This Naked Mind Podcast

Would you feel more confident if you could trust yourself every step of the way? Jan struggles with how she sees herself with and without alcohol. While it helps her feel fun, it also leaves her dealing with shame and low energy after drinking. She’s afraid of making big decisions without it and facing the difficult emotions tied to her past. Meanwhile, Susan panics when there’s no alcohol at home. Having it nearby helps her feel calm, and she worries about how her body and mind might react without it. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Jan create a more authentic social life, trust herself to grow from within, let go of people-pleasing, and find calm. Coach Pam encourages Susan to face her feelings with curiosity and patience, helping her manage anxiety and take control of her choices. In Jan’s session: - Exploring who she is with and without alcohol - How alcohol shapes our social skills - Jan’s fear of seeming boring without alcohol - Building a more authentic social life - The impact of her friend’s comment about her drinking habit - How childhood experiences influence our self-worth - Using alcohol to cope with work stress and abandonment - The fear of starting a new life in a rural area without alcohol - Finding peace by changing from the inside - Trying new ways to relax, like walking and meditation - Embracing your fears instead of avoiding them - Letting go of the need to please everyone - Imagining a life where she feels calm and free In Susan’s session: - Why she panics when there’s no alcohol at home - How her body reacts to the idea of running out of alcohol - Understanding why her brain links alcohol to comfort - Exploring ways to handle the anxiety of not drinking - Small but noticeable changes since joining The PATH - Learning to respond to alcohol with more control - Recognizing anxiety and learning to embrace calm - Making thoughtful choices without rush or pressure Zoe Ewart is a Certified Senior TNM Coach with four children and more animals than you can count. For 15 years, she has taught Pilates, speaks French and Spanish, and has been living alcohol-free since March 2020. Zoe’s coaching helps people take control of their relationship with alcohol in a fun, enjoyable, and safe environment. Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/  Pam McRae is a Certified TNM Coach, Master Life Coach, and Gray Area Drinking Coach. Since rethinking her relationship with alcohol in 2017, she considers herself a non-drinker. Pam empowers others through her Freedom Connection group coaching, where people support each other in their alcohol journeys. She also uses her experience and knowledge to guide you through tough times such as grief. Learn more about Coach Pam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/pam-mcrae/  Related Episodes: EP 480: Reader Question – What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety  EP 522: Reader Question – How do I combat the automatic giving in to cravings? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-522-reader-question-how-do-i-combat-the-automatic-giving-in-to-cravings/  EP 669: Naked Life Story – Megan W. https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-669-naked-life-story-megan-w/  Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What if the first step to change is just being honest with yourself? Amy grew up in a family where alcohol wasn’t a big part of life. She didn’t drink in high school and was teased for it. During college and law school, she began drinking to fit in. Later, wine became part of her career as a lawyer. Over time, she used alcohol to deal with stress, lack of sleep, and feelings of guilt as a mom. Hearing stories about other people’s drinking made Amy feel like her habit wasn’t a big deal because she wasn’t letting it affect her work. But after struggling with guilt, shame, and even suicidal thoughts, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Amy talks with Annie about her steps toward making lasting changes, what didn’t work, and how she found her passion for coaching others in the legal profession to rethink their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Annie and Amy will discuss: - Growing up without alcohol - Getting teased for not drinking as a teenager - Drinking to fit in during college and law school - How wine became part of her work and social life - Using alcohol to deal with stress and lack of sleep - Struggling with shame, mom guilt, and suicidal thoughts - How the Alcohol Experiment changed Amy’s mindset - Why hearing stories about alcohol made her drink more - Amy’s attempts at drinking in moderation - The difference between quick relief and real growth - Creating new habits like walking and gratitude - Understanding the intentions behind drinking habits - Finding purpose through coaching - Helping others in the legal industry with their alcohol journey - Learning how alcohol affects the brain and body - Building stronger friendships beyond drinking - And other topics… Connect with Amy: Amy’s Website: https://www.reframingwellbeing.com/  Related Episodes: EP 88: Reader Question – Social Drinking – How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-muster-willpower-not-drink/  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 718: Reader’s Question – Does Not Drinking Hurt Job Prospects? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-718-readers-question-does-not-drinking-hurt-job-prospects/  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 face your fears and make changes when your partner isn’t ready yet? Charlotta grew up with a parent who struggled with alcohol and drugs, which shaped her views on drinking. As an adult, wine became a way for her and her husband to bond, but over time, she began to feel trapped and unhappy with her life. Meanwhile, Donni has been married for 26 years, and drinking played a big role in her connection with her husband. When she decided to stop drinking, her husband continued, which affected their relationship. Now, Donni feels sad, lonely, and worried about his drinking habits. In this episode, Coach Sam encourages Charlotta to focus on living in the moment, trusting herself, and taking small steps toward the life she dreams of. Coach Mike helps Donni focus on her growth, practice compassion, be patient, and gently share her concerns with her husband. In Charlotta’s session: - Feeling trapped in her current life - Her mom’s struggle with alcohol and drug use - Sharing a bond with her husband over wine - Imagining what life would look like without alcohol - Charlotta’s fears about changing her life - Discovering her true self and identity - Learning to trust herself and listen to her inner voice - Finding peace by focusing on the present - Making changes from within In Donni’s session: - The role of alcohol in her relationship with her husband - Dealing with feelings of fear, sadness, and loneliness - How retirement added stress to their relationship - Why it’s hard when only one partner stops drinking - Balancing dependence on your partner and personal growth - Focusing on yourself instead of trying to “fix” someone else - How to have tough conversations without creating conflict - Using alcohol to cope with tough emotions and life changes - Inspiring others to change by taking care of yourself first - Sharing ideas gently and giving them time to grow - The importance of patience in making big changes 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 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/  EP 615: Naked Life Story – Amy Edwards https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-615-naked-life-story-amy-edwards/  EP 636: Reader’s Question – The Art of Balancing Your Needs in a Relationship https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-636-readers-question-the-art-of-balancing-your-needs-in-a-relationship/  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 start questioning a habit you’ve known your whole life? Michaela grew up in a family where alcohol was always a part of life. Her parents owned a winery, and drinking was normal at every meal. Seeing her dad become happier after a drink, she began to link alcohol with fun. At age 14, she started drinking and continued until her thirties. Over time, Michaela began to black out often. One day, after drinking with friends, she blacked out and got lost on her way home. This moment made her question her drinking habits and led her to discover This Naked Mind. In this episode, Michaela shares with Annie how curiosity and learning about alcohol’s effects helped her make lasting changes, and how questioning family and cultural norms around drinking led to a life filled with more clarity, joy, and self-awareness. In this episode, Annie and Michaela will discuss: - Growing up in a wine-loving family - Using alcohol to feel more comfortable in relationships - Embracing the drinking culture at work - Building a personal and social identity around wine - Marriage, motherhood, and drinking patterns - The turning point after years of blackouts - How This Naked Mind helped Michaela see alcohol differently - Learning to say no to wine in a wine-loving family - The American drinking culture that surprised her - Breaking the link between fun and alcohol - How curiosity makes your first experiences without alcohol easier - Finding clarity, joy, and better sleep without alcohol  - The key principles that can help change any habit - Embracing change with curiosity and courage - And other topics… Related Episodes: EP 574: Reader’s Questions – Is it better to drink in moderation or not at all? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-574-readers-questions-is-it-better-to-drink-in-moderation-or-not-at-all/  EP 618: Reader’s Question – Annie Grace’s Tips for Dealing with Family Members Who Continue to Drink https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-618-readers-question-annie-graces-tips-for-dealing-with-family-members-who-continue-to-drink/  EP 738: Fun Without the Hangover: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/fun-without-the-hangover-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e738/  Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!