· Max Lowery · Podcast Episode · 2 min read
#42 Alcohol is NOT the problem... Discover the hidden reasons why you can't control yourself - with Colleen Kachman
In the latest episode, I sit down with mindful drinking coach Colleen Kachmann to explore why we drink. Together, we discuss reframing habits, addressing root causes & shifting from 'all or nothing' thinking for lasting change.
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Mindful Drinking, Emotional Sobriety, and Letting Go of “All or Nothing” Thinking with Colleen Cashman
What if you could change your relationship with alcohol, without going completely sober?
In this powerful episode, mindful drinking coach Colleen Cashman shares how true freedom comes from emotional sobriety, not from rules or rigid labels.
Colleen spent 15 years drinking daily while juggling motherhood, marathons, and perfectionism. When she finally hit a wall during COVID, she went all in with Alcoholics Anonymous, and stayed perfectly sober for almost three years. But even then, she realized something was still missing. Despite “doing everything right,” she felt more anxious and disconnected than ever. That’s when she began to challenge the traditional recovery model and created her unique approach: mindful moderation and emotional sobriety.
In this conversation with host Max Lowery, Colleen opens up about:
Why sobriety alone isn’t enough — and why true change means addressing the emotional need behind the drink.
The real reason willpower doesn’t work — how habits form in the brain and why your thoughts (not the alcohol itself) drive behavior.
The “delay, don’t deny” strategy — a simple mindful drinking practice that retrains your brain to choose differently.
The myth of addiction as a life sentence — how labeling yourself an “alcoholic” can actually keep you stuck.
Shifting identity — from “I have no control” to “I’m a less-is-more person” who makes empowered choices.
Mindfulness and nervous system regulation — how calming your body first helps you make better decisions and stay in control.
How to handle peer pressure — reframe social events by focusing on how you want to feel, not on what others are drinking.
Colleen’s message is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever said, “I’ll start again Monday.” Whether your struggle is with alcohol, food, or another habit, this episode will help you see that it’s not about what you’re doing—it’s about what you’re believing.
You’ll walk away with a new understanding of how to regulate dopamine, build self-trust, and create a healthier relationship with yourself—so that alcohol naturally loses its grip.
Want to see more behind the scenes, client success stories, and daily tips for sustainable fat loss? Come connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/max.lowery. It’s where I share practical advice, motivation, and the exact strategies my clients use to lose weight and keep it off, without ever dieting again.
Colleens Website: https://www.colleenkachmann.com/