Meg and Bella discuss the ups and downs of navigating an alcohol free life in Australia's alcohol centric culture. This highly rated podcast, featuring in Australia's top 100 self improvement podcasts, is a must for those that are trying to drink less alcohol but need some motivation, are curious about sober life or who are sober but are looking for some extra reinforcement. The Not Drinking Alcohol Today pod provides an invaluable resource to keep you motivated and on track today and beyond ...
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If you can sense that you're destined for more and curious about how alcohol might be holding you back, then Present and Sober is the podcast for you! Join your hosts Sam and Ellie for a weekly dose of practical mind and body practices that will elevate your daily life and show you the wonder and potential of living life alcohol-free. Let's make life bigger, together!
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Sober Friendships and Adventures Beyond Alcohol | With Meg Webb & Ali Burke
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49:3701/07/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 187 Sober Friendships and Adventures Beyond Alcohol | With Meg Webb & Ali Burke Join Ellie, Ali, and Meg as they share stories of sober friendship, launching creative ventures, and proving life alcohol-free is full of connection, courage, and riotous fun! Vote for us! Here Check out Meg and Ali's podcast…
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Meg takes a look back at her relationship with alcohol, where she discovered a profound paradox that changed everything. She was terrified of losing precious moments—yet was drinking them away. Meg's whole life revolved around preserving memories. She treasured photographs, constantly reminisced about childhood homes, and felt deep aches when think…
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Scott Joins Team Present & Sober (For Real!)
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30:32Join Sam & Ellie for a HUGE Present & Sober announcement! The clue's in the podcast title... Join the Waitlist for Live P&S! Suggest podcast topics Buy some Present and Sober merch 😎😎😎 https://shop.presentandsober.com/ Don't forget to... Leave us a review 😊 on your fave podcast player! Join the FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/presentands…
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Laughs Without Lager: Finding Authentic Connection in Sobriety
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28:06What happens when four decades of heavy drinking suddenly stops? Ali Burke returns to share her remarkable transformation from a self-described "party pisshead parent" to a woman fully embracing authentic connection and present parenting. Ali's drinking story began in her early teens, looking for courage, attention, and a way to fit in. As the youn…
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Faye Lawrence: Claim Your Sober Identity (what if your best self exists on the other side of sobriety?)
46:54
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46:54Faye Lawrence, Psychologist, offers practical guidance for navigating social situations without drinking. She explores how our social identity and connections play a crucial role in sustaining behavior change around alcohol consumption. • Discover how family experiences and cultural norms shape our relationship with alcohol • Challenge commonly hel…
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Rory Kinsella: Why Meditation Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Sobriety Puzzle
48:34
48:34
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48:34Rory Kinsella, musician, Vedic meditation teacher and sober coach, reveals how finding inner stillness helped him transform his relationship with alcohol and eventually quit completely. He now teaches others to do the same. We discuss: • Growing up in alcohol-centric UK culture where drinking was normalised from teenage years and how that lifestyle…
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The Unstoppable World of Rocky Rafaela: Rochelle's Recovery Journey
42:12
42:12
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42:12Australian fashion designer Rochelle Gregory shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to creative success with her clothing line Rocky Rafaela. In this ep, we cover how: • alcohol initially provided social connection, but led to dangerous situations and repeated rehab stays • purpose through fashion design offered moments of peace a…
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Sober Festivals, Nightlife, and the Real Cost of Drinking
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38:3617/06/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 186 Sober Festivals, Nightlife, and the Real Cost of Drinking Join Sam and Ellie as they dive into the realities of partying and festivals (then and now). Sharing sober adventures, honest laughs, hangover-free mornings, and fresh perspectives on fun, freedom, and connection. Vote for us! Here Explore joi…
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Alice Hansen, From Rehab to Wild Wellness
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51:48Alice's drinking got out of control growing up in Tasmania, drinking to numb complicated feelings associated with being gay in an environment in which it was still illegal to be gay at the time and so she kept her identity hidden from everyone around her. After bravely going to rehab more than 20 times desperate to find a way out of the destructive…
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Celebrating 10 Years of the Revolutionary Book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol With Author Ann Dowsett Johnston
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43:44Drink: The Intimate Relationship between Women and Alcohol celebrates 10 years today! Tune in as we talk to the author, Ann Dowsett Johnston, award-winning journalist, TEDx Speaker and Founder of the Writing Your Recovery Workshops about women’s relationship with alcohol 10 years on. Is alcohol still the modern women’s steroid that helps us do the …
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Expat Life, Loss, and Letting Go of Wine | With Susan Hodgson
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54:0303/06/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 185 Expat Life, Loss, and Letting Go of Wine | With Susan Hodgson Join Sam and Ellie as they chat with Susan Hodgson about living abroad, motherhood, grief, and overcoming alcohol. Discover how finding home within yourself can unlock real transformation, no matter where you are. Vote for us! Here Susan's…
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Today, we have the honor of speaking with William Porter, the insightful author of "Alcohol Explained." William spent years in the throes of his own drinking career, unknowingly gathering the research and experiences that would later form the foundation of his life-changing book. In this episode William is generous in his knowledge and wisdom. Will…
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Mastering Habit Change: Dr. Gina Cleo on Dopamine, Neuroplasticity, and Reducing Alcohol Dependency
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37:16Dr. Gina Cleo, one of Australia's leading habit change experts, shares her expertise on creating healthier, alcohol-free habit loops. In this recording of Dr Cleo's talk to my (Bella) November Alcohol Freedom Challenge, Dr Cleo discusses the science behind dopamine, a neurotransmitter that drives our reward and pleasure systems. On this note, alcoh…
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20/05/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 184 I Don't Feel Like I Belong Join Sam and Ellie as they explore the magic of true belonging, the power of community, and why authentic connection beats “fitting in” every time. Explore joining us in Live Present & Sober (open this link in a web browser like Chrome so you can explore all the details) 🙂 …
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I never imagined that so many special memories in my life would be a blur. The harsh reality of alcohol-induced blackouts left a mark on what should have been some of the clearest and happiest days of my life. Tune in as I, Meg, unravel the harrowing connection between these blackouts and anxiety, and the role they've played in my own journey. It's…
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Navigating Sobriety at 57: Donna's Five-Year Journey
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48:03Donna Bennett shares her five-year sobriety journey that began with an "Easter epiphany" during COVID lockdown, revealing how removing alcohol from her life led to profound personal transformation and newfound freedom. We cover so much in this episode, including: • Recognising how alcohol had "sneakily" increased its influence over the years, parti…
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Fitness, Family, and Fearless Travel | With Kate Nichols
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43:1406/05/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 183 Fitness, Family and Fearless Travel | With Kate Nichols Join Sam and Ellie as they chat with Kate Nichols about rediscovering adventure through travel, transforming fitness, and mending family bonds in sobriety. Kate's Links https://freedomaffect.com/ Join us in Live Present & Sober (open this link i…
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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 …
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Sober Legend, Jen Hirst, Shares How She Rebuilt Her Life from the Ground Up
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44:17Today 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 hel…
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When Sobriety Changes Everything! Relationships, divorce, and new beginnings | With Allison Barber
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42:1722/04/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 182 When Sobriety Changes Everything! Relationships, divorce, and new beginnings | With Allison Barber Join Sam and Ellie as they chat with Allison Barber about relationships, divorce, and rediscovering your true self in sobriety. Find Allison's links and website... www.theinsideoutfreedom.com Join us in…
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Talking alcohol and relationships with Lauren O'Hanlon
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38:32Lauren 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 findi…
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Your Body Isn't Broken: Weight Loss, Hormones, and Cortisol with Dr Shami
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40:29Dr. 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 …
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Navigating the World of Sober Dating | With RJ Zimmerman
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55:2908/04/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 181 Navigating the World of Sober Dating | With RJ Zimmerman Join Sam, Ellie, and special guest RJ as they navigate the world of sober dating. Discover insightful tips, hilarious anecdotes, and the importance of finding genuine connections without alcohol. Find RJ's stuff... Website Join us in Live Prese…
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Julie Lively taking the edge off without alcohol
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30:57What 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, Juli…
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Maz Compton - How Your Last Drink Could Be Your First Step Toward a Better You
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32:31Maz 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 th…
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From 'Piss Artist' to Abstract Artist | With Lucy Sheffield
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47:0925/03/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 180 From 'Piss Artist' to Abstract Artist | With Lucy Sheffield Join Sam and Ellie as they chat with artist Lucy Sheffield about liberating life from alcohol, embracing your inner creativity, and following the nudges to a beautiful present and sober life! Lucy's Links! Website Podcast Join us in Live Pre…
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Why Moderating Alcohol is so Incredibly Hard to Achieve!
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30:18In 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 g…
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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 so…
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11/03/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 179 Somatics and Embodiment in Sobriety Join Sam and Ellie as they uncover the wonders of embodiment in sobriety, exploring the magic of being fully present in our bodies. Discover freedom from escapism and embrace life's beautiful messiness together. Explore joining us in Live Present & Sober (open this…
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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 a…
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A Masterclass in Hormones, Gut Health and Alcohol With Trish Tucker May
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36:24Do 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 gue…
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From Cognitive Dissonance to Clarity | Joel's P&S Story
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52:5125/02/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 178 From Cognitive Dissonance to Clarity | Joel's P&S Story This week on Present & Sober, Joel Starks shares his journey to sobriety. We discuss 'taming' the inner voice that can get in the way, finding empowerment in the changes we experience and the joy of living with more and more clarity. Explore joi…
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Dr Libby and the effects of alcohol on our bodies!
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40:25Join 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 strateg…
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Diving Deep with Seana Smith: The Story Behind Going Under
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39:15On 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 emb…
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11/02/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 177 Finding Emotional Safety in Sobriety Join Sam and Ellie as they explore the concept of safety, tackle emotional resilience and the magic of feeling safe in your own skin on the sober journey. Explore joining us in Live Present & Sober (open this link in a web browser like Chrome so you can explore al…
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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 emot…
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Tara Hurster on Resilience, Addiction Recovery, and Finding Purpose
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43:11Meet 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 wa…
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Exploring New Hobbies & Old Passions Sober
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31:2828/01/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 176 Exploring New Hobbies & Old Passions Sober Today we're diving into the excitement and importance of trying out new things, and rediscovering old passions in our Present & Sober life! Join Sam & Ellie as they share personal stories and tips on how to reignite your sense of adventure and self-discovery…
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Eliza Parkinson taking fear out of Triggers
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28:29What 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 t…
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Alcohol and Love Addiction With Mel Watkins
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42:59*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 candi…
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14/01/2025 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 175 How to be Unf*ckwithable! Join Sam and Ellie as they explore becoming "unf*ckwithable," facing life's challenges head-on, and unveiling true inner strength. This isn't about grinding and bearing it, this is all about knowing what you have going for you - always! Explore joining us in Live Present & S…
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Mike Shennan; finding Power and Strength in Sobriety.
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39:08Mike 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 transfor…
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Redefining Rituals: Natalie Battaglia on Mocktails, Motherhood & Mindful Living
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40:25Get 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 mindfu…
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31/12/2024 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 174 A Present and Sober New Year! Join Sam and Ellie for a dynamic discussion on embracing the present, debunking New Year's resolutions, and finding joy in everyday moments. Now you can buy some Present and Sober merch 😎😎😎 https://shop.presentandsober.com/ Don't forget to... Leave us a review 😊 on your …
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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 d…
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On our Christmas Eve One-Year Anniversary, we welcome Annie Grace, the trailblazing founder of This Naked Mind! Annie talks about her transformation to an alcohol-free author of This Naked Mind, creator of The Alcohol Experiment and a coach of alcohol coaches spreading her This Naked Mind methodology across the globe. We talk about how she wrote Th…
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Cindy Johnston: Harnessing Emotional Freedom Techniques to Beat Cravings and Boost Emotional Wellbeing
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37:15Have you heard of people raving about the benefits of EFT to help process uncomfortable emotions, but are unsure about what it actually is or how to do it? If so, listen on. Cindy Johnston, founder of Soul Sobriety Coaching and Retreats and an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, shares her personal journey to emotional resilience and so…
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Mindfully Non Drinking With Psychologist Simonette Vaja
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39:11In this episode, we explore the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation to support drinking less alcohol with Simonette Vaja, a trauma-informed psychologist and mindfulness teacher. Simonette introduces her ABCD model—Attention, Breathing, Compassion, and Detox—a practical framework for fostering emotional resilience and supporting an al…
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Meg and Bella wish all of our dear listeners and podcast guests a huge Merry Christmas! Are you celebrating your Christmas at a Bowling Club? Probably not! We are! Meg and Bell discover they are each heading off to Manly and Balmain Bowling Club for a family game of bare foot bowls for Christmas. It's cheap, it's outdoors, it's fun and what's more,…
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Our 7 Top Tips for a Present & Sober Christmas
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45:3417/12/2024 Present and Sober Podcast Episode 173 Our 7 Top Tips for a Present & Sober Christmas Join Ellie and Sam as they share top tips for a joyful, sober Christmas, discussing self-care, flexible planning, and the magic of sacred silliness. Make this Christmas your best one yet! ❤️ Now you can buy some Present and Sober merch 😎😎😎 https://shop.p…
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