Many midlife women find themselves rethinking their relationship with alcohol as they navigate new stressors, changing hormones, and shifting priorities. If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and noticing that alcohol plays a different role in your life than it used to, you are not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Freeland, founder of Emotional Sobriety Coaching and host of the Not About the Alcohol podcast, for a direct and honest discussion about high-functioning women, drinking habits, and the cultural narratives that shape how we cope in midlife. We move past labels and shame, getting practical about how women can check in with themselves, rewire unhelpful habits, and find healthier ways to handle stress. We discuss: Why high-achieving, goal-oriented women often turn to alcohol to unwind How stress, productivity, and perfectionism impact women's health in midlife The difference between drinking to enhance an experience and drinking to tolerate discomfort Why the "am I an alcoholic?" label can be less helpful than you think Practical strategies like the "delay, don't deny" method for interrupting automatic habits The importance of mindfulness and self-compassion in making sustainable changes How to set boundaries around drinking in relationships, including with partners CHAPTERS 00:00 02:26 The Love-Hate Relationship with Alcohol 04:52 Mindful Drinking and High Functioning Women 07:55 The Impact of Labels: Alcoholic vs. Casual Drinker 10:40 Recognizing Personal Accountability and Boundaries 13:33 Understanding Alcohol's Role in Coping Mechanisms 16:06 The Delay, Don't Deny Method 21:59 Building Mindfulness to Change Drinking Habits 28:06 Self-Care and Checking In with Needs CONTACT NATALIE Website: https://www.natalietysdal.com Email: hello@natalietysdal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntysdal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTysdal/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ntysdal Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ntysdal/ Sign Up for Natalie's Newsletter: https://page.natalietysdal.com/newsletter SUPPORT THIS PODCAST The businesses I trust make this podcast possible. When you use these links and codes, you're supporting the show while getting products I genuinely use and recommend. For Gut Health & Probiotics: • BioTiQuest: probiotics. https://biotiquest.com/natalietysdal (Code: NATALIETYSDAL) • Seeking Health: https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/stress-nutrients?mct=NgmAZXqO&dc=Natalie10&ref=NgmAZXqO (Code: NATALIE10) • Auro Wellness: https://aurowellness.com/natalietysdal For Energy & Focus: • ENERGYbits: Algae Nutrition for overall health. https://energybits.com/discount/NATALIETYSDAL?rfsn=8715077.c997ae&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8715077.c997ae (Code: NatalieTysdal) • Amino Club: Research Grade peptides. https://aminoclub.com?utm_source=affiliate_marketing&code=NATALIET (Code: NatalieT) For Recovery & Movement: • Block Therapy: Improve your pain and posture. https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/mainpage/natalietysdal/ • Kineon Red Light Therapy: https://kineon.io/NATALIET (Code: NatalieT) • PRN Vision: Eye Care and Eye health https://prnvision.com/pages/eyeeco?utm_source=affiliates&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=HomePage EXPLORE MORE FROM NATALIE Media Training for On-Camera Confidence: https://www.natalietysdal.com/mediatraining Podcast Launch Guide: https://www.natalietysdal.com/mediatraining DISCLAIMER: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Navigating peptide use for menopause? Learn about vetted sources and the critical "not for human consumption" label. Do your homework for safe, researched options. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Menopause #Health #Wellness #Biohacking

Explore peptides for anti-inflammatory healing and muscle gain. Discover weekly vs. daily injection schedules and the importance of personalized guidance for optimal results. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Health #Wellness #Fitness #Biohacking

Many people order peptides, including GLPs, online. But are these sites safe? How do you know the correct dosage? Medical supervision is crucial for safe and effective peptide use. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Health #Wellness #Science

Explore anti-aging peptides like Epitalon, which may improve telomere length—a key marker of age. Can we make cells behave younger? Learn how peptides target cellular aging for a more youthful you. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #AntiAging #Peptides #Longevity #CellularHealth #Epitalon

Discover the science behind copper peptides for skin and hair. See how this powerful ingredient can enhance your natural radiance. Learn more on natalietysdal.com More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #CopperPeptide #Skincare #HairGrowth #Wellness #BeautyTips

Confused about peptides for menopause and weight gain? Dive deep into this popular topic. Learn how they influence cells and how to use them safely. My journey into longevity started with a fascinating history.More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Menopause #WeightGain #Longevity #Health

Discover regenerative biologics: stem cells, exosomes, growth factors, and peptides. Influence your cells for a more youthful, optimal state, fighting inflammation and promoting regeneration. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #RegenerativeMedicine #CellSignaling #StemCells #Peptides #HealthAndWellness

Don't buy peptides from unverified sources. Always demand and verify Certificates of Analysis, ensuring lot numbers match and tracing back to the testing lab. Your health depends on it. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #PeptideSafety #HealthResources #WellnessTips #ScienceBacked

More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain Exploring the buzz around peptides and their potential impact on health. Discover what people are saying and where the science is heading. Dive into the world of peptides for your wellness journey. #Peptides #Wellness #Health #Biohacking #Longevity

Heal faster after injuries like twisted ankles. Discover popular anti-inflammatory peptides like the 'Wolverine stack' (KLOW) for rapid recovery and reduced inflammation, especially for active 50+ individuals. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #PeptideTherapy #Recovery #AntiInflammatory #WolverineStack #Health

Big pharma profits and implant industries hinder natural health advancements. Most peptides are naturally occurring, lacking patentable financial incentives for these giants. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #NaturalHealth #BigPharma #Peptides #HealthInnovation #Wellness

Curious about peptides? This is for you. We're diving into regenerative cell signaling and growth factor peptides, small protein fragments your body makes naturally. Learn how to start feeling better. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Health #Wellness #Biohacking #RegenerativeMedicine

Exploring copper peptides for potential benefits during menopause and weight gain. GLPs remain popular, paving the way for other peptide therapies when paired with lifestyle and hormone optimization. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Peptides #Menopause #WeightLoss #HealthTech #Wellness

Patients in limbo: basic therapies fall short, surgery looms. Athletes sought new options abroad. A paradigm shift in pain management is here, moving beyond outdated conferences. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #PainRelief #RegenerativeMedicine #HealthTech #PatientCare

Hormesis: using mild stress like saunas or fasting to build cellular resilience. This reduces inflammation, the root of age-related changes, leading to slower biological aging. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Hormesis #CellularHealth #Longevity #AntiAging #Wellness

Feeling drained? Discover how peptides can revitalize your mitochondria—the 'CEO' of your cells. Combat fatigue, long COVID effects, and toxins to boost cellular energy. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #Mitochondria #CellularHealth #Peptides #EnergyBoost #Wellness

Scared of self-injecting peptides? We coach you remotely, step-by-step via video. Learn to vet sources, mix accurately, and inject confidently. Start low, titrate up safely for results. More on this topic: https://www.natalietysdal.com/post/peptides-menopause-weight-gain #PeptideTherapy #HealthCoaching #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #Biohacking