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Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to grief and the loss of a child. What alcohol was really costing me was my peace, my presence, and a life that felt true and authentic. That's the realization both Michelle and Susan come to with the help of Coaches Hayley and Cole. Michelle just hit 30 days and is only now connecting the dots between what alcohol was really costing her and the fear, impatience, and disconnection she'd written off as just life. Susan is alcohol-free and sitting with a grief so deep she wonders if she deserves to feel better at all. This one is real, raw, and worth every minute. In Michelle’s session: Why wine still felt tempting even when she knew it was no longer serving her The link between drinking, marriage, routine, and end-of-day shutdown Creating new patterns, from different seats on the couch to different drinks at dinner Noticing how alcohol affects patience, sleep, stress, and health data Questioning the fear that changing her drinking could change her marriage Seeing what alcohol was really costing me in calm, clarity, and connection Letting go of future-tripping and staying present And more topics… In Susan’s session: Processing grief, guilt, and the heartbreak of losing her son Why self-compassion feels so hard after loss Looking back at drinking through a new lens Exploring whether guilt feels like a way to stay connected Realizing she was not 100% responsible for everything that happened Using writing and reflection to hold grief without picking up a drink 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: Does Mom Guilt After Drinking Ever Go Away? - Reader Question - EP 650 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-650-readers-question-does-mom-guilt-after-drinking-ever-go-away/  Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 730 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/ What if my marriage is dependent on alcohol? - Reader Question - EP 222 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-222-reader-question-what-if-my-marriage-is-dependent-on-alcohol/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

What does it take to finally walk away from drinking when you love the party, love your people, and have never once thought of yourself as someone with a problem? Brooke was a high-functioning extrovert running a business and raising a family when a quiet voice in her head kept telling her something was off. Once she found The Path and started doing the real work, she discovered how alcohol-free living improved her anxiety in ways she never anticipated, and two and a half years later she has not looked back once. Brooke discusses: The brain scan that first linked her alcohol use to her health and sparked a decade-long journey toward change Taking 10 months alcohol-free, returning to drinking after a family trip, and why she never judged herself for it How COVID neighborhood happy hours quietly accelerated her relationship with alcohol Joining The Path in August 2023 and the hungover weekend trip that became her last Discovering she was an extrovert living with social anxiety and how that reframed everything she thought she knew about her drinking How alcohol-free living improved her anxiety by removing the daily double whammy of hangxiety and giving her space to actually feel and respond The shift from "I can't have it" to "I don't want it" and what real alcohol freedom looks and feels like Morning Pages, journaling, therapy, books, and other low-barrier tools that helped her most in the early days Why self-awareness and willingness are the two things that make every other tool actually work And more on identity, belonging, and building a life that feels the same on the inside as it looks on the outside... Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Question - EP 480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/  Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Alcohol: Tools to Find Calm and Confidence - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 877- https://thisnakedmind.com/daily-practices-to-stay-alcohol-free-afc-e877/ Have I done permanent damage to my brain? - Reader Question - EP 350 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-350-reader-question-have-i-done-permanent-damage-to-my-brain/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Ever reach for a drink because your feelings felt too big, too messy, or too hard? How often have you wondered what is the best way to feel your feelings without drinking? Coaches Soraya & Cole show that it isn't about white-knuckling through emotions; it's about letting them in. Dianne walked away from 15 alcohol-free years after her son's ultimatum broke her, and hasn't found her way back. Beth takes care of everyone around her but never lets anyone take care of her. In Dianne’s session: Fifteen years alcohol-free & what brought her back to drinking after leaving AA Why the "data point" approach still feels like failure in year two of The Path The family estrangement that cracked her open & how she’s been numbing it since The moment she realized every negative feeling about herself comes directly from drinking What is the best way to feel your feelings without drinking when the pain feels too big to face More on habit vs. craving, self-belief, & finding your way back to yourself. In Beth’s session: How alcohol-free days uncovered emotions she never knew she was carrying The habit of stuffing feelings down and why it kept her stuck drinking Learning emotions are not problems to fix, just experiences to witness and feel Why perfectionism and shame go hand in hand & how both fuel the urge to drink The fear of burdening others with her feelings and what that costs her An exercise in sitting with sadness & the surprising relief it brought More on journaling, self-compassion, & breaking perfectionism 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/ 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 To Stop Running Away from Life and Emotions - Reader Question - EP 632 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-630-readers-question-how-to-stop-running-away-from-life-and-emotions/  How Can I Prevent Relapse and Does All Sober Time Count? - Reader Question - EP 30 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-30-reader-question-how-can-i-prevent-relapse-and-does-all-sober-time-count/ How To Stop Numbing Your Feelings and Start Living - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 859 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-alcohol-to-numb-emotions-afc-e859/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Trigger warning: This episode contains references to domestic violence, sexual assault, self-harm, disordered eating, substance use, and mental health crises. What does an alcohol-free life transformation actually look like from the inside? For Valerie, it looks like CrossFit at 4:30 AM, a flourishing marriage, a challenging career, and a self she genuinely loves for the first time at 36. But getting here meant surviving an abusive relationship, years of drinking as a survival tool, and a long search for belonging that took her to martial arts competitions in Korea, AA meetings, and finally a bookstore where Annie Grace's book changed everything. This is her story. Valerie and Coach Cole discuss: Growing up without consistent support and turning to alcohol as a survival tool from age 18 How a deeply abusive relationship pushed her drinking to its darkest point and left her searching for a way out The moment she put down her last drink without a plan and never looked back Why AA gave her community but not the alcohol-free life transformation she was truly looking for How Annie Grace's book found her in a bookstore and rewired the way she understood herself and alcohol Building her CrossFit community as the foundation of belonging, she had been searching for her whole life What spontaneous alcohol freedom feels like and why she has not had a single craving in 14 months Letting go of the need for family approval and turning compassion inward for the first time And more on healing, self-love, and the extraordinary life that opened up when she stopped drinking... Episode links: https://go.tnmprograms.com/start-here-quiz Related Episodes: Emotional Trauma Recovery with Dr. Melissa Kalt - Interview - EP 689 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/ Does Annie Grace think AA is wrong? - Reader Question - EP 324 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-324-reader-question-does-annie-grace-think-aa-is-wrong/ Overcoming Drinking Culture in Fitness - Where Are They Now? Molly - EP 695 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-695-naked-life-story-hayley-where-are-they-now-molly/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to PTSD, depression, loss, and self-harm. What if the thing you've never tried, not once in your whole life, turned out to be the answer? Beverlee is fresh out of eight years of isolation, finally learning how to stop drinking when you feel overwhelmed by caregiving, grief, and years of putting herself last. Steve is 75, alcohol-free since July, and sitting with something brand new: the idea that he doesn't have to fix everything. Coaches Cole and Soraya guide both of them in discovering what it means to show up for themselves. In Beverlee’s session: Years of isolation, caregiving, and a demoralizing environment, and what finally started to shift The moment Beverlee recognized she'd been hiding her drinking, and herself, for most of her life A profound inner child healing exercise that brought tears, release, and a long-overdue reunion What self-compassion actually feels like in your body, and how to locate it when you've only ever given it away Why curiosity can open the door to compassion when compassion feels completely out of reach And more on the other side of hiding… In Steve’s session: How Steve found his "why" at age 75 and has been alcohol-free since July Why adult children carrying old wounds don't have to define you or your peace How to stop drinking when you feel overwhelmed by family tension and unresolved grief The Groundhog Day cycle of drinking The shift from waiting for your kids to love you to walking in with love for yourself first And more on belonging to yourself and trusting the process 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: Finding Hope for Longtime Drinkers - Reader Question - EP 600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/ Progress Over Perfection, Learn to Embrace Self-Compassion - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 730 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-730-coaches-podcast-coach-ellie-with-lauri-m-tina-m/ Self-Love is the Key - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 736 - https://thisnakedmind.com/self-love-is-the-key-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e736/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Breaking the nightly drinking habit can feel impossible when alcohol has been “normal” your whole life—so what happens when you finally decide to choose you? Shannon grew up with alcohol in the background, avoided drinking for years, and then slowly found herself becoming the “drinking buddy” in a marriage where beer was everywhere. When the boys moved out and her drinking escalated, she hit a gut-check moment that made her realize she felt trapped—and she wanted out. In this episode, Shannon shares how a TNM masterclass sparked hope, how she signed up for support on a day she truly didn’t want to go home, and what it looked like to rebuild her evenings without white-knuckling. She also opens up about the quiet kind of pride that comes from learning you can count on yourself again—and how she’s navigating boundaries and communication with a partner who still drinks. Shannon discusses: What it’s like to grow up around alcohol—and not realize how much it shaped you Why Shannon didn’t drink much early on, and what changed later in life When “just beer” turns into a nightly routine you can’t ignore Breaking the nightly drinking habit when cravings feel automatic after work How shame keeps people stuck—and how awareness helps you get free What surprised Shannon after she stopped drinking Building self-trust one choice at a time—without needing a dramatic moment Holding boundaries at home while staying connected in a relationship Why worry can feel like love—and what it costs you Learning to approach hard conversations with more safety and less panic And other topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Overcoming Shame and Embarrassment After Drinking - Reader’s Question - EP 722 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-722-readers-question-overcoming-shame-and-embarrassment-after-drinking/  Using Alcohol for Stress Relief - Naked Life Story – Allison B. - EP 715 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-715-naked-life-story-allison-b/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Ever notice how the craving doesn’t wait til you get home? How it shows up the second the day gets heavy? Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Beth and Patrick to unpack what’s really happening under the urge to drink, and how to respond with support instead of self-criticism. Along the way, they answer a question so many of us have asked: What is the best way to deal with stress without alcohol? Beth learns a new way to understand her cravings, and Patrick builds momentum with small, realistic steps that stick. In Beth's session: Why work stress makes weekday cravings feel so intense The firefighter analogy: seeing the part of you that reaches for alcohol as a protector, not an enemy Replacing "control" with "connection" as a new way to approach cravings A somatic exercise to sit with difficult emotions How setting a check-in timer throughout the day can prevent cravings from building up Building confidence by stacking small wins and evidence that you can ride out tough moments Learning the best way to deal with stress without alcohol when panic hits at work And more… In Patrick's session: Why retirement unexpectedly led to more drinking and weight gain The difference between behavior-based and emotion-based goals How micro commitments create lasting change without overwhelm Experimenting with yoga, pickleball, martial arts, and guitar as alcohol-free alternatives Using the "closer or farther" question as a pattern interruption before happy hour The best way to deal with stress without alcohol, when boredom and habit take over 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 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 CAMH. 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 Related Episodes: Alcohol After 60 - Coaching Questions -  EP 418 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-418-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard/  Can You Stop Drinking Due To Work Stress - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 803 - https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-because-of-work-stress-e803/ Why do I end up drinking by myself whenever I am bored or stressed? - Reader Question - EP 594 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-594-reader-question-why-do-i-end-up-drinking-by-myself-whenever-i-am-bored-or-stressed/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind 

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance use, parental substance abuse, blackouts, and trauma-related behaviors. Letting go of wine culture—what if it’s not about losing something… but getting you back? Sherri grew up in a world where partying was normal, alcohol was everywhere, and being “the fun one” felt like her role. Over time, that same “fun” turned into nightly wine autopilot, constant bargaining (“just one,” “only certain days”), and the kind of loneliness that sneaks up on you when drinking starts shrinking your life. Then one Saturday, Sherri wandered into a library and found The Alcohol Experiment—and the experiment mindset finally gave her a way to step out of the shame spiral and into curiosity. Today, Sherri has become an integral part of The Alcohol Experiment Facebook group—her honest, funny, real posts continue to encourage people on day one, day thirty, or year six. Honestly? She’s the unofficial TAE mascot. In this episode, Coach Cole and Sherri talk about what changes when you stop fighting yourself and start choosing yourself. Sherri and Coach Cole discuss: Sherri’s early years: when partying was “normal” and alcohol was everywhere How wine turned into identity (“I can’t imagine me without it”) The exhausting moderation loop: rules, resets, bargaining, repeat Why drinking slowly shifted from social to isolating Blackouts, staying home to “be safe,” and the loneliness that followed The library moment that introduced Sherri to The Alcohol Experiment Letting go of wine culture without shame—using curiosity instead The power of community + accountability inside the TAE Facebook group Why Sherri has become an integral part of the group (and the unofficial TAE mascot!) What changes over time: cravings as passing thoughts, confidence as a new normal And more… Episode links: alcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Should I Try Moderation - Reader Question - EP 370 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-370-reader-question-should-i-try-moderation/ How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment?- Reader Question - EP 508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/ Who Am I Without Wine?: Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 801 - 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, and more. Until next week, stay curious! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

What if working through urges to drink didn't have to feel like fighting failure? In this episode, Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Kristen and Nicola — two Path members — for Alcohol Freedom Coaching sessions that shine a light on how our urges to drink can become our greatest teachers rather than our enemies. Kristen drinks to escape overwhelm, creating a self-perpetuating cycle, while Nicola has been battling self-doubt that sends her spiraling when an urge to drink hits. Both coaches show their guests how curiosity, compassion, and intentional choices can help with working through urges to drink and building real confidence in living alcohol-free. In Kristen’s session:Overwhelm and the urge to numb out after a hard dayThe real cost of “forgetting” and what true peace meansSpotting early cues in your body before cravings growA quick reset: breath, stretch, five minutes to yourselfAsking for a minute without guilt or people-pleasingWorking through urges to drink with a plan you can repeatAnd more In Nicola’s session:The doubt loop: “don’t hope or you’ll be disappointed”Fear of quitting alcohol and fear of the unknownMeeting thoughts with compassion instead of resistanceSelf-soothing tools that bring you back to the presentSocial moments without alcohol (tonic water, leaving when you choose)Keeping routines while changing what happens nextAnd 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/ 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 Related Episodes: Overcoming a Craving: My Best Advice - Reader Question - EP 10 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-10-reader-question-overcoming-a-craving-my-best-advice/  Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Alcohol: Tools to Find Calm and Confidence - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 877 - https://thisnakedmind.com/daily-practices-to-stay-alcohol-free-afc-e877/ How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? - Reader Question - EP 88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-muster-willpower-not-drink/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

Picking health over alcohol—what if that choice could feel less like deprivation and more like relief? Monica grew up in a culture where drinking wasn’t just normal, it was identity: being the fun one, staying late, shining at happy hour, making alcohol the “reward” for workdays, celebrations, stress, and everything in between. Even when the downsides started showing up (worse anxiety, feeling run-down, the exhausting mental math of “when’s my next drink?”), not drinking didn’t feel like a real option—just something you powered through until you “earned” going back. After reading This Naked Mind, Monica finally had language for what she’d been living: cognitive dissonance. She could see alcohol clearly…and still want it. She tried breaks, challenges, and milestones, but it kept feeling like white-knuckling. Then she joined The Path and something shifted. Instead of forcing a forever decision, she learned how to pause, observe, and stack up real-life evidence—what actually happened when she didn’t drink at a birthday, during the holidays, in hard relationship moments. In this episode, Coach Cole and Monica talk about how rewiring happens one data point at a time—and how choosing self-compassion over self-judgment helped alcohol become small and insignificant. Monica also shares a powerful realization from pregnancy, and a moment of fear that made her see just how badly she wanted freedom. Coach Cole and Monica discuss: Growing up with alcohol as identity: “life of the party” and the go-to reward Why “just drink less” kept feeling impossible (even with motivation) How The Path helped Monica start observing instead of battling herself Stacking evidence: first alcohol-free “firsts” that built confidence Anxiety dropping when alcohol left the equation—and what surprised her mostPregnancy, “it’s not an option,” and what that revealed about her true preferences A health scare thought that exposed the depth of the pattern—and the breakthrough it sparkedPicking health over alcohol through curiosity, compassion, and real-life proof And more topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: I see no benefit to alcohol, why can't I just quit? – Reader Question – E60 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-60-reader-question-see-no-benefit-alcohol-cant-just-quit/ 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/ 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!

Breaking routine drinking patterns can feel like the most difficult part of finding freedom in your relationship with alcohol. Our brain kicks into autopilot mode, and suddenly, it seems like a drink magically appears in our hands. Figuring out what feeds that pattern is key to breaking it. Today, Coach Soraya works with Cheryl, who's about to spend five months in Mexico, where daily drinking is the norm, and her husband leads the party every day. Then Coach Cole joins Jennifer, a single mom and nurse practitioner who traded wine for sugar and is carrying way too much alone. Both guests learn to embrace one truth: you don't have to drink to belong. In Cheryl’s Session: Mexico drinking culture: walk, lunch, games, drinks…repeat Breaking routine drinking patterns when “fun” has always meant alcohol Handling “How long are you doing this?” and “What about Christmas?” questions Redefining fun and honoring your limits without apologizing Exit plans and boundary-setting when parties run late Having an honest conversation when your partner drinks more than you do In Jennifer’s session: Sugar cravings and weight gain after going alcohol-free Spotting the shame voice and why it backfires Breaking routine drinking patterns when nights feel restless and overloaded Creating friction (less convenience) to interrupt autopilot choices Delegating the mental load: lunches, dishes, and daily responsibilities Practicing compassion so change feels lighter—and more sustainable 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 & 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/ Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost & used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free & focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, & adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change & mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, & find meaning. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: I Quit Drinking But My Spouse Has Not. Any Advice? - Reader Question - EP 48 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-48-reader-question-i-quit-drinking-but-my-spouse-has-not-any-advice/  Where do I start when I struggle with food and alcohol? - Reader Question - EP 398 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-398-reader-question-where-do-i-start-when-i-struggle-with-food-and-alcohol/ Thought, Craving, or Old Habit? Making Sense of the Urge to Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 881 - https://thisnakedmind.com/does-the-urge-to-drink-ever-go-away-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e881/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  . Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a reference to sexual assault. Choosing freedom over fitting in. What if that one decision changed everything? Maxine grew up in an Irish culture where drinking was considered a vital piece of celebration, identity, and belonging, and for years she rode the exhausting cycle of stopping, starting, and negotiating with alcohol. Then she took on 75 Hard for her health, realized people were waiting for her to “be a drinker” again, and found herself craving something deeper than social approval: stability, clarity, and real joy. A sunrise on New Year’s Day became the moment she knew she was done for good. In this episode, Maxine joins Coach Cole to share how she stepped off the rollercoaster, stopped explaining herself, and built a life she genuinely loves—without alcohol. In this episode, Coach Cole and Maxine discuss: The cultural messages about alcohol that shaped Maxine’s early relationship with drinking What it felt like to be able to “pause,” but not truly feel free Why the mental load of alcohol was the most exhausting part How 75 Hard became a socially acceptable “pass” to stop drinking Choosing freedom over fitting in when people push back on your decision The New Year’s Day sunrise moment that made her say, “I’m done” Why she identifies as a “zero consumption” person and doesn’t romanticize moderation How she handles parties now: honesty, boundaries, and bringing her own options Playing it forward to dissolve cravings and protect her peace And other topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Do other countries have as much of a problem with alcohol as we do in the U.S.? - Reader Question - EP 244 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-244-reader-question-do-other-countries-have-as-much-of-a-problem-with-alcohol-as-we-do-in-the-u-s/  The Cost of Fitting In - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 785 - https://thisnakedmind.com/the-cost-of-fitting-in-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e785/ Is it better to drink in moderation or not at all? - Reader Question - EP 574 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-574-readers-questions-is-it-better-to-drink-in-moderation-or-not-at-all/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

What happens when you're doing all the "right things" but still feel stuck? Coaches Cole and Soraya guide Audra and Scott through the messy middle of changing their relationship with alcohol. Audra's wrestling with pressure to be perfect while learning how to stop drinking when you're bored, and she’s seeing wins even when her brain tries to minimize them. Scott just moved, lost people he loved, and retired all at once, and he's realizing that what he called "boredom" was actually disconnection in disguise. Through heartfelt coaching, both discover that taking tiny steps and trusting the process is enough. Audra’s Session: Learning to view data points without harsh self-judgment Shifting from drinking at home when bored to having occasional wine with dinner Using exercise as a powerful tool to interrupt negative thought spirals Why self-doubt is actually trying to protect you, not sabotage your progress Learning how to stop drinking when you're bored by redirecting to healthier activities Building trust in herself by stacking evidence of progress And more... Scott’s Session: Changes in his first 10 days—better sleep, improved digestion, more patience How retirement, relocation, & loss led to increased drinking Recognizing that boredom often disguises deeper feelings of defeat and disconnection Journaling to release heavy thoughts instead of carrying them around Learning how to stop drinking when you're bored with genuine rewards Navigating social situations like Oktoberfest with a club soda and lime Plus 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: How Do I Overcome the Trigger of Boredom? - Reader Question - EP 32 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-32-reader-question-how-do-i-overcome-the-trigger-of-boredom/  How Do I Stop Sabotaging My Attempts to Quit Drinking? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 829 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-do-i-stop-sabotaging-my-attempts-to-quit-drinking-e829/ How Can I Gain Momentum In Becoming Alcohol Free? - Reader Question - EP 518 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-518-reader-question-how-can-i-gain-momentum-in-becoming-alcohol-free/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

Can you really have more fun, deeper connections, and better adventures without alcohol? Elise wasn't sure. She'd spent her whole life watching alcohol take center stage at every party, every milestone, every celebration. Her mom always said it helped her relax. Her dad marked achievements with champagne. As a kid, Elise mixed the perfect gin and tonic every night. Fast forward to her high-powered corporate career, and alcohol had become her coping mechanism for the pressure, the travel, the constant performance in male-dominated spaces. The problem? She'd lost that magical off button other people seemed to have. Approaching 50, she felt anxious about where this was all heading. Would her dependency just keep growing? After joining The Path at 54, she stopped drinking within weeks and hasn't looked back. Over a year later, Elise realizes she's not missing out; she's gaining a life that feels fuller, brighter, and more peaceful. She even finds herself saying, with genuine surprise, why I don't miss alcohol anymore. She's got more energy, sleeps better, shows up fully in her relationships, and is genuinely excited about turning 60. Life isn't just manageable without alcohol. It's actually more joyful. Coach Cole and Elise discuss: Growing up as the family peacekeeper in a chaotic, alcohol-centered household Learning that being the "good girl" brought rewards but losing yourself in the process How alcohol became the crutch for surviving high-pressure corporate life Losing the ability to find your "off button" with drinking as you get older Understanding why I don't miss alcohol anymore after breaking the dependency cycle Discovering that the science behind alcohol's effects changes everything Navigating a five-week adventure with a drinking friend while staying joyfully alcohol free Why taking back your power from alcohol opens up possibilities you never imagined Finding genuine relaxation and stress relief without needing a drink Approaching 60 with excitement instead of anxiety about the future And more topics… Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Why can some people stop at 1 or 2 drinks and others can’t? Reader Question - EP 538 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-538-reader-question-why-can-some-people-stop-at-1-or-2-drinks-and-others-cant/ How to avoid drinking at a boozy sales meeting? - Reader Question - EP 200 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-200-reader-question-how-to-avoid-drinking-at-a-boozy-sales-meeting/ Happy Days with Gabby Bernstein - Interview - EP 485 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-485-happy-days-with-gabby-bernstein/ Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

What happens when you're crushing your break, feeling better than you have in years, but that little voice starts whispering, "Okay, but what about day 31?" In this episode, Coaches Soraya and Hayley help two Path members figure out exactly that. Christine opens up about her "Hellcat" pattern of achievement and escape, learning how to stay on track after a 30-day alcohol break by understanding the anxiety underneath it all. Alex discovers he doesn't need a task to check off—he can follow how good he feels as his GPS. These conversations get real about navigating life beyond the break, being with uncomfortable feelings, and building momentum that lasts. In Christine's session: Understanding binge drinking cycles as responses to anxiety and perfectionism Learning how to stay on track after a 30 day alcohol break by addressing underlying emotions Why seeking worthiness through external validation fuels the urge to escape The "Hellcat" pattern of going full speed then crashing with alcohol to decompress Discovering anxiety isn't the enemy—it's a signal asking for attention and care Tools for being with uncomfortable emotions instead of numbing or escaping them How transforming your relationship with anxiety breaks the drinking cycle And more breakthroughs about worthiness, self-compassion, and finding calm... In Alex’s Session: Why day 31 feels more uncertain than day 30 when the break structure ends Practical strategies for how to stay on track after a 30 day alcohol break using emotion-based goals The difference between completing tasks versus building a life you don't want to escape from How lengthening your break can provide vital feedback and create new goals Reframing potential setbacks from disappointment to curiosity and valuable data points Choosing "renewed" over "horrible" and why emotional shifts drive lasting change And more insights... 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/ Hayley Scherders is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experience, Hayley provides a safe, compassionate, judgment-free space where clients feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change at any time. Learn more about Coach Hayley:⁠ http://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/⁠ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment? - Reader Question - E508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/ What is a data point? - Reader Question - E520 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-520-reader-question-what-is-a-data-point/ How To Stop Numbing Your Feelings and Start Living - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E859 - https://thisnakedmind.com/using-alcohol-to-numb-emotions-afc-e859/ 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! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind . Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind