This Naked Mind Podcast

Mike Shennan, a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach, focuses on helping individuals, particularly in mid-life, reclaim their lives from alcohol. In this conversation, he guides Helga through her struggles with self-sabotage. They discuss how fear and guilt can be transformed into powerful growth tools. Shennan emphasizes the importance of unconditional self-love, celebrating wins without guilt, and embracing one's unique self. This dialogue unpacks the desire to fit in versus standing out and the psychological patterns tied to alcohol recovery.

Is the fear of drinking again keeping you from fully enjoying your life?After going through detox three times, Erin was afraid to drink again. She didn’t want to go on vacations or to bars because she was scared. Even though she stayed away from alcohol for years, she still felt stuck because she was often thinking about not drinking. She was eager to step into the next chapter of her life but couldn’t leave behind the structure that had supported her. Then, Erin found This Naked Mind, which helped her see that she could live without fear, shame, or anxiety. In this episode, Annie chats with Erin about what it took to change her mindset and finally live a life of true freedom.In this episode, Annie and Erin will discuss:- Why feeling powerless doesn’t help- Moving past the fear of drinking again- Learning and growing from mistakes- Feeling lonely on your alcohol-free journey- How ads trick our brains into thinking alcohol is fun- Seeing cravings as a chance to learn- Why she started drinking again during cancer treatment- Her initial resistance to This Naked Mind- Drinking to connect with your partner- The problem with using fear to stay in control- And other topics…Related Episodes:EP 41: Relationships, Marriage & Alcohol with Stacey Martino: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-41-relationships-marriage-alcohol-with-stacey-martino/ EP 106: Reader’s Question – Why does living alcohol-free feel lonely?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-106-readers-question-living-alcohol-free-feel-lonely/ EP 184: Reader Question – Does alcohol advertising really work?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-184-does-alcohol-advertising-really-work-2/ EP 222: Reader Question – What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Do you feel awkward drinking less than everyone else around you? Christine lives in wine country, where almost every social event is at a winery or involves wine. But now that she no longer drinks as much as she used to, she feels like she has to drink just to fit in. In this coaching session, Coach Cole helps Christine talk through her feelings of awkwardness about drinking less and how it affects her social life. Together, they explore practical ways to enjoy social events, feel more confident, and stay true to her goals without feeling left out.In this episode, Coach Cole and Christine will discuss:- Handling different drinking habits in your relationship- Drinking less than your friends- Balancing drinking with a healthy lifestyle- How to feel comfortable at events while drinking less- How alcohol prevents you from being fully present- Facing the fear of not fitting in- Mixing fun with confidence- Finding new ways to enjoy social events- Tips for confidently drinking less at parties - And other topics…Cole Harvey is a Certified Naked Mind Coach who helps others navigate the forest of their subconscious beliefs, guiding them to explore their own inner landscape. Cole loves nature and has spent years hiking through remote areas of the U.S. Having transformed his own life using the tools of playful curiosity, compassion, and empowerment, he brings a love of the wild and the hero’s journey to his coaching. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Related Episodes:EP 439: Naked Life Story – Nat X: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x EP 547: Naked Life Story – Claire: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-547-naked-life-story-claire/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Are you wondering how to build meaningful connections without drinking?Gregory once turned to substances to win fast friends. But that didn’t bring the deep, meaningful connections he really wanted. What he needed to realize, however, was that he had to connect with himself first, and reading This Naked Mind was the first step in the right direction. He took a leap of faith into a new way of life and never looked back. Since his last conversation with Annie on the podcast, he has been focused on his life and fitness goals, even becoming a CrossFit coach. In this “Where Are They Now” episode, Gregory and Hayley chat about the positive changes in his life and explore his journey toward building authentic relationships.In this episode, Hayley and Gregory will discuss:- Turning to substances to win fast friends- How This Naked Mind rocked his world- Truly connecting with himself- How drinking a lot can hinder connection- Having a good time without substances- Growing out of your comfort zone- The power of self-awareness- Gregory’s passion for health and fitness- Showing up for yourself even when it’s hard- Building authentic connections in a community- Why you need to be gentle with yourself- And other topics…Related Episodes:EP 410: Reader Question – Do I need to cut ties with my drinking friends?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-410-reader-question-do-i-need-to-cut-ties-with-my-drinking-friends EP 109: Naked Life Story: Greg: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-109-naked-life-story-greg/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Does alcohol really lead to the good life, or is it taking more than it gives?For a long time, Rajinder believed alcohol was necessary to have fun at celebrations and on vacations. From the glass of mimosa on the plane to the pretty cocktail at resort check-in, Rajinder’s holidays were always wrapped up in alcohol. But the hangovers were awful, and the plane rides home left her feeling like she needed a vacation from her vacation. It wasn’t until she discovered This Naked Mind that she started to question how much alcohol was really adding to or taking away from her experience of fun. In this coaching session, Coach Onowa works with Rajinder to explore the belief that alcohol leads to the good life. In this episode, Coach Onowa and Rajinder will discuss:- Why we think alcohol equals fun- How advertising shapes our beliefs about alcohol- The illusion of fun that alcohol creates- What fun really feels like - Why you need to question long-held beliefs- How drinking can take away from real fun- Why it helps to understand how alcohol affects the body- How alcohol numbs not just the bad, but also the good- How drinking can mess with your sleep and mood- Planning alcohol-free vacations- And other topics…Onowa Bjella is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach with over two decades of experience as an educational professional. Having lost her mother at a young age, she understands how people with trauma often turn to alcohol. Onowa helps health-conscious moms like herself embrace self-compassion and take control of their relationship with alcohol.Learn more about Coach Onowa: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/onowa-bjella/ Related Episodes:EP 18: Reader Question – Is Not Drinking Really More Fun?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-18-reader-question-is-not-drinking-really-more-fun/ EP 164: Reader Question – Are vacations and holidays more fun without drinking?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-164-are-vacations-and-holidays-more-fun-without-drinking/ EP 184: Reader Question – Does alcohol advertising really work?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-184-does-alcohol-advertising-really-work-2/EP 362: Reader Question – Will I ever have fun without drinking alcohol?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-362-reader-question-will-i-ever-have-fun-without-drinking-alcohol/ EP 652: Reader’s Question – How To Plan an Alcohol-Free Vacation: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-652-readers-question-how-to-plan-an-alcohol-free-vacation/ Other Resources:How To Understand Alcohol’s Effects on Your Body: https://thisnakedmind.com/alcohols-effects-body/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Have you ever felt like different parts of you are at war? Cole thought alcohol would always dominate his life. Drinking helped him cope with the grief of losing his father, and before he knew it, he couldn’t separate it from his identity. He endured many years of darkness and self-blame, feeling trapped in a war with himself. But one day, he decided it was time for a change. He committed to learning more about himself and soon found This Naked Mind, which gave him the clarity he needed. Not only did he find peace, but he also rediscovered his purpose—helping others as a coach. In this episode, Cole talks with Annie about his journey to finally embracing the different parts of himself. Together, they explore what it takes to move from putting yourself down to treating yourself with kindness.In this episode, Annie and Cole will discuss:- How alcohol provided relief from grief- Drinking as a way to connect with his late father- When alcohol became part of his identity- The downward spiral of self-criticism- The moment that marked his first step to freedom- How This Naked Mind empowered his journey- How journaling helped Cole face his demons- Healing through self-love- How to heal cognitive dissonance- Why “mindful” breaks are useful- Why demonizing part of yourself is counterproductive- Embracing all the different sides of ourselves- Why Cole is passionate about coaching- And other topics…Related Episodes:EP 262: Reader Question – How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ EP 654: Reader’s Question – Overcoming Subconscious Beliefs Around Self-Worth: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-654-readers-question-overcoming-subconscious-beliefs-around-self-worth/Other Resources:Monthly Journaling Challenge: https://thisnakedmind.com/tag/monthly-journaling-challenge/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What if you could find better coping mechanisms than alcohol?During Bek’s difficult marriage breakup, she used alcohol to comfort herself and numb painful emotions. Meanwhile, overachiever Emily drank to reward herself, even though she would end up feeling worse. For both women, alcohol was a way to cope with life’s challenges. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Bek and Emily look back at their pasts to understand the childhood wounds that have kept them stuck as adults. While Bek learns that self-compassion is the key to lasting change, Emily confronts her unresolved beliefs about alcohol.In Bek’s session:- Bek’s struggle to believe in herself - Why changing behavior alone doesn’t work- Why you need to fall in love with yourself- Alcohol as a comforter during tough times- How childhood rejection shaped her behavior- Why you have to work on yourself first- Learning to trust yourself again- The exhaustion of hiding your true self- The importance of being kind to yourselfIn Emily’s session:- Using alcohol as a reward for working hard- The exhaustion from always trying to do more - The childhood need for approval keeping her stuck- The danger of loving yourself conditionally- When the brain tricks us into thinking alcohol helps- Emily’s mantra for managing everyday stress- How drinking affects her creativity- Why The PATH is different from other programs she has triedZoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/ Related Episodes:EP 609: Naked Life Story – Brian C.: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-609-naked-life-story-brian-c/ EP 407: Naked Life Story – Marilin: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-407-naked-life-story-marilin/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Do you ever feel like you’re going along with the crowd just to fit in?Patrick C. liked drinking because it made him more social. Instead of being the shy, quiet kid he used to be, alcohol made him feel more fun and confident. But when he started feeling worse every time he drank, Patrick realized he wasn’t drinking because he wanted to. Rather, he was drinking to please people and not let them down. In this episode, Patrick talks to Annie about his journey to a healthier lifestyle, his struggles with anxiety, and how he finally overcame the fear of explaining his choices to others. While Patrick was already on his way to freedom before his mother gave him a weathered copy of This Naked Mind, the book inspired him to finally open up and share his story with his loved ones.In this episode, Annie and Patrick will discuss:- Patrick’s experience with anxiety- The pressure young people feel to drink in social settings- How Patrick handles his anxiety now- Facing the fear of life without alcohol- Worrying about being judged for not drinking socially- How This Naked Mind inspired Patrick to write his story- How setting boundaries helps with his new social life- Other ways he has fun with friends now- How choosing yourself first makes it easier to do it again- Why it’s important to teach kids about alcohol- How Patrick now inspires his friends and family- Annie’s kids’ book, Buzz to Buzz Kill- The problem with the message “drink responsibly”- The role alcohol plays in the economy- And other topics…Related Episodes:EP 655: Naked Life Story – Maria Warner: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-655-naked-life-story-maria-warner-2/ EP 684: Reader’s Question – Why Does Drinking Alcohol Make Me Anxious?: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-684-readers-question-why-does-drinking-alcohol-make-me-anxious/ EP 523: How To Talk To Your Kids About Alcohol TNM Parents: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-523-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-alcohol-with-scott-pinyard-and-tnm-parents/ Other Resources:Is Drinking Alcohol Part of a Healthy Lifestyle? – Decoding the Buzz: https://thisnakedmind.com/is-drinking-alcohol-part-of-a-healthy-lifestyle/ Let's Talk About The Idea of "Drinking Responsibly": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnHkRs0V3xQ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

If you are truly yourself, will you still belong in your community?Deborah has always been a likable person who fits in effortlessly. But as she steps into her alcohol-free identity, she worries she will lose her connection with her community. In this coaching session, Coach Lance helps her break down her fears around rejection and judgment, showing her that real belonging comes from being unapologetically herself. Deborah discovers that the greatest gift she can offer herself and those around her is the freedom to be her most authentic self.In this episode, Coach Lance and Deborah will discuss:- Her decision to start The PATH with a fake name- The courage to be authentic in a conformist world - How societal norms shape our relationship with alcohol- The difference between fitting in and truly belonging - The fear of rejection when stepping into a new identity- Practical tools for embracing authenticity - The fear of missing out on connection- The unexpected freedom of giving up alcohol- How authenticity can be contagious- The exhausting cycle of being a social chameleon- And other topics…Lance Anthony Scott is a Certified TNM Coach who brings the same passion he once reserved for the arts to his coaching. He believes that both the arts and overcoming alcohol dependency are about truth, authenticity, and expressing a beauty that is honest and real. After breaking out of what he calls “booze jail” using the This Naked Mind methodology, Lance became deeply inspired to support others who, like himself, felt falsely imprisoned by alcohol. Learn more about Coach Lance: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/lance-anthony-scott/ Related Episodes:EP 675: Naked Life Story – Susie P.: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-675-naked-life-story-susie-p/Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

What if the first step to freedom is realizing that you are not the problem?Kayla’s journey with alcohol started long before her first sip. With a father who became unpredictable when he drank and a mother with unresolved trauma, she grew up hating alcohol. When she started drinking to fit in with the college crowd, she justified it by telling herself she wasn’t like her dad. But each time she drank, she felt guilty and ashamed because it felt like she was betraying her younger self. In an unexpected twist, her father stopped drinking, inspiring Kayla to reevaluate her own relationship with alcohol and ultimately embrace her power over it. In this moving episode, Kayla shares her journey to accepting the liberating truth that alcohol was the problem, not her or anyone else.In this episode, Annie and Kayla will discuss:- How generational trauma shaped her relationship with alcohol- Her struggle with social drinking and self-judgment- The mental chess game of moderation- Social drinking as a mask for deeper issues- Using self-compassion and inner work to heal- The cognitive dissonance that kept her stuck- Realizing alcohol, not the person, is the problem- Cravings as a brain reaction, not a moral failure- Taking responsibility to change without shame- The truth about numbing emotions- Embracing sobriety without isolating from others- Living authentically to inspire curiosity and change- And other topics…Related Episodes:Episode 27: Naked Life Story – Jamie: https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-27-naked-life-story-jamie/ 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!