Sober Boozers Club

A beer arrives by DHL and we crack it open on mic: Lucky Saint Lime and Sea Salt Lager, zesty, lightly saline, and weirdly moreish in a way that makes you think about hydration as much as hops. From there, we go wide. I’m joined by award-winning beer commentator Martin Dixon, the man behind Alcohol Free World, who has tried well over 2,000 alcohol-free beers and helped shape how the UK talks about...

He went out for a bike ride and woke up almost three weeks later in critical care. Tom’s story is frightening, funny in places, and deeply human: a craft beer lover with “Reinheitsgebot” on his helmet, forced into sobriety after a severe traumatic brain injury and a 19-day coma, then left to rebuild a life where alcohol is suddenly a risk he can’t ignore. We talk about what that does to identity w...

We bring together a rare group chat of non-drinking beer drinkers and trace how alcohol-free beer goes from grim early options to a modern craft scene worth getting excited about. We talk honestly about sobriety, accidents, pubs, and why this drink ends up meaning connection, freedom, and belonging for so many of us.  • meeting the panel and the many paths away from alcohol  • first alcohol-free b...

Seventeen and a half million people aimed to go alcohol free this January—and the story behind that number is far more interesting than willpower. Recorded live at the Lucky Saint pub in London, we bring together Alcohol Change UK, Lucky Saint, Counterculture Drinks, a non‑alcoholic cider maker, and sober coach Hattie from Sober Happy Free to unpack how Dry January 2026 changed the game: smarter s...

Has the explosion of alcohol-free options actually narrowed our choices? That's the provocative question at the heart of my conversation with Andy Mee, founder of The Alcohol-Free Drinks Company and a passionate advocate for quality non-alcoholic beverages. Four years ago, Andy was knocking on doors trying to convince pubs and restaurants they needed even a single alcohol-free option. Today,...

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite alcohol-free craft beers? In this enlightening conversation with Richard Gray (aka Zumo Juice), we pull back the curtain on an industry that's rapidly evolving from afterthought to innovation leader. Richard takes us through his journey as a graphic designer working with pioneering breweries like Mash Gang, sharing insider stories...

Bridging the Atlantic in pursuit of great alcohol-free beer, this episode brings together two passionate advocates from the growing global NA beer community. We're joined by NA Brewskey, essentially "the American version of me," as our host puts it—though notably younger and with superior social media skills! NA Brewskey shares his surprisingly recent journey into non-alcoholic beer...

The world of alcohol-free beer has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past year, evolving from niche curiosity to craft revolution. In this conversation with Martin Dixon (Alcohol-Free World), we explore the extraordinary developments redefining zero-alcohol brewing and drinking culture. We dive deep into the UK craft beer scene, where pioneers like Mash Gang have revolutionized brewin...

What happens when everything you've built your identity around suddenly feels hollow? Richard Casement faced this question after 20 years in the drinks industry when he realized alcohol wasn't serving him anymore – personally or professionally. Richard's transformation began as a simple six-month break from drinking to train for a triathlon. But something unexpected happened: he fel...

What does it take to create the best alcohol-free beer in the country? Sam Ray of We Can Be Friends brewery joins Ben Gibbs to reveal the passion, craftsmanship, and unexpected journey behind his remarkable beer range that's winning over even the most dedicated craft beer enthusiasts. "I'd turn around every month and you'd be doing something amazing for the scene," Sam tel...

Discover the fascinating craft of alcohol-free brewing with Hamish McClellan, brewer at Barsham Brewery in North Norfolk. This engaging conversation takes you deep into the world of zero-proof beer creation, revealing why the best alcohol-free options aren't mere substitutes but masterpieces in their own right. Hamish shares his journey from hospitality worker to passionate brewer, explaining...

The craft beer world is smaller than you think – that's what I discovered when chatting with my first-ever American guest, Tyler McMahon (aka Reducaholic). Tyler has made it his mission to map every venue across the United States serving quality alcohol-free beer, creating an invaluable resource for the sober curious and non-drinkers alike. Our conversation quickly revealed fascinating contra...

What began as a small family-run off-license in 1979 has become an award-winning institution at the forefront of Birmingham's craft beer revolution. Join host Ben Gibbs as he sits down with Krishan and Tim from Stirchley Wines and Spirits to uncover the fascinating story behind one of the UK's most respected bottle shops. Their journey weaves through decades of beer evolution—from introd...

What happens when a seasoned beverage industry veteran decides to revolutionize the alcohol-free cider market? In this fascinating conversation, John Logue, founder of Chance Clean Cider, takes us behind the scenes of creating what might be the most authentic British alcohol-free cider on the market. Having cut his teeth at industry giants like Diageo, Rekorderlig, BrewDog, and Lucky Saint, John i...

What happens when an accountant develops a passion for alcohol-free craft beer? In this candid conversation, Ben Gibbs sits down with Roger Tattersall, former CFO and co-owner of Mash Gang, to explore the unexpected journey that took him from corporate finance to revolutionizing the alcohol-free beer industry. The story begins with socks – yes, actual socks – and unfolds into one of the most remar...

When Sonja Mitchell couldn't find good alcohol-free beer during Dry January 2018, she did what any frustrated craft beer lover might dream of doing – she started Scotland's first dedicated alcohol-free brewery. Jump Ship Brewing was born from that frustration, and has since collected numerous awards for their innovative, flavor-packed beers. In this captivating conversation, Sonja pulls...

What happens when a sober beer enthusiast sits down with two craft beer podcasters? A fascinating exploration of beer culture that bridges the divide between traditional and alcohol-free brewing worlds. In this candid conversation, Ben welcomes Dave and Dave (yes, both of them!) from the Daft About Craft podcast to discuss their parallel journeys through the beer landscape. While the Daves share t...

Ever wondered if a staunch traditional beer enthusiast could pivot to championing alcohol-free brews? Join us as we welcome James Beard award-winning writer and Sunday Brunch's renowned beer expert Mark Dredge, who shares his fascinating journey from the world of traditional beers to becoming a passionate advocate for alcohol-free options. Mark enthusiastically showcases standout examples lik...

Ever wondered if you could rebuild your life in your 40s without relying on alcohol? Join us for a heartfelt chat with Michael Sarooud, also known as Happy Without the Hooch, as he candidly shares his journey through early sobriety. We laugh and learn about weight gain, the struggle for a healthier lifestyle, and overcoming the physical and emotional hurdles of quitting alcohol. Michael's mul...

What does it take to brew a hit alcohol-free beer in Australia? Trent from Mash Gang Australia joins us to share the journey behind their latest creation, Beach Goon, and its entry in the Australian Independent Brewing Awards. We have a laugh over Australian stereotypes, especially the infamous Foster's beer, and chat about the charm of shandies and Radlers. Trent opens up about his path into...

What if you could redefine your social life while prioritizing your well-being? Join us as we chat with Roger Warner, the visionary co-founder of Only With Love, a unique well-being brewery in East Sussex. Roger, alongside his partner Steve, is pioneering a movement focused on low and no-alcohol beverages, with their popular Juicy AF pale ales leading the charge. This episode delves into their ins...

Sail with us into the spirited waters of low and no alcohol beer, as I, Ben, alongside Rob of Below Brew Co, chart the course from the brand's initial conception to its sea-inspired rebranding. Discover how a trademark hiccup led to a quest for international recognition, sparking creativity and a thirst for new horizons in the burgeoning realm of non-alcoholic brews. We'll regale you wit...

Have you ever raised a glass at a celebration, only to wish there was a non-alcoholic option that didn't feel like an afterthought? Andy Mee, founder of the Alcohol-Free Drinks Company, joins us to share how his personal journey to sobriety led to a business that's transforming the landscape of social drinking. We traverse the burgeoning world of non-alcoholic beers that dare to stand to...

When Shell Regini, the heart and soul behind the 'We Recover Loudly' podcast, pulls up a chair, you know you're in for an unfiltered trek down the road to sobriety. Together, we unravel the tapestry of challenges and laughter that stitches together our sober lives, musing over everything from the physical comedy of a broken toe to the stark revelations that come with mental and phys...

Discover the unexpected joys of alcohol-free beer as I, Ben, sit down with Sam Ray, the mastermind behind New Kids on the Block, We Can Be Friends, and uncover the vibrant world of non-alcoholic brews. Sam's dedication and inventive approach have led to creations that rival their alcoholic counterparts in complexity and taste, challenging the very notion of what a non-alcoholic beer can be. F...