Folgen

  • After loving every second of creating Not Drinking Today, Meg and Bella are ready to branch out and continue their alcohol-free journey in new ways. We’ve cherished the incredible conversations with our guests and are so grateful for every listener who tuned in and supported us along the way. While Meg and Bella won’t be recording new episodes, you can still revisit all your favourites anytime on your preferred podcast platform.

    Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Ladies, have you ever wondered why menopause isn't a subject of everyday conversation, despite its life-altering implications? This episode aims to shift the paradigm, bringing menopause out of the shadows with our special guest, Dr. Rebecca Lewis, a GP and menopause specialist. Together, we untangle the intricate web of hormonal changes that underpin menopause, bringing to light its potential health risks like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even dementia. We discuss in-depth how estrogen deficiency can lead to a host of symptoms including anxiety, mood swings, and irritability. And we look at the different symptoms and how women often use alcohol to numb them.

    We don't stop there. As we delve into the impacts of menopause on physical and mental health, we also shed light on the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Lewis provides valuable insights into the body-identical type of estrogen in HRT, a mirror copy of the estrogen produced in women's ovaries. She also uncovers the alarming connection between menopause and excessive alcohol consumption. We explore the significant benefits of modern HRT treatments, from reducing leg pain to improving sleep and even mitigating the risks of certain diseases.

    Lastly, we highlight the importance of making informed decisions about HRT, considering both its potential risks and benefits. We also introduce the free Balance app (by Dr Newson), a resource providing evidence-based information on menopause and its symptoms. Emphasising the need for open conversations about menopause, we wrap up our discussion with ways to support those navigating this stage of life. So, prepare your tea and get comfortable as we journey together with Dr. Rebecca Lewis through this enlightening exploration of menopause.

    Balance App by Newson Health
    https://www.instagram.com/dr.rebecca.lewis/
    https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

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  • Ever wondered how ADHD manifests differently in children and adults, or between males and females? In our latest episode, we promise to provide those answers and more with the help of our returning guest, Faye Lawrence. Now a specialized coaching therapist, Faye shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 and offers a unique perspective on understanding the three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Get ready to uncover the high heritability of ADHD and its intersections with other neurodiverse conditions like autism and OCD.

    The journey to an ADHD diagnosis is often fraught with challenges, from navigating referrals to battling the shortage of specialists. We'll discuss these hurdles in depth and explore the complex relationship between ADHD and self-medication. Faye sheds light on how neurotransmitter deficiencies drive individuals to seek external stimuli, often leading to self-medication behaviors tied to feelings of low self-esteem and failure. Our conversation also tackles the potential for overdiagnosis and the varied experiences people face when seeking a diagnosis.

    Awareness of neurodiversity is slowly reshaping societal structures, but there's still much to be done. Traditional work environments can be especially tough for those with ADHD and similar conditions. We advocate for more inclusive settings, referencing Tom Hartman's hunter-gatherer theory to highlight how modern environments may not suit neurodiverse individuals. Faye shares practical advice for managing ADHD's everyday challenges, from sensory sensitivities to the hidden toll on high-performing individuals. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on ADHD and addiction, ending with a message of understanding and compassion that aims to shift perceptions and promote a more inclusive society.

    Faye's website: www.fayelawrence.com.au
    Faye's blog: https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/blog/i-think-i-have-adhd
    Other info on ADHD:
    https://allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things/
    https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-and-health-issues

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • In this episode we interview one of Australia's leading lights in managing
    anxiety. An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports
    parents and teachers to change their relationship with anxiety,
    dial it right down and light the way for their children and students
    to do the same.
    Jodi is professional speaker supporting whole school communities
    around Australia, the best-selling author of the books 'Anxious
    Kids' and 'Anxious Mums', hosts the popular podcast 'Well, hello
    anxiety' and is a mum of two.
    Learn how to manage anxiety before turning to alcohol to self medicate. An inspiring, educational and joyful podcast!

    Website https://drjodirichardson.com/
    Podcast https://podfollow.com/1585382774
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • What if you could navigate the complexities of menopause with a little help from nutrition and lifestyle changes? Join us for a meaningful conversation with registered nutritionist and author Emma Bardwell, as we delve into the lesser-known facets of menopause and its impacts. Emma provides startling insights into Peri-Menopause, a phase that can span up to 12 years. We uncover how many women, unsure of what to expect during this period, use alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to further health complications. Emma stresses the importance of vitamins and minerals, emphasizing the need for increased awareness during this transformative time.

    Have you ever thought about the interplay between alcohol and estrogen during menopause? Our discussion further explores how alcohol consumption during menopause can mess with estrogen levels, potentially affecting mental and physical health. We critique how society often downplays menopause compared to puberty, and call for more attention and support for women in this phase of life. Emma provides her expert take on hormone replacement therapy, its potential risks, and how it can be a game-changer for some women.

    Emma underscores the importance of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction in managing menopause. She sheds light on the role of a nutritionist in providing advice on intermittent fasting and nutrition for weight management. She also highlights the power of community, both online and offline, and the support that can be found within these spaces. We also delve back into the risks surrounding alcohol consumption during menopause. Tune in to gain insights into the foundations of navigating menopause and the impact of hormone therapy on menopausal women.

    website: https://www.emmabardwell.com/
    Insta: https://www.instagram.com/emma.bardwell/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Join us for Meg's interview for the Sober Summit with Maggie Klaassen's.

    Why can some people take or leave alcohol while others feel trapped in a drinking cycle?

    At 17, a panic attack in front of her class sparked years of social anxiety. At 18, alcohol felt like magic—it stopped the shaking and gave her confidence. Weekend drinks slowly turned into nightly home drinking, eventually reaching two bottles of wine a night.

    In this conversation, Meg shares how hidden traumas and core beliefs—like feeling unlovable or not enough—fuel drinking. Alcohol may feel like relief, but it often worsens the anxiety we’re trying to escape.

    Her journey to freedom began with asking why she drank and uncovering the wounds beneath, leading her to help others heal and reconnect with their authentic selves.

    If you’re questioning your drinking or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, compassion, and the reminder that change is a process—one that begins with curiosity.

    Maggie's website: https://soberlifecollective.com/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • What happens when we wake up one day and decide that self-destruction isn't serving us anymore? For Faye Hughes, that awakening came on a plane ride home from Dubai after a family wedding gone terribly wrong. The shame, guilt, and regret she felt became the catalyst for a Valentine's Day decision that would transform her life: choosing sobriety as the ultimate act of self-love.

    From watching her parents throw alcohol-fueled parties to experiencing her first blackout at fifteen, Faye's relationship with alcohol was problematic from the start. Her family history of alcoholism foreshadowed her own struggles, as she moved through university, hospitality jobs, and eventually to Australia, where her drinking escalated without the watchful eyes of concerned family members. The weekend binges became her escape from a life she merely tolerated Monday through Friday.

    But what makes Faye's story so compelling isn't just her decision to quit drinking – it's the profound self-discovery that followed. She learned that genuine self-love simply isn't possible when our emotions are constantly filtered through the shame and regret of drinking behaviors. By removing alcohol, she created space for self-compassion, breathwork, and nervous system regulation that transformed her relationship with herself and others. Her sticky notes of affirmation around the house might have seemed strange to her boyfriend, but they represented the active rewiring of neural pathways from self-criticism to self-support.

    Now two and a half years sober and helping others through her 100-Day Sober Glow Up program, Faye emphasizes that sustainable sobriety requires more than just abstinence – it demands a fundamental reshaping of self-talk and self-care. The synchronicities and clarity she's experienced since quitting drinking continue to affirm her choice, as does the healing of relationships with family members who once couldn't bear to witness her drinking behavior.

    Whether you're sober curious or well into your alcohol-free journey, this conversation offers both validation and practical wisdom for transforming your relationship with yourself. Listen now to discover how choosing yourself over alcohol might be the ultimate Valentine's gift you've been waiting for.

    Faye's website: https://soberglowup.com/
    Faye's insta: https://www.instagram.com/fayelouise_____/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Meg takes a look back at her relationship with alcohol, where she discovered a profound paradox that changed everything. She was terrified of losing precious moments—yet was drinking them away.

    Meg's whole life revolved around preserving memories. She treasured photographs, constantly reminisced about childhood homes, and felt deep aches when thinking about the past. But as her drinking worsened, she began experiencing blackouts during the very moments she was desperate to remember. The irony was painful: her solution to the unbearable awareness that life keeps moving forward was causing her to miss it entirely.

    When Meg randomly opened BrenĂŠ Brown's "Atlas of the Heart" to a passage about bittersweet emotions, something clicked. The quote perfectly captured her experience: "The bittersweet side of appreciating life's most precious moments is the unbearable awareness that those moments are passing." This awareness was both why she drank and why she eventually had to stop. Meg couldn't bear another day numbing out the very experiences she feared losing.

    Since becoming alcohol-free, Meg has learned to transform that bittersweet ache into presence. Now when teaching her youngest to drive or gathering with family, instead of drowning in nostalgia or numbing with alcohol, she take a breath and appreciates these fleeting moments as they happen. When difficult emotions arise, Meg sees them as signals to ask what she truly needs rather than reaching for a drink.

    If you're struggling to break free from alcohol, ask yourself: what do you want the rest of your life to look like? Yes, feeling emotions fully can be hard—but numbing them is ultimately harder. Reach out if you need support; Bella and Meg are here to help you discover the clarity and freedom waiting on the other side.

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • What happens when four decades of heavy drinking suddenly stops? Ali Burke returns to share her remarkable transformation from a self-described "party pisshead parent" to a woman fully embracing authentic connection and present parenting.

    Ali's drinking story began in her early teens, looking for courage, attention, and a way to fit in. As the youngest of seven children, alcohol became her tool for becoming "the funny one." This evolved into a forty-year relationship with alcohol that saw her drinking moonshine vodka by the litre, losing her driver's license three times, and prioritizing drinking over driving her teenage daughter home safely.

    The turning point came after a deep hypnosis session and one final regretful wedding experience. What Ali calls her "spontaneous sobriety" has now lasted nearly four years, completely transforming every aspect of her life. Most significantly, she's rebuilt her relationship with her daughter, who once had to parent her drinking mother but now has a present, reliable parent she can count on.

    Our conversation takes a joyful turn as we reflect on how we met at a sober retreat in Phuket, where we discovered the authentic connections possible without alcohol. The genuine laughter, dancing, and friendship we found proved that sobriety doesn't mean the end of fun – it marks the beginning of more meaningful experiences and "sore tummy muscles from laughing so much."

    Ali shares exciting news about our upcoming podcast venture "Laughs Without Lager," where we'll continue sharing honest stories to help others seeking freedom from alcohol. Her journey demonstrates that even after decades of drinking, transformation is possible, and the rewards of clarity and authentic connection far outweigh anything alcohol seemingly offered.

    Whether you're sober curious, taking a break, or committed to alcohol-free living, this conversation offers both hope and practical insights from someone who's walked the challenging but ultimately liberating path to freedom.

    Ali Burke:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470602

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Faye Lawrence, Psychologist, offers practical guidance for navigating social situations without drinking. She explores how our social identity and connections play a crucial role in sustaining behavior change around alcohol consumption.

    • Discover how family experiences and cultural norms shape our relationship with alcohol
    • Challenge commonly held beliefs about non-drinkers
    • Explore the fear of losing friends or missing out when stopping drinking
    • Discover your authentic social preferences without alcohol's influence
    • Understand the importance of community in shifting your identity from drinker to non-drinker, and
    • Use sobriety as an opportunity for self-discovery and boundary-setting


    The only way out is through. You can do this, and connecting with others on the same journey will make all the difference.

    FAYE LAWRENCE

    https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/

    ADHD & Alcohol 8 Week Program: Breaking the Loop - https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/adhd-alcohol-program

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Rory Kinsella, musician, Vedic meditation teacher and sober coach, reveals how finding inner stillness helped him transform his relationship with alcohol and eventually quit completely. He now teaches others to do the same. We discuss:

    • Growing up in alcohol-centric UK culture where drinking was normalised from teenage years and how that lifestyle continued for a while in Sydney
    • Rory's progression to an alcohol-free life and how discovering Vedic meditation changed his relationship with stress
    • Using meditation during "witching hour" to interrupt the stress-drinking cycle, and
    • Developing a coaching approach that celebrates progress over perfection

    RORY KINSELLA

    https://www.rorykinsellameditation.com/

    https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/

    Rory offers pre-recorded online programs, live online group programs, one-on-one meditation teaching and sober coaching.




    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Australian fashion designer Rochelle Gregory shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to creative success with her clothing line Rocky Rafaela. In this ep, we cover how:

    • alcohol initially provided social connection, but led to dangerous situations and repeated rehab stays
    • purpose through fashion design offered moments of peace allowing racing thoughts to disappear
    • how learning to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable" was crucial to maintaining sobriety
    • sobriety has opened up opportunities and new beginnings, including a full-circle moment when the school that asked her to leave invited her back to speak about her success.

    If you're struggling, remember you're in the perfect position to transform your life. Get clear on who you want to become, reach out for support, surround yourself with supportive people, and know that change is possible for everyone.

    ROCKY RAFAELA

    https://www.rockyrafaela.com/

    ROCHELLE

    https://www.instagram.com/rockyrafaela/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Alice's drinking got out of control growing up in Tasmania, drinking to numb complicated feelings associated with being gay in an environment in which it was still illegal to be gay at the time and so she kept her identity hidden from everyone around her. After bravely going to rehab more than 20 times desperate to find a way out of the destructive drinking cycle she was in, Alice was finally able to stop drinking after reading Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind, doing several of Annie’s alcohol programs and pursing the transformational effects of cold-water exposure and Wim Hoff’s breathing techniques. It stuck. Alice then decided to support others struggling with alcohol and stress to access this method too. She founded Wild Wellness in Tasmania which offers a range of transformational retreats designed to help people escape, heal and reset in the magnificent wilderness of Tasmania via ocean plunges, practitioner-led fireside sessions, journaling and guided breathwork. Alice’s story is inspirational and empowering. She tells her story with openness and honesty together with plenty of belly laughs along the way.

    Web: https://www.wildwellnessmethod.com
    Instagram: @wild_wellness_method

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Drink: The Intimate Relationship between Women and Alcohol celebrates 10 years today! Tune in as we talk to the author, Ann Dowsett Johnston, award-winning journalist, TEDx Speaker and Founder of the Writing Your Recovery Workshops about women’s relationship with alcohol 10 years on. Is alcohol still the modern women’s steroid that helps us do the heavy lifting?

    It was a brave act to speak out in the way Ann did 10 years ago. At the time, Ann became the modern face of alcoholism. “What I wanted to do with my book was to blow the doors wide open and say if I can have an alcohol issue, as Vice Principal of a University, anyone can” says Ann. It’s true. Drink gave permission for women to say “this is happening to me and my family as well”. For that, so many of us will forever be grateful to Ann.

    Drink was and is a revolutionary book ahead of its time, interweaving Ann’s personal alcohol story with crucial research and interviews about the startling rise of risky drinking among women. Drink was named one of the 10 best books of 2013 by the Washington Post.

    Ann is now a psychotherapist helping other women to recover, a speaker and founder of the Writing Your Recovery Workshops, open to women internationally.

    Tune in to this conversation to hear about what life is like 15 year’s sober and Ann’s views on women’s relationship with alcohol today.

    Ann's Website: https://www.anndowsettjohnston.com

    Writing Your Recovery Workshops: https://www.anndowsettjohnston.com/workshops

    Ann's TEDx Talk on Drinking and How it Changed My Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqtZjpI1oVQ

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Today, we have the honor of speaking with William Porter, the insightful author of "Alcohol Explained." William spent years in the throes of his own drinking career, unknowingly gathering the research and experiences that would later form the foundation of his life-changing book. In this episode William is generous in his knowledge and wisdom.
    William offers a profound perspective on alcohol that has the power to transform lives. Let's dive into his journey and discover the truths he's uncovered.

    Williams website: https://alcoholexplained.com/the-author/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Dr. Gina Cleo, one of Australia's leading habit change experts, shares her expertise on creating healthier, alcohol-free habit loops. In this recording of Dr Cleo's talk to my (Bella) November Alcohol Freedom Challenge, Dr Cleo discusses the science behind dopamine, a neurotransmitter that drives our reward and pleasure systems. On this note, alcohol provides a significant dopamine surge—sometimes up to 360% above baseline—creating a powerful association with relief and pleasure. However, over time, relying on alcohol for dopamine can make other activities feel less rewarding, making it harder to break the habit.

    Dr. Cleo emphasises the importance of hacking our reward system by changing our perception of alcohol and introducing new sources of joy. Reframing alcohol as a toxin that disrupts sleep and drains energy can reduce its appeal. At the same time, engaging in healthier activities—cooking a new recipe, trying a hobby, or exercising—can naturally boost dopamine. Novel experiences, even small ones, provide excitement and unpredictability, rewiring your brain to find joy beyond alcohol.

    As Dr. Cleo explains, building new habits takes time, with the brain’s dopamine levels typically rebalancing within 30 to 90 days. Celebrate each step forward, as acknowledging your progress releases dopamine and reinforces positive behaviours. Listen to Dr. Cleo's practical strategies to rewire your brain, broaden your sources of joy, and thrive without alcohol. 🎧

    LEARN MORE ABOUT DR CLEO

    Dr Cleo's website: https://www.drginacleo.com/
    Dr Cleo's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drginacleo/
    Free Habit Change Master Class: https://habitchangeinstitute.mykajabi.com/masterclass

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • I never imagined that so many special memories in my life would be a blur. The harsh reality of alcohol-induced blackouts left a mark on what should have been some of the clearest and happiest days of my life. Tune in as I, Meg, unravel the harrowing connection between these blackouts and anxiety, and the role they've played in my own journey. It's a stark look at the silent battle many face, as the quest to ease social nerves can lead to moments lost in time and the frightening inability to form memories.

    This episode isn't just a personal reflection—it's a broader discussion on the perilous impact of alcohol misuse on society, from the risks of domestic violence to the tough conversations we must have with our loved ones about safe drinking practices. Through my story, and experiences, we explore the importance of awareness around how and why blackouts occur when it comes to alcohol. If you're grappling with these challenges or know someone who is, this conversation aims to offer a guiding light to those ready to step towards understanding and breaking free from alcohol's grip.

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Donna Bennett shares her five-year sobriety journey that began with an "Easter epiphany" during COVID lockdown, revealing how removing alcohol from her life led to profound personal transformation and newfound freedom. We cover so much in this episode, including:

    • Recognising how alcohol had "sneakily" increased its influence over the years, particularly during lunchtime socialising
    • Experiencing frightening blackouts and memory gaps during drinking sessions
    • Using COVID lockdown as an opportunity to attempt sobriety without social pressure
    • Discovering that moderate drinkers exist and learning to socialise without alcohol
    • Finding connection and support through the Daybreak app after six weeks of solo sobriety
    • Reading about alcohol's effects removed shame and the notion that lacking control was a personality flaw
    • Experiencing better sleep, weight loss, and improved mental clarity after quitting
    • Moving from "filling in time before dying" to finding joy and purpose in simple things

    If you're curious about taking a break from alcohol and are looking for inspiration, take a listen to this episode.

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Ever wondered why the notion of being a "normal drinker" weighs heavily on so many of us? Join me, Meg, as I share my personal journey through the maze of societal expectations and personal realisations around alcohol consumption. From questioning my own drinking habits to the pivotal moment of embracing a sober lifestyle, this episode unpacks the unrealistic aspirations many harbour about drinking without consequences. Through heartfelt introspection, I reveal how alcohol impacted my personal relationships and overall well-being, leading to the liberating decision to pursue a life filled with genuine joy and purpose—free from alcohol.

    This episode brings to light the transformative power of feeling emotions in their rawest form rather than numbing them with substances. Whether you're contemplating moderation or complete abstinence, we invite you to reflect on your own experiences with alcohol. Your suggestions are welcome for future topics and guest appearances, as we explore what it truly means to thrive without alcohol.

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

  • Today we talk to Jen Hirst! Jen is an open book when it comes to her experience with alcohol addiction. She says it like it is and discusses how she recovered with transparency. This is what drew me to Jen. Her honesty about how dark it got has been such an inspiration for many who can relate and say 'yep me too!". Jen now dedicates her time to helping others do the same. She is awesome! This is what attracts her almost 70,000 instagram followers. Jen's vibrant Instagram presence exemplifies how one individual's journey can resonate and aid countless others. For those contemplating a break from alcohol or walking the path of sobriety themselves, Jen's insights offer hope and a reminder that the journey, while individual, is one you need not walk alone.

    Jen Hirst

    https://www.instagram.com/jenleehirst/

    MEG

    Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
    Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
    ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


    BELLA

    Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
    Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
    Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
    Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
    Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
    Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...