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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.
587 Episodes
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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
Why is Gen Z spending over $20 billion less on alcohol annually than previous generations? Coaches Matt and Terry explore this significant generational divide and what it means for the future of drinking culture. They discuss how the rise of the alcohol-free lifestyle as a mainstream health trend, coupled with a more honest conversation about alcohol's impacts, is changing the landscape. Discover what we can all learn from Gen Z's empowered choices and why it's becoming easier than ever to question alcohol's role in a life of wellness. 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 episode, head coach Victoria English of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle’s Project 90 breaks down the neuroscience behind what’s really happening in your brain and body after drinking. From dopamine crashes to cortisol rebounds, GABA disruption to sleepless nights, this isn’t about willpower, it’s about chemistry. 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
You successfully navigated a big event alcohol-free, so why does a powerful craving suddenly hit the next day? Coach Terry Patterson calls this "The Re-entry Phase", the crucial period, after a party or vacation when your guard is down . She explains how the post-event dopamine crash can leave you vulnerable to unexpected urges, even when you felt strong during the event. Learn how to create a "re-entry plan" with practical strategies for this emotional letdown, ensuring you can manage the aftermath with confidence and continue your momentum. 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 episode, Coaches Jason and Matt unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the alcohol-free journey: your reward system. From dopamine crashes and sugar cravings to rediscovering real joy in nature, music, and connection, they break down what’s happening in your brain, and how to reset it. Learn why patience is essential, how to reconnect with simple pleasures, and why setting small, achievable goals helps rebuild trust in yourself. Plus, the power of community, mindfulness, and avoiding those sneaky substitute addictions. 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
Coaches Matt and Jason return with a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to thrive in an alcohol-free life. This episode explores the importance of remembering where you came from, knowing where you're headed, and how to stay grounded in the present moment. From the emotional weight of reflection to the clarity gained through vision and values-based living, they break down how rituals, discomfort, and mindset shifts create long-term change. 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 deeply personal and thought-provoking solo episode, Coach David explores how ancient cultural rituals, candles, drumming, chanting, and more, aren’t just spiritual practices, but neurological tools for transformation. Drawing from his own life-changing experience living in Portugal and decades of studying neuroscience, David reveals how intentional rituals can regulate your nervous system, train your focus, and even rewire your identity. If you’ve ever felt the modern world is missing something, this episode shows you how to recreate the grounding rhythms of culture in your own daily life, and why doing so may be the key to your alcohol-free 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
In this episode, Coaches Jason and Matt dive into the SMART goal-setting framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, and how it can be a game changer in your alcohol-free journey. They share personal stories, practical tools, and the science behind building consistent habits that stick. Whether you're trying to improve your health, rebuild self-trust, or simply create momentum, this episode shows how small daily actions lead to massive transformation. 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
Coaches Matt and Jason take a reflective journey back to their early alcohol-free days, revealing what really happens, physically, mentally, and emotionally, in those crucial first few weeks. From anxiety, identity shifts, and nervous system chaos to the surprising power of simple routines and meaningful connection, this episode is a raw, honest look at what it takes to build real momentum. Learn how the first 30–90 days shape the path forward, why growth often begins in discomfort, and how aligning your actions with your values can create a powerful new direction in 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’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