Ditching Mommy Wine Culture and Corporate Stress With Bella Ferguson

This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Bella Ferguson, a certified This Naked Mind coach and co-host of the Not Drinking Alcohol podcast. Bella shares how she went from working in high-pressure corporate law, where "work hard, play hard" was the mantra, to embracing a sober lifestyle. Spoiler alert: she’s thriving, and she’s here to inspire anyone who feels stuck in the "mommy wine" spiral or corporate happy hour grind.

In this episode, Sonia and Bella chat about the pressures of professional drinking culture, why “mommy wine time” isn’t as harmless as it seems, and how to start rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Is sobriety possible in environments where alcohol feels like the glue that holds everything together? And how do you deal with the awkward moments of being the only sober person at the party?

You’ll hear Bella's tips for navigating social situations, finding joy in alcohol-free living, and tackling the emotional baggage that often comes with drinking. Learn how she rebuilt her confidence, discovered tools for emotional sobriety, and why regulating your nervous system is a total game changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance sobriety with career, parenting, and friendships, Bella's got the answers.

We also dive into Bella’s personal story, including her rock-bottom moment and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up. From dodging awkward small talk with wine-loving moms to rediscovering her passion and purpose, Bella keeps it real about the ups and downs of sobriety—and why it’s so worth it.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women rethink their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights:
[00:01:00] Bella introduces herself and why she ditched the lawyer life.
[00:02:13] The “work hard, play hard” drinking culture in corporate law.
[00:03:56] How gender roles impact drinking expectations at work.
[00:05:35] Why workplace drinking is more than a “work hard” problem.
[00:08:51] Juggling kids, stress, and a wine bottle—Bella’s experience with mommy wine culture.
[00:12:00] Bella’s wake-up call in the hospital that changed everything.
[00:14:18] What happens to your marriage when drinking takes over.
[00:17:39] The awkwardness of setting post-rehab boundaries with your partner.
[00:21:25] Emotional sobriety: why white-knuckling it isn’t enough.
[00:24:03] Helping clients figure out if moderation or quitting is right for them.
[00:28:00] Core fears and beliefs that keep people stuck in drinking cycles.
[00:32:15] How Bella’s friendships evolved after she chose sobriety.
[00:36:00] Bella’s go-to self-care tips (hint: popcorn and trail runs are involved).
[00:40:27] Why connecting with others is the secret weapon against isolation.
[00:42:08] How ditching alcohol changed Bella’s career and life purpose.
[00:45:00] Staying aligned with your values to keep sobriety on track.
[00:46:28] What’s next for Bella: alcohol-free challenges and courses.

Links

Connect With Bella! 

• https://isabellaferguson.com.au
• Your Alcohol Revolution Online Programs: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/TheAlcoholRevolutionAlcoholFreeOnlineProgramOverview
• Free Do I have a Drinking Problem 3 Day Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/doIhaveadrinkingproblemwithisabellaferguson
• Your Alcohol Revolution LIVE Program (next in February 2025): https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/alcoholfreedomchallenge
• Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)
• Kathleen’s Instagram

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