No More Booze - The Podcast

In this festive special episode of No More Booze, join me and my wonderful friend Lisa as we dive into the challenges and joys of staying alcohol-free over Christmas. We reflect on our personal journeys, discussing the allure of Christmas parties and the importance of planning how to manage social pressures. The key is to PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Together, we share tips for navigating family gatherings, work parties and festive events without alcohol while still having the craic. With laughter, vulnerability and insightful reflections, we detail how we celebrate Christmas. Together, we have 14 alcohol free Chrimbos under our belt. Whether you’re tapping into your first sober Christmas or you're a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and support for everyone on the alcohol-free journey.

Welcome to a landmark 100th episode of No More Booze! Join me as I reflect on the incredible journey of this podcast, celebrating the wealth of inspiring conversations and stories shared over the past two years. In this milestone episode, I take a moment to honour the transformative power of alcohol-free living, highlighting the personal growth and community connections I've made along the way. I discuss key insights from past guests, both experts who share their research and us ordinary folk who have reshaped their relationships with alcohol. As the alcohol-free movement gains momentum, I reflect on our collective journey towards healing and empowerment. I also discuss future topics that promise to delve even deeper into living a fulfilling, joyful, expansive alcohol-free life.Find out more information on my DRY JANUARY Programme starting January the 1st Alcohol Free Group Mentoring | Olivia | Grey Area Drinker

In this episode of No More Booze, I’m thrilled to welcome Jennifer Salzman @rebelwithoutadrink a mindfulness coach from upstate New York, who has been alcohol-free for five years. Jennifer shares her unique journey with alcohol, revealing how it initially helped her cope with the challenges of ADHD and social anxiety, transforming over time into a crutch she relied on. We discuss the struggles of navigating social situations as a non-drinker, the importance of mindfulness and the power of understanding your triggers. Jennifer offers invaluable techniques to support those considering a life without alcohol, encouraging listeners to embrace their authenticity and seek joy outside of booze. Discover how Jennifer found new hobbies and built a meaningful life after alcohol and learn about the supportive community she fosters for neurodivergent individuals seeking healthier coping strategies. Jennifer is an ADHD Advocate, Mindfulness Practitioner and Alcohol-Free Life Coach. She spent more than 20 years medicating undiagnosed ADHD with alcohol, drugs and other unhealthy behaviours because she didn’t have the proper tools to cope. After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in her 40s, she finally took control and made it her mission to strip alcohol of its power and find healthier ways to deal with stress. Today, she helps others do the same through 1:1 coaching programs and online courses.Get Help for ADHD and Alcohol Abuse with Sober Coach Jennifer

In this episode of No More Booze, I chat with Niall Davison from County Down, who has been living an alcohol-free life for two and a half years. Niall shares his journey of self-discovery, the challenges he faced while breaking free from alcohol and the profound difference it has made in his life. We chat Niall's past relationship with alcohol and how it provided temporary comfort but masked deeper issues. He discusses the liberating experiences of sobriety, including newfound confidence, joy and a clearer perspective on life's pleasures without the haze of alcohol. Niall spent two decades chasing the instant highs of gambling, drinking and anything that gave him that hit of fake pleasure. After finally walking away from the booze and the betting slips, he discovered what he’d been missing all along: actual joy. Now 800+ days sober, he writes Half-Time Team Talk — a completely free Substack newsletter blending honesty, humour, and reflections on mid-life reinvention (link below). He’s in the final stages of writing his memoir, I’ve Gotta Tip, Lads: Winning Gamblers Lose, Too, due for release in 2026.

*** This episode contains references to and conversation around suicide***Today, I chat with Sharon Ledwith from Galway about her incredibly transformative journey to living an alcohol free life. Sharon shares her thoughts on 927-days without alcohol, remembering the ups and downs that led to her decision. Turns out that myself and Sharon actually met 21 years ago at a house party in Bondi Beach, Sydney - a meeting that neither of us can clearly remember! Sharon reflects on her early relationship with alcohol, the cultural connections around drinking in Ireland and the emotional challenges that often follow. She discusses sensitive topics, including suicide and the impact of loss and grief on mental health, highlighting the vital link between alcohol use and emotional coping. Sharon draws on her experiences to inspire you and others, talking about how difficult it is to step in a new identity, the personal growth that comes with this life change and the deeply profound empowerment that's found in alcohol-free living. Enjoy!Sharon is the founder of Ledwith Wellness. After losing her brother to suicide and facing her own mental health struggles, she made a decision to heal from the inside out. Now she helps others do the same through emotional healing, nervous system regulation, hypnotherapy and energy work so they can move out of survival mode and finally feel calm, connected and free again.Ledwith Wellnes - Live Life on Point - Ledwith Wellness by Sharon Ledwith If you have been adversely affected by the content of this conversation please refer to Pieta Houses WebsitePieta | Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm since 2006

In this episode, Gail Richardson from Dublin shares her powerful journey of giving up alcohol, driven by her diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Gail, who is now cancer free guided us through her diagnosis, treatment and recover and reflects on how this has completely transformed her perspective on life and her relationship with alcohol. She discusses the impact of an incredibly supportive partner and the liberation that came with her decision to go alcohol free. Gail is so honest in talking about the challenges and triumphs of choosing an alcohol free life in Ireland. Enjoy!

In this episode of No More Booze,I welcome Lily Shanks from Dallas, Texas. Lily opens up about her journey from heavy drinking to sobriety, sharing details that led her to seek help on September 3, 2018. Lily talks about her early relationship with alcohol, how it initially seemed like an escape from her insecurities and the pivotal moments that made her realise alcohol wasn’t the solution, leading to her transformative path toward healing and self-discovery. Lily has just celebrated 7 years of sobriety. On the outside, she was a “functional” attorney who "had it all." On the inside, her world was dark and stormy. It never occurred to her that alcohol was the problem ... until it suddenly did.Through her recovery, she discovered that alcohol was both her problem and her solution to not feeling comfortable in her own skin. She had to develop ways to find fulfillment and serenity – beyond work, success, and alcohol. Today, Lily’s a certified life coach, certified yoga instructor, sobriety coach, and the founder of My Internal Weather (www.myinternalweather.com). She works with clients who have been chasing love and self-worth in all the wrong places – work, material possessions, food, relationships and/or at the bottom of a bottle – and helps them create more authentic, meaningful, serene lives.To learn more about Lily, visit www.myinternalweather.com or reach out to Lily at lily@myinternalweather.com. To subscribe to her Serenity Sundays newsletter, go to https://www.myinternalweather.com/resources/subscribetoserenitysundays. #nomorebooze #alcoholfree #soberlife

In this episode of No More Booze, I’m joined by my incredible friend John Waters, who shares his candid journey through the different phases of his drinking life and the profound realisation that ultimately led him to sobriety. We dive deep into the societal pressures surrounding alcohol and how it has shaped John's identity over the years. John reflects on his drinking experiences, from carefree college days to the overwhelming demands of entertaining in his professional life. We discuss his eye-opening moments during COVID that allowed him to reassess his relationship with alcohol. John is really funny and this conversation is filled with humour, personal anecdotes and invaluable insights for anyone considering a life without alcohol. #nomorebooze #alcoholfree #soberlife

This weeks guest is my good friend and fellow alcohol-free advocate, Jamie Burke @sober_in_south_mayo Jamie shares his experiences from intermittent drinking to owning a pub, revealing how his relationship with alcohol evolved and the challenges he faced along the way. We chat about the life-changing realisation that led Jamie to sobriety after years of on-and-off stints. The conversation centres around importance of personal development, making plans and the profound lessons learned on this path. This episode drives home the message that growth can emerge from even the toughest situations.#nomorebooze #alcoholfree #sober

In this episode of No More Booze, we welcome back psychotherapist Orlagh Reid to tackle the topic of 'mommy wine culture'. We explore how societal norms around alcohol can influence mothers' perceptions of parenting and coping, often promoting the idea that wine is essential for survival in motherhood. Orlagh shares insights from her extensive experience working with women who drink to manage stress and burnout, shedding light on the staggering prevalence of messages that equate alcohol with self-care and relaxation. We discuss how these cultural scripts can lead to harmful narratives and even denial around alcohol use. We confront these issues, examine the impact on mental health and offer practical advice for breaking free from these entrenched beliefs. This is a really enlightening conversation that supports mothers in redefining their relationship with alcohol and discovering healthier ways to cope.Psychotherapy and Coaching Services - Orlagh ReidAlcohol Free Living Mentor | Olivia | Grey Area Drinker

In this solo episode of No More Booze, Olivia chats about the potentially transformative journey of Sober October, just in time for the month that encourages many to take a break from alcohol. She shares insights on the origins of the movement and how it started as a fundraising effort back in 2014. Olivia explores the immense benefits of going alcohol-free for 30 days, from improved sleep and energy levels to enhanced emotional clarity and mental resilience. With reflections on her own experiences, she emphasises the importance of setting intentions and navigating social pressures while taking this brave step. Tune in for valuable tips to make the most of your Sober October, including mindset shifts and alternative ways to enjoy social occasions. Olivia's passion for empowering others shines through, reminding us that this journey is about growth, joy and discovering a healthier relationship with alcohol. Join her as she inspires and supports you to make this month a meaningful milestone in your life!

In this episode of No More Booze, join me as I chat with Tracy Ollerenshaw @soberglimmers who has been alcohol-free for two and a half years. Tracy shares her journey through the challenges of drinking, especially during the pandemic and how it led her to reassess her relationship with alcohol. We dive deep into her experiences with trying to moderate her intake, the social pressures that kept her drinking and the moment she realised it was time to stop for good. She completed two 30 days stints and it finally stuck when she completed a 100 Day Challenge. Tracy's candid reflections on her emotional growth and newfound peace highlight the transformative power of sobriety. Discover how she became a coach and is now dedicated to helping others in their own sober journeys through her platform, Sober Glimmers. This episode is filled with insightful lessons, laughter and the reassurance that change is possible. Tracy Ollerenshaw is the founder of Sober Glimmers. After 20+ years in news broadcasting (15 of those at BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat) she's now an accredited coach specialising in helping women who want to quit grey area drinking. Tracy launches her Sober Glimmers Community on 1st October 2025. Alcohol-free & Sober coaching and mentoring by a certified coach

In this episode of No More Booze, I chat with Betty Guadagno, a fierce advocate for recovery hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Betty shares he journey through addiction, trauma and a transformative near-death experience that changed the course of her life. With raw honesty, she delves into her family’s generational struggles with addiction and the profound impact of her near-death encounter. She survived years of substance use, prostitution, and the devastating loss of both her parents, who died together in a suicide pact. Her path to healing didn’t happen all at once. It was messy, imperfect and sacred every step of the way. Betty recounts how she navigated her recovery journey, battling the dark shadows of her past while emerging with newfound clarity and purpose. We discuss the often unspoken connections between trauma and addiction, spiritual awakenings and the importance of community in healing. This is a deeply heartfelt conversation that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us that change is always possible.Today, Betty lives a life led by service. She supports others in releasing fear, shame and guilt so they can step into radical honesty and spiritual alignment. She is the cofounder of The Wheel: Transformation in Motion, a community rooted in growth, connection, and truth. Her journey is proof that we don't have to be polished to be powerful, and even when we fall apart, we are still worthy of rising. Betty is an absolutely incredible guest, her energy is infectious and her story is incredible. Enjoy!Website: buddhabetty.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty/Facebook: https://facebook.com/bettyguadagnoYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@buddhabettyEmail:  betty.guadagno@gmail.comWork with Betty: https://calendly.com/buddhabetty

This week I sit down with Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, an influential voice in alcohol policy advocacy. We chat about the profound implications of alcohol consumption on both individual health and societal well-being. Dr. Gilheany shares startling statistics on alcohol-related harm, including the staggering number of children affected by parental drinking. We discuss how marketing and societal norms perpetuate hazardous drinking habits, leaving many unaware of the risks associated with even moderate consumption. This episode is packed with startling statistics that you cannot ever unlearn. Enjoy!Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) is a non-governmental organisation which acts as an expert independent voice for policy change on alcohol-related issues. Over many years it has been highly active in ensuring the successful passage of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, the first legislation in Ireland to take a public health approach to the control of alcohol consumption with measures such as Minimum Unit Pricing, restrictions on advertising and labelling of alcohol products. AAI is now working to ensure the full implementation of the Act as well as advocating for a range of other policies in areas such as children who have grown up with alcohol harm in the home though its Silent Voices initiative. Throughout all its work, AAI aim to bring the lived experience of those harmed by alcohol into the policy making space, e.g. through its Voices of Recovery initiative.Sheila joined AAI in 2019 and has extensive experience in policy development and advocacy. She has led a range of not-for-profit organisations in science, education and public engagement including the Institute of Physics in Ireland and the Irish Centre for Talented Youth. She also has a number of volunteer positions including, Chair of the Board of Specialisterne Ireland, Vice Chair of Mental Health Reform and Treasurer/Board member of the European alliance of alcohol policy NGOs, Eurocare. She has a BSc Hons in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Queen’s University Belfast. 

This week on No More Booze, I welcome the renowned Professor David Nutt, psychiatrist and psychoneuropharmacologist and author of the ground breaking book, "Drink: The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health." In this incredible conversation, Professor Nutt dives into the complexities of alcohol, exploring its profound effects on the brain and body. He discusses societal views on alcohol, the emergence of a sober-curious generation and the myths surrounding drinking culture. With insights drawn from decades of research, he offers practical advice for those looking to reassess their relationship with alcohol. Professor Nutt specialises in the study of the brain, drugs, addiction, anxiety, and sleep. David co-founded GABALabs with David Orren to fulfil their shared vision of safer, better choices for adult social drinkers and the current products can be found at sentiaspirits.com. David spent two years as Chief of Clinical Science in the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in America before setting up the psychopharmacology unit at Bristol University. In 2008 he moved to Imperial College London as the Edmond J. Safra chair in Neuropsychopharmacology. He also currently holds visiting professorships at the Open University and University of Maastricht.David is a prolific speaker and successful author. He won the Transmission Prize for Communicating Science in 2014. David has published over 500 scientific papers, over 30 books, contributed to 8 government reports, and has edited the Journal of Psychopharmacology for 20 years. David earned the distinction of being included by Times Eureka magazine in 2010 as one of the 100 most distinguished figures in British science.David is currently the Founding Chair of DrugScience.org.uk, a charity that researches and tells the truth about all drugs, legal and illegal, free from political or other interference. Enjoy!

This weeks guest is Caroline Donoghue @lovemuddoglasy who shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, which she embraced two years ago after grappling with the challenges of grief and motherhood. Throughout this candid conversation, Caroline reflects on her tumultuous relationship with alcohol, how it impacted her life and parenting and the unexpected joys that have come with sobriety. She highlights the importance of community support and self-love in reclaiming her life and the beauty of embracing her quirks. Caroline has such an infectious personality, she is brimming with fun and joy for life. Caroline is a pet-level dog groomer with over 12 years of experience and a social media following of 650,000 devoted dog lovers. As the UK’s biggest dog groomer on social media, she has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, BBC News, and radio as a trusted voice in pet grooming. Known for her fun, practical, and stress-free approach, Caroline helps everyday owners keep their floofs looking and feeling their best. Specialising in pet grooming, she focuses on grooming essentials—from brushing techniques and handling tips to introducing puppies to grooming and deciding whether to DIY or find the right professional.

This weeks guest is the beautiful Jen Crawford @jen_crawford_coaching, who gave up alcohol for the health of it.Jen, has spent her adult life supporting families. From working with a charity supporting premature and sick babies, to founding Irelands only ever Doula Agency @doulacare_academy, her path has lead her to becoming a Life and Business Coach for people seeking balance in their lives. Jen’s goal is to empower people to thrive amidst the chaos, whether they’re are building a small business, navigating parenthood, or trying to rediscover their true self. Jen also runs corporate workshops and events and plans to follow joy to see what the future holds. Jen has been alcohol free since April 2022 when she was officially diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. While her relationship was always complicated with alcohol, this was the point where she decided to let it go for good. Jen is calm, honest, deeply wise and intuitive.This is a fabulous conversation. Enjoy

In this episode of No More Booze our guest is Mary Alice Stephens @maryalicewrites who is the author of the powerful memoir *Uncorked* which was released on Friday. With 14 years of sobriety under her belt, Mary shares her inspiring journey from a life consumed by alcohol to one filled with authenticity and self-discovery. Mary candidly discusses the pivotal moments that led her to quit drinking, including a harrowing experience that struck a deep chord with her parenting instincts. We dive into her early sobriety challenges, the profound impact of intimacy without alcohol and the methods she's found helpful in staying stopped. Join us as we explore the delicate balance of navigating a life sober in a world that often glorifies drinking. Mary’s wisdom and humour shine through, offering relatable stories and practical advice for those questioning their own relationship with alcohol.Mary’s book ‘Uncorked’ is out now.

This weeks guest is the incredible Counsellor and Coach Faye Lawrence @_fayelawrence_Having been a heavy but high functioning drinker since her teens, Faye wound up in inpatient detox in 2017 after realising the party wasn’t any fun anymore. Determined not to let her sobriety ruin her social life she founded Untoxicated, which went on to become Australia’s largest alcohol-free social community with over 10,000 members.She is a TEDx speaker with a mission to normalise living with less or no alcohol in a culture that reveres it. Since her ADHD diagnosis in 2022, she’s also been telling anyone who’ll listen about the strong link between ADHD and all types of addiction, cementing her reputation as someone to avoid at parties. A lifelong fascination with human behaviour led her to degrees in psychology and counselling, and a bucketload of coach training. Today she works with busy ADHDers in navigating challenges with alcohol, food, relationships, work, emotional regulation & burnout through tailored coaching, workshops and group programs.In this episode, we talk about the challenges of navigating a life without alcohol, addressing the societal pressures and identity shifts that often accompany the choice to embrace sobriety. Faye’s insights into living alcohol-free are both candid and empowering, offering practical advice for those grappling with their relationship with alcohol especially if you suspect you might have or actually do have ADHD. Check her out at www.fayelawrence.com.au

This week's guest is my beautiful pal Siobhan O'Connor @arewenearlythereyet_ @reelmammy. Siobhan is a Journalist and broadcaster who worked at the Irish Mirror for 10 years having previously been at 98FM (Dermot, Dave and Siobhan Show). Siobhan has been alcohol free for the past 3 years, since the 4th of July 2022. We share the same stop date! We chat about realising when it's time to stop, the early months of giving up and the biggest things she has learned in the last 3 months. Siobhan has retrained as an Alcohol free performance coach with Andy Ramage and has lots of incredible learnings from that which are peppered throughout the episode. Siobhan now coaches people on how to change their relationship with wine or any other habit change they want to foster.