In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, Carolyn Bennett explores the deep connection between alcohol, relationships, and emotional health. She unpacks how drinking can mute our true feelings, create cycles of avoidance, and ultimately block genuine communication. Carolyn shares how sobriety brings healing, clarity, and the courage to express what really matters in our connections with others.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol affects not just our bodies, but also our relationships
• Drinking can act as a protest against unspoken emotions.
• Alcohol creates a false sense of ease while intensifying stress over time.
• Emotional numbness often fuels cycles of frustration and avoidance.
• Our childhood experiences can shape how we relate to alcohol.
• Removing alcohol opens the door to clarity and authentic self-expression.
• Sobriety rebuilds relationships from a place of truth.
• Some relationships may fade, while others grow stronger in sobriety.
• Your voice is essential and deserves to be heard.
• Healing begins by acknowledging what needs care in our connections.
  
  
  

Timestamps

• 00:00 — The Impact of Alcohol on Relationships
  
  
• 05:34 — Healing and Self-Expression in Sobriety
  
  
• 08:30 — Embracing Change in Relationships
  
  
• 09:18 — Closing Reflections

Resources & Links

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

Brandi Babb opens up about her 30-day alcohol experiment and the transformation it sparked. From the physical shifts in the first week to the emotional realizations that followed, Brandi shares how giving herself permission to step away from alcohol created space for self-discovery, resilience, and hope. She highlights the power of community support and invites others to find their own unique path to sobriety.

Key Takeaways

• There’s no single way to quit drinking.
  
  
• Permission to step away can be the first breakthrough.
  
  
• A 30-day challenge is a powerful container for self-discovery.
  
  
• The early days may feel difficult, but hope grows quickly.
  
  
• Community support makes the journey sustainable.
  
  
• Emotional awareness emerges when alcohol is removed.
  
  
• Extending the challenge can create lasting transformation.
  
  
  

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction to the Zero Proof Life Podcast

01:20 — Brandi's Personal Journey with Alcohol

03:15 — The 30-Day Alcohol Experiment

09:04 — Challenges and Insights During the Experiment

15:17 — The Transformation Beyond 30 Days

17:39 — Encouragement to Join the Challenge

Resources & Links

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

Episode 09: Navigating Emotional Triggers

Becca Snider explores the role of triggers in shaping our behaviors and emotions, especially in the context of an alcohol-free journey. She shares practical ways to identify personal triggers, understand their roots, and build mindful strategies that replace harmful reactions with healthy, empowering choices.

Key Takeaways

• Triggers can be people, places, or experiences that spark emotional reactions.
  
  
• Identifying and understanding triggers is essential for personal growth.
  
  
• Emotional awareness helps interrupt old patterns and create space for new choices.
• Mindfulness offers tools for managing reactions before they escalate.
  
  
• Replacing negative cues with positive ones fosters long-term change.
  
  
• Taking responsibility for how we respond strengthens self-trust.
  
  
• The pause between trigger and reaction is the most powerful place for transformation.
  
  
• Knowing what genuinely makes you happy supports resilience and recovery.
  
  
  

Timestamps

00:00 — Understanding Triggers in Our Lives

10:42 — The Importance of Acknowledging Triggers

20:54 — Strategies for Managing Triggers

Resources & Links

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

Episode 08: Transforming Setbacks into Learning Opportunities

In this powerful conversation, Karla Adkins dives deep into the transformative concepts of data points and resilience data points within the recovery journey from alcohol. Karla encourages reframing setbacks not as failures, but as invaluable learning moments free from shame. By embracing discomfort and harnessing neuroplasticity, listeners are guided toward meaningful personal growth and empowered to continue their alcohol-free journey with resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience data points guide learning from moments of discomfort.
• Self-reflection deeply enhances personal growth.
• Shame hinders rather than helps the recovery journey.
• Building resilience is essential for long-term sobriety.
• Neuroplasticity supports changing drinking behaviors.
• Self-reflection can uncover profound insights.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction to the Zero Proof Life Podcast

00:57 — Understanding Data Points in Recovery

08:21 — Introducing Resilience Data Points

14:20 — The Importance of Resilience in Recovery

20:04 — The Journey Beyond Alcohol: Learning and Growth

Resources & links

• Download the Resilience Data Point Journal Prompts → https://mailchi.mp/thezeroprooflife/resilience-prompts

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

07: Finding Freedom in the Alcohol-Free Everyday

In this heartfelt episode of The Zero Proof Life, Karla Adkins and Becca Snider get real about how alcohol once shaped their holidays, habits, and headspace. From the pressure to plan around drinks to the exhaustion that came with it, they share what life looks like on the other side — lighter, clearer, and more joyful. This conversation is a gentle, honest invitation to rethink your relationship with alcohol and discover what’s waiting for you in sobriety.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol consumed more mental energy than expected
  
  
• Sobriety leads to deeper sleep and more presence
  
  
• Even small tasks felt harder while drinking
  
  
• You don’t need a “rock bottom” to reimagine your life
  
  
• Holidays can be truly joyful — without the booze
  
  
• Community and shared stories make the journey easier
  
  
• Letting go of alcohol often brings unexpected joys (like dessert!)
  
  
• Shame thrives in silence — honesty breaks the cycle

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction to Zero Proof Life
01:23 — Reflections on Alcohol and Holidays
03:24 — The Burden of Alcohol on Daily Life
06:24 — The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep and Mental Clarity
09:25 — Navigating Life Without Alcohol
12:34 — Embracing New Joys and Experiences
13:55 — Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources & links

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

In this episode of The Zero Proof Life, Karla Adkins and Carolyn Bennett dive into one of the trickiest parts of a sober or sober-curious journey: talking about it.

Whether you're newly alcohol-free or deep into your sobriety, figuring out how (and if) to talk about it with friends, family, or colleagues can be overwhelming. Karla and Carolyn explore the societal pressures that make these conversations so loaded, and offer grounded, heartfelt guidance on how to share your story in a way that honors your experience.

They remind us that it’s okay to take your time, to stay private, and to choose your confidants carefully. The big takeaway? You don’t owe anyone an explanation — and your story is yours to protect.

Key Takeaways

• Talking about not drinking can feel complicated — and that’s normal.
  
  
• You get to choose who hears your story (and when).
  
  
• Privacy is a valid and healthy part of the process.
  
  
• Society’s drinking norms can make these conversations harder.
  
  
• Responses to your sobriety may vary — and that’s not about you.
  
  
• Trust your instincts when deciding what to share.
  
  
• The cultural narrative around alcohol is evolving — you're not alone.
  
  

Timestamps

03:23 — Navigating Conversations About Not Drinking
06:25 — Understanding Personal Relationships with Alcohol
09:27 — Overcoming Fear and Societal Expectations
12:23 — Empowering Authenticity in Sharing Your Story
15:27 — Tools for Effective Communication
18:18 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources & links

• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

A single lap around the block turned into a six-year journey. Coach Becca Snider explains how daily movement, family support, and lifelong learning keep sobriety vibrant.

Co-hosts Karla Adkins and Becca Snider trace Becca’s path from “quiet nightly wine” to six-and-a-half years of alcohol freedom. Becca recalls the inner tug-of-war no one else could see, the moment she simply started walking, and why Pilates now anchors both her mood and her coaching practice. They dig into research showing exercise lowers cravings and lifts anxiety, talk about the game-changing role her husband and kids played, and share first steps for anyone who feels caught between curiosity and change.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro to Becca Snider
03:24 – Alcohol’s impact on movement & presence
06:24 – The first 30-day experiment
09:33 – The invisible internal struggle
12:17 – Family support & new identity
15:22 – Finding courage to change
18:17 – From student to coach
21:37 – “Just start”: advice for day 1
24:35 – Living life fully after alcohol
26:16 – New chapter & wrap-up

Resources & links

• Article: “Exercise as Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder” (NIH) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  
  
• Study: Pilates reduces depression & anxiety pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  
  
• Family-support research review pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  
  
• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.

From sunset beach walks to “Sips of Serenity,” Carolyn Bennett shows how nature, mindfulness, and faith can turn sobriety into a daily adventure.

Coach Carolyn Bennett joins Karla Adkins to trace her path from anxious empath to alcohol-free eco-therapist. Carolyn explains how grounding rituals like barefoot sand strolls, and forest bathing breaths rewired her nervous system when wine stopped working. They unpack why community is the opposite of addiction, how toxic relationships can mimic the drink-craving cycle, and why highly sensitive people often feel both the pain and the pull of alcohol more intensely. Carolyn shares about her 5-day devotional Sips of Serenity, built to pair Scripture with nature prompts that spark joy long after day one.

Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Zero Proof Life update
00:51 – Carolyn’s first sober sunrise
05:55 – Founding ZPL & stepping into coaching
13:16 – Why nature speeds emotional recovery
21:25 – Empaths, HSPs & drinking to numb
28:01 – Faith practices that anchor sobriety
33:55 – Toxic ties vs. healthy community
41:35 – Putting life back into living
43:19 – Outro & next-step challenge

Resources & links

• FREE 5-day devotional Sips of Serenity → https://winter-hall-28614.myflodesk.com/devotional
  
  
• Article: “Ecotherapy for Addiction Recovery” → English Mountain Recovery englishmountain.com
  
  
• Join the Zero Proof Life Community → 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 today’s conversation sparked your own inner nudge, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review wherever you listen.