How many times have you tried to “just drink less”… only to end up right back where you started?

In this episode, I’m talking about the hard but freeing truth behind repeated failed attempts at moderation — and the thinking patterns that keep high-achieving women stuck in the cycle of overdrinking.

If you’ve ever told yourself:

• “I’ll only drink on weekends.”
• “I’ll switch to wine.”
• “I just need better rules.”
• “This time will be different.” …this episode is for you.

We’re diving into the disordered thinking that protects alcohol instead of protecting you — including moving goalposts, alcohol amnesia, the “just one more try” loop, and the illusion of control that keeps you negotiating instead of deciding.

No shame here, just clarity.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize when moderation isn’t working for you
• Why your brain keeps convincing you to try again
• The difference between perseverance and avoidance
• When it might be time to stop managing your drinking and make a clear decision

If you’re tired of thinking about alcohol all the time…tired of starting over…tired of proving you “should” be able to control it…

This Stop Over-drinking and Start Living Podcast episode is a conversation is for women who are sober curious, cutting back on alcohol, taking a break, or exploring a healthier relationship with drinking and with themselves.

If you’re ready to explore private coaching or attending a Magic House Retreat in Lisbon to transform your relationship with alcohol at a deeper level, you can book a Clarity Call here: https://www.angelamascenik.com/claritycall

And check out the last 3 spots in the May Magic House Retreat in Lisbon!
https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle

Are you exhausted from thinking about your drinking all the time?

Tired of analyzing, planning, negotiating, starting over, and wondering why it still feels so hard?

In this episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I break down a phase of change that almost no one talks about—the moment when you’re not motivated anymore, you’re not excited, and you just want a break from thinking about alcohol altogether.

You’ll learn:

• Why feeling “over it,” unmotivated, or numb is a normal stage of emotional change
• What these thoughts really mean (and why they’re not a sign you’re failing)
• How to move through this phase without white-knuckling, quitting on yourself, or numbing out
• How support and self-trust matter most after the initial motivation fades

This episode is for women who are sober curious, cutting back, taking alcohol-free breaks, or trying to change their relationship with alcohol especially if you’re tired of thinking about it and want relief, clarity, and a more sustainable way forward.No shame, labels or muscle through advice here.

Just honest insight into what’s happening emotionally and how to keep moving forward with compassion and support.

If you’re ready to stop over-drinking and start living with more ease, this conversation will help you understand exactly where you are and what comes next.

Now is the best time to have your support team on lock. Consider working with me privately or signing up for a retreat go here and see if talking to me directly would help. https://www.angelamascenik.com/claritycall

In this episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I break down the 3 emotional phases of change that almost everyone experiences when trying to change their relationship with alcohol and why most women think they’re failing when they’re actually right on track.

You’ll learn why motivation and excitement don’t last, why the middle phase of resistance and fatigue is where most people give up, and how real, lasting change happens through integration and identity shift, not willpower.

This episode will help you:

• Understand why Dry January (or any break from alcohol) often feels harder toward the end
• Recognize whether you’re in motivation, resistance, or integration right now
• Stop judging yourself for feeling tired, bored, or frustrated
• Learn why white-knuckling doesn’t work and what actually does
• Build self-trust and emotional resilience without labels, shame, or rigid rules

If you’ve ever thought “I can’t wait for this to be over,” “Why is this suddenly so hard?” or “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this,” this episode will help you see what’s really happening and why it matters.

This conversation is for women who are sober curious, cutting back on alcohol, taking a break, or exploring a healthier relationship with drinking and with themselves.

Ready for deeper support?

If you’re considering private coaching or an in-person retreat at The Magic House in Lisbon, you can book a Clarity Call here:
https://www.angelamascenik.com/claritycall

In this rewind episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I talk about how to steady yourself when the world feels uncertain, overwhelming, or emotionally charged — whether it’s political news, personal stress, or any unexpected life event.

You’ll learn how to:
• Allow your feelings without judging or suppressing them
• Choose how you want to show up for yourself, even when you’re unsettled
• Remember that no one gets to dictate your thoughts, emotions, or inner peace
• Focus on what’s actually in front of you today instead of spiraling into fear
• Use nature as a powerful grounding tool when your nervous system needs calm

This episode is for women who tend to cope by numbing, overthinking, or reaching for alcohol when life feels out of control — and want to learn how to stay present, grounded, and emotionally steady instead.

If listening brings up the sense that you’re ready for deeper support — to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your relationship with alcohol and your emotions — you can book a Clarity Call with me to explore private coaching or a Magic House Retreat:
CLARITY CALL LINK >>> https://www.angelamascenik.com/claritycall

You don’t have to navigate hard seasons alone.

In this episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I sit down with former client, Megan, to talk about the year it finally clicked.

She first worked with me in a 6-month group container, and later committed to a full year of private coaching — the year she became alcohol-free and stayed that way.

What makes her story so powerful is that the year before, she had the same goal: to go an entire year without drinking.

And she didn’t make it. It wasn't until she tried again the following year that it all clicked.

She shares 3 things that helped her not get overwhelmed by the big goal of going alcohol-free for so long. #1 will surprise you!

And 3 things that she does in the moments she has thoughts about a drink.

She also shares a story of how she coped with the stress of a long day of intense interviews.. and it's not what you would think!

Megan really is an example of what is possible, with dedication, never giving up despite lots of 'failures,' and consistent support!

This conversation is for women who are sober curious, want to drink less, or are exploring a healthier relationship with alcohol without shame, labels, or rigid rules.

If you want this type of support I'm excited to open up 3 spots to work with me privately that include a retreat at The Magic House in Lisbon, Portugal.

If you are interested, book a call with me here: https://www.angelamascenik.com/claritycall

In this episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I explore why kindness, not willpower, is what actually creates lasting change in your relationship with alcohol.

So many women try to stop over-drinking by being harder on themselves — using pressure, rules, and self-criticism — only to find themselves stuck in the same cycle.

But inside the Dry January community, something different is happening. When women feel emotionally safe, supported, and free from judgment, honesty increases, shame softens, and real clarity begins to emerge.

We talk about:

• Why being gentle with yourself is not the same as being passive
• How nervous system safety allows awareness and choice
• Why trying to “white-knuckle” drinking habits often backfires
• How compassion creates more sustainable change than discipline
• What it really means to change your relationship with alcohol in a kind, supportive way

If you’ve ever wondered why cutting back or taking a break from drinking feels so hard — even when you’re motivated — this episode will help you understand what might be missing: safety, support, and self-trust.

This conversation is for women who are sober curious, want to drink less, or are exploring a healthier relationship with alcohol without shame, labels, or rigid rules.

And if you want to deepen this work with me in a powerful, immersive way, there are a few remaining spots at The Magic House Retreat Center, my international retreat center for women ready to get alcohol out of the way and come back to themselves.

Learn more here:
https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle

Ep 365 You Didn't Fail - You Returned (Changing Your Relationship with Alcohol)

In this episode of Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living, I share a simple question my yoga teacher asked us before practice:

“Why did you return?”

Not why you stayed consistent.
Not why you did it perfectly.
But why you came back.

This episode is about why returning to work on your relationship with alcohol — whether you want to cut back, take a break, or stop over-drinking — is not failure. It’s commitment.

If you’ve taken time away from this work…
If you’ve disengaged, started again, stopped again…
If you’re here listening after some time away…

This conversation is for you.

We explore:

• Why commitment isn’t about perfection or never slipping

• How returning is often the real work

• Why time away doesn’t erase what you’ve learned

• How to come back to changing your drinking without shame

• Why choosing again can be an act of self-trust and care

You don’t have to start over.
You don’t have to explain yourself.
And you don’t have to do this perfectly.

If you’re sober curious, thinking about drinking less, or want a healthier relationship with alcohol without AA or rigid rules — you’re in the right place.

And if you want to deepen this work with me in a powerful, immersive way, there are a few remaining spots at The Magic House Retreat Center, my international retreat center for women ready to get alcohol out of the way and come back to themselves.

👉 Learn more here:
https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle

Happy New Year!

Wow. I woke up this morning, obviously needed to process this wild year. So I wrote about my year and decided to turn it into this week's podcast.

My word of the year is Authentic and so why not share now? Here it is, the untold and uncut version!

This year couldn't of happened without me being alcohol-free and all of the deep work I have done up until this point. I have build years of resiliency to have been able to navigate this year as best as I possibly could.

I hope you enjoy!

Also, JOIN THE ALIVE AF! membership for the Dry January Challenge, enrollment is open until January 2nd! Don't miss!

Let's start to build your resiliency NOW!

Thanks for being here, always! Cheers to a healthy, happy, and Alive AF! 2026!

Join the Dry January Challenge and start 2026 lit up from the inside. Doors close January 2nd!
www.angelamascenik.com/dryjanuarychallenge2026

Click the link to find out how you can join The Founders Club for The Magic House in Portugal:
https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle

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