This Naked Mind Podcast

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If you felt what I feel, you’d drink too”? Chuck gets that. For years, a combination of work stress, long commutes, and intense back pain had him pouring more than he ever planned. Drinks became his “off switch” at the end of the day and then his go-to whenever his body flared. Eventually, the pain calmed down and the stressful job shifted, but the habit of drinking stuck around—which was the wake-up call he couldn’t ignore. In this episode, Chuck and Coach Cole talk through the messy, human side of quitting alcohol when you have chronic pain, including what happened when his back suddenly “went out” again after months alcohol-free. Chuck shares how appropriate medical care, a short course of prescribed meds, and a strong internal “I am not starting over” helped him stay off the bottle. You’ll hear how he rebuilt his routine around daily stretching, core strength, and even a zero-gravity nap, plus why music and creative hobbies feel better than any buzz. They also dig into boundaries—leaving family gatherings early, pushing back (diplomatically) at work, and deciding he no longer has to sit and absorb other people’s behavior to be polite. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rebuild your life around what you love instead of avoiding what hurts, this conversation is for you. Coach Cole and Chuck discuss: Slipping from teenage partying into midlife self-medication with alcohol Realizing the job and pain changed, but the drinking stayed Navigating quitting alcohol when you have chronic pain Facing a second major back episode alcohol-free and nearly getting derailed Why alcohol never truly solves stress, family conflict, or health issues Using “walk away” as a valid backup plan at triggering gatherings And more… Episode links: www.alcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: I’ve Used Wine to Numb Physical Pain | Reader Question | E196 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-196-i-used-wine-to-numb-physical-pain-now-without-it-my-quality-of-life-is-way-down-what-can-i-do/  Overcoming Using Alcohol as a Pain Reliever | Reader Question | E656 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-656-readers-question-overcoming-using-alcohol-as-a-pain-reliever/ Alcohol Doesn’t Relieve My Pain, It Steals My Joy | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E732 - https://thisnakedmind.com/alcohol-freedom-coaching-alcohol-doesnt-relieve-my-pain-it-steals-my-joy-ep-732/ 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!

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Why does this feel so weird without a drink?” You’re not alone. In this episode, Coach Cole walks with Sally through the swirl of social pressure at kids’ sporting events and helps her spot the doors that open when the “alcohol door” closes. Coach Soraya sits with Ava, who’s noticing a growing gap between her knowledge and her actions. Together they explore sensitivity, fear, and the habits that keep us looping. We also name the common pain point—why quitting alcohol makes you feel alone—and show you how to replace isolation with honest connection. These Alcohol Freedom Coaching conversations are a sneak peek at life inside The Path. In Sally’s Session: Feeling "stuck and lost" when navigating an alcohol-free life Challenged by feeling "different and stuck, separated from people" in social situations The pervasiveness of alcohol in healthy activities. Reframing being lost as an opportunity for self-discovery How curiosity acts as an antidote to shame about past drinking Using core personal values as guideposts when the path is unknown And more In Ava’s Session: When insight doesn’t equal action—what’s actually missing Sensitivity as a superpower (not a liability) Habit loops vs. cravings: noticing “action → reaction” patterns Creating safety so change feels possible Trying tiny experiments that respect your nervous system Gentle supports: IFS, EMDR, and compassionate self-talk 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 young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. She takes a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach with a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: Why do I feel detached when I’m not drinking?-Reader Question- E122- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-122-reader-question-feel-detached-im-not-drinking/ Finding Yourself Without Alcohol-Nisha’s Naked Life-E836- https://thisnakedmind.com/how-do-you-socialize-without-alcohol-nishas-naked-life-e836/ Who Am I Without Wine?-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E801- 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, & more. Until next week, stay curious!

Are you ready to step into the new year feeling empowered instead of empty? The Joy Edit's final episode brings Coaches Pam, Zoe, and Haley together to reflect on what makes an alcohol-free New Year's Eve not just survivable, but genuinely joyful. Coach Zoe remembers her first sober midnight with burnt homemade pizza, fancy fizzy drinks, and the startling realization: "Oh, there you are"—that moment when the fog lifted and she could finally see herself clearly. These reflections become practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year as you learn why your brain sends alarm signals when you remove alcohol (it's unfamiliarity, not danger), how visualization trains your nervous system before the real moment arrives, and what it means to stay in your "green zone" where choices feel clear and peace feels possible. Coach Haley shares her journey from people-pleasing chameleon to someone who can finally show up as herself, revealing that the very connection she thought alcohol provided was actually stronger without it. You'll discover the upward spiral of grace leading to curiosity, practice writing an encouraging letter to future you, and learn why you don't have to hold the whole season together—just yourself, with grace. This episode covers: Brain science revealing why firsts feel intimidating (your mind defines safe as familiar) and practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year Coach Zoe's first alcohol-free New Year's memory: waking up clear on January 1st, watching frost melt, hearing that tiny voice say "This is what peace feels like" How visualization fires the same neurons as actually doing something, preparing your nervous system so the real celebration feels calm and confident The power of "tonight I choose..." commitments instead of overwhelming forever promises Why preparation isn't control—it's kindness, whether that means planning your favorite alcohol-free drinks, choosing your outfit, or texting a supportive friend Coach Haley's revelation that fitting in was never the goal; feeling at home within herself was what she'd been craving all along The upward spiral: grace leads to curiosity, curiosity creates positive emotion, & positive emotion makes lasting change possible Creating your "letter to future you" to honor what you did (not list what you didn't), celebrating growth that comes from presence, not perfection, & more.. Episode links: livealcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Social Drinking: How Do I Muster The Willpower Not To Drink? - Reader Question - E88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-how-do-i-muster-the-willpower-not-to-drink/ Do you serve wine when you host parties? - Reader Question - E542 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-542-reader-question-do-you-serve-when-you-host-parties/ Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? - Reader Question - E266 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/ 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! Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

What if the very events that bring you the most joy are also your biggest source of fear when it comes to staying alcohol-free? Chris struggles with drinking at family celebrations and sports games, while T returns to The Path after two years alcohol-free that felt emotionally flat, wondering how to enjoy life without alcohol and still feel excitement and relaxation. Coach Cole helps Chris use visualization and an experiment mentality for upcoming social events, while Coach Soraya supports T in seeing how childhood invisibility shaped her relationship with herself and alcohol.  Chris’s session: “First freaking times” at pool parties & games—turning triggers into experiments Visualization: practice the event ahead of time BYO plan: NA drinks & a Yeti cup—have something in your hand Confident energy: own your choice & invite others to try NA options Post-event “data”: what felt better, what needs tweaking, what you learned Creativity over consumption: swapping late-night drinks for art, Legos, & family time How to enjoy life without alcohol by focusing on presence, play, & connection T’s session: Why two alcohol-free years felt “flat” & what “flat” was protecting Relational safety: being validated & verbally known as a path to joy Feeling your way (not thinking) into wants, rituals, & evening routines Naming numbing: alcohol as anesthetic & what it tries to solve Gentle self-worth rebuild through safe, supportive people Micro-experiments: sunset walks, movement, tiny creative reps How to enjoy life without alcohol by restoring self-connection & belonging 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. More on Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya’s passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: What’s the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? – Reader’s Questions – E640 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/ Alcohol Free Firsts - Coaching Questions - E265 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-265-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Will the holidays be the same without drinking, or can they become more magical than you ever imagined? Coach Zoe explores that idea this week on The Joy Edit. We’re unwrapping what the holidays truly feel like when you remove alcohol and find something extraordinary waiting underneath. Your first alcohol-free holiday season might feel uncomfortable at first—like being the new kid in school—but you’ll feel like you’re at the head of the class with your clear head, inner peace, and memory-making. We’re introducing you to the five foundational pillars that make an alcohol-free holiday not just doable but fulfilling: positive peer pressure, the 24-hour rule, dropping negative expectations, curiosity without judgment, and self-compassion. Coach Zoe shares her personal journey decorating the Christmas tree without her usual bottle of champagne and reveals how that vulnerability opened the door to real magic. Learn how to protect your emotional energy, create response scripts for social situations, and build a joy list that transforms you. And bonus(!!), Coach Pam joins the conversation to reframe joy not as something you chase but as an energy that rises naturally when you stop numbing. The holidays become more magical, not less, when you're finally engaged enough to feel them. Coach Zoe shares: What holidays actually feel like when you stop numbing and start noticing Coach Zoe’s first alcohol-free Christmas and what surprised her most Why wondering will the holidays be the same without drinking is completely normal The difference between planning from perfection and preparing with compassion How cravings fade when your nervous system feels supported Why joy isn’t something you chase—it’s something you uncover Tools for handling social pressure without over-explaining yourself How small moments of aliveness rebuild trust and peace And more insights on creating holidays you don’t want to escape… Episode links: livealcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/  Navigating the Holidays Without Alcohol | The Joy Edit - E857 - https://thisnakedmind.com/navigating-the-holidays-without-alcohol-the-joy-edit-e857/ Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/ 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! Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura’s Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠