What thoughts are you holding on to, and are they still serving you?

Souren has been on The PATH but is afraid of falling behind and not making it. This brings feelings of loneliness and not belonging. Meanwhile, Deanna has had a 40-year relationship with alcohol. She used it to deal with stress, anxiety, and trauma but realized it wasn’t helping her feel better anymore. Now, after nine months of not drinking, she sometimes hears inner voices pulling her back to old habits. In this episode, Coach Hayley guides Souren as he reframes his thoughts, recognizes his strengths, and focuses on his journey. At the same time, Coach Ruby works with Deanna to explore her inner thoughts with curiosity, understand their meaning, and use them to grow.

In Souren’s session:

- Facing his fear of falling behind and feeling left out

- Unpacking feelings of not belonging

- Overcoming the urge to give up

- Reframing "I’m not going to make it" into positive beliefs

- Questioning the beliefs that hold him back

- Shifting from self-doubt to self-reliance

- Letting go of comparison and embracing your own pace

- Using the ACT technique to create lasting change

In Deanna’s session:

- Her thoughts on rehab and This Naked Mind’s approach

- Using alcohol to handle anxiety, stress, and trauma

- Recognizing how alcohol hid both joy and pain

- Becoming more present in daily life

- Learning to manage her emotions mindfully

- Understanding the inner voices pulling her to drink

- Responding with curiosity instead of reacting

- Rebuilding a stronger relationship with her daughter

- Taking control of habits through yoga and meditation

- Viewing setbacks as a chance to grow

Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM 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/ 

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 was empowered to improve her health, lose weight, and achieve lifelong goals. Ruby uses thoughtful questioning to help clients shift their mindset and build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol.

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

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 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 741: Overcoming the Fear of Drinking Again: Erin’s Naked Life https://thisnakedmind.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-drinking-again-erins-naked-life-e741/ 

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 you create space for the simple moments that bring you the most joy?

Stephanie first tried alcohol at age 14 but she didn’t react well to it. However, seeing people enjoy drinking at her dad’s bar later shaped her idea of fun. As a young wife, she often attended parties to have a good time. What started as social drinking grew into drinking more often at home, especially during challenging times, like losing her job and navigating her daughter’s health struggles. A family vacation became a turning point when she realized she had lost joy in life’s simple moments. Inspired to change, Stephanie now embraces a mindful lifestyle, finding happiness in fitness, nature, and meaningful connections. In this episode, she joins Annie to share her journey to a confident, intentional, and joyful life.

In this episode, Annie and Stephanie will discuss:

- Experimenting with alcohol as a teenager

- How her dad’s bar shaped her idea of fun

- Navigating different drinking habits in marriage

- Parenting challenges after adopting her daughter

- Losing her job during the pandemic

- Using alcohol to unwind during tough times

- The struggle to find joy in little things

- Finding support through apps and online communities

- Exploring her relationship with alcohol through curiosity

- Staying motivated and smashing fitness goals

- Building deeper connections with family and friends

- Rediscovering confidence at a high school reunion

- Finding joy in simple things like morning walks

- Breaking free from the stigma of not drinking

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 326: Reader Question – Why Am I So Confident Now That I Don’t Drink https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-326-reader-question-why-am-i-so-confident-now-that-i-dont-drink/ 

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/ 

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 the fear of change is just a sign of how much it matters?

Caterine has gone 27 days without alcohol, which is the longest she’s ever gone in the past 20 years. With all the extra free time, she’s unsure how to fill her days. She feels she should be doing more but the fear of failure has held her back. Belinda, who has also had a long relationship with alcohol, believes her meals are incomplete without a drink, which makes her avoid eating out. Coach Ruby encourages Caterine to practice being kind to herself, reminding her that it's okay to try new things at her own pace. She also helps Belinda build the confidence to say no to alcohol when it’s offered and start thinking about alcohol in a healthier way.

In Caterine’s session:

- The struggle to find new ways to spend her free time

- How alcohol shaped her routine for over 20 years

- Adjusting to her first 27 days without alcohol

- Positive changes in her mood since going alcohol-free

- Letting go of the 'should' mindset and going at your own pace

- Using the power of 'yet' to keep moving forward

- Leaning into comforting and soothing activities

- The four C’s of making lasting changes

- Building confidence through action and small wins

- Overcoming the fear of failure and success

- Enjoying the journey, not just the outcome

In Belinda’s session:

- Her journey to building new habits around alcohol

- The link between better-tasting food and wine

- How eating out triggers her drinking habits

- Discovering how food tastes without alcohol

- Shifting the belief of “deserving” a drink

- Making practical plans when dining out

- Dealing with the fear of missing out when not drinking

- Handling setbacks with compassion

- Finding comfort in saying no to a drink

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 was empowered to improve her health, lose weight, and achieve lifelong goals. Ruby uses thoughtful questioning to help clients shift their mindset and build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol.

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

Related Episodes:

EP 220: Reader Question – Doesn’t Wine Add to the ‘Foodie’ Experience? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-220-reader-question-doesnt-wine-add-to-the-foodie-experience-2/ 

EP 741: Overcoming the Fear of Drinking Again: Erin’s Naked Life https://thisnakedmind.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-drinking-again-erins-naked-life-e741/ 

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!

Does your current identity reflect who you truly are?

Marc worked in sales and often used alcohol to connect with colleagues and clients. As he got closer to his forties, he noticed that it took him longer to recover from hangovers. At that point, he realized he needed to make healthier choices. Since his last conversation with Annie on the podcast, Marc has left his sales career to focus on building a life outside work. He is now prioritizing his family, giving back to his community, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. In this "Where Are They Now" episode, Marc joins Hayley to share the tools and mindset shifts that helped him rediscover his energy and motivation.

In this episode, Hayley and Marc will discuss:

- Feeling sick after his first drink but trying alcohol again

- How alcohol became part of his work culture

- Drinking more to cope with hangovers

- Choosing to change his habits without labeling himself

- Managing the awkwardness of not drinking at events

- How personal choices can inspire change in others

- Replacing sugar cravings with healthier snacks

- Exploring non-alcoholic options for social moments 

- Creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for change

- Using exercise to boost energy and healthy

- The importance of having a strong 'why'

- Shifting focus to health, family, and giving back

- Building a new identity beyond work and drinking

- Rediscovering energy in everyday life

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 154: Reader Question – Why Am I Having Sugar Cravings During a Break from Alcohol?https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-154-why-am-i-having-sugar-cravings-during-a-break-from-alcohol/ 

EP 352: Reader Question – Am I Going to Be the Butt of Jokes? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-352-reader-question-am-i-going-to-be-the-butt-of-jokes/ 

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/

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 fear of being judged holding you back?

Molly grew up relying on people’s opinions to feel good about herself. As a physician, she struggles to talk about alcohol use without fear of being misunderstood and judged. She worries that people will think something is wrong with her for choosing to live alcohol-free. Since her self-worth has relied heavily on external validation and appearing perfect, being judged by others would hurt her self-esteem. In this episode, Coach Rina helps Molly see that her fear of judgment is really about how she judges herself. By learning to be kinder to herself and letting go of the pressure to be perfect, Molly can start living a more authentic, balanced life.

In this episode, Coach Rina and Molly will discuss:

- The fear of being judged for choosing to stop drinking

- Letting go of the need for external validation

- Dealing with the pressure to be perfect

- Feeling misunderstood about her choices regarding alcohol

- Different views on what healthy drinking looks like

- Protecting her professional life while sharing her story

- Worrying about what others will think if she drinks again

- How her parents’ struggles with alcohol shaped her journey

- Her choice to parent differently from the way she grew up

- Taking ownership of your journey without blaming others

- Learning to show compassion to yourself

- 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 540: Reader Question – How do you not force self-compassion? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-540-reader-question-how-do-you-not-force-self-compassion/

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 734: Shed the Fear of Judgment – Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/shed-the-fear-of-judgment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-ep-734/

What if change is always possible, no matter how many times you try?

At 25 years old, Jana was married and living in Hawaii, where she began exploring alcohol after losing access to marijuana. Three years later, her husband asked for a separation, which brought up deep feelings of rejection, especially from not having her dad in her life. To cope with the pain, Jana began drinking more. Later, she took a job at a winery and started drinking daily until she realized she didn’t feel as in control of her drinking as she once did. She tried different ways to manage her relationship with alcohol but found herself returning to old patterns. In this episode, Jana shares with Annie how continuing her journey, even when progress felt slow, helped her rediscover joy in everyday life, build stronger relationships, and feel more connected to who she truly is.

In this episode, Annie and Jana will discuss:

- Exploring alcohol after losing access to marijuana

- Marriage, separation, and dealing with feelings of rejection

- Using alcohol to numb emotional pain

- Building a daily drinking habit while working at a winery

- When Jana realized she didn’t have control over her drinking

- Acknowledging the effects of alcohol on decision-making

- Trying different approaches to mindful drinking

- Starting a new career path in healthcare

- Why hangovers can be tougher after taking a break

- Rediscovering joy in everyday moments

- Rethinking drinking as part of adulthood and socializing

- Navigating friendships and different drinking choices

- Being patient with yourself during hard moments

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 390: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-390-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard/ 

EP 410: Reader Question – Do I Need to Cut Ties with My Drinking Friends? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-410-reader-question-do-i-need-to-cut-ties-with-my-drinking-friends

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/ 

EP 740: Drinking Less in Wine Country – Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-less-in-wine-country-alcohol-freedom-coaching-ep-740/

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 steps can you take today to get closer to the life you imagine?

Meri started drinking regularly in her twenties after a tough breakup. Since then, she has struggled to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol. Now, in her late forties, she hopes to build a future where alcohol takes up less space in her thoughts and daily life. Lola is a busy mom who often feels tired and stressed at the end of the day. She uses alcohol to relax and “reward” herself for all her hard work. In this episode, Coach Mike helps both women explore their relationship with alcohol, understand the motivations behind their habits, and take steps toward a happier and more balanced life.

In Meri’s session:

- Using alcohol to deal with pain from a breakup

- Imagining a healthier, happier version of herself

- Focusing on small wins to feel more in control

- Why change can feel uncomfortable at first

- Being kind to herself while trying new habits

- The value of investing time, money, and effort to grow

- Viewing setbacks as a normal part of the journey

- Embracing a future full of hope and possibilities

In Lola’s session:

- Why alcohol feels rewarding after a busy day

- How alcohol influences energy levels over time

- Shifting from just surviving to finding joy in daily life

- Turning boredom into a chance to try new things

- Making daily chores feel better with positive framing

- Viewing parenting as a choice, not a chore

- Discovering simple and fun ways to relax at home

- Rethinking what it means to reward herself

- Building a balanced and fulfilling life

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

EP 358: Reader Question – Why Do I Reward Being Alcohol-Free with a Drink? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-358-reader-question-why-do-i-reward-being-alcohol-free-with-a-drink/ 

EP 690: Reader’s Question – How Long Does It Take To Feel Better After Quitting Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-690-readers-question-how-long-does-it-take-to-feel-better-after-quitting-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!

How can you embrace who you are without needing to fit in?

Madison didn’t realize how shy she really was until she got to college. She turned to alcohol as a way of finding confidence and making friends. She seemed to be having a great time, but after a while, she was no longer drinking just to fit in. Alcohol became a way to cope with life’s struggles, including trauma, depression, and a bad relationship. Things took a turn when she got a DUI, which made her feel ashamed and led her to research ways to make lasting changes. In this episode, Madison shares with Annie how she rediscovered herself, found true confidence, and built a life she loves through songwriting, teaching kids, and embracing simple, positive daily habits.

In this episode, Annie and Madison will discuss:

- Using alcohol to manage social anxiety

- How trauma influenced her relationship with drinking

- Facing guilt and shame after a DUI

- Exploring different methods of mindful drinking

- Leaving her real estate job to teach kids music

- Madison’s life as a musician and songwriter

- Being a musician in bars without alcohol

- Learning to handle emotions instead of avoiding them

- Unpacking popular beliefs about drinking

- Understanding why our brains crave alcohol

- How alcohol affects sleep and emotional well-being

- Simple habits that made a big difference for Madison

- Letting go of the pressure to be someone else

- And other topics…

Connect with Madison:

Madison’s Band: http://www.modernmoxieband.com/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 53: Science & Social Conditioning with Annie Grace & Michael Patrick https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-53-science-social-conditioning-annie-grace-michael-patrick/ 

EP 253: Sleep, with Michael Gradisar https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-253-sleep-with-michael-gradisar/ 

EP 582: Reader Question – How Do I Become Socially Confident Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-582-readers-question-how-do-i-become-socially-confident-without-alcohol 

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!

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!