Helping high performers feel & perform better by reducing or quitting alcohol. Maybe you're considering quitting alcohol and going completely sober. Or maybe you wish to change your relationship with alcohol and stop drinking. Maybe you wish to do moderation. Whichever way you choose, this podcast will give you the process to succeed. Alcohol-Free Lifestyle is for high performers, including entrepreneurs, executives, investors, athletes, and top professionals.
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Stopdrinking Podcasts
In this podcast, we discuss mystical works of literature, primarily Taoist text, and how they relate to alcohol recovery. Taoist Philosophy can be an excellent tool for embracing the idea of a “Higher Power.” Nature offers all of the examples necessary for a concept of a source of all life, much different but yet very similar in many ways to more traditional religious thinking. Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching; https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/se ...
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It's about life: addiction, recovery, and second chances. Each week comedians Greg Baldwin and Jimmy Shin talk to celebrities and normal folk about their second chance in life. Heroic, inspiring, often comedic true-life stories from the people who are living them.
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I help people understand themselves better, make sense of their feelings, and learn from resentments and disappointments by using a heart-centered and holistic approach. We all want to live an authentic and fulfilling life...sometimes we just need a little help. Two of our most basic needs are to be connected and to feel loved. Without these, we feel a lack of purpose and isolated. When we feel alone, disconnected and insecure, we’re filled with negative thoughts and feelings of guilt and sh ...
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Drinking Less: Why America’s Glass Is Half Empty With Coach Teri
18:19
18:19
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18:19Do you ever feel like you're the only person not drinking? In this episode, Coach Terry Patterson shares new Gallup poll data revealing a historic decline in U.S. alcohol consumption and a major shift in cultural beliefs about its health benefits. Learn why society is catching up with what science has long known: that no amount of alcohol is truly …
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The Relief Trap: Why Your Brain Chooses Alcohol and How to Find Real Peace - Victoria English
28:52
28:52
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28:52Are you pouring a drink to find a moment of peace, only to wake up feeling worse? Head Coach Victoria English explains the neuroscience behind why your brain seeks alcohol for "relief" from stress, pressure, and overstimulation. She details how alcohol's initial effect of boosting calming neurotransmitters and suppressing excitatory ones creates a …
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Chuang Tzu – When Life was Full There Was No History
55:25
55:25
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55:25“…They lived freely together giving and taking, and did not know that they were generous.” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 76 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:80 You can download a …
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The Justification Trap: How to Break Free From the Excuses That Keep You Drinking With Coach Matt
18:25
18:25
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18:25Do you find yourself making excuses for drinking, even when you know it's not serving you? This episode explores the neuroscience and psychology behind these powerful justifications. Coach Matt breaks down the cognitive biases and social pressures that reinforce the belief that drinking is okay, even when it's causing harm. Learn how the brain's re…
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How to Find Calm & Clarity with Heart Resonance Breathing With Coach Matt
19:07
19:07
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19:07Are you constantly feeling stressed and anxious? In this episode, Coach Matt reveals his favorite daily practice: heart resonance breathing. He explains how this powerful technique goes beyond simple relaxation to sync your heart, brain, and nervous system, lowering blood pressure and boosting emotional regulation. Learn how this six-second inhale …
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“…fall into Unbeginning.” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 75 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:80 You can download a free PDF of the most current version of Powerless But Not Helples…
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The Ultimate Stress Reliever: Using Box Breathing to Find Calm With Coach Matt
16:22
16:22
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16:22Feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? In this episode, Coach Matt introduces you to the power of breathwork as a tool to navigate the pressure of a high-achieving lifestyle. He shares the simple, yet profound, technique of box breathing, a four-second inhale, hold, exhale, and hold that you can use anytime, anywhere to instantly downshift your…
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Love Without Liquor: How Quitting Alcohol Saved Our Relationship - Shannon McLin and Scott Lepper
41:29
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41:29In this powerful couples’ episode, Shannon McLin and her boyfriend Scott Lepper open up about how alcohol was silently eroding their connection - and how quitting together transformed their relationship. From defensiveness and distance to trust and deep emotional presence, their story reveals the power of healing without sedation. If you're navigat…
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The Sleep Solution: A 10-Minute Breathwork Exercise to Fall Asleep Naturally With Coach Matt
17:27
17:27
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17:27Struggling with sleep? In this special episode, Coach Matt guides you through a powerful, 10-minute breathwork exercise specifically designed to help you fall and stay asleep naturally . Learn the simple 4-8-8 breathing technique that stimulates the vagus nerve and shifts your body into a state of deep relaxation. This practice helps you address th…
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The Self-Betrayal Cycle: How To Rebuild Trust With Your Brain - Victoria English
18:24
18:24
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18:24Have you ever said, "This is my last drink," only to find yourself drinking again? In this powerful episode, Coach Victoria English unpacks the neuroscience of this cycle of broken promises. She explains how this repetition trains your brain to expect self-betrayal, weakening the prefrontal cortex and leading to a quiet erosion of your identity. Bu…
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“Acceptability is a matter of logic: if you do not pursue what is acceptable when you see it, and do not flee what is unacceptable when you see it, acceptability and unacceptability are to each other as left to right, as outside to inside.” — Thomas Cleary, Wen-Tzu, Verse 116 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online versio…
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The Boredom Myth: How To Find Real Engagement In An Alcohol-Free Life With Coach Matt & Coach Jason
16:15
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16:15Are you worried about life being dull without alcohol? In this episode, coaches Matt and Jason tackle the "boredom myth" and explain its connection to the brain's reward system. They discuss how chronic boredom is often a sign that your brain is craving meaningful engagement, not a substance. Learn practical ways to re-engage with your five senses,…
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Alcohol-Free for 3 Years: The Secret Superpower High Achievers Don't Talk About
51:02
51:02
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51:02Shannon McLin, a high-powered appellate lawyer from Florida, shares the emotional story of how one painful argument and an alarming oura ring reading became her turning point. In this deeply personal episode, she reflects on raising her kids in a culture of drinking, the guilt she carried, and how Project 90 gave her the tools to finally break free…
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The Illusion Of Joy: How To Find Real Happiness Without Alcohol With Coach Jason & Coach Matt
15:53
15:53
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15:53Are you using alcohol to enhance a good time or cope with stress? It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that drinking brings joy, but coaches Jason and Matt reveal how this is a dangerous illusion . They dive into the neuroscience of how alcohol hijacks your brain's reward system, creating a powerful but false sense of pleasure. You'll learn…
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“Strange indeed: Nothingness who was not sent, who did not work to find it, had the night-colored Pearl!” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 74 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:80 You …
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Reframing Loneliness in an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle: A Guide to Reconnecting on Your Journey - Coach Matt and Coach Jason
19:52
19:52
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19:52What often begins as a social lubricant can lead to a cycle of isolation, a feeling that can intensify on an alcohol-free journey. Coaches Matt and Jason explore the neuroscience behind why loneliness can feel like physical pain and create a feedback loop that makes it hard to break. They share a powerful reframe, shifting the perspective from pain…
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Why You Still Want to Drink (Even When You Don't Like It) With Coach Jason & Coach Matt
16:25
16:25
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16:25Have you ever found yourself in a specific situation, a concert, a holiday, or a family visit and experienced an intense, unexpected urge to drink? This episode dives into the neuroscience behind this phenomenon, known as "incentive salience" . Coaches Jason and Matt explain how your brain's reward system creates subconscious associations with peop…
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From Awkward to Confident: How to Turn Down a Drink with Coach Teri & Coach Matt
18:07
18:07
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18:07Does the thought of turning down a drink fill you with anxiety? You're not alone. Coaches Teri and Matt break down the evolution of saying "no" to alcohol, from the awkward uncertainty of the early days to the empowered confidence that comes with time. They share practical scripts, personal stories, and powerful tools like the "because" statement t…
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“That which is not, goes his way. That which moves is what he stands on. Great is small for him, long is short for him, and all his distances are near.” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 73 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/d…
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Alcohol's Generational Divide: What We Can Learn From Gen Z with Coach Matt and Coach Terry
16:54
16:54
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16:54Why is Gen Z spending over $20 billion less on alcohol annually than previous generations? Coaches Matt and Terry explore this significant generational divide and what it means for the future of drinking culture. They discuss how the rise of the alcohol-free lifestyle as a mainstream health trend, coupled with a more honest conversation about alcoh…
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The Hangover Isn’t Just Physical, It’s Emotional - Victoria English
27:16
27:16
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27:16In this powerful episode, head coach Victoria English of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle’s Project 90 breaks down the neuroscience behind what’s really happening in your brain and body after drinking. From dopamine crashes to cortisol rebounds, GABA disruption to sleepless nights, this isn’t about willpower, it’s about chemistry. Download my FREE guide:…
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Re-entry: Why The Day After Matters Most with Coach Teri
15:52
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15:52You successfully navigated a big event alcohol-free, so why does a powerful craving suddenly hit the next day? Coach Terry Patterson calls this "The Re-entry Phase", the crucial period, after a party or vacation when your guard is down . She explains how the post-event dopamine crash can leave you vulnerable to unexpected urges, even when you felt …
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Resetting Your Brain’s Reward System After Alcohol with Coach Jason & Coach Matt
17:15
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17:15In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the alcohol-free journey: your reward system. From dopamine crashes and sugar cravings to rediscovering real joy in nature, music, and connection, they break down what’s happening in your brain, and how to reset it. Learn why patience is essential, how to reconnec…
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“His glory is in knowing that all things come together in one, and life and death are equal.” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 71 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:80 You can download…
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Remember Where You've Been & Where You Are Going with Coach Matt & Coach Jason
16:57
16:57
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16:57Coaches Matt and Jason return with a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to thrive in an alcohol-free life. This episode explores the importance of remembering where you came from, knowing where you're headed, and how to stay grounded in the present moment. From the emotional weight of reflection to the clarity gained through v…
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The Power of Rituals. What did our ancestors understand about Neuroscience? - with Coach David
33:36
33:36
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33:36In this deeply personal and thought-provoking solo episode, Coach David explores how ancient cultural rituals, candles, drumming, chanting, and more, aren’t just spiritual practices, but neurological tools for transformation. Drawing from his own life-changing experience living in Portugal and decades of studying neuroscience, David reveals how int…
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SMART Goals Framework for your Alcohol Free Journey with Coach Jason
15:06
15:06
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15:06In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt dive into the SMART goal-setting framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, and how it can be a game changer in your alcohol-free journey. They share personal stories, practical tools, and the science behind building consistent habits that stick. Whether you're trying to improve yo…
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Chuang Tzu – Are the 8 Delights Running my Life?
39:39
39:39
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39:39“If men would stay as they really are, taking or leaving these eight delights would make no difference. But if they will not rest in their right state, the eight delights develop like malignant tumors. — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 71 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that …
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Remembering The Early Days of Alcohol-Free with Coach Matt
19:27
19:27
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19:27Coaches Matt and Jason take a reflective journey back to their early alcohol-free days, revealing what really happens, physically, mentally, and emotionally, in those crucial first few weeks. From anxiety, identity shifts, and nervous system chaos to the surprising power of simple routines and meaningful connection, this episode is a raw, honest lo…
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Heal Your Brain After Alcohol: A Guide to Nutrition & Gut Health with Coach David & Coach Matt
27:03
27:03
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27:03In this powerful episode, Coaches Matt and David explore the vital connection between nutrition, sleep, and brain healing in early alcohol-free living. Learn how alcohol impacts your brain’s ability to function and repair, why sleep and gut health are key to recovery, and which foods and simple strategies can help rewire your body and mind. David s…
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Beyond Instant Gratification: How to Rewire Your Brain for Alcohol-Free Rewards with Coach Matt & Coach Jason
15:38
15:38
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15:38Alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward system, trapping you in a cycle of instant gratification . So how do you break free? Coaches Jason and Matt explore the crucial skill of delayed gratification for a successful alcohol-free life. They discuss why it's okay to lean on sugar in the early days and share practical strategies for retraining your brain t…
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“Now the whole world is not enough reward for the ‘good,’ nor enough punishment for the ‘wicked.’ … How can they find time to be human?” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 70 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972…
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The Fading Effect: Why You Lose Motivation & How to Follow Through with Coach David
26:33
26:33
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26:33Ever started a new goal with intense motivation, only to find yourself drifting off a few weeks later? Coach David breaks down the psychological reason this happens, a phenomenon called the "Fading Effect Bias." He explains how the very act of deciding to change relieves the initial pressure that got you started, causing your momentum to evaporate.…
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Stop the Drift: Why Consistency is Key to an Alcohol-Free Life with Coach Matt & Coach Jason
16:28
16:28
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16:28In this episode, Coaches Matt and Jason unpack the true key to lasting change: consistency. From habit tracking and morning routines to navigating motivation slumps and staying on course after hitting alcohol-free milestones, they explore how small, daily actions reinforce your alcohol-free identity. Learn how to build guardrails that keep you from…
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“The greatest crimes are eventually shown to have been necessary and, in fact, a signal benefit to mankind.” — Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu, Page 69 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/section:80 Y…
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Enviroment is Stronger than Willpower with Coach David & Coach Matt
23:57
23:57
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23:57Coaches David and Matt explore one of the most critical, and overlooked, factors in sustaining an alcohol-free life: your environment. From rearranging your home and changing routines to managing social settings and reshaping your internal dialogue, this episode unpacks how small environmental shifts lead to massive behavioral change. Learn why wil…
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Brain Training for an Alcohol-Free Life: Simple Hacks That Work with Coach Matt and Coach Jason
18:00
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18:00Looking for simple ways to rewire your brain for an alcohol-free life? Coaches Jason and Matt share practical "brain training" hacks that go beyond just talk. Discover why simple actions, like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or using specific breathing techniques, are powerful tools for moving from subconscious habits to conscious c…
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The Protector. The Provider. The Drinker - Victoria English
15:48
15:48
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15:48You’re the man people rely on, strong, successful, always in control. But alcohol? It’s quietly stealing your presence, your edge, and the respect you’ve worked so hard to earn. This is a woman’s message to men who drink too much. An invitation to come home to the man your family admires. The one your kids trust. The one your wife misses. You don’t…
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Non-Drinker vs Dry Drunk with Coach Matt and Coach Jason
16:01
16:01
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16:01In today's impactful episode, Coach Matt and Coach Jason dive deep into the intriguing topic of the "Dry Drunk" phenomenon, individuals who give up alcohol but don't address the root causes behind their drinking habits. Together, Matt and Jason share powerful personal insights, unpack the misconceptions around coping mechanisms, and highlight the v…
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“Who is there among those called smart, who does not spend his time amassing loot for a bigger robber than himself?” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 67 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004/sect…
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Negotiating With Alcohol Is Exhausting, here’s the Smarter Play - Victoria English
20:25
20:25
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20:25Tired of thinking about drinking? If you’re constantly trying to “drink less” but still feel stuck, this episode explains why moderation is mentally exhausting, and what neuroscience says to do instead. We’ll cover: • Why “just one” keeps you in the loop. • The brain science behind craving and decision fatigue. • How a 90-day break resets your syst…
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More Powerful Than Willpower: How to Design Your Environment for Alcohol-Free Success - Coach Matt
12:34
12:34
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12:34Ever feel like you're losing the daily battle against willpower? You're not alone. Coach Matt explains why your environment, not your discipline, is the true key to alcohol-free success. Drawing on principles from the bestselling book, Atomic Habits, Matt shares how to consciously design your surroundings to work for you, not against you. Learn pra…
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How to Build Morning & Evening Routines for an Alcohol-Free Life - Coach Matt
25:13
25:13
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25:13Why do so many people drift away from their alcohol-free goals? Coach Matt argues it's often the lack of consistent routines. In this episode, he provides a science-backed guide to building the morning and evening routines that act as powerful anchors for your new life. Learn why starting small is the key to creating habits that stick, how routines…
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“They put holes in no form, one a day, for seven days. And when they finished the seventh opening, their friend lay dead.”— Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 66 30 Tools to Stay Sober All Year Round! Here is a link to an online version of the Tao Te Ching that we use in every meeting: https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Year:1972,1988,1996,2004…
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How to Socialize Alcohol-Free: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Parties - Coach Matt
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17:44Summer parties and barbecues can feel intimidating when you're not drinking. In this practical guide, Coach Matt shares his ultimate playbook for socializing alcohol-free with confidence. Learn actionable strategies like the "10-Minute Rule" to ease social anxiety and the "Irish Goodbye" for a smooth exit. This episode provides the tools you need t…
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4 Things You're Always in Control Of - Coach Matt & Coach Jason
25:32
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25:32In this episode of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Podcast, Matt and Jason open up about navigating seasonal triggers, lingering alcohol cravings, even years into being alcohol-free, and the powerful tools that keep them grounded. Discover how controlling your breath, posture, words, and focus can help you stay resilient, emotionally balanced, and conne…
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Short the Stock: Alcohol’s Crashing Value - Victoria English
19:57
19:57
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19:57You wouldn’t invest in a stock with declining returns, mounting risks, and fake rewards, so why keep pouring into alcohol? This episode unpacks the hidden costs of drinking through the lens of value, logic, and self-trust. Discover why high-achieving professionals stay stuck in a losing game, and how to start making deposits into something that act…
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Your Compass Is Pointing Somewhere, Why Aren’t You Moving? - Victoria English
23:28
23:28
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23:28Do you feel stuck, knowing you want to change your relationship with alcohol but waiting for the “perfect time”? In this episode, Coach Victoria English uses the powerful metaphor to explain why you might be frozen in the “almost phase”. She reveals how the mental exhaustion of debating your drinking and the myth of “being ready” can keep you from …
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How Visualization Can Rewire Your Alcohol-Free Journey with Coach Jason and Coach Matt
22:34
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22:34In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt explain how this simple mental practice can help you build the alcohol-free life you want. They share the science behind it, including a study where visualization improved performance by 23%, and give you actionable tools like “playing the tape forward” to consciously create your future. Download my FREE guid…
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Leading with Strength: How Natural Talents Support the Alcohol-Free Journey
36:13
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36:13In this episode, Coach Teri Patterson sits down with Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Sally Magee to explore how identifying and embracing your natural talents can support and strengthen your alcohol-free lifestyle. They discuss the Clifton Strengths assessment, the value of focusing on what you do well, and how leaning into your strengths builds c…
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