

This Naked Mind Podcast
Annie Grace
Bestselling author Annie Grace invites you to explore the role of alcohol in our lives and culture without rules, pain, or judgement. Ready to make a change? Join The Alcohol Experiment - a FREE 30-day challenge designed to deliver happiness, wellbeing and self-respect. Check out The Alcohol Experiment at alcoholexperiment.com
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 8min
Courage, Cravings, and Confidence: The Path to Healing After Alcohol | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E833
Why does it take so long to feel confident after quitting alcohol?
If you’ve ever wondered why healing doesn't happen overnight, you're not alone. In this episode, Coach Cole explores this very question with Tiffany and Laura—two PATH participants who are walking through very different but equally powerful stages of self-discovery. Tiffany opens up about her lifelong fear of vulnerability and her desire to live more authentically, while Laura learns a new way to sit with cravings and rebuild trust in herself. Together, they unpack the emotional layers alcohol once numbed and how true confidence requires time, self-compassion, and courage.
In Tiffany’s session:
Exploring the fear of vulnerability and how alcohol became a protective shieldRealizing that vulnerability is the key to connection and authenticityFeeling layers of the past surface after removing alcoholTrying to define success on her own terms, not by external timelinesLearning that trust in herself builds through time and evidenceExperimenting with vulnerability in safe, small stepsExploring why it takes so long to feel confident after quitting alcohol—and learning to be patient with the processGrieving lost time but choosing to embrace a new futureRecognizing that healing and confidence are not linearDesiring to feel fearless, free, and fully herselfAnd more…
In Laura’s session:
Struggling with ongoing cravings despite being months into the PATHFeeling conflicted: missing alcohol’s comfort but knowing it no longer serves herLearning not to judge cravings but approach them with curiosityReframing cravings as emotional waves to ride—not battles to fightDiscovering the power of presence over controlRealizing that urges, no matter how strong, don’t have power to act for herRebuilding trust and confidence by sitting with discomfortAccepting that growth is uncomfortable, but necessaryGaining tools to feel empowered instead of ashamedUnderstanding why does it take so long to feel confident after quitting alcohol and how cravings don’t define your progressAnd other topics…
Coach Cole 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:
Building Confidence on Your Terms: Madison’s Naked Life - E761 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-confidence-on-your-terms-madisons-naked-life-e761/
How Do I Become Socially Confident Without Alcohol? - Reader Question - E582 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-582-readers-question-how-do-i-become-socially-confident-without-alcohol/
How Do I Beat Alcohol Cravings? - Reader Question - E700 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-700-readers-question-how-do-i-beat-alcohol-cravings/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
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Aug 30, 2025 • 46min
Why I Stopped Drinking in My 30s—and Never Looked Back | Alicia’s Naked Life | E832
Am I too young to stop drinking?
It’s the question Alicia couldn’t get out of her head when she started wondering if alcohol was doing more harm than good. She hadn’t hit rock bottom, wasn’t getting in trouble, and still loved going out with friends. But when alcohol began interfering with her ability to show up for her son—and echoing the same red flags she’d seen growing up—everything changed. In this raw and deeply relatable episode, Alicia joins Coach Cole to unpack what led her to say goodbye to alcohol in her 30s and how that decision reshaped her life as a mom, boss, and friend.
In this episode, Alicia and Cole discuss:
Growing up with generational alcoholism—and the impact it had on her mindset
Asking the hard question: am I too young to stop drinking?
Seeing the signs in her own life and choosing to break the cycle
Why she stopped drinking even though she “didn’t have a problem”
The moment she couldn’t drive to get her son—and what that revealed
How her five-year-old’s words helped seal the deal
Navigating alcohol culture in the restaurant industry
Realizing moderation was taking up too much brain space
Feeling isolated at first, but eventually regaining her social life
The emotional wave that hit when someone spilled beer on her
Why it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes—and what helped her through it
The surprising joy of NA beer, football nights, and still having fun
How posting about sobriety on Instagram sparked unexpected support
Celebrating milestones and shifting relationships for the better
Why sober culture is finally getting cooler—and how she’s part of that change
And so much more…
Related Episodes:
Can someone in the service industry stay sober? - Reader Questions - E560 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-560-reader-question-can-someone-in-the-service-industry-stay-sober/
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Are they okay? - Reader Questions - E64 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-64-reader-question-non-alcoholic-drinks-okay/
The Impact of Adult Drinking on Children - Emma’s Naked Life - E359 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-359-naked-life-story-emma/
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!
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Aug 26, 2025 • 58min
How To Show Up For Yourself and Stop Drinking | Meet Our Coaches | E831
What if the first real step toward change isn’t putting down the drink, but learning to listen to yourself?
What if the key to breaking free has less to do with willpower, and more to do with compassion, curiosity, and connection? In this powerful conversation, Coach Pam is joined by Coaches Kath and Soraya to explore two very different alcohol journeys that led to the same realization: you don’t have to hit rock bottom to know that something needs to shift. For both women, the breakthrough came not in a single dramatic moment—but in a growing awareness that their drinking didn’t match their values or the life they truly wanted to live. Through their work in The Path, they’ve helped hundreds of people learn how to feel their feelings, rewrite their limiting beliefs, and discover how to show up for yourself and stop drinking—in a way that feels empowering, not punishing. If you’ve ever felt like your struggle “doesn’t count” or you’re just not sure if you deserve support, this episode will change the conversation.
In this episode, Coach Kath and Coach Pam discuss:
Why a problematic relationship with alcohol doesn’t always look “bad”
What changed when Kath stopped comparing herself to others
The importance of community in shifting from shame to empowermentHow to trust your inner voice when it says something isn’t right
Why coaching isn’t about giving advice—it’s about holding space
How to show up for yourself and stop drinking—even if you’ve tried before
…and more
In this episode, Coach Soraya and Coach Pam discuss:
How early rehab and AA shaped (and complicated) her beliefs
The game-changing moment when she asked, “What if I’m not broken?”
The power of recognizing that you’ve been showing up all along
How to feel your feelings instead of drinking them away
Why success is simply raising your hand and taking back the driver’s seat
How to show up for yourself and stop drinking by reclaiming your worth
…and more
Coach Kath is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and ALPC who supports single parents and busy professionals in breaking free from alcohol. She once used wine to cope with stress, until she realized it was quietly draining her joy. In 2021, she quit drinking and found lasting change through the This Naked Mind approach. Kath now helps others tap into that same clarity and freedom with compassion and practical tools. Her coaching is grounded in real-life experience and a deep belief in what’s possible.
Learn more about Coach Kath: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/kath-roberts/
Coach Soraya is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor, combining somatic healing and therapeutic models to support her clients' journeys to recovery. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach is rooted in collaboration and trust, with a focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing.
Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more.
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at http://BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND|BetterHelp.com/NAKEDMIND
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Aug 23, 2025 • 46min
The Wake-Up Call You Can’t Ignore | Tammy’s Naked Life | E830
What does it take to stop ignoring red flags about drinking—especially when no one else notices them but you?
Tammy spent years managing life like a pro: raising kids, surviving the recession, and building a beautiful new chapter with her blended family. From the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, the hangovers got worse, the joy disappeared, and a voice inside kept whispering, “You need to do something.” In this episode, Tammy joins Annie to talk about what finally made her listen to that voice—and why the red flags don’t always have to be loud to matter.
In this episode, Annie and Tammy discuss:
Growing up as the “perfect” daughter who internalized anxiety
Using alcohol to fit in and quiet emotions from an early age
Drinking through job loss, financial stress, and a divorce
Why running was her first mental health tool—and how she returned to it
The moment she realized she didn’t want to be a “drunk Nana”
Why COVID intensified her drinking and disguised her red flags
The subtle signs her body and mind were giving her that no one else saw
How she decided to stop ignoring red flags about drinking before things got worse
Finding connection through podcasts, books, and her own writing
How her decision created a ripple effect for her daughters and friends
And so much more…
Episode links:Related Episodes:
Drinking After Divorce - Brian’s Naked Life - E609 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-609-naked-life-story-brian-c/
What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Questions - E480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/
How do I talk to my kids about alcohol? - Reader’s Questions - E442 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-442-reader-question-how-do-i-talk-to-my-kids-about-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!
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 54min
How Do I Stop Sabotaging My Attempts to Quit Drinking? | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E829
How do I stop sabotaging my attempts to quit drinking?
Jane's story will hit close to home for anyone who's ever wondered why they can stick to other healthy habits but struggle with alcohol. She exercises regularly, eats well, and maintains discipline in other areas of life, yet finds herself repeatedly breaking her commitment to quit drinking. In this honest coaching session, Jane opens up to Coach Tabbin about the internal dialogue that leads her from nail appointments to wine purchases, and how emotional triggers consistently derail her best intentions. Together, they uncover how unprocessed grief and the need to control uncontrollable situations drove her to use alcohol as emotional suppression. This episode provides practical insights into understanding the subconscious mind's role in drinking decisions and developing the self-compassion needed to break free from self-sabotaging patterns.
In Jane’s session:
Struggling to stick to decisions about not drinking
Dealing with anxiety about future alcohol-related situations
Using distraction techniques for alcohol-free days
Coping with self-criticism and feeling like a disappointment
Understanding alcohol as a form of self-sabotage
Building trust in alcohol-free living
Learning to practice self-compassion
The cognitive dissonance between conscious desire to quit and subconscious urges
Finding support in community and relationships
and more…
Coach Tabbin is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind, certified in ALP (Affective Liminal Psychology) and Grey Area Drinking. After years of battling alcohol, including a period of over seven years of not drinking interrupted by major life events, she found lasting freedom through This Naked Mind in 2018. Now a full-time coach, she helps senior professionals, especially those aged 45+, rewire their brains to live alcohol-free. With a background in advertising, Tabbin understands the pressures of high-powered careers and brings compassion and expertise to those navigating similar struggles. She is also a speaker, the host of The Alcohol Debate podcast, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Bottling Up Trouble.
Learn more about Coach Tabbin: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/tabbin-almond-alpc/
Related Episodes:
Why do I keep sabotaging my sobriety? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching – E728 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-728-readers-question-why-do-i-keep-sabotaging-my-sobriety/
End Self-Sabotage with Self-Love - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E742 - https://thisnakedmind.com/end-self-sabotage-with-self-love-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e742/
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!
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
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Aug 16, 2025 • 46min
Putting Down The Pint | Gina’s Naked Life | E828
You’ve been a bartender for years, and alcohol has been a constant in your social life, your travels, and career—so how do you stop drinking when you work in a bar? For Gina, the turning point came when she realized that alcohol no longer added value to her life, in fact, it almost seemed mundane to drink. After reading This Naked Mind by Annie Grace, Gina unlocked a new way of thinking about alcohol and began to see how much freedom there was without it. In this episode, Gina shares her journey and the strategies that helped her break free from a life dictated by alcohol.
In this episode, Gina and Cole discuss:
How alcohol became an "annoying albatross" after being a constant part of her life.
Her unique experience as a lifelong bartender and solo traveler, with alcohol as a companion.
Pondering the question - how do you stop drinking when you work in a bar
The profound impact of Annie Grace's "This Naked Mind" and how it confirmed everything she thought.
Why she didn't tell a single soul about her journey for a year.
Rediscovering her creative potential and finishing a novel started 15 years ago in a "drunken stupor."
The financial benefits of sobriety – saving $10,000 in a year and two months!
How she manages to still interview bartenders and write about spirits without craving a drink.
Gina's powerful message to her past self: "You do not have to be drunk to have fun."
And so much more…
Episode links:
Gina’s podcast - https://lakeandsumterstyle.com/healthy-living-podcast/
Gina’s article - https://lakeandsumterstyle.com/repurposing-a-beloved-glass-for-a-more-purposeful-life/
Related Episodes:
Can someone in the service industry stay sober? - Reader Questions - E560 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-560-reader-question-can-someone-in-the-service-industry-stay-sober/
The Sober Experiment - Alex and Lisa’s Naked Life - E259 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-259-naked-life-story-alex-and-lisa/
How To Plan an Alcohol-Free Vacation - Reader’s Questions - E652 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-652-readers-question-how-to-plan-an-alcohol-free-vacation/
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!
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Aug 12, 2025 • 58min
How To Rewire Your Brain To Stop Drinking | Meet The Coaches | E827
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of cancer, illness, loss, and intense emotional pain (including shame and guilt) related to alcohol use. Please listen with care.
What if the reason you can't seem to stop drinking is because your brain is wired to keep returning to old patterns?
Coach Pam talks with coaches Tabbin and Hayley about how understanding the way our brain processes alcohol can be a game changer. By learning how to rewire your brain to stop drinking, we can break free from the cycles that keep us trapped. They discuss the neuroscience behind alcohol cravings, how to address emotional triggers, and the tools that help create lasting change. This episode is packed with insights on how to reshape your mind for a healthier, alcohol-free life.
In this episode, Coach Tabbin and Coach Pam discuss:
Trying various methods to control alcohol for 20 years before finding success
Her experience with AA and feeling like she hadn't hit "rock bottom" to belong
The profound impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and her return to drinking during a moment of immense fear
Discovering This Naked Mind and the shocking realization that alcohol causes breast cancer
The "aha" moment of revulsion towards alcohol, leading to lasting alcohol freedom since May 2018
Her focus on fitness and health as key motivators for an alcohol-free life
The importance of self-compassion in overcoming "stuckness" and inner criticism
Recognizing how to rewire your brain to stop drinking changed her perception of alcohol from pleasurable to harmful
…and more
In this episode, Coach Hayley and Coach Pam discuss:
Finding This Naked Mind through a search for non-judgmental alcohol support
Her relief at discovering a science and compassion-based program that felt like "coming home"
Overcoming deep shame and the fear of sharing her story
The core belief that "you are not broken" when struggling with alcohol dependence
Embracing feelings and allowing emotions to move through her as a vital coping mechanism
The realization that life is still "lifey" even without alcohol, but now with better tools
Why you shouldn’t wait for a "rock bottom" or "ideal timing" to seek change
…and more
Coach Tabbin is a Senior Coach with This Naked Mind, certified in ALP (Affective Liminal Psychology) and Grey Area Drinking. After years of battling alcohol, including a period of over seven years of not drinking interrupted by major life events, she found lasting freedom through This Naked Mind in 2018. Now a full-time coach, she helps senior professionals, especially those aged 45+, rewire their brains to live alcohol-free. With a background in advertising, Tabbin understands the pressures of high-powered careers and brings compassion and expertise to those navigating similar struggles. She is also a speaker, the host of The Alcohol Debate podcast, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Bottling Up Trouble.
Learn more about Coach Tabbin: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/tabbin-almond-alpc/
Coach Hayley 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
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
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Aug 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
Alcohol-Free Life Is Better Than I Imagined | Helen's Naked Life | E826
Can you truly quit drinking and never feel deprived?
It's a question many of us ponder, and Helen's story offers a powerful, resounding "yes." Surprisingly, Helen grew up in an alcohol-free household, yet found herself, by her mid-twenties, fully immersed in a daily drinking culture that felt completely normal. This habit quietly escalated until, at 50, she was passing out almost every night. Despite her ambition and past ability to control her drinking, she grappled with a deep sense of powerlessness. Join Annie and Helen as they discuss how she navigated this profound shift, breaking free from the struggle and discovering an unexpected, joyful infatuation with her truly alcohol-free life. It's a testament to finding genuine happiness without compromise.
In this episode, Annie and Helen discuss:
Growing up without alcohol, then starting a daily wine habit in her mid-twenties.
Helen's attempts to stop drinking, including the Anthony Robbins' Dickens process, and why fear-based motivation didn't stick.
The pivotal moment when Helen realized she could quit drinking and never feel deprived
The profound realization that alcohol offers no real value.
The impact of alcohol marketing and her aversion to being "taken for a fool."
Applying the principles of her alcohol-free journey to other areas of life.
Why Helen no longer feels powerless or tempted by alcohol
The surprising benefits of quitting drinking that Helen never expected
And other topics…
Episode links:
Related Episodes:
How Daily Drinking Becomes Normal - Naked Life Story - Toni - E559 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-559-naked-life-story-toni/
What Do You Have Against Calling Yourself an Alcoholic? - Reader Questions - E641 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-641-readers-question-what-do-you-have-against-calling-yourself-an-alcoholic/
What is the deal with blackouts? - Reader Questions – E304 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-304-what-is-the-deal-with-blackouts/
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!
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 26min
From Isolation to Connection: Finding Your Way Alcohol-Free | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E825
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grief and loss of a child. Listener discretion is advised.
What do you do when your entire sense of self feels in flux? For April and Michelle, quitting alcohol has brought unexpected challenges. While their initial decision to stop drinking opened doors to new possibilities, it’s also left them facing an uncomfortable reality—feeling lost. April, who has been alcohol-free for months, is navigating a shrinking world and struggling with the idea of belonging, while Michelle, just a few weeks into her alcohol-free journey, is questioning her identity and place in social circles. In this episode, Coach Zoe speaks with both April and Michelle about the discomfort of finding who you really are when alcohol is no longer your coping mechanism. They share their experiences of feeling lost after quitting drinking, the fear of being judged, and how they’re learning to build authentic connections without alcohol.
In April’s Session:
Still seeing alcohol as providing relief for anxiety and stress
The necessity of being challenged to build a relationship of a life without alcohol
The pain of friends deciding she's "not fun anymore" after quitting drinking
The challenge of making new friends as an adult, like being the "lone reader" at book club
Navigating life as a bereaved mother and feeling that part of her isn't "fun" for others
How protecting herself shows up in current social interactions
The fear of putting herself out there and being judged
The struggle of figuring out what to do when everything looks different than imagined
The desire for authentic connection over superficial relationships
Realizing "we always teach what we need to learn”
And more…
In Michelle’s Session:
The fear of losing all her friends and her identity
Grappling with the question: "Who will I be if I don't drink?"
The realization that avoiding everyone isn't sustainable
Confronting the belief that we "know what other people are thinking of us"
Understanding that the voice of judgment is often her own
Coping for 30-odd years by numbing with alcohol
Feeling "wide open with feelings" in early days alcohol-free
Realizing how normalized and addictive alcohol is in society
The courage it takes to go against the grain of drinking culture
Learning that we need to feel who we are, not just think it
And other topics…
Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.
Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/
Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com
Related Episodes:
What’s the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? - Reader’s Questions - E640 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/
Who Am I Without Wine?: Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E801 - https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/
BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind

Aug 2, 2025 • 52min
Breaking Free From Alcohol When Depression Takes Over | Jacki's Naked Life | E824
Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of grief and loss.
Is it truly possible to learn how to stop drinking when depression gets worse?
Jacki's journey began at a point of deep despair, consuming up to 12 beers a day as her depression spiraled. After trying everything from apps to drops with no lasting success, a profound wake-up call led her to discover a different path to alcohol freedom. In this inspiring episode, Jacki shares her emotionally charged story of escaping the grip of alcohol, rebuilding her life from shame and anxiety, and finding a deep connection to herself in a "safe space" she created. Discover how she transformed from a bartender trapped by alcohol to a beacon of hope, showing others that a life of true freedom is not just possible, but joyful.
In this episode, Coach Cole and Jacki discuss:
How depression worsened Jacki’s alcohol use and mental health
The moment of realization at a celebration of life that changed everything
How behavioral tools like apps and drops failed Jacki in her journey
Why seeking support and understanding your emotions is crucial
How Jacki rewired negative self-talk and rebuilt her self-worth
Living alcohol-free after two years: the mental and emotional shifts
How to stay alcohol-free when depression still lingers
Why you don’t need to give up even when it feels impossible
Embracing the freedom to live alcohol-free without guilt or shame
The importance of finding a safe space for emotional healing
And other topics…
Episode links:
Jacki’s Coaching Page - https://www.coachingbyjacki.com/
Jacki’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackifleniken
Related Episodes:
What’s the link between alcohol and depression? - Reader Questions - E698 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-698-readers-question-whats-the-link-between-alcohol-and-depression/
What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety? - Reader Questions - E480 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-480-reader-question-what-is-the-correlation-between-alcohol-and-anxiety/
Beating Blackout Drinking - Naked Life Story – Shirley - E575 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-575-naked-life-story-shirley/
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