This Naked Mind Podcast

Genetics. Labeling. Marriage. There are a lot of unknowns to navigate through when we venture into a life without alcohol. Scott Pinyard, This Naked Mind’s head coach, gets asked loads of questions every day and today he’s here to answer some of the frequently asked questions. You might even find that you’ve been searching for answers to these same questions. Let me ask you a question. What is better than change? Lasting change, of course. If you've had trouble making change stick, either with alcohol or in any other area of your life, you are in for a treat. I created the 100 Days of Lasting Change to ensure that we don't just change for a moment, but we truly transform for a lifetime, and this program is so close to my heart. Thousands of people have been through it, and their results are incredible, but don't take my word for it. Check it out at thisnakedmind.com/100days. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Have you ever felt like you’re coming down with a cold or sore throat on a Friday night, you go out and party pretty hard only to wake up with a full blown illness the next day? Is this a coincidence? Does alcohol really have anything to do with immunity? Annie Grace answers this interesting question using published articles and research. Find out what illnesses you’re more susceptible to when you over-consume alcohol. Are you coming? Because I want to meet you. I would love to shake your hand. I'd even love to give you a hug. Let's be honest, I'm a hugger. And more than that, I want to blow your mind at This Naked Mind Live 2019. We have a handful of tickets left, and I would like nothing more than to connect those few tickets with my podcast listeners. You can get all the juicy details and grab your ticket at thisnakedmind.com/live. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today. Episode Links: http://www.alcoholjournal.org/.../S0741-8329(14.../abstract https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol.../alcohols-effects-body https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-body?fbclid=IwAR3K7pEVOl0ys350wGt2jxMcyXOE9lM97Wcppxw2MHA6GmK0C4UF0Ex626U http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/.../Hangovers/beyondHangovers.pdf

Annie Grace takes you Down Under today with Rachel Hind! Rachel is a wellness coach and the founder of Be Your Best Self and a professionally trained addiction and sobriety coach, as well. Rachel gets real about her history of binge drinking and admits that she was the ‘destructive friend’ of the group – always encouraging her friends to drink to excess. Rachel has taken her hard work and commitment to overcome this and used it for something good, starting her own wellness coaching business. Learn what resources she used (including This Naked Mind) to get back to her best life. Are you looking to connect with like-minded people? Sometimes maybe you feel like you have all this information from doing This Naked Mind or The Alcohol Experiment, but you’re living in a world where people don’t speak your language. That is why I created the exchange. The Exchange from This Naked Mind is an online community where we meet face to face, live with video calls multiple times a week with people from all over the world just to connect and have somewhere that you are seen, you are heard, and you feel less alone. A place where you can really give back and get the support you need. If this sounds great to you, check it out at www.thisnakedmind.com/exchange. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today. Episode Links: SMART Recovery RachelHind.com

From billboards to commercials to magazine ads, alcohol marketing is everywhere. But does this really work? Or is it geared for a certain ‘addictive’ audience? With greater than 10 years of marketing experience, Annie shares fascinating research, crazy statistics, and what the ultimate marketing goals are in this multi-million dollar industry. Did you miss This Naked Mind Live? Do you maybe have a little bit of FOMO? Don't worry. I've got you covered. In fact, I had the entire event professionally recorded and it's available digitally. Transformation in your living room, yup, that is what it's all about. You can grab your digital ticket at thisnakedmind.com/digitalticket. As always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Sometimes the journey to freedom from alcohol has a lot of peaks and valleys; curves and turns; and stops along the way. For Annie’s guest, Terrence, this journey began with what seemed to be an ‘incredible romance’ with alcohol that started in Napa, CA. But did the romance wear off? Listen in as Terrence shares his personal journey and find out what speed bumps, twists and unexpected detours he encountered along the way to living a naked life. Have you tried The Alcohol Experiment? Okay, if not, drop everything and go to thisnakedmind.com/experiment. This free 30-day challenge is designed to interrupt your patterns and put you back in touch with the best version of you. You remember, it was that version of you that’s living your most joyful life, the version that doesn’t need alcohol to relax or to have a good time, and is having more fun than ever. Again, this is a totally free challenge that will change everything for you. So learn more and join me 100% free at thisnakedmind.com/experiment. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Is it pure coincidence that my friends have been drinking less ever since I stopped drinking? Annie addresses this interesting social phenomenon and gives us startling statistics surrounding social habits that may help explain this “coincidence”. Find out what social contagion means and what role it can play in changing drinking habits and patterns. Are you ready for a deep dive into truly lasting change? If so, you might consider my Intensive Program. It’s a 9-week, self-led program that you can do in the complete comfort of your own home. It will truly transform your relationship with alcohol. If you want to learn more about this, go to thisnakedmind.com/intensive. And, as always - rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today. Episode Links: Grape Flavored Gasoline

Why would someone who has never touched alcohol want to interview Annie Grace? Enter, Katie Richardson, who hosted Annie as a guest on her podcast “What’s Working Now”. Katie is a personal and business mentor who’s helping others with self-growth and joy! Annie shares her story with Katie and the two of them discuss how Annie’s process can help change any habit. Find out what the ACT technique is and how it can be used to transform your thinking and overcome whatever it is that’s holding us back in life. Let me ask you a question. What is better than change? Lasting change, of course. If you've had trouble making change stick, either with alcohol or in any other area of your life, you are in for a treat. I created the 100 Days of Lasting Change to ensure that we don't just change for a moment, but we truly transform for a lifetime. This program is so close to my heart. Thousands of people have been through it, and their results are incredible. But don't take my word for it, check it out at thisnakedmind.com/100days. As always, rate, review and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

We can choose our friends, but we can’t choose our family and so…..how do we deal with this issue if our close family members still drink? Should we just go off the grid and avoid them? Should we insist that they don’t drink when you’re around? Annie answers this question by sharing some of her tools to help avoid the neurological stress created in these situations. Find out her best advice for dealing with the drinkers in the family. Are you coming? Because I want to meet you. I would love to shake your hand. I'd even love to give you a hug. Let's be honest, I'm a hugger. And more than that, I want to blow your mind at This Naked Mind Live 2019. We have a handful of tickets left, and I would like nothing more than to connect those few tickets with my podcast listeners. You can get all the juicy details and grab your ticket at thisnakedmind.com/live. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Community. It’s such an important part of life and there are a plethora of questions surrounding this topic when it comes to quitting drinking. Join Scott Pinyard, head coach at This Naked Mind, as he focuses on answering questions about how to navigate through those first few months of being alcohol free without losing the sense of community we’ve had for so long. Are you looking to connect with like-minded people? Sometimes maybe you feel like you have all this information from This Naked Mind or The Alcohol Experiment, but you’re living in a world where people don’t speak your language. That is why I created the exchange. The Exchange from This Naked Mind is an online community where we meet face to face, live with video calls multiple times a week with people from all over the world just to connect and have somewhere that you are seen, you are heard, and you feel less alone. A place where you can really give back and get the support you need. If this sounds great to you, check it out at www.thisnakedmind.com/exchange. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Anxiety is something that many of us struggle with and when it comes to socializing without our crutch of alcohol, the temptation to drink can become overwhelming. How can we overcome this? Should we just stop socialize altogether? Annie delivers her advice, based on a combination of science and experience, to help us remain true to ourselves in those now-sober (and therefore unfamiliar) social situations. Hey! Guess what time it is! This only happens a few times a year, and right now is open enrollment for This Naked Mind Intensive Coaching Program. And there's nothing like it. Over 12 weeks, you look inward and truly transform your relationship with alcohol with live coaching and a phenomenal tribe. If you are looking to break through and make alcohol small and irrelevant in your life, the live coaching intensive is exactly what you need. Learn more and consider joining me here at thisnakedmind.com/coach. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast because it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Problematic? Not so much. Social and fun? Definitely yes! Today, Annie introduces Kim! Kim is an energetic 61-year-old who became a proficient, enthusiastic, social drinker and stuck with it for 40 years….until her ‘bell of consciousness’ was rung. Was she on the slippery slope of addiction? Or just a fun-loving party girl? Find out the 5 clues that helped Kim decide it was time to resign from her habit of drinking. Did you miss This Naked Mind Live? Do you maybe have a little bit of FOMO? Don't worry. I've got you covered. In fact, I had the entire event professionally recorded and it's available digitally. Transformation in your living room, yep, that is what it's all about. You can grab your digital ticket at thisnakedmind.com/digitalticket. As always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today. Episode Links: Spirit Scout Website The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a happy, healthy, wealthy alcohol-free life by Catherine Gray Lit by Mary Karr

I know I need to give up drinking and I plan to do this, but I absolutely love the taste of one specific drink! What’s the best way to go about giving this up? Or can I find something to even replace it with that’s non-alcoholic? Annie shares some powerful information on how powerful our minds can be with associating things together. Find out what the American Association of Wine Economists found in a fascinating study done with wine tasting. Have you tried the alcohol experiment? Okay, if not, drop everything and go to thisnakedmind.com/experiment. This free 30-day challenge is designed to interrupt your patterns and put you back in touch with the best version of you. You remember, it was that version of you that's living your most joyful life, the version that doesn't need alcohol to relax or to have a good time, and is having more fun than ever. Again, this is a totally free challenge that will change everything for you. So learn more and join me 100% free at thisnakedmind.com/experiment. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today.

Ready for something special? On March 20, Annie was the podcast guest of Pleasance Silicki – founder of LOLA Community. Pleasance wears many hats – she’s a mother, an author, yoga instructor, and a health coach – to name just a few. Because that interview was so next-level awesome, it’s a no-brainer that we wanted to share it here too. Pleasance takes us through her decision to quit drinking after reading This Naked Mind and engages Annie with questions and discussion surrounding the spectrum of drinking – and quitting. Are you ready for a deep dive into truly lasting change? If so, you might consider my Intensive Program. It’s a 9-week, self-led program that you can do in the complete comfort of your own home. It will truly transform your relationship with alcohol. If you want to learn more about this, go to thisnakedmind.com/intensive. And, as always - rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hear it today. Episode Links: LOLA Community Podcast LOLA Website Instagram Page The Alcohol Experiment This Naked Mind Healing Back Pain by Dr. Sarno

Isn’t it interesting that we have to feel bad about saying no to a drink? But since that’s just the way it is, what are some tips on how to say no gracefully when offered alcohol? Find out what kinds of things Annie has done to help dodge the uncomfortable game of “20 questions” when opting for something NA.

Is it hard for you to imagine going to your lake home for the weekend or the Fourth of July and not drinking? Cruising on the pontoon with only bottled water and lemonade in the cooler? For Monica, she doesn’t have to imagine it – this is her reality – and her choice. Today, Annie and Monica discuss the emotional, physical, and mental benefits of choosing a life without drinking. Find out why setting non-negotiables can be a crucial part of a sober future and learn what 4 non-negotiables Monica has set for herself. Episode Links: The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober The Alcohol Experiment

Often times when we give up a bad habit (like drinking), support groups and online forums can be extremely helpful….until they’re not. Can they eventually keep us stuck and drag us down? Annie answers this question from a personal perspective and shares her thoughts with us on this topic.

Born into an alcoholic home, Annie’s guest, Jordan, shares with us what life was like growing up in Sin City. Parties that started at midnight; surviving one hangover just to suffer another; and endless bottles of liquor finally led Jordan to break away from her unhealthy lifestyle. Find out if Jordan stayed sober and what life looks like for her now. Did what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas?

With our alcohol-infatuated culture and society, it seems inevitable that we will need to discuss the topic of drinking with our kids. But is that the right thing to do? If so, what’s the best way to do this? How? And at what age? As a mom of three, Annie can relate….Find out what’s on Annie’s list of “do’s” and also what’s on her list of “don’ts” when discussing alcohol with your kids.

Scott Pinyard, head coach at This Naked Mind, is BACK! In today’s episode, Scott tackles another batch of commonly asked questions – 4 to be exact! Scott answers these with so much great insight, information, and personal experience, that you won’t want to miss what he has to say. Scott responds with his top tips on how to manage your way through changing your relationship with drinking.

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of giving up drinking is the part where we “come out” to our friends and family. While this isn’t a big deal for everyone, it’s a real fear for some. Find out the 3 different methods Annie used when she was faced with this same circumstance.

We’ve heard Annie discuss the drinking culture in New York City, but what about the west coast? Those California beaches, the vineyards, and all that sunshine! Meet Michael from Orange County, CA, who shares his Naked Life story with us . Find out what tools he used to make the transition from a weekend binger to a sober life a bit easier. Michael shares inspiring ideas that might just make changing your relationship with alcohol less intimidating and more manageable.

Is dreaming about drinking normal? And does it mean that I still want to be drinking? Is it possible to wake up “hungover” after a dream like this? While not an expert on the science of dreams, Annie does share her opinion on this question and explains some of her own personal experiences in dreaming of drinking. Episode Links: HOME podcast with Laura McKowen

In today’s podcast, Annie introduces Jacqueline from the Netherlands, where drinking is part of the culture, as it is in many parts of the world. But something was different for Jacqueline. When her husband had a heart attack at age 41, she decided she could no longer continue this way. Excluded, lonely, and judged…..it wasn’t always easy to stay the course. Don’t miss Jacqueline’s story that we can all relate to in one way or another.

Imagine this - a powder white beach, crystal blue water, and a balmy 85 degrees….finally a much-deserved vacation and some R&R. The only thing missing from this picture is the classic umbrella drink. So what happens when I give up drinking? No more foo foo drinks and all-inclusive, bottomless champagne with dinner? Annie gives us guidance for dealing with this question and shares how she enjoyed a Hawaiian vacation ten-fold by remaining alcohol free using these strategies.

In today’s episode, Annie welcomes Carrie, who shares a complicated story of how she went from a naïve high school girl to a sorority party girl in college. Carrie gets real about her difficulties with friendships, an abusive ex-husband, single motherhood, and loss. The common denominator in how she dealt with all of this was alcohol…until now. Join Carrie as she reveals what finally enabled her to live a naked life.

Have you ever wondered if alcohol is as dangerous as some say it is? And if so, then why does our society support it so much? Annie Grace shares facts and statistics that may or may not surprise you. Learn about the tricks and secrets that the marketing and advertising industry uses to fool you into thinking drinking will make you sexy.

Welcome to this month’s Q&A episode with This Naked Mind’s head coach, Scott Pinyard,. Today, Scott discusses one of the most powerful thought processes that impacts our overall health. In this episode, Scott gives you the answer to the top 2 most frequently asked coaching questions. Scott discusses journaling, the power of visualization, and how to manage cognitive dissonance related to drinking. Episode Links: Daily Stoic by George Tanner

Have you ever wondered if addiction is truly genetic in nature? If it is, are we doomed to become an alcoholic if there is alcoholism in our family history? Annie discusses genetic influence, susceptibility, and long term exposure. Annie use research from a variety of sources to answer this age-old question of ‘is addiction genetic’? Links: The Addicted Brain by Professor Thad A. Polk

Ready to meet someone super cool? Annie Grace chats it up with Taryn Strong – one of the founders of She Recovers – an organization aimed at connecting, supporting, and empowering women. Taryn takes us back to her first drink at 12 years old and walks us through her hard-partying past of alcohol and cocaine. Find out how Taryn took her recovery experience and used it to help others through a variety of resources, including yoga, women’s retreats, and coaching. Links: She Recovers Website

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!