The Alcohol Debate

In this episode, I'm diving into something that catches a lot of us off guard: the way summer can trigger that "it's time for a drink" feeling.  I share why that urge comes up, how it's rooted in habits and marketing, and why relaxation and fun don't actually require alcohol. You'll hear about how to deal with social pressure, how to tap into meaningful connection and conversation, and why the goa...

What happens when a career in advertising no longer feels like the right fit - and what if the thing you're really meant to be doing has been quietly waiting for you all along? In today's episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Seb.  We chat about the leap from media into coaching, the realities facing middle managers, and why stress is piling up in modern workplaces.  We also talk confidence, allysh...

What's really going on with alcohol in adland? In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Denise Turner, incoming Research Director at the IPA, to discuss how the culture around booze in the advertising world has changed—slowly, awkwardly, but maybe for the better. We talk about her early days navigating media lunches, how younger teams are skipping the pub in favour of actual sleep, and what le...

In this episode, I walk you through the wide range of support options available if you're worried about your drinking.  From AA to rehab clinics, coaching to medication, there's no one-size-fits-all path—and that's a good thing. I share my personal take on what worked (and didn't) for me, and what might help you.  If AA isn't your thing, don't worry - there are so many other routes to recovery. Le...

In this episode, I dive into the question so many of us have asked at some point: "Am I an alcoholic?"  It's a loaded term, and one that caused me a lot of inner conflict in my own journey. I share why that label didn't sit right with me and explore how medical professionals now use a spectrum approach to assess alcohol use disorder (AUD) instead. I also introduce Dr. Sarah Wakeman's "Four Cs" of...

Today I'm joined by Certified Senior Coach of This Naked Mind and my longtime friend, Ruby Williams. We explore the idea of the "addictive personality" - whether it's a helpful framework or a limiting belief - and dig into Ruby's personal story of moving from food issues to alcohol dependence and beyond. Ruby shares how childhood trauma, emotional coping mechanisms, and weight loss surgery shaped...

Let's talk holidays - and why they can feel like a minefield when you're ditching booze. I've been there, and I know how difficult that first alcohol-free holiday can feel.  In this episode, I'm talking about why holidays are such a trigger, how booze has become so entangled in what we think "fun" looks like, and, most importantly, how to actually enjoy your break without a hangover ruining the vi...

Ever felt helpless watching someone you love struggle with alcohol? In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Alex Clapp to tackle one of the questions I get asked most: "How can I help them stop drinking?" Alex has owned multiple businesses in the North West, including County Cost Consultant, which he ran for 24 years. After overcoming addiction linked to an eye condition and achieving two yea...

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Jonathan Rees - a former Royal Marine Commando, cancer survivor, and everyday hero - who shares his powerful story of resilience, recovery, and redefining his relationship with alcohol. From his early years of heavy drinking in the military to a career in private security and a shocking cancer diagnosis at just 33, Jonathan's journey is marked by challenge and...

In this episode, I'm joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace - founder of Low No Drinker Magazine - to talk about her shift from a career in hospitality and "professional drinking" to leading a growing alcohol-free community.  We explore how the low and no-alcohol drinks market is evolving, why it's more about choice than restriction, and what's still missing from the shelves. Whether you're sober, sober-c...

In this episode, I'm diving deep into how alcohol really affects our mental health. I break down the science behind why that evening drink can actually lead to more stress, anxiety, low mood, and poor sleep - even though it might feel good in the moment.  We'll talk dopamine, dynorphin, cortisol, REM sleep, and all the behind-the-scenes processes that can leave us feeling worse, not better. I'll a...

What if you'd never even seen anyone drink alcohol? In this episode, I speak with Sarah Sherweedy, a lecturer living in Japan who's never touched a drop - and doesn't plan to.  We talk about growing up in a Muslim culture, why drinking feels so strange from her perspective, and what she sees in Western drinking habits that we often overlook.  From agency and consent to culture and connection, this...

In this episode, I'm joined by Duncan Bhaskaran Brown for a real conversation about the hidden costs of alcohol in the workplace.  Duncan has done his fair share of over indulgence, strictly speaking he's drunk more than his fair share of wine and eaten more than his fair share of cake. After 20 years of overdoing it, he cleaned up his act and trained with the world's most successful stop smoking...

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Sharni Knighton, a hair loss specialist who shares why what's happening on our heads often points to something deeper within . We explore the striking parallels between hair loss and alcohol use - how both are often hidden, surrounded by shame, and rooted in unspoken emotional pain. Sharni has over 25 years of experience in the hairdressing industry and has ow...

In this episode, I'm joined by Cole Harvey, a coach trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), for one of the most insightful conversations we've had on the show.  Cole is an alcohol-free coach and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner who helps people shift their relationship with alcohol through curiosity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of their inner world. We unpack the IFS approac...

In this toolkit episode, I'm walking you through a brand new resource I've developed - the Mindful Approach to Cravings Journal.  It's a powerful tool for those moments when you say "I'm not drinking today" in the morning… and somehow find yourself pouring a glass by the evening. If you're stuck in the cycle and sick of relying on willpower alone, this is for you. I share the full 8-step framework...

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Dann to unpack the hidden relationship between alcohol, workplace stress, and leadership culture.  Steve is an experienced senior leader with over 30 years in UK policing and eight years as a Senior Cvil Servant in the Home Office. He was recognised for strategic leadership in Afghanistan, receiving US Military Superior Civilian Medal and the UK Civilian Serv...

After hitting 2,500 days alcohol-free, I felt called to share the real lessons this journey has taught me - not the just shiny stuff.  In this episode, I open up about the twisty path I took to get here, from trying AA, hypnotherapy, and eventually discovering what actually worked for me - and why that might look completely different for you. I cover six key lessons, including why comparison keeps...

Can you go alcohol-free without rehab, support groups, or rock-bottom moments? In this episode, I sit down with James Lloyd, who transformed his life by quitting alcohol purely through reading and podcasts—no formal programs, no interventions.  James quit the booze back in 2021 and has been living alcohol-free ever since. With over 20 year's experience of working in senior corporate sales roles, J...

Watching someone you love struggle with alcohol can feel frustrating, heartbreaking, and completely out of your control.  In this episode, I'm tackling one of the most common (and toughest) questions I get: How do I help someone who isn't ready to change? I break down the real reasons people get stuck in alcohol dependence, why interventions and ultimatums rarely work, and how to shift your approa...

What if rehab isn't the solution we've been led to believe it is? In this episode, I continue my conversation with Karla Adkins, who shares her firsthand experience with rehab clinics, the staggering costs, and why traditional recovery models often fail people struggling with alcohol dependence. We discuss the limitations of 12-step programs, the missing education on alcohol's impact on anxiety, a...

What if a cirrhosis diagnosis wasn't the end of the story? In this episode, I sit down with Karla Adkins, whose remarkable recovery journey defied medical expectations.  Karla is the co-owner of The Zero Proof Life and author. She started her alcohol free journey in 2014 and is committed to providing a safe, judgement-free space so other can find their own path to freedom. Karla opens up about how...

Could alcohol-free wine finally be getting it right? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Hemsley, founder of Wednesday's Domaine, to talk about the evolution of non-alcoholic wines, the science behind de-alcoholisation, and why the market is finally catching up to consumer demand. We explore how drinking habits have shifted since COVID, the growing appeal of alcohol-free options beyond just sobr...

Could a telehealth clinic revolutionise alcohol recovery? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Gimpel from the Clean Slate Clinic to discuss how their innovative, at-home detox and recovery program is making professional support more accessible than ever. We explore the barriers many face in seeking help - whether it's location, finances, or stigma - and how Clean Slate's 12-month program provid...

Is alcohol quietly harming workplace productivity? In this episode, I sit down with business efficiency expert Jane Hales to explore how drinking culture impacts business performance.  We break down why many companies overlook alcohol's role in staff burnout and low morale—and what they can do about it. Jane shares practical strategies for fostering a healthier workplace, from data-driven employee...