Episodes
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Why is it so hard to ask for help, even when we need it the most?
After being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, eating became very painful for Debra because of the radiation treatment. So, she turned to alcohol to help her get the calories she needed, which seemed like the easiest solution at the time. She couldn’t work because she was sick, and her bills kept piling up, leaving her in debt. As someone who always tried to handle things on her own, Debra ignored her health until she became so ill and weak that she could hardly move. In the end, she had no choice but to ask for help. In this episode, Coach Onowa helps Debra understand why it’s okay to feel the way she does about asking for help and how powerful it can be to reach out. Debra learns that even though asking for help might feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean she is failing or doing something wrong.
In this episode, Coach Onowa and Debra will discuss:
- Her path to building a healthy relationship with alcohol
- Why asking for help was hard for her
- What happens when we don’t ask for help
- Understanding and changing old beliefs
- Emotions that hold us back from seeking support
- ‘Changing the channel’ on your thoughts
- Seeing life through a 'both-and' lens
- Debra’s tool for managing anxiety
- Creating the space to ask for support
- The power of reaching out for help
- How to stop fighting the voices in your head
- Three feelings Debra wants to lead her life with
- Learning through struggles
- Staying true to yourself when seeking help
- Moving forward with peace
- And other topics…
Onowa Bjella is a certified TNM Senior Coach with over 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching. She believes that self-compassion is key to creating a balanced relationship with alcohol. As a mom, Onowa is dedicated to healthy eating and living, and she helps other health-conscious moms take control of their relationship with alcohol and become their best selves.
Learn more about Coach Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/onowa-bjella/
Related Episodes:
EP 378: Reader Question – Can I just take a break from alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-378-reader-question-can-i-just-take-a-break-from-alcohol/
EP 398: Reader Question – Where do I start when I struggle with food and alcohol?
https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-398-reader-question-where-do-i-start-when-i-struggle-with-food-and-alcohol/
EP 550: Reader Question – Is there hope for long-time drinkers who keep relapsing?
https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-550-reader-question-is-there-hope-for-long-time-drinkers-who-keep-relapsing/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
Could celebrations feel complete even without alcohol?
Lauren's journey with alcohol began in eighth grade at a concert, where she had her first beer because drinking seemed cool. What started as casual drinking soon turned into binge drinking and blackouts. When she realized that alcohol was hurting her marriage and making it hard to be a good parent, she searched online for help and found This Naked Mind. In this episode, Lauren shares her story of moving from a life surrounded by alcohol to building a healthier relationship with alcohol and helping others do the same.
In this episode, Annie and Lauren will discuss:
- Her first encounter with alcohol
- Going from weekend drinking to constant blackouts
- Moving to a “drinking town” and working as a bartender
- When the bad began to outweigh the good
- How drinking made parenting harder for Lauren
- The psychology of “the pause”
- The beauty behind the “data point”
- The surprising truth about alcohol and why we don’t know it
- Enjoying celebrations without a drink
- The principle of “firsts” in living alcohol-free
- The power of a gentle approach to change
- Embracing your past as part of your journey
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 470: Reader Question – When will I start feeling better without alcohol?
https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-470-reader-question-when-will-i-start-feeling-better-without-alcohol
EP 568: Reader’s Questions – How To Deal with Pressure to Drink from a Loved One?
https://thisnakedmind.com/podcast/ep-568-readers-questions-how-to-deal-with-pressure-to-drink-from-a-loved-one/
EP 652: Reader’s Question – How To Plan an Alcohol-Free Vacation https://thisnakedmind.com/?post_type=podcast&p=34941
Connect with Lauren:
Lauren’s Website: https://coachlaurenohanlon.com
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! -
Missing episodes?
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Are you trying to change for yourself or are you doing it for your loved ones?
For years, Wendy turned to marijuana to escape the hurt in her heart. When she realized it was affecting her life and her loved ones, she decided it was time to make a change. But more than anything, she wanted to do it because of her daughter who struggles with her relationship with alcohol. In this coaching session, Coach Sam helps Wendy dig deeper to solidify her true "whys." She realizes that in order to make lasting change, she must first do it for herself to become the responsible, confident person she aspires to be. And as she transforms, she knows her loved ones will benefit too.
In this episode, Coach Sam and Wendy will discuss:
- Why she’s on the journey to freedom
- Her struggle to be present under the influence
- What life will look like without marijuana
- Running away from her own self
- The anchor helping her let go of past insecurities
- Being a better role model for her daughter
- Changing for yourself, not for others
- Building self-confidence from within
- Solidifying her “whys” for making a change
- And other topics…
Sam Goldfinch is a Naked Mind Senior Coach, the founder of Rebel Spirituality and the Rebel Spirituality podcast, as well as the co-host of the Present & Sober podcast with Ellie Crowe. Having lived nine years alcohol-free, Sam will show you how to live your best life and uncover the truth of YOU before and beyond your conditioning.
Learn more about Coach Sam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/sam-goldfinch/
Related Episodes:
EP 639: Naked Life Story – Annie Grace’s Husband (Part 2): https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-639-naked-life-story-annie-graces-husband-part-2/
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/
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 small actions can help you make big changes in your life?
Heather still struggled with anxiety, even as she learned to live without using alcohol to cope. It felt overwhelming at first, but she started to face her feelings head-on. She found healthier ways to work through her emotions, like therapy, journaling, and talking things out with friends. Over time, she built new habits that brought her a level of calm and joy she didn’t think was possible. In this ‘Where Are They Now’ episode, Heather and Hayley chat about her journey since her last conversation with Annie, from learning to manage the urge to drink at celebrations to building new habits that bring true peace and happiness.
In this episode, Hayley and Heather will discuss:
- Heather’s life-changing moment of clarity
- The 100-reason list that opened her eyes
- Why “liquid courage” isn’t what it seems
- The true courage of having sober conversations
- The power of celebrating wins
- Finding and sticking to your “why”
- Letting go of shame and choosing grace
- Building new, positive habits with intention
- Discovering new passions and rekindling old ones
- Creating healthy rituals that bring joy
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 266: Reader Question – Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/
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 572: Reader’s Questions – How do you stop cravings for alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-572-readers-questions-how-do-you-stop-cravings-for-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 if you could manage tough emotions without a drink?
When Swarna’s daughter turned four, memories of her own trauma at the same age came flooding back. Although remembering was painful, it helped her realize she had been drinking because she felt unsafe in her own body. Meanwhile, Sarah often woke up with regret after drinking, saying "never again," but found herself reaching for a drink again in the evening. Over time, she felt she had lost touch with who she was. In this episode, Coach Ellie helps both women find clarity and learn to accept themselves as they are. While Swarna learns to be patient with herself because progress isn’t always a straight line, Sarah learns to embrace herself as she is instead of focusing on the idea of ‘fixing’ herself.
In Swarna’s session:
- How alcohol numbs everything, not just the bad
- Why she felt unsafe in her own body
- Using alcohol to cope with emotions
- Alcohol’s positive feedback loop
- Building a tough shell to hide her sensitive side
- Why you need to listen to your body
- How resisting feelings can get in the way of freedom
In Sarah’s session:
- The cycle of "never again" mornings
- Recovering her true self
- Drinking to numb emotions
- The need to process emotions, not run from them
- Forgiving the past
- Accepting things as they are
- Learning new ways to cope on The PATH
Ellie Crowe is a Senior Certified TNM Coach and co-host of the Present & Sober podcast. 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 626: Reader’s Question – Unlocking Inner Peace: Practical Tools for Self-Forgiveness: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-626-readers-question-unlocking-inner-peace-practical-tools-for-self-forgiveness/
EP 689: Interview with Dr. Melissa Kalt: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/
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! -
Have you ever felt torn between the life you show and the life you hide?
Megan, a devoted nurse and mom, lived a double life that tore her apart. She was at the top of her game during the week, but on her days off, she would binge drink. After a three-day binge during the holidays, Megan hit rock bottom. Ashamed that she couldn't be present for her kids, she knew something had to change. She found the courage to ask for help, made a promise to her nine-year-old daughter, and hasn’t looked back since. In this episode, Megan opens up about her journey from feeling trapped in a double life to living a more fulfilled life where she’s fully present for herself and her children.
In this episode, Annie and Megan will discuss:
- The stigma preventing health professionals from seeking help
- Megan’s early struggle with body image issues
- Drinking at 13 to feel ‘grown-up’
- The toll of living a double life
- Numbing the joy as well as the pain
- The myth of “normal” drinking
- Mommy wine culture
- Not being present as a mom
- How drinking affected her physically and mentally
- Letting go of perfectionism
- Ticking off her bucket list
- Rejecting the idea that she is powerless
- How mindfulness brought her back to the present
- The dopamine detox trend
- Rediscovering joy in the small things again
- Learning social skills without alcohol
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 385: Naked Life Story – Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-385-naked-life-story-onowa/
EP 430: Reader Question – How can I break free from Mommy Wine Culture? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-430-reader-question-how-can-i-break-free-from-mommy-wine-culture
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
Are you struggling to trust yourself after years of drinking?
When Jenna noticed that she wasn’t just drinking in the evenings anymore, but also in the mornings and afternoons, she became scared and overwhelmed. Having struggled with alcohol for over 40 years, she also felt guilty and unworthy, believing she was powerless to make the changes she really wanted. But it wasn’t her fault. Alcohol had robbed her of her self-confidence. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Jenna make sense of her complicated feelings around alcohol, helping her understand that her value rests within herself and not in her actions or her past. For the first time in years, Jenna starts to feel worthy and begins to trust herself again.
In this episode, Coach Zoe and Jenna will discuss:
- Jenna’s 42-year struggle with alcohol
- Going ‘duck mode’ to beat cravings
- Drinking to cope with pain
- Trusting herself again
- Finding self-compassion
- How This Naked Mind tools helped her make changes
- Why it can be hard to feel worthy
- Letting go of self-blame
- The fact that alcohol is the problem
- How drinking affected her confidence
- Writing a letter to her old self to heal
- Finally feeling worthy
- And other topics…
Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.
Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/
Related Episodes:
EP 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/
EP 730: Alcohol Freedom Coaching – Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/
EP 586: Reader Question – How do I avoid cravings when not drinking?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-586-reader-question-how-do-I-avoid-cravings-when-not-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! -
Do you find yourself giving alcohol various 'jobs' depending on what you're facing?
While Joy counseled young people about the dangers of alcohol, she secretly beat herself up for drinking more than she wanted to. Feeling torn, she quit her job as a counselor. She had always given alcohol different jobs in her life. First, it helped her fit in with her peers. Then, she used it to manage her grief and, later, to relax after a long day. Throughout her journey, drinking felt like the thing to do because everyone around her was doing it. But when she discovered This Naked Mind, she started picking apart her deeply held beliefs about alcohol. In this episode, Joy shares her incredible journey to living a more wholesome life for herself and eventually finding her way back to the career she loves as a coach.
In this episode, Annie and Joy will discuss:
- Drinking to mask insecurities and fit in
- Blacking out after drinking at 14
- The influence of alcohol in her family history
- The health consequences of heavy drinking
- Partying heavily even as an academic student
- How alcohol shaped her friendships and relationships
- Drinking to mask pain and manage grief
- Traveling to find herself
- Counseling others while battling her own drinking
- Giving kids the tools to understand alcohol
- 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 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x
EP 547: Naked Life Story – Claire: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-547-naked-life-story-claire/
Resources Mentioned:
Joy’s Website: https://www.afreelifecoaching.com
Joy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afreelife_/
Joy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFreeLifeCoach/
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! -
Could alcohol be stopping you from finding real peace?
No matter how many alcohol-free programs Annette tries, she can’t seem to get past the sixth day without reaching for her favorite Twisted Tea. Meanwhile, Jane drinks to get some relief from the worry and stress of managing her challenging relationship with her aging parents. While Annette's roadblock is her belief that alcohol helps her relax, Jane feels stuck because of her struggle to set boundaries with her parents, whom she loves. In this episode, Coach Ruby guides Annette to explore her beliefs about alcohol, questioning whether it actually helps her relax. Likewise, she helps Jane unpack the complicated emotions she feels toward her parents, exploring healthier ways to cope and find peace.
In Annette’s session:
- Drinking to calm her anxiety
- Her accidental first drink at her grandma’s
- Does she truly like the taste of alcohol?
- Acknowledging that alcohol numbs her taste buds
- The main reason she drinks
- The heavy cost of a short period of relaxation
- Strategies to make her commitment easier
- Opening up to her husband about her alcohol journey
In Jane’s session:
- Numbing herself with alcohol in her quest for peace
- Progress toward her desired peace and freedom
- Growing up around alcohol and anger
- The burden of being the “rock” for her family
- Seeing herself in her father
- Learning not to beat herself up
- How her unresolved anger fuels her drinking
- Healthier ways to process her emotions
- Balancing love for her parents with personal boundaries
- Standing up for herself
Ruby Williams is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach on a mission to help those rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Ruby helps her clients create profound mind shifts during sessions that can shrink the role of alcohol in their lives. Despite drinking every day to manage stress, she found freedom and was empowered to lose weight, get healthy, and achieve some lifetime goals. Ruby can help you reach a more fulfilling, healthy, and balanced life, free from relying on alcohol.
Learn more about Coach Ruby: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ruby-williams/
Related Episodes:
EP 02: Reader Question – Why do I have so much anxiety the day after drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-02-reader-question-much-anxiety-day-drinking/
EP 274: Reader Question – My biggest obstacle is that I love the taste of wine, I understand I acquired the taste but I still love it!?
https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-274-reader-question-my-biggest-obstacle-is-that-i-love-the-taste-of-wine-i-understand-i-acquired-the-taste-but-i-still-love-it/
EP 564: Coaching Questions – How to start healing from numbing? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/
EP 622: Reader’s Question – Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with Family: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-620-readers-question-effective-strategies-for-setting-boundaries-with-family/
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! -
Have you ever thought, "I can handle this on my own," only to realize you couldn't?
Shelley struggled with her husband’s harmful behavior and drinking habit, which left her at the end of her rope. On top of that, her own unhealthy relationship with alcohol weighed her down. Thinking she could solve the problem on her own, she refused to accept help. But one day, she finally joined Al-Anon and got the support she had always needed. Later, she found Annie Grace's 30-Day Alcohol Experiment, which helped her look deeply into her relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Shelley shares her journey with Annie, from simply surviving to choosing herself and truly living.
In this episode, Annie and Shelley will discuss:
- Shelley’s journey with alcohol
- What a "qualifier" is
- Realizing she couldn’t fix her spouse’s drinking problem
- Drinking to reward herself
- The moment she stopped resisting help
- How Al-Anon supported her
- Guilt from leaving a challenging relationship
- How This Naked Mind changed her life
- The power of choosing yourself
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 48: Reader Question – I Quit Drinking But My Spouse Has Not. Any Advice?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-48-reader-question-i-quit-drinking-but-my-spouse-has-not-any-advice/
EP 637: Naked Life Story – Annie Grace’s Husband (Part 1): https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-637-naked-life-story-annie-graces-husband-part-1/
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! -
Have you ever sabotaged your progress because it felt easier than standing out?
As seven-year-old Helga raced toward the finish line, it was clear she would win. But suddenly, she turned around and let everyone pass her. Why? Because she felt uncomfortable being in the lead. This moment captures a lifelong pattern of holding back when she’s about to succeed. Helga even found herself doing the same thing in her relationship with alcohol, feeling like she didn’t deserve a better life. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Helga see how her instinct to pull back is really about staying safe. Together, they explore how fear and guilt can actually become tools for growth, and why learning to love herself is the only way to break free.
In this episode, Coach Mike and Helga will discuss:
- Why we feel nervous about standing out
- How negative emotions can benefit us
- The problem with loving yourself conditionally
- Toning down your true self with alcohol
- How self-sabotage can be a way to protect yourself
- Turning negative feelings into tools for growth
- Learning to embrace your unique self
- Why it feels safer to fit in than stand out
- How to stop holding yourself back
- Celebrating your wins without guilt
- And other topics…
Mike Shennan is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who helps people take back control from alcohol, especially those who have seen their drinking habits gradually escalate as they reach mid-life. Using his own experiences and This Naked Mind methods, he guides his clients in changing how they think about drinking. Having lost both parents to alcohol-related illnesses, he is passionate about how drinking can have an impact not just on oneself, but on everyone around them.
Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/
Related Episodes:
EP 46: Reader Question – How Do I Let Go of Self-Sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-46-how-do-i-let-go-of-self-sabotage/
EP 596: Reader Question – Why do I self-sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-596-reader-question-choosing-hope-over-doubt/
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 the fear of drinking again keeping you from fully enjoying your life?
After going through detox three times, Erin was afraid to drink again. She didn’t want to go on vacations or to bars because she was scared. Even though she stayed away from alcohol for years, she still felt stuck because she was often thinking about not drinking. She was eager to step into the next chapter of her life but couldn’t leave behind the structure that had supported her. Then, Erin found This Naked Mind, which helped her see that she could live without fear, shame, or anxiety. In this episode, Annie chats with Erin about what it took to change her mindset and finally live a life of true freedom.
In this episode, Annie and Erin will discuss:
- Why feeling powerless doesn’t help
- Moving past the fear of drinking again
- Learning and growing from mistakes
- Feeling lonely on your alcohol-free journey
- How ads trick our brains into thinking alcohol is fun
- Seeing cravings as a chance to learn
- Why she started drinking again during cancer treatment
- Her initial resistance to This Naked Mind
- Drinking to connect with your partner
- The problem with using fear to stay in control
- 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 106: Reader’s Question – Why does living alcohol-free feel lonely?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-106-readers-question-living-alcohol-free-feel-lonely/
EP 184: Reader Question – Does alcohol advertising really work?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-184-does-alcohol-advertising-really-work-2/
EP 222: Reader Question – What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/
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! -
Do you feel awkward drinking less than everyone else around you?
Christine lives in wine country, where almost every social event is at a winery or involves wine. But now that she no longer drinks as much as she used to, she feels like she has to drink just to fit in. In this coaching session, Coach Cole helps Christine talk through her feelings of awkwardness about drinking less and how it affects her social life. Together, they explore practical ways to enjoy social events, feel more confident, and stay true to her goals without feeling left out.
In this episode, Coach Cole and Christine will discuss:
- Handling different drinking habits in your relationship
- Drinking less than your friends
- Balancing drinking with a healthy lifestyle
- How to feel comfortable at events while drinking less
- How alcohol prevents you from being fully present
- Facing the fear of not fitting in
- Mixing fun with confidence
- Finding new ways to enjoy social events
- Tips for confidently drinking less at parties
- And other topics…
Cole Harvey is a Certified Naked Mind Coach who helps others navigate the forest of their subconscious beliefs, guiding them to explore their own inner landscape. Cole loves nature and has spent years hiking through remote areas of the U.S. Having transformed his own life using the tools of playful curiosity, compassion, and empowerment, he brings a love of the wild and the hero’s journey to his coaching.
Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/
Related Episodes:
EP 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x
EP 547: Naked Life Story – Claire: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-547-naked-life-story-claire/
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! -
Are you wondering how to build meaningful connections without drinking?
Gregory once turned to substances to win fast friends. But that didn’t bring the deep, meaningful connections he really wanted. What he needed to realize, however, was that he had to connect with himself first, and reading This Naked Mind was the first step in the right direction. He took a leap of faith into a new way of life and never looked back. Since his last conversation with Annie on the podcast, he has been focused on his life and fitness goals, even becoming a CrossFit coach. In this “Where Are They Now” episode, Gregory and Hayley chat about the positive changes in his life and explore his journey toward building authentic relationships.
In this episode, Hayley and Gregory will discuss:
- Turning to substances to win fast friends
- How This Naked Mind rocked his world
- Truly connecting with himself
- How drinking a lot can hinder connection
- Having a good time without substances
- Growing out of your comfort zone
- The power of self-awareness
- Gregory’s passion for health and fitness
- Showing up for yourself even when it’s hard
- Building authentic connections in a community
- Why you need to be gentle with yourself
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
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 109: Naked Life Story: Greg: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-109-naked-life-story-greg/
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 alcohol really lead to the good life, or is it taking more than it gives?
For a long time, Rajinder believed alcohol was necessary to have fun at celebrations and on vacations. From the glass of mimosa on the plane to the pretty cocktail at resort check-in, Rajinder’s holidays were always wrapped up in alcohol. But the hangovers were awful, and the plane rides home left her feeling like she needed a vacation from her vacation. It wasn’t until she discovered This Naked Mind that she started to question how much alcohol was really adding to or taking away from her experience of fun. In this coaching session, Coach Onowa works with Rajinder to explore the belief that alcohol leads to the good life.
In this episode, Coach Onowa and Rajinder will discuss:
- Why we think alcohol equals fun
- How advertising shapes our beliefs about alcohol
- The illusion of fun that alcohol creates
- What fun really feels like
- Why you need to question long-held beliefs
- How drinking can take away from real fun
- Why it helps to understand how alcohol affects the body
- How alcohol numbs not just the bad, but also the good
- How drinking can mess with your sleep and mood
- Planning alcohol-free vacations
- And other topics…
Onowa Bjella is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach with over two decades of experience as an educational professional. Having lost her mother at a young age, she understands how people with trauma often turn to alcohol. Onowa helps health-conscious moms like herself embrace self-compassion and take control of their relationship with alcohol.
Learn more about Coach Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/onowa-bjella/
Related Episodes:
EP 18: Reader Question – Is Not Drinking Really More Fun?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-18-reader-question-is-not-drinking-really-more-fun/
EP 164: Reader Question – Are vacations and holidays more fun without drinking?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-164-are-vacations-and-holidays-more-fun-without-drinking/
EP 184: Reader Question – Does alcohol advertising really work?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-184-does-alcohol-advertising-really-work-2/
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 652: Reader’s Question – How To Plan an Alcohol-Free Vacation: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-652-readers-question-how-to-plan-an-alcohol-free-vacation/
Other Resources:
How To Understand Alcohol’s Effects on Your Body: https://thisnakedmind.com/alcohols-effects-body/
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! -
Have you ever felt like different parts of you are at war?
Cole thought alcohol would always dominate his life. Drinking helped him cope with the grief of losing his father, and before he knew it, he couldn’t separate it from his identity. He endured many years of darkness and self-blame, feeling trapped in a war with himself. But one day, he decided it was time for a change. He committed to learning more about himself and soon found This Naked Mind, which gave him the clarity he needed. Not only did he find peace, but he also rediscovered his purpose—helping others as a coach. In this episode, Cole talks with Annie about his journey to finally embracing the different parts of himself. Together, they explore what it takes to move from putting yourself down to treating yourself with kindness.
In this episode, Annie and Cole will discuss:
- How alcohol provided relief from grief
- Drinking as a way to connect with his late father
- When alcohol became part of his identity
- The downward spiral of self-criticism
- The moment that marked his first step to freedom
- How This Naked Mind empowered his journey
- How journaling helped Cole face his demons
- Healing through self-love
- How to heal cognitive dissonance
- Why “mindful” breaks are useful
- Why demonizing part of yourself is counterproductive
- Embracing all the different sides of ourselves
- Why Cole is passionate about coaching
- 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 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/
Other Resources:
Monthly Journaling Challenge: https://thisnakedmind.com/tag/monthly-journaling-challenge/
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 you could find better coping mechanisms than alcohol?
During Bek’s difficult marriage breakup, she used alcohol to comfort herself and numb painful emotions. Meanwhile, overachiever Emily drank to reward herself, even though she would end up feeling worse. For both women, alcohol was a way to cope with life’s challenges. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Bek and Emily look back at their pasts to understand the childhood wounds that have kept them stuck as adults. While Bek learns that self-compassion is the key to lasting change, Emily confronts her unresolved beliefs about alcohol.
In Bek’s session:
- Bek’s struggle to believe in herself
- Why changing behavior alone doesn’t work
- Why you need to fall in love with yourself
- Alcohol as a comforter during tough times
- How childhood rejection shaped her behavior
- Why you have to work on yourself first
- Learning to trust yourself again
- The exhaustion of hiding your true self
- The importance of being kind to yourself
In Emily’s session:
- Using alcohol as a reward for working hard
- The exhaustion from always trying to do more
- The childhood need for approval keeping her stuck
- The danger of loving yourself conditionally
- When the brain tricks us into thinking alcohol helps
- Emily’s mantra for managing everyday stress
- How drinking affects her creativity
- Why The PATH is different from other programs she has tried
Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.
Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/
Related Episodes:
EP 609: Naked Life Story – Brian C.: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-609-naked-life-story-brian-c/
EP 407: Naked Life Story – Marilin: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-407-naked-life-story-marilin/
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! -
Do you ever feel like you’re going along with the crowd just to fit in?
Patrick C. liked drinking because it made him more social. Instead of being the shy, quiet kid he used to be, alcohol made him feel more fun and confident. But when he started feeling worse every time he drank, Patrick realized he wasn’t drinking because he wanted to. Rather, he was drinking to please people and not let them down. In this episode, Patrick talks to Annie about his journey to a healthier lifestyle, his struggles with anxiety, and how he finally overcame the fear of explaining his choices to others. While Patrick was already on his way to freedom before his mother gave him a weathered copy of This Naked Mind, the book inspired him to finally open up and share his story with his loved ones.
In this episode, Annie and Patrick will discuss:
- Patrick’s experience with anxiety
- The pressure young people feel to drink in social settings
- How Patrick handles his anxiety now
- Facing the fear of life without alcohol
- Worrying about being judged for not drinking socially
- How This Naked Mind inspired Patrick to write his story
- How setting boundaries helps with his new social life
- Other ways he has fun with friends now
- How choosing yourself first makes it easier to do it again
- Why it’s important to teach kids about alcohol
- How Patrick now inspires his friends and family
- Annie’s kids’ book, Buzz to Buzz Kill
- The problem with the message “drink responsibly”
- The role alcohol plays in the economy
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 655: Naked Life Story – Maria Warner: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-655-naked-life-story-maria-warner-2/
EP 684: Reader’s Question – Why Does Drinking Alcohol Make Me Anxious?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-684-readers-question-why-does-drinking-alcohol-make-me-anxious/
EP 523: How To Talk To Your Kids About Alcohol TNM Parents: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-523-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-alcohol-with-scott-pinyard-and-tnm-parents/
Other Resources:
Is Drinking Alcohol Part of a Healthy Lifestyle? – Decoding the Buzz: https://thisnakedmind.com/is-drinking-alcohol-part-of-a-healthy-lifestyle/
Let's Talk About The Idea of "Drinking Responsibly": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnHkRs0V3xQ
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! -
If you are truly yourself, will you still belong in your community?
Deborah has always been a likable person who fits in effortlessly. But as she steps into her alcohol-free identity, she worries she will lose her connection with her community. In this coaching session, Coach Lance helps her break down her fears around rejection and judgment, showing her that real belonging comes from being unapologetically herself. Deborah discovers that the greatest gift she can offer herself and those around her is the freedom to be her most authentic self.
In this episode, Coach Lance and Deborah will discuss:
- Her decision to start The PATH with a fake name
- The courage to be authentic in a conformist world
- How societal norms shape our relationship with alcohol
- The difference between fitting in and truly belonging
- The fear of rejection when stepping into a new identity
- Practical tools for embracing authenticity
- The fear of missing out on connection
- The unexpected freedom of giving up alcohol
- How authenticity can be contagious
- The exhausting cycle of being a social chameleon
- And other topics…
Lance Anthony Scott is a Certified TNM Coach who brings the same passion he once reserved for the arts to his coaching. He believes that both the arts and overcoming alcohol dependency are about truth, authenticity, and expressing a beauty that is honest and real. After breaking out of what he calls “booze jail” using the This Naked Mind methodology, Lance became deeply inspired to support others who, like himself, felt falsely imprisoned by alcohol.
Learn more about Coach Lance: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/lance-anthony-scott/
Related Episodes:
EP 675: Naked Life Story – Susie P.: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-675-naked-life-story-susie-p/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
What if the first step to freedom is realizing that you are not the problem?
Kayla’s journey with alcohol started long before her first sip. With a father who became unpredictable when he drank and a mother with unresolved trauma, she grew up hating alcohol. When she started drinking to fit in with the college crowd, she justified it by telling herself she wasn’t like her dad. But each time she drank, she felt guilty and ashamed because it felt like she was betraying her younger self. In an unexpected twist, her father stopped drinking, inspiring Kayla to reevaluate her own relationship with alcohol and ultimately embrace her power over it. In this moving episode, Kayla shares her journey to accepting the liberating truth that alcohol was the problem, not her or anyone else.
In this episode, Annie and Kayla will discuss:
- How generational trauma shaped her relationship with alcohol
- Her struggle with social drinking and self-judgment
- The mental chess game of moderation
- Social drinking as a mask for deeper issues
- Using self-compassion and inner work to heal
- The cognitive dissonance that kept her stuck
- Realizing alcohol, not the person, is the problem
- Cravings as a brain reaction, not a moral failure
- Taking responsibility to change without shame
- The truth about numbing emotions
- Embracing sobriety without isolating from others
- Living authentically to inspire curiosity and change
- And other topics…
Related Episodes:
Episode 27: Naked Life Story – Jamie: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-27-naked-life-story-jamie/
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! - Show more
