The Big Drink Rethink

What if everything you thought you knew about menopause and weight loss was wrong? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey dives deep with guest Ailsa Hichens, a BANT registered nutritionist and author. Ailsa shatters common myths about menopause and unveils the truth behind metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the role of alcohol during this crucial life stage. From dietary insights to stress management and self-care, Ailsa offers a refreshing perspective on how women can navigate midlife by prioritising their health in a way that works for them. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that encourages us all to rethink our habits and priorities. Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction06:03 Balancing blood sugar and managing stress are crucial during menopause.08:28 Some people are genetically sensitive to adrenaline.12:35 High glucose causes weight gain and metabolic issues.14:37 Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for stress.18:51 Alcohol initially induces euphoria but later triggers a stress response.25:06 Self-care is crucial but often neglected by perfectionist women.33:20 Change begins with pain and requires support.36:09 Negative emotions signal needed changes.39:34 Identify and note things that bring you joy.45:42 Extend lifespan with better lifestyle choices.Anna’s group coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! programme informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD 99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukFind out more about Ailsa Hichens:Ailsa Hichens is a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach specialising in menopause and midlife. She is passionate about helping people regain their energy and confidence through practical, personalised nutrition – so they can stop pouring from an empty cup and start living a life that feels good again. Her mission is to inspire midlife women to prioritise themselves, feel powerful in their own skin, and create the freedom to live fully on their terms. Have you grabbed your copy of Ailsa’s new book: Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong? It sounds like it's about losing weight in midlife - and it is - but it's also about so much more. You can buy your copy here: https://amzn.to/3R1F9fT Connect with Ailsa:Website: www.foodfabulous.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodfabulousnutrition/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/

The stories we tell ourselves about alcohol shape our reality and our ability to change, but how exactly can we first identify them, then go about changing them? Listen to this action-orientated episode of The Big Drink Rethink, with host Anna Donaghey, as she offers up practical tools and insights on how to identify and shift these narratives to rewrite your relationship with alcohol. Plus, learn about Anna's self-guided program and live coaching options to support your journey. Tune in and rethink the stories you hold about alcohol and yourself.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction06:12 Changing self-talk influences emotions and biochemistry.08:35 Alcohol is consumed because we believe it helps us.11:36 Use mindful drinking to examine why you drink by questioning the narratives.17:13 Challenge self-narratives by questioning fears about not drinking.20:39 Exploring life without alcohol led to personal growth.23:04 Use "yet" to transform narratives and facilitate change. Anna’s group coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! programme informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD 99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

What if the stories we tell ourselves about alcohol are the very chains that bind us? A journey into the power of words awaits you on this episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey and guest Helen Packham as they unravel the narratives that shape our drinking culture and explore how changing our language can liberate us from old habits. In this engaging conversation discover how Helen, a speaker and Coach, uses her passion for verbal communication to transform lives. Get ready to rethink the words you use and the stories you tell yourself about alcohol.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction03:32 Words are powerful and shape stories. Humans are natural storytellers, but not always healthy ones. 06:45 Alcohol was associated with fun and social connection.11:54 Alcohol's influence is shaped by subconscious self-talk and marketing, reinforcing beliefs and behaviours.15:03 Alcohol was central to Helen’s party-focused identity and she questioned who she was without it.21:17 Outsourcing happiness and experiences to alcohol diminishes personal control and enjoyment when alcohol isn't present.23:06 Transitioning from unconscious incompetence to applying personal development insights, helped shift her perspective.30:52 Words can contain implicit instructions, like "happy hour".35:12 Helen has joined and built a sobriety-focused Instagram community.38:53 Reframe and rewrite your personal narrative through practice.41:50 Shift the mindset from "giving up" alcohol to "gaining" benefits.46:44 Challenge internal narratives about alcohol.To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Helen Packham:Helen Packham is a speaker coach and verbal communications strategist helping leaders and business owners harness the power of their words to change lives, for the better.  A TEDx curator and speaker, Helen passes on the powerful tool of storytelling to her clients so that they can confidently present and speak with impact. Helen lives on the south coast with her two kids and is navigating a life without alcohol and the many benefits it brings. Find out more: www.helenpackham.comConnect with Helen:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenpackham/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.packham1Listen to the Words that Change Lives Podcast:https://podfollow.com/words-that-change-livesSubscribe to Helen's YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoachMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Why do we often sabotage our own sobriety despite our best intentions? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna explores the perplexing nature of self-sabotage, a challenge faced by many seeking to reshape their relationship with alcohol. Anna offers a thoughtful exploration of what drives these destructive patterns and provides actionable strategies to break free from the cycle. Listeners will discover insights into the tug-of-war between the conscious desire for change and the subconscious fear of the unknown. With a focus on practical steps and the power of support systems, this episode is an essential listen for those striving to overcome self-sabotage and achieve lasting sobriety.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:09 An internal conflict between staying sober and fear of change leads to risky behaviors and romanticising past drinking.08:11 Fear of change and identity loss can make overcoming drinking challenging.11:20 Plan for resistance, challenge fears, question them, and consult your future self to overcome change.14:39 A first sip of alcohol triggers dopamine release.18:30 Positive emotions can trigger drinking due to learned behaviours20:32 Observe your thoughts about drinking, like a scientist.24:43 Have a plan to resist cravings.27:59 Triggers are opportunities to learn; journal, forgive, and recommit..30:31 Take it one day at a time, break old cycles gradually.To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/

Have you ever considered how deeply ingrained the culture of alcohol marketing is in your life? Today your host, Anna explores the fascinating world of gendered alcohol marketing, alongside guest expert, Professor Carol Emslie, the co-director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and co-chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network.They discuss the intriguing and often controversial world of alcohol marketing, and its societal impact. They look at how it is carefully crafted and targeted towards different genders. From the lucrative realm of pink drinks to sponsorships in sports, discover the profound effects of market dynamics on our perceptions and drinking behaviors. Don't miss this enlightening discussion.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:29 Research on alcohol aims to inform policies to reduce harm.06:52 The emergence of marketing alcohol to women.11:49 Brands align with causes like International Women's Day.14:42 Alcohol advertising subtly influences everyone.17:14 Women navigate identity through their drink choices.21:25 Brands aim to emotionally resonate with consumers.28:15 Women (particularly mothers) associate alcohol with taking a timeout.33:24 Alcohol references are frequent in Six Nations rugby matches.40:43 Challenge societal views on alcohol by increasing awareness of pervasive marketing and ingrained beliefs.44:22 #DontPinkMyDrink campaign to highlight how alcohol advertisers cynically target women.To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Professor Carol EmslieProfessor Carol Emslie is co-Director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and is co-Chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network.  Her applied research aims to understand the social context of drinking and explore ways to reduce alcohol harm. She has been interviewed by BBC Panorama, BBC Radio’s Women’s Hour, BBC Alba’s Eorpa, the Guardian and the New York Times and has presented her research at the Scottish Parliament.She has an international reputation for research on gender and alcohol and launched the #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign to highlight alcohol marketing to women. Recent work includes a WHO report on gender and alcohol, studies of drinking and alcohol marketing in LGBTQ+ communities, and ‘sober curiosity’ among sexual minority women.She leads Glasgow Caledonian’s Crucible programme for early-career researchers. This aims to develop leaders of the future who can communicate their research to the media, practitioners and policymakers and who are committed to working with partners to deliver positive social change.Find out more: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/staff/carolemslieCo-Director: Research Centre for HealthCo-Lead: Substance use research   Co-Chair: Scottish Alcohol Research Network   Links to work by Prof Carol Emslie (Glasgow CaledonianUniversity):BBC 1 PANORAMA Nov 2024 (Binge Drinking and me – HazelMartin https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025fyj Alcohol-related deaths from liver disease among women under 40 haverisen sharply over the last decade – but why? BLOG How alcohol companies are using International Women’s Day to sell more drinks towomen BLOG Drinking on the gay scene: why we need to take it more seriously#dontpinkmydrink social media campaignMentioned in this episode:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/

Ready to break the drinking cycle? In this toolkit episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey shares the science of habit formation and why relying on willpower alone often fails when trying to change drinking behaviours. She breaks down James Clear's habit loop concept and provides practical, actionable strategies for creating lasting change through small, intentional adjustments rather than dramatic overnight transformations.Anna explores how to work with your brain's natural wiring instead of against it, introduces the power of "friction" in breaking unwanted habits, and shares personal examples of how tiny changes can lead to significant shifts in behavior. Tune in to learn specific techniques for tracking new habits, the importance of identity in behavior change, and how to approach setbacks with self-compassion rather than judgment.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction03:52 Changing drinking habits involves working with the brain's habit system08:15 Understanding the habit loop reveals that habit change involves reprogramming 13:47 Make alcohol less accessible to encourage thoughtful decisions. 18:24 Focus on self-care to replace drinking habits22:07 Self-care involves healthier responses to triggers like drinking27:10 Drinking less varies daily; challenges are learning opportunities29:45 Focus on how you want to feel when adopting new behaviours35:22 Track daily activities to feel stimulated. Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! ProgrammeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Is a sense of unworthiness and shame keeping you stuck? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Janssen, a leading Performance and Mindset Coach with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, to explore how shame and unworthiness can keep people trapped in addiction. Chris, who has been sober for 18 years and is the bestselling author of "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want," shares her personal journey and professional insights on breaking free from shame-based thinking. Together, they discuss how community support, self-compassion, and rewriting one's personal narrative can be transformative tools in recovery, regardless of the path chosen. This conversation offers hope and practical strategies for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or struggling to believe they deserve a better life.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction06:08 Shame inhibits recovery from addiction by fostering unworthiness.10:04 Shame is about self-worth, while guilt focuses on behavior change.14:58 Persevere with positive self-talk to replace negative beliefs.19:18 The book addresses overcoming perfectionism, shame, pride, and the struggle of restarting sobriety.21:03 Community alleviates shame through empathy and support23:26 Struggling drinkers may feel undeserving of better.27:50 Start recovery from where you are.32:29 Shared experiences in supportive communities alleviate self-judgment and shame, fostering mutual understanding and growth.34:19 The theme is separating addiction from identity to view oneself as worthy and not defined by it.47:05 Self-help is important, but service and community keep us humble by countering negative ego-driven thinking. Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Chris Janssen:Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a leading results coach in performance and mindset and a bestselling, award winning author. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic achievements, Chris trained with and worked on Tony Robbins’ team of results coaches at the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world.As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counselling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage and rewrite narratives. Through her successful and sustainable Living All In methods, clients learn to attach meaning to life events and circumstances beyond their control. To purchase Chris’s book  "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want”:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1637633378/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SfN6tVL2s2ZmoJn1eGkcgPhRvRdJ_BIZ1aARcUyoYUTn02KqZ9eH54oTCxXbyQSH_gJNZDiXSeofgFeSvlHhdKxDLmEgKwhEgURjTlisF5cZCtEOaPMftkv6je17IPWzPwUqkFOEdopn-r-7yvAijByQL2gUR0-aCWVHYZE1dGKvyPgzADiW04ekBMCEok7J7LjLqpLeZMgvfmbAy0aRvg.9Um1nzBC86WIakycnPAR9Yntwbt_Vs4_cArvng1uY80&qid=1739802882&sr=8-1Find out more: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/Connect with Chris:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssenMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

How does one deal with shame and embarrassment around their drinking behaviour? In this Q&A episode, host Anna Donaghey tackles this deeply personal question from a listener who struggles with past actions and memory gaps related to their drinking. Drawing from Brené Brown's research, Anna breaks down the differences between shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, offering practical journalling exercises and self-compassion techniques to help listeners process and move beyond their shame. She explains why shame thrives in silence and provides actionable steps for writing a self-forgiveness letter to release the burden of past regrets.Here are the highlights:00:57 Shame from drinking spans minor embarrassments to significant life impacts, including broken relationships and neglect.08:09 Embarrassment is temporary and sometimes humorous, unlike the persistent nature of shame.12:26 Use journalling to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion15:19 Reflect and write on struggles.18:01 Write kind words to yourself as you would to a friend.22:29 Expressing and confronting personal regrets and emotions can be transformative and healing.For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationAnna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to hit rock bottom, and whether you need to wait for that moment before making a change? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Karla Adkins, whose harrowing journey with alcohol nearly cost her life at just 37 years old. Through raw and emotional storytelling, Karla shares how her relationship with alcohol began as a solution to anxiety in college, but ultimately led to acute liver failure and a near-death experience. As co-owner of The Zero Proof Life and author of "And She Came Tumbling Down," Karla's story is not just about survival - it's about the shame, stigma, and silence that keeps so many people stuck in dangerous patterns with alcohol. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their assumptions about what problem drinking looks like and offers hope that there are many supportive paths, all while emphasising that you don't have to wait until you hit rock bottom to make a change.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:20 Anxiety began subtly but grew, I was introduced to alcohol at High School.14:04 In my late twenties, I struggled with fear and shame around drinking.18:13 Drinking caused confusion and health issues; all bodies react differently.22:05 Experience of liver failure due to excessive drinking.28:34 Feared death without sharing untold truth, worried about being misjudged as an alcoholic.29:33 Understanding alcohol's impact is more than just quitting.36:59 Discussing shame in addiction is crucial, because shame keeps us stuck.46:38 I wanted to write about the increasing mortality rates among young women because of drinking.49:33 Being alcohol-free involves effort and nervous system adjustment.52:30 In ‘The Zero Proof Life’, we ended up working together as diverse coaches, creating a judgment-free, supportive community. I'm proud of this space.Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Karla Adkins:Karla is co-owner of The Zero Proof Life, and author dedicated to guiding individuals toward a life free of alcohol. With a passion for helping others, Karla brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her coaching practice. Her transformative approach emphasizes self-discovery, empowerment, and sustainable lifestyle changes.As the author of, "And She Came Tumbling Down", Karla shares her personal journey of triumph over alcohol addiction, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration for those seeking to change their relationship with alcohol. Karla started her alcohol free journey in 2014 and is committed to providing a safe, judgement-free space so others can find their own path to freedom. Connect with Karla:Website: https://www.thezeroprooflife.comBook: And She Came Tumbling Down https://shorturl.at/V2FbJMentioned in this episode:🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Today we're doing things a bit differently. Your host Anna Donaghy is bringing back her old friend and fellow Coach, Tabbin Almond. Together, they're exploring their personal alcohol struggles and coaching journeys, sharing insights and tools that they wish they had when they felt well and truly "stuck”.Anna and Tabbin are not just talking about the problems - they’re also unveiling an exciting new program called Unstuck!, designed to help you break free from the alcohol cycle. If you've ever felt trapped by your drinking habits, this episode will resonate deeply and provide you with practical resources to help you move forward.Tune into this discussion about the universal feelings of being stuck and the proven strategies that lead to real change. Let's get started on the path to getting 'unstuck' together!Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:37 Many people feel universally "stuck", but talking about it can help12:37 Feeling stuck can lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of control, hopelessness, and shame.15:12 How hindsight shows the feeling of being stuck in a drinking cycle and the impact of addiction25:28 Feelings of regret and the lessons of willpower32:59 Life is challenging, but we can control our reactions and perceptions instead of avoiding reality40:44 Your invitation to join our 12-week course47:01 Compulsive behaviours, like drinking, involve avoiding reality by altering brain chemistry.48:18 Habits begin as intentional but become unconscious with repetition and alignment.To find out more about the Unstuck! programme and how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programme For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Tabbin Almond:Tabbin had a long and largely secret struggle to regain control over alcohol. Alcohol-free since 2018, she now works full-time as an alcohol-freedom coach, speaker, podcast host and writer. Her book ‘Bottling Up Trouble – how alcohol is harming your business and what you can do about it’, is an Amazon best-seller.Website:  https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/winetowatercoachingFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/winetowatercoachingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almondLinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wine-to-water-coaching/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/