Episodi
-
What if your goal to stop drinking is actually making it harder to succeed?
In this episode, Sara and Barb open up about their personal struggles with alcohol, shame, and self-doubt—and what happens when they shift focus from staying sober to finding peace. With the help of Coach Lily, Sara learns how to set emotional goals instead of sobriety goals, reframing her "alive goal" from white-knuckling abstinence to creating inner peace. She discovers that joy is a skill, not a personality trait, and that the journey to change can be meaningful, even enjoyable.
Barb, coached by Pam, shares how she relapsed after 18 months alcohol-free and fell into a spiral of hiding, guilt, and fear. Through compassionate coaching, she begins to see that her experience doesn’t erase her success—and that her desire to feel free is more powerful than her fear of failure. Both women realize that emotional goals—like peace, freedom, or joy—can provide lasting motivation where rules and willpower fall short. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode offers a powerful shift in perspective.
In Sara’s session:
Why day-counting made sobriety feel like a life sentence
How to set emotional goals instead of sobriety goals for deeper motivation
Understanding the fear of failure and how it can trigger relapse
Reframing “doing the work” as joyful, not punishing
Letting go of the belief that peace is lazy or selfish
Finding freedom through emotional self-inquiry
Turning “I won’t drink” into “I want peace”
and other topics…
In Barb’s session:
Returning to alcohol after 1.5 years alcohol-free
Feeling shame and hiding drinking from loved ones
Using emotional goals to rebuild confidence
Releasing fear of failure and embracing hope
Using past success as evidence you can change again
The power of curiosity over self-judgment
Reframing relapse as data, not disaster
Creating a new goal: waking up at peace, not in regret
and more…
Lily Weis is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach who helps others find peace, purpose, and joy beyond alcohol. After realizing that drinking was making her world feel small and disconnected, Lily feared that quitting would mean losing fun, friendship, and connection. But what she discovered instead was freedom. Today, Lily lives with a deep sense of inner joy and emotional resilience—even on hard days. She works exclusively with members of The Path, where she supports others in creating vibrant, alcohol-free lives filled with meaning and adventure.
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/ -
Learning how to turn your brain off without drinking can feel impossible when your mind is constantly racing.
Jennifer, a self-described control freak, discovered this firsthand as she navigated years of using alcohol to quiet the mental chatter. What happens when that coping mechanism is removed? Join us as Jennifer shares her powerful journey of realizing alcohol wasn't her friend and how she ultimately found a more fulfilling and peaceful existence without it.
In this episode, Cole and Jennifer discuss:
Drinking as a way to manage stress, loneliness, and the loss of control
Using alcohol to feel connected and to quiet a constantly running mind
How early sobriety revealed emotional triggers Jennifer didn’t expect
Navigating the fear of change and giving up the one “friend” that always showed up
Her experience with the Alcohol Experiment Facebook group
How she discovered how to turn your brain off without drinking
New coping tools for stress, overthinking, and emotional discomfort
Why ditching alcohol helped her show up more fully for her family
Embracing self-trust, not self-judgment
and more topics… -
Episodi mancanti?
-
Have you ever wondered if your attempts to unwind with alcohol are actually adding to your burdens?
Coach Ruby Williams offers a powerful glimpse into the realities of seeking alcohol freedom through two personal coaching sessions. First, we meet Anne, a mom and professional learning to navigate stress and cravings using the tools provided by The Path. Then, we listen in as Ruby coaches Travis, who candidly discusses the pattern of drinking because of work stress in his high-pressure career and begins to explore alternative ways to manage exhaustion and find genuine relaxation.
Ruby and Anne discuss:
Balancing motherhood, work, and emotions
How stress and subconscious beliefs drove her cravings
What made her pause instead of buying wine
Using practical tools like candlelight, journaling, and stargazing to replace wine
Why wine as a reward is a cultural myth
Celebrating small wins and staying grounded in her "alive goal"
The concept of an "urge jar"
and other topics
Ruby and Travis dive into:
Growing up with generational addictionHow high achievement and people-pleasing masked deeper burnoutWhy alcohol became a mental shut-off switch
Realizing work had consumed joy, friendships, and connection
The high cost of success and redefining his evening routine
Drinking because of work stress
Coaching insight: maybe it’s as simple as going to bed
and more
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 158: Reader Question – How do you deal with stress without alcohol? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/
EP 517: The Upside of Stress with Dr. McGonigal - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-517-the-upside-of-stress-with-dr-mcgonigal/
EP 29: Naked Life Story: Meredith - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-29-naked-life-story-meredith/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! -
Why do we keep drinking even when we know it’s hurting us? For Sammie, the answer lay beneath the surface—in the pain she hadn’t faced. Her story shows how unresolved trauma leads to drinking and how ignoring what hurts often feels safer than healing. Until it doesn’t. In this episode, she opens up about what it took to stop numbing and start living fully.
In this raw and real conversation, Annie and Sammie unpack how unresolved trauma leads to drinking and what it means to finally feel your feelings without fear. From parenting through grief to starting over at 49, Sammie’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to break old cycles.
In this episode, Annie and Sammie discuss:
Early alcohol exposure and teen drinking
Losing both parents in 19 days
Why drinking became her emotional escape
What grief looked like in real life
What made her stop for good
The power of The PATH and the community
Experiencing her first alcohol-free festivals
Using nursing experience to help others detox safely
Finding meaning in coaching and service
How unresolved trauma shows up in everyday choices
Why it’s never too late to change
And other topics…
Episode links:
Sammie’s Sober Heroes - https://www.sammiessoberheroes.com/Start reading This Naked Mind - https://thisnakedmind.com/bookJoin The Path - https://go.tnmprograms.com/the-path-from-this-naked-mind -
Can you still feel powerful, connected, and sophisticated without alcohol? Haley sat down with Coach Pam to explore what creating a new identity after quitting drinking really looks like. In this candid conversation, they dive deep into the myths around wine and womanhood, the fears about fitting in, and the incredible strength that comes from choosing authenticity over alcohol. Listen as Haley and Coach Pam work to redefine Haley’s values of intelligence, nurturing, and power, independent of alcohol.
Coach Pam and Haley discuss:
How alcohol gets tied to sophistication and success
The role of media and TV in normalizing drinking culture
Creating a new identity after quitting drinking
Dealing with feelings of rejection and fear of standing out
Redefining self-care and genuine downtime
How wine culture influences professional women
Setting goals based on emotional empowerment
Why real confidence comes from authentic connection
The hidden cost of trying to “fit in” with drinking culture
Small mindset shifts that protect long-term goals
How Haley can reclaim her sense of self without wine
and more...
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/ -
What if the glass of wine you reach for every evening is actually treating something deeper than just stress?
Amy takes us through her journey from teenage experimentation to mommy wine culture, revealing how alcohol became her trusted companion through life's challenges. As a high-functioning professional juggling parenting, caregiving responsibilities, and undiagnosed issues, she found herself using alcohol to treat adult ADHD without even realizing it. It wasn't until her son developed addiction issues that Amy began questioning her own relationship with alcohol. Through family therapy, reading This Naked Mind, and completing The Alcohol Experiment, Amy discovered how alcohol was masking her authentic needs while creating more anxiety and depression. Now alcohol-free for four years, she shares how breaking this cycle led to profound personal growth and genuine joy.
In this episode, Annie and Amy discuss:
Growing up in a conservative "Leave It to Beaver" household
Teenage experimentation with alcohol as rebellion
Transitioning from weekend binge drinking to daily wine culture
How mommy wine culture normalized problematic drinking
Using alcohol to treat adult ADHD without realizing it
The connection between disordered eating and alcohol consumption
Parenting adopted children with unique challenges
How family therapy led to self-discovery
Breaking free from alcohol at age 51
Finding authentic joy and peace in midlife
And other topics…
Episode links:
Start reading This Naked Mind - https://thisnakedmind.com/book
Join The Alcohol Experiment - www.alcoholexperiment.com
Related Episodes:
EP 719: Naked Life Story – Katie W. - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-719-naked-life-story-katie-w/
EP 110: Reader Question – I stopped drinking alcohol but now I binge on Netflix and ice cream. What’s the deal? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-110-reader-question-stopped-drinking-alcohol-now-binge-netflix-ice-cream-whats-deal/
EP 678: Reader’s Question – How to Stop Restricting Food while Drinking? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-678-readers-question-how-to-stop-restricting-food-while-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! -
What happens when you finally feel your emotions instead of trying to numb them with alcohol? In this episode, we hear two powerful coaching conversations. Coach Zoe talks with Jill, who is finding her way back to her spiritual side after years of working in a high-stress job where drinking was common. Coach Ruby works with Ambur, a former college athlete and mom of two young kids, who is now 120 days alcohol-free. Both women are learning how to feel their emotions instead of escaping them. They’re on the road to understanding the urge to drink as a sign that they were feeling disconnected from who they really are. These sessions show how self-kindness and body awareness can take the place of alcohol when it comes to handling tough emotions.
In Jill’s session with Coach Zoe:
Returning to neglected areas of life, like spirituality, after quitting.
Recognizing how career focus can inadvertently support drinking habits.
Learning to connect with and process bodily sensations and emotions.
Exploring meditation and somatic work as tools for emotional regulation.
Utilizing anchoring techniques to stay present during discomfort.
Understanding self-compassion as a key to emotional processing.
The significance of acknowledging and learning from past drinking experiences
and more…
In Ambur’s session with Coach Ruby:
Navigating early motherhood and perfectionism without alcohol
Celebrating 120 days alcohol-free and learning to feel again
Understanding the urge to drink as a desire to escape loneliness
Using meditation, exercise, and truth-telling as new tools
Processing emotions instead of labeling them as “bad”
Letting go of judgment and learning to sit with discomfort
Replacing sneaky drinking with honest communication
Exploring what a sustainable alcohol-free life looks like
and more…
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/
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/ -
What if the anxiety you've lived with for years could disappear by changing just one habit?
Lauren never questioned the drinking culture she grew up with in the UK, where pubs were central to every social occasion. When the pandemic hit shortly after her move to Canada, she began noticing how alcohol had shifted from enjoyment to an unsatisfying habit. Through research and repeatedly listening to This Naked Mind, Lauren began building an alcohol-free lifestyle that lasts, taking extended breaks from drinking that revealed surprising benefits—including the complete disappearance of her anxiety. In this episode, she shares her journey of ups and downs, the importance of self-compassion after slip-ups, and how she's found more genuine joy and connection without alcohol at the center of her life.
In this episode, Annie and Lauren discuss:
From British pub culture to questioning alcohol's role
How the pandemic revealed problematic drinking patterns
The process of building an alcohol-free lifestyle that lasts
Why tracking "failures" can be counterproductive
The complete disappearance of anxiety after reducing alcohol
Discovering genuine joy without drinking
The surprising impact on hormone health and overall wellness
Finding alternatives to "chasing the high" after activities
Recognizing the link between alcohol and emotional stability
Creating new traditions beyond drinking culture
And other topics…
Episode links:
Related Episodes:
EP 445: Finding Joy with Catherine Gray - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-445-finding-joy-with-catherine-gray/
EP 448: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink – The Thief of Joy - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-448-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-drink-the-thief-of-joy/
EP 20: Reader Question – What do You do about Missing the “High” from Drinking? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-20-reader-question-what-do-you-do-about-missing-the-high-from-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 do our thoughts influence our ability to create lasting change?
Overcoming automatic negative thoughts begins with understanding how they shape our behaviors and emotions. In this episode, Coach Sam helps Marion navigate triggers around holiday memories and past trauma, while Coach Mike guides Maria through breaking free from her lifelong pattern of negative self-talk. Both guests struggle with how their thoughts fuel their drinking behaviors—Marion with holiday-related trauma that previously led to heavy drinking, and Maria with the "failure" narrative that pulls her back into old patterns. Through these powerful coaching conversations, we witness how identifying and questioning habitual negative thinking creates the foundation for sustainable change.
In Marion's Session:
Processing trauma around Christmas and her father's death
Learning to feel proud of caring for her father during difficult times
Moving beyond the memory of a traumatic assault
Understanding how trauma memories can trigger drinking behaviors
Discovering that self-worth is inherent, not earned
The difference between intellectual understanding and embodied knowing
Overcoming automatic negative thoughts by seeing them as memories, not reality
Finding presence and contentment by not numbing emotions
Approaching painful memories with self-compassion
Recognizing that healing comes from wisdom, not just intellectual effort
and other topics…
In Maria's Session:
Identifying habitual negative thoughts like "I'm a failure" and "I'm not good enough"
Understanding how negative thinking fuels drinking behaviors
Learning the ACT technique for overcoming automatic negative thoughts
Questioning whether negative beliefs are actually true
Seeing how thoughts exist to protect us, not punish us
Breaking the cycle of negative thoughts → difficult emotions → unwanted behaviors
Moving from black-and-white thinking to nuanced perspectives
Recognizing that thoughts are "just strings of words" with meaning we assign
The power of neutralizing thoughts rather than forcing positivity
Developing mental resilience by questioning habitual thought patterns
and more…
Sam Goldfinch is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach, and the founder of Rebel Spirituality and the Rebel Spirituality podcast. He also co-hosts 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/
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 512: Reader Question - How do you get comfortable with your own mind? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-512-reader-question-how-do-you-get-comfortable-with-your-own-mind/
EP 438: Reader Question – How do you survive the holidays without alcohol? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-512-reader-question-how-do-you-get-comfortable-with-your-own-mind/
EP 616: Reader’s Question – Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
How do you process emotions after years of drinking when you've spent a lifetime disconnected from your feelings?
In this powerful episode, Coach Ellie works with Gayle and Christie, who both struggle with alcohol fixation but from different angles. Gayle feels constantly consumed by thoughts about drinking or not drinking, finding that fixation creates anxiety, overwhelm, and triggers deep stories of not being good enough. Christie has spent decades suppressing emotions and using wine as a "talking stick" to allow herself to feel things, rather than numbing. Through gentle exploration, Coach Ellie helps both women understand the path from fixation to liberation - recognizing that spiritual awakening often begins with alcohol freedom but leads to something much deeper: recovering our true nature and learning to be present with all our emotions.
In Gayle's Session:
Defining fixation
How fixation creates physical symptoms of anxiety and overwhelm
The path from cognitive understanding to embodied knowledge
Experiencing "the magic trick": seeing alcohol's truth changes everything
The role of data points in building new beliefs about alcohol
How to process emotions after years of drinking through presence
Recovery of self: discovering who you are without alcohol
Why alcohol freedom is just the doorway to deeper transformation
The concepts of true nature and soul edification
And more
In Christie's Session:
Moving from fear-based motivation to emotion-based goals
Finding joy after years of emotional disconnection
The connection between creativity and emotional healing
Recognizing permission to feel all emotions, not just "acceptable" ones
How to process emotions after years of drinking through bodily awareness
Restorative yoga as a bridge to feeling into the body
Cues of safety that help regulate the nervous system
The concept of "unf*withable" emotional resilience
Moving beyond perfectionism
The role of curiosity in spiritual liberation
And other topics
Related Episodes:
Reader’s Question - Episode 634: How do you get rid of the punishing voice inside your head? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-634-readers-question-how-do-you-get-rid-of-the-punishing-voice-inside-your-head/
Episode 69: Allowing Feeling with Scott Stabile - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-69-allowing-feeling-scott-stabile/
Reader’s Question - Episode 604: Embracing Your Authentic Self - 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! -
How do you rebuild your identity when alcohol has been woven into every aspect of your personal and professional life? Growing up in a rural fishing community where “drinking was a pastime, to put it mildly,” Peggy couldn’t even remember her first drink. Her 28-year military career reinforced these patterns in predominantly male trades where working hard and playing hard revolved around alcohol. Finding the courage to stop drinking as a female veteran wasn’t straightforward, especially when seeking help could jeopardize her security clearance and career. In this heartfelt conversation with Annie Grace, Peggy shares her journey to freedom from alcohol after retirement, how she navigated the transition, and why she’s now training to become a coach to help others find the answers that are already inside themselves.
In this episode, Annie and Peggy will discuss:
The normalization of alcohol in rural communities and the military.
The challenges of questioning ingrained drinking habits.
The moment Peggy realized her drinking was no longer serving her.
The fear of seeking help for alcohol issues within the military context.
The support and understanding found within the This Naked Mind community.
The concept of “duck mode” as a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety.
Changing social dynamics and navigating friendships without alcohol.
The realization of internal strength and wisdom.
Peggy’s motivation to become a certified coach and guide others, particularly female veterans, on their journey to stop drinking as a female veteran.
The transformative power of self-acceptance and kindness.
And other topics…
Episode links:
Email Peggy - [email protected]
Connect with Peggy - neaptidecoaching.com
Related Episodes:
EP 745: How To Quit Drinking in Your 50s – https://thisnakedmind.com/breaking-through-alcohols-false-relief-joys-naked-life-e745/
EP 561: Naked Life Story – Ben – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-561-naked-life-story-ben/
EP 292: Duck Mode Explained – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-292-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-alcohol-free-at-a-bachelor-bachelorette-party-weekend/
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 biggest obstacle in your alcohol journey isn’t the alcohol itself, but what you believe about yourself? In this Alcohol Freedom Coaching session, Coach Ruby Williams guides Anna Maree and Marci through their unique challenges with drinking. Anna Maree reveals how despite reaching elite athletic status and building a thriving business, she’s haunted by the feeling that her accomplishments are never enough—a belief stemming from childhood experiences. Working with Coach Ruby, she explores techniques to let go of negative beliefs that have driven her to seek escape through alcohol. Marci shares her struggle with loneliness and planning for success after experiencing the departure of loved ones. Both women discover practical tools for moving forward rather than reverting back to harmful patterns..
In Anne Maree’s session:
Identifying the belief that “nothing I ever do is good enough”
Understanding how childhood experiences shape current beliefs
How high achievement can mask deeper emotional struggles
Techniques to let go of negative beliefs through questioning
Using the ACT method to challenge unhelpful thoughts
Drinking to numb feelings versus facing emotions
Learning to celebrate progress rather than seeking perfection
Creating smaller, achievable targets for success
The importance of self-compassion
and other topics
In Marci’s session:
Recognizing patterns of drinking when alone versus with others
Creating a plan for after social events to prevent relapses or data points
How retirement changes drinking triggers
The four-list tool for managing boredom and loneliness
Moving forward versus “not reverting back” mindset shift
Using post-it note affirmations as reminders
Understanding why social connection reduces drinking urges
Planning ahead for high-risk situations
Celebrating small wins
and more
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 494: How To Stop Drinking at Home Alone https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-494-reader-question-how-to-stop-drinking-at-home-alone/
EP 532: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard & Rina Bowring https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-532-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard-rina-bowring/
EP 706: Reader’s Question – Healing Emotional Pain Without Alcohol https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-706-readers-question-healing-emotional-pain-without-alcohol/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
Is traditional AA the only way to find lasting change? Jenny experienced bullying, sexual abuse, and emotional neglect that left her seeking comfort in alcohol from an early age. Despite trying traditional treatment methods for decades and being told repeatedly that learning how to recover without 12-step programs was impossible, Jenny continued to struggle until discovering This Naked Mind and The Path. After 15 failed treatment attempts and countless hours of therapy, she finally found peace through its science-based approach that addressed the root causes of her drinking. In this moving conversation, Jenny opens up about loss, grief, and ultimately finding joy in sobriety.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to sexual abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, Annie and Jenny will discuss:
Surviving childhood trauma, bullying, and sexual abuse
How emotional neglect can lead to seeking comfort in alcohol
The devastating cycle of relapse despite multiple treatment attempts
Why traditional AA meetings caused additional trauma
How to recover without 12-step programs using science-based approaches
Rebuilding life after experiencing devastating loss
The power of connection in The Path program
Finding self-forgiveness for decades of drinking
Why cognitive dissonance makes early sobriety challenging
Making a “burn the boats” decision for lasting change
Creating boundaries with difficult family members
How joy and peace replace anxiety after quitting alcohol
And other topics…
Related Episodes:
EP 550: Reader’s 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/
EP 324: Reader Question – Is AA Wrong? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-324-reader-question-does-annie-grace-think-aa-is-wrong/
EP 485: Happy Days with Gabby Bernstein – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-485-happy-days-with-gabby-bernstein/
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 organic wine better for you, or is this just another marketing tactic keeping you tied to alcohol? Lois finds herself caught between wanting to make healthier choices and falling for the "better for you" wine aisle marketing. In this coaching session with Coach Cole, she explores the cognitive dissonance between knowing alcohol is harmful regardless of its organic status, while still being drawn to the perceived benefits of "healthier" wine options. Through mindful observation and intentional choice-making, Lois discovers how to navigate her evening rituals, experiment with non-alcoholic alternatives, and approach her relationship with alcohol from a place of curiosity rather than judgment.
In this episode, Coach Cole and Lois discuss:
Navigating the path toward a different relationship with alcohol
Exploring the question is organic wine better for you or just clever marketing
The cognitive dissonance between knowing alcohol’s effects and believing in “healthier” options
Using non-alcoholic wines to maintain rituals while changing behavior
How our beliefs about alcohol’s benefits (creativity, ease, fun) may not match reality
The costs of drinking: memory gaps, health impacts, and lost vitality
Approaching drinking like a science experiment with intentional awareness
Creating a menu of evening ritual choices beyond wine
The importance of self-compassion and non-judgment during behavior change
Aligning choices with core values of health and vitality
Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.
Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/
Related Episodes:
EP 709: Dealing with the Effects of Red Wine on Health- Maryanne’s Naked Life - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-709-naked-life-story-maryanne-p/
EP 584: Reader Question – Is red wine good for your heart? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-584-reader-question-is-red-wine-good-for-your-heart/
EP 612: Reader Question – How To Avoid Drinking Alcohol in Social Situations - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-612-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-alcohol-in-social-situations/
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/
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 really learn how to stop daily drinking after decades of alcohol use?
Pierre's 35-year "drinking career" began at age 9 when adults first gave him alcohol in the Alps, a region where drinking is deeply woven into the cultural fabric. Despite recognizing his daily three-beer habit as problematic in his twenties, it took decades and multiple attempts before he successfully broke free. After discovering Annie Grace's approach, Pierre developed a long-term strategy to stop daily drinking and now celebrates a year of sobriety. In this episode, Pierre shares his journey from European drinking culture to peaceful sobriety, explaining how alcohol-induced depression lifted, why social pressure made quitting difficult, and how he finally created a life so beautiful he refuses to let alcohol steal even a day of it.
In this episode, Annie and Pierre will discuss:
First exposure to alcohol at age 9 in Europe's drinking culture
The progression from social drinking to daily alcohol consumption
Working in industries where drinking is normalized and accessible
Multiple failed attempts at moderation and sobriety
How to stop daily drinking with This Naked Mind
How alcohol-induced depression and anxiety disappeared
Developing a toolbox of coping strategies for life without alcohol
The challenge of socializing sober in drinking-centric environments
The power of curiosity in creating sustainable change
Creating a life that doesn't require escaping through alcohol
Finding self-love and self-understanding without alcohol
The realization that "there is no love in that bottle"
And other topics...
Related Episodes:
EP 244: Reader’s Question – Do other countries have as much of a problem with alcohol as we do in the U.S.? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-244-do-other-countries-have-as-much-of-a-problem-with-alcohol/
EP 578: Reader’s Question – Why is it hard to imagine being happy after going alcohol-free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-578-readers-question-why-is-it-hard-to-imagine-being-happy-going-alcohol-free/
EP 737: Cole’s Naked Life - Healing Through Self-Love
https://thisnakedmind.com/healing-through-self-love-coles-naked-life-e737/
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 true connection possible without alcohol, and how can you redefine success after quitting drinking?
Julie grapples with the instant relief alcohol provides versus the long-term regrets, caught between the desire for relaxation and the pressure to be productive. Coach Cole helps her uncover the underlying emotions driving her drinking and find genuine ways to transition from stress. Cherie, on the other hand, questions the false connection alcohol fosters with friends and society. Coach Pam helps her reframe her understanding of social norms and connection, ultimately redefining success after quitting drinking.
In Julie’s Session:
Using alcohol to shut down constant thinking and overthinking
Struggling with the transition from work to relaxation
Exploring the instant relief versus long-term regrets of alcohol
Challenging ingrained values of productivity and societal expectations
Redefining success after quitting drinking by finding joy and peace
Experimenting with new tools for relaxation, like writing and meditation
Understanding the interplay of productivity and relaxation
Learning to set boundaries for personal time
Finding intrinsic markers of success
and more…
In Cherie’s Session:
Confronting societal pressures and the illusion of connection through alcohol
Questioning the concept of “normal” drinking behavior
Reframing the idea of connection with friends and society
Recognizing the false connection alcohol provides
Redefining success after quitting drinking by choosing authentic experiences
Overcoming the fear of “forever” and focusing on daily commitment
Learning to choose better tools for social interactions
Focusing on personal well being
and other topics…
Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.
Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/
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 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 162: Reader Question – Why does alcohol get a free pass in society when it is so dangerous? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-162-why-does-alcohol-get-a-free-pass-in-society/
EP 612: Reader Question – How To Avoid Drinking Alcohol in Social Situations - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-612-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-alcohol-in-social-situations/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
What if everything around you has been designed to influence your choices?
Kori grew up believing emotions were a weakness. As an adult, she used alcohol, food, and other substances to escape her feelings. When she focused on her health, she tried to change her drinking habits but kept falling back into old patterns, no matter how hard she tried. After joining The PATH, she uncovered the hidden thoughts shaping her choices and learned how to rewire them for lasting change. In this episode, Kori joins Annie to explore how advertising, social norms, and easy access to alcohol shape drinking and eating habits and how letting go of control helped her create real change and deeper connections.
In this episode, Annie and Kori will discuss:
- Growing up in poverty and learning to hide emotions
- Using food, alcohol, and substances to cope
- Experiencing drinking culture in the military
- Feeling emotionally disconnected in relationships
- Struggling to change habits while focusing on health
- How the brain’s reward system shapes behavior
- Why alcohol is more available now than ever
- How social norms shape drinking and eating habits
- Understanding liminal thoughts and unconscious decisions
- Choosing self-compassion over self-judgment
- Finding strength in emotional connection
- Discovering the power of emotional connection
- Taking small, brave steps toward lasting change
- And other topics…
Connect with Kori:
Kori’s Website: https://korimcclurg.com/
Related Episodes:
EP 162: Reader Question – Why Does Alcohol Get a Free Pass in Society When It is so Dangerous? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-162-why-does-alcohol-get-a-free-pass-in-society/
EP 649: Naked Life Story – The Food Code Interview https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-649-naked-life-story-the-food-code-interview/
EP 668: Reader’s Question – Why Willpower Fails: Cracking the Code to Emotion-Driven Behavior Change https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-668-readers-question-why-willpower-fails-cracking-the-code-to-emotion-driven-behavior-change/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
What if being present matters more than proving yourself?
Joel considered himself highly functional despite his drinking, but deep down, he struggled with shame and being fully present. After years of using alcohol to manage stress and pain, he chose to take back control. His loved ones celebrate his progress, but their encouragement sometimes feels like pressure. Meanwhile, Kari is a lifelong overachiever. Since joining The PATH, she has set big goals but worries she won’t reach them. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Joel and Kari reconnect with their self-worth. Joel learns to set boundaries with loved ones, focus on his journey, and embrace where he is. Kari learns to simplify her goals, trust the process, and release the pressure to do it perfectly.
In Joel’s session:
- Struggling to stay present while making changes
- Reflecting on past shame and self-judgment
- Using alcohol to manage chronic pain and stress
- Facing deep feelings of unworthiness
- Navigating pressure from loved ones
- Setting boundaries and prioritizing his well-being
- Embracing self-compassion and personal growth
- Learning to express emotions openly
In Kari’s session:
- Struggling to stay consistent in her alcohol journey
- Balancing big goals with daily progress
- Feeling pressure to improve quickly
- Realizing how high expectations create stress
- Learning to hide struggles as a child
- Wanting to set a strong example for her kids
- Letting go of perfectionism and trusting her pace
- Separating self-worth from actions
- Forgiving herself and staying present
- Choosing peace as a guiding value
Zoe Ewart is a certified Senior Naked Mind Coach with four children and more animals than you can count. For 15 years, she has taught Pilates, speaks French and Spanish, and has been living alcohol-free since March 2020. Zoe’s coaching helps people take control of their relationship with alcohol in a fun, enjoyable, and safe environment.
Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/
Related Episodes:
EP 638: Reader’s Question – Why Is It Difficult to Put Myself First When It Comes to Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-638-readers-question-why-is-it-difficult-to-put-myself-first-when-it-comes-to-alcohol/
EP 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! -
What if everything you’ve been searching for has been within you all along?
Cindy had a traumatic childhood, with a violent father who was in and out of her life and a mother who coped by drinking. As a child, she cared for her younger brother, took on adult responsibilities, and learned to suppress her emotions. As she got older, alcohol became her escape from stress and emotional pain. She searched for peace in achievements, relationships, and self-improvement, but nothing brought lasting joy. After losing her brother, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Cindy joins Annie to share her powerful journey of self-discovery and how she rebuilt trust in herself, set boundaries, and embraced emotions instead of avoiding them.
In this episode, Annie and Cindy will discuss:
- Growing up in a chaotic, violent home
- Taking on adult responsibilities as a child
- Coping with childhood trauma and an absent father
- Struggling with trust and emotional disconnection
- Seeking belonging through partying and drugs
- Dealing with a complex relationship with her mom
- Navigating loss, custody battles, and divorce
- Searching for peace in self-help and retreats
- Facing anxiety, exhaustion, and deep unhappiness
- Finding support and clarity through The PATH
- Discovering inner peace, self-love, and joy
- Setting healthy boundaries with loved ones
- Embracing emotions instead of numbing them
- And other topics…
Resources Mentioned:
The Path Website: www.nakedmindpath.com
Related Episodes:
EP 158: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Stress Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/
EP 689: Interview with Dr. Melissa Kalt https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/
EP 744: Is Alcohol Blocking Your Peace?: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/is-alcohol-blocking-your-peace-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e744/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! - Mostra di più
