Midlife AF Podcast

In this episode of Midlife AF, I discuss the crucial importance of emotional safety and how it relates to the alcohol-free journey. I share my personal experiences and insights on how suppressing difficult emotions through alcohol use can be a form of spiritual bypassing, and how societal expectations around happiness and resilience can further compound this issue. I also chat about the need...

This week we are exploring the concept of the "just world theory" and how it relates to our tendency to blame victims, especially when it comes to issues around alcohol and adversity. I share personal experiences of being bullied and isolated, and how that impacted my sense of self and emotional processing. I also chat about the importance of validating our feelings, even the difficult o...

This week I dive deep into the complex relationship between alcohol and excitement. As women in midlife, many of us have come to associate drinking with feelings of anticipation and thrill. But is this excitement real, or are we chasing a false sense of vitality? Join me as I unpack the psychology behind our drinking habits, explore how our identities are tied to alcohol, and discover ways to...

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Lockyer, an expert on supporting families and spouses of those struggling with addiction. Amanda shares her personal journey and insights on navigating the complexities of relationships affected by addiction. We discuss the challenges of enabling, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care while supporting a loved one. Key takeaways:   Addiction imp...

I'm discussing the links between disappointment, people-pleasing behaviours, and alcohol use in midlife women. We'll explore concepts like unmet expectations, examining our beliefs and needs, and letting go of seeking external validation. I also share insights on cultural conditioning, trauma, and finding your authentic identity beyond societal pressures. Episode Highlights Inc...

In this episode, I discuss how trauma is held in the body and why somatic experiencing is so important for healing. I explore the relationship between trauma, the nervous system, and addiction. Listeners learn practical tools like breathwork and yoga to connect with their felt sense and regulate emotions. Episode highlights include: How trauma gets stored in the nervous system and impacts our "fig...

Lindsay Beveridge shares her journey in overcoming alcohol addiction through studying nutrition and exploring mind-body practices like Kundalini yoga. We discuss how genetics, hormones and neurotransmitters impact mental health and addiction, and how to support recovery through lifestyle changes. Lindsay shares insights on perimenopause, meditation, and using modalities like yoga to...

This week's I'm discussing one of my fave topics - the myth of the "buzz" from drinking alcohol. We will explore how many of the commonly held beliefs about the positive effects of alcohol are actually untrue and examine why "the buzz" is something many people feel they will miss out on without drinking. Episode highlights include 👉 The buzz is not actually a pleasant or desirable...

I'm welcoming autism parent and author Kate Laine Toner to discuss her experiences raising an autistic child and discovering her own autism later in life. Kate shares insights from her book "Where Do I Start?" on navigating the emotional journey of autism parenting and prioritising self-care. You'll learn about finding support groups, special interests, and letting go of toxic influences...

In this BONUS episode I'm reflecting on my journey of self-discovery through taking breaks from alcohol and learning to embrace vulnerability. I'll share how affirmations, meditation, difficult conversations and community support have helped me to finally cultivate self-love and authentic relationships. Episode Highlights: How the affirmation "You are where you put yo...

This week I chat with Victoria Vanstone from Drunk Mummy, Sober Mummy and Sober Awkward about the importance of storytelling in our alcohol-free lives. We discuss how sharing our stories helps others feel less alone and more empowered to make changes. Episode highlights include: Storytelling is a huge part of this work. Sharing our experiences helps normalizse conversations around moderation and s...

For those new to my circle or new to the podcast, I'm sharing my personal journey of reducing and eventually stopping drinking. I open up about growing up neurodivergent and using alcohol to mask and fit in, and how examining my beliefs about alcohol led me to question my identity and relationship with myself.  Episode Highlights: Everyone's story is wo...

This week I'm exploring how to make positive changes in our lives without feeling deprived or struggling against resistance. I share my own journey with reducing alcohol consumption and the reframing that made all the difference for me. You will learn techniques I've used for addressing underlying beliefs and emotions that may have been hindering their own progress. I also discuss the im...

In this episode, I'm discussing my upcoming programs and events for May aimed at helping women drink less and feel more fabulous. You'll get a sneak-peek at my upcoming free webinar on mindset shifts for reducing drinking, a 5-day live alcohol reset program, and my signature 30-day Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment starting in June. Episode Highlights: Mindset is key to maki...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of community for those seeking an alcohol-free life and personal growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones and social conditioning requires support. I share how connecting with others facing similar challenges has helped me stay grounded in difficult times and feel empowered to be my authentic self. Episode Highlights Community provides a safe sp...

I'm joined by Jane and Nicole from Seasterhood Adventures who chat about about their mission to facilitate swimming trips and adventures for women. They discuss past trips like the Whitsundays cruise I went on, where myself and other participants bonded over swimming and snorkeling. Jane and Nicole share their passion for creating inclusive spaces for women to connect through the se...

I'm joined by my teacher Jay Moon Fields to discuss the transformative journey of embodied self-care. Jay shares insights from over 20 years working somatically to help people develop mindfulness of the mind-body connection. We explore how trauma and suppression impact sensitivity, and how developing skills for feeling feelings can help overcome addiction and conditioning. Learn practical tools Ja...

In this episode, child psychologist Leanne Tran discusses her work supporting neurodivergent children and teenagers. She talks about common diagnoses like ADHD and how parents can better understand and help their kids. Leanne also shares about the online courses she's creating to educate parents on how to create supportive structures at home. Episode Highlights Many parents of neurodivergent kids...

This week I’m delighted to be welcoming back to the podcast, author Victoria BatStone to discuss her memoir 1000 Wasted Sundays. Vic shares personal stories from her journey navigating midlife without alcohol after years of binge drinking and partying. We discuss the impact of addiction on identity and self-discovery, as well as how trauma and societal pressures influenced our relationships with a...

In this episode, I'm discussing how a busy brain is a common reason why many women, especially those who are neurodivergent, use alcohol to cope. I explore where a busy brain comes from and how perfectionism plays a role.  Episode Highlights: - A busy brain can present as an overactive mind that replays the day's events and finds faults - Perfectionism, productivity culture, and com...

This week I'm sitting down with my dear friend Sarah Rusbatch to discuss our journeys navigating midlife without alcohol. Sarah shares her personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction and discovering her authentic self through sobriety and self-care. We also discuss the impacts of perimenopause and the importance of prioritising our own needs. Episode Highlights: Sa...

In this episode, I sit down with author Ann Dowsett Johnston to discuss the complex relationship between women and alcohol. Ann shares her personal journey with addiction and recovery, and how societal expectations have enabled problematic drinking patterns. We explore the manipulation of big alcohol companies and how perfectionism fuels isolation. Episode Highlights:   Alcohol functions as a...

This week Danni Carr joins me to discuss our personal journeys of sobriety and self-discovery. We share insights on addressing the underlying issues that lead to alcohol abuse through compassionate self-inquiry. You will learn strategies for journaling, managing anxiety, and cultivating self-acceptance. Episode Highlights: Journaling prompts and exercises can provide insight into yo...

When Amelia found herself struggling with her relationship with alcohol, she joined the Aussie Alcohol Experiment and began a journey of self-discovery and sobriety, discovering that her path to freedom is supported by a powerful and uplifting group of women. "When you stop drinking, you free up so much mind space and time, and you're able to look at your life and feel so much more free." -Amelia...

I'm chatting with money coach Alpha about the importance of financial literacy and independence for women in midlife. We discuss how our childhood experiences with money and alcohol have shaped our work empowering women. Alpha shares tips for separating finances in relationships and overcoming limiting beliefs around money. Episode Highlights: Financial agency gives women power and control over th...