In this solo episode, I open up about my decision to quit drinking and the deep inner journey it sparked. I share the real reasons I turned to alcohol—not just to unwind, but to numb pain, avoid truth, and escape the discomfort of fully feeling. From the party culture of my college years to the quiet shame rooted in childhood, I trace how drinking became a way to disconnect from myself. Letting go of alcohol wasn’t easy, but it helped me reclaim my power, integrity, and authentic connection. If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I should stop drinking,” this episode might just be your mirror, your wake-up call, and your invitation home.

Resources:

—Learn More about our Retreat here: www.createthelove.com/unknown

—Ready to transform your relationships? Download The Relationship Toolkit for free and learn the 5 essential skills to thrive in love and life! https://go.markgroves.com/relationship-toolkit-podcast

—Get My New Book! Liberated Love - Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire: https://markgroves.com/book

—Explore My Courses: https://markgroves.com/courses

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—Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/markgrovestv

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Have A Question?

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This episode is sponsored by:

• Avocado Green Mattress: www.avocadogreenmattress.com
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Drop us a note at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just to say hello!

In this powerful episode, Mark sits down with Louisa Jewell, founder of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association, to explore the true path to emotional freedom and mental resilience. Together, they dismantle the myth that mental health is purely a matter of medication, diving instead into the deeper roots of depression, addiction, trauma, and healing. Louisa shares compelling insights on the brain’s wiring for protection, the addictive nature of social media and processed foods, and the surprising power of forgiveness, exercise, and connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck in loops of rumination, victimhood, or emotional pain, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable tools to reclaim your well-being and rewire your life.

Louisa Jewell is one of Canada’s leading voices in the science of human flourishing, known for her practical, evidence-based approach to mental well-being and resilience. As the founder of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and author of the best-selling book Wire Your Brain for Confidence, Louisa has spent over 25 years helping people overcome self-doubt, build authentic confidence, and create lives rooted in purpose and connection. With a master’s in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she makes the science of well-being both accessible and actionable through her keynotes, workshops, podcasts, and media appearances, including Oprah Magazine and CBC Radio.

Website: https://www.louisajewell.com/

—This episode is sponsored by:

• Cozy Earth: Use code MARK for 40% off sitewide at http://www.cozyearth.com
• Avocado Green Mattress: www.avocadogreenmattress.com
• Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code MARKGROVES at checkout. www.saily.com/markgroves

—Have a question For Mark to answer on the podcast?https://www.speakpipe.com/TheMarkGrovesPodcast

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—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots

- Subscribe to Mark’s Substack to receive his weekly reflections and insights straight from his heart to your inbox. https://markgroves.substack.com/

—Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!

In this episode, psychotherapist and author Nicole Sachs joins Mark Groves to explore the profound connection between emotional repression and chronic pain. Drawing from her personal story of healing from a debilitating spinal condition, Nicole shares how unprocessed trauma, perfectionism, and suppressed emotion get trapped in the body—manifesting as pain and illness. She introduces her groundbreaking method, JournalSpeak™, and explains how radical honesty, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion can unlock deep healing. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone struggling with physical symptoms that traditional medicine can’t explain. If you’ve ever wondered if your pain has a story to tell, this episode is your invitation to listen.

Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition in her twenties, Nicole Sachs transformed her life through Mindbody medicine after discovering the work of Dr. John Sarno. What began as a personal healing journey evolved into a professional collaboration—she lectured with Sarno at NYU and supported his patients through her private psychotherapy practice. For over 20 years, Nicole has researched chronic conditions and helped countless people heal by addressing the root cause: a dysregulated nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight, attempting to suppress unresolved emotions and trauma. Her practical, science-backed approach has been featured in USA Today, Woman’s World, and the Washington Post.

Links:

• Website: https://www.yourbreakawake.com/
• Book: Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety Mind Your Body (Avery, February 4, 2025)
• Podcast: The Cure for Chronic Pain podcast

—This episode is sponsored by:

• Avocado Green Mattress: www.avocadogreenmattress.com
• Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code MARKGROVES at checkout. www.saily.com/markgroves

—Have a question For Mark to answer on the podcast?https://www.speakpipe.com/TheMarkGrovesPodcast

—Have a question for Mark and want an immediate answer? Mark's Dexa page: https://ask.markgroves.com

—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots

- Subscribe to Mark’s Substack to receive his weekly reflections and insights straight from his heart to your inbox. https://markgroves.substack.com/

—Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!