In this episode I catch up with psychologist Ben Schiller. We chat about Ben hitting 12 years of sobriety the feeling of pride we both get from our choices. We delve into the thought patterns that can hinder us, such as catastrophising, eternity thinking, and personalisation. Ben explains these cognitive distortions and how they often serve as coping mechanisms. Together, we explore practical questions that can help shift these unhelpful thoughts. Ben also introduces us to parts therapy,...

In this episode I was so stoked to talk with much loved Australian TV host, radio presenter, podcast host and author Osher Gunsberg (formerly Andrew G). We talk about Osher's relationship with alcohol which was masking anxiety which he has suffered with from a young age. We chat about his history with alcohol, how like many of us, once he starts he can't stop, his rock bottom era and how he turned around just going day by day. To hear more from Osher, tune into his podcast Better Than...

Nikki Williams is an entrepreneur and founder of Mentwell - a digital gift card for health and wellness services where the receiver gets to choose how they redeem, at any service provider Australia-wide. Nikki is avidly passionate about holistic health and behaviour change systems for individuals. Receivers can use it on psychology, GP, or acupuncture appointments or perhaps, reiki, massage, yoga classes or a gym memberships to name a few options. Nikki has been sober for sometime now, but...

In this episode, I catch up with Beau Brooks, who rose to fame in the 2010s as the frontman of the popular prankster group, The Janoskians. From hanging out with celebrities like the Kardashians and Ariana Grande, Beau shares his journey and opens up about his childhood wound from being abandoned by his father at a young age, which fueled an unquenchable desire for recognition. After achieving fame, Beau started drinking heavily, which escalated to binge drinking and an inability to socialize...

In this episode I catch up with Ash Butterss, the former host of the podcast Behind The Smile. We talk about her evolution and leaning into the fear to be able grow. Ash asks the audience to imagine what a life without fear would look like. We talk about her work with helping women transform themselves from the inside out. How Yoga and Meditation gave her the keys to freedom and peace, through being able to observe her thoughts and connect with her to essence. Ash and I will be running an in...

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 honesty We explore how Michelle has embraced her creative side as a form of meditation, helping her find peace and focus. Now, two years into...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode I catch up with an old mate and drinking buddy, musician Dallas Frasca. Dallas chats about how growing up around partying really normalised alcohol for her from a very young age. Growing up in the blues scene and around motor bike rallies, Dallas is no stranger to the raucous lifestyle and found herself always chasing that lifestyle. Dallas is going on what she calls a clarity bender, she is 8 months sober and absolutely basking in the clarity and positives that are...

In this episode I catch up with HIQA grad, Jade Lee again on the podcast. Jade is a yoga, breathwork and meditation teacher, coach, author and is about to lead a group of lucky people on a trek to Base Camp in Nepal. We chat about managing your energy in sobriety. How sobriety can help you live the life of your dreams. How tuning into your deepest fears and what hits your stuff gives you the keys to freedom. How simplifying your practice can help with overwhelm. To find about Jade's...

***** TRIGGER WARNING we talk about the rape of a child in this episode********** In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Art Alexakis, the lead singer of, Everclear. Art opens up about his struggles with addiction, starting at the tender age of 8. From coping with bullying, surviving trauma, family upheaval, to dealing with his brother's tragic death at 12, Art shares how these challenges shaped him. Despite facing a drug overdose and battles with alcohol, Art found solace in...

If we don't take accountability for our actions and for our lives, how do we grow as humans? Taking accountability means being honest with ourselves first and foremost, and I believe that honesty is what allows growth and helps us to stay committed to the path of not only staying sober but also our personal growth. For more resources such as one on one coaching with Danni or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol  Music...

In this episode I catch up with Psychotherapist Thea Baker. We delve into the profound impact of our parents' addiction, exploring the wounds it created and the journey of holding and healing as adults. We chat about creating space and embracing our emotions, learning how to navigate the complexities of our feelings. Thea shares her expertise on the importance of therapy in this process. This is a big chat about personal growth, healing, and the power of understanding our emotional...

Don't let your relapse stop you from reaching out for help. A relapse can be a wonderful teacher. Tune in to hear why and the questions you can ask yourself. For coaching on relapse book in a coaching call with me at www.iquitalcohol.com.au Another great resource is Lyndal Hunt's relapse program. Email Lyndal at [email protected] For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to www.iquitalcohol.com.au Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol  Music for...

In this episode I catch up with social worker and the founder of Mindful Men Simon Rinne. Simon developed OCD tendencies in childhood which intensified in his teens. The only way he could slow his mind down was by using alcohol. We break down what it looks like when you have OCD and how exhausting those intrusive thoughts can become. Simon was struggling so much on the inside, growing up in a football and "alpha men" environment which talking about vulnerabilities and mental health was not...

***** TRIGGER WARNING WE DO DISCUSS SUICIDAL IDEATIONS IN THIS EPISODE **** In this episode I catch up with Paul the Sober Plumber who as of the day of this recording has just ticked over one year sober. We talk about how an episode with acid in teenage years brought on anxiety and panic attacks and how Paul realised in sobriety that he was using alcohol to push it the anxiety away. How Paul was struggling so much from depression and anxiety before he stopped drinking. Recognising...

In this episode I catch up sobriety and co-dependacy coach, Drew Wild. In this episode we hear about Drew's on personal story with addiction and his healing as well as his work with clients. We talked about the effects of preverbal trauma, and how in utero our developing nervous systems our shaped by our mothers nervous system. How our core beliefs can create coping mechanisms that work at the time but eventually become maladaptive. How many of us are just filing the void with alcohol...

In this episode, I catch up with with Sunshine Coast musician Andrea Kirwin, who is navigating the early stages of her sobriety journey and already experiencing the positive changes that come with a life without alcohol. Andrea shares her decision to quit after an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting her realisation of using alcohol as a means to self-medicate undiagnosed ADHD symptoms. She delves into the coping mechanism of using alcohol to calm her nervous system. Andrea has had so many benefits...