The Big Drink Rethink

In this episode of Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey dives into the world of mindful mastery, exploring the science and know-how behind cultivating self-awareness and emotional literacy to rethink drinking habits. Through personal stories from guests Nick Elston and Sam Williams in previous episodes, Anna emphasises the role of alcohol as a coping mechanism and the importance of understanding one's emotions. She introduces mindfulness and meditation as powerful tools to strengthen the brain, enhance self-control, and promote emotional well-being. Join Anna as she shares practical tips on incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life, offering a fresh perspective on how these techniques can positively impact our relationship with alcohol and ourselves.Here are the highlights:03:39 Curiosity, self-exploration, emotional literacy, mindfulness, meditation.08:07 Alcohol restricts authenticity, hinders emotional connections, mindfulness helps.12:39 Meditation improves attention, self-control, and brain function.16:02 Power of Now advocates mindfulness for peace.19:33 Label thoughts, focus on breathing, and find peace.23:03 Accept and label your thoughts for self-improvement.26:11 Attend mindfulness event in Liverpool on June 12.Link to Mindfulness event:Tickets for Sober Scribbles – the Creative Writing event in Liverpool on June 12th, hosted by previous guest, Helen Jeffery.Sober Scribbles ticketsAbout 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

Welcome back to the Big Drink Rethink podcast, where our host Anna Donaghey is chatting with the incredibly inspiring Sam Williams. Sam, a Certified Specialist ADHD Coach and Menopause Coach, shares her journey of self-discovery and transformation after giving up alcohol. She describes her drinking habits during lockdown, the social aspect of drinking, and how alcohol helped quiet her mind. Sam's decision to stop drinking was driven by a desire to know who she was without alcohol, and to set a positive example for her children. Through self-reflection and forgiveness practices, she developed a deeper understanding of her body and mind, allowing the penny to drop about her ADHD and its connection to perimenopause. Sam discusses the intersection of ADHD and her relationship with alcohol, with it serving as a coping mechanism to quiet her mind and mask her struggles. Sam also explores the impact of alcohol on her hormonal balance and how it exacerbated her perimenopause symptoms. Through her journey of sobriety, Sam discovered self-acceptance, self-love, and the power of listening to her body. She emphasises the importance of awareness, understanding, and community support in navigating ADHD and finding alignment with one's true self. Here are the Highlights:05:22 Drinking levelled the playing field, quieted thoughts.07:10 Weekends involved plenty of drinks and munchies.13:44 Embracing change and letting go for growth.16:35 Therapy transformed me and continues to today.22:37 Lack of research on women's hormonal health.24:16 Masking coping strategy revealed health issues from drinking.26:55 Menopause symptoms are misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.32:12 Adrenal system shifts, leading to hormonal imbalance.33:45 Inherent efficiency, unravelling work, and authentic curiosity.36:44 Similar human experiences, lessons, and blessings acknowledged.40:01 Finding peace led to self-compassion and love.46:27 Understanding ourselves and finding support is crucial.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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout Sam Willaims:Sam is the founder of Seed Spark – A human-centred change consultancy and coaching practice with a strong Corporate Social Responsibility ethic; making change happen one meaningful conversation at a time. She is a certified specialist ADHD Coach, Menopause Coach, Prosci Change Practitioner and Chartered Engineer.She describes herself as an ‘edge-seeking Boundary Spanner, Mesearcher and Empathic Provocateur’.While her unfinished book ‘Who the fuck am I? And how did I get here? may never see print – the mesearch uncovered during her midlife misadventures through perimenopause with late diagnosis ADHD, are passionately passed on to her community through her coaching, training and outreach work.               Website: https://seedspark.co.uk/seedspark/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-williams-acc-ceng-miet-a1259618Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.williams952TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sam_williams_seedsparkProduced 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

Welcome to another episode of The Big Drink Rethink, where your host, Anna Donaghey, is thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with mental health advocate Nick Elston. An inspirational speaker on mental health, Nick shares his own lived experience of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalised anxiety disorder. He believes that our adversities can either define us negatively or forge something beautiful and powerful. Giving up alcohol six years ago proved to be a release, as he discovered that he had been using it as a crutch. In this conversation, Nick and Anna discuss the power of vulnerability, the importance of self-reflection, and finding joy and peace of mind without relying on external substances. They explore the impact of social media on comparison and the need to run our own race. They also touch on breaking the stigma around alcohol and mental health through open conversations and lived experiences.Whether you're reassessing your own drinking habits or seeking encouragement on an alcohol-free path, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives on the impact of alcohol on our mental wellbeing.Here are the Highlights:06:00 Losing hope can lead to positive change.07:33 Chaos brings opportunities. Attitude is everything.12:25 Obsessive tendencies became crutch.13:37 Struggled with heavy drinking, guilt, anxiety, and secrecy.26:06 Sharing lived experiences, signposting to solutions, and showing vulnerability.28:25 Seeking therapy helped me navigate challenges effectively.36:14 Embracing emotions is a lovely, therapeutic thing.41:26 Managing emotions without external means45:09 Social media distorts reality and fuels comparison.49:30 Cultural shift toward open conversations in organisations.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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout Nick Elston:Nick Elston is one of the highest-profile and leading Inspirational Speakers on the Lived Experience of Mental Health.Described as a ‘BIG man, BIG heart, BIG story & BRUTAL honesty!’, ‘Utterly inspirational, absolutely engaging!’ and ’10/10 –a Speaking Masterclass!’ – Nick shares his experiences of Mental Illness, Mental Ill-Health & Breakdown worldwide –through his powerful, inspiring, engaging & emotional insights.Nick is regularly featured in the global media, the BBC, industry shows and publications – his talks are delivered to stages, events, boardrooms, businesses, factories, government organisations, schools, universities, prisons & establishments worldwide.Connect with Nick:Website: nickelston.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nickelston/YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NickElstonMental Health Speaker Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=TszqlHT4Gj0Keynote Speaker Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=rjWIdYREvfAProduced 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

In today’s toolkit episode, Overcoming the Fear of Change, your host Anna Donaghey invites you to start a transformative journey towards a healthier, alcohol-free future. She discusses how changing your ‘drinker’ identity can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. Anna also talks about adopting an experimental mindset and focusing on the gains of sobriety rather than the perceived losses. She encourages listeners to make a list of the characteristics they want to change and the person they want to become. Anna concludes with a powerful exercise that helps visualise the potential future one, three and then ten years from now, encouraging listeners to weigh up the outcomes of continuing to drink versus committing to change.Embrace this opportunity to challenge your assumptions about drinking and uncover what truly lies on the other side of change.Here are the Highlights:04:03 Your personal identity can evolve, embrace new opportunities.07:16 Embrace change with a curious and open mind.11:15 Resisting change focuses on perceived losses. Motivation is needed.16:23 Embrace fear and take action for growth.21:12 Visualisation exercise.22:45 You are committing to a transformative process.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.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

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 visits11:28 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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyFacebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoachInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukConnect with Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilson Instagram: @soberdaveAbout 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: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 episode, Anna has the pleasure of speaking with Helen Jeffery, an incredibly talented writer, performer, director, and creative facilitator who uses the arts to challenge and provoke debate around our relationship with alcohol. Helen’s play, ‘Buckled’, explores navigating sobriety in a world that revolves around drinking. The play focuses on three characters with different relationships to alcohol and centres around an impending wedding. It raises questions about why so many social interactions revolve around drinking and challenges the societal norm that not drinking is abnormal. The play is not preachy but aims to spark conversation and make people think. Both the play and Anna & Helen’s conversation, explore the importance of self-compassion and kindness when trying to change drinking habits. It emphasises the need to approach sobriety with a mindset of personal growth and emotional sobriety. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol and the importance of supportive relationships. The play 'Buckled' is highlighted as a powerful medium for raising questions and fostering empathy around alcohol addiction. The next steps for the play include upcoming performances, potential streaming options, and the possibility of a national tour.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction and background06:19 The relevance of ‘Buckled’07:09 Navigating sobriety in a world of drinking10:49 Dependency on alcohol affects characters' relationships differently.14:43 Advising balance and boundaries, addressing generational alcohol issues.16:35 Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social patterns21:08 Son struggles with his mother's alcoholism and change.24:14 Children of alcoholics cope with shame and hope.25:48 Addressing shame and regret29:09 Addiction is not your fault, but your responsibility31:35 Advocate for self-forgiveness and personal motivation36:13 Navigating social situations without alcohol36:38 Focusing on percentages helps in stopping drinking.41:21 Navigating social interactions after giving up drinking.44:04 Personal growth and changing relationships47:58 Theatre, education, raising questions, more to come.50:48 The future of 'Buckled'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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyFacebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoachInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Helen Jeffery:Helen is a writer, performer, poet & graduate of the Playwright’s Programme at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre. She has had several plays produced including, ‘The Brink’ and ‘Gun Metal Blue', which won the Blink.Theatre Award for New Writing in 2017. In March 2024, Helen’s latest play, ‘Buckled’ opened at the Shakespeare North Playhouse Studio and she is a featured artist in the UP NEXT FESTIVAL at Unity Theatre, Liverpool next month.Alongside playwriting, Helen has been writing and performing spoken word since 2018 and has performed at various events in the North West including ‘A Lovely Word,’ and ‘Give Poetry a Chance.  In January 2022 she published her debut poetry pamphlet, ‘Journey’ and is currently working on putting together her first full poetry collection. Helen also works freelance as a creative facilitator, leading writing workshops with children, young people and adults from a wide range of communities. Link to tickets for Buckled on 3rd May in Liverpool: https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/whats-on/buckled/Connect with Helen:Links: https://linktr.ee/HelenJefferyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/errohemiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/errohemi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-jeffery-98b15836/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

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Big Drink Rethink. Today we're dialling into one of the difficult aspects of modern parenting: how to talk to your teens about alcohol. Listen in as host, Anna Donaghey, talks to Anita Cleare, an acclaimed parenting expert. Anita’s insights help us understand the teenage brain and together, they discuss the pros and cons of sharing our drinking experiences with our adolescent children.As a parent, you may question whether to take a liberal stance or keep a tight rein. With alarming statistics revealing early alcohol experimentation among Europe's youth, Anita's wisdom and our host Anna Donaghey's personal reflections, provide a much-needed perspective on guiding teens through curiosity, peer pressure and their first experiences with alcohol. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for open and honest conversations, balancing independence with safety, and fostering trust during these crucial years. So tune in, reflect on your relationship with alcohol, and gain some new tools for navigating the tumultuous teen years. Don't forget to follow and leave your feedback—it's the fuel that keeps our conversations going. Ready for a big drink rethink? Let's dive in.Here are the highlights:00:01 Debate on teenage alcohol: limits, guidance, repercussions.06:36 The teen's emotional and rational brain.09:43 Parents face challenges as teens seek independence.12:42 Adolescents feel social pain more intensely.15:16 Supporting teenagers in making good decisions is crucial.17:45 Parents' discussions with kids can prevent risky behaviour.22:02 Be non-judgmental and supportive with teenagers.27:12 Parent sharing has pros and cons.29:48 Teenagers must learn from their own experiences.31:16 Factual approach to teen substance use issues.34:48 Alcohol linked to risky behaviours in teenagers.43:55 Parental influence is crucial in shaping teenagers' behaviour.51:13 Teens need support, not judgement, from parents.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.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Anita Cleare:Anita Cleare is a parenting speaker, writer and coach who supports working parents to balance successful careers with being a parent. With an academic background in developmental psychology, Anita has a talent for helping parents to step back and reflect on parent-child dynamics and implement small changes that make a huge difference. She founded the Positive Parenting Project in 2012 with the aim of helping parents cut through the fads and fashions of parenting advice and focus on evidence-based approaches that work.Anita’s award-nominated parenting blog ‘Thinking Parenting’ has been listed in the Sunday Times Magazine as a must-read for parents. Her book The Work/Parent Switch (UK) / The Working Parent’s Survival Guide (USA) outlines how working parents can use the bits of time left over when work is done to parent smartly and be the parent their child needs. (International editions are also available in German, Chinese, Romanian and Polish).Anita’s second book, How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom comes out in the UK and USA in September 2024.Connect with Anita:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePositiveParentingProject/X: https://twitter.com/thinking_parentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-cleare-b8a15465/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 a culture where drinking is nearly synonymous with socialising, standing up to peer pressure is a skill - a skill that's essential for those of us reevaluating our relationship with alcohol. This episode is packed with insights and practical tools to help you navigate social expectations, understand self-imposed pressures, and stay steadfast in your choices.Anna shares personal experiences from her decision to stop drinking and how it affected her relationships. She’ll also discuss strategies, such as visualisation, to mentally prepare for real-life scenarios where you might face pressure.You're not alone in this journey, and by the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with not just strategies, but also the courage to be the change in your drinking culture.Here are the highlights:00:01 Anna draws common themes from the last two episodes.05:17 Navigating social pressure and feelings of exclusion.07:35 Society pressures us to drink alcohol.12:42 Peer pressure comes from a place of fear. Show compassion.14:50 Rethink program helps prevent overthinking.19:59 Envision the pride, satisfaction, and empowerment.21:59 Fear of judgement affects our need to belong.26:21 Assumed response is always worse than reality.Overestimating friends' reactions. 29:38 Realisations I was following the crowd and conforming. Far from the rebel I liked to think I was.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:Anna’s 6 week personal RETHINK programme: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registration Register your email to be sent the discount code.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

Anna Donaghey, sits down with the indomitable Laura Willoughby, campaigner, and founder of Club Soda.Laura shares her insightful journey from founding Club Soda in 2014 to spearheading the mindful drinking movement. Through her mission to educate and guide, Laura explores the evolution of the non-alcoholic drinks industry, challenges mainstream drinking habits, and nudges the hospitality scene towards inclusivity and choice.This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussion about alcohol and its wider impact on society and how it is evolving. Laura and Anna dive deep into the need for changing drinking culture, examining the impact of current regulations on innovation, and the significance of education about alcohol content. Laura’s message is clear: it's not just about reducing or giving up alcohol. It's about adding variety, quality, and joy to our lives. Whether you’re moderating, abstaining, or just sober-curious, listen to the episode to learn more.Here are the highlights:00:01 Laura's journey, from drinking problems to sobriety.08:26 Cultural shift towards alcohol moderation and acceptance.11:48 Overcoming drinking reconnected me with my values.16:16 Promote alcohol-free options for social events.17:57 Hospitality should focus on experiences, inclusivity.21:54 Government needs to revise alcohol-free drink definitions.30:26 Moderation, education, and lower alcohol options recommended.34:54 Government policies should recognise alcohol-free drinks' value.47:40 Increase availability of non-alcoholic drinks in shops.About Laura Willoughby MBE:Laura Willoughby MBE is the founder of the world’s largest mindful drinking movement, Club Soda. She is the UK’s foremost expert in low and no alcoholic drinks and through Club Soda, runs the Low & No Tasting Rooms in Covent Garden. Laura was named number 16 in 2023’s Drinks Retailing’s latest Top 100 Most Influential People in Drink, one of the 100 most influential women in hospitality by CODE, and is a Trustee for The Drinks Trust. The Club Soda Tasting Room was Drink Retailing’s Independent Retailer of the year 2023. She is a trustee for the Drinks Trust, Imbibe Ambassador and judge for WAFA, IWSC and Publican of the Year.Receiving an MBE for services to the community in 2004, Laura’s devotion to Club Soda means hundreds of thousands of people are supported in their journey to live well by being more mindful about drinking alcohol. Laura’s part in the transformation of the non-alcoholic drinks sector in the UK from niche into the mainstream cannot be underestimated. In addition to organising 10 editions of the Mindful Drinking Festival nationwide, her work also includes developing education courses, conducting research and generating guides to Low & No alcoholic drinks.Connect with Laura:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawilloughby/Visit us at the Club Soda Tasting Room & Bar in Covent Garden. The Tasting Rooms are a space for consumers to try and buy low and no alcohol drinks - with private tastings and cocktail classes.  You can find Club Soda at joinclubsoda.com on social @joinclubsoda and at The Club Soda Tasting Rooms, 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRAbout 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

Your host, Anna Donaghey, looks at the way in which businesses often fail to ‘do right’ by their employees - on the one hand encouraging a drinking culture, but failing to educate and provide adequate support when it is needed. She examines the threads that tie alcohol culture to the workplace, with this week’s guest, Tabbin Almond, a fellow coach in the process of writing her book ‘Bottling Up Trouble: How Alcohol is Holding Your Business Back and What to Do About It’. Together they discuss how alcohol remains absent from the vast majority of Wellness agendas, despite a clear commercial and logical argument for its inclusion.This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action for leaders, managers, and the workforce to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment for all. Take a listen to see how we can make talking about alcohol in the workplace less of a taboo.Here are the highlights:04:20 Encouraging conversation, breaking down workplace taboos.07:10 Companies need to support employees more openly.14:34 Leaders leading with a commitment to change alcohol myths.18:36 Presenteeism: employees present but unproductive due to issues.20:51 Alcohol's impact on productivity and relationships.23:59 Pressure on fitting in and socialising at work.28:25 Hope for the future, tolerance and self-respect are emphasised.34:50 Shifting drinking culture to promote informed choices.36:48 Encourage responsible partying for better relationships.40:43 HR professionals promoting non-alcoholic workplace events and education.48:38 Opening up workplace conversation about forward-thinking choices.About Tabbin AlmondTabbin had a long and reasonably successful career in advertising (where she used her ‘proper’ name of Katherine, rather than her nickname of Tabbin). She grew up in a family where alcohol was an intrinsic part of daily life, which turned out to be excellent preparation for a career in advertising. On joining a big London Agency in the mid-eighties, she took the long boozy lunches in her stride. And would then go on to the pub after work. And that was just during the week. Weekends were when the serious partying would happen. But over the years, her social / work drinking morphed into more hidden, solitary drinking. Not enough for anyone else to realise that she had a problem but certainly enough for her to feel that her relationship with alcohol was becoming increasingly unhealthy, affecting her work and her relationships and making her unhappy.She tried various ways of giving up, including AA (short-lived) and hypnotherapy (much longer). But it wasn’t until she came across This Naked Mind that she found a method that really made sense her – she stopped thinking in terms of ‘giving up’ and focussed instead on the freedom she could now enjoy. Tabbin’s niche is helping people working in careers like advertising, media and law, where alcohol still plays a big role, whether it is in the form of client entertaining or after-work drinks. Alcohol is an addictive substance, so it is inevitable that its prevalence in our professional lives will lead to some people becoming addicted.  She has written a book called Bottling Up Trouble – how alcohol is harming your business and what you can do about it, which will be published in September 2024. She looks forward to the day when professional people do not have to make an excuse for not drinking! And when the shame and stigma around Alcohol Use Disorder is a thing of the past, so that people feel safe asking for the help that they need.She is a breast cancer survivor (thank you NHS), and now lives in beautiful Devon where she is able to enjoy long walks on Dartmoor with family and friends. Her passions range from the zen (practicing yoga) to the rather less zen (watching Exeter Chiefs rugby).Connect with Tabbin:Website:  https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winetowatercoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winetowatercoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almond LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wine-to-water-coaching 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.comInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyProduced 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