Best Grey Area Drinking Podcasts (2024)

1
248. The impact of trying to be the person everyone likes with Chris Gimpel 1:01:20

3h ago1:01:20

1:01:20

In this episode, I talk with Chris Gimpel from Brisbane about his personal struggles with alcohol and how the need for acceptance fuelled a deeply problematic relationship with drinking. This conversation highlights a critical issue—many of us drink to feel accepted, and the effects on our lives, bodies, and mental health are profound. We explore t…

1
247. How we quit alcohol and changed our self concept for lasting change Danni and Ash 29:37

2h ago29:37

29:37

In this episode, Ash and I have a good old chat in the studio celebrating our book release, How I Quit Alcohol, A Rock N Roll Guide To Sobriety. We chat about that first year of sobriety and beyond, how much our life has changed and some of the challenges that we faced in early sobriety. We also talk about why choosing a 12 month break is a great r…

1
246. Rebranding your life with Davidji 56:37

6d ago56:37

56:37

This episode is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite conversations on the podcast! In this episode, I chat with the renowned meditation teacher, David Ji, who has guided millions of people on their journey to heal their hearts and embrace the power of meditation. What We Discuss: Shedding What Doesn’t Serve Us: David and I explore the concep…

1
245. The importance of self check in and how to do it. 28:19

13d ago28:19

28:19

In this solocast, I dive into the transformative power of the self check-in. Understanding and responding to the signals our body sends can be a game-changer in preventing ailments, avoiding poor decisions, and managing reactive behaviours. Through self-compassion and mindfulness, we can better equip ourselves to face life's challenges with grace a…

1
244. Celebrating 1 of sobriety at 27 years old with Snowy T 1:02:17

20d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

In this episode, I chat with Snowy T, a 27-year-old who has just reached a significant milestone—one year of sobriety. Snowy talks about overcoming alcohol dependency, starting with how he fell in love with the effects of alcohol from his very first drink. Feeling disconnected from his peers as a non-drinker, Snowy eventually turned to alcohol to f…

1
243. How to change behaviours and Is It Right For Me Right Now? 19:30

1M ago19:30

19:30

In this solo cast I talk about how any step in the right direction is a great step forward. How by adding in some good practices can help us edge out some of the old toxic patterns. Sometimes the big change is not right for us right now and if we don't get there, we can end up feeling guilty or down on ourselves. In this episode I give some journal…

1
242. Early days fresh out of rehab with Sarah from Melbourne 57:29

1M ago57:29

57:29

In this episode, I catch up with Sarah from Melbourne, who is just four months sober and fresh out of rehab. Sarah shares her story of losing her beloved mother at a young age and how, with no tools to cope with the grief, she turned to alcohol as a way to mask her feelings. Over the years, her relationship with alcohol became unmanageable, with Sa…

1
241. How the blame game keeps us stuck. 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

In this solocast mini-sode I chat about blame and how it keeps us stuck. How blame lowers our energy and how we become so much more empowered by placing our energy into finding solutions or creating better circumstances for ourselves. I go through some journal prompts that can help you move past blame and create a more empowering mindset. To pre-or…

1
A Dynamic Psychotherapy Style You Haven't Heard Of | Michelle May 58:07

2M ago58:07

58:07

Joe talks to Michelle May, a psychotherapist, author, and expert in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). ISTDP is highly tailored to the client, and, as Michelle tells Joe, is about "getting to things as quickly as your (the client's) body can tolerate." The therapist relates to their client based on the client's emotional capacity, …

1
The Matchmaker of Mental Health Services and More | Dr. Denise McCain-Tharnstrom 1:06:12

2M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Joe interviews Dr. Denise McCain-Tharnstrom, a former litigator with a background in public policy and philanthropy, about how a technological app she helped develop is able to able to pull off an incredible feat. The app connects people who are unhoused or otherwise have insecure resources to the services and support they need. (And no, the fact t…

1
240. Re-born, from the darkest places to a life worth living with Dan the "Mullet Lord" Brown. 55:40

2M ago55:40

55:40

Wow, this is one hell of a story. Dan "The Mullet Lord" Brown, shares his incredible journey of serious mental health issues, addiction, rehab and redemption. This story is so inspiring and proves we can go from the most lowest of places to be able to rebuild our lives and create a beautiful life. Dan is an amazing surfer and runs a successful coff…

1
What Should Your Boss Know About Your Mental Health? | Tyler Allen 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

Should you tell your boss if you are struggling with a mental health concern? When Joe was in graduate school he wrote his capstone on this very topic, exploring issues such as stigma, disclosure, and accommodations for disability. Employment lawyer Tyler Allen speaks to Joe about the legal aspects of the very tricky central question of this episod…

1
239. When your marriage doesn't survive your sobriety, acceptance and change at 5 years in with Kath Elliott 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

In this episode I catch up once again with Kath Elliot, who on the day of this recording was celebrating 5 years of no alcohol. The five years has not been without it's ups and downs. Her marriage suffered because of the difference in lifestyle choices, Kath had to grieve and let go of the old version of herself and her marriage. Her husband also g…

1
What is Big Dating Energy? | Jeff Guenther 1:00:20

2M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Joe and his guest Jeff Guenther (@therapyjeff) dive deep into dating and relationships. As the author of a forthcoming book titled Big Dating Energy (and a podcast of the same name) Jeff Guenther has, after 20 years of practicing therapy, some great insights into relationships. In this episode, Joe and Jeff don't stick solely to the predictable ter…

1
238. The alcohol helped me to fit in and feel accepted with 19Twenty's Kane Dennelly 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

In this episode, I catch up with Kane Dennelly, the frontman and guitarist of the dynamic band 19Twenty. Known for his energetic stage presence and wild antics, Kane has transformed from the "life of the party" to embracing his inner "quiet guy." Join us as we delve into his profound journey of self-discovery and sobriety. Kane opens up about his t…

1
Why Aren't There More Male Therapists? | Trey Tucker 55:16

3M ago55:16

55:16

In a profession where most therapists are women, what do two therapists who identify as men talk about when they get together? In this timely and light-hearted conversation, Trey Tucker sits down with Joe Nucci to talk about their personal reasons for becoming therapists, what it's like navigating clinical work in a largely feminine sphere, the imp…

1
237. Grieving your past self in sobriety solo-cast. 30:35

3M ago30:35

30:35

In this solocast, I explore the emotional journey of grieving the old self in sobriety. As we embark on the path to becoming a better version of ourselves, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss for the person we used to be. This episode delves into the complexities of this grieving process, acknowledging the pain and confusion that often accompanies…

1
What is a 'Gray Area' Drinking Problem? | Amanda White 52:57

3M ago52:57

52:57

Do you have to be an alcoholic for drinking be affecting your mental health? Can you engage in hedomism without it affecting your mental health? How can one be "sober-curious" amongst social pressures? These are just some of the questions that Joe and Amanda White discuss on this latest episode. Joe also shares about his relationship to substances …

1
236. Deconstructing unhelpful thought patterns for healing with psychologist Ben Schiller 58:42

3M ago58:42

58:42

In this episode I catch up with psychologist Ben Schiller. We chat about Ben hitting 12 years of sobriety the feeling of pride we both get from our choices. We delve into the thought patterns that can hinder us, such as catastrophising, eternity thinking, and personalisation. Ben explains these cognitive distortions and how they often serve as copi…

1
What Role Does Free Speech Play in Mental Health? | Greg Lukianoff 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

What does free speech have to do with mental health? Joe interviews Greg Lukianoff, CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and author of numerous books including The Coddling of the American Mind and The Cancelling of the American Mind. Please note this episode was recorded prior to campus protests in the United States. H…

1
235. When you feel like you are sinking past the point of no return with Osher Gunsberg 53:34

3M ago53:34

53:34

In this episode I was so stoked to talk with much loved Australian TV host, radio presenter, podcast host and author Osher Gunsberg (formerly Andrew G). We talk about Osher's relationship with alcohol which was masking anxiety which he has suffered with from a young age. We chat about his history with alcohol, how like many of us, once he starts he…

1
Are Mommy, or Daddy, Issues Real? | Nancy McWilliams 56:58

3M ago56:58

56:58

Nancy McWilliams is a legend in the field of mental health. Joe and Nancy discuss a few mental health buzzwords ("abuse," "psychotic," "schizophrenic") that, through overuse and misuse, have lost their meaning. They also discuss whether "mommy issues" or "daddy issues" are real, if/how Nancy and Joe are able to turn off their therapist brains when …

1
234. Seeking connection and the power of just saying how you feel with Mentwell founder Nikki Williams 48:16

3M ago48:16

48:16

Nikki Williams is an entrepreneur and founder of Mentwell - a digital gift card for health and wellness services where the receiver gets to choose how they redeem, at any service provider Australia-wide. Nikki is avidly passionate about holistic health and behaviour change systems for individuals. Receivers can use it on psychology, GP, or acupunct…

1
How to Not Treat Teen Depression | Darby Saxbe 55:47

4M ago55:47

55:47

Clinical psychologist and researcher Darby Saxbe, of the University of Southern California recently penned a fascinating New York Times op-ed Op Ed called "This is Not How to Help a Depressed Teenager." Like Joe, she has concerns about the pathologizing of normal problems of living that so many people in our culture do these days--particulary teena…

1
233. Getting your power back and looking up with Beau Brooks. 40:00

4M ago40:00

40:00

In this episode, I catch up with Beau Brooks, who rose to fame in the 2010s as the frontman of the popular prankster group, The Janoskians. From hanging out with celebrities like the Kardashians and Ariana Grande, Beau shares his journey and opens up about his childhood wound from being abandoned by his father at a young age, which fueled an unquen…

1
The Psychology of Disney’s Moana 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

Can psychoanalysis and psychological development actually be chronicled in a Disney Movie about an adventuring princess? Hear Joe’s take. If you have not seen the movie, you’ll want to see it after listening to this episode. And if you’ve seen it before, you’re probably going to want to see it again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

1
behind the HOORF: a season two recess 25:04

4M ago25:04

25:04

We did it again! Sixteen more episodes, new and returning guests. It’s time for a summer recess. Hoorf! editor and co-producer Ricki Cummings caps off Season 2 with The State of Hoorf: a behind the scenes audio essay offering a peek at all the moving parts that come together in each episode. This episode has a bit of everything, from how we select …

1
232. Transformation and leaning into fear for huge growth with Ash Butterss 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

In this episode I catch up with Ash Butterss, the former host of the podcast Behind The Smile. We talk about her evolution and leaning into the fear to be able grow. Ash asks the audience to imagine what a life without fear would look like. We talk about her work with helping women transform themselves from the inside out. How Yoga and Meditation g…

1
Joe Gives Political Therapy, Part 1 42:28

4M ago42:28

42:28

How can we psychologically and philosophically understand the political climate regarding the Israel-Hamas War? Joe shares about his experience studying and working in politics, and combines his knowledge of personality psychology to set the groundwork for an ongoing exploration of mental health and political identity in a rapidly changing world. H…

1
231. Milestones; wineries, parties, a parent passing, and spring days sober with Michelle French 52:13

4M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode, I catch up with Michelle French, a HIQA grads member, for her second appearance on the podcast. We chat about some big challenges Michelle has faced over the last two years, like being the designated driver during a 30th birthday winery tour, discussing how she managed her cravings on the day and how playing the craving forward, wi…

1
finding the sweet spot of support as a chronically ill business owner, with Darci Ellenberger 44:36

4M ago44:36

44:36

Chronically ill and dynamically disabled business owner and copywriter Darci Ellenberger joins us this episode for a conversation about running a solo-business while disabled. The thing is, managing a chronic illness or a dynamic disability is already full-time job. With at least 25% of the U.S. population self-reporting some kind of disability, an…

1
What Are People Missing About Neurodivergency? | Salya Namazi 57:01

4M ago57:01

57:01

Dr. Salya Namazi is an expert on assessing and diagnosing "nuerodivergency." She speaks with Joe about ADHD, autism, and about what she thinks of today's discussions concerning nuerodivergency in society at large. Joe shares his experiences of learning how to navigate in his own ADHD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
230. The impact of living in survival mode and creating self worth with Kurt Coleman 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

In this episode, we delve deep into the inspiring journey of Australian social media influencer Kurt Coleman. Kurt shares his candid and moving story, touching upon his struggles with alcohol, navigating boundaries, and finding healing and self-worth. Kurt reflects on his upbringing on the Gold Coast, where the party scene was prevalent, and alcoho…

1
Is "Concept Creep" Making Mental Health Stigma Worse? | Dr. Nicholas Haslam 1:06:33

5M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Dr. Nicholas Haslam and Joe discuss the process by which harm-related topics can sometimes start to be defined more expansively, and the implications that expansion has on how we talk and think about mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
229. Doing your wedding sober and questions that will help you to stay on track with Tara McCarthy 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

In this episode I catch up with HIQA grad Tara McCarthy to chat about how she managed her celebrating her engagement, hen's night and wedding as a sober person. We talk what challenged her the most, almost giving in to cravings, how great it felt not to drink on her wedding day and also lessons learned to help other people. Tara shares some questio…

1
Is the Word "Trauma" Overused? | Matthias J Barker 1:03:06

5M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Psychotherapist Matthias Barker (@matthiasjbarker) and Joe respectfully debate a hot topic: Is the word "trauma" over- and misused in conversation? Or is our widespread adoption of the term actually getting us to address mental health sooner and more effectively? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
228. How to Avoid A Happy Life and how to create one with Julia Lawrinson 1:08:58

5M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

In this episode I catch up with author Julia Lawrinson to chat about her newest book, How To Avoid A Happy Life and her journey with alcohol and sobriety. We chat about Julia's rocky upbringing, her Mum's relationship with alcohol and the impact that had on Julia. Her very colourful life of domestic dysfunction, From high school dropout on a psych …

1
How Do the Algorithms Affect Your Mind? | Jake Ernst, MSW 58:28

5M ago58:28

58:28

Jake Ernst is an expert on the impact that technology has on our nervous systems. As a psychotherapist who works with children and families, he and Joe discuss the various societal effects of social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
from cosplay to college, with Chicago Teen Gamer's Guild intern Nat Cummings 38:26

5M ago38:26

38:26

Nat Cummings has been doing cosplay for half their life. From appearing at C2E2 as Fiona from Adventure Time in 2016, to creating a themed mini-collection for their fashion class at Whitney Young Magnet High School, Nat has taken their love for costumes and clothing to bold new realms. In this episode, Nat joins Elle to talk about their internship …

1
227. Evolution; beyond sobriety with Lucy Quick 50:20

5M ago50:20

50:20

In this episode I catch up with Former owner of Thrivalist, High Performance Coach, Lucy Quick. We talk about what her life looked like before sobriety, working in corporate, having no off switch, being the drunkest and living with the shame and aftermath of binge drinking sessions. We explore Lucy's journey of establishing Thrivalist, its subseque…

1
Is the Mental Health Industry Sexist Towards Men? | Dr. Warren Farrell 1:01:14

5M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What's the impact of having a mental health field made up of mostly women? In this important interview, Joe asks tough questions about sexism, mental health, and culture with the one of world's foremost experts on men’s health issues, Dr. Warren Farrell. Joe also shares about his complex relationship with masculinity while growing up and during his…

1
226. Triggers and why is change so damn hard with Dr Luke Sniewski 1:01:02

5M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In this episode, I catch up with the incredible Dr. Luke Sniewski to talk about triggers and change. We delve into why change can be such a challenge and how we can navigate it without just swapping one bad habit for another. We talk about how change only happens when we are triggered, viewing these triggers as opportunities for growth. We chat abo…

1
tell your story, and tell it well, with guest Max Kringen 43:29

5M ago43:29

43:29

Our personal and brand stories are powerful tools to connect with others, and marketing in the last several years has exploded with story-based strategies for everyone from solopreneurs to huge corporations. Max Kringen, the founder of a Fargo-based story-driven creative studio, joins Elle to talk about the power of story not just for a marketing e…

1
Are Therapists Crazier than Their Patients? | Dr. Carlene MacMillan 56:54

6M ago56:54

56:54

Joe and psychiatrist Dr. Carlene MacMillan (@carlenemacmillanmd) talk about their own struggles with mental health and the stigma around personality disorders. Joe learns that narcissism might even have a cure! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
When Models Take On Social Media | Paul Fischer 1:03:18

6M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Paul Fischer (@paulaaronfischer) is a model who has made viral videos critiquing the impossible standards of today’s beauty industry. Joe interviews Paul about some of his own insecurities. They also discuss their journeys becoming influencers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
225. Solo cast - Coping with loneliness in sobriety 20:57

6M ago20:57

20:57

Feelings of loneliness can be a big trigger and cause of relapse for many people. What is your relationship like with being alone? This episode is great for anyone who struggles with being alone, or is used to being around lots of friends and is first starting to make the transition into sobriety. While it's essential to have supportive people arou…

1
grey-area drinking and the mother wound, with recovery coach Kristy Sarausky 46:35

6M ago46:35

46:35

Everywhere you look, “Wine Mom” and other alcohol-adjacent identity branding hits us in the face, marketed specifically to women and femmes as a way to unwind and cope with the ever-increasing demands of contemporary life. In this episode of Hoorf!, Elle chats with Kristy Sarausky, a grey-area drinking recovery coach, about grey-area drinking— that…

1
When Therapy Goes to the Theater | Max Friedlich 58:20

6M ago58:20

58:20

JOB is one of today's hottest new plays, currently on its second run off-broadway. It takes place during a therapy session. Joe interviews playwright Max Friedlich, who wrote JOB, and dives into what the play gets right about the therapy process. Plus, Joe learns how to better empathize with the trolls in his comment sections. Hosted on Acast. See …

1
224. Fenella's story, a chronic relapser on the rehab wheel saved by tough love. 1:39:38

6M ago1:39:38

1:39:38

In this episode, I catch up with my friend Fenella, who's been sober for nearly four years now. Her story is truly profound. Fenella battled Anorexia during her teens, a struggle that nearly took her life. It all started with a cry for attention from her parents, but it quickly spiraled into something much darker. As she got a grip on her eating di…

1
Is Mental Health Essential for Entrepreneurship? | Jimmy DeCicco 52:06

6M ago52:06

52:06

Jimmy DeCicco’s (@jimmydecicco5) Super Coffee (@drinksupercoffee) has seen a meteoric rise...and DeCicco credits therapy for playing a pivotal role. Joe also learns about an important distinction between therapy and coaching. . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Grey Area Drinking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide