The Alcohol Minimalist podcast is dedicated to helping habit drinkers and adult children of alcoholics to change their drinking habits and create a peaceful relationship with alcohol: past, present and future. We are proof positive that you can break unbreakable habits and create a peaceful relationship with alcohol. Becoming an alcohol minimalist means: Choosing how to include alcohol in our lives following low-risk guidelines. Freedom from anxiety around alcohol use. Less alcohol without f ...
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Think Thursday: Why Thinking About Death Can Make You Happier
12:20
12:20
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12:20In this episode of Think Thursday, host Molly Watts explores an unconventional yet profoundly impactful idea: how thinking about death can actually help us live happier, more meaningful lives. Drawing from personal experiences, research, and books like Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and Briefly, Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur, Molly discusses how ack…
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How Long Will it Take? The Missing Link to Changing Your Drinking
16:27
16:27
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16:27Episode Summary: In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts tackles one of the most frequently asked questions: How long will it take to feel at peace with my relationship with alcohol? If you’ve ever wondered whether 12 weeks, 30 days, or a year of effort will be enough, Molly breaks down why the answer is both simpler and more…
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Think Thursday: The Connection Economy-How Relationships Reshape Our Brains
13:37
13:37
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13:37In today’s Think Thursday episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools for behavior change: human connection. We’re not just talking about any connections, but deep, meaningful relationships—the kind that profoundly shape our brain, our well-being, and even our relationship with alcohol. We’ll explore what I call…
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Gray Areas in Gambling & Alcohol Use with Dr. Carl Erik Fisher
42:15
42:15
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42:15In this episode of Alcohol Minimalist, Molly speaks once again with Dr. Carl Erik Fisher, an addiction psychiatrist, author, and person in recovery, to discuss the complexities of addiction beyond just alcohol. We explore the fascinating (and often overlooked) intersection between behavioral addictions—like gambling—and substance use disorders. Dr.…
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Think Thursday: The Neuroscience of Mental Rest
16:31
16:31
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16:31In this episode of Think Thursday, we dive into an often-overlooked aspect of brain health—mental rest. Not sleep, not meditation, but true cognitive downtime, the kind that helps your brain recover from the overwhelming levels of input we’re exposed to every day. 📢 Key Topics Discussed: How modern technology and constant stimulation overload our b…
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Why "It's Just a Habit" is Holding You Back
21:55
21:55
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21:55Episode Summary: In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts unpacks a common misconception that keeps people stuck in their drinking habits: the belief that “It’s just a habit.” While it may seem like a harmless or even helpful perspective, this thought can actually prevent meaningful change. Molly discusses how drinking is not …
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Think Thursday: The Science of AWE-How it Changes Us
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17:32In this week’s Think Thursday, we’re diving deep into the science of awe—an often-overlooked emotion that has the power to shift our thinking, reduce stress, and deepen our connection to the world around us. Inspired by the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner, this episode explores how a…
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Revisiting: When You LOVE Drinking Alcohol
29:42
29:42
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29:42Episode Summary: In this episode, host Molly Watts revisits a key discussion from 2022, exploring the challenge of changing your relationship with alcohol when you genuinely enjoy drinking. Molly shares insights on how to shift your habits without guilt, deprivation, or an all-or-nothing mindset. She discusses four key strategies for breaking the c…
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Think Thursday: Keep Asking Questions-How Staying Curious Supercharges Your Brain
16:02
16:02
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16:02Curiosity isn’t just a fun trait—it’s an essential function of the human brain that fuels learning, adaptability, and even emotional resilience. In today’s Think Thursday episode, I’m diving into the science of curiosity and how asking the right questions can supercharge your brain. We’ll explore: ✅ How curiosity activates dopamine and enhances mem…
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The Trap of Perfectionism & Why Peace with Alcohol Doesn't Mean It's Always Easy
19:00
19:00
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19:00In this episode, Molly dives into a topic that resonates deeply with anyone struggling to build a peaceful relationship with alcohol: perfectionist or all-or-nothing thinking. Often disguised in subtle ways, this mindset can block progress and contribute to cycles of shame and guilt. Molly uncovers how this cognitive distortion manifests in our dri…
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Think Thursday: Silence is Golden-How Quiet Restores Your Brain
15:26
15:26
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15:26In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly dives into the surprising science behind silence and why it’s critical for brain health and emotional growth. While our modern lives are filled with noise, Molly reveals how even brief moments of intentional quiet can be a game-changer. From improving memory to reducing stress and enhancing creativity, learn…
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Generational Differences in Alcohol Consumption
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26:30
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26:30In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores the topic of how drinking trends and behaviors have evolved across generations. From Baby Boomers and Gen X, who often normalized alcohol as a symbol of success and leisure, to Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize mindfulness and wellness, this episode dives into what’s driving thes…
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Think Thursday: The Brain Loves to Help-Be a Helper!
15:46
15:46
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15:46In this Think Thursday episode, Molly dives into the neuroscience of fear, mindset shifts, and the power of helping others to create a positive ripple effect on both our lives and mental well-being. She explores how shifting from fear to action through acts of generosity and kindness can help you step out of emotional paralysis and into purposeful …
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Dryuary: How to Finish Strong (Even if You Already Drank)
19:24
19:24
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19:24Welcome to this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! As January winds down, we’re talking all about Dry January and the opportunity to finish strong. Whether you’ve stuck to your goals or stumbled along the way, this episode is here to inspire you to recommit, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward creating a peaceful relationship with alc…
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Think Thursday: Your Brain on Water-Why Hydration Matters
16:26
16:26
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16:26In this Think Thursday episode, Molly dives into the fascinating connection between hydration and cognitive health. Learn why even mild dehydration can negatively impact focus, memory, reaction time, and overall brain efficiency. Molly shares practical strategies to stay hydrated and explains how keeping your brain hydrated can help you feel better…
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Willpower vs Self-Discipline: The Key to Drinking Less
22:51
22:51
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22:51Episode Summary: In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts dives into the essential difference between willpower and self-discipline—and why understanding this distinction can make all the difference in your journey to drinking less. Using the definition of self-discipline as “the ability to make yourself do things you know you…
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Think Thursday: Rumination-What, Why and How to Stop!
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20:08
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20:08In this Think Thursday episode, we're diving deep into the concept of rumination—the exhausting cycle of repetitive, negative thinking. Molly breaks down why our beautiful, brilliant human brains get stuck in this mental quicksand and how it can sabotage our progress, especially when trying to change habits like drinking. More importantly, you'll l…
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Changing Your Beliefs About Alcohol (& Yourself)
28:05
28:05
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28:05In this insightful episode, Molly Watts dives into the power of challenging and changing your core beliefs about alcohol and yourself. As many navigate Dry January or strive to build a peaceful relationship with alcohol, Molly shares how deeply ingrained beliefs can keep us stuck in unwanted habits. Drawing inspiration from Think Again by Dr. Adam …
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Think Thursday: Understanding Dopamine & How to Stabilize It
21:38
21:38
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21:38In this week’s Think Thursday, Molly dives into the fascinating role of dopamine—a neuromodulator at the core of motivation, habits, and long-term satisfaction. With Dryuary underway, this episode is your guide to understanding how dopamine works, why it influences how you feel during a break from alcohol, and what you can do to naturally boost dop…
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Unpacking the US Surgeon General's Advisory: Alcohol & Cancer Risk
25:38
25:38
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25:38In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, we're diving deep into the recent advisory issued by the US Surgeon General regarding alcohol and its link to cancer risk. Molly explores the science behind the headlines, unpacking the data and presenting a balanced view to help you make informed decisions about your drinking habits. We cover: A b…
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Think Thursday: Chronic Stress- How it Affects Your Brain
15:43
15:43
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15:43Episode Summary: In this Think Thursday episode, host Molly Watts explores the profound impact of chronic stress on the brain and its implications for behavior change. Molly delves into the role of the amygdala, the brain's stress responder, and how "amygdala hijacking" can derail rational thinking and decision-making. Drawing on concepts from her …
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Chronic Shame & Alcohol with Sally Smith
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51:06
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51:06This week on the podcast I'm joined by Sally Smith. Sally is a London based psychotherapist supporting people with personal development and she is also a fitness trainer and body transformation coach running her 8 week SHRED program both online and in person 4 times a year. I've had the opportunity to work with Sally personally and our messages ali…
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Think Thursday: Your Brain-What We Know and What We're Learning
10:05
10:05
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10:05Episode Overview: Welcome to another Think Thursday episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! This week, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—your beautiful, brilliant human brain. In this episode, we’ll explore some of the incredible things modern science has revealed about the brain, share two inspiring stories from Norman Doidge’s ground…
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The Science of Alcohol Mitigation Drinks with Monica Reinagel
39:44
39:44
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39:44This week on the podcast I'm joined by friend of show, Monica Reinagel, to talk about the science behind alcohol recovery drinks. We're diving into two products, Zbiotics and Sure Shot, to discuss the science behind them and whether or not we should believe the claims they are making. Resources mentioned: Nutrition Diva Podcast Change Academy Podca…
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Think Thursday: How Mindset Impacts the Body's Biology
17:35
17:35
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17:35Welcome to Think Thursday from The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast! Think Thursday dives into brain health, neuroscience, and the transformative power of mindset. This week, we’re exploring groundbreaking research by Dr. Alia Crum, a health psychologist from Stanford University, and her studies on how our beliefs and mindsets influence physical and psyc…
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