Sober Edge

What if you stopped drinking and followed your passion for a new AF business? That's exactly what happened to Marlys Aspinwall and her husband Chuck. 

In 2021, after she found herself drinking too much during COVID, Marlys decided to take a break. Her husband quickly followed her lead. Three months later, they opened a pop-up bottle shop.

Marlys shares in this episode of The Sober Edge podcast that at the time, they hadn't even decided that their break from alcohol was going to be permanent. But, after experiencing the connection and the opportunity to encourage their customers, they were hooked. Chuck began searching for a brick and mortar storefront where they could set up a bottle shop and a sober bar.

I asked Marlys to share some tips for starting an AF business and for working with your partner. Here's what she had to share:

Find the full show notes HERE, along with a coupon code for 15% off your first order!

Are you tired of talking about alcohol and drinking and not drinking? I get it, just as we can experience recovery fatigue, I believe we can also burn out by talking about alcohol too much. 

Yep, I want to invite you to NOT talk about alcohol. 

I have shared before my philosophy that 'behavior comes last'. A quick refresher: changing our behavior is only one part of changing our relationship with alcohol. We must also change our thoughts and beliefs about alcohol. We have to go beyond willpower and the outdated idea of not 'picking up' (as the solution) as they say in some recovery circles. 

The reality is, with my coaching clients, we spend only a small percentage of our time talking about drinking and not drinking. What we talk about instead is the reasons behind our drinking. We focus on making alcohol small by building a bigger life, one we don't want to hide from. 

In this podcast episode, I break down the steps of what to do instead and why this is the sweet spot to lasting change. 

Full Show Notes HERE

Midlife is often a time of big transitions. Giving up alcohol can also create monumental shifts. As we move through these transitions, we sometimes leave parts of ourselves behind, and sometimes we leave others behind.

My friend and fellow coach Aimee Ames has been on her own transitional  journey, including going back to school to become a Functional Nutritionist, redefining her relationship with alcohol and ending a 23-year marriage. Along the way, Aimee discovered that 'you are your one true partner'. I love this saying as it reminds me of what I came to recognize in my own path: the one person who will be with you at the end, is you.

I am excited to share this conversation with you. Aimee is an incredible human who shares her wisdom freely and shares the difficult parts as well. 

Amy also talked about her work with the Somatica Institute, training as an intimacy coach and a sex and relationship coach. 

Find out more in the Show Notes HERE

There's a saying, "You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with". The wisdom behind this statement is the urgency. We recognize that we have a limited amount of time to rub shoulders with people who inspire us and challenge us to grow. And, it can prompt us to choose our friends wisely. Spend time with negative people and we might find ourselves complaining more. Spend time with positive people and we suddenly feel more energy and hopefulness. 

In this podcast episode, I break down the ways we can do a personal inventory and start noticing if the things we are allowing into our lives are bringing us 'up' or bringing us 'down'. This exercise requires intention and space; the exact things that we have access to when we put alcohol aside.

We can use our clarity of mind, our free time and our energy to engage in new ways. But, beyond just bringing new things in and filling our days haphazardly, this exercise invites you to notice what feels good, what lights you up, what sparks your curiosity and your passion. 

This alcohol-free life is a catalyst to paying attention; this is your opportunity to build the life you want!

Full Show Notes HERE

The Sober Summit - get your free ticket HERE

What's on your bucket list? Chances are it includes at least one place you want to travel to. But traveling sober? Many of us are nervous and might even avoid the idea of planning a sober vacation. After all, if you are like most of us, travel and alcohol went together without question. 

Meet my friend Michelle Plante. Michelle is the founder of Michelle Plante Travels and, since becoming alcohol-free at the very beginning of 2019, her travel plans always include fabulous adventures where no alcohol is needed. 

In addition to taking her travel experiences to a whole new level, Michelle shares what else has changed since becoming AF:

After discovering the joys of AF travel, Michelle is now curating Wellness, Adventure and Luxe trips for sober women. 

Check out Michelle's adventures to Costa Rica and India, and follow along with her special travel blogs: all links in Show Notes

Are you excited about The 2024 Sober Summit? Get your free ticket to 24 fabulous speakers - link in Show Notes

If you have ever wondered if other people talk to themselves, the answer is yes. In one form or another, everyone has a voice in their head. This voice has a lot to say, and we listen. According to Ethan Kross, author of 'Chatter', if you have ever replayed a conversation in your mind, or coached yourself through a problem or skill, you've used your inner voice. Most people rely on and benefit from theirs every day. But what happens when our inner coach turns into the inner critic? 

The clients I work with often find themselves stuck in negative self-talk and turning the talk around is an important part of coaching. On the current episode of the podcast, I share several ways to bring awareness to the voice in our heads and make peace with it. There are practical tips that help us become the 'cheerleader' vs. the 'critic':

Find out more tips in the Show Notes

And you struggle with negative self-talk, I am offering a book study, starting at the end of September, that will feature Chatter by Ethan Kross. This series will provide practical steps to turn that voice into your on-call coach! Find out more HERE

Loneliness is possible even when we are surrounded by people. In today's culture, we have more opportunities than ever to connect - we can face a family member, catch up with a video chat or reach out with a text message. Yet we often feel disconnected from others. 

My guest on the podcast this week is Nick Jonsson, an executive coach and alcohol-free coach who understands the impact of loneliness. In fact, he wrote a book on the subject, 'Executive Loneliness'. In 2018, Nick found himself stressed out, drinking too much and feeling disconnected from his family, his friends and from life. He decided to make a change and, with the help of a 12-step program, he started his sober journey. Because of the anonymity of his program, Nick recovered in secret and didn't share openly about his new lease on life. That changed in 2019 when a good friend committed suicide. Nick realized that he had no idea his friend was struggling, and he vowed to start a brave conversation about loneliness, mental health and recovery.

Visit the Show Notes page to learn more about Nick and his work

IAccording to a 2018 independent study by Drinkware, 60% of adults admit to using alcohol to cope with stress. If your stress is caused by burnout, alcohol is the worst possible solution. 

In our conversation today, my guest Jamie Phillips,  shared the signs of burnout:

In addition to burnout and recovery, Jamie and I talked about how 'drinking was her favorite thing' and the prevalence of alcohol in the queer community. Jamie shares openly and honestly how she discovered a deeper layer of purpose behind alcohol.

You can find out more in the Show Notes

I am excited to dig deep into our belief system and how these conscious and sub-conscious beliefs can keep us stuck as we make changes in our relationship with alcohol and beyond.

First, let's talk about the three levels of belief - particularly relevant when we think about alcohol:

Substance (what we believe about the liquid alcohol Society (what our culture, our family of origin and society tells us about alcohol that we have come to accept as the truth) Self (what we believe about ourselves that relates to alcohol)

These levels of belief are in order (1-3) intentionally. Challenging our belief system gets harder as we move from substance to society to self. (For more on this, and examples, listen to this week's podcast episode.)

So, how are beliefs formed, and how do we challenge the beliefs that no longer serve us?

Listen in to learn how beliefs are formed and the socratic method which can help you discern your own truth when it comes to alcohol.

More details in the SHOWNOTES

Women's Hormones - Menopause - Weight Gain - Alcohol - Fasting

In today's episode we talk about women's hormones and my guest helps break down what we can do to  thrive no matter what stage of life we are in!

Meet my friend and fellow coach, Elly Young. Elly is a wealth of information when it comes to understanding how best to support our hormones. Elly is an expert in cycle-syncing, which is a fascinating practice of eating to support your hormones. And, if you are post-menopausal, you can learn to use metabolic-syncing to achieve the same results!

This episode is packed with great information to empower you to support your body as you age. Some of the subjects we cover:

Visit the Show Notes HERE

We all want to understand the meaning of life, and so do our mythical heroes. They often go on adventures to strange worlds, fight dark forces, and come back with new knowledge.

The hero’s journey explains this adventure by breaking it into stages. It shows how a hero faces and overcomes challenges to learn and grow.

Does this remind you of your own alcohol-free journey? In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I share my take on an AF hero's journey.

The 12 steps outlined in the graphic are easy to adapt to our own journey to alcohol-freedom. Just like the heroes of mythology or your favorite Star Wars character, you are called to the adventure of a lifetime!

Full Show Notes HERE

Ready for your own AF Adventure? 

Join The SELF Experience waitlist for women who are alcohol-free and looking for more

Join REFRESH, a program for women who are struggling to become  or stay alcohol-free

I recently sat down with Betsy Frost, the CEO of Hoplark Brands to talk about drinking less, the NA industry, and why she believes hops are 'magic'.

Hoplark brings us the 'Yes And…' which is to say it brings the flavor and the complexity of hops to tea, sparkling water and 0.0 beverages. A range of products that have zero sugar, zero alcohol and zero calories!

Betsy shares that hops are a magical ingredient that has basically been ‘held hostage’ by the beer makers for hundreds of years. And, Hoplark is taking back hops and bringing the brewing aspect without the fermentation or malt into a new variety of beverages to delight the palate.

Frost describes the brewers at Hoplark as a ‘bunch of passionate 'hopheads’ who want to ‘free hops from beer’. But, the company philosophy goes beyond hops. Betsy shares in this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast that Hoplark Brands delivers a new way of thinking about alcohol-free beverages - beyond personal choice but offering new and inclusive options. She sees this class of beverages as less ‘anti-alcohol’ and more ‘pro-options’.

Tune in to hear more of our conversation, including:

Head to the Show Notes HERE to grab a 35% discount code to try Hoplark Teas, 0.0 and Sparkling Waters!

And, if you are ready to say 'no' to alcohol and 'yes' to a bigger, more flavorful life, grab a time on my calendar and let's chat! Free Discovery Call HERE

My friend and colleague Kristin Horstman is a certified Gray Area Drinking Coach with a specialty in helping clients learn how to nourish their nervous system. 

We also touch on:

Kristin also has a passion for a non-profit organization, CMC, Foundation For Change. This organization helps support family members whose loved ones are dealing with substance use. She shares the philosophy of the CMS which is based on science and kindness. My favorite part is that CMC goes beyond offering support and actually teaches skills to help one feel empowered to care for their loved one. This program can help families let go of the outdated ‘tough love’ method and lead with connections.

Find out more about the work of CMC and Kristin in the  Show Notes

Kristin and I also get to hang out together in The Sober Edge Book Club - if you are a sober curious or sober serious woman who loves books - please consider joining us! More Info HERE

Life's adventures come in many forms. My recent conversation with friend and colleague Racquel Reid brought this home.

We have the adventures we choose, the adventures thrust upon us and the adventures we let go. 

When Racquel left on her travel adventure, she never imagined that she would end up in her current situation. Yet, somehow, Racquel has found a place of adventure and freedom even in the midst of hardship and struggles. Her journey of finding her 'wild and free' is inspiring and heartwarming.

In our conversation we touch on:

Visit the Show Notes for More

Midlife is the perfect time to take a break from alcohol. "Stop Drinking in Your 50's and Beyond" is created exclusively for midlife women. Get the tactical support and the key foundation in only 6 weeks. Simple, affordable, effective. Learn More

As an alcohol freedom coach, I emphasize the importance of community as we go through this monumental change. Traveling together means we get support, understanding and a shared sense of camaraderie that doesn't (always) happen in other places. 

As an entrepreneur and business owner in this alcohol-free space, I wanted a community that supported my unique business. This is a mission-driven business for most of us. It is also a place where passion projects abound. All of us deserve a supportive place to hang out.

I met Maggie Klaassens at a Sober In The City event in Portland, ME last September. As we got to know one another, we realized we both had a burning desire to create a community for entrepreneurs just like us. And so, The Sober Hive was born! 

The mission of The Sober Hive is aligned with these three principles:

Community Connection Collaboration

Let's come together to grow this AF movement!

Find out more about The Sober Hive 

Show Notes HERE

Challenge:

noun

A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel

verb

Invite (someone) to engage in a contest

The idea of a contest involves a clear objective with a finish line. But, does the idea of a 'challenge' really work when it comes to changing our relationship with alcohol or food? 

Just around the corner is 'Dry July', an opportunity to take 30 days off from drinking. While these types of challenges can help us get started, the really challenging part comes at the end of the month, or the 30 days. 

Here are some ideas I share on the podcast

Full Show Notes HERE

What if, instead of health, we decide to seek wellness? What if, beyond health, there is a beautiful place called 'wellness'? In our culture today we are often bombarded with wellness products and wellness lifestyles, but what does that really mean? 

My guest on the podcast today, Megan Swan, has her own spin on wellness, and we talked about her modern approach to wellness that takes us beyond health (health has been defined as the opposite of disease) to a 360 degree approach.

Megan Swan Wellness is her brand, and she teaches the foundation of wellness to include strategic practices that are both sustainable and easy. I love this conversation because we touch on many of the foundations that I also believe create a beautiful and balanced state of well-being; i.e. wellness. 

Here are some highlights:

Show Notes HERE

Over 50% of families deal with addiction. If you have a family member who struggles, it can be challenging to walk the line between compassion and tough love, enabling and offering support. And, the closer the family member, the more challenging it can be to set healthy boundaries.

My guest on the podcast today is Dr. Brian Licuanan. Dr. Brian is an author, speaker, and board-certified psychologist practicing in Southern California. He specializes in family crisis interventions and has extensive experience working with highly acute clients struggling with substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions. He reached out to share his new book,  "How to Get Your Resisting Loved One into Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Mental Health and/or Addiction Crisis". 

We talked about the processes Dr. Brian teaches and assists with as well as these highlights:

Fatigue in helping a loved one - when is it time to take intervention to the next level?

I also ask Dr. Brian what if YOU are the one dealing with alcohol use disorder? Tune in to hear his answer.

SHOW NOTES HERE

For most of us, our relationship with alcohol, whether we are drinking or not, is complicated. When we find ourselves 'romanticizing' alcohol, it can feel confusing.

First, let's normalize these thoughts. Longing for the past, or feeling nostalgic, is a normal emotion. It is often tied to a longing for the way we used to be or the way we used to feel. I recently had a client share that 'nostalgia' is one of the reasons she drinks, that longing to feel a certain way or searching for a past version of herself can lead her to desire a drink. 

In this episode of The Sober Edge Podcast, I break down nostalgia and how it can lead us to the exact place my client ended up: with a desire to drink, or to a memory where alcohol seems attractive. 

Here is one definition of nostalgia from 'Atlas of The Heart' by Brené Brown: a yearning for the way things used to be in our often idealized and self-protective version of the past.

I also used an article from  Psychology today (link in show notes) to further breakdown how nostalgia connects us to alcohol. You will hear 5 key points as you listen to the episode.

This trip down memory lane that is nostalgia is not without danger; enter cautiously and ask yourself these three questions:

Head to the SHOWNOTES for the links to the TEDX Talk I mention as well as the Psychology Today article.

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Watch the T.E.A. with Teri weekly videos through my Youtube Channel

While I love a good ‘self help’ book, I was completely fascinated by the title of my guests’ book: “Not Another Self Help Book”. How could I resist having her on the podcast to share her unique perspective on how to show up in the world when life is hard?

Lindsey Kane Leaverton is an author, songwriter, former minister and a financial wealth management expert. She also identifies as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a woman with ADHD, OCD and PTSD; as she shares, she has ‘all the adjectives’! 

Lindsey wrote this book, "Not Another Self-Help Book" to highlight some of the most challenging things we experience as humans, and how we might find a gift in each of these challenges, such as pain, trauma, addiction and waiting. We also talk about how she lost everything when she came out as gay, her long journey with chronic pain, our equal dislike of the phrase “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle”. We cover a lot in today’s episode and have a lot of laughs along the way.

Here are some of my favorite parts:

I hope you love this episode as much as I did! 

Get all the details of how to connect with Lindsey and more in the SHOW NOTES

Interested in The Sober Edge Book Club? Check out our new pricing HERE!

*Lindsey does not identify as sober or alcohol-free but does share her deep respect and personal experience with Al-Anon. If you follow Lindsey on social media, you may see her with a drink in hand, but on today’s episode we do not talk about her drinking nor do we glorify the drinking of alcohol in any way.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend. Constance Todd Smith is an alignment coach (I love this!) who has been on her own journey of exploration, which started 38 years ago when she decided to 'live on the bright' by choosing sobriety.

In addition to being an alignment coach, Constance is also a Yoga teacher, an Ecstatic Dance instructor, the founder of a Facebook group devoted to the teachings of Abraham Hicks and a sailor! She credits her break-up with alcohol as the start of her adventurous life.

She describes herself as a  Hybrid of sorts - a rockin’ combination of a successful businesswoman and a spiritual/esoteric junkie. Her gifts, which she readily shares with her clients, include writing, meditation and manifesting. She is also hard at work on her latest project, your very own sober life guide - keep your eyes out for "A Sober Companion"!

To find out more about Constance and my new REFRESH program, visit the SHOW NOTES

How do you define abundance? It might be having more, or it might be desiring less. When it comes to creating space, having an abundant mindset can be key. 

Creating space can manifest in many different ways; being open to opportunities means almost anything is possible. I have talked about creating space before, but I have recently been challenged to broaden my personal definition of how we create space. In my own life, creating space looks like removing something, be it emotional (a negative thought), physical (throw out the old blouse), or spiritual (exploring those biases). But, I now understand it doesn't look that way for everyone. For you, it might be picking up the ball that you dropped, or letting go of old fears that breed scarcity. 

I recorded today's podcast episode to share more about space, scarcity, abundance and alcohol. I hope you will listen and perhaps be inspired or enlightened to explore your own 'space'.

ZPE Connect and The Sober Edge Book Club - Join us for a live event on May 20th from 6-8 PM in 4 different locations. Find out more HERE

SHOW NOTES HERE

"Everyone has a story or a struggle that will break your heart. And if we’re really paying attention, most people have a story that will bring us to our knees".  Brene Brown shared this quote in a 2018 article. The other part of this truth is that sharing our stories can help us heal. 

* Please be aware: this episode touches on suicide and suicidal ideation 

I recently sat down with a new friend, certified recovery coach Jessica Duenas. Jessica offers writing and reading workshops to help those in recovery learn to tell their own story. She believes that storytelling is a way to help us heal and process our recovery journey. Jessica has her own healing story; she was the Kentucky State Teacher of The Year in 2019, but she was living a double life. Her alcohol addiction had become life-threatening, and she ended up in rehab multiple times in 2020. 

Her 'break-free' moment came when she wrote a story for the local paper sharing her alcohol-use disorder with the public for the first time.  Jessica admits it was a vulnerable move. She was unsure of how her story would be received and realized that, finally, it didn't matter what anyone else thought, it was time to share her truth.

To hear more of Jessica's story and the work she does in the world, visit the SHOW NOTES page HERE

Childless Not By Choice - my friend and colleague, Maureen Benkovich is offering support with those of us who might be struggling with the upcoming Mother's Day Holiday. This special event, United In Experience: A Mother's Day Alternative takes place on Thursday May 9th. You can register to attend HERE

If you have every felt tired of 'doing the work' (of getting sober, bettering yourself, growing as a human...) you are not alone.

In today's episode I share how to re-frame 'Recovery Fatigue' and gain back any lost momentum or motivation. If you are wondering how to 'keep going' on this journey to being AF and living AF, listen in for 4 tips on how to beat Recovery Fatigue!

Full Show Notes Here

Interested in a REFRESH? Small group video support, prompts and coaching. Apply HERE

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 HERE

Register to attend our Author Spotlight and meet Laura HERE

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 Show Notes HERE

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:

Full Show Notes

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'!

Show Notes HERE (find out more about Becky; see previous podcast episodes and sign up for The Sober Nutritionist newsletter)

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:

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.

Full Show Notes HERE

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:

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 HERE

Learn more about The Sober Edge Book Club and join now for $5.00 off your first month!

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. 

Full Show Notes HERE

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:

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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 Show Notes

Check out my YouTube channel and more of T.E.A. with Teri: here's the link

"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:

Episode Show Notes HERE

Interested in creating a midlife with intention and joy? Find out more HERE

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!

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 HERE including where to find your OWN alcohol-free community!

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:

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.

Full Show Notes Here (including a Daring Dozen assignment!)

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.

Full Show Notes

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: RESTART®

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:

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 HERE

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:

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.

Full Show Notes HERE

including: links to Truce With Food

and The Happier Book Study

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' HERE

Full Show Notes Here

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!

Full Show Notes

Coffee Date Survey

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:

and more in the episode and the shownotes!

Show Notes Here

Your invitation to '24 for 24' HERE

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

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. Join by January 1st

Full Show Notes HERE

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:

Full Show Notes HERE

There's still time to join '24 for 24' a FREE community event to create your 2024 with fun and intention! Register HERE

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:

Show Notes HERE

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 Here

Connect with Teri Here

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:

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 HERE

Show Notes HERE

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:

Show Notes Here Stop Drinking Now HERE

Free month of book club HERE

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. 

Show Notes

Book Club Offer and Code

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!

Show Notes HERE

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. 

Sign up for The Sober Summit: Holiday Edition HERE

Full Show Notes HERE

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:

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.

Full Show Notes HERE

 Stop Drinking in Your 50’s and Beyond HERE

 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’?

The Sober Summit: Holiday Edition FREE Ticket

Show Notes HERE

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:

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!

Show Notes Here

Stop Drinking In Your 50's and Beyond

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.

 Show Notes Here

Have you ever thought you were too old to change? That old saying, "you can't teach an old dog a new trick" can have us doubting our ability to embrace this alcohol-free life. 

Today, I want to introduce you to 3 ladies who have not only ditched booze but who have learned that the best years are our 'golden years'. And, living alcohol-free means true freedom; to embrace new beginnings, to explore deeper and more meaningful relationships and to challenge ourselves to live life to the fullest!

So, how do we face our biggest fears around NOT drinking and take those first steps forward? My guests today will share their own path to self-discovery and to changing their relationship with alcohol.

Michelle, Maryann and Angela get real about motherhood, caregiving, marital intimacy (yes, sober sex!), and discovering the beauty of an alcohol-free life!

Find out more about these amzazing women in the Show Notes HERE

My guest today, Chrissy Janiga, is a coach, a clinical social worker and an author. “Miranda learns the Art of Not Fitting In”, Chrissy’s first book, is a children’s book but as my guest and I discuss, it has implications into this alcohol-free lifestyle. 

Abraham Maslow and Brene Brown both remind us that belonging is a basic human need. One of the challenges of becoming AF and living AF can be living outside of the  accepted traditions of drinking. We face our own kind of 'not fitting in'. I love that we can teach our children this concept and then we can watch them model how we might apply these same principles to our AF life!

Chrissy Janiga is an alcohol freedom and mindset coach. Chrissy is a licensed clinical social worker and enjoys writing books in her free time. She has published her first children’s book and will soon publish her second children’s book. She is also working on a non-fiction book for adults, focusing on help with removing alcohol. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and helping children (and adults) dream big!

A special invitation: Join me in the Free Mini-Series, Ignite Your Sober Spark. I'll be going live next week, Oct. 2 - Oct. 5 . Grab a seat to attend live or receive the recorded replays. Come hang out with those of us who have learned the 'art of not fitting in'! Register for your seat HERE

Show Notes HERE

What if we focused on what we are doing RIGHT on this alcohol free journey? This is the question that my guest, Sally Magee and I explore on this podcast. Arthur Brooks created the framework for Clifton Strengths coaching and Sally is among the first to apply it to this alcohol-free journey.

We talk about:

Sally Magee is a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach, certified Sobriety Coach and founder of Magee Coaching Solutons. For more than a decade, she’s been coaching leaders and executives using the CliftonStrengths® assessment as the basis for cultivating leadership potential.

As a sobriety coach, she is building on her experience as a coach and workshop facilitator, along with her 25 years of experience in the engineering and construcion industry, to inspire authentic leadership through sobriety.

She provides a judgment-free zone for high-achieving professionals to Reach New Heights by removing alcohol from their life’s equation.

Sally lives in Palm Springs, California with her husband, Mike and their chocolate lab, Tucker. 

Full Show Notes Here

I  believe birthdays can be a great time for looking forward. My daughter shared a birthday ritual with me a few years ago and I want to share it with you.

It involves setting a theme or intention for the year. I like to use a rhyme because it helps me choose a theme and it’s also fun! For example, last year when I turned 62 my intention was “ 62, try something new”. And, I am happy to report that I tried lots of new things during the year; a new puppy, traveling to meet sober friends, hosting a coaches retreat, growing my business to new levels…it’s been amazing! This year, at 63, I am still deciding: it could be ‘set yourself free’, or ‘focus on me’ but I am leaning towards “63, let it be”. As someone who struggles with hyper-productivity and restless saboteurs, this is an important focus area for me. Perhaps it would serve me well to let the things I have created, all the ‘new’ settle and grow. 

I think birthdays can also be a time of reflection. If you missed last week, it was all about regret and reflection. My daughter also shared a ritual to look back over the decades - what was my life like 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 and so on. This can be a fun trip down memory lane and also help us celebrate our achievements and our growth.

Tune in for a short bit about boundaries and Bingo!

Full Show Notes Here

Bingo Card

Wait list for 'Stop Drinking in Your 50's and Beyond'

Regret is a tricky emotion. It can leave us with shame and guilt about things we have done or not done. Or, it might lead us to false bravado, thinking that we should live life with no regrets.

Listen in to today's episode to learn how to process regrets, the reason why living a life with no regrets is unhelpful and what to do about the shame brought on my our relationship with alcohol. 

The truth is, (almost) every human experiences  regrets; children under the age of 7 or people with a neurological disorder are the only people that don’t. That means that regret is a by-product of the human condition. It’s not that you have a moral failing or you can’t ever learn from your past. In fact, regret has a clear purpose in helping us grow. 

Regret is often confused with disappointment. Brene Brown defines the difference this way: With disappointment, we often believe the outcome was out of our control. With regret, we believe the outcome was caused by our decisions or actions.

Regret also has a connection to vulnerability and shame. To acknowledge our regrets takes courage and vulnerability. It’s hard to process regret because it hurts a bit and we can even carry some shame about our behavior. But, when we can face regret with self-compassion, we can learn so much.

Regret is designed to help us clarify what really matters. When we have regrets, it gives us information about our values and teaches us to be bolder, braver and kinder. 

Full Show Notes Here

I used to spend a lot of time thinking about drinking and I used to play the ‘maybe game’. Have you ever played the ‘maybe game’? My ‘maybe game’ was filled with scenarios that sounded good on paper, or seemed rational after a few drinks, but were really nothing more than excuses to stay in the exact same place. The place where I was stuck.

You see, I thought I was happier drinking. I thought I would be miserable not drinking and so my thoughts were filled with maybe’s:

...maybe I can learn to drink less ...maybe I can just drink wine and skip the hard stuff ...maybe I don’t really have a problem ...maybe I don’t even need to quit ...maybe I can convince my husband to stop with me ...maybe I will be miserable if I stop drinking ...maybe I will lose all my friends ...maybe I can take a month off and then I can prove I can take it or leave it Maybe…

 Maybe is defined as ‘the mere possibility’. It’s not definite, it’s not concrete and therefore our brain can create infinite possibilities out of ‘maybe’. I think of this as The Miserable Maybe.

The miserable part comes from the unmade decision. Maybe introduces the ‘mere possibility’ which means we are then faced with a decision. If we put off the decision, or pretend there is no decision that needs to be made, we live with the cost of this unmade decision. 

So, what can you do if you are stuck in your own ‘miserable maybe’?

Listen in for the 3 steps to get out of The Miserable Maybe.

Full Show Notes HERE

Brand New Free Guide: Drinking Through the Decades; A targeted approach to stop drinking no matter your age!

Today I am releasing my 100th podcast episode! Whew! It's been an incredible experience thanks to all of YOU!

I did a bit of a 'mash up' for the episode today by choosing 5 diverse and popular interviews and conversation and sharing some clips from each of those episodes.

All of the links to the original episode are in the show notes so be sure and check out any that you might have missed.

I also share some stats such as:

I would love to hear from you with a rating, a review, or any suggestions for topics or guests.

Show Notes

Download my new Guide: Drinking Through the Decades

You can join the waitlist for my new video course: "Stop Drinking in Your 50's and Beyond"

The short answer is Yes; drinking and over drinking can become habitual. And, that's good news because we can use the work of some of our habit thought leaders to help change our behavior.

In this episode, Teri shares the habit loop identified by Charles Duhigg and how to breakdown the cue, routine, reward to create the change we desire. She also references the work of Dr. Jud Brewer who specializes in the craving brain. It's important to recognize that 'high value' activities are what help create habits. And, Teri shares how we can 'lower the value' of drinking alcohol in order to assist making it small and irrelevant.

Listen in as Teri identifies some of the ways we can break a habit and other ways that alcohol keeps us stuck in a loop. AUD is complicated - let's explore answers together.

Full Show Notes Here

How to Stop Drinking in our 50's and Beyond: Join the waitlist for this new, low-ticket, DIY course 

This solo episode addresses the tricky part of self-compassion and tough love. We know beating ourselves up doesn't work but can we rely too much on self-compassion?

Hightlights include:

If you feel stuck in your journey to freedom, I invite you to consider how to reevalue your tools as you gain new awareness. There is never just 'one way' to get sober!

If this episode was helpful, I invite you to share it with a friend and help them find their Sober Edge!

Show Notes Here

1:1 Coaching

Rock Bottom - defined as the lowest possible level. It’s fascinating to me that this is associated with drinking and even more accurately with not drinking. 

The connection with ‘rock bottom’ and alcohol comes from the 12 step programs that suggest one must be at rock bottom in order to embrace change. I find this puzzling; where else do we wait for something to become unmanageable before we decide to take action? For example, do we wait for our car to break down before we decide to repair it? And, what is defined as ‘rock bottom’? Is it enough if someone has a DUI? What if someone loses their job? If a family member suggests there is a problem, is that ‘rock bottom’? 

I find it much more helpful and positive to think about asking a different question: rather than ask “is my drinking bad enough for me to quit?”, we can ask “Is my drinking adding enough good things that I should continue?”. This takes the focus off reaching a level of behavior and puts it into the context of an empowered choice.

I share in the podcast today that I had people in life who didn’t think my level of drinking, or my issue with alcohol was ‘bad enough’ to quit, that I didn’t have a ‘problem’. I am grateful that I stopped drinking before it became obvious to others that I had a ‘problem’ but I also recognize that the idea of needing my drinking to reach a certain level before I stopped kept me trapped for a long time. Society tells us what ‘normal’ drinking should look like - I now realize there is nothing ‘normal’ about drinking a toxic and addictive substance on a regular basis. 

We now have new language to help us define our alcohol use and it doesn’t have to include ‘rock bottom’. Instead, we can think about AUD, alcohol use disorder and about ‘gray area’ drinking which allows us to explore our level of drinking on a spectrum and to make an empowered choice about how alcohol fits into our life and the impact it might be having.

Show Notes Here

Book a Discovery Call Here

Brene Brown has a chart of how to cultivate ‘wholehearted’ living which has always intrigued me. It reads like a 'how-to' manual of living an intentional life. 

Last week I had an incredible experience of being in a place that I think embraces wholehearted living in a holistic way. I believe living authentically requires us to pay attention to true wellness: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. As I experienced this special place, I was hyper-aware that not everyone has the means or the privilege to travel to a wellness resort. So, I wanted to share my biggest takeaways from Rancho La Puerta, and how I believe we can incorporate the spirit of “the Ranch” wherever we are!

This episode invites you into the world of play, rest, movement and more. Discover how food, community and music can play a part in true wellness. Then, see how you can incorporate these pricipals of whole-istic wellness in your everyday life. The teaching of the Ranch are the essence of living an intentional life!

If you would like to be a part of our community, I invite you to check out The Sober Edge Book Club where we bring in community, play and personal growth as we explore the fun of reading together!

Show Notes Here

Book Club Here

Airports, All-Inclusive Resorts, Family Reunions; Welcome to Summer Travel. 

Looking forward to vacation can be one of the highlights of summer - but travel doesn't always go as planned and the ups and downs can derail even our best intentions.

Travel while alcohol-free or sober curious can be tricky, particularly if it's early days or our first AF travel experience.

Last spring I shared an episode with my friend and fellow coach Susan Larkins all about the 5 Keys to Sober Travel. As I get ready to travel myself, I thought this would be a great episode to share again. Perhaps you missed it the first, or perhaps it's time for a reminder!

Check out the SHOW NOTES for Susan's 5 steps to help with navigating a vacation or special event AF 

If you have ever heard the phrase "Have an attitude of gratitude" then this 'mini' episode is for you!

I want to help all of us explore a deeper relationship with gratitude and a better understanding of why gratitude matters. Tune in for:

I also share how to 'lower the bar' and 'go 3 layers deep' to amplify your gratitude practice.

Finally I share the how to use a new idea, "100 Things I Love" to increase your overall satisfaction of life!

Full Show Notes HERE

My guest today, Maureen Benkovich, reinvented herself as a ‘party girl’ in order to hide the pain of infertility. While her friends were getting pregnant and starting families, Maureen was experiencing the trauma of multiple miscarriages and a failed adoption. In our candid conversation, Maureen recounts the moment when she decided alcohol would keep her from being the ‘sad friend’ that others pitied; instead, she would be 'the fun friend' who was always up for a good time. 

Maureen’s story is one of isolation and pain and by sharing her own darkness, she is helping other women step out from the shadows. Maureen is now alcohol-free, a certified This Naked Mind coach and is happily no longer struggling with anxiety or taking antidepressants! 

Maureen Benkovich, also known as SoberFitChick is a compassionate life coach who helps individuals reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and break free from the cycle of guilt and shame. 

With personal experience overcoming depression and the challenges of infertility, she knows firsthand the struggles and traps that can come with the drinking cycle. She is passionate about using her training as a TNM coach and her  own journey to inspire and guide others towards lasting change.

Full Show Notes Here

Megan MacPherson has a new identity: Megan On The Wagon. Megan recently, very recently, started her alcohol free journey.

Megan was 30 when she reached a crossroads; continue down a destructive path with alcohol, or make a change. With the help of her family and loved ones, Megan decided to reach out for help.

What happened next is unique. Instead of hiding out or waiting to get comfortable with her new sobriety, Meghan began sharing her story, from Day 1 (she is now just over 100 days AF) in a blog she calls Megan On the Wagon. She realized that writing was the key to staying sober and she decided to go public. 

Megan has always loved writing, so she started journaling about her first real attempt at going alcohol-free. Within a couple weeks, she decided to start a blog, Megan on the Wagon. She wanted to be open about sharing her struggle with alcohol and the freedom that quitting has brought her.

Like many of us, she is enjoying newly rekindled fun with running and biking and finding joy in physical activities. Megan also wants to continue to support other people in their journey toward freedom from alcohol and to build a career that honors her new ‘on the wagon’ lifestyle!

Full Show Notes Here

Follow Megan on IG @meganonthewagon

Last Call for The SELF Experience: Find out more HERE

Bonus Episode: Ignite Your Sober Spark is a live mini-series I shared with my audience last week. Because it was so well received, I wanted to share it with you in this special podcast episode. The idea for Ignite Your Sober Spark came from my desire to share some new concepts around how we grow in our after alcohol life.

When we stop drinking, everything changes. And, at first, it can feel uncomfortable, there are so many new emotions, new opportunities and changes to navigate. But, after a while, it can start to feel flat; the novelty is gone and life is just ho-hum. This can be a time where we might start to romanticize drinking, or drift back into old patterns that don’t serve us.

In this recording, I share the 4 key areas we focused on to help us discover, or rediscover, our sober spark:

Day 1 - Finding Your Purpose Day 2 - Lasting  Change Day 3 - Design vs. Drift Day 4 - Motivation & Momentum

I wanted to present this series to give my audience a glimpse into my signature program, The SELF Experience. There are many ways to engage in groups and many different programs, but I believe the SELF Experience is unique. It provides teaching, coaching and actionable steps to help us create an amazing life, once we don’t need or want to escape from!

The SELF Experience is a 16 week program for women who are have stopped drinking and are ready to start living! It’s not a done-for-you course or a bunch of pre-recorded videos. It is an immersive and interactive experience.

Full Show Notes 

The SELF Experience Program

Becoming alcohol-free is a life-changing experience. And, becoming an entrepreneur is also a life-changing experience. Both of these paths can feel a bit lonely. Now, imagine becoming an business leader in the AF industry…that’s my friend Karolina. Karolina Rzadkowlolska has chosen to put her passion for living an AF life into a business that celebrates the choices that are possible on the other side of drinking.

Karolina was my business coach and has become a friend and an inspiration as I continue to grow my business. One of the most inspiring things about Karolina is how she invests in herself and her success and the incredible results she has created. She is a multiple 6-figure coach, she leads retreats around the world, she is a best selling author and she retired her husband to help her run her global empire! 

This conversation that Karolina and I have, which was originally recorded for her podcast Euphoric AF, is all about what can happen when alcohol-free leaders come together to change the world!

This episode may seem a bit of a departure from my usual podcast episodes but I hope it inspires you to think about how you can amplify your own voice, wherever this journey may take you!

And, if you are a sober coach or a sober influencer, I invite you to join Karolina and me for a unique experience to grow your business and band together with us as we change the world - one person and one drink at a time!

Full Show Notes Here

AF Leaders Mastermind Weekend 

Is there a difference between how men break up with alcohol and how women break up with alcohol?

In my podcast this week I catch up with Duncan Bhaskaran Brown, author of ‘Get Over Indulgence’ and the soon to be published book “Real Men Quit”. 

Duncan has a delightful sense of humor and a powerful message to help us ‘stop chasing’ and start living. Duncan recounts his own lessons from 20 years of over indulging in smoking, drinking and eating fast food. 

We cover topics ranging from the tactics he used to break free; how to think differently about problems and why men struggle with balancing a strong mind and body with their heart and emotions. And, Duncan answers the question, why do men struggle so much in getting help with alcohol use?

Follow Duncan on Instagram 

And, for listeners of this podcast, Duncan is offering  a free copy of his book 'Get Over Indulgence'. Simply follow him on IG, send him a DM and he will make sure you receive a copy of the book! (Tell him Teri sent you)

Full Show Notes

Ignite Your Sober Spark (free mini-series June 19-June22)

My guest for the podcast this week is Justin Morris, licensed therapist and This Naked Mind Coach.

Justin shares his personal story of growing up where alcohol was modeled as a ‘normal’ part of adult life and yet he also watched alcohol erode his parent’s marriage and create health issues for his grandfather. Justin found himself struggling with drinking in his late teens when he came out as queer at 17. 

Heading off to college, Justin used alcohol as a sober ‘buffer’ to blend in and remain ‘unseen’. This drinking pattern continued into a high stress job as a social worker. Justin broke up with alcohol in September of 2020 and now helps others to break through to freedom.

Justin also invites us to explore a new coaching collective, 'Living Proud AF'. This collective is an offering from several This Naked Mind Coaches who identify as LGBTQIA++. Their motto is: Empowering LGBTQIA++ people to take control of alcohol and start . . . Living Proud AF !

Full Show Notes HERE

Calling all women in midlife! This episodes focuses on helping us understand what is happening to our bodies and how to embrace living life to the fullest no matter our age!

Jacqui Garrison is a certified health coach who helps women explore aging with grace. Jacqui lived her life believing she was healthy and creating good health by doing all the right things. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and told ‘this is just your lot in life’ that she started to explore what healthy really meant.

Jacqui realized that she had been naive and under educated about how to create optimal health. She set out to explore how to heal her body and along the way decided to share this new found knowledge with others. Jacqui now believes that good health means living with the ability to move your body, the ability to recover quickly and to play hard at any age!

Jacqui really shines when it comes to helping women move through menopause feeling lighter and brighter. She believes that women in middle life can embrace this season with a new found excitement about what’s next vs. now what?

Jacqui shares the 4 pillars of health and aging gracefully:

Full Show Notes HERE

Space: noun

1. a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied:

There are 3 kinds of space (to consider in this AF journey):

For me, when I was drinking I really struggled with my mental chatter. My brain was filled with thoughts of drinking, thoughts of not drinking and with beating myself up. There was no free space. When I put alcohol aside, I created so much mental space!  Suddenly, there was space. Space that allowed me to ask my brain a different question: what’s next?

For many clients, it is important to create more physical space. This can be boxing up all the wine paraphernalia in your house (who knew we had this much?) or giving away the martini and margarita glasses.  

Emotional space is a biggie.We often have no space in our lives to process our emotions. We fill our days with responsibilities and deadlines and then wonder why we fill so flat and depleted… Creating emotional space allows us to pause and respond vs. react.

 I use the word ‘create’ or ‘creating’ intentionally because it is an action word. This process involves your participation and your willingness to explore a new way of being. 

Full Show Notes HERE

Making a change around alcohol (or sugar or exercise) takes motivation. We get inspired or fed up and we feel highly motivated to make a change. For some of us, our alcohol-free journey started from a place of desperation which equaled motivation. You may have heard the saying “sick and tired of being sick and tired”, or “when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change, we change”. But, while motivation gets us started, it isn’t enough. Motivation comes and goes.. We can all think of examples, personal or with others, that illustrate this phenomenon: the empty gyms on January 15th; the diet we will start on Monday; the half-finished closet clean out. Motivation is key to getting started but the real change agent is momentum.

Momentum is what keeps us in action. And, the beautiful part about momentum is that energy creates energy. So, being in momentum = more momentum. Let’s think about our AF journey: we start out motivated, either from a place of pain or a place of possibility. We take a step forward (read a quit-lit book, hire a coach, join a support program) and we are in momentum. We no longer have to rely on motivation because we are already moving forward. Motivation will come and go but momentum is always available. I never expect my clients to stay continually motivated as they go through this transformation, instead we work together to create routines, habits and thoughts that support momentum. This is key to creating lasting change.

If you have been frustrated by your inability to get started, stay motivated and create change, here’s what you need to know about motivation and momentum:

Full SHOW NOTES Here

Get your Recipe Book (scroll to the bottom of the show notes to grab your copy)  HERE

If you have ever thought “wouldn’t it be great if there was one place to find all things sober” look no further. Alysse Bryson is the creator of the online magazine The Sober Curator. She is also a woman in long-term recovery who recently celebrated 17 years of freedom from alcohol. Alysse shares her journey from the anonymous rooms of AA to ‘recovering out loud’ and becoming a spokesperson for all of us who are walking a similar path.

Alysse discovered that there was not ‘one version’ of recovery. She lived her alcohol-free life quietly but found that she was often a sought after resource for friends and family. Then, during the pandemic, she made a shift from protecting her own story to ‘recovering out loud’. She credits her time and experience in sobriety to allowing her to identify ‘when she could be helpful’ and why moving front and center was the next right move. 

With her background in media and print, Alysse launched The Sober Curator in August of 2020. The Sober Curator is an online magazine that features a variety of contributing writers and a content library that includes: Lifestyle, Entertainment, Happy Every Hour, Travel and The Spiritual Gangster. This pandemic baby recently placed in the top 15 recovery blogs and the top 10 recovery magazines in the world.

Full Show Notes Here

Zero Proof Experiences Portalnd, ME information

My Sober Girlfriends' Book Club

What do you want to know how becoming alcohol-free? It turns out, most of you have these top 5 questions in common:

Do I have to stop drinking ‘forever’? Is it possible to moderate? How do I help my body heal? Help - how do I socialize without alcohol? Who am I if I don’t drink?

On the podcast, I share why I think these questions pop up, how I answer them, and why it’s so important to keep asking questions. Head over to the show notes for more about what's behind these 5 questions!

FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

This is a solo episode where I share a new take on an old thought.

For many of us, the end of something feels final. The very definition is “the final part of something”. So, when we have this thought and we live with this definition, it can be challenging to decide to ‘end’ something.

Let’s look at our relationship with alcohol. Many people are reluctant to say ‘forever’ and make a permanent decision about alcohol. The idea feels daunting and ‘too’ final. Instead, we hear phrases such as ‘one day at a time’, or ‘never say never’. It’s become popular to say ‘you don’t have to say forever, just say for right now’. And, while I understand the reasoning, I believe this can keep us stuck. So many people I coach express that they want to learn to moderate, to drink occasionally. The idea of ‘making a clean break’ feels impossible.

But, what if we changed our thought around endings? What if we saw it not as an ending but as a new beginning? The definition of begin is ‘to start or initiate something’. I have realized on this journey of self-exploration, which started after I stopped drinking, that every ending is really a new beginning, and that what used to feel like an ending now feels like a transition. I have found that shifting my mind just slightly, to embrace the end of something as the beginning of something else has helped with any transition in my life. 

This thought process works whether you are the one who chooses the transition or if it is forced upon you - a job loss, a relationship change, a death. 

In this episode I share my personal ending and what it has meant to me to be at the new beginning. 

I also share 5 steps to move through your own transition from ending to beginning.

Full Show Notes HERE

Today I am hanging out with an actual Iron Man! 

Buck Robinson has laced up his shoes and will be participating in Iron Man Lake Placid and he will be sponsored by Athletic Brewing. None of this would have been possible just a few years ago when he found himself using alcohol instead of exercise as a way to blow off steam at the end of the day.

Buck shares his story on the podcast, including how becoming a parent led to his drinking more and putting fitness on the back burner. During his drinking years, Buck found himself ‘romanticizing’ alcohol and he even considered himself a beer connoisseur.

When Buck turned 49, the universe delivered a harsh message: he found out his birth father had suffered from heart disease and his biological grandfather had died at 49. At the same time, he received a warning from his doctor that his labs indicated he was ‘pre’ everything; pre-diabetic, pre-obese, prehypertension, pre-cirrhosis. 

Since embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, Buck has returned to fitness, including running, training for an Iron Man and doing some intense fitness challenges, such as running 52 miles for his 52nd birthday! A sober friend, who had been watching his journey, suggested he connect with Athletic Brewing about becoming an ambassador. Not only did they offer him the ambassadorship, but Athletic Brewing is sponsoring him in the Lake Placid Iron Man this summer! 

Here are some of the highlights: Romanticizing Alcohol The self-sabotage of the ‘detox to retox’ cycle Not a fad but a revolution The physical changes are the smallest reward

Full Show Notes Here (including a 20% off link to Athletic Brewing!)

Sponsor: My Sober Girlfriends' Book Club HERE

 The Power of Books. I think we have all been transformed by a book - transported to a make-believe world or moved by powerful history.

I believe in the power of books because books allow me to explore a life that might look wildly different than mine and also because they show me what is possible in my own life.  And, books can be powerful connectors, showing us in big and small ways how we are humans having a human experience and not so different after all. 

On this alcohol-free journey many books have been written about the science of addiction, and so many memoirs have been authored  that a new genre, 'quit-lit' , has emerged. That is the power of books!

In this podcast episode, I share some thoughts about what books mean to me and I chat with my friend and partner, Sarah Showard about our new offer: My Sober Girlfriends' Book Club.

We are excited to create a book club that is focused on all of the things women love about book clubs with none of the booze. Fun, Friendship, Reading, Growth and Connection - join us for a new twist on your old book club!

Full Show Notes Here

My Sober Girlfriends' Book Club details

What happens when the doctors can’t help? My guest, Amy Stein spent countless hours and thousands of dollars searching for answers to her mysterious illneses.  Doctors treated her symptoms but she continued to get sicker.

Finally, when one doctor told her the answer was chemotherapy (just kill off your immune system and start over), Amy knew she needed a different path. Out of desperation came the healing Amy was searching for; she fired all her doctors and began using the ancient wisdom of plant medicine, food and somatic therapy.

 Amy now uses her knowledge and training to help others on an alternative healing journey including addressing trauma through breathwork, plant medicine and energy healing.

On today’s podcast we talk about:

The last straw

Feeling safe in your body (what does that mean?)

The importance of going slow to speed up

Not all somatic therapies are the same

How modern day medicine is catching up to the ancient healing wisdom from 5000 years ago

We all have the ability to heal

Amy’s 5 tips for Whole Body Healing

Amy’s mission is to educate and empower those who are struggling with their health on how to live in harmony with their bodies and environments in a natural way. 

FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

What does it mean to be seen and known? My guest today is Joy Porter, a commercial photographer and lifestyle brand creative. Joy is a friend as well as my photographer and is someone I admire because she models what it is to find your purpose and live it with passion.

Joy tells the story of the first time she held a camera and her discovery of seeing the world in a different way. Joy has taken this idea of discovery into her work as a brand and lifestyle photographer and she helps people discover how to show their true selves to the world. Joy shares her innate curiosity and her delight at ‘peeking in windows’. She also shares the story of how she answered a calling to travel to Africa and how this experience now means that her ‘heart lives in two places’. 

Joy was recently named in the top 1% of commercial photographers in the nation and credits her love of people and her deep desire for connection as the reason for her success.

Full Show Notes Here

Megan Johnson McCullough believes every body can be fit.

Dr. Megan shares about her mom’s struggle with alcohol and how losing her mom to AUD fueled her own passion to work with those who suffer from addiction. Megan has used her love of fitness and her commitment to recovery to create a fitness and recovery app, write 6 books and win back to back championships as a Natural Fitness Model.

*This conversation touches on eating disorders, perfectionism and exercise addiction. While Megan admits she doesn’t have it all figured out, she is committed to researching and developing more offers to highlight how exercise and nutrition can be a healthy part of overcoming any addiction.

Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough, EdD, owner of Every BODY’s Fit in Oceanside, CA, is an elite NASM Master Trainer. She’s a world champion natural bodybuilder, fitness model, and author of 6 book . She has a cell phone app called Fit PACE for persons in addiction recovery using fitness in their program. She holds an MA in Physical Education and Health Science and is certified from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association. She is a Drug & Alcohol Recovery Fitness Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Senior Fitness Specialist.

*this conversation touches on addiction, overdose and eating disorders

FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Interested in 1:1 coaching with me? Book a call HERE

Yes - we really do talk about sex and sober sex in this episode. Sarah Olsen is a fellow coach who believes it is important to open up this conversation about what happens in the bedroom when we stop drinking. Like all areas of our lives, when we make a change around alcohol, how we view sex and how we have sex may change. Relationships evolve, priorities shift and many times we also find a shift in how we are showing up sexually.

We might have bought into the ‘story’ that alcohol is a ‘sexual lubricant’ that helps us loosen up. Or, we might actually have a partner who expresses “you were more fun when you were drinking”. We might feel completely in our head and find it hard to connect with our body in a way that makes sex feel natural and fulfilling.

Sarah helps us explore communication as the number one tool to better sex; how to reframe losing our virginity all over again; and why you should focus on what draws you to your partner vs. what you find sexually attractive. 

This conversation touches on many important parts of this subject:

Full Show Notes Here

Over 40% of couples get divorced. For many who divorce, there can be complicated feelings of guilt and sorrow, regret and anger. For couples with children, these feelings and emotions can be even more complicated. It makes sense that one might need support navigating this emotional minefield. 

Enter Scott Pinyard, coach, father and successful coparent. You might remember Scott from our podcast together about This Naked Mind and alcohol. Today, we talk about how to use similar tools to navigate coparenting. Scott has created Modern Coparent as a way to help individuals move from discord and anger to peace. And, the beautiful part is that it only takes ONE parent to start this process. Scott shares his own journey from a hostile and anxious relationship with his coparent, to one of respect and human connection. 

Highlights:

Using our thoughts, emotions and actions as a guide

Which comes first - working on our relationship with our coparent or working on our relationship with alcohol?

Why he doesn’t use the word ‘ex’

Full Show Notes Here

The SELF Experience

As a nutritionist, I have been interested in the use of CBD as a way to turn on, or tune into, our cannabinoid receptors. As an alcohol-freedom coach, I have been interested in how CBD might be effective in regulating our nervous system and lessen the dependency on alcohol in relaxation, sleep, etc. I recently connected with Jake Crossman, a nutritionist and the creator of a USA Medical, a brand of CBD and CBG products to help ‘empower individuals to take control of their health and reach their full potential through a unique blend of modern science and traditional wisdom.’ 

I invited Jake and his business partner Richard Gibson to join me on the podcast and tell us more about how CBD and CBG products interact with our body and the many potential benefits. We also have a candid conversation about the psycho-active properties of THC and the difference between CBD and THC. Jake shares that products are now available that have zero THC. You will hear in the podcast from Richard who shares that his use of CBG brought no sensation of a ‘buzz’ or ‘getting high’ experience. After learning more about these products and the effect on the nervous system, (CBD) and the potential to impact our inflammatory response (CBG) I am intrigued about how this might add one more tool to our AF toolbox! 

Full Show Notes Here

The SELF Experience Program Here

The Doctor is In The House!

This episode I am pleased to introduce Dr. Annie Savage. Annie specializes in women’s health and is know as the period doctor. Today we talk about the myth of hormones and women’s health, how we can go from hating our body to trusting our body and why ‘watching’ is not ‘doing’.

Annie also shares her 4 pillars of women’s health and her own sober dating experiences. Dr. Savage also answers the very important question: “how do I know I haven’t done permanent damage to my body by drinking so much for so long?”. 

Dr. Annie Savage is a naturopathic doctor with a focus on women’s health. She helps women heal their digestion, balance their hormones and live without the most common hormonal symptoms. She is the co-founder of The Symptom Free Period System, an online program for women to achieve hormone balance. 

Full Show Notes Here

The SELF Experience  exclusively for women after alcohol who are ready to experience the joy and wonder of living alcohol-free with confidence and fun!

Who Do You Think You Are? 

 Digging into who you are - your IDENTITY is a powerful way to call out that negative voice in our head and acknowledge our value. 

Identity is about who we are being, our sense of self and purpose or mission in life. Values support our identity as they are the reason why we feel the way we do. They are what motivates us to behave the way we do, make the decisions and choices we do.

I share two outlines during this episode so be sure to head to the show notes to find out more. 

The exercise (of 'who do you think you are') is never really completed as we constantly acquire new information and experiences. The discovery and evolution of identity has no end. And that is the wonder of you!

Full Show Notes Here

Sign up for the waitlist for The SELF Experience here

Bonus: how many times does Teri say the word Powerful??

What happens at one year alcohol-free? I am delighted to share a special conversation with my friend Natasha Zygaczenko who recently celebrated 365 days without alcohol. Natasha shares her personal health journey and her realization last year that her life might be better without drinking. Natasha highlights her spiritual awakening and the beauty of coming back to herself. From The Feisty Kitchen to the nature loving alcohol-free rebel, Natasha has truly created a feisty life!

Natasha is a creative rebel who uses photography as her medium of choice. She has enjoyed traveling the globe while exploring her passions. . She currently lives in Humboldt County in Northern California where she enjoys hiking in the Redwood forests, beach walks and exploring the abundant beauty of nature all around. She recently celebrated 1 year alcohol-free. 

Full Show Notes Here

The Self Experience Link

Meditation - Mindfulness - Peace - Suffering. My guest today, Ramananda John Welshon's has practiced meditation for over 50 years and shares his personal journey that led him to studying religion and meditation as his life's work. 

Highlights include:

I loved this conversation and the peace I felt being in the presence of someone grounded in love. I hope it will delight you as well!

JOHN E. WELSHONS (“Ramananda”) is a contemporary spiritual teacher and meditation teacher whose teachings weave together the world’s great mystical and contemplative traditions.

He lectures and leads workshops, classes, and retreats across North America. He was a close associate of Ram Dass and Stephen Levine, and trained - in 1976 - with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. He has traveled and studied extensively in India - spending time at the ashrams of Meher Baba and Neem Karoli Baba.

He is the author of three critically-acclaimed books: One Soul, One Love, One Heart; When Prayers Aren’t Answered; and Awakening From Grief .

Full Show Notes

My guest today is fellow coach Jeanine Grayson. Jeanine is a mindset and confidence coach who specializes in helping women overcome limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. Jeanine shares her own journey from a toxic relationship and cancer diagnosis to a woman who now lives an empowered life.

We discuss the impact of perfectionism, the importance of clarity and how we can use boundaries as a way to advocate for ourselves. Jeanine also shares 3 tips to grow your confidence:

As a Certified Life Coach and NASM Behavior Change Specialist, Jeanine helps individuals shed their self-doubt, identify limiting beliefs, reframe new thoughts and take empowered action in their lives.

Full Show Notes Here

We all know that lasting change comes not just from changing our behavior but also from changing our thoughts. So, the question becomes, how do we uncover our thoughts and get ‘unstuck’? My guest today, Sheri Cutter, is trained as a Neuro Linguistic Programer. She believes that in order to make changes, you have to access the subconscious mind. Neuro refers to the mind; Linguistic to language and Programming to our underlying thought patterns. Sherri describes NLP as a way to ‘marry’ the conscious mind with the subconscious mind. NLP has been around since the 1970’s, helping practitioners use language to uncover our hidden stories and thoughts and has informed the work of Annie Grace and David Gray (Liminal Thinking). For those of us that have been on an alcohol-free journey, we can see that having more access to our thought patterns and more awareness of our subconscious mind is a huge benefit. But, Sheri also shares that NLP can help us in all areas of growth, from negative thinking, to limiting beliefs to our core identity. Here are some highlights from today’s episode:

Sheri Cutter has been in the field of health and healing since 1991, as a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, Franklin Method Educator and is currently a trainer and practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, hypnotherapy and empowerment coaching. She is a sought after coach and consultant for both personal and business environments. With her emphasis and experience in true mind-body wellness, she has assisted many in overcoming both physical and emotional barriers. Sheri offers compassionate coaching using life changing skills for mindset and positive, realistic forward movement.

Full Show Notes Here

 As the Sober Nutritionist I talk about sobriety a lot - today, I want to take you into the nutrition side of my practice and share a bit about 'food as medicine' and my own philosophy when working with clients. I also share some actionable steps for you to get started on your own nutritional journey and find your way to 'true wellness'.

I talk about:

I am also highlighting an opportunity for you to participate in a scientific study in partnership with The University of Washington, The University of Florida and Alcohol Free Lifestyle. This 90 day study will follow participants as they engage in  Project 90, run by Alcohol Free Lifestyle. As a part-time coach with Alcohol Free Lifestyle I can vouch for the quality of the program and their commitment to their clients. If you are still working to break free from alcohol, I invite you to check out this special opportunity and Get Sober For Science!

Alcohol Free Lifestyle Study

Show Notes Here

We are in the beginning of Dry January and one of the things we know is that socializing without drinking can be challenging. My guest on the podcast this week, Susie Streelman, took the challenge of creating an inclusive event for socializing while AF and has created a MOVEMENT. Susie shares her own journey from ‘professional breaker’ to the founder of Zero Proof Experiences. The mission of ZPE is confidence and empowerment for those of us who 'drink differently'. This conversation highlights the beauty of inclusion and how we can create our own 'movement' by learning to trust ourselves and step forward. 

Susie Streelman is the founder of ZeroProof Experiences and creator of Sober in the City, a national traveling event.  She lives in Long Beach with her husband of 31 years and has two boys in their mid twenties.  Susie admits to falling down the zero proof rabbit hole and strives to promote the alcohol free social experience.  She believes that one day soon,  “It will be easy to obtain an elegant, alcohol free option when out!”

Full Show Notes Here

The end of the year is often a time for reflection, special memories and, let’s face it, regret.  We live in a hustle and grind culture and if we buy into it, the changing of the calendar on December 31st can bring a list of all the things we didn’t accomplish this year and an even longer list of goals for the New Year.

A Year In Review; Goal Setting; Business Strategies; there is nothing wrong with any of these reflections or practices. However, what if there is a better way that allows us to celebrate and reflect while leaving the guilt and regret behind?

In my end of the year podcast episode I share a few ways to wrap up 2022 and welcome 2023. This process is rooted in Reflection, Celebration and Intention. Listen in as I share my process along with tips and takeaways from several of my mentors and friends.

I also want to share my deep gratitude to have you as a listener this past year. I love what I do and I love to share it with all of you! Thank you!

And, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter because I am going to introduce you to a new family member!

Full Show Notes Here

As a Nutritionist, I recognize that the weeks leading up to our Winter Holiday season are packed with opportunities for eating, overeating and unhealthy eating! In this episode I share 8 tips to stop overconsuming sugar this season. Food For Thought is really about the thoughts that lead to consuming too many sweets or eating on autopilot. You know how to Boss Your Brain around (Episode 57), which is key to breaking the holiday cycle of 'just one more', or 'I never eat sweets expect during ......' I also share the ways that overdrinking and overeating OVERLAP. 

In today's intro I hightlight my friend Chris Engen's program "7 Nutritional Foundations for a Balanced Brain". This program is available in a year-long format through the end of 2022. (Beginning in 2023 the course will include 12 weeks of support). Chris holds an Advanced Certification as a Recovery Nutrition Coach (CRNC2) for  Nutritional Therapy / Amino Acid Therapy from The Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition. Chris joined me on the podcast earlier this year to talk about the importance of cravings, a balanced brain and nutrition on the journey toward alcohol-freedom. This course includes live group coaching, a hippa compliant message board and a money back guarantee. I hope you will check it out in the show notes!

Show Notes

Blog: 8 tips to stop overeating sugar this season!

Becoming Alcohol-free is not easy; it is a journey that takes us to unexpected places such as redefining relationships, perusing mocktail recipes and figuring out what to do with an extra 2 to 5 hours a night. But, along the way, we get to find ourselves again. We get to venture deeper into our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. We start to trust ourselves and we slowly start to believe that everything is not only going to be alright, it’s actually going to be better.

Meet my friend Cheryl Hendry. Cheryl was several months along on her AF journey, challenging herself and learning lots of tools to navigate these new thoughts and emotions. And then she got sick. At first, Cheryl thought it was her gallbladder. A series of tests led to more tests and then a routine CT scan. Later that day, Cheryl received a call from her doctor: Cancer. 

In our interview today, Cheryl shares her journey fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We talk about the support she found from her alcohol-free community, her firm foundation, and her doctor’s question that prompted an outpouring of gratitude. Cheryl also tackles the question, Is Cancer A Gift?. 

In the show notes, you can find Cheryl's list "6 reasons I No Longer Drink" and a link to my free guide "5 Healthy Reasons To Take A Break" so you can start building your firm foundation.

Show Notes Here

Your Guide 5 Healthy Reasons To Take A Break

Practical spirituality. Innate health. The journey from numbing and escaping life to becoming present offers insight into how we live our lives.

My guest today, Sam Goldfinch has been on this journey for many years. In this episode he shares wisdom gathered from his own spiritual journey and the teaching of several of his spiritual mentors.  We talk about the difference between pleasure and joy; the distinction between desire and craving and my personal favorite, how to let go of ‘seeking’ and embrace ‘finding’. This is a deep conversation with someone whose knowledge is vast and whose heart is even bigger! I consider this entire conversation a gift from Sam to me and to you; I hope you enjoy it!

Sam Goldfinch is a sobriety coach who helps people to release addictions and discover their innate health, without using willpower or missing out on life. Having left a damaging relationship with alcohol behind 7 years ago, Sam understands it is insight, not 'information', that will lead people home to the truth of who they really are and to true freedom.

Full Show Notes Here