We explore the transformative journey from alcohol dependence to living an authentic and empowered life with our inspiring guest, Clare Pooley. Well-known in ‘Quit Lit’ circles for her best-selling book The Sober Diaries, Clare reflects on her personal journey with alcohol, the emotional rollercoaster of early sobriety, and how writing became her lifeline and therapeutic tool. Host Anna Donaghey leads this heartfelt conversation, celebrating Clare's bravery, resilience, and her journey to authenticity.

Tune in as we explore Clare’s pivotal decision to quit drinking, the impact of sobriety on her family, and the importance of vulnerability in fostering genuine human connections. Clare shares the highs and lows of her first year sober, the healing power of writing, and the remarkable way her story has inspired countless others on their paths to recovery. This episode offers insights and heartfelt moments that you won't want to miss.

Here are the highlights:

05:08 Published The Sober Diaries, which inspired worldwide readers.

07:39 Most memoirs by men; questions remained unanswered.

10:36 Morning drinking crossed a line.

16:31 Journal for yourself to clarify personal struggles.

18:53 Mindfulness redirects focus, writing can provide a mental escape.

21:51 Journaling helps express suppressed emotions, unlike drinking.

25:24 Realised pseudonym and anonymity was unnecessary, after a mum friend guessed she was the author of the blog.

38:04 Connection with diverse people combats addiction effectively.

41:48 Quitting drinking builds bravery and emotional resilience.

44:11 Authenticity means not everyone will agree.

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Clare Pooley:

Clare Pooley is a best-selling, award-winning author, a Speaker and Blogger.

Back in 2015, realising that her ‘wine o’clock’ habit had spiralled out of control, Clare started writing a blog, ‘Mummy was a Secret Drinker’, which has had nearly three million hits. Her memoir, The Sober Diaries was published in 2017 to critical acclaim.  

Clare’s debut novel - The Authenticity Project, was inspired by her own experience of exposing the rather grubby truth about her own seemingly perfect life. It’s published in thirty-two languages, was a Radio 2 Book Club pick, winner of the RNA Debut Novel Award and a New York Times bestseller. 

Her second novel - The People on Platform 5 (titled Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting in the USA/Canada) was published in Spring 2022 and her third novel - How to Age Disgracefully was launched this year.

Clare’s talks include a TEDx talk - ‘Making Sober Less Shameful’, a talk for Radio 4’s Four Thought, and numerous podcast interviews. 

Connect with Clare: https://clarepooley.com/