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.

What if the very events that bring you the most joy are also your biggest source of fear when it comes to staying alcohol-free? Chris struggles with drinking at family celebrations and sports games, while T returns to The Path after two years alcohol-free that felt emotionally flat, wondering how to enjoy life without alcohol and still feel excitement and relaxation. Coach Cole helps Chris use visualization and an experiment mentality for upcoming social events, while Coach Soraya supports T in seeing how childhood invisibility shaped her relationship with herself and alcohol.  Chris’s session: “First freaking times” at pool parties & games—turning triggers into experiments Visualization: practice the event ahead of time BYO plan: NA drinks & a Yeti cup—have something in your hand Confident energy: own your choice & invite others to try NA options Post-event “data”: what felt better, what needs tweaking, what you learned Creativity over consumption: swapping late-night drinks for art, Legos, & family time How to enjoy life without alcohol by focusing on presence, play, & connection T’s session: Why two alcohol-free years felt “flat” & what “flat” was protecting Relational safety: being validated & verbally known as a path to joy Feeling your way (not thinking) into wants, rituals, & evening routines Naming numbing: alcohol as anesthetic & what it tries to solve Gentle self-worth rebuild through safe, supportive people Micro-experiments: sunset walks, movement, tiny creative reps How to enjoy life without alcohol by restoring self-connection & belonging Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. More on Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: What’s the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? – Reader’s Questions – E640 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/ Alcohol Free Firsts - Coaching Questions - E265 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-265-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard 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. Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Will the holidays be the same without drinking, or can they become more magical than you ever imagined? Coach Zoe explores that idea this week on The Joy Edit. We’re unwrapping what the holidays truly feel like when you remove alcohol and find something extraordinary waiting underneath. Your first alcohol-free holiday season might feel uncomfortable at first—like being the new kid in school—but you’ll feel like you’re at the head of the class with your clear head, inner peace, and memory-making. We’re introducing you to the five foundational pillars that make an alcohol-free holiday not just doable but fulfilling: positive peer pressure, the 24-hour rule, dropping negative expectations, curiosity without judgment, and self-compassion. Coach Zoe shares her personal journey decorating the Christmas tree without her usual bottle of champagne and reveals how that vulnerability opened the door to real magic. Learn how to protect your emotional energy, create response scripts for social situations, and build a joy list that transforms you. And bonus(!!), Coach Pam joins the conversation to reframe joy not as something you chase but as an energy that rises naturally when you stop numbing. The holidays become more magical, not less, when you're finally engaged enough to feel them. Coach Zoe shares: What holidays actually feel like when you stop numbing and start noticing Coach Zoe’s first alcohol-free Christmas and what surprised her most Why wondering will the holidays be the same without drinking is completely normal The difference between planning from perfection and preparing with compassion How cravings fade when your nervous system feels supported Why joy isn’t something you chase—it’s something you uncover Tools for handling social pressure without over-explaining yourself How small moments of aliveness rebuild trust and peace And more insights on creating holidays you don’t want to escape… Episode links: livealcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/  Navigating the Holidays Without Alcohol | The Joy Edit - E857 - https://thisnakedmind.com/navigating-the-holidays-without-alcohol-the-joy-edit-e857/ Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - 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! Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

This episode contains a discussion of childhood trauma, abuse, & emotional neglect. What if the key to your alcohol freedom lies in a past you've been trying to outrun? In this powerful episode, Path members Sian and Darci face the past. Darci shares her journey of drinking to escape memories of abuse while Coach Soraya helps unburden her inner child. Coach Zoe guides Sian through emotional suppression and self-judgment from a perfectionistic childhood. Both coaches help these members find healing and freedom from alcohol, exploring how childhood wounds create coping mechanisms and how you can feel and move through emotions instead of numbing them. Sian's Session: How a perfectionistic childhood created inadequacy beliefs Using alcohol to quiet self-judgment & numb emotions Being a "silent child" & emotionally suppressed The connection between suppressed emotions & adult rage Understanding the inner critic as an adaptive child needing compassion Learning to set boundaries after people-pleasing And more… Darci's Session: Connecting with her inner child through trauma work The feeling of being "blocked" from her true self Finding safe space to release painful memories Using IFS therapy to heal parts of the self Visualizing & burning painful memories Letting go of needing all the answers about trauma And more… Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. More on Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/  Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Using Alcohol To Numb Pain - Naked Life Story – Simone - E207 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-207-naked-life-story-simone/ How to start healing from numbing? - Coaching Questions - E564 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/ How To Show Up For Yourself and Stop Drinking – Meet Our Coaches – E831 – https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-show-up-for-yourself-and-stop-drinking-e831/ 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:Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Ever walk into a holiday party and immediately feel like you need to explain yourself before anyone even asks? Reality check: you don't. Not even a little bit.  In this episode, Coach Hayley shares her own messy, beautiful journey through her first alcohol-free holidays. She talks about feeling like she was under a microscope (spoiler: she wasn't), worrying everyone was judging her (they were mostly thinking about their own to-do lists), and that game-changing moment when someone said, "Hayley seems so happy." That's when she realized—this whole creating healthy holiday boundaries thing isn't about losing yourself. It's about coming home to yourself. Coach Hayley breaks down why defensiveness shows up (hint: it's your nervous system protecting you from shame), how to handle "just have one" comments without a ten-minute explanation, and why most people actually don't care what's in your glass. She introduces the Connection Compass, a super simple tool to ground yourself before any gathering by checking in on calm, clear, kind, and connected. Walk away with tips on navigating social pressure, keeping your favorite traditions while swapping ingredients, and showing up unapologetically as you. Whether you're worried about being boring, anxious about family questions, or just tired of feeling like you owe everyone a dissertation on your choices, this episode's got you covered with compassion, practical tools, and zero judgment. Coach Hayley is sharing more on: Why you never have to justify your choice not to drink, and how creating healthy holiday boundaries means honoring yourself  What defensiveness really is (a protective response, not a character flaw) and why your only job is to be kind and honest Easy-to-use responses for handling "Why aren't you drinking?" questions, and how to gracefully change the subject without feeling awkward The Connection Compass: a four-direction check-in tool (calm, clear, kind, connected) that helps you prepare emotionally before holiday gatherings How boundaries protect and empower you rather than push people away Ways to handle cravings when they show up at parties, festive drink options that still feel special, and the freedom of leaving when you're ready Transforming FOMO into JOMO—the joy of missing out on hangovers, regret, and anxiety in exchange for presence, peace, and real connection And more… Episode links: Related Episodes: Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? - Reader Question - E266 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/ Will I Ever Have Fun Without Drinking Alcohol? - Reader Question - E362 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-362-reader-question-will-i-ever-have-fun-without-drinking-alcohol/ The Cost of Fitting In - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E785 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-cost-of-fitting-in-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e785/ 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: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Have you ever felt like your reactions are out of your control? Today, Rosie and Tamara explore the roots of self-judgment and shame with Coaches Cole and Hayley, Alcohol Freedom Guides for The Path. Rosie is working to reframe her reactive responses to stress and anxiety, which she realizes are tied to a childhood feeling of being "shut down." Tamara uncovers her core belief that she isn’t "good enough," a pattern reinforced by past relationships and growing up with a parent who struggled with alcohol use. These conversations show how identifying deeply rooted beliefs can be the first step in breaking the cycle of self-criticism and building a new way forward. Rosie's Session: Understanding her "knee-jerk reactions" to stress & anxiety Linking current reactivity to past experiences of feeling shut down or unheard Reframing shame & self-judgmentUsing curiosity and awareness with emotional responses Creating a "pause" between an external trigger & her reaction Practicing new skills for changing long-standing patterns Seeing her anger as a "guard dog" trying to protect her Tamara's Session: Facing fear of rejection & feeling "not good enough" Naming the origin of her core beliefs in childhood experiences of feeling a lack of attention & love Seeing how her beliefs were reinforced by a parent's alcohol use & pressure to "over-excel" Noticing how anxiety & panic led her to drink to cope Finding other tools for self-regulation like journaling & yoga Embracing glimmers of joy & self-worth Listing positive qualities to build self-validation & quiet her inner critic Using self-reflection as a catalyst for growth Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. More on Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time. More on Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Why Does It Take So Long To Feel Confident After Quitting Alcohol? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E833 - https://thisnakedmind.com/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-feel-confident-after-quitting-alcohol/ How do you get rid of the punishing voice inside your head? - Reader Question - E634 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-634-readers-question-how-do-you-get-rid-of-the-punishing-voice-inside-your-head/ You’re Enough Without the Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E815 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-with-alcohol-e815/ Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

How do you handle holiday triggers without alcohol when every gathering feels like a test? The clinking glasses, "just one won't hurt" comments, and family dynamics can overwhelm anyone navigating an alcohol-free holiday season. Coach Zoe has a game-changing perspective: triggers aren't your enemy—they're messengers pointing to what you actually need. In this powerful Joy Edit episode, you'll discover the brain science behind holiday triggers and learn Annie Grace's visualization technique for preparing your nervous system before challenging situations. Instead of white-knuckling through parties, you'll explore practical tools like "curiosity goggles," the ACT method (Awareness, Clarity, Turnaround), and trigger mapping. Coach Zoe breaks down the most common holiday triggers—from party pressure to family flashbacks—and reveals the unmet needs hiding beneath each one. You'll learn why willpower crashes, but awareness builds lasting change, how to make "tonight commitments" instead of overwhelming forever promises, and simple regulation techniques like HALT checks (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and anchor gestures. Transform your holiday one breath at a time, and create the life you don't want to escape. Coach Zoe is sharing: How to handle holiday triggers without alcohol by treating them as information, not evidence that you’re failing Why “curiosity goggles” can shift you from reactive to responsive at parties and family events The difference between willpower and awareness, and why collecting evidence you can trust yourself matters How visualization, “tonight I choose…” commitments, and experimentation reduce pressure and increase freedom A science-backed look at stress, alcohol’s brain chemistry, and mindful ways to soothe your nervous system The ACT tool (Awareness, Clarity, Turnaround) and how to build a personalized holiday trigger map Practicing response instead of reaction so your wise inner adult—not old patterns—leads the way How these grace-first tools help you stay present, protect your peace, and more topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/ Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with Family - Reader Question - E622 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-620-readers-question-effective-strategies-for-setting-boundaries-with-family/ Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers - Reader Question - E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/ 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: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Using alcohol to numb emotions—does it really keep you safe, or just keep you stuck in old patterns? For Ann, alcohol became the shortcut to avoid conflict and silence emotions she’d been told to keep hidden since childhood. For Mandy, the urge to drink after work felt like the only way to shut off stress and self-criticism. In this powerful coaching session, Coach Zoe invites both women to explore what’s really underneath the desire to drink when feelings become overwhelming. Together, they uncover the links between shame, perfectionism, anxiety, and cravings—and learn practical ways to process emotions without running from them. Their stories show how self-compassion, body awareness, and simple grounding tools can open the door to healing. This conversation is both raw and hopeful, reminding us that the urge to numb is really an invitation to feel, heal, and choose differently. In Ann’s session: The lifelong habit of emotional suppression The neuroscience behind drinking to numb feelings Learning to identify and name emotions for the first time Recognizing that needing is not a threat to survival Starting to care for yourself and your body as a path to healing The power of holding space for yourself and your emotions Acknowledging the journey of emotional recovery And more topics… In Mandy’s session: The emotional weight of unprocessed past experiences How a lifetime of hypervigilance creates the need to escape Realizing that self-sabotage is a coping mechanism Finding new, creative hobbies to replace drinking The wisdom of the body and the courage to feel Gaining confidence in your own perspective and voice Acknowledging that the journey to healing is not always linear And more… Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. 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 Rewire Your Brain To Stop Drinking - Meet Our Coaches -  E827 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-rewire-your-brain-to-stop-drinking-e827/  Feeling Your Emotions Without Alcohol - Understanding the Urge to Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E799 - https://thisnakedmind.com/understanding-the-urge-to-drink-e799/ Healing From Using Alcohol to Numb Emotional Pain - Reader’s Question - E564 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/ 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: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at AuraFrames.com with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND

Ever catch yourself wondering why the holidays—meant to be joyful—can feel so overwhelming? In this first episode of The Joy Edit, Coach Pam and Coach Hayley explore exactly that. They walk alongside you through the rush of traditions, emotions, expectations, and memories that make the season both beautiful and complicated. Hayley opens up about her first alcohol-free holiday after losing her mom, while Pam shares Annie Grace’s “order of operations,” revealing why shame keeps us stuck and why grace sets us free. Coach Zoe jumps in with a relatable moment from a long family gathering, showing how curiosity can soften triggers and help you stay grounded. Throughout the episode, you’re invited into gentle reflection, deeper breathing, and tiny mindset shifts that add up in powerful ways. By the end, you’ll feel more equipped—and more at ease—about how to navigate the holidays without alcohol. Highlights include: Why grace—not willpower—shifts how to navigate the holidays without alcohol Hayley’s first alcohol-free holiday after her mom’s passing Zoe’s tool for noticing “the wave” before it pulls you under Pam on Annie’s neuroscience-backed “order of operations” A 5-step reflection to turn judgment into curiosity Creating your personal Grace Statement for the season And more… Episode links:Learn how to handle holiday stress without alcohol - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-handle-holiday-stress-without-alcohol/ Related Episodes: Overcoming a Craving: My Best Advice | Reader Question | E10 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-10-reader-question-overcoming-a-craving-my-best-advice/ How do I deal with death and grief without alcohol? | Reader Question | E262 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-262-reader-question-grief-without-alcohol/ How do you survive the holidays without alcohol? | Reader Question | E438 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-438-reader-question-how-do-you-survive-the-holidays-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! Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with 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/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

What if the feeling you’re trying to avoid is actually pointing to what you need most? In this episode, Coach Cole and Coach Hayley guide T and Jean through compassionate exploration of the urges driving their drinking. T describes anticipation, ritual, and the itchy “deprivation sweater” she feels when she skips a drink. Jean shares how isolation and social anxiety feed her belief that she’s “not interesting.” Both women dive into how to figure out why you drink - not to shame, but to uncover hidden needs, from creativity and space to self-worth and connection. In T’s Session: Translating the “deprived/itchy” sensation into data, not danger. How anticipation builds the ritual—and how to disrupt it kindly. Micro-pause practice: five minutes to explore how to figure out why you drink. “No room to grow” → portable creativity kits and boundary conversations. Reframing anger as an unmet-need alert, not a failure. Shifting from measuring pours to measuring alignment and relief. Choosing compassion tools over control tactics. And more topics… In Jean’s Session: Social anxiety’s storylines: “I’m boring,” “I’ll say it wrong,” “I’ll stay home.” Worth vs. worthiness feelings: why the difference matters. Hand-on-heart anchors and compassionate self-talk before events. Understanding how to figure out why you drink to stop pre-event numbing. Low-stakes connection reps to unwind isolation loops. “I’m in the process of…” turnarounds that feel true (not toxic positivity). Progress over perfection: practicing courage in small doses. 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/ Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time. Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com 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: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth: Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

How do you learn how to get over drunken mistakes when the same patterns keep repeating? Jennifer spent years convincing herself that each catastrophic night was just an isolated incident—until she couldn't ignore the data points anymore. Raised to suppress her emotions in a predominantly white neighborhood as a Salvadorian, she developed an identity crisis early on that followed her into adulthood. From blackouts at age 21 to nights in jail, from ruined relationships to a devastating trip to Cabo that nearly cost her everything, Jennifer's story reveals the brutal honesty required for change. In this episode, Jennifer joins Coach Cole to explore how childhood trauma shapes adult coping mechanisms, why shame keeps us stuck in destructive cycles, and how journaling and compassion can illuminate the path forward. Jennifer and Coach Cole discuss: Seeing “slip-ups” as compassionate data points instead of proof you’ve failed. Jennifer’s “nine fine, one catastrophic” pattern that exposes the truth about moderation. How insecurity, FOMO, and feeling out of place quietly drove her drinking choices. Hearing “You cannot drink” from family as loving clarity and necessary boundaries. Using honest journaling to remember the full impact of drinking when cravings show up. How to get over drunken mistakes by softening shame and meeting yourself with curiosity and grace. And more… Related Episodes: What Are The Signs of Relapse? | Reader Question | E708 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-708-readers-question-what-are-the-signs-of-relapse/ How Do You Deal With Feeling Ashamed or Embarrassed About Drinking? | Reader Question | E406 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-406-reader-question-how-do-you-deal-with-feeling-ashamed-or-embarrassed-about-drinking/ 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 For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

What if the shift from mindless to mindful drinking could change everything? In this episode, Coach Cole sits down with Rhoda and Wendi to share what coaching inside The Path really looks like—compassionate, practical, and doable. Together, they uncover the small, repeatable steps that turn autopilot drinking into a conscious choice. From creating space in the middle of urges to redefining success one brick at a time, you’ll hear real-life strategies for how to stop giving in to alcohol urges and build lasting freedom. In Rhoda’s Session: Moving from mindless to mindful drinking with awareness and self-compassion Redefining success: tiny “brick by brick” wins, not just streaks Using short-term resets (2 days, even 10 minutes) to build confidence Practicing “data points” instead of shame spirals when slips happen How to stop giving in to alcohol urges by creating a small pause and water-first routine Navigating social situations (Mahjong, Bunco) with mindful choices Breaking the cycle of self-criticism and comparison And additional topics… In Wendi’s Session: Recognizing the job alcohol is doing (numbing, emotional regulation) Creating quick “table it” strategies when urges hit in real life Learning to observe urges with curiosity rather than dread From mindless overwhelm to mindful naming of sensations (chest tightness, racing thoughts) How to stop giving in to alcohol urges by separating yourself from the urge with the “rock” visualization Reframing urges as normal emotional waves, like grief—not failure Building self-trust through repeatable, real-life mindful practices 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/ 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/ Understanding the Urge to Drink | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E799 - https://thisnakedmind.com/understanding-the-urge-to-drink-e799/ How Do I Beat Alcohol Cravings? | Reader’s Question | - E700 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-700-readers-question-how-do-i-beat-alcohol-cravings 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: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth: Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

Why does alcohol feel like the only way to quiet your mind? Drinking to deal with sensory overload and overwhelming 'white noise' was a daily necessity for Scot. After growing up surrounded by generational alcohol use, he turned to alcohol early in life, finding it was the only thing that allowed him to overcome shyness and function socially. It wasn't until later in life, after receiving a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, that Scot finally understood the true battle he was fighting—a fight against his own neurodivergent needs that led him to a devastating cycle of returns to old patterns and regret. Scot and Coach Cole discuss: Scot’s early years in a family shaped by heavy drinking and loss How local drinking culture and “always up for it” expectations influenced his choices Using alcohol as “Dutch courage” to socialize as a shy, neurodivergent teen Discovering autism and ADHD as a lens for self-understanding instead of self-blame Nightly wine, hidden bottles, blackouts, and the impact on his partner and kids His vivid description of mental “noise” and drinking to deal with sensory overload The moment with his daughter that sparked a clear decision to quit for good Embracing neurodivergent strengths and navigating social events alcohol-free And more… Related Episodes: I drink to f*ck my brain up, just for a little while. Can you help? | Reader Question | E80 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-80-reader-question-drink-fck-brain-just-little-can-help/ I Drink To Fit In | Nat’s Naked Life | E439 | https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-439-naked-life-story-nat-x/ Highly Sensitive People and Alcohol Use | Halima - Where Are They Now? | E703 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-703-naked-life-story-hayley-where-are-they-now-halima/ 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!

Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about verbal abuse, family dysfunction, and childhood trauma. Please listen with care. Healing relationships damaged by alcohol—where do you even begin? In this candid, hope-filled episode, Coach Soraya and Coach Zoe sit down with Sherri and Kevin to give listeners a front-row peek at how The Path works—and the breakthroughs that happen inside each day. Sherri shares her journey of leaving a verbally abusive marriage, breaking the after-work wine habit, and facing the truth about a new partner who encourages drinking. Kevin opens up about separation, sober dating, and the power of “playing it forward” when cravings strike, while also learning to reconnect with his inner child and rebuild self-trust. With gentle guidance and science-backed tools, both guests experience moments of clarity and hope, showing how compassion and curiosity make healing relationships damaged by alcohol possible. In Sherri’s Session: How verbal abuse led to a reliance on alcohol to cope Realizing that "feeling good" while drinking is not the same as true happiness Finding the courage to say "no" to drinking and a toxic relationship Understanding that a negative feeling makes you want to drink Taking the first step in healing relationships damaged by alcohol And more topics… In Kevin’s Session: Finding renewed confidence to quit after a purposeful "data point" Using your past experiences as a "reference library" to move forward Confronting childhood trauma and its connection to self-soothing with alcohol Earning your own trust back and holding space for little you Discussing the process of healing relationships damaged by alcohol And more… Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients’ journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ 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 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: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth: Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

What does it really mean to be the life of the party when you can't remember the conversations you had? Tiffany grew up in a family where alcohol was as normal as water, present at every meal. Working on cruise ships and yachts, she became the person who never wanted to go home, always chasing the next bar until sunrise. Many people wonder do I need to give up partying when considering change, and Tiffany faced this exact question. After discovering This Naked Mind, she realized she could create a vibrant, connected life without ethanol controlling her every move. In this episode, Tiffany joins Coach Cole to discuss breaking generational patterns and discovering that the best parties don't require alcohol. Coach Cole and Tiffany discuss: Being known as the party animal who never wanted to go home Losing a job due to drinking and the wake-up calls that followed The question many face: do I need to give up partying? How her boyfriend supported her through a year of transformation Going from closing down bars to closing down coffee shops And other topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Partying and Parenthood - Payal’s Naked Life - E461 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-461-naked-life-story-payal/  How do I lose the desire to drink on special occasions? - Reader Question - E440 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-440-reader-question-how-do-i-lose-the-desire-to-drink-on-special-occasions/ Letting Go of A Party Girl Identity - Maggie’s Naked Life - E429 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-429-naked-life-story-maggie/ 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 For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

What if cravings and emotions weren’t problems to fight but signals to listen to? That’s exactly what Jody and Lauren explore in their coaching sessions with Coach Cole. Jody asks the honest question so many of us do: “Why can’t I get rid of alcohol cravings?” Lauren opens up about how uncomfortable it feels to face her emotions instead of numbing with wine. With Coach Cole’s guidance, they begin to reframe cravings and feelings as opportunities for growth — and you’ll get a peek at the kind of transformation that happens inside The Path. In Jody’s Session: Asking the big question: why can’t I get rid of alcohol cravings? Struggling with the 3:30 PM urge to run to the store for beer Why distraction and breathing exercises don’t always work Discovering the power of delay and small non-negotiables Learning to talk to cravings with curiosity instead of fighting them Finding new outlets like walking dogs or moving physically Understanding cravings as part of the subconscious trying to help Building compassion for the part of herself that still wants to drink And more… In Lauren’s Session: Feeling a “blank” when trying to sit with emotions Struggling with overwhelm from parenting, work, and daily stress Using wine as a quick fix to avoid exploring feelings Physical signs of discomfort: sweaty palms, tight shoulders Learning to name emotions instead of trying to “fix” them Experiencing relief when realizing emotions pass quickly Reframing inner work as gentle acknowledgement instead of “hard work” How small moments of compassion build strength for lasting change And more topics… Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Episode links: Start Your Path - nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Will I ever stop craving alcohol? - Reader Question - E676 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-676-readers-question-will-i-ever-stop-craving-alcohol/  How do you deal with stress without alcohol? - Reader Question - E158 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/ Shifting Beliefs, Changing Habits - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E783 - https://thisnakedmind.com/shifting-beliefs-changing-habits-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e783/ 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 For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

Are you struggling with learning how to cope as a special needs parent when alcohol has been your go-to for years? Amy once felt the same way—thinking wine was the only way to take the edge off. But during a 30-day alcohol experiment, she uncovered something surprising: her drinking had less to do with parenting challenges and more to do with old coping patterns she’d carried for years. In this Where Are They Now chat with Coach Hayley, Amy opens up about how going alcohol-free has helped her show up differently as a mom, let go of micromanaging, and even lean back into supporting the very community she once wanted to escape. In this episode, Amy and Hayley catch up on: How Amy's "sneaky" relationship with alcohol masked deeper coping patterns Why The Alcohol Experiment was just the beginning of her real transformation How to cope as a special needs parent by addressing root causes, not just symptoms Why her drinking habits had nothing to do with special needs parenting challenges Learning to feel emotions instead of shoving them down with alcohol and other substances Shifting from anxiety-driven micromanagement to mindful, empowered parenting Applying the same "why" questions to break patterns with sugar, caffeine, and social media Professionally reinvesting in supporting individuals with diagnoses after her transformation And more… Episode links: Start Your Alcohol Experiment - www.alcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Special Needs and Drinking - Amy’s Naked Life -E313 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-313-naked-life-story-amy-m/ From Isolation to Connection: Finding Your Way Alcohol-Free - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E825 - https://thisnakedmind.com/feeling-lost-after-quitting-drinking-e825/ Sharing Your Personal Journey with Alcohol: A Guide to Honest Conversations and Healing Connections - Reader’s Question - E620 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-618-readers-question-annie-graces-tips-for-dealing-with-family-members-who-continue-to-drink-2/ 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 For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from 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/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.

Are you struggling to silence the inner voice that gives you a "permission slip" to drink? In this episode, Coaches Haley and Soraya offer an inside look at the breakthroughs, support, and compassion available inside The Path every day. Cara feels like she's treading water, while Michelle grapples with feeling like a failure, but they both learn valuable lessons about how to stop giving yourself permission to drink and the importance of self-compassion. In Cara’s Session: Why she feels like a better, more patient caregiver when she’s alcohol-free Seeing “slip ups” as data points instead of proof she’s failed The sneaky moments she catches herself giving permission to drink How journaling and the ACT technique help her stay grounded Realizing two weeks alcohol-free was just the start of the journey Swapping the “I deserve it” drink for self-care that actually works Learning how to stop giving yourself permission to drink when alcohol is in the house Shifting her focus from self-doubt to hope on her second round of The Path And more… In Michelle’s Session: What’s changed since she committed to being alcohol-free on April 30 Breaking old associations between alcohol, travel, and celebration Managing “joy cravings” without reigniting the desire to drink Finding confidence and feeling “safe inside herself” without alcohol Turning shame and secrecy into pride and self-trust The mantra she uses to quiet anxiety and future fears How community support inside The Path keeps her motivated Learning how to stop giving yourself permission to drink on special occasions And more topics… Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time.  Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/ Soraya Arjan Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients’ journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Overcoming the Fear of Drinking Again - Erin’s Naked Life - E741- https://thisnakedmind.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-drinking-again-erins-naked-life-e741/How do I break the cycle of recurring data points?- Reader Question - E588 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-588-reader-question-how-do-i-break-the-cycle-of-recurring-data-points/ What Voices Guide Your Choices - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E768 - https://thisnakedmind.com/what-voices-guide-your-choices-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e768/ 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- Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Hungryroot- Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/ nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify- Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind BetterHelp- Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind

What if the thing holding you back from feeling better was so normal you couldn't even see it? Michael spent years as a weekend drinker—never missing work, rarely getting truly hungover, and thinking his Friday-Saturday routine was just part of life. But beneath the surface, he was gaining weight, feeling disconnected, and living in a fog he didn't know existed. When he finally calculated the calories and realized he was binge drinking, quitting weekend binge drinking became the decision that changed everything. In this episode, Michael joins Coach Cole to talk about how one ordinary moment—pouring a drink down the drain—became the catalyst for extraordinary transformation in his health, marriage, and spiritual life. In this episode, Coach Cole and Michael discuss: The quiet turning point: a watered-down vodka and a Sunday sink Doing the math: 4–5k “weekend” calories, late-night pizza, and weight creep One Year No Beer → Annie’s book → community support that clicked “Low-level lousy”: why feeling meh all week became the wake-up call Early mornings, meditation, and walks as keystone habits Dreams about drinking and why they freaked him out Quitting weekend binge drinking as the simplest path to feeling better Handling “I deserve a drink” thoughts without white-knuckling Labels vs. behavior: dropping the identity fight and choosing presence Modeling change for kids and being the midnight ride they can count on And more topics… 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/ What is the difference in binge drinking vs. daily drinking? - Reader Question - E156 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-156-what-is-the-difference-in-binge-drinking-vs-daily-drinking/ Drinking in Full Control with Ruari Fairbairns - Interview - E73 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-73-drinking-full-control-ruari-fairbairns/ 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!