# Ep 119: The Act of Showing Up | Alcohol Coaching

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/ep-119-the-act-of-showing-up-alcohol-coaching
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/ep-119-the-act-of-showing-up-alcohol-coaching.md
Podcast: [The Big Drink Rethink](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442)
Published: 2026-04-23T01:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com/podcast
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b024b6ac-b561-4bc7-ba48-ffa5ec596e58.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/episodes/ep-119-the-act-of-showing-up-alcohol-coaching
Duration seconds: 2117

## Resource

What does it really mean to “show up” in your life and how is that different from simply “turning up”? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most honest motivations she hears from people rethinking alcohol: the desire to be present. She shares why presence goes so much deeper than physical attendance. Alcohol is often used as an emotional buffer, and what’s possible when you start showing up as the unfiltered version of yourself at home, at work, and in every room you enter. Anna offers a powerful reframe: real presence is not just a skill for parties, but a life skill that transforms relationships and the texture of daily life. This episode is packed with gentle invitations to experiment with being genuinely present for yourself and the people who matter most. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Today we’re exploring the quest for true presence 01:32 The difference between turning up and showing up 03:41 How alcohol acts as a costume, buffering us from authenticity 07:05 Alcohol, performance, and the “gap” we’re trying to bridge 10:55 Children and loved ones can feel when you’re only “half there” 11:54 A new version of attention is possible 13:13 The surprising gifts of ordinary, real-time connection 14:19 Why social events can feel the hardest 17:06 Learning to trust your own presence 20:06 Reframing sobriety: not deprivation, but a richer experience 23:26 Real presence includes awkwardness and dullness 24:14 Letting your actual energy lead is both vulnerable and enough 27:35 Real confidence versus performed confidence 30:07 Showing up is a gift to others, not just yourself 34:37 Final question: will you turn up or show up? 34:46 What’s coming next: unpacking the cultural architecture of alcohol and social life. Anna’s book "What Are You Thirsty F…

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## Transcript

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