Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change
Episodes
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...
Think Thursday: Your Brain-What We Know and What We're Learning
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Overview: Welcome to another Think Thursday episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! This week, we’re diving into one of my favorite topic...
The Science of Alcohol Mitigation Drinks with Monica Reinagel
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm joined by friend of show, Monica Reinagel, to talk about the science behind alcohol recovery drinks. We're diving into tw...
Think Thursday: How Mindset Impacts the Body's Biology
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Think Thursday from The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! Think Thursday dives into brain health, neuroscience, and the transformative power of m...
High Intensity Drinking & The Holidays
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between binge drinking and high-intensity drinking? Tune in to this episode and learn what the terms mean. AND ask yourself i...
Think Thursday: The Science of Manisfestation
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Think Thursday on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! This week, we dive into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, mindset, and visua...
Revisiting: Chasing the "Buzz" from Alcohol
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm getting ready for all the opportunities to overdrink in December and revisiting an episode from early 2023 that has been ...
Think Thursday: Consistency-The Brain's Super Power
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Introduction:Think Thursday focuses on neuroscience, brain health, and mindset.This episode highlights the transformative power of consistency, especi...
Using Sunnyside to Change Your Drinking-With Ian Andersen
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show I'm talking with Ian Andersen, Sunnyside co-founder and CGO all about the independent peer-reviewed study from 2024.Sunnyside de...
Think Thursday: Practicing Gratitude-The Brain Science
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This special Thanksgiving episode of Think Thursday explores the profound impact of gratitude on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and how i...
Alcohol & Grief
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking all about Alcohol & Grief. I'm discussing different types of grief, the stages of grief and why alcohol can ...
Think Thursday: Behaviorceuticals-How Actions Help Change Your Brain
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
IntroductionWelcome to Think Thursday on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast.Focus: Using neuroscience and mindset to understand behavior and create change...
The Surprising Secret to Enjoying a Break in Routine
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show I'm sharing an episode from Change Academy Podcast that I recorded with host Monica Reinagel. We're talking all about how going ...
Think Thursday: Reframing the Past with a Gain Mindset
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today for Think Thursday we're talking about mindset. We're focusing specifically on reframing our past with a gain mindset. Molly Watts discusses th...
Celebrating Birthdays: No Alcohol Required
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is a special birthday episode. Thank you for listening to the Alcohol MInimalist podcast. New to the podcast? Download the Podcast ...
Think Thursday: The Power of the Pause to Think on Purpose
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Watts discusses the concept of "thinking on purpose" to manage stress and anxiety, particularly in the context of recent events like the US pres...
Should You Drink Alcohol on Election Night?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is focused on the anxiety, stress and overwhelm that many people are feeling as we approach the US presidential election on Novemb...
Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of Deep Breathing and Emotional Resilience
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
00:00Hey, welcome to think Thursday. From the alcohol minimalist podcast, think Thursday is all about your beautiful, brilliant human brain. We're tal...
If Changing Your Drinking Isn't Getting Easier...
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I'm talking about what is happening when changing your drinking doesn't get easier. When you have decided to work on chang...
Think Thursday: How Your Diet Impacts Your Brain Health
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Watts discusses the importance of brain health and diet on her podcast "Think Thursday." She emphasizes that the brain, despite being only 2% of...
Revisiting: Being Mostly Alcohol-Free
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're revisitng what it means to be mostly alcohol-free. Lots of great inspiration here to finish your More Sober October strong! Links to ...
Think Thursday: The Privilege of Self-Improvement-Why It's Awesome to Be Human
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Watts discusses the importance of understanding and improving one's relationship with alcohol through the lens of neuroscience and self-improvem...
Should You Be Taking A 30-Day Break from Alcohol?
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show I'm talking about how my typical advice of "doable drink plan" and meeting yourself where you are can coexist with a 30-day chal...
Think Thursday: 10 Minutes a Day for Brain Health?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Watts discusses the benefits of 10 minutes of daily aerobic exercise on brain health, mood, and memory, citing research by neuroscientist Dr. We...
Genetics and Alcohol Use Disorder with Dr. Danielle Dick
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with Dr. Danielle Dick, the Director of Rutgers University's Rutgers Addiction Research Ce...
Think Thursday: Does Giving Up Alcohol Make You Feel Deprived?
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Think Thursday we're talking about the deprivation mindset, particularly in the context of changing one's relationship with alcohol. Host...
Revisiting: Moments of Decision with Alcohol
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting ready for a "More Sober October" and we're revisiting an episode from last year's series for Sober October on Moments of Decision. Links to al...
Think Thursday: The Power of Sleep and Neuroplasticity
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Think Thursday: The Power of Sleep and NeuroplasticityUnderstanding the Importance of Sleep for NeuroplasticityMolly Watts introduces the topic of sle...
The Sober Summit with Maggie Klaassens
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm joined by Maggie Klaassens and we're talking all about the Sober Summit. The summit is LIVE this week starting on Wednesd...
Think Thursday: The Iterative Mindset & Behavior Change
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Think ThursdayMolly discusses the iterative mindset as a more effective approach to behavior change, particularly in reducing alcohol consumption. She...
How to Avoid Binge Drinking
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking all about Binge Drinking and how to avoiding it.Inside the episode we'll be defining binge drinking, talking abou...
Think Thursday: How Mindset Changes the Physical Brain
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Think Thursday How Mindset Changes the Physical BrainUnderstanding the Purpose of Think Thursday 0:00Molly Watts introduces Think Thursday, a new seri...
Seek: An Alcohol Test for Women with Katie Garry
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first Monday edition of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast! This week I'm joined by Katie Garry from www.seekhealthtest.comSeek measures ho...
Summer Content Series: How to Change Your Beliefs & Thought Patterns with Elizabeth Benton, Primal Potential
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the last of the Summer Content Series, I'm sharing a fantastic and important episode from Elizabeth Bento of the Primal Potential podcast. I often ...
Summer Content Series: Your Vote, Your Health: The Hidden Link with Elizabeth Sherman
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing on with our Summer Content Series, I'm excited to share this episode from Total Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman. It's such a great...
Summer Content Series: 10 Mistakes on the Sinclair Method with Katie Lain, Thrive Alcohol Recovery
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing on the Summer Content Series this week and we're joined by Katie Lain from Thrive Alcohol Recovery. Thrive supports people implementing the...
Summer Content Series: Your Certainty is Keeping You Stuck-Drop Doubt for Clarity with Paul Levitin
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're continuing with the Summer Content Series and an episode from the Change Made Easy podcast with Paul Levitin.In this episode, you'll l...
Summer Content Series: How We Cheat Ourselves of the Future We Dream Of-Monica Reinagel
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm kicking off the summer content series with Monica Reinagel from the Change Academy Podcast. This episode focuses on how ...
Nama CBD with Chris Whelan
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show I'm talking with Chris Whelan all about cannabis and his company, NamaCBD. Here all about how he's helping people understand the...
How to Change Your Mindset to Change Your Drinking Habits
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking about mindset specifically as it applies to changing your drinking habits. I'm giving specific tips on how to unc...
Can You Enjoy Alcohol without Guilt?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I'm talking about how to enjoy alcohol without guilt. When people are working on changing their drinking habits, it's very...
HopLark: Hop Tea & Hop Water with Betsy Frost, CEO
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, we're exploring another great NA brand in honor of "More Dry July." Plus, the great people at HopLark (including CEO, Bets...
For the Love Of Premium NA Wine with Megan Pruett
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the show I'm talking to Megan Pruett all about her journey to create a premium NA wine brand, For the Love Of.Her first endeavor? "For th...
Alcohol & Your Hormones with Dr. Brooke Scheller
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, we're talking to Dr. Brooke Scheller again. We're doing a deep dive on alcohol and its impact on hormone health. Alcohol aff...
Revisiting: 3 Things I Had to Stop Doing to Change My Drinking Habit
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is our last episode in the 3-part series we have been revisiting about plans, goals and habit change and how these apply to our relationship...
Revisiting: Drink Plans vs Drink Goals
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, we're revisiting part two in a series of episodes that I consider foundational for building an Alcohol Minimalist lifestyl...
Revisiting: Making a Drink Plan vs Planning to Drink
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, we're revisiting the first in a series of episodes that I consider foundational for building an Alcohol Minimalist lifesty...
Stopping the Shame Spiral Around Your Drinking
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that affects many of us on this journey: shame. If you've ever felt ashamed of your drinking habits...
Using the Power of Continuous Improvement to Change Your Drinking!
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking all about the power or continous improvement to change your drinking. Inside everything I've done and everything ...
4 Reasons You're Not Making Progress on Changing Your Drinking Habits...YET
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking about the four reasons that you're not making progress on changing your drinking habits...yet.Listen in to hear w...
How to Use Mindfulness as a Mental Health Tool: To Beat Depression & Anxiety, and Change Your Brain with Debbie Hampton
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm joined again by Debbie Hampton. After decades of depression, a serious attempt to end her life, and a resulting brain inj...
How to Eat to Change How You Drink with Dr. Brooke Scheller
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm talking to Dr. Brooke Scheller all about her book How to Eat to Change How You Drink.Dr. Brooke Scheller, Doctor of Clini...
Alcohol Awareness Month: 3 "Traps" That Keep You from Changing Your Drinking
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast I'm bringing awareness to some of the "traps" that keep us from taking ACTION on changing our drinking habits.1) Waiting for ...
Alcohol Awareness Month: Revisiting the True Cost of a Daily Drinking Habit
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol Awareness Month continues! This week I'm revisiting an important episode on the true costs of a daily drinking habit.Sign up for the FREE ...
Alcohol Awareness Month-Off Plan Drinking: Overdrinking vs. Drinking Over
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol Awareness Month continues! This week I'm talking about off-plan drinking and the difference between overdrinking vs. drinking over. Understa...
Alcohol Awareness Month: 3 Things You Need to STOP Believing About Alcohol
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month! Stay tuned as we dive into increased awareness of all the benefits and options for building an Alcohol Mi...