This Naked Mind Podcast

Have you ever felt like you’re too old and too set in your ways to change your relationship with alcohol? Maybe you've tried cutting back in the past, but nothing seems to stick. Well, our guest today, Mary, is here to tell you it's absolutely possible to find freedom from alcohol, no matter your age! Mary discovered the power of spontaneous sobriety with This Naked Mind at 70, and she's here to s...

What is the link between alcohol and depression?  Have you ever tried to quit drinking and felt even worse?  It turns out there's a scientific reason for this, and in this episode of the podcast, Annie Grace dives deep into the surprising connection between alcohol and our mental health.  She explains how alcohol messes with our brain chemistry in the short term but also offers hope and practical...

Ever wake up with a fuzzy memory and a pounding headache, wondering what happened the night before?  Our guest Danielle knows that feeling all too well. In this episode, Danielle opens up about her experiences with alcohol, including one too many incidents of blacking out while drinking. But Danielle's story is also about so much more.  Join us as she shares her journey to a healthier relationship...

Is the drunk you, the real you? Ever question if those silly moments or regrettable actions after a few drinks reveal your true self? The saying "in vino veritas" (wine reveals truth) might have us believing our drunk heart speaks the truth. But what if science tells a different story? In this episode, Annie Grace dives deep into the science behind how alcohol impacts our brains and decision-makin...

Have you ever listened to a Naked Life Story and thought to yourself - I wonder what they are up to now? Wonder no more as we bring back your favorite guests and update you on how life has changed as they continue to navigate life, alcohol-free. Today we welcome back Molly for a chat with Coach Hayley. Remember Molly? You might recall her story about battling drinking culture in fitness. Join us a...

Has the thought - Can I just not call myself an alcoholic? - ever crossed your mind? Do you ever feel stuck with a label that just doesn't fit anymore?  Maybe you've had a challenging relationship with alcohol, but now you're moving forward in a healthier way.  This episode is all about ditching the labels and stepping into your own power.  We'll explore how to navigate social situations without f...

Is AA not the only answer? Ginelle felt stuck after nine years in a 12 step program, but yearned for a life where she wasn't just saying "no" to alcohol. In this episode, Ginelle shares her story of outgrowing AA and choosing 12-step program alternatives.  Join us as Ginelle and Annie explore finding freedom from alcohol through self-trust, mindfulness, and a supportive community. Listen in for Gi...

Why do I keep drinking when I said I wouldn't? It happens to the best of us! Ever tell yourself you'd skip the drinks, then find yourself reaching for a glass anyway? You're not alone! This episode of the This Naked Mind podcast reveals the surprising science behind why we crave things, even when they don't make us feel good anymore. We'll explore how our brain's built-in survival instincts can tr...

Ever wonder if that glass of wine is really helping your creative flow? This episode, we dive deep into the surprising truth about how alcohol affects artists. Our guest, Rebecca, shares her story of how alcohol went from a social lubricant to a creativity killer. Hear how she battled feelings of shame and rediscovered her artistic passion after putting down the drink. Join us for an honest conver...

Ever wondered how long it takes to feel better after quitting drinking? This episode of the podcast answers the question everyone asks, with host Annie Grace giving a surprising answer (it's not as long as you think!).  Learn how quickly you can experience physical improvements and what you can do to feel better emotionally right away. Discover the secret to ditching the struggle and start feeling...

Ever feel like you're stuck in time weighed down by past experiences? Today on the This Naked Mind podcast, Annie Grace chats with Dr. Melissa Kalt, an expert in emotional trauma recovery. Dr. Kalt explains how past hurts can hold us back, even if they weren't huge dramatic events.  They'll explore the surprising ways our bodies store trauma, and how healthy emotional expression is key to moving f...

Ever feel stuck pouring that evening glass of wine, even though you know you'd like to cut back? You're not alone!  This episode of the This Naked Mind podcast tackles the challenge of how to unwind and relax at home without alcohol, especially for busy single parents.  We'll explore why we might crave that drink, how to break free from the habit, and even a revolutionary technique called "liminal...

Previously on the This Naked Mind podcast, Toni shared her story of breaking free from a difficult relationship with alcohol. Since then, she's built a whole new life! We're thrilled to have her back for a special "Where Are They Now?" episode! Since her last chat with Annie, Toni's been on a rollercoaster ride – a broken ankle, her mother’s illness, and even shattering the glass ceiling! Through...

Ever feel the pressure to drink at parties?  This episode of the This Naked Mind podcast with host Annie Grace is your guide to feeling confident and free, even when everyone else has a drink in their hand.  Learn how to uncover the hidden reasons behind cravings, shift your mindset about alcohol, discover fun alternatives to drinking socially, and say "no thanks" with ease.  Join Annie as she sha...

Can quitting alcohol help with panic attacks? Josh's story confronts this question head-on. From the early days of anxiety and struggling to fit in, to facing legal trouble and personal loss fueled by drinking, Josh's journey reveals how often we turn to alcohol for relief even when it fuels our pain as well.  A global crisis became a turning point, forcing him to confront the impact of alcohol on...

Ever wake up after a night out feeling on edge, jittery, and maybe even a little panicky? You're not alone! In this episode of This Naked Mind podcast, Annie Grace explores the surprising connection between alcohol and anxiety. We'll answer the question "Why does drinking alcohol make me anxious?" and uncover the science behind that feeling of dread you might know all too well. We'll also talk abo...

Are you questioning your alcohol consumption? Maybe like Karina, you find yourself wanting to unwind after a tough day, but that one glass turns into a few, leaving you feeling a bit guilty. This week on the podcast, Annie Grace chats with Karina, a woman who grappled with her drinking habits after her son's Tourette’s diagnosis and her mom's health struggles. Join us as Karina explores how tracki...

Ever wondered what happens when you cut back on the drinks? We get tons of questions from listeners just like you, curious about the health benefits of drinking less.  In this episode, Annie Grace dives into real listener questions, revealing the surprising ways that reducing your alcohol intake can lead to a happier, healthier you. From glowing skin and restful sleep to a lighter you and a strong...

Ever feel like a glass of wine is your best friend? Susan did. Growing up in Ireland, pub culture was everywhere, and alcohol seemed like a normal part of life. But when shyness and difficult emotions set in, Susan turned to drinking to cope with depression and anxiety. This Naked Mind host Annie Grace chats with Susan about her journey from cultural norms to questioning everything and ultimately...

Is the question of "is drinking occasionally ok" lingering in your mind? You're not alone. This episode of the This Naked Mind podcast tackles this common concern head-on. Annie Grace sheds light on the blurry line between social drinking and problematic patterns, exploring how our tolerance can shift and how knowledge empowers informed decisions. Tune in to discover the path to a healthier relati...

Ever feel trapped by alcohol addiction and shame? Annie’s guest, Hayley, opens up about her journey from social drinker to the painful consequences of relying on alcohol. Hitting rock bottom forced her to confront a harsh reality, but amidst the self-doubt, Hayley discovered a path to self-acceptance and a life free from the cycle of shame. Tune in as she shares how This Naked Mind and the support...

Feeling the pressure to cut back on calories while enjoying a drink with friends? Many of us struggle with how to stop restricting food while drinking. This week, a listener asks Annie for a game plan to navigate social situations without sacrificing their health goals.  Join us as Annie unveils the surprising culprit behind these unhealthy habits and offers a clear, actionable path to take contro...

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of using alcohol to cope, only to have it make things worse? This week on the podcast, Annie Grace chats with Carolin, whose story is a powerful reminder that you can break free. Carolin's journey wasn't easy. From early associations that made drinking seem positive to a toxic relationship that fueled her dependence, alcohol became her go-to for stress relief....

Feeling the fear of future cravings? You're not alone! Today, Annie Grace tackles a question on the minds of many – "Will I ever stop craving alcohol?" This episode explores the concept of "firsts" and how navigating unfamiliar situations without alcohol can be a powerful learning experience. By understanding the underlying motivations behind cravings and shifting your perspective from fear to cur...

Have you ever poured yourself a glass of wine to combat social anxiety? Felt an overwhelming pressure to "just have one drink" because everyone else is? This week on the This Naked Mind Podcast, we dive into the topic of overcoming societal expectations to drink alongside Susie, a life coach who shares her own raw and relatable story. From fitting in with the crowd, to easing those uncomfortable s...