Stop Over-drinking and Start Living

Angela Mascenik - Certified Stop Over-drinking Coach
  • 4.8 (292)
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Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living is a podcast for high-functioning women who want to stop over-drinking, cut back on alcohol, and change their relationship with wine and drinking. Certified Stop Over-Drinking Coach Angela Mascenik shares compassionate, practical self-coaching tools to help you feel like yourself again and handle life without using alcohol to cope. No labels. No “never again” rules. Just honest conversations and real strategies for women who are sober curious, want to drink less, or are exploring an alcohol-free life with clarity and self-trust. Get Angela’s free Start Here Guide delivered to your inbox: https://www.angelamascenik.com/starthere

  1. Ep 372 I Know What To Do. So, Why Am I Not Doing It?

    10H AGO

    Ep 372 I Know What To Do. So, Why Am I Not Doing It?

    Why insight alone doesn’t change your drinking You already understand your drinking. You’ve read the books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. You’ve promised yourself, “Tonight will be different.” And yet… you still find yourself pouring the drink. If you’ve ever thought, “I know what to do, I’m just not doing it,” this episode will help you finally understand why. In this episode, I explain the real reason awareness and insight don’t automatically lead to behavior change and why nothing is wrong with you if you keep repeating patterns you fully understand. You’ll learn how drinking habits live in a different part of the brain than insight, why stress shuts down your ability to follow through on decisions, and how emotional avoidance and nervous system patterns drive behavior far more than knowledge does. I also walk you through my Stop - Notice - Process (SNP) a simple, science-backed way to interrupt automatic drinking patterns and create change in real time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why knowing better doesn’t mean doing better The brain science behind habits and alcohol cravings How stress and emotions override logical decisions Why podcasts and self-awareness alone aren’t enough How to use the Stop Notice Process to pause before drinking If you’re sober curious, questioning your drinking, or tired of negotiating with yourself every night, this conversation will help you understand what’s actually happening and what to do next. Listen in and learn how small pauses can create real change 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/claritycallAnd check out the last 3 spots in the May Magic House Retreat in Lisbon!https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle

    19 min
  2. Ep 371 The Moderation Myth: When Your Brain Won’t Let You See the Truth

    FEB 18

    Ep 371 The Moderation Myth: When Your Brain Won’t Let You See the Truth

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

    22 min
  3. Ep 370 When You’re Sick of Thinking About Your Drinking (And What It Actually Means)

    FEB 12

    Ep 370 When You’re Sick of Thinking About Your Drinking (And What It Actually Means)

    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

    16 min
  4. Ep 369 The 3 Emotional Phases of Change (and How to Know Where You Are)

    FEB 5

    Ep 369 The 3 Emotional Phases of Change (and How to Know Where You Are)

    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

    27 min
  5. Ep 368 REWIND -What We CAN and CAN'T Control

    JAN 28

    Ep 368 REWIND -What We CAN and CAN'T Control

    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.

    18 min
  6. Ep 367 The Year It Finally Clicked: How My Client Stopped Drinking and Built a Lasting Alcohol-Free Life

    JAN 21

    Ep 367 The Year It Finally Clicked: How My Client Stopped Drinking and Built a Lasting Alcohol-Free Life

    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

    42 min
  7. Ep 366 The Kind Way Is They Way It Works

    JAN 15

    Ep 366 The Kind Way Is They Way It Works

    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

    16 min
  8. Ep 365 You Didn’t Fail — You Returned (Changing Your Relationship With Alcohol)

    JAN 7

    Ep 365 You Didn’t Fail — You Returned (Changing Your Relationship With Alcohol)

    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

    11 min
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4.8
out of 5
292 Ratings

About

Stop Over-Drinking and Start Living is a podcast for high-functioning women who want to stop over-drinking, cut back on alcohol, and change their relationship with wine and drinking. Certified Stop Over-Drinking Coach Angela Mascenik shares compassionate, practical self-coaching tools to help you feel like yourself again and handle life without using alcohol to cope. No labels. No “never again” rules. Just honest conversations and real strategies for women who are sober curious, want to drink less, or are exploring an alcohol-free life with clarity and self-trust. Get Angela’s free Start Here Guide delivered to your inbox: https://www.angelamascenik.com/starthere

Information

  • Creator
    Angela Mascenik - Certified Stop Over-drinking Coach
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    376
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright
  • Show Website
    Stop Over-drinking and Start Living

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