What happens when four decades of heavy drinking suddenly stops? Ali Burke returns to share her remarkable transformation from a self-described "party pisshead parent" to a woman fully embracing authentic connection and present parenting. Ali's drinking story began in her early teens, looking for courage, attention, and a way to fit in. As the youngest of seven children, alcohol became her tool for becoming "the funny one." This evolved into a forty-year relationship with alcohol that saw her dr...
Jul 12, 2025•28 min
Faye Lawrence, Psychologist, offers practical guidance for navigating social situations without drinking. She explores how our social identity and connections play a crucial role in sustaining behavior change around alcohol consumption. • Discover how family experiences and cultural norms shape our relationship with alcohol • Challenge commonly held beliefs about non-drinkers • Explore the fear of losing friends or missing out when stopping drinking • Discover your authentic social preferences w...
Jul 05, 2025•47 min
Rory Kinsella, musician, Vedic meditation teacher and sober coach, reveals how finding inner stillness helped him transform his relationship with alcohol and eventually quit completely. He now teaches others to do the same. We discuss: • Growing up in alcohol-centric UK culture where drinking was normalised from teenage years and how that lifestyle continued for a while in Sydney • Rory's progression to an alcohol-free life and how discovering Vedic meditation changed his relationship with stres...
Jun 28, 2025•49 min
Australian fashion designer Rochelle Gregory shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to creative success with her clothing line Rocky Rafaela. In this ep, we cover how: • alcohol initially provided social connection, but led to dangerous situations and repeated rehab stays • purpose through fashion design offered moments of peace allowing racing thoughts to disappear • how learning to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable" was crucial to maintaining sobriety • sobriety has op...
Jun 21, 2025•42 min
Alice's drinking got out of control growing up in Tasmania, drinking to numb complicated feelings associated with being gay in an environment in which it was still illegal to be gay at the time and so she kept her identity hidden from everyone around her. After bravely going to rehab more than 20 times desperate to find a way out of the destructive drinking cycle she was in, Alice was finally able to stop drinking after reading Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind, doing several of Annie’s alcohol prog...
Jun 14, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Drink: The Intimate Relationship between Women and Alcohol celebrates 10 years today! Tune in as we talk to the author, Ann Dowsett Johnston , award-winning journalist, TEDx Speaker and Founder of the Writing Your Recovery Workshops about women’s relationship with alcohol 10 years on. Is alcohol still the modern women’s steroid that helps us do the heavy lifting? It was a brave act to speak out in the way Ann did 10 years ago. At the time, Ann became the modern face of alcoholism. “What I wanted...
Jun 07, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Today, we have the honor of speaking with William Porter, the insightful author of "Alcohol Explained." William spent years in the throes of his own drinking career, unknowingly gathering the research and experiences that would later form the foundation of his life-changing book. In this episode William is generous in his knowledge and wisdom. William offers a profound perspective on alcohol that has the power to transform lives. Let's dive into his journey and discover the truths he's uncovered...
May 30, 2025•40 min•Ep. 82
Dr. Gina Cleo, one of Australia's leading habit change experts, shares her expertise on creating healthier, alcohol-free habit loops. In this recording of Dr Cleo's talk to my (Bella) November Alcohol Freedom Challenge, Dr Cleo discusses the science behind dopamine, a neurotransmitter that drives our reward and pleasure systems. On this note, alcohol provides a significant dopamine surge—sometimes up to 360% above baseline—creating a powerful association with relief and pleasure. However, over t...
May 23, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 107
I never imagined that so many special memories in my life would be a blur. The harsh reality of alcohol-induced blackouts left a mark on what should have been some of the clearest and happiest days of my life. Tune in as I, Meg, unravel the harrowing connection between these blackouts and anxiety, and the role they've played in my own journey. It's a stark look at the silent battle many face, as the quest to ease social nerves can lead to moments lost in time and the frightening inability to for...
May 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 80
Donna Bennett shares her five-year sobriety journey that began with an "Easter epiphany" during COVID lockdown, revealing how removing alcohol from her life led to profound personal transformation and newfound freedom. We cover so much in this episode, including: • Recognising how alcohol had "sneakily" increased its influence over the years, particularly during lunchtime socialising • Experiencing frightening blackouts and memory gaps during drinking sessions • Using COVID lockdown as an opport...
May 10, 2025•48 min
Ever wondered why the notion of being a "normal drinker" weighs heavily on so many of us? Join me, Meg, as I share my personal journey through the maze of societal expectations and personal realisations around alcohol consumption. From questioning my own drinking habits to the pivotal moment of embracing a sober lifestyle, this episode unpacks the unrealistic aspirations many harbour about drinking without consequences. Through heartfelt introspection, I reveal how alcohol impacted my personal r...
May 03, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 108
Today we talk to Jen Hirst! Jen is an open book when it comes to her experience with alcohol addiction. She says it like it is and discusses how she recovered with transparency. This is what drew me to Jen. Her honesty about how dark it got has been such an inspiration for many who can relate and say 'yep me too!". Jen now dedicates her time to helping others do the same. She is awesome! This is what attracts her almost 70,000 instagram followers. Jen's vibrant Instagram presence exemplifies how...
Apr 26, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 75
Lauren O'Hanlon shares her powerful journey from teen blackouts to a turning point that reshaped her life. Navigating the pressures of motherhood, “mommy wine culture,” and a near-divorce, she realised something had to change. Now two and a half years alcohol free, Lauren opens up about transforming her relationship, healing her identity, and finding freedom in making alcohol “small and irrelevant.” Tune in to hear how she turned pain into purpose as a sobriety coach helping others do the same. ...
Apr 19, 2025•39 min
Dr. Shamistra Barathan breaks down the science of midlife weight gain and reveals the three missing pieces of the puzzle for women struggling despite diet and exercise changes. Some key points: Weight loss struggles are often tied to hidden hormonal imbalances Calories-in/calories-out model outdated – it's about hormones telling your body to store or burn fat Insulin resistance can exist for years despite normal blood sugar readings Chronic stress creates cortisol patterns that tell your body to...
Apr 12, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 126
What happens when the wine you use to take the edge off becomes the very thing keeping you on edge? Julie Lively, alcohol freedom coach and This Naked Mind coach, shares her powerful journey from being caught in mummy wine culture to discovering true freedom beyond the bottle. With four children in six years and a frequently-traveling husband, Julie's nightly wine ritual seemed like the perfect escape—until it wasn't. Without experiencing a dramatic "rock bottom" moment, Julie recognised somethi...
Apr 05, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Maz Compton just makes the alcohol-free decision feel like a no brainer! Today Maz talks to Bella's Alcohol Freedom Group about her powerful journey from being a successful radio host secretly struggling with alcohol dependence to living ten years alcohol-free and discovering her authentic self along the way. Maz covered many wonderful topics in this chat: Reaching career success while experiencing internal turmoil and alcohol dependence Using alcohol to manage social anxiety in a fast-paced, pu...
Mar 29, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Meg & Bella address the pros and pitfalls of moderating alcohol. Everybody who drinks or has drunk has practiced it but not many succeed at it! We talk about alcohol moderation in the context of Dry July, this being the second day of it, when thousands of Australians dip their toe into the alcohol-free water and try their hand at giving up the booze for a full 31 days. Why this topic? Well, firstly, because most people who sign up for Dry July are having trouble moderating a...
Mar 22, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this episode, we talk about the term “alcoholic”. The phrase “am I an alcoholic?” is frequently googled and many use this as the starting point for exploring whether alcohol has become a problem for them. We explore the derivation of this term, why some people with alcohol use disorders do not relate to or identify with this term and what are some alternatives to this label. Two important points to note in relation to this episode: firstly, if you are moderate to heavy consistent drinker and ...
Mar 16, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Darcy shares her powerful journey from teenage drinking to finding freedom from alcohol without traditional recovery programs or labels. Her story weaves through decades of substance use, career changes, grief after losing her brother to suicide, and ultimately discovering a path to sobriety that works for her unique needs. In this episode, Darcy approaches sobriety not as rigid perfection but as a journey of self-discovery. When cravings arise, she asks what's really missing—often discovering i...
Mar 08, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Do you know how much alcohol impacts our gut health, hormones, peri and menopause symptoms, contributes to increased inflammation levels, stress management and drastically reduces our energy levels? Do you want to know what steps you can take to heal your body after drinking? Trish Tucker May joins Bella's Alcohol Revolution 6 Week Program as a guest speaker and shares her insights on the liver’s role in hormonal balance and offers practical strategies for nurturing both gut and liver health. (N...
Mar 01, 2025•36 min
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Libby Weaver as we explore the hidden impact of alcohol on nutrition and overall well-being. From the crucial role of zinc in immune health to alcohol’s effects on hydration, minerals, and cravings, Dr. Libby breaks down the science in a way that’s easy to understand. Plus, discover practical strategies for transforming food behaviours and supporting your body with whole-food supplements. Whether you're alcohol-free or simply curious, this episode...
Feb 22, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 121
On the eve of celebrating five years of sobriety, Seana Smith joins Bella for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about recovery, resilience, and rewriting her story. In this riveting episode, Seana opens up about the profound impact of her father’s alcoholism on her childhood and how it shaped her journey toward healing. She shares how embracing emotional sobriety, building a strong support network, and writing her memoir, Going Under, became transformative steps in reclaiming her life....
Feb 15, 2025•39 min
What if breaking free from alcohol could lead to a deeper connection with yourself and others? Join us for a powerful conversation with Rina, a fellow Naked Mind coach, who shares her inspiring journey of quitting alcohol independently before discovering the transformative power of community support. We explore how she initially struggled with emotions and irritability despite the benefits of an alcohol-free life, and how finding a support network during her coach training became a pivotal momen...
Feb 08, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Meet Tara Hurster, a remarkable voice in addiction treatment, as she shares her empowering journey and insights from The Tara Clinic in Sydney. From grappling with insecurities about her height in school—turning to smoking as a coping mechanism—to discovering her passion for helping others as a mediator between students and teachers, Tara's path was shaped by unexpected twists. Her story is a testament to how personal experiences can lead us to our true calling, offering a fresh perspective on a...
Feb 01, 2025•43 min
What if the secret to overcoming addiction lies not in avoiding triggers, but in facing them head-on? Join us for an insightful conversation with the ever-inspiring Eliza Parkinson as we challenge the conventional approach to recovery from alcohol. Eliza shares her unique perspective on managing triggers with intention and care, drawing parallels to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Together, we explore the transformative power of gradual exposure, allowing individuals to cultivate self-t...
Jan 25, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 117
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE. PLEASE SKIP THIS EPISODE IF YOU FIND THIS TOPIC TRIGGERING OR UPSETTING* Mel Watkins, a psychotherapist and founder of Mel Watkins Therapy, shares her deeply personal journey to sobriety, elucidating the powerful links between alcohol, love addiction, and emotional health. Through candid reflections, Mel provides valuable insights on how overcoming dependency reveals deeper issues pertinent to relationships and self-worth. This episo...
Jan 18, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Mike Shennan joins us to share his remarkable journey to sobriety and how it has laid the foundation for his fulfilling career in coaching. From growing up in a family culture where drinking was routine to facing the challenges of social drinking during his university years in Canada, Mike offers a raw and insightful look into his personal transformation. As he transitioned into marriage and parenthood, his commitment to being a present father starkly contrasted his own father's absence, inspiri...
Jan 11, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 115
Get ready to be inspired by Natalie Battaglia, the creative mind behind The Mindful Mocktail! In this episode, Natalie opens up about her transformative journey from struggling with alcohol dependence to crafting elegant, delicious non-alcoholic beverages that elevate any occasion. We dive deep into her personal story, exploring the power of mindful rituals, the art of creating visually stunning mocktails, and how to celebrate life without alcohol—all while embracing wellness and joy. In this ep...
Jan 04, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 114
In this episode, Meg reflects on three years of living alcohol-free and the transformative impact it's had on her life and relationships. From rebuilding trust with herself and her children to discovering the joy of self-validation, every step has been a revelation. With the support of a vibrant community and the power of coaching, Meg has turned distant dreams into reality. Join Meg as she shares insights from her six-year journey toward alcohol freedom, emphasising the importance of persistenc...
Dec 28, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 113
On our Christmas Eve One-Year Anniversary, we welcome Annie Grace, the trailblazing founder of This Naked Mind! Annie talks about her transformation to an alcohol-free author of This Naked Mind, creator of The Alcohol Experiment and a coach of alcohol coaches spreading her This Naked Mind methodology across the globe. We talk about how she wrote This Naked Mind, the four-step liminal process that's reshaping lives, why her book works, what sets This Naked Mind Coaches apart from others and her t...
Dec 21, 2024•37 min•Ep. 60
