This Naked Mind Podcast

In this insightful podcast episode, Annie Grace again shares an inside look at the real-life coaching she offers every month to Path 365 members. Delving into the topic of stopping the weekend drinking cycle, Annie addresses common triggers, such as boredom and loneliness, that lead to cravings and eventual data points. With compassion and practical advice, she empowers individuals to examine their beliefs and behaviors surrounding alcohol, providing tools for lasting change. Thank you so much for listening to this episode. If you’re ready to see how This Naked Mind can help you on your personal health and wellness journey and wanna learn more. Go to ThisNakedMindpodcast.com to learn more. Again, that’s ThisNakedMindpodcast.com. We have all of our free resources, programs,  social links and more available for you there. Plus, if you have your own Naked Life Story, you can submit it there as well. Until next week, stay curious.

Michael’s relationship with alcohol started late and spiraled out of control as he grappled with finding alignment between the faith he’d been raised in and the internal beliefs and desires that defied that very doctrine. Listen as he shares with Annie Grace his personal journey, starting with his struggle with faith and sexuality and how it changed the role alcohol played in his life. He discusses how his anxiety and desire for peace led him to excessive alcohol consumption and hiding bottles. However, a turning point came when he discovered Annie Grace's book, "This Naked Mind," which reshaped his perspective and ultimately led him to find freedom through the Live Alcohol Experiment. Thank you so much for listening to this episode. If you’re ready to see how This Naked Mind can help you on your personal health and wellness journey and wanna learn more. Go to ThisNakedMindpodcast.com to learn more. Again, that’s ThisNakedMindpodcast.com. We have all of our free resources, programs, social links, and more available for you there. Plus, if you have your own Naked Life Story, you can submit it there as well. Until next week, stay curious.

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 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 your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

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 better habits, and find meaning. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How can I not feel guilty for all the time I spent trying to fix myself? - Reader Question - E240 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-240-reader-question-how-can-i-not-feel-guilty-for-all-the-time-i-spent-trying-to-fix-myself/  How to Explore Drinking Without Judgment - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E813 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-explore-drinking-without-judgment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e813/ 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 your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

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! Quince: Go to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠

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 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: Will I Ever Stop Craving Alcohol? – Reader Question – E676 – http://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/ How Do I Break the Cycle of Recurring Data Points? – Reader Question – E588 – http://thisnakedmind.com/ep-588-reader-question-how-do-i-break-the-cycle-of-recurring-data-points/ From Cravings to Curiosity – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E851 – https://thisnakedmind.com/why-cant-i-get-rid-of-alcohol-cravings-e851/ 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 your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

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 ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind

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 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: Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers | Reader’s Question | E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/ Is Motivation Alone Enough? Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E774 - https://thisnakedmind.com/is-motivation-alone-enough-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e774/ Finding Hope for Long-time Drinkers | Reader’s Question | E600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/ Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & 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 your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

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 your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

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 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: Escaping The Hamster Wheel of Drinking – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E847 – https://thisnakedmind.com/why-cant-i-quit-drinking-after-so-many-tries-afc-e847/ Will I ever stop craving alcohol? – Reader Questions – E676 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/ Trusting Yourself Again – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E760 – 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! Quince: Go to⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/mind⁠⁠⁠ with code mind BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠

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?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠https://www.hungryroot.com/mind⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠ ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠⁠  Quince: Go to⁠ ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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/zoe-ewart/ Episode links:nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How To Show Up For Yourself and Stop Drinking - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E831 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-show-up-for-yourself-and-stop-drinking-e831/  Sharing the Truth About Alcohol (How To Talk With Family) – Reader Question - E396 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-396-reader-question-how-can-i-tell-my-family-the-truth-about-alcohol/ 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! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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-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! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol? - Reader Question - E262 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ What Rewiring the Brain Really Looks Like - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E807 - https://thisnakedmind.com/reprogramming-your-brain-after-quitting-drinking-e807/ What To Do When The Emotions Hit After You Quit Drinking – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E845 – https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-to-avoid-emotions-afc-e845/ 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! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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/ Can I Just Take a Break From Alcohol? – Reader Question – E378 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-378-reader-question-can-i-just-take-a-break-from-alcohol/ Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E821 – https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/ 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! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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/coach/cole-harvey/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How do I stay alcohol free at a bachelor/bachelorette party weekend? - Reader Question - E292 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-292-reader-question-how-do-i-stay-alcohol-free-at-a-bachelor-bachelorette-party-weekend/ What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink – Bison Hunting and Raspberries - E444 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-444-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-drink-bison-hunting-and-raspberries/ Embracing Joy in the Moment – Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E754 – https://thisnakedmind.com/embracing-joy-in-the-moment-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e754/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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 the Pink Cloud? - Reader’s Question - E320 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-320-reader-question-what-is-the-pink-cloud/ How To Feel Good Without Alcohol - Reader’s Question - E702 - https://thisnakedmind.com/podcast/ep-702-readers-question-how-to-feel-good-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! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/  Episode links:nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How do I handle cravings and people pleasing?-Reader Question-E272- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-272-reader-question-how-do-i-handle-cravings-and-people-pleasing/ 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/ The Path to Inner Clarity-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E748- https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/ Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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 journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠https://www.hungryroot.com/mind Shopify:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Quince:Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  BetterHelp:BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

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 Naked Life-E836- https://thisnakedmind.com/how-do-you-socialize-without-alcohol-nishas-naked-life-e836/ Who Am I Without Wine?-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E801- https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Until next week, stay curious!