In this episode of the Zero Proof Life podcast, host Karla Adkins speaks with Anna Donaghey, a certified alcohol mindset coach and former advertising strategist. They discuss Anna's journey from a high-functioning drinker in the advertising industry to a coach helping others navigate their relationship with alcohol. The conversation explores the impact of alcohol in advertising, the concept of gray area drinking, and the importance of redefining what rock bottom means. Anna emphasizes the need to understand what we are truly thirsty for in life and how to design a fulfilling life without relying on alcohol.

Takeaways

Alcohol has a significant presence in the advertising industry.

Many people drink to mask emotional issues or dissatisfaction.

Redefining rock bottom can help individuals recognize their struggles earlier.

Gray area drinking refers to those who don't fit the traditional definitions of alcoholics but still experience negative effects from drinking.

It's important to ask if your life is good enough rather than if your drinking is bad enough.

The book 'What Are You Thirsty For?' explores the deeper desires behind drinking.

Sacking the CEO of emotions means taking control of your life and decisions.

Designing a fulfilling life can reduce the desire to escape through alcohol.

Emotions are messengers that need to be acknowledged, not ignored.

Self-discovery is key to understanding one's relationship with alcohol.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Anna Donaghey

02:05 The Impact of Alcohol in Advertising

12:47 Transitioning from Advertising to Coaching

16:29 Redefining Rock Bottom

22:31 Understanding Gray Area Drinking

24:30 Understanding Grey Area Drinking

29:01 Exploring Thirst and Emotional Needs

32:11 Sacking the CEO: Taking Control of Your Life

39:03 Rethinking Drinking and Life Choices

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
• Guest Anna Donaghey :
  http://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com

instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

facebook.com/thebigdrinkrethink

• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

Karla Adkins and Lorna Wilson explore how limiting beliefs shape our relationship with alcohol, and self-trust. They unpack the origins of the inner critic, the role of the subconscious mind, and how our inner mentor can guide us toward deeper resilience and clarity. This empowering conversation encourages every woman to challenge old stories, trust her growth, and embrace the possibility of something new.

Key Takeaways

• Limiting beliefs restrict forward movement and are often assumed to be true.
• The inner critic serves as a flag for limiting beliefs.
• Understanding the source of limiting beliefs is crucial for personal growth.
• The subconscious mind drives automatic reactions and decisions.
• Personal experiences can reveal unexpected strength and hidden success.
• The inner mentor represents our true selves and future possibility.
• Challenging societal norms around alcohol is essential for liberation and clarity.
• Breaking down beliefs requires curiosity, compassion, and exploration.
• Setbacks are not failures; they’re information and invitations to grow.
• Community support expands your capacity to see yourself clearly.
  
  

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Limiting Beliefs
03:14 Understanding the Inner Critic
06:16 The Weight of Our Backpack
09:28 The Power of the Subconscious Mind
12:31 Personal Experience and Growth
15:27 Exploring the Inner Mentor
18:30 Moving Forward with Self-Belief
26:03 Outro

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
  
  
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
  
  
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

Coaches Brandi and Becca unpack why so many women feel stuck in their drinking patterns and why willpower alone isn’t the answer. They explore the shame cycle, emotional triggers, cognitive dissonance, and the real reasons alcohol becomes harder to manage over time. They also highlight the strength of community, preparation, and shared stories in supporting meaningful alcohol-free change, and offer an overview of the Zero Proof Life 30-Day Challenge.

The next ZPL Challenge starts 1/1/26. Use code: PODCAST for $20 off.

Key Takeaways

• It's common to feel stuck in drinking habits.
  
  
• Relying solely on willpower leads to burnout.
  
  
• Shame creates a self-fulfilling cycle.
  
  
• Understanding triggers is essential for change.
  
  
• Preparation is a powerful disruptor of old habits.
  
  
• Cognitive dissonance is normal in alcohol use.
  
  
• Sharing stories breaks isolation.
  
  
• Dopamine cravings increase with age.
  
  
• Alcohol affects women uniquely.
  
  
• Community support is vital for recovery.
  
  

Timestamps

00:00 – Understanding Alcohol Habits and Stuckness
11:23 – Breaking the Shame Cycle
22:52 – Triggers, Emotions, and Alcohol Awareness
26:44 – The Zero Proof Life Challenge Overview
27:46 – Outro

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
  
  
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
  
  
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Tobie opens up about her lifelong struggle with alcohol, the impact of childhood trauma, and the role grief played on her path. From early drinking habits to the devastating loss of her husband, she shares how sobriety, community, and faith helped her rebuild her life from the inside out. Her story is a reminder that healing is possible, relationships can be restored, and that choosing sobriety often leads to gaining far more than we give up.

Key Takeaways

• Early exposure to alcohol shaped Tobie's relationship with drinking.
• A moment of self-awareness became the turning point toward sobriety.
• Grief and trauma contributed significantly to her alcohol use.
• Tobie faced the murder of her husband and chose not to drink through it.
• Healing grief without alcohol became a major part of her growth.
• Sobriety transformed her relationships with her children and others.
• Community support played a crucial role in her recovery.
• Personal responsibility became a foundation for healthier relationships.
• Faith in God grounded her as she rebuilt her life.
• Letting go of alcohol helped her gain clarity, connection, and peace.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Tobie's Journey with Alcohol
07:23 The Aha Moment: Recognizing the Need for Change
12:11 Grief and Alcohol: Coping with Loss
18:08 Facing Tragedy: The Murder of Tobie's Husband
23:58 Navigating Grief Without Alcohol
29:39 Transforming Relationships Through Recovery
35:36 The Impact of Alcohol on Professional Life
42:20 The Impact of Alcohol on Daily Life
47:08 Breaking Up with Alcohol
57:15 Faith and Spirituality in Recovery
01:03:25 Closing Reflections

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

Hosts Karla Adkins and Carolyn Bennett dive into the transformational journey they’ve witnessed inside Zero Proof Life. From navigating the holiday season to understanding the science of alcohol, they explore how community, coaching, and empowerment move women from surviving to thriving. This conversation highlights the real physical, emotional, and relational shifts that happen when someone decides to stop drinking and steps into a supportive space that understands the journey.

Key Takeaways

• Community is one of the strongest antidotes to addiction.
• Understanding the science of alcohol can be life-saving and motivating.
• The physical benefits of quitting alcohol arrive quickly and measurably.
• One decision can create a powerful ripple effect across your entire life.
• Coaching strategies evolve as women evolve.
• A welcoming, supportive community accelerates personal growth.
• The holidays can be especially challenging without support.
• Normalizing alcohol conversations helps reduce shame and isolation.
• Joining a supportive AF community can reshape your whole path.
  
  

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and reflections on the coaching journey
02:46 – Navigating the holiday season and alcohol challenges
04:59 – The power of community in recovery
07:13 – Understanding the science of alcohol
10:16 – Physical transformations after quitting alcohol
12:35 – The ripple effect of stopping drinking
16:07 – Creating a supportive environment for change
18:36 – Invitation to join the ZPL community
20:03 – Outro

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
  
  
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
  
  
• Follow the coaches:
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, host Karla Adkins sits down with Lorna Wilson, a certified life coach specializing in alcohol recovery and personal development. Together they explore Lorna’s journey into coaching, the importance of proper training, and how understanding limiting beliefs can unlock transformation. From supporting new coaches to navigating relationships and finding purpose beyond alcohol, this conversation offers wisdom for anyone walking the path of self-discovery and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Lorna Wilson is a certified coach with a wealth of experience.
• Coaching can be a transformative career for those passionate about helping others.
• Proper training and certification are crucial in the coaching profession.
• Transitioning into alcohol coaching enhances a coach’s ability to support recovery clients.
• Finding purpose beyond alcohol is essential for long-term healing.
• Relationships require open communication throughout the recovery journey.
• Limiting beliefs often hold individuals back from growth.
• Personal stories empower both coaches and clients.
• Continuous learning is key to effective coaching.

Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction to Lorna Wilson
03:25 — Lorna’s Journey into Coaching
06:25 — The Importance of Coaching Training
09:16 — Transitioning into Alcohol Coaching
12:24 — Supporting New Coaches
15:13 — Finding Purpose Beyond Alcohol
18:11 — The Impact of Alcohol on Personal Identity
21:13 — Navigating Relationships and Alcohol
24:16 — The Role of Limiting Beliefs
27:17 — The Power of Sharing Personal Stories
30:19 — Coaching Techniques and Transformations
33:02 — Conclusion and Resources

Resources & Links

• https://www.lornawilsoncoaching.com/

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
  
  
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
  
  
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

Episode 15: Breaking Free from Alcohol with Maureen Benkovich

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, Rebecca Snider sits down with Maureen Benkovich, a certified alcohol freedom and wellness coach, to explore the intersection of fitness, mental health, and sobriety. From the pressures of corporate drinking culture to discovering the truth about alcohol’s impact on brain chemistry, Maureen shares how understanding dopamine helped her find joy beyond drinking. She offers practical tools for breaking free from the detox/retox cycle and reclaiming a life of clarity and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Maureen Benkovich is a certified alcohol freedom and wellness coach.
• She transitioned from a corporate drinking culture to sobriety.
• The detox and retox cycle is common among health-conscious individuals.
• Alcohol disrupts dopamine and brain chemistry, impacting mental health.
• True empowerment comes from understanding what alcohol does to the body.
• Community and connection are vital in sustainable recovery.
• Nutrition plays a key role in mental and emotional balance.
• Self-awareness and spiritual grounding strengthen sobriety.
  
  

Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction to Maureen Benkovich
02:04 — Maureen's Journey: From Fitness to Alcohol Freedom
10:56 — Detoxing and Retoxing: The Cycle of Alcohol Consumption
16:03 — Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Mental Health
24:01 — The Science Behind Alcohol: It’s Not Your Fault
29:56 — The Role of Coaching in Alcohol Recovery
32:45 — The Cycle of Alcohol and Mental Health
34:35 — Empowerment Through Knowledge and Choices
39:32 — Rebuilding Dopamine Production
46:50 — Finding Joy Beyond Alcohol

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @littlebigleap (https://www.instagram.com/littlebigleap/)
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, host Karla Adkins sits down with Toni Will, the first female general manager of a professional hockey team. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, transform weaknesses into strengths, and redefine success in a male-dominated industry. Toni opens up about her decision to quit drinking, how it changed her sense of self, and the power of breaking the silence around alcohol. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth and empowerment often begin where fear and honesty meet.

Key Takeaways

• Quitting drinking can lead to deep personal empowerment.
• Women do not need to drink to succeed in their careers.
• Shame and silence can hold us back from authenticity.
• The 10x mindset fosters exponential personal growth.
• Setting boundaries is essential in challenging environments.
• Embracing individuality fuels both confidence and leadership.
• Cravings are normal. They don’t define your progress.
• Living alcohol-free opens the door to a fuller, freer life.

Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction to Toni Will and Her Journey
01:48 — Transforming Weaknesses into Strengths
05:22 — The Power of Quitting Drinking
10:39 — Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Sports
14:13 — The 10x Mindset and Personal Growth
20:47 — Embracing Change and Overcoming Doubts
23:45 — Normalizing Cravings and Thoughts
27:15 — Breaking the Silence Around Alcohol
30:15 — Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers and Telling Stories

Resources & Links

• https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
  
  
• Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
  
  
• Follow the coaches:
  
  
  • Brandi Babb – @littlebigleap (https://www.instagram.com/littlebigleap/)
    
    
  • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    
    
  • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    
    
  • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life.