When was the last time you felt fully present with someone you love?

Brian was known as “the happy hour guy” among friends and colleagues. But when his dad passed away at age 57, he began reflecting on his health and how he was living. As his mom’s health declined soon after, he chose to take a break from drinking to be more present with her. That pause led to surprising changes including better sleep, more energy, and improved health. He stayed fully present for his mom when it mattered most. Along the way, he found a version of life that simply felt better. In this episode, Brian joins Annie to discuss navigating two losses, the impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing, and why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change.

In this episode, Annie and Brian will discuss:

- Drinking in high school and college to socialize

- Building a work and social life around happy hour

- Using alcohol to cope with boredom and loneliness

- Questioning his habits after losing his dad

- Noticing alcohol’s impact on health and energy

- Changing habits, regaining sleep, health and clarity

- Being fully present for his mom’s final years

- Grieving his mom without numbing the pain

- Finding deeper, more genuine connections

- Making healthier choices before hitting rock bottom

- Why curiosity, not willpower leads to lasting change

- Guiding others toward informed, empowered choices

- Overcoming the fears of changing alcohol habits

- Creating a happy, healthy, and purposeful life

- 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 308: Reader Question – What are the Health Benefits When You Stop Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-308-reader-question-what-are-the-health-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking/ 

EP 362: Reader Question – Will I Ever Have Fun Without Drinking Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-362-reader-question-will-i-ever-have-fun-without-drinking-alcohol/ 

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!

When life feels heavy, what small choices can help you feel lighter?

Shanelle had gone weeks without drinking and felt ready to face her emotions in therapy. But as therapy revealed deeper pain, she found herself returning to old habits. Meanwhile, Mary has been struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother. After hospital visits, she often finds herself reaching for a drink, but over time, she has realized it only makes her numb and unable to deal with her emotions. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Shanelle focus on what she can control and navigate the fear of facing past trauma, while Mary learns to manage stress in a way that has her feeling more at peace.

In Shanelle’s session:

- Experiencing progress in early attempts to change

- Discovering unhealed trauma through therapy

- Using self-awareness to understand hidden trauma

- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and uncertainty

- Shifting focus to what she can control

- Building emotional strength by facing discomfort

- Taking control of habits with small pauses

- Breaking habits one choice at a time

- Focusing on benefits instead of setbacks

In Mary’s session:

- Struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother

- Noticing the urge to drink after difficult visits

- Feeling emotionally drained and anxious

- Managing stress differently with mindset shifts

- Viewing caregiving as a choice, not an obligation

- Allowing herself to fully embrace emotions

- Discovering healthier ways to manage emotions

- Finding gratitude in time spent with her mom

- Embracing every moment as an opportunity

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 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 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!

How do you inspire change in others without pushing them away?

Paul Martino never really enjoyed drinking. It was something he did to fit in. When he and Stacey Martino became intentional about their health, they decided to change their relationship with alcohol. During a difficult time in their marriage, Stacey tried pushing Paul to do things her way but when she shifted her focus to her own growth, Paul felt inspired to change on his terms. Now, 25 years later, they haven’t had a drink, by choice, because it aligns with their values. In this episode, Paul and Stacey join Annie to share tools to navigate different drinking habits as a couple and how to inspire change in others without pressure or judgment.

In this episode, Annie, Paul, and Stacey will discuss:

- Why social drinking never felt right for Paul

- Prioritizing health and rethinking alcohol

- How to navigate different drinking habits as a couple

- Managing triggers and responses in relationships

- Owning your growth without relying on others

- Choosing patience over judgment

- How to inspire change without being forceful

- Building trust while respecting each other’s choices

- Letting go of “if you loved me, you would” thinking

- Addressing safety concerns with care

- Facing challenges and growing through discomfort

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 41: Relationships, Marriage & Alcohol with Stacey Martino https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-41-relationships-marriage-alcohol-with-stacey-martino/

EP 278: Reader Question – How Can Friends and Family Support Someone Who Is Changing Their Relationship With Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-278-reader-question-how-can-friends-and-family-support-someone-who-is-changing-their-relationship-with-alcohol 

EP 364: Reader Question – Do I Have to Choose Between Being Alcohol-Free or My Relationship? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-364-reader-question-do-i-have-to-choose-between-being-alcohol-free-or-my-relationship/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Paul & Stacey’s Website: relationshipdevelopment.org 

Paul & Stacey’s Book, The Missing Piece: A Proven Method to Single-Handedly Transform Your Relationship and Create Harmony in Your Home: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Single-Handedly-Transform-Relationship/dp/1401993907 

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 make real, lasting changes when motivation comes and goes?

Dwayne has been through major life changes, including the end of two marriages, and has noticed alcohol becoming more present over time. He wants to make a change but struggles to stay consistent. On some days, he can, on other days, he just can’t help it. Roz also wants to shift her habits but finds it hard to follow through. She starts off motivated, but after a long day at an emotionally demanding job, having a drink feels like the easiest way to relax. In this episode, Coach Rina helps Dwayne and Roz explore simple, lasting ways to create change. She shows them that while motivation fades, real progress comes from self-awareness and small, steady steps forward.

In Dwayne’s session:

- Struggling to find lasting motivation for change

- Finding comfort in his drinking routine

- Coping with the end of two long-term marriages

- How childhood experiences shaped his drinking habits

- Noticing his drinking habits increase over time

- Identifying feelings that trigger his cravings

- Pausing to check in with emotions before drinking

- Focusing on awareness instead of relying on willpower

- Recognizing patterns through mindful drinking 

- Prioritizing his health and role as a father

- Building new habits that align with his goals

In Roz’s session:

- Struggling to stay motivated without relying on her feelings

- Using alcohol to relax after a long day at work

- Observing how emotions affect her drinking habits

- Experimenting with mindful drinking

- Feeling bored and lonely without alcohol

- Learning to enjoy free time as a chance to rest

- Discovering new ways to unwind after work

- Staying committed to activities that bring joy

- Building small, lasting habits instead of quick fixes

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 116: Reader Question – Does Alcohol Really Relax Us? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-116-reader-question-alcohol-really-relax-us/ 

EP 670: Reader’s Question – How Do You Stay Motivated to Be Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-670-readers-question-how-do-you-stay-motivated-to-be-alcohol-free/ 

EP 754: Embracing Joy in the Moment: ​​Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/embracing-joy-in-the-moment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e754/ 

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 signs you’ve been ignoring are leading you toward change?

Alcohol was a big part of Jane’s first marriage, with weekend get-togethers and drinks shared with her husband and friends. After her divorce, her drinking gradually increased. As a medical rep, drinking often felt like the norm, but over time, she noticed more anxiety and a shorter temper, which affected her relationship with her daughter. Then, on two separate occasions, she fell and hit her face after drinking. Those moments left her embarrassed and questioning her habits. In this episode, Jane talks with Annie about gaining confidence in her choices, feeling more at ease in social settings, and taking on new challenges like running a marathon. She’s learning to manage anxiety in healthier ways and create a more balanced life.

In this episode, Annie and Jane will discuss:

- Growing up with alcohol as a normal part of life

- Drinking socially in her first marriage

- Turning to alcohol more after her divorce

- Navigating the drinking culture as a medical rep

- Drinking in secret to manage stress

- Noticing increased anxiety after drinking

- The comments that made Jane rethink her habits

- Feeling embarrassed after falling due to drinking

- Rebuilding her relationship with her daughter

- Joining This Naked Mind and shifting her mindset

- Becoming more confident in social settings

- Learning to say “no” without feeling guilty

- Understanding how alcohol affects health

- Managing anxiety with self-compassion

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 406: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Shame and Embarrassment Around Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-406-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-feeling-ashamed-or-embarrassed-about-drinking/ 

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 534: Reader Question – How Do You Say No to a Drink Without Over-Explaining? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-534-reader-question-how-do-you-say-no-to-a-drink-without-over-explaining/ 

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!

Would you still appreciate your progress, even when it’s not perfect?

Lisa and Rae have spent years trying to find balance in their relationship with alcohol. Lisa has tried many ways to regain control but struggles to trust herself after past setbacks. Rae, after decades of drinking, has gone days without it and felt the difference, but breaking old habits isn’t always easy. Now, both women are ready to move forward with confidence, clarity, and control. In this episode, Coach Ruby helps Lisa and Rae navigate cravings, rebuild self-trust, and celebrate small victories. Through self-compassion and curiosity, they explore new ways to make choices that support the life they want.

In Lisa’s session:

- Her journey to redefining her relationship with alcohol 

- Overcoming self-doubt from past attempts to change

- Learning to trust herself again, even after setbacks

- Embracing grace and self-compassion

- Facing the fear of future failures with courage

- Imagining a happier, and more fulfilling future

- Recognizing the inner voice that urges her to drink

- Practicing self-care through soothing activities

- Gaining confidence and refusing to give up

In Rae’s session:

- Her journey with alcohol and other substances

- Growing up around alcohol and domestic violence

- Drinking to take the edge off and quiet her mind

- Visualizing business goals alongside her alcohol journey

- Struggling to build a balanced relationship with alcohol

- Celebrating progress, no matter how small

- Approaching cravings with curiosity and compassion

- Finding joy in outdoor activities like beach walks

- Engaging with the inner voice that tells her to drink

- Leaning into the discomfort of resisting cravings

- Viewing self-love as the key to lasting change

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 420: Reader Question – Why Do I Drink Even Though I Don’t Want To? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-420-reader-question-why-do-i-drink-even-though-i-dont-want-to

EP 634: Reader’s Question – How Do You Get Rid of the Punishing Voice Inside Your Head? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-634-readers-question-how-do-you-get-rid-of-the-punishing-voice-inside-your-head/

EP 702: Reader’s Question – How to Feel Good Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-702-readers-question-how-to-feel-good-without-alcohol/ 

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 might change if you let yourself feel every emotion without running from it?

Agnes grew up in a "work hard, play hard" family, where alcohol was a way to ease stress. After a childhood filled with trauma, she carried so much pain into her teenage years, struggling to connect socially. Drinking made her feel alive and fun, becoming her go-to for managing stress, social situations, and intimacy, following a doctor’s advice. Over time, she realized that the more she drank, the more lost and unhappy she felt. In this episode, Agnes shares with Annie how she stopped running from her feelings, reclaimed her voice, and built trust in herself. By fully embracing her emotions, she created a life of clarity, strength, and purpose, helping others as a certified coach.

In this episode, Annie and Agnes will discuss:

- Experiencing childhood trauma involving alcohol

- Drinking in high school to fit in socially

- Using alcohol to boost confidence and ease stress

- Feeling guilt and shame about drinking habits

- Following doctors’ advice to drink for relaxation or intimacy

- Shifting from weekend drinking to drinking for any occasion

- Getting curious about her relationship with alcohol

- Struggling to make clear decisions after drinking

- Building new routines for social situations

- Discovering joy in helping others as a certified coach

- Trusting herself and embracing emotions without fear

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 256: Reader Question – How to Loosen Up for Sex Without Alcohol https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-256-how-to-loosen-up-for-sex-without-alcohol/ 

EP 448: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink – The Thief of Joy https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-448-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-drink-the-thief-of-joy 

EP 733: You Are Not the Problem, Alcohol Is – Naked Life Story https://thisnakedmind.com/you-are-not-the-problem-alcohol-is-naked-life-story-ep-733/ 

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 might your past still be shaping the choices you make today?

Eliza feels unworthy of living without alcohol and is afraid to discover who she truly is without it. Growing up, she learned to hide her true self to earn her parents’ love. Meanwhile, Lacey grew up feeling unheard, which made it difficult for her to share her feelings. Her husband’s recent cancer diagnosis has brought up deep fears, making it even harder for her to open up. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps them reflect on how their childhoods shaped their choices. With compassion, they begin to let go of the shame and fears holding them back and reconnect with their inner child to build a more loving and authentic relationship with themselves.

In Eliza’s session:

- Feeling stuck and afraid to explore her true self

- Exploring her feelings of unworthiness

- Seeking parental love and acceptance as a child

- How childhood patterns shaped her struggles today

- Grieving an unresolved relationship with her parents

- Using tools like anchoring and inner-child work to heal

- Building self-worth through self-compassion

- Allowing herself to feel and accept emotions fully

- Building trust in her ability to make intentional choices

- Discovering a new mindset and her true identity

In Lacey’s session:

- Exploring her complex relationship with alcohol 

- Coping with her husband’s cancer diagnosis 

- Drinking to relive memories of happier times

- How our need for comfort shapes our choices 

- Embracing her feelings through journaling

- Overcoming fearful, negative self-talk 

- Using alcohol to express herself and feel heard

- Learning to validate her emotions and needs

- Finding strength in being vulnerable and authentic

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 646: Reader’s Question – Why Is It So Hard to Become Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-646-readers-question-why-is-it-so-hard-to-become-alcohol-free/ 

EP 696: Reader’s Question – Is the drunk you the real you? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-696-readers-question-is-the-drunk-you-the-real-you/ 

EP 756: Feel Like Yourself Again: ​​Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/feel-like-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e756/ 

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!

Can one brave choice give you the strength to transform your relationships?

Brent turned to alcohol in high school to cope with his parents’ divorce. This choice hurt his grades, led to car accidents, affected his health, and nearly ended his marriage. After undergoing major surgery and realizing the impact of his habits on his family, he decided to make a tough but necessary change. He worked hard to rebuild his marriage and has now been happily married for 42 years. In this episode, Brent shares with Annie how making intentional choices allowed him to strengthen his family relationships and inspire others. Today, he feels healthier and enjoys being fully present for moments like cheering on his grandson at baseball games.

In this episode, Annie and Brent will discuss:

- Drinking to cope with parents’ divorce as a teenager

- Rebuilding his marriage after alcohol’s impact

- How society’s view on alcohol shapes our choices

- Facing health issues and undergoing surgery

- Rethinking his habits after discovering This Naked Mind

- New research on alcohol's effects

- Why education about alcohol leads to better choices

- Enjoying holidays and special occasions in new ways

- Recognizing positive changes among friends and family

- Inspiring change without being forceful

- Being fully present for his grandson

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 396: Reader Question – How Can I Tell My Family the Truth About Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-396-reader-question-how-can-i-tell-my-family-the-truth-about-alcohol/ 

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 733: You Are Not the Problem, Alcohol Is – Naked Life Story https://thisnakedmind.com/you-are-not-the-problem-alcohol-is-naked-life-story-ep-733/ 

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!