This Naked Mind Podcast

Breaking the nightly drinking habit can feel impossible when alcohol has been “normal” your whole life—so what happens when you finally decide to choose you? Shannon grew up with alcohol in the background, avoided drinking for years, and then slowly found herself becoming the “drinking buddy” in a marriage where beer was everywhere. When the boys moved out and her drinking escalated, she hit a gut-check moment that made her realize she felt trapped—and she wanted out. In this episode, Shannon shares how a TNM masterclass sparked hope, how she signed up for support on a day she truly didn’t want to go home, and what it looked like to rebuild her evenings without white-knuckling. She also opens up about the quiet kind of pride that comes from learning you can count on yourself again—and how she’s navigating boundaries and communication with a partner who still drinks.

Shannon discusses:

What it’s like to grow up around alcohol—and not realize how much it shaped you

Why Shannon didn’t drink much early on, and what changed later in life

When “just beer” turns into a nightly routine you can’t ignore

Breaking the nightly drinking habit when cravings feel automatic after work

How shame keeps people stuck—and how awareness helps you get free

What surprised Shannon after she stopped drinking

Building self-trust one choice at a time—without needing a dramatic moment

Holding boundaries at home while staying connected in a relationship

Why worry can feel like love—and what it costs you

Learning to approach hard conversations with more safety and less panic

And other topics…

Episode links: nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

Overcoming Shame and Embarrassment After Drinking - Reader’s Question - EP 722 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-722-readers-question-overcoming-shame-and-embarrassment-after-drinking/

 Using Alcohol for Stress Relief - Naked Life Story – Allison B. - EP 715 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-715-naked-life-story-allison-b/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

Ever notice how the craving doesn’t wait til you get home? How it shows up the second the day gets heavy? Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Beth and Patrick to unpack what’s really happening under the urge to drink, and how to respond with support instead of self-criticism. Along the way, they answer a question so many of us have asked: What is the best way to deal with stress without alcohol? Beth learns a new way to understand her cravings, and Patrick builds momentum with small, realistic steps that stick.

In Beth's session:

Why work stress makes weekday cravings feel so intense

The firefighter analogy: seeing the part of you that reaches for alcohol as a protector, not an enemy

Replacing "control" with "connection" as a new way to approach cravings

A somatic exercise to sit with difficult emotions

How setting a check-in timer throughout the day can prevent cravings from building up

Building confidence by stacking small wins and evidence that you can ride out tough moments

Learning the best way to deal with stress without alcohol when panic hits at work

And more…

In Patrick's session:

Why retirement unexpectedly led to more drinking and weight gain

The difference between behavior-based and emotion-based goals

How micro commitments create lasting change without overwhelm

Experimenting with yoga, pickleball, martial arts, and guitar as alcohol-free alternatives

Using the "closer or farther" question as a pattern interruption before happy hour

The best way to deal with stress without alcohol, when boredom and habit take over

And more…

Cole Harvey 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 men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.

Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the CAMH. 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

Related Episodes:

Alcohol After 60 - Coaching Questions -  EP 418 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-418-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard/

 Can You Stop Drinking Due To Work Stress - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 803 - https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-because-of-work-stress-e803/

Why do I end up drinking by myself whenever I am bored or stressed? - Reader Question - EP 594 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-594-reader-question-why-do-i-end-up-drinking-by-myself-whenever-i-am-bored-or-stressed/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind  Quince: get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for $1 month trial at shopify.com/mind

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance use, parental substance abuse, blackouts, and trauma-related behaviors.

Letting go of wine culture—what if it’s not about losing something… but getting you back? Sherri grew up in a world where partying was normal, alcohol was everywhere, and being “the fun one” felt like her role. Over time, that same “fun” turned into nightly wine autopilot, constant bargaining (“just one,” “only certain days”), and the kind of loneliness that sneaks up on you when drinking starts shrinking your life. Then one Saturday, Sherri wandered into a library and found The Alcohol Experiment—and the experiment mindset finally gave her a way to step out of the shame spiral and into curiosity. Today, Sherri has become an integral part of The Alcohol Experiment Facebook group—her honest, funny, real posts continue to encourage people on day one, day thirty, or year six. Honestly? She’s the unofficial TAE mascot. In this episode, Coach Cole and Sherri talk about what changes when you stop fighting yourself and start choosing yourself.

Sherri and Coach Cole discuss:

Sherri’s early years: when partying was “normal” and alcohol was everywhere

How wine turned into identity (“I can’t imagine me without it”)

The exhausting moderation loop: rules, resets, bargaining, repeat

Why drinking slowly shifted from social to isolating

Blackouts, staying home to “be safe,” and the loneliness that followed

The library moment that introduced Sherri to The Alcohol Experiment

Letting go of wine culture without shame—using curiosity instead

The power of community + accountability inside the TAE Facebook group

Why Sherri has become an integral part of the group (and the unofficial TAE mascot!)

What changes over time: cravings as passing thoughts, confidence as a new normal

And more…

Episode links: alcoholexperiment.com

Related Episodes:

Should I Try Moderation - Reader Question - EP 370 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-370-reader-question-should-i-try-moderation/

How do I go back to normal life after The Alcohol Experiment?- Reader Question - EP 508 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-508-reader-question-how-do-i-go-back-to-normal-life-after-the-alcohol-experiment/

Who Am I Without Wine?: Identity & Sophistication - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 801 - https://thisnakedmind.com/creating-a-new-identity-after-quitting-drinking-alcohol-freedom-freedom-coaching-e801/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

What if working through urges to drink didn't have to feel like fighting failure? In this episode, Coaches Cole and Hayley sit down with Kristen and Nicola — two Path members — for Alcohol Freedom Coaching sessions that shine a light on how our urges to drink can become our greatest teachers rather than our enemies. Kristen drinks to escape overwhelm, creating a self-perpetuating cycle, while Nicola has been battling self-doubt that sends her spiraling when an urge to drink hits. Both coaches show their guests how curiosity, compassion, and intentional choices can help with working through urges to drink and building real confidence in living alcohol-free.

In Kristen’s session:Overwhelm and the urge to numb out after a hard dayThe real cost of “forgetting” and what true peace meansSpotting early cues in your body before cravings growA quick reset: breath, stretch, five minutes to yourselfAsking for a minute without guilt or people-pleasingWorking through urges to drink with a plan you can repeatAnd more

In Nicola’s session:The doubt loop: “don’t hope or you’ll be disappointed”Fear of quitting alcohol and fear of the unknownMeeting thoughts with compassion instead of resistanceSelf-soothing tools that bring you back to the presentSocial moments without alcohol (tonic water, leaving when you choose)Keeping routines while changing what happens nextAnd more topics

Cole Harvey 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/

Hayley Scherders 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

Related Episodes:

Overcoming a Craving: My Best Advice - Reader Question - EP 10 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-10-reader-question-overcoming-a-craving-my-best-advice/

 Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Alcohol: Tools to Find Calm and Confidence - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - EP 877 - https://thisnakedmind.com/daily-practices-to-stay-alcohol-free-afc-e877/

How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? - Reader Question - EP 88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-muster-willpower-not-drink/

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!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, and Shopify. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at ⁠betterhelp.com/nakedmind⁠ . Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/naked⁠ . Shopify: Sign up for a $1 month trial at ⁠shopify.com/mind⁠

Picking health over alcohol—what if that choice could feel less like deprivation and more like relief? Monica grew up in a culture where drinking wasn’t just normal, it was identity: being the fun one, staying late, shining at happy hour, making alcohol the “reward” for workdays, celebrations, stress, and everything in between. Even when the downsides started showing up (worse anxiety, feeling run-down, the exhausting mental math of “when’s my next drink?”), not drinking didn’t feel like a real option—just something you powered through until you “earned” going back.

After reading This Naked Mind, Monica finally had language for what she’d been living: cognitive dissonance. She could see alcohol clearly…and still want it. She tried breaks, challenges, and milestones, but it kept feeling like white-knuckling. Then she joined The Path and something shifted. Instead of forcing a forever decision, she learned how to pause, observe, and stack up real-life evidence—what actually happened when she didn’t drink at a birthday, during the holidays, in hard relationship moments.

In this episode, Coach Cole and Monica talk about how rewiring happens one data point at a time—and how choosing self-compassion over self-judgment helped alcohol become small and insignificant. Monica also shares a powerful realization from pregnancy, and a moment of fear that made her see just how badly she wanted freedom.

Coach Cole and Monica discuss:

Growing up with alcohol as identity: “life of the party” and the go-to reward

Why “just drink less” kept feeling impossible (even with motivation)

How The Path helped Monica start observing instead of battling herself

Stacking evidence: first alcohol-free “firsts” that built confidence

Anxiety dropping when alcohol left the equation—and what surprised her mostPregnancy, “it’s not an option,” and what that revealed about her true preferences

A health scare thought that exposed the depth of the pattern—and the breakthrough it sparkedPicking health over alcohol through curiosity, compassion, and real-life proof

And more topics…

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

I see no benefit to alcohol, why can't I just quit? – Reader Question – E60 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-60-reader-question-see-no-benefit-alcohol-cant-just-quit/

Why Do I Drink When I Know It’s Bad For Me? - Reader Question - E660 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-660-readers-question-why-do-i-drink-when-i-know-its-bad-for-me/

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!