

The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast
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The Alcohol-Free Revolution is an honest, uplifting, and thought-provoking podcast hosted by Steve Smith and James Lloyd—two people who didn’t hit “rock bottom,” but simply reached a point where drinking no longer matched the life they wanted to build.
Each week, we explore what happens when you step away from alcohol: the clarity that returns, the identity shifts, the surprising challenges, and the unexpected joys. This isn’t a lecture, a rulebook, or a moral crusade. It’s a real conversation about modern life, habits, wellbeing, and what it means to create a life that actually feels like your own.
We talk openly about the social pressure to drink, the fear of standing out, the role alcohol plays in relationships, confidence, work, and weekends—and why so many people are quietly questioning it. Along the way, we share personal stories, reflections, mindset shifts, and the lessons we’re learning as we navigate our own alcohol-free journeys.
Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, already alcohol-free, or simply exploring a different way of living, this podcast is here to help you feel understood, supported, and part of something that’s growing fast: a new normal where feeling good is more important than fitting in.
Welcome to the Revolution.
Each week, we explore what happens when you step away from alcohol: the clarity that returns, the identity shifts, the surprising challenges, and the unexpected joys. This isn’t a lecture, a rulebook, or a moral crusade. It’s a real conversation about modern life, habits, wellbeing, and what it means to create a life that actually feels like your own.
We talk openly about the social pressure to drink, the fear of standing out, the role alcohol plays in relationships, confidence, work, and weekends—and why so many people are quietly questioning it. Along the way, we share personal stories, reflections, mindset shifts, and the lessons we’re learning as we navigate our own alcohol-free journeys.
Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, already alcohol-free, or simply exploring a different way of living, this podcast is here to help you feel understood, supported, and part of something that’s growing fast: a new normal where feeling good is more important than fitting in.
Welcome to the Revolution.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2025 • 59min
Ep 25: Daniel Avener - ClubSobr
This week, we’re joined by Daniel Avener, Founder & CEO of ClubSobr.
ClubSobr is a global community created for people who want to live fully, connect deeply, and celebrate — without alcohol at the centre. Its mission is simple but powerful: to make sobriety and mindful drinking aspirational, inclusive, and global.
Daniel is also an ICF-accredited business coach and recovery coach, supporting individuals and communities as they redefine what it truly means to thrive — in work, relationships, and life — without relying on alcohol.
Learn more about ClubSobr:
Insta:
@clubsobr
Web:
www.clubsobr.com
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032

Dec 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
Ep: 24 Dr Emma Davies: Alcohol and Cancer what the research really says
In this week’s episode, we’re focusing on an area where the science is clear but the public message is not: the connection between alcohol and cancer. We’re joined by Dr Emma Davies, a prominent researcher in alcohol behaviour and public health, and a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. Emma’s work spans alcohol harm reduction, behaviour change, and how people interpret health information, and she has published widely in this field. With her expertise, we explore what the evidence tells us, why awareness remains so low, and what needs to shift for people to have a fuller understanding of the risks.
Connect with Dr Emma:
https://www.instagram.com/dr_emma_davies_/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emma-l-davies-3b65156a/
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032

Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep:23 Guest episode Jess Goyder: National grief awareness week
Released during National Grief Awareness Week, this episode explores how grief shapes our lives — and how it often influences the ways we cope, including our relationship with alcohol.
We’re joined by Jess Goyder: Oxford University graduate, Grief Recovery Specialist, coach, mentor, and accomplished speaker. Jess supports both individuals and organisations using an evidence-based model that helps people understand and move through grief in all its forms.
And it’s not just bereavement.
Jess works with the quieter, often overlooked losses that deeply affect how we feel and behave — divorce, workplace change, chronic illness, identity shifts, and everything in between.
Together, we unpack what grief really is, why so many of us struggle to talk about it, and how unprocessed grief can silently drive habits, patterns, and coping mechanisms — including drinking.
This conversation brings clarity, compassion, and language to experiences many people carry alone, and offers powerful insight for anyone exploring an alcohol-free path.
Interested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with Jess:
https://griefisnatural.com
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032

Nov 27, 2025 • 48min
Ep: 22 The Community is here!!
This week marks a huge moment for us — the official launch of the Alcohol-Free Revolution Community. Yes…! we’re opening the doors at last. In this episode and we couldn’t be more excited.
No guest this week we’re just here to talk about what the community is, who it’s for, and why we believe it’s going to change the game for anyone wanting to explore an alcohol-free life with consistency, support, and momentum.
We also dive into some of the biggest challenges people face at this time of year. With Christmas parties, family drinking rituals, social pressure, and the “I’ll start in January” trap, December can feel like a minefield. We break down practical, realistic tactics you can use to stay confident, calm, and alcohol-free — without feeling like you’re missing out.
From navigating work events to setting boundaries to shifting your mindset around tradition and enjoyment, we cover the tools, insights, and reframes that make the festive season not just survivable, but genuinely enjoyable AF.
nterested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032

Nov 16, 2025 • 49min
Episode 21: The Awkward First Conversations, Living Alcohol-Free When Your Partner Isn’t, and Our AF Community News
This week, it’s just Steve and James in the studio, diving straight into three topics that come up time and time again when people decide to take a break from alcohol.
We start with the big one: what to actually say when you first tell people you’re not drinking. The nerves, the overthinking, the awkwardness — and the simple, confident lines that genuinely work in real life.
We also explore another common challenge: going alcohol-free when your partner still drinks. How to navigate different choices under the same roof, how to keep communication strong, and how to stay aligned without creating tension.
And finally, we share an update on the upcoming launch of the Alcohol-Free Revolution Community — what it is, who it’s for, what to expect, and why we believe it’s going to become such an important space for anyone wanting to build momentum heading into the end of the year
Interested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032

Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep: 20 David Hodgson — “Alcohol-Liberated Excellence”
In this episode, we’re joined by David Hodgson, Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of ZENO Wines
With over 30 years of experience in the wine industry, David founded Vinolo Ltd more than nine years ago, driven by a mission to create wines that deliver true enjoyment — without compromise. His vision led to the creation of ZENO, a collection of alcohol-free wines that capture the craftsmanship, complexity, and connection of great winemaking, minus the alcohol.
Importantly, David is alcohol-free himself, bringing not just professional expertise but personal passion to his mission — understanding first-hand the value of quality, connection, and celebration without alcohol.
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a truly satisfying alcohol-free wine, this conversation is for you. We explore David’s journey, the innovation behind ZENO’s process, and how he’s helping to elevate the entire alcohol-free category — one glass at a time.
Enjoy the show!!
Interested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with David:
David Hodgson MBA – LinkedIn
Connect with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Connect with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links

Nov 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 19 — Nick Elston: From Corporate Burnout to Courageous Change
This week, we’re joined by Nick Elston — Mental Health Advocate, Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, and the man many know as “That Big Guy with the Cap & Beard.”
Nick’s story is one of honest self-reflection and courageous transformation. After years working in the corporate world — where high pressure and pub culture often blurred together — alcohol became part of the backdrop. It wasn’t the problem, but it was definitely part of the picture.
Alongside this, Nick was also navigating OCD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, which added another layer to his experience of stress, identity, and coping.
Six and a half years ago, he decided to make a change and quit drinking for good. Around the same time, he founded Forging People, where he helps others find their voice through Transformational Speaking Coaching — empowering people to speak with confidence, share with purpose, and lead conversations that truly matter.
Today, Nick works with some of the biggest brands and organisations on the planet, bringing raw authenticity and powerful storytelling to the worlds of mental health, leadership, and human connection.
This is a conversation about self-awareness, resilience, and what happens when you stop hiding behind the mask — and start showing up as who you really are.
Interested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with Nick
Web:
www.nickelston.com
Connect with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Connect with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links

Oct 26, 2025 • 59min
EP 18: Maggie Klaassens
Episode 18 — Featuring Maggie Klaassens (Sober Life Collective)
Today we’re joined by our very first international guest on the podcast, the amazing Maggie Klaassens, all the way from Virginia, USA. She’s the founder of the Sober Life Collective and the powerhouse behind the global Sober Summit.
Maggie’s journey began in that “grey-area” space so many people relate to — when drinking isn’t rock bottom, but it’s quietly limiting your potential. Rather than waiting for a crisis, she chose curiosity, change, and a brighter way of living. That shift didn’t just transform her own life. It sparked a worldwide community that champions clarity, connection, and confidence without alcohol.
In this episode, we explore what truly becomes possible when you step away from the default drinking culture and step into a life you don’t need to escape from.
Whether you’re AF already, sober-curious, or somewhere in the messy middle, this episode is not to be missed.
Interested in Joining our AF community??
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with Maggie:
https://soberlifecollective.com/
Connect with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Connect with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links

Oct 19, 2025 • 1h
Ep:17 Guest Episode Katie Skelton
In this weeks episode we welcome Katie Skelton:
Katie is CEO at Little Green Duck. A Marketing Strategy business she setup over 7 years, following a successful career in Outside Broadcasting, where she cut her teeth at the BBC.
Following a 9 month around the world adventure with her husband and 2 young children, she returned home only to be greeted by the COVID lockdown. Like many of us, an unhealthy drinking habit followed. But by December of 2020, Katie decided that alcohol was taking more than it was giving and she decided to kick it into touch for good. Since then, Katie’s family and professional life has gone from strength to strength and she’s never looked back.
In this episode of The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast, Katie shares her story and how much better her life is without alcohol holding her back.
Connect: with Katie: www.littlegreenduck.co.uk
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/katieskelton
Interested in Joining our AF community
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Connect with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links

Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP 16: Andy Delderfield: Alcohol Free Runners & Take a Clean Break
Andy Delderfield is the founder of Alcohol Free Runners as well as Take a Clean Break along with Rich Casement.
Alcohol-free since 2019, Andy has channelled the energy he once spent on drinking into running, adventure, and helping others transform their own relationship with alcohol. From completing gruelling ultra-endurance challenges in sub-zero conditions and deserts to coaching runners at every stage of their journey, he embodies what’s possible when you choose to remove alcohol.
In this episode, Andy shares:
how going alcohol-free reshaped his mindset and his identity
what ultra-running taught him about resilience and recovery
and why community and movement are powerful tools for long-term change.
Connect with Andy at:
Insta:
afrunners.com
linktr.ee/take.a.cleanbreak
Interested in Joining our AF community
Email ‘Interested’ to:
mailto:Info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Connect with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Connect with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links


