This Naked Mind Podcast

What if the thing keeping you stuck isn't a lack of willpower, but a lack of understanding what's really driving you back? Linda has nearly 100 days alcohol-free and is starting to wonder if she trusts herself more than she thinks she does. Jane is asking a question she's carried for decades: why do I keep going back to something that gives me nothing anymore? In this episode, Coach Cole and Coach Zoe meet each of them right where they are, with warmth, honesty, and zero judgment. If you've ever felt confused by your own relationship with alcohol, you're going to feel very seen here. Linda discusses: Whether Antabuse has become a crutch, and what she realizes A self-trust check-in that shifts when she remembers an overlooked moment Finding an unopened margarita and pouring it down the drain without a second thought The difference between running from a past she doesn't want and moving toward a future that actually pulls her Building trust through evidence: 99 days, four big holidays, and choices she barely noticed making And more… Jane discusses: Why do I keep going back to drinking — the question she's been carrying her whole life Tracing her drinking from teenage rebellion through to a need to escape discomfort The distinction between habit and addiction, and why it changes everything The hand-on-heart practice Coach Zoe teaches her to become her own parent and witness discomfort instead of numbing it And more topics… Cole Harvey is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol 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: 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/ How To Stop Drinking To Avoid Emotions | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | EP 845 – https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-to-avoid-emotions-afc-e845/ Trusting Yourself Again | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | EP 760 – 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!

What does it take to finally break the alcohol shame spiral when it's been running your life for decades? Krista knows the cycle well: a data point, the crushing shame that followed, a vow to do better, and then the slow, sneaky creep back to hiding bottles and pulling over on the side of the road to drink before going home. In this episode, she sits down with Coach Cole Harvey to share the full arc of her journey, from a childhood in the American South to bartending in New York City, to raising two kids in rural Ireland with no family nearby, to the night something finally, irreversibly shifted. A year into her alcohol-free life, Krista is clear: the work was hard, and she has never once looked back. In this episode, Krista and Coach Cole discuss: Growing up with alcohol woven into every family gathering, and starting drinking at 12 or 13 as a way to finally feel like she belonged Bartending in New York City in her twenties, closing bars with no memory of getting home, and knowing even then that something was wrong Moving to Ireland, losing her father while pregnant with her first child, and leaning harder on alcohol to cope with grief and isolation Years of trying — and failing — to moderate, from "only on weekends" to hiding bottles, and the shame spiral that followed every data point The rock bottom moment her husband came home and there was no hiding it anymore, and why that night became the turning point she couldn't explain Returning to counseling, reconnecting with her Path community, and doing the inner work of learning she was worthy of her own care Building a morning practice of meditation, journaling, and yoga, and recognizing that self-care wasn't a luxury but a necessity for her freedom The daffodil metaphor: planting seeds at the beginning of her journey, and finally learning to cut the flowers and bring the beauty inside And more on self-compassion, the stop-start cycle, and what it actually means to believe you are enough… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Stopping The Shame Spiral | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E883 — https://thisnakedmind.com/stopping-the-shame-spiral-afc-e883/ Overcoming Shame and Embarrassment After Drinking | Reader's Question | EP 722 — https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-722-readers-question-overcoming-shame-and-embarrassment-after-drinking/ Naked Life Story: Angela | EP 147 — https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-147-naked-life-story-angela/ 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, Green Chef, OSEA, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Green Chef: Green Chef is offering 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months at greenchef.com/nakedmind use code NAKEDMIND. OSEA: Get 10% off of your first order sitewide with code NAKEDMIND at OSEAMalibu.com Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations about grief, loss of loved ones, family estrangement, trauma, and depression. Have you ever been in so much pain that reaching for a drink just felt like the most human thing to do? That is exactly where today's two guests have been, and this episode will meet you right there. First up is Cathy, 87 days alcohol-free, who joins Coach Cole to work through something she has been quietly carrying for years: a sibling estrangement that started when her family fell apart after her mom passed. She reached out. They pulled away. The hurt stuck around. Then there is Mike, 65 days alcohol-free, who opens up to Coach Zoe about a grief timeline that unfolded faster than he could process: his mom, his estranged brother, a DNR call made from behind the wheel of his car. Drinking to deal with loss became the only language he had for a while, and the depression that came with it crept in so quietly he did not even see it happening. What both of them found inside The Path is what this whole community is built on: a place where someone finally asks the real question, and you finally get to answer it. In Cathy’s Session: The sibling estrangement that started with her mom's estate and the grief that stayed long after Why the hurt lingered even when she thought she had mostly moved on The realization that joy and grief can exist at the same time without canceling each other out Coach Cole's reframe: releasing expectations of others is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself How approaching old pain with curiosity and playfulness changes what feels possible In Mike’s Session: Losing his mom to brain cancer, then his brother, and carrying all of it without telling a soul A DNR decision made alone over the phone and the guilt that moved in quietly afterward Drinking to deal with loss when there was no framework for grief and no space to speak it out loud The coaching reframe that shifted his guilt into something that actually felt like grace What 65 days alcohol-free looks like in the body: sleep, mornings, energy, and presence The "forever" moment at a family party, said out loud for the very first time And more on grief, identity, repair, and what it looks like to actually come back to yourself... 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/ <str

Wondering how I stopped drinking after trying to moderate for years? "Have I got a story for you!" says Michele. She ran a business, raised her daughter, kept things moving — and drank every night in a relationship where no one questioned it. Then the pandemic stripped away her structure, her purpose, and everything that had kept things manageable. She tried cutting back. She tried understanding it. Nothing stuck — until This Naked Mind gave her something willpower alone never could: a real understanding of what alcohol was doing to her, and the freedom to simply stop wanting it. Michele and Coach Cole discuss: How a functional habit quietly grew through a painful breakup, pandemic isolation, and lost purpose Why Michele spent her first year using This Naked Mind while still trying to moderate — and what finally changed The hospitalization that became her line in the sand How This Naked Mind helped her understand what alcohol was actually doing to her body and brain How shame became the thing that made drinking impossible to continue Reframing her hardest moments as the reason her daughter now has a fully present mom ADHD, generational patterns, and why "why can I stop sometimes but not others?" finally has an answer And more on identity, community, and what it means to find your own path to alcohol freedom… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Is Drinking In Moderation Possible? | Reader Question | EP 08 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-08-reader-question-moderation-possible/ Using Alcohol To Treat Adult ADHD | Amy’s Naked Life | EP800 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-alcohol-to-treat-adult-adhd-amys-naked-life-e800/ I use alcohol to be a better wife and mother | Reader Question | EP 238 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-238-reader-question-i-use-alcohol-to-be-a-better-wife-and-mother/ 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, Green Chef, OSEA, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Green Chef: Green Chef is offering 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months at g

Trigger warning: This episode contains references to domestic violence, suicidal ideation, & self-harm ideation. If you've been wondering how to rebuild self-worth after drinking, this episode will meet you right where you are. Coach Zoe coaches Katia through the power of her "alive goal" — learning to love the girl in the mirror after years of not being able to look at her own reflection. Then Coach Cole walks Tracey through meeting her inner critic with curiosity rather than shame. These coaching sessions are raw, real, and deeply human. Learning to trust yourself sober starts with understanding where that harsh inner voice came from — and realizing you don't have to keep carrying what was never yours to begin with. Katia discusses: What an "alive goal" is and why it changes everything Years of avoiding mirrors and not recognizing herself A violent relationship, emotional eating, and the weight of survival Drawing a picture of herself — and seeing who she really is inside Giving herself permission to heal (and why that's harder than it sounds) Choosing The Path after years of trying to figure it out alone And more… Tracey discusses: The self-compassion struggle when criticism is all you've ever known Meeting the inner critic — and finding out it's just scared Why binge drinking and shame create a cycle that's hard to break Tracing perfectionism back to a critical parent How to rebuild self-worth after drinking by separating your voice from someone else's Learning to trust yourself sober one small, honest moment at a time And more topics… Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings 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 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: <a href="https://thisnakedmind.com/coach

What if the thing you thought was holding your life together was actually pulling you under? JiAna spent years reaching for alcohol not because she wanted to drink but because she was living in relentless pain and nobody had anything better to offer her. Between a chronic illness that left her on the floor and a culture that pushed wine at baby showers and playgroups, it made a terrible kind of sense. But slowly, joy started disappearing. The glimmers faded. That's when she knew something had to change. JiAna describes how coaching helped her change her drinking not through shame or rigid rules, but through curiosity, community, and the kind of compassion she'd never been shown — or shown herself. In this episode, JiAna and Coach Cole discuss: Familial drinking culture and alcohol being normalized from childhood Endometriosis, chronic pain, and why alcohol felt like the only option Losing the ability to find joy — the quiet signal that something was wrong Why shame-free support felt strange at first and transformative over time The ACT technique: awareness, clarity, and turnaround in practice Community in The Path and the bonds that lasted beyond the program Becoming a certified Women's Health Coach and being named one of the Most Influential Women of 2025  And more on self-love, hope, and turning pain into purpose… Episode links: endo-ease.comnakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Overcoming Using Alcohol as a Pain Reliever | Reader Question | EP 656 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-656-readers-question-overcoming-using-alcohol-as-a-pain-reliever/ How can I break free from Mommy Wine Culture? | Reader Question | EP 430 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-430-reader-question-how-can-i-break-free-from-mommy-wine-culture/ Learning To Love Yourself Unconditionally | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E875 - https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-love-yourself-unconditionally-afc-e875/ 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, Green Chef, OSEA, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Green Chef: Green Chef is offering 50%

Have you ever done everything "right" and still felt like alcohol had the upper hand? You're not alone — and there's a really good reason for that. Coach Hayley coaches M through the fear and doubt swirling around her upcoming break, while Coach Zoe helps Lawrence see that his drinking is actually rooted in a rebellious 15-year-old who never got to grow up. When you understand why willpower fails with alcohol, everything starts falling into place. M discusses: Why willpower fails with alcohol when “just one” never feels like enough Fear of forever, and why one day at a time feels safer Drinking alone, hiding, and the pain of not feeling like herself Using experiments and data instead of shame Wanting peace, sleep, and self-trust more than wine Learning to meet her authentic self with curiosity And more… Lawrence discusses: The childhood roots of rebellion and how they shaped his drinking Why alcohol stopped feeling freeing and started feeling costly Health, sleep, and relationships taking the hit Realizing rebellion was hurting him, not helping him Moving from survival mode into wise-adult choices Letting go of old stories and building a life he doesn’t want to escape 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/ 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: Willpower Doesn’t Work | Interview | EP 619 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-619-guest-expert-willpower-doesnt-work-with-dr-ben-hardy/ Ways To Rebel Without Al

What happens when the thing you're most afraid to lose is also the thing quietly costing you everything? Anne grew up in a home where five o'clock cocktails were as reliable as the sunset. Drinking was culture, celebration, and comfort, and for a long time, it felt completely earned. But through two pregnancies, her parents' declining health, and eventually losing both of them, a bottle a night became two. A blackout fight with her husband, one she has zero memory of, became the moment she couldn't look away anymore. She found This Naked Mind, joined The Path in October 2023, and started doing the unglamorous daily work. "Looking back, I can see how I rewired my mindset around drinking," Anne says. "It was subtle. It just got a little easier and a little easier." Two and a half years later, she's present, she's lucid at 11:30 PM when her kids need her, and she's collecting memories she actually gets to keep. In this episode, Anne and Coach Cole talk about: The family culture that made drinking feel normal, necessary, and completely deserved Losing both parents, leaning harder on wine, and the night a blackout broke through the denial Why Anne chose The Path over rehab — and what drew her to TNM's nonjudgmental approach How journaling and questioning her own thoughts slowly dismantled beliefs she'd never examined Being the parent who's awake and present at 11:30 PM — and why that changed everything Open, honest conversations with her teenage sons about alcohol and family history Natural highs from tennis wins, ski trips, and family dinners that beat any buzz she remembers And more on trading old problems for ones she's genuinely glad to have... 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/  How To Talk To Your Kids About Alcohol | Interview | EP523 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-523-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-alcohol-with-scott-pinyard-and-tnm-parents/  What Do You Do About Missing the “High” from Drinking? | Reader Question | EP 20 - 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

Does it ever feel like you know everything there is to know about why you drink, and none of it is enough to make you stop? You're not alone in that. In this episode, Coaches Hayley and Cole each sit with a Path member who's been carrying that exact weight. Audrey has 20 years of binge drinking, a ton of quit lit under her belt, and a shame so deep she's not sure she deserves to feel better. Savannah is eight days in and quietly discovering that figuring out how to stop drinking when you're lonely gets a little more possible when you stop white-knuckling it alone and actually lean into the community around you.  Audrey discusses: Why shame and isolation kept her stuck in the drinking cycle The belief that alcohol was the only way to numb emotional pain Reframing fear and staying open to new tools Why community matters when learning how to stop drinking when you’re lonely Moving from self-judgment toward self-compassion Building a life that feels more aligned and less escapable And more topics… Savannah discusses: Friday night cravings, loneliness, and the urge to check out What she learned from experimenting with alcohol-free evenings Why drinking brought only short relief and longer emotional lows New insights around sleep, anxiety, and nighttime urges Football games, routines, and breaking old drinking patterns How community, curiosity, and small wins helped her practice how to stop drinking when you’re lonely 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 To Deal With Loneliness | Reader Question | EP 130 - <a href="https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-130-

What is gray area drinking for women – and what happens when “drink less” slowly turns into “I don’t even want this anymore”? In this Where Are They Now conversation, Calley returns after first appearing on the podcast in October 2019 to share what seven years alcohol-free really looks like. Talking with Coach Hayley, she reflects on motherhood, moving, social discomfort, and the quiet but powerful shift from worrying about what was in her glass to simply living free. It’s an honest, encouraging look at what changes when curiosity replaces shame and alcohol stops taking up so much space in your mind. Calley and Hayley discuss: Motherhood, moving, and realizing wine was taking up more space than she wanted What is gray area drinking for women—and why curiosity matters before things feel “serious enough.” From social discomfort to feeling fully at home in her alcohol-free skin Honest conversations with kids about alcohol, pressure, and awareness Why community, compassion, and knowledge matter more than shame How freedom from alcohol opened the door to deeper healing around sugar, caffeine, and self-trust And more on confidence, connection, and building a life that feels good without alcohol Episode links: thisnakedmindapp.com Related Episodes: Naked Life Story – Calley | EP 219 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-219-naked-life-story-calley-2-2/ How are alcohol cravings similar to sugar? | Reader Question | EP 516 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-516-reader-question-how-are-alcohol-cravings-similar-to-sugar/ Gray Area Drinking with Jolene Park | Naked Life Story | EP 47 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-47-naked-life-story-jolene-park/ 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, Green Chef, OSEA, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Green Chef: Green Chef is offering 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months at greenchef.com/nakedmind use code NAKEDMIND. OSEA: Get 10% off of your first order sitewide with code NAKEDMIND at OSEAMalibu.com Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked

What if the fun was never actually in the drink? What is the best way to stop associating fun with alcohol? Zion called alcohol the "jewelry" of life, the thing that made every moment glitter, and spent years believing that celebrations, friendships, and good food just needed a cocktail to feel complete. Audra built her whole identity around being the bold one who drank scotch and bourbon and never said no to a good time. Now both are exploring living alcohol-free and finding the fun in that. Coaches Cole and Zoe are right there with them. Zion discusses: Why alcohol became the “jewelry” on dinners, concerts, holidays, & friendships The wake-up call of planning a great night & not remembering any of it How people-pleasing & fear of “rocking the boat” kept drinking tied to fun What trivia night & Thanksgiving taught him about being alcohol-free in real life Why awkward moments do not have to mean something is wrong What is the best way to stop associating fun with alcohol? For Zion, it starts with curiosity, patience, & new evidence And more topics... Audra discusses: How going out, pub culture, quiz nights, & routine made alcohol feel like part of the experience When drinking alone started to feel easier than connection The mental exhaustion of hiding, planning, & calculating every drink Why she was shocked to feel freer on her break than she expected Passing on favorite champagne, staying present, & waking up proud What is the best way to stop associating fun with alcohol? Audra explores that through curiosity, ACT work, & learning to feel instead of escape 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. 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: Why do we desire alcoho

What made me question my drinking?  “It wasn't a rock bottom — it was a barstool, a mirror, and a quiet voice asking where this road was headed,” says Kelly. Kelly grew up in a drinking household, spent years drinking daily, and was smart enough to see the writing on the wall before things got worse. Five years later, she joins Coach Cole to share the health wake-up call, the book that changed everything, and how The Path gave her the tools to finally walk away for good. Kelly and Cole discuss: How drinking became the unquestioned norm The decade of daily drinking that crept in through stress, social life, and relationship habits What made me question my drinking: health symptoms, a telling look around the bar, and a sister's timely recommendation Reading This Naked Mind and feeling like Annie Grace had written her exact story Why giving herself one year felt safer than forever The vacation experiment that showed her exactly what alcohol was still costing her How stopping drinking didn't just clear her head but handed her back her time, her focus, and her professional edge Trading the bar stool for the yoga mat and becoming the person she used to watch from the other side of the street And more on self-compassion, community, five years of freedom, and why she will never go back... 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/  How to Stop Daily Drinking: Finding Happiness and Healing After 35 Years | Pierre’s Naked Life | E790 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-stop-daily-drinking-e790-pierre/ How Can I Not Forget All the Reasons I Quit Drinking? | Reader Question | EP 54 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-54-reader-question-how-can-i-not-forget-all-the-reasons-i-quit-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! 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 <a href="http://

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to grief and the loss of a child. 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 6

What does it take to finally walk away from drinking when you love the party, love your people, and have never once thought of yourself as someone with a problem? Brooke was a high-functioning extrovert running a business and raising a family when a quiet voice in her head kept telling her something was off. Once she found The Path and started doing the real work, she discovered how alcohol-free living improved her anxiety in ways she never anticipated, and two and a half years later she has not looked back once. 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

Ever reach for a drink because your feelings felt too big, too messy, or too hard? How often have you wondered what is the best way to feel your feelings without drinking? Coaches Soraya it's about letting them in. Dianne walked away from 15 alcohol-free years after her son's ultimatum broke her, and hasn't found her way back. Beth takes care of everyone around her but never lets anyone take care of her. 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

Trigger warning: This episode contains references to domestic violence, sexual assault, self-harm, disordered eating, substance use, and mental health crises. 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 S

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to PTSD, depression, loss, and self-harm. 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: <a href="http:/

Breaking the nightly drinking habit can feel impossible when alcohol has been “normal” your whole life—so what happens when you finally decide to choose you? Shannon grew up with alcohol in the background, avoided drinking for years, and then slowly found herself becoming the “drinking buddy” in a marriage where beer was everywhere. When the boys moved out and her drinking escalated, she hit a gut-check moment that made her realize she felt trapped—and she wanted out. In this episode, Shannon shares how a TNM masterclass sparked hope, how she signed up for support on a day she truly didn’t want to go home, and what it looked like to rebuild her evenings without white-knuckling. She also opens up about the quiet kind of pride that comes from learning you can count on yourself again—and how she’s navigating boundaries and communication with a partner who still drinks. 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 sponso

Ever notice how the craving doesn’t wait til you get home? How it shows up the second the day gets heavy? Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Beth and Patrick to unpack what’s really happening under the urge to drink, and how to respond with support instead of self-criticism. Along the way, they answer a question so many of us have asked: What is the best way to deal with stress without alcohol? Beth learns a new way to understand her cravings, and Patrick builds momentum with small, realistic steps that stick. 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 A

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance use, parental substance abuse, blackouts, and trauma-related behaviors. 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/

What if working through urges to drink didn't have to feel like fighting failure? In this episode, Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Kristen and Nicola — two Path members — for Alcohol Freedom Coaching sessions that shine a light on how our urges to drink can become our greatest teachers rather than our enemies. Kristen drinks to escape overwhelm, creating a self-perpetuating cycle, while Nicola has been battling self-doubt that sends her spiraling when an urge to drink hits. Both coaches show their guests how curiosity, compassion, and intentional choices can help with working through urges to drink and building real confidence in living alcohol-free. 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 Alc

Picking health over alcohol—what if that choice could feel less like deprivation and more like relief? Monica grew up in a culture where drinking wasn’t just normal, it was identity: being the fun one, staying late, shining at happy hour, making alcohol the “reward” for workdays, celebrations, stress, and everything in between. Even when the downsides started showing up (worse anxiety, feeling run-down, the exhausting mental math of “when’s my next drink?”), not drinking didn’t feel like a real option—just something you powered through until you “earned” going back. 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 –<a href="https://thisnakedmind.com/learning-to-trust-your

Breaking routine drinking patterns can feel like the most difficult part of finding freedom in your relationship with alcohol. Our brain kicks into autopilot mode, and suddenly, it seems like a drink magically appears in our hands. Figuring out what feeds that pattern is key to breaking it. Today, Coach Soraya works with Cheryl, who's about to spend five months in Mexico, where daily drinking is the norm, and her husband leads the party every day. Then Coach Cole joins Jennifer, a single mom and nurse practitioner who traded wine for sugar and is carrying way too much alone. Both guests learn to embrace one truth: you don't have to drink to belong. 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? - Rea

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a reference to sexual assault. 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 res

What happens when you're doing all the "right things" but still feel stuck? Coaches Cole and Soraya guide Audra and Scott through the messy middle of changing their relationship with alcohol. Audra's wrestling with pressure to be perfect while learning how to stop drinking when you're bored, and she’s seeing wins even when her brain tries to minimize them. Scott just moved, lost people he loved, and retired all at once, and he's realizing that what he called "boredom" was actually disconnection in disguise. Through heartfelt coaching, both discover that taking tiny steps and trusting the process is enough. 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 Rela

Can you really have more fun, deeper connections, and better adventures without alcohol? Elise wasn't sure. She'd spent her whole life watching alcohol take center stage at every party, every milestone, every celebration. Her mom always said it helped her relax. Her dad marked achievements with champagne. As a kid, Elise mixed the perfect gin and tonic every night. Fast forward to her high-powered corporate career, and alcohol had become her coping mechanism for the pressure, the travel, the constant performance in male-dominated spaces. The problem? She'd lost that magical off button other people seemed to have. Approaching 50, she felt anxious about where this was all heading. Would her dependency just keep growing? After joining The Path at 54, she stopped drinking within weeks and hasn't looked back. Over a year later, Elise realizes she's not missing out; she's gaining a life that feels fuller, brighter, and more peaceful. She even finds herself saying, with genuine surprise, why I don't miss alcohol anymore. She's got more energy, sleeps better, shows up fully in her relationships, and is genuinely excited about turning 60. Life isn't just manageable without alcohol. It's actually more joyful. 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 - <a href="https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-485-happy-days

What happens when you're crushing your break, feeling better than you have in years, but that little voice starts whispering, "Okay, but what about day 31?" In this episode, Coaches Soraya and Hayley help two Path members figure out exactly that. Christine opens up about her "Hellcat" pattern of achievement and escape, learning how to stay on track after a 30-day alcohol break by understanding the anxiety underneath it all. Alex discovers he doesn't need a task to check off—he can follow how good he feels as his GPS. These conversations get real about navigating life beyond the break, being with uncomfortable feelings, and building momentum that lasts. 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 ch

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of divorce and loss of a loved one to cancer. 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 <

Stopping the shame spiral—what if the fastest way out isn’t more willpower, but more compassion? In this episode of Alcohol Freedom Coaching, Coach Hayley supports Carol, a newly retired grandmother who felt “so far behind” after a vacation slip, and Coach Cole guides Nancy, a devoted mom caring for a daughter with complex special needs, who’s learning to relax without wine and let go of “I should be doing more” guilt. Together, they model how to shift from self-blame to curiosity, build emotion-based goals (happiness, energy, motivation), and reconnect with support inside The Path. 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 bett

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of severe alcohol use disorder, blackout drinking, hospitalization, family trauma, and parental death. 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! <p

Does the urge to drink ever go away, or is it something you’re stuck managing forever? In this Alcohol Freedom Coaching episode, Coach Hayley works with Mark, and Coach Soraya supports Michael as they share the real, messy middle of change. Mark talks about years of 30, 60, and 90-day breaks, the weight of the “alcoholic” label, and how an emotion-based goal—making alcohol immaterial in his life—finally eased the mental tug-of-war. Michael opens up about being 45 days alcohol-free, feeling “on display” in social situations, and tracing that discomfort back to a lifelong drive to fit in. These are the exact kinds of questions—about cravings, labels, and belonging—that get coached compassionately daily inside The Path. 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 acce

What if the connection you think you're creating while drinking together is actually pulling you apart? Sheela spent decades as a heavy drinker, immersed in Australian culture where alcohol was everywhere—from Schoolies Week celebrations to working as a musician in bars. Wine o'clock became her daily escape, a numbing ritual she believed helped her relax, until health problems and 3am anxiety wake-ups forced her to pay attention. After 75 days without alcohol, she expected to feel free but instead felt deprived and jealous of others drinking. Through The Path and her own solo Alcohol Experiment—drinking alone to assess what it actually did for her—Sheela began unpacking the truth. She discovered that relationships changing after quitting drinking meant recognizing that wine and movies with her partner wasn't creating intimacy. It was creating a haze that prevented real connection. Now in her second year alcohol-free, she's rebuilding her life around genuine common ground, quality sleep, and the kind of freedom that doesn't require willpower—just honest self-reflection and community support. 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

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, mental health crises, domestic violence, & family trauma. 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 ri

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy and fertility loss, breast and brain cancer, caregiving stress, grief, blackout drinking, relapse, and substance use.What if relief isn’t in the glass but in the space you reclaim? Mary maps the messy middle—moderation rules, peer pressure, the “pitcher plant,” and the night she couldn’t care for her sister because she was too sick to stand. Revisiting her 2017 episode with Annie, she joins Coach Hayley to redefine success: presence over performance, rituals without alcohol, and permission to say “I don’t drink today.” Along this long road to quitting drinking, Mary learns that forgiveness ends the shame spiral—and that peace shows up when she stops chasing the first sip. 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

What if “I deserve a drink” is just an old script you can rewrite? In today’s episode, Coach Cole helps Matt notice how removing alcohol lowered his baseline stress at a new job—turning frantic mornings into steady ones and replacing dread with data. Coach Zoe supports Constance, a second-grade teacher whose activated nervous system kept her in fight-or-flight; together they connect the dots from childhood patterns to present-day overwhelm and practice coming back to the body for safety. You’ll hear the role of community, self-trust, and daily practices to stay alcohol-free—from 6 a.m. calls to simple breathwork—to make change sustainable. Powerful, shame-free coaching like this happens every day inside The Path, where small experiments add up to big shifts—at work, at home, and in who you believe you can be. 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 a

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependence, addiction, suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles, and relapse. 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 When you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission — but it never affects your price or what we pick. 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?<

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of chronic illness, disordered eating, self-harm, and the death of a loved one. 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/z

Do you find yourself wondering how to shut your brain off without alcohol when social situations feel overwhelming? Glenn spent decades believing alcohol was essential—from watching his parents' basement bar parties to using beer as a social crutch in college. By COVID, weekend-only drinking had become daily drinking, and he was hiding bottles from his wife. Traditional counseling focused on willpower and substitution didn't work. The therapists hadn't experienced what he was going through, and Glenn felt like they were silently judging him: "Why can't you just stop?" When he discovered The Path, everything shifted. Instead of demanding he quit immediately, the program invited him to experiment, gather feedback instead of facing failure, and explore his emotional relationship with alcohol. It took a full year, but three weeks before his membership ended, Glenn had his aha moment. Glenn joins Coach Cole to share his journey from childhood exposure to genuine freedom, proving that awareness and curiosity can accomplish what willpower never could. 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

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of stroke, death of a spouse, and grief. 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/</u

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses childhood trauma, parental abandonment, domestic abuse, substance use, and mental health topics. 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/</

Is your struggle with alcohol secretly a struggle for your true self? This powerful dual-coaching session with Coaches Zoe and Cole brings you inside The Path to witness the transformation of Jason and Jim. Jason is 50 days alcohol-free but still tormented by the idea that he’s lost his place in his social circle, grappling with the fear of sacrificing his identity as he removes the "existential glue" of drinking. Jim reveals the intense, internal conflict of the "punching bag" who is desperately trying to manage stress and avoid the "embarrassment" of an emotional breakdown. Both coaches showcase the fact that alcohol created an artificially high reference point for pleasure. They discuss the vital work of understanding how to reset dopamine after quitting alcohol, which is key to restoring the capacity for simple, natural joy. Listen in as Jason and Jim discover the freedom that comes from embracing vulnerability and choosing self-compassion over a constant battle. 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/

Losing the fear of not drinking can feel impossible, can’t it? For Lindsey, alcohol was woven into every milestone: sixth-grade sleepovers, college weekends, early marriage, and long workweeks that ended with “just one more” drink on the couch. Drinking wasn’t just a habit; it was how she fit in, turned off the noise, and chased that first rush of feeling totally okay for a moment. Over time, the hangovers became brutal, and the mental fallout was even worse—fights with her husband, Sunday dread, and memories she didn’t always want to remember. One morning, after a night that ended with a chipped tooth and dry heaving on the kitchen floor while her daughter watched, something inside her shifted. Lindsey found This Naked Mind and, for the first time, felt like someone was telling her she wasn’t broken—this is simply what alcohol does. The book became a permission slip to step off the hamster wheel and experiment with not drinking at all. In this episode, Lindsey joins Coach Cole to talk about rebuilding self-trust, reshaping a marriage that was once built on drinks, and becoming the kind of mom whose daughters see her saying “no” with confidence instead of needing a glass to cope. 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

Why is it so hard to close the gap between knowing you should stop drinking and actually stopping? In this episode, we feature powerful sessions with Coach Cole and Sabine, and Coach Zoe and Mary. Coach Cole validates Sabine’s frustration, helping her realize that her goal isn't to get rid of the inner critic, but to listen to and validate all her internal "parts" so they can work together. These sessions reveal that lasting change comes not from fighting ourselves, but from deep self-understanding and compassion. Mary understands the content intellectually, but her body keeps pulling her back to the bottle. Coach Zoe explains that the common denominator in all her drinking—celebration, sadness, or boredom—is emotion. She provides Mary key tips to stop using alcohol to avoid feelings by building a "safety container" in the body, starting with simple sensations. In her session, Sabine opens up about her struggle with a critical "people-pleaser" voice that emerged during her move to a new country and a dysfunctional marriage. 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: <a href="

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If you felt what I feel, you’d drink too”? Chuck gets that. 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 jou

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Why does this feel so weird without a drink?” You’re not alone. In this episode, Coach Cole walks with Sally through the swirl of social pressure at kids’ sporting events and helps her spot the doors that open when the “alcohol door” closes. Coach Soraya sits with Ava, who’s noticing a growing gap between her knowledge and her actions. Together they explore sensitivity, fear, and the habits that keep us looping. We also name the common pain point—why quitting alcohol makes you feel alone—and show you how to replace isolation with honest connection. These Alcohol Freedom Coaching conversations are a sneak peek at life inside The Path. 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 Nake

Are you ready to step into the new year feeling empowered instead of empty? The Joy Edit's final episode brings Coaches Pam, Zoe, and Haley together to reflect on what makes an alcohol-free New Year's Eve not just survivable, but genuinely joyful. Coach Zoe remembers her first sober midnight with burnt homemade pizza, fancy fizzy drinks, and the startling realization: "Oh, there you are"—that moment when the fog lifted and she could finally see herself clearly. These reflections become practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year as you learn why your brain sends alarm signals when you remove alcohol (it's unfamiliarity, not danger), how visualization trains your nervous system before the real moment arrives, and what it means to stay in your "green zone" where choices feel clear and peace feels possible. Coach Haley shares her journey from people-pleasing chameleon to someone who can finally show up as herself, revealing that the very connection she thought alcohol provided was actually stronger without it. You'll discover the upward spiral of grace leading to curiosity, practice writing an encouraging letter to future you, and learn why you don't have to hold the whole season together—just yourself, with grace. 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

What if the very events that bring you the most joy are also your biggest source of fear when it comes to staying alcohol-free? Chris struggles with drinking at family celebrations and sports games, while T returns to The Path after two years alcohol-free that felt emotionally flat, wondering how to enjoy life without alcohol and still feel excitement and relaxation. Coach Cole helps Chris use visualization and an experiment mentality for upcoming social events, while Coach Soraya supports T in seeing how childhood invisibility shaped her relationship with herself and alcohol.  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/</p

Will the holidays be the same without drinking, or can they become more magical than you ever imagined? Coach Zoe explores that idea this week on The Joy Edit. We’re unwrapping what the holidays truly feel like when you remove alcohol and find something extraordinary waiting underneath. Your first alcohol-free holiday season might feel uncomfortable at first—like being the new kid in school—but you’ll feel like you’re at the head of the class with your clear head, inner peace, and memory-making. We’re introducing you to the five foundational pillars that make an alcohol-free holiday not just doable but fulfilling: positive peer pressure, the 24-hour rule, dropping negative expectations, curiosity without judgment, and self-compassion. Coach Zoe shares her personal journey decorating the Christmas tree without her usual bottle of champagne and reveals how that vulnerability opened the door to real magic. Learn how to protect your emotional energy, create response scripts for social situations, and build a joy list that transforms you. And bonus(!!), Coach Pam joins the conversation to reframe joy not as something you chase but as an energy that rises naturally when you stop numbing. The holidays become more magical, not less, when you're finally engaged enough to feel them. 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 - <a

This episode contains a discussion of childhood trauma, abuse, & emotional neglect. 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 - <a href="http

Ever walk into a holiday party and immediately feel like you need to explain yourself before anyone even asks? Reality check: you don't. Not even a little bit.  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 - <a href="https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-362-reader-question-will-i-ever-have-fun-with