This Naked Mind Podcast

Catherine Gray is an award-winning writer and editor who found herself consistently drinking a “life-endangering amount of alcohol”. Catherine vulnerably and honestly shares her story with Annie as they discuss her former fears of what a dull sober life might look like and her realization of how sobriety is quite the opposite of dull. Episode References: The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray Catherine’s Website (www.unexpectedjoy.co.uk) Catherine’s Instagram: @unexpectedjoyof Catherine’s Book Recommendations: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace Unwasted by Sacha Z. Scoblic Kick the Drink...Easily! by Jason Vale Dry by Augusten Burroughs Blackout by Sarah Hepola

What are cravings and triggers and how can we get over them? Annie explains how cravings and triggers work and then provides great insight into how we can work through them by mindfully paying attention to them rather than trying to force them to quiet down.

Mary is the artist behind the cover of This Naked Mind. In her early twenties, she found herself living a blackout drunk life in New York City, but has been able to gain control, freedom and happiness as very occasional and moderate drinker. Annie and Mary discuss moderation and how it is not the answer for everyone, but how some can find success in moderation after putting in the work to shift the mindset. Mary’s story is one of honesty and freedom and we are excited to share it with you.

What is the relationship between alcohol and depression? Annie answers this question by describing her own personal experiences with depression and explaining her thoughts on the link between alcohol and depression.

Helena Cavan is the owner and director of The Milestone Detox, a boutique juice and raw food detox retreat company based in the Cotswolds. Annie and Helena discuss how the toxins of alcohol affect our bodies and why the detoxification process can be so helpful during our first few days of going alcohol free. Helena also provides some really great tips for a simple detoxification process. Episode Links: The Milestone Detox Helena's Recommendations: Bicarb Salt Mixture - Capsules Bicarb Salt Mixture - Powder Apple Cider Vinegar YouTube - Candida Explainer Video Helena's Grapefruit Liver-Healing Juice Recipe: 2 peeled grapefruits 1 piece of fresh turmeric root (at least one thumbnail big but more if possible) Put through a juicer and drink, taking the following supplement or drizzling a tablespoon of fresh linseed oil into the juice. The fat helps the uptake of the color chemicals in the grapefruit and turmeric. 1x 1000mg omega oil gel cap supplement - we use Omega 3 linseed oil

Why is overcoming boredom so difficult? Annie shares her research into boredom and why it is actually an amazing part of being human. She answers this question by sharing great insight into ways to turn boredom into a truly positive experience.

We are constantly overwhelmed by the stories that we hear from so many readers who have had their lives changed as a result of This Naked Mind. To end this beautiful year, Annie shares just a few of these messages as another reminder that we are not alone and that there is hope for finding freedom in our relationship with alcohol. To share your story, just call +1(605)937-8849.

Why is it so easy for us to fall back into the trap of alcohol after we seemingly escaped for a time? And does that mean our success up to that point doesn’t count? Annie answers these questions with her message of “no judgment, pain or rules”. She reminds us that everyone’s journey is different and provides some great tips for how to avoid future relapses. She also explains why all success, even seemingly small success, should be celebrated.

Meredith is a very busy and active wife, mother, attorney and triathlete who woke up after almost two decades of heavy drinking and knew she had to make a change in order to survive. She openly and honestly shares her story with Annie and inspires hope and positivity for not just surviving, but truly living a beautiful life.

If it is so easy to get sucked into the trap of Alcohol Addiction, how are we possibly supposed to escape? Annie explains Allen Carr’s Pitcher Plant analogy and then provides valuable information, resources and hope for finding our way out of the trap.

Jamie is a Registered Nurse who was living a very boozy life in Manhattan. Jamie tells Annie about how the life she wanted since she was a little girl was found on the other side of the bottle. Jamie’s story is truly hopeful, straightforward and honest.

Why do we feel so depressed when we initially stop drinking? Annie provides some great information on why we might feel so down during the first few weeks after giving up drinking as well as why it will all be worth it in the long run. Episode Links: Interview with Dr. Jaffe

Debi, a successful flight attendant, has changed her entire life for the better by cutting out alcohol. She has even opened her own business as a result! Listen to Debi's inspiring story.

First, our friends were worried about our drinking, asking us to take it easy and now that we've stopped they seem almost offended by our decision!? What is behind the bizarre phenomenon of how our closest friends are not exactly happy when we make the decision to put away the booze?

Scott joins Annie Grace with a big beard, a huge smile, and an incredible journey of being true to himself and really waiting for the internal mindset--going from 'I never get to drink again' to 'I never have to drink again'. Not only does Scott share his own path, but he shares how he now gives back and is helping others find the freedom he has found. Finally Scott and Annie Grace dive deep into the question: Is alcohol addiction a disease?

People sure seem happy a few drinks in, yet we all know that alcohol is defined as a depressant? How can this be? Does alcohol really make you happy or is that just an illusion? What does the science say and more importantly why do we feel happy when we drink? Annie Grace answers.

From the perspective of a Dr. of Chiropractic, Denise shares her journey to freedom from alcohol. Denise and Annie touch on the cognitive dissonance around working in wellness, yet still drinking and the void that comes after alcohol and how pain is not only necessary, but a truly beautiful part of life. Denise's story is full of life, intelligence, positivity and hope. Her no-nonsense attitude speaks to all of us in our journey to be our best selves.

What goes up must come down... But wow, do we like the 'up'? How do you deal with missing the alcohol-induced 'high'? And is there really anything to miss? Annie explores this topic based on compelling evidence.

Maureen tells an incredibly honest and uplifting story of her life, both with, and now without alcohol.

What's the verdict? Could a life sans alcohol actually be more fun? Annie answers this question and gives compelling evidence as to how a life without alcohol can truly be a happier, more fun and more joyful existence.

Jenn tells her story without holding anything back. Wow! Thank you, Jenn, for your transparency and honesty.

What's wrong with the term 'alcoholic'? Why is it harmful? How does it encourage problem drinking? Would society and individuals actually be healthier without the 'alcoholic' label? Is the term doing more harm than good and keeping people stuck? Annie explores this sensitive and controversial topic with compelling research-based evidence.

Alex Charfen had his last drink 14 years ago. Not because he had 'a problem', but because he realized alcohol was a barrier to the life he wanted, a barrier to the contribution he was destined to make in this world. Alex gives us hope, showing us how to elevate ourselves, and our lives, to a higher level of importance than drinking. This episode is so empowering because once you see alcohol as a barrier to the life you want, it becomes exciting and freeing to make a change, rather than painful or tragic. Alex and Annie explore how our addictive natures just might be what's right with us, rather than what is wrong with us as well as how to find freedom and take a stand living an alcohol-free life in an alcohol-saturated society.

It seems to be every ex-drinkers dream to be an occasional drinker again. Is that possible? If we can what do we need to do in order to achieve it?

William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained, dives deep into how alcohol works in the body. Why is alcohol both a depressant and a stimulant? Why does alcohol help you fall asleep but leave you awake at 3am? Why is it that alcohol can feel so good (euphoria) and then later feel so bad (anxiety, hangovers)?

Why is it so hard to stop drinking again? Especially when we know we can? After all we've stopped before, sometimes for months even years - so what gives? Annie Grace explores this important question.

Michelle explores her relationship with alcohol giving an intimate look at how alcohol was all tied up in an unhealthy relationship with sex. Annie Grace and Michelle deep dive into the ties between drinking and sex and how life looks on the other side.

Dr. Adi Jaffe, Behavioral Neuroscientist and Ph.D. joins Annie Grace in discussing 'The Abstinence Myth'. Dr. Jaffe gives his insight into prescription medications for reducing drinking and finally Dr. Jaffe and Annie decide that there is question to ask ourselves than: "Do I have to stop drinking?"

Annie explores the topic of moderation. When it works, when it doesn't and what neurologically, physiologically and psychologically someone needs to know when moderating.

Emma is a highly successful P.hD. who share's her journey of drinking more than she wanted and getting back in the driver's seat in her relationship with alcohol.

Annie Grace talks about her journey and bumps in the road. Important insight about 'relapse' and why we might consider getting rid of that concept altogether.

Dr. Amy Johnson author of The Little Book of Big Change joins Annie Grace to talk about thoughts, cravings and willpower. A truly powerful episode!

How do I stop drinking at home alone when I feel like alcohol is my only friend in these times of loneliness? Today Annie Grace is answering reader's questions.

Annie explores surprisingly effective ways to overcome cravings. Hint: No willpower involved! Episode links: Brain Study / Urge Surfing.

Annie explores the relationship between alcohol and anxiety. A short, effective answer packed with research and insight.

Annie Grace takes you deep into the fear she felt asking the question; "am I drinking too much?" She takes you through her journey to anwser that question. She shares her mission to remove our collective / societal fear around that simple question. The mission of empowering anyone to question their drinking without fear of labels, stigma or judgment.