What does real support look like when making a change?

Stacey had her first drink at age 14, but by 15 or 16, life felt harder. She often clashed with her strict mom, leading her to rebel. In college, she bonded with friends over binge drinking, and at first, it felt normal. But over time, blackouts, anxiety, and injuries became more frequent. Her husband pointed it out, but his judgment only pushed her to drink more. When she finally decided to change for herself, she explored different approaches until she found This Naked Mind. In this episode, Stacey joins Annie to share how she built confidence in social settings without feeling like she was missing out, and why true change happens when you choose it for yourself.

In this episode, Annie and Stacey will discuss:

- Growing up with strict rules and moments of rebellion

- Using alcohol to connect and feel more confident

- Noticing patterns of binge drinking in social settings

- Taking on parenting responsibilities at a young age

- Balancing work, family, and drinking habits

- Questioning her habits after blackouts and injuries

- Facing judgment and pressure from her husband

- Quietly choosing change on her own terms

- Discovering This Naked Mind and rethinking her habits

- Overcoming the pressure to drink socially

- Replacing self-judgment with curiosity and awareness

- Finding healthier ways to manage anxiety

- Looking ahead with confidence and peace

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 180: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Family Members Who Still Drink? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-180-how-do-you-deal-with-family-members-who-still-drink/ 

EP 669: Naked Life Story – Megan W. https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-669-naked-life-story-megan-w/ 

EP 735: Find the Courage to Choose Yourself: Patrick’s Naked Life https://thisnakedmind.com/find-the-courage-to-choose-yourself-patricks-naked-life-e735/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

What if the discomfort you’re avoiding is the key to healing?

Mary has been working on her relationship with alcohol but has kept it to herself out of fear of what others might think if she fails. When she tried to take a break before, she found herself drinking again and wasn’t sure how to make a lasting change. Meanwhile, Nancy spent years avoiding her emotions, turning to alcohol after overcoming an eating disorder. Her rocky relationship with her father and siblings made it hard for her to process feelings in a healthy way. In this episode, Coach Rina helps Mary embrace genuine support and let go of the fear of failure. Nancy learns to sit with her emotions, process them healthily, and set boundaries to protect her well-being.

In Mary’s session:

- Keeping her journey private out of fear of failure

- Trying to live a healthy lifestyle while drinking 

- Recognizing patterns in past attempts to change

- Finding support that feels right for her

- The power of a compassionate support system

- Enjoying an alcohol-free wedding experience

- Setting short-term goals for lasting change

- Exploring healthier ways to relax and unwind

- Focusing on progress, not perfection

In Dawn’s session:

- Struggling to sit with uncomfortable emotions

- Using alcohol to cope with difficult feelings

- Navigating a complex relationship with family

- Fearing a return to old coping habits, like binge eating

- Feeling triggered by hurtful words or tone

- Understanding anger as a valid emotion

- Using awareness to break old patterns

- Setting boundaries to support her well-being

- Finding healthier ways to process emotions

Rina Bowring is a certified TNM Senior Coach. She built a successful career in the outdoor advertising industry, but after discovering This Naked Mind and transforming her relationship with alcohol, she decided to pursue her passion as an alcohol freedom coach. Inspired by the changes she experienced, Rina now shares the TNM method with the Christian community. She is committed to helping people break free from harmful habits, overcome guilt and shame, and rediscover joy.

Learn more about Coach Rina: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/rina-bowring/

Related Episodes:

EP 246: Reader Question – How Do You Deal With Anger or Emotions When Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-246-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-anger-or-emotions-when-alcohol-free 

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

EP 620: Reader’s Question – Sharing Your Personal Journey with Alcohol: A Guide to Honest Conversations and Healing Connections 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!

In hard moments, does what you turn to help you grow?

Kate had worked very hard to heal from the trauma of her first marriage which left her feeling like she wasn’t good enough. But when betrayal in her current marriage reopened old wounds, she found herself drinking again after three years of being alcohol-free. Meanwhile, Dawn is sensitive to everyday noises like ticking clocks and chewing sounds. She drinks to quiet the noise and ease her irritation. In this episode, Coach Ruby helps both women navigate their discomfort. While Kate learns to heal through self-care and rebuilding her self-worth, Dawn explores new ways to manage her emotions and sensitivities.

In Kate’s session:

- Her journey to finding freedom with alcohol

- Navigating betrayal and trauma in her marriage

- Turning to alcohol privately for comfort

- Addressing feelings of not being good enough

- Slipping back into the habit of hiding to drink

- Learning to show herself grace and compassion

- Experiencing a shift during the Fixation to Freedom challenge

- Releasing the pain and anger she held inside

- Choosing to focus on herself and her healing

- Rebuilding her self-worth and confidence

In Dawn’s session:

- Drinking to ease her sensitivity to noise

- Feeling irritated by everyday sounds

- Noticing that alcohol eased irritation but didn’t solve it

- Exploring tools like earplugs and noise filters

- Seeing how her emotions impact her marriage

- Recognizing anger patterns from childhood

- Holding in anger to avoid upsetting others

- Staying calm with breathing exercises and mantras

- Using humor to lighten tense moments

- Shifting the belief that alcohol is her only relief

- Trusting herself to find what works

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 improved her health, lost weight, and achieved lifelong goals. Now, Ruby uses thoughtful questioning and mindset shifts to help clients build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol.

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

Related Episodes:

EP 246: Reader Question – How Do You Deal With Anger or Emotions When Alcohol-Free? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-246-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-anger-or-emotions-when-alcohol-free 

EP 314: Reader Question – How Do I Stay Sober in Trying Times? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-314-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-sober-in-trying-times/

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!

What is one small realization that changed your life in a big way?

When Annie Grace worked in corporate, her boss advised her to join happy hour to network. At first, she only drank at work events, but soon it became a daily habit at home. She tried to cut back with strict rules, but nothing worked. One morning, after a week of heavy drinking, she woke up needing alcohol, with vodka as her only option. Hungover and full of regret, she wrote in her journal, “I think I’m an alcoholic”. Those words felt heavy but sparked curiosity, leading her to dig deep into why she drank and how alcohol affected her brain.  In this special episode, Annie shares her journey with alcohol, why grace is the key to lasting change, and how curiosity, not willpower, led her to true freedom.

In this episode, Annie will discuss:

- How her career influenced her drinking habits

- The pressure to drink in corporate culture

- Struggling to cut back using rules and willpower

- Taking back control with knowledge and curiosity

- Discovering the science behind alcohol

-  Writing This Naked Mind and Live Naked AF

- Redefining ‘normal’ in the alcohol journey

- Understanding why cravings feel automatic

- The power of awareness in regaining control

- How This Naked Mind differs from traditional methods

- Why grace should come before behavior change

- Creating positive emotions through curiosity

- Annie’s milestones and future goals

- Building a healthier relationship with alcohol

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 628: Reader’s Question – The Key to Regaining Control From Alcohol https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-628-readers-question-the-key-to-regaining-control-from-alcohol/

EP 718: Reader’s Question – Does Not Drinking Hurt Job Prospects? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-718-readers-question-does-not-drinking-hurt-job-prospects/ 

EP 731: Naked Life Story – Is the Illusion of Control Costing You Your Freedom? https://thisnakedmind.com/naked-life-story-is-the-illusion-of-control-costing-you-your-freedom-ep-731/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

Bestselling author Annie Grace invites you to explore the role of alcohol in our lives and culture without rules, pain, or judgment.

What if the labels you’ve always worn no longer fit who you are becoming?

Maureen and Jackson are both discovering how life feels when alcohol isn’t such a big part of it. For Maureen, this time feels easier than ever, leaving her wondering if it’s too good to be true. Jackson is nervous about what his friends will think if he chooses not to drink. Alcohol was a big part of his culture growing up, and he worries that stepping away might be seen as a weakness. In this episode, Coach Hayley helps Maureen see how all her past efforts have led to this moment of growth. Jackson realizes that choosing what is best for him is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, they find that life beyond alcohol isn’t about giving something up. Instead, it’s about gaining confidence, freedom, and a new way to enjoy life’s moments.

In Maureen’s session:

- How her drinking habits have shifted over the years

- Relying on willpower in past attempts to change

- Choosing to change for herself, not others

- Wondering why this time feels easier

- Exploring her doubts about lasting change

- Seeing how past experiences led to growth

- Enjoying social events without needing to drink

- Shifting the belief that alcohol makes experiences better

- Looking forward to future moments with confidence

- Embracing her journey as ongoing growth

In Jackson’s session:

- Growing up with alcohol as a part of his culture

- Adjusting drinking habits based on social settings

- Worrying about how friends might react to change

- Reframing change from “need to” to “want to”

- Using alcohol to cope with personal losses

- Replacing self-judgment with curiosity

- Letting go of comparison and focusing on his path

- Recognizing how words shape experiences

- Redefining what being a non-drinker means to him

Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time.

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

Related Episodes:

EP 94: Reader Question – I Stopped Drinking but My Friends Are Not Supportive. How to Deal? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-94-reader-question-stopped-drinking-friends-not-supportive-deal/ 

EP 164: Reader Question – Are Vacations and Holidays More Fun Without Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-164-are-vacations-and-holidays-more-fun-without-drinking/ 

EP 738: Fun Without the Hangover: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/fun-without-the-hangover-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e738/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

When was the last time you felt fully present with someone you love?

Brian was known as “the happy hour guy” among friends and colleagues. But when his dad passed away at age 57, he began reflecting on his health and how he was living. As his mom’s health declined soon after, he chose to take a break from drinking to be more present with her. That pause led to surprising changes including better sleep, more energy, and improved health. He stayed fully present for his mom when it mattered most. Along the way, he found a version of life that simply felt better. In this episode, Brian joins Annie to discuss navigating two losses, the impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing, and why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change.

In this episode, Annie and Brian will discuss:

- Drinking in high school and college to socialize

- Building a work and social life around happy hour

- Using alcohol to cope with boredom and loneliness

- Questioning his habits after losing his dad

- Noticing alcohol’s impact on health and energy

- Changing habits, regaining sleep, health and clarity

- Being fully present for his mom’s final years

- Grieving his mom without numbing the pain

- Finding deeper, more genuine connections

- Making healthier choices before hitting rock bottom

- Why curiosity, not willpower leads to lasting change

- Guiding others toward informed, empowered choices

- Overcoming the fears of changing alcohol habits

- Creating a happy, healthy, and purposeful life

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

EP 262: Reader Question – How Do I Deal with Death and Grief Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ 

EP 308: Reader Question – What are the Health Benefits When You Stop Drinking? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-308-reader-question-what-are-the-health-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking/ 

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

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

When life feels heavy, what small choices can help you feel lighter?

Shanelle had gone weeks without drinking and felt ready to face her emotions in therapy. But as therapy revealed deeper pain, she found herself returning to old habits. Meanwhile, Mary has been struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother. After hospital visits, she often finds herself reaching for a drink, but over time, she has realized it only makes her numb and unable to deal with her emotions. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Shanelle focus on what she can control and navigate the fear of facing past trauma, while Mary learns to manage stress in a way that has her feeling more at peace.

In Shanelle’s session:

- Experiencing progress in early attempts to change

- Discovering unhealed trauma through therapy

- Using self-awareness to understand hidden trauma

- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and uncertainty

- Shifting focus to what she can control

- Building emotional strength by facing discomfort

- Taking control of habits with small pauses

- Breaking habits one choice at a time

- Focusing on benefits instead of setbacks

In Mary’s session:

- Struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother

- Noticing the urge to drink after difficult visits

- Feeling emotionally drained and anxious

- Managing stress differently with mindset shifts

- Viewing caregiving as a choice, not an obligation

- Allowing herself to fully embrace emotions

- Discovering healthier ways to manage emotions

- Finding gratitude in time spent with her mom

- Embracing every moment as an opportunity

Mike Shennan is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. He was a long-time social drinker, and his drinking habits increased in his forties due to various life events. However, he has been alcohol-free since February 23, 2018. By sharing his personal experiences and using techniques from This Naked Mind, Mike supports clients who feel their drinking habits have grown as they age, helping them regain control and create a healthier relationship with alcohol.

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

Related Episodes:

EP 158: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Stress Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/ 

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

EP 748: The Path to Inner Clarity: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

How do you inspire change in others without pushing them away?

Paul Martino never really enjoyed drinking. It was something he did to fit in. When he and Stacey Martino became intentional about their health, they decided to change their relationship with alcohol. During a difficult time in their marriage, Stacey tried pushing Paul to do things her way but when she shifted her focus to her own growth, Paul felt inspired to change on his terms. Now, 25 years later, they haven’t had a drink, by choice, because it aligns with their values. In this episode, Paul and Stacey join Annie to share tools to navigate different drinking habits as a couple and how to inspire change in others without pressure or judgment.

In this episode, Annie, Paul, and Stacey will discuss:

- Why social drinking never felt right for Paul

- Prioritizing health and rethinking alcohol

- How to navigate different drinking habits as a couple

- Managing triggers and responses in relationships

- Owning your growth without relying on others

- Choosing patience over judgment

- How to inspire change without being forceful

- Building trust while respecting each other’s choices

- Letting go of “if you loved me, you would” thinking

- Addressing safety concerns with care

- Facing challenges and growing through discomfort

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

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

EP 278: Reader Question – How Can Friends and Family Support Someone Who Is Changing Their Relationship With Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-278-reader-question-how-can-friends-and-family-support-someone-who-is-changing-their-relationship-with-alcohol 

EP 364: Reader Question – Do I Have to Choose Between Being Alcohol-Free or My Relationship? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-364-reader-question-do-i-have-to-choose-between-being-alcohol-free-or-my-relationship/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Paul & Stacey’s Website: relationshipdevelopment.org 

Paul & Stacey’s Book, The Missing Piece: A Proven Method to Single-Handedly Transform Your Relationship and Create Harmony in Your Home: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Piece-Single-Handedly-Transform-Relationship/dp/1401993907 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

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

How do you make real, lasting changes when motivation comes and goes?

Dwayne has been through major life changes, including the end of two marriages, and has noticed alcohol becoming more present over time. He wants to make a change but struggles to stay consistent. On some days, he can, on other days, he just can’t help it. Roz also wants to shift her habits but finds it hard to follow through. She starts off motivated, but after a long day at an emotionally demanding job, having a drink feels like the easiest way to relax. In this episode, Coach Rina helps Dwayne and Roz explore simple, lasting ways to create change. She shows them that while motivation fades, real progress comes from self-awareness and small, steady steps forward.

In Dwayne’s session:

- Struggling to find lasting motivation for change

- Finding comfort in his drinking routine

- Coping with the end of two long-term marriages

- How childhood experiences shaped his drinking habits

- Noticing his drinking habits increase over time

- Identifying feelings that trigger his cravings

- Pausing to check in with emotions before drinking

- Focusing on awareness instead of relying on willpower

- Recognizing patterns through mindful drinking 

- Prioritizing his health and role as a father

- Building new habits that align with his goals

In Roz’s session:

- Struggling to stay motivated without relying on her feelings

- Using alcohol to relax after a long day at work

- Observing how emotions affect her drinking habits

- Experimenting with mindful drinking

- Feeling bored and lonely without alcohol

- Learning to enjoy free time as a chance to rest

- Discovering new ways to unwind after work

- Staying committed to activities that bring joy

- Building small, lasting habits instead of quick fixes

Rina Bowring is a certified TNM Senior Coach who built a successful career in the outdoor advertising industry. After discovering This Naked Mind and transforming her relationship with alcohol, she decided to pursue her passion as an alcohol freedom coach. Inspired by the changes she experienced, Rina now shares the TNM method with the Christian community. She wants to help people break free from harmful habits, let go of guilt and shame, and find joy again.

Learn more about Coach Rina: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/rina-bowring/

Related Episodes:

EP 116: Reader Question – Does Alcohol Really Relax Us? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-116-reader-question-alcohol-really-relax-us/ 

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/ 

EP 754: Embracing Joy in the Moment: ​​Alcohol Freedom Coaching 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!

What if the signs you’ve been ignoring are leading you toward change?

Alcohol was a big part of Jane’s first marriage, with weekend get-togethers and drinks shared with her husband and friends. After her divorce, her drinking gradually increased. As a medical rep, drinking often felt like the norm, but over time, she noticed more anxiety and a shorter temper, which affected her relationship with her daughter. Then, on two separate occasions, she fell and hit her face after drinking. Those moments left her embarrassed and questioning her habits. In this episode, Jane talks with Annie about gaining confidence in her choices, feeling more at ease in social settings, and taking on new challenges like running a marathon. She’s learning to manage anxiety in healthier ways and create a more balanced life.

In this episode, Annie and Jane will discuss:

- Growing up with alcohol as a normal part of life

- Drinking socially in her first marriage

- Turning to alcohol more after her divorce

- Navigating the drinking culture as a medical rep

- Drinking in secret to manage stress

- Noticing increased anxiety after drinking

- The comments that made Jane rethink her habits

- Feeling embarrassed after falling due to drinking

- Rebuilding her relationship with her daughter

- Joining This Naked Mind and shifting her mindset

- Becoming more confident in social settings

- Learning to say “no” without feeling guilty

- Understanding how alcohol affects health

- Managing anxiety with self-compassion

- And other topics…

Related Episodes:

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 480: Reader Question – What is the Correlation Between Alcohol and Anxiety? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety 

EP 534: Reader Question – How Do You Say No to a Drink Without Over-Explaining? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-534-reader-question-how-do-you-say-no-to-a-drink-without-over-explaining/ 

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!