Ep. 56 Beyond the Bottle: Kate Nichols on Family, Health, and an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

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Discovering Life Beyond the Bottle

Welcome to another episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast. In this episode, hosts Susan Larkin and Ruby Williams interview Kate Nichols, a certified alcohol freedom coach who has been alcohol-free for over three years. Together, they dive deep into the life-altering benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, the joy of travel, and the profound impact on family dynamics and personal health.

A Toast to Quality Mocktails

One of the initial points Kate Nichols brings up is her disdain for hastily prepared mocktails, often not given the same care as their alcoholic counterparts. She shares her favorite mocktail recipe, the Bosco Mule, which exemplifies the effort and creativity put into crafting a quality non-alcoholic beverage. The Bosco Mule, with its zesty lime and refreshing ginger flavors, aligns perfectly with Kate's belief that mocktails deserve the same attention to detail as any traditional cocktail.

Savoring the World Sober

Kate’s newfound sobriety has amplified her enthusiasm for life and travel, experiences she dives into vividly during this episode. She recounts a poignant trip to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, where she felt an intensified sense of wonder and appreciation. Without the haze of alcohol, Kate’s travel experiences have become more enriching and memorable. Another adventure in the Amazon stands out, where she stayed in a jungle lodge and explored the area via canoe—a unique experience that sobriety allowed her to fully engage with.

During the discussion, Ruby reflects on her transformative trip to Hawaii, where she chose to immerse herself in nature, appreciating sunsets over drinking. This conscious decision epitomizes the joy of being present and fully engaged in one’s surroundings.

Living Lit: Fitness as Natural Dopamine

A significant highlight of the conversation is Kate's active lifestyle, which she credits for her vibrant, "lit" feeling post-alcohol. She speaks passionately about sports, running, and other forms of exercise that provide her with a natural dopamine rush, a healthy substitute for the artificial high from alcohol. Ruby relates by sharing her own post-alcohol journey, which includes yoga and cold water plunges—activities that have brought about a similar sense of exhilaration and well-being.

The Ripple Effect on Family

Kate’s journey to sobriety has touched her family deeply, leading to transformative changes. Her 24-year-old son, a former engineering graduate, shifted to entrepreneurship, inspired by Kate’s own lifestyle and business transformation. This career change—creating platforms for coaches—would not have been possible had Kate not altered her path. Additionally, her relationship with her husband improved significantly after quitting alcohol. Initially strained by her drinking habits, their marriage regained strength through mutual support and understanding. Her husband, though still a moderate drinker, respects and supports her decision, highlighting the positive adjustments they both made.

Positive Influence on Children

In discussing their children’s drinking habits, both Kate and the hosts highlight a growing mindfulness among the younger generation. Kate notes her son’s minimal drinking, influenced by societal pressures and interactions with coaches. In contrast, her daughter enjoys social drinking but knows when to moderate. Both hosts, Ruby and Susan, observe similar trends in their children, indicating a rise in awareness and mindful drinking behaviors.

A Global Shift Towards Alcohol-Free Options

The episode also explores the global trend towards non-alcoholic beverages, with Kate observing an increasing availability of alcohol-free options worldwide. The UK, notably progressive in this area, leads the charge, while the U.S. shows gradual improvements. Ruby and Susan express appreciation for sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages, moving away from overly sweet options to more refined tastes.

Health Benefits Galore

Beyond emotional and relational improvements, the tangible health benefits Kate experiences are noteworthy. She mentions the resolution of conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and high blood pressure. This health transformation is something Susan praises and highlights by mentioning people who have found relief from chronic issues after quitting alcohol.

Join the Feel Lit Community

In closing, Ruby invites listeners to engage with the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Community on Facebook, a supportive space for sharing experiences and finding solidarity. Encouraging listeners to submit questions on Apple Podcasts through ratings and reviews, the hosts continue to inspire and empower with each episode.

Kate Nichols’ journey is a testament to the profound impact of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Her story underscores the joy, richness, and health improvements that come with living sober. Whether you're at the start of your journey or well on your way, this episode offers compelling reasons to celebrate life sans alcohol.

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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching
Email: [email protected]