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Have you ever wondered if those small, seemingly insignificant moments from your past might be driving your drinking habits today? In this powerful conversation with Meg, we uncover the hidden connections between what she calls "invisible trauma" and alcohol dependency.

Meg's journey began with a single trembling moment in front of her high school class that triggered an anxiety disorder. When she discovered at 18 that alcohol stopped her shaking hands, it became her medicine—a pattern that eventually led to isolating and drinking over two bottles of wine nightly. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she traces this dependency back to core wounds and limiting beliefs formed in childhood.

Throughout our discussion, Meg breaks down the difference between the dramatic traumas we typically recognise and the subtle experiences that quietly shape our self-perception. She explains how these experiences create "core wounds"—fundamental negative beliefs about ourselves that drive behaviors like excessive drinking. For Megan, beliefs like "I'm stupid" and "I'm unlovable" lurked beneath her drinking habits for decades.

The most hopeful aspect of our conversation reveals what healing looks like. Meg describes her journey to developing deeper self-trust, responding rather than reacting to triggers, and establishing a calmer baseline from which to navigate life's challenges. She offers practical suggestions for listeners questioning their relationship with alcohol, emphasizing that curiosity is the perfect first step.

Whether you identify with drinking to manage anxiety, loneliness, or simple boredom, this episode will help you look beneath the surface to understand what might really be driving those habits. Connect with Meg through her website, podcast, or book club to continue exploring how healing trauma can transform your relationship with alcohol and yourself.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Imagine standing in a store, debating whether to spend $75 on a massage gun for chronic pain relief, while never once questioning dropping $200 on weekend alcohol. This jarring realization sparked our deep dive into the strange financial double standards we create before and after sobriety.

We unpack how society normalizes spending on harmful habits while scrutinizing healthier choices. "$15,500 saved in 3.5 years of sobriety" isn't just an impressive number—it represents freedom from the warped priorities alcohol created in our lives. Yet many of us still struggle with feeling worthy of investing in our wellbeing.

The conversation weaves through powerful revelations about self-worth, fear, and authenticity. "We drank because we were scared we would never get the things we desired so much," we realize, acknowledging how alcohol numbed not just pain but our deepest desires. Sobriety exposes this vulnerability but also reveals our innate strength. Those qualities we thought alcohol gave us—creativity, confidence, humor—were within us all along.

Beyond personal transformation, we discover the profound impact of sharing these insights. When one person finds their way through the fog of alcohol use disorder, they create a path for others to follow. Our most meaningful connections now come from authenticity rather than the false intimacy alcohol provided.

Ready to reclaim your financial and emotional freedom? Join us as we navigate the beautiful, sometimes uncomfortable journey of discovering what we truly value when alcohol no longer makes our decisions. What would you invest in if you redirected your alcohol budget toward your wellbeing?

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Ever wonder if those nagging concerns about your drinking might actually be important warning signs? Join Ali and Megsy as they candidly unpack the red flags they ignored on their paths to alcohol dependence—and eventual sobriety.

With unflinching honesty, they explore how society's narrow definition of "alcoholism" allowed them to dismiss serious warning signs simply because they were "high-functioning." From bringing backup booze to every social event to eagerly awaiting their children's driver's licenses (so they could drink without driving), these seemingly small behaviors revealed deeper truths they weren't ready to face.

Through personal stories filled with both humour and vulnerability, they recount the physical symptoms, relational challenges, and internal doubts that persistently surfaced despite their best efforts to ignore them. Particularly powerful is their discussion of that persistent inner voice—the gut feeling that something wasn't right—which they both tried desperately to silence with more drinking.

Beyond simply identifying red flags, Ali and Meg offer hope by sharing how life has transformed for them now. They discuss finding authentic joy, making better decisions, discovering new passions, and building more meaningful connections. Their conversation serves as both a wake-up call and a reassurance that questioning your relationship with alcohol doesn't require labeling yourself, but rather listening to that inner wisdom that's trying to guide you toward a better life.

Whether you're sober curious or simply interested in understanding problematic drinking patterns, this episode provides valuable insight into recognising warning signs before they lead to more serious consequences. Most importantly, it reminds listeners that sobriety isn't about what you're giving up, but rather what you gain—a second chance at living authentically.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Ever found yourself swearing off alcohol only to cave in a moment of weakness? That dreaded "fuck it button" moment is something both of us know intimately—and it's exactly what we're tackling in this raw, unfiltered conversation about the cycle of drinking, quitting, and drinking again.

Ali opens up about her journey through hypnotherapy to address the root causes of her drinking—feelings of unworthiness and abandonment—only to face a critical test at a colleague's wedding where champagne flutes and old habits threatened everything she'd worked for. Meanwhile, Meg shares how five months of sobriety in 2018 evaporated with one impulsive decision on Valentine's Day, leading to two more years lost to alcohol.

What makes this episode different from typical sobriety talk is our focus on practical strategies that actually work in those crucial moments when willpower isn't enough. From "surfing the urge" techniques that help you ride out cravings to finding unexpected accountability partners (Ali's daughter became her unlikely ally), we share the real tools that finally helped us break free after countless attempts.

The most powerful insight? Your motivation to quit has to become bigger than your reason to drink. For Meg, it was visualizing where her life would be in one, five, and ten years if she continued drinking. For Ali, it was recording a brutally honest video to herself after a relapse. Whatever your motivation, we're here to remind you that everyone who's successfully quit has likely hit the fuck-it button multiple times along the way. The only way you won't succeed is if you stop trying.

Feeling stuck in the cycle? Listen in, grab some tools, and remember—you're choosing yourself when you choose sobriety. And that's worth fighting for.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

The question arrived in our inbox from a listener with a familiar fear: "Will I lose my friends if I stop drinking?" It's a concern that keeps countless people trapped in cycles of alcohol use despite wanting to quit. After all, drinking culture permeates nearly every social gathering—from parent meetups to barbecues, Friday celebrations to weekend festivities.

Drawing from our combined eight years of sobriety, we explore how friendship landscapes truly transform when alcohol exits the picture. The surprising truth? While some connections naturally fade, these aren't "losses" but revelations about which relationships were authentic versus which were merely drinking partnerships. As we share our experiences, we unpack how many drinking friendships were based on mutual enabling, negativity, and what we call "pity parties"—gatherings where everyone validated each other's misery while avoiding addressing the real issues.

What becomes crystal clear through our conversation is the profound irony of alcohol: we drink seeking connection and belonging, yet it prevents the very depth we're searching for. Without alcohol, we form deeper bonds more quickly, have conversations we actually remember, and discover parts of ourselves that were always there but obscured by drinking. The embarrassing late-night drunk calls, blackouts, and memory gaps give way to authentic conversations and genuine presence.

Perhaps most encouraging for those considering sobriety is how our social worlds expanded rather than contracted. We reconnected with people we'd previously dismissed because they "didn't drink enough," found new communities through shared interests rather than shared bottles, and discovered that true friendships adapt—switching from evening drinking sessions to morning walks, meaningful dinners, or creative pursuits.

Whether you're sober-curious or supporting someone who's making changes, this episode offers hope that a richer social life awaits on the other side of alcohol. What connections might you discover when you're fully present? What authentic relationships are waiting to deepen when you're no longer numbed by drinking? We'd love to hear your experiences—reach out to us on Instagram at Laughs Without Lager or through our website.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Ever wondered when to tell people you've stopped drinking? That seemingly simple question leads us down a fascinating rabbit hole of social expectations, personal growth, and the unexpected gifts of sobriety.

As two women with over seven combined years of alcohol-free living, we've navigated countless awkward explanations, invented excuses, and eventually found our authentic voices. From Ali's clever "one-year no beer challenge" deflection to Megsy's podcast revelation, we share the evolving ways we've announced our sobriety to friends, family, and even potential employers.

What's most striking is how society demands explanations from non-drinkers while never questioning those who drink. This double standard reveals alcohol's powerful grip on our culture, even as both of us discovered something revolutionary: all those qualities we credited to alcohol—being funny, creative, confident—were actually within us all along. Alcohol wasn't enhancing our personalities; it was masking them.

The transformation from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out) marks a pivotal shift in sobriety, as does the realization that we didn't "give up" anything valuable—we gained ourselves back. Through personal anecdotes ranging from hilarious misadventures to profound moments of clarity, we illustrate how sobriety unveils our authentic selves and reconnects us with our true values.

Whether you're sober-curious, newly alcohol-free, or simply interested in understanding loved ones who don't drink, this conversation offers both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. Ready to explore the freedom that comes when you no longer feel compelled to explain yourself or pretend to be someone you're not? Listen now, and discover what awaits on the other side of drinking.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Remember when special occasions meant inevitable hangovers? When Mother's Day was just another excuse to pop champagne at breakfast and keep drinking until you crashed on the couch by dinner time? We've been there, and in this raw, honest conversation, we're pulling back the curtain on how celebrations transform when alcohol no longer takes center stage.

The "mummy wine culture" phenomenon continues to dominate greeting cards, gifts, and social expectations—teaching even young children that Mum's special day should revolve around alcohol. We share personal stories about how our alcohol-centered celebrations often ended in disappointment, relationship tension, and missed moments. One Mother's Day even ended a relationship when the realisation hit: "You give more shits about alcohol than me."

Fast forward to today, and our celebrations look radically different. Morning Pilates classes, horseshoe-finding walks with the dogs, thoughtful gifts that don't involve spirits, and genuine family time in the backyard. We dive into the practicalities of navigating alcohol-free options at social gatherings, the challenges of purchasing non-alcoholic alternatives (sometimes having to visit liquor stores—talk about irony!), and finding what works for your own sobriety journey without judgment.

Perhaps the most beautiful transformation isn't what we're doing differently—it's how we feel. Present. Connected. No more debates about who's driving home or expensive Uber rides. No more morning-after regrets. Just the pure freedom to fully experience life's special moments and create memories we'll actually remember.

Whether you're sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or years into your journey, this conversation offers both practical advice and the reassurance that celebrations without alcohol aren't just possible—they're infinitely more rewarding. Connect with us on Instagram or through the contact details in the show notes to share your own experiences or ask questions!

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching

Send us a text

Welcome to Laughs without Lager, the podcast about freedom from alcohol, self-discovery, and a whole lot of laughs. In our first episode, we’re kicking things off by introducing ourselves—Ali and Meg—two Aussie's who ditched the booze and found something better: clarity, connection, and freedom. We’ll share a bit about our journeys to alcohol-free living, what this podcast is all about, and why going sober doesn’t mean going boring. Whether you’re sober-curious or already AF, pour yourself a fizzy water and come hang out. It’s going to be a wild (and hangover-free) ride.

Contact Us:

https://www.meganwebb.com.au/podcast-1

Ali

insta: https://www.instagram.com/idontdrinkfullstop/

Meg

website: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/

bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Connect AF: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching