Empty Nest, Full Heart: Mel’s Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
In this heartfelt episode of Mindful Sobriety, Jane sits down with the radiant Mel Warrener to explore her powerful and personal path to alcohol-free living. Mel opens up about her earliest memories with alcohol, the moment she knew something had to change, and the beautiful unfolding of her life in sobriety. They talk about the ripple effects of healing—how her family relationships shifted, how she reconnected with her true self, and how she's now supporting other women through coaching. Her story is a testament to the power of community, the necessity of self-awareness, and the truth that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Whether you're sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or deep into your journey, Mel’s insight will meet you where you are—with empathy, grace, and a whole lot of encouragement.
💡 Takeaways from Our Conversation:
- Mel’s wake-up call came with a simple truth: “I can’t live like this anymore.”
- She found strength and solace in a community of women who got it.
- Sobriety was her turning point—and everything changed from there.
- Self-awareness became her superpower in understanding her patterns.
- Life after alcohol brought her clarity, deeper relationships, and purpose.
- A strong toolkit of coping skills helps her navigate triggers and tough days.
- Her family life shifted in the best ways once she embraced sobriety.
- Mel reminds us that connection is the antidote—we’re not meant to do this alone.
- Ongoing growth and healing are part of the journey—there’s no finish line.
- Her story proves that it's never too late to choose joy, presence, and freedom.
🔖 Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Mindful Sobriety
02:16 – Mel’s Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
10:41 – Family Dynamics Before & After Sobriety
16:32 – The Moment Everything Changed
22:22 – Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
29:22 – Finding Support in Community
30:32 – A Life Transformed
33:39 – Rediscovering Who She Is Without Alcohol
36:17 – Confidence, Courage, and Change
39:15 – The Ripple Effects on Family
43:46 – Redefining Relationships Through a Sober Lens
49:19 – Joy, Peace, and Presence
53:17 – Awareness, Growth, and the Power of Connection
01:00:12 – Wrapping Up
Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!
Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!
Meet Mel!
Mel is a former daily wine drinker turned alcohol-free coach who helps women break free from alcohol and navigate life after drinking to build a life they truly want and love.
00:00 – Welcome to Mindful Sobriety
02:16 – Mel’s Journey to Alcohol-Free Living
10:41 – Family Dynamics Before & After Sobriety
16:32 – The Moment Everything Changed
22:22 – Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
29:22 – Finding Support in Community
30:32 – A Life Transformed
33:39 – Rediscovering Who She Is Without Alcohol
36:17 – Confidence, Courage, and Change
39:15 – The Ripple Effects on Family
43:46 – Redefining Relationships Through a Sober Lens
49:19 – Joy, Peace, and Presence
53:17 – Awareness, Growth, and the Power of Connection
01:00:12 – Wrapping Up
Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!
Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!
Meet Mel!
Mel is a former daily wine drinker turned alcohol-free coach who helps women break free from alcohol and navigate life after drinking to build a life they truly want and love.
Once stuck in a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and feeling controlled by wine, Mel believed she had entered her era of decline—lacking ambition and resigned to a life where alcohol played a central role. But everything changed.
Now, Mel craves adventure, connection, and community. She has emerged from the grip of alcohol as a powerful, accountable woman who no longer needs alcohol to cope. Her lived experience fuels her coaching, where she supports women through every stage of alcohol-free living—whether they’re just curious, taking a break, or quitting for good.
Mel guides her clients to see, feel, and hear what life without alcohol can be—because it’s not just possible, it’s incredible.
If you're ready to live with freedom, a fresh outlook, and the energy to create a life you truly love, Mel is here to help.
Mel's favorite inspirational reads:
The Well Lived Life by Gladys McGarey, MD
Any book by Brene Brown
Mel's favorite inspirational reads:
The Well Lived Life by Gladys McGarey, MD
Any book by Brene Brown
Wisdom at Work by Chip Conley How to reinvent the second half of your career
The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burchard
The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burchard
Book yourself solid by Michael Port. A great book for anyone going into a service-based business
Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You by Karolina Rzadkowolska
Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You by Karolina Rzadkowolska
Creators and Guests
Host
Jane W Ballard
Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C, is a licensed psychotherapist and Alcohol Free Life coach. She is the founder of Jane Ballard Wellness, a private practice offering in-person counseling services in Dallas, TX and virtual individual and group coaching to women in the United States and beyond. After waking up to the realization that alcohol was a barrier to living her purpose, she set out to make information, support and connection more accessible to like minded women.
Guest
Mel Warrener
Meet Mel! Mel is a former daily wine drinker turned alcohol-free coach who helps women break free from alcohol and navigate life after drinking to build a life they truly want and love. Once stuck in a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and feeling controlled by wine, Mel believed she had entered her era of decline—lacking ambition and resigned to a life where alcohol played a central role. But everything changed. Now, Mel craves adventure, connection, and community. She has emerged from the grip of alcohol as a powerful, accountable woman who no longer needs alcohol to cope. Her lived experience fuels her coaching, where she supports women through every stage of alcohol-free living—whether they’re just curious, taking a break, or quitting for good. Mel guides her clients to see, feel, and hear what life without alcohol can be—because it’s not just possible, it’s incredible. If you're ready to live with freedom, a fresh outlook, and the energy to create a life you truly love, Mel is here to help.