Ep 16: When Drinking is part of your Identity with Sober Dave

Welcome back to "The Big Drink Rethink," where we challenge popular notions about alcohol and explore how our drinking culture is changing and evolving. In this episode, your host, Anna Donaghey, is joined by David Wilson, also known as Sober Dave, who brings an incredible story of personal transformation from a life overshadowed by alcohol to one filled with new beginnings and self-discovery.

Today, David shares the pivotal moments that led him to question his relationship with drinking and how saying "I don't drink" became the cornerstone of his new identity. From battling societal pressures to redefining his self-worth, David's journey is not just inspiring but a testament to the power of change at any age.

Tune in to hear their honest discussion about the fear, excitement, and challenges of leaving old habits behind and embracing a life of sobriety. Whether you're considering a similar path or just sober curious, this episode sheds light on the transformative impact of rethinking one’s relationship with alcohol.

Here are the Highlights:

04:52 At a young age alcohol ‘gave me wings’ and transformed me.

06:23 Called alcoholic after excessive pub visits

11:28 Realised a need for change and accepted help from a friend.

15:34 Moving to a rough area changed me.

16:27 Confident, reliable man with a funny persona.

20:12 Identity tied to drinking, fear of change.

25:23 Reflecting on change and redefining personal narratives.

30:49 Alcohol use increased during lockdown, raises concern.

35:32 Focus on positive change, try it out.

37:54 Morning bike sessions fostered positive lifestyle changes.

40:36 Overcoming struggles, finding peace, choosing sobriety.

44:22 Using notebooks to build evidence, coaching benefits.

48:37 Approach with excitement, and stick to your truth.

49:50 Continuous personal growth is possible at any age.

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

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Connect with Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilson

Instagram: @soberdave

About David Wilson:

Transforming his life in January 2019, David Wilson, Certified Grey Area Drinking Coach and Public Speaker, is dedicated to motivating others to transform their lives, overcome personal challenges and embrace life with a renewed mindset. Using his unique delivery and no nonsense approach, Dave is both personable and relatable.

Dave has spoken in schools and colleges raising awareness of the impact and harm of the excessive use of alcohol for both individuals and family members.

His Top 10 Apple Podcast 'One For The Road' reaches a global audience with over 300K downloads in the first year. Dave's rich and varied guest list includes RTT founder Marisa Peer, SAS Who Dares Wins Ollie Ollerton and author of 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober' Catherine Gray.

Dave is a No.1 Bestselling Author with his debut book, also titled 'One For The Road' - a blend of his personal memoir, coaching techniques and offers motivational tips to help the reader change their relationship with alcohol.

Dave's established Instagram account @soberdave has a loyal and engaged following of over 118K, where he delivers regular live interviews with guests from the sober community all over the world. And his annual #DryJanSoberdave initiative has helped thousands of people.

Dave is currently training to be a Trauma Informed Coach, to support people to understand the role of past trauma in their relationship with alcohol.

Mentioned in this episode:

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