Ep 112: Rethinking Alcohol: We Are Not Our Past

Does our past define us? In this insightful episode, Anna Donaghey explores a quietly powerful truth: you are not fixed. You are not your history, your habits, or the coping mechanisms that once helped you survive.

She guides you into the transformative space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Uncovering how old beliefs and identities, especially around drinking, can unconsciously shape your choices and keep you attached to outdated versions of yourself. With a thoughtful blend of philosophy, neuroscience, and her signature warmth and honesty, Anna invites you to question what you’ve been carrying forward and whether it still fits.

You’ll discover how identity is formed, why it can feel so solid and unchangeable, and how to gently step out of autopilot to choose again. Because no matter how long you’ve played a particular role, you are never required to keep playing it.

If you’re ready for more possibility, more self-trust, and a kinder, braver relationship with change, this episode is for you.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Welcome and the real power (and limits) of “that’s just who I am”

01:15 Why you are not your past

03:09 How roles keep us safe (and sometimes stuck)

04:05 We are in a state of constant change, even when we feel static

05:07 Modern neuroscience and why your brain is always rewiring

06:31 How cultures and families script our identities

07:25 Adaptation as survival when old strategies keep running

08:21 Unpicking whether you still need your old beliefs and habits

10:18 What’s coping, and what’s truly you?

11:08 The tragedy of forgetting we’ve already changed (and can do it again)

12:30 Small, sustainable reinvention versus. dramatic transformation

13:05 Freedom and responsibility, have agency over who you become.

Anna’s book "What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and The Life You Want", is now out in the world for you to buy!

Order your copy, access her free tools and explore her coaching programmes at: https://thebigdrinkrethink.com/

The Thirsty For More Mindset Lab is Anna’s ‘inner circle’ - a calm, thoughtful space where conversations continue, patterns are explored, and things begin to make sense. Find out more at: https://thirstyformore.substack.com/

If you appreciate the podcast and would like to show a bit of love, you can donate the cost of a coffee here. It helps support the time and care that goes into making the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebigdrinkrethink.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk