This Naked Mind Podcast

Annie recently answered a question regarding alcohol and stress. But today, she addresses what exactly she does to relax after a long, stressful day. When reaching for a drink is no longer an option, then what could possibly be as effective? Annie gives us some ideas and pointers on what works for her! Episode Links: 10% Happier by Dan Harris

Today, Annie welcomes Karolina, who was a gray area drinker for many years. Karolina went from being a college party girl to a weekend binge drinker to now being alcohol free. But when work, marriage, and weight gain forced her to use boundaries with her drinking, she began to cram all of her drinking into the weekends. Eventually she got tired of the ‘detox to retox’ lifestyle and gave up drinking. Now Karolina is loving her alcohol free life so much that she even started her own blog and podcast. Don’t miss Karolina’s relatable story! Links: Euphoric Podcast EuphoricAF.com

What defines binge drinking? If we drink heavily on the weekends and then take a few days off only to repeat the cycle, does that make me a binge drinker? Find out what Annie says about the difference between being a daily drinker and a binge drinker and where to find support for each.

This Naked Mind and Annie Grace welcome Tricia, the host of Recovery Happy Hour podcast. Tricia was a self-proclaimed, overachieving, co-dependent alcoholic until she finally decided that her luck was bound to run out. Tricia shares what was the hardest part of the process for her – deciding that her problem was big enough to address. After all, it’s difficult to admit you have a problem if you don’t see yourself as the “typical alcoholic”. Find out what Tricia has done to use her journey for the benefit of others, including an upcoming event called “Sober by Southwest”. Links: Recovery Elevator The Language of Letting Go - Melody Beattie Recovery Happy Hour Podcast Sober by Southwest Live Event

Is it odd to miss something we never really had? When sugar isn’t something that we really had a lot of BEFORE quitting alcohol, then why the insane craving AFTER quitting? Annie leads us to an understanding of the physiological reason we actually do experience that need for something sweet.

Most of us have some sort of drinking history from college, but not Kerry – today’s guest. Annie highlights Kerry’s naked life story today. Kerry is a hard-working, southern gentleman who found himself using alcohol to numb the pain of losing a close loved one. He shares how he came to decide that enough was enough and now leads a happy, alcohol-free, healthy life!

We’ve heard that drinking is becoming a problem for an unsuspecting age group – those over 50. Is this true? And if it IS true, what explains it? Annie answers this inquiry by confirming that yes – the demographic statistics of problematic drinking is not limited to those in college or their 20’s or 30’s, etc. Annie shares a few of the theories surrounding this and sheds light on the physiology related to the effects of alcohol as our bodies age.

Scott Pinyard – head coach at This Naked Mind – comes on podcast with us today to answer frequently asked questions. Scott fields a question about how to handle the temptations during an important business meeting and gives us tips on how to successfully remain alcohol free despite the pressure. He also digs into how to deal with a spouse who doesn’t want to quit drinking and the difficulties surrounding this common issue. Last, Scott hands out advice on another common question – how to get through those first few difficult days of being alcohol free. And speaking of free – this podcast is packed full of free advice and tips on things we have all asked about at some point.

This Naked Mind is such an interesting name. What exactly does it mean? Find out what inspired Annie to use this unique name for her book and what exactly it means to have a ‘naked mind’.

Today, Annie introduces Rachel from Rachel Hart Coaching. Annie and Rachel share the same passion, which is helping people find freedom from alcohol. In college, Rachel used alcohol to access the fun, confident version of herself. But it wasn’t a permanent solution - her love/hate relationship with alcohol finally had to change. Find out how she gave it up and how she is now using her experience to help others escape the grip of drinking. Episode Links: Smart Recovery Rachelhart.com

I fear that my break from alcohol won’t be a realistic, permanent option. What about my family, who are big drinkers, and my friends who depend on me to have a drink with them? Maybe I should drink socially so that I can maintain my relationships? Annie gives us great insight and answers that will help propel us forward with confidence to continue living a naked life.

An absent mother, a violent father, life as a single mom, and a brother who was murdered created the perfect storm for today’s podcast guest. Annie meets up with Angela, who shares her painful (yet amazing) naked life story of recovery. Angela shares her pain and heartache with us and explains how she found healing through forgiveness; freedom from alcohol; and how her gray world now has color once again. Episode Links: Drink - Ann Dowsett Johnson Seed of the Soul – Gary Zuvak

There seems to be a correlation between binging food and binging alcohol. If there is a link, what is it? Annie Grace answers this question, giving us three theories that might help explain this. She discusses the ‘forbidden fruit’ syndrome, self-medicating with food/alcohol, and filling the void in our lives with food and drinking.

WOW! In today’s podcast, Annie introduces Isabel Foxen Duke, the founder of www.stopfightingfood.com and you will be amazed by this information-packed interview. From a young child, Isabel began a relationship with food that trapped her in an unhealthy, vicious cycle of binging and dieting and the feeling of her body not being good enough. Isabel shares a perspective that could be a game changer in the way you see food. Find out how alcohol addiction and food addiction differ and also what traits they share. Episode Links: www.StopFightingFood.com Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon Blog - IsabelFoxandDuke.com

My conscious mind has agreed with my subconscious mind and I no longer want to drink! So, let’s talk withdrawal. I haven’t had any withdrawal symptoms the past three nights, but should I be prepared for some to come? And what can I expect? Does everyone get withdrawal symptoms? Annie answers this question for us, educating us on the stages of withdrawal and explains emotional withdrawal.

Today, Annie introduces This Naked Mind’s head coach, Scott Pinyard. Scott will be hosting a monthly podcast called ‘Coaching Questions’, where he will answer some of the difficult, intense questions surrounding quitting drinking. Get to know Scott and his story – how he got started drinking and how he finally got free. Welcome Scott Pinyard!

Most people feel miserable and hungover the day after drinking. Why do some people have the opposite effect? I feel full of energy and great! Annie explains why this does happen and why alcohol is sometimes referred to as the ‘dirty drug’.

Being alcohol free is all sunshine and roses, right? Annie visits with Jamie, who decided to give up drinking in September of 2017. Although Jamie has no regrets about quitting, she gets real about the struggles that can arise after quitting - including learning how to ‘feel feelings’ after 20 years of using alcohol to deal with them. This interview is a refreshing reality check, dealing with what it’s like when our expectations simply don’t become our reality after we’ve accomplished the first step – which is going alcohol free. Follow Jamie's Sobriety Instagram

I don’t drink nearly the amount I used to, but when I do – I now get the worst hangovers. Is this normal? Annie explains that YES, this is normal and tells us why. She educates us on the chemicals involved in this and why even a couple of drinks can leave us with a hangover from hell.

Growth happens outside of our comfort zone – Annie Grace meets up with Mike, who attended the Naked Mind Live Event in October – and for Mike, this is absolutely true. He stepped out of his comfort zone nearly a year ago and took back control of his life. The changes and opportunities that have come as a result of his decision to stop drinking have proven one thing….he should’ve done it sooner.

I fear that I won’t be able to have the same type of connection and fun if I’m not drinking. Can you reassure me that socializing will still be fun even if I’m the only one not drinking? This is a question that we have all had when considering quitting drinking. Annie puts this in perspective for us and gives us comforting reassurance that yes! Conversation, connection, and fun can still be had and WILL be had sober….and it those things can be better than ever!

Our country is in the midst of a crisis – an opioid crisis. When we have pain – we immediately want it taken away and when that pain is relieved – we form an attachment to the source of rescue (in many cases, this is pain pills). Annie welcomes Dr. Leslie Cole, MD to the show today to discuss the dangerously addictive nature of opioids and narcotics. Dr. Cole has an impressive, diverse background and she shares extensive knowledge and information that you won’t want to miss! Episode Links: Dr. Cole's Website - Quit Pain Pills

Do I need to go back and relive what caused me to start drinking in the first place in order to fully heal? Annie Grace answers this question using research and study findings to help answer this question. She shares the importance of taking care of our bodies both physically and mentally, including getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercise as a big part of healing from the inside out.

Annie Grace sits down with Scott Pinyard, This Naked Mind’s head coach, to discuss tips and topics that will help you be successful with a 30-day break from alcohol – The Alcohol Experiment! Annie and Scott will walk us through six things that we can do to help us enjoy our vacation from alcohol and avoid the pitfalls that threaten to sabotage our efforts. Some of these topics include changing our mindset, having the right tools, and finding a buddy – to name just a few. Today’s episode is packed with helpful information that you won’t want to miss – especially if you’re planning on a dry January!

I thought when I quit drinking, I’d lose a bunch of weight. It’s been a while now, so why am I not losing like I wanted to and thought I would? Annie shares her personal experience of the ups and downs of losing and maintaining weight after quitting drinking. Listen and share your own advice and experience on this topic! It’s a hot one as we head into the New Year!

In today’s episode, Annie welcomes Nate, who at one time was a happy-go-lucky, athletic college student who could enjoy life without even the thought of a drink. Find out how alcohol quickly wove a messy web that trapped him into a world of depression. Nate shares how he found his way out of the dark world of addiction and realized that drinking was robbing him of the quality of life he once knew. He now lives a ‘naked’ life – FREE from the lies of alcohol. Episode Links: Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

Sometimes I have close to two bottles of wine at night, but don’t really get a hangover the next day. Why is this? Annie Grace answers this question with science, personal experience, and reasons why hangovers do and don’t happen. Find out why it’s actually not such a good thing when we aren’t experiencing hangovers. Links: Mayo Clinic

Diet tonic water, seltzer with a twist of lime, diet cola, ginger ale.….to name just a few. If you’re living a sober life, these drinks might sound familiar (and honestly, kind of boring). Annie’s guest, Laura from Mingle Sparkling Mocktails is on a mission to change your drink options from boring and tasteless to exciting and delicious! Thanks to Laura and Mingle Mocktails, you can feel like you’re part of the party again! With Christmas right around the corner, the timing is perfect to discover what Laura has to offer - from blackberry hibiscus bellini to cranberry cosmopolitan - say hello to the wave of the future in social drinking! Episode Links: Mingle Sparkling Mocktails Dry Drinker Alcohol Free Drinks Seedlip Drinks Sans Bar - Chris Marshall (owner) Sober Lifestyle.com - ??

What do we do about the loneliness we feel when we’ve given up drinking? Alcohol was what used to fill that void, but now there’s longer alcohol to fill that space. Annie shares some great ideas of how to overcome this issue of loneliness – and this comes from her personal experience with loneliness. Find out how rewarding some of these options can be.

From leaving the car running after a drunk drive home to threatening divorce while under the influence, today’s guest sits down with Annie to share about her journey to a naked life. Erika worked hard to surround herself with people who were like-minded drinkers and had her drinking habits down to a science. Things have changed. If you’ve struggled with drinking, you might find Erika’s story surprisingly relatable to your own.

What’s the deal with triggers? And how do I deal with them? Annie delivers an answer for this common question, that will help us connect the dots and understand why triggers and cravings are so problematic, including the role dopamine plays in this issue. Annie takes it one step further and gives us hope, by explaining that YES…triggers can eventually be a non-issue if we use our conscious mind to change the structure of our brain.

Today, Annie welcomes Heather, a 34-year-old writer from California, to today’s podcast. Heather shares the story of her 3-phase drinking career and how she broke free! Heather talks about the importance of granting ourselves permission to question our relationship with drinking and the freedom that comes with being sober. She no longer feels exhausted from the mental toll that alcohol required and find out why Heather refers to this as ‘mental gymnastics’.

Is giving up alcohol really worth feeling like my life is consumed with quitting drinking? Annie gives us reassurance and presents the question….if your house was burning down, wouldn’t you want to get out? It’s easy to lose sight of why we quit in the first place, but today’s podcast will bring you back to not wondering, but KNOWING that YES! It’s worth it!

Have you ever done something so embarrassing while you were drunk that you wanted to crawl in a hole the next day? Annie welcomes Mike to the podcast, who shares his ‘David Hasselhoff’ drinking moment and how this was a turning point for quitting. From blackout nights and weekend warrior binge drinking, Mike has traded his ‘badge of honor’ for a sober life – a life free from embarrassing blackout moments.

Should it bother us if we’ve quit drinking but our spouse hasn’t? And should we force our newfound lifestyle on others? Annie Grace calls on a friend and early reader to help shed some light on this question. Find out what their thoughts are and also learn what a ‘switch flipper’ is and how we can still enjoy cocktail time with our special someone while maintaining a sober life! Episode Links: Heidi Mayo’s Blog

Annie welcomes Sara to today’s episode of This Naked Mind. Sara delivers an honest, emotional interview about her path to freedom and the reasons she gave up drinking. Annie and Sara discuss the ‘mommy wine culture’, the emotional pain of miscarriage, and the benefits of living a naked life. Both Sara and Annie give some creative, fun tips on how to offer alternatives when hosting a holiday gathering and how to handle an alcohol-free mom’s night out!

Let’s face it…..when we are the only ones not drinking, it can leave us feeling detached, separated, and awkward. How do we deal with this and put a positive spin on these types of scenarios? Annie gives us reassuring tips on how to approach this and ways we can change our thinking so that we don’t feel detached and isolated. Episode Links: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Today, Annie Grace welcomes Danita, a 61-year-old who has a truly inspiring Naked Life story! At 61, Danita brings a perspective from one of the fastest-growing demographic groups of drinkers…..women over 50. Danita highlights the importance of the community of support and friendship she has found through This Naked Mind and calls them – ‘the best friends she’s never met’.

What is the problem here? Why do I consistently break my sobriety at 12 days? In today’s episode, Annie hands over some great resources to help us overcome those “sticky” spots of sobriety. We will learn about the art of ‘urge surfing’ and the 3 C’s, to name just a couple of the ways to help us through. Episode Links: Urge Surfing Meditation Claudia Christian

For some people, the transition to a sober life is not such a slam dunk. Rather, it feels like an unreachable goal that will never be achieved. Join Annie in today’s podcast as she addresses the issue of feeling ‘stuck’. You’ll learn about the 3 S’s and why it’s harder for some to live a naked life than others and what to do when it just isn’t clicking.

Why do some people choose to drink in moderation while others choose to quit altogether? If I never had a “rock bottom” or “aha” moment, then should I still give up drinking completely? What are the benefits of being completely sober versus just drinking in moderation? Find out why Annie decided for her, the best option was to just not drink at all and how she continues to reap the benefits of living a naked life.

In today’s episode, Annie talks ‘rock bottom’. What does hitting rock bottom mean for you and why do some of us just accept that we must get there before we change? Would we be better off if we had thoughtful foresight for our future and took control now? Today’s episode is a monologue where Annie dives deep into the ‘rock bottom’ philosophy and shares her own experience on what drove her to avoid a painful end to addiction.

Why do we automatically assume that a drink will help us relax? Do we really get the desired effect of "relaxation"? What effect does alcohol actually have on our bodies and minds with regards to "relaxation"? Annie answers these important questions using personal experience, research, and the facts. Find out what goes in on in our bodies when we begin to drink. Are we adding fuel to a fire of stress and anxiety? Or is it okay to self-medicate using alcohol as our drug of choice? Don’t miss the powerful information shared in today’s podcast!

In today’s episode, Annie gives us a sneak peek at an upcoming podcast she will be doing with an inspirational man she met during a recent speaking engagement. Listen in as Annie shares why she finds this individual to have a story worth sharing. Annie also refreshes us on some alarming statistics surrounding the culture of alcohol in our country – sobering statistics we all need to hear. Episode Links: Lady Boss Myron Golden

Why do I feel more anxiety about socializing when I know I won’t be drinking? Is it best to just avoid going out altogether? Annie Grace unpacks several tips for helping us deal with this common problem. Find out what safety behaviors are and how we can unteach our brain to depend on these behaviors to deal with social anxiety.

How did your ‘relationship with alcohol’ actually develop? Or how about your ‘relationship with food’? Did you choose this relationship? Or was it influenced by others? On today’s episode, Annie meets with Andrew Shanahan, the founder of Man Vs Fat - a weight loss organization designed specifically to support men trying to lose weight. Andrew shares how, over time, he developed an unhealthy dependence on both food and alcohol and his journey back to health and freedom from both. Episode Links: Man Versus Fat - Andrew Shanahan The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a happy, healthy, wealthy alcohol-free life by Catherine Gray Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

Why is abandoning addiction so hard for some and easy for others? What are we doing wrong? Is it just me? Or is this normal? Are there other resources I can use? Annie Grace reassures us with her advice on what to do when we just aren’t achieving our goals of giving up drinking and shares valuable techniques and resources that will help us get back on track! Episode Links: Easy Way for Women to Stop Drinking by Allen Carr Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins Life Process Program – Overcoming Addiction by Dr. Stanton Peele

Can we be successful at beating addiction if we don’t abstain altogether? Annie Grace welcomes back her first-ever, second-time guest, Dr. Adi Jaffe in today’s episode to discuss his book, “The Abstinence Myth.” Dr. Jaffe’s unique perspective regarding addiction and abstinence is captivating and refreshing, giving hope where all seems hopeless! Episode Links: The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach for Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, Or Rules by Dr. Adi Jaffe The Abstinence Myth Website IGNTD Podcast

How do we avoid trading one addiction for another? Is it always a bad thing to replace our focus on alcohol to something new? Join us as Annie shares her advice on this issue and some of the tools she personally used to refocus her energy when she gave up drinking! Episode Links: Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Habit Loop The Below-The-Radar Addict by David Sack Hip Sobriety School

Annie Grace heads to New York City for today’s interview with Greg! Listen in as Annie and Greg discuss their thoughts on the effect alcohol has on the social fabric of NYC, as well as the disproportionate impact that drugs and alcohol have on the gay community. Greg shares the reasons HE stopped drinking and gives us a unique perspective on his new-found freedom and the joy he finds in being productive and energetic instead of hungover in a city that never sleeps!