The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast

This week we talk all things Dry January, and it’s just Steve and James — no guest, just an open, honest chat to kick off 2026. We talk about what Dry January is really like once you’re a few days in, why so many people are doing it this year, and the kind of wins people start to notice when alcohol’s out of the picture. We also get into alcohol-free drinks (including a few favourites), and why community can make a big difference when it feels a bit isolating. If you’re doing Dry January, thinking about it, or already questioning how it’s going to go, this is a relaxed listen to keep you moving in the right direction. Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : 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  

This week on The Alcohol-Free Revolution Podcast, we’re joined by a true pioneer of the alcohol-free movement, Laura Willoughby MBE. Laura’s career began in local government, where she quickly established herself as a powerful voice for change. At just 30 years old, she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her work — a sign of the impact she was already making. In 2013, Laura made the decision to go alcohol-free. That decision didn’t just change her own life — it went on to shape an entire movement. She is the founder of Club Soda, an organisation that has sat at the very heart of the alcohol-free space ever since, challenging the way we think about drinking and giving people practical, compassionate alternatives. When it comes to raising awareness of alcohol-free living, few — if any — have done more. Laura’s work has helped normalise choice, reduce stigma, and open up a completely different conversation around alcohol. She is a genuine trailblazer in this space, and it’s an honour to welcome Laura Willoughby MBE to the podcast. Connect with Laura and Club Soda: Insta:  @joinclubsoda Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : 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  

This week, we’re welcoming our second ever international guest, joining us all the way from Austin, Texas — Scot Maitland. Scot is a passionate alcohol-free mixologist who became frustrated with the same old options being offered in pubs and bars: sugary, fizzy drinks passed off as “non-alcoholic alternatives.” Instead of accepting that, Scot built a framework for creating sophisticated, adult, alcohol-free drinks — without relying on alcohol at all. Through his company, The Elevated Bar, Scot delivers cutting-edge corporate workshops, retail activations, and public education, helping people rethink what’s possible without booze. This isn’t about making mocktails. It’s about understanding the science, structure, and sensory experience behind truly elevated non-alcoholic beverages. Connect with Scot www.thelevatedbear.com Insta: @theElevatedBear Newsletter: https://the-elevated-bear.myflodesk.com/dry-january Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : 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

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      

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

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

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      

  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      

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  

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