The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast

When Emma Gilmour of Hope Rising Coaching joined us, she didn't just bring a big laugh (and that we did many of!) — she brought an open conversation about her recent autism diagnosis, raising neurodivergent children, perimenopause, giving up alcohol and finding calm in a chaotic world! Sigh... Emma is just awesome.
We talk about parenting children who experience the world differently, how Emma's journey to sobriety unearthed her authentic introverted self, and the ways in which society's extroverted ideals can obscure our true natures.
This heart-to-heart also spotlights the elephant in the room: the PTSD-like stress parenting can impose, and why acknowledging this reality is vital for our emotional health. Emma's insights into the often misunderstood manifestations of autism in women, and the relief that comes with understanding and resources, form a lighthouse for those on similar paths.
In fact, Emma runs a 'Be the Lighthouse', a group coaching program offering support for those seeking an alcohol-free life. We leave you with the understanding that whether you're a parent to a neurodivergent child, re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol, or in pursuit of deeper self-care, this episode stands as a testament to the transformative journeys we're capable of embarking upon.
LEARN MOR ABOUT EMMA
Emma's website www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Emma's podcast Midlife AF https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/podcastEMMA'S ND PARENTING RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE POD

Socials:

@Neurowild_

@adhd_love_

@adhdactually

@_kristyforbes

@laura.nd.nurse.consulting

Websites:

https://drrossgreene.com/

https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/

https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/

https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/about/

https://www.naomifisher.co.uk/

Books:

Heidi Mavir - Your Child Is Not Broken

Chloe Hayden - Different not less

Eliza Fr

MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
Small group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-...

In this transformative episode, I’m thrilled to share insights from Natalie E. West, high-performance integrative psychotherapist and guest speaker during Week 2 of my (Bella's) November Alcohol Freedom Challenge. Natalie captivated our group with her profound understanding of how attachments—to substances like alcohol, food, and drugs—are often rooted in unmet emotional needs and external validation. Sharing her personal journey with alcohol, Natalie delved into the emotional and psychological factors that shape dependency and provided strategies for creating lasting change.
We explore the groundbreaking connection between nutritional psychology and emotional regulation, revealing how the gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in breaking free from habits that no longer serve us. Natalie introduced tailored nutritional approaches, such as ketogenic and carnivore diets, that not only stabilise energy but also improve mental clarity and overall well-being. Her expertise sparked dynamic discussions and inspired the group to reframe their perspectives on cravings and dependency by focusing on internal values and purpose.
Natalie’s empowering philosophy of replacing “I should” with “I choose” invites us to approach life with intention, authenticity, and self-prioritisation. By embracing conscious decision-making and fostering a stable emotional environment, Natalie shows how we can build self-value, navigate change, and create a life aligned with our core beliefs. Her talk was an unforgettable highlight of the challenge, and I’m excited to share her wisdom with you today. To learn more about Natalie’s impactful work, visit [natalieewest.com](https://natalieewest.com).

MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
Small group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-...

In this episode, Meg shares her personal story behind her decision to become an alcohol free woman and a This Naked Mind Certified Coach. Meg opens up about her generalised anxiety disorder and social phobia, the 3 things that happened in her childhood that contributed to her anxiety and how she found that alcohol initially helped her manage her anxiety at the start but later exacerbated it. Meg discusses how ditching the booze substantially reduced her anxiety and also made her feel happier and calmer, so much so that she now helps other people do the same.
Meg is the founder and a certified coach at Glass Fulfilled and can be found at www.glassfulfilled.com.au. Meg welcomes all enquiries.

MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
Small group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-...

(*An oldie but a goodie with the awesome Lisa Greenberg back in the day when our pod was called She's Sober Sydney*) Join us as we talk with the glorious perfectly imperfect Lisa Greenberg about her alcohol addiction and her path to sobriety and beyond. As a highly sought-after speaker, fitness consultant, columnist and founder of SOBEROBICS, Lisa’s passion for inspiring, elevating and empowering women truly resonates. Her energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious. In this episode, Lisa is refreshingly honest and open about how dark her battle with alcohol got for her. We discuss the secrecy and dishonesty that often accompanies addiction including hiding bottles and lying to family and friends about the extent of her drinking; how Lisa believed that alcohol allowed her to be the party girl and that without it she “would have nothing else to add” and that “no one would want to talk to her” and how at rock bottom her self-loathing loomed so large that she chose to sleep on the concrete floor as she believed she no longer deserved her bed. In recovery, Lisa learned to like the girl staring back at her in the mirror and embrace the fact that she no longer needs or wants to be the party girl. Her experience has propelled her into a life full of gratitude and service to others. This episode is essential listening for those of us who are seeking reminders as to why we are living or yearn to live an alcohol-free life and who are looking for some hope and inspiration to reach outwards, onwards and upwards. Lisa can be found on Instagram: @lisagperfectlyimperfect. (Repeat episode. Previously published in 2023.)

MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
Small group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-...

In today's episode, we talk to sleep psychologist Professor Michael Gradisar from Wink Sleep all about alcohol & sleep. Not only do people fear not being able to fall asleep when taking a break from alcohol but this fear can often be a reason for not staying the course. So we thought let’s get an expert on to answer our questions and learn some tips! We discuss how the first week of removing alcohol can resemble insomnia and how it can take a week or two to transition into a restorative sleep pattern. Michael explains how being forearmed with this knowledge minimises your fear of falling asleep by empowering you to know this is normal and that steps are available to make it easier, including cognitive behaviour therapy techniques, improvements to your sleep environment and bringing in your screen to help you doze off to a calming show (yes you heard that right!). We also discuss how drinking dreams actually help us remain alcohol free. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did! Look out for Wink Sleep’s eBook, How to Ride the Wave: Sleep and Alcohol, How to Make it Easier when Making a Change which can be found at https://winksleep.online/ as well as links to daily videos discussing what you can expect in the early days of going alcohol free together with some tips to ride the wave.

Episode Links: WINK: https://winksleep.online/

Disclaimer: The hosts of She’s Sober Sydney! are not medically trained. The hosts and their guests do not and cannot provide medical or health advice on this podcast. Alcohol addiction and physical withdrawal from alcohol can be severe and life threatening. If you have any medical concerns about your alcohol use or potential withdrawal from alcohol, or any medical or health conditions, please obtain the advice of qualifi

MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
Small group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-...