Midlife AF Podcast

Emma Gilmour

5.0 (2)
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

Midlife AF Podcast

Finding Your Groove Without Booze

1 DAY AGO

#104 Aware & Safe AF

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of emotional safety and awareness when it comes to reducing or stopping alcohol consumption. I chat about how awareness allows us to see the reasons behind our drinking, rather than just relying on willpower. I also ponder on the role of self-compassion in this process, and how being kind to ourselves is crucial for making lasting change. This conversation is a deep dive into the psychological and emotional aspects of changing our relationship with alcohol. Key Takeaways: Awareness is key - understanding the reasons and emotions behind our drinking habits is more important than just trying to stop through willpower alone. Self-compassion is vital - being kind and understanding towards ourselves, rather than harshly judging, is essential for sustainable change. Emotional safety is crucial - creating boundaries and surrounding ourselves with supportive people helps us feel secure enough to address the deeper issues. Our drinking is often a symptom, not the root problem - it's about learning to manage difficult emotions and experiences in healthier ways. Reparenting ourselves with love and care can help heal the parts of us that have been suppressed or judged in the past. Awareness allows us to pause before reacting, giving us the space to choose a more constructive response. Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs: Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

56 min
09/15/2024

#103 Decided AF

In this episode, I share my personal journey with alcohol and the freedom I found in making the decision to stop drinking for a year. I talk about the neuroscience behind alcohol addiction and how it acts as a survival mechanism in the brain. I discuss the importance of making a clear decision, rather than trying to moderate, and how that decision-making process can be freeing. I also touch on the role of willpower, the problems with the "drink responsibly" messaging, and the value of doing inner work to change beliefs around alcohol. Key Takeaways: Alcohol triggers a dopamine rush that the brain interprets as a survival need, making it very difficult to moderate Making a clear decision, whether for a month, a year, or indefinitely, can be incredibly freeing compared to constantly debating whether to drink Willpower alone is not an effective long-term strategy for changing alcohol use habits The "drink responsibly" messaging promoted by the alcohol industry is problematic and places the blame on the individual Doing inner work to challenge beliefs and assumptions about alcohol can be a powerful part of the change process Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Wishing you could stop at that elusive 2nd glass of wine instead of finishing the bottle? Let me show you how easy it can be to go from feeling tired, bloated, overwhelmed and slugglish to jubilantly full of beans and ready to take on the world with my Masterclass & 30 day Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment this Sept/October. 🤸‍♀️ FREE Masterclass: 5 Suprising Ways Taking A Break From Booze Can Be Effortless and Change your Life: Wednesday 25th September 7pm Replays Available https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/sep24masterclassreg 🤸‍♀️ The 30 Day Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment - LIVE! Monday 30th September-29th October 2024 - 7pm nightly (optional) https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment Feel healthier, sleep better and get more done!

23 min
09/08/2024

#102 Sourced AF

In this episode, I discuss the profound concept of "returning to source" - the idea that at our core, we are inherently good and have the capacity to nurture and heal ourselves. I delve into the societal conditioning that often leads us to believe we are broken or unworthy, and how this mindset can fuel our reliance on external crutches like alcohol. I share the importance of cultivating self-love, presence, and the understanding that we already possess everything we need within ourselves. Throughout the episode, I encourage you to embrace the journey of self-discovery and to recognise your inherent goodness and capacity for healing. Key Takeaways: The concept of "returning to source" is about unmasking and reconnecting with the human being we were meant to be, before societal conditioning told us we were not good enough. At our core, we are inherently good and have the capacity to nurture and heal ourselves, rather than relying on external crutches like alcohol. Societal expectations and the pressure to conform can lead to the development of coping mechanisms and limiting beliefs that no longer serve us, especially in midlife. The journey of self-discovery and learning to hold ourselves with unconditional positive regard is both terrifying and incredibly exciting. Upcoming programs like the Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment and a masterclass on the benefits of taking a break from alcohol can provide valuable support and guidance on this transformative path. Embracing our authentic selves and recognising our inherent goodness is the key to lasting change and fulfilment. Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Wishing you could stop at that elusive 2nd glass of wine instead of finishing the bottle? Let me show you how easy it can be to go from feeling tired, bloated, overwhelmed and slugglish to jubilantly full of beans and ready to take on the world with my Masterclass & 30 day Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment this Sept/October. 🤸‍♀️ FREE Masterclass: 5 Suprising Ways Taking A Break From Booze Can Be Effortless and Change your Life: Wednesday 25th September 7pm Replays Available https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/sep24masterclassreg 🤸‍♀️ The 30 Day Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment - LIVE! Monday 30th September-29th October 2024 - 7pm nightly (optional) https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment Feel healthier, sleep better and get more done!

29 min
09/01/2024

#101 Served AF

In this episode of Midlife AF, I dive deep into the topic of servitude - the conditioning many of us, especially women, experience to put the needs of others before our own. I share how this belief system can lead to burnout, resentment, and the need to numb out with alcohol. I challenge the notion that we must always be selfless, and emphasize the importance of putting our own needs first in order to live a fulfilling, alcohol-free life. Through personal stories and insights from my coaching work, I explore how breaking free from the cycle of servitude is key to our liberation and healing.Key Takeaways: The belief that we must always put others before ourselves is a form of conditioning, often passed down through generations of women. This servitude mentality can lead to exhaustion, resentment, and the use of alcohol as a way to cope. In order to live an authentic, alcohol-free life, we must learn to matter most to ourselves - our needs, boundaries, and self-care must take priority. Unlearning the habit of people-pleasing and saying "no" can be incredibly difficult, as we fear being seen as selfish or unlovable. Connecting to our deeper feelings and inner child can help us overcome the fear and shame around prioritizing ourselves. Cultivating self-compassion and unconditional self-love is essential for breaking free from the cycle of servitude. When we put ourselves first, we not only heal ourselves, but create a ripple effect of transformation for those around us. Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae Work with me privately: I have two options for my private 1:1 coaching you can either do a 30 day break with me as your pocket PT with my Em G in Your Pocket package. Or you can do a longer more in-depth 3 month program with me which includes weekly zoom sessions and support in between. I recommend doing this is you are worried you can’t do a 30 break from booze or you haven’t done one for a while. Preparation is everything and we get you so damn ready to stop it’s a relief when day 1 arrives! If you are not sure what the best options for you might be you can book an initial 1:1 counselling/ coaching session at $245 for a 90 minute initial consult - you will leave with a plan for your next steps with alcohol and having transformed at least on belief that is keeping you stuck drinking more than you want. If you choose to work with me in a 1:1 30 day or 3 month program - the cost of the initial consult will be refunded: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20808150&appointmentType=43677625 Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

34 min
08/25/2024

#100 Alchemist AF

In this episode of Midlife AF, I explore the concept of alchemy - the process of transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. I discuss how we all have the power within ourselves to be our own alchemists, to take our struggles and wounds and transmute them into self-love and self-compassion. I delve into the roots of emotional hyper-arousal, busy brains, and compulsive behaviors, tracing them back to childhood experiences where our sensitive, big emotions were often dismissed or suppressed. I talk about the importance of "re-parenting" ourselves, of showing up for the wounded inner child and validating their experience. Through this process of self-acceptance and self-nurturing, we can find the peace and freedom we've been searching for, without the need for external crutches like alcohol. It's an empowering message about tapping into our own inner alchemy to create the extraordinary lives we desire. Key Takeaways: Alchemy is the process of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary - we all have this power within us Sensitive, emotional children are often made to feel their big feelings are unacceptable, leading to wounds and "holes" that we try to fill later in life Re-parenting ourselves, validating our inner child, and showing self-love/compassion is the key to healing these wounds We already have everything we need inside to create the peace and freedom we crave - we don't need external substances like alcohol T Tapping into our inner alchemy allows us to transmute our struggles into something precious and life-affirming Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae Work with me privately: I have two options for my private 1:1 coaching you can either do a 30 day break with me as your pocket PT with my Em G in Your Pocket package. Or you can do a longer more in-depth 3 month program with me which includes weekly zoom sessions and support in between. I recommend doing this is you are worried you can’t do a 30 break from booze or you haven’t done one for a while. Preparation is everything and we get you so damn ready to stop it’s a relief when day 1 arrives! If you are not sure what the best options for you might be you can book an initial 1:1 counselling/ coaching session at $245 for a 90 minute initial consult - you will leave with a plan for your next steps with alcohol and having transformed at least on belief that is keeping you stuck drinking more than you want. If you choose to work with me in a 1:1 30 day or 3 month program - the cost of the initial consult will be refunded: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20808150&appointmentType=43677625 Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

29 min
08/11/2024

#99 Abundant AF

In this episode of Midlife AF, I have an insightful conversation about the importance of self-love and compassion when addressing alcohol use. I explain how our inner critic and tendency to self-flagellate often stems from childhood experiences where our emotions were not fully validated. I talk about how our drinking behaviours are not character flaws, but rather coping mechanisms our subconscious has developed to deal with distress. The key is to approach change with love and understanding for these protective parts of ourselves, rather than harsh judgment. I also discuss the challenges of doing inner work while still drinking, and why taking a break from alcohol can facilitate deeper personal growth. Episode Highlights: Our inner critic and tendency to self-punish when trying to change drinking behaviours often originates from childhood experiences where our emotions were not fully validated. Drinking behaviours are coping mechanisms, not character flaws - they develop to help us deal with distress and dysregulation. Approaching change with self-love and compassion for our protective parts is more effective than harsh self-judgment. Taking a break from alcohol can create space for deeper personal growth and inner work. Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae Work with me privately: I have two options for my private 1:1 coaching you can either do a 30 day break with me as your pocket PT with my Em G in Your Pocket package. Or you can do a longer more in-depth 3 month program with me which includes weekly zoom sessions and support in between. I recommend doing this is you are worried you can’t do a 30 break from booze or you haven’t done one for a while. Preparation is everything and we get get you so damn ready to stop it’s a relief when day 1 arrives! If you are not sure what the best options for you might be you can book an initial 1:1 counselling/ coaching session at $245 for a 90 minute initial consult - you will leave with a plan for your next steps with alcohol and having transformed at least on belief that is keeping you stuck drinking more than you want. If you choose to work with me in a 1:1 30 day or 3 month program - the cost of the initial consult will be refunded: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20808150&appointmentType=43677625 Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

35 min
08/04/2024

#98 Awakened AF

In this episode of Midlife AF, I discuss the stigma and misconceptions around giving up alcohol. I share my personal journey of stopping drinking at age 46 and the profound awakening and self-discovery that followed. I challenge the notion that only "problem drinkers" or "alcoholics" should stop drinking and argue that alcohol is harmful for everyone. Giving up alcohol is not a punishment, but an opportunity for growth, authenticity, and reclaiming our true selves. Key Takeaways: The alcohol industry and recovery movement have perpetuated the myth that only "problem drinkers" should stop drinking, creating unnecessary stigma Alcohol is a harmful substance for everyone, not just those labeled as "alcoholics" Stopping drinking can lead to a profound awakening and self-discovery, allowing us to confront our true emotions and live more authentic lives Midlife is a time of great transition and opportunity for growth, and giving up alcohol can be a powerful catalyst for this process We need to stop being so compliant and start "rattling the cage" to create the lives we truly want My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Join Emma's VIP ELITE experience here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/offers/k7AXMNPG Join Emma's Be The Lighthouse membership here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/bethelighthouse Get Emma's Visualisation audio download at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/northstarvisualisation Emma's Awareness worksheets for people wanting to prepare prior to taking a break from drinking or reduce their drinking by being more mindful about what and why they drink https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset for people looking to take a quick reset https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/fivedayreset Join The Self-Paced Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment at https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/aae Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

24 min
08/01/2024

#97 Rebirthed AF

In this episode, I discuss the concept of "rebirthing" and how we go through many different "skins" or versions of ourselves throughout our lives. I talk about the shame and stigma often associated with struggling with alcohol, and how my approach to helping people change their relationship with alcohol is focused on understanding the reasons behind our drinking, rather than just trying to abstain through willpower alone. Takeaways: Rebirthing and shedding our "skins" is a natural part of the human experience, especially for women in midlife Shame and stigma around alcohol use can make it harder to make lasting changes My approach focuses on understanding the reasons behind our drinking, not just trying to abstain through willpower Joining a supportive community and program can be a game-changer in changing our relationship with alcohol Self-compassion and not beating ourselves up when we "fall off the wagon" is crucial Underlying factors like trauma, neurodivergence, and other life experiences can play a big role in our relationship with alcohol My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs Join Emma's 5 Day Alcohol Reset LIVE here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/reset Episode links & Resources Learn more about Emma Gilmour at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow Emma Gilmour on insta @hoperisingcoaching Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705

38 min

TRAILER

#00 - Midlife AF Podcast Preview

Welcome to the Midlife AF podcast - for women navigating midlife and their relationship with alcohol! In this preview episode, I'm sharing my intentions for the podcast and what you can expect as a regular listener to the show! The Midlife AF podcast will; - Honour how goddamn tough (and divinely freeing) it is to be a woman in midlife - Provide really practical tools that I use in my coaching business and with myself to create an Alcohol-Free life that I genuinely love. - Talk and hold space for the things that come up when we take alcohol out of the equation (all the things we were drinking to avoid) and how to approach them. - Share my joy in the journey of uncovering what made us drink in the first place, how to sit with discomfort and learn how to have our own back and stop abandoning ourselves in our distress - Talk about what is like approaching or being in the sandwich generation and the impact both our parents and teens can have on our nervous systems, mental health ability to prioritise our own health and wellbeing - Talk about the menopause and peri-menopause and all it’s unspoken about problems (and benefits) and why it is particular unpleasant to mix with alcohol! - Talk about trauma, big and little T and what it does to our nervous systems. - Talk about the reasons women drink - which has very little to do with alcohol and everything to do with how we feel in our bodies and what we are telling ourselves or holding in our subconscious. - It is highly likely at some point we will get on to Yoni, pelvic healing and the cervical orgasm - mainly because I am interested in the healing opportunities there - haven’t done anything about it yet but I am slowly gathering momentum. - I will probably talk a bit too much about ocean swimming and how much it helps me mentally and physically as well as my favourite monthly swim at full moon #boobstothemoon - We will talk about people pleasing, perfectionism and how to work with negative and limiting thoughts and beliefs. And how having to work on this in order to find ourselves is universal for so many women. - We will talk about the patriarchal culture and society we live in and how that is impacting us - I am a passionate feminist so if that’s not your bag - see ya! - I will talk about neurodiversity - as we are a recently diagnosed neurodiverse family - in a positive, informative and honest way. - There is a high correlation between neurodiversity and substance abuse and more and more women in midlife are being diagnosed - we will talk about why that is too. - We will talk about body image, intuitive eating, disordered eating, diet culture and how this all adds to the bloody heavy load we carry as women. - This will also be a podcast for fun and laughter and hope as that is my default setting. - It will also be a podcast full of love and compassion as we know that that is the route to all long lasting transformation. I will bring on awesome guests with wisdom, and experience to share that will help us on our journey. Most of all, I want this to be a place of connection and understanding. Vulnerability and awkwardness will abound as we learn to create this next chapter of our lives as authentically as possible. Thank you for coming on this journey with me as we find our groove without booze. Learn more about Emma at: www.hoperisingcoaching.com Follow on insta @hoperisingcoaching If you have any questions or topics that you would like a podcast on please click here. Join my 3 day virtual retreat ‘Change your relationship with alcohol -in just 3 days- without stopping drinking’ 24th-26th October 7:30-8:30 here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/change-your-relationship-with-alcohol Register for my Masterclass on the ‘5 Surprising Ways taking a break from booze can be effortless AND change your life’ October 27th at 5pm OR November 2nd at 7pm AEST here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5-surprising-ways-masterclass-registration-Oct%20No

10/13/2022

•

14 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Finding Your Groove Without Booze

Creator

Emma Gilmour
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

105
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Emma Gilmour - Hope Rising Coaching
Show Website

Midlife AF Podcast