How I quit alcohol

In this episode, I catch up with Michelle French, a HIQA grads member, for her second appearance on the podcast. We chat about some big challenges Michelle has faced over the last two years, like being the designated driver during a 30th birthday winery tour, discussing how she managed her cravings on the day and how playing the craving forward, with honestyWe explore how Michelle has embraced her creative side as a form of meditation, helping her find peace and focus. Now, two years into her sobriety, she finds that thoughts of alcohol rarely cross her mind—a place she once thought was way out of reach. Her story has not only transformed her own life but has also been a source of inspiration for her son and those around her.Michelle opens up about the difficult times, including the hospitalisation and passing of her mother, and how even though it was a tough time she stayed committed to her sobriety through it all. We talk about the day she almost threw in the towel and gave into the SB but reached out for support which kept her from drinking. Through these stories, Michelle shows us that sobriety is a deeply personal but also fulfilling journey. Her reflections remind us that we can face life's biggest challenges and emotions while staying true to the person we aspire to be. Michelle's journey is a beautiful example of resilience and the power of doing things your own way. I love her so much. I hope you love this episode too. For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat 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. 

In this episode, we delve deep into the inspiring journey of Australian social media influencer Kurt Coleman. Kurt shares his candid and moving story, touching upon his struggles with alcohol, navigating boundaries, and finding healing and self-worth.Kurt reflects on his upbringing on the Gold Coast, where the party scene was prevalent, and alcohol was normalised from a young age. He discusses how growing up without clear boundaries led to precarious situations and challenges in his life. Kurt shares his journey with alcohol and the realisation that boundaries were essential for his recovery. He shares how creating boundaries became a pivotal aspect of his journey towards healing and sobriety.Through self-reflection, Kurt learned the importance of saying no to himself and establishing trust within. We chat about the difference between confidence and self-esteem, emphasising the role of boundaries in cultivating self-worth. Kurt delves into how setting boundaries not only fosters trust within oneself but also leads to personal growth and healing. He shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the unexpected yet transformative nature of his journey.Kurt's journey underscores the significance of boundaries in fostering self-trust, healing, and personal development. By cultivating trust and establishing clear boundaries, individuals can enhance their self-worth and navigate life's challenges with resilience. For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat to gowww.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. 

In this episode I catch up with HIQA grad Tara McCarthy to chat about how she managed her celebrating her engagement, hen's night and wedding as a sober person.We talk what challenged her the most, almost giving in to cravings, how great it felt not to drink on her wedding day and also lessons learned to help other people.Tara shares some questions that she asked herself that helped her to gain perspective and not drink to celebrate.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. 

In this episode I catch up with author Julia Lawrinson to chat about her newest book, How To Avoid A Happy Life and her journey with alcohol and sobriety. We chat about Julia's rocky upbringing, her Mum's relationship with alcohol and the impact that had on Julia. Her very colourful life of domestic dysfunction, From high school dropout on a psych ward to card-carrying lesbian on a motorbike, from enduring a controlling relationship with her ex-lover' s brother, to getting herself through a PHD, dealing with a husband with early onset dementia, to being chased by a media scrum outside a Perth court. How she has learned to deal with stress without needing alcohol. And how she now has a happier life. To pre-order Julia's memoir, How To Avoid A Happy Life go tohttps://fremantlepress.com.au/books/how-to-avoid-a-happy-life/ Kelly's Brouhaha's song Im Gonna Miss Yahttps://open.spotify.com/track/3aE9cbUbMgDlTZNCFkeaYs?si=f909a1bf424a47b8For 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. 

In this episode I catch up with Former owner of Thrivalist, High Performance Coach, Lucy Quick. We talk about what her life looked like before sobriety, working in corporate, having no off switch, being the drunkest and living with the shame and aftermath of binge drinking sessions. We explore Lucy's journey of establishing Thrivalist, its subsequent sale, and her recent transition back to the corporate realm, this time as a coach aiding high achievers and CEOs in attaining equilibrium in their lives to maximise their output. Wellbeing Wheel Exercise - https://www.lucyquick.com/post/balance-your-superpower-for-sustainable-high-performanceRetreat - https://www.lucyquick.com/retreat2024Coaching - https://www.lucyquick.com/coachingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lucyquickcoachingFor 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. 

In this episode, I catch up with the incredible Dr. Luke Sniewski to talk about triggers and change. We delve into why change can be such a challenge and how we can navigate it without just swapping one bad habit for another.We talk about how change only happens when we are triggered, viewing these triggers as opportunities for growth. We chat about how our nervous system influences our choices and the various factors that come into play. We explore our personal experiences with change and why practices like meditation and finding inner calm are crucial. Additionally, we share tips for handling triggers effectively and stress the importance of staying connected to our bodies for lasting change.We also chat about how celebrating our wins helps to cement change. At the end of the day, if we want change we have to put everything we are learning into practice. We can't change if we don't try. We won't change it we don't start taking the road less travelled. For more insights from Luke, check out https://www.lukesniewski.com.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. 

Feelings of loneliness can be a big trigger and cause of relapse for many people. What is your relationship like with being alone? This episode is great for anyone who struggles with being alone, or is used to being around lots of friends and is first starting to make the transition into sobriety. While it's essential to have supportive people around you in your alcohol free journey, dealing with loneliness is just as important. Feeling lonely can make substance abuse worse. Finding ways to support yourself if you feel loneliness is key in recovery.Please reach out if you need support in this area. For information or resources go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au Also check out the coaches I mentioned... www.hoperisingcoaching.com www.isabellaferguson.com.auFor 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. 

In this episode, I catch up with my friend Fenella, who's been sober for nearly four years now. Her story is truly profound. Fenella battled Anorexia during her teens, a struggle that nearly took her life. It all started with a cry for attention from her parents, but it quickly spiraled into something much darker. As she got a grip on her eating disorder, Fenella turned to alcohol to numb her anxiety. What began as a few drinks a day soon escalated into daily binges, leading to frequent blackouts and numerous trips to the hospital, including a harrowing incident where she had to be resuscitated. Despite several attempts at rehab, alcohol kept creeping back into her life, each binge more intense than the last. One particularly chaotic night fueled by alcohol led to Fenella accusing her partner Joe of abuse, resulting in his arrest, a moment she can't recall due to her intoxicated state. It's been quite the wild ride.Though Fenella's journey might not be easy to hear, it's ultimately a story of hope and redemption. She finally found freedom from alcohol with the help of some tough loving ex-alcoholics in Africa. The book she referred to is For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge, retreats, or coaching to gowww.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. 

In this episode I catch up with the host of Sober Powered Podcast, Gillian Tietz. Gill is a bio chemist and also runs programs for anger management and quitting drinking. Getting sober she uses her biochemistry background to teach others how alcohol affects the brain and why it’s so hard to stop drinking. She is a chemistry professor at a university in Boston. In this episode we hear about Gill's struggles with body image, being bullied at school and then a late entry into to alcohol abuse that spiralled out of control very quickly. From massive binges and blakcouts and feeling completely to changing her life completely. We also talk about dopamine and how it works as a driver for our behaviours. To hear more from Gillian or to reach out go to Podcast: https://www.soberpowered.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sober.poweredFor more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge, retreat or coaching 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.