Laughs Without Lager: Finding Authentic Connection in Sobriety
What happens when four decades of heavy drinking suddenly stops? Ali Burke returns to share her remarkable transformation from a self-described "party pisshead parent" to a woman fully embracing authentic connection and present parenting.Ali's drinking story began in her early teens, looking for courage, attention, and a way to fit in. As the youngest of seven children, alcohol became her tool for becoming "the funny one." This evolved into a forty-year relationship with alcohol that saw her drinking moonshine vodka by the litre, losing her driver's license three times, and prioritizing drinking over driving her teenage daughter home safely.The turning point came after a deep hypnosis session and one final regretful wedding experience. What Ali calls her "spontaneous sobriety" has now lasted nearly four years, completely transforming every aspect of her life. Most significantly, she's rebuilt her relationship with her daughter, who once had to parent her drinking mother but now has a present, reliable parent she can count on.Our conversation takes a joyful turn as we reflect on how we met at a sober retreat in Phuket, where we discovered the authentic connections possible without alcohol. The genuine laughter, dancing, and friendship we found proved that sobriety doesn't mean the end of fun – it marks the beginning of more meaningful experiences and "sore tummy muscles from laughing so much."Ali shares exciting news about our upcoming podcast venture "Laughs Without Lager," where we'll continue sharing honest stories to help others seeking freedom from alcohol. Her journey demonstrates that even after decades of drinking, transformation is possible, and the rewards of clarity and authentic connection far outweigh anything alcohol seemingly offered.Whether you're sober curious, taking a break, or committed to alcohol-free living, this conversation offers both hope and practical insights from someone who's walked the challenging but ultimately liberating path to freedom.Ali Burke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470602 MEGWeb: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/ Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching BELLAWeb: https://isabellaferguson.com.auInsta: @alcoholcounsellorisabellaBi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challengeFree Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkoutFree HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkoutOnline Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
-------- Â
28:06
--------
28:06
Faye Lawrence: Claim Your Sober Identity (what if your best self exists on the other side of sobriety?)
Faye Lawrence, Psychologist, offers practical guidance for navigating social situations without drinking. She explores how our social identity and connections play a crucial role in sustaining behavior change around alcohol consumption.• Discover how family experiences and cultural norms shape our relationship with alcohol• Challenge commonly held beliefs about non-drinkers • Explore the fear of losing friends or missing out when stopping drinking• Discover your authentic social preferences without alcohol's influence• Understand the importance of community in shifting your identity from drinker to non-drinker, and• Use sobriety as an opportunity for self-discovery and boundary-settingThe only way out is through. You can do this, and connecting with others on the same journey will make all the difference.FAYE LAWRENCEhttps://www.fayelawrence.com.au/ADHD & Alcohol 8 Week Program: Breaking the Loop - https://www.fayelawrence.com.au/adhd-alcohol-program MEGWeb: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/ Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching BELLAWeb: https://isabellaferguson.com.auInsta: @alcoholcounsellorisabellaBi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challengeFree Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkoutFree HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkoutOnline Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
-------- Â
46:54
--------
46:54
Rory Kinsella: Why Meditation Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Sobriety Puzzle
Rory Kinsella, musician, Vedic meditation teacher and sober coach, reveals how finding inner stillness helped him transform his relationship with alcohol and eventually quit completely. He now teaches others to do the same. We discuss:• Growing up in alcohol-centric UK culture where drinking was normalised from teenage years and how that lifestyle continued for a while in Sydney• Rory's progression to an alcohol-free life and how discovering Vedic meditation changed his relationship with stress• Using meditation during "witching hour" to interrupt the stress-drinking cycle, and• Developing a coaching approach that celebrates progress over perfectionRORY KINSELLAhttps://www.rorykinsellameditation.com/https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/Rory offers pre-recorded online programs, live online group programs, one-on-one meditation teaching and sober coaching. MEGWeb: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/ Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching BELLAWeb: https://isabellaferguson.com.auInsta: @alcoholcounsellorisabellaBi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challengeFree Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkoutFree HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkoutOnline Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
-------- Â
48:34
--------
48:34
The Unstoppable World of Rocky Rafaela: Rochelle's Recovery Journey
Australian fashion designer Rochelle Gregory shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to creative success with her clothing line Rocky Rafaela. In this ep, we cover how:• alcohol initially provided social connection, but led to dangerous situations and repeated rehab stays• purpose through fashion design offered moments of peace allowing racing thoughts to disappear• how learning to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable" was crucial to maintaining sobriety• sobriety has opened up opportunities and new beginnings, including a full-circle moment when the school that asked her to leave invited her back to speak about her success.If you're struggling, remember you're in the perfect position to transform your life. Get clear on who you want to become, reach out for support, surround yourself with supportive people, and know that change is possible for everyone.ROCKY RAFAELAhttps://www.rockyrafaela.com/ROCHELLEhttps://www.instagram.com/rockyrafaela/ MEGWeb: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/ Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching BELLAWeb: https://isabellaferguson.com.auInsta: @alcoholcounsellorisabellaBi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challengeFree Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkoutFree HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkoutOnline Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
-------- Â
42:12
--------
42:12
Blackout Drinking!
I never imagined that so many special memories in my life would be a blur. The harsh reality of alcohol-induced blackouts left a mark on what should have been some of the clearest and happiest days of my life. Tune in as I, Meg, unravel the harrowing connection between these blackouts and anxiety, and the role they've played in my own journey. It's a stark look at the silent battle many face, as the quest to ease social nerves can lead to moments lost in time and the frightening inability to form memories.This episode isn't just a personal reflection—it's a broader discussion on the perilous impact of alcohol misuse on society, from the risks of domestic violence to the tough conversations we must have with our loved ones about safe drinking practices. Through my story, and experiences, we explore the importance of awareness around how and why blackouts occur when it comes to alcohol. If you're grappling with these challenges or know someone who is, this conversation aims to offer a guiding light to those ready to step towards understanding and breaking free from alcohol's grip. MEGWeb: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/ Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching BELLAWeb: https://isabellaferguson.com.auInsta: @alcoholcounsellorisabellaBi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challengeFree Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkoutFree HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkoutOnline Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
Meg and Bella discuss the ups and downs of navigating an alcohol free life in Australia's alcohol centric culture. This highly rated podcast, featuring in Australia's top 100 self improvement podcasts, is a must for those that are trying to drink less alcohol but need some motivation, are curious about sober life or who are sober but are looking for some extra reinforcement. The Not Drinking Alcohol Today pod provides an invaluable resource to keep you motivated and on track today and beyond. Meg and Bella's guests include neuroscientists, quit-lit authors, journalists, health experts, alcohol coaches and everyday people who have struggled with alcohol but have triumphed over it. Our aim is to support and inspire you to reach your goals to drink less or none at all! Meg and Bella are This Naked Mind Certified Coaches (plus nutritionists and counsellors respectively) who live in Sydney.
Ireland