This Naked Mind Podcast
697 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2.3K ratingsBestselling author Annie Grace invites you to explore the role of alcohol in our lives and culture without rules, pain, or judgement.
Ready to make a change? Join The Alcohol Experiment - a FREE 30-day challenge designed to deliver happiness, wellbeing and self-respect. Check out The Alcohol Experiment at alcoholexperiment.com
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Episodes
EP 148: Reader Question - Should I start drinking socially?
February 09, 2019 07:30 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MBI fear that my break from alcohol won’t be a realistic, permanent option. What about my family, who are big drinkers, and my friends who depend on me to have a drink with them? Maybe I should drink socially so that I can maintain my relationships? Annie gives us great insight and answers that will help propel us forward with confidence to continue living a naked life.
EP 147: Naked Life Story - Angela
February 08, 2019 07:30 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBAn absent mother, a violent father, life as a single mom, and a brother who was murdered created the perfect storm for today’s podcast guest. Annie meets up with Angela, who shares her painful (yet amazing) naked life story of recovery. Angela shares her pain and heartache with us and explains how she found healing through forgiveness; freedom from alcohol; and how her gray world now has color once again. Episode Links: Drink - Ann Dowsett Johnson Seed of the Soul – Gary Zuvak
EP 146: Reader Question - What is the link between drinking and binge eating?
February 02, 2019 07:30 - 7 minutes - 7.31 MBThere seems to be a correlation between binging food and binging alcohol. If there is a link, what is it? Annie Grace answers this question, giving us three theories that might help explain this. She discusses the ‘forbidden fruit’ syndrome, self-medicating with food/alcohol, and filling the void in our lives with food and drinking.
EP 145: Stop Fighting Food with Isabel Foxen Duke
February 01, 2019 07:30 - 1 hour - 55 MBWOW! In today’s podcast, Annie introduces Isabel Foxen Duke, the founder of www.stopfightingfood.com and you will be amazed by this information-packed interview. From a young child, Isabel began a relationship with food that trapped her in an unhealthy, vicious cycle of binging and dieting and the feeling of her body not being good enough. Isabel shares a perspective that could be a game changer in the way you see food. Find out how alcohol addiction and food addiction differ and also what ...
EP 144: Reader Question - Does everyone have alcohol withdrawals?
January 26, 2019 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.34 MBMy conscious mind has agreed with my subconscious mind and I no longer want to drink! So, let’s talk withdrawal. I haven’t had any withdrawal symptoms the past three nights, but should I be prepared for some to come? And what can I expect? Does everyone get withdrawal symptoms? Annie answers this question for us, educating us on the stages of withdrawal and explains emotional withdrawal.
EP 143: Coaching Questions: Introducing Head Naked Mind Coach Scott Pinyard
January 25, 2019 07:30 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBToday, Annie introduces This Naked Mind’s head coach, Scott Pinyard. Scott will be hosting a monthly podcast called ‘Coaching Questions’, where he will answer some of the difficult, intense questions surrounding quitting drinking. Get to know Scott and his story – how he got started drinking and how he finally got free. Welcome Scott Pinyard!
EP 142: Reader Question - Reader Question - Why do I feel better the day after drinking?
January 19, 2019 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBMost people feel miserable and hungover the day after drinking. Why do some people have the opposite effect? I feel full of energy and great! Annie explains why this does happen and why alcohol is sometimes referred to as the ‘dirty drug’.
EP 141: Naked Life Story: Jamie
January 18, 2019 07:30 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBBeing alcohol free is all sunshine and roses, right? Annie visits with Jamie, who decided to give up drinking in September of 2017. Although Jamie has no regrets about quitting, she gets real about the struggles that can arise after quitting - including learning how to ‘feel feelings’ after 20 years of using alcohol to deal with them. This interview is a refreshing reality check, dealing with what it’s like when our expectations simply don’t become our reality after we’ve accomplished the f...
EP 140: Reader Question - After a while not drinking, when I drink again I feel so much worse than before. Why is this?
January 12, 2019 07:30 - 8 minutes - 7.53 MBI don’t drink nearly the amount I used to, but when I do – I now get the worst hangovers. Is this normal? Annie explains that YES, this is normal and tells us why. She educates us on the chemicals involved in this and why even a couple of drinks can leave us with a hangover from hell.
EP 139: Naked Life Story - Mike
January 11, 2019 07:30 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBGrowth happens outside of our comfort zone – Annie Grace meets up with Mike, who attended the Naked Mind Live Event in October – and for Mike, this is absolutely true. He stepped out of his comfort zone nearly a year ago and took back control of his life. The changes and opportunities that have come as a result of his decision to stop drinking have proven one thing….he should’ve done it sooner.
EP 138: Reader Question - How do I reach the same level of fun conversation without alcohol?
January 05, 2019 07:30 - 9 minutes - 8.33 MBI fear that I won’t be able to have the same type of connection and fun if I’m not drinking. Can you reassure me that socializing will still be fun even if I’m the only one not drinking? This is a question that we have all had when considering quitting drinking. Annie puts this in perspective for us and gives us comforting reassurance that yes! Conversation, connection, and fun can still be had and WILL be had sober….and it those things can be better than ever!
EP 137: Quit Pain Pills with Dr. Leslie Cole M.D.
January 04, 2019 07:30 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBOur country is in the midst of a crisis – an opioid crisis. When we have pain – we immediately want it taken away and when that pain is relieved – we form an attachment to the source of rescue (in many cases, this is pain pills). Annie welcomes Dr. Leslie Cole, MD to the show today to discuss the dangerously addictive nature of opioids and narcotics. Dr. Cole has an impressive, diverse background and she shares extensive knowledge and information that you won’t want to miss! Episode Link...
EP 136: Reader Question - Do you have to figure out all the stuff inside you before you can heal?
December 29, 2018 07:30 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBDo I need to go back and relive what caused me to start drinking in the first place in order to fully heal? Annie Grace answers this question using research and study findings to help answer this question. She shares the importance of taking care of our bodies both physically and mentally, including getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercise as a big part of healing from the inside out.
EP 135: The Pitfalls of 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenges with Annie Grace and Scott Pinyard
December 28, 2018 07:30 - 33 minutes - 31 MBAnnie Grace sits down with Scott Pinyard, This Naked Mind’s head coach, to discuss tips and topics that will help you be successful with a 30-day break from alcohol – The Alcohol Experiment! Annie and Scott will walk us through six things that we can do to help us enjoy our vacation from alcohol and avoid the pitfalls that threaten to sabotage our efforts. Some of these topics include changing our mindset, having the right tools, and finding a buddy – to name just a few. Today’s episode is ...
EP 134: Reader Question - I quit drinking. When will I lose my spare tire?
December 22, 2018 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBI thought when I quit drinking, I’d lose a bunch of weight. It’s been a while now, so why am I not losing like I wanted to and thought I would? Annie shares her personal experience of the ups and downs of losing and maintaining weight after quitting drinking. Listen and share your own advice and experience on this topic! It’s a hot one as we head into the New Year!
EP 133: Naked Life Story: Nate
December 21, 2018 07:30 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBIn today’s episode, Annie welcomes Nate, who at one time was a happy-go-lucky, athletic college student who could enjoy life without even the thought of a drink. Find out how alcohol quickly wove a messy web that trapped him into a world of depression. Nate shares how he found his way out of the dark world of addiction and realized that drinking was robbing him of the quality of life he once knew. He now lives a ‘naked’ life – FREE from the lies of alcohol. Episode Links: Brave New Wor...
EP 132: Reader Question - Why don't I get bad hangovers anymore?
December 15, 2018 07:30 - 9 minutes - 8.96 MBSometimes I have close to two bottles of wine at night, but don’t really get a hangover the next day. Why is this? Annie Grace answers this question with science, personal experience, and reasons why hangovers do and don’t happen. Find out why it’s actually not such a good thing when we aren’t experiencing hangovers. Links: Mayo Clinic
EP 131: Mingle Mocktails with Laura
December 14, 2018 07:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBDiet tonic water, seltzer with a twist of lime, diet cola, ginger ale.….to name just a few. If you’re living a sober life, these drinks might sound familiar (and honestly, kind of boring). Annie’s guest, Laura from Mingle Sparkling Mocktails is on a mission to change your drink options from boring and tasteless to exciting and delicious! Thanks to Laura and Mingle Mocktails, you can feel like you’re part of the party again! With Christmas right around the corner, the timing is perfect to di...
EP 130: Reader Question - How to deal with loneliness?
December 08, 2018 07:30 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MBWhat do we do about the loneliness we feel when we’ve given up drinking? Alcohol was what used to fill that void, but now there’s longer alcohol to fill that space. Annie shares some great ideas of how to overcome this issue of loneliness – and this comes from her personal experience with loneliness. Find out how rewarding some of these options can be.
EP 129: Naked Life Story: Erika
December 07, 2018 07:30 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBFrom leaving the car running after a drunk drive home to threatening divorce while under the influence, today’s guest sits down with Annie to share about her journey to a naked life. Erika worked hard to surround herself with people who were like-minded drinkers and had her drinking habits down to a science. Things have changed. If you’ve struggled with drinking, you might find Erika’s story surprisingly relatable to your own.
EP 128: Reader Question - How to deal with alcohol triggers?
December 01, 2018 07:30 - 10 minutes - 9.28 MBWhat’s the deal with triggers? And how do I deal with them? Annie delivers an answer for this common question, that will help us connect the dots and understand why triggers and cravings are so problematic, including the role dopamine plays in this issue. Annie takes it one step further and gives us hope, by explaining that YES…triggers can eventually be a non-issue if we use our conscious mind to change the structure of our brain.
EP 127: Naked Life Story: Heather
November 30, 2018 07:30 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBToday, Annie welcomes Heather, a 34-year-old writer from California, to today’s podcast. Heather shares the story of her 3-phase drinking career and how she broke free! Heather talks about the importance of granting ourselves permission to question our relationship with drinking and the freedom that comes with being sober. She no longer feels exhausted from the mental toll that alcohol required and find out why Heather refers to this as ‘mental gymnastics’.
EP 126: Reader Question - Alcohol Free: Is it worth it?
November 24, 2018 07:30 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIs giving up alcohol really worth feeling like my life is consumed with quitting drinking? Annie gives us reassurance and presents the question….if your house was burning down, wouldn’t you want to get out? It’s easy to lose sight of why we quit in the first place, but today’s podcast will bring you back to not wondering, but KNOWING that YES! It’s worth it!
EP 125: Naked Life Story: Mike
November 23, 2018 07:30 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBHave you ever done something so embarrassing while you were drunk that you wanted to crawl in a hole the next day? Annie welcomes Mike to the podcast, who shares his ‘David Hasselhoff’ drinking moment and how this was a turning point for quitting. From blackout nights and weekend warrior binge drinking, Mike has traded his ‘badge of honor’ for a sober life – a life free from embarrassing blackout moments.
EP 124: Reader Question - I stopped drinking and my husband has no intention of stopping. How do I deal?
November 17, 2018 07:30 - 7 minutes - 6.75 MBShould it bother us if we’ve quit drinking but our spouse hasn’t? And should we force our newfound lifestyle on others? Annie Grace calls on a friend and early reader to help shed some light on this question. Find out what their thoughts are and also learn what a ‘switch flipper’ is and how we can still enjoy cocktail time with our special someone while maintaining a sober life! Episode Links: Heidi Mayo’s Blog
EP 123: Naked Life Story: Sara
November 16, 2018 07:30 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBAnnie welcomes Sara to today’s episode of This Naked Mind. Sara delivers an honest, emotional interview about her path to freedom and the reasons she gave up drinking. Annie and Sara discuss the ‘mommy wine culture’, the emotional pain of miscarriage, and the benefits of living a naked life. Both Sara and Annie give some creative, fun tips on how to offer alternatives when hosting a holiday gathering and how to handle an alcohol-free mom’s night out!
EP 122: Reader Question: Why do I feel detached when I'm not drinking?
November 10, 2018 07:30 - 9 minutes - 8.68 MBLet’s face it…..when we are the only ones not drinking, it can leave us feeling detached, separated, and awkward. How do we deal with this and put a positive spin on these types of scenarios? Annie gives us reassuring tips on how to approach this and ways we can change our thinking so that we don’t feel detached and isolated. Episode Links: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
EP 121: Naked Life Story: Danita
November 09, 2018 07:30 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBToday, Annie Grace welcomes Danita, a 61-year-old who has a truly inspiring Naked Life story! At 61, Danita brings a perspective from one of the fastest-growing demographic groups of drinkers…..women over 50. Danita highlights the importance of the community of support and friendship she has found through This Naked Mind and calls them – ‘the best friends she’s never met’.
EP 120: Reader Question - I can't be sober for more than 12 days. Can you help?
November 03, 2018 06:30 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBWhat is the problem here? Why do I consistently break my sobriety at 12 days? In today’s episode, Annie hands over some great resources to help us overcome those “sticky” spots of sobriety. We will learn about the art of ‘urge surfing’ and the 3 C’s, to name just a couple of the ways to help us through. Episode Links: Urge Surfing Meditation Claudia Christian
EP 119: Why Am I Stuck?
November 02, 2018 06:30 - 17 minutes - 16 MBFor some people, the transition to a sober life is not such a slam dunk. Rather, it feels like an unreachable goal that will never be achieved. Join Annie in today’s podcast as she addresses the issue of feeling ‘stuck’. You’ll learn about the 3 S’s and why it’s harder for some to live a naked life than others and what to do when it just isn’t clicking.
EP 118: Reader Question - Why Don’t You Drink Alcohol?
October 27, 2018 06:30 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBWhy do some people choose to drink in moderation while others choose to quit altogether? If I never had a “rock bottom” or “aha” moment, then should I still give up drinking completely? What are the benefits of being completely sober versus just drinking in moderation? Find out why Annie decided for her, the best option was to just not drink at all and how she continues to reap the benefits of living a naked life.
EP 117: Rock Bottom with Annie Grace
October 26, 2018 06:30 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBIn today’s episode, Annie talks ‘rock bottom’. What does hitting rock bottom mean for you and why do some of us just accept that we must get there before we change? Would we be better off if we had thoughtful foresight for our future and took control now? Today’s episode is a monologue where Annie dives deep into the ‘rock bottom’ philosophy and shares her own experience on what drove her to avoid a painful end to addiction.
EP 116: Reader Question - Does alcohol really relax us?
October 20, 2018 06:30 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBWhy do we automatically assume that a drink will help us relax? Do we really get the desired effect of "relaxation"? What effect does alcohol actually have on our bodies and minds with regards to "relaxation"? Annie answers these important questions using personal experience, research, and the facts. Find out what goes in on in our bodies when we begin to drink. Are we adding fuel to a fire of stress and anxiety? Or is it okay to self-medicate using alcohol as our drug of choice? Don’t m...
EP 115: The Pretty Side vs The Ugly Side
October 19, 2018 06:30 - 10 minutes - 9.86 MBIn today’s episode, Annie gives us a sneak peek at an upcoming podcast she will be doing with an inspirational man she met during a recent speaking engagement. Listen in as Annie shares why she finds this individual to have a story worth sharing. Annie also refreshes us on some alarming statistics surrounding the culture of alcohol in our country – sobering statistics we all need to hear. Episode Links: Lady Boss Myron Golden
Ep 114: Reader Question - How do I handle my social anxiety without alcohol?
October 13, 2018 06:30 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBWhy do I feel more anxiety about socializing when I know I won’t be drinking? Is it best to just avoid going out altogether? Annie Grace unpacks several tips for helping us deal with this common problem. Find out what safety behaviors are and how we can unteach our brain to depend on these behaviors to deal with social anxiety.
Ep 113: Naked Life Story: Andrew
October 12, 2018 06:30 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBHow did your ‘relationship with alcohol’ actually develop? Or how about your ‘relationship with food’? Did you choose this relationship? Or was it influenced by others? On today’s episode, Annie meets with Andrew Shanahan, the founder of Man Vs Fat - a weight loss organization designed specifically to support men trying to lose weight. Andrew shares how, over time, he developed an unhealthy dependence on both food and alcohol and his journey back to health and freedom from both. Episode...
Episode 112: Reader Question: Why does it seem so easy for others? Why can't I get free?
October 06, 2018 06:30 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBWhy is abandoning addiction so hard for some and easy for others? What are we doing wrong? Is it just me? Or is this normal? Are there other resources I can use? Annie Grace reassures us with her advice on what to do when we just aren’t achieving our goals of giving up drinking and shares valuable techniques and resources that will help us get back on track! Episode Links: Easy Way for Women to Stop Drinking by Allen Carr Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins Life Process Prog...
Episode 111: The Abstinence Myth with Dr. Adi Jaffe
October 05, 2018 06:30 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBCan we be successful at beating addiction if we don’t abstain altogether? Annie Grace welcomes back her first-ever, second-time guest, Dr. Adi Jaffe in today’s episode to discuss his book, “The Abstinence Myth.” Dr. Jaffe’s unique perspective regarding addiction and abstinence is captivating and refreshing, giving hope where all seems hopeless! Episode Links: The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach for Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, Or Rules by Dr. Adi Jaffe The Abstinence...
EP 110: Reader Question - I stopped drinking alcohol but now I binge on Netflix and ice cream. What's the deal?
September 29, 2018 06:30 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBHow do we avoid trading one addiction for another? Is it always a bad thing to replace our focus on alcohol to something new? Join us as Annie shares her advice on this issue and some of the tools she personally used to refocus her energy when she gave up drinking! Episode Links: Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Habit Loop The Below-The-Radar Addict by David Sack Hip Sobriety School
EP 109: Naked Life Story: Greg
September 28, 2018 06:30 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBAnnie Grace heads to New York City for today’s interview with Greg! Listen in as Annie and Greg discuss their thoughts on the effect alcohol has on the social fabric of NYC, as well as the disproportionate impact that drugs and alcohol have on the gay community. Greg shares the reasons HE stopped drinking and gives us a unique perspective on his new-found freedom and the joy he finds in being productive and energetic instead of hungover in a city that never sleeps!
Ep 108: Reader Question - How can I handle my guilt and regret from my drinking days?
September 22, 2018 06:30 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBIt seems expected to go through a period of guilt and regret while on the recovery journey, but is it possible to make this a positive experience instead of a chapter full of self-loathing and guilt? If so…how? Can we avoid letting this “white space” get the best of us? Annie gives her advice on how best to get through this phase and how to feel good in our own skin. While some may say that misery is just part of the path – maybe we can turn that misery into something beautiful! Episode ...
Ep 107: Relationship Junkie with Sherry Gaba
September 21, 2018 06:30 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBHang out with Annie Grace as she interviews Sherry Gaba - author, psychotherapist, and a certified recovery coach (most notably on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab)! Sherry discusses the ins and outs of “love addiction”, the fear of being alone, and the dangers of trading alcohol addiction for other addictions – including love and co-dependency. Sherry gets transparent in this interview, discussing her life journey that includes four failed marriages, the struggles of being a single mom, and her fears...
EP 106: Reader’s Question - Why does living alcohol-free feel lonely?
September 15, 2018 06:30 - 7 minutes - 6.57 MBFrom baby showers to funerals – alcohol is everywhere we turn. Has it become the glue that holds our social life together? And what do we do with this issue of loneliness when we’re the only one not drinking? Annie Grace gives us LEGIT answers and resources to lighten the load of feeling lonely. Episode Links: Hip Sobriety Soberistas: Love life in control Hello Sunday Morning Join Club Soda
EP 105: Naked Life Story: James
September 14, 2018 06:30 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBAnnie sits down with James, who’s celebrating six months of sobriety! Way to go! But James didn’t always have much to cheer about! Find out what it finally took to prompt James to seek help for his addiction. Check out how his life has improved in so many ways since being alcohol free and how he and his wife are finally able to be in an adult relationship after 22 years of marriage – thanks to his decision to quit drinking. **PLEASE NOTE - This episode may have some small glitches that a...
EP 104: Reader Question - How did you tell your friends you stopped drinking?
September 08, 2018 06:30 - 10 minutes - 237 MB VideoWhy is it so hard to ‘come out’ about the fact that we no longer drink? And why do we feel like we owe people an explanation for declining a drink? Find out how Annie Grace tackled the task of telling friends, family, and colleagues that she was done with drinking for good…..and how empowering it feels to answer the ever-present question of “Can I get you a drink?” with “Yes! I’d love an iced tea!”
EP 103: Naked Life Story: Steven
September 07, 2018 06:30 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBTune in today as Annie Grace hears Steven’s Naked Life story! Follow along as Steven shares how he went from an all-American, non-drinking athlete in high school to slowly developing a problem with alcohol in college and young adulthood and finally back to being rid of alcohol for good, thanks to This Naked Mind! Find out what made this ‘effortless’ for Steven and hear him share how weddings; St Patrick’s Day; playing with his kids; and literally everything is BETTER THAN EVER without drink...
EP 102: Reader's Question - Did you stop drinking all at once or a bit at a time?
September 01, 2018 06:30 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBAre there rules about how to begin this process of going alcohol free? Should we force the issue of going cold turkey? Annie Grace shares her thoughts on finding peace with starting the process of quitting drinking. Episode Links: Visit Heidi Mayo's Blog
EP 101: Naked Life Story: Liz
August 31, 2018 06:30 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBGetting drunk after the kids’ basketball games and waking up at 3 a.m. every night was getting old for this week’s guest! Join Annie Grace and Liz – a fellow podcaster, mother, and ‘retired’ drinker, as they get real about what life was like before giving up alcohol and the journey to achieving an alcohol-free lifestyle. Episode Links: Alcohol Explained by William Porter Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie Drunk Mom, Sober Mom Podcast Visit Liz...
EP 100: 100 Reasons with Annie Grace and Scott Pinyard
August 25, 2018 06:30 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBIt’s the 100th episode!!! To celebrate this milestone, Annie Grace and Scott Pinyard create an impromptu ‘top 100’ list of advice, learnings, and insights they have gained on their journey. This casual, lighthearted episode boasts a wealth of knowledge from two individuals who have found freedom and discovered happiness in being alcohol free!
EP 99: The Grind with Joey Tork and Jason Harmon
August 24, 2018 06:30 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBAnnie Grace was recently interviewed by Joey Tork and Jason Harmon from The Grind podcast. The interview was so amazing, that she wanted to share it with the This Naked Mind audience! Joey and Jason discuss with Annie how they came across her book and how it has changed both of their relationships with alcohol. Joey, Jason, and Annie create both an entertaining, yet extremely captivating experience that you won’t want to miss! Episode Links: The Grind Podcast Breaking the Habit of Be...