Is Alcohol Good For You, Or Is Alcohol A POISON? (You'll Be Surprised At The Results!): Drinker Ben Greenfield Debates Non-Drinker James Swanwick.

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Jun 12, 2025

Join James Swanwick, an Australian-American entrepreneur and former ESPN anchor, as he debates the complex relationship between alcohol and health. They dive into the surprising statistics on alcohol use disorders, the neuroscience behind sobriety, and practical strategies to reframe drinking habits. The conversation also explores the genetic variability in alcohol effects, the interplay between alcohol and neurotransmitters, and the influence of diet on cognitive function. Expect a spirited discussion that empowers you to make informed choices about your drinking habits.

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ANECDOTE

James Swanwick's Sobriety Start

James Swanwick quit alcohol after feeling average, overweight, and unhealthy at age 35.
His 15-year sobriety began with a 30-day experiment that drastically improved his life.

INSIGHT

Positive Commands Rewire Brain

Neuroscience shows focusing on "do this" behaviors works better than "don't" commands.
The brain's reticular activating system (RAS) does not process negatives, so positive affirmations drive behavior better.

ADVICE

Use Positive Language

Use positive verbiage like "I choose" or "I get to" instead of "I have to" to ease quitting alcohol.
This shift changes feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and outcomes toward sobriety success.

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In this debate podcast featuring return guest James Swanwick (you can check out our first show together here), you'll get to hear an honest, science-backed exploration of alcohol’s true impact on your body, brain, and quality of life—plus what it really takes to build a vibrant, alcohol-free lifestyle.

James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who helps high performers and casual drinkers reduce or quit alcohol without feeling deprived. He is a former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN and the creator and founder of Project 90, a neuroscience-based process scientifically proven to reduce drinking by 98%. James specifically supports high achievers, including entrepreneurs, executives, physicians, attorneys, and professional athletes. He’s also an investor, speaker, and author of the book, CLEAR: The Only Neuroscience-Based Approach for High Achievers to Finally Break Free From Alcohol Without Willpower, Rehab or AA.

I push back on some of James’ views, especially around moderation. We get into the nuances of drinking, discussing hormesis, genetics, culture, and whether small amounts of alcohol can play a role in a well-rounded, intentional lifestyle. It’s a respectful, spirited conversation that doesn’t aim to tell you what to do—but gives you the clarity and information to make the best decision for your own health and goals.

Whether you’re sober-curious, optimizing your performance, or just reevaluating your habits, this episode offers practical tools, real-world insight, and a fresh perspective on one of the most normalized substances in our culture.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/alcoholpod

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