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Why does change sometimes feel easier when we're doing it alongside other people?In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the science behind shared goals, group support, and collective behavior change — and why being part of something can influence motivation, effort, identity, and persistence.In this episode:How social norms influence what feels normal and possibleWhy shared identity can make behavior change feel differentThe Köhler effect and how other people can increase effortWhy shared struggle helps normalize difficult daysHow group support can help without creating dependenceWhy behavior change is personal — but doesn't have to be lonelySometimes the work is still yours, but doing it alongside others can change the environment in which that work happens. ★ Support this podcast ★
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Social Media(linktr.ee) https://linktr.ee/talkinwithtopher(instagram) https://www.instagram.com/talkinwithtopher/?hl=en(twitter) https://twitter.com/_conderman(snap chat) https://www.snapchat.com/add/cconderman?share_id=HiV14moKPns&locale=en-US(tik tok) https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinwithtopher?lang=en(Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/christopher.condermanThe Mail Box Guys(facebook) https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6cbtm8eA/(instagram) https://www.instagram.com/the_mailbox_guys/?hl=enTime Stamps(00:00:00) Start(00:01:08) Nicotine is in God's hands(00:02:40) Blue light blocking is not good for us(00:05:33) Happy Fall(00:06:24) What's the difference between christianity and Catholics(00:16:39) Zionist plot against christianity(00:20:33) Talmud and 6,000,000 number(00:26:39) Timeline is just too broken to figure out(00:30:27) Rabbi talkin truth with 9/11(00:35:44) BIBI speaks truth(00:39:12) Jews started the LGBTQ(00:46:59) Jews in NY are Crazy(00:55:36) Tucker tells you what Trump said about Iran War(01:02:26) Jesus left us a secret(01:07:28) Has Noah's Ark been found(01:18:38) Enron Corporate Scandal should be Front Page News(01:23:21) Lizard People cloaking device stopped(01:24:42) People running IRAN are Reptiles(01:27:53) Celine Dion drank Children's Blood(01:30:42) Cannibalism eating a guy named Russell(01:33:59) once an alcoholic always an alcoholic is outdated(01:41:39) GLP-1 Is Heli monster venom / excendon-4Episode Linkshttps://x.com/SHEEPSLIVE/status/2063968087234236867?s=20 https://x.com/LaurenWitzkeDE/status/2102049900108157270?s=20 https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18JfdZSkSB/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcW2lL5Mu3y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdQODU6gbYA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1dVdKoaABH/https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18DyADkYmh/https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/18/health/alcohol-use-disorder-alcoholism-recovery-wellness?cid=android_apphttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JKvi33VyW/https://x.com/EnochsArchive/status/2099697605139935623?s=20 https://x.com/TConfessionals/status/2103813475206365347?s=20 https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DQrqZGTM5/https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HiPF2b7cB/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdhMfmvRXqr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1WMtK7BZ4Q/https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19GQBXgnBB/https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZTW2Zx2mH/https://x.com/bitcoins1stlady/status/2099578164729028640?s=20 https://x.com/forbiddenmerch/status/2096366785750515869?s=20 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19SBWQBfNZ/
What if the goal of More Sober October isn't a perfect calendar—but learning something about your relationship with alcohol?In this episode, Molly shares how to approach October as an experiment instead of an exam. Rather than measuring success solely by alcohol-free days, use the month to get curious about your desire to drink, practice experiencing urges without automatically acting on them, and notice what genuinely changes when you drink less.What You'll Learn:How to choose a More Sober October goal that works for youWhat may actually be driving your desire to drinkWhy wanting a drink doesn't mean you have to have oneHow Alcohol Core Beliefs influence your drinking habitsWhat to notice about sleep, energy, mood, and social situations when you drink lessWhy an off-plan day is information—not failureTry ThisChoose a goal for October and a question you want to answer.Maybe it's: Does alcohol really help me relax? Can I enjoy Friday night without drinking? What happens to my sleep when I drink less?The goal isn't to win October. It's to finish the month understanding yourself—and your relationship with alcohol—a little better.Join More Sober October-The DailyLow risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Not so smug now! - This week, Vic sits down with writer, podcaster and self-confessed “textbook drunk” Cat Sims for a conversation about motherhood, drugs, booze and what happens when the party girl suddenly has a tiny human to keep alive.They talk about crying in school car parks, postnatal depression, drinking as a reward for surviving motherhood and that strange moment in sobriety when you realise peace isn't actually boredom. Sometimes life is just… peaceful. Who knew?But somewhere along the way, the conversation takes an unexpected turn when Cat uses a word Vic has spent more than eight years avoiding: alcoholic.Cat embraces the label. Vic absolutely does not.What follows is a surprisingly emotional conversation about why Vic has always called herself an ex drinker, binge drinker, grey area drinker, former party girl, basically anything other than an alcoholic. Has trying to make sobriety feel less frightening for everyone else actually allowed Vic to keep a little bit of her own shame tucked away?There are tears, uncomfortable truths and a rather compelling argument that after blowing off a finger at a Full Moon Party, perhaps “grey area drinker” isn't quite covering it. It's also a conversation about motherhood and belonging, about why so many women struggle quietly while believing everyone else is coping, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can say to another mum crying in a car park is not “here's what you should do”, but simply, “I get it. Sometimes parenting is fucked.”Funny, raw and unexpectedly moving, this one shifts something in Vic.Enjoy one of the best Sober Awkward guest interviews ever!
Child Self-Harms ~ Daughter of ex alcoholic hurts herself. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show (where you can also download free chapter one of her serious relationships guidebook).
World Alzheimer's Day is a good reminder that the story around Alzheimer's disease is changing.In this Think Thursday episode, Molly looks at what we know now about earlier diagnosis, blood-based biomarkers, newer treatments that can slow disease progression for some people, and the growing evidence that lifestyle factors may influence dementia risk.In this episode:How Alzheimer's blood tests are changing diagnosisWhy earlier detection matters more than everWhat new Alzheimer's medications can — and cannot — doThe 14 potentially modifiable dementia risk factors identified by the Lancet CommissionWhy cardiovascular and metabolic health are also brain healthWhat the U.S. POINTER and LatAm-FINGERS studies suggest about lifestyle and cognitionPractical ways to support long-term brain healthWhen changes in memory or thinking deserve medical attentionThe biggest takeaway: there may not be one single thing that protects the brain. Increasingly, the research points to the power of a pattern — movement, cardiovascular health, hearing and vision care, social connection, continued learning, sleep, and staying engaged with life.Alzheimer's is still a complex and devastating disease, but the science is giving us more reason for hope — and more opportunities to influence the health of the brain we have right now. ★ Support this podcast ★
What does “drink less” actually mean?In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores the changing alcohol guidelines and why there isn't one simple number that guarantees a “safe” level of drinking.She breaks down the difference between a standard drink and what's actually in your glass, explains why alcohol-related risk exists on a continuum, and shares a more useful question than, “How much am I allowed to drink?”Instead, consider:What is the lowest amount of alcohol that still gives me what I value without creating consequences I don't want?You'll learn:What counts as a standard drinkWhy higher-ABV drinks can add up quicklyWhy alcohol guidelines aren't guaranteesHow to think about alcohol risk more realisticallyHow to find your own “minimum effective dose”Why tracking your real drinking patterns can help you make better decisionsAlcohol Minimalism isn't about following someone else's perfect number. It's about removing excess alcohol from your life so alcohol doesn't remove you from your life.Until next time, choose peace.Resources Mentioned: More Sober OctoberSunnyside MedLow risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Want to see the whole Unmanangables Video? Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDN_tg-bZ04 A Recovered Alcoholic? What does it actually mean when the Big Book talks about a “recovered alcoholic”? Does recovered mean cured? Does it mean we no longer need a program? Or does it mean something deeper has changed in the way we live? Today we're talking about the difference between simply not drinking and living a recovered life—one built around honesty, spirituality, service, responsibility, and a new way of dealing with life. Maybe being recovered does not mean we are finished. Maybe it means alcohol no longer runs the show, and we now have a way of life that keeps moving us forward. #TheDailyTrudge #RecoveredAlcoholic #AlcoholicsAnonymous #BigBook #Recovery #Sobriety #SpiritualGrowth #Service
What happens when a thought gets repeated so often that it stops feeling like a thought and starts feeling like a fact?In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the illusory truth effect, processing fluency, self-schemas, and self-verification to explain why familiar ideas can feel more believable simply because we've practiced thinking them over and over.In this episode:Why repetition can make information feel more trueThe difference between familiarity and evidenceHow self-schemas shape what we notice and rememberWhy we tend to collect evidence that supports existing beliefsHow repeated thoughts can quietly become identity statementsWhy changing your thinking isn't about forced positive affirmationsHow to question old beliefs with more accuracy and curiosityA question to take with you:Is this something I know, or is this something I've practiced thinking?Sometimes behavior change begins not with immediately creating a new belief, but with realizing that an old one may never have been a fact in the first place.Research MentionedHasher, Goldstein & Toppino — early research on the illusory truth effectDechêne et al. — meta-analysis on repetition and perceived truthLisa Fazio and colleagues — repetition and prior knowledgeHazel Markus — self-schema researchWilliam Swann — self-verification theory ★ Support this podcast ★
Alcoholic-Addict Julie shares her miracle of recovery and her overwhelming love for Alcoholics Anonymous—a story that will reach the depths of the suffering and offer a glimpse of hope, a possibility that there is another way, another life available . . .Sobriety Date: 8/22/2017Referred by: Amber H. (Episode #305)InstagramFacebook
Wednesday 16 September 2026 The local sharemarket hits a three month low as big names BHP and Commonwealth Bank are sold off. The slowing mortgage market starts to eat into profit margins Another well-known retailer fails Australian adults will soon have to prove they are at least 18 years of age, to get the full Apple experience The hot summer in Europe means this year’s Champagne vintage will be more alcoholic than ever Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - money advice for your 20-year-old self. Get the episode from Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it look like to build a fun, fulfilling life with less alcohol—or none at all?In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly talks with Elise Bryson, CEO and curator of The Sober Curator, about sober curiosity, recovery, non-alcoholic drinks, and the changing culture around alcohol.They explore why alcohol-free living is becoming more mainstream, how the non-alcoholic beverage movement is helping normalize drinking less, and why choosing not to drink should never feel awkward or restrictive.If you're sober curious, exploring a mostly alcohol-free lifestyle, or working to change your relationship with alcohol, this conversation offers encouragement, practical resources, and a refreshing reminder that drinking less can actually open the door to more.In This EpisodeHow The Sober Curator started and grew into a global alcohol-free lifestyle resourceWhy Elise believes alcohol may be having its own “cigarette moment”How attitudes toward sobriety and sober curiosity have changedThe growth of non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof optionsWhy choosing not to drink is becoming more normalizedThe difference between recovery, sobriety, and an Alcohol Minimalist lifestyleWhy alcohol-free living doesn't have to feel restrictive or boringHow community and support can make change easierWhy it matters to pay attention when alcohol starts raising red flagsHow to create more fun, connection, and celebration without relying on alcoholResources Mentioned:The Sober CuratorMore Sober OctoberSunnyside MedLow risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Alcoholic Husband ~ My husband is wonderful but drinks 2 large bottles of vodka a day and hides it. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show (where you can also download free chapter one of her serious relationships guidebook).
Without Humility, No Alcoholic Can Stay Sober at All Step Seven in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions says that humility is not just a nice spiritual idea—it is necessary to survival. It tells us plainly that without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Today we're talking about what humility really means in recovery. Not humiliation. Not thinking less of ourselves. But becoming teachable, letting go of self-reliance, being able to admit when we are wrong, and becoming willing to seek God's will instead of constantly trying to run everything ourselves. The 12 & 12 says Step Seven represents a change in attitude that allows us to move out of ourselves and toward God. Maybe humility is not about becoming smaller. Maybe it is about finally becoming free enough to stop making everything about us. #TheDailyTrudge #Humility #StepSeven #AlcoholicsAnonymous #TwelveAndTwelve #Recovery #Sobriety #SpiritualGrowth #HigherPower
Mark Dever testimony Grew up as an agnostic intellectual Alcoholic father - 3x divorced and remarried mom - un-religious - turned off by a deforming and debilitating fatal illness seen in her aunt - in spite of her aunt's devout faith Mark - doubted that truths about God could be known - but stated that…
The Big Book uses the phrase “real alcoholic” for a reason. It is not about how much somebody drank, what they lost, whether they had a job, or whether they ever went to jail. It is about what happens once alcohol enters the picture and whether that person can reliably control what happens next. Today we're talking about identification, the difference between consequences and alcoholism, and why comparing ourselves to somebody else's story can keep us from recognizing our own condition. Recovery begins when we stop asking, “Am I as bad as that person?” and start asking, “What happens when I drink?” #TheDailyTrudge #RealAlcoholic #AlcoholicsAnonymous #BigBook #Recovery #Sobriety #Identification #ThereIsASolution
In this revisited Think Thursday episode, Molly explores ADHD through the lens of the brain's energy economy—how neurodivergent brains may use mental fuel differently, and why that matters for motivation, behavior change, and alcohol.You'll learn why routine tasks can feel more costly for an ADHD brain, why novelty and stimulation can feel energizing, and how differences in dopamine and norepinephrine may help explain the connection between ADHD and substance use.Molly also shares six practical ways to support the ADHD brain:Externalize memoryReduce frictionUse novelty as a leverBreak tasks into smaller stepsTry body doublingProtect sleep, movement, and downtimeThe goal isn't to make a neurodivergent brain work like a neurotypical one. It's to understand the brain you have and build strategies that work with it.Choose peace. ★ Support this podcast ★
This month, Rural life writer Kiran Sidhu shares her love for her late father, who was an imperfect but brilliant parent. Meanwhile, Second life writer Vitali Vitaliev is reminded of his former, Soviet life when he reads about the hounding of Cambridge academic Jason Arday. Mindful life writer Sarah Collins extolls the benefits of embracing a beginner's mindset when approaching new hobbies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, we're revisiting the most-downloaded episode from the Alcohol & series: Alcohol & ADHD.ADHD is a personal topic for me, and it also comes up often with coaching clients and members of the Alcohol Minimalist community.In this episode, we explore how ADHD can affect attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and reward-seeking—and why those traits may make alcohol especially appealing as a way to quiet a busy brain or temporarily reduce discomfort.In this episode:What ADHD is and how symptoms can varyHow the ADHD brain may differ from a neurotypical brainWhy impulsivity and emotional regulation matterWhy alcohol can feel calming or rewarding for people with ADHDThe connection between ADHD and increased risk for problematic alcohol useWhy alcohol can become a coping strategy instead of just a drinking habitImportant considerations around ADHD medications and alcoholThe goal isn't to create fear or shame. It's to understand what alcohol may be doing for you and to get curious about whether there are better, more sustainable ways to meet that need.If ADHD or alcohol use is affecting your daily life, talk with a qualified healthcare professional for individualized support.Changing your drinking habits and creating a peaceful relationship with alcohol is possible. Choose peace.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
We tend to think of hearing as something that happens in our ears, but hearing is really a partnership between the ears and the brain. And growing research suggests that when hearing begins to decline, it may have implications for cognitive health as well.In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia risk, including what the latest research says about whether hearing aids may help protect cognitive function.You'll learn:Why hearing loss is considered a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementiaHow “effortful listening” may place additional demands on the brainThe role social isolation may play in the hearing–cognition connectionWhat the ACHIEVE trial found about hearing aids and cognitive declineWhy hearing aids cannot currently be said to prevent dementiaSigns that it may be time to have your hearing evaluatedSimple ways to protect your hearing from noise-related damageThe takeaway: protecting your hearing isn't just about preserving sound. It's another practical way to support the connection between your brain and the world around you.Research mentioned:The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia preventionThe ACHIEVE randomized clinical trial2026 World Health Organization dementia risk-reduction guidance2026 multinational research on hearing aid use and probable dementia ★ Support this podcast ★
Sherri is a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous and has been for nearly 40 yrs. In this story, Sherri brings a wisdom that only “in the ring” living experience can surface. She recently lost her son to this disease, and demonstrates the principles of this program right before our eyes. This one is not to be skipped.Sobriety Date: 1/13/1987Referred by: Lilly (Episode #94)InstagramFacebook
This is our daily Tech and Business Report. Seems as though the bubble has burst for fizzy, boozy drinks, as bubble-free cocktails are having a real moment with the younger crowd. For more on this beverage trend, KCBS Radio News Anchor Margie Schafer spoke with Bloomberg's Redd Brown.
What if the biggest obstacle to changing your drinking isn't that you're doing too little—but that you've decided anything less than a dramatic change doesn't count?In this revisited episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores the all-or-nothing thinking that can make sustainable change harder than it needs to be.You'll learn why the Doable Drink Plan starts with meeting yourself where you are, how perfectionism can quietly undermine progress, and why small, repeatable changes can help you build trust in yourself.Molly also examines the long-standing belief that abstinence is the only “real” way to change your drinking. Alcohol-free breaks can absolutely be helpful, but the thinking behind the action matters. Are you choosing a break because it supports your long-term goals—or because you believe anything less isn't good enough?In this episode:Why perfectionism can sabotage progressHow “this isn't enough” thinking keeps people stuckWhy small wins matterThe role of the Doable Drink PlanHow to think about alcohol-free breaks without turning them into a testWhy sustainable change is built through continuous improvementThe question isn't simply, “Am I doing enough?”A better question may be:“Is what I'm doing helping me build the skills and confidence I need for sustainable change?”Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
We often think we need confidence, motivation, or certainty before we act—but the brain usually works in the opposite direction.In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores how the brain uses prediction, feedback, and experience to update what it believes is possible.You'll learn:Why the brain constantly predicts what will happen nextHow prediction error gives the brain new informationWhat Albert Bandura's research on self-efficacy tells us about building confidenceWhy actually doing something creates evidence that thinking and planning cannotHow feedback can recalibrate confidence over timeWhy uncertainty does not automatically mean a decision is wrongHow small experiments can build both confidence and clarityA simple process to try:Notice the predictionTake the smallest action that can test itLook honestly at the feedbackUpdate what you believeConfidence is not always the entrance requirement. Sometimes it is what your brain builds after you walk through the door.Key takeaway: You don't always act because you know. Sometimes you know because you acted. ★ Support this podcast ★
S16E2 Shank and Wayne explore the importance of one alcoholic talking to another alcoholic. In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "If they're ready you can't say anything wrong, If they're not you can't say anything right", "You are helping me more than I'm helping you" and "My selfishness gets treated by helping others". You can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com
This week on the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, I'm revisiting one of the most-downloaded episodes from the archives: a conversation about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), physical dependence, and why labels aren't always the most useful place to start.If you've ever wondered, Do I have a drinking problem? Am I drinking too much? Am I addicted? this episode will help you look at those questions with more clarity and less drama.Alcohol Use Disorder isn't determined simply by how much you drink. It exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and is based on how alcohol is affecting your behavior, health, relationships, and ability to control your drinking.In this episode, we talk about:How Alcohol Use Disorder is definedWhy comparing your drinking to someone else's isn't helpfulThe difference between alcohol misuse, AUD, and physical dependenceWhy withdrawal symptoms require medical guidanceHow labels can sometimes keep us from honestly evaluating our drinkingWhy the better question may be: Is alcohol creating results I actually want in my life?An important safety noteIf you regularly experience withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, nausea, racing heart, or seizures when alcohol wears off, seek professional medical guidance before abruptly stopping drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be serious.You don't need to wait for alcohol to become a severe problem before deciding to change.Pay attention to the data. Look honestly at the results alcohol is creating. Then decide what one small change could move you toward a more peaceful relationship with alcohol.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Max BootBook: Reagan: His Life and Legend Part One (Hour One) explores Ronald Reagan's early life, from a nomadic childhood shaped by an alcoholic father and an optimistic mother, to his success as a lifeguard, sports broadcaster, and Hollywood B-movie actor. It details his marriage to Jane Wyman and his leadership of the Screen Actors Guild during the anti-communist red hunts. Part Two (Hour Two) traces Reagan's presidency, beginning with his campaigns and the 1981 assassination attempt. It analyzes his supply-side domestic economics, foreign relations ending the Cold War with Mikhail Gorbachev, and the damaging Iran-Contra scandal. Alan TaylorBook: American Civil Wars: A Continental History, 1850 to 1873 Part One (Hour One) examines the ideological and geopolitical conflicts of mid-19th-century North America. It profiles figures like expansionist Jane McManis Cazneau, abolitionist Jane Swisshelm, and Black leaders Frederick Douglass and Martin Delany. It details the pre-war political struggles over slavery's expansion, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Part Two (Hour Two) covers post-1865 developments across the continent, focusing on Canadian confederation under John A. Macdonald, the French imperial intervention in Mexico against Benito Juárez, and the violent realities of Reconstruction under Andrew Johnson. It also outlines the brutal assimilation and subjugation of Native Americans in both the U.S. and Canada. Dennis SewellBook: Cromwell's Spy: From the American Colonies to the English Civil War Part One (Hour One) introduces George Downing, a brilliant Harvard graduate who rose to become Oliver Cromwell's scoutmaster general during the English Civil Wars. It explores his ideological training, his ruthless perspective on slavery, his intelligence victories in Scotland, and his facilitation of selling Scottish prisoners of war into colonial servitude. Part Two (Hour Two) details Downing's secret diplomacy with Cardinal Mazarin, followed by his opportunistic defection to Charles II upon Cromwell's death. To secure his position under the restored monarchy, Downing orchestrated the capture and rendition of his former regicide allies. David SheddBook: The Great Heist: China's Epic Campaign to Steal America's SecretsShedd analyzes China's multi-decade campaign of intellectual property and data theft against the United States, costing up to $600 billion annually. He explains how admitting China to the WTO in 2001 failed to foster democratization and details the massive scale of the Ministry of State Security. Using corporate examples like Apple and Google to illustrate this threat, he warns of America's vulnerabilities and advocates for defensive reforms, including a partial economic decoupling, modernized legal deterrence, and the establishment of a National Economic Security Council to better protect critical domestic industries and safeguard the nation's technological crown jewels.David K. RandallBook: The Monsters Bones: The Discovery of T-Rex and How It Shook Our WorldRandall recounts the historic discovery of the Tyrannosaurus Rex by pioneering paleontologist Barnum Brown. The narrative traces Brown's journey from a Kansas farm to his recruitment by Henry Fairfield Osborn for the American Museum of Natural History. Driven by Gilded Age competition funded by wealthy industrialists, Brown used geological expertise and dynamite in 1902 to unearth the first T-Rex fossils in Hell Creek, Montana. Despite facing devastating personal tragedy, Brown's efforts culminated in the legendary 1915 public mounting of the apex predator in New York, forever transforming the public's understanding of prehistoric life.
Rumination can feel like problem-solving, but often it's just repetitive thinking that keeps us focused on the problem instead of moving toward a solution.In this revisited Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why our brains get caught in negative thought loops, how rumination can interfere with behavior change, and why overthinking itself can become a habit.In this episode:What rumination is—and how it differs from productive reflectionWhy the brain believes replaying problems will help keep us safeHow rumination contributes to stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and analysis paralysisWhy repeated thoughts about past failures can make change feel impossibleHow shifting from “Why?” to “How?” can move your brain toward solutionsThe value of purposeful distraction for interrupting a thought loopHow self-compassion helps reduce rumination and build resilienceWhy putting a time limit on problem-solving can keep you from overthinkingHow the “name it to tame it” practice creates distance between you and your thoughtsThe takeaway:Your thoughts are not you—and you don't have to follow every thought your brain offers.Learning to notice rumination, interrupt the pattern, and intentionally redirect your thinking is another form of behavior change. The more you practice it, the easier it becomes to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward.Resources mentioned:Susan Nolen-Hoeksema's research on ruminationEthan Kross, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness ItKristin Neff's research on self-compassion ★ Support this podcast ★
Sue got clean and sober at only 20 years of age. Her approach to the program is simple—there is absolutely no room for doubt. Sue knows she will die without AA, and so for more than 20 years now, she has never had a gap in her program. Sue is a quiet member of the “no matter what” club, setting an example for everyone else in the rooms. Sobriety Date: 8/14/2003Referred by: Tara V. (Episode #54)InstagramFacebook
What does it actually look like to drink like an Alcohol Minimalist?This week, as part of Summer's Greatest Hits, I'm revisiting one of the most downloaded and foundational episodes of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, originally released in September 2022.Being an Alcohol Minimalist isn't just about counting drinks or adding more alcohol-free days to your calendar. It's about changing the way you think about alcohol, planning intentionally, paying attention to how alcohol affects your body, and ultimately creating a relationship with alcohol that feels peaceful—not restrictive, stressful, or out of control.In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies you can use when you choose to drink, including how alcohol by volume affects what actually counts as a standard drink, why eating before you drink matters, and how slowing down can make it easier to stick to your plan.I also talk about an important distinction that sits at the heart of the Alcohol Minimalist approach: I don't drink alcohol with the intention of getting drunk.If intoxication is the primary reason you want to drink—if alcohol is how you escape, let go, numb out, or create fun—that's worth getting curious about. Your most peaceful relationship with alcohol might look different than someone else's, and for some people, that may ultimately mean choosing not to drink at all.In this episode, you'll learn:Why making a drinking plan ahead of time is an act of empowerment—not punishment or deprivationHow small, 1% improvements can help you build evidence that you are capable of changing your drinking habitsWhy checking the alcohol by volume (ABV) matters, especially with higher-ABV beers like IPAsHow choosing lower-ABV beverages or combining alcoholic and non-alcoholic options can reduce your total alcohol intakeWhy drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to be absorbed more quicklyHow food, mixers, carbonation, caffeine, and other factors may influence your experience with alcoholWhy paying attention to your drinking pace mattersHow alternating alcoholic beverages with water or non-alcoholic drinks can help you slow downWhy you never have to finish the drink simply because it's sitting in front of youThe difference between intentionally including alcohol in your life and intentionally drinking to become intoxicatedWhy “alcohol makes things more fun” is a belief worth questioningHow to recognize when your most peaceful relationship with alcohol might actually be no alcohol at allThe Characteristics of an Alcohol MinimalistIn the episode, I also share the eight characteristics I believe define an Alcohol Minimalist.A Question to ConsiderIf the only reason you want to drink alcohol is because you want to feel drunk, what are you actually asking alcohol to do for you?You don't need to answer that question with judgment. Answer it with curiosity.Because becoming an Alcohol Minimalist isn't about following somebody else's rules for drinking. It's about becoming more intentional, understanding your own patterns, and creating a relationship with alcohol that supports the life you actually want to live.Take something you learned from this episode and put it into action. Changing your drinking habits and creating a peaceful relationship with alcohol is possible.Until next time, choose peace.Resources MentionedDownload Characteristics of an Alcohol Minimalist.Join the private Alcohol Minimalists: Change Your Alcohol Habits Facebook community for ongoing support and practical tips.Learn more about Sunnyside Med and its medication-supported approach to reducing alcohol cravings through the link provided with this episode.Learn more about working with Molly and the resources available for changing your relationship with alcohol at MollyWatts.com.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
The Stoic Alcoholic: It's Not Only About Counting Days by Benton Savage https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Alcoholic-Only-About-Counting/dp/B0H1RRSBXV After thirty years of addiction, broken relationships, and self-sabotage, Benton Savage reaches a turning point. The Stoic Alcoholic is an honest and deeply reflective journey through sobriety, discipline, and personal responsibility. Through daily entries, Savage confronts the habits that nearly destroyed his life while applying timeless Stoic principles to rebuild it one day at a time. Raw, real, and unfiltered, this book is not just about quitting alcohol. It's about taking control, finding purpose, and choosing a better path forward.
Why can it be so hard to change your mind—even when new information suggests an old decision no longer works?In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores cognitive dissonance and choice-supportive bias, and how the brain can begin defending decisions simply because we've already made them.You'll learn:Why we tend to see chosen options more favorably after making a decisionHow memory can subtly reinforce the choices we've already madeWhy beliefs about ourselves can become conclusions the brain looks for evidence to supportThe important difference between evaluating a decision and defending itWhy a decision can have been right for you then without needing to remain right foreverThree questions to consider:If I were making this decision for the first time today, what would I choose?What evidence am I dismissing because it doesn't fit the decision I already made?Can I allow the old decision to have made sense then without requiring it to make sense now?Changing your mind doesn't necessarily mean you were wrong. Sometimes it simply means you know something today that you didn't know before.Key takeaway: The goal isn't always to be right. It's to stay willing to notice what is true. ★ Support this podcast ★
If you want a healthy future into old age, you need a healthy liver. Fortunately, it's extremely robust and pretty low maintenance, considering how much crazy complicated stuff it does. But at least 1 in 4 Americans has liver dysfunction, which will slowly steal some of their agency of what they're able to do as they get older. I think it's worth 20 minutes of your time to learn how to love and protect your liver. Did you know one of your liver's best protectors is estrogen? Come to my website: www.healthcouragecollective.comAre you ready to give your cells their best chance to not have to stop living before they die by allowing them access to physiologic levels of hormones, but aren't sure how to even get started? Join the waitlist for my new beta program here and help me figure out how best to help wonderful women like you get the hormone care they deserve!Join the Waitlist HereCome visit me: www.healthcouragecollective.comemail me: healthcouragecollective@gmail.com
This week on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly continues the Summer's Greatest Hits series by revisiting one of the earliest episodes of the show.Last week focused on the science behind alcohol and habit formation. This episode looks at two more powerful influences on your relationship with alcohol: society and the alcohol industry.Drinking is deeply embedded in our culture. We see alcohol connected to celebration, relaxation, friendship, sports, vacations, and nearly every kind of social gathering. Those messages become part of what we unconsciously believe alcohol provides for us.At the same time, alcohol is a massive industry with a financial interest in keeping alcohol attractive, affordable, available—and culturally desirable.The good news? Awareness changes things.Once you begin recognizing the messages you've absorbed about alcohol, you can question them instead of automatically accepting them as truth.In This Episode:Why drinking is treated as the social default while not drinking can still feel unusualHow years of cultural conditioning influence what we believe about alcoholWhy Molly didn't question her own drinking for decades, despite growing up with an alcohol-dependent parentHow advertising and entertainment reinforce positive associations with drinkingWhy the alcohol industry has a vested interest in maintaining alcohol consumptionHow separating facts from cultural and marketing messages gives you more control over your choicesWhy changing your relationship with alcohol requires awareness—not avoiding alcohol for the rest of your lifeKey TakeawayScience, society, and industry can all make changing your drinking habits more challenging—but none of them take away your ability to change.You may always live in a world where alcohol is readily available and socially encouraged. Creating a peaceful relationship with alcohol means learning to see those influences clearly and making conscious decisions based on what you want for your life.Resources Mentioned:Breaking the Bottle Legacy: How to Change Your Drinking Habits and Create a Peaceful Relationship with AlcoholAlcohol Truths: How Much Is Safe?Sunnyside MedLow risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Send us Fan MailYou can look “fine” and still be struggling with alcohol. If you've ever held it together on the outside while quietly worrying about sleep, anxiety, confidence, or how often you're thinking about that next drink, I'm speaking straight to you.I'm Meg, and I'm opening this podcast with a topic that keeps people stuck for years: the stigma around the word “alcoholic”. I share why I don't use that label for my own experience, what Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) actually means, and why the all-or-nothing idea of “either you're an alcoholic or you're fine” doesn't match real life. We talk about the grey area so many people live in: setting rules, promising “just one”, waking at 3am with a racing heart, and still convincing yourself it can't be a problem because you're high functioning.I also break down the science in plain language: how alcohol affects GABA, dopamine, and stress hormones like cortisol, why it can feel like instant relief, and why that relief comes with a rebound effect that feeds anxiety and cravings. Most importantly, we shift from shame to curiosity with better questions: Is alcohol helping me become the person I want to be? What is it costing me? How would my life feel without it?If you've been wondering whether your drinking is bad enough to change, take this as your permission to stop waiting. Follow the podcast, leave a review, share it with someone who's been quietly wondering too, and reach out if you'd like a free 30 minute chat via the link in the show notes or at meganwebb.com.au.https://auditscreen.org/ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorderhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3909-alcoholismhttps://www.nmhealth.com.au/health-wellbeing/helpful-articles-resources/how-alcohol-works/ Contact Meg: Website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579436511475Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/Link to FREE discovery call with Meg: https://calendly.com/glassfulfilled
When does persistence help us grow—and when does it keep us stuck?In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the effort paradox, effort justification, and the sunk-cost effect. We often value something more because we worked hard for it, but that same tendency can keep us investing in goals, routines, or situations that no longer serve us.You'll learn:Why effort can increase pride, meaning, and commitmentHow cognitive dissonance can cause us to overvalue something we struggled to obtainWhat classic studies involving group initiation and theater tickets revealedWhy previous investments of time, money, and energy can distort future decisionsHow to distinguish healthy persistence from protecting a sunk costThree questions to consider:Would I choose this today if I had not already invested anything?From this point forward, what are the likely costs and benefits?What am I afraid stopping would mean about me?Changing direction does not automatically mean the past was wasted. The experience may have already taught you what you value, what you need, and what you want to choose next.Key takeaway: Is this hard because it matters—or are you making it matter because it has been hard? ★ Support this podcast ★
Jennifer shares her Experience, Strength, and Hope with a subtle yet potent wisdom. After a difficult childhood led to a difficult life, she found sobriety by embracing simple tools and committing to staying uncomfortable—no matter how hard it got. Jennifer's willingness to walk through the discomfort has rocketed her into the 4th dimension. Sobriety Date: 4/4/2024Referred by: Amber H. (Episode #305)InstagramFacebook
This is a preview. For the entire episode, support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys/posts/bonus-episode-165826527?pr=true
For the Alcohol Minimalist Summer's Greatest Hits series, Molly revisits the most downloaded episode in the podcast's catalog.In this episode, she explores one of the biggest challenges to changing your relationship with alcohol: understanding what is happening in your brain.Alcohol affects neurotransmitters involved in relaxation, inhibition, pleasure, and motivation. Over time, repeated drinking teaches the brain to associate alcohol with rewards such as relief, connection, celebration, or escape. Eventually, drinking can become an automatic response to familiar cues—like the end of the workday, the weekend, stress, or uncomfortable emotions.But an automatic habit is not proof that you are broken, powerless, or destined to struggle forever.Your brain learned the habit, and it can learn a new one.In This EpisodeWhy shame and labels can keep people from seeking helpThe difference between a drinking habit and physical dependenceHow dopamine reinforces the desire to keep drinkingWhy alcohol can make you feel better and worse at the same timeHow repeated drinking becomes automaticWhy awareness is the first step toward lasting changeHow your future-focused brain can interrupt reactive urgesKey TakeawayChanging your drinking begins with observing your thoughts and habits without judgment.When you understand what your brain is doing, you can stop treating your drinking as evidence of a personal flaw and start practicing new responses.Awareness is the brain's fuel for change.Resources MentionedThe Sober Truth by Lance Dodes, MD, and Zachary DodesCDC and SAMHSA research on excessive drinking and alcohol dependenceThe Alcohol Minimalist Podcast Listening GuideNext week, Molly continues the conversation by exploring how society and the alcohol industry influence our drinking habits.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Join Dr. Charli and special Guest Brett Foster as they dismantle the stance of an atheist in a supernatural way that ONLY GOD can lead. Brett will discuss faith issues and sobriety issues that took him down a dark path. His sobriety has been highly successful and you will want to hear some of the nuggets he share...for those trapped in addiction and those with loved ones in addiction, this story will bring you hope and insight! Active-Faith.org charli@active-faith.com
Why can the final moments of an experience shape how we remember the whole thing?In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the peak-end rule—the brain's tendency to remember an experience largely through its most emotionally intense moment and the way it ended.You'll learn:What Daniel Kahneman's cold-water experiment revealed about memory and discomfortWhy patients sometimes remembered a longer medical procedure more favorably when it ended more gentlyThe difference between the experiencing self and the remembering selfHow endings influence what the brain expects and whether we are willing to try againWhy a difficult day, conversation, workout, or imperfect attempt does not have to end as a verdictThree questions that can help create a more useful ending:What happened?What did I learn?What is the next best step?The goal is not to pretend that every experience was positive. It is to recognize that endings become part of the story the brain carries forward.Key takeaway: One difficult moment does not have to write the final sentence. Ending with clarity and agency can shape what you remember—and whether you are willing to begin again. ★ Support this podcast ★
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1 & 2 This show's kind of a big deal huh? The world's most depressed boy pilots a meat robot so that the world's sickest girl doesn't have to. Our theme music is JoJango by Milk Jooce, it can be found at https://milkjooce.bandcamp.com/ If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/jojosworld
Why does the commitment you make over your morning coffee sometimes feel so much harder to keep after dinner?In this episode, Molly explores the neuroscience behind what she calls your Evening Brain—the version of your brain that's been making decisions, solving problems, and managing life all day long. Instead of seeing evening struggles as a lack of willpower, you'll learn why your brain naturally leans toward familiar habits when mental resources are lower, and how planning ahead can become an act of self-support rather than self-control. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your brain makes different decisions in the morning and at night How mental fatigue influences habits and decision-making Why planning ahead isn't about restriction—it's about support A simple mindset shift that can make evenings feel less like a battle One question to ask yourself each morning to help your future self This Week's TakeawayBefore your day gets busy, ask yourself:What can I do right now that will make tonight a little easier?Supporting your future self isn't about having more willpower—it's about working with the brain you have, not the one you wish you had. Resources MentionedSunnysideSunnyside MedUntil next time, choose peace.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
In honor of World Brain Day on July 22, this Think Thursday episode celebrates the extraordinary organ behind every thought, memory, feeling, and behavior.Molly explores how the brain functions as:A prediction system that uses past experience to anticipate what happens nextA learning system that changes through attention, repetition, and experienceA protection system that often relies on familiar strategies to reduce discomfortA relationship system shaped by connection, conversation, purpose, and belongingYou'll also learn why automatic responses are not permanent, how neuroplasticity supports meaningful behavior change, and why curiosity is more useful than self-criticism when your brain returns to an old pattern.Your brain is not fixed, and it is not working against you. It is alive, adaptable, protective, connected, and still becoming.Key takeaway: An automatic response is not your destiny. It is something your brain has rehearsed—and with practice, it can learn something new. ★ Support this podcast ★
This week, Molly is revisiting an important episode about drinking alone, drinking secrecy, and what these behaviors may reveal about your relationship with alcohol.Drinking alone does not automatically mean you have a problem. But when drinking becomes automatic, emotionally driven, or hidden, it is worth getting curious.In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores how these patterns can reinforce alcohol habits, why honest tracking matters, and how to interrupt the cycle without shame or all-or-nothing thinking.You'll learn:Why drinking alone is not the same as having alcohol use disorderWhat subtle drinking secrecy can look likeHow emotional relief strengthens the habit loopSimple ways to create more awareness and choiceThe goal is not perfection. It is noticing the pattern and choosing one small step toward a more peaceful relationship with alcohol.Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Learn how to JournalSpeak https://www.yourbreakawake.com/journalspeak Growing up with a severely abusive alcoholic father and battered mother has left its emotional scars on Angela. She hit a wall in her 30s and her body simply shut down. She was wracked with all over body pain diagnosed as fibromyalgia, as well as many other symptoms. After doing her JournalSpeak work like a total warrior, Angela has been able to free herself from all of her chronic physical symptoms - a true feat. She comes to this session today with what's left over: the deep emotional wounds that are keeping her stuck with social anxiety. I think everyone will get something out of this beautiful, vulnerable conversation. Join us! xoxo n. 1:1 COACHING WITH TRAINED COACHES SUPERVISED DIRECTLY BY NICOLE PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST HERE TO HELP OTHERS FIND IT! Producer: Lisa Eisenpresser ~~~~~ SUPPORT:
For 32 years, Travis was a functional drinker who never got a DUI, never missed a day of work, and never fit the picture most people hold when they hear "drinking problem," but spent years hiding beers in the garage, lying to his wife about the count, and woke up after one Christmas morning knowing his kids had been worried Santa wasn't coming. He came to This Naked Mind thinking he might be able to moderate. He joined The Path in November 2023, had one more bad birthday, and threw out the last two bottles of a Wisconsin six-pack the next day. He's at 757 days alcohol-free. Coach Cole Harvey is here to hear him tell it. Travis and Coach Cole discuss: The pit party at 18 that set up a chase he'd spend the next 32 years trying to get back to Hiding beers in the garage, counting them in his head and lying about the number, and why the "alcoholic" label kept him from asking for help for years The Christmas his kids were worried Santa wasn't coming, and why even that didn't break the cycle A 2023 job loss that cracked things open, and the visualization exercise during a free Zoom that convinced him to commit to The Path What happened on his 50th birthday and the two bottles he threw out the next day The parallel mental health journey that changed what he understands about why he was drinking in the first place Nearly 30 pounds lost and one afternoon of yard work that proved something had shifted in his body What his 14-year-old daughter said to her friends about her dad, and why Travis still can't get through it without getting chills And more on neural pathway habits, the functional drinker's relationship with the "alcoholic" label, and finding your own path to alcohol freedom... Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related episodes: Naked Life Story — Kat | NLS | EP 521 — https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-521-naked-life-story-kat/ Reader Question – Am I an Alcoholic? | EP 58 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-58-reader-question-alcoholic/ How To Stop Drinking To Avoid Emotions | AFC | EP 845 — https://thisnakedmind.com/drinking-to-avoid-emotions-afc-e845/ Follow on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-naked-mind-podcast/id1287269357 Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UB06sNguPjVvgAYFBcR9I?si=b7568f24c21249ff Ready to take the next step? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Quince, Shopify, Zazzle, and OSEA. BetterHelp: BetterHelp is offering our listeners 10% off at betterhelp.com/nakedmind Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/naked Shopify: Sign up for free trial at shopify.com/mind Zazzle: Save 25% on your first order at zazzle.com OSEA: Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code NAKEDMIND at OSEAMalibu.com