Welcome back to a revisited edition of Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast. These Thursday episodes are all about understanding your brain, challenging outdated thought patterns, and using neuroscience to support real, lasting change in your relationship with alcohol.
This week, we're bringing back one of the foundational Think Thursday conversations: The Privilege of Self-Improvement. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or coming back for a refresh, this episode is especially relevant as we approach the end of the year and the start of the holiday season.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why This Episode Still Matters:
Too often, people think change has to wait until a new year, a clean slate, or a big external motivator. But this episode reminds you that the ability to grow, reflect, and choose new actions is one of the most powerful parts of being human. And that process can start today—right where you are.
Key Quote:
"The very fact that you're capable of imagining a better version of yourself and taking steps to create it is something to celebrate—not dread."
Resources:
New episodes release every Monday and Thursday. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave a review to help others discover the Alcohol Minimalist approach.
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores how your environment—your physical space, routines, and sensory cues—quietly shapes your drinking habits. From the shape of your glass to the spot you sit in at night, environmental triggers can powerfully reinforce auto-pilot behavior.
But here's the key: these external cues are not the full story. They don't create your drinking habit—they support it. Real change comes from understanding why you’re drinking in the first place and learning to respond to that emotional need in a new way.
If you’re ready to interrupt automatic drinking patterns and create more space for intention, this episode offers practical experiments and key mindset shifts to help you get started.
What You'll Learn:
Experiments to Try This Week:
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
Your inner critic: that voice in your head that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “You’ll never stick with this.” We all have one. But what if there was a way to take back your power—starting with something as simple (and science-backed) as giving it a name?
In this episode of Think Thursday from the Alcohol Minimalist, Molly dives into the neuroscience and psychology behind naming your inner critic and how this deceptively small move can have a big impact on your identity, your habits, and your peace of mind.
In this episode:
You’ll also hear how Molly uses the phrase “Old Molly” to talk back to her own inner critic—and how this practice can create space for a new self to emerge.
This is your brain’s inner dialogue—rewired for growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Your Think Thursday Challenge:
You’re not trying to silence the voice—you’re learning how to lead it. And that’s how you move from reaction to intention, and from habit to identity.
Subscribe to the Alcohol Minimalist for more episodes like this. And if this resonated with you, share it with someone who’s working on self-talk and habit change.
Until next time—choose peace, and choose good thoughts.
★ Support this podcast ★Episode Summary:
As we close out More Sober October, Molly invites you to reflect not just on how many drinks you had—or didn’t have—but on who you became along the way. This episode brings the month’s theme full circle, offering a powerful emotional close and a neuroscience-backed perspective on identity change.
Molly revisits the month’s key concepts, including identity scripts, neuroplasticity, and casting “votes” for the kind of person you want to become. You’ll hear encouragement to look beneath the surface of your habits and recognize the deeper shifts that may already be taking place.
Whether October went exactly to plan—or not even close—this episode is a celebration of your progress, your resilience, and your values in action.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Try This Practice:
Write a short letter to your “future you” with these prompts:
Bonus Reminder:
Change isn’t just about what you believe. It’s about what you remember. Document your growth and create a breadcrumb trail for the future you to follow.
Next Steps:
Join Molly for No-Binge November, featuring the Just One More? Rewiring the Binge Brain course. For just $39, you’ll receive lifetime access plus two live group coaching calls. Sign up here.
Connect with Molly:
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
In this episode of Think Thursday, Molly explores the powerful difference between joy and pleasure, and why understanding this distinction matters for anyone pursuing lasting behavior change — including changing your relationship with alcohol.
We often use “joy” and “pleasure” interchangeably, but from a neuroscience lens, they activate different brain pathways and lead to profoundly different emotional outcomes. Pleasure is short-lived, dopamine-driven, and external. Joy, on the other hand, is sustainable, meaning-based, and internally constructed.
Molly breaks down the brain science behind each, explaining:
She offers five brain-friendly strategies to create more joy in your life — and how these tools can directly support your alcohol minimalist journey.
What You'll Learn
Joy-Building Practices:
Savoring – Pause and stretch out positive experiences
Gratitude – Practice genuine (not performative) thankfulness
Connection – Strengthen relational bonds in simple ways
Aligned Action – Do one small thing that reflects your values
Novelty – Try something new to spark curiosity and attention
Mentioned in the Episode:
The SPARK acronym from Monday’s main episode
Insights from the book Aesthetics of Joy by Ingrid Fetell Lee
Why This Matters
When you're changing your drinking habits, it's not about removing pleasure — it's about building something more lasting and meaningful. Understanding how to create joy gives you a powerful tool to replace the quick fix of alcohol with something far more fulfilling.
Ready to practice joy on purpose? Start with just one idea from today and notice how it shifts your mindset.
★ Support this podcast ★Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores a powerful and often overlooked question: Can you truly celebrate without alcohol? As we wrap up More Sober October and gear up for No Binge November, Molly dives into the neuroscience behind celebration and what it means to detach joy from a drink.
Drawing on personal insight and scientific research, she challenges the deeply ingrained belief that alcohol is necessary for joy, milestones, or connection. This episode is a reminder that true celebration comes from meaning—not from what's in your glass.
What You'll Learn:
Special Announcement:
Molly introduces her limited-time course Just One More? Rewiring the Binge Brain—offered exclusively for No Binge November.
This $39 course includes:
This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to shift their binge patterns and move into a more peaceful relationship with alcohol.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Molly:
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why sometimes not knowing can actually make you calmer, more focused, and more creative. Continuing the theme of counterintuitive brain science, she builds on previous Think Thursday episodes like The Paradox of Freedom, Novelty for Habit Change, and last week’s Defensive Pessimism to show how Selective Ignorance helps protect the brain’s limited capacity for attention, energy, and emotion.
What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
“The people who make meaningful change aren’t the ones who know the most—they’re the ones who filter the best.” — James Clear, Atomic Habits“Sometimes not knowing helps you know yourself better.” — Molly WattsPractical Takeaways
Studies and Sources Mentioned
Related Think Thursday Episodes
This week, Molly welcomes back Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of alcohol health and behavior change. Ian shares the backstory of Sunnyside’s growth from its origins during the pandemic to the recent launch of Sunnyside Med, a new initiative designed to support individuals seeking more structure and support in reducing their alcohol consumption.
If you're feeling challenged during “More Sober October,” or you’ve ever felt like you're behind the curve while the media insists everyone is drinking less, this episode offers reassurance, insight, and practical next steps.
What You’ll Learn:
Quotable Moments
“We don’t want to be the food scale or calorie counter of alcohol. We want to be a guide, not a judge.” – Ian Andersen“Just because the news says people are drinking less, doesn’t mean you feel less stuck.” – Molly Watts
Resources and Links
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
This week on Think Thursday, we’re exploring an idea that turns conventional wisdom on its head: defensive pessimism. While it may sound like a negative mindset, it’s actually a powerful, evidence-based cognitive strategy that helps anxious or overthinking brains perform better, reduce stress, and follow through on goals more effectively.
Defensive pessimism isn't about catastrophizing or giving up. It's about anticipating obstacles and using those thoughts to prepare instead of panic. In this episode, you'll learn how this approach taps into the brain’s natural tendency to predict outcomes, and how making one critical shift — understanding the difference between prediction and probability — can dramatically improve your results.
We’ll talk about:
Whether you're trying to build a new habit, overcome self-doubt, or just want to feel more in control of your daily life, this mindset can help you stop overthinking and start planning with confidence.
Want more support?
Join the Alcohol Minimalist Facebook group or email Molly directly at molly@mollywatts.com.
We’d love to hear how you’re using defensive pessimism to create change.
In this week’s episode, Molly dives deeper into the More Sober October theme: Who are you without the drink? If you've ever felt like you're at war with yourself when it comes to drinking decisions, you're not imagining it. Molly unpacks the neuroscience behind this inner conflict and introduces listeners to the concept of our two selves—the automatic self and the intentional self.
Referencing Daniel Kahneman’s book Thinking, Fast and Slow, Molly breaks down how System 1 (your fast, emotional, habitual brain) and System 2 (your slow, rational, goal-focused brain) influence your drinking choices. This science-backed framework explains why your default drinking habits feel so hard to break and why it’s absolutely possible to rewire your brain to make intentional, value-aligned decisions.
Whether you’re navigating more alcohol-free days this October or simply trying to understand why it’s so hard to say no sometimes, this episode offers practical insight and compassionate encouragement.
Key Topics Covered
Resources Mentioned
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why the brain doesn’t experience minutes the way the clock does. Our perception of time is not fixed—it stretches and compresses depending on novelty, memory, attention, and emotion. That’s why childhood summers feel endless while adulthood years can seem to vanish.
Molly unpacks the psychology and neuroscience of time perception, including how prospective and retrospective time work, why novelty sharpens attention and stretches moments, and how emotions like fear, boredom, and joy distort our sense of time. She also shares fascinating phenomena like the “stopped clock illusion” and highlights how mindfulness can expand our sense of presence and create richer memories, making life feel fuller and more meaningful.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Quote:
“Clock time is rigid—sixty minutes is always sixty minutes. But brain time is elastic. Two people can live the same number of years yet experience them very differently depending on how much novelty, presence, and emotion they build into their days.”
References and Resources:
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly explores how deeply alcohol can become tied to our identity.
Phrases like “wine mom,” “party girl,” or “craft beer enthusiast” may sound harmless, but they often reinforce the idea that drinking is part of who we are rather than something we do. Molly explains how self-schemas shape our beliefs, why identity disruption can feel unsettling when you change your drinking, and how to navigate the friction that comes with rewriting your personal story.
You will learn about the psychology behind identity labels, the concept of status quo bias, and four evidence-based tools to help you separate fact from story, soothe the discomfort of change, and begin building a future identity that reflects your values.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources Mentioned:
Want to sign up for More Sober October? Click here.
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores ADHD through the lens of the brain’s energy economy. Drawing from personal experience and neuroscience, she explains why ADHD brains spend fuel differently than neurotypical brains, why tasks can feel either draining or energizing, and how understanding this difference can replace frustration with compassion.
Listeners will learn how differences in dopamine and norepinephrine signaling impact executive function and reward systems, why ADHD increases vulnerability to addiction, and which practical strategies can help conserve and redirect energy for greater clarity and peace.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Quote
“ADHD isn’t laziness or lack of willpower. It’s a different energy economy where some tasks are overpriced, others are deeply discounted, and fuel leaks can happen even when you’re not doing anything.”
Resources and References
In this week’s episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly shares an insightful conversation with debut novelist and recovery advocate Jessica Guerrieri.
While fiction authors aren’t typical guests, Jessica’s novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea offers a compelling and deeply personal exploration of the consequences of mommy wine culture, making it a perfect fit for the podcast’s mission.
Jessica and Molly dive into why fiction can be a powerful medium for examining difficult topics like addiction, parenting, and societal narratives around alcohol. They also talk about how book clubs, which often center around drinking, can become surprising catalysts for self-reflection when a story resonates on a personal level.
Jessica shares openly about her own recovery journey, her identity as a mother and writer, and how her book reflects the emotional and relational costs of unchecked alcohol use, especially for women trying to manage the pressures of modern motherhood.
This conversation touches on:
Whether you’re a book lover, a parent, or someone rethinking your relationship with alcohol, this episode offers thoughtful insights and encouragement.
About Jessica Guerrieri
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores one of neuroscience’s greatest mysteries: consciousness. At the center of this discussion is the thalamus, a small walnut-sized structure in the brain that scientists now believe plays a vital role in generating conscious experience.
Long considered just a relay station for sensory signals, new research highlighted in an August 29, 2025 Popular Mechanics article suggests the thalamus acts as the brain’s “switchboard,” determining which sensory information reaches awareness and which fades into the background.
Molly explains how silence, rest, and focused attention support this system, and why the thalamus may be a key to understanding what it means to be aware.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key Quote
“When you pause, when you rest, when you seek silence, you are not just taking a break. You are nurturing the very networks that make awareness possible.”
References and Resources
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist, Molly explores a common trap for many habit drinkers: the cycle of staying "good" all week only to unravel over the weekend. If you've ever told yourself, "I don't drink Monday through Thursday, but Friday comes and everything falls apart," then this episode is for you.
Molly dives into the emotional and cognitive patterns behind this behavior and reveals why suppressing feelings and white-knuckling your way through the week might be setting you up to overdrink on the weekends.
She challenges the idea that moderation might not be for you and offers a fresh perspective on building relief into your week before your brain demands it in the form of alcohol.
What You'll Learn:
Resources Mentioned:
Next Steps:
If your weekends are undermining your progress, don’t jump to conclusions about your ability to moderate. Start by examining how you're treating your emotions during the week. Sustainable change isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being aware.
Connect with Molly:
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the growing field of environmental neuroscience and what new research is uncovering about microplastics and brain health. Microplastics are everywhere—from oceans and soil to food and even the air we breathe. While they have long been recognized as an environmental issue, scientists are now finding evidence that they may also influence how the brain functions and ages.
Molly explains how microplastics can interact with the brain through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted signaling. She shares a striking new study linking microplastic exposure in genetically vulnerable mice to Alzheimer’s-like changes, and she unpacks what this might mean for humans. Alongside the science, Molly offers practical strategies to reduce exposure and emphasizes that protecting your brain is about progress, not perfection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key Quote
“Protecting your brain is never about one big thing. It is about many small things working together. Alcohol, sleep, stress, nutrition, and yes, even the environment, are all parts of the same ecosystem.”
Resources and References
In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly explores two common behaviors that often fly under the radar but can quietly reinforce problematic patterns with alcohol: drinking alone and drinking secrecy.
These habits are not diagnoses of alcohol use disorder, but research shows they are correlated with higher risk, especially when alcohol becomes the go-to coping strategy for stress, boredom, or loneliness. Molly explains what these patterns can look like, what the science actually says, and how to notice if they are showing up in your own life.
You will learn:
If you have ever wondered whether drinking alone or minimizing your drinking is impacting your relationship with alcohol, this episode offers clarity and compassion along with practical steps you can take right away.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores why September so often feels like a natural reset and how the brain is wired to love fresh starts. Building on the earlier episode The Illusion of Starting Over in Habit Change, this conversation distinguishes between the harmful idea of “starting over” and the positive psychology of seasonal resets.
From the Fresh Start Effect and temporal landmarks to the role of the Default Mode Network (DMN) in shaping your self-narrative, you will learn how your brain uses beginnings to motivate you. Molly also shares three practical ways to harness seasonal energy without falling into the trap of believing your progress has been erased.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key Quote
“Your brain loves fresh starts because it loves stories. Temporal landmarks like September are invitations to say, that was then, this is now. What’s the next chapter I want to create?”
Resources and References
Episode Summary:
As part of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast’s Summer Content Series, this episode features a replay from Molly's former podcast, Live HAPPIER Longer. Originally episode 40, this conversation highlights the extraordinary story of Pat Gallant-Charette, a world-renowned open water swimmer who didn’t even start training seriously until age 58.
Pat’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when you stop letting age define your limits. From overcoming grief to chasing world records, Pat’s story is filled with resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or like your time has passed, let this episode remind you: it hasn’t.
Whether you're working on reducing alcohol or simply trying to live with more intention, Pat’s mindset offers a powerful dose of inspiration.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Quote:
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Pat didn’t just dream it—she dove in headfirst.”
Why It Matters for Alcohol Minimalists:
Just like Pat challenged her assumptions about age and limits, changing your relationship with alcohol often means questioning the beliefs you’ve held for years. Pat’s story proves that big change is possible at any age and that our greatest chapters can begin later in life. Let it inspire your own path forward—whatever that looks like.
Resources & Links:
Next Steps:
If you’ve been telling yourself “I can’t” or “it’s too late,” let this episode be your nudge to reconsider. Change doesn’t have an expiration date. It starts with belief—and one small step in the right direction.
Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:
Healthy men under 65:
No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.
Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.
Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.