The Big Drink Rethink

Are you ready to reimagine your relationship with alcohol? In this Q&A episode, we're tackling a timely and crucial topic for those taking a break from alcohol: dealing with discomfort. Join your host, Anna Donaghey, as she offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with this transformative journey. Whether you're in the middle of Sober October or simply exploring a new lifestyle, this episode is full of reframes, reassurances and strategies to keep you on track. Tune in and discover how to turn moments of discomfort into milestones of progress.Here are the highlights:01:00 Most drinkers can quit without severe withdrawal.06:30 Alcohol disrupts, discomfort is your body re-tuning, recalibrating and healing and healing.08:48 Trust the process for natural sleep restoration.12:28 Alcohol is the UK's favorite coping mechanism for unwanted feelings.15:26 Practice self-compassion and experiment with other ways to indulge.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

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/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 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/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

Are cravings for alcohol creeping in and threatening to derail your Sober October plans? In this timely episode of the Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna Donaghey drops a powerful tool to help you tackle those pesky urges head-on. Whether you're navigating physical cravings for booze or attempting to outsmart the psychological triggers that are tempting you to have a drink, Anna has got you covered. Dive into actionable techniques, from mastering the art of ‘urge surfing’ to using powerful pauses and power poses. Equip yourself with these solid strategies and transform your cravings into stepping stones towards a healthier, booze-free lifestyle. Here are the highlights:05:15  Our subconscious associates emotions with alcohol for relief.08:29 Take a vital pause. resist whining demands effectively.11:55 Use the acronym H.A.L.T. to diagnose hunger, anger, loneliness, tiredness.13:30 Power pose boosts confidence, lowers stress hormones.19:41 Urge Surfing: a mindfulness tool to understand and manage urges.23:01 Understand the urge, accept and process it.24:51 Breathe, observe, and let the urge pass.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

Alcohol steals genuine happiness, replacing it with fleeting, artificial pleasure. Today’s Q&A delves into a poignant question from a listener struggling to sustain sobriety due to missing the high from alcohol. Anna unpacks the psychological and physiological aspects of this challenge, offering insights into why we crave that fleeting euphoria and the long-term toll it takes on our bodies. She explores alternatives that can replace the artificial pleasure of alcohol with natural highs, providing a pathway to recalibrate our bodies and rediscover true joy in everyday moments. Tune in to explore ways to rethink and reshape your relationship with alcohol.Here are the highlights:00:00 Replace alcohol's high with a new perspective.04:10 Body releases dynorphin which reduces dopamine euphoria.08:45 Natural highs replace artificial, amazing daily pleasures.10:48 Stopping alcohol boosts energy, clarity, and awareness.13:16 Alcohol steals real joy, offers fleeting happiness.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 happens when the blurred lines of alcohol culture are brought into sharp focus? Anna and her guest Denise Hamilton-Mace, founder and editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, break down the silos in alcohol culture.  Join them as they discuss moderation, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, and making informed choices.In this engaging conversation, Anna explores the evolving landscape of the sober curious movement with Denise, who shares her personal journey from a flourishing hospitality career to pioneering a magazine dedicated to low and no alcohol beverages. Despite facing challenges, Denise's passion for promoting a balanced approach to drinking shines through, inspiring others to explore healthier alternatives without judgment.Tune in to Anna and Denise, as they explore the importance of moderation as a personal choice, the impactful role of the magazine, and how breaking down traditional barriers in alcohol culture can lead to a more inclusive and mindful way of living.Here are the highlights:04:47 Denise realised alcohol wasn't serving her, and cut back.12:22 Small brands struggle due to lack of funding.14:32 Low alcohol draft faces logistical and demand challenges.17:56 Entrepreneurs make unique drinks with inspiring stories.20:49 Founders defy traditional rules; innovation prevails.23:20 Prioritise reader needs; share relatable personal stories.34:46 Magazine breaks silos, offering diverse lifestyle choices.40:13 Moderation is personal, requiring tolerance and acceptance.44:49 Predicts growth in mid-range light alcohol market.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 Denise Hamilton Mace:At the age of 45, Denise transformed her relationship with alcohol into a mission to inspire others. Once immersed in London's vibrant bar scene, she now champions a "life less intoxicated" through her creation, Low No Drinker Magazine. With nine issues, 35 podcast episodes, and numerous speaking engagements under her belt, she's become a leading voice in the low/no alcohol movement.Her journey from party-goer to wellness advocate began during a transformative period of lockdown redundancy and motherhood. Embracing personal fitness and education, she discovered the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption. Today, she's not here to judge or preach sobriety, but to support those seeking a more balanced lifestyle. Through her work, she proves it's never too late to reinvent oneself and find a new purpose that resonates with personal growth and societal change.Find out more: https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com/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

In this Q&A episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most pressing questions for anyone reevaluating their relationship with alcohol: is moderation possible? She meticulously unpacks the complexities of drinking in moderation. Drawing from her personal journey and extensive coaching experience, she offers a nuanced perspective on whether it's achievable and the challenges that come with it. Whether you're considering moderating alcohol or contemplating an all-or-nothing approach, this episode sheds light on the psychological, physiological, and emotional factors at play. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice.Here are the highlights:00:52 Can you actually moderate alcohol?05:50 Moderation is possible, but the real strength is when alcohol is irrelevant.07:29 Decision fatigue depletes willpower.11:06 Tolerance leads to increased alcohol consumption over time.15:35 Alcohol raises your Blood Alcohol Content, causes euphoria, then declines.17:34 80% prefer quitting alcohol over moderating consumptionIf 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

How does alcohol really affect your health? Anna is joined by Professor Charlie Knowles, a renowned medic and author, to shed light on the complex relationship between alcohol and our bodies. They explore the popular perception that a glass of red wine a day is beneficial and address its potential role in increasing the risk of serious health issues, including various types of cancer. Together they discuss how alcohol, a Group 1 carcinogen, affects everything from our DNA and gut microbiome to our social behaviours, and touch on the ethical responsibility of the medical profession and the drinks industry to inform the public about these risks, especially against the backdrop of aggressive alcohol advertising. There is a thin line between moderate consumption and dependency, significant global social consequences of alcohol, and staggering costs of alcohol-related harm. So, whether you're curious about cutting back or just want to make more informed choices, stay tuned as we rethink the big drink together!Here are the highlights:03:55 Professor Charlie Knowles' writing his book.13:00 How alcohol spreads through the body and affects it.20:37 Common reflux disease linked to obesity and cancer.32:30 Alcohol benefits for heart health questioned and debated.35:50 Changes in DNA can increase cancer risk.45:54 Know the risks and make decisions.49:07 Dependency, long-term memory and behaviour issues.53:47 Biology and alcohol: understanding addiction.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 Charles Knowles:Charles Knowles is Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London and a colorectal surgeon. He is author of the book “Why We Drink Too Much: the new science of alcohol” which will be published by Macmillan in the UK, Commonwealth, US and Canada in January 2026. The book entwines his own journey with an understanding of the effects of alcohol in the body and brain, and how this informs rational approaches to stopping or moderating consumption. 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

Anna unravels the calculated persuasion behind glossy alcohol ads and their seductive campaigns, exposing how they obscure the true realities of alcohol's impact on our lives. In this compelling solo episode of The Big Drink Rethink Anna talks from the heart. With her 25 years of experience in the advertising world, she examines the insidious world of alcohol advertising with passion, knowledge and unflinching honesty. With nearly £1 billion spent annually in the UK alone to promote these beverages, she questions whether what's being sold is more than just a drink - but a dangerous misconception. Join Anna as she pulls back the curtain on the tactics, the consequences, and the undeniable need for a rethink on how alcohol is marketed to the masses.Here are the highlights:02:08 Challenging advertising, beliefs, and conditioning in alcohol.03:23 Conditioning influences subconscious thoughts. 08:29 Alcohol marketing's significant global economic impact.13:16 Encouraging drinking through strategic marketing.16:13 What are brands really trying to sell?19:05 Increasing sales by targeting demographics.27:00 A need for tougher alcohol marketing regulations.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

Imagine taking a break from alcohol that's not just a pause, but a transformative experience. In this episode, your host Anna, is exploring how you can make the most of any alcohol-free break. She is also sharing the fundamental principles behind her self-guided programme, sharing how taking a break from the book can be a productive, insightful, and even life-changing journey. So, let's get started!Here are the highlights:04:48 Discover the benefits of a month without alcohol.08:46 Embrace the booze elevator, forget false labels.12:38 Embrace circumstances, ditch blame, and willpower.15:28 Willpower isn't enough for long-term behaviour change.20:05 Curiosity allows for questioning, learning, and growth.20:55 Shift from loss mindset to gain mindset.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

We’re exploring the positive impact of stepping off the booze elevator with none other than Janey Lee Grace. She is an author, public speaker, Life Coach, and fervent advocate for healthy living. In this episode she shares her personal struggle with alcohol and how she navigated through the societal norms and medical attitudes surrounding drinking, to find her path to peace. Together with our host, Anna, Janey emphasises the interconnectedness of proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle practices in supporting sobriety. They touch on the guilt and shame often felt when quitting, but also highlight the overwhelming benefits of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. From improved health and energy levels to enhanced self-worth and emotional empowerment, discover how quitting drinking can transform your life.Here are the highlights:03:34 The huge elephant in the room was alcohol and I couldn’t grasp that life would be better without it.12:47 Getting off the booze elevator before it all turns bad.15:28 Alcohol culture and awareness around drinking is shifting.24:17 Avoid the term "give up," use “quitting” or “ditching the booze”.31:42 Alcohol's impact on the menopause and body temperature36:43 Facing challenges led to helping others recover.41:02 Focus on good food, and make supportive changes.45:10 Develop awareness of body, thoughts, and emotions. Am I burying emotions with my behaviour?50:29 When I gave up alcohol I could actually start to like myself again.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 Janey Lee Grace:Janey Lee Grace is an author, public speaker, and life coach trained in NLP, EFT, Matrix and Family Constellations therapy, plus sobriety and health coaching. Formerly she was a broadcaster best known as a co-host on Steve Wright in the afternoon on BBC Radio 2 - she is author of five books on holistic living including two number one amazon best sellers.  Janey hosts a podcast Alcohol Free Life which is rated in the Top 5 of all podcasts globally.  She presents shows for Uk Health Radio and runs Platinum Awards annually to recognise the best in wellbeing products and services,Find out more: www.janeyleegrace.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