The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast

Ever wondered why the notion of being a "normal drinker" weighs heavily on so many of us? Join me, Meg, as I share my personal journey through the maze of societal expectations and personal realisations around alcohol consumption. From questioning my own drinking habits to the pivotal moment of embracing a sober lifestyle, this episode unpacks the unrealistic aspirations many harbour about drinking without consequences. T...

Today we talk to Jen Hirst! Jen is an open book when it comes to her experience with alcohol addiction. She says it like it is and discusses how she recovered with transparency. This is what drew me to Jen. Her honesty about how dark it got has been such an inspiration for many who can relate and say 'yep me too!". Jen now dedicates her time to helping others do the same. She is awesome! This is what attracts her almost 7...

Lauren O'Hanlon shares her powerful journey from teen blackouts to a turning point that reshaped her life. Navigating the pressures of motherhood, “mommy wine culture,” and a near-divorce, she realised something had to change. Now two and a half years alcohol free, Lauren opens up about transforming her relationship, healing her identity, and finding freedom in making alcohol “small and irrelevant.” Tune in to hear how she tur...

Dr. Shamistra Barathan breaks down the science of midlife weight gain and reveals the three missing pieces of the puzzle for women struggling despite diet and exercise changes. Some key points:

• Weight loss struggles are often tied to hidden hormonal imbalances
• Calories-in/calories-out model outdated – it's about hormones telling your body to store or burn fat
• Insulin resistance can exist for years despite normal blood sugar r...

What happens when the wine you use to take the edge off becomes the very thing keeping you on edge? Julie Lively, alcohol freedom coach and This Naked Mind coach, shares her powerful journey from being caught in mummy wine culture to discovering true freedom beyond the bottle.

With four children in six years and a frequently-traveling husband, Julie's nightly wine ritual seemed like the perfect escape—until it wasn&ap...

Maz Compton just makes the alcohol-free decision feel like a no brainer! Today Maz talks to Bella's Alcohol Freedom  Group about her powerful journey from being a successful radio host secretly struggling with alcohol dependence to living ten years alcohol-free and discovering her authentic self along the way. Maz covered many wonderful topics in this chat:

• Reaching career success while experiencing internal turmoil and alc...

In this episode, Meg & Bella address the pros and pitfalls of moderating alcohol. Everybody who drinks or has drunk has practiced it but not many succeed at it! We talk about alcohol moderation in the context of Dry July, this being the second day of it, when thousands of Australians dip their toe into the alcohol-free water and try their hand at giving up the booze for a full 31 days. Why this topic? Well, firstly, because mos...

In this episode, we talk about the term “alcoholic”.  The phrase “am I an alcoholic?” is frequently googled and many use this as the starting point for exploring whether alcohol has become a problem for them. We explore the derivation of this term, why some people with alcohol use disorders do not relate to or identify with this term and what are some alternatives to this label.  Two important points to note in relation to this epi...

Darcy shares her powerful journey from teenage drinking to finding freedom from alcohol without traditional recovery programs or labels. Her story weaves through decades of substance use, career changes, grief after losing her brother to suicide, and ultimately discovering a path to sobriety that works for her unique needs.

In this episode, Darcy approaches sobriety not as rigid perfection but as a journey of self-discovery. When cr...

Do you know how much alcohol impacts our gut health, hormones, peri and menopause symptoms, contributes to increased inflammation levels, stress management and drastically reduces our energy levels? Do you want to know what steps you can take to heal your body after drinking? Trish Tucker May joins Bella's Alcohol Revolution 6 Week Program as a guest speaker and shares her insights on the liver’s role in hormonal balance and o...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Libby Weaver as we explore the hidden impact of alcohol on nutrition and overall well-being. From the crucial role of zinc in immune health to alcohol’s effects on hydration, minerals, and cravings, Dr. Libby breaks down the science in a way that’s easy to understand. Plus, discover practical strategies for transforming food behaviours and supporting your body with whole-food supplem...

On the eve of celebrating five years of sobriety, Seana Smith joins Bella for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about recovery, resilience, and rewriting her story. In this riveting episode, Seana opens up about the profound impact of her father’s alcoholism on her childhood and how it shaped her journey toward healing. She shares how embracing emotional sobriety, building a strong support network, and writing her memoir,...

What if breaking free from alcohol could lead to a deeper connection with yourself and others? Join us for a powerful conversation with Rina, a fellow Naked Mind coach, who shares her inspiring journey of quitting alcohol independently before discovering the transformative power of community support. We explore how she initially struggled with emotions and irritability despite the benefits of an alcohol-free life, and how finding a...

Meet Tara Hurster, a remarkable voice in addiction treatment, as she shares her empowering journey and insights from The Tara Clinic in Sydney. From grappling with insecurities about her height in school—turning to smoking as a coping mechanism—to discovering her passion for helping others as a mediator between students and teachers, Tara's path was shaped by unexpected twists. Her story is a testament to how personal experien...

What if the secret to overcoming addiction lies not in avoiding triggers, but in facing them head-on? Join us for an insightful conversation with the ever-inspiring Eliza Parkinson as we challenge the conventional approach to recovery from alcohol. Eliza shares her unique perspective on managing triggers with intention and care, drawing parallels to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Together, we explore the transformative po...

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE. PLEASE SKIP THIS EPISODE IF YOU FIND THIS TOPIC TRIGGERING OR UPSETTING*

Mel Watkins, a psychotherapist and founder of Mel Watkins Therapy, shares her deeply personal journey to sobriety, elucidating the powerful links between alcohol, love addiction, and emotional health. Through candid reflections, Mel provides valuable insights on how overcoming dependency r...

Mike Shennan joins us to share his remarkable journey to sobriety and how it has laid the foundation for his fulfilling career in coaching. From growing up in a family culture where drinking was routine to facing the challenges of social drinking during his university years in Canada, Mike offers a raw and insightful look into his personal transformation. As he transitioned into marriage and parenthood, his commitment to being...

Get ready to be inspired by Natalie Battaglia, the creative mind behind The Mindful Mocktail! In this episode, Natalie opens up about her transformative journey from struggling with alcohol dependence to crafting elegant, delicious non-alcoholic beverages that elevate any occasion. We dive deep into her personal story, exploring the power of mindful rituals, the art of creating visually stunning mocktails, and how to celebrate life...

In this episode, Meg reflects on three years of living alcohol-free and the transformative impact it's had on her life and relationships. From rebuilding trust with herself and her children to discovering the joy of self-validation, every step has been a revelation. 
With the support of a vibrant community and the power of coaching, Meg has turned distant dreams into reality. Join Meg as she shares insights from her six-ye...