The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast Amy Green Smith

Did you know that alcohol is addictive… to everyone? Not just those with “addictive personalities” (which may not even be a real thing), but literally everyone. All human bodies. And did you know that alcohol is a carcinogen? As in, it f*****g CAUSES CANCER? How ‘bout this one… did you know that the word “alcoholic” is an outdated term and experts categorize alcohol consumption as Alcohol Use Disorder, which of course has a broad spectrum. Did you know that nearly anyone who drinks alcohol, even in “moderation” would be categorized as having Alcohol Use Disorder? Whoa.
This week on the show, I’m chatting with Annie Grace who is one of the most predominant voices in the alcohol-free movement. Until I stumbled on Annie’s work, I had no idea that alcohol was addictive for everyone, let alone that it can cause cancer. And how would I? Every other item we consume from food to cigarettes to prescription drugs come with a host of information and warnings. But alcohol? Nope. You basically get the alcohol content and that’s about it. No warnings. No “hey, this shit could be the death of you!” or anything. And, let’s not forget that our culture sexifies everything surrounding alcohol… it makes you relax, you can escape your kids/stress/problems, you are wildly more entertaining, and of course, you are way more attractive.
In this candid conversation, I chat with Annie about her personal relationship with alcohol, recent neuroscience highlighting efficacy in behavioral change (aka why white-knucking doesn’t work), and your first place to start if you want to get more curious and intentional about how much alcohol you consume. 
This pod explores:
How to use Annie’s ACT technique when processing uncomfortable emotion The role self-trust plays in your relationship to substances Why the term “alcoholic” can be hugely problematic in certain cases How to remove (or scale down) on the shame and blame involved with being alcohol-free _____
HIRE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT! ACCESS ‘ENOUGHNESS’. POWERFULLY NAVIGATE FEAR. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. I have three battle-tested (and badass) keynote speeches that are ready to be delivered to your company, organization, group, or association. If you or anyone you know could benefit from me droppin’ some gems (um, like, who couldn’t use some new tools?) please send them to THIS FANCY INFO PAGE on my site where you/they can message me directly about specific needs.
______ PERKS FOR THE POD-IENCE This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/boldtruth or simply enter code boldtruth at checkout. Hello!!
Join the millions of people who have found huge relief and support from BetterHelp therapists and save on your first month while you’re at it! Check it out ~>
______ RESOURCES POD #482: [DIAL AN EXPERT] Privilege, Race, And Addiction With Laura Cathcart Robbins  Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett Dr. BJ Fogg ____ THIS WEEK’S ‘DIAL AN EXPERT’ GUESTIE Annie Grace is the author of This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life and The Alcohol Experiment: A 30-day, Alcohol-Free Challenge to Interrupt Your Habits and Help You Take Control. 
She grew up outside Aspen, Colorado, in a one-room log cabin without running water or electricity. Having discovered a passion for marketing, Annie Grace earned a Masters of Science (Marketing) and dove into corporate life. As the youngest vice president in a multinational company at the age of 26, her drinking career began in earnest. At 35, in a global C-level marketing role, she was responsible for marketing in 28 countries; she was drinking almost two bottles of wine a night. Knowing she needed a change but unwilling to submit to a life of deprivation and stigma, Annie Grace embarked on a journey to painlessly gain control of alcohol — for her that process resulted in no longer want

After a secret, six-year love affair with prescription drugs and alcohol, Laura Cathcart Robbins begrudgingly checked herself in rehab. She knew that if she had any hope of a future and any hope of parenting her precious children, she needed to get some help. And, fast. And the timing couldn’t have been worse. She was in the beginning stages of what could potentially be a horribly contentious divorce and had just signed on to a prestigious community position. In the space of a short ten months, Laura had ended a very high-profile marriage, went to rehab, got sober and fell in love. 
This week on the show, I chat with Laura about the chronology of her addiction, including a brief stint with freebasing cocaine, hiding pills and booze in a vault of shoe boxes, and terror she felt when she realized that her maternal instinct to caretake for her children, THE driving force in her life, was now superseded by the drive to get high. The strongest pull she had ever known was now dethroned by the urge to use. 
In this candid and unabashed interview, Laura shares her elitism around her addiction and how that kept her from getting the help she needed, her defense tactic of stonewalling others, and how she healed herself from taking ten Ambien daily… washed down with a few shots of Vodka. We discuss how her perspective on intimacy and vulnerability has changed in her relationships now that she’s in recovery, the role race and privilege played in her addiction, and the first step you should take if you are concerned about your substance use.
This pod explores:
Understanding the difference between privacy and secrecy and how addiction thrives in secrecy How Laura defines addiction and how it shows up in our work, fitness, and relationships How Laura opened up to vulnerability and what her first step was (spoiler: you can do it to) Exploring the lack of Black and Brown voices the recovery space and how Laura is shifting that paradigm _______
HIRE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT! ACCESS ‘ENOUGHNESS’. POWERFULLY NAVIGATE FEAR. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. I have three battle-tested (and badass) keynote speeches that are ready to be delivered to your company, organization, group, or association. If you or anyone you know could benefit from me droppin’ some gems (um, like, who couldn’t use some new tools?) please send them to THIS FANCY INFO PAGE on my site where you/they can message me directly about specific needs.
______  PERKS FOR THE POD-IENCE This podcast is sponsored by LetsGetChecked and The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast listeners get a whoppin’ 30% off their first test kit of choice at trylgc.com/boldtruth or simply enter code boldtruth at checkout. Hello!!
Getting necessary medical testing can be simple, safe, and easily done in the privacy of your own home. Check out this killer offer from LetsGetChecked and save 30% on your first test kit! Check it out ~>
______ RESOURCES Postcards From the Edge, Carrie Fisher Drinking: A Love Story, Caroline Knapp A Drinking Life, Pete Hamill ______ THIS WEEK’S ‘DIAL AN EXPERT’ GUESTIE Laura Cathcart Robbins is the host of the popular podcast, The Only One In The Room, and author of the forthcoming Atria/Simon & Schuster memoir, STASH (March 7, 2023). She has been active for many years as a speaker and school trustee and is credited for creating The Buckley School’s nationally recognized committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Her recent articles in Huffpo and The Temper on the subjects of race, recovery, and divorce have garnered her worldwide acclaim. She is a 2022 TEDx Speaker and LA Moth StorySlam winner. Currently, she sits on the advisory boards of the San Diego Writer’s Festival and the Outliers HQ podcast Festival.
Connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
____ HOW TO LEAVE APPLE PODCASTS REVIEWS: Click the “Subscribe on Apple Podcasts” button below or go HERE Click on blue button that reads “view in Apple Podcasts

If you’re like most women in our culture, one says the word “health” and that immediately conjures up thoughts about losing weight, exercising, and you know… just being as skinny and appealing to men as possible. Thanks, Patriarchy. But, there are soooo many areas of health… and none of them are about anyone else except YOU. 
Listen, if something related to your health is uncomfortable for you, IT MATTERS. Full stop. You have pain during sex or with your period? It matters. You have pain in your gums, feel exhausted all the time, or have a tough time being around certain people? It matters. You deserve to find your healing in every area of your life. Whether that’s making your dental appointments or learning to establish boundaries.
In this final health-focused episode, I dig into four major categories of our health as well as actionable steps you can take in each category to feel your absolute best. This is not about doing all 40+ items in this pod (I see you, Overachiever), but rather to start truly listening to your body, mind, and spirit, and figure out what health really means to YOU. What activities, people, foods, movement, or education bring you happiness and fulfillment? Time to find out because they all affect your health, my friend. Get your notebooks out because this pod is a “healthy” dose of actionable homework. [See what I did there?] 
This pod explores:
What-the-hell Sleep Hygiene is and why it’s so important Why stalking out your ex (or ex-bestie) on Insta is super bad for your health My favorite exercise to do every morning to improve your mental and emotional health Why you need to have an orgasm (aka Vitamin O) every week   ______
HIRE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT! ACCESS ‘ENOUGHNESS’. POWERFULLY NAVIGATE FEAR. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. I have three battle-tested (and badass) keynote speeches that are ready to be delivered to your company, organization, group, or association. If you or anyone you know could benefit from me droppin’ some gems (um, like, who couldn’t use some new tools?) please send them to THIS FANCY INFO PAGE on my site where you/they can message me directly about specific needs.
______ PERKS FOR THE POD-IENCE This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/boldtruth or simply enter code boldtruth at checkout. Hello!!
Join the millions of people who have found huge relief and support from BetterHelp therapists and save on your first month while you’re at it! Check it out ~>
______ RESOURCES Free-sources – some free ways I can help!! Pod #227: “No”Vember: How To Say “No” (And Not Feel Guilty)  POD #250: Tough Convos 101   POD #298: Steps To Silencing Your Inner Shit-Talker Ep#298 POD #313: 4 Steps To Manifesting Dope-Ass Friendships   POD #359: Necessary Rest: What It Means To Truly Restore POD #447: [Amy Says] Boundary Deep Dive, Part 1 POD #448: [Amy Says] Boundary Deep Dive, Part 2 [AMY SAYS] EP#466 – 7 Ways to Amp Up Your Self-Confidence POD #479: [Dial An Expert] Period Pain Is Not Normal (And Other Women’s Health Issues) With Dr. Saru Bala POD #480: [DIAL AN EXPERT] Codependency, Polyvagal Theory + Regulating Your Nervous System with Victoria Albina Environmental Working Group PlayFitt ____ HOW TO LEAVE APPLE PODCASTS REVIEWS: Click the “Subscribe on Apple Podcasts” button below or go HERE Click on blue button that reads “view in Apple Podcasts” which will open the podcast into your personal Apple Podcasts account Click “Ratings & Reviews” under the show title Click the star rating of choice and then click the “Write a Review” button You can also click “Subscribe” under the podcast photo to be automatically notified of new episodes ______ WANT TO SUBMIT A SHOW TOPIC? Swing by THIS PAGE and let us hear what you would like us to sound off on!

So you’ve been stressed the-f-out, constantly overwhelmed and anxious and you’ve been noticing that this constant state of hustle, hustle, hustle, is starting to feel like your new normal. Only it’s not normal. You’re wondering if this is what burnout feels like. And your entire nervous system is screaming at you to slooooooow down. In fact, sometimes when you have down time you’re in such a heightened state, that you have a hellova time calming down… reaching for something to “do” while you relax.
But, what is actually happening in your nervous system? Many times, when we get into these states of stress, we blame either ourselves, for taking on too much or not being able to handle enough, or we blame external forces. We think that it’s our boss’s fault or our partner’s fault, and whilst there may be some culpable parties, blame really doesn’t ever help you feel better. And being pissed that you’re anxious hasn’t really helped either. But, if you really understood what was happening in your nervous system, you could utilize tools to self-regulate or co-regulate. 
Ok, great. But wtf does this really look like? Furthering our series on women’s health, I dialed up my pal Victoria Albina who is a Nurse Practitioner, Life Coach, and authority on all things nervous system. We chat all about her take on Polyvagal Theory (wait, what’s that?), the three main states of our autonomic nervous system, and how we can work with that system to calm-the-fuck down already. We also discuss how all of this relates to codependency in our lives. Yep, all connected. If you’ve found yourself in a near constant state of stress and overwhelm, this episode will take you to school. 
This pod explores:
Understanding Polyvagal Theory and how it impacts your daily life Evaluating what it looks like to be in a “dysregulated state” and how to self-regulate or co-regulate The Ventral Vagal state of our parasympathetic nervous system and how accessing this state allows us to be present, creative and connected Victoria’s 3C’s of Feminist Wellness and how you can get your hands on her free meditations _______
HIRE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT! ACCESS ‘ENOUGHNESS’. POWERFULLY NAVIGATE FEAR. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. I have three battle-tested (and badass) keynote speeches that are ready to be delivered to your company, organization, group, or association. If you or anyone you know could benefit from me droppin’ some gems (um, like, who couldn’t use some new tools?) please send them to THIS FANCY INFO PAGE on my site where you/they can message me directly about specific needs.
______  PERKS FOR THE POD-IENCE This podcast is sponsored by LetsGetChecked and The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast listeners get a whoppin’ 30% off their first test kit of choice at trylgc.com/boldtruth or simply enter code boldtruth at checkout. Hello!!
Getting necessary medical testing can be simple, safe, and easily done in the privacy of your own home. Check out this killer offer from LetsGetChecked and save 30% on your first test kit! Check it out ~>
______ RESOURCES Free-sources – some free ways I can help!! Pod #479: [Dial An Expert] Period Pain Is Not Normal (And Other Women’s Health Issues) With Dr. Saru Bala ______ THIS WEEK’S ‘DIAL AN EXPERT’ GUESTIE María-Victoria Albina (she/her) is a Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner and Breathwork Meditation Guide with a passion for helping women realize that they are their own best healers, so they can break free from codependency, perfectionism and people-pleasing and reclaim their joy.
She is the host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, is trained in Somatic Experiencing and other somatic modalities, holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a BA in Latin American Studies from Oberlin College. María-Victoria has been working in health & wellness for over 20 years and lives

I heard something pretty profound recently – Something that shocked the shit out of me, if I’m honest. I was watching a TikTok video where a Naturopathic Doctor was discussing the three things related to hormones she intends to teach her daughter when she grows up. You know what number one was? She said, “I’m going to be sure she knows that painful periods are NOT NORMAL.” Wait, what!? As I began to scour this woman’s vids, I started to see a trend… many of the symptoms I experience around my period or even in my everyday life are actually totally treatable. In fact, this doc tends to see her patients dramatically (if not permanently) eradicate their symptoms in just 2-3 menstrual cycles. WHOA.
So, of course, I’m all perked up and listening. And, I’m thinking, I need to get this woman on the podcast! This is shit that every woman needs to know. You can see where I’m going with this. This week on the show, I’m dialing up Dr. Saru Bala who spills the details on all things woman’s hormone health. We talk about the importance of gut health (and what-the-hell that even means) on the female hormonal system, how to know if you have excessive bleeding during your cycle, and what discomfort is normal for your period… and what absolutely is not. As in… you shouldn’t have to call out sick to work. 
Oh, AND… If you’ve gotten aaaaaall the lab work done and it keeps coming back “normal,” yet you feel like shit, you won’t want to miss this episode. We discuss how blood work is only a fraction of what needs to be addressed, how stress factors into the equation, and Dr. Saru’s favorite 3-step process to lessen your stress instantly. Don’t miss this one, my friend!
This pod explores:
The absolute first place to start if you have a litany of symptoms are overstressed, under-rested, and dying for solutions Understanding gut health and how it is related to your hormones and periods Dr. Saru’s favorite (FREE!) breathwork app to immediately improve your sleep hygiene Understanding the effect of blood sugar on your mood How to know if an alternative healing practitioner is the real deal _______
HIRE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT! ACCESS ‘ENOUGHNESS’. POWERFULLY NAVIGATE FEAR. SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. I have three battle-tested (and badass) keynote speeches that are ready to be delivered to your company, organization, group, or association. If you or anyone you know could benefit from me droppin’ some gems (um, like, who couldn’t use some new tools?) please send them to THIS FANCY INFO PAGE on my site where you/they can message me directly about specific needs.
______ PERKS FOR THE POD-IENCE This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and The Bold-Faced Truth Podcast listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/boldtruth or simply enter code boldtruth at checkout. Hello!!
Join the millions of people who have found huge relief and support from BetterHelp therapists and save on your first month while you’re at it! Check it out ~>
______ THIS WEEK’S ‘DIAL AN EXPERT’ GUESTIE Dr. Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Prior to attending medical school, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She has done extra training in the areas of women’s health and naturopathic endocrinology. Currently, her primary focus is on managing chronic hormonal issues such as PMS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, Hashimoto’s, fertility, and other women’s hormonal health concerns.
Connect with Dr. Bala on her website, TikTok, and Insta.  
____ HOW TO LEAVE APPLE PODCASTS REVIEWS: Click the “Subscribe on Apple Podcasts” button below or go HERE Click on blue button that reads “view in Apple Podcasts” which will open the podcast into your personal Apple Podcasts account Click “Ratings & Reviews” under the show title Click the star rating