244. Relationships, Alcohol & Loving Power with Monica Tanner

About this episode

In this episode, Patrick Fox and Monica Tanner discuss the subtle dynamics of relationships, the impact of alcohol, and the importance of honest communication.

Most relationship problems don’t come from one big moment. They build over time. In episode 244 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, I’m joined by couples and marriage therapist Monica Tanner to explore what actually shapes the quality of our relationships, not the big arguments, but the small, everyday things that often go unnoticed. We talk about unspoken expectations, broken commitments, and how the way you show up day to day impacts your partner, your family, and yourself. A big part of this conversation is honesty. Being honest about your behaviour. Being honest about what you need. And being willing to have conversations that most people avoid. We also get into the role alcohol can play. Not as the only issue, but as something that can lower your standards, affect your decisions, and lead to breaking promises to yourself, which then impacts trust in your relationships. Monica shares practical ways to communicate more effectively, including how to make clear, respectful requests instead of criticising or blaming. We also challenge common relationship clichés and look at why they can create imbalance and resentment over time. We finish by exploring how to handle difficult…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Fox

Guest: Monica Tanner

Topics covered

• relationships
• communication
• alcohol impact
• honesty
• expectations
• commitments

Keywords

• relationship problems
• communication skills
• alcohol effects
• trust
• expectations
• commitments
• honesty

More episodes of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast with Patrick Fox

• 251. When Life & Sobriety Feels Hard · June 12, 2026 · 25 min
• 250. Desperately Seeking Dopamine: Why Your Brain Keeps Wanting More · May 29, 2026 · 28 min
• 249. Radical Responsibility, Vulnerability & Feeling In Control · May 22, 2026 · 24 min
• 248. It's Time to Start Living My Life Addiction Free with Alex and Bash · May 15, 2026 · 43 min
• 247. The 'Reset' Button- Navigating Alcohol Slip-Ups with Compassion · May 8, 2026 · 22 min
• 246. I Had All The Answers… But Still Couldn’t Stop Drinking - Interview with Paul · April 24, 2026 · 44 min