The Sober Edge
Are you ready to explore the ‘edge’ you get from not drinking? Are you curious if not drinking will really change your life for the better? Wondering what to do with all of your energy and mental clarity now that you’re not drinking? Join your host Teri Patterson, certified This Naked Mind Senior Coach and functional nutritionist as she interviews men and women who have let go of drinking alcohol and created a life of passion, purpose and joy! Teri brings you tips, tactics and practical knowledge from her work helping people change their relationship with alcohol and take their life to the next level. Want to run a marathon, write a book, create true wellness, or start a business? Get ready to be motivated, inspired and astounded by what is possible with The Sober Edge.
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My Life In Hiding with author Laura Cathcart Robbins
04/24/2024
My Life In Hiding with author Laura Cathcart Robbins
This is an extra special episode of The Sober Edge Podcast - we are inviting ALL of you to meet author Laura Cathcart Robbins. First, you will meet Laura in this special podcast episode. Robbins is the author of Stash: My Life In Hiding. This powerful book takes us on the emotional journey of Laura's addiction to sleeping medication and alcohol. I must share that I was riveted as I read her account of navigating being a Hollywood wife and mother and board president of the private school her children attended WITH sourcing extra refills of Ambien. I know that many of us had a relationship with alcohol that included 'hiding', whether it was hiding the amount you drank, or the fact that you were drinking again. This is part of why Laura's story is so powerful. Her honest telling of her story includes the parts of her past that she was hiding from everyone in her life. 'My Life In Hiding' is about so much more than hiding one's addiction, it includes learning how to be honest with ourselves. During this interview, Laura and I were careful not to divulge any 'spoilers' as the book is full of twists and turns. The one 'spoiler' is that we know Laura is ultimately triumphant over her addiction and, like many of us, her life looks completely different now. This book is ultimately a love story, with her children, a surprise relationship but, most importantly, with herself. Laura Cathcart Robbins is the best-selling author of the Atria/Simon & Schuster memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, and host of the popular podcast, The Only One In The Room. She will be joining us in our Author Spotlight Special inside The Sober Edge Book Club. Show Notes
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Creative Living with Tawny Lara
04/17/2024
Creative Living with Tawny Lara
When we stop drinking and over drinking we have so many possibilities. Have you dreamed about what's next? Perhaps you have thought about writing a book? Starting a podcast? Or maybe you have a product in mind that you want to create and bring into the world to share with your AF community? My podcast guest today, Tawny Lara, has done all of these things. I first met Tawny when she joined us in The Sober Edge Book Club to share her brand-new book: Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating and Hooking Up, Without the Booze. Tawny is known as 'the sober sexpert'. While the title of the book is meant to be provocative, the book is written as a recovery resource; a resource for sexual liberation, sexual empowerment, and empowering women to get to know their own bodies.It’s about communication and boundaries. There is even a chapter about sober breakups. Ultimately, it's about creating better relationships, especially with yourself. Tawny is also the co-founder of (parentheses) a vinegar-based botanical beverage she produces with her husband, and the co-host of the Sobriety Rocks podcast. Tawny shares her unique take on life and her creative style in this interview. Learn more about Tawny's work in the
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Racing for Recovery with Todd Crandell
04/10/2024
Racing for Recovery with Todd Crandell
Do you believe that 'with sobriety anything is possible'? When you hear the story of Todd Crandell, you will. Todd is the founder of Racing for Recovery, a non-profit center to help people move away from addiction and towards recovery. Todd is the Original Sober Ironman and is also known as Sober Ultra Man on Instagram. Todd is a living, breathing example of a sober life and lifestyle. He believes that exercise can be a big component of healing from addiction and, while some may consider his devotion to running (113 Ironman competitions on 6 different continents) to be an addiction to running, Todd doesn't see it that way. He believes that, for him, running is a healthy passion that leads to a vibrant and healthy life. Highlights from our conversation include: What's missing in traditional recovery models How he discovered the Ironman triathlons A different kind of 'war story' Quitting drinking is like a pizza The communication menu
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You Are Not Stuck with Becky Vollmer
04/03/2024
You Are Not Stuck with Becky Vollmer
Have you ever felt 'stuck'? Chances are, the answer is yes. We can feel stuck in circumstances, situations that feel beyond our control. We can feel stuck when we are trying to manage other peoples feelings or reactions. Let's face it, feeling stuck can suck! If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. Becky Vollmer is the author of "You Are Not Stuck" and she shares on the podcast exactly how we move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered by choice. Becky is more than an author; she is a yoga teacher, a retreat leader and a spiritual guide who coaches women to take back their power. Becky's mission is "... to empower people to pursue the lives they dream of instead of settling for the ones they feel stuck in..." Our podcast conversation moves from the success of her book to her 'prescription' for moving from fear to freedom to her take on 'Thelma and Louise'ing it'! (find out more about Becky; see previous podcast episodes and sign up for The Sober Nutritionist newsletter)
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Exploring Online Rehab with Robin McIntosh
03/27/2024
Exploring Online Rehab with Robin McIntosh
If you have ever considered rehab to help change your relationship with alcohol - there is good news. With these changing times and the possibility of telehealth and online therapy, there are more options than ever. Most of us are familiar with the traditional models of treatment. Now, there is a new model that is available. My guest on the podcast this week is Robin McIntosh, co-founder of Workit Health, an alternative to the traditional form of rehab. Workit Health addresses many of the barriers to entering treatment: Money - Workit Health is covered by most insurance and is a fraction of the cost because there is no facility for upkeep Stigma - Workit Health does not require that you meet with your HR department or share with extended family that you are entering treatment (you may choose to do so, but unlike leaving for 30 days, there is greater anonymity). Time - you don't have to leave for 30 + days. This can be a huge deterrent for some people Waiting - I have been on the frustrating end of trying to find a 'bed' for a treatment center. With online telehealth, there is no waiting period. Workit Health has a combined approach which includes screening for medication assistance, harm reduction goals, and group therapy. I am excited to know this option is out there - I am deeply invested in bringing you more tools, more choices and, ultimately, more freedom. I hope you will take a close look at online rehab and see if it might be the right for you or a loved one.
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Frame Your Change with Kim Ades
03/20/2024
Frame Your Change with Kim Ades
My guest on the podcast today, Kim Ades has an executive coaching company called Frame of Mind Coaching. I love her philosophy around our frame of mind. Kim shares so many packed moments of inspiration and wisdom in this episode, including: Her mission of helping people live with more ease, fulfillment and joy How trading up our thoughts creates more alignment Her definition of emotional resilience Her ‘controversial’ ideas about empathy The first step to figuring out the question: “what do I want?” Why she is not interested in your “WHY” Kim also shares a unique process she has created called “The Journal That Talks Back”. This is a process whereby your journal is read and responded to by a trained Frame of Mind Coach. Kim uses this process for young executives to access support as they grow into leaders. I find this unique offer fascinating and Kim and I explore a bit about how to use this process in our AF journey and well beyond alcohol! Full Show Notes Learn more about and join now for $5.00 off your first month!
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Unleashing Your Vitality with Aundrea Sides
03/13/2024
Unleashing Your Vitality with Aundrea Sides
One of the many gifts of becoming alcohol-free is the ability to explore our inner world. In the podcast episode I share with Aundrea Sides, we dive into the extraordinary and psychic realm of possibility. This is an episode I want to invite you to listen to closely. Aundrea shares her experience and wisdom with unleashing our inner knowledge through frequency, vibration, intuition and imagination. Aundrea shares the power of using your mind with your intuition and creating an open heart where we can all take inspired action. We also talk about the danger of 'leaky energy'. This is where we ask a lot of other people their opinion instead of tuning into our own intuition. Brene Brown talks about the dangers of 'polling'; when we find ourselves asking everyone around us what we should do. And, if you have experienced a new-found trust in yourself since ditching alcohol, you know exactly what we are talking about. There comes, with new awareness, or as Aundrea would say, cosmic clarity, a delight in knowing what is for us.
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Be the Leader of Your AF Life with Toni Will
03/06/2024
Be the Leader of Your AF Life with Toni Will
Are you ready to be the leader of your AF life? My guest today is a expert on building winning teams and creating leadership pillars that work! Toni Will is a Senior This Naked Mind Coach, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings and champion for women in pro sports. Toni is an amazing leader who has focused her career on creating and leading winning teams, both on and off the ice. Here are some highlights from this episode: Toni's 6 leadership pillars The toxic work culture that changed her career path What it looks like to 'belly up to the bar' to cut business deals How to stick your neck out And more... Find out more about Toni, The KWings and read the article she talks about: 'Glass Shattered and a Seat for Everyone'; more info in the Check out my YouTube channel and more of T.E.A. with Teri:
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Family Ties with Todd Kinney
02/28/2024
Family Ties with Todd Kinney
"I didn't believe it either" might be the sentiment that you feel about your alcohol-free journey. I often see posts from people who share their day count and express wonderment that they have reached this place of freedom. My guest on the podcast today took that sentiment and wrote a book detailing the surprising lessons of living an alcohol-free life. Todd Kinney is a dad, a lawyer and a husband who shares how all of these areas were impacted by drinking and by not drinking. Todd shared in his live talk and on the podcast, the challenge that many of us face with our long-time partners when they still drink and we stop. He came to recognize that he needed both connection and support and initially felt resentful when he wasn't getting those things from his wife. He shares that he was having many conversations about his needs, but only in his head! Tune into the podcast episode to learn how Todd finally shared his feelings and needs and that outcome that has worked for him and his wife. Highlights from the episode: Todd shares how he initially felt more comfortable sharing with women because he felt less risk of being judged. His thoughts about men and alcohol culture: "I gave up drinking. Am I even a 'real guy' anymore?" The chapter in his book titled "None Of The Bad Things Happened" ...and more Interested in creating a midlife with intention and joy?
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The Heart of Sober Living
02/21/2024
The Heart of Sober Living
Becoming alcohol-free was one of the hardest things I have ever done. In the beginning, figuring out how to live alcohol-free was also extremely difficult. This is true for most of my clients and the people I meet who have undertaken this journey. So, why do we keep going? How do we know it's going to be worth it in the end? What is at the 'heart' of sober living? I experienced something recently that I think, at least for me, answers this question. I attended an event with 100+ women (and 2 men) where we experienced the joy of celebrating life as alcohol-free humans. Friendship, celebration, laughter, and learning have been a big part of my sober journey. Another very important part for me has been growing personally - learning to sit with my emotions, learning to express my needs, learning to really listen to other people and see beyond the veil. The Sober In The City event in Tampa, Florida reminded me, in the best possible way, how important it is to be seen and heard and understood in this AF world. The things that matter to all humans also matter to us. We don't stop needing fun, or dance parties or new friends just because we don't drink alcohol! This is what AF women want and deserve! Friendship Connection Fun Laughter Learning A Support System Practice socializing AF Understanding Inspiration I hope you will feel inspired to keep reaching new heights as you experience more alcohol-free time. One thing that I have noticed, and I have also heard from so many of you, is that life keeps getting better and better. Why is that? I think it is because, for perhaps the first time, we are experiencing life without judging ourselves and others, instead we are exploring how to be more open, more compassionate and more authentic. Full Show Notes
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The Magic of Aging
02/14/2024
The Magic of Aging
To continue our conversation about aging and whether you should age gracefully or fight it all the way (!), I shared some additional thoughts about midlife on the podcast this week. Here are a few highlights: Health span vs. Life span Postive Intelligence It's okay to feel some loss of identity and even grief as life unfolds. Where are the rituals of midlife? The Daring Dozen Here's an idea; what if we took a 'gap year' or a 'sabbatical' to commemorate midlife? Imagine dedicating a full year to figuring out what we want to focus on in our 4th act. In his teaching about midlife, Chip Conley shares that we used to consider life as a 'three-part play'. Part 1 was birth to 21 years of age. Part 2, 22 -45 years of age and our final act was 46-65 when we would retire and die shortly after. Now, we are often living to 85, an entire extra act! I think that's pretty exciting. And, I think that if we want to live with vitality and a richness of friendship and purpose, we need to plan for it. (including a Daring Dozen assignment!)
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Are You Ready for a Midlife Makeover?
02/07/2024
Are You Ready for a Midlife Makeover?
Do you enjoy ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos? I am often amazed by photos I see of someone while drinking and then that same someone 60 or 90 days later. It’s incredible to see the dramatic changes that can occur. I think it’s also true with midlife. Have you ever known someone who becomes softer and more present as they grow older? How about someone who embraces a new passion or writes a book at the age of 60+? You’ve probably heard the saying “age is just a number”, which I agree with. However, I think age is also a mindset. Some say “60 is the new 40” but I don’t want to go back to 40. For me, so much of the beauty of midlife comes from embracing all the gifts of wisdom, experience and freedom that comes from growing older. In my 40s I was caught up in overdrinking and overthinking; in my 60s I am embracing space, curiosity and wonder! How do we get through these hard times? I am discovering that having a safe place to share and a sense of curiosity (vs. judgment) are helping. I am also questioning everything I thought I knew about growing older. Are you looking to upgrade your health this year? Perhaps it's time to cut back on processed foods and sugar but the nagging question is, 'how?'. If this is you, I invite you to take a look at my RESTART® program - Real Food, Real Learning, Real Solutions. We are getting started next week - only 5 weeks and value packed. Learn more here:
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Out of the Alcohol Matrix with Dustin Dunbar
01/31/2024
Out of the Alcohol Matrix with Dustin Dunbar
In the movie, The Matrix, there is a scene where the character realizes he is caught in an illusion. My guest on the podcast this week is Dustin Dunbar, who had his own matrix moment when he had an awakening dream that showed him the damage that alcohol was creating in his own life. Dustin Dunbar grew up poor in Midwest America with an abusive, alcohol-addicted father and grandfather, and vowed to never be like them. And yet, like many of us, he found himself using alcohol to fit in, to hang with the guys and to make the deals on the golf course. When Dustin became alcohol-free four years ago, he knew he wanted to help other men overcome the lies that alcohol told him. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: Why Dustin doesn't use the word 'sober' How he talks to his children about alcohol Dustin calls out George Clooney; Teri calls out Snoop Dog. The book that changed his life Find out more about Dustin, We are AFR and his mission to ban alcohol advertising by visiting the SHOW NOTES Want to know more about the Build the Life You Want book study? Click
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The Moderate Middle with Ali Shapiro
01/24/2024
The Moderate Middle with Ali Shapiro
Our relationship with food is a life-long relationship. My guest today, Ali Shapiro, reminds us that from conception, food is 'yoked' with attachment and belonging. Her work as a holistic nutritionist and behavior specialist gives Ali a unique understanding of diet culture, body positivity and modern medicine. In her words, each has their 'own flavor of crazy'. Here are some of the powerful points that Ali and I discuss: How food issues hold us back from real life Food as medicine The backlash against 'wellness' Toxic diet culture (thin at all costs) Her philosophy of "loving my body is doing loving things" Food is the solution, not the problem. Option "C" This conversation is so important, especially in this day and age where women continue to get pulled between body image and body positivity. Ali is a master at mindset and learning to love ourselves first. Her flagship program, Truce With Food, is now open for enrollment. including: links to Truce With Food and The Happier Book Study
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This Juicy Life with Lisa Ryan
01/17/2024
This Juicy Life with Lisa Ryan
When we stop drinking, we often hope for better health. That's one of the top reasons people give me for wanting to cut back or stop drinking. Everyone hopes that they will feel better - sleep better, have lower blood pressure, lose weight. But, if our drinking has compromised our health, we may believe that stopping will simply delay the inevitable, that our only option is, as my podcast guest shares, "let the chips fall where they may". When I set out to interview a variety of midlife women about their journey to stop drinking, one guest had an atypical story. Lisa Ryan, a fellow This Naked Mind coach and an Aussie, shares her dark and difficult journey from the brink of death to a life worth living and loving. Many of my podcast guests and many of my clients are gray area drinkers; those of us who haven't reached 'rock bottom' but choose to stop drinking simply because we want more out of life. Lisa's story is not one of gray area drinking. She shares that she had many Day 1's and a frank discussion with her doctor that alcohol might be the end for her. It was a scary time. I am grateful to Lisa for sharing her story that it is never too late to start changing our relationship with alcohol, even when a happy ending is not guaranteed. Also, I want to encourage you to try new tools in your own AF journey! You can check out a different kind of tool, my revamped program "Stop Drinking in Your 50s and Beyond'
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4 Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions
01/10/2024
4 Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions
One of the biggest issues with New Year’s resolutions is that they often revolve around huge changes like adjusting our eating habits, getting more sleep, or becoming fluent in a new language. "Where we go wrong with New Year's resolutions is there's this idea that it's supposed to be some big, sweeping change, because that sounds kind of sexy. [But] as humans, we’re not wired to make big, sweeping changes. TERRI BLY, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST So, I propose we try something different. I borrowed heavily from the trifecta idea that Gretchen Rubin shares about 3 ways to embrace the new year: A One-Word Theme, A 24 for 24 Challenge and My 24 for 24 List. In today's episode, I share these exercises as an alternative way to set your intention and create your life by design, not by default. There is no requirement implement all four ideas; feel free to pick and choose the ones that speak to you and spark your creativity!
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Lessons and Celebrations from 2023
01/03/2024
Lessons and Celebrations from 2023
As we turn the page to the New Year, I find it valuable to spend some time reflecting. I like to consider the good, the bad, the fun times and the challenges that each year brings. In the podcast this week, I share some of these reflections and I hope you will be inspired to take your own look back. Here are some of the highlights, challenges and lessons from 2023: My community grew by 700%. That means I get to help more people on their AF journey. We got a puppy! I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition mid-summer While addressing one health challenge, I have the opportunity to discover new ways to support my overall health. Connection continues to be the number one thing my audience and community are seeking It's never too late to make new friends! and more in the episode and the shownotes! Your invitation to '24 for 24'
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How to Have a Successful Dry January: The Results without Restriction Podcast
12/30/2023
How to Have a Successful Dry January: The Results without Restriction Podcast
BONUS EPISODE! This is a podcast I recorded for The Results without Restriction health podcast. My friend Laurie Mallon wanted to talk about Dry January. Here are some of the highlights How not to fall into the Jan. 31 - Feb. 1 trap The importance of community Why setting an intention is the first step Redefining success Plus, I share my top 3 tips to embrace this Dry January. My favorite community to spend January with? The Live Alcohol Experiment by This Naked Mind. Full Show Notes
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How to Eat to Change How You Drink with Dr. Brooke Scheller
12/27/2023
How to Eat to Change How You Drink with Dr. Brooke Scheller
Much of this alcohol-free journey involves figuring out how to make it easier for us. After all, if becoming and staying aFree is completely miserable, will we really achieve lasting change? For many of us, the connection between food and alcohol is deeply embedded. Dr. Brooke Scheller has the answer and the book to help you do just that. "How to Eat to Change How You Drink" lays out the nuts and bolts of using nutrition as an inside track to not only drink less (or not at all) but to feel your best while cutting back. Dr. Brooke first appeared on the podcast in May 2022 where we talked about alcohol and nutrition. In this episode we go deeper, touching on: The holistic approach to sobriety Why supplements alone don't work The 'every day' effect of drinking alcohol And more... There's still time to join '24 for 24' a FREE community event to create your 2024 with fun and intention!
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Your Body Unlocked: Somatic Experience Therapy with Brandi Babb
12/20/2023
Your Body Unlocked: Somatic Experience Therapy with Brandi Babb
The more I learn about the mind-body connection, the more I want to know about harnessing the power of bodywork to better serve my clients. This is where my friend and fellow coach Brandi Babb comes in. She is currently a somatic experience therapist in training. This means she is in tune with how and where the body stores trauma and stress, and how releasing these trauma and stress responses, through bodywork, can help us toward peace and wholeness. The most common and straightforward form of somatic therapy is known as somatic experience therapy. In this therapy, patients discuss their problems as in other forms of mental wellness therapy. Rather than just talk about them, somatic therapists guide patients to focus on their underlying physical sensations. From there, the mind-body exercises may include breath work, meditation, visualization, massage, grounding, dance, and/or sensation awareness work. In this episode of the podcast, Brandi shares her personal journey with somatic therapy and the methodology she is learning through the work of Dr. Peter Levine. We talked about: Who might benefit from this therapy? Nervous System Regulation Understanding the 'freeze state' How alcohol shows up as a 'state changer' Noticing our own bodily responses Self-regulation and self-resourcing: expanding capacity Her personal journey with an eating disorder The brain, safety and emotional regulation Show Notes
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A Sober Evolution: How We Change
12/13/2023
A Sober Evolution: How We Change
I wanted to take some time today to introduce myself, or re-introduce myself to all of you. As my business has evolved, I realize there are many of you who have jumped into the middle of my story while some of you have been here from the very beginning. It struck me, as I was thinking about this, that we all have a 'sober evolution'. Just as we evolve throughout our lives, we grow as aFree humans. And, being an entrepreneur in this space, my business has its own 'evolution'. For some coaches and business owners in this sober space, they offer one thing. For me, I love to create new offers, try new things and think of new and creative ways to connect with all of you! This episodes highlights some of the evolutions in my life and business since becoming aFree. I think it's fair to say that everything has changed. While I used to be wary of change, now I love the freedom to become more authentically me! I believe living alcohol-free allows each of us to evolve and to continue to evolve as we embrace the possibilites of being fully alive! Show Notes
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Your Holiday Survival Guide
12/06/2023
Your Holiday Survival Guide
Here come the holidays, ready or not!! On the podcast today I share a few tips from my original "Navigating the Holidays Sober" guide. Tune in and then grab your copy of the guide. Some tips include: Make your own plans: consider going late and leaving early. You may choose to stay in a hotel vs. with family. You are in charge - and you deserve to protect your energy (and your sobriety). Escape Hatch: ideas to remove yourself if things become hard to handle. And, what to do to come back into your body. Manage your thoughts: this is key to creating a flow and ease to any event. Reminder: ask for what you want, not what you don't want. Where our attention goes, energy flows. Each of us will be in a different place this year. Honor your place. You might be just navigating the first few days without alcohol and using some willpower to get through; honor this. You might be a few months in and feeling solid, but the stress and familiarity of the holidays might hit a little hard - honor that. Wherever you are, don't beat yourself up if you have a drinking thought. Your brain is likely trying to protect you by offering what used to be a balm. And, it's a relief to remember that 'thinking is not drinking'. Know that you are practicing how to navigate the holidays without booze. It will be easier each time you do it but the first time is likely not pretty. That's okay. Your free Holiday Survival Guide Show Notes
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One Brave Step with Allison Barber
11/29/2023
One Brave Step with Allison Barber
Sometimes, everything falls apart. We can be fraying at the edges for a long time, using alcohol as the 'duct tape' to hold everything together and one day, it's not enough. My guest on the podcast today, Allison Barber, shares her story, which includes a debilitating injury, a crumbling marriage and a rocky relationship happening all at once. To find her way out, Allison chose one brave step. From this place, she began the work of healing from 'the inside out'. And today, she shares her message with others who are struggling with taking that first step toward healing. Highlights from this episode: When your world gets smaller Our value is not tied to our struggles or our choices The freedom of choosing NOT to drink To stop drinking entirely was never the goal The decision to take 100% responsibility for self The pain of conflicting values Letting go of control No better time than midlife to stop drinking Stop Drinking Now Free month of book club
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Habits, Self-Knowlege and Alcohol: New Strategies for Lasting Change
11/22/2023
Habits, Self-Knowlege and Alcohol: New Strategies for Lasting Change
Would you like to be 'better than before'? I think for many of us this is the appeal of an alcohol-free life; we want our circumstances to improve. Today, I share the work of Gretchen Rubin who wrote the book, Better Than Before. This book is about habits but most importantly it's about knowing oneself better than before. Rubin makes a convincing point that in order to establish habits that last, we must build habits that are based on who we are now. I agree - when we try to adopt the habits of someone else, we often find it difficult. If we start with self-knowledge we are much more likely to succeed in creating lasting change. In the podcast today, I share the Habit Manifesto that Rubin created and also offer real life examples of where these principles can help us create an alcohol-free life, and do it with more ease! THANK YOU! This is gratitude season and I want to share how grateful I am for all of you and your support. As a gift, you are invited to join The Sober Edge Book Club (women only) for free for the month of December.
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No Alcohol Required with Megan Webb
11/15/2023
No Alcohol Required with Megan Webb
I caught up with my friend and fellow coach Megan Webb on the podcast this week. We talked about her ‘Festival of Fifty’ as she celebrated her milestone birthday with friends and family. Megan shares how awkward she would have felt in the past having the attention focused on her and how amazed she was at enjoying Karaoke without a cocktail in hand. Megan also shares her excitement to be entering midlife knowing that she can now create a beautiful second act! Megan also shared her very real struggle with speaking in public and how she used to use alcohol to overcome this phobia. Megan is honest about the level of anxiety she used to feel, and how the alcohol she thought was helping her get through it was actually creating more anxiety. Megan is passionate about helping women leave alcohol behind so they can speak their own truth. With her coaching business and her new podcast “Not drinking today” Megan is helping women everywhere learn that no alcohol is required!
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Running toward Recovery with Amber Graziano
11/08/2023
Running toward Recovery with Amber Graziano
When Amber Graziano stopped drinking she didn’t know anyone who didn’t drink. But, she did know she liked to run and that other runners might be non-drinkers, or other non-drinkers might want to try running. So she decided to start a sober running group. On the podcast, Amber shares that the first 5 people who joined her Facebook group included her mom and best friend but gradually, through word of mouth, the group began to grow and today there are over 2000 members. A powerful part of our after-alcohol journey is channeling our energy into new areas that help us grow - physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Amber believes that running and the Recovery Road Runners group helps with all of that, while also offering a recovery community. Amber shares the gifts she has found by running in recovery, including: more confidence, letting go of excuses, and the mantra “one mile at a time”. In addition to an in-person running group, a Facebook community, RRR also offers a non-profit foundation, coaching and retreats. Full Show Notes
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3 Steps to Stop Drinking Now
11/01/2023
3 Steps to Stop Drinking Now
When it comes to changing our relationship with alcohol, not knowing where to start can lead us to frustration, procrastination and stalling. I know when I wanted to drink less, I got stuck in moderation because I didn’t know the options. I didn’t realize that I could stop drinking just because I wanted to…! And, when I started to consider NOT drinking, I had no idea where to start. Other than counting days and attending meetings, I was completely at a loss. I want to help you build a roadmap, a place to start where you will have guideposts along the way. Imagine knowing what to do first! And, where to go after that? Having directions can take away the scary and confusing part of getting started. That’s why when we plan trips we have an itinerary, a map and a destination. Your alcohol-free journey will benefit from a guide, a map and some inside information (don’t stop there; definitely try this!). In today’s podcast, I share the 3 steps to ‘Stop Drinking Now’. Listen in to learn: Where to start What to do if you’re not ready What is IAF and what does it have to do with not drinking? How to build your own roadmap In my coaching business, I have worked with so many women at the beginning of their journey. I understand how difficult it can be to get out of our own way and to take a step back and get that ‘bird’s eye’ view. This is why a roadmap is key. We can find our true north, see where we got lost and always re-orient ourselves.
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The Sober Summit with Maggie Klassens
10/25/2023
The Sober Summit with Maggie Klassens
I am passionate about summits. Summits offer a unique opportunity to learn from many different experts all at once. Since 2018, when I discovered This Naked Mind through a summit, I have signed up and attended many summits; some about business, some about health and wellness and some just for fun! But, until this year, there hasn’t been one about becoming and living an alcohol-free life. Meet Maggie Klassens, the founder and presenter of The Sober Summit. I am so excited that someone is offering a summit that brings together many of the amazing voices in the AF and sober community. The first Sober Summit was in April of this year (2023), and now Maggie is bringing us The Sober Summit: Holiday Edition. And, just in time to help all of us thrive through the holiday season! I met Maggie in Portland, Maine in September and I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share this amazing resource. Listen in as Maggie shares some of the topics and the incredible speakers that are in the lineup. William Porter, Andy Ramage, Victoria English, Chris Marshall and more will share everything from pairing NA beverages with your holiday meals to looking for glimmers, to understanding boundaries and staying active during the holidays. The best part is that the series is free. You can listen each day at no cost and there is even a bonus replay weekend to enjoy anything you might miss during the summit. The speakers have incredible resources they will be sharing with those who attend the summit and you can purchase the recordings for a low one-time cost if you choose. The doors to the summit open today (link below) and I encourage each of you to take advantage of this resource and to support Maggie’s mission to further the conversation about living and thriving in the sober world! I think you will be impressed by the lineup Maggie has in store for you and by Maggie herself, who decided to take her passion for living AF and share it with all of us! What will you do with your ‘sober edge’?
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It's Great to be 8! 8 Things I've learned in my 8 years Alcohol-Free
10/18/2023
It's Great to be 8! 8 Things I've learned in my 8 years Alcohol-Free
I am celebrating my 8 years AF TODAY! In today’s podcast episode I share eight things I have learned in my eight years. Most of them will not be a surprise - I think we all recognize that a lot changes when we choose to remove alcohol from our day to day. I do find new delights that are part of the 'trickle down' effect of not drinking: Trusting my intuition has helped me taking more risks Seeing things without the veil of shame and guilt has allowed me to speak up for myself Setting boundaries, with myself and others, is a skill I am honing Connection - I am delighted to be finding so many new friends Vitality - this AF life is the best elixar! I think of aging in a whole new way, as a learning journey and one meant to be enjoyed This podcast continues to be one of the highlights of living AF - the opportunity to connect with so many amazing individuals from coaches, entreprenuers and brave individuals just like you!
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Part 2: Gray Area Drinking to Gray Haired Living
10/11/2023
Part 2: Gray Area Drinking to Gray Haired Living
Life is full of transitions; we move from grade school to middle school, onto high school and college. We fall in and out of love and often marry and have children. We may take on a mortgage or go back to school for a higher degree... the list goes on. As humans, we spend the first half of our life accumulating and acquiring things (spouses, houses, children, degrees, cars, boats, etc). Many of these early life transitions are 'self-imposed'; as we reach midlife we find that new transitions are often 'other imposed'. This can be a challenging place to navigate. We might feel frustrated, angry or even grief as children leave home, elderly parents fall ill and our job satisfaction goes down. This is a place for women, that the pace of life, coupled with new hormone changes can feel especiallyt challenging. For many of us, alcohol use starts to ramp up. I often hear my clients share "I don't even want to drink anymore so why do I keep pouring that glass of wine?". The three women featured today all stopped drinking in their 50's. Their stories highlight the dark times and the stories that can keep us stuck but also the beauty of life that is possible when we embrace the steps of living alcohol-free.
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