Would you feel more confident if you could trust yourself every step of the way?

Jan struggles with how she sees herself with and without alcohol. While it helps her feel fun, it also leaves her dealing with shame and low energy after drinking. She’s afraid of making big decisions without it and facing the difficult emotions tied to her past. Meanwhile, Susan panics when there’s no alcohol at home. Having it nearby helps her feel calm, and she worries about how her body and mind might react without it. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Jan create a more authentic social life, trust herself to grow from within, let go of people-pleasing, and find calm. Coach Pam encourages Susan to face her feelings with curiosity and patience, helping her manage anxiety and take control of her choices.

In Jan’s session:

- Exploring who she is with and without alcohol

- How alcohol shapes our social skills

- Jan’s fear of seeming boring without alcohol

- Building a more authentic social life

- The impact of her friend’s comment about her drinking habit

- How childhood experiences influence our self-worth

- Using alcohol to cope with work stress and abandonment

- The fear of starting a new life in a rural area without alcohol

- Finding peace by changing from the inside

- Trying new ways to relax, like walking and meditation

- Embracing your fears instead of avoiding them

- Letting go of the need to please everyone

- Imagining a life where she feels calm and free

In Susan’s session:

- Why she panics when there’s no alcohol at home

- How her body reacts to the idea of running out of alcohol

- Understanding why her brain links alcohol to comfort

- Exploring ways to handle the anxiety of not drinking

- Small but noticeable changes since joining The PATH

- Learning to respond to alcohol with more control

- Recognizing anxiety and learning to embrace calm

- Making thoughtful choices without rush or pressure

Zoe Ewart is a Certified Senior TNM Coach with four children and more animals than you can count. For 15 years, she has taught Pilates, speaks French and Spanish, and has been living alcohol-free since March 2020. Zoe’s coaching helps people take control of their relationship with alcohol in a fun, enjoyable, and safe environment.

Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/ 

Pam McRae is a Certified TNM Coach, Master Life Coach, and Gray Area Drinking Coach. Since rethinking her relationship with alcohol in 2017, she considers herself a non-drinker. Pam empowers others through her Freedom Connection group coaching, where people support each other in their alcohol journeys. She also uses her experience and knowledge to guide you through tough times such as grief.

Learn more about Coach Pam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/pam-mcrae/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 480: Reader Question – What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety 

EP 522: Reader Question – How do I combat the automatic giving in to cravings? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-522-reader-question-how-do-i-combat-the-automatic-giving-in-to-cravings/ 

EP 669: Naked Life Story – Megan W. https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-669-naked-life-story-megan-w/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What if the first step to change is just being honest with yourself?

Amy grew up in a family where alcohol wasn’t a big part of life. She didn’t drink in high school and was teased for it. During college and law school, she began drinking to fit in. Later, wine became part of her career as a lawyer. Over time, she used alcohol to deal with stress, lack of sleep, and feelings of guilt as a mom. Hearing stories about other people’s drinking made Amy feel like her habit wasn’t a big deal because she wasn’t letting it affect her work. But after struggling with guilt, shame, and even suicidal thoughts, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Amy talks with Annie about her steps toward making lasting changes, what didn’t work, and how she found her passion for coaching others in the legal profession to rethink their relationship with alcohol.

In this episode, Annie and Amy will discuss:

- Growing up without alcohol

- Getting teased for not drinking as a teenager

- Drinking to fit in during college and law school

- How wine became part of her work and social life

- Using alcohol to deal with stress and lack of sleep

- Struggling with shame, mom guilt, and suicidal thoughts

- How the Alcohol Experiment changed Amy’s mindset

- Why hearing stories about alcohol made her drink more

- Amy’s attempts at drinking in moderation

- The difference between quick relief and real growth

- Creating new habits like walking and gratitude

- Understanding the intentions behind drinking habits

- Finding purpose through coaching

- Helping others in the legal industry with their alcohol journey

- Learning how alcohol affects the brain and body

- Building stronger friendships beyond drinking

- And other topics…

Connect with Amy:

Amy’s Website: https://www.reframingwellbeing.com/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 88: Reader Question – Social Drinking – How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-muster-willpower-not-drink/ 

EP 158: Reader Question – How do you deal with stress without alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/

EP 718: Reader’s Question – Does Not Drinking Hurt Job Prospects? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-718-readers-question-does-not-drinking-hurt-job-prospects/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

How do you face your fears and make changes when your partner isn’t ready yet?

Charlotta grew up with a parent who struggled with alcohol and drugs, which shaped her views on drinking. As an adult, wine became a way for her and her husband to bond, but over time, she began to feel trapped and unhappy with her life. Meanwhile, Donni has been married for 26 years, and drinking played a big role in her connection with her husband. When she decided to stop drinking, her husband continued, which affected their relationship. Now, Donni feels sad, lonely, and worried about his drinking habits. In this episode, Coach Sam encourages Charlotta to focus on living in the moment, trusting herself, and taking small steps toward the life she dreams of. Coach Mike helps Donni focus on her growth, practice compassion, be patient, and gently share her concerns with her husband.

In Charlotta’s session:

- Feeling trapped in her current life

- Her mom’s struggle with alcohol and drug use

- Sharing a bond with her husband over wine

- Imagining what life would look like without alcohol

- Charlotta’s fears about changing her life

- Discovering her true self and identity

- Learning to trust herself and listen to her inner voice

- Finding peace by focusing on the present

- Making changes from within

In Donni’s session:

- The role of alcohol in her relationship with her husband

- Dealing with feelings of fear, sadness, and loneliness

- How retirement added stress to their relationship

- Why it’s hard when only one partner stops drinking

- Balancing dependence on your partner and personal growth

- Focusing on yourself instead of trying to “fix” someone else

- How to have tough conversations without creating conflict

- Using alcohol to cope with tough emotions and life changes

- Inspiring others to change by taking care of yourself first

- Sharing ideas gently and giving them time to grow

- The importance of patience in making big changes

Sam Goldfinch is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach, and the founder of Rebel Spirituality and the Rebel Spirituality podcast. He also co-hosts the Present & Sober podcast with Ellie Crowe. Having lived nine years alcohol-free, Sam will show you how to live your best life and uncover the truth of YOU before and beyond your conditioning.

Learn more about Coach Sam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/sam-goldfinch/  

Mike Shennan is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. He was a long-time social drinker, and his drinking habits increased in his forties due to various life events. However, he has been alcohol-free since February 23, 2018. By sharing his personal experiences and using techniques from This Naked Mind, Mike supports clients who feel their drinking habits have grown as they age, helping them regain control and create a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 222: Reader Question – What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/ 

EP 615: Naked Life Story – Amy Edwards https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-615-naked-life-story-amy-edwards/ 

EP 636: Reader’s Question – The Art of Balancing Your Needs in a Relationship https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-636-readers-question-the-art-of-balancing-your-needs-in-a-relationship/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What happens when you start questioning a habit you’ve known your whole life?

Michaela grew up in a family where alcohol was always a part of life. Her parents owned a winery, and drinking was normal at every meal. Seeing her dad become happier after a drink, she began to link alcohol with fun. At age 14, she started drinking and continued until her thirties. Over time, Michaela began to black out often. One day, after drinking with friends, she blacked out and got lost on her way home. This moment made her question her drinking habits and led her to discover This Naked Mind. In this episode, Michaela shares with Annie how curiosity and learning about alcohol’s effects helped her make lasting changes, and how questioning family and cultural norms around drinking led to a life filled with more clarity, joy, and self-awareness.

In this episode, Annie and Michaela will discuss:

- Growing up in a wine-loving family

- Using alcohol to feel more comfortable in relationships

- Embracing the drinking culture at work

- Building a personal and social identity around wine

- Marriage, motherhood, and drinking patterns

- The turning point after years of blackouts

- How This Naked Mind helped Michaela see alcohol differently

- Learning to say no to wine in a wine-loving family

- The American drinking culture that surprised her

- Breaking the link between fun and alcohol

- How curiosity makes your first experiences without alcohol easier

- Finding clarity, joy, and better sleep without alcohol 

- The key principles that can help change any habit

- Embracing change with curiosity and courage

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 574: Reader’s Questions – Is it better to drink in moderation or not at all? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-574-readers-questions-is-it-better-to-drink-in-moderation-or-not-at-all/ 

EP 618: Reader’s Question – Annie Grace’s Tips for Dealing with Family Members Who Continue to Drink https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-618-readers-question-annie-graces-tips-for-dealing-with-family-members-who-continue-to-drink/ 

EP 738: Fun Without the Hangover: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/fun-without-the-hangover-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e738/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

How can we rebuild our sense of self when we let go of the things that define us?

Bek is learning how to live without alcohol, which has been part of her life since she was 14. She feels sad and unsure of who she is without it. Jeanette is also figuring out who she is after growing up with the feeling that she has to fight for love and self-worth. She turned to alcohol as a way to numb those feelings. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps both women explore their feelings, change the way they see themselves, and reconnect with parts of themselves that have been hidden for a long time.

In Bek’s session:

- Why not drinking feels so hard

- Understanding the sadness and fear of letting go

- Exploring beliefs about alcohol and joy

- Addressing Bek’s physical and emotional reactions

- Setting your “alive” goal and what it means

- Using the “ladder thinking” mindset to turn habits around

- Defining Bek’s emotional goals

- How alcohol affects the body and brain

- Practicing mindful drinking

- How alcohol numbs our feelings

- Preparing Bek for her first alcohol-free holiday

In Jeanette’s session:

- Why figuring out ‘who you are’ feels so hard

- How childhood shapes our self-image

- How conditional love kills our inner child

- Breaking free from harmful patterns and beliefs

- Why we feel the need to escape

- Using self-compassion to heal old wounds

- Confronting the voice of your inner critic

- Learning to love yourself no matter what

Zoe Ewart is a Certified Senior TNM Coach with four children and more animals than you can count. For 15 years, she has taught Pilates, speaks French and Spanish, and has been living alcohol-free since March 2020. Zoe’s coaching helps people take control of their relationship with alcohol in a fun, enjoyable, and safe environment.

Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/

Related Episodes:

EP 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/ 

EP 706: Reader’s Question – Healing Emotional Pain Without Alcohol https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-706-readers-question-healing-emotional-pain-without-alcohol/ 

EP 736: ​​Self-Love is the Key: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/self-love-is-the-key-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e736/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey?

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Is your way of coping still working for you?

Cari grew up in a religious home where alcohol wasn’t a part of her life. In her twenties, she started drinking from time to time because her job was very stressful, and she felt anxious. She wanted to do well at work. Over time, the more she worked, the more she drank. She soon noticed that as she did better at work, she drank more. After losing her mom to cancer, Cari relied on alcohol even more to cope with the loss. It wasn’t until the anniversary of her mom’s death that she realized she needed to make a change. A turning point came when her child questioned her drinking. This led Cari to explore her relationship with alcohol through a year and a half of “sober curiosity.” During this time, she discovered her true passion for life coaching. In this episode, Cari shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and healing with Annie, and how embracing curiosity helped her create a life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.

In this episode, Annie and Cari will discuss:

- Growing up in a religious home with no alcohol

- Using alcohol to cope with job stress and anxiety

- Turning to alcohol for comfort after losing her mom

- The impact of alcohol on Cari’s parenting

- Key turning points in her alcohol journey

- Exploring a “sober-curious” journey

- Choosing self-love and healing without alcohol

- Resources that helped transform her relationship with alcohol

- Finding a new purpose in coaching others

- How society normalizes drinking to celebrate turning 21

- The pressure to achieve and its link to drinking

- Navigating anxiety with self-acceptance and compassion

- How self-judgment fuels alcohol use and slows healing

- Understanding how trauma affects the body

- Connecting with Cari

- Discovering self-worth, peace, and purpose

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 262: Reader Question – How Do I Deal With Death and Grief Without Alcohol

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ 

EP 378: Reader Question – Can I Just Take a Break From Alcohol?

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-378-reader-question-can-i-just-take-a-break-from-alcohol/ 

EP 684: Reader’s Question – Why Does Drinking Alcohol Make Me Anxious?

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-684-readers-question-why-does-drinking-alcohol-make-me-anxious/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What if joy was already here, waiting to be embraced?

Joanne has been working on building a healthier relationship with alcohol for the past eight months. Through this journey, she’s noticed that her joy feels different. It’s sometimes unpredictable, but also more hopeful. She finds it hard to balance work, daily tasks, and future worries with the joy she feels in the moment. In this episode, Coach Rina shares how the brain begins to find balance after changing drinking habits and suggests simple actions to help Joanne focus on the present moment. She also encourages Joanne to let go of big expectations and enjoy the little things in life.

In this episode, Coach Rina and Joanne will discuss:

- Dealing with unpredictable joy

- Balancing work with joyful activities

- Feeling content in daily life

- The power of staying in the present

- How journaling and the 30-day ACT challenge helped Joanne

- Building gratitude through everyday moments

- Focusing on small actions that bring joy

- Redirecting your thoughts by asking better questions

- Finding joy by letting go of expectations

- And other topics…

Rina Bowring is a certified TNM Senior Coach who built a successful career in the outdoor advertising industry. After discovering This Naked Mind and transforming her relationship with alcohol, she decided to pursue her passion as an alcohol freedom coach. Inspired by the changes she experienced, Rina now shares the TNM method with the Christian community. She wants to help people break free from harmful habits, let go of guilt and shame, and find joy again.

Learn more about Coach Rina: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/rina-bowring/

Related Episodes:

EP 445: Finding Joy with Catherine Gray https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-445-finding-joy-with-catherine-gray 

EP 606: Reader Question – Dealing with Discomfort in the Alcohol-free Journey https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-606-reader-question-dealing-with-discomfort-in-the-alcohol-free-journey/ 

EP 698: Reader’s Question – What’s the Link Between Alcohol and Depression? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-698-readers-question-whats-the-link-between-alcohol-and-depression/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

How much of your happiness is tied up in habits that no longer serve you?

Brandi’s parents divorced three times, which made her teenage years hard. Back then, she turned to marijuana to cope. As she got older, she also struggled in her relationships, with both of her marriages ending because of problems with alcohol and emotional distance. Her turning point came when her third husband admitted to cheating while drunk. After going through a period of depression, Brandi met her doctor who recommended that she read This Naked Mind. But it wasn’t until she experienced a personal loss and a health scare that she read the book, which kickstarted her journey to freedom. In this episode, Brandi talks to Annie about how she created a healthier balance with alcohol, rebuilt her marriage, and discovered real joy by facing her feelings head-on.

In this episode, Annie and Brandi will discuss:

- How her parents’ divorce affected her childhood

- Using marijuana to cope with teen life

- Dropping out of college and doing well at work

- Balancing work life with social drinking habits

- How alcohol affected Brandi’s first marriage

- Her second marriage and experience as a stay-at-home mom

- Lessons from her second divorce

- Growing through the struggles in her third marriage

- Getting cut off from her family for seven years

- Finding This Naked Mind

- Dealing with the tragic loss of her first husband

- Trying out the 30-day Alcohol Experiment

- Brandi’s challenges and successes with staying on The PATH

- The health scare that changed her relationship with alcohol

- Embracing progress over perfection

- Learning to socialize without alcohol

- What Brandi wishes she had known about alcohol

- Body changes when you stop drinking

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 222: Reader Question – What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/ 

EP 262: Reader Question – How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ 

EP 356: Reader Question – Do you lose weight when you stop drinking?

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-356-reader-question-do-you-lose-weight-when-you-stop-drinking/ 

EP 430: Reader Question – How can I break free from Mommy Wine Culture? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-430-reader-question-how-can-i-break-free-from-mommy-wine-culture 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Why is it so hard to ask for help, even when we need it the most?

After being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, eating became very painful for Debra because of the radiation treatment. So, she turned to alcohol to help her get the calories she needed, which seemed like the easiest solution at the time. She couldn’t work because she was sick, and her bills kept piling up, leaving her in debt. As someone who always tried to handle things on her own, Debra ignored her health until she became so ill and weak that she could hardly move. In the end, she had no choice but to ask for help. In this episode, Coach Onowa helps Debra understand why it’s okay to feel the way she does about asking for help and how powerful it can be to reach out. Debra learns that even though asking for help might feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean she is failing or doing something wrong.

In this episode, Coach Onowa and Debra will discuss:

- Her path to building a healthy relationship with alcohol

- Why asking for help was hard for her

- What happens when we don’t ask for help

- Understanding and changing old beliefs

- Emotions that hold us back from seeking support

- ‘Changing the channel’ on your thoughts

- Seeing life through a 'both-and' lens

- Debra’s tool for managing anxiety

- Creating the space to ask for support

- The power of reaching out for help

- How to stop fighting the voices in your head

- Three feelings Debra wants to lead her life with

- Learning through struggles

- Staying true to yourself when seeking help

- Moving forward with peace

- And other topics…

Onowa Bjella is a certified TNM Senior Coach with over 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching. She believes that self-compassion is key to creating a balanced relationship with alcohol. As a mom, Onowa is dedicated to healthy eating and living, and she helps other health-conscious moms take control of their relationship with alcohol and become their best selves.

Learn more about Coach Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/onowa-bjella/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 378: Reader Question – Can I just take a break from alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-378-reader-question-can-i-just-take-a-break-from-alcohol/ 

EP 398: Reader Question – Where do I start when I struggle with food and alcohol?

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-398-reader-question-where-do-i-start-when-i-struggle-with-food-and-alcohol/ 

EP 550: Reader Question – Is there hope for long-time drinkers who keep relapsing?

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-550-reader-question-is-there-hope-for-long-time-drinkers-who-keep-relapsing/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!