The Big Drink Rethink

Have you ever found yourself reaching for that habitual alcoholic evening drink and wondering if there's another way to unwind? In this episode your host Anna will unpack a treasure chest of alternatives, strategies, and heart-to-heart advice to support you in addressing habitual evening drinking.Anna also dives into the reality behind our 'enjoyment' of alcohol, challenges the status quo with alcohol-free alternatives, and shares some useful journaling prompts to help listeners unwind for a better night’s sleep.Tune in to get some great advice and tips on how to establish a healthier evening routine without alcohol.Here are the highlights:04:06 Alcohol-free drinks - use for behaviour change.11:28 Humans lie to themselves, and embrace new habits.14:11 Alcohol impairs productivity, resilience, and well-being.17:29 Limit evening drinking to achieve a focused mindset.23:27 Combat drinking habits by shaking up dinner routines.26:53 Brain needs time to wind down naturally.29:35 Reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and emotions.32:42 Identify worries, offer advice, and let go.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/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

Today Anna explores the relationship between alcohol and sleep with certified Sleep Consultant, Maryanne Taylor. Get ready to challenge your beliefs about nightcaps and nocturnal rest, as we discuss the not-so-sweet dreams that booze can bring.Maryanne shares her own experiences with disrupted sleep and anxiety, shining a light on the common yet misunderstood label of 'insomniac.' Whilst Anna, shares her stories of very broken, fitful sleep, as a result of drinking. Both look at alternatives to alcohol for winding down and re-evaluate how to approach nighttime routines. From journals to relaxation techniques, Maryanne offers healthier, actionable suggestions on how to improve and sustain better sleep.Here are the highlights:04:06 Sleep linked to memory retention.09:24 Partial awakenings during sleep cycles affect awareness.11:12 Sleep cycles last about 45 minutes each.14:17 Alcohol disrupts sleep, and affects mood and balance.18:45 Alcohol disrupts the body's natural processes, causing fatigue.19:48 Excessive alcohol causes anxiety and sleep troubles.25:11 Good sleepers don't have a quick fix.29:35 Arguing against drinking for better sleep, suggesting alternatives.30:29 Recognise your sleep needs, replace alcohol with relaxation.33:47 Journaling is like clearing your mind's clutter.41:59 Alcohol disrupts the body's natural sedation processes.43:55 Patience and envisioning life without alcohol.47:50 Improving sleep is possible through self-awareness.About Maryanne TaylorMaryanne is a highly experienced Sleep Consultant with a passion for helping and supporting adolescents and adults overcome sleep challenges. She is the founder of The Sleep Works, a consultancy through which she  offers a signature 1:1 Transformation Programme, designed to address the unique needs of her clients. She guides and supports her clients through a comprehensive journey toward better sleep and improved well-being. She also shares her expertise through webinars,workshops, and sleep clinics, covering a wide range of sleep-related topics.Connect with Maryanne:Website: www.thesleepworks.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannet/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

In this episode, host Anna Donaghey dives into the world of alcohol-free drinks with special guest Howard Davies, co-founder of the Salcombe Distilling Company. Together, they discuss the rising trend of non-alcoholic drinks, the complexity of creating exceptional alcohol-free spirits, and the growing market for these unique beverages. Join us as we rethink how we drink and discover the value of exploring new flavours and alternatives to our traditional tipples.Here are the highlights:00:01 Business inspired by a love of the sea, and ocean.07:02 Discussion on non-alcoholic spirits and product range.09:23 Non-alcoholic drinks need a unique, memorable edge.13:08 Consumers seek non-alcoholic alternatives for a balanced lifestyle.16:35 Passion for creating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages.18:43 Increasing interest in non-alcoholic spirits, from reluctance to enthusiasm in venues.22:39 Non-alcoholic spirits are seldom consumed during meals.27:20 Balancing cost savings with production complexity in spirits.28:54 Distillation increases alcohol, and extracts flavour.About Howard Davies:Howard is a Co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Company which was born from his and his co-founder Angus’ love of being on and around the water ever since they were kids – sailing around the beautiful Salcombe Estuary, and then as they got older, enjoying a Gin & Tonic as a waterside sundowner. This provided the inspiration for starting Salcombe Distilling Co. which produces the internationally award winning spirits including Salcombe Gin, Salcombe Rum and New London Light; their range of non-alcoholic spirits. In addition to a keen love of spirits and watersports Howard is a strong advocate for ocean conservation and has created a partnership with the Marine Conservation Society in which 1% of sales proceeds are donated to support ocean regeneration projects.Connect with Howard:Website: https://newlondonlight.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/NewLondonLightInstagram: www.instagram.com/newlondonlightAbout 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

In today's episode, Anna is sharing tools to help you take charge and reassess your life's priorities. It's about shaking off the chains of perfectionism that too often hold us back. She reflects that it is the high expectations that we set for ourselves and others that can create undue stress in our lives, and why it's essential to get comfortable with the full spectrum of our emotions, not just the positive ones. To help you gauge and cultivate a more satisfying life, she introduces the "Wheel of Life" exercise, a tool for scoring your happiness across various life segments. She also looks at the role that alcohol plays in our lives and how cutting back can open new doors to achievement and fulfilment.Here are the highlights:04:06 Various practices can reduce stress and improve well-being.09:29 Distinction between control and taking charge explained.10:17 Important self-reflection: expectations, failure, self-talk.15:42 Managing stress involves embracing negative emotions too.16:45 Social media portrays idealised lives and breeds insecurity.20:40 Striving for personal growth and fulfilment.25:28 Assess different dimensions of life and prioritise changes.27:11 Assessing life goals and alcohol's impact.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.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 talks with the inspirational Laura Bartlett, who embraced sobriety just over a year ago. Laura, the founder of House of Coco magazine, shares her remarkable journey of entrepreneurship rooted in resilience, after television. Her decision to give up alcohol 16 months ago has led to an incredible transformation in her personal and professional life, emphasising the power of choice to live authentically and without labelsListen to this episode as we reflect on the power of belief, the lessons learned through failure, and the impact of personal authenticity on rewriting our own stories.Here are the highlights:04:48 Parents instilled the importance of happiness after family tragedy.07:25 Parents' influence, self-discovery, and living fearlessly.12:04 Committing to self brings positive transformation and gains.15:10 Realising how alcohol impacting life17:41 Making an absolute decision is empowering.22:23 Seeking purpose leads to self-improvement and inspiration.29:52 From champagne to sobriety - a transformation story.33:40 Embracing failure as a chance to learn.36:58 Self-compassion and kindness are crucial to alcohol journey.39:10 Realised fear of failure disguised as motivation.44:43 Establishing a disciplined morning routine for productivity.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/bigdrinkrethinkAbout Laura Bartlett:Laura Bartlett is the founder and editor-in-chief of House of Coco. She fell in love with the media industry while working in radio before being headhunted to write for a local business and restaurant magazine in Leeds. In 2013, aged just 23, she launched Urban Coco, a magazine for independent fashion brands outside of London. Despite an unsuccessful appearance on Dragon’s Den, Bartlett took the magazine into 16 countries before the company went into liquidation. Undeterred, in 2014 Bartlett founded House of Coco, a luxury travel magazine for millennials. Staffed by 28 freelancers around the world – known as Team Coco. Laura's journey is more than a narrative of triumph over adversity; it is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief.. Website: https://houseofcoco.netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartlettlauraInstagram: instagram.com/laurabartlett0Produced 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 this episode, we acknowledge alcohol as the nation's favourite coping mechanism and uncover its true effects on our well-being. Anna Donaghey, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with our guest, William Porter, a former paratrooper turned lawyer and author of "Alcohol Explained" and "Alcohol Explained 2". Together, they candidly discuss their personal experiences, confronting the impact of alcohol on sleep, mental health, and our ability to cope. From their own journeys to understanding the addictive nature of alcohol and its effects, this episode provides valuable insights into rethinking our relationship with alcohol. Join us as we uncover the truths about alcohol and discover new coping strategies to lead a more fulfilling and vibrant life.Here are the highlights:06:36 Science and personal experiences lead to addiction.13:29 The brain maintains a chemical balance; alcohol disrupts it.17:44 Struggled with cravings but found analysing helpful.25:47 Take a month off from alcohol and continue life.36:46 Adopt good sleep habits to promote natural, restorative sleep.38:10 Consuming alcohol affects sleep and natural sedatives.43:54 Alcohol, exhaustion and anxiety55:28 Alcohol disrupted sleep, and impacted family life.01:00 Drinking once seemed essential, but life is now so much better.About William Porter:William Porter brings a unique and refreshingly pragmatic approach to drinking and addiction. His first book, ‘Alcohol Explained: Understand Why You Drink And How to Stop’ was published in 2015 and is considered by many to be the seminal work on understanding alcohol dependency. His second book ‘Alcohol Explained 2: Tools for a Stronger Sobriety’ offers brilliant advice for those wanting to take control of their drinking. An ex-British Army paratrooper who served in Iraq, he now lives with his wife and two sons in West London.Connect with William:Website: alcoholexplained.comBooks: ‘Alcohol Explained – Understand Why You Drink And How to Stop’, ‘Alcohol Explained 2 – Tools for a Stronger Sobriety’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.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 this episode, "Toolbox 101: Mindful drinking basics”, your host Anna brings together the key advice and tools discussed in the previous few episodes. Not least the concept of mindful drinking and insight that comes from understanding the motivations behind our own drinking behaviours. She discusses the different types of drinkers, the principle of knowing how many units you consume and some practical strategies for reducing that number. Here are the highlights:04:10 Observe behaviour, understand reasons, and become self-aware.07:17 Challenges of not drinking in social settings.10:04 Excessive drinking leads to impaired judgment, addiction.17:23 Moderation in alcohol consumption is crucial.23:29 Cut out unnecessary drinks for better value.26:30 Overdrinking leads to empty calories and regrets.28:15 Anna’s six-week, coaching-led ‘Rethink’ program 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.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 this episode, we dive deep into our society's enduring and complex relationship with alcohol. Host Anna Donaghey and guest Professor David Nutt, a renowned expert in neuropsychopharmacology, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the glamorisation of alcohol in media, the impact of advertising on drinking habits, and the influence of the drinks industry on policies and public perception. They explore the historical and societal roots of alcohol's prevalence and shed light on the surprising realities of alcohol's effects on health and mental well-being. Together they reflect on the signs of a shift in alcohol culture and offer practical tips for mindful drinking.Here are the highlights:01:25 Alcohol's persistence due to historical and social factors.05:49 European drinking habits, influenced by history, differ.07:10 The point in UK history when alcohol consumption really grew.09:21 Why alcohol is our social drug of choice.15:03 The social benefits of alcohol. 20:25 The power of the drinks industry in government policy. 27:11 Obsession with wine and its health impacts.30:18 Alcohol: impacts on healthcare, taxes, and consumption.38:38 Fear of social isolation in drinking cessation.42:14 Years of investment led to a successful drink.43:50 Creating sociability through affordable alcohol alternatives.49:50 Awareness of drinking habits leads to consciousness.51:42 Drinking for stress relief can be concerning.About Professor David Nutt:David Nutt is currently the Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. He is also the Chair of DrugScience (formally the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs (ISCD) and President of the European Brain Council. David’s Book:  ‘Drink? The New Science of Alcohol And Your Health’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drink-Science-Alcohol-Your-Health/dp/152939323XFind out more about the Gaba-based drink Sentia: https://sentiaspirits.com/Find out more about David’s research and work into drugs: https://www.drugscience.org.uk/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.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 The Big Drink Rethink, the brand NEW podcast that explores how our alcohol culture is shifting, challenges conventional attitudes and promotes more mindful, informed choices about drinking. In today's episode, ‘What The Big Drink Think is All About’, your host Anna Donaghey opens up about her personal journey of rethinking her relationship with alcohol. In sharing her own experience, Anna delves into the detrimental impact that alcohol had on her life, the stigma surrounding drinking problems, and the flawed concept of categorising individuals as "normal drinkers" or "alcoholics." She also discusses her decision to no longer drink and her role as an Alcohol Mindset Coach. Join us as we explore the need to collectively rethink our society's attitude towards alcohol addiction, and how important it is that we can offer diverse support options for those struggling.  This opening episode is Anna’s invitation to get on board The Big Drink Rethink and gather the knowledge to make it personal to you. Here are the highlights:05:13 Gratitude for having avoided rock bottom, but realisation of the impact alcohol was having.07:00 Struggling with alcohol, but resistance to admitting to a problem.10:28 Navigating alcohol complexities, seeking understanding and change.14:40 This podcast is about sharing insights, challenging beliefs, and redefining relationships with alcohol.18:57 So much blame for alcohol addiction sits with society, not the individuals.22:37 Opening doors for a culture that promotes healthier alcohol choices 26:45 Questioning life; sobriety often leads to a much happier life.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 over 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.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 episode, host Anna Donaghey sits down with the insightful Adrian Chiles, a British writer and television & radio presenter. He openly documented his close relationship with alcohol in the BBC documentary "Drinkers Like Me" and he is also the author of "The Good Drinker, How I Learned to Love Drinking Less." Adrian shares his personal journey of realising the need to re-evaluate his drinking habits and the transformation that ensued. Together, he and Anna delve into the discrepancies between idealised marketing images of alcohol and the harsh realities of drinking, challenging conventional notions and offering alternative perspectives. Join us as we unravel the thought-provoking conversation on mindfulness, moderation, and the profound impact of drinking culture in the creative industry. Here are the highlights:00:01 The British drinking culture.04:48 The choices Adrian made regarding alcohol moderation.09:19 Re-evaluate drinks for enjoyment, not obligation or habit.10:21 Mindful drinking prompts thoughtful and conscious consumption.20:55 TV advertising distorts the reality of alcohol consumption.25:29 Admitting past habits, seeking validation in career.29:55 Alcoholism as a disease is an unhelpful categorisation.38:48 Moderating drinking is harder than stopping completely.40:51 Drink less, enjoy life more.About 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.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.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