This Naked Mind Podcast

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!

It seems expected to go through a period of guilt and regret while on the recovery journey, but is it possible to make this a positive experience instead of a chapter full of self-loathing and guilt? If so…how? Can we avoid letting this “white space” get the best of us? Annie gives her advice on how best to get through this phase and how to feel good in our own skin. While some may say that misery is just part of the path – maybe we can turn that misery into something beautiful! Episode Links: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford

Hang out with Annie Grace as she interviews Sherry Gaba - author, psychotherapist, and a certified recovery coach (most notably on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab)! Sherry discusses the ins and outs of “love addiction”, the fear of being alone, and the dangers of trading alcohol addiction for other addictions – including love and co-dependency. Sherry gets transparent in this interview, discussing her life journey that includes four failed marriages, the struggles of being a single mom, and her fears of being alone. Episode Links: The Law of Sobriety by Sherry Gaba The Marriage and Relationship Junkie by Sherry Gaba www.sherrygaba.com Take the Love Relationship Quiz Here Wake Up Recovery

From baby showers to funerals – alcohol is everywhere we turn. Has it become the glue that holds our social life together? And what do we do with this issue of loneliness when we’re the only one not drinking? Annie Grace gives us LEGIT answers and resources to lighten the load of feeling lonely. Episode Links: Hip Sobriety Soberistas: Love life in control Hello Sunday Morning Join Club Soda

Annie sits down with James, who’s celebrating six months of sobriety! Way to go! But James didn’t always have much to cheer about! Find out what it finally took to prompt James to seek help for his addiction. Check out how his life has improved in so many ways since being alcohol free and how he and his wife are finally able to be in an adult relationship after 22 years of marriage – thanks to his decision to quit drinking. **PLEASE NOTE - This episode may have some small glitches that are difficult to hear. Please forgive us. This audio was edited as best possible.

Why is it so hard to ‘come out’ about the fact that we no longer drink? And why do we feel like we owe people an explanation for declining a drink? Find out how Annie Grace tackled the task of telling friends, family, and colleagues that she was done with drinking for good…..and how empowering it feels to answer the ever-present question of “Can I get you a drink?” with “Yes! I’d love an iced tea!”

Tune in today as Annie Grace hears Steven’s Naked Life story! Follow along as Steven shares how he went from an all-American, non-drinking athlete in high school to slowly developing a problem with alcohol in college and young adulthood and finally back to being rid of alcohol for good, thanks to This Naked Mind! Find out what made this ‘effortless’ for Steven and hear him share how weddings; St Patrick’s Day; playing with his kids; and literally everything is BETTER THAN EVER without drinking! Episode Links: Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck

Are there rules about how to begin this process of going alcohol free? Should we force the issue of going cold turkey? Annie Grace shares her thoughts on finding peace with starting the process of quitting drinking. Episode Links: Visit Heidi Mayo's Blog

Getting drunk after the kids’ basketball games and waking up at 3 a.m. every night was getting old for this week’s guest! Join Annie Grace and Liz – a fellow podcaster, mother, and ‘retired’ drinker, as they get real about what life was like before giving up alcohol and the journey to achieving an alcohol-free lifestyle. Episode Links: Alcohol Explained by William Porter Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie Drunk Mom, Sober Mom Podcast Visit Liz's Website

It’s the 100th episode!!! To celebrate this milestone, Annie Grace and Scott Pinyard create an impromptu ‘top 100’ list of advice, learnings, and insights they have gained on their journey. This casual, lighthearted episode boasts a wealth of knowledge from two individuals who have found freedom and discovered happiness in being alcohol free!

Annie Grace was recently interviewed by Joey Tork and Jason Harmon from The Grind podcast. The interview was so amazing, that she wanted to share it with the This Naked Mind audience! Joey and Jason discuss with Annie how they came across her book and how it has changed both of their relationships with alcohol. Joey, Jason, and Annie create both an entertaining, yet extremely captivating experience that you won’t want to miss! Episode Links: The Grind Podcast Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza

I’ve heard that it takes one hour for our liver to metabolize one unit of alcohol…if this is true, why do you say it can take up to 10 days for alcohol to leave the body? Annie clears up this head scratching question and explains the science behind why our body doesn’t clear itself from alcohol in just a matter of hours.

Join Annie and her lead certified Naked Mind coach, Scott Pinyard, as they discuss one of the most difficult and frequently asked questions, “Is alcohol addiction a disease…..or not?” Annie and Scott dissect this challenging question and give us a look at both sides of the argument of whether or not alcohol addiction can be called a ‘disease’. Do we have convincing research to really say it is a disease? Or do we lean on this title to remove responsibility from ourselves? Episode Links: The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction is Not a Disease by Marc Lewis

In what stage of recovery does PAWS occur and does it happen to everyone? Annie answers questions about PAWS and shares scientific research and her opinion on why it happens, how long it lasts, and how to change our thinking in order to avoid it.

Annie was recently interviewed by Katelyn Michals, creator of MindBody Mastery podcast. Listen as Katelyn interviews Annie Grace about her own journey to recovery. Annie shares with Katelyn, how she applied Dr. John Sarno’s methods and trained her unconscious mind to change her relationship with alcohol and how “This Naked Mind” was created using this method. Episode Links: MindBody Mastery podcast Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno The Great Pain Deception by Steve Ozanich The Alcohol Experiment The Easy Way to Control Alcohol by Allen Carr The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray The Work of Byron Katie

What do we do when our friends are judgment or not supportive of our decision to change our drinking habits? Annie speaks about her own personal experiences with this and provides some great insight and advice as to how we can approach these scenarios.

Jeanne is a mental health advocate, certified addiction counselor and recovery specialist. Jeanne shares her story with Annie which includes growing up in a family that seemed to be constantly dealing with one crisis after another, much of which was caused by addiction. Jeanne describes how she took her own experiences with various recovery methods and developed The Recovery Concierge, a program designed to help customize recovery plans for those looking for something different than the conventional programs. Episode Links: The Recovery Concierge

Is it better to keep track of our alcohol free days or just to not think about it? Annie answers this question that we all have asked ourselves by describing her own personal experiences as well as providing some insightful information about the differences in each of our journeys. Episode Links: Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Sheila had a 45 year history with alcohol where she thought many times about trying to stop drinking before she finally did. She shares her story with Annie about how she grew up around alcohol being a very normal part of life and discusses when she eventually started questioning her drinking habits. Sheila describes her journey of stopping and starting again and how she is reached the place of stopping and never looking back.

When we finally find freedom in our relationship with alcohol, many of us experience feelings of pure elation and joy. But what happens if that feeling wears off? How do we cope with the end of the “honeymoon phase” of being alcohol free? Annie shares her own personal experience and provides us with some really practical advice and information for this phase of our journey.

Does Alcohol really contribute to weight gain? Annie Grace explains the three main reasons why alcohol makes us fat, according to scientific research. She also debunks some widely accepted myths about alcohol and it’s sugar content as well as how alcohol processes in our bodies.

We may have absorbed all of the information we need to experience a mindset shift when it comes to our desire to drink, but then we go out with friends and all of that seems to fade away. How are we supposed to get through social interactions where everyone is drinking, without breaking down and having a drink? Annie sheds some amazing insight, based on her own personal experience, into one of the most powerful things we can arm ourselves with in order to help us back up our decision not to drink. She also provides us with some really useful tips for how we can prepare for those social interactions without the fear of giving in to any cravings that might occur.