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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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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Finding Emotional Freedom: How EFT Helps You Heal, Ground, and Transform - Coach David with with Nicole Dubruel
52:18
52:18
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52:18In this episode, Coach David talks with EFT expert Nicole Dubruel about how tapping can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control. Nicole shares how she discovered EFT during a stressful time and how it became a simple daily practice that changed everything. They dive into how EFT works, why it helps ease stress and cravings, and how you c…
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34 Years Alcohol-Free & Healed with Tai Chi - Coach Matt with Paul Sheffer
45:55
45:55
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45:55In this episode, we sit down with Paul Scheffer, who shares his incredible 34-year journey of living alcohol-free and how 33 years of practicing Tai Chi helped him rebuild his life, mind, and body from the inside out. From working in the chaotic kitchens of New York City to becoming a teacher of healing movement, Paul takes us through the dark vall…
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Justifications & Alcohol: How to Get Beyond Them - Coach Matt
19:22
19:22
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19:22Justifications are one of the biggest hidden barriers in early alcohol-free living. They're the stories we tell ourselves to make drinking seem okay, even when it’s not. Let's break down the brain science, psychology, and social dynamics behind these patterns and explore how to move beyond them with awareness and choice. Download my FREE guide: The…
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From Negations to Affirmations: What You Focus on Grows - Coach Matt
24:49
24:49
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24:49Today, we're talking about how what you focus on expands and why your words matter more than you think. Ever heard, 'Don't think of a pink elephant'?What happened? You pictured it, right?That’s because the brain doesn’t process 'don’t', it latches onto the image or idea. So when you tell yourself, 'Don't drink tonight,' your mind actually focuses o…
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They Would Have Loved Me Quietly—And Let Me Go Slowly - Victoria English
17:23
17:23
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17:23The hardest part? I would’ve been the last to notice. This is the story of how alcohol almost erased me, from the inside out. I was never going to lose them in a blowout. Just a slow letting go. Fewer calls. Less trust. Sacred moments shared elsewhere. Not because they stopped loving me—but because I stopped showing up. This is what I almost missed…
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Is it ok to make plans? What does it mean to plan for the future when walking this path? — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 60 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 fr…
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Your Summer Glow-Up Part 3: How to Be the Most Powerful Person in the Room—Alcohol-Free - Victoria English
23:01
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23:01Alcohol doesn’t make you magnetic, it makes you manageable. In the final episode of the Summer Glow-Up series, you’ll learn how to handle parties, pushback, and social pressure without shrinking or second-guessing yourself. You don’t need a drink to feel confident. You need clarity, presence, and a plan. And this summer, you walk in with all three.…
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Your Summer Glow-Up Part 2: The Emotional Reset Your Midlife Self Has Been Begging For - Victoria English
20:25
20:25
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20:25Mood swings, overwhelm, and 3 a.m. anxiety aren’t personality flaws, they’re often what happens when your brain is stuck in survival mode, quietly destabilized by alcohol. In Part 2 of the Summer Glow-Up series, we’re talking about the emotional reset that begins when you stop drinking: steadier moods, real confidence, deeper sleep, and the return …
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“Every man knows how useful it is to be useful. No one seems to know how useful it is to be useless.” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 59 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 …
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Your Summer Glow-Up Starts Here: Part 1 - The Body You Forgot You Had - Victoria English
23:52
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23:52Bloating, brain fog, and restless sleep aren’t just part of getting older, they’re often symptoms of a body fighting off the daily impact of alcohol. In Part 1 of the Summer Glow-Up series, discover what really happens when you give your body 90 days to repair, rebalance, and reveal the version of you that’s been buried under the buzz. Skin clears.…
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Somatic Healing and a substance free life - Coach Jason with TJ Woodward
45:37
45:37
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45:37In this episode, Coach Jason welcomes TJ Woodward, renowned inspirational speaker, bestselling spiritual author, and revolutionary recovery expert for a heart-opening conversation on somatic healing and building a substance-free life. Together, they explore how trauma lives in the body, why traditional talk therapy isn’t always enough, and how soma…
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“We have seen a fire of sticks burn out. The fire now burns in some other place. Where? Who knows?” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 57 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 do…
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Drinking Lives in Your Head Long After the Buzz Fades - Victoria English
23:08
23:08
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23:08Alcohol rewires your brain to stay in the loop, spiking dopamine, disrupting GABA and glutamate, and hijacking the prefrontal cortex. Even without a drink in hand, it drains focus, fuels anxiety, and consumes your mental bandwidth. You don’t have to think about drinking forever. Your mind was made for more. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freed…
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You’re Not Broken: Why Drinking Feels Like Survival - Victoria English
25:15
25:15
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25:15Alcohol can feel like control, comfort, or escape, but underneath, it’s often a way to survive what the nervous system never learned to handle. This is about the science of protection, not failure. You’re not broken. You’re adapting. And you can learn a new way forward one built on strength, not shame. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Fo…
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“Hey, Sung Hu! Where'd you go? You have gonewhere you really were. And we are here." — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 55 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 P…
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Rewiring the Brain: How to Escape Self-Sabotage - Coch Jason with George Haymaker
53:38
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53:38In this powerful episode, Coach Jason sits down with George Haymaker, a Certified Neuroscience Coach & Consultant, to explore how the brain forms destructive patterns, and how to rewire them for good. From addiction recovery to breaking everyday self-sabotage loops, George shares the science behind personal transformation, how habits take root in t…
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Boredom Isn’t the Enemy: Mindful Living After Alcohol – Coach Matt with Jeff Lester
37:47
37:47
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37:47What if boredom isn’t something to escape, but a doorway to transformation? In this episode, Coach Matt sits down with Jeff Lester, founder of Jefe Living, to explore how reframing boredom can unlock personal growth, mindfulness, and deeper self-awareness in alcohol-free living. From idle hands to intentional living, Jeff shares practical tools to …
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From Mossad to Mindset: Building Unshakable Emotional Fortitude - Itamar Marani
1:01:36
1:01:36
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1:01:36Itamar Marano is today’s guest is a former Israeli Special Forces operative, a former undercover agent, the youngest-ever air marshal in Israel’s history, and now a top-tier mindset coach to high-performing entrepreneurs around the world. This episode is all about inner strength. We dive into how fear, ego, and self-sabotage silently derail even th…
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Overcoming Social Awkwardness- James Swanwick on the Lifeblood Podcast
29:31
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29:31James Swanwick shares on the Lifeblood Podcast how going alcohol-free helped him overcome years of social anxiety and awkwardness. He opens up about navigating parties, networking events, and relationships without a drink in hand and thriving because of it. Tune in to discover practical tips for building confidence and connection without relying on…
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How We Get Addicted to News & Social Media - Matt Gardiner
18:13
18:13
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18:13Quitting alcohol is about breaking free from unhealthy cycles, but what if I told you that the news and social media can hijack your brain in a similar way? Just like alcohol, sensational headlines trigger dopamine, fuel fear, and create compulsive habits that keep us hooked. In this episode, we’ll explore why this happens and how to take back cont…
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Fixed vs Growth Mindset: What's Blocking Your Alcohol-Free Potential?
16:29
16:29
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16:29Growth, Grit & Alcohol-Free Living: Harness the power of a growth mindset to transform your relationship with alcohol and step into a more vibrant, empowered life. By shifting the way we think about challenges, setbacks, and personal growth, we open the door to new possibilities, without the limitations of alcohol. This podcast explores the mindset…
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“ It is easy to stand still and leave no trace, but it is hard to walk without touching the ground.” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 53 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 d…
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How to Live a Luscious Life - without Alcohol with Martha Wright.
43:12
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43:12In this episode of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Podcast, Teri sits down with Martha Wright, a former winery owner who now helps others live a luscious, sparkling life, without the impacts of alcohol. Splitting her time between the U.S. and Paris, Martha has discovered that true hospitality isn’t about what’s in the glass but about connection, ambianc…
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Sober for Lent? You’re Already Rewiring Your Brain - Victoria English
26:02
26:02
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26:02Forty days without alcohol isn’t just a break, it’s a biological turning point. As the brain begins to heal and dopamine levels recalibrate, clarity, confidence, and deeper connection start to return. What began as a Lenten sacrifice becomes a quiet revolution in the body, the brain, and the self. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula…
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‘Alcohol-Free Is A Mainstream Health & Wellness Trend’ With Adam Chin
52:40
52:40
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52:40What if going alcohol-free wasn’t about restriction, but about expansion? In this episode, Coach Matt sits down with Adam Chin, co-creator of the Enlifted Method and longtime student of human optimization, to explore why alcohol-free living is becoming a powerful trend in health and wellness. With a background studying under Jeffrey Gitomer and dec…
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“The Man with One Foot and the Marsh Pheasant” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 48 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 Powe…
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Excuses No More! The Neuroscience of Limiting Beliefs' - Matt Gardiner
24:22
24:22
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24:22Every transformation begins in the mind. The excuses we tell ourselves: ‘It’s too hard,’ ‘I need alcohol to sleep’ are NOT truths, but conditioned patterns wired into our brains. In this episode of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Podcast, Coach Matt Gardner breaks down the neuroscience behind limiting beliefs and excuses, and more importantly, how to ov…
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You've Read All The Books... So Why Aren't You Changing? - David Gilks
21:44
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21:44In this episode, we will explore the hidden reason why transformation might feel out of reach, even when you’re doing “all the right things.” We’ll dive into a concept called personal development fatigue, and why more information isn’t the answer. Instead of chasing more tips, tricks, and steps… what if the real shift begins with who you’re being? …
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How to Reduce Alcohol Consumption by 98% - James Swanwick with Dan Go
1:06:00
1:06:00
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1:06:00Are you struggling to cut back on alcohol but don’t want to quit completely? In this episode, I join Dan Go to break down a science-backed approach to reducing alcohol consumption by 98%, without feeling deprived. We discuss simple habit shifts, the hidden costs of casual drinking, and how to rewire your brain to crave a healthier lifestyle. Whethe…
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“What I follow is Tao beyond all methods!” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 45 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 Powerles…
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How to Break Your Alcohol Addiction for Good - James Swanwick on Order of Man Podcast
56:11
56:11
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56:11Are you tired of the cycle of quitting alcohol only to relapse? In this episode, I join the Order of Man podcast and host Ryan Michler o discuss the mindset shifts and strategies that will help you break free from alcohol permanently. We cover why traditional "moderation" approaches fail, the power of a 90-day alcohol reset, and how to reprogram yo…
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The 90-Day Alcohol-Free Blueprint - James Swanwick on The Great Unlearn Podcast
1:22:49
1:22:49
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1:22:49Want to quit drinking but don’t know where to start? In this episode from The Great Unlearn podcast with host Cal Callahan, I walk you through my 90-day alcohol-free blueprint—an actionable step-by-step approach to transforming your life. We talk about how to navigate social situations, deal with cravings, and build a lifestyle where alcohol simply…
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No Alcohol, No Regrets - James Swanwick on Destination Unknown Podcast
1:10:28
1:10:28
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1:10:28What happens when you remove alcohol from your life? In this powerful conversation with the Destination Unknown podcast and host Blazik McBride, I share my personal journey of quitting alcohol, how it reshaped my career and relationships, and why going alcohol-free isn't about restriction, it's about unlocking freedom. We dive into the identity shi…
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The truly wise man, considering both sides of the question without partiality, sees them both in the light of the Tao. — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 44 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/se…
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If Alcohol Was the Answer, Why Does The Problem Keep Coming Back? - Victoria English
22:12
22:12
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22:12You tell yourself alcohol helps you relax, unwind, or cope, but if that were true, wouldn’t the stress, anxiety, and frustration be gone by now? Instead, the same problems keep showing up, and drinking just presses pause for a few hours. This episode unpacks the illusion of alcohol as a solution, why it actually keeps you stuck, and what happens wh…
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Why You’re Stuck in the ‘I’ll Start Tomorrow’ Loop - Victoria English
18:23
18:23
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18:23You tell yourself you’ll start fresh tomorrow, but tomorrow keeps getting pushed to next week, next month, next year. The problem isn’t motivation, it’s waiting for the perfect moment that never comes. Here’s why you keep delaying change, how alcohol keeps you stuck, and what actually gets you moving. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom For…
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Drinking & Self-Improvement: Can You Really Have Both? - Victoria English
25:59
25:59
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25:59You read the books, follow the experts, and set big goals, but if alcohol is still in the picture, are you actually growing or just going through the motions? Drinking impacts focus, memory, and motivation, making real change harder than it needs to be. So if you’re feeling stuck despite all your self-improvement efforts, maybe the problem isn’t wh…
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Abandoning all thought of imposing a limit or taking sides, he rests in direct intuition. Therefore I said: “Better to abandon disputation and seek the true light!” — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Pages 42-43 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://…
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Living Alcohol-Free: Coach Jason’s Path to a New Purpose
45:19
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45:19In this episode, you’ll meet Coach Jason LaChance, who went from rock radio and people-pleasing to a confident, alcohol-free life. Jason shares how he broke free from old habits, redefined his identity, and found true community. You’ll learn how curiosity, mindfulness, and personal values can help you navigate your own alcohol-free journey with con…
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Becoming Unoffendable: Mastering Emotional Resilience in an Alcohol-Free Life - Matt Gardiner
21:22
21:22
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21:22How often did alcohol amplify your reactions, making you easily triggered or stuck in a cycle of frustration? In this episode, we dive into the psychology of taking offense, why it happens, how it impacts our well-being, and most importantly, how to break free from it. Learn the neuroscience behind emotional reactions, uncover strategies to stay gr…
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How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Can Help You Break Free from Alcohol
1:10:00
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1:10:00Could the key to overcoming alcohol dependence be hidden in your own mind? In this episode, Coach Matt and Deus Fortier dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful therapeutic model that helps heal the inner wounds driving alcohol use. By understanding the different parts of yourself, your exiles, managers, and firefighters, you can break f…
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One may well suppose the True Govener to be behind it all. That such a Power works I can believe. I cannot see his form. He acts, but has no form. — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 41 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…
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The 4 Pillars of Nonviolent Communication for an Alcohol-Free Life - Matt Gardiner
19:56
19:56
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19:56Communication can make or break your alcohol-free lifestyle. In this episode, we dive into the 4 Pillars of Nonviolent Communication, observations, feelings, needs, and requests—and how they help you express yourself with clarity and compassion. Learn how to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and create meaningful connections without blame or…
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Your Brain vs. The Bottle: The Science of Why You Drink Against Your Own Best Judgment - Victoria English
41:56
41:56
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41:56You’re smart, driven, and disciplined, so why does alcohol still have a hold on you? The answer isn’t willpower, it’s neuroscience. In this episode, we’ll uncover 7 signs that cognitive dissonance is keeping you stuck, explain what’s happening in your brain, and show you how to break free. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I can stop anytime” but have…
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Your Brain on Alcohol: Breaking Free from a Familiar Hell - Victoria English
31:21
31:21
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31:21If you’ve ever wondered why you keep drinking, even when you don’t want to, the answer isn’t willpower, it’s neuroscience. Your nervous system craves the familiar, even when it’s harmful, because the unknown feels like a threat. Alcohol hijacks your brain’s stress and reward systems, making you believe you need it. In this episode, we break down th…
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Master Ki said: Something is blowing on a thousand different holes. Some power stands behind all this and makes the sounds die down. What is this power? — Thomas Merton, The Way Of Chuang Tzu, Page 39 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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Outperform, Outthink, Outlast — Why Alcohol Is the Silent Saboteur of Success - Victoria English
38:16
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38:16High achievers operate at a different level, until something starts quietly slowing them down. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not as sharp, driven, or clear-headed as you used to be, alcohol could be the hidden factor holding you back. In this episode, we break down six key traits that separate top performers from the rest, and the science behind …
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The Autoimmune Solution - Dr. Amy Myers MD
53:57
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53:57What is a leaky gut and how do you heal autoimmune challenges? We find out in today's conversation between James Swanwick and Dr. Amy Myers MD, 2x New York Times best-selling author and functional medicine doctor. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.co…
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The Miserable Maybe - How to finally decide to take a break from alcohol - Teri Patterson
15:59
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15:59Stuck in the exhausting back-and-forth of should I quit drinking? Coach Teri breaks down the Miserable Maybe, that indecisive limbo that keeps you stuck. Learn how decision fatigue holds you back and how making a firm choice can set you free. If you've been thinking about taking a break from alcohol, this episode will help you finally commit and mo…
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Chuang Tzu – A Hat Salesman and a Capable Ruler!
32:47
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32:47This is a great story demonstrating how the solution to dissatisfaction can be found in open-mindedness. Is the tree really useless? Can I see this differently? 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:…
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