This Naked Mind Podcast

EP 393: Naked Life Story - Allie

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At first, Allie hated the taste of alcohol. In college, she would sneak club sodas at the bar, always hoping her friends wouldn’t catch her. And yet...

EP 392: Reader Question - How do I stay alcohol free coming out of lockdown?

12 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you stop drinking during the pandemic and now you're worried about being around alcohol in social situations again? As we start to “return to no...

EP 391: Naked Life Story - Darren

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As a kid, Darren saw alcohol normalized by his father and frowned upon by his mother. By 13 years old, he was going to the pubs. In his later teens, h...

EP 390: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

05 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Rob Wolman as his guest host. After...

EP 389: Naked Life Story - Carol

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Carol dabbled in drinking in her teens - with older siblings and friends in the woods after school and on weekends. She recalls being very controlled,...

EP 388: Reader Question: How do I stay sober as an isolated stay-at-home mom?

29 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A reader asks, “How can I stay sober as a stay-at-home mom with a spouse who works outside of the home? We don't have the option of childcare for se...

EP 387: Naked Life Story - Lisa

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa’s 30-year drinking career began when she was around 17 years old. She was working in an office and going down to the local bar at lunchtime was...

EP 386: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Pamela Price as his guest host. They talk a b...

EP 385: Naked Life Story - Onowa

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After moving from the United States to Mexico and back to the U.S. before she was 10 years old, Onowa lost her mother. Ultimately she ended up in diff...

EP 384: What’s Different About This Naked Mind? Part 2

15 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Since our first podcast about what makes This Naked Mind different, Annie Grace has received some follow-up questions. Is This Naked Mind addiction tr...

EP 383: Naked Life Story - Jim

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace talks with This Naked Mind Coach Jim. Introduced to beer when he was about 10 years old, Jim remembers getting to ha...

EP 382: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Pam McRae as his guest host. After ...

EP 381: Naked Life Story - Lauren

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As a child in a family where alcoholism ran rampant, Lauren used to pour bottles of wine down the drain and break packs of cigarettes. There was emoti...

EP 380: Reader Question - What’s Different About This Naked Mind?

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So, what makes This Naked Mind different? That’s what a journalist who knew nothing about This Naked Mind asked Annie Grace recently. On today’s e...

EP 379: Naked Life Story - Caitlin

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlin was a Type A kid who got good grades, played sports, fit the mold, and checked all the boxes. She had her first drink on her 21st birthday wit...

EP 378: Reader Question - Can I just take a break from alcohol?

24 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is quitting drinking forever the only answer? Or, is it possible to just take a break for a little while? Are there rules for how long the break needs...

EP 377: Naked Life Story - Brandi

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up, Brandi received mixed messages about alcohol. On one hand, she was told how evil it is and to stay away from it. On the other, she saw alc...

EP 376: Reader Question - Will I ever stop wanting to drink?

17 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you stopped drinking and maybe now feel a little bit afraid of alcohol? Like one day there will be a craving you just can’t ignore? Are you wor...

EP 375: Naked Life Story - Arlan Hamilton

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As a kid around drinking adults, Arlan was always worried about who would be able to help if there was an emergency. In her twenties, she spent a lot ...

EP 374: Reader Question - Is it possible to quit cold turkey?

10 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Can someone really quit drinking cold turkey? Just stop and not start again? Is it possible? Is it safe? First and foremost, if you are at all concern...

EP 373: Naked Life Story - Matt

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Matt is a married father of four whose passion for living alcohol free is truly contagious. He fully owns and transparently and shamelessly shares all...

EP 371: Naked Life Story - Annie

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Two Annies today! Annie Grace talks with Annie who marked her one year This Naked Mind anniversary the week this episode was recorded. Looking back, A...

EP 370: Reader Question - Should I try moderation?

27 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, a reader writes in to say they have been alcohol free for six months and are feeling tempted to have a drink - although they cannot deny how am...

EP 369: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind Head Coach Scott Pinyard welcomes This Naked Mind Senior Coach Teri Patterson as his guest co-host...

EP 368: Reader Question - How can I fit in with moms who drink?

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s question comes from a mom of a kindergartener who has been alcohol-free for more than five months, has no desire to drink, but is concerned ...

EP 367: Naked Life Story - Lisa

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up in New Zealand, Lisa was one of five children. She remembers being aware her mother had a problem with alcohol but didn’t notice alcohol ...

EP 366: Reader Question - How do you decide to stop drinking?

13 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How much brainpower does it take to make a decision? Have you ever experienced decision-making fatigue? How can deciding not to drink silence, relax, ...

EP 365: Naked Life Story - Barbara T.

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Born and raised in Switzerland, Barbara is a married mom of an adult daughter. Her first exposure to alcohol was when she was 17 years old, working in...

EP 364: Reader Question - Do I have to choose between being alcohol free or my relationship?

06 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A reader writes: “How can I remain alcohol-free when my spouse tries to sabotage my efforts? He buys me drinks when we eat out and buys my favorite ...

EP 363: Naked Life Story - Kate & Mandy

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mandy and Kate are British mums whose journeys to change their drinking brought them together in an online sober community. After several starts and s...

EP 362: Reader Question - Will I ever have fun without drinking alcohol?

27 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we think it’s alcohol that makes things fun? When we look back on our lives, most of us can remember times when we had fun without drinking. ...

EP 361: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard welcomes Certified Naked Mind senior coach Robbie Saner Sullivan as his guest co-host. Robbie is a mom...

EP 360: Reader Question - I am drinking again and can’t stop … help!

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s question is one Annie Grace hears a lot. A reader writes that they are drinking again and can’t seem to stop. Quitting the first time was ...

EP 359: Naked Life Story - Emma

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up in the UK and Africa, Emma remembers alcohol was always present. She and her friends began drinking in their mid-teens - they did not socia...

EP 358: Reader Question - Why do I reward being alcohol free with a drink?

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A reader asks, “After about five days of being alcohol-free, my spirits are lifted and I feel more alive and more happy … I want to have a fun nig...

EP 357: Naked Life Story - Evan

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Evan began drinking in high school at age 16, he thought alcohol was the greatest thing on Earth. He found it easy to balance everything in his w...

EP 356: Reader Question - Do you lose weight when you stop drinking?

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really lose weight when you stop drinking? What happens from a hydration and nutritional standpoint when you remove alcohol from your diet? How...

EP 355: Naked Life Story - Early

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Early shares their drinking story with Annie Grace. From their first drink at 10 years old to drinking box wine they found in a ...

EP 354: Reader Question - How do you deal with mental cravings?

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace answers a reader's question about mental cravings. But, how can we deal with them if we’re not sure what they are?...

EP 353: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard is joined by Certified Naked Mind senior coach Christy Wynne who has a cl...

EP 352: Reader Question - Am I going to be the butt of jokes?

23 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go from being the drinker who used to poke fun at non-drinkers to the non-drinker afraid of being the butt of the drinkers’ jokes? What c...

EP 351: Naked Life Story - Jill

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From shots and beers after shift at her summer job working in a bar to what she considered sophisticated wine drinking in her twenties, Jill describes...

EP 350: Reader Question - Have I done permanent damage to my brain?

16 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What kind of damage does alcohol do to your brain? Is it reversible? Aside from stopping drinking, is there anything you can do to heal your brain? Al...

EP 349: Naked Life Story - Robbie

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robbie is a married mom of three adult children, an empty nester who considers stopping drinking her greatest accomplishment. On today’s episode, th...

EP 348: Reader Question - How do I get my drinking partner to try sober sex?

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you’ve stopped drinking but your partner still does? When their drinking is a turnoff and the taste of alcohol on their breath g...

EP 347: Naked Life Story - Evelyne

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There wasn’t much alcohol around when Evelyne was growing up, just some wine on special occasions. She began drinking in college, eventually becomin...

EP 346: Reader Question - Why don’t my friends invite me out anymore?

02 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have your friends stopping inviting you out because you no longer drink? Why does a positive change you’ve made for yourself seem like such a proble...

EP 345: 10% Happier with Dan Harris

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this special New Year’s Day episode, Annie Grace welcomes Dan Harris, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the co-anchor of ABC's weekend edition...

EP 344: Reader Question - How do I have the conversation?

26 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You know you need to quit drinking, but you are worried about what people will say. How will they react? Will they call you an alcoholic and think bad...

EP 343: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

25 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard is joined by Certified Naked Mind senior coach Carolyn Bennett who works ...

EP 342: Reader Question - Is life boring without alcohol?

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is life boring without alcohol? Most people assume it will be. And, that belief keeps them stuck drinking long after alcohol has drained all the fun. ...

EP 341: Naked Life Story - Chris

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris questioned his drinking for years, racking up many nights of blackouts and being the ringleader among his friends. He was the drinker everyone t...

EP 340: Reader Question - Why is it so hard to stop drinking?

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you find yourself comparing your journey with alcohol to others who seem to be having an easier time quitting drinking? How can some people find fr...

EP 339: Naked Life Story - Meade

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace talks with Meade, a Certified Naked Mind Coach who once used alcohol as a crutch for the tough seasons of life. Grow...

EP 338: Reader Question - Is it safe to stop drinking if I have been drinking every day?

05 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do if you have been drinking every day and want to stop? Is it safe to take away something your body is used to having all the time? Who s...

EP 337: Naked Life Story - Leigh

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Leigh’s first experience with alcohol was in college where she became a binge drinker. She drank less as she transitioned to a career but after gett...

EP 336: Reader Question - What about drinking as the mother of an infant?

28 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Over the years, there have been varying schools of thought when it comes to drinking after childbirth. Some doctors have been known to recommend a dri...

EP 335: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard is joined by Certified Naked Mind Coach Wendy McCallum who specializes in...

EP 334: Reader Question - Why can’t I call myself sober?

21 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Annie Grace answers a question from a reader feeling judged by her boyfriend who doesn’t want her to refer to herself as “so...

EP 333: Naked Life Story - Ella

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a drinker, Ella lived a loud life in which she offended others with her political views, felt shame and regret after one night stands, broke mirror...

EP 332: Reader Question - How do I stop drinking as a college student?

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Annie Grace answers a question from a senior in college for whom alcohol has dominated fun since their first sip at the age of 14. How can coll...

EP 331: Naked Life Story - Ruby

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ruby didn’t care for alcohol after her first experience with it in high school. It wasn’t until she started working in the wine industry 20 years ...

EP 330: Reader Question - How was your journey going off antidepressants?

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Regardless of your relationship with alcohol, going off antidepressants is no simple task and something you definitely need to do under medical superv...

EP 329: Stars Like Us with Aliza Kelly

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is a special one and a very fun listen as Annie Grace shares her interview from another podcast, “Stars Like Us: Astrology with Al...

EP 328: Reader Question - Does Annie Grace hate alcohol?

31 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get duped into thinking we need alcohol to survive, convinced it’s the elixir of life and solves all our problems. Once referred to as “the ant...

EP 327: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard changes things up a bit and welcomes Karla Adkins, one of our incredible ...

EP 326: Reader Question - Why am I so confident now that I don’t drink?

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is it that makes your confidence skyrocket when you stop drinking? Is it something in your brain? Something else? If alcohol chips away at confid...

EP 325: Naked Life Story - Jenny

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up in Louisiana, Jenny experienced a boozy culture every day. She comes from a long line of storytellers and brings her own wonderful narrativ...

EP 324: Reader Question - Does Annie Grace think AA is wrong?

17 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a controversial question, one Annie Grace gets asked a lot. Does she think AA is wrong? In today’s episode, Annie shares her feelings about a...

EP 323: Naked Life Story - Laura H.

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Laura had her first drink at 16. Flunked out of college due to partying. Saw firsthand the effects of drinking in her father’s alcoholic girlfriend....

EP 322: Reader Question - How do I deal with the fear of being exposed as an alcoholic?

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you balance your desire to remain private about your decision not to drink with the openness you know will bring you freedom? Is there any way ...

EP 321: Everything is Spiritual with Rob Bell

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace welcomes Rob Bell, New York Times bestselling author and named by TIME Magazine in 2011 one of the 100 Most Influent...

EP 320: Reader Question - What is the pink cloud?

03 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The term “pink cloud” is generally used to describe a state in which a someone abstaining from drugs or alcohol manifests euphoria, overconfidence...

EP 319: Naked Life Story - Emily

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Emily never had a problem giving up alcohol during her pregnancies. However, each time she started drinking again, she noticed she drank more than she...

EP 318: Reader Question - How do you manage angry family members when you have had a setback?

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s question is simple but has a lot of depth to it. A reader asks: How do you manage angry family members when you’ve had a setback? In her a...

EP 317: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers four amazing questions: 1) Why do really happy occasions trigger ...

EP 316: Reader Question - How can I raise kids in our alcohol soaked society?

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s question from a mom is near and dear to Annie Grace’s heart. Even if we raise our kids differently than our parents raised us, teaching th...

EP 315: Naked Life Story - Kelly

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a kid, Kelly watched her mom struggle with alcohol. There was physical and emotional abuse. Although her own relationship with alcohol started out ...

EP 314: Reader Question - How do I stay sober in trying times?

12 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, a reader who has been alcohol free for three weeks is struggling to cope with a stressful situation and wondering how to avoid r...

EP 313: Naked Life Story - Amy M.

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amy didn’t pick up alcohol until college. After graduation, she put it down again. People often found it curious that she didn’t drink. However, w...

EP 312: Reader Question - How can I convince others not to drink?

05 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Annie Grace answers a phenomenal question today. A reader asks, “Now that I know the truth about alcohol, how do I not force it on others who are do...

EP 311: Naked Life Story - Victoria

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When she began the process of deciding whether to try to moderate her drinking or completely remove alcohol from her life, Victoria took a quiz to fig...

EP 310: Reader Question - Does alcohol really make you more creative?

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It is very common for us to believe alcohol makes us more creative. But, does it really? Is there any scientific proof? In this episode, Annie Grace e...

EP 309: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers the following questions: 1) I stopped drinking for a month then s...

EP 308: Reader Question - What are the health benefits when you stop drinking?

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite all the studies and articles touting the health benefits of drinking, one thing is true: By not drinking at all, we can dramatically improve o...

EP 307: Naked Life Story - Barbara

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We say it all the time, and there’s nothing better than showing you proof! It’s never, ever too late to stop drinking. On today’s episode, Annie...

EP 306: Reader Question - How can I live without 'The Alcohol Buzz?'

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does it feel like you cannot live without “The Alcohol Buzz?” How do you challenge that belief? How do you rationalize with yourself that you can ...

EP 305: Naked Life Story - Wendy

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The first time Wendy got drunk, she was 15 years old. She vomited on a police officer and her parents. In college and law school her drinking looked l...

EP 304: Reader Question - What is the deal with blackouts?

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you confused about blackouts? Annie Grace was, too. Today’s episode, she takes a super scientific look at this scary topic and answers the follo...

EP 303: Naked Life Story - Jackie

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jackie had her first sip of alcohol at the age of 13. Despite binge drinking and blacking out all through college, she earned a 4.0. After graduation,...

EP 302: Reader Question - Why do you tell people to keep drinking?

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The first step in changing your relationship with alcohol is to stop trying to stop drinking. Wait. What? It’s counterintuitive. It’s controversia...

EP 301: Amazon Woman with Darcy Gaechter

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Friends since they were kids, Annie Grace and Darcy Gaechter reconnect in this episode. Things they have in common: they have both chosen to live alco...

EP 300: Reader Question - Why am I triggered to drink when I’m feeling good?

25 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“Dear Annie: Today I was feeling pretty good about myself and what I was accomplishing and suddenly I had a craving. Normally I crave when I'm tryin...

EP 299: Coaching Questions with Scott Pinyard

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s coaching episode, This Naked Mind head coach Scott Pinyard answers the following questions: 1) I am on day 20 without alcohol and I ...

EP 298: Reader Question - Is life more enjoyable without alcohol?

18 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is not drinking really the best thing since sliced bread? Is it as amazing as people say? How can not drinking possibly be more fun than drinking? Ann...

EP 297: Naked Life Story - Rob

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From a very young age, Rob assumed drinking would be a normal part of his life forever. He drank socially and on special occasions, and from time to t...

EP 296: Reader Question - Do I need to quit drinking forever?

11 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just because you get curious about your relationship with alcohol, does it mean you need to stop drinking for the rest of your life? How can you tell ...

EP 295: Naked Life Story - Irene

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace talks with Irene, a police officer, wife, and mum from England. Now more than a year into her life without alcohol, ...

EP 294: Reader Question - How do you deal with the “romanticism” of the food/wine culture when you're alcohol free?

04 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Annie Grace answers a question from an alcohol free reader who recently found herself sipping sparkling water surrounded by peop...

EP 293: Naked Life Story - Julia

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A self-described “messy drinker” from the start, Julia grew up in the middle of nowhere on the England/Scotland border and had her first taste of ...