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Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

Author: James Swanwick

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Helping high performers feel & perform better by reducing or quitting alcohol.

Maybe you're considering quitting alcohol and going completely sober. Or maybe you wish to change your relationship with alcohol and stop drinking. Maybe you wish to do moderation.

Whichever way you choose, this podcast will give you the process to succeed.

Alcohol-Free Lifestyle is for high performers, including entrepreneurs, executives, investors, athletes, and top professionals.
595 Episodes
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Do you ever feel like you're not fully present with your kids? In this poignant episode, Head Coach Victoria English shares her personal story of parenting her four children and the profound difference between being a parent who drinks and a parent who lives an alcohol-free life. She introduces the concept of the "vanishing window", the finite amount of time we have with our children before they're grown. You’ll learn how alcohol erodes patience, presence, and consistency, and how making a change now can reshape your family’s story. The most precious gift you can give your child is a clear-headed you. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear  
Feeling stuck in the stop-start cycle, wondering if you should try moderation or quit entirely? In this powerful episode, host James Swanwick argues why moderation is a myth for high-achievers. He challenges the notion that alcohol is a "special occasion" reward and explains how this belief keeps you from living a full, outstanding life. Discover how alcohol robs you of presence with your children, adds unwanted body fat, and creates friction in your most important relationships. James offers a powerful call to action to help you break free from the "drift" and finally build a life you are proud of.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast   ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90   ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule   ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear    
Feeling stuck in a cycle of mindless scrolling and online distractions? You're not alone. In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt introduce the "Digital Scrub," a powerful practice for creating a healthier relationship with technology.  They reveal how online habits can become a new way to numb yourself and share science-backed reasons why our brains get hooked on doom scrolling and constant updates.  Discover how to curate your digital environment, clean out your contact list, and leverage a "tactical distraction" to protect your time and mind for a more intentional, alcohol-free life.    Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Ever feel like a nagging voice in your head is holding you back? That's the inner critic. In this episode, Coaches Matt and Jason explore how to quiet that self-doubting voice and find true freedom.  They break down the different ways the inner critic shows up, from the backseat driver to the overbearing parent, and explain the neuroscience behind these old patterns. Discover a powerful, two-step process to recognize and reframe your inner dialogue . This isn't about fighting a part of yourself, but learning to collaborate with it to create an empowering alcohol-free life. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Feeling stuck or unsure how to navigate new challenges without drinking? On your alcohol-free journey, awareness is everything. In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt discuss how tuning into your mind, body, and emotions is a powerful tool to manage uncomfortable moments and avoid unhelpful distractions, like mindlessly scrolling through your phone. They share personal stories and science-backed insights on how to process feelings instead of numbing them. Learn how to find clarity, confidence, and peace by being fully present in every moment .   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Feeling stuck on your alcohol-free path? The "pink cloud" has faded, and now you’re left feeling flat. This episode is for you. Coaches Matt and Jason discuss why hitting a plateau is a natural, even necessary, part of your journey to living an alcohol-free life. They share how this period is an opportunity for a powerful reset, a chance to refine your habits, and a moment to embrace your progress. Learn how to leverage these moments of "coast" to build a stronger, more sustainable foundation for long-term growth and success.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Do you ever feel like you're the only person not drinking? In this episode, Coach Terry Patterson shares new Gallup poll data revealing a historic decline in U.S. alcohol consumption and a major shift in cultural beliefs about its health benefits. Learn why society is catching up with what science has long known: that no amount of alcohol is truly healthy. You'll gain empowering social proof and practical insights to embrace your alcohol-free journey with confidence, knowing that your choice is becoming the new normal.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Are you pouring a drink to find a moment of peace, only to wake up feeling worse? Head Coach Victoria English explains the neuroscience behind why your brain seeks alcohol for "relief" from stress, pressure, and overstimulation. She details how alcohol's initial effect of boosting calming neurotransmitters and suppressing excitatory ones creates a false sense of peace. However, this temporary fix leaves your brain in chaos, with a rebound of stress hormones and a crash in dopamine, leading to increased anxiety and shame. You'll learn why you're not choosing alcohol, but rather the illusion of relief it provides, and how you can reclaim your peace by building new, empowering paths.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Do you find yourself making excuses for drinking, even when you know it's not serving you? This episode explores the neuroscience and psychology behind these powerful justifications. Coach Matt breaks down the cognitive biases and social pressures that reinforce the belief that drinking is okay, even when it's causing harm. Learn how the brain's reward system and weakened prefrontal cortex make you susceptible to thoughts like, "Just one won't hurt" or, "I've had a rough day" . Discover how to build awareness without shame, strengthen your impulse control through mindfulness, and replace old excuses with your core values like health, connection, and integrity. This episode will help you expose the excuses that keep you stuck and choose a new, more empowering path.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Are you constantly feeling stressed and anxious? In this episode, Coach Matt reveals his favorite daily practice: heart resonance breathing. He explains how this powerful technique goes beyond simple relaxation to sync your heart, brain, and nervous system, lowering blood pressure and boosting emotional regulation. Learn how this six-second inhale and six-second exhale pattern can help you shift out of "fight or flight" mode and into a calm, focused state . Consistent practice strengthens the heart-brain connection, making it easier to access states like gratitude and patience. This is more than a wellness trend; it's a measurable physiological state that puts you back in the driver's seat of your life.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? In this episode, Coach Matt introduces you to the power of breathwork as a tool to navigate the pressure of a high-achieving lifestyle. He shares the simple, yet profound, technique of box breathing, a four-second inhale, hold, exhale, and hold that you can use anytime, anywhere to instantly downshift your nervous system and find calm. Discover how this practice can help you replace old patterns of drinking to cope with stress, while creating a healthier brain chemistry that leads to lasting peace . This is your on-demand solution for finding a moment of calm, even in the middle of a chaotic day .   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
In this powerful couples’ episode, Shannon McLin and her boyfriend Scott Lepper open up about how alcohol was silently eroding their connection - and how quitting together transformed their relationship. From defensiveness and distance to trust and deep emotional presence, their story reveals the power of healing without sedation. If you're navigating love, conflict, or growth as a couple, this is a must-listen.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Struggling with sleep? In this special episode, Coach Matt guides you through a powerful, 10-minute breathwork exercise specifically designed to help you fall and stay asleep naturally . Learn the simple 4-8-8 breathing technique that stimulates the vagus nerve and shifts your body into a state of deep relaxation. This practice helps you address the sleep issues that often arise as your body rebounds from years of alcohol-induced "sleep". This isn't about perfection; it's a consistent practice that will help you rebuild new neural pathways and cultivate a sense of calm and well-being . Feel free to return to this episode anytime you need to find your way to a peaceful night's rest .   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Have you ever said, "This is my last drink," only to find yourself drinking again? In this powerful episode, Coach Victoria English unpacks the neuroscience of this cycle of broken promises. She explains how this repetition trains your brain to expect self-betrayal, weakening the prefrontal cortex and leading to a quiet erosion of your identity.  But there is hope. Learn how to use neuroplasticity and small, repeatable wins to repair self-trust and rebuild your identity as someone who follows through, shows up, and shines. Discover how a 90-day alcohol-free journey can completely rewrite your future.    Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Are you worried about life being dull without alcohol? In this episode, coaches Matt and Jason tackle the "boredom myth" and explain its connection to the brain's reward system. They discuss how chronic boredom is often a sign that your brain is craving meaningful engagement, not a substance.  Learn practical ways to re-engage with your five senses, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover simple joys from your past.  The first few weeks of an alcohol-free journey might feel different, but you'll gain the space to explore new passions and find lasting fulfillment.    Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Shannon McLin, a high-powered appellate lawyer from Florida, shares the emotional story of how one painful argument and an alarming oura ring reading became her turning point.  In this deeply personal episode, she reflects on raising her kids in a culture of drinking, the guilt she carried, and how Project 90 gave her the tools to finally break free. This is a raw, uplifting look at how clarity, community, and self-worth can reshape a life. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Are you using alcohol to enhance a good time or cope with stress? It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that drinking brings joy, but coaches Jason and Matt reveal how this is a dangerous illusion . They dive into the neuroscience of how alcohol hijacks your brain's reward system, creating a powerful but false sense of pleasure. You'll learn how to reconnect with simple, natural sources of happiness and find sustainable joy in your alcohol-free life. Discover a path that leads to genuine connection, emotional growth, and a life that feels truly alive again.     Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear  
What often begins as a social lubricant can lead to a cycle of isolation, a feeling that can intensify on an alcohol-free journey. Coaches Matt and Jason explore the neuroscience behind why loneliness can feel like physical pain and create a feedback loop that makes it hard to break. They share a powerful reframe, shifting the perspective from painful loneliness to empowering solitude. Learn how to break the cycle with small acts of connection, and discover how to find a new richness in yourself and the world around you.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Have you ever found yourself in a specific situation, a concert, a holiday, or a family visit and experienced an intense, unexpected urge to drink?  This episode dives into the neuroscience behind this phenomenon, known as "incentive salience" . Coaches Jason and Matt explain how your brain's reward system creates subconscious associations with people, places, and things, triggering a powerful, anticipatory craving. Learn how to develop the awareness and curiosity needed to interrupt this pattern, rewire your neural pathways, and build a truly alcohol-free life .   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast   ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90   ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule   ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
Does the thought of turning down a drink fill you with anxiety? You're not alone. Coaches Teri and Matt break down the evolution of saying "no" to alcohol, from the awkward uncertainty of the early days to the empowered confidence that comes with time. They share practical scripts, personal stories, and powerful tools like the "because" statement to help you navigate any social situation. Learn why your body language is just as important as your words and discover why the pushback you fear rarely ever happens.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book “CLEAR” is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
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Comments (2)

Daniellollopik Djd

If you’ve ever noticed a lingering sense of brain fog after a night of drinking, you’re not alone. This experience, where thinking feels cloudy or slowed, is something many people report. This article sheds light on the causes and possible ways to manage brain fog after drinking https://unitedrecoveryproject.com/rehab-blog/brain-fog-after-drinking/ . Alcohol can interfere with mental clarity, sometimes lasting well beyond the effects of the hangover itself. Understanding why this happens and how to address it can be helpful if it’s impacting daily life. It's an insightful read for anyone looking to take back mental sharpness and minimize the effects of alcohol on their cognitive health

Oct 25th
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Gail Fosbrook

Really enjoying the podcast, listen to it at work for most of the day. alcohol free for 62 days and feeling great. love the stories about different people on the programme and the guidance from James and coaches. Thank you

Aug 3rd
Reply