On today’s episode, coach, podcast host, and self-described life-long seeker Omar Pinto joins Annie Grace from Costa Rica. From his first drink at 16 years old, Omar felt magic in the way alcohol quieted the noise in his head and made the negative self-talk disappear. In constant search of control and freedom, Omar sought approval and validation and to feel significant. He thought alcohol gave him all that. Listen to hear how he found hope by learning to believe in himself and reframing his stor...
May 15, 2020•57 min
Can you easily refuse a drink or limit your alcohol consumption? Are you having a hard time understanding the way someone in your life is dealing with (or not dealing with) their drinking? If you are a partner, spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend of someone who is changing their relationship with alcohol, today’s episode is for you. Listen as Annie Grace explores what is going on in that person’s brain -- what might be causing them to not want to change and why, if they are trying to chang...
May 09, 2020•21 min
After being introduced to alcohol by a babysitter before she was even a teenager, Meagan drank for more than 20 years. In college, she took pride in her ability to go out and drink all night while continuing to earn straight As, maintain scholarships, star in a play, and serve as a spokesperson for the Rain Forest Association. Meagan’s career took her from London to Paris and kept alcohol so big she once drank to prove to a boss that she wasn’t pregnant. Her mother introduced her to This Naked M...
May 08, 2020•46 min
Why, when we feel calm and relaxed and comfortable and completely at ease, do we desire alcohol? We know we’re not stressed or anxious or upset, yet somehow we still want a drink. It doesn’t make sense. How do the cravings show up when we already have the feeling we will get from drinking? And, what can we do to make it stop? Annie Grace explains. Let me ask you a question. What is better than change? Lasting change, of course. If you've had trouble making change stick, either with alcohol or in...
May 02, 2020•15 min
Growing up, Amy wasn’t sure where she belonged. She questioned her sexuality but also wanted to be faithful to God, to do and be all the things she “should” do and be. Amy felt she was different but chose to look the other way, finding comfort in the sense of belonging alcohol gave her. Alcohol helped her feel normal and socialize. But there was always that feeling something wasn’t right. She was losing herself, trying to “pray the gay away” and drinking more and more. It wasn’t until Amy began ...
May 01, 2020•51 min
Where are you on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? And, have you filled your safety bucket? In today’s special bonus episode, Annie Grace shares her recent interview on the After the Crisis podcast with This Naked Mind coach in training Victoria English Martin. They talk about Annie’s journey with alcohol as well as all things quarantine, especially what can happen when we put ourselves on the hook for things that are not ours to control. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as...
Apr 29, 2020•49 min
Can our brains really unlearn something we spent so long teaching them? Why, when we know something is harming us and we need to remove it from our lives, do we pine over it for so long? On today’s episode, Annie Grace answers a question from Francesca whose biggest obstacle is her memory of how alcohol tastes. Francesca uses mindfulness to remember where one sip of wine will lead but asks, “Is that the only thing to do or is there another strategy that I can employ?" Have you tried The Alcohol ...
Apr 25, 2020•11 min
On today’s episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers four great questions: I drink because I’m unhappy; how am I going to deal with all that stuff without alcohol? How do I avoid losing my connection with my friends when after our hikes they’re drinking and I’m not? I love the freedom of being alcohol free but will the major FOMO about never drinking again ever go away? I get so excited when I find new books, programs, and Instagram accounts to help me on my journey; why do I kee...
Apr 24, 2020•31 min
As Kim approaches 100 days without alcohol, she’s noticing some strong cravings and is also curious about changing her people pleasing tendencies. Where do cravings come from and what happens when we try to resist them? And, what are the different feelings that show up when we choose to please someone else vs. being true to ourselves? On today’s episode, Annie Grace explores powerful ways to meet cravings where they are and make choices that serve us without hurting others. Are you ready for a d...
Apr 18, 2020•12 min
Marc spent decades in a career where he was told drinking was part of the process, that it was necessary for success. But when his alcohol consumption shifted from something reserved for sales events or weekends or vacations to a daily 4:00 p.m. craving to numb unhappiness and work stress, Marc began to experience poor sleep and painful hangovers. He was tired of beating himself up for letting himself down and not having enough willpower to moderate his drinking. The father of three knew it was ...
Apr 17, 2020•44 min
What is the scientific connection between drinking alcohol and creativity? Why do we believe alcohol fuels creativity? How does it impact the creative part of our brain? Why do we feel like we can focus better on things like writing - filling a blank mind - when we’re drinking? Annie Grace not only explores alcohol’s effects on creativity but also breaks down a dynamic called temptation bundling. Are you looking to connect with like-minded people? Sometimes maybe you feel like you have all this ...
Apr 11, 2020•20 min
On today’s episode, Annie Grace talks with fellow brain science lover Molly Carmel, an eating disorders and addictions therapist and author of Breaking Up with Sugar. Molly shares her story - from the beginning of her relationship with sugar in response to a childhood trauma to their breakup over 10 years ago - including how Molly ate her way through bariatric surgery and ultimately got rid of dieting, changed her relationship with food, and lost 175 pounds. Have you tried The Alcohol Experiment...
Apr 10, 2020•57 min
Chelsea asks, “I seem to have a deep seated need to have a private secret outlet or vice or I feel like something is missing from my life; what can I do to satisfy my wild side and still stay sober?” On today’s episode, Annie Grace shares three different layers of beliefs that keep us stuck drinking and uses the ACT Technique to explore Chelsea’s challenge. Did you miss This Naked Mind Live? Do you maybe have a little bit of FOMO? Don't worry. I've got you covered. In fact, I had the entire even...
Apr 04, 2020•12 min
From a teenager letting the good times roll in the Big Easy to the “cruise director” among her college drinking buddies to balancing life as a winery owner, wife, and mom (for 20 years) to removing alcohol from her life and becoming a This Naked Mind coach, Martha shares how she harnessed the power of her inner wisdom to reclaim her voice and intuition. She talks about the three big things that opened her eyes to her struggle with identity and purpose and the ultimate realization that she was th...
Apr 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min
On today’s episode, Joy asks, “When we’re celebrating and our brain is flooded with happy chemicals, why are we triggered to turn to alcohol, something that will dampen our experience?” It makes sense to use alcohol to numb, right? But, what is it that makes us want alcohol when things already feel so good? Annie Grace explains what’s going on in our brains when this happens and how we can make our brains unlearn old lessons and teach them new ones. Let me ask you a question. What is better than...
Mar 28, 2020•14 min
Three great questions in this episode. First, how can you stay alcohol free when the seasons change and it’s time for warm weather and outdoor drinking activities? Then, do you need to only have positive thoughts to stop drinking; what if negative consequences motivate you? Finally, what do you do when you’re trying to stay alcohol free but your buddies want to go watch sports and drink pitchers of beer? Today, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers them all. Are you looking to connect...
Mar 27, 2020•26 min
On today’s episode, Nancy writes that she has never dated anyone or started a relationship without the presence of alcohol. So, what is it like connecting with someone through a sober lens? How do you work up the courage to do it? What if someone doesn’t like you because you don’t drink? Are there hidden benefits to dating without alcohol? And … what about sex? Annie Grace And Scott Pinyard explore. Have you tried The Alcohol Experiment? Okay, if not, drop everything and go to thisnakedmind.com/...
Mar 21, 2020•14 min
As a young teenager, Cheryl swore off alcohol when she saw how alcoholism, OCD, and phobias shaped her father’s quality of life. But, by 18 she was drinking, and at 35 she was a new mom suffering from postpartum anxiety and turning to alcohol to numb horrific visions of bad things that might happen to her son. When the blackouts started, Cheryl knew something needed to change. In today’s episode, Cheryl shares her journey and what helps her maintain an alcohol free life. Did you miss This Naked ...
Mar 20, 2020•1 hr
Did you drink? Did you get too stressed? Did you panic that you might not make it through this unprecedented time in our history without alcohol? Do you feel ashamed? Like a failure? Weak? Are you beating yourself up? Are you not sure what to do next? Stop. Stop and listen to this special bonus podcast episode where Annie Grace shares her thoughts and answers questions. And, as aways - rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast, as it truly helps the message reach somebody who might need to hea...
Mar 18, 2020•45 min
"My husband passed away suddenly of a heart attack three weeks ago, and I started drinking again,” writes Jan. Is it really possible to get through the death of a loved one and endure all the grief without alcohol? What does alcohol actually do to our brains in times of stress? How can we manage the pain vs. numbing it? Annie Grace explains. Are you ready for a deep dive into truly lasting change? If so, you might consider my Intensive Program. It’s a 9-week, self-led program that you can do in ...
Mar 14, 2020•12 min
In today’s episode, Annie welcomes Simon, a man whose passion for alcohol free living is absolutely contagious and led him to create his 2020 catchphrase, “Liquid Vegan.” Simon talks about how reading This Naked Mind helped him realize you can hold beliefs that aren’t true. “I thought everything I believed was true,” says Simon. “By the end of the book, it was as if all my beliefs had been proven wrong.” With new beliefs that don’t hold him back, Simon shares how his healthy behaviors have influ...
Mar 13, 2020•30 min
On today’s episode, a reader says, “I can’t even imagine changing. It seems impossible. I’ve been drinking for decades.” When we think about life without something, like alcohol, we’re actually telling our brain it’s even more important than we already think it is. But, what is it that really makes change feel so out of reach? Do we need to believe it’s possible before we even try? And, when does change start to feel possible? Annie Grace explores. Are you looking to connect with like-minded peo...
Mar 07, 2020•13 min
Best friends since they were 11 and 13 years old, Alex and Lisa spent almost 30 years drinking together. In fact, they did everything together -- from working as a dynamic duo behind the bar at Lisa’s family’s pub in the UK to … wait for it … quitting alcohol and, now, encouraging others to adopt a sober lifestyle as well. Through their company, The Sobriety Experiment, Alex and Lisa host a podcast, work with employers on Workplace Wellbeing, and so much more. Today, they share their story with ...
Mar 06, 2020•46 min
If you abstain from alcohol during the week and only drink on the weekends, can you still reap all the amazing benefits of sobriety? Great question! What happens to your body when you introduce alcohol just once or twice each week? Do the sober days just cancel it out? How do your alcohol free days differ from someone who doesn’t drink at all? Annie Grace explains. Did you miss This Naked Mind Live? Do you maybe have a little bit of FOMO? Don't worry. I've got you covered. In fact, I had the ent...
Feb 29, 2020•10 min
Relationships. We talk a ton about relationships in our programs and coaching and online communities. What if you stop drinking but your spouse doesn’t? Can you hang out with drinking friends once you’ve stopped? How do you meet other alcohol free people and make non-drinking friends? Today, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers questions about relationships. Are you ready for a deep dive into truly lasting change? If so, you might consider my Intensive Program. It’s a 9-week, self-le...
Feb 28, 2020•29 min
When we’ve always perceived and used alcohol as an aphrodisiac, something we need to loosen up for sex, finding a way to relax with our partners without booze can be a big challenge. Did you know that sex and orgasm can create some of the same euphoria as a drug when it hits the pleasure center for your brain? Did you know that orgasm is a far more powerful relaxant than alcohol? This is great news! So, what can we do to build true connection and intimacy in our alcohol-free relationships? Annie...
Feb 22, 2020•11 min
After experiencing her first alcohol buzz at the age of seven, Peggy’s drinking career spanned more than 40 years and included failed marriages, homelessness, and nearly losing her daughter. In today’s heartfelt and emotional episode, Annie Grace talks with Peggy and her daughter, Jessi, about how Peggy finally found freedom from alcohol, the effects of her new lifestyle on the family dynamic, big alcohol’s efforts to keep us drinking, Jessi’s battle with food and her current coaching work, and ...
Feb 21, 2020•1 hr 1 min
As parents, we’re constantly agonizing over decisions we make for our children. We want to keep them safe and healthy and set them up for success as adults. If we allow our teenagers to drink alcohol, will it create more problems for them in the future or will it teach them responsibility and how to drink in moderation? What happens to our kids when we attach alcohol to emotional milestones in their lives? Annie Grace shares some research and offers her thoughts. Have you tried The Alcohol Exper...
Feb 15, 2020•16 min
In today's episode, sleep psychologist and researcher Michael Gradisar joins Annie Grace to talk about how the first stages of removing alcohol are like insomnia and how sleep deprivation keeps us trapped in the vicious cycle of starting and stopping drinking. Michael explains how sleep hygiene and cognitive behavior therapy techniques help invite sleep and talks about how dreams can help in our journey to become and remain alcohol free. Did you miss This Naked Mind Live? Do you maybe have a lit...
Feb 14, 2020•49 min
Free stuff … things we don’t buy with money. But are they ever truly without some sort of cost? How do we say no to free alcohol? What can we do to manage triggers that show up in situations when we’re accustomed to drinking? Annie shares some thoughts on creating success and happiness when it seems like everyone else is getting something special and we’re not. Are you ready for a deep dive into truly lasting change? If so, you might consider my Intensive Program. It’s a 9-week, self-led program...
Feb 08, 2020•11 min
