How I quit alcohol - podcast cover

How I quit alcohol

Are you sick of feeling controlled by alcohol?Do you want to drink less?Do you wake up after a night of drinking feeling anxious and full of regret?I've been there and want to help you. In this podcast I will be talking with ex-binge drinkers, alcoholics in recovery, drug and and alcohol counsellors and people that have good stuff to say about quitting the drink.

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Episodes

220. Living with the scars of the past with Everclear front man, Art Alexakis. *** content warning***

***** TRIGGER WARNING we talk about the rape of a child in this episode********** In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Art Alexakis, the lead singer of, Everclear. Art opens up about his struggles with addiction, starting at the tender age of 8. From coping with bullying, surviving trauma, family upheaval, to dealing with his brother's tragic death at 12, Art shares how these challenges shaped him. Despite facing a drug overdose and battles with alcohol, Art found solace in reco...

Feb 24, 202450 min

219. Taking accountability for empowerment and change - solo minicast with Danni

If we don't take accountability for our actions and for our lives, how do we grow as humans? Taking accountability means being honest with ourselves first and foremost, and I believe that honesty is what allows growth and helps us to stay committed to the path of not only staying sober but also our personal growth. For more resources such as one on one coaching with Danni or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podc...

Feb 20, 202413 min

218. Making space for our emotions and cultivating compassion for parents in or out of recovery with Thea Baker

In this episode I catch up with Psychotherapist Thea Baker. We delve into the profound impact of our parents' addiction, exploring the wounds it created and the journey of holding and healing as adults. We chat about creating space and embracing our emotions, learning how to navigate the complexities of our feelings. Thea shares her expertise on the importance of therapy in this process. This is a big chat about personal growth, healing, and the power of understanding our emotional landscape. To...

Feb 17, 202450 min

217. Making your relapse mean something - solo mini cast

Don't let your relapse stop you from reaching out for help. A relapse can be a wonderful teacher. Tune in to hear why and the questions you can ask yourself. For coaching on relapse book in a coaching call with me at www.iquitalcohol.com.au Another great resource is Lyndal Hunt's relapse program. Email Lyndal at thesobrietygym@gmail.com For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Monday Distille...

Feb 14, 202412 min

216. Managing OCD, sobriety and making Mindful Men with Simon Rinne

In this episode I catch up with social worker and the founder of Mindful Men Simon Rinne. Simon developed OCD tendencies in childhood which intensified in his teens. The only way he could slow his mind down was by using alcohol. We break down what it looks like when you have OCD and how exhausting those intrusive thoughts can become. Simon was struggling so much on the inside, growing up in a football and "alpha men" environment which talking about vulnerabilities and mental health was not suppo...

Feb 10, 202451 min

215. The awakening of Paul the sober plumber

***** TRIGGER WARNING WE DO DISCUSS SUICIDAL IDEATIONS IN THIS EPISODE **** In this episode I catch up with Paul the Sober Plumber who as of the day of this recording has just ticked over one year sober. We talk about how an episode with acid in teenage years brought on anxiety and panic attacks and how Paul realised in sobriety that he was using alcohol to push it the anxiety away. How Paul was struggling so much from depression and anxiety before he stopped drinking. Recognising depression in ...

Feb 03, 20241 hr 2 min

214. Tuning in to your wounded parts for deep healing with Drew Wild

In this episode I catch up sobriety and co-dependacy coach, Drew Wild. In this episode we hear about Drew's on personal story with addiction and his healing as well as his work with clients. We talked about the effects of preverbal trauma, and how in utero our developing nervous systems our shaped by our mothers nervous system. How our core beliefs can create coping mechanisms that work at the time but eventually become maladaptive. How many of us are just filing the void with alcohol or other c...

Jan 30, 202456 min

213. Choosing sobriety when you're not a heavy drinker with musician Andrea Kirwin

In this episode, I catch up with with Sunshine Coast musician Andrea Kirwin, who is navigating the early stages of her sobriety journey and already experiencing the positive changes that come with a life without alcohol. Andrea shares her decision to quit after an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting her realisation of using alcohol as a means to self-medicate undiagnosed ADHD symptoms. She delves into the coping mechanism of using alcohol to calm her nervous system. Andrea has had so many benefits from...

Jan 27, 202457 min

212. Dealing with stress for maintaining sobriety- mini solo cast.

In this mini solocast, I'm diving into the stress and its ties to addiction and relapse. I chat about the importance of pinpointing life stressors and figure out how to cut them down or remove them. Explore the impact of alcohol and stress on your brain. Working on changing your approach to stress; it's a game-changer for recovery. Discover practical tools: journaling, rewriting your mental script, and creating space through awareness. Consistent good practices. They're the key to keeping stress...

Jan 25, 202422 min

211. Unpacking and understanding what we are really craving - solocast

Asking ourselves what am I really craving can be a game changer. In this solocast I look into the deeper questions around our craving and what might really be happening for us when we are craving. I talk about how my cravings were actually a longing for love and acceptance. When we look at these questions and get some understanding around them we can get to know ourselves a lot better. I talk about emotional cravings versus physical cravings and I offer some journal prompts that might be able to...

Jan 20, 202416 min

210. Accepting yourself as you truly are with Garrett Kato

In this episode, I catch up musician and producer Garrett Kato. Hailing from Vancouver, Garrett shares his journey of navigating through various social circles during his upbringing, and the challenges he faced in finding his place. Garrett talks about the impact of his parents' separation during his formative years, revealing the deep-seated emotions of not feeling good enough and the ensuing sense of instability. We chat about the myth of needing to use substances to create music and how he ha...

Jan 13, 20241 hr 8 min

209. Taking care of your nervous system with these self soothing techniques

How do you find comfort when your nervous system is in distress? Explore the drawbacks of numbing or distraction in this solo minicast. Discover cues signaling the need for self-soothing exercises and understand that cravings often indicate an underlying issue. When beyond our window of tolerance, the instinct to seek rapid comfort arises naturally. Tune in as I discuss the self-soothing techniques I employ for swift regulation and comfort in this episode rather than reaching for externals which...

Jan 11, 202418 min

208. Fear, honesty and how to protect your sobriety with Kate DeAraugo

In this episode I catch up with Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo about her podcast Why Do I Feel This Way and her incredible journey into 6 years sobriety. We talk about how Kate keeps herself sober and the importance of protecting her sobriety. How fear can keep you stuck and how honesty can keep us sober. How losing her Mum through a tragic accident was the toughest thing she has been through in her sobriety. Kate went to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction and is in the 12 step program a...

Jan 06, 202453 min

207. 7 Steps to creating your best life - solo minisode with Danni

In this solo minisode for the New Year, I am celebrating 6 years of sobriety, and creating the life that you want. How do we create the life we want? I share in this episode some of the journaling prompts I use personally that help give me direction. Some of these I use on a daily basis. I hope this episode is helpful for anyone needing some direction. This episode was brought to you by Monday Distillery. To check them out go to www.mondaydistillery.com For more resources such as coaching or to ...

Jan 01, 202419 min

206. Dealing with all the emotions of Christmas with Lyndal Hunt

In this episode I catch up with Lyndal Hunt. We talk about all the massive emotions that can show up time of year and how we can deal with them. We answer some questions that were sent through for us to work through. We talk about journaling practices what can help support us through challenging times. Checking in with your body. Dealing with triggering emotions like rejection, loneliness, grief, change in family dynamics, maintaining boundaries and the sheer amount of alcohol everywhere we turn...

Dec 22, 202356 min

205. Accessing your own wisdom and your inner coach with Ash Grunwald

In this episode Ash and I chat about recruiting your inner coach or inner caring committee to help through tough times. How journaling with your inner coach or caring committee can give you some space from your thoughts. We talk about how we all have so much innate wisdom within us it's just a matter of getting some distance from your thoughts to access that wisdom. We have so much information these days, the hard bit accessing what we have learned and putting it into practice. We also talk abou...

Dec 16, 202319 min

204. Committing with big wave surfer Jamie Mitchell

In this episode, I catch up with renowned big wave surfer Jamie Mitchell. He shares his journey from nearly hitting rock bottom to absolutely charging in life! We delve into the parallels between navigating towering waves and managing intense emotions. Jamie chats about the transformative effect of sauna sessions, ice baths, Wim Hof breathing techniques, and exercise, all contribute to creating a good life. He reflects on the transformative power of surrounding oneself with positive influences. ...

Dec 09, 20231 hr 4 min

203. Holiday tips and how honesty about your feelings changes everything with Sarah Rusbatch

In this episode I catch up with sober coach, author and mentor Sarah Rusbatch. We talk about how insecurities from her early childhood fed into a need to be accepted and liked and how alcohol fulled that desire to be accepted and loved. From an early age Sarah had no off switch with alcohol and would have big binge drinking sessions and lots of partying. Fast forward to pregnancies and motherhood with a fairly controlled relationship with alcohol until the family moved to Australia. Confronted w...

Dec 02, 202356 min

202. Manifesting healing and change with Àine O'Neill

In this episode, I catch up with Irish Actor and TV presenter Àine O'Neill. Our discussion delves into the profound impact of alcohol on her family, recounting the heart-wrenching losses of her teenage sister in a tragic accident and, decades later, her brother to addiction. Aine's journey towards healing has been an arduous one, emphasising the crucial importance of self-love. We explore the notion that genuine self-acceptance extends beyond embracing our positive qualities, encompassing the as...

Nov 25, 20231 hr 12 min

201. I was bored, I was unhappy so I would drink with Jamiroquai drummer Derrick McKenzie

In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Derrick McKenzie, DJ and drummer from the iconic band Jamiroquai. Derrick opened up about the profound impact of racism during his formative years and how alcohol became a source of confidence and belonging during his adolescence. We delved into the evolution of his alcohol consumption, which gradually turned into a post-show ritual to sustain the adrenaline rush of performing. Derrick also shared how he used alcohol as a coping mechanism to ...

Nov 18, 20231 hr 1 min

200. Stopping the bullshit with Dan Sultan

In this episode I catch up with legendary Australian musician Dan Sultan. Dan and I have a really candid discussion about his life with alcohol and his recovery. Being an extremely shy person, Dan used alcohol to help him block out the discomfort of his shyness, low self esteem and a strong inner critic. After a drunken episode at a show, the press in Australia ran with it and shamed Dan all over the headlines for days on end. He eventually decided to go to rehad and get help. Dan talks about th...

Nov 11, 202346 min

199. Sleep and liver support in early sobriety with Jules Galloway

In this episode Jules Galloway, naturopath and fatigue whisperer is back in the zoom room to talk all about liver support and sleep in early sobriety. Jules is such a wealth of knowledge, we do a deep dive into the neurotransmitter GABA and it's role in sleep, and mental health and how alcohol messes with GABA levels. We also chat about how you can support your liver during early sobriety and beyond. We also delve more into gut health, bowel health and all the things. To reach out to Jules go to...

Nov 07, 202355 min

198. The long road to salvation. Drugs, alcohol and rock 'n roll with Steve Balbi

In this episode we delve into the remarkable life of musician Steve Balbi, founding member of Noiseworks and Electric Hippies. Like his music career Steve's exposure to drugs and alcohol started early from the age of 16 he was thrown into the arms of the rock n roll lifestyle and here begun and Steve's personal battle with addiction fulled by his feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Through the conversation we discover the pivotal moment that led Steve to seek salvation and overcome his addic...

Nov 04, 202355 min

197. The importance of choosing the right people Mark Purser

Today on the podcast Mark Purser and I go deep into the importance of the relationships in our lives and how we are influenced by those closest to us, so choose them wisely. To reach out to Mark go to https://www.bambooyogabyron.com To check out our retreats coming up go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au/resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 01, 20231 hr 1 min

196. From IV drug use and alcohol abuse to changing lives with Jack Nagle

I was so blown away to have this incredible soul on the podcast, Jack Nagle from the Real Drug Talk podcast. Playing basketball at a high level being coached by Andrew Gaze, Jack went from being fit and healthy young man dabbling in drugs until alcohol and drug addiction took over and completely derailed Jack’s life. After becoming homeless, suicide attempts, psychosis, living a life of crime and hitting complete rock bottom Jack got into rehab and did the word to free himself. He studied drug a...

Oct 28, 20231 hr 17 min

195. Dealing with emotional flashbacks and complex trauma with Jeannie O'Carroll

This episode myself and the How I Quit Alcohol Grads group were lucky enough to have a workshop with Psychotherapist Jeannie O'Carroll. We chat about CPTSD Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and emotional flashback which often accompany CPTSD. The difference between PTSD and CPTSD Often times a lot of people think they need to have had a big T trauma to have CPTSD, but often complex trauma is not an event that happened but rather a continually CPTSD when a child grows up in an environment wh...

Oct 24, 202351 min

194. I used to drink in desperation with 22 year old Wakka Wakka man Burung Shillingsworth

In this episode I catch up with Wakka Wakka man Burung Shillingsworth. Burung is 22 years old and has been on the sobriety journey for some time now. He is on a mission to help not only indigenous kids but everyone to get rid of the booze. Burung talks about Being open to try new things. How alcohol disconnects us from the connection to spirit and country. Protecting your energy and letting go of toxic friendships. How from the first drink alcohol caused chaos in his life. Why his family are so ...

Oct 21, 202329 min

193. An accidental daily drinker and the courage to change with Vari McKechnie

In this episode I catch up with Scottish Australian, Vari McKechnie. Vari is a certified coach, author an buisessnes mentor, who grew up in Glasgow and now resides on the Mornington Peninsula in Australia. Vari and I talk about living up to "cultural expectation" of drinking. We talk about how from binge drinking we can easily slip into daily drinking. Taking the brave step into an alcohol free life, Vari has changed her life and lives her life to her fullest potential. She has a new book out, S...

Oct 14, 202351 min

192. When things don't go to plan, a journey of acceptance and surrender with Sam Brown

In this episode I catch up with breathwork, meditation and yoga teacher, Sam Brown. Sam recently lost her beautiful Mum to lung cancer which has been a big journey for Sam of letting go. Sam and I chat about the important of acceptance and surrender and how that practice helped her on her journey of losing her Mum. We chat about -The difference between pain and suffering. How acceptance brings a peace to our lives. The impermanence of painful emotions When your spiritual practice gets put to the...

Oct 10, 202353 min

191. I don't ever want to do this again with now sober bartender - Adam Tustin

In this epic episode I chat with New Orleans bar tender Adam Tustin. Adam reached out to me to share his incredible story of going from a heavy daily drinker working in the hospitality industry to literally going sober on the job. Adam was literally detoxing while pouring people's drinks and by some miracle managed to stop himself from reaching for alcohol to calm his withdrawal symptoms. This episode shows the incredible strength that we can all tap into if we want it badly enough. If this guy ...

Oct 07, 202347 min
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