What alcohol was really costing me was my peace, my presence, and a life that felt true and authentic. That's the realization both Michelle and Susan come to with the help of Coaches Hayley and Cole. Michelle just hit 30 days and is only now connecting the dots between what alcohol was really costing her and the fear, impatience, and disconnection she'd written off as just life. Susan is alcohol-free and sitting with a grief so deep she wonders if she deserves to feel better at all. This one is real, raw, and worth every minute.

In Michelle’s session:

Why wine still felt tempting even when she knew it was no longer serving her

The link between drinking, marriage, routine, and end-of-day shutdown

Creating new patterns, from different seats on the couch to different drinks at dinner

Noticing how alcohol affects patience, sleep, stress, and health data

Questioning the fear that changing her drinking could change her marriage

Seeing what alcohol was really costing me in calm, clarity, and connection

Letting go of future-tripping and staying present

And more topics…

In Susan’s session:

Processing grief, guilt, and the heartbreak of losing her son

Why self-compassion feels so hard after loss

Looking back at drinking through a new lens

Exploring whether guilt feels like a way to stay connected

Realizing she was not 100% responsible for everything that happened

Using writing and reflection to hold grief without picking up a drink

And more…

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/

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/

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Does Mom Guilt After Drinking Ever Go Away? - Reader Question - EP 650 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-650-readers-question-does-mom-guilt-after-drinking-ever-go-away/

 Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 730 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/

What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? - Reader Question - EP 222 - 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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Brooke discusses:

The brain scan that first linked her alcohol use to her health and sparked a decade-long journey toward change

Taking 10 months alcohol-free, returning to drinking after a family trip, and why she never judged herself for it

How COVID neighborhood happy hours quietly accelerated her relationship with alcohol

Joining The Path in August 2023 and the hungover weekend trip that became her last

Discovering she was an extrovert living with social anxiety and how that reframed everything she thought she knew about her drinking

How alcohol-free living improved her anxiety by removing the daily double whammy of hangxiety and giving her space to actually feel and respond

The shift from "I can't have it" to "I don't want it" and what real alcohol freedom looks and feels like

Morning Pages, journaling, therapy, books, and other low-barrier tools that helped her most in the early days

Why self-awareness and willingness are the two things that make every other tool actually work

And more on identity, belonging, and building a life that feels the same on the inside as it looks on the outside...

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Question - EP 480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/

 Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Alcohol: Tools to Find Calm and Confidence - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 877- https://thisnakedmind.com/daily-practices-to-stay-alcohol-free-afc-e877/

Have I done permanent damage to my brain? - Reader Question - EP 350 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-350-reader-question-have-i-done-permanent-damage-to-my-brain/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

In Dianne’s session:

Fifteen years alcohol-free & what brought her back to drinking after leaving AA

Why the "data point" approach still feels like failure in year two of The Path

The family estrangement that cracked her open & how she’s been numbing it since

The moment she realized every negative feeling about herself comes directly from drinking

What is the best way to feel your feelings without drinking when the pain feels too big to face

More on habit vs. craving, self-belief, & finding your way back to yourself.

In Beth’s session:

How alcohol-free days uncovered emotions she never knew she was carrying

The habit of stuffing feelings down and why it kept her stuck drinking

Learning emotions are not problems to fix, just experiences to witness and feel

Why perfectionism and shame go hand in hand & how both fuel the urge to drink

The fear of burdening others with her feelings and what that costs her

An exercise in sitting with sadness & the surprising relief it brought

More on journaling, self-compassion, & breaking perfectionism

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

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/

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How To Stop Running Away from Life and Emotions - Reader Question - EP 632 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-630-readers-question-how-to-stop-running-away-from-life-and-emotions/

 How Can I Prevent Relapse and Does All Sober Time Count? - Reader Question - EP 30 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-30-reader-question-how-can-i-prevent-relapse-and-does-all-sober-time-count/

How To Stop Numbing Your Feelings and Start Living - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 859 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-alcohol-to-numb-emotions-afc-e859/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

What does an alcohol-free life transformation actually look like from the inside? For Valerie, it looks like CrossFit at 4:30 AM, a flourishing marriage, a challenging career, and a self she genuinely loves for the first time at 36. But getting here meant surviving an abusive relationship, years of drinking as a survival tool, and a long search for belonging that took her to martial arts competitions in Korea, AA meetings, and finally a bookstore where Annie Grace's book changed everything. This is her story.

Valerie and Coach Cole discuss:

Growing up without consistent support and turning to alcohol as a survival tool from age 18

How a deeply abusive relationship pushed her drinking to its darkest point and left her searching for a way out

The moment she put down her last drink without a plan and never looked back

Why AA gave her community but not the alcohol-free life transformation she was truly looking for

How Annie Grace's book found her in a bookstore and rewired the way she understood herself and alcohol

Building her CrossFit community as the foundation of belonging, she had been searching for her whole life

What spontaneous alcohol freedom feels like and why she has not had a single craving in 14 months

Letting go of the need for family approval and turning compassion inward for the first time

And more on healing, self-love, and the extraordinary life that opened up when she stopped drinking...

Episode links: https://go.tnmprograms.com/start-here-quiz

Related Episodes:

Emotional Trauma Recovery with Dr. Melissa Kalt - Interview - EP 689 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/

Does Annie Grace think AA is wrong? - Reader Question - EP 324 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-324-reader-question-does-annie-grace-think-aa-is-wrong/

Overcoming Drinking Culture in Fitness - Where Are They Now? Molly - EP 695 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-695-naked-life-story-hayley-where-are-they-now-molly/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

What if the thing you've never tried, not once in your whole life, turned out to be the answer? Beverlee is fresh out of eight years of isolation, finally learning how to stop drinking when you feel overwhelmed by caregiving, grief, and years of putting herself last. Steve is 75, alcohol-free since July, and sitting with something brand new: the idea that he doesn't have to fix everything. Coaches Cole and Soraya guide both of them in discovering what it means to show up for themselves.

In Beverlee’s session:

Years of isolation, caregiving, and a demoralizing environment, and what finally started to shift

The moment Beverlee recognized she'd been hiding her drinking, and herself, for most of her life

A profound inner child healing exercise that brought tears, release, and a long-overdue reunion

What self-compassion actually feels like in your body, and how to locate it when you've only ever given it away

Why curiosity can open the door to compassion when compassion feels completely out of reach

And more on the other side of hiding…

In Steve’s session:

How Steve found his "why" at age 75 and has been alcohol-free since July

Why adult children carrying old wounds don't have to define you or your peace

How to stop drinking when you feel overwhelmed by family tension and unresolved grief

The Groundhog Day cycle of drinking

The shift from waiting for your kids to love you to walking in with love for yourself first

And more on belonging to yourself and trusting the process

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/⁠

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Finding Hope for Longtime Drinkers - Reader Question - EP 600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/

Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 730 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/

Self-Love is the Key - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 736 - https://thisnakedmind.com/self-love-is-the-key-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e736/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Shannon discusses:

What it’s like to grow up around alcohol—and not realize how much it shaped you

Why Shannon didn’t drink much early on, and what changed later in life

When “just beer” turns into a nightly routine you can’t ignore

Breaking the nightly drinking habit when cravings feel automatic after work

How shame keeps people stuck—and how awareness helps you get free

What surprised Shannon after she stopped drinking

Building self-trust one choice at a time—without needing a dramatic moment

Holding boundaries at home while staying connected in a relationship

Why worry can feel like love—and what it costs you

Learning to approach hard conversations with more safety and less panic

And other topics…

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Overcoming Shame and Embarrassment After Drinking - Reader’s Question - EP 722 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-722-readers-question-overcoming-shame-and-embarrassment-after-drinking/

 Using Alcohol for Stress Relief - Naked Life Story – Allison B. - EP 715 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-715-naked-life-story-allison-b/

Learning to Trust Yourself Again - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E746 - https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

In Beth's session:

Why work stress makes weekday cravings feel so intense

The firefighter analogy: seeing the part of you that reaches for alcohol as a protector, not an enemy

Replacing "control" with "connection" as a new way to approach cravings

A somatic exercise to sit with difficult emotions

How setting a check-in timer throughout the day can prevent cravings from building up

Building confidence by stacking small wins and evidence that you can ride out tough moments

Learning the best way to deal with stress without alcohol when panic hits at work

And more…

In Patrick's session:

Why retirement unexpectedly led to more drinking and weight gain

The difference between behavior-based and emotion-based goals

How micro commitments create lasting change without overwhelm

Experimenting with yoga, pickleball, martial arts, and guitar as alcohol-free alternatives

Using the "closer or farther" question as a pattern interruption before happy hour

The best way to deal with stress without alcohol, when boredom and habit take over

And more…

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 men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.

Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the CAMH. 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/

Episode links:nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Alcohol After 60 - Coaching Questions -  EP 418 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-418-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard/

 Can You Stop Drinking Due To Work Stress - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 803 - https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-because-of-work-stress-e803/

Why do I end up drinking by myself whenever I am bored or stressed? - Reader Question - EP 594 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-594-reader-question-why-do-i-end-up-drinking-by-myself-whenever-i-am-bored-or-stressed/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind 

Letting go of wine culture—what if it’s not about losing something… but getting you back? Sherri grew up in a world where partying was normal, alcohol was everywhere, and being “the fun one” felt like her role. Over time, that same “fun” turned into nightly wine autopilot, constant bargaining (“just one,” “only certain days”), and the kind of loneliness that sneaks up on you when drinking starts shrinking your life. Then one Saturday, Sherri wandered into a library and found The Alcohol Experiment—and the experiment mindset finally gave her a way to step out of the shame spiral and into curiosity. Today, Sherri has become an integral part of The Alcohol Experiment Facebook group—her honest, funny, real posts continue to encourage people on day one, day thirty, or year six. Honestly? She’s the unofficial TAE mascot. In this episode, Coach Cole and Sherri talk about what changes when you stop fighting yourself and start choosing yourself.

Sherri and Coach Cole discuss:

Sherri’s early years: when partying was “normal” and alcohol was everywhere

How wine turned into identity (“I can’t imagine me without it”)

The exhausting moderation loop: rules, resets, bargaining, repeat

Why drinking slowly shifted from social to isolating

Blackouts, staying home to “be safe,” and the loneliness that followed

The library moment that introduced Sherri to The Alcohol Experiment

Letting go of wine culture without shame—using curiosity instead

The power of community + accountability inside the TAE Facebook group

Why Sherri has become an integral part of the group (and the unofficial TAE mascot!)

What changes over time: cravings as passing thoughts, confidence as a new normal

And more…

Episode links: alcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Should I Try Moderation - Reader Question - EP 370 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-370-reader-question-should-i-try-moderation/

How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment?- Reader Question - EP 508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/

Who Am I Without Wine?: Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 801 - https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

In Kristen’s session:Overwhelm and the urge to numb out after a hard dayThe real cost of “forgetting” and what true peace meansSpotting early cues in your body before cravings growA quick reset: breath, stretch, five minutes to yourselfAsking for a minute without guilt or people-pleasingWorking through urges to drink with a plan you can repeatAnd more

In Nicola’s session:The doubt loop: “don’t hope or you’ll be disappointed”Fear of quitting alcohol and fear of the unknownMeeting thoughts with compassion instead of resistanceSelf-soothing tools that bring you back to the presentSocial moments without alcohol (tonic water, leaving when you choose)Keeping routines while changing what happens nextAnd more 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/

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/

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Overcoming a Craving: My Best Advice - Reader Question - EP 10 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-10-reader-question-overcoming-a-craving-my-best-advice/

 Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Alcohol: Tools to Find Calm and Confidence - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 877 - https://thisnakedmind.com/daily-practices-to-stay-alcohol-free-afc-e877/

How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? - Reader Question - EP 88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-muster-willpower-not-drink/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

After reading This Naked Mind, Monica finally had language for what she’d been living: cognitive dissonance. She could see alcohol clearly…and still want it. She tried breaks, challenges, and milestones, but it kept feeling like white-knuckling. Then she joined The Path and something shifted. Instead of forcing a forever decision, she learned how to pause, observe, and stack up real-life evidence—what actually happened when she didn’t drink at a birthday, during the holidays, in hard relationship moments.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Monica talk about how rewiring happens one data point at a time—and how choosing self-compassion over self-judgment helped alcohol become small and insignificant. Monica also shares a powerful realization from pregnancy, and a moment of fear that made her see just how badly she wanted freedom.

Coach Cole and Monica discuss:

Growing up with alcohol as identity: “life of the party” and the go-to reward

Why “just drink less” kept feeling impossible (even with motivation)

How The Path helped Monica start observing instead of battling herself

Stacking evidence: first alcohol-free “firsts” that built confidence

Anxiety dropping when alcohol left the equation—and what surprised her mostPregnancy, “it’s not an option,” and what that revealed about her true preferences

A health scare thought that exposed the depth of the pattern—and the breakthrough it sparkedPicking health over alcohol through curiosity, compassion, and real-life proof

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

I see no benefit to alcohol, why can't I just quit? – Reader Question – E60 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-60-reader-question-see-no-benefit-alcohol-cant-just-quit/

Why Do I Drink When I Know It’s Bad For Me? - Reader Question - E660 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-660-readers-question-why-do-i-drink-when-i-know-its-bad-for-me/

Learning to Trust Yourself Again – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E746 – https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746/

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!

In Cheryl’s Session:

Mexico drinking culture: walk, lunch, games, drinks…repeat

Breaking routine drinking patterns when “fun” has always meant alcohol

Handling “How long are you doing this?” and “What about Christmas?” questions

Redefining fun and honoring your limits without apologizing

Exit plans and boundary-setting when parties run late

Having an honest conversation when your partner drinks more than you do

In Jennifer’s session:

Sugar cravings and weight gain after going alcohol-free

Spotting the shame voice and why it backfires

Breaking routine drinking patterns when nights feel restless and overloaded

Creating friction (less convenience) to interrupt autopilot choices

Delegating the mental load: lunches, dishes, and daily responsibilities

Practicing compassion so change feels lighter—and more sustainable

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves & want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost & used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free & focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, & adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change & mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, & find meaning.

Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

I Quit Drinking But My Spouse Has Not. Any Advice? - Reader Question - EP 48 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-48-reader-question-i-quit-drinking-but-my-spouse-has-not-any-advice/

 Where do I start when I struggle with food and alcohol? - Reader Question - EP 398 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-398-reader-question-where-do-i-start-when-i-struggle-with-food-and-alcohol/

Thought, Craving, or Old Habit? Making Sense of the Urge to Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 881 - https://thisnakedmind.com/does-the-urge-to-drink-ever-go-away-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e881/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Until next week, stay curious!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  . Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind 

Choosing freedom over fitting in. What if that one decision changed everything? Maxine grew up in an Irish culture where drinking was considered a vital piece of celebration, identity, and belonging, and for years she rode the exhausting cycle of stopping, starting, and negotiating with alcohol. Then she took on 75 Hard for her health, realized people were waiting for her to “be a drinker” again, and found herself craving something deeper than social approval: stability, clarity, and real joy. A sunrise on New Year’s Day became the moment she knew she was done for good. In this episode, Maxine joins Coach Cole to share how she stepped off the rollercoaster, stopped explaining herself, and built a life she genuinely loves—without alcohol.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Maxine discuss:

The cultural messages about alcohol that shaped Maxine’s early relationship with drinking

What it felt like to be able to “pause,” but not truly feel free

Why the mental load of alcohol was the most exhausting part

How 75 Hard became a socially acceptable “pass” to stop drinking

Choosing freedom over fitting in when people push back on your decision

The New Year’s Day sunrise moment that made her say, “I’m done”

Why she identifies as a “zero consumption” person and doesn’t romanticize moderation

How she handles parties now: honesty, boundaries, and bringing her own options

Playing it forward to dissolve cravings and protect her peace

And other topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Do other countries have as much of a problem with alcohol as we do in the U.S.? - Reader Question - EP 244 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-244-reader-question-do-other-countries-have-as-much-of-a-problem-with-alcohol-as-we-do-in-the-u-s/

 The Cost of Fitting In - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 785 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-cost-of-fitting-in-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e785/

Is it better to drink in moderation or not at all? - Reader Question - EP 574 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-574-readers-questions-is-it-better-to-drink-in-moderation-or-not-at-all/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

Audra’s Session:

Learning to view data points without harsh self-judgment

Shifting from drinking at home when bored to having occasional wine with dinner

Using exercise as a powerful tool to interrupt negative thought spirals

Why self-doubt is actually trying to protect you, not sabotage your progress

Learning how to stop drinking when you're bored by redirecting to healthier activities

Building trust in herself by stacking evidence of progress

And more...

Scott’s Session:

Changes in his first 10 days—better sleep, improved digestion, more patience

How retirement, relocation, & loss led to increased drinking

Recognizing that boredom often disguises deeper feelings of defeat and disconnection

Journaling to release heavy thoughts instead of carrying them around

Learning how to stop drinking when you're bored with genuine rewards

Navigating social situations like Oktoberfest with a club soda and lime

Plus more...

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/

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How Do I Overcome the Trigger of Boredom? - Reader Question - EP 32 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-32-reader-question-how-do-i-overcome-the-trigger-of-boredom/

 How Do I Stop Sabotaging My Attempts to Quit Drinking? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 829 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-do-i-stop-sabotaging-my-attempts-to-quit-drinking-e829/

How Can I Gain Momentum In Becoming Alcohol Free? - Reader Question - EP 518 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-518-reader-question-how-can-i-gain-momentum-in-becoming-alcohol-free/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

Coach Cole and Elise discuss:

Growing up as the family peacekeeper in a chaotic, alcohol-centered household

Learning that being the "good girl" brought rewards but losing yourself in the process

How alcohol became the crutch for surviving high-pressure corporate life

Losing the ability to find your "off button" with drinking as you get older

Understanding why I don't miss alcohol anymore after breaking the dependency cycle

Discovering that the science behind alcohol's effects changes everything

Navigating a five-week adventure with a drinking friend while staying joyfully alcohol free

Why taking back your power from alcohol opens up possibilities you never imagined

Finding genuine relaxation and stress relief without needing a drink

Approaching 60 with excitement instead of anxiety about the future

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Why can some people stop at 1 or 2 drinks and others can’t? Reader Question - EP 538 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-538-reader-question-why-can-some-people-stop-at-1-or-2-drinks-and-others-cant/

How to avoid drinking at a boozy sales meeting? - Reader Question - EP 200 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-200-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-at-a-boozy-sales-meeting/

Happy Days with Gabby Bernstein - Interview - EP 485 - 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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

In Christine's session:

Understanding binge drinking cycles as responses to anxiety and perfectionism

Learning how to stay on track after a 30 day alcohol break by addressing underlying emotions

Why seeking worthiness through external validation fuels the urge to escape

The "Hellcat" pattern of going full speed then crashing with alcohol to decompress

Discovering anxiety isn't the enemy—it's a signal asking for attention and care

Tools for being with uncomfortable emotions instead of numbing or escaping them

How transforming your relationship with anxiety breaks the drinking cycle

And more breakthroughs about worthiness, self-compassion, and finding calm...

In Alex’s Session:

Why day 31 feels more uncertain than day 30 when the break structure ends

Practical strategies for how to stay on track after a 30 day alcohol break using emotion-based goals

The difference between completing tasks versus building a life you don't want to escape from

How lengthening your break can provide vital feedback and create new goals

Reframing potential setbacks from disappointment to curiosity and valuable data points

Choosing "renewed" over "horrible" and why emotional shifts drive lasting change

And more insights...

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Hayley Scherders is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experience, Hayley provides a safe, compassionate, judgment-free space where clients feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change at any time.

Learn more about Coach Hayley:⁠ http://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/⁠

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment? - Reader Question - E508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/

What is a data point? - Reader Question - E520 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-520-reader-question-what-is-a-data-point/

How To Stop Numbing Your Feelings and Start Living - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E859 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-alcohol-to-numb-emotions-afc-e859/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind . Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Have you ever wondered why life changes can make old habits suddenly feel louder? Jan never imagined retirement would lead her here. She had done everything “right”—worked hard, raised her kids, showed up for everyone else. Alcohol had always felt manageable. Until it didn’t. When retirement, relocation, and COVID collided, Jan found herself drinking more to fill the long afternoons and quiet evenings. Drinking more after retirement felt normal at first, even expected. What she didn’t expect was how disconnected, anxious, and unlike herself she began to feel. In this warm, honest conversation with Coach Cole, Jan shares how she began questioning not just her drinking, but the lifelong pattern of putting herself last. Through This Naked Mind and The Path, she learned that nothing was wrong with her—and that alcohol had simply become a stand-in for rest, relief, and emotional safety.

Coach Cole and Jan discuss:

Growing up in a dysfunctional home with two alcohol dependent parents and learning to shut down emotionally

Moving to Colorado during COVID and experiencing the perfect storm of retirement, isolation, and empty nest syndrome

Drinking more after retirement and how it escalated from afternoon drinking to morning drinking

The terrifying fall down the stairs that led to hospitalization and overwhelming shame

Why AA meetings didn't feel like the right fit and how finding Annie's book changed everything

Joining The Path in April 2024 and celebrating 20 months alcohol-free

Navigating divorce after 35 years of marriage and her sister's death from cancer—all without alcohol

Learning to put herself first after a lifetime of taking care of everyone else

Starting over at nearly 70 and believing the best is yet to come

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Alcohol & Older Adults, What We Need To Know - Reader Question - E152 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-152-reader-question-alcohol-and-older-adults-2/

Alcohol Over 60 - Coaching Questions - E418 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-418-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard/

Alcohol Free at 83 - Barbara’s Naked Life - E307 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-307-naked-life-story-barbara/

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!

Quince: Go to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

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Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

In Carol’s session:

Naming the belief: “I’m so far behind” vs. “I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Turning slips into data points—not identity—and choosing curiosity over criticism.

Building emotion-based goals: happiness, energy, motivation as a north star.

Breaking overwhelm: 15-minute re-entry (one video, one call, one journal prompt).

Navigating travel and social events without defaulting to comparison or shame.

Finding connection again: taking up space on calls even when you feel “not bad enough.”

Practical reframe for 3 a.m. thoughts and night-after guilt.

Tools for stopping the shame spiral after a vacation or wedding slip

.…and more.

In Nancy’s session:

Spotting guilt in the body (chest/shoulders tightness) and softening with micro-moments.

Permission slips: letting older siblings help, one small experiment at a time.

Replacing the 4 p.m. wine ritual with soothing, sensory evening routines.

Distinguishing healthy guilt (course-correct) from toxic shame (self-attack).

Creating a “treat” that isn’t alcohol: porch time, breathwork, a few pages of a novel.

Scripts to ask for help without apologizing for your needs.How curiosity interrupts ruminating about “not doing enough.”

Practical ideas for stopping the shame spiral when responsibilities feel nonstop

.…and more.

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/

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How can I not feel guilty for all the time I spent trying to fix myself? - Reader Question - E240 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-240-reader-question-how-can-i-not-feel-guilty-for-all-the-time-i-spent-trying-to-fix-myself/

 How to Explore Drinking Without Judgment - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E813 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-explore-drinking-without-judgment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e813/

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!

Quince: Go to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠⁠

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

Using alcohol to calm down—does it actually work, or does it quietly make everything harder? Monnica didn’t start drinking to escape her life. She drank to manage it. What began as a way to settle postpartum nerves slowly turned into a cycle of binge drinking, blackouts, and fear. For years, Monnica believed alcohol was helping her cope with anxiety, stress, and overwhelm—until it stopped working altogether. In this episode, Monnica shares how undiagnosed anxiety shaped her relationship with alcohol, the wake-up calls that forced her to look closer, and how learning to regulate her nervous system helped her finally break free.

In this episode, Monnica discusses:

Starting to drink postpartum and using alcohol to calm down during stressful days as a stay-at-home mom

Saving wine bottles and not recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction escalating

Blackout drinking episodes leading to dangerous situations and memory loss

The devastating night police were called after a confrontation with her son

Waking up in the ER on her daughter's birthday after being found unconscious outside Walmart

Finding This Naked Mind on Instagram and winning free access to The Path

Learning about cognitive dissonance, giving alcohol a job, and the short chemical window of relief

Understanding how childhood trauma and hidden material held her back

The power of vulnerability, curiosity, and compassion in the recovery journey

Receiving an Alive stone in June 2024 and experiencing a profound shift in her relationship with alcohol

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Why do I have so much anxiety the day after drinking? - Reader Question - E02 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-02-reader-question-much-anxiety-day-drinking/

Overcoming Alcohol-induced Anxiety - Marcus’ Naked Life - E607 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-607-naked-life-story-marcus-widblom/

Overcoming Drinking To Cope with Depression and Anxiety - Susan’s Naked Life - E681 https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-681-naked-life-story-susan-h/

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!

Quince: Go to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠⁠

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

In Mark’s session:

Exploring if the urge to drink ever goes away through real-life data points

Moving from “I’m an alcoholic who can’t drink” to “alcohol is an addictive substance”

Why time-based goals kept him chasing “normal drinking”

Adopting an emotion-based goal: making alcohol immaterial in his life

Using ACT and curiosity to meet cognitive dissonance instead of fighting it

Noticing how cravings and thoughts faded dramatically by around 90 days

Reclaiming mental real estate, time, and energy for what actually matters

And more

In Michael’s session:

Feeling like he has to explain his choice and wondering does the urge to drink ever go away

Using an ankle injury as a temporary “cover story” while he builds confidence

Linking his discomfort to a deep drive to fit in and avoid conflict

Connecting current social anxiety to teen anorexia and years of trying to blend in

Learning that friends’ reactions often reveal their unease with alcohol

Shifting from autopilot drinking to conscious “pilot” mode with curiosity and logic

Letting the world adapt to his alcohol-free choice instead of shrinking himself

And more

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/

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Will I Ever Stop Craving Alcohol? – Reader Question – E676 – http://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/

How Do I Break the Cycle of Recurring Data Points? – Reader Question – E588 – http://thisnakedmind.com/ep-588-reader-question-how-do-i-break-the-cycle-of-recurring-data-points/

From Cravings to Curiosity – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E851 – https://thisnakedmind.com/why-cant-i-get-rid-of-alcohol-cravings-e851/

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!

Quince: Go to⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

Coach Cole and Sheela discuss:

Sheela’s journey from decades of heavy drinking to a new sense of freedom

How relationships changing after quitting drinking surfaced unexpected challenges and opportunities

The difference between willpower and genuine internal transformation

Navigating social situations and connection without alcohol

Redefining intimacy, community, and identity after alcohol

Sheela’s experience with The Path and emotional self-reflection

And more topics including purpose, self-compassion, and real connection

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? - Reader Question - E222 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/

Can Your Marriage Survive Change? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E758 - https://thisnakedmind.com/can-your-marriage-survive-change-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e758/

Exploring Willpower with Dr. Amy Johnson - Expert Interview - E05 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-05-exploring-willpower-dr-amy-johnson/

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!

Quince: Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind

How do you build the desire to stop drinking when alcohol feels like your only escape from an overwhelming life? Richard shares his struggle with using alcohol to cope with family challenges, including his son's mental health crisis and decades of marital strife, while Stephanie uncovers a deep-rooted fear that she must be "everything her husband needs" or risk losing him. Both face the uncomfortable truth that alcohol has become essential to their coping and connection. Coach Soraya helps Richard explore activities that bring him joy outside his difficult home environment, while Coach Hayley guides Stephanie through layers of guilt and self-blame to discover an empowered path forward.

In Richard’s Session:

Naming the “pit in my stomach” & why alcohol feels like quick relief

Caregiver stress, court dates, & how trauma at home boosts cravings

Swimming, hot–cold routines, & finding joy outside the house

Mapping resentment in a long marriage without shaming himself

Health signals that matter: rising blood pressure & honest tracking

Practical ways to build the desire to stop drinking when life is chaotic

…and more topics on coping, boundaries, & self-compassion

In Stephanie’s Session:

“We connected over wine”—grieving old rituals without glamorizing them

The “chameleon” habit & learning to be herself in her marriage

Reframing guilt into an empowered decision to grow

Talking intimacy without alcohol

Expecting discomfort, choosing compassion, building new cues for connection

Tiny experiments that strengthen how to build the desire to stop drinking at home

…and more insights on mindset, identity, & shared change

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her collaborative heart-centered, trust-based trauma-informed approach has a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities. Soraya’s passion is guiding clients back to their personal power so they can find peace, purpose, & lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

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 & provides a safe, compassionate, & 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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers | Reader’s Question | E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/

Is Motivation Alone Enough? Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E774 - https://thisnakedmind.com/is-motivation-alone-enough-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e774/

Finding Hope for Long-time Drinkers | Reader’s Question | E600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Until next week, stay curious!

Quince: Go to⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

In this episode, Coach Hayley and Mary catch up on:

Revisiting Mary’s first TNM episode (2017) and what changed

Miscarriages, breast cancer, and pandemic drift—why moderation unraveled

The “pitcher plant,” blackout shame, and the caregiving wake-up call

Surrogacy, motherhood, and choosing presence at bedtime

Keeping the ritual without the alcohol: mocktails, adaptogens, THC microdosing

Self-forgiveness > perfection; “not today” over “never again”

Why relief feels like mental space, not a glass

Walking the long road to quitting drinking without perfectionism

…and more topics

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

EP 35: Naked Life Story: Mary - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-35-naked-life-story-mary/

Making the Breast Cancer and Alcohol Connection - Tabbin’s Naked Life - E713 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-713-naked-life-story-tabbin-a/

Brian Accidentally Stopped Drinking - Brian’s Naked Life (Part 2) - E639 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-639-naked-life-story-annie-graces-husband-part-2/Does this mean I can never drink alcohol again? - Reader’s Question - E576 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-576-readers-question-does-this-mean-i-can-never-drink-alcohol-again/

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!

Quince: Go to⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind

BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

In Matt’s Session:

Managing work-related stress and anxiety without resorting to self-medication

Alcohol-free benefits: showing up clearheaded and reducing work stress

Building self-trust by seeing the evidence of a better life

Overcoming the "I deserve a drink" mentality after a stressful day

Differences between AA and The Path

Recognizing the ingrained, Pavlovian nature of drinking urges and how to decondition them

Daily practices to stay alcohol-free and more

In Constance’s Session:

Coping with a constantly activated nervous system

Using alcohol as a "safety valve" to "emotionally shut down" and stop playing a role

Connecting current emotional regulation issues to childhood experiences

Moving from external focus (saving others) to internal focus (regulating her own body)

Learning tools for nervous system regulation and grounding

Understanding the importance of finding a "safety container" within herself to process emotions

The value of incorporating daily practices to stay alcohol-free and more

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/

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Escaping The Hamster Wheel of Drinking – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E847 – https://thisnakedmind.com/why-cant-i-quit-drinking-after-so-many-tries-afc-e847/

Will I ever stop craving alcohol? – Reader Questions – E676 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/

Trusting Yourself Again – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E760 – https://thisnakedmind.com/trusting-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e760/

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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Why we drink too much isn't always obvious—what if the answer lies deeper than willpower or self-control? Dr. Charles Knowles, a world-renowned surgeon and author, spent decades trapped in a cycle he couldn't explain: 10 years of fun, 10 years of fun with consequences, and 10 years struggling to stop. As a high-achieving professional, he looked nothing like the stereotype of someone with alcohol dependence, yet he faced the same battle millions experience in silence. Through his journey to find freedom from alcohol and extensive research, Dr. Knowles discovered that understanding how we learn to drink, and why some people can't unlearn it, is the key to breaking free. In this episode, Dr. Knowles joins Coach Cole Harvey to explore the science behind gray area drinking, the difference between positive and negative reinforcement, and why shame is the biggest barrier to change.

Dr. Charles Knowles and Coach Cole discuss :

"Light turning on" moments: when alcohol feels like instant peace for the first time

Why being sober means having peace of mind, not just being alcohol-free

The powerful analogy: trying not to drink is like being deprived of water in the desert

How the "memory super league" in your brain makes drinking patterns nearly impossible to break

Gray area drinking and the role of worry, cognitive dissonance, and control

Alcohol reliance as a missing piece in how we talk about modern drinking habits

Why dry challenges work best when they become a learning process (not just "white-knuckling")

Finding out who you are without alcohol after years of drinking shaped your identity

And other topics…

Episode links:

https://amzn.to/4r9eP3b

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Related Episodes:

Gray Area Drinking with Jolene Park | Naked Life Story | EP 47 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-47-naked-life-story-jolene-park/

Are there normal drinkers? | Reader Question | EP 400 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-400-reader-question-are-there-normal-drinkers/

Why do I keep going back to drinking? | Reader Question | EP 570 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-570-readers-questions-why-do-i-keep-going-back-to-drinking/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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Can learning to love yourself unconditionally be the missing piece in your alcohol-free journey? Jean, 65 days alcohol-free, worries about her sister's upcoming visit and how to maintain their bond without wine. Coach Cole helps her realize their connection runs deeper than shared beverages and guides her to communicate authentically before the visit. Meanwhile, Megan struggles with relapse, rebellion against authority, and decades of self-judgment stemming from her childhood diabetes diagnosis. Coach Zoe helps Megan understand how her adaptive child's protective rebellion has morphed into adult self-sabotage, including using her mother's care as a hiding place to avoid addressing her drinking. Through powerful coaching, Megan discovers that giving herself unconditional love and attention is the key to releasing her need for alcohol. 

In Jean’s Session: 

“What’s different is just the liquid” reframe

Calling ahead: why honesty beats hiding

Staying warm and welcoming without self-betrayal

Connection activities to replace happy hour

Scripts that say “no pressure, no judgment”

Learning to love yourself unconditionally while holding true to your values

…and more

In Megan’s Session: From authority-resistance to authentic choice

A daily 20-minute anchor for energy and clarity

Naming grief and care-giving as hiding places

The “I’m choosing to drink over you” pause tool

Resetting after slips with compassion, not shame

Learning to love yourself unconditionally through every season

…and more

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/

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/

Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How To Show Up For Yourself and Stop Drinking - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E831 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-show-up-for-yourself-and-stop-drinking-e831/

 Sharing the Truth About Alcohol (How To Talk With Family) – Reader Question - E396 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-396-reader-question-how-can-i-tell-my-family-the-truth-about-alcohol/

Learning To Trust Yourself Again – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E746 – https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746/

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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In this episode, Glenn and Cole discuss:

Learning that alcohol equals fun from parents who met working at a brewery

Being the shy introvert who always held a beer to avoid conversation

Boundaries that worked until COVID turned the house into a bar

Why therapists who never drank couldn't relate to the struggle

Skipping the book and joining The Path for coaching and community support

Reframing drinking as data points and feedback instead of failures

Discovering how to shut your brain off without alcohol through journaling and awareness

The aha moment that came three weeks before his year-long Path ended

Building real social confidence without pre-drinking or hiding bottles

And more breakthroughs on the journey to freedom...

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Calming the Type A Mind Without Alcohol - Jennifer’s Naked Life - E804 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-turn-your-brain-off-without-drinking-e804/

The Path to Inner Clarity - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E748 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/

Why Willpower Fails: Cracking the Code to Emotion-Driven Behavior Change - Reader Question - E668 - 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? 

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Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

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What happens when you stop trying to think your way through living alcohol-free and start feeling your way forward? Ann felt trapped by an endless to-do list and the fear that alcohol would "attack" when her defenses were down. Jamie clung to her nightly glass of wine as the last piece of normalcy after losing her husband and surviving a stroke. Both women were stuck in their heads, analyzing and overthinking instead of experiencing their journey. In this episode, you'll witness the moment everything shifts. Coach Hayley guides Ann through reframing her entire approach to recovery, helping her discover how to move from thinking to feeling through powerful language shifts and self-compassion. Coach Cole helps Jamie see that prioritizing her health isn't about deprivation—it's about opening new doors.

In Ann’s Session:

Transforming fear of alcohol lurking around the corner into confidenceReframing "to-do lists" as "adventures that await"Understanding liberation versus fixation with alcoholConnecting with your body instead of living in your headShifting language from "I need to" to "I get to"Recognizing personal gains instead of focusing on gapsHolding goals loosely to reduce overwhelm and fearAnd more topics…

In Jamie's Session:

Navigating life after stroke and loss of spouse without alcoholBreaking free when alcohol feels like your last piece of normalcyPrioritizing health as the foundation of recoveryUnderstanding choice versus deprivationDiscovering how to move from thinking to feeling during griefManaging stress and mental health alongside physical wellnessVisualizing the doors that open when one closesApproaching doubt and fear with curiosity instead of judgmentAnd more topics…

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/

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol? - Reader Question - E262 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/

What Rewiring the Brain Really Looks Like - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E807 - https://thisnakedmind.com/reprogramming-your-brain-after-quitting-drinking-e807/

What To Do When The Emotions Hit After You Quit Drinking – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E845 – https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-to-avoid-emotions-afc-e845/

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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Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

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Have you ever realized you're doing to someone you love exactly what hurt you most as a child? That gut-wrenching moment hit Heather hard when she recognized she was neglecting her son the same way her alcohol dependent father neglected her. Growing up, she watched her dad drink every night, becoming hostile and unavailable while she desperately needed connection. Her mother had already left, and the bullying at school made her feel even more alone. By her twenties, Heather was chasing belonging through party drugs and alcohol, convinced that being the life of the party meant she'd finally be accepted. Fast forward to her divorce, and she was drinking two bottles of wine alone every night, passing out in front of Netflix, unable to be present for her son. But the real wake-up call came when her child witnessed her having a trauma response while intoxicated. That's when Heather joined The Path and discovered what finding connection without alcohol actually means. Through coaching calls, self-compassion, and community support, she learned that genuine connection starts with being safe within yourself—not performing for others or numbing your pain.

Heather and Coach Cole discuss:

Heather’s early memories of an unpredictable, drinking parent and the “Sunday blues” that still linger

How childhood bullying and self-sabotage formed a template for chasing approval and bracing for criticism

Becoming the designated driver, then later stepping into party culture, drugs, and chasing acceptance at any cost

Motherhood, isolation, and week-on/week-off parenting that turned wine into a nightly coping strategy

The breaking point meltdown that led Heather to seek real help instead of trying to “just stop” on her own

How The Path showed her that finding connection without alcohol is possible through safety, shared stories, and unconditional support

Rewriting generational patterns by parenting her son with emotional language, nervous-system tools, and open conversations about alcohol

Feeling “me is okay, me is cool” and stepping into a new season of confidence, self-trust, and genuine belonging

How Heather now seeks out like-minded people, creates connections from the inside out, and has more insights, reflections, and ah-ha moments

Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

One Year No Beer – Andy’s Naked Life – E57 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-57-naked-life-story-andy-ramage/

Can I Just Take a Break From Alcohol? – Reader Question – E378 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-378-reader-question-can-i-just-take-a-break-from-alcohol/

Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E821 – https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/

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!

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind

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Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

In Jason’s session:

Spotting reward cues that masquerade as “treats.”

Two-minute resets that interrupt autopilot.

Habit friction: move it, hide it, swap it.

“Next right thing” planning for 5–9 p.m.

Data-not-drama journaling you’ll actually use.

How to reset dopamine after quitting alcohol with tiny pleasures.

And more ideas, scripts, and adjustments.

In Jim’s Session:

Why joy dips: the brain’s recalibration window.

Sensation anchors: seat, breath, jaw, hands.

Pairing movement + music for fast reward.

Social micro-rituals that feel safe and real.

Reframing slips as information, not identity.

Weekend templates that lower craving noise.

Plus more experiments, reflections, and tools.

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/ 

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How do I stay alcohol free at a bachelor/bachelorette party weekend? - Reader Question - E292 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-292-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-alcohol-free-at-a-bachelor-bachelorette-party-weekend/

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink – Bison Hunting and Raspberries - E444 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-444-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-drink-bison-hunting-and-raspberries/

Embracing Joy in the Moment – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E754 – https://thisnakedmind.com/embracing-joy-in-the-moment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e754/

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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BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Lindsey and Coach Cole discuss:

Lindsey describes the first drink in middle school and how quickly alcohol became tied to identity, popularity, and feeling “okay” for a moment.

The progression from curiosity to dependence: chasing euphoria, ignoring red flags, and waking up in emotional and physical pain.

How “I’ll just drink less” experiments and endless rules kept her stuck in the same cycle of regret, self-doubt, and harsh inner dialogue.

The breaking point: a trip that ended with a chipped tooth, a morning spent on the bathroom floor, and her daughter seeing a version of mom Lindsey never wanted to be.

Finding This Naked Mind and reframing her story—from “I’m the problem” to “this is what alcohol does,” opening space to question everything.

What changed when she began losing the fear of not drinking: more stable moods, clearer health goals as a trainer, and deeper presence with her family.

The new foundation of her marriage and parenting—less reactivity, more responsibility for her own choices, and a commitment not to be someone else’s story of what they had to overcome.

How losing the fear of not drinking allowed Lindsey to feel “light as a feather” and more.

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How To Stop Using Alcohol As A Crutch - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E811 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-stop-using-alcohol-as-a-crutch-e811/

What Is the Pink Cloud? - Reader’s Question - E320 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-320-reader-question-what-is-the-pink-cloud/

How To Feel Good Without Alcohol - Reader’s Question - E702 - https://thisnakedmind.com/podcast/ep-702-readers-question-how-to-feel-good-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!

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind

Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

In Sabine’s Session:

Parts work 101: letting people-pleaser and protector both be heard

How curiosity softens rumination after awkward interactions

Scripts to be factual and direct without labeling yourself “rude”

Re-building self-trust and everyday autonomy

Pause → notice → name the need before you reply

Reflection prompts—and tips to stop using alcohol to avoid feelings—and more

In Mary’s Session:

Why intellect can’t carry the whole day

“Sensations before emotions” (seat, breath, throat, stomach)

Micro-check-ins tied to routines (sitting, doorways, kettle)

Working gently with perfectionism and shame

Body-led evening plans that lower craving noise

Kind, doable next steps you can practice tonight—and more

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/

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/ 

Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How do I handle cravings and people pleasing?-Reader Question-E272- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-272-reader-question-how-do-i-handle-cravings-and-people-pleasing/

Why Do I Drink When I Know It’s Bad For Me?-Reader Question-E660- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-660-readers-question-why-do-i-drink-when-i-know-its-bad-for-me/

The Path to Inner Clarity-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E748- 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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Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

For years, a combination of work stress, long commutes, and intense back pain had him pouring more than he ever planned. Drinks became his “off switch” at the end of the day and then his go-to whenever his body flared. Eventually, the pain calmed down and the stressful job shifted, but the habit of drinking stuck around—which was the wake-up call he couldn’t ignore. In this episode, Chuck and Coach Cole talk through the messy, human side of quitting alcohol when you have chronic pain, including what happened when his back suddenly “went out” again after months alcohol-free. Chuck shares how appropriate medical care, a short course of prescribed meds, and a strong internal “I am not starting over” helped him stay off the bottle. You’ll hear how he rebuilt his routine around daily stretching, core strength, and even a zero-gravity nap, plus why music and creative hobbies feel better than any buzz. They also dig into boundaries—leaving family gatherings early, pushing back (diplomatically) at work, and deciding he no longer has to sit and absorb other people’s behavior to be polite. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rebuild your life around what you love instead of avoiding what hurts, this conversation is for you.

Coach Cole and Chuck discuss:

Slipping from teenage partying into midlife self-medication with alcohol

Realizing the job and pain changed, but the drinking stayed

Navigating quitting alcohol when you have chronic pain

Facing a second major back episode alcohol-free and nearly getting derailed

Why alcohol never truly solves stress, family conflict, or health issues

Using “walk away” as a valid backup plan at triggering gatherings

And more…

Episode links:

www.alcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

I’ve Used Wine to Numb Physical Pain | Reader Question | E196 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-196-i-used-wine-to-numb-physical-pain-now-without-it-my-quality-of-life-is-way-down-what-can-i-do/

 Overcoming Using Alcohol as a Pain Reliever | Reader Question | E656 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-656-readers-question-overcoming-using-alcohol-as-a-pain-reliever/

Alcohol Doesn’t Relieve My Pain, It Steals My Joy | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E732 - https://thisnakedmind.com/alcohol-freedom-coaching-alcohol-doesnt-relieve-my-pain-it-steals-my-joy-ep-732/

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!

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠https://www.hungryroot.com/mind

Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

In Sally’s Session:

Feeling "stuck and lost" when navigating an alcohol-free life

Challenged by feeling "different and stuck, separated from people" in social situations

The pervasiveness of alcohol in healthy activities.

Reframing being lost as an opportunity for self-discovery

How curiosity acts as an antidote to shame about past drinking

Using core personal values as guideposts when the path is unknown

And more

In Ava’s Session:

When insight doesn’t equal action—what’s actually missing

Sensitivity as a superpower (not a liability)

Habit loops vs. cravings: noticing “action → reaction” patterns

Creating safety so change feels possible

Trying tiny experiments that respect your nervous system

Gentle supports: IFS, EMDR, and compassionate self-talk

And more…

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/

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Why do I feel detached when I’m not drinking?-Reader Question- E122- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-122-reader-question-feel-detached-im-not-drinking/

Finding Yourself Without Alcohol-Nisha’s Naked Life-E836- https://thisnakedmind.com/how-do-you-socialize-without-alcohol-nishas-naked-life-e836/

Who Am I Without Wine?-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E801- https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/

Ready to take the next step on your journey?

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Until next week, stay curious!

This episode covers:

Brain science revealing why firsts feel intimidating (your mind defines safe as familiar) and practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year

Coach Zoe's first alcohol-free New Year's memory: waking up clear on January 1st, watching frost melt, hearing that tiny voice say "This is what peace feels like"

How visualization fires the same neurons as actually doing something, preparing your nervous system so the real celebration feels calm and confident

The power of "tonight I choose..." commitments instead of overwhelming forever promises

Why preparation isn't control—it's kindness, whether that means planning your favorite alcohol-free drinks, choosing your outfit, or texting a supportive friend

Coach Haley's revelation that fitting in was never the goal; feeling at home within herself was what she'd been craving all along

The upward spiral: grace leads to curiosity, curiosity creates positive emotion, & positive emotion makes lasting change possible

Creating your "letter to future you" to honor what you did (not list what you didn't), celebrating growth that comes from presence, not perfection, & more..

Episode links:

livealcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Social Drinking: How Do I Muster The Willpower Not To Drink? - Reader Question - E88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-how-do-i-muster-the-willpower-not-to-drink/

Do you serve wine when you host parties? - Reader Question - E542 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-542-reader-question-do-you-serve-when-you-host-parties/

Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? - Reader Question - E266 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/

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!

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Chris’s session:

“First freaking times” at pool parties & games—turning triggers into experiments

Visualization: practice the event ahead of time

BYO plan: NA drinks & a Yeti cup—have something in your hand

Confident energy: own your choice & invite others to try NA options

Post-event “data”: what felt better, what needs tweaking, what you learned

Creativity over consumption: swapping late-night drinks for art, Legos, & family time

How to enjoy life without alcohol by focusing on presence, play, & connection

T’s session:

Why two alcohol-free years felt “flat” & what “flat” was protecting

Relational safety: being validated & verbally known as a path to joy

Feeling your way (not thinking) into wants, rituals, & evening routines

Naming numbing: alcohol as anesthetic & what it tries to solve

Gentle self-worth rebuild through safe, supportive people

Micro-experiments: sunset walks, movement, tiny creative reps

How to enjoy life without alcohol by restoring self-connection & belonging

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.

More on Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

What’s the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? – Reader’s Questions – E640 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/

Alcohol Free Firsts - Coaching Questions - E265 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-265-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard

Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more.

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Coach Zoe shares:

What holidays actually feel like when you stop numbing and start noticing

Coach Zoe’s first alcohol-free Christmas and what surprised her most

Why wondering will the holidays be the same without drinking is completely normal

The difference between planning from perfection and preparing with compassion

How cravings fade when your nervous system feels supported

Why joy isn’t something you chase—it’s something you uncover

Tools for handling social pressure without over-explaining yourself

How small moments of aliveness rebuild trust and peace

And more insights on creating holidays you don’t want to escape…

Episode links:

livealcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/

 Navigating the Holidays Without Alcohol | The Joy Edit - E857 - https://thisnakedmind.com/navigating-the-holidays-without-alcohol-the-joy-edit-e857/

Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/

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!

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

What if the key to your alcohol freedom lies in a past you've been trying to outrun? In this powerful episode, Path members Sian and Darci face the past. Darci shares her journey of drinking to escape memories of abuse while Coach Soraya helps unburden her inner child. Coach Zoe guides Sian through emotional suppression and self-judgment from a perfectionistic childhood. Both coaches help these members find healing and freedom from alcohol, exploring how childhood wounds create coping mechanisms and how you can feel and move through emotions instead of numbing them.

Sian's Session:

How a perfectionistic childhood created inadequacy beliefs

Using alcohol to quiet self-judgment & numb emotions

Being a "silent child" & emotionally suppressed

The connection between suppressed emotions & adult rage

Understanding the inner critic as an adaptive child needing compassion

Learning to set boundaries after people-pleasing

And more…

Darci's Session:

Connecting with her inner child through trauma work

The feeling of being "blocked" from her true self

Finding safe space to release painful memories

Using IFS therapy to heal parts of the self

Visualizing & burning painful memories

Letting go of needing all the answers about trauma

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.

More on Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/ 

Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Using Alcohol To Numb Pain - Naked Life Story – Simone - E207 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-207-naked-life-story-simone/

How to start healing from numbing? - Coaching Questions - E564 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/

How To Show Up For Yourself and Stop Drinking – Meet Our Coaches – E831 – https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-show-up-for-yourself-and-stop-drinking-e831/

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!

Quince:Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

In this episode, Coach Hayley shares her own messy, beautiful journey through her first alcohol-free holidays. She talks about feeling like she was under a microscope (spoiler: she wasn't), worrying everyone was judging her (they were mostly thinking about their own to-do lists), and that game-changing moment when someone said, "Hayley seems so happy." That's when she realized—this whole creating healthy holiday boundaries thing isn't about losing yourself. It's about coming home to yourself. Coach Hayley breaks down why defensiveness shows up (hint: it's your nervous system protecting you from shame), how to handle "just have one" comments without a ten-minute explanation, and why most people actually don't care what's in your glass. She introduces the Connection Compass, a super simple tool to ground yourself before any gathering by checking in on calm, clear, kind, and connected. Walk away with tips on navigating social pressure, keeping your favorite traditions while swapping ingredients, and showing up unapologetically as you. Whether you're worried about being boring, anxious about family questions, or just tired of feeling like you owe everyone a dissertation on your choices, this episode's got you covered with compassion, practical tools, and zero judgment.

Coach Hayley is sharing more on:

Why you never have to justify your choice not to drink, and how creating healthy holiday boundaries means honoring yourself 

What defensiveness really is (a protective response, not a character flaw) and why your only job is to be kind and honest

Easy-to-use responses for handling "Why aren't you drinking?" questions, and how to gracefully change the subject without feeling awkward

The Connection Compass: a four-direction check-in tool (calm, clear, kind, connected) that helps you prepare emotionally before holiday gatherings

How boundaries protect and empower you rather than push people away

Ways to handle cravings when they show up at parties, festive drink options that still feel special, and the freedom of leaving when you're ready

Transforming FOMO into JOMO—the joy of missing out on hangovers, regret, and anxiety in exchange for presence, peace, and real connection

And more…

Episode links:

Related Episodes:

Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? - Reader Question - E266 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/

Will I Ever Have Fun Without Drinking Alcohol? - Reader Question - E362 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-362-reader-question-will-i-ever-have-fun-without-drinking-alcohol/

The Cost of Fitting In - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E785 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-cost-of-fitting-in-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e785/

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!

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Rosie's Session:

Understanding her "knee-jerk reactions" to stress & anxiety

Linking current reactivity to past experiences of feeling shut down or unheard

Reframing shame & self-judgmentUsing curiosity and awareness with emotional responses

Creating a "pause" between an external trigger & her reaction

Practicing new skills for changing long-standing patterns

Seeing her anger as a "guard dog" trying to protect her

Tamara's Session:

Facing fear of rejection & feeling "not good enough"

Naming the origin of her core beliefs in childhood experiences of feeling a lack of attention & love

Seeing how her beliefs were reinforced by a parent's alcohol use & pressure to "over-excel"

Noticing how anxiety & panic led her to drink to cope

Finding other tools for self-regulation like journaling & yoga

Embracing glimmers of joy & self-worth

Listing positive qualities to build self-validation & quiet her inner critic

Using self-reflection as a catalyst for growth

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.

More on Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

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.

More on Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Why Does It Take So Long To Feel Confident After Quitting Alcohol? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E833 - https://thisnakedmind.com/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-feel-confident-after-quitting-alcohol/

How do you get rid of the punishing voice inside your head? - Reader Question - E634 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-634-readers-question-how-do-you-get-rid-of-the-punishing-voice-inside-your-head/

You’re Enough Without the Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E815 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-with-alcohol-e815/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more.

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Coach Zoe is sharing:

How to handle holiday triggers without alcohol by treating them as information, not evidence that you’re failing

Why “curiosity goggles” can shift you from reactive to responsive at parties and family events

The difference between willpower and awareness, and why collecting evidence you can trust yourself matters

How visualization, “tonight I choose…” commitments, and experimentation reduce pressure and increase freedom

A science-backed look at stress, alcohol’s brain chemistry, and mindful ways to soothe your nervous system

The ACT tool (Awareness, Clarity, Turnaround) and how to build a personalized holiday trigger map

Practicing response instead of reaction so your wise inner adult—not old patterns—leads the way

How these grace-first tools help you stay present, protect your peace, and more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/ Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with Family - Reader Question - E622 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-620-readers-question-effective-strategies-for-setting-boundaries-with-family/

Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers - Reader Question - E616 - 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!

Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

In Ann’s session:

The lifelong habit of emotional suppression

The neuroscience behind drinking to numb feelings

Learning to identify and name emotions for the first time

Recognizing that needing is not a threat to survival

Starting to care for yourself and your body as a path to healing

The power of holding space for yourself and your emotions

Acknowledging the journey of emotional recovery

And more topics…

In Mandy’s session:

The emotional weight of unprocessed past experiences

How a lifetime of hypervigilance creates the need to escape

Realizing that self-sabotage is a coping mechanism

Finding new, creative hobbies to replace drinking

The wisdom of the body and the courage to feel

Gaining confidence in your own perspective and voice

Acknowledging that the journey to healing is not always linear

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How To Rewire Your Brain To Stop Drinking - Meet Our Coaches -  E827 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-rewire-your-brain-to-stop-drinking-e827/

 Feeling Your Emotions Without Alcohol - Understanding the Urge to Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E799 - https://thisnakedmind.com/understanding-the-urge-to-drink-e799/

Healing From Using Alcohol to Numb Emotional Pain - Reader’s Question - E564 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/

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!

Quince:

Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot:

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify:
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Aura Frame:

Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at AuraFrames.com with promo code NAKEDMIND
Masterclass:

Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND

Highlights include:

Why grace—not willpower—shifts how to navigate the holidays without alcohol

Hayley’s first alcohol-free holiday after her mom’s passing

Zoe’s tool for noticing “the wave” before it pulls you under

Pam on Annie’s neuroscience-backed “order of operations”

A 5-step reflection to turn judgment into curiosity

Creating your personal Grace Statement for the season

And more…

Episode links:Learn how to handle holiday stress without alcohol - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-handle-holiday-stress-without-alcohol/

Related Episodes:

Overcoming a Craving: My Best Advice | Reader Question | E10 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-10-reader-question-overcoming-a-craving-my-best-advice/

How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol? | Reader Question | E262 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/

How do you survive the holidays without alcohol? | Reader Question | E438 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-438-reader-question-how-do-you-survive-the-holidays-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!

Quince:

Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns 

Hungryroot:

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind

Shopify:

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠ 

Aura Frame:

Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND

Masterclass:

Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

In T’s Session:

Translating the “deprived/itchy” sensation into data, not danger.

How anticipation builds the ritual—and how to disrupt it kindly.

Micro-pause practice: five minutes to explore how to figure out why you drink.

“No room to grow” → portable creativity kits and boundary conversations.

Reframing anger as an unmet-need alert, not a failure.

Shifting from measuring pours to measuring alignment and relief.

Choosing compassion tools over control tactics.

And more topics…

In Jean’s Session:

Social anxiety’s storylines: “I’m boring,” “I’ll say it wrong,” “I’ll stay home.”

Worth vs. worthiness feelings: why the difference matters.

Hand-on-heart anchors and compassionate self-talk before events.

Understanding how to figure out why you drink to stop pre-event numbing.

Low-stakes connection reps to unwind isolation loops.

“I’m in the process of…” turnarounds that feel true (not toxic positivity).

Progress over perfection: practicing courage in small doses.

And more…

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/

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.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!

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot:

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth:

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

Jennifer and Coach Cole discuss:

Seeing “slip-ups” as compassionate data points instead of proof you’ve failed.

Jennifer’s “nine fine, one catastrophic” pattern that exposes the truth about moderation.

How insecurity, FOMO, and feeling out of place quietly drove her drinking choices.

Hearing “You cannot drink” from family as loving clarity and necessary boundaries.

Using honest journaling to remember the full impact of drinking when cravings show up.

How to get over drunken mistakes by softening shame and meeting yourself with curiosity and grace.

And more…

Related Episodes:

What Are The Signs of Relapse? | Reader Question | E708 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-708-readers-question-what-are-the-signs-of-relapse/

How Do You Deal With Feeling Ashamed or Embarrassed About Drinking? | Reader Question | E406 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-406-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-feeling-ashamed-or-embarrassed-about-drinking/

How To Explore Drinking Without Judgment | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E813 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-explore-drinking-without-judgment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e813/

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!

Quince
For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify:
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

In Rhoda’s Session:

Moving from mindless to mindful drinking with awareness and self-compassion

Redefining success: tiny “brick by brick” wins, not just streaks

Using short-term resets (2 days, even 10 minutes) to build confidence

Practicing “data points” instead of shame spirals when slips happen

How to stop giving in to alcohol urges by creating a small pause and water-first routine

Navigating social situations (Mahjong, Bunco) with mindful choices

Breaking the cycle of self-criticism and comparison

And additional topics…

In Wendi’s Session:

Recognizing the job alcohol is doing (numbing, emotional regulation)

Creating quick “table it” strategies when urges hit in real life

Learning to observe urges with curiosity rather than dread

From mindless overwhelm to mindful naming of sensations (chest tightness, racing thoughts)

How to stop giving in to alcohol urges by separating yourself from the urge with the “rock” visualization

Reframing urges as normal emotional waves, like grief—not failure

Building self-trust through repeatable, real-life mindful practices

And more…

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers - Reader’s Question - E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/

Understanding the Urge to Drink | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E799 - https://thisnakedmind.com/understanding-the-urge-to-drink-e799/

How Do I Beat Alcohol Cravings? | Reader’s Question | - E700 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-700-readers-question-how-do-i-beat-alcohol-cravings

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!

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot:

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth:

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

Scot and Coach Cole discuss:

Scot’s early years in a family shaped by heavy drinking and loss

How local drinking culture and “always up for it” expectations influenced his choices

Using alcohol as “Dutch courage” to socialize as a shy, neurodivergent teen

Discovering autism and ADHD as a lens for self-understanding instead of self-blame

Nightly wine, hidden bottles, blackouts, and the impact on his partner and kids

His vivid description of mental “noise” and drinking to deal with sensory overload

The moment with his daughter that sparked a clear decision to quit for good

Embracing neurodivergent strengths and navigating social events alcohol-free

And more…

Related Episodes:

I drink to f*ck my brain up, just for a little while. Can you help? | Reader Question | E80 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-80-reader-question-drink-fck-brain-just-little-can-help/

I Drink To Fit In | Nat’s Naked Life | E439 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x/

Highly Sensitive People and Alcohol Use | Halima - Where Are They Now? | E703 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-703-naked-life-story-hayley-where-are-they-now-halima/

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!

Healing relationships damaged by alcohol—where do you even begin? In this candid, hope-filled episode, Coach Soraya and Coach Zoe sit down with Sherri and Kevin to give listeners a front-row peek at how The Path works—and the breakthroughs that happen inside each day. Sherri shares her journey of leaving a verbally abusive marriage, breaking the after-work wine habit, and facing the truth about a new partner who encourages drinking. Kevin opens up about separation, sober dating, and the power of “playing it forward” when cravings strike, while also learning to reconnect with his inner child and rebuild self-trust. With gentle guidance and science-backed tools, both guests experience moments of clarity and hope, showing how compassion and curiosity make healing relationships damaged by alcohol possible.

In Sherri’s Session:

How verbal abuse led to a reliance on alcohol to cope

Realizing that "feeling good" while drinking is not the same as true happiness

Finding the courage to say "no" to drinking and a toxic relationship

Understanding that a negative feeling makes you want to drink

Taking the first step in healing relationships damaged by alcohol

And more topics…

In Kevin’s Session:

Finding renewed confidence to quit after a purposeful "data point"

Using your past experiences as a "reference library" to move forward

Confronting childhood trauma and its connection to self-soothing with alcohol

Earning your own trust back and holding space for little you

Discussing the process of healing relationships damaged by alcohol

And more…

Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients’ journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

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/⁠

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.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!

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot:

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
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Cozy Earth:

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Coach Cole and Tiffany discuss:

Being known as the party animal who never wanted to go home

Losing a job due to drinking and the wake-up calls that followed

The question many face: do I need to give up partying?

How her boyfriend supported her through a year of transformation

Going from closing down bars to closing down coffee shops

And other topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Partying and Parenthood - Payal’s Naked Life - E461 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-461-naked-life-story-payal/

 How do I lose the desire to drink on special occasions? - Reader Question - E440 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-440-reader-question-how-do-i-lose-the-desire-to-drink-on-special-occasions/

Letting Go of A Party Girl Identity - Maggie’s Naked Life - E429 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-429-naked-life-story-maggie/

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!

Quince
For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify:
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

In Jody’s Session:

Asking the big question: why can’t I get rid of alcohol cravings?

Struggling with the 3:30 PM urge to run to the store for beer

Why distraction and breathing exercises don’t always work

Discovering the power of delay and small non-negotiables

Learning to talk to cravings with curiosity instead of fighting them

Finding new outlets like walking dogs or moving physically

Understanding cravings as part of the subconscious trying to help

Building compassion for the part of herself that still wants to drink

And more…

In Lauren’s Session:

Feeling a “blank” when trying to sit with emotions

Struggling with overwhelm from parenting, work, and daily stress

Using wine as a quick fix to avoid exploring feelings

Physical signs of discomfort: sweaty palms, tight shoulders

Learning to name emotions instead of trying to “fix” them

Experiencing relief when realizing emotions pass quickly

Reframing inner work as gentle acknowledgement instead of “hard work”

How small moments of compassion build strength for lasting change

And more 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/

Episode links:

Start Your Path - nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Will I ever stop craving alcohol? - Reader Question - E676 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/

 How do you deal with stress without alcohol? - Reader Question - E158 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/

Shifting Beliefs, Changing Habits - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E783 - https://thisnakedmind.com/shifting-beliefs-changing-habits-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e783/

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!

Quince
For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify:
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

In this episode, Amy and Hayley catch up on:

How Amy's "sneaky" relationship with alcohol masked deeper coping patterns

Why The Alcohol Experiment was just the beginning of her real transformation

How to cope as a special needs parent by addressing root causes, not just symptoms

Why her drinking habits had nothing to do with special needs parenting challenges

Learning to feel emotions instead of shoving them down with alcohol and other substances

Shifting from anxiety-driven micromanagement to mindful, empowered parenting

Applying the same "why" questions to break patterns with sugar, caffeine, and social media

Professionally reinvesting in supporting individuals with diagnoses after her transformation

And more…

Episode links:

Start Your Alcohol Experiment - www.alcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Special Needs and Drinking - Amy’s Naked Life -E313 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-313-naked-life-story-amy-m/

From Isolation to Connection: Finding Your Way Alcohol-Free - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E825 - https://thisnakedmind.com/feeling-lost-after-quitting-drinking-e825/

Sharing Your Personal Journey with Alcohol: A Guide to Honest Conversations and Healing Connections - Reader’s Question - E620 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-618-readers-question-annie-graces-tips-for-dealing-with-family-members-who-continue-to-drink-2/

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!

Quince
For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot

Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify:
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Cozy Earth

Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

In Cara’s Session:

Why she feels like a better, more patient caregiver when she’s alcohol-free

Seeing “slip ups” as data points instead of proof she’s failed

The sneaky moments she catches herself giving permission to drink

How journaling and the ACT technique help her stay grounded

Realizing two weeks alcohol-free was just the start of the journey

Swapping the “I deserve it” drink for self-care that actually works

Learning how to stop giving yourself permission to drink when alcohol is in the house

Shifting her focus from self-doubt to hope on her second round of The Path

And more…

In Michelle’s Session:

What’s changed since she committed to being alcohol-free on April 30

Breaking old associations between alcohol, travel, and celebration

Managing “joy cravings” without reigniting the desire to drink

Finding confidence and feeling “safe inside herself” without alcohol

Turning shame and secrecy into pride and self-trust

The mantra she uses to quiet anxiety and future fears

How community support inside The Path keeps her motivated

Learning how to stop giving yourself permission to drink on special occasions

And more topics…

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/

Soraya Arjan Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients’ journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Overcoming the Fear of Drinking Again - Erin’s Naked Life - E741- https://thisnakedmind.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-drinking-again-erins-naked-life-e741/How do I break the cycle of recurring data points?- Reader Question - E588 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-588-reader-question-how-do-i-break-the-cycle-of-recurring-data-points/

What Voices Guide Your Choices - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E768 - https://thisnakedmind.com/what-voices-guide-your-choices-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e768/

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!

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/

nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

In this episode, Coach Cole and Michael discuss:

The quiet turning point: a watered-down vodka and a Sunday sink

Doing the math: 4–5k “weekend” calories, late-night pizza, and weight creep

One Year No Beer → Annie’s book → community support that clicked

“Low-level lousy”: why feeling meh all week became the wake-up call

Early mornings, meditation, and walks as keystone habits

Dreams about drinking and why they freaked him out

Quitting weekend binge drinking as the simplest path to feeling better

Handling “I deserve a drink” thoughts without white-knuckling

Labels vs. behavior: dropping the identity fight and choosing presence

Modeling change for kids and being the midnight ride they can count on

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

One Year No Beer - Andy’s Naked Life - E57 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-57-naked-life-story-andy-ramage/

What is the difference in binge drinking vs. daily drinking? - Reader Question - E156 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-156-what-is-the-difference-in-binge-drinking-vs-daily-drinking/

Drinking in Full Control with Ruari Fairbairns - Interview - E73 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-73-drinking-full-control-ruari-fairbairns/

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 can’t I quit drinking after so many tries? It’s a question so many of us have asked, and in this episode, Leslie and Phillipa open up about their long journeys of stopping, starting, and struggling with alcohol. Joined by Coach Zoe, they pull back the curtain on the ups, downs, and lessons they’ve faced along the way. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful coaching and support available inside The Path and how curiosity, compassion, and courage create lasting change.

In Leslie’s session:

Starting The Path three times and learning from each attempt

Using the mantra “burn the boats” to stop self-sabotage

Managing urges during writing groups and evening routines

Facing fear of relapse and suddenly finding a bottle in her hand

Building awareness of patterns that lead to survival brain drinking

How Path coaching gave her new tools to stay free

And more topics…

In Phillipa’s session:

Coming from a scarcity mindset and always finishing what’s in front of her

Struggling with cravings that feel like a “hamster wheel” of misery and relief

Why moderation isn’t an option and how she learned that the hard way

Feeling like a “fraud” because her life looks good on the outside

Discovering joy, contentment, and peace after months alcohol-free

Asking herself: why can’t I quit drinking after so many tries — and finally finding support that works inside The Path

And much 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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

I see no benefit to alcohol, why can’t I just quit? - Reader Question - E60 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-60-reader-question-see-no-benefit-alcohol-cant-just-quit/

Finding Hope for Long-time Drinkers - Reader Question - E600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/

End Self-Sabotage with Self-Love - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E742 - https://thisnakedmind.com/end-self-sabotage-with-self-love-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e742/

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!

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/

nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Samuel thought stopping drinking would fix everything, but it actually revealed that his relationship couldn't survive the person he was becoming. His drinking story is terrifying—regular blackouts, waking up in strangers' beds, traumatic incidents that destroyed his wife's trust. But when he finally found freedom using This Naked Mind, he made an unexpected discovery: quitting alcohol unlocks creativity and triggers a cascade of positive changes. Now he meditates daily, journals constantly, and uses writing as his primary coping mechanism. In this episode, Samuel joins Cole to explore how the most painful decisions can lead to the most profound personal growth.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of alcohol blackouts, relationship trauma, and divorce that some listeners may find triggering.

In this episode, Samuel and Coach Cole discuss:

Growing up in a family and culture where drinking was the norm.

The scary reality of blacking out and the fear of a "demon inside."

Ditching alcohol for the first time out of shame, and then falling back into the pattern of drinking

The surprise of how quitting drinking unlocked creativity and a love for writing.

How This Naked Mind's teachings on the subconscious mind sparked a cascade of habit changes.

The unexpected challenge of a marriage ending after stopping drinking

The power of journaling and the written word as a coping mechanism and a tool for self-discovery.

Finding new passions like writing short stories, reading philosophy, and meditating.

Using James Clear's Atomic Habits to create lasting change.

How not drinking allowed Samuel to confront his inner world and grow as a person.

And more…

Episode links:Related Episodes:

Does alcohol really make you more creative?- Reader Question - E310 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-310-reader-question-does-alcohol-really-make-you-more-creative/

 What is the deal with blackouts? - Reader Question - E304 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-304-what-is-the-deal-with-blackouts/

What If Your Biggest Regrets Are Actually Your Greatest Teachers? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E817 - https://thisnakedmind.com/finding-purpose-and-direction-after-quitting-alcohol-e817/

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!

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/

nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Trigger Warning: The topics discussed in this episode, particularly in the second half, involve sensitive subjects such as family trauma, abuse, and addiction. Listener discretion is advised.

Are you drinking to avoid emotions and finding yourself trapped in endless mental loops about whether to have that drink? Mimi struggles with cognitive dissonance - the uncomfortable tension between wanting to be healthy and fearing social rejection when she doesn't drink. Meanwhile, Heather discovers that childhood trauma is driving her unconscious reach for alcohol whenever difficult emotions surface. In this powerful episode, Coach Cole and Coach Hayley demonstrate what coaching inside The Path looks like, guiding both women through breakthrough moments using This Naked Mind methodology. Watch as they help Mimi find peace with her decision not to drink and support Heather in witnessing emotions she's been pushing down for years, showing how compassionate coaching can bring deep healing and lasting freedom.

In Mimi’s session:

Exploring cognitive dissonance and why it creates inner conflictFear of judgment when choosing not to drink at social and family eventsAnxiety about losing connection when alcohol isn’t part of the pictureRecognizing the cost of drinking for belonging vs peace of mindNaming cravings and the fear of giving in during family visitsDiscovering the freedom that comes from releasing old storiesSeeing how coaching inside The Path untangles fear, belonging, and valuesAnd so much more

In Heather’s session:

Facing the flood of emotions that surface after removing alcoholExploring the connection between childhood trauma and drinking to avoid emotionsWhy unresolved experiences from the past can resurface during alcohol-free livingLearning to witness emotions instead of pushing them downRecognizing how alcohol gave the illusion of relief but delayed healingProcessing sadness, fear, and discomfort with compassion instead of avoidanceExperiencing how The Path’s coaching helps create safety and lasting growthAnd more…

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/ 

Hayley Scherders is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind and 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/

 Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Using Alcohol To Numb Pain - Simone’s Naked Life - E207 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-207-naked-life-story-simone/

 Why is it so hard to become alcohol free? - Reader Question - E646 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-646-readers-question-why-is-it-so-hard-to-become-alcohol-free/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more.

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a mention of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Amy and Coach Cole discuss :

Growing up in a family culture centered around drinking

Beginning her drinking journey in sixth grade

Years of questioning whether she had a drinking problem

The confrontation when her children called out her drinking

Failed attempts at moderation and temporary sobriety

Why she got sick every single time she drank

The final terrifying night that changed everything

How This Naked Mind helped her find lasting change

Embracing the reality that she is not the same person without alcohol

Wanting to be fully present for precious family moments

Rediscovering her authentic self and core values

Moving forward without regret but with intention

And other topics…

Episode links:

Related Episodes:

Are vacations and holidays more fun without drinking?- Reader Question - EP 164 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-164-are-vacations-and-holidays-more-fun-without-drinking/

 Who Am I Without Wine? - Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E801 - https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/

Uncoupling Alcohol and Identity - Andrew’s Naked Life - E549 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-549-naked-life-story-andrew/

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!

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/

nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

The ripple effect of quitting drinking—what if it reaches far beyond one empty glass? Coach Pam speaks with TNM Alcohol Freedom Guides, Ruby and Kai, who share how they found their way to freedom with This Naked Mind. As coaches for The Path, they now help others do the same. Ruby, a former wine industry insider, recounts her journey of letting go of the self-blame that kept her stuck, while Kai reflects on the decades she spent using alcohol to quiet her mind and cope with personal challenges. Together, they show how gentle coaching questions reshape beliefs, why connection is the opposite of addiction, and how identity shifts make life bigger and calmer. You’ll get practical tips to turn “data points” into progress, and replace alcohol’s supposed rewards with what you actually need—rest, relief, and connection.

In Coach Ruby’s Session:

A-Ha Moments - The importance of "aha moments" in personal transformation.

Dual Addiction - How her struggles with binge eating and alcohol were intertwined

Shedding Shame - The power of letting go of shame and self-blame to find freedom

The Power of The Path - How community and connection are the opposite of addiction

The Ripple Effect - How her decision to become alcohol-free positively impacted her family and friends

It's Never Too Late - Realizing that true change and self-discovery can happen at any age

In Coach Kai’s Session:

Quietening Inner Voices - Using alcohol from a young age to cope with personal struggles

Willpower is Finite - The moment she realized willpower alone wasn't enough to sustain change

Scientific Approach - How the analytical, science-based approach of This Naked Mind impacted her

You Are Not Broken - The powerful message that it's the alcohol, not the person, that is the problem.

Waste No More Time - The life-changing mantra that motivated her to join The Path and not look back

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/

Kai Birdsall, ALPC, is a Certified Naked Mind Coach who helps people change their relationship with alcohol and the habits that keep them stuck. A professional gay woman with a BSc and MBA, she brings 25+ years of corporate leadership to science-based, compassion-led coaching. Kai now supports women in midlife, LGBTQ+ clients, and anyone navigating big transitions—menopause, divorce, illness, career shifts—to manage stress without alcohol and live more authentically.

Learn more about Coach Kai: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/kai-birdsall-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.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!

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What if the very thing you swore you'd never do became your biggest crutch? Gavin spent his childhood hating alcohol, watching it tear his family apart and promising he'd never touch it. But by his teens, he was drinking until sunrise, following the exact patterns he'd despised. Years later, married and successful, Gavin realized his wife deserved better—not because she complained, but because he knew deep down he wasn't showing up as his best self. When he began questioning how quitting drinking can improve a relationship, everything shifted. Through This Naked Mind, Gavin discovered he'd built an entire personality around alcohol, hiding his true introverted nature behind the need to be the "life of the party." In this episode, Gavin joins Annie to share how breaking generational drinking patterns allowed him to become the husband he always wanted to be.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Gavin discuss:

Growing up in a family where generational drinking was normalized

Hating alcohol as a child but following the same patterns as a teen

Building a people-pleasing personality that only existed with alcohol

Discovering he was actually an introvert hiding behind drinking

The moment he asked himself if he was being the best husband he could be

How quitting drinking can improve a relationship and marriage

Using 75 Hard as motivation to try sobriety

How This Naked Mind equipped him with knowledge, not just conviction

Wrestling with the question "What place does alcohol have in my life?"

Learning that alcohol was contributing nothing positive

The difference between feeling convicted and feeling equipped to change

How supportive spouses can help without criticism or nagging

Breaking family patterns to show up authentically in marriage

And other topics…

Episode links:Related Episodes:

Breaking Family Alcohol Patterns - Janine’s Naked Life - E 701 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-701-naked-life-story-janine-m/

Quitting Alcohol with 75 Hard- Michelle’s Naked Life - E 671 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-671-naked-life-story-michelle-s/

Alcohol’s Impact on Relationships- Coaching Questions - E 775 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-missing-piece-with-paul-stacey-martino-e775/

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!

Quince- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/

nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Marie has been drinking for three decades, giving alcohol "all the jobs" in her life—numbing overwhelm, escaping difficult emotions, and avoiding the fear of judgment that keeps her stuck in autopilot drinking patterns. Christine feels confident, currently alcohol-free, but worries about potential relapse after experiencing cycles of sobriety and drinking over the past decade. In this powerful coaching demonstration, Coach Cole guides both women through breakthrough moments, showing them how to transform their deepest fears into motivation for change through radical self-compassion. This episode offers a rare glimpse into what actual coaching sessions look like inside The PATH, revealing how fear can become the very thing that drives lasting transformation.

In Marie's Session:

Recognizing how she gives alcohol "all the jobs" in her lifeBreaking the autopilot drinking pattern during overwhelming momentsConfronting three decades of using alcohol to escape difficult emotionsUnderstanding perfectionism and judgment keep her stuck in numbing behaviorsLearning to connect with emotions instead of running away from themDiscovering how self-compassion can serve as protection rather than weaknessMoving from "I can't handle this" to curiosity about her emotional experienceTransforming the fear of not being enough into motivation for growthAnd more topics…

In Christine's Session:

Navigating alcohol-free confidence while fearing potential relapseProcessing the shame and analysis after a recent slip with two glasses of wineUnderstanding trigger patterns from nine years of cycling between sobriety and drinkingLearning that emotions are scary but won't actually harm youDiscovering how to sit with difficult feelings instead of avoiding themRecognizing fear as a useful driver for positive change rather than an enemyBuilding tools to return to The PATH after setbacks without spiralingUsing fear as fuel to strengthen commitment to long-term alcohol freedomAnd more…

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Healing Emotional Pain Without Alcohol - Reader Question - E706 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-706-readers-question-healing-emotional-pain-without-alcohol/

 What are the signs of relapse? - Reader Question - E708 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-708-readers-question-what-are-the-signs-of-relapse/

Learning to Trust Yourself Again - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E746 - https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746

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!

In this episode, Annie and Linda discuss :

Struggling with authenticity while practicing yoga and holistic health, yet secretly battling alcohol

Parenting her parents and siblings—Linda felt responsible for holding her family together

Being encouraged to drink by her father, who believed alcohol was essential for connection

People-pleasing tendencies that kept Linda stuck in unhealthy cycles, including her reliance on alcohol

Drinking to fit in—how alcohol became a way to mask feelings of insecurity and inadequacy

Feeling shame after drinking—how Linda struggled with self-judgment and guilt

Joining The PATH and finding clarity, hope, and self-compassion as she shifted her mindset

The shift from people-pleasing to setting boundaries, and how it helped her regain control

Rediscovering her true self after years of using alcohol to cope

Embracing emotional connection over numbing with alcohol, and how it deepened her relationships

And much more...

Episode links:

This Naked Mind Institute - jointnmi.com

Good Vibration Coaching - https://www.goodvibrationcoaching.com/

Related Episodes:

How do I handle cravings and people pleasing? - Reader Question - E 272 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-272-reader-question-how-do-i-handle-cravings-and-people-pleasing/

 Naked Life Story – Where are they now? – Halima - E 703 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-703-naked-life-story-hayley-where-are-they-now-halima/

The Cost of Fitting In - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E785 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-cost-of-fitting-in-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e785/

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!

In this episode, Coach Pam and Coach Cole discuss:

The unexpected feeling of relief when he committed to a year of not drinking

His journey from fighting his "shadow self" to befriending it

Comparing old "authoritarian" coaching to the gentle guidance of an alcohol coach

Using questions and perception shifts to uncover inner wisdom

The power of letting go of beliefs that no longer serve you

Why learning from setbacks is more powerful than striving for perfection

How the Path program helps you rebuild your foundation brick by brick

Finding incredible and enriching things in witnessing others' transformations

And more…

Coach Pam and Coach Julie discuss:

Recognizing a "nagging feeling" as a sign to explore her relationship with alcohol

The "Aha" moment from drinking and getting curious about it

Transforming from a Path participant to a Path coach

Using the ACT Process to reframe thoughts and reduce the desire to drink

Finding profound change by letting go of stories, shame, and guilt

The importance of community support to realize you're not alone

How she handled major life events with the support of the Path

Why she believes there's "no downside" to investing in a year-long program

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/

Julie Lively is a certified This Naked Mind Alcohol Freedom Coach and Master Gray Area Drinking Coach. After years of struggling with drinking, Julie found lasting freedom through the science and compassion of This Naked Mind. She now helps midlife women navigating major life transitions—like career changes, empty nests, menopause, and caring for aging parents—break free from alcohol’s grip. Julie empowers women to reclaim confidence, clarity, and peace, guiding them to live alcohol-free and with joy.

Learn more about Coach Julie: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/julie-lively/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Healing Through Self-Love - Cole’s Naked Life - E737 - https://thisnakedmind.com/healing-through-self-love-coles-naked-life-e737/

How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment?- Reader Question – E508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/

Is Organic Wine Better For You? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E791 - https://thisnakedmind.com/is-organic-wine-better-for-you/

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!

In this episode, Coach Hayley and Jeanne discuss:

Catching up four years after her first This Naked Mind appearance

How she realized alcohol steals happiness from genuine experiences

Why failed attempts at quitting don't make you a failure

The difference between choosing sobriety and being forced into it

Building relationships that aren't dependent on drinking together

The growing trend of dry parties and sober events getting cool

Moving beyond head knowledge to heart-level change

Why alcohol has nothing constructive to offer anyone

Understanding your identity isn't defined by drinking struggles

Embracing being alcohol-free as an invitation to your truest self

How the best is yet to come in your growth journey

And other topics…

Episode links:Related Episodes:

Surrounded by Alcohol - Naked Life Story – Jeanne - EP 397 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-397-naked-life-story-jeanne/

How do I deal with people being uncomfortable with my not drinking?- Reader Question - EP 216 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-216-reader-question-how-do-i-deal-with-people-being-uncomfortable-with-my-not-drinking/

Becoming Superhuman Without Alcohol - Naked Life Story - Niamh - E533 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-533-naked-life-story-niamh/

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!

This week's episode features two powerful coaching sessions with Coach Hayley and Coach Soraya. In Coach Soraya’s session, Samantha shares her frustration with feeling stagnant, as she struggles to make progress and commit to an alcohol-free break, especially with a husband whose drinking is a constant presence. Coach Haley and Thomas discuss his battle with a persistent inner conflict—should he keep drinking less, or is it time to make a commitment to stop drinking for good? This leads to an insightful discussion about the stigma of weakness and the true nature of alcohol. Both coaches offer a fresh perspective, encouraging Thomas and Samantha to embrace self-compassion and emotional awareness over self-blame.

In Samantha’s session:

Feeling defeated after trying to change for so long

Navigating alcohol use when your partner isn’t on board

The trap of “forever thinking” when it comes to quitting

Remembering how good it felt to be alcohol-free

Learning how to ride the wave of emotional triggers

Discovering that high sensitivity is a superpower, not a flaw

Letting herself be enough—right where she is

Choosing progress over perfection

Finding strength to make a commitment to stop drinking, one step at a time

And much more…

In Thomas’ session:

Asking the question: “Should I cut back or stop completely?”

How alcohol magnifies shame and disrupts self-trust

The impact of societal beliefs on our drinking identity

Reframing willpower as curiosity and experimentation

Experiencing live music without alcohol for the first time

Feeling more connected and present with his kids

Realizing that behavior change follows emotional clarity

Acknowledging his progress without pressure or judgment

Trusting the process to make a commitment to stop drinking

And more…

Soraya Arjan Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients' journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Why is it so hard to stop drinking?- Reader Question - E340 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-340-reader-question-why-is-it-so-hard-to-stop-drinking/

 Can I just have a drink once in a while? - Reader Question - E468 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-468-reader-question-can-i-just-have-a-drink-once-in-a-while/

How To Set Emotional Goals Instead of Sobriety Goals - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E805 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-set-emotional-goals-instead-of-sobriety-goals-e805/

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!

In this episode, Coach Cole and Nisha discuss :

Nisha’s 25-year relationship with alcohol as a coping mechanism

The emotional and social struggles of drinking to fit in and relieve stress

The internal tug of war: wanting to quit but feeling stuck with alcohol

How alcohol became a crutch during tough times like loneliness, depression, and work stress

The pivotal moment two days into The Alcohol Experiment when everything shifted

Overcoming the fear of socializing without alcohol

The role of identity and how alcohol affected Nisha's sense of self

How The Alcohol Experiment helped Nisha realize the physical toll alcohol was taking on her body

Learning to enjoy social events without the pressure to drink

Nisha’s advice for anyone struggling with the idea of living without alcohol

How she now enjoys socializing with non-alcoholic optionsChoosing the "harder" immediate path for long-term benefits.

Her message to her past self: "You don't need it, and you're not alone."And much more…

Episode links:The Alcohol Experiment - alcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Alcohol & Older Adults, What We Need To Know - Reader Question -  E152 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-152-reader-question-alcohol-and-older-adults-2/

 How Do I Become Socially Confident Without Alcohol? - Reader Question - E582 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-582-readers-question-how-do-i-become-socially-confident-without-alcohol

Beyond the Bottle: Finding a Fulfilling Life Using The Alcohol Experiment - Lisa’s Naked Life - E812 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-the-alcohol-experiment-to-quit-drinking-e812/

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!

In this episode, Coach Lynnie and Coach Pam discuss:

Breaking up with alcohol was easier than she expected—with the right tools

How loneliness was amplified by drinking

The unexpected joy of feeling your emotions out loud

Learning how to find emotional freedom from alcohol by rewriting old beliefs

The shift from autopilot to conscious, confident living

How vulnerability creates real-time healing and connection

Rebuilding family, faith, and identity through this journey

Why investing in yourself ripples into every area of your life

…and more

In this episode, Coach Kim and Coach Pam discuss:

Feeling stuck after 16 years sober and trying to moderate again

Discovering the missing piece: emotional freedom

Learning how to find emotional freedom from alcohol by embracing JOMO

Why The Path worked when nothing else had

How to navigate the “overwhelm phase” in early alcohol-free life

Tips for customizing your path based on how you learn best

Why feeling “behind” is just a thought—and how to shift it

What it means when alcohol becomes no more significant than eggplant

…and more

Coach Lynnie is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach who helps clients shift their mindset, break free from limiting beliefs, and create lasting change through alcohol-free living. After starting her journey with The Alcohol Experiment in 2022, she now supports others with a blend of science-based tools, compassion, and lived experience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Lynnie empowers others to embrace their authentic selves without alcohol. She’s especially passionate about transforming workplace drinking culture and helping people reclaim confidence, clarity, and joy.

Learn more about Coach Lynnie: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/lynnie-mcgivern/

Coach Kim is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach who helps high-achieving, perfectionistic women find emotional freedom from alcohol. After 16 years of sobriety and a return to drinking, she discovered lasting change through The Path in 2022. Her coaching blends lived experience with deep compassion, offering a safe space for women who feel like they’ve tried everything. Kim believes true freedom comes when we stop trying to escape and start living fully.

Learn more about Coach Kim: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/kim-dewitt-alpc/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How to Feel Good Without Alcohol? - Reader Questions - E702 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-702-readers-question-how-to-feel-good-without-alcohol/

How to Overcome Destructive Behaviors - Expert Edge - E573 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-573-expert-edge-podcast-how-to-overcome-destructive-behaviors-with-colin-boyd/

 Will I Ever Stop Wanting To Drink? - Reader Questions - E376 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-376-reader-question-will-i-ever-stop-wanting-to-drink/

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!

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, overdose, and physical abuse, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care.

"Alcohol is ruining my life." If you’ve ever felt like Kerry, trapped in a cycle of binge drinking and blackouts, you might have said these words yourself. No matter how hard she tried, Kerry kept going back to alcohol, believing she could moderate, but always falling into destructive patterns. In this episode, Kerry joins Annie to share her journey—from growing up with alcohol as a familiar presence in her life to facing the painful reality that alcohol had taken control. After years of struggling to stop drinking, Kerry found hope and a path to lasting freedom through The Path. If you’re asking yourself, "Can I ever escape alcohol's control?"—this episode is for you.

In this episode, Annie and Kerry discuss:

The emotional weight of binge drinking and blackouts

Kerry’s complicated relationship with alcohol, from fun to destructive patterns

How alcohol was deeply ingrained in her life, and the fear that came with letting go

Why Kerry believed she could moderate her drinking but struggled to maintain control

Kerry’s decision to join The Path and break free from alcohol

Learning to stop feeling afraid of alcohol and taking back control

The power of shifting from fear to self-compassion and choosing healthier habits

Kerry’s personal growth through the coaching and support of The Path

How Kerry finally learned that she could live without alcohol

The joy of discovering life beyond alcohol and the newfound freedom it brings

And more…

Episode links:The PATH - nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

I’m trying to moderate and I’m wondering why does the day after drinking feel so bad? - Reader Questions - E66 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-66-reader-question-im-trying-moderate-im-wondering-day-drinking-feel-bad/

Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/

How Drinking Again After a Break Helped Angela Find Clarity | Where Are They Now – Angela | E808 - https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-again-after-a-break-e808/

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’ve ever wondered why healing doesn't happen overnight, you're not alone. In this episode, Coach Cole explores this very question with Tiffany and Laura—two PATH participants who are walking through very different but equally powerful stages of self-discovery. Tiffany opens up about her lifelong fear of vulnerability and her desire to live more authentically, while Laura learns a new way to sit with cravings and rebuild trust in herself. Together, they unpack the emotional layers alcohol once numbed and how true confidence requires time, self-compassion, and courage.

In Tiffany’s session:

Exploring the fear of vulnerability and how alcohol became a protective shieldRealizing that vulnerability is the key to connection and authenticityFeeling layers of the past surface after removing alcoholTrying to define success on her own terms, not by external timelinesLearning that trust in herself builds through time and evidenceExperimenting with vulnerability in safe, small stepsExploring why it takes so long to feel confident after quitting alcohol—and learning to be patient with the processGrieving lost time but choosing to embrace a new futureRecognizing that healing and confidence are not linearDesiring to feel fearless, free, and fully herselfAnd more…

In Laura’s session:

Struggling with ongoing cravings despite being months into the PATHFeeling conflicted: missing alcohol’s comfort but knowing it no longer serves herLearning not to judge cravings but approach them with curiosityReframing cravings as emotional waves to ride—not battles to fightDiscovering the power of presence over controlRealizing that urges, no matter how strong, don’t have power to act for herRebuilding trust and confidence by sitting with discomfortAccepting that growth is uncomfortable, but necessaryGaining tools to feel empowered instead of ashamedUnderstanding why does it take so long to feel confident after quitting alcohol and how cravings don’t define your progressAnd other topics…

Coach Cole 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/  

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Building Confidence on Your Terms: Madison’s Naked Life - E761 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-confidence-on-your-terms-madisons-naked-life-e761/

How Do I Become Socially Confident Without Alcohol? - Reader Question - E582 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-582-readers-question-how-do-i-become-socially-confident-without-alcohol/

How Do I Beat Alcohol Cravings? - Reader Question - E700 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-700-readers-question-how-do-i-beat-alcohol-cravings/

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!

BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

It’s the question Alicia couldn’t get out of her head when she started wondering if alcohol was doing more harm than good. She hadn’t hit rock bottom, wasn’t getting in trouble, and still loved going out with friends. But when alcohol began interfering with her ability to show up for her son—and echoing the same red flags she’d seen growing up—everything changed. In this raw and deeply relatable episode, Alicia joins Coach Cole to unpack what led her to say goodbye to alcohol in her 30s and how that decision reshaped her life as a mom, boss, and friend.

In this episode, Alicia and Cole discuss:

Growing up with generational alcoholism—and the impact it had on her mindset

Asking the hard question: am I too young to stop drinking?

Seeing the signs in her own life and choosing to break the cycle

Why she stopped drinking even though she “didn’t have a problem”

The moment she couldn’t drive to get her son—and what that revealed

How her five-year-old’s words helped seal the deal

Navigating alcohol culture in the restaurant industry

Realizing moderation was taking up too much brain space

Feeling isolated at first, but eventually regaining her social life

The emotional wave that hit when someone spilled beer on her

Why it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes—and what helped her through it

The surprising joy of NA beer, football nights, and still having fun

How posting about sobriety on Instagram sparked unexpected support

Celebrating milestones and shifting relationships for the better

Why sober culture is finally getting cooler—and how she’s part of that change

And so much more…

Related Episodes:

Can someone in the service industry stay sober? - Reader Questions - E560 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-560-reader-question-can-someone-in-the-service-industry-stay-sober/

Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Are they okay? - Reader Questions - E64 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-64-reader-question-non-alcoholic-drinks-okay/

The Impact of Adult Drinking on Children - Emma’s Naked Life - E359 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-359-naked-life-story-emma/

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!

BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠http://BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND|BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND⁠⁠

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to ⁠⁠http://Quince.com/naked|Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠http://Hungryroot.com/mind|Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠ with code mind

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What if the key to breaking free has less to do with willpower, and more to do with compassion, curiosity, and connection? In this powerful conversation, Coach Pam is joined by Coaches Kath and Soraya to explore two very different alcohol journeys that led to the same realization: you don’t have to hit rock bottom to know that something needs to shift. For both women, the breakthrough came not in a single dramatic moment—but in a growing awareness that their drinking didn’t match their values or the life they truly wanted to live. Through their work in The Path, they’ve helped hundreds of people learn how to feel their feelings, rewrite their limiting beliefs, and discover how to show up for yourself and stop drinking—in a way that feels empowering, not punishing. If you’ve ever felt like your struggle “doesn’t count” or you’re just not sure if you deserve support, this episode will change the conversation.

In this episode, Coach Kath and Coach Pam discuss:

Why a problematic relationship with alcohol doesn’t always look “bad”

What changed when Kath stopped comparing herself to others

The importance of community in shifting from shame to empowermentHow to trust your inner voice when it says something isn’t right

Why coaching isn’t about giving advice—it’s about holding space

How to show up for yourself and stop drinking—even if you’ve tried before

…and more

In this episode, Coach Soraya and Coach Pam discuss:

How early rehab and AA shaped (and complicated) her beliefs

The game-changing moment when she asked, “What if I’m not broken?”

The power of recognizing that you’ve been showing up all along

How to feel your feelings instead of drinking them away

Why success is simply raising your hand and taking back the driver’s seat

How to show up for yourself and stop drinking by reclaiming your worth

…and more

Coach Kath is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and ALPC who supports single parents and busy professionals in breaking free from alcohol. She once used wine to cope with stress, until she realized it was quietly draining her joy. In 2021, she quit drinking and found lasting change through the This Naked Mind approach. Kath now helps others tap into that same clarity and freedom with compassion and practical tools. Her coaching is grounded in real-life experience and a deep belief in what’s possible.

Learn more about Coach Kath: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/kath-roberts/

Coach Soraya is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients' journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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Tammy spent years managing life like a pro: raising kids, surviving the recession, and building a beautiful new chapter with her blended family. From the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, the hangovers got worse, the joy disappeared, and a voice inside kept whispering, “You need to do something.” In this episode, Tammy joins Annie to talk about what finally made her listen to that voice—and why the red flags don’t always have to be loud to matter.

In this episode, Annie and Tammy discuss:

Growing up as the “perfect” daughter who internalized anxiety

Using alcohol to fit in and quiet emotions from an early age

Drinking through job loss, financial stress, and a divorce

Why running was her first mental health tool—and how she returned to it

The moment she realized she didn’t want to be a “drunk Nana”

Why COVID intensified her drinking and disguised her red flags

The subtle signs her body and mind were giving her that no one else saw

How she decided to stop ignoring red flags about drinking before things got worse

Finding connection through podcasts, books, and her own writing

How her decision created a ripple effect for her daughters and friends

And so much more…

Episode links:Related Episodes:

Drinking After Divorce - Brian’s Naked Life - E609 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-609-naked-life-story-brian-c/

What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Questions - E480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/

How do I talk to my kids about alcohol? - Reader’s Questions - E442 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-442-reader-question-how-do-i-talk-to-my-kids-about-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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Jane's story will hit close to home for anyone who's ever wondered why they can stick to other healthy habits but struggle with alcohol. She exercises regularly, eats well, and maintains discipline in other areas of life, yet finds herself repeatedly breaking her commitment to quit drinking. In this honest coaching session, Jane opens up to Coach Tabbin about the internal dialogue that leads her from nail appointments to wine purchases, and how emotional triggers consistently derail her best intentions. Together, they uncover how unprocessed grief and the need to control uncontrollable situations drove her to use alcohol as emotional suppression. This episode provides practical insights into understanding the subconscious mind's role in drinking decisions and developing the self-compassion needed to break free from self-sabotaging patterns.

In Jane’s session:

Struggling to stick to decisions about not drinking

Dealing with anxiety about future alcohol-related situations

Using distraction techniques for alcohol-free days

Coping with self-criticism and feeling like a disappointment

Understanding alcohol as a form of self-sabotage

Building trust in alcohol-free living

Learning to practice self-compassion

The cognitive dissonance between conscious desire to quit and subconscious urges

Finding support in community and relationships

and more…

Coach Tabbin is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind, certified in ALP (Affective Liminal Psychology) and Grey Area Drinking. After years of battling alcohol, including a period of over seven years of not drinking interrupted by major life events, she found lasting freedom through This Naked Mind in 2018. Now a full-time coach, she helps senior professionals, especially those aged 45+, rewire their brains to live alcohol-free. With a background in advertising, Tabbin understands the pressures of high-powered careers and brings compassion and expertise to those navigating similar struggles. She is also a speaker, the host of The Alcohol Debate podcast, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Bottling Up Trouble.

Learn more about Coach Tabbin: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/tabbin-almond-alpc/

Related Episodes:

Why do I keep sabotaging my sobriety? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E728 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-728-readers-question-why-do-i-keep-sabotaging-my-sobriety/

End Self-Sabotage with Self-Love - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E742 - https://thisnakedmind.com/end-self-sabotage-with-self-love-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e742/

Learning To Trust Yourself Again - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E746 - https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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In this episode, Gina and Cole discuss:

How alcohol became an "annoying albatross" after being a constant part of her life.

Her unique experience as a lifelong bartender and solo traveler, with alcohol as a companion.

Pondering the question - how do you stop drinking when you work in a bar

The profound impact of Annie Grace's "This Naked Mind" and how it confirmed everything she thought.

Why she didn't tell a single soul about her journey for a year.

Rediscovering her creative potential and finishing a novel started 15 years ago in a "drunken stupor."

The financial benefits of sobriety – saving $10,000 in a year and two months!

How she manages to still interview bartenders and write about spirits without craving a drink.

Gina's powerful message to her past self: "You do not have to be drunk to have fun."

And so much more…

Episode links:

Gina’s podcast - https://lakeandsumterstyle.com/healthy-living-podcast/

Gina’s article - https://lakeandsumterstyle.com/repurposing-a-beloved-glass-for-a-more-purposeful-life/

Related Episodes:

Can someone in the service industry stay sober? - Reader Questions - E560 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-560-reader-question-can-someone-in-the-service-industry-stay-sober/

The Sober Experiment - Alex and Lisa’s Naked Life - E259 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-259-naked-life-story-alex-and-lisa/

How To Plan an Alcohol-Free Vacation - Reader’s Questions - E652 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-652-readers-question-how-to-plan-an-alcohol-free-vacation/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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What if the reason you can't seem to stop drinking is because your brain is wired to keep returning to old patterns?

Coach Pam talks with coaches Tabbin and Hayley about how understanding the way our brain processes alcohol can be a game changer. By learning how to rewire your brain to stop drinking, we can break free from the cycles that keep us trapped. They discuss the neuroscience behind alcohol cravings, how to address emotional triggers, and the tools that help create lasting change. This episode is packed with insights on how to reshape your mind for a healthier, alcohol-free life.

In this episode, Coach Tabbin and Coach Pam discuss:

Trying various methods to control alcohol for 20 years before finding success

Her experience with AA and feeling like she hadn't hit "rock bottom" to belong

The profound impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and her return to drinking during a moment of immense fear

Discovering This Naked Mind and the shocking realization that alcohol causes breast cancer

The "aha" moment of revulsion towards alcohol, leading to lasting alcohol freedom since May 2018

Her focus on fitness and health as key motivators for an alcohol-free life

The importance of self-compassion in overcoming "stuckness" and inner criticism

Recognizing how to rewire your brain to stop drinking changed her perception of alcohol from pleasurable to harmful

…and more

In this episode, Coach Hayley and Coach Pam discuss:

Finding This Naked Mind through a search for non-judgmental alcohol support

Her relief at discovering a science and compassion-based program that felt like "coming home"

Overcoming deep shame and the fear of sharing her story

The core belief that "you are not broken" when struggling with alcohol dependence

Embracing feelings and allowing emotions to move through her as a vital coping mechanism

The realization that life is still "lifey" even without alcohol, but now with better tools

Why you shouldn’t wait for a "rock bottom" or "ideal timing" to seek change

…and more

Coach Tabbin is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind, certified in ALP (Affective Liminal Psychology) and Grey Area Drinking. After years of battling alcohol, including a period of over seven years of not drinking interrupted by major life events, she found lasting freedom through This Naked Mind in 2018. Now a full-time coach, she helps senior professionals, especially those aged 45+, rewire their brains to live alcohol-free. With a background in advertising, Tabbin understands the pressures of high-powered careers and brings compassion and expertise to those navigating similar struggles. She is also a speaker, the host of The Alcohol Debate podcast, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Bottling Up Trouble.

Learn more about Coach Tabbin: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/tabbin-almond-alpc/

Coach Hayley 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/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

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It's a question many of us ponder, and Helen's story offers a powerful, resounding "yes." Surprisingly, Helen grew up in an alcohol-free household, yet found herself, by her mid-twenties, fully immersed in a daily drinking culture that felt completely normal. This habit quietly escalated until, at 50, she was passing out almost every night. Despite her ambition and past ability to control her drinking, she grappled with a deep sense of powerlessness. Join Annie and Helen as they discuss how she navigated this profound shift, breaking free from the struggle and discovering an unexpected, joyful infatuation with her truly alcohol-free life. It's a testament to finding genuine happiness without compromise.

In this episode, Annie and Helen discuss:

Growing up without alcohol, then starting a daily wine habit in her mid-twenties.

Helen's attempts to stop drinking, including the Anthony Robbins' Dickens process, and why fear-based motivation didn't stick.

The pivotal moment when Helen realized she could quit drinking and never feel deprived

The profound realization that alcohol offers no real value.

The impact of alcohol marketing and her aversion to being "taken for a fool."

Applying the principles of her alcohol-free journey to other areas of life.

Why Helen no longer feels powerless or tempted by alcohol

The surprising benefits of quitting drinking that Helen never expected

And other topics…

Episode links:

Related Episodes:

How Daily Drinking Becomes Normal - Naked Life Story - Toni - E559 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-559-naked-life-story-toni/

What Do You Have Against Calling Yourself an Alcoholic? - Reader Questions - E641 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-641-readers-question-what-do-you-have-against-calling-yourself-an-alcoholic/

What is the deal with blackouts? - Reader Questions – E304 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-304-what-is-the-deal-with-blackouts/

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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What do you do when your entire sense of self feels in flux? For April and Michelle, quitting alcohol has brought unexpected challenges. While their initial decision to stop drinking opened doors to new possibilities, it’s also left them facing an uncomfortable reality—feeling lost. April, who has been alcohol-free for months, is navigating a shrinking world and struggling with the idea of belonging, while Michelle, just a few weeks into her alcohol-free journey, is questioning her identity and place in social circles. In this episode, Coach Zoe speaks with both April and Michelle about the discomfort of finding who you really are when alcohol is no longer your coping mechanism. They share their experiences of feeling lost after quitting drinking, the fear of being judged, and how they’re learning to build authentic connections without alcohol.

In April’s Session:

Still seeing alcohol as providing relief for anxiety and stress

The necessity of being challenged to build a relationship of a life without alcohol

The pain of friends deciding she's "not fun anymore" after quitting drinking

The challenge of making new friends as an adult, like being the "lone reader" at book club

Navigating life as a bereaved mother and feeling that part of her isn't "fun" for others

How protecting herself shows up in current social interactions

The fear of putting herself out there and being judged

The struggle of figuring out what to do when everything looks different than imagined

The desire for authentic connection over superficial relationships

Realizing "we always teach what we need to learn”

And more…

In Michelle’s Session:

The fear of losing all her friends and her identity

Grappling with the question: "Who will I be if I don't drink?"

The realization that avoiding everyone isn't sustainable

Confronting the belief that we "know what other people are thinking of us"

Understanding that the voice of judgment is often her own

Coping for 30-odd years by numbing with alcohol

Feeling "wide open with feelings" in early days alcohol-free

Realizing how normalized and addictive alcohol is in society

The courage it takes to go against the grain of drinking culture

Learning that we need to feel who we are, not just think it

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/ 

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

What’s the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? - Reader’s Questions - E640 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/

Who Am I Without Wine?: Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E801 - https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/

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Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

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Is it truly possible to learn how to stop drinking when depression gets worse? 

Jacki's journey began at a point of deep despair, consuming up to 12 beers a day as her depression spiraled. After trying everything from apps to drops with no lasting success, a profound wake-up call led her to discover a different path to alcohol freedom. In this inspiring episode, Jacki shares her emotionally charged story of escaping the grip of alcohol, rebuilding her life from shame and anxiety, and finding a deep connection to herself in a "safe space" she created. Discover how she transformed from a bartender trapped by alcohol to a beacon of hope, showing others that a life of true freedom is not just possible, but joyful.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Jacki discuss:

How depression worsened Jacki’s alcohol use and mental health

The moment of realization at a celebration of life that changed everything

How behavioral tools like apps and drops failed Jacki in her journey

Why seeking support and understanding your emotions is crucial

How Jacki rewired negative self-talk and rebuilt her self-worth

Living alcohol-free after two years: the mental and emotional shifts

How to stay alcohol-free when depression still lingers

Why you don’t need to give up even when it feels impossible

Embracing the freedom to live alcohol-free without guilt or shame

The importance of finding a safe space for emotional healing

And other topics…

Episode links:

Jacki’s Coaching Page - https://www.coachingbyjacki.com/

Jacki’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackifleniken

Related Episodes:

What’s the link between alcohol and depression? - Reader Questions - E698 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-698-readers-question-whats-the-link-between-alcohol-and-depression/

What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Questions - E480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/

Beating Blackout Drinking - Naked Life Story – Shirley - E575 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-575-naked-life-story-shirley/

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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Many people struggle with shifting their relationship with alcohol, caught in a cycle of guilt and frustration. Coaches Zoe and Onowa share their journeys of transformation, where compassion, understanding, and questioning beliefs were key to creating lasting change. In this episode, they dive into how shifting from judgment to compassion helped them—and others—rewrite their stories and choose a new path toward freedom.

In this episode, Coach Zoe and Coach Pam discuss:

Layering of escapism- how using substances - cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs, progressively "layered on" as she experienced more emotional pain and challenges, seeking to escapeHow the alcohol industry only portrays the "fun" and "glamorous" side of drinkingThe shock of not being able to stop drinking when she truly wanted toFalling in love with the ACT TechniqueGlimmers of hope from meditationEmbracing her authentic self…and more

In this episode, Coach Onowa and Coach Pam discuss:

Discovering the "third option" to freedomShifting the focus from "What's wrong with me?" to questioning alcohol itselfFinding freedom from alcohol's mental real estateUncovering inherited beliefsThe power of choosing compassion to changeEmbracing coaching as moving forwardThe healing opportunity of a judgment-free zoneThe safety in shared beliefs, unique stories…and more

Coach Zoe 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/ 

Coach Onowa 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/

Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com

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What if finding fulfillment without alcohol was simpler than you think? 

Cheryl first shared her alcohol-free journey in 2018, and today, five years later, she returns to talk about how living without alcohol continues to reshape her life. After years of using alcohol to cope with daily stress, Cheryl has learned how to truly embrace her health and happiness. In this episode, she shares the powerful lessons she’s learned about breaking free from alcohol’s grip and how we can all live with more intention and fulfillment, without needing a drink to get through life.

In this episode, Coach Hayley and Cheryl discuss:

How Cheryl shifted from daily drinking to living alcohol-free

The impact of using alcohol to cope with stress and daily challenges

Cheryl’s perspective on finding fulfillment without alcohol in family life

The importance of living with intention and purpose instead of just pushing through life

How alcohol’s role as a "reward" can lead to unhealthy patterns and how to break them

How letting go of the idea of "forever" with alcohol can lead to lasting change

The power of self-compassion and understanding in building a healthier relationship with alcohol

Learning to move forward, even after returning to drinking, without judgment

Why it’s important to model alcohol-free living for children and future generations

The difference between quitting alcohol and finding true joy and fulfillment without it

The benefits of not relying on alcohol for stress relief, relaxation, or self-care

And other topics…

Episode links:

Cheryl’s Original Episode - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-263-naked-life-story-cheryl/

Cheryl’s Book: https://amzn.to/402gJrx

Cheryl’s Podcast: https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/

Related Episodes:

Why do I reward being alcohol free with a drink? - Reader Questions - E358 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-358-reader-question-why-do-i-reward-being-alcohol-free-with-a-drink/

What can I substitute for alcohol to feel good? - Reader Questions - E478 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-478-reader-question-what-can-i-substitute-for-alcohol-to-feel-good/

How Drinking Again After a Break Helped Angela Find Clarity - Where Are They Now – Angela - E808 - https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-again-after-a-break-e808/

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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Delia and Chris both started their alcohol-free journeys in The Path with the common goal of connecting with others. For Delia, it was about fitting in and feeling accepted in social situations, while for Chris, it was overcoming deep emotional suppression and learning to trust others. In this episode, they share how they are learning to build genuine connections without alcohol, face their fears, and embrace emotional vulnerability. Tune in to hear how they’re navigating this journey and uncovering the truth about real connection.

In Delia’s session:

Confronting the belief that alcohol is essential for connection and fitting in

Struggling with feelings of worthiness and self-acceptance in sobriety

The fear of being the "odd one out" or disappointing others by not drinking

Realizing alcohol dulls personality and hinders true presence

Identifying superficial conversations fueled by alcohol versus genuine connection

Acknowledging moments of true belonging and comfort without alcohol

Reframing social drinking as simply "liquid in a glass"

Standing in her truth about choosing not to drink

Learning to observe social dynamics with "curiosity goggles"

And more topics…

In Chris’ session:

Understanding that movement forward and backward are both learning opportunities

Addressing childhood trauma and emotional suppression from boarding school

Recognizing hyper-independence and difficulty forming genuine connections

The challenge and beauty of feeling emotions after years of numbing with alcohol

Learning to name and explore feelings beyond basic emotions

Utilizing tools for building genuine connections without alcohol

Connecting body sensations to emotional experiences

Releasing resentment for a lighter emotional burden

The profound realization that true healing requires feeling, not just talking

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/

Episode links:

Related Episodes:

Building Authentic Connections: Gregory’s Naked Life | E739 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-authentic-connections-gregorys-naked-life-e739/

Healing Emotional Pain Without Alcohol - Reader Questions - E706 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-706-readers-question-healing-emotional-pain-without-alcohol/

The Art of Balancing Your Needs in a Relationship - Reader Questions - E636 - 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!

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For Isabella, alcohol became a way to mask self-doubt and emotional turbulence, especially when balancing a demanding legal career and complex family dynamics. But through the process of exploring her emotions and connecting with her inner self, Isabella found that the path to finding internal validation and peace doesn’t require alcohol—it requires self-compassion and deep emotional healing. Join Annie as she talks with Isabella about her incredible journey to finding her internal strength and letting go of old coping mechanisms.

In this episode, Annie and Isabella discuss:

The early reliance on sugar for self-soothing and anxietyAlcohol as a "miracle cure" for self-doubt in adolescenceNavigating the "work hard, play hard" culture of law school and corporate lawThe unique stresses of being a stepmom and mother to four young childrenThe pivotal hospital experience and subsequent relief of seeking helpFinding internal validation and peace through challenging limiting beliefsOvercoming the shame and blame associated with seeking treatmentAdapting social life and recognizing comfortable social environmentsThe importance of internal strength and moving beyond external valueThe lasting impact of the This Naked Mind methodologyAnd other topics…

Episode links:

jointnmi.comisabellaferguson.com.au

Related Episodes:

Breaking Up with Sugar with Molly Carmel - Reader Questions - E269 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-269-breaking-up-with-sugar-with-molly-carmel/

Why is Alcohol In My Life - Meredith’s Naked Life - E29 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-29-naked-life-story-meredith/

Learning to Trust Yourself Again - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E746 - https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-yourself-again-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e746/

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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Are you searching for how to stop drinking without calling yourself an alcoholic? That’s the question Coaches Bill, Lisa, and Pam answer in this episode, as they courageously share their journeys of finding freedom from alcohol. Coach Bill explains how This Naked Mind helped him quit drinking without adopting the label of "addict," while Coach Lisa reflects on how The Path offered her a safe, supportive space to learn about herself and stop judging her relationship with alcohol. Tune in as they explore how self-compassion, curiosity, and community can help you create the life you deserve.

In this episode, Coach Bill + Coach Pam discuss:

Choosing This Naked Mind because it showed him how to stop drinking without calling yourself an alcoholic

Seeking a program that uplifted him and showed him his inherent power.

The profound shift from despair to helping others find freedom.

Practicing grace, compassion, and kindness towards himself in the process.

Overcoming fear with curiosity to examine what was "underneath the drinking."

The beauty of connecting with others in the This Naked Mind community.

The realization that The Path shows you the way to feel your inherent awesomeness.

Moving from a mindset of perfection to one of continuous progress.

…and more

In this episode, Coach Lisa + Coach Pam discuss:

Feeling truly "seen" for the first time by This Naked Mind content.

Finding security and safety within The Path program, realizing she wasn't alone.

Learning to stop judging herself and building self-trust.

How alcohol forced a conversation that led to designing a life she's excited to wake up to.

The understanding that her "anxiety" was her inner wisdom desperate to be heard.

The profound feeling of hope and possibility on her first alcohol-free Christmas morning.

The truth that there's "no VIP line to freedom" – every step matters and consistency builds self-trust.

…and more

Coach Bill is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who turned his personal struggle into his life's mission. Starting his relationship with alcohol at 16 to cope with trauma and lack of community support, Bill spent 40 years trapped in cycles of negativity and dependency before finding freedom through This Naked Mind on December 27, 2021. He believes there's a better way than traditional recovery methods and specializes in helping LGBTQAI+ individuals explore their unique path to alcohol freedom through honest self-exploration in a completely safe, judgment-free environment.

Learn more about Coach Bill:

https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/bill-masters/

Coach Lisa is a Certified Senior This Naked Mind Coach and Designing Your Life Coach. After breaking free from daily drinking in 2018, she now helps high-achieving women overcome anxiety and disconnection through intentional, alcohol-free living. Lisa’s coaching blends science-backed mindset work with practical life design strategies, guiding women to create lasting change and authentic joy. With over two decades of leadership in international sport, she brings a grounded, compassionate presence to clients navigating burnout, reinvention, and self-discovery.

Learn more about Coach Lisa:

https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/lisa-kwiatkowski/

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Dusty thought she had found the perfect solution to the stress of military life—wine with girlfriends during deployments, vodka to manage the constant moves, and alcohol to numb the loss of control that came with being a military spouse. Her drinking escalated from social occasions to daily solo consumption, and she began to realize she needed to learn how to stop using alcohol to cope with military life before it destroyed everything she cared about. As a licensed professional counselor and former D1 soccer player, Dusty understood high performance, but alcohol was undermining every area where she wanted to excel. In this episode, she shares with Coach Pam how discovering the alcohol-free community opened her eyes to what she was really losing and how The Path helped her reclaim her life.

In this episode, Pam and Dusty discuss:

Growing up around alcohol and early social drinking in college

Using alcohol to cope with social anxiety during D1 soccer career

Marriage as a stabilizing force and reduced drinking periods

Military life challenges: deployments, moves, and spouse community drinking

COVID-19 impact on control issues and drinking patterns

Learning how to stop using alcohol to cope with military life

Discovering the alcohol-free movement and community online

Working as a counselor while struggling with personal alcohol use

Joining The Path program and doing the inner work

What she gained by giving up alcohol: better relationships and health

And other topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

EP 758: Can Your Marriage Survive Change? Alcohol Freedom Coaching - https://thisnakedmind.com/can-your-marriage-survive-change-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e758/

EP 794: Life After Service, Life Without Alcohol | Peggy’s Naked Life - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-stop-drinking-as-a-female-veteran-peggys-naked-life-e794/

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!

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In this raw episode, Coach Soraya guides Heidi as she grapples with decades of regret, wondering who she might have become without alcohol numbing her anxiety during her 40-year flight attendant career and questioning the relationships she chose from a place of low self-esteem. Meanwhile, Coach Onowa works with Gina, who at 173 days alcohol-free is learning to navigate divorce, job hunting, and rebuilding her social circle without her old coping mechanism. Both coaching sessions reveal the ongoing work of discovering who you are when alcohol is no longer part of the equation.

In Heidi’s session:

Addressing deep regrets about early drinking and lost memories

Exploring the link between low self-esteem, abusive relationships, and alcohol consumption

Understanding alcohol as a coping mechanism for anxiety and powerlessness

The importance of forgiving past choices and understanding "why"

Recognizing anger as a healthy tool for setting boundaries

The connection between eating disorders and control in early life

Challenging the habit of comparing oneself to others

And more topics…

In Gina’s session:

Maintaining an alcohol-free life during a divorce, career change, and house hunt

Celebrating significant milestones without alcohol amidst stress

Addressing the fear of relapse and reinforcing new beliefs

The enhanced clarity and problem-solving abilities without alcohol

Finding purpose and direction after quitting alcohol

Using journaling as a tool for self-awareness and processing fear

The transformative power of vulnerability in building authentic relationships

Viewing life's challenges as opportunities for resilience and growth

Experiencing an expanding world in an alcohol-free state, contrary to expectations

And more…

Soraya Arjan Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients' journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.

Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/

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 321: Everything is Spiritual with Rob Bell | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-321-everything-is-spiritual-with-rob-bell/

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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That’s exactly how Kay felt when she realized that alcohol had taken over her life. After years of struggling with guilt, social pressure, and a growing dependence on wine to cope, Kay’s turning point came when she found the courage to confront her relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Kay shares her powerful journey of grief, self-doubt, and eventual healing. Through The Path and Annie's guidance, Kay discovered that while the road to quitting drinking was tough, the freedom on the other side was worth it.

In this episode, Annie and Kay discuss:

Kay's early memories of sherry with her parents and feeling included

Alcohol becoming a coping mechanism during marriage struggles and divorce

Moving to a remote village and the challenge of hiding her drinking

Her partner's concerns and Kay's feeling of being stuck

Discovering This Naked Mind's 5-day course and the initial reluctance to quit

Feeling sad about giving up wine and the internal "temper tantrum"

Understanding cognitive dissonance as a key to her breakthrough

The relief of waking up without the mental "noise" and guilt

Navigating social situations and big events alcohol-free with ease

And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 119: Why Am I Stuck? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-119-stuck/

EP 42: Reader Question – How Do You Pull Yourself Out of the Guilt Around Drinking? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-42-reader-question-how-do-you-pull-yourself-out-of-the-guilt-around-drinking/

EP 365: Naked Life Story – Barbara T. - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-365-naked-life-story-barbara-t/

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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In Rachel’s session:

Addressing imposter syndrome and social anxiety at networking events

Reframing feelings of inferiority into curiosity about potential mentors

Recognizing "not belonging" thoughts as internal stories, not reality

Planning alcohol-free alternatives like dinners with comfortable colleagues

Maintaining social connections while learning how to set healthy boundaries with alcohol

Practicing presence without staying too long at after-work events

And more topics…

In Chris’ session:

Breaking cycles of progress and setbacks in alcohol-free journeys

Navigating family disappointment and social pressure around drinking

Identifying relationships overly dependent on alcohol consumption

Preparing non-alcoholic drink alternatives for social situations

Challenging beliefs about needing alcohol to be interesting

Developing exit strategies for overwhelming social gatherings

And more…

Coach Bill is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who turned his personal struggle into his life's mission. Starting his relationship with alcohol at 16 to cope with trauma and lack of community support, Bill spent 40 years trapped in cycles of negativity and dependency before finding freedom through This Naked Mind on December 27, 2021. He believes there's a better way than traditional recovery methods and specializes in helping LGBTQAI+ individuals explore their unique path to alcohol freedom through honest self-exploration in a completely safe, judgment-free environment.

Learn more about Coach Bill: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/bill-masters/

Related Episodes:

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/

EP 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X  | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x/

EP 670: Reader’s Question – How do you stay motivated to be alcohol-free? | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-670-readers-question-how-do-you-stay-motivated-to-be-alcohol-free/

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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Regina’s story is a powerful reminder that alcohol doesn’t have to be part of the equation. From her early days of using alcohol to fit in, to the realization that alcohol was no longer serving her, Regina shares how her relationship with alcohol shifted. Through challenges and growth, she learned how to enjoy socializing without alcohol and found deeper, more authentic connections. Join Regina and Coach Cole as they dive into her journey and explore how breaking free from alcohol can unlock real social joy.

In this episode, Cole and Regina discuss:

Growing up with family mental health and addiction challenges

First drinking experience at 12 and using alcohol for emotional release

How to enjoy socializing without alcohol when it's been your connection tool

Understanding the difference between social drinking and problem drinking

Family patterns of addiction and mental health struggles

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for anxiety and trauma

Postpartum psychosis and the wake-up call to change

The power of "This Naked Mind" and cognitive dissonance concepts

Finding empowerment through alcohol-free experiences

Learning how to enjoy socializing without alcohol at concerts and events

Practical strategies for maintaining alcohol freedom

and other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 433: Naked Life Story – Ellie - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-433-naked-life-story-ellie/

EP 368: Reader Question – How can I fit in with moms who drink? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-368-reader-question-how-can-i-fit-in-with-moms-who-drink/

EP 263: Naked Life Story – Cheryl - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-263-naked-life-story-cheryl/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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Phil's story illustrates the profound difference between shame-based recovery and compassionate inquiry. After cycling through AA for 15 years without lasting success, he found a new path when he learned how to explore drinking without judgment, treating each drinking episode as valuable data rather than personal failure. Coach Onowa guides Phil through his transformation from weekend binge drinking to understanding the deeper connections between childhood trauma, work anxiety, and his relationship with alcohol, showing how self-compassion became his gateway to freedom.

In this episode, Phil and Onowa discuss:

Shifting your mindset from judgment to compassion in alcohol recoveryThe emotional impact of alcohol use on mental healthHow to explore drinking without judgment to foster self-compassion

The importance of compassionate inquiry in understanding addiction

Learning to let go of guilt and shame around past drinking behavior

The relationship between alcohol, anxiety, and depression

Overcoming the stigma of relapse and embracing data points

Practical strategies for building resilience in alcohol-free living

How to navigate difficult social situations without alcohol

and more…

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 520: Reader Question – What is a data point? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-520-reader-question-what-is-a-data-point/

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 457: Naked Life Story – Zac - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-457-naked-life-story-zac/

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For Lisa, it did. In the middle of pandemic chaos, she realized that using The Alcohol Experiment to quit drinking wasn’t just about removing alcohol—it was about reclaiming her life. As she began to unearth long-buried truths and emotional wounds, she found clarity, courage, and a new path forward. In this episode, she shares how releasing alcohol helped her find the tools to rebuild from the inside out.

In this episode Annie and Lisa discuss:

Why social drinking felt harmless until it wasn’t

The moment pandemic lockdowns forced her to confront reality

How cognitive dissonance revealed the truth about alcohol

What changed when she stopped trying to please everyone

Letting go of a marriage, career, and identity that no longer fit

How using The Alcohol Experiment to quit drinking sparked a personal awakening

Tools she leaned on, including somatic healing and journaling

Exploring plant medicine and how microdosing helped her rewire patterns

Losing over 50 pounds by applying the same awareness to food

How creativity, nature, and solo adventures became her new way to connect

Finding freedom in choosing emotional wellness over temporary relief

and other topics

Episode Links:

Lisa’s Book - A New Way Back - https://amzn.to/436eFze

When you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission — but it never affects your price or what we pick.

When alcohol becomes the go-to for numbing pain, soothing nerves, or simply making it through the day, letting it go can feel like losing a lifeline. Mark leaned on alcohol to suppress decades of emotional trauma and mask neurodivergent traits that made emotional expression difficult. Glenn turned to beer as a buffer against social anxiety and the constant pressure to fit in, using it to quiet a mind that never stopped spinning. In this episode, Coaches Hayley and Ruby help both men uncover the deeper beliefs that shaped their drinking behaviors—and explore how discovering healthier emotional tools can lead not just to freedom from alcohol, but to a more grounded, present, and emotionally connected life.

In Mark’s session:

Exploring childhood trauma and emotional suppression

The connection between neurodiversity and alcohol reliance

Why alcohol became a long-term emotional safety blanket

How to stop using alcohol as a crutch and find new emotional tools

Body scan practices to access suppressed feelings

Visualization and the emotion wheel as tools for emotional insight

The difference between masking emotions vs. processing them

Recognizing progress even when it doesn’t look like expected healing

Finding alternative ways to self-soothe and cope

and more…

In Glenn’s session:

Growing up in a home where alcohol was a symbol of adulthood

Using beer to manage social anxiety and introversion

The rise in drinking during isolation and how it became a daily habit

How to stop using alcohol as a crutch for connection and calm

The emotional highs and lows of early alcohol-free living

Discovering joy in ordinary moments and accepting melancholy

Letting go of perfection in mindfulness and meditation

Rewriting social rules and embracing introversion

Building confidence through small steps and self-acceptance

and other topics…

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/  

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/

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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Ronna faced this exact question during the pandemic when her occasional wine with dinner transformed into a nightly necessity for coping with grief and stress. As a musician and pastor's wife, she grew up in a family where alcohol was normalized, but a series of devastating losses—including her sister-in-law's suicide and her mother's death just ten days apart—pushed her daily drinking from social habit to survival tool. After discovering This Naked Mind and learning the science behind alcohol addiction, Ronna realized she wasn't weak or destined to repeat family patterns—she was simply human, responding to an addictive substance during unimaginable pain. In this episode, Ronna joins Coach Cole to share her 448-day journey from shame and hiding to freedom and self-compassion.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and family loss.

Coach Cole and Ronna discuss:

Growing up in a family where alcohol was normalized and expected

Starting drinking as a teenager and touring musician lifestyle

The slow progression from wine with dinner to daily necessity

How pandemic stress amplified existing drinking patterns

Dealing with devastating family losses including suicide and death

Using alcohol as a tool to cope with grief and stop overthinking

The shame of hiding drinking while in a visible church position

Discovering This Naked Mind and learning addiction science

Realizing "why do I need wine every night now" had scientific answers

Finding freedom in "I drink as much as I want, I just don't want to"

Choosing self-compassion over shame about past drinking

And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 160: Reader Question – Is Addiction Genetic? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-160-is-addiction-genetic/

EP 203: Naked Life Story – Brittany - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-203-naked-story-brittany/

EP 671: Naked Life Story – Michelle S. - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-671-naked-life-story-michelle-s/

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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Sandra works with Coach Cole to explore how her inner critic distorts simple moments like skipping a swim into emotional spirals. Sue, coached by Zoe, shares how she was taught to bottle up her feelings as a child and how that habit still drives her urges to drink. Both women confront the deeper question of how to forgive yourself after quitting alcohol—not just to maintain your new path, but to create a life of emotional balance and peace. Their stories show that self-forgiveness is not weakness—it's the foundation of lasting freedom.

In Sandra’s session:

Understanding the root of internal conflict

Why guilt and self-blame persist after your drinking days end

Making peace with imperfect decisions

The importance of journaling for emotional clarity

How forgiving yourself can protect your freedom from alcohol

Tools for practicing how to forgive yourself after quitting alcohol

and more…

In Sue’s session:

Emotional cravings vs. physical urges

How people-pleasing fuels emotional disconnection

Exploring childhood emotional neglect through CEN

Reframing living alcohol-free as emotional recovery

Tools for anchoring during moments of overwhelm

Reclaiming your story without shame or pressure

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/  

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 748: Alcohol Freedom Coaching – The Path to Inner Clarity - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/

EP 671: Naked Life Story: Michelle – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-671-naked-life-story-michelle-s/

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!

BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at ⁠http://BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND|BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to ⁠http://Quince.com/naked|Quince.com/naked⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠http://Hungryroot.com/mind|Hungryroot.com/mind⁠ with code mind

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at ⁠http://Shopify.com/mind|Shopify.com/mind

Angela's story proves that the stop-start cycle isn't a failure—it's part of the journey. After losing her brother and struggling with childhood trauma from abusive parents, Angela spent decades using alcohol to numb her pain. She tried to quit many times, even achieving six months of sobriety before returning to drinking. But her final attempt four years ago led to a complete life transformation. In this episode, Angela returns to share how she built new habits one tiny step at a time, rediscovered joy and creativity, and created a marriage deeper than ever before, proving that lasting change isn't about perfection—it's about persistence.

In this episode, Hayley and Angela discuss:

• What Angela learned from drinking again after a break

• The truth about stop-and-start sobriety and why it’s normal

• Why drinking felt like a “chameleon friend” and how it changed over time

• How grief and career stress deepened her reliance on alcohol

• Why she didn’t do any emotional healing during her first year sober

• The difference between choosing numbness and choosing freedom

• Quitting alcohol alongside her husband—and how it changed their relationship

• Inner child work, Gabor Maté, and parenting the past self

• Feeling guilty about missed moments with her kids—and how she’s healing

• And other topics...

Episode Links:EP 147: Naked Life Story – Angela - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-147-naked-life-story-angela/

Related Episodes:

E12:Reader Question – I’m Drinking Again – How Do I Stop? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-12-reader-question-im-drinking-again-how-do-i-stop/E741 - Overcoming the Fear of Drinking Again: Erin’s Naked Life - https://thisnakedmind.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-drinking-again-erins-naked-life-e741/

EP 570: Reader’s Questions – Why do I keep going back to drinking? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-570-readers-questions-why-do-i-keep-going-back-to-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!

BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at ⁠http://BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND|BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to ⁠http://Quince.com/naked|Quince.com/naked⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠http://Hungryroot.com/mind|Hungryroot.com/mind⁠ with code mind

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at ⁠http://Shopify.com/mind|Shopify.com/mind⁠

That’s what Fran and Carol are discovering in this powerful episode with Coach Lisa. Fran, the youngest of eight, grew up associating alcohol with love, celebration, and anxiety. Her emotional wiring around alcohol began in early childhood and has run the show for decades—until now. Carol, a longtime health coach, used alcohol to unwind and cope with anxiety and depression. After 13 weeks alcohol-free, she’s realizing the emptiness she once filled with wine is now an invitation to feel deeply and live authentically. Through coaching, reflection, and resilience, both women are proof that our emotional landscape isn’t fixed—it can be rewired.

In Fran’s session:

How childhood experiences with alcohol shaped Fran’s identity

Unpacking the dual associations of celebration and fear tied to drinking

How early panic sensations created a pattern alcohol numbed out

Reprogramming your brain after quitting drinking through micro-disruptions

Fran’s experiment with being sober around family and staying present

How the narrative of alcohol as “connection” can be replaced with real joy

The role of curiosity, compassion, and repetition in lasting change

and other topics…

In Carol’s session:

Navigating major life events like surgery without reaching for alcohol

Feeling “empty” in early sobriety and learning to sit with discomfort

Finding joy through nature, faith, and relationship with her husband

Why being alcohol-free opened the door to emotional clarity

How Carol is learning to design joy without relying on external substances

Realizing that joy is a choice, not just a feeling

and more…

Lisa Kwiatkowski is a Certified Senior This Naked Mind Coach and Designing Your Life Coach. After breaking free from daily drinking in 2018, she now helps high-achieving women overcome anxiety and disconnection through intentional, alcohol-free living. Lisa’s coaching blends science-backed mindset work with practical life design strategies, guiding women to create lasting change and authentic joy. With over two decades of leadership in international sport, she brings a grounded, compassionate presence to clients navigating burnout, reinvention, and self-discovery.Learn more about Coach Lisa: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/lisa-kwiatkowski/

Related Episodes:

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 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 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!

BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at http://BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND|BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND

Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to http://Quince.com/naked|Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at http://Hungryroot.com/mind|Hungryroot.com/mind with code mind

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at http://Shopify.com/mind|Shopify.com/mind

For Kate, this devastating moment was just one of many wake-up calls in her journey with alcohol. Growing up in a home where emotions weren't openly expressed, Kate developed patterns of using alcohol to navigate social situations and ultimately to escape feeling uncomfortable emotions. As her tolerance increased, her drinking became more secretive, hidden from her family in elaborate ways that mirrored behaviors she had observed in her own mother. Her story is a vulnerable, honest look at how alcohol keeps you from feeling emotions—grief, guilt, shame, and even love—and what it took to stop hiding and start healing. 

In this eye-opening conversation, Kate shares with Annie how finding This Naked Mind helped her understand the science behind her drinking, empowering her to not just change her behavior but transform her entire relationship with alcohol and emotions.

In this episode, Annie and Kate discuss:

Kate's childhood experiences with alcohol and her mother's secret drinking

The progression from social drinking to daily consumption and hiding

Creative methods for obtaining alcohol during COVID restrictions

The growing disconnect with her daughter due to prioritizing drinking

How alcohol keeps you from feeling emotions while hijacking brain chemistry

The final day of drinking and the 3 AM moment of decision to change

Discovering This Naked Mind and the failed attempt at moderation

The transformative experience of The Path program and health improvements

Rebuilding trust with family and becoming a certified coach to help others

And other topics…

Episode links:

Connect with Kate - https://freedomaffect.com/

Start reading This Naked Mind - https://thisnakedmind.com/bookJoin The Path - https://go.tnmprograms.com/the-path-from-this-naked-mind

Related Episodes:

EP 616: Reader’s Question – Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/

EP 632: Reader’s Question – How To Stop Running Away from Life and Emotions – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-630-readers-question-how-to-stop-running-away-from-life-and-emotions/

Dare to Feel: Agnes’s Naked Life | E771 - https://thisnakedmind.com/dare-to-feel-agness-naked-life-e771/

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!

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/

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…

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!

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

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/

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!

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/

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!

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!

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!

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 - info@neaptidecoaching.com

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!

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!