Share

How I quit alcohol
25. Abandoning yourself with Victoria Vanstone
In this episode I chat with author Victoria Vanstone about her journey with alcohol. For Victoria the transition from party girl to motherhood didn't come easily and she soon found herself in an emotional tug of war, struggling to balance the two lives. Eventually she decided that enough was enough and she felt that the pull to be a more present mother outweighed her need to drink, she sought therapy and has been sober now for two and a half years.
Vicotria is hilarious and writing about her struggles in a blog and is also writing a book. She is about to launch her own podcast called 1000 wasted Sunday's.
Blog and info - www.drunkmummysobermummy.com
insta @drunkmummysobermummy
The Sober Social for Sober Curious Women - https://www.facebook.com/groups/913823235768685
Her article on the Hello Sunday Morning Blog is
https://hellosundaymorning.org/2020/11/04/drunk-mummy-sober-mummy/
More episodes
View all episodes

369. Living Between Two Worlds - Contemplation, Stages of Change Mini Series
23:24|The Stages of Change Mini SeriesUnderstanding the Contemplation Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we continue our series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This episode explores the contemplation stage, the stage where awareness has begun, but change has not yet fully happened.The part of us that wants change… and the part that is still afraid of it.In this episode we explore:Why awareness and action are not the same thingThe emotional exhaustion of living between two worldsWhy people stay stuck in patterns they know are hurting themThe hidden benefits behaviours can still provideFear, identity, belonging, and nervous system safetyWhy familiar pain can feel safer than uncertaintyThe grief that can come with changeSupporting someone who is in contemplation without pushing or shaming themWe also talk about how contemplation is often a deeply vulnerable stage because once awareness begins, it becomes difficult to fully “unsee” the impact of our behaviours.This episode is an invitation to meet inner conflict with honesty instead of judgement, and to understand that questioning a behaviour is already movement.Journal prompts or reflection:What behaviour or pattern am I currently questioning in my life?What do I fear I might lose if I change?What is this behaviour helping me avoid, numb, regulate, or cope with?How can I best support my nervous system through this?For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.
368. You Can’t Shame Someone Into Change - Pre-conetemplation stages of change mini series
17:31|The cycles of change mini series. Understanding the Precontemplation Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we begin a mini series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This series is for anyone navigating recovery, behaviour change, healing, nervous system work, or simply trying to understand themselves — or someone they love — with more compassion.In Episode 1 we explore the precontemplation stage: the stage where a person either does not yet recognise the behaviour as a problem, or they are not ready to change.We talk about:Why people stay attached to behaviours that hurt themThe protective role coping mechanisms can playWhy shame rarely creates sustainable changeThe nervous system’s role in resistance and defensivenessSupporting someone without enabling themThe difference between compassion and rescuingWhy readiness cannot be forcedHow curiosity can create more change than criticismThis episode is an invitation to soften judgement, both toward ourselves and others, and begin understanding behaviour through the lens of protection, safety, and human survival.JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR REFLECTIONIs there an area of my life where I’m defending a behaviour instead of examining it?What might this behaviour be doing for me emotionally, socially, or psychologically?Is there something I’ve been minimising because I’m afraid of what change might require?Have I confused shame with motivation?What would it look like to approach myself with honesty and compassion at the same time?And if you’re supporting someone else:Am I trying to force change, or create safety for honesty?For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. If you need help supporting a family member or loved on in addiction consider reaching out to https://al-anon.org.au/
367. Guns, drugs and madness to men's leadership with Ben Lowe
01:20:18|Men's Empowerment coach, Ben Lowe shares his remarkable journey from a chaotic youth and drug addiction to sobriety and personal transformation. Discover how childhood wounds, risky behaviours, and law encounters shaped his path and the lessons learned along the way. Ben shares his powerful journey from addiction and chaos to sobriety and leadership. Discover how he transformed his life through self-awareness, routine, and purpose, and learn practical insights for overcoming self-worth issues, building integrity, and leading with authenticity. Please use your discretion when listening to this episode. Trigger warning: this conversation mentions drug use and violence.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.
366. How to Master Cravings and Reinforce Your New Identity - May check in with Ty
19:47|Join us as Tyrone shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, overcoming triggers, and building a resilient identity. Discover practical insights on managing cravings, the power of consistency, and creating a life aligned with your true self.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.
365. Unlocking Life's Potential with Mark Purser
53:59|Join Danni Carr and Mark Purser as they celebrate 365 episodes of the 'How I Quit Alcohol' podcast, exploring the transformative power of yoga, breathwork, and meditation in achieving sobriety, joy, and personal growth. Discover practical insights on discernment, detachment, and living an elegant, mindful life.To find out more about Mark and Danni's upcoming retreat go tohttps://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/products/a-beautiful-life-bali-retreat-june
364. From Social Anxiety Disorder to A Life Without Fear with Megan Webb.
44:36|In this episode Danni catches up with Sobreity and Somatic Coach, Megan Webb. Megan shares her journey from chronic social anxiety disorder which would manifest as shaking in public, Megan would drinking to help calm her nerves to stop the shaking. Discover how she overcame her fears, worked through trauma, and built confidence to live a fulfilled, alcohol-free life.To reach out to Megan go towww.meganwebb.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoachingThe book Danni mentioned is The Presence Process by Michael BrownFor more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. --
363. From a Lifetime of Drinking to Sobriety at 60 with Cindy from the States
34:03|In this inspiring interview, Cindy shares her journey from a lifetime of drinking to achieving sobriety at 60. Discover her motivations, challenges, and the transformative power of community and mindset shifts in overcoming alcohol dependence.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.
362. The importance of changing your identity with Ty
25:13|Following Ty from Melbourne on his 12 months of Alcohol. In this episode today Danni and Ty talk about the importance of changing your identity (even short term) to create last change.Ty discusses tradie life being alcohol free, some of the journaling practices he uses to create a new identity. To follow Ty on insta @ty_lee_1000For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.
361. How to have an amazing relationship with Sam Brown
01:09:08|Discover how deep inner work, relationship healing, and conscious communication can transform your love life and personal growth. Join us as Sam Brown shares her inspiring journey, practical tools, and insights into creating soulful, resilient partnerships. Sam shares about the rupture and repair that has happened within their own relationship and how they have built a stronger friendship and physical connection through doing the work and practices that have facilitated that healing. To find out more about Sam's relationship retreat or Sam's incredible work go to https://thesoulfullifestyle.com.auTo find out more about Danni and Sam's retreat in Bali to go www.iquitalcohol.com.au