Bestselling author Annie Grace invites you to explore the role of alcohol in our lives and culture without rules, pain, or judgement. Ready to make a change? Jo...
Who Are You Without the Label? Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E778
What if the labels you’ve always worn no longer fit who you are becoming?
Maureen and Jackson are both discovering how life feels when alcohol isn’t such a big part of it. For Maureen, this time feels easier than ever, leaving her wondering if it’s too good to be true. Jackson is nervous about what his friends will think if he chooses not to drink. Alcohol was a big part of his culture growing up, and he worries that stepping away might be seen as a weakness. In this episode, Coach Hayley helps Maureen see how all her past efforts have led to this moment of growth. Jackson realizes that choosing what is best for him is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, they find that life beyond alcohol isn’t about giving something up. Instead, it’s about gaining confidence, freedom, and a new way to enjoy life’s moments.
In Maureen’s session:
- How her drinking habits have shifted over the years
- Relying on willpower in past attempts to change
- Choosing to change for herself, not others
- Wondering why this time feels easier
- Exploring her doubts about lasting change
- Seeing how past experiences led to growth
- Enjoying social events without needing to drink
- Shifting the belief that alcohol makes experiences better
- Looking forward to future moments with confidence
- Embracing her journey as ongoing growth
In Jackson’s session:
- Growing up with alcohol as a part of his culture
- Adjusting drinking habits based on social settings
- Worrying about how friends might react to change
- Reframing change from “need to” to “want to”
- Using alcohol to cope with personal losses
- Replacing self-judgment with curiosity
- Letting go of comparison and focusing on his path
- Recognizing how words shape experiences
- Redefining what being a non-drinker means to him
Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time.
Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/
Related Episodes:
EP 94: Reader Question – I Stopped Drinking but My Friends Are Not Supportive. How to Deal? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-94-reader-question-stopped-drinking-friends-not-supportive-deal/
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 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!
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1:12:39
Introducing Negotiate Your Best Life Podcast with Rebecca Zung
Do you find yourself navigating and negotiating through tough times? The Negotiate Your Best Life Podcast with Rebecca Zung captures the stories of people who have navigated past external and internal challenges to finally live their best lives. I hope you check it out.
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2:50
Happy Hours, Lonely Nights: Brian’s Naked Life | E777
When was the last time you felt fully present with someone you love?
Brian was known as “the happy hour guy” among friends and colleagues. But when his dad passed away at age 57, he began reflecting on his health and how he was living. As his mom’s health declined soon after, he chose to take a break from drinking to be more present with her. That pause led to surprising changes including better sleep, more energy, and improved health. He stayed fully present for his mom when it mattered most. Along the way, he found a version of life that simply felt better. In this episode, Brian joins Annie to discuss navigating two losses, the impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing, and why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change.
In this episode, Annie and Brian will discuss:
- Drinking in high school and college to socialize
- Building a work and social life around happy hour
- Using alcohol to cope with boredom and loneliness
- Questioning his habits after losing his dad
- Noticing alcohol’s impact on health and energy
- Changing habits, regaining sleep, health and clarity
- Being fully present for his mom’s final years
- Grieving his mom without numbing the pain
- Finding deeper, more genuine connections
- Making healthier choices before hitting rock bottom
- Why curiosity, not willpower leads to lasting change
- Guiding others toward informed, empowered choices
- Overcoming the fears of changing alcohol habits
- Creating a happy, healthy, and purposeful life
- 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 308: Reader Question – What are the Health Benefits When You Stop Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-308-reader-question-what-are-the-health-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking/
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/
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!
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58:46
A Life Worth Staying In: Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E776
When life feels heavy, what small choices can help you feel lighter?
Shanelle had gone weeks without drinking and felt ready to face her emotions in therapy. But as therapy revealed deeper pain, she found herself returning to old habits. Meanwhile, Mary has been struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother. After hospital visits, she often finds herself reaching for a drink, but over time, she has realized it only makes her numb and unable to deal with her emotions. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Shanelle focus on what she can control and navigate the fear of facing past trauma, while Mary learns to manage stress in a way that has her feeling more at peace.
In Shanelle’s session:
- Experiencing progress in early attempts to change
- Discovering unhealed trauma through therapy
- Using self-awareness to understand hidden trauma
- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and uncertainty
- Shifting focus to what she can control
- Building emotional strength by facing discomfort
- Taking control of habits with small pauses
- Breaking habits one choice at a time
- Focusing on benefits instead of setbacks
In Mary’s session:
- Struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother
- Noticing the urge to drink after difficult visits
- Feeling emotionally drained and anxious
- Managing stress differently with mindset shifts
- Viewing caregiving as a choice, not an obligation
- Allowing herself to fully embrace emotions
- Discovering healthier ways to manage emotions
- Finding gratitude in time spent with her mom
- Embracing every moment as an opportunity
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 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 748: The Path to Inner Clarity: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/
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!
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1:10:25
The Missing Piece with Paul & Stacey Martino | E775
How do you inspire change in others without pushing them away?
Paul Martino never really enjoyed drinking. It was something he did to fit in. When he and Stacey Martino became intentional about their health, they decided to change their relationship with alcohol. During a difficult time in their marriage, Stacey tried pushing Paul to do things her way but when she shifted her focus to her own growth, Paul felt inspired to change on his terms. Now, 25 years later, they haven’t had a drink, by choice, because it aligns with their values. In this episode, Paul and Stacey join Annie to share tools to navigate different drinking habits as a couple and how to inspire change in others without pressure or judgment.
In this episode, Annie, Paul, and Stacey will discuss:
- Why social drinking never felt right for Paul
- Prioritizing health and rethinking alcohol
- How to navigate different drinking habits as a couple
- Managing triggers and responses in relationships
- Owning your growth without relying on others
- Choosing patience over judgment
- How to inspire change without being forceful
- Building trust while respecting each other’s choices
- Letting go of “if you loved me, you would” thinking
- Addressing safety concerns with care
- Facing challenges and growing through discomfort
- 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 278: Reader Question – How Can Friends and Family Support Someone Who Is Changing Their Relationship With Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-278-reader-question-how-can-friends-and-family-support-someone-who-is-changing-their-relationship-with-alcohol
EP 364: Reader Question – Do I Have to Choose Between Being Alcohol-Free or My Relationship? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-364-reader-question-do-i-have-to-choose-between-being-alcohol-free-or-my-relationship/
Resources Mentioned:
Paul & Stacey’s Website: relationshipdevelopment.org
Paul & Stacey’s Book, The Missing Piece: A Proven Method to Single-Handedly Transform Your Relationship and Create Harmony in Your Home: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Single-Handedly-Transform-Relationship/dp/1401993907
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!
Bestselling author Annie Grace invites you to explore the role of alcohol in our lives and culture without rules, pain, or judgement. Ready to make a change? Join The Alcohol Experiment - a FREE 30-day challenge designed to deliver happiness, wellbeing and self-respect. Check out The Alcohol Experiment at alcoholexperiment.com