The Big Drink Rethink

Is resistance stopping you from making the changes you crave around alcohol? Why does it feel so hard to step into the unknown even when you know old habits aren’t serving you? In this solo episode, host Anna Donaghey unpacks the hidden force of resistance that keeps us stuck and reveals why letting go, not fighting harder, is often the key to real transformation.Anna explores the very real brain science behind resistance, how our identities get fused with drinking, and why fear of loss can overshadow the possibilities of change. If you’ve ever felt trapped by familiar habits or doubted your ability to redefine yourself, this episode is a compassionate guide to understanding your inner tug-of-war and a powerful invitation to release what’s weighing you down.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Exploring resistance and release01:39 Why change feels hard02:52 Resistance is the mind’s reflex to protect the status quo04:45 Resistance isn’t weakness; it’s your safety system doing its job06:49 Why we stay stuck in patterns even when we hate them08:25 Not just habits, how drinking shapes identity and self-perception10:54 Reinvention is possible, you’ve changed before, you can do it again11:39 Loss aversion: why the brain fixates on what you’re “giving up”13:00 The backpack analogy: holding on to old habits out of fear14:05 We forget we can grow, change is a muscle15:54 Change is hard because you’re out of practice, not incapable16:36 Don’t resign yourself to replaying the same year possibility awaits17:15 The path forward: don’t fight resistance, practice release18:53 Release is loosening your grip, calming your nervous system19:34 Letting go of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control20:31 Resistance is the edge of something new; release is how you cross it21:39 Where are you gripping tight, and what could you let go of?Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What does it really mean to become “emotionally sober” and why is this concept the key to freedom and fulfillment beyond simply quitting drinking? In this deeply insightful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Natalie Bedard (aka NatNat), founder of Lift OneSelf and host of the Lift OneSelf podcast, to demystify emotional sobriety and the nervous system’s role in how we cope, connect, and heal.NatNat shares her powerful personal journey through childhood trauma, single parenthood, and a life-threatening illness, and reveals how these experiences led her to develop a trauma-informed, somatic approach to self-regulation and recovery. Together, Anna and NatNat unpack the language of emotional healing, translating concepts like “coming home to yourself” and “nervous system safety” into practical, real-life tools for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Meet NatNat and the concept of emotional sobriety02:14 NatNat’s story, childhood trauma, single motherhood, life-threatening illness, and deep transformation08:45 Finding regulation in real life (not just on a cushion)16:14 Why we drink to feel safe and how coping patterns are born19:04 What “dysregulated” really means and how alcohol hijacks emotions24:38 The vicious cycle of numbing and why our pain keeps bubbling up27:41 Trauma as a split from self and how we heal from the divide29:09 How to feel emotions without drowning in them32:17 What is emotional sobriety?35:08 Can you be emotionally sober even if you drink? (Spoiler: Yes)38:32 The mindful moment, a guided exercise44:21 Accepting all our parts to build trust and a life we don’t want to escape from52:49 Be kind to yourself, your breath is your doorway home.Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Natalie Bedard:Natalie Bedard, lovingly known as NatNat, is an Emotional Healing & Nervous System Guide and the founder of Lift OneSelf. Through her trauma-informed and trauma-competent approach, she supports individuals on their path to emotional sobriety - helping them regulate their nervous systems, release emotional pain, and return home to themselves.A resilient mother and survivor of a life-threatening illness, NatNat brings lived wisdom, radical honesty, and deep compassion to every space she enters. Her work is rooted in creating safety, where people can feel, soften, and reconnect with what has always been within.She is also the host of the Lift OneSelf Podcast, a sanctuary of raw conversations, somatic reflections, and soulful meditations. Connect with Natalie:Links: https://linktr.ee/LiftoneselfWebsite:  www.LiftOneSelf.comMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

When alcohol enters a family system, disconnection, secrecy, and resentment can quietly take root. But what if real, lasting change doesn’t start with confronting the drinker but by shifting the family dynamic itself? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Amber Hollingsworth, counselor and family recovery expert, to unpack how families can navigate the pain of alcohol-related disconnection and take practical steps toward reconnection even when their loved one isn’t ready to get help.Anna and Amber explore the hidden ways alcohol damages connection at home, why the "bad guy" role traps families in unhealthy dynamics, and how boundaries can become bridges (not battlegrounds) for trust and healing. Amber shares her unique approach to working with families even in the absence of the drinker and offers actionable advice for getting out of the villain role, setting real boundaries, and fostering a climate where change is possible.Whether you’re worried about a partner, a child, or yourself, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom and reassurance: You are not powerless, and there is a way through this.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Why alcohol disconnection is also a family issue02:34 Amber’s story: 20+ years working with families, reluctant clients, and the “bad guy” trap05:44 Influencing change even when your loved one isn’t ready08:00 High-functioning alcohol use, resentment, and the power struggle dynamic11:20 Why confrontation can backfire and actually prolong change14:01 Cat-and-mouse dynamics, trust issues, and “drinking police”16:22 Early work with addicted teens, and the power of being seen20:29 Listening, curiosity, and the importance of genuine empathy24:26 Setting clear personal limits (not rules for others)29:05 Bringing everything above board before real change begins35:08 How shifting your role (and your boundaries) changes everything38:27 Stepping back, and letting others connect their own dots40:55 Progress is messy, and the value of patience41:58 What you can start doing today44:49 You are not powerless; with strategy and understanding, things can changeAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What if the real craving behind your evening glass of wine isn’t alcohol, but connection? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey explores the science and psychology of human connection, why disconnection hurts so much, and the small, practical steps you can use to build both belonging and self-connection without reaching for a drink. Anna outlines why we’re wired for relationships, how modern life leaves us more isolated than we think, and how alcohol often becomes a stand-in for real connection. In this episode you’ll discover practical, actionable tools that won’t just boost your mood, they'll rewire your brain for connection, resilience, and real happiness. Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction - why connection matters00:51 The modern disconnection epidemic02:27 Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day05:29 Why rejection literally hurts07:10 Using alcohol as a substitute for connection08:46 Why being a stranger to yourself can hurt just as much13:28 Craving connection vs. craving alcohol14:02 The science behind connection22:29 Difference between loneliness and being alone23:47 The physical toll of loneliness25:01 Our amazing neuroplasticity to rewire for belonging26:17 Micro moments of connection: Daily “sparks” that retrain your brain29:35 Mindfulness, the foundation of real presence and belonging30:28 Practical Experiments to try39:51 Loneliness is a biological signal, respond to it, don’t shame it41:38 Connection comes from presence and authenticity.Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What does it mean to reconnect to yourself after you stop drinking? This episode of The Big Drink Rethink dives deep into the journey from escapism and numbing through alcohol to living with “radical integrity” and honouring your true values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Host Anna Donaghey welcomes Lauren Burnison, founder of pioneering sober travel company, We Love Lucid and a compelling, raw writer who has built a vibrant community around honest conversations about sobriety, travel, and motherhood.Lauren shares her rollercoaster story, from early drinking and navigating mean-girl school culture, through wild adventures and substance-fuelled escapes in South America and Asia, to the turning point that led her to choose sobriety for good. Together, they explore why so many of us turn to drinking to self-abandon, how to find meaning beyond alcohol, and what it really looks like to live in alignment with your values even if you don’t always have all the answers.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Meet Lauren Burnison founder of the sober travel company, We Love Lucid04:40 Teenage anxiety and self-doubt often lead Lauren to drink alcohol09:50 Travel, drugs, and alcohol often intertwine12:03 Alcohol and drugs often create a false sense of connection 16:48 Turbulent travel experiences led to teaching in safer South Korea.18:32 Hit rock bottom in South Korea22:19 A mix of grace and meeting a sober friend helped sustain the decision not to drink.25:49 Reflecting on nine years of sobriety28:25 Practicing radical integrity by listening to gut feelings and pausing on desires without clear reasons.30:54 Tuning into emotions and body helps identify what you need39:07 Quitting alcohol empowers you to feel capable of anything41:40 Recognise and fulfill your current needs, to nourish and support personal growth47:36 Anna highly recommends Lauren’s newsletter.Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukFind out more about Lauren Burnison:After hanging up her booze straps nine years ago, Lauren was inspired to create We Love Lucid, one of the world's first sober travel companies. Passionate about sharing the message that travel without booze can be a life-affirming experience, Lauren has been instrumental in pioneering the sober travel movement. Her company was mentioned and featured in National Geographic, the NY Times and CNN Travel. Lauren is a passionate writer. She has a popular newsletter where she shares her experience of life as a sober single mum, along with pre-sobriety anecdotes in a raw and engaging style. Lauren is a huge fan of off-the-beaten track travel, and she is currently getting ready to head off on a campervan trip around Europe with her four-year-old daughter.Connect with Lauren:Newsletter: https://www.welovelucid.com/newsletter-sign-upWebsite: https://www.welovelucid.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welovelucid/Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What if feeling lost or disconnected isn’t a flaw, but a gentle nudge toward what you really need? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey invites you to explore how reconnection (to yourself, your values, your body, your relationships, and the world) is at the heart of waking up to a richer, fuller life, especially if you’re rethinking your relationship with alcohol.Anna shares why this transitional time is a perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and gently peel back the layers between you and your true self. Blending her lived experience, coaching insights, and practical tools, she explains how years of coping and performing often with alcohol as a buffer can dull our instincts, but also how small acts of honesty and presence can help us come home to ourselves.Highlights from the episode:00:00 Introduction: Reflect on the year to reconnect with your true self.04:47 Rediscover your true self beneath coping mechanisms08:49 Suppressing emotions through drinking dulls clarity12:09 Check in with yourself daily by asking, "What do I need today?"13:17 Reconnecting with our bodies involves recognising and responding to internal signals.19:28 Find grounding and self-awareness by nurturing a relationship with yourself. 21:30 Listen, share, and follow the Big Drink Rethink podcast Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What if your drinking isn’t the real issue but just a signal pointing toward something deeper? Host Anna Donaghey returns for a refreshed season of The Big Drink Rethink, inviting listeners to widen the lens on alcohol, identity, and what we truly crave beyond the glass. Anna shares her own recalibration after a break, offering a new perspective on presence, self-compassion, and how pressing pause can change everything.With honesty and warmth, Anna explores why we reach for alcohol (hint: it’s not about the booze), how presence and alignment unlock bigger possibilities, and why the “messy middle” is where so many find themselves stuck. She teases the upcoming shift for the podcast: expect deeper dives, new guest experts, more practical tools, and room for the big, human questions that drinking sometimes masks.Highlights from the episode:00:00 Introduction03:17 Recognise alcohol's role in emotions and seek awareness to live consciously and joyfully, not on autopilot.07:07 Most drinkers are in the 'messy middle,' struggling internally without external signs of distress. 11:50 Embrace self-awareness and compassion; you're not alone in your struggles.15:40 Alcohol issues stem from deeper problems like fatigue, loneliness, and societal stories, not the substance itself.18:08 Please review and rate the podcast to help it grow and reach more people.Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1 To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What does it look like to totally reimagine your relationship with alcohol and your own definition of success? In this special summer rewind, host Anna Donaghey revisits her conversation with Laura Bartlett, who has scaled and exited a luxury travel brand. She is a bold advocate for living life on your own terms and shares how she went from being tagged in champagne memes to embracing sobriety, and the radical clarity and self-trust that followed. This episode explores how alcohol can mask burnout and insecurity, why setting boundaries is an act of self-respect, and how choosing not to drink (especially at PR and media events) can feel revolutionary but also deeply empowering. Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction & why this episode matters right now04:11 Drinking as identity: From champagne memes to a wake-up call06:00 The power of an absolute decision and what Laura gained by quitting08:23 How alcohol lowered her energy and “kept her stuck”14:04 Are you in or out? The energy of decision and consistency16:22 People-pleasing, boundaries, and caring what you think of yourself20:57 Reframing sobriety as a positive, expansive choice21:35 Fear vs. excitement: Seeing sobriety as the start of something bigger30:40 Laura’s advice for anyone sober-curious: Start small and get curious🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/🔗 Get the free SUN Framework toolkit and all our resources from: https://www.thebeliefscoach.comIf you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerIf 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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Laura Bartlett:Laura Bartlett didn’t just build a business - she built a movement. From £0 to global recognition, she scaled and exited a luxury travel brand on her terms, proving that true success isn’t about hustle, it’s about alignment.Now, as the founder of The Life of Laura movement, she’s leading a global conversation around feminine freedom, energetic wealth and rewriting the rules of success. Mortgage-free and self-retired at 38, with over 3M+ monthly views and a cult-like following, Laura isn’t just speaking - she’s broadcasting frequency. A sought-after speaker, Laura delivers paradigm-shifting keynotes that leave audiences forever changed. Her message? Freedom is the new status symbol.Connect with Laura:Website: https://laurabartlett.live/Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

What really happens when we drink, and why does alcohol so often sabotage our intention to relax, connect, or recharge, especially on holiday? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey revisits her powerful conversation with William Porter, author of "Alcohol Explained," to discuss the science and psychology behind alcohol and why it’s become the UK’s favourite coping mechanism, and how a little knowledge can spark profound change. This is an invitation to get curious, notice how alcohol actually makes you feel, and experiment with a different kind of summer.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction03:21 From paratrooper and lawyer to alcohol expert and author04:46 How alcohol use ramps up07:45 Rock bottom moments: Understanding what’s really happening10:18 Demystifying “addiction” and loosening alcohol’s grip13:59 What happens in your brain, and why you wake up anxious at 3am17:00 Cravings explained: psychological triggers, and breaking the cycle20:27 Holidays, happiness, and the myth that alcohol “makes it better”24:40 Socialising, endorphins, and why sobriety doesn’t mean missing out28:13 Alcohol’s impact on sleep, anxiety, and your mood41:36 Joy, hobbies, and rediscovering life beyond the glass🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/🔗 Get the free SUN Framework toolkit and all our resources from: https://www.thebeliefscoach.comIf you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerIf 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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout William Porter:William is the author of Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Explained 2, widely praised guides for understanding and overcoming alcohol addiction. He began drinking at 14, and his alcohol use increased through a life that included military service in Iraq, a legal career, and work in London’s financial sector. In 2014, his clear-sighted analysis of alcohol’s effects helped him quit drinking, and he has since shared his insights through his books. He lives in West London with his wife and two children and continues to work as a lawyer.Connect with William:Website: alcoholexplained.comMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Why is it so hard to rethink our drinking and what does it actually look like to drink less without going “all or nothing”? In this special summer mini-series of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey revisits her most downloaded conversation with broadcaster and writer Adrian Chiles. Adrian shares his personal, honest journey from heavy to moderate drinking, not by swearing off alcohol, but by noticing when “enough is enough” and finding what works for him.Adrian’s story brings clarity and realism to moderation, highlighting how even small changes can spark more joy, presence, and satisfaction, when we are conscious of what we drink.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:41 Adrian’s story: heavy drinking, shocking discoveries, and the wake-up call07:12 Counting units: the power of writing it all down09:29 Challenging “all or nothing”, why moderation might work for you11:22 The impact of simply removing the drinks you don’t want13:00 Mindful drinking and choosing what genuinely brings you joy15:03 Why the first drink is magical (and the fifth, not so much)23:06 Most people really do drink less than you think27:20 Why “alcoholic” is an unhelpful label30:08 Track your drinking, make it simple, take away the shame33:52 The challenges and freedoms of moderation35:22 Setting non-negotiables so the “sweet spot” can become your reality🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/🔗 Get the free SUN Framework toolkit and all our resources from: https://www.thebeliefscoach.comIf you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerIf 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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Adrian Chiles:Adrian is a familiar face on our televisions and a recognised voice on our radios. He has been a presenter on BBC Radio 5 live since the day it started in 1994. On BBC television, he launched and presented ‘Working Lunch’, ‘Match of the Day 2’, ‘The One Show’ and ‘The Apprentice, You’re Fired’. He was also lead football presenter for ITV. He has a weekly column in The Guardian and writes regularly for the Sun and The Tablet. Last year Adrian wrote a brilliant book called ‘The Good drinker; how I learned to love drinking less’, following the making of a BBC documentary called ‘Drinkers like me’.Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607