Alcohol Minimalist: Change Your Drinking Habits!
Episodes
Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of Anticipation
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode SummaryIn this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why December feels so emotionally intense and why anticipation plays such a powerful rol...
Revisiting: Drink-The New Science of Alcohol & Your Health with Dr. David Nutt
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re working to change your drinking habits and create a peaceful relationship with alcohol, you’re in the right place. In today’s episode,...
Think Thursday: Holiday Creativity-Why Making Things Helps Your Brain
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly explores why holiday creativity is far more than a nostalgic pastime. New research highlighted in The Washington Post shows tha...
Why December is the Ideal Time to Change Your Drinking
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your brain is telling you, “It’s the holidays, I’ll start in January,” this episode is here to challenge that script. Molly dives into why ...
Revisiting-Think Thursday: Practicing Gratitude-The Brain Science
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special revisited Thanksgiving edition of Think Thursday, Molly reflects on the transformative power of gratitude—how it can reshape your mi...
Health, Healing & The Holidays with Deb Gutierrez
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt and empowering conversation, Molly Watts welcomes Deb Gutierrez, a seasoned nutritional therapist and friend of the show. Deb shares...
Think Thursday: Hope, Science & Still So Far to Go-The Fight Against Alzheimer's
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, we're diving into a subject that touches millions of lives — Alzheimer’s disease.Molly shares recent, promising re...
A Sommelier's Story of Creating Change with Jillian Fontana, Mod Elixirs
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, Molly welcomes special guest Jillian Fontana, a certified sommelier and founder of Mod Elixirs, a new line of thoughtfully ...
Think Thursday: The Power of Visual Triggers
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores how visual triggers—those subtle, often overlooked cues in your env...
Revisiting: How to Avoid Binge Drinking
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this timely revisited episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly dives deep into the topic of binge drinking—what it is, ho...
Revisiting-Think Thursday: The Privilege of Self-Improvement-Why It's Awesome to be Human!
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to a revisited edition of Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast. These Thursday episodes are all about understanding your br...
How Your Environment Shapes Your Drinking Habit
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores how your environment—your physical space, routines, and sensory cues—quietly sha...
Think Thursday: Why You Should Name Your Inner Critic
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your inner critic: that voice in your head that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “You’ll never stick with this.” We all have one. But wh...
Becoming Someone Who Desires Alcohol Less
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: As we close out More Sober October, Molly invites you to reflect not just on how many drinks you had—or didn’t have—but on who ...
Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of Joy vs. Pleasure
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly explores the powerful difference between joy and pleasure, and why understanding this distinction matters for...
Celebrating Without Alcohol
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores a powerful and often overlooked question: Can you truly celebrate wi...
Think Thursday: Selective Ignorance-Protecting Your Brain's Most Valuable Resource
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why sometimes not knowing can actually make you calmer, more focused, and more creative. Continuing the...
Changing the Narrative: Mindful Drinking, Sunnyside Med & The Evolution of Alcohol Health with Ian Andersen
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Molly welcomes back Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of alc...
Think Thursday: Why Defensive Pessimism is Smarter Than You Think
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Think Thursday, we’re exploring an idea that turns conventional wisdom on its head: defensive pessimism. While it may sound like a nega...
Understanding Your Two Drinking Selves
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Molly dives deeper into the More Sober October theme: Who are you without the drink? If you've ever felt like you're at war ...
Think Thursday: Brain Time-Why The Mind Doesn't Experience Minutes The Way the Clock Does
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why the brain doesn’t experience minutes the way the clock does. Our perception of time is not fixed—...
When Drinking is a Part of Your Personality
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores how deeply alcohol can become tied to our identity. Phrases like “wine mom,” “...
Think Thursday: Neurodivergence & The Brain's Energy Economy
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores ADHD through the lens of the brain’s energy economy. Drawing from personal experience and neuroscienc...
Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea with Jessica Guerreri
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly shares an insightful conversation with debut novelist and recovery advocate Jessica ...
Think Thursday: Thalamus Thursday-How Our Brains Create Consciousness
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores one of neuroscience’s greatest mysteries: consciousness. At the center of this discussion is the thal...
Being "Good" All Week & Weekend Overdrinking
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist, Molly explores a common trap for many habit drinkers: the cycle of staying "good" all week only to unravel ...
Think Thursday: Microplastics & Your Brain-Environmental Neuroscience
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the growing field of environmental neuroscience and what new research is uncovering about microplastics...
Drinking Alone & Drinking Secrecy: Why It's Important to Change
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores two common behaviors that often fly under the radar but can quietly reinforce proble...
Think Thursday: The Brain's Love of Beginnings-Seasonal Resets
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why September so often feels like a natural reset and how the brain is wired to love fresh starts. Buil...
Summer Content Series: "You Can if You Try" with Pat Gallant-Charette from Live HAPPIER Longer
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: As part of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast’s Summer Content Series, this episode features a replay from Molly's former podcast, Liv...
Revisiting: The Brain Loves to Help-Be a Helper!
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this revisited Think Thursday episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly Watts returns to a timely and deeply relevant conversation about our...
Summer Content Series: Compliance vs. Consistency with Elizabeth Benton
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly continues her Summer Content Series by featuring an impactful conversation from Elizabeth Benton of the Primal Potential Podcas...
Revisiting-Think Thursday: Your Brain on Water, Why Hydration Matters!
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this replay of a favorite Think Thursday episode, Molly revisits a deceptively simple yet critically important topic: hydration and brain health. W...
Summer Content Series: How Zooming In Helps You Drink Less with Rachel Hart
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly shares another installment in her Summer Content Series, featuring guest content from one of ...
Think Thursday: The Fawn Response-The Survival Response Hiding in Plain Sight
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Most people know the three classic stress responses—fight, flight, and freeze—but there’s a fourth that’s often missed becaus...
Summer Content Series: How to "Recession Proof" Your Commitments to Yourself with Monica Reinagel
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, we’re kicking off our Summer Content Series, a special tradition where I take a short break from creati...
Think Thursday: MODERN Diet vs MIND Diet
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Think Thursday, we’re diving into the latest research around brain-healthy eating—and how artificial intelligence is changing the nut...
No Willpower Required with Mike Hardenbrook
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, I’m joined by Mike Hardenbrook—author of No Willpower Required and host of the Journey to the S...
Think Thursday: Possibility Thinking vs Positive Thinking
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly explores the power of possibility thinking—a grounded, science-supported mindset that helps you move forwar...
More Dry July Didn't Go as Planned...& That's OK
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this honest and reflective episode, Molly shares her personal journey with More Dry July and what it really means when your outco...
Think Thursday: World Brain Day-5 Habits to Keep Your Brain SHARP
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In recognition of World Brain Day (July 22), this Think Thursday episode is a deep dive into the powerful, daily practices that shape...
GLP-1's & Alcohol Use Disorder with Dr. Brooke Scheller
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Molly sits down once again with Dr. Brooke Scheller, clinical nutritionist and founder of Functional Sobriety, to discuss ...
Think Thursday: Chronic Stress & Your Memory
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Think Thursday, where we explore the intersection of neuroscience, behavior change, and mindset, all in service of your beautifully br...
What Happens When "I Just Don't Care Anymore"
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly dives deep into a topic that’s both emotionally resonant and neurologically relevant: what’s really going on when we feel l...
Revisiting: Think Thursday-How Mindset Changes the Physical Brain
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: This week on Think Thursday, we're taking a step back in time to revisit the very first episode that kicked off this science-forward...
Revisiting: All About Breaking the Bottle Legacy
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly Watts revisits the very first episode of the show—originally aired in January 2021 ...
Think Thursday: The Paradox of Freedom
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Independence Day edition of Think Thursday, we're diving into a surprising truth about freedom. While freedom is often associated with...
Avoiding Summer's Slippery Slope
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer can feel like one long permission slip to indulge—looser routines, longer days, more social events, and vacation vibes that whisper “just t...
Think Thursday: Belief Echoes & Why Change Feels Hard
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this Think Thursday episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores why change often feels harder than it should—and ...
Your Body: Summer Heat & Alcohol
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode, Molly explores the surprising ways summer heat and alcohol interact—and why your body may be struggling more than y...
Think Thursday: The Illusion of "Starting Over" in Habit Change
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly Watts challenges the deeply ingrained belief that we must “start over” any time we slip up in our habit chan...
Making Peace with Alcohol When Everyone Else is Partying
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly dives into one of the most challenging but common scenarios: staying committed...
Think Thursday: Let's Try Some Novelty for Habit Change
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful Think Thursday episode, Molly dives into the surprising power of novelty and how it can support meaningful behavior change. While c...
Halfway There: A Self-Audit to Assess Your Progress Towards Peace
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: We're officially halfway through the year, and today’s episode is your invitation to pause, check in, and realign. If you’re feel...
Think Thursday: Discomfort-Why It's Not a Red Flag
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this short and powerful Think Thursday episode, Molly explores a feeling we all face—discomfort—and why it's so often misunderstood. Rather tha...
Managing Dopamine to Master Self-Discipline
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have the discipline,” or wondered why it feels so hard to follow through on your intentions—this episode ...
Revisiting Think Thursday: How Mindset Changes the Physical Brain
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, where we explore the power of your brilliant human brain. In this episode, we’re revi...
Revisiting: How to Drink Like an Alcohol Minimalist
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S., we’re revisiting a popular episode that dives into the practicalities of drinking like an alcohol mini...
Think Thursday: Where Burnout Lives-Are You Living in Misalignment?
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast — where we take a moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. This week, we’re honori...
Peaceful Holidays Start with a Plan
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start of summer—and for many, it can also signal the return of old drinking patterns. In this episod...
Think Thursday: Toxic Positivity vs. Emotional Resilience
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply honest and science-backed episode, Molly explores a topic that often gets misunderstood in the world of personal development: toxic pos...
Special Episode: Gas Station Drugs--What's Lurking on those Aisles?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this timely episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, host Molly Watts takes a deep dive into a public health conversation that few people are hav...
Think Thursday: Rising Beyond Ourselves — The Mental Health Power of Transcendence
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, host Molly Watts explores the transformative mental health benefits of self-tra...
Revisiting: Undoing the Urge to Overdrink
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly revisits a listener favorite: Undoing the Urge to Overdrink — a heartfelt and informative conversation first shared just befo...
Think Thursday: The Science of Smiling
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Think Thursday episode, we explore an unexpectedly powerful topic: the science of smiling. Is being a "natural smiler" something you'r...
Alcohol Awareness Month: The Top 3 Ways I'm A Different Drinker Now
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome (or welcome back!) to the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast with your host, Molly Watts, coming to you from salubrious Oregon!In this final episode f...
Think Thursday: Unbreakable Habits and The Voice that Keeps Them Alive
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever said to yourself, “This habit feels unbreakable”?Whether it’s procrastination, nighttime snacking, or pouring that end-of-day drin...
Alcohol Awareness Month: Naltrexone, Binge Drinking & Long-Term Change with Katie Lain
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly reconnects with Katie Lain, founder of Thrive Alcohol Recovery, to explore the pow...
Think Thursday: The Healing Powers of Water
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This Think Thursday episode may just become one of your favorites. Molly explores the overlooked but powerful connection between water and brain healt...
Alcohol Awareness Month: Psilocybin Therapy with Ben Kramer
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Alcohol Awareness Month episode, Molly Watts sits down with Ben Kramer, a licensed psilocybin facilitator and educator in Oregon. As t...
Think Thursday: The Power of Reminiscing
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary In this episode of Think Thursday, we’re diving into the psychology and neuroscience of reminiscing. Why does it feel so comforting ...
Alcohol Awareness Month: Are You and Emotional Drinker?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode kicking off Alcohol Awareness Month, Molly Watts dives into the subtleties of emotional drinking, helping listeners uncover unconsciou...
Think Thursday: The Hierarchy of Competency
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever thought, “I know what to do—why am I not doing it?”, this episode is for you.In this Think Thursday edition of the Alcohol Minima...
5 Alcohol "Facts" That Most People Get Wrong
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month by shining a light on five pervasive myths about alcohol that many people still believe—and...
Think Thursday: Sleep & Your Brain-Why Getting the Right Amount Matters More Than You Think
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
March is National Sleep Awareness Month, and in this Think Thursday episode, we’re revisiting one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—...
Revisiting: Stopping the Shame Spiral Around Your Drinking
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly revisits one of the most important conversations around changing your relationship with alcohol—how shame can keep you stuck,...
Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of New Habit Formation
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there, and welcome back to Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast!Today's episode explores why March might actually be a better time t...
Prostitute to Professor: Radical Transformation with Becca Jacobson
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast Episode: Radical Transformation with Becca JacobsonWelcome back to The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incred...
Think Thursday: Why Thinking About Death Can Make You Happier
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday, host Molly Watts explores an unconventional yet profoundly impactful idea: how thinking about death can actually he...
How Long Will it Take? The Missing Link to Changing Your Drinking
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts tackles one of the most frequently asked questions: How long will it t...
Think Thursday: The Connection Economy-How Relationships Reshape Our Brains
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s Think Thursday episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools for behavior change: human connection. ...
Gray Areas in Gambling & Alcohol Use with Dr. Carl Erik Fisher
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Alcohol Minimalist, Molly speaks once again with Dr. Carl Erik Fisher, an addiction psychiatrist, author, and person in recovery, t...
Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of Mental Rest
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday, we dive into an often-overlooked aspect of brain health—mental rest. Not sleep, not meditation, but true cognitiv...
Why "It's Just a Habit" is Holding You Back
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts unpacks a common misconception that keeps people stuck in their drinkin...
Think Thursday: The Science of AWE-How it Changes Us
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Think Thursday, we’re diving deep into the science of awe—an often-overlooked emotion that has the power to shift our thinking, r...
Revisiting: When You LOVE Drinking Alcohol
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Molly Watts revisits a key discussion from 2022, exploring the challenge of changing your relationship with alco...
Think Thursday: Keep Asking Questions-How Staying Curious Supercharges Your Brain
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Curiosity isn’t just a fun trait—it’s an essential function of the human brain that fuels learning, adaptability, and even emotional resilience....
The Trap of Perfectionism & Why Peace with Alcohol Doesn't Mean It's Always Easy
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Molly dives into a topic that resonates deeply with anyone struggling to build a peaceful relationship with alcohol: perfectionist or...
Think Thursday: Silence is Golden-How Quiet Restores Your Brain
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly dives into the surprising science behind silence and why it’s critical for brain health and emotional growt...
Generational Differences in Alcohol Consumption
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores the topic of how drinking trends and behaviors have evolved across generations. Fro...
Think Thursday: The Brain Loves to Help-Be a Helper!
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly dives into the neuroscience of fear, mindset shifts, and the power of helping others to create a positive ripple...
Dryuary: How to Finish Strong (Even if You Already Drank)
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! As January winds down, we’re talking all about Dry January and the opportunity to fini...
Think Thursday: Your Brain on Water-Why Hydration Matters
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly dives into the fascinating connection between hydration and cognitive health. Learn why even mild dehydration ca...
Willpower vs Self-Discipline: The Key to Drinking Less
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts dives into the essential difference between willpower and self-discipli...
Think Thursday: Rumination-What, Why and How to Stop!
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Think Thursday episode, we're diving deep into the concept of rumination—the exhausting cycle of repetitive, negative thinking. Molly breaks...
Changing Your Beliefs About Alcohol (& Yourself)
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Molly Watts dives into the power of challenging and changing your core beliefs about alcohol and yourself. As many navigat...
Think Thursday: Understanding Dopamine & How to Stabilize It
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Think Thursday, Molly dives into the fascinating role of dopamine—a neuromodulator at the core of motivation, habits, and long-term...
Unpacking the US Surgeon General's Advisory: Alcohol & Cancer Risk
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, we're diving deep into the recent advisory issued by the US Surgeon General regarding alcohol and i...
Think Thursday: Chronic Stress- How it Affects Your Brain
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this Think Thursday episode, host Molly Watts explores the profound impact of chronic stress on the brain and its implications for...
Chronic Shame & Alcohol with Sally Smith
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm joined by Sally Smith. Sally is a London based psychotherapist supporting people with personal development and she is als...