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The Zero Proof Life

The Zero Proof Life

By: The Zero Proof Life
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We celebrate choosing alcohol free living. Together, we share experiences, interview experts, and have heartfelt conversations to support each other on a path to a vibrant, alcohol free life.

© 2026 The Zero Proof Life
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Episodes
  • Episode 23: Reclaiming Connection: Christie Ackmann’s Story
    Feb 18 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of The Zero Proof Life podcast, host Brandi Babb engages in a heartfelt conversation with Christie Ackmann, a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol freedom coach. Christie shares her personal journey with alcohol, detailing how it served as a coping mechanism for painful emotions and the disconnection it created in her life. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and self-discovery in the healing process. The discussion highlights the transformative power of stepping into one's fears, reclaiming joy, and fostering genuine connections with oneself and others after quitting alcohol.


    Takeaways

    Christie Ackmann is a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol freedom coach.

    Alcohol was used as a coping mechanism for painful emotions.

    Disconnection from self and others was a recurring theme in Christie's life.

    Community support is crucial in the journey of alcohol freedom.

    Vulnerability leads to personal growth and connection.

    The first year of sobriety can be emotionally challenging but transformative.

    Reclaiming joy and hopefulness is possible after quitting alcohol.

    Self-discovery is an ongoing adventure that unfolds over time.

    Embracing emotions is essential for a fulfilling life post-alcohol.

    Connection with oneself is as important as connection with others.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Christie Ackman

    02:19 Christie's Alcohol Journey

    09:21 The Impact of Alcohol on Connection

    13:26 The Process of Quitting Alcohol

    18:23 Exploring Inner Adventures

    24:06 Translating Growth to Relationships

    28:42 Finding Life in Living


    Resources & Links

    Guest: Christie Ackmann

    https://softspokentruths.org/

    https://www.instagram.com/soft.spoken.truths/



    Follow ZPL:

    • https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
    • https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription


    Follow the coaches:

    • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

    If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Episode 22: The Journey To Loving Yourself
    Feb 4 2026

    Episode 22: The Journey To Loving Yourself

    Summary

    In this episode of the Zero Proof Life podcast, Becca discusses the theme of self-love and the courage it takes to embrace it. She explores the relationship between courage and confidence, emphasizing that confidence often follows acts of courage. Becca introduces the 'Four Cs of Change'—choice, commitment, courage, and confidence—and explains how these elements are interconnected in the journey of personal growth. She highlights the importance of self-respect, overcoming shame, and the quiet moments of courage that lead to self-love. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and to consciously practice self-love and courage in their daily lives.


    Takeaways


    Courage is essential for self-love.

    Confidence follows acts of courage.

    Starting something new is often the hardest part.

    Self-respect is a key component of personal growth.

    Courage can be found in quiet moments.

    Setting boundaries is a form of self-love.

    The journey of self-love is ongoing and personal.

    Daily practices can help cultivate courage.

    You cannot give love to others if you do not love yourself.

    Courage feeds confidence, creating a positive cycle.



    Sound bites

    "Starting is the hard part."

    "Courage is quiet."

    "Courage happens in the calm."



    Chapters

    00:00 The Courage to Love Yourself

    02:49 The Four Cs of Change

    06:06 Building Self-Respect and Overcoming Shame

    08:53 Courage in Quiet Moments

    12:10 Choosing Yourself and Setting Boundaries

    15:04 The Journey of Self-Love and Courage

    17:56 Daily Practices for Courage and Self-Love


    Resources & Links

    • https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription

    • Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/

    • Follow the coaches:

      • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)

      • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)

        Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (
        https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)

        Becca Snider – @becsnider (
        https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

    Follow ZPL:

    • https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
    • https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription


    Follow the coaches:

    • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

    If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Episode 21: What are you thirsty for? with Anna Donaghey
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode of the Zero Proof Life podcast, host Karla Adkins speaks with Anna Donaghey, a certified alcohol mindset coach and former advertising strategist. They discuss Anna's journey from a high-functioning drinker in the advertising industry to a coach helping others navigate their relationship with alcohol. The conversation explores the impact of alcohol in advertising, the concept of gray area drinking, and the importance of redefining what rock bottom means. Anna emphasizes the need to understand what we are truly thirsty for in life and how to design a fulfilling life without relying on alcohol.

    Takeaways

    Alcohol has a significant presence in the advertising industry.

    Many people drink to mask emotional issues or dissatisfaction.

    Redefining rock bottom can help individuals recognize their struggles earlier.

    Gray area drinking refers to those who don't fit the traditional definitions of alcoholics but still experience negative effects from drinking.

    It's important to ask if your life is good enough rather than if your drinking is bad enough.

    The book 'What Are You Thirsty For?' explores the deeper desires behind drinking.

    Sacking the CEO of emotions means taking control of your life and decisions.

    Designing a fulfilling life can reduce the desire to escape through alcohol.

    Emotions are messengers that need to be acknowledged, not ignored.

    Self-discovery is key to understanding one's relationship with alcohol.


    Time Stamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Anna Donaghey

    02:05 The Impact of Alcohol in Advertising

    12:47 Transitioning from Advertising to Coaching

    16:29 Redefining Rock Bottom

    22:31 Understanding Gray Area Drinking

    24:30 Understanding Grey Area Drinking

    29:01 Exploring Thirst and Emotional Needs

    32:11 Sacking the CEO: Taking Control of Your Life

    39:03 Rethinking Drinking and Life Choices


    Resources & Links

    • https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription
    • Follow ZPL: https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
    • Guest Anna Donaghey :
      http://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com

    instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

    facebook.com/thebigdrinkrethink

    • Follow the coaches:


      • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)


      • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (

    Follow ZPL:

    • https://www.instagram.com/thezeroprooflife/
    • https://www.thezeroprooflife.com/products/zpl-monthly-subscription


    Follow the coaches:

    • Brandi Babb – @brandi.babb (https://www.instagram.com/brandi.babb/)
    • Karla Adkins – @karlakadkins (https://www.instagram.com/karlakadkins/)
    • Carolyn Bennett – @thesoberempath (https://www.instagram.com/carolynbennett2.0/)
    • Becca Snider – @becsnider (https://www.instagram.com/becsnider/)

    If this conversation resonated with you, please follow the show and leave a review so more people can discover The Zero Proof Life. These conversations are for informational purposes only and not medical or mental health advice.

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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