What small actions can help you make big changes in your life?

Heather still struggled with anxiety, even as she learned to live without using alcohol to cope. It felt overwhelming at first, but she started to face her feelings head-on. She found healthier ways to work through her emotions, like therapy, journaling, and talking things out with friends. Over time, she built new habits that brought her a level of calm and joy she didn’t think was possible. In this ‘Where Are They Now’ episode, Heather and Hayley chat about her journey since her last conversation with Annie, from learning to manage the urge to drink at celebrations to building new habits that bring true peace and happiness.

In this episode, Hayley and Heather will discuss:

- Heather’s life-changing moment of clarity

- The 100-reason list that opened her eyes

- Why “liquid courage” isn’t what it seems

- The true courage of having sober conversations

- The power of celebrating wins

- Finding and sticking to your “why”

- ​​Letting go of shame and choosing grace

- Building new, positive habits with intention

- Discovering new passions and rekindling old ones

- Creating healthy rituals that bring joy 

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

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

EP 406: Reader Question – How do you deal with shame and embarrassment around drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-406-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-feeling-ashamed-or-embarrassed-about-drinking/ 

EP 572: Reader’s Questions – How do you stop cravings for alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-572-readers-questions-how-do-you-stop-cravings-for-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!

What if you could manage tough emotions without a drink?

When Swarna’s daughter turned four, memories of her own trauma at the same age came flooding back. Although remembering was painful, it helped her realize she had been drinking because she felt unsafe in her own body. Meanwhile, Sarah often woke up with regret after drinking, saying "never again," but found herself reaching for a drink again in the evening. Over time, she felt she had lost touch with who she was. In this episode, Coach Ellie helps both women find clarity and learn to accept themselves as they are. While Swarna learns to be patient with herself because progress isn’t always a straight line, Sarah learns to embrace herself as she is instead of focusing on the idea of ‘fixing’ herself.

In Swarna’s session:

- How alcohol numbs everything, not just the bad

- Why she felt unsafe in her own body

- Using alcohol to cope with emotions

- Alcohol’s positive feedback loop

- Building a tough shell to hide her sensitive side

- Why you need to listen to your body

- How resisting feelings can get in the way of freedom

In Sarah’s session:

- The cycle of "never again" mornings

- Recovering her true self

- Drinking to numb emotions

- The need to process emotions, not run from them

- Forgiving the past

- Accepting things as they are

- Learning new ways to cope on The PATH

Ellie Crowe is a Senior Certified TNM Coach and co-host of the Present & Sober podcast. As a once-strung-out, working mom of three who understands the trap of using wine to escape, Ellie’s mission is to help her clients discover joy, peace, and contentment by living wholeheartedly in the present moment. 

Learn more about Coach Ellie: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ellie-crowe/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 626: Reader’s Question – Unlocking Inner Peace: Practical Tools for Self-Forgiveness: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-626-readers-question-unlocking-inner-peace-practical-tools-for-self-forgiveness/ 

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

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!

Have you ever felt torn between the life you show and the life you hide?

Megan, a devoted nurse and mom, lived a double life that tore her apart. She was at the top of her game during the week, but on her days off, she would binge drink. After a three-day binge during the holidays, Megan hit rock bottom. Ashamed that she couldn't be present for her kids, she knew something had to change. She found the courage to ask for help, made a promise to her nine-year-old daughter, and hasn’t looked back since. In this episode, Megan opens up about her journey from feeling trapped in a double life to living a more fulfilled life where she’s fully present for herself and her children.

In this episode, Annie and Megan will discuss:

- The stigma preventing health professionals from seeking help

- Megan’s early struggle with body image issues

- Drinking at 13 to feel ‘grown-up’

- The toll of living a double life

- Numbing the joy as well as the pain

- The myth of “normal” drinking

- Mommy wine culture

- Not being present as a mom

- How drinking affected her physically and mentally

- Letting go of perfectionism

- Ticking off her bucket list

- Rejecting the idea that she is powerless

- How mindfulness brought her back to the present

- The dopamine detox trend

- Rediscovering joy in the small things again

- Learning social skills without alcohol

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 385: Naked Life Story – Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-385-naked-life-story-onowa/ 

EP 430: Reader Question – How can I break free from Mommy Wine Culture? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-430-reader-question-how-can-i-break-free-from-mommy-wine-culture 

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!

Are you struggling to trust yourself after years of drinking?

When Jenna noticed that she wasn’t just drinking in the evenings anymore, but also in the mornings and afternoons, she became scared and overwhelmed. Having struggled with alcohol for over 40 years, she also felt guilty and unworthy, believing she was powerless to make the changes she really wanted. But it wasn’t her fault. Alcohol had robbed her of her self-confidence. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Jenna make sense of her complicated feelings around alcohol, helping her understand that her value rests within herself and not in her actions or her past. For the first time in years, Jenna starts to feel worthy and begins to trust herself again.

In this episode, Coach Zoe and Jenna will discuss:

- Jenna’s 42-year struggle with alcohol

- Going ‘duck mode’ to beat cravings

- Drinking to cope with pain

- Trusting herself again

- Finding self-compassion

- How This Naked Mind tools helped her make changes

- Why it can be hard to feel worthy

- Letting go of self-blame

- The fact that alcohol is the problem

- How drinking affected her confidence

- Writing a letter to her old self to heal

- Finally feeling worthy

- 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/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/ 

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

EP 586: Reader Question – How do I avoid cravings when not drinking?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-586-reader-question-how-do-I-avoid-cravings-when-not-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!

Do you find yourself giving alcohol various 'jobs' depending on what you're facing? 

While Joy counseled young people about the dangers of alcohol, she secretly beat herself up for drinking more than she wanted to. Feeling torn, she quit her job as a counselor. She had always given alcohol different jobs in her life. First, it helped her fit in with her peers. Then, she used it to manage her grief and, later, to relax after a long day. Throughout her journey, drinking felt like the thing to do because everyone around her was doing it. But when she discovered This Naked Mind, she started picking apart her deeply held beliefs about alcohol. In this episode, Joy shares her incredible journey to living a more wholesome life for herself and eventually finding her way back to the career she loves as a coach.

In this episode, Annie and Joy will discuss:

- Drinking to mask insecurities and fit in

- Blacking out after drinking at 14

- The influence of alcohol in her family history

- The health consequences of heavy drinking 

- Partying heavily even as an academic student

- How alcohol shaped her friendships and relationships

- Drinking to mask pain and manage grief

- Traveling to find herself 

- Counseling others while battling her own drinking

- Giving kids the tools to understand alcohol

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

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

EP 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x 

EP 547: Naked Life Story – Claire: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-547-naked-life-story-claire/

Resources Mentioned:

Joy’s Website: https://www.afreelifecoaching.com 

Joy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afreelife_/ 

Joy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFreeLifeCoach/ 

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!

Could alcohol be stopping you from finding real peace?

No matter how many alcohol-free programs Annette tries, she can’t seem to get past the sixth day without reaching for her favorite Twisted Tea. Meanwhile, Jane drinks to get some relief from the worry and stress of managing her challenging relationship with her aging parents. While Annette's roadblock is her belief that alcohol helps her relax, Jane feels stuck because of her struggle to set boundaries with her parents, whom she loves. In this episode, Coach Ruby guides Annette to explore her beliefs about alcohol, questioning whether it actually helps her relax. Likewise, she helps Jane unpack the complicated emotions she feels toward her parents, exploring healthier ways to cope and find peace.

In Annette’s session:

- Drinking to calm her anxiety

- Her accidental first drink at her grandma’s

- Does she truly like the taste of alcohol?

- Acknowledging that alcohol numbs her taste buds

- The main reason she drinks

- The heavy cost of a short period of relaxation

- Strategies to make her commitment easier

- Opening up to her husband about her alcohol journey

In Jane’s session:

- Numbing herself with alcohol in her quest for peace

- Progress toward her desired peace and freedom

- Growing up around alcohol and anger

- The burden of being the “rock” for her family

- Seeing herself in her father

- Learning not to beat herself up

- How her unresolved anger fuels her drinking

- Healthier ways to process her emotions

- Balancing love for her parents with personal boundaries

- Standing up for herself

Ruby Williams is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach on a mission to help those rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Ruby helps her clients create profound mind shifts during sessions that can shrink the role of alcohol in their lives. Despite drinking every day to manage stress, she found freedom and was empowered to lose weight, get healthy, and achieve some lifetime goals. Ruby can help you reach a more fulfilling, healthy, and balanced life, free from relying on alcohol.

Learn more about Coach Ruby: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ruby-williams/ 

Related Episodes:

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

EP 274: Reader Question – My biggest obstacle is that I love the taste of wine, I understand I acquired the taste but I still love it!? 

https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-274-reader-question-my-biggest-obstacle-is-that-i-love-the-taste-of-wine-i-understand-i-acquired-the-taste-but-i-still-love-it/ 

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

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/ 

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!

Have you ever thought, "I can handle this on my own," only to realize you couldn't?

Shelley struggled with her husband’s harmful behavior and drinking habit, which left her at the end of her rope. On top of that, her own unhealthy relationship with alcohol weighed her down. Thinking she could solve the problem on her own, she refused to accept help. But one day, she finally joined Al-Anon and got the support she had always needed. Later, she found Annie Grace's 30-Day Alcohol Experiment, which helped her look deeply into her relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Shelley shares her journey with Annie, from simply surviving to choosing herself and truly living.

In this episode, Annie and Shelley will discuss:

- Shelley’s journey with alcohol

- What a "qualifier" is

- Realizing she couldn’t fix her spouse’s drinking problem

- Drinking to reward herself 

- The moment she stopped resisting help

- How Al-Anon supported her

- Guilt from leaving a challenging relationship

- How This Naked Mind changed her life

- The power of choosing yourself

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

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

EP 637: Naked Life Story – Annie Grace’s Husband (Part 1): https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-637-naked-life-story-annie-graces-husband-part-1/

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!

Have you ever sabotaged your progress because it felt easier than standing out?

As seven-year-old Helga raced toward the finish line, it was clear she would win. But suddenly, she turned around and let everyone pass her. Why? Because she felt uncomfortable being in the lead. This moment captures a lifelong pattern of holding back when she’s about to succeed. Helga even found herself doing the same thing in her relationship with alcohol, feeling like she didn’t deserve a better life. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Helga see how her instinct to pull back is really about staying safe. Together, they explore how fear and guilt can actually become tools for growth, and why learning to love herself is the only way to break free.

In this episode, Coach Mike and Helga will discuss:

- Why we feel nervous about standing out

- How negative emotions can benefit us

- The problem with loving yourself conditionally

- Toning down your true self with alcohol 

- How self-sabotage can be a way to protect yourself

- Turning negative feelings into tools for growth

- Learning to embrace your unique self

- Why it feels safer to fit in than stand out

- How to stop holding yourself back

- Celebrating your wins without guilt

- And other topics…

Mike Shennan is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who helps people take back control from alcohol, especially those who have seen their drinking habits gradually escalate as they reach mid-life. Using his own experiences and This Naked Mind methods, he guides his clients in changing how they think about drinking. Having lost both parents to alcohol-related illnesses, he is passionate about how drinking can have an impact not just on oneself, but on everyone around them.

Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 46: Reader Question – How Do I Let Go of Self-Sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-46-how-do-i-let-go-of-self-sabotage/ 

EP 596: Reader Question – Why do I self-sabotage?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-596-reader-question-choosing-hope-over-doubt/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

Is the fear of drinking again keeping you from fully enjoying your life?

After going through detox three times, Erin was afraid to drink again. She didn’t want to go on vacations or to bars because she was scared. Even though she stayed away from alcohol for years, she still felt stuck because she was often thinking about not drinking. She was eager to step into the next chapter of her life but couldn’t leave behind the structure that had supported her. Then, Erin found This Naked Mind, which helped her see that she could live without fear, shame, or anxiety. In this episode, Annie chats with Erin about what it took to change her mindset and finally live a life of true freedom.

In this episode, Annie and Erin will discuss:

- Why feeling powerless doesn’t help

- Moving past the fear of drinking again

- Learning and growing from mistakes

- Feeling lonely on your alcohol-free journey

- How ads trick our brains into thinking alcohol is fun

- Seeing cravings as a chance to learn

- Why she started drinking again during cancer treatment

- Her initial resistance to This Naked Mind

- Drinking to connect with your partner

- The problem with using fear to stay in control

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 41: Relationships, Marriage & Alcohol with Stacey Martino: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-41-relationships-marriage-alcohol-with-stacey-martino/ 

EP 106: Reader’s Question – Why does living alcohol-free feel lonely?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-106-readers-question-living-alcohol-free-feel-lonely/ 

EP 184: Reader Question – Does alcohol advertising really work?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-184-does-alcohol-advertising-really-work-2/ 

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

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!

Do you feel awkward drinking less than everyone else around you? 

Christine lives in wine country, where almost every social event is at a winery or involves wine. But now that she no longer drinks as much as she used to, she feels like she has to drink just to fit in. In this coaching session, Coach Cole helps Christine talk through her feelings of awkwardness about drinking less and how it affects her social life. Together, they explore practical ways to enjoy social events, feel more confident, and stay true to her goals without feeling left out.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Christine will discuss:

- Handling different drinking habits in your relationship

- Drinking less than your friends

- Balancing drinking with a healthy lifestyle

- How to feel comfortable at events while drinking less

- How alcohol prevents you from being fully present

- Facing the fear of not fitting in

- Mixing fun with confidence

- Finding new ways to enjoy social events

- Tips for confidently drinking less at parties 

- And other topics…

Cole Harvey is a Certified Naked Mind Coach who helps others navigate the forest of their subconscious beliefs, guiding them to explore their own inner landscape. Cole loves nature and has spent years hiking through remote areas of the U.S. Having transformed his own life using the tools of playful curiosity, compassion, and empowerment, he brings a love of the wild and the hero’s journey to his coaching. 

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

Related Episodes:

EP 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x 

EP 547: Naked Life Story – Claire: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-547-naked-life-story-claire/ 

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!

Are you wondering how to build meaningful connections without drinking?

Gregory once turned to substances to win fast friends. But that didn’t bring the deep, meaningful connections he really wanted. What he needed to realize, however, was that he had to connect with himself first, and reading This Naked Mind was the first step in the right direction. He took a leap of faith into a new way of life and never looked back. Since his last conversation with Annie on the podcast, he has been focused on his life and fitness goals, even becoming a CrossFit coach. In this “Where Are They Now” episode, Gregory and Hayley chat about the positive changes in his life and explore his journey toward building authentic relationships.

In this episode, Hayley and Gregory will discuss:

- Turning to substances to win fast friends

- How This Naked Mind rocked his world

- Truly connecting with himself

- How drinking a lot can hinder connection

- Having a good time without substances

- Growing out of your comfort zone

- The power of self-awareness

- Gregory’s passion for health and fitness

- Showing up for yourself even when it’s hard

- Building authentic connections in a community

- Why you need to be gentle with yourself

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 410: Reader Question – Do I need to cut ties with my drinking friends?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-410-reader-question-do-i-need-to-cut-ties-with-my-drinking-friends 

EP 109: Naked Life Story: Greg: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-109-naked-life-story-greg/ 

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!