EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 49 MIN
Finding Your North Star
from If Only · host Brenda McGregor
One moment of shame can become a life sentence if we never challenge the story it creates. My guest, Colleen Clifford, knows that firsthand. After a painful STI diagnosis at 19 and the judgment that came with it, she quietly decided she was unlovable and lived for years with self-loathing, binge drinking, and a drive to disappear into work and distance, including decades in the commercial fishing industry on massive vessels in the Bering Sea. We also go to the hard place: the loss of Colleen’s husband Scott to an alcohol-related suicide. Colleen shares what grief taught her about depression, how quickly someone can spiral, and the warning signs families can take seriously without shame or blame. We talk candidly about why alcohol and mental health can be a dangerous mix, and how speaking openly about suicide can create safety rather than fear. The conversation doesn’t stay in the dark. Colleen explains her “95-5 factor” of binge drinking, what finally pushed her to quit, and how sobriety opened the door to real self-compassion. We dig into practical mindset tools, coaching, and the simple question that can interrupt an old narrative: “Is this story true?” If you care about resilience, recovery, suicide prevention, sobriety, or rebuilding self-trust, this one offers both depth and handholds. Colleen is hosting a retreat in Bali Oct. 3-10 for women...The Exhale Retreat/BaliHere is link to purchase Colleen’s book available on May 5, 2026-Life Beyond The Edge Connect with Colleen on Instagram here-https://www.instagram.com/purepotential.health/Connect with Colleen on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/people/Pure-Potential-Health/61567862578775/If this resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review with the one story you’re ready to stop telling. Ready to break through your own “If Only”?Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.
What this episode covers
One moment of shame can become a life sentence if we never challenge the story it creates. My guest, Colleen Clifford, knows that firsthand. After a painful STI diagnosis at 19 and the judgment that came with it, she quietly decided she was unlovable and lived for years with self-loathing, binge drinking, and a drive to disappear into work and distance, including decades in the commercial fishing industry on massive vessels in the Bering Sea. We also go to the hard place: the loss of C...
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Finding Your North Star
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