The Big Drink Rethink

Ep 144: We Are All Philosophers | Rethinking Alcohol Oct 8, 2026 57:44 Who am I? What do I stand for? What kind of life do I want to live? These aren't questions reserved for lecture halls. If you've ever tried to change your relationship with alcohol, you've already been asking them.This week, Anna Donaghey is joined by Peg O'Connor, professor of philosophy, author and a woman in long-term recovery, to bring philosophy out of academia and into everyday life. Togethe

Ep 143: "I Need Alcohol To Relax”. Says Who? Oct 1, 2026 20:03 This episode explores one of the most persistent beliefs about drinking: the idea that alcohol is essential for relaxation. If you've ever found yourself reaching for a drink after work or on a quiet afternoon almost automatically, you're not alone. Your host Anna Donaghey shares how this learned habit is driven by deep-seated beliefs, many of which never truly belonged to us in the first place.Wi

Ep 142: ‘This Isn’t The Real Me’ | Rethinking Alcohol | Sep 24, 2026 51:13 This episode touches on addiction and on the loss of a child to a fatal overdose. It's a tender one, so please take care whilst listening. And if that's not something you have capacity for today, it's completely okay to come back another time. What if the person you love is slipping away beneath the weight of addiction, and you’re left battling shame, silence, and a culture that blames individuals

Ep 141: ‘I Need Alcohol To Cope’. Says Who? Sep 17, 2026 17:16 What if reaching for a drink when life feels overwhelming isn’t actually helping you cope, but is instead blocking your real resilience? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey unpacks the powerful belief that “alcohol helps me cope” and why it might be time to rethink it.Anna walks listeners through how our beliefs drive our thoughts and behaviours, using real-life examples and her own experience dur

Ep 140: The Craving Isn't The Enemy | Rethinking Alcohol | Sep 10, 2026 55:03 What if the craving you feel for a drink is actually a craving for relief, regulation, or connection, and there’s another, more healing way to get it? In this episode, your host Anna Donaghey is joined by breathwork practitioner Jon Paul Crimi, whose powerful personal story weaves together addiction, grief, emotional numbness, and a breathwork experience that profoundly shifted his life. They disc

Ep 139: Toolkit 101 – How To Identify Your Drinking Beliefs | Alcohol Coaching | Sep 3, 2026 27:45 What if your drinking is driven less by choice and more by invisible beliefs running beneath the surface? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey breaks down how beliefs act as our “operating system,” quietly driving our thoughts and behaviours, especially around alcohol. Anna reveals why it’s so difficult to spot the beliefs shaping our drinking, how to distinguish between a thought and a belief, and

Ep 138: Pain Pushes Until Vision Pulls | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 27, 2026 51:43 What if the life you’re chasing, and the drinking that comes with it, are both keeping you from the life you really want?In this honest conversation, Anna Donaghey welcomes recovery and transition coach Alina Roselli, who shares her journey from living “outside-in” - seeking validation, people-pleasing and pushing through burnout, to soul-led sobriety and deep self-acceptance.Together, they explor

Ep 137: The Beliefs Driving Your Drinking | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 20, 2026 21:46 What if your drinking habits aren’t really about alcohol at all, but about the quiet, powerful beliefs sitting beneath the surface? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey dives into the “Pyramid of Belief”, a simple framework that explains how deeply-rooted feelings of “not enough” shape much of our behaviour, including drinking.Using lived experience and insights from Dave Gray’s "Liminal Thinking,"

Ep 136: The Alcohol - ADHD Connection | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 13, 2026 59:11 Why does alcohol seem to have a different, more intense pull for some people - and could undiagnosed ADHD be the missing piece of the puzzle? In this episode, Anna Donaghey is joined by Matt Wing, a midlife mentor who spent over 30 years in a cycle of high achievement and high-functioning drinking, before a late ADHD diagnosis reframed everything.Together, they explore the misunderstood relationsh

Ep 135: What Have You Got To Be Unhappy About? | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 6, 2026 57:28 Why do high-flying CEOs, investors, and ultra-successful leaders, people with every resource at their fingertips, still end up stuck, lonely, and reaching for a drink?In this episode, Anna Donaghey is joined by Lindsey Frances, a leadership psychologist. Together they unpack the universal experience of feeling trapped by drink, the myth that outer success delivers inner fulfilment, and why human s

Ep 134: Drowning in Data But Starved of Insight | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 30, 2026 13:47 What if all the sleep scores, step counts, and readiness reports in the world still leave you missing the point? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey unpacks the paradox of our “self-quantified” age: we collect endless data about our bodies, yet remain confused about why we reach for that Friday night drink.Why do so many of us meticulously track our health and download optimisation apps, but still

Ep 133: Why Waiting Until You’re Ready Rarely Works | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 23, 2026 51:43 What if the real reason you feel stuck around drinking isn't a lack of willpower or information, but simply that your thinking can't yet see another way? Anna Donaghey is joined by Doug Fleener, author of "Start with What If" and creator of the "What If Rule", a simple, three-step practice for creating new perspectives in real time.Drawing on his own journey from addiction to leadership roles at B

Ep 132: Why Doesn't Summer Feel Like a Break? | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 16, 2026 17:58 Summer is supposed to be the easy season, so why does it so often leave us more tired, pressured, and frazzled than ever? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey unpacks the myth of the "restful summer" and the invisible standards that pile up as the weather warms: be the memory-maker, the joy-creator, the calm presence. It's a pressure that fuels depletion and quietly drives the urge for an evening d

Ep 131: Q&A: I'm Drinking Less on Mounjaro. This Is Good News, Right? | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 9, 2026 13:59 "I'm drinking less on Mounjaro, should I see this as a win?" It's a question landing in Anna Donaghey's inbox more and more, and in this listener Q&A episode, she gives it the thoughtful answer it deserves.Medications like Mounjaro, originally prescribed for diabetes and weight management, are quietly dialling down people's desire for alcohol often without them even trying. Anna explores what

Ep 130: What Your Holiday Is Telling You | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 2, 2026 52:55 What if your next holiday could tell you more about your drinking than any ordinary day? Anna Donaghey is joined by travel writer and longtime non-drinker Teresa Bergen to explore why holidays are such a flashpoint when it comes to alcohol.They unpick the cultural scripts that equate travel with "letting go," the invisible pressure to drink in airports, at resorts, and on work trips, and how trave

Ep 129: What Does Curiosity Look Like This Summer? | Alcohol Coaching | Jun 25, 2026 27:51 What if summer didn't have to be scripted by booze? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey answers a listener's question: "What does it actually mean to get curious about my drinking this summer?"Anna dismantles "summer scripts", the invisible associations between alcohol and fun, relaxation, or connection. Instead of forcing abstinence or restriction, she offers a gentle, practical process: What are

Ep 128: Rewriting the Summer Drinking Script | Rethinking Alcohol | Jun 18, 2026 44:41 What if summer didn’t have to be “powered by” alcohol? In this episode, Anna Donaghey invites sobriety and life coach, Casey McGuire Davidson, to unpack why the summer and its long evenings, and sunny terrace, feels so tangled with the urge to drink. Is it really about the Aperol Spritz… or are we longing for something deeper, like freedom, nostalgia, or a younger version of ourselves?Together, th

Ep 127: Same Feeling, Different Fix: Co-dependency Explained | Rethinking Alcohol | Jun 11, 2026 59:04 What if sobriety was just the beginning, not the destination? In this episode, Anna Donaghey sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Michaud, who draws on over 40 years of recovery and professional experience to explore the deep link between codependency, control, and unfulfilled needs. While getting sober is a huge step, Sarah reveals why the work often starts after the drinking stops as w

Ep 126: BONUS EPISODE: The Version Of You On The Other Side with the Gavin Sisters | Rethinking Alcohol | Jun 9, 2026 32:44 What if rethinking your relationship with alcohol wasn't about restriction, but about discovering a new version of yourself? Anna Donaghey introduces a raw and funny conversation between the Gavin Sisters, who went from "beer-swigging, Chinese takeout comedy double act" to thriving, teetotal vegan wellness entrepreneurs.Starting with Sharon's health crisis, the Gavin Sisters share how identity nat

Ep 125: Breaking The 'Wine O'clock' Habit | Alcohol Coaching | Jun 4, 2026 25:58 Is your evening drink a true choice or just a well-worn ritual your brain expects at the end of every day?Your host Anna Donaghey breaks down the hidden psychology behind the “wine o’clock” habit. She explains the science of habit loops, why willpower alone can’t break the cycle, and offers a step-by-step framework for gently rewiring your automatic drinking response. Discover practical, compassio

Ep 124: Wired, Tired, and Reaching for Wine | Rethinking Alcohol and Your Nervous System May 28, 2026 48:57 What if that evening glass of wine isn't just a habit, but your body reaching for balance it's missing elsewhere?Anna Donaghey is joined by certified clinical nutritionist Beverly Meyer to decode the neuroscience behind our relationship with alcohol, specifically GABA, the nervous system's key calming neurotransmitter, and why modern life is quietly depleting it. Beverly shares practical, food-fir

Ep 123: How Big Is Your World? | Rethinking Alcohol | May 21, 2026 21:23 What if alcohol isn’t just a habit, but quietly shrinking the size of your world, dulling joy, and making ordinary pleasures feel like “not enough”? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey shares honest insights from her own journey, exploring how drinking can subtly narrow both what you do and how much you feel.She unpacks the concept of the “hedonic threshold,” showing why your favourite activities

Ep 122: Building a Life You Don't Want to Escape From | Rethinking Alcohol | May 14, 2026 46:12 What if rethinking your drinking didn’t start with “giving up” alcohol, but instead you created the kind of life you don’t want to escape from? In this episode, Anna Donaghey sits down with adventurer and educator Belinda Coker to explore how rediscovering adventure, nature, and forgotten passions can quietly make alcohol fade into the background, no willpower or rock bottoms required.They talk ho

Ep 121: Toolkit '101' - How to Party Without Alcohol May 7, 2026 29:33 Parties are supposed to be fun. So why does going alcohol-free feel so hard in a room full of drinkers? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey draws on years of experience as an alcohol mindset coach and as someone who still actually goes to parties, to give you the toolkit she wishes she'd had.This one is practical from start to finish. Anna walks you through how to prepare before you arrive, what t

Ep 120: The Shortcut To Belonging | Rethinking Alcohol | Apr 30, 2026 54:53 Why does alcohol feel essential to parties, celebrations, and big social events? And what’s really at stake when you rethink your drinking in those spaces? Anna Donaghey is joined by Evan Cudworth, a self-described “party coach,” who shares his personal journey through alcohol-fueled confidence, alter egos, and radical new rituals.Together, they explore why we outsource energy and confidence to bo

Ep 119: The Act of Showing Up | Alcohol Coaching Apr 23, 2026 36:13 What does it really mean to “show up” in your life and how is that different from simply “turning up”? In this solo episode, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most honest motivations she hears from people rethinking alcohol: the desire to be present. She shares why presence goes so much deeper than physical attendance. Alcohol is often used as an emotional buffer, and what’s possible when you star

Ep 118: When Avoidance Stops Working with April Day Garcia | Rethinking Alcohol | Apr 16, 2026 56:38 What happens when the strategies we rely on to avoid pain, achievement, busyness and constant momentum stop working?In this powerful conversation, Anna Donaghey is joined by April Day Garcia, author of The Room to Be Brave: Sometimes the way forward begins with going back, to explore how avoidance can hide in plain sight, especially for high-functioning people disguised as success.April shares how

Ep 117: The Art of Avoidance: Why Alcohol Works…Until it Doesn’t Apr 9, 2026 17:56 What really drives us to reach for alcohol, and why is avoidance so quietly powerful in our habits? In this episode, Anna Donaghey unpacks the psychology behind using alcohol as a coping mechanism, revealing how it silences discomfort and acts as a fast-acting state change in our modern lives. Drawing from her own lived experience and insights from her Substack “The Thirsty For More Mindset Lab,”

Ep 116: Tiny Clarity Moments 2 | Alcohol Coaching | Apr 2, 2026 16:29 Why do we agonise over disrupting the social flow by saying “no thanks” to a drink, even when alcohol is quietly disrupting so much more in our lives? In this thought-provoking solo episode, Anna Donaghey explores the micro-moments of clarity that often crop up when we consider changing our drinking habits. Drawing from a recent conversation with Ry Gavan, Anna explores how alcohol quietly sits be

Ep 115: When Alcohol Is the Backdrop Mar 26, 2026 48:27 What happens when we question alcohol’s role as the backdrop to almost every social moment? In this powerful episode, Anna Donaghey is joined by Ry Gavan from DRiNKLiNK, a Scotland-based charity supporting families affected by someone else’s drinking, for an honest conversation about the ripple effects of alcohol in our lives.Rather than focusing solely on “extremes,” Anna Donaghey and Ry explore

Ep 114: Who Am I If I Don't Drink? | Alcohol Coaching | Mar 19, 2026 22:37 Who are you, really, if you remove alcohol from your life? In this deeply thoughtful solo episode, Anna Donaghey takes on the big, unsettling question: “Who am I if I don’t drink?”Rather than focusing on willpower or missing out, Anna Donaghey explores the real, often unspoken identity shifts that happen when we rethink our relationship with alcohol. With psychological insight, lived experience, a

Ep 113: The Courage To Become Someone New with Andrew Drasen | Rethinking Alcohol | Mar 12, 2026 42:36 How do you truly start over, and what does real reinvention look like? In this episode, Anna Donaghey talks with Andrew Drasen, author, speaker, and survivor about life beyond sobriety, diving into identity, purpose, and hope.Andrew’s journey goes far beyond addiction, spanning imprisonment, loss, and the search for meaning. He shares his struggles with self-image, rebellion, and choices that led

Ep 112: Rethinking Alcohol: We Are Not Our Past Mar 5, 2026 14:19 Does our past define us? In this insightful episode, Anna Donaghey explores a quietly powerful truth: you are not fixed. You are not your history, your habits, or the coping mechanisms that once helped you survive.She guides you into the transformative space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Uncovering how old beliefs and identities, especially around drinking, can unconsciously sha

Ep 111: Brilliant on Paper. Struggling in Real Life | Rethinking Alcohol | Feb 26, 2026 50:41 We’ve taught young people how to achieve but have we taught them how to feel, struggle, and grow? Host Anna Donaghey is joined by consultant Joanna Lilley, who works with young adults at the crossroads of high school, university, and early adulthood, to explore why so many high-achieving students feel anxious, overwhelmed, and unprepared for life.Together, they discuss the emotional blind spots sh

Ep 110: Toolkit ‘101’: What One Intentional Alcohol-Free Day Can Look Like Feb 19, 2026 35:41 What if making one intentional, alcohol-free day didn’t have to feel like a test of willpower or a white-knuckle challenge you had to survive? In this practical solo episode, your host Anna Donaghey shares a clear, step-by-step structure for what a supported, intentional day off drinking can look like in real life.Inspired by a listener who found Dry January a “white-knuckle ride,” Anna explores w

Ep 109: Starting Again at Any Age | Rethinking Alcohol | Feb 12, 2026 50:33 What if the limits we feel around age, change, and possibility aren’t real but simply old, worn-out stories we’ve inherited? In this energising episode, Anna Donaghey is joined by Allison Davis, traditional naturopath and author of ‘Sixty is a Good Start: A Powerful Body, a Purposeful Life, and a Plan to Make it Happen’, to bust wide open the myth that it’s ever “too late” to rethink your life or

Ep 108: Tiny Clarity Moments | Alcohol Coaching | Feb 5, 2026 16:05 What if change doesn’t start with a dramatic rock bottom or a grand decision, but with the tiniest flickers of awareness? In this reflective episode, Anna Donaghey shines a light on those often-overlooked “tiny clarity moments”, the split seconds when you see your drinking, and your habits, with fresh honesty.Anna shares personal stories and insights from her work as an alcohol mindset coach, expl

Ep 107: What if Drinking Isn’t the Issue? | Rethinking Alcohol | Jan 29, 2026 10:32 Is it possible that drinking isn’t really the problem or at least, not the whole story? In this episode, Anna asks you to rethink your relationship with alcohol by shifting the focus away from simply how much or how often you drink, to what deeper needs might be driving the habit in the first place.Anna explores why we treat alcohol as the main issue, and how it’s often just the “smoke, not the fi

Ep 106: Dopamine Nation: Alcohol, Pleasure & Rebuilding Joy Jan 22, 2026 47:02 Have you ever wondered why even after a few alcohol-free weeks, life can feel flat or why it feels so hard to say “enough” in a world of endless overconsumption? In this transformative episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey sits down with Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist, author of Dopamine Nation, and Stanford Addiction Medicine Director, to explore how alcohol hijacks our reward system and

Ep 105: What if You’re Not The Problem? | Rethinking Alcohol | Jan 15, 2026 11:38 Ever caught yourself wondering, “Why is alcohol so hard to control for me?” In this episode Anna Donaghey urges you to challenge the story that the struggle is all your fault. Drawing from her experience as an alcohol mindset coach, author, and strategist, Anna examines why shame and blame are baked into how we talk about drinking and offers a totally different perspective.Instead of focusing on w

Ep 104: My Book ‘What are You Thirsty For?’ Is OUT NOW! | Rethinking Alcohol | Jan 8, 2026 18:16 This week is a big one for The Big Drink Rethink, with host Anna Donaghey, celebrating publication day and introducing her brand new, first book."What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and The Life You Want", is now out in the world for you to buy!In this special episode, Anna invites you to continue your reappraisal - not just of alcohol, but what it is you are really craving in life. Rathe

Ep 103: 5 Ideas to Make This Month Easier | Alcohol Coaching | Jan 3, 2026 16:51 Struggling to keep your momentum as the novelty of cutting back on drinking starts to wear off? You’re not alone. In this third mini episode, Anna Donaghey returns with five practical, pressure-free ideas to support you through January, especially when willpower is fading and real-life challenges kick in.Building on previous mindset shifts, Anna sidesteps perfection and “shoulds,” guiding you to f

Ep 102: The Secret to Handling Cravings | Alcohol Coaching | Jan 2, 2026 11:25 If you’re already feeling the challenge of cutting back on drinking this January, you’re not alone and you don’t have to rely on sheer willpower. In this second mini episode, Anna returns to share the essential (and surprisingly gentle) secret to handling cravings and breaking free from autopilot habits.Building on the previous episode’s mindset shifts, Anna introduces the idea of noticing urges w

Ep 101: Before You Start Dry January, Listen to This | Alcohol Coaching | Jan 1, 2026 11:56 Is Dry January on your mind, but you’re already feeling the weight of “new year, new me” expectations? In the first of this mini series, Anna welcomes the New Year with a gentle reality check for anyone considering a break from alcohol whether you’re looking to quit, cut down, or just get curious about your drinking habits.With compassion and clarity, she unpacks why pressure, grand declarations,

Ep 100: Your Christmas Day Pep Talk | Alcohol Coaching | Dec 25, 2025 08:23 Are you showing up for Christmas wanting change, but feeling swallowed up by old patterns, pressure, or the ever-present invitation to pour a drink? In this uplifting milestone episode of The Big Drink Rethink (100 episodes!), your host Anna Donaghey offers a heart-to-heart Christmas Day pep talk for anyone questioning their drinking, or simply craving a more honest and intentional holiday experie

Ep 99: Your Christmas Survival Guide - Navigating the Dynamics & Triggers | Alcohol Coaching | Dec 18, 2025 36:55 Are your Christmas traditions serving you or just sabotaging your intentions for change? This time of year isn’t just about parties and presents, it’s a complex mix of family dynamics, old patterns, emotional triggers steeped in decades of drinking. In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey takes a gentle yet practical approach to surviving (and actually enjoying) Chris

Ep 98: How to Survive and Actually Enjoy Christmas Parties | Alcohol Coaching | Dec 11, 2025 34:46 What if the festive season could bring more connection, confidence, and genuine fun… without the dread (or the hangover)? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna shares how to survive Christmas parties, whether you’re alcohol free, moderating, or just rethinking your relationship with drinking.Drawing on personal stories and practical coaching insight, Anna covers how Christmas pa

Ep 97: Toolkit 101 – A Brilliant Tool to Help You Outgrow Alcohol Dec 4, 2025 28:53 What if your relationship with alcohol was more about nourishment than willpower? In this eye-opening toolkit episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna shares one of her most powerful tools yet, a framework to help you discover what truly fuels and sustains you, making it easier to outgrow alcohol for good. Drawing on personal experience and Tara Mohr’s Core Nutrients Framework, Anna Donaghey guides

Ep 96: How Quitting Alcohol Made Space for Meaning with Dan D’Souza Nov 27, 2025 53:00 Have you ever questioned whether alcohol might be quietly dimming the best parts of your life? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey chats to Dan D'Souza, co-founder of MUUSH to explore how quitting alcohol made room for more meaning, creativity, and connection. From high-flying networking in boozy city jobs to finding real nourishment in purpose and daily joy, Dan shares his jou

Ep 95: Q&A - Why Can't I Just Let Go...Without Alcohol Nov 20, 2025 26:53 Letting go, relaxing, and releasing especially without alcohol can feel out of reach for many. In this insightful, toolbox-packed Q&A episode, Anna Donaghey tackles questions from listeners and coaching clients about why it can be so hard to relax or "let go," even after quitting drinking. This episode explores how patterns of control, nervous system wiring, shame, and old beliefs shape our in

Ep 94. Alcohol, Trauma & The Search for Safety with Dr. Evette Rose Nov 13, 2025 54:52 How deep do the patterns that drive our drinking really go? In this transformative episode, Anna talks to Dr. Evette Rose, internationally renowned holistic counselor, trauma recovery expert, and author of Metaphysical Anatomy to reveal how trauma, inherited stress, and family conditioning can hardwire us for coping mechanisms like alcohol, long before we ever pick up a drink. You’ll discover addi

Ep 93. Alcohol, Shame & The Art of Release with Emma Lyons Nov 6, 2025 53:12 Is quitting alcohol just about the drink itself, or is there something deeper at play? Anna Donaghey sits down with trauma-informed healer Emma Lyons, founder of The Trauma Matrix, to explore how shame hides beneath so many of our habits, including drinking, and keeps us stuck in self-judgment, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. If you’ve ever felt that gnawing ‘not enough’ feeling, or wondered w

Ep 92. Alcohol, Change & The Power of Reinvention with Eleanor Tweddell Oct 30, 2025 54:38 Is change really something to fear or the doorway to a brighter, more intentional life? What if the moments when everything feels uncertain are precisely when new possibilities emerge? In this uplifting episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey welcomes author and coach Eleanor Tweddell, whose book Another Door Opens explores the messy, hopeful, and deeply human process of navigating pe

Ep 91. Alcohol, Fatherhood and the Courage to Change with Luke Jones Oct 23, 2025 52:54 Is drinking stopping you from becoming the parent (and person) you want to be? Why is alcohol so deeply woven into fatherhood and what does it take for men to resist those powerful cultural norms and rewrite their story for good? In this honest and inspiring episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Luke Jones, sober transformation coach and NLP master practitioner, to ex

Ep 90. Alcohol, Resistance & The Art of Letting Go Oct 16, 2025 23:09 Is resistance stopping you from making the changes you crave around alcohol? Why does it feel so hard to step into the unknown even when you know old habits aren’t serving you? In this solo episode, host Anna Donaghey unpacks the hidden force of resistance that keeps us stuck and reveals why letting go, not fighting harder, is often the key to real transformation.Anna explores the very real brain

Ep 89. Emotional Sobriety Explained | Rethinking Alcohol | Oct 9, 2025 54:35 What does it really mean to become “emotionally sober” and why is this concept the key to freedom and fulfillment beyond simply quitting drinking? In this deeply insightful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Natalie Bedard (aka NatNat), founder of Lift OneSelf and host of the Lift OneSelf podcast, to demystify emotional sobriety and the nervous system’s role in how

Ep 88. Family, Alcohol & The Power of Empathy Oct 2, 2025 46:21 When alcohol enters a family system, disconnection, secrecy, and resentment can quietly take root. But what if real, lasting change doesn’t start with confronting the drinker but by shifting the family dynamic itself? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Amber Hollingsworth, counselor and family recovery expert, to unpack how families can navigate th

Ep 87. Toolkit ‘101: Simple Ways to Build Connection & Belonging | Alcohol Toolkit | Sep 25, 2025 44:05 What if the real craving behind your evening glass of wine isn’t alcohol, but connection? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey explores the science and psychology of human connection, why disconnection hurts so much, and the small, practical steps you can use to build both belonging and self-connection without reaching for a drink. Anna outlines why we’re wired for relation

Ep 86. From Alcohol to Radical Integrity Sep 18, 2025 55:51 What does it mean to reconnect to yourself after you stop drinking? This episode of The Big Drink Rethink dives deep into the journey from escapism and numbing through alcohol to living with “radical integrity” and honouring your true values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Host Anna Donaghey welcomes Lauren Burnison, founder of pioneering sober travel company, We Love Lucid and a compelling, raw wr

Ep 85: Waking Up To What Matters | Rethinking Alcohol | Sep 11, 2025 22:22 What if feeling lost or disconnected isn’t a flaw, but a gentle nudge toward what you really need? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey invites you to explore how reconnection (to yourself, your values, your body, your relationships, and the world) is at the heart of waking up to a richer, fuller life, especially if you’re rethinking your relationship with alcohol.Anna shar

Ep 84: Series Refresh: Beyond Alcohol Sep 4, 2025 21:15 What if your drinking isn’t the real issue but just a signal pointing toward something deeper? Host Anna Donaghey returns for a refreshed season of The Big Drink Rethink, inviting listeners to widen the lens on alcohol, identity, and what we truly crave beyond the glass. Anna shares her own recalibration after a break, offering a new perspective on presence, self-compassion, and how pressing pause

Ep 83. Alcohol Rewind with Laura Bartlett Aug 14, 2025 34:20 What does it look like to totally reimagine your relationship with alcohol and your own definition of success? In this special summer rewind, host Anna Donaghey revisits her conversation with Laura Bartlett, who has scaled and exited a luxury travel brand. She is a bold advocate for living life on your own terms and shares how she went from being tagged in champagne memes to embracing sobriety, an

Ep 82. Alcohol Rewind with William Porter Aug 7, 2025 45:07 What really happens when we drink, and why does alcohol so often sabotage our intention to relax, connect, or recharge, especially on holiday? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey revisits her powerful conversation with William Porter, author of "Alcohol Explained," to discuss the science and psychology behind alcohol and why it’s become the UK’s favourite coping mechanism, and how a little knowled

Ep 81. Alcohol Rewind with Adrian Chiles Jul 31, 2025 37:38 Why is it so hard to rethink our drinking and what does it actually look like to drink less without going “all or nothing”? In this special summer mini-series of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey revisits her most downloaded conversation with broadcaster and writer Adrian Chiles. Adrian shares his personal, honest journey from heavy to moderate drinking, not by swearing off alcohol, but by

Ep 80. Simple Psychology for a Sober-Curious Summer | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 24, 2025 29:50 If you’ve ever wondered why alcohol cravings can feel so powerful or why breaking habits is so tough, this episode is for you.In this special summer mini-series of the Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey recaps essential brain science insights from past episodes and breaks down how simple psychology can empower your sober-curious journey through the summer.Anna revisits some of the podcast’s most pow

Ep 79: Toolkit ‘101’: Alcohol & Summer - 5 Ways to Stay in Control Jul 17, 2025 34:17 Do sunny holidays, BBQs, and lazy afternoons have you reaching for another drink almost on autopilot? Summer can bring all sorts of triggers for drinking, but it doesn’t have to be that way.In this practical, supportive episode, Anna Donaghey shares five brilliant, totally free tools to help you stay in control of your drinking this summer whether you’re sober-curious, moderating, or just want to

Ep 78: Alcohol-Free Vibes: Summer Drinks, Culture & Connection with Chris Cardone Jul 10, 2025 55:20 Is the British drinking culture changing and what does that mean for sober summer socialising? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Cardone: US World Class Bartender, award-winning mixologist, and ten years sober. Chris lifts the lid on a radical rethink in hospitality and what it means to create proper, delicious, inclusive drinks experiences whether or not alcohol is involved

Ep 77: Summer Survival Guide: Rethinking Holidays, Hangovers & Having Fun Jul 3, 2025 50:47 Do holidays and the summer break leave you feeling less refreshed and more exhausted? Does ‘holiday mode’ mean you default straight to drinks even when you’d love to come back energised, present, and rested? If you’re tired of summer routines that always revolve around alcohol, make sure you listen inJoin Anna as she kicks off The Big Drink Rethink’s summer series, our six-week companion to naviga

Ep 76. From Booze to Belief: Confidence Without Alcohol Jun 26, 2025 48:44 Ever wondered why alcohol can feel like "liquid confidence," or if there’s a better way to build self-belief without a drink in hand? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey is joined by Sue Reid, certified confidence and self-belief coach, NLP master practitioner, hypnotherapist, and author of Building Confidence: How to Thrive as a Shy Person.Anna and Sue take a deep dive in

Ep 75. Toolkit ‘101’: Triggered by the Sun - A Tool for Sunny Days | Alcohol Toolkit | Jun 19, 2025 38:49 Does a sunny day spark a craving for a cold alcoholic drink? Do pub gardens, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings feel like booze is suddenly everywhere, making it harder to stick to your goals? If the sun is your biggest trigger, this episode can help.Join Anna as she unpacks why sunshine is such a powerful cue for drinking, especially in UK culture, and how our brains build deep associations betwee

Ep 74: Alcohol: Nature, Nurture & What We Can Change Jun 12, 2025 54:42 What if parents could truly change the future just by having more open conversations about alcohol? In this episode host Anna Donaghey is joined by Jessica Lahey, educator and author of The Addiction Inoculation.Together, they explore the factors that influence substance use in young people, the power of prevention, and how honest dialogue can break cycles of dependence. This episode guides listen

Ep 73: Q&A: When Alcohol Breaks Trust, How Do I Rebuild It? Jun 5, 2025 33:38 Have you ever felt like the person you trust least is yourself? On this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey explores one of the most tender and universal challenges for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol: how to rebuild self-trust after countless broken promises to yourself and to others.Drawing from deeply personal experiences and the honest struggles of her listen

Ep 72: Alcohol, Overwhelm & ' The Perfect Mother' Myth May 29, 2025 53:08 Have you ever wondered why so many mothers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, or pressured to present a picture-perfect life especially when it comes to drinking culture? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey talks to Anna Cusack, a postnatal doula, motherhood studies practitioner, and author of the powerful book "Mama, You’re Not Broken".Together, they explore the emotional

Ep 71: Q&A: Staying Motivated When Alcohol-Free Becomes 'Normal' May 22, 2025 32:03 In this special Q&A episode, Anna tackles a powerful listener question about what happens after the buzz fades from going alcohol-free. You've made it past those first few transformative months, and maybe you don't miss drinking, but the excitement has levelled out, and you're wondering how to stay motivated for the long haul.Anna explores the “middle” of the alcohol-free journey when things b

Ep 70: From Booze to Benefits: Functional Drinks, Explained | Rethinking Alcohol | May 15, 2025 53:37 Are functional drinks the future of socialising, or just another wellness fad? On this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Zoey Henderson, an entrepreneur, mindful drinking consultant, and early functional drinks pioneer, to unravel the hype, science, and shifting culture around functional drinks. With drinking habits changing across the UK and a booming market for

Ep 69: Mummy Doesn't Need Wine | Rethinking Alcohol | May 8, 2025 27:46 So many mums reach for a glass of wine at the end of a long day. How else can we cope with the chaos of motherhood? How else can we navigate this emotional tsunami for which we receive no training?In this deeply personal episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey opens up about her own journey through early motherhood, where drinking evolved from a social habit into an emotional crutch.D

Ep 68. Toolkit '101': 5-Minute Resets: Go-To Alternatives to Alcohol May 1, 2025 33:27 If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a glass of wine after a tough day, but wish you had an easier, healthier alternative - this episode is for you.Today, Anna dives into practical, 5-minute resets: simple, research-backed tools that can help you navigate cravings, manage stress, and regulate your nervous system. Drawing inspiration from global traditions, think mindfulness, breathwork, jour

Ep 67: Less Wine, More Oxygen: Breathwork For The Doubtful Drinker | Rethinking Alcohol | Apr 24, 2025 52:01 Have you ever rolled your eyes at the idea that breathing could actually help with stress or cravings? You’re not the only one. That’s exactly what we’re getting into today on the Big Drink Rethink.In this episode, Anna Donaghey sits down with Zoë Ewart, a trauma-informed life coach and breathwork facilitator, to challenge the skepticism around breathwork - especially for those rethinking their re

Ep 66: From Stress to Flow: Balance, Not Booze | Rethinking Alcohol | Apr 17, 2025 51:30 Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions, outwardly successful but inwardly exhausted? Welcome to The Big Drink Rethink podcast with your host, Anna Donaghey.In today's episode, we're diving into the theme of strategic recovery, with Chloe Stephens, a Flow Coach with thirty years of experience in fitness and well-being. Chloe's exploration into sleep, recovery, and nervous sys

Ep 65: Q&A: How Do I Not Drink When Other People Trigger Me? | Alcohol Coaching | Apr 10, 2025 28:48 Do other people’s behaviour trigger you to drink? Today on the Big Drink Rethink, we're exploring a topic that affects many of us: how to manage those moments when other people’s behaviour triggers our urge to drink. This episode is inspired by a question from one of my coaching clients, who finds herself frequently wound up by others, and is wondering how to stop being triggered by them.Join me,

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