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Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
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.
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.
631 Episodes
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The holidays are a perfect storm where your ego whispers the six most famous last words of every drinker: "I can handle it." Head Coach Victoria English explains the Illusion of Control Bias, the competence that makes you successful also makes you dangerously underestimate alcohol. Learn how holiday stress raises cortisol by 20-25% , amplifying the need to "handle" everything. The key shift is trading the egoic question ("Can I handle it?") for the truthful one: "What does it cost me?" Choose clarity and peace this holiday season . 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
Everything else in your life is leveling up, so why do you keep returning to the bottle? The answer lies in the upper limit problem, a subconscious belief that you don't deserve or can't sustain success. Coach Matt breaks down the biopsychosocial factors that drive self-sabotage, from the quick reward hits of dopamine to core fears of success or failure. Learn why overcoming cognitive distortions, replacing the inner critic with self-compassion, and committing to small, realistic goals are the only way to align your behavior with your conscious desire for freedom. 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
The holiday season presents unique social challenges. This episode offers essential survival strategies for navigating gatherings without compromise. Coaches Jason and Matt dive into the critical nature of pre-planning: setting clear boundaries (even with family members who try to trigger you), having a guaranteed exit strategy, and ensuring you have your non-alcoholic placebo drinks prepared. Learn how to overcome the people-pleasing pattern and consciously align your behavior with your values, even when faced with the social pressure of bringing the "attractively packaged poison" as a gift. 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
Is your "busy brain" full of creative energy, great ideas, and a powerful sense of flow? Coach Matt and Coach Jason explore the unique challenge high-achievers face: the temptation to use alcohol to enhance positive, highly-aroused states or guarantee a "soft landing." Learn why holding your breath during intense focus puts you into a sympathetic (fight/flight) state. Discover the immediate power of conscious, low and slow belly breathing to self-regulate, recenter the busy mind, and maintain your flow state without needing an external release. 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
The holidays bring cheer, but they also bring emotional pressures and shifting family dynamics. Coaches Matt and Jason discuss the challenges of staying alcohol-free when surrounded by loved ones. Learn why clear communication and devising a pre-formulated plan (including exit strategies and setting limits on hosting) are essential for protecting your progress. This episode is a guide for both the individual and their loved ones, emphasizing that the individual's calmer, authentic presence creates a safer and more joyful experience for everyone. 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
Did you know your brain acts just like Google? Whatever question you ask, your brain is wired to find evidence to support it . Coach Terri Patterson reveals how constantly asking disempowering questions (like "Why can't I stop drinking?") reinforces old neural pathways, leading to self-doubt and shame . Learn how to leverage Hebb's Law and cultivate curiosity to ask better, solution-oriented questions (using "How" or "What") that literally reshape your brain and create a path to lasting freedom . 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
For high-achievers, profound isolation and self-hatred can hide behind a "normal" exterior. Recent graduate Talli shares her raw story of overcoming a lifelong anxiety disorder and navigating multiple life crises that were compounded by isolation during the pandemic. Discover why white-knuckling it failed, and how the "connection piece" provided by community was the key missing ingredient she needed to stop talking "so mean" to herself. Tally proves you can conquer loneliness, embrace the "fun messy" of life, and find genuine self-love after 90 days. 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
Your mindset is simply "the story you tell yourself about yourself", and that story dictates your reality. Coach Matt dives into story work, the process of actively changing limiting beliefs and moving away from harmful self-talk (like the stories you tell yourself after drinking). Learn the three core, controllable tools, externalization (writing it down) , word choice (stopping negative self-spells) , and conscious breathwork, that empower you to rewrite your narrative and focus on the beautiful possibility ahead. 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
Is your inner critic and self-talk full of negations, blame, and "shoulds"? That's conflict language, and it keeps you small. Coach Jason breaks down the four pillars of self-sabotaging speech and how to transform them into architect language that builds a stronger future. Learn how to stop being a victim (projections) and embrace accountability (reflections). Master the shift from powerless language ("I have to") to an empowering choice ("I get to") to reduce stress, strengthen your self-trust, and eliminate ambiguity in 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
If you are a high achiever, you are likely a master of the word "fine" the most dangerous word in the English language. Head Coach Victoria English exposes the illusion: High achievers rarely crash; they erode quietly behind a mask of competence . Learn about the invisible rock bottom, living beneath your potential and calling it fine. Discover how cognitive dissonance fuels this painful "high achiever loop" and why true success means stopping the pretense and reclaiming peace and integrity. 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
If you're waiting for January 1st to quit drinking, you're caught in the "cycle of hopeful hesitation" a socially accepted form of procrastination. Head Coach Victoria English reveals the neuroscience: waiting reinforces old neural pathways , teaching your brain that comfort matters more than change . Learn why high-achievers must act now to strengthen the prefrontal cortex , end the internal negotiation , and start living the solution, not just making a resolution . You are a leader, take your power back today . 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
Think setting boundaries is just about manners? It's actually a vital tool for brain repair. In this insightful episode, Coach Jason explains the neuroscience of 'No' and why setting limits is critical to long-term alcohol-free success. Discover how consistent boundaries strengthen your prefrontal cortex (your brain's CEO), weaken old cravings through extinction learning , and create a neurological buffer against the stress that activates your amygdala. Learn practical strategies like changing your route home and using visualization to automate healthy self-control. 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 avoid starting something if you know you won't be immediately good at it? That's perfectionism, and it's getting in your way. In this candid discussion, Coaches Jason and Matt dive into the mindset of "Embracing the Suck" and why initial incompetence (being a "white belt") is essential for growth. Learn how to dismantle the paralyzing fear of failure by adopting a progress over perfection approach. Discover how intentional language, like adding the word "yet" to challenges, can instantly reframe your attitude and put you on the fastest path to lasting freedom. 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
Is an old pattern of avoidance, low frustration tolerance, and seeking novelty keeping you stuck? That's the "eternal child," and it may be the true boss of your life. In this practical guide, Coach Jason provides a six-step framework to build your competent "adult self." Learn how to challenge avoidance by setting "teeny commitments" (like paying one bill on time) and engaging in tolerance training for boredom. Discover how small, consistent wins build a new identity and create a life based on your adult values, not childish impulses. 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
Quitting drinking is just the start, the real magic lies in celebrating the life you gain! In this motivational episode, Coach Jason breaks down the four key areas where you need to look for and celebrate wins: Health, Emotional, Relationship, and Lifestyle. Learn how reclaiming time, money, and mental clarity reinforces your positive momentum with natural dopamine hits. Discover how embracing your new authenticity and becoming a reliable role model are just as vital as achieving fitness or medical improvements. 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
How do you prevent a personal catastrophe? Learn the Petrov Principle, named after the Soviet officer who saved the world by pausing and questioning the data during a false nuclear alarm. This episode draws a powerful parallel to your alcohol-free life: your nervous system's cravings are often a "false alarm". Discover actionable strategies like box breathing , sensory grounding (5-4-3-2-1) , and conscious journaling to reset your nervous system, resist the urge to react , and choose long-term peace over short-term relief. 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
The drinking stopped, but the question remains: "I'm alcohol-free... now what?". This episode tackles the overwhelming sense of suddenly having abundant free time and energy . Coaches Matt and Jason share powerful strategies for replacing old drinking rituals by embracing childlike exploration. Learn why pursuing hobbies like Lego, music, or puzzles engages your mind in a healthy way , allowing you to metabolize emotions, discover your true identity, and step into a "sandbox" life full of possibility. 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
Join us in celebrating Coach Teri Patterson's 10th Alcohol-Free Anniversary! In this candid interview, Terri shares her inspiring origin story of deciding to quit for good before the "sober curious" movement even had a name . Discover the counter-intuitive first steps she took, including walking her dog multiple times a night to disrupt her evening routine and proactively enrolling in nutrition school to redirect her energy, that led to a total career change. This episode is a permission slip to stop waiting for "rock bottom," make the decisive choice, and embrace the power of community to build a life you don't want to escape from. 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
Is your head and heart constantly fighting over your decisions? That inner discord leads to chasing short-term hits instead of long-term purpose. In this foundational episode, Coaches Jason and Matt share 5 simple, neuroscience-backed techniques to achieve inner cohesion. Learn how practices like heart-centered breathing and "two-sided" journaling unlock your heart's wisdom, allowing you to move with discernment and integrity. Stop impulsively chasing what "feels right now" and start creating what's truly right for 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
This episode breaks down the three phases of the Hero's Journey, a narrative structure found everywhere from Star Wars to The Matrix and maps it onto your alcohol-free transformation. Coaches Matt and Jason explain how the emotional "Dark Night of the Soul" phase (the period of boredom or plateau) is actually the biggest opportunity for true growth and self-discovery. Learn to embrace the discomfort, stop repressing emotions, and apply your knowledge to successfully complete your quest. 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




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
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