant survival. So the fear of being "cast out of the tribe" is a very real, hardwired threat response — not a character flaw.

Step 3 — What Is It Costing You? Get honest about what drinking really looks like — not the romanticized version, but the reality. The next-morning shame, the panic about what you said, the relationships strained. This is where your brain begins to update its story.

Step 4 — What Does Your Wiser Self Know? Your inner mentor knows that good friendships survive change. Some friendships deepen without alcohol. Some that fade were held together only by drinking — and that's okay too. Your wiser self also knows: you may be blocking yourself from meeting people who are an even better fit for who you're becoming.

Key Takeaways

• Your fear of losing friends is valid and human — you are not alone in it
• Alcohol doesn't deserve credit for genuine connection — your people show up for you
• Neural pathways can actually change when you consistently tell yourself the truth
• Some friendships are for a season, and that's part of growth

Resources & Links

• Guest: Lorna Wilson 

https://www.lornawilsoncoaching.com

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

What if the symptoms you’ve been ignoring… are actually messages?

In this powerful conversation, Carolyn sits down with holistic nutritionist and founder of The Nutrition Steward, Sarah Steward, to explore what it looks like to stop overriding your body—and start listening instead.

After years of being misdiagnosed and dismissed by the healthcare system, Sarah made the decision to take her health into her own hands. Through a holistic approach, she was able to finally understand and manage symptoms that had gone unresolved for years.

Together, they unpack the connection between emotional health, physical symptoms, and alcohol-free living, and how sobriety can become a powerful step toward clarity, healing, and self-trust.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unheard, or disconnected from your body—this conversation will meet you there.

What You’ll Learn

“Your body is trying to tell you something—don’t ignore it.” 

 Healing begins when you stop outsourcing your authority 

 Emotional and physical health are deeply connected 

 Sobriety creates space for clarity, healing, and alignment 

 There is always a chance to begin again

Chapters

09:51
The Impact of Sobriety on Health

14:55
Understanding Alcohol's Role in Wellness

22:55
Empathy, Sensitivity, and Healing

30:15
Emotional Intelligence and Health

36:00
Navigating Overwhelm and Intuition

44:29
Resources for Support and Growth

🔗 Resources

Sarah's contact information:  

Website: www.nutritionsteward.com

Instagram: @thenutritionsteward

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/charlotteholisticnutrition

The Gentle Detox Program with Sarah:  https://www.nutritionsteward.com/detox

🌿 Reflection Questions from Sarah

•  What role does this substance currently play in my life? 
•  In what situations is the urge the strongest? 
•  What emotions or patterns tend to precede use? 
•  What am I hoping to feel more of? Less of? 
•  How does my body feel the next day? 
•  Does this align with my long-term health goals? 
•  If I believe I’m not dependent, what would a short break reveal? 
•  Is my body benefiting from this—or adapting to it? 

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

In this episode, Becca explores the role of motivation versus systems in maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, habits, and structured challenges to sustain long-term change, especially when motivation wanes.

In this episode, you'll learn

• Difference between motivation and systems
• Role of discipline and habits in behavior change
• Importance of structured challenges and routines
• The science behind motivation and discipline
• Practical strategies for maintaining sobriety
• Motivation is unreliable; systems and discipline are key for long-term success.
• Starting is the hardest part; systems help sustain progress.
• Replacing the word 'motivation' with 'inspiration' can be helpful.
• Pre-visualizing scenarios supports system implementation.
• Small, achievable goals build confidence and momentum.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Understanding Motivation and Its Fluctuations

03:28 The Role of Systems in Sustaining Change

06:23 Decision Fatigue and the Importance of Pre-Planning

09:41 Building Confidence Through Discipline and Systems

12:26 Setting Achievable Goals and Finding Your Why

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life Podcast, Karla Adkins explores the powerful connection between alcohol and travel — and why so many of us have been conditioned to believe the two go hand in hand.

From airport cocktails to poolside drinks, alcohol has been marketed as the reward, the relaxation, and the magic ingredient of vacation. But what if it’s not?

Karla shares her personal experiences traveling alcohol-free and walks you through the mindset shifts and practical strategies that can completely transform your trip. From planning ahead and communicating your intentions to embracing downtime and managing anxiety without alcohol, this episode offers tangible tools to help you feel confident and empowered before your next getaway.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why alcohol and travel are so deeply embedded in our belief systems
• How to shift from a mindset of deprivation to one of discovery
• The power of visualizing your alcohol-free experience before you go
• Why communicating your intentions with at least one trusted person matters
• How to prepare for airports, restaurants, and poolside moments
• Why downtime can actually become one of the most restorative parts of your trip
• How being alcohol-free improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and increases presence
• Why you may come home feeling more energized — not depleted

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Alcohol and Travel
 00:51 – Challenging Beliefs About Alcohol
 04:29 – From Deprivation to Discovery
 07:48 – Planning Ahead for Success
 11:33 – Navigating Airports and Early Triggers
 14:12 – Communicating Your Intentions
 16:07 – Embracing Downtime and New Experiences
 19:25 – Anxiety, Sleep, and Physical Well-Being
 22:11 – Closing Thoughts

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• Follow the coaches:
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/) 
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/) 
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life podcast, hosts Karla Adkins and Lorna Wilson delve into the beliefs surrounding alcohol, particularly the common notion that it helps individuals relax and unwind. They explore the role of the inner critic, social conditioning, and personal experiences in shaping these beliefs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and empowerment in overcoming limiting beliefs about alcohol consumption. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider the influence of societal norms on their relationship with alcohol. They also introduce the concept of the inner mentor as a guiding force in making healthier choices.

Takeaways

• Breaking down beliefs about alcohol is crucial for recovery.
• The inner critic often tells us lies that influence our behavior.
• Social conditioning heavily impacts our beliefs about alcohol.
• Our subconscious mind holds powerful influences over our actions.
• Personal experiences can distort our perception of alcohol's effects.
• It's important to play out the consequences of drinking to the end.
• The inner mentor can guide us towards healthier choices.
• Awareness of societal norms can help us challenge our beliefs.
• Empowerment comes from understanding and questioning our beliefs.
• Reflecting on our experiences can lead to personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beliefs and Alcohol

06:16 The Weight of Social Conditioning

17:22 The Role of the Inner Mentor

Resources & Links

• Guest: Lorna Wilson 

https://www.lornawilsoncoaching.com/

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• Follow the coaches:
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/) 
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/) 
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

Summary

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life podcast, host Brandi Babb engages in a heartfelt conversation with Christie Ackmann, a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol freedom coach. Christie shares her personal journey with alcohol, detailing how it served as a coping mechanism for painful emotions and the disconnection it created in her life. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-discovery in the healing process. The discussion highlights the transformative power of stepping into one's fears, reclaiming joy, and fostering genuine connections with oneself and others after quitting alcohol.

Takeaways

Christie Ackmann is a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol freedom coach.

Alcohol was used as a coping mechanism for painful emotions.

Disconnection from self and others was a recurring theme in Christie's life.

Community support is crucial in the journey of alcohol freedom.

Vulnerability leads to personal growth and connection.

The first year of sobriety can be emotionally challenging but transformative.

Reclaiming joy and hopefulness is possible after quitting alcohol.

Self-discovery is an ongoing adventure that unfolds over time.

Embracing emotions is essential for a fulfilling life post-alcohol.

Connection with oneself is as important as connection with others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christie Ackman

02:19 Christie's Alcohol Journey

09:21 The Impact of Alcohol on Connection

13:26 The Process of Quitting Alcohol

18:23 Exploring Inner Adventures

24:06 Translating Growth to Relationships

28:42 Finding Life in Living

Resources & Links

Guest: Christie Ackmann 

https://softspokentruths.org/

https://www.instagram.com/soft.spoken.truths/

Follow ZPL: 

• https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/ 
• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

Follow the coaches:

• Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)  
• Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/) 
• Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/) 

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.