This Naked Mind Podcast

How do you process emotions after years of drinking when you've spent a lifetime disconnected from your feelings? In this powerful episode, Coach Ellie works with Gayle and Christie, who both struggle with alcohol fixation but from different angles. Gayle feels constantly consumed by thoughts about drinking or not drinking, finding that fixation creates anxiety, overwhelm, and triggers deep stories of not being good enough. Christie has spent decades suppressing emotions and using wine as a "talking stick" to allow herself to feel things, rather than numbing. Through gentle exploration, Coach Ellie helps both women understand the path from fixation to liberation - recognizing that spiritual awakening often begins with alcohol freedom but leads to something much deeper: recovering our true nature and learning to be present with all our emotions.In Gayle's Session:Defining fixationHow fixation creates physical symptoms of anxiety and overwhelmThe path from cognitive understanding to embodied knowledgeExperiencing "the magic trick": seeing alcohol's truth changes everythingThe role of data points in building new beliefs about alcoholHow to process emotions after years of drinking through presenceRecovery of self: discovering who you are without alcoholWhy alcohol freedom is just the doorway to deeper transformationThe concepts of true nature and soul edification And moreIn Christie's Session:Moving from fear-based motivation to emotion-based goalsFinding joy after years of emotional disconnectionThe connection between creativity and emotional healingRecognizing permission to feel all emotions, not just "acceptable" onesHow to process emotions after years of drinking through bodily awarenessRestorative yoga as a bridge to feeling into the bodyCues of safety that help regulate the nervous systemThe concept of "unf*withable" emotional resilienceMoving beyond perfectionismThe role of curiosity in spiritual liberationAnd other topicsRelated Episodes:Reader’s Question - Episode 634: How do you get rid of the punishing voice inside your head?  - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-634-readers-question-how-do-you-get-rid-of-the-punishing-voice-inside-your-head/Episode 69: Allowing Feeling with Scott Stabile - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-69-allowing-feeling-scott-stabile/Reader’s Question - Episode 604: Embracing Your Authentic Self - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-604-reader-question-embracing-your-authentic-self-overcoming-self-judgment-and-insecurities/Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

How do you rebuild your identity when alcohol has been woven into every aspect of your personal and professional life? Growing up in a rural fishing community where “drinking was a pastime, to put it mildly,” Peggy couldn’t even remember her first drink. Her 28-year military career reinforced these patterns in predominantly male trades where working hard and playing hard revolved around alcohol. Finding the courage to stop drinking as a female veteran wasn’t straightforward, especially when seeking help could jeopardize her security clearance and career. In this heartfelt conversation with Annie Grace, Peggy shares her journey to freedom from alcohol after retirement, how she navigated the transition, and why she’s now training to become a coach to help others find the answers that are already inside themselves.In this episode, Annie and Peggy will discuss:The normalization of alcohol in rural communities and the military.The challenges of questioning ingrained drinking habits.The moment Peggy realized her drinking was no longer serving her.The fear of seeking help for alcohol issues within the military context.The support and understanding found within the This Naked Mind community.The concept of “duck mode” as a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety.Changing social dynamics and navigating friendships without alcohol.The realization of internal strength and wisdom.Peggy’s motivation to become a certified coach and guide others, particularly female veterans, on their journey to stop drinking as a female veteran.The transformative power of self-acceptance and kindness.And other topics…Episode links:Email Peggy - info@neaptidecoaching.comConnect with Peggy - neaptidecoaching.com Related Episodes:EP 745: How To Quit Drinking in Your 50s – https://thisnakedmind.com/breaking-through-alcohols-false-relief-joys-naked-life-e745/EP 561: Naked Life Story – Ben – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-561-naked-life-story-ben/EP 292: Duck Mode Explained – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-292-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-alcohol-free-at-a-bachelor-bachelorette-party-weekend/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 biggest obstacle in your alcohol journey isn’t the alcohol itself, but what you believe about yourself? In this Alcohol Freedom Coaching session, Coach Ruby Williams guides Anna Maree and Marci through their unique challenges with drinking. Anna Maree reveals how despite reaching elite athletic status and building a thriving business, she’s haunted by the feeling that her accomplishments are never enough—a belief stemming from childhood experiences. Working with Coach Ruby, she explores techniques to let go of negative beliefs that have driven her to seek escape through alcohol. Marci shares her struggle with loneliness and planning for success after experiencing the departure of loved ones. Both women discover practical tools for moving forward rather than reverting back to harmful patterns..In Anne Maree’s session:Identifying the belief that “nothing I ever do is good enough”Understanding how childhood experiences shape current beliefsHow high achievement can mask deeper emotional strugglesTechniques to let go of negative beliefs through questioningUsing the ACT method to challenge unhelpful thoughtsDrinking to numb feelings versus facing emotionsLearning to celebrate progress rather than seeking perfectionCreating smaller, achievable targets for successThe importance of self-compassionand other topicsIn Marci’s session:Recognizing patterns of drinking when alone versus with othersCreating a plan for after social events to prevent relapses or data pointsHow retirement changes drinking triggersThe four-list tool for managing boredom and lonelinessMoving forward versus “not reverting back” mindset shiftUsing post-it note affirmations as remindersUnderstanding why social connection reduces drinking urgesPlanning ahead for high-risk situationsCelebrating small winsand moreRuby Williams is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach dedicated to helping people rethink their relationship with alcohol. With 19 years of experience in the wine industry, Ruby understands how alcohol can become a regular part of life, especially in social or stressful situations. After finding freedom in 2019, she was empowered to improve her health, lose weight, and achieve lifelong goals. Ruby uses thoughtful questioning to help clients shift their mindset and build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol.Learn more about Coach Ruby: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ruby-williams/ Related Episodes:EP 494: How To Stop Drinking at Home Alone https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-494-reader-question-how-to-stop-drinking-at-home-alone/EP 532: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard & Rina Bowring https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-532-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard-rina-bowring/EP 706: Reader’s Question – Healing Emotional Pain Without Alcohol https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-706-readers-question-healing-emotional-pain-without-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!

Is traditional AA the only way to find lasting change? Jenny experienced bullying, sexual abuse, and emotional neglect that left her seeking comfort in alcohol from an early age. Despite trying traditional treatment methods for decades and being told repeatedly that learning how to recover without 12-step programs was impossible, Jenny continued to struggle until discovering This Naked Mind and The Path. After 15 failed treatment attempts and countless hours of therapy, she finally found peace through its science-based approach that addressed the root causes of her drinking. In this moving conversation, Jenny opens up about loss, grief, and ultimately finding joy in sobriety.Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to sexual abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode, Annie and Jenny will discuss: Surviving childhood trauma, bullying, and sexual abuse How emotional neglect can lead to seeking comfort in alcohol The devastating cycle of relapse despite multiple treatment attempts Why traditional AA meetings caused additional trauma How to recover without 12-step programs using science-based approaches Rebuilding life after experiencing devastating loss The power of connection in The Path program Finding self-forgiveness for decades of drinking Why cognitive dissonance makes early sobriety challenging Making a “burn the boats” decision for lasting change Creating boundaries with difficult family members How joy and peace replace anxiety after quitting alcohol And other topics… Related Episodes:EP 550: Reader’s Question – Is there hope for long-time drinkers who keep relapsing? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-550-reader-question-is-there-hope-for-long-time-drinkers-who-keep-relapsing/EP 324: Reader Question – Is AA Wrong? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-324-reader-question-does-annie-grace-think-aa-is-wrong/EP 485: Happy Days with Gabby Bernstein – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-485-happy-days-with-gabby-bernstein/Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

Is organic wine better for you, or is this just another marketing tactic keeping you tied to alcohol? Lois finds herself caught between wanting to make healthier choices and falling for the "better for you" wine aisle marketing. In this coaching session with Coach Cole, she explores the cognitive dissonance between knowing alcohol is harmful regardless of its organic status, while still being drawn to the perceived benefits of "healthier" wine options. Through mindful observation and intentional choice-making, Lois discovers how to navigate her evening rituals, experiment with non-alcoholic alternatives, and approach her relationship with alcohol from a place of curiosity rather than judgment.In this episode, Coach Cole and Lois discuss: Navigating the path toward a different relationship with alcohol Exploring the question is organic wine better for you or just clever marketing The cognitive dissonance between knowing alcohol’s effects and believing in “healthier” options Using non-alcoholic wines to maintain rituals while changing behavior How our beliefs about alcohol’s benefits (creativity, ease, fun) may not match reality The costs of drinking: memory gaps, health impacts, and lost vitality Approaching drinking like a science experiment with intentional awareness Creating a menu of evening ritual choices beyond wine The importance of self-compassion and non-judgment during behavior change Aligning choices with core values of health and vitality 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/  Related Episodes:EP 709: Dealing with the Effects of Red Wine on Health- Maryanne’s Naked Life - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-709-naked-life-story-maryanne-p/EP 584: Reader Question – Is red wine good for your heart? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-584-reader-question-is-red-wine-good-for-your-heart/EP 612: Reader Question – How To Avoid Drinking Alcohol in Social Situations - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-612-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-alcohol-in-social-situations/EP 274: Reader Question – My biggest obstacle is that I love the taste of wine, I understand I acquired the taste but I still love it!? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-274-reader-question-my-biggest-obstacle-is-that-i-love-the-taste-of-wine-i-understand-i-acquired-the-taste-but-i-still-love-it/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!

Pierre recounts his 35-year journey with alcohol, starting at just 9 years old in a culture where drinking is a norm. He reflects on the challenges of overcoming a daily three-beer habit and the struggle to socialize sober in drinking-centric environments. Discover how he developed coping strategies and embraced self-love after realizing alcohol-induced depression was holding him back. Through self-awareness and a supportive approach, he now enjoys a fulfilling life free from alcohol, sharing insights that inspire others to seek their own path to sobriety.

Is true connection possible without alcohol, and how can you redefine success after quitting drinking? Julie grapples with the instant relief alcohol provides versus the long-term regrets, caught between the desire for relaxation and the pressure to be productive. Coach Cole helps her uncover the underlying emotions driving her drinking and find genuine ways to transition from stress. Cherie, on the other hand, questions the false connection alcohol fosters with friends and society. Coach Pam helps her reframe her understanding of social norms and connection, ultimately redefining success after quitting drinking.In Julie’s Session:Using alcohol to shut down constant thinking and overthinkingStruggling with the transition from work to relaxationExploring the instant relief versus long-term regrets of alcoholChallenging ingrained values of productivity and societal expectationsRedefining success after quitting drinking by finding joy and peaceExperimenting with new tools for relaxation, like writing and meditationUnderstanding the interplay of productivity and relaxationLearning to set boundaries for personal timeFinding intrinsic markers of successand more…In Cherie’s Session:Confronting societal pressures and the illusion of connection through alcoholQuestioning the concept of “normal” drinking behaviorReframing the idea of connection with friends and societyRecognizing the false connection alcohol providesRedefining success after quitting drinking by choosing authentic experiencesOvercoming the fear of “forever” and focusing on daily commitmentLearning to choose better tools for social interactionsFocusing on personal well beingand other 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/  Pam McRae is a Certified TNM Coach, Master Life Coach, and Gray Area Drinking Coach. Since rethinking her relationship with alcohol in 2017, she considers herself a non-drinker. Pam empowers others through her Freedom Connection group coaching, where people support each other in their alcohol journeys. She also uses her experience and knowledge to guide you through tough times such as grief.Learn more about Coach Pam: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/pam-mcrae/ Related Episodes:EP 730: Alcohol Freedom Coaching – Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/EP 162: Reader Question – Why does alcohol get a free pass in society when it is so dangerous? - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-162-why-does-alcohol-get-a-free-pass-in-society/EP 612: Reader Question – How To Avoid Drinking Alcohol in Social Situations - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-612-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-alcohol-in-social-situations/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 everything around you has been designed to influence your choices?Kori grew up believing emotions were a weakness. As an adult, she used alcohol, food, and other substances to escape her feelings. When she focused on her health, she tried to change her drinking habits but kept falling back into old patterns, no matter how hard she tried. After joining The PATH, she uncovered the hidden thoughts shaping her choices and learned how to rewire them for lasting change. In this episode, Kori joins Annie to explore how advertising, social norms, and easy access to alcohol shape drinking and eating habits and how letting go of control helped her create real change and deeper connections.In this episode, Annie and Kori will discuss:- Growing up in poverty and learning to hide emotions- Using food, alcohol, and substances to cope- Experiencing drinking culture in the military- Feeling emotionally disconnected in relationships- Struggling to change habits while focusing on health- How the brain’s reward system shapes behavior- Why alcohol is more available now than ever- How social norms shape drinking and eating habits- Understanding liminal thoughts and unconscious decisions- Choosing self-compassion over self-judgment- Finding strength in emotional connection- Discovering the power of emotional connection- Taking small, brave steps toward lasting change- And other topics…Connect with Kori:Kori’s Website: https://korimcclurg.com/ Related Episodes:EP 162: Reader Question – Why Does Alcohol Get a Free Pass in Society When It is so Dangerous? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-162-why-does-alcohol-get-a-free-pass-in-society/ EP 649: Naked Life Story – The Food Code Interview https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-649-naked-life-story-the-food-code-interview/ EP 668: Reader’s Question –  Why Willpower Fails: Cracking the Code to Emotion-Driven Behavior Change  https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-668-readers-question-why-willpower-fails-cracking-the-code-to-emotion-driven-behavior-change/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 being present matters more than proving yourself?Joel considered himself highly functional despite his drinking, but deep down, he struggled with shame and being fully present. After years of using alcohol to manage stress and pain, he chose to take back control. His loved ones celebrate his progress, but their encouragement sometimes feels like pressure. Meanwhile, Kari is a lifelong overachiever. Since joining The PATH, she has set big goals but worries she won’t reach them. In this episode, Coach Zoe helps Joel and Kari reconnect with their self-worth. Joel learns to set boundaries with loved ones, focus on his journey, and embrace where he is. Kari learns to simplify her goals, trust the process, and release the pressure to do it perfectly.In Joel’s session:- Struggling to stay present while making changes- Reflecting on past shame and self-judgment- Using alcohol to manage chronic pain and stress- Facing deep feelings of unworthiness- Navigating pressure from loved ones- Setting boundaries and prioritizing his well-being- Embracing self-compassion and personal growth- Learning to express emotions openly In Kari’s session:- Struggling to stay consistent in her alcohol journey- Balancing big goals with daily progress- Feeling pressure to improve quickly- Realizing how high expectations create stress- Learning to hide struggles as a child- Wanting to set a strong example for her kids- Letting go of perfectionism and trusting her pace- Separating self-worth from actions- Forgiving herself and staying present- Choosing peace as a guiding valueZoe Ewart is a certified Senior Naked Mind Coach with four children and more animals than you can count. For 15 years, she has taught Pilates, speaks French and Spanish, and has been living alcohol-free since March 2020. Zoe’s coaching helps people take control of their relationship with alcohol in a fun, enjoyable, and safe environment.Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/ Related Episodes:EP 638: Reader’s Question – Why Is It Difficult to Put Myself First When It Comes to Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-638-readers-question-why-is-it-difficult-to-put-myself-first-when-it-comes-to-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/ 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 everything you’ve been searching for has been within you all along?Cindy had a traumatic childhood, with a violent father who was in and out of her life and a mother who coped by drinking. As a child, she cared for her younger brother, took on adult responsibilities, and learned to suppress her emotions. As she got older, alcohol became her escape from stress and emotional pain. She searched for peace in achievements, relationships, and self-improvement, but nothing brought lasting joy. After losing her brother, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Cindy joins Annie to share her powerful journey of self-discovery and how she rebuilt trust in herself, set boundaries, and embraced emotions instead of avoiding them.In this episode, Annie and Cindy will discuss:- Growing up in a chaotic, violent home- Taking on adult responsibilities as a child- Coping with childhood trauma and an absent father- Struggling with trust and emotional disconnection- Seeking belonging through partying and drugs- Dealing with a complex relationship with her mom- Navigating loss, custody battles, and divorce- Searching for peace in self-help and retreats- Facing anxiety, exhaustion, and deep unhappiness- Finding support and clarity through The PATH- Discovering inner peace, self-love, and joy- Setting healthy boundaries with loved ones- Embracing emotions instead of numbing them- And other topics…Resources Mentioned:The Path Website: www.nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes:EP 158: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Stress Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/EP 689: Interview with Dr. Melissa Kalt https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/ EP 744: Is Alcohol Blocking Your Peace?: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/is-alcohol-blocking-your-peace-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e744/ 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!