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The Alcohol ReThink Podcast with Patrick Fox
The Alcohol ReThink Podcast with Patrick Fox
Author: Patrick Fox - Mens Life and Sober Coach
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© Patrick Fox - Mens Life and Sober Coach
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The Alcohol ReThink Podcast is for men who want to change their relationship with alcohol, whether you're in the sober-curious stage or ready to quit for good.
We're ripping up the script on outdated stereotypes and stigmas when it comes to alcohol and addiction, and showing you how you can rethink your relationship with alcohol in a way that feels empowering and sustainable.
Join Patrick as he shares practical strategies, interviews, experiences, coaching tools and concepts to help you break free from alcohol, reclaim control, and start living the life you truly want.
www.patrickjfox.com
We're ripping up the script on outdated stereotypes and stigmas when it comes to alcohol and addiction, and showing you how you can rethink your relationship with alcohol in a way that feels empowering and sustainable.
Join Patrick as he shares practical strategies, interviews, experiences, coaching tools and concepts to help you break free from alcohol, reclaim control, and start living the life you truly want.
www.patrickjfox.com
237 Episodes
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What really changes after five years without alcohol? And why does it matter more than you think?In this episode of The Alcohol Rethink Podcast, Patrick Fox is joined by returning guest Nigel Jones to mark a huge milestone: five years of alcohol-free living.Nigel first appeared on the podcast a couple of years ago and the response was massive. This time, he’s back to reflect on what’s actually changed long-term, not just in the first few weeks or months, but after half a decade without alcohol in his life.Together, they explore the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual shifts that happen when alcohol is removed and replaced with presence, intention, and awareness. From heart health and weight loss to mindset, identity, and meaning, this conversation goes far beyond willpower and “just stopping drinking.”Nigel shares powerful, tangible examples that help reframe alcohol in a way most men have never considered, including the real cost to the body, the brain, and the life you’re building. They also talk about fear, beliefs, social pressure, and why so many men stay stuck not because they can’t change, but because they’re scared of what change might cost them.This is an honest, grounded conversation for men who are sober-curious, alcohol-aware, or already alcohol-free and wondering what’s possible long-term.In this episode, you’ll learn:What five years without alcohol actually changes physically, mentally, and emotionallyWhy stopping drinking often improves health faster than most men expectHow alcohol quietly shapes identity, beliefs, and behaviourWhy fear of stopping is usually bigger than the realityHow presence, clarity, and purpose return when alcohol leavesWhy alcohol-free living isn’t restrictive, it’s expansiveWhether you’re considering a break, doing Dry January, or already on the path, this episode offers perspective, evidence, and reassurance about what life can look like on the other side.Connect with Nigel BOOK & DRY JanuaryBuy The Book - % to alcohol Change UK - https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/donate/give-while-you-shopBook Website - www.9kmby9am.com/booksOfficial Dry January website - https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-januaryGENERALWebsite - https://www.9kmby9am.com/Newsletter - https://www.9kmby9am.com/latest-news/newsletter/ Feel Good Hour Radio Ashford –https://www.9kmby9am.com/about-nigel/radio-ashford-the-feel-good-hour/Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcastWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge hereSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfox
Have you ever noticed how one small slip, one mistake, or even one word can send you spiralling into old patterns? In episode 229 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick talks about why so many men feel huge resistance around the idea of failing, and how that resistance then shapes and influences their attempts to rethink alcohol. Patrick shares how school, parenting and early experiences teach us that getting things 'wrong' is something to avoid. He also shares a personal moment from home where an innocent word triggered an old emotional reaction, and how that experience opened up a deeper conversation about identity, childhood wounds and the meaning we attach to failure. You'll hear insights from Gabor Maté and Amy Edmondson to show why our brains react the way they do, why avoidance can feel safer than trying, and why men often lean on willpower when what they really need is curiosity and compassion. Patrick explains how shifting the energy you bring to rethinking alcohol, from pressure to permission, completely changes your experience results. Get ready for a powerful question at the end of the show that will help you see what you’re truly proving to yourself every time you try to change your drinking.Awesome topics you'll hear in this epsiode: Old experiences shape how you react to mistakes today.Avoidance isn’t laziness, it’s emotional protection.Willpower burns out quickly, curiosity keeps you moving.Feeling safe to get things wrong is essential for growth.Failure is feedback, not identity.Sobriety works best when treated as a skill you develop.Resisting failure keeps you stuck in the same loop.The win isn’t avoiding the fall, it’s getting better at getting up.Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcastWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge hereSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfox
What if the only reason sobriety feels boring is because your brain forgot what real fun is actually like?On episode 228 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox takes on one of the most stubborn myths men carry around about stopping drinking, that life without alcohol is flat, dull or somehow less exciting.... Spoiler - it’s not even close. Get ready to hear Patrick break down why that belief shows up, why it feels so believable at first, and why it couldn’t be further from the truth. With honest coaching stories, laughable real-life moments (including a dinner-table joke disaster that had the whole restaurant looking over), and insights every sober-curious guy will relate to, Patrick explains what’s really happening behind that early sense of 'boredom.' From the nervous system recalibrating to the sudden shift in how dopamine works, be prepared to start thinking about rethinking alcohol in a whole new way. He also introduces the three types of fun and reveals why most men unintentionally ditch type 1 fun (the easy, enjoyable stuff) and jump straight into type 2 (the hard work, delayed payoff). It’s no wonder things feel flat when guys accidentally turn early sobriety into a marathon. Patrick shows how to fix that fast. If you’ve ever worried that life won’t feel fun without a drink, this conversation will flip that belief on its head.Key Takeaways• The real reason sobriety can feel flat at first, and why it’s temporary• How alcohol overstimulates the brain and creates a false version of fun• The three types of fun (and why type 2 can accidentally take over)• Why comparing drunk fun to sober fun is an unfair fight• Simple ways to bring light, easy, everyday enjoyment back into your life• How calm can feel uncomfortable, and why that’s actually progress• Why redefining fun opens the door to more energy, curiosity and connectionA refreshing, funny and reassuring episode that reminds men they don’t need alcohol to enjoy life, they just need a new definition of fun.Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcastWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge hereSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfox
What if the moment that finally changes your life doesn't have to be dramatic at all, but a quiet realisation that you can’t keep living the way you have been? That’s exactly where this week’s guest David, found himself before everything shifted.On episode 227 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick speaks with long-time listener David, who shares his journey from being a daily drinker stuck in a cycle of weight gain, health scares, and repeated attempts to 'moderate one day,' to becoming completely alcohol-free and losing over 35 kilos in the process. A listener who first reached out years ago to share early wins, David now returns with the full story, one that you are bound to relate to.He talks openly about the wake-up calls he ignored, the relentless belief that moderation would eventually work, the years spent in the sober-curious phase, and the exact moment it all finally clicked. He also shares how quitting drinking helped him uncover deeper layers of himself, including understanding his ADHD and why his brain had always gravitated toward alcohol, dopamine and coping behaviours.This episode goes far beyond weight loss or stopping drinking.It’s about identity, resilience, self-awareness and the uncomfortable emotional work that comes after the alcohol is gone.Some awesome takeaways:• Why health warnings became the catalyst for changing his drinking• How one year alcohol-free didn’t stick, and why old habits returned• Why moderation is harder than we want to admit• The identity shift that follows when you stop fighting yourself• How neurodiversity, dopamine and addiction overlap• The power of building new neural pathways (and letting old ones fade)• Tools that helped David stay alcohol-free, including 'never question the decision' and playing the movie forward• What emotional sobriety really means• The incredible physical transformation, including over 35kg lostA huge thank you to David for sharing his journey so openly and honestly. If you’re rethinking alcohol yourself, pick one insight from this episode and put it into practice today.Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcastWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge hereSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfox
Ever notice how the harder you try not to think about drinking, the more it suddenly becomes all you can think about?In episode 226 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick breaks down the classic Carl Jung idea, 'what you resist persists' and explains why fighting your thoughts and feelings around alcohol often makes them louder, not weaker. You’ll learn why thoughts about drinking are rarely random, how the brain predicts patterns based on your past, and why resisting these thoughts can turn them into full-blown urges through the pressure cooker effect. Patrick also explains what actually creates urges (it’s not just resisting thoughts) and shares a simple tool, the 3 A’s, to help you deal with thoughts, urges and emotions without fear, pressure or panic.If you’re rethinking alcohol and want more peace, less mental noise and more control over how you show up each day, this episode is for you.Some of the awesome key takeaways:• Why 'what you resist persists' shows up when men want to stop drinking• The difference between passing thoughts, repeated thoughts and real urges• Why thoughts about drinking aren’t as random as they seem• How resistance creates fear and pressure• How acceptance creates peace, even when it’s uncomfortable• How to use the 3 A’s (Acknowledge, Accept, Allow) in real timeDisrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Have you ever wondered what really changes when someone stops drinking, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally?After nearly seven years without alcohol, I’ve had time to reflect on the habits that truly made it possible and enjoyable!In this episode, I share the seven key habits that helped me stop drinking and stay alcohol-free. Some were intentional, others I stumbled into without realising their power until much later. Together, they’ve helped me build a life I don’t need alcohol to escape from.From swapping beers to zero options, tackling sugar cravings, and finding new tools for managing emotions, to rediscovering purpose, building supportive circles, and investing in coaching, these are the practical steps that changed everything.Awesome things you'll hear:Create healthy replacements that actually work for you.Rewire your brain’s reward system and manage dopamine dips.Build emotional awareness through meditation and journaling.Use passion projects to channel your energy into something meaningful.Redefine your social life and identity without alcohol.Make progress without chasing perfection.Plus, I’ll share one bonus habit that’s had the biggest impact on my growth and sobriety, and why you don’t have to go through this process alone.Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
What if the biggest barrier to workplace wellbeing isn’t burnout or stress, but the silence around addiction?In this episode, Patrick sits down with Emily Pearson, founder of The Wellbeing Lead Academy, to talk about what it really means to create recovery-friendly workplaces.You'll hear them explore how addiction shows up at every level of business, from the shop floor to the boardroom, and why compassion, not punishment, is the key to lasting change. Emily shares her own powerful story of addiction and recovery, and how it’s shaped her mission to bring humanity back into workplace wellbeing.You’ll learn:Why addiction and recovery are the “last taboo” in workplace wellbeing.The true cost of untreated addiction to businesses, and the huge potential when people are supported.How culture, leadership, and stress all play a role in fuelling (or freeing) addiction.What a recovery-friendly workplace looks like, and how to start building one.If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone rethinking their own relationship with alcohol or addiction, this episode will open your eyes to what real wellbeing at work can look like.Connect with EmilyWebsite: https://wellbeingleadacademy.uk/Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
What happens when the way you live doesn’t match what you value most?In episode 223 of The Alcohol ReThink, join host Patrick Fox as he goes deep into the topic of values, what they are, how they drive your decisions, and how alcohol often conflicts with them.He explores why your brain is wired to choose the path of least resistance, and why drinking can feel easier in the moment, even when it goes against what truly matters to you.Drawing on insights from Tony Robbins and James Clear, Patrick breaks down the link between your beliefs and your values, and why understanding both is key to creating lasting change. You’ll learn how to spot the hidden values behind your drinking habits (like relief, control, or comfort), how to start realigning with what you actually care about, and how to make good choices more convenient than bad ones.Some of the awesome takeaways from this episode:- Every decision you make is influenced by your values and beliefs.What you say you value and what you show you value can often be different.When your actions don’t match your values, you feel conflicted or out of alignment.The brain is wired to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and conserve energy, which is why alcohol feels like the easier option.Habits are a byproduct of convenience, make good choices easier and bad choices harder (James Clear).When you drink, it’s not alcohol you value, it’s the feeling or relief you believe it gives you (comfort, control, connection, escape).Beliefs can distort your values, e.g. believing you need alcohol to relax or be confident.Real change happens when you start valuing not drinking more than drinking.Every time you act in line with your true values, you rewire your brain to make better choices more natural.Practising curiosity over judgment helps you understand your behaviour instead of beating yourself up.Ask yourself: What’s my brain valuing right now? What do I really need? How can I meet that need differently?Living by your values makes it easier to feel good and harder to feel bad, that’s when alcohol truly loses its power.Here are some powerful questions to help you reflect and reconnect with your true values:What's most important to me in life? How is alcohol conflicting with that?What’s my brain valuing in the moment when I want to drink?What do I believe alcohol gives me? is it true? how do I know it's true?What belief is connected to the relief or escape I’m seeking?How can I make my true values more convenient to act on?What would it look like to value not drinking more than drinking?Disrupt Your Life Register Interest here: https://www.patrickjfox.com/disrupt-your-lifeWork with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectSupport the PodcastIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
When you stop drinking, it’s not just the alcohol you take out of your life, it’s about creating a whole identity that was wrapped around it. And one of the first places that shows up?Socialising.In this episode, Patrick explores what it really means to socialise while sober, a theme that came up with several clients this week.Many men fear that if they’re not drinking, they’ll lose their social life completely. Others worry they’ll be bored, awkward, or judged if they do go out. But more often than not, those fears are just old beliefs and habits talking.Patrick dives into how our definition of 'socialising' often becomes tied to alcohol, why those fears show up, and how to redefine connection on your own terms. He’ll help you recognise what a genuine connection is versus social obligation, and show you how to rebuild confidence in social situations without needing a drink to do it.Awesome things you'll hear:Why your definition of socialising is often shaped by alcoholThe three biggest fears men face when socialising sober (and what’s really behind them)How to handle discomfort and rediscover genuine connectionWhy you might feel pressure to “go out” and how to challenge that beliefSimple ways to build a social life that actually aligns with who you are nowReflection questions:What does socialising mean to me? Where do I feel most connected, not just distracted? (people, places etc)If I could design my social life from scratch, what would it look like?Book a Call with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
What happens when a man finally decides to stop running from himself and face his drinking head-on?In episode 221 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick sits down with Shaun from Australia, a long-time listener who reached out to share his incredible journey of recovery and growth. From the chaos of daily drinking to the calm of mindful living, Sean opens up about the realities of his drinking, the courage it took to check himself into rehab, and the unexpected freedom that followed.They discuss what life is really like on the other side of alcohol the clarity, connection, and peace that come with sobriety, and how simple joys like reading, walking in nature, and being present with family become profoundly meaningful. Shaun shares the tools that helped him along the way, from meditation and nutrition to podcasts, support networks, and the power of routine.In this episode you'll hear:What led Shaun to finally seek help and how rehab changed everythingWhy sobriety often reveals joy in the small thingsHow to build a toolkit for lasting changeThe importance of support networks and self-careWhat being “radically human” means after alcoholQuestions to reflect on:- What might change if alcohol wasn’t running the show anymore?- How would you love to wake up and start your day?- What if freedom isn’t about giving something up, but about getting something back?If you’re ready to rethink alcohol, feel inspired by Shaun’s story, and want to see what’s truly possible when you stop drinking, this is one you won’t want to miss.Book a Call with Patrick:Discover how coaching can support your goals in rethinking alcohol. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Why do you really want to stop drinking?It sounds like an obvious question, but most guys don’t take the time to dig deep enough. And here’s why it matters: if your WHY isn’t strong and compelling, it won’t stick. In this episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick breaks down why your WHY is the foundation of lasting change. He’ll share how to go beyond vague ideas like 'better health' or 'saving money' and instead connect to a reason that drives you every single day. You’ll also hear how neuroscience shows the power of your WHY, and how feeling it, not just writing it down, can give you the motivation to follow through.- Why vague reasons aren’t enough to create lasting change- How identifying your values helps build a compelling WHY- A personal story about the natural curiosity of asking “why”- A step-by-step project to define your own WHY statement- The neuroscience behind dopamine and motivation, and why feeling your WHY mattersKnow Your WHY Questions:- What impact will stopping drinking have on me and the people around me?- How will my health improve? Why's that important?- How much money will I save, and what will I do with it?- How will my day-to-day life change without alcohol?- How do I want to show up in the world alcohol-free?If you’ve been struggling to get momentum, this episode will help you put your WHY front and centre so it can guide your choices and anchor you on your alcohol-free journey.Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Alcohol doesn’t just cost money. It takes your energy, your time, your motivation, your relationships, and your self-image. In episode 219 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick shares a powerful client story about how alcohol almost pulled him back in during a challenging week, and what he did instead.Get ready to hear the no-so-hidden price of drinking and why so many men underestimate the impact it’s having on their business, their family, and their future.You’ll discover how to spot the moments where alcohol tries to creep back in, how to stand strong when pressure builds, and why the real cost of drinking goes far beyond your bank account.Awesome takeaways:Alcohol steals more than cash; it robs you of clarity, motivation, and connection.The real test isn’t when things are easy, but when life throws multiple challenges at once.By choosing differently in those moments, you build real strength and self-trust.Questions explored in this episode:What is alcohol really costing you, not just in money, but in energy, time, and relationships?How do you handle those ‘everything hits at once’ days without reaching for a drink?Why is it so important to see alcohol for what it really takes away, instead of what it pretends to give?Questions to change your life?What’s the worst that could happen here? If it did happen, what would I do about it?What’s the best thing that could happen here?What is alcohol currently costing you?What has alcohol cost you in the past?What will alcohol continue to cost you if you do not change your relationship with it now?What would happen if you stopped suffering the cost of alcohol and made that change now?Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
How do you know if you’re content in sobriety… or slipping into complacency?In this episode 218 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox explores the hidden risk of complacency in recovery, and why it often shows up more quietly than you expect. From thoughts like “maybe just one drink will be different this time”, to forgetting the chaos alcohol once caused, Patrick unpacks how the mind subtly tries to convince you it’s safe to let your guard down.He also tackles the fear of complacency, the panic that can come when you over-analyse every thought about alcohol and shows how to find the balance between staying aware and living in peace. With insights from relapse prevention research, practical tools, and reflection prompts, Patrick gives listeners a clear path to stay ahead of complacency without living in fear.Cool Key Takeaways:Complacency often begins in the emotional and mental stages of relapse, long before a drink is taken.The difference between complacency (drifting without awareness) and contentment (living at peace while intentional).Why thoughts like “maybe it’ll be different this time” are just confirmation bias at work.How building resilience protects you, while overconfidence can put you at risk.Practical steps to revisit your why, maintain routines, and grow beyond sobriety.Article:Addiction Relapse PreventionWork with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
In this episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox sits down with ADHD expert and author Sarah Templeton to uncover the deep links between ADHD and addiction. Sarah shares her powerful late-in-life diagnosis story, how undiagnosed ADHD often manifests as compulsive or addictive behaviors, and why so many men struggling with alcohol may actually be facing something deeper.Awesome topics they cover:A clearer understanding of the different types of ADHD and how they often get overlooked.Insight into why addiction and ADHD are so closely connected.Real stories of how awareness and the right support can be transformational.Practical steps to start screening, seeking support, and reframing what a diagnosis means.If you’ve ever wondered why willpower alone doesn’t work, or why certain patterns keep showing up in your life, this episode offers fresh answers and hope.Connect with Sarah:Website: https://sarahtempleton.org.uk/ADHD Screening: https://www.adhdliberty.org/adhd-screening-pilots/Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
The effects of alcohol and addiction go far and wide, they don’t just impact the person drinking, but ripple through families, relationships, and entire households. If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk to someone you love about their drinking, this episode is for you.In episode 216 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox sits down with addiction expert and YouTuber Amber Hollingsworth, host of Put Down the Shovel. With over 20 years of experience working with people struggling with addiction and their families, Amber shares practical tools and compassionate strategies to help loved ones create safety, build trust, and influence change without judgment or ultimatums.Listeners will learn how to approach difficult conversations without triggering defensiveness, why patience and self-regulation are essential, and how to set boundaries with empathy. Amber explains her concept of the “invisible intervention,” showing that families are not powerless and can play an active role in helping a loved one move toward recovery.Awesome takeaways:How to talk to a loved one about drinking without starting a fight.Why creating a safe, non-judgmental space is more powerful than criticism.Practical boundary-setting techniques for difficult situations.The importance of family members managing their own emotions first.How influence, not control, can accelerate change.Connect with Amber:YouTube - Put The Shovel DownWebsite: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
In episode 215 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick explores the trap of all or nothing thinking, the mindset that tells us we 'always' do this or 'never' do that.From 'I've had one, I may as well keep going' to 'If I can't moderate, what's the point?', these absolutes feel like facts in the moment, but often they just cloud our judgment and keep us stuck in the cycle.Patrick breaks down what all or nothing thinking actually is, how it shows up around alcohol (and in other parts of life), and why it can sometimes be helpful, but only if you recognise it as a choice. He shares real-world examples from his own journey and his clients, and shows how to step into the middle ground where real progress is made.Key takeaways from this episode:What all or nothing thinking really is and how to recognise it.How 'always' and 'never' statements shape your mindset.Why all or nothing thinking sometimes helps, but often holds you back.The power of finding the middle ground when it comes to change.Real-life examples of shifting from extremes to progress.If you've ever felt like one slip wipes out all your progress, this episode will help you see things differently and give yourself permission to keep moving forward.Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Most men don’t hit rock bottom; they just drift. A few drinks after work, weekends on autopilot, telling themselves they’re 'fine'… until fine turns into stuck.In episode 214 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox sits down with James Swanwick, former ESPN anchor, entrepreneur, and author of Clear: The Only Neuroscience-Based Method For High Achievers To Finally Break Free From Alcohol. During this open conversation they talk about how easy it is for men to slide into mediocrity without even noticing.They dig into:Why 'socially acceptable drinking' quietly robs your energy, money, and relationshipsThe hidden cost of living at 6/10 when you could be at 9How alcohol steals trust, not just from yourself, but from your family and businessWhat changes when you stop drifting and start living with clarityThis isn’t about waiting for rock bottom. It’s about recognising the drift and deciding to take the wheel back.Connect with James:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jamesswanwickWikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_SwanwickAlcohol Free Lifestyle – www.alcoholfreelifestyle.comSwanwick Sleep – www.swanwicksleep.comBook (Clear) – https://www.amazon.com/CLEAR-Neuroscience-Based-Achievers-Drinking-Willpower/dp/B0DYPLB3HNE-version - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xIh6G6ZS8eF6YW3OQuWSEkE4ouHXa3oh/viewWork with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Ben thought he was in control of alcohol, until every day started revolving around his next drink...In episode 213 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox talks with Ben who, by his own account, was a normal bloke who looked like he had it all together on the outside, running a successful business and raising a family, but behind the scenes was starting to struggle, with drinking creeping further into his life and even shaping how he pictured his retirement.Ben shares how drinking shifted from nights out with friends to solitary sessions at home, how the cycle crept in without him noticing, and what it took to finally break free. His story moves from hiding bottles and making excuses to walking in nature, feeling present with his family, and seeing his future in a completely different light.It’s a raw, relatable conversation about the messy middle of change, the doubt, the slips, the quiet wins, and the surprising freedom that comes when you finally stop negotiating with yourself over alcohol.How drinking can quietly shift from social fun to a daily coping mechanism.The small warning signs that signal it’s time for change.Why being 'a normal bloke' on the outside can hide a deeper struggle.The role of self-kindness in breaking long-standing habits.Practical ways to replace alcohol with habits that actually help you unwind.How life, work, and relationships can change in the first 8 months alcohol-free.Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
Willpower might get you started, but it rarely lasts...In this week’s episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick is joined by listener-turned-guest Matthew, who got in touch after hitting his first sober anniversary. This is a powerful, honest, and surprisingly relatable conversation about the messy (and meaningful) journey of quitting alcohol, from blackouts and panic attacks to the small wins that actually made the difference.Get ready to hear about early cultural conditioning around alcohol to blackouts, hallucinations, chipped teeth, and panic attacks and why it all matters.Matthew opens up about the moments that forced him to re-evaluate his drinking, and why this time, something felt different. Rather than another stretch of white-knuckling it with willpower, he’s found something more meaningful and sustainable.Together, Patrick and Matthew explore what it really looks like to go from questioning your drinking to creating a life that genuinely feels better without it. They talk about routines, brain chemistry, false beliefs, and the small wins that add up, from calmer mornings and clearer skin to more patience, creativity, and joy.Whether you’re still trying to moderate, just starting out, or already alcohol-free, this episode is packed with insights, lived experience, and a reassuring reminder: you’re not alone, and change is possible.Key Takeaways:Why willpower alone often leads to relapse, and what’s more effectiveHow childhood beliefs about alcohol shape our adult habitsThe signs of drinking becoming more harmful (even if it doesn’t 'look bad' from the outside)Physical and emotional changes after stopping drinkingWhy replacing alcohol with presence, play, and purpose can be the real rewardPractical ideas for sober routines and alternatives to alcoholHow to shift from 'I’m missing out' to 'life feels better without it'Matthews Music:@itchylightswitch on InstagramThe Tunesmith Imaginary Themes on YouTube Imaginary Themes Barcode Boy - Hungry Ghosts by Matthew Richards The Normaltones Volume 1 on Soundcloud or YouTube Volume 1 by The Normaltones Zptqvms on YouTube @zptqvms5933Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here
What if you didn’t need to hit rock bottom to rethink your relationship with alcohol?In this week's episode of The Alcohol eThink podcast, Patrick explores the growing trend of people choosing to drink less, or not at all, not because they’ve 'got a problem,' but because they’re simply asking better questions.You’ll hear how the sober-curious movement is gaining real traction in 2025, with nearly half of Americans planning to cut back and a wave of Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge. From sober raves to supermarket trends, Patrick shares some surprising stats, personal reflections, and cultural shifts that show sobriety is no longer on the sidelines; it’s going mainstream.You’ll also hear about a long list of high-profile men who’ve chosen to stop drinking, guys like Elton John, Tom Holland, Bradley Cooper, Ricky Gervais, and Colin Farrell, many of whom quit for reasons beyond addiction. They simply wanted to feel better, think clearer, and show up more fully in their lives.Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or still figuring it all out, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a label. You just need the courage to get honest.Some of the cool things discussed in this episode:- The origins of the phrase 'sober-curious'- Why more people are choosing not to drink in 2025 (and what the data says).- The difference between sobriety, being sober-curious, California-sober and moderation.- Why you don’t need a dramatic reason to take a break from alcohol.- How social pressure still plays a role, but the tide is turning.Work with Patrick:Get 1-1 coaching, quit drinking and start showing up like the man you want to be in life. 👉 Apply hereConnect with Patrick:Website: patrickjfox.comInstagram: @thealcoholrethinkprojectBuy Patrick A CoffeeIf you love the podcast and want to show your support in helping it continue, you can buy Patrick a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/patrickfoxWant to stop drinking but not ready for coaching? Start Here:The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself along the way.👉 Join the challenge here




