What if everything around you has been designed to influence your choices?

Kori grew up believing emotions were a weakness. As an adult, she used alcohol, food, and other substances to escape her feelings. When she focused on her health, she tried to change her drinking habits but kept falling back into old patterns, no matter how hard she tried. After joining The PATH, she uncovered the hidden thoughts shaping her choices and learned how to rewire them for lasting change. In this episode, Kori joins Annie to explore how advertising, social norms, and easy access to alcohol shape drinking and eating habits and how letting go of control helped her create real change and deeper connections.

In this episode, Annie and Kori will discuss:

- Growing up in poverty and learning to hide emotions

- Using food, alcohol, and substances to cope

- Experiencing drinking culture in the military

- Feeling emotionally disconnected in relationships

- Struggling to change habits while focusing on health

- How the brain’s reward system shapes behavior

- Why alcohol is more available now than ever

- How social norms shape drinking and eating habits

- Understanding liminal thoughts and unconscious decisions

- Choosing self-compassion over self-judgment

- Finding strength in emotional connection

- Discovering the power of emotional connection

- Taking small, brave steps toward lasting change

- And other topics…

Connect with Kori:

Kori’s Website: https://korimcclurg.com/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 162: Reader Question – Why Does Alcohol Get a Free Pass in Society When It is so Dangerous? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-162-why-does-alcohol-get-a-free-pass-in-society/ 

EP 649: Naked Life Story – The Food Code Interview https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-649-naked-life-story-the-food-code-interview/ 

EP 668: Reader’s Question –  Why Willpower Fails: Cracking the Code to Emotion-Driven Behavior Change  https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-668-readers-question-why-willpower-fails-cracking-the-code-to-emotion-driven-behavior-change/

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 being present matters more than proving yourself?

Joel considered himself highly functional despite his drinking, but deep down, he struggled with shame and being fully present. After years of using alcohol to manage stress and pain, he chose to take back control. His loved ones celebrate his progress, but their encouragement sometimes feels like pressure. Meanwhile, Kari is a lifelong overachiever. Since joining The PATH, she has set big goals but worries she won’t reach them. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Joel and Kari reconnect with their self-worth. Joel learns to set boundaries with loved ones, focus on his journey, and embrace where he is. Kari learns to simplify her goals, trust the process, and release the pressure to do it perfectly.

In Joel’s session:

- Struggling to stay present while making changes

- Reflecting on past shame and self-judgment

- Using alcohol to manage chronic pain and stress

- Facing deep feelings of unworthiness

- Navigating pressure from loved ones

- Setting boundaries and prioritizing his well-being

- Embracing self-compassion and personal growth

- Learning to express emotions openly 

In Kari’s session:

- Struggling to stay consistent in her alcohol journey

- Balancing big goals with daily progress

- Feeling pressure to improve quickly

- Realizing how high expectations create stress

- Learning to hide struggles as a child

- Wanting to set a strong example for her kids

- Letting go of perfectionism and trusting her pace

- Separating self-worth from actions

- Forgiving herself and staying present

- Choosing peace as a guiding value

Zoe Ewart is a certified Senior Naked Mind 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 638: Reader’s Question – Why Is It Difficult to Put Myself First When It Comes to Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-638-readers-question-why-is-it-difficult-to-put-myself-first-when-it-comes-to-alcohol/ 

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

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 everything you’ve been searching for has been within you all along?

Cindy had a traumatic childhood, with a violent father who was in and out of her life and a mother who coped by drinking. As a child, she cared for her younger brother, took on adult responsibilities, and learned to suppress her emotions. As she got older, alcohol became her escape from stress and emotional pain. She searched for peace in achievements, relationships, and self-improvement, but nothing brought lasting joy. After losing her brother, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Cindy joins Annie to share her powerful journey of self-discovery and how she rebuilt trust in herself, set boundaries, and embraced emotions instead of avoiding them.

In this episode, Annie and Cindy will discuss:

- Growing up in a chaotic, violent home

- Taking on adult responsibilities as a child

- Coping with childhood trauma and an absent father

- Struggling with trust and emotional disconnection

- Seeking belonging through partying and drugs

- Dealing with a complex relationship with her mom

- Navigating loss, custody battles, and divorce

- Searching for peace in self-help and retreats

- Facing anxiety, exhaustion, and deep unhappiness

- Finding support and clarity through The PATH

- Discovering inner peace, self-love, and joy

- Setting healthy boundaries with loved ones

- Embracing emotions instead of numbing them

- And other topics…

Resources Mentioned:

The Path Website: www.nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

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 689: Interview with Dr. Melissa Kalt https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/ 

EP 744: Is Alcohol Blocking Your Peace?: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/is-alcohol-blocking-your-peace-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e744/ 

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 fitting in isn’t the key to real connection?

David has always used alcohol to handle stress and social anxiety but hides it from friends who see him as a “non-drinker.” As an introvert, he worries that not drinking at social events will make him seem like a “party pooper.” Stephanie is known for being fun and agreeable but often changes how she acts to meet others’ expectations. Growing up, she lacked a safe space to be herself, and as an adult, she is afraid of truly opening up. In this episode, David and Stephanie learn to build confidence and embrace their true selves. Coach Cole helps David set boundaries to navigate social events, while Coach Hayley guides Stephanie in healing her inner child, embracing vulnerability, and rebuilding self-worth.

In David’s session:

- Using alcohol to ease stress and boost confidence

- Realizing alcohol numbs both stress and joy

- Hiding his drinking habit from friends

- Managing social anxiety without alcohol

- Fearing being seen as a "party pooper"

- Building confidence as an introvert

- Setting boundaries in social settings

- Choosing curiosity over self-judgment

- Embracing real, authentic connections

In Stephanie’s session:

- Struggling with feelings of not being enough

- How childhood experiences shaped her beliefs

- Adapting to others’ expectations to feel accepted

- Feeling uncomfortable with being her true self

- Using alcohol to fit in and appear fun at work

- Balancing authenticity with social expectations

- Confronting her fear of vulnerability

- Healing her inner child through self-love

- Building self-worth beyond external approval

- Learning to be kind to her future self

Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.

Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ 

Hayley Scherders is a certified Naked Mind Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time.

Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 342: Reader Question – Is Life Boring Without Wlcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-342-reader-question-is-life-boring-without-alcohol/ 

EP 591: Naked Life Story – Thomas M. https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-591-naked-life-story-thomas-m/ 

EP 735: Find the Courage to Choose Yourself: Patrick’s Naked Life https://thisnakedmind.com/find-the-courage-to-choose-yourself-patricks-naked-life-e735/ 

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 very thing you thought gave you freedom was actually keeping you stuck?

As the youngest of three children, Lisa watched her older brothers drink and felt both curious and uneasy about it. In college, drinking felt like freedom. During her international sports career, it was a way to relax, fit in, and manage stress. Over time, what once gave her a sense of independence left her burnt out and disconnected from herself. As anxiety crept in, she began questioning her habits. After reading This Naked Mind, she realized she had the power to change her relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Lisa joins Annie to share how she rediscovered herself, rebuilt trust in her choices, and redefined what freedom really means.

In this episode, Annie and Lisa will discuss:

- Growing up with mixed feelings about alcohol

- Viewing alcohol as a symbol of independence

- Navigating the drinking culture in international sports

- Experiencing a blackout and waking up injured

- Dealing with anxiety and questioning her habits

- How This Naked Mind shifted her mindset

- The link between alcohol and identity

- How psychedelic therapy supported her healing

- Reconnecting with her true self and emotions

- Finding support and guidance through The PATH

- Overcoming the fear of making life changes

- Helping others rebuild self-trust through coaching

- Using curiosity to make lasting changes

- And other topics…

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 604: Reader Question – Embracing Your Authentic Self: Overcoming Self-Judgment and Insecurities https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-604-reader-question-embracing-your-authentic-self-overcoming-self-judgment-and-insecurities/ 

EP 719: Naked Life Story – Katie W. https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-719-naked-life-story-katie-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 real habit change starts with how you think, not just what you do?

Gemma made a commitment to 30 alcohol-free days, but on day 20, she had a drink. As someone who fears failure, she is struggling not to be hard on herself. Souren feels torn between wanting to change his relationship with alcohol and falling back into familiar habits. His fear of facing emotions has sometimes led him to create stress as a reason to drink. In this episode, Coach Ellie helps Gemma and Souren shift their mindsets to support lasting change. While Gemma learns to release self-blame and let go of the pressure of counting days, Souren explores the deeper beliefs driving his habits, embraces his emotions, and sets goals that align with how he wants to feel.

In Gemma’s session:

- Starting The PATH and noticing a mindset shift

- Experiencing a data point during the Alcohol Experiment

- Approaching drinking with curiosity, not rules

- Why progress is more than just counting days

- Noticing the effects of alcohol on well-being

- Questioning beliefs about alcohol and identity

- Finding unexpected joy in alcohol-free moments

- Making social choices that feel right for her

- Rediscovering yourself through self-awareness

- Enjoying each day without worrying about the future

In Souren’s session:

- Creating stress as a reason to drink

- The three layers of belief: substance, society, and self

- Changing habits through awareness

- Facing the fear of uncovering deeper emotions

- Redefining goals beyond just being alcohol-free

- Viewing emotions as energy, not obstacles

- The power of setting emotion-based goals

- Finding fulfillment in new, healthy activities

Ellie Crowe is a certified TNM Senior Coach and co-host of the Present & Sober podcast. As a former busy mom who used wine to unwind, she understands the struggle As a once-strung-out, working mom of three who understands the trap of using wine to escape, Ellie’s mission is to help her clients discover joy, peace, and contentment by living wholeheartedly in the present moment. 

Learn more about Coach Ellie: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ellie-crowe/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 546: Reader Question – Can You Quit Drinking Without Counting Days? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-546-reader-question-can-you-quit-drinking-without-counting-days/

EP 682: Reader’s Question – What Are The Health Benefits of Drinking Less? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-682-readers-question-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-drinking-less/ 

EP 748: The Path to Inner Clarity: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/ 

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 does real support look like when making a change?

Stacey had her first drink at age 14, but by 15 or 16, life felt harder. She often clashed with her strict mom, leading her to rebel. In college, she bonded with friends over binge drinking, and at first, it felt normal. But over time, blackouts, anxiety, and injuries became more frequent. Her husband pointed it out, but his judgment only pushed her to drink more. When she finally decided to change for herself, she explored different approaches until she found This Naked Mind. In this episode, Stacey joins Annie to share how she built confidence in social settings without feeling like she was missing out, and why true change happens when you choose it for yourself.

In this episode, Annie and Stacey will discuss:

- Growing up with strict rules and moments of rebellion

- Using alcohol to connect and feel more confident

- Noticing patterns of binge drinking in social settings

- Taking on parenting responsibilities at a young age

- Balancing work, family, and drinking habits

- Questioning her habits after blackouts and injuries

- Facing judgment and pressure from her husband

- Quietly choosing change on her own terms

- Discovering This Naked Mind and rethinking her habits

- Overcoming the pressure to drink socially

- Replacing self-judgment with curiosity and awareness

- Finding healthier ways to manage anxiety

- Looking ahead with confidence and peace

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 180: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Family Members Who Still Drink? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-180-how-do-you-deal-with-family-members-who-still-drink/ 

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

EP 735: Find the Courage to Choose Yourself: Patrick’s Naked Life https://thisnakedmind.com/find-the-courage-to-choose-yourself-patricks-naked-life-e735/ 

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 discomfort you’re avoiding is the key to healing?

Mary has been working on her relationship with alcohol but has kept it to herself out of fear of what others might think if she fails. When she tried to take a break before, she found herself drinking again and wasn’t sure how to make a lasting change. Meanwhile, Nancy spent years avoiding her emotions, turning to alcohol after overcoming an eating disorder. Her rocky relationship with her father and siblings made it hard for her to process feelings in a healthy way. In this episode, Coach Rina helps Mary embrace genuine support and let go of the fear of failure. Nancy learns to sit with her emotions, process them healthily, and set boundaries to protect her well-being.

In Mary’s session:

- Keeping her journey private out of fear of failure

- Trying to live a healthy lifestyle while drinking 

- Recognizing patterns in past attempts to change

- Finding support that feels right for her

- The power of a compassionate support system

- Enjoying an alcohol-free wedding experience

- Setting short-term goals for lasting change

- Exploring healthier ways to relax and unwind

- Focusing on progress, not perfection

In Dawn’s session:

- Struggling to sit with uncomfortable emotions

- Using alcohol to cope with difficult feelings

- Navigating a complex relationship with family

- Fearing a return to old coping habits, like binge eating

- Feeling triggered by hurtful words or tone

- Understanding anger as a valid emotion

- Using awareness to break old patterns

- Setting boundaries to support her well-being

- Finding healthier ways to process emotions

Rina Bowring is a certified TNM Senior Coach. She built a successful career in the outdoor advertising industry, but 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 is committed to helping people break free from harmful habits, overcome guilt and shame, and rediscover joy.

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

Related Episodes:

EP 246: Reader Question – How Do You Deal With Anger or Emotions When Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-246-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-anger-or-emotions-when-alcohol-free 

EP 616: Reader’s Question – Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/ 

EP 620: Reader’s Question – Sharing Your Personal Journey with Alcohol: A Guide to Honest Conversations and Healing Connections https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-618-readers-question-annie-graces-tips-for-dealing-with-family-members-who-continue-to-drink-2/ 

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!

In hard moments, does what you turn to help you grow?

Kate had worked very hard to heal from the trauma of her first marriage which left her feeling like she wasn’t good enough. But when betrayal in her current marriage reopened old wounds, she found herself drinking again after three years of being alcohol-free. Meanwhile, Dawn is sensitive to everyday noises like ticking clocks and chewing sounds. She drinks to quiet the noise and ease her irritation. In this episode, Coach Ruby helps both women navigate their discomfort. While Kate learns to heal through self-care and rebuilding her self-worth, Dawn explores new ways to manage her emotions and sensitivities.

In Kate’s session:

- Her journey to finding freedom with alcohol

- Navigating betrayal and trauma in her marriage

- Turning to alcohol privately for comfort

- Addressing feelings of not being good enough

- Slipping back into the habit of hiding to drink

- Learning to show herself grace and compassion

- Experiencing a shift during the Fixation to Freedom challenge

- Releasing the pain and anger she held inside

- Choosing to focus on herself and her healing

- Rebuilding her self-worth and confidence

In Dawn’s session:

- Drinking to ease her sensitivity to noise

- Feeling irritated by everyday sounds

- Noticing that alcohol eased irritation but didn’t solve it

- Exploring tools like earplugs and noise filters

- Seeing how her emotions impact her marriage

- Recognizing anger patterns from childhood

- Holding in anger to avoid upsetting others

- Staying calm with breathing exercises and mantras

- Using humor to lighten tense moments

- Shifting the belief that alcohol is her only relief

- Trusting herself to find what works

Ruby Williams is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach dedicated to helping people rethink their relationship with alcohol. With 19 years of experience in the wine industry, Ruby understands how alcohol can become a regular part of life, especially in social or stressful situations. After finding freedom in 2019, she improved her health, lost weight, and achieved lifelong goals. Now, Ruby uses thoughtful questioning and mindset shifts to help clients build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol.

Learn more about Coach Ruby: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ruby-williams/  

Related Episodes:

EP 246: Reader Question – How Do You Deal With Anger or Emotions When Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-246-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-anger-or-emotions-when-alcohol-free 

EP 314: Reader Question – How Do I Stay Sober in Trying Times? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-314-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-sober-in-trying-times/

EP 570: Reader’s Questions – Why Do I Keep Going Back to Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-570-readers-questions-why-do-i-keep-going-back-to-drinking/ 

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!