This Naked Mind Podcast
Episodes
EP 493: ‘Dear Alcohol’ with Dax
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rapper Dax’s latest hit ‘Dear Alcohol’ started as a poem that he wrote while he was still drinking. He wrestled with the question of whether he ...
EP 492: Reader Question - Why drinking is more boring than not drinking
28 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When we reframe our thinking, we often find that drinking at special events can actually be more boring than if we were not drinking. By numbing the ...
EP 491: Naked Life Story - Natalie
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After having her first child, Natalie began drinking more than ever. She was using alcohol to suppress her anxiety but ended up fueling her new mom gu...
EP 490: Reader Question: How do I know if I relapsed?
21 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At This Naked Mind we don’t use the word "relapse", instead we look at the alcohol journey as a series of data points. Tune in to hear Annie disc...
EP 489: Naked Life Story - Kim R.
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kim often found herself drinking to cope with loneliness. To the point where she no longer trusted herself and felt fundamentally flawed. She attempt...
EP 488: Reader Question: The best strategy for overcoming a craving
14 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many different ways you can approach overcoming a craving. In this reader’s question, Annie shares the best way she has found to truly sol...
EP 487: Naked Life Story - Michael O.
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael started frequenting pubs at an early age, but in his early 30s began to question the connection between alcohol and the mental health issues h...
EP 486: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
07 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Marilin Colon. Marilin’s niche is helping cancer s...
EP 485: Happy Days with Gabby Bernstein
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gabby Bernstein never understood why she struggled with alcohol until she was able to uncover trauma that was deeply buried from her past. Tune in ...
EP 484: Reader Question - What is the most life-changing thing you ever learned?
30 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Finding freedom from alcohol is a life-changing event, but Annie’s biggest lesson learned is one that can impact ALL parts of your life. Find out h...
EP 483: Naked Life Story - Steve
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol robs us of many things - for Steve, that included his longtime boyfriend, Ryan dying from alcohol use. This tragedy left Steve with unbearabl...
EP 482: Reader Question - How to break free from rules around drinking
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding to cut back on alcohol can create an endless list of rules around drinking. “I’m not going to drink until the weekend.” “Only 2 glas...
EP 481: Naked Life Story - Skye
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol was entrenched in Skye’s identity. To the point where she felt like removing it from her life would be like, “pulling her soul out of her ...
EP 480: Reader Question - What is the correlation between alcohol and anxiety?
16 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is common to battle with anxious feelings after a night of drinking - but is there really a correlation between alcohol and anxiety? Take a journe...
EP 479: Naked Life Story - Bonnie
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For years drugs and alcohol numbed Bonnie's pain from battling anxiety and panic attacks. After 9 years of alcohol-free living she thought she had won...
EP 478: Reader Question - What can I substitute for alcohol to feel good?
09 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are an infinite number of things in the world you can substitute for alcohol depending on what you personally enjoy. But a more important questi...
EP 477: Naked Life Story - Sharon
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon had always been the one to outdrink her friends, but found herself becoming bored of the repetitiveness of drunk nights. Later in life, she sta...
EP 476: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
02 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Jim Shovlin. Jim specializes in helping retiree’s ...
EP 475: One Last Drop with Ryan Stock
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As an athlete, Ryan Stock found himself drinking to celebrate wins and to cope with losses. And alcohol always helped him escape the pressures to perf...
EP 474: Does Annie Grace Moderate?
26 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When Annie Grace started her journey with changing her relationship with alcohol her goal was to make it, “small and irrelevant” in her life. So, ...
EP 473: Naked Life Story - Susan
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A glass of wine at the end of a stressful day was normal for Susan, and she always considered it harmless gray area drinking - Until her pastor sugges...
EP 472: How long does alcohol stay in my body after I stop drinking?
19 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many factors that determine how long alcohol stays in the body because, of course, we are all different. Our bodies are different sizes, our...
EP 471: Naked Life Story - Casey
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Casey spent many years rationalizing her drinking. And battled a constant debate in her head of, “Do I just abuse alcohol, or am I an alcoholic?” ...
EP 470: When will I start feeling better without alcohol?
12 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are two aspects to feeling better without alcohol–physical and emotional. And determining the time it takes for each to rebalance after drinki...
EP 469: Naked Life Story - Samantha
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha’s drinking seemed under control and socially accepted, so she never questioned it until an embarrassing lack of judgment (that she didn’t...
EP 468: Can I just have a drink once in a while?
05 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many people question the harm of a drink once in a while when they begin their new journey with alcohol. And often the thought of having to stop drink...
EP 467: Naked Life Story - Krystle
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Krystle struggled with a conflicting desire to drink most of her life. With a father who leaned heavily on alcohol, it seemed like the glue that would...
EP 466: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
26 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Brandi Babb. Brandi specializes in helping people na...
EP 465: Naked Life Story - Donna
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Drinking with an anxiety disorder made rolling with the waves of life nearly impossible for Donna. As life and loss dragged her down, alcohol took her...
EP 464: Reader Question - How can drinking less make me healthier?
19 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Drinking alcohol impacts every part of your body in some way, but did you know that simply cutting back on your consumption can shift those physical e...
EP 463: The First Day with Chris Herren
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former professional basketball player, author and speaker Chris Herren joins Annie to discuss the first day of exposure to alcohol as a child in an un...
EP 462: Reader Question - What made Annie Grace stop drinking?
12 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s reader question Annie takes a journey down memory lane and explains the details of how she personally stopped drinking for good. Tun...
EP 461: Naked Life Story - Payal
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Payal always thought at some point she would “get it together” and quit her lifestyle of binge drinking and blacking out. But as she continued alo...
EP 460: Reader Question - Why do I keep ruining my sobriety?
05 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching an alcohol-free milestone is a HUGE accomplishment – So why can a simple trigger cause us to pick up a drink and make us feel like we ruine...
EP 459: Naked Life Story - Sam
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sam’s cravings for alcohol always seemed to win when it came up against his heavy OCD or anxiety. But through the struggle, he could hear the echoes...
EP 458: Reader Question - How can I heal when I drink to numb an abusive past?
29 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol is more addictive when the brain is experiencing pain. And the pain of an abusive past can feel like a cycle that may never end. In this week...
EP 457: Naked Life Story - Zac
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a young kid, Zac learned that drinking was what men did to have fun and be happy and he assumed that identity for most of his life. Find out how h...
EP 456: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
22 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Cash Freitas. Cash specializes in helping young prof...
EP 455: Freedom From Food with Jessi Jean
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Often when people get to a point of freedom from alcohol they turn to food as a replacement for self-medication and numbing. Join Annie and certifi...
EP 454: How can I get away from the label ‘alcoholic’?
15 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you feel like a label has been placed on you, it can be really triggering to an array of emotions. Especially when that label taps into something...
EP 453: Naked Life Story - Kim S.
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kim S. was a closet binge drinker who would hide bottles of vodka around the house and plan her daily events around her next drink. Find out how This...
EP 452: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - The Pitcher Plant, A Deadly Warning
08 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of Annie’s 4-part series, What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - Annie paints a picture of how the slide into alcohol can b...
EP 451: Naked Life Story - Chelsea
07 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea’s comfort zone was drinking at home to relax from the pressures of life while also connecting with her husband. But when she began noticing ...
EP 450: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - An Unfair Trade
01 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the third episode of Annie’s 4-part series, What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - Annie talks about the journey your blood alcohol content t...
EP 449: Naked Life Story - Alison
31 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alison always had a passion for health and wellness but when her identity shifted as a new mom, she started finding herself turning to alcohol to feel...
EP 448: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - The Thief of Joy
25 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of Annie’s 4-part series, What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - Annie talks about the process the brain naturally follows...
EP 447: Naked Life Story - Katie
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Katie experienced a traumatic attack one night and she turned to a therapist to deal with the aftereffects. When antidepressant meds were prescribed, ...
EP 446: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
18 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Debi Talbert. Debi specializes in helping 50+ year o...
EP 445: Finding Joy with Catherine Gray
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Best selling author Catherine Gray joins Annie to discuss the unexpected joy she finds in being alcohol-free. Find out how Catherine’s obsessive ...
EP 444: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink - Bison Hunting and Raspberries
11 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Check out Annie’s 4-part video series called, What I Wish I Knew Before My First Drink. In this first episode, Annie talks about the idea of biso...
EP 443: Naked Life Story - Kathryn
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Binge drinking often left Kathryn with nights of forgotten moments and conversations that led to broken relationships. Tune in to hear how she was ab...
EP 442: Reader Question - How do I talk to my kids about alcohol?
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting really hits a new level of challenges when it comes to talking to kids about alcohol. Especially if you’re someone who has struggled with ...
EP 441: Naked Life Story - Kristie
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When Kristie’s friend asked her to do dry January she knew it was a long shot, and only committed to two weeks. Find out how two weeks turned int...
EP 440: Reader Question - How do I lose the desire to drink on special occasions?
27 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrations and special occasions can often provoke a yearning to jump back on the drinking train. So how do you lose that desire and leave alcohol i...
EP 439: Naked Life Story - Nat X
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nat X felt the pressure to drink to fit in after feeling like an outcast most of his life. Finally a part of the "cool crowd,” he slipped into a wor...
EP 438: Reader Question - How do you survive the holidays without alcohol?
20 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the holiday season. Time to celebrate!—But how do you enjoy yourself without alcohol if you’re used to drinking at all of your traditional ...
EP 437: Breaking Up With Social With Laura McKowen
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Addiction takes on many forms—Perhaps the most common addiction these days is to our phones and social media. Tune in to catch a refreshingly hones...
EP 436: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
13 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Emma Gilmour. Emma specializes in guiding individual...
EP 435: Naked Life Story - Andrea
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As an extroverted sales woman in the tech industry, Andrea thrived in a culture which included wining and dining clients on a regular basis. Her curi...
EP 434: Reader Question - Does a drunk mind really speak a sober heart?
06 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve probably heard the saying, “The real you comes out when you’re drinking.” But is there a scientific explanation that truly supports thi...
EP 433: Naked Life Story - Ellie
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Life changed significantly for Ellie when her family started growing—And alcohol seemed like the postpartum glue that was holding it all together. H...
EP 432: Reader Question - How can I be sober and still be stuck?
30 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding to remove alcohol from your life is a HUGE personal accomplishment. So what do you do when difficult life circumstances threaten to derail yo...
EP 431: Naked Life Story - Sandra
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sandra never imagined that her desire to moderate her drinking would change her life and her career path forever. Find out how This Naked Mind took...
EP 430: Reader Question - How can I break free from Mommy Wine Culture?
23 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Parenthood is a journey filled with unexpected and overwhelming moments. So, it’s no wonder that society has taken the opportunity to market "Mommy ...
EP 429: Naked Life Story - Maggie
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Drinking at work functions helped establish Maggie as the party girl with endless charm to go around—And she held on tightly to this alcohol identit...
EP 428: Reader Question - Why do I feel unwell without alcohol?
16 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It takes the body a while to rebalance after you quit drinking, but this week’s reader question addresses someone who is still feeling unwell withou...
EP 427: Naked Life Story - Alice
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alice lived a life in and out of rehab for a staggering number of times. Yet the expensive cost of treatment never led her to freedom from drinking or...
EP 426: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
09 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this month’s coaching questions, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach Martha Wright. Martha specializes in helping people ...
EP 425: Naked Life Story - Kristian
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristian leads an exciting life in extreme sports and endurance competitions—which always seem to end with beer tents at the finish line. Without qu...
EP 424: How can a 20-year-old have sex and socialize without alcohol?
02 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Loosening up for sex or social situations without alcohol may seem impossible - Especially as a college student. But, is alcohol really helping you pe...
EP 423: Naked Life Story - Jamie
01 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a Mrs. America contestant, Jamie prides herself in using her national platform to create alcohol use disorder awareness - a topic that is very near...
EP 422: How can alcohol be a depressant when it makes me happy?
25 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol is a super complex substance. We have all been told it’s a depressant, but it is also a stimulant which can provide moments of relaxation, r...
EP 421: Naked Life Story - Stacey
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a child in foster care, Stacey found herself struggling to lead two different lives. As she got older, a debilitating anxiety took hold and alcohol...
EP 420: Reader Question - Why do I drink even though I don’t want to?
18 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Annie breaks down a complex reader question with an easy-to-digest story. Find out why bison hunting and gathering raspberries can explain why your br...
EP 419: Between Breaths with Elizabeth Vargas
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It was normal for Elizabeth Vargas to deal with the pressures of her high-profile career in television with drinks after work. On top of that, she fel...
EP 418: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
11 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes TNM coach, Lorna Wilson. Lorna specializes in people using alcoh...
EP 417: Naked Life Story - Amy A.
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol was Amy’s partner in stress relief until she realized managing it was so much easier with a non-alcoholic beverage in hand. Find out how Am...
EP 416: Reader Question - Why do I kinda miss hangovers?
04 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Believe it or not, it is fairly common for people who have found freedom from alcohol to miss getting hangovers. But what part of the debilitating mor...
EP 415: Naked Life Story - Brandon Be Happy
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Brandon Be Happy, life was filled with endless partying and alcohol. But with a shining talent and personality it would take a lot to knock him do...
EP 414: Reader Question - Why do I feel fat and my skin looks terrible?
28 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your body can go through many changes after giving up alcohol but in this week’s reader question our reader is much further in her AF journey and is...
EP 413: Naked Life Story - Mark R.
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark’s experience with drinking at an early age left him feeling like a superhero. But a life of continuous trauma and alcohol left him facing a new...
EP 412: Reader Question - What if I can’t get a job because I don’t drink?
21 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a tough job market, so what do you do if an employer attempts to connect with you as a drinking buddy during an interview? In this week’s rea...
EP 411: Naked Life Story - Eric
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Eric, social drinking was at the center of his life. Whether he was hosting cultural meals or tailgating for football games, the menu included wha...
EP 410: Reader Question - Do I need to cut ties with my drinking friends?
14 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If boozy nights out are off the table does that mean that your drinking friends have to go with it? This is a question only you can answer, but Annie ...
EP 409: Naked Life Story - Ryan O’Connell
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan O’Connell is an actor and writer of the hit Nexflix series, Special. He knows intense levels of pressure, stress, and anxiety. But after growin...
EP 408: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Mike Shennan. Mike shares how he wa...
EP 407: Naked Life Story - Marilin
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Marilin repeatedly found alcohol when face-to-face with stress. It was her escape from college days of working and writing papers and later from her l...
EP 406: Reader Question - How do you deal with shame and embarrassment around drinking?
31 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you find yourself going down a shame spiral or feeling completely embarrassed about your drinking escapades of the past, this reader's question is ...
EP 405: Naked Life Story - Charlotta
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Charlotta alcohol was her place to hide. To hide from her emotions, to hide her drinking from those she loved and to hide from herself. She found...
EP 404: Reader Question - Why am I nervous to go anywhere alcohol is served?
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So you’re facing a night out with friends and the nerves have taken over? Are you going to miss out? What if you don’t have as much fun? What if ...
EP 403: Naked Life Story - Angele
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Angele's story starts out like many of ours where alcohol was in the house and easily accessible growing up. But her early-in-life encounter led her d...
EP 402: Reader Question - How do I turn down free drinks?
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s question comes from a reader who is no longer tempted to drink during the week or drink at home but still worries about how to navigate situ...
EP 401: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Annie Grace connects with Gretchen Rubin this week for a deep dive into how our expectations - both internal and external - can influence the way we g...
EP 400: Reader Question - Are there normal drinkers?
10 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is there such a thing as a normal drinker? Are there rules about the quantity of alcohol you can consume and be considered “normal?” Where does th...
EP 399: Living the Life They Deserve with Wyatt & Mary
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past month or so, we have seen our community grow in such an incredible way - whether you are new to This Naked Mind or have been here for a ...
EP 398: Where do I start when I struggle with food and alcohol?
03 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Annie Grace answers a question from a reader who restricts food when drinking to avoid consuming too many calories, prioritizes alcohol over fo...
EP 397: Naked Life Story - Jeanne
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From the casual party scene in Miami where ladies drink free to drinking every weeknight with dinner and day drinking on the weekends, Jeanne found he...
EP 396: How can I tell my family the truth about alcohol?
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What do you say to family members about your choice to stop drinking when you fear they might not understand? What if you think the truth about alcoho...
EP 395: Naked Life Story - Ruthie
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A college drinker whose alcohol consumption really ramped up in law school after she was diagnosed with anxiety and put on medication, Ruthie never im...
EP 394: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Rebecca Snider. Rebecca shares some...