The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast

  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  

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

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  

Explore the transformative power of Sober October and the hidden benefits of going alcohol-free. Discover the importance of community support in breaking old habits and staying motivated. Learn how to track your progress with simple journaling tips and gain insights into successful mindset shifts. Delve into impactful quit lit and podcasts that can inspire your journey. Plus, find out about an exciting new community initiative aimed at fostering connection and support for those embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

This week we’re joined by Denise Hamilton‑Mace — founder of Low No Drinker Magazine and host of the podcast Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife. After 24 years in hospitality, Denise re-evaluated her relationship with alcohol and now helps others explore life with more clarity, balance, and intention — especially in the “grey area” between drinking and sobriety. In this episode, we cover: What mindful drinking actually looks like The fascinating reality and buckets of information behind no & low drinks How the Low and No drinks market has changed and is growing Denise is more than a voice in the alcohol-free space — she’s a builder of platforms. Through Low No Drinker Magazine and her podcast Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife, she’s created a growing hub for honest, inclusive conversations about drinking less — without judgement or strict labels. Her work regularly features experts, founders, and everyday voices who are changing the way we think about alcohol, wellbeing, and identity in our 30s, 40s, and beyond. 🔗 Connect with Denise: Website: https://www.lownodrinker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisehamiltonmace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisehamiltonmace 🎧 Listen to her podcast: Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1701338793 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XkIkVfPEOdfpyYe9SbDBx Buzzsprout: https://lownodrinkerpodcast.buzzsprout.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

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Harrison Ward, known to many as The Fell Foodie — outdoor cook, mental health speaker, and one of the most authentic voices in the alcohol-free space today. Harrison’s story is one of transformation through grit, nature, and fire-cooked food. There was a time when Harrison was drinking over 20 pints a day, battling depression, obesity, and suicidal thoughts. Today, he’s become a beacon of change — preparing gourmet meals on mountain tops, sharing his journey openly, and helping others find strength in the outdoors. He’s been featured on BBC’s Love to Cook with Mary Berry, Channel 5’s Winter on the Farm, and was named an Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion for his work promoting wellbeing through nature. In this episode, we explore: His journey from rock bottom to fell tops Why sobriety gave him back his voice — and his future The link between cooking, mental clarity, and mindfulness And what it means to build a life that’s not just alcohol-free, but fully alive. Connect with Harrison: Instagram: @fellfoodie Website: fellfoodie.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

Andy Ramage, a best-selling author and founder of Coach Business School, shares his transformative journey from commodities broking to pioneering the alcohol-free movement. He reveals the challenges he faced when quitting alcohol at the peak of his career and discusses how this decision sparked a global mission to empower others. Andy also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming documentary 'Going Dry' and addresses the evolving drinking culture among younger generations, emphasizing community support and the importance of purposeful coaching.

🎙️ Bonus Episode: In this episode, we turn the mic on our very own co-host, Steve Smith — alcohol-free performance coach, ultramarathon runner, and founder of Soberilliant.   In this special episode, Steve shares his own journey — from flair bartending and late nights in London, to Ironman finish lines and 200-mile ultramarathons. It’s a story of quiet questioning, dad-life wake-up calls, and discovering just how much more is possible without alcohol in the way.   Steve opens up about: – Growing up around drinking and the bar culture that shaped him – The moment he knew things had to change (but didn’t — not yet) – The shift from foggy hangovers to focused endurance training – How sobriety helped him become a better dad, coach, and leader – Why he now helps high-performing dads rethink their own relationship with alcohol   If you’ve ever wondered what really changes when you stop drinking — beyond the early wins — this episode is packed with perspective, real talk, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite the script. James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032   Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links

In this episode, we’re joined by Helen Sadler, co-host of the Flixwatcher Podcast, as she reflects on her changing relationship with alcohol — from her early experiences growing up in the heart of 90s ‘ladette’ culture, drinking norms, to weekends at festivals and beyond. Helen shares how alcohol was deeply woven into socialising, identity and fun — and how, over time, she began to quietly question whether it was still serving her. Her story is a relatable and reflective look at how many of us carry our drinking habits forward by default — until we don’t. We talk about the pressure to drink in your 20s, how our social norms shape our choices, and why festivals and fun don’t have to disappear just because alcohol does.   This episode is for anyone who’s felt like the odd one out for questioning the norm — and proof that you can rewrite the story on your own terms.   🔗  Connect with us James: 🌐 Web: alcoholfreecoach.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032   Steve: 🌐 Web: soberilliant.com 📱 Insta & Links: soberilliant.com/all-my-links   Helen / Flixwatcher: 📸 Instagram: @flixwatcher

Bonus Episode: This week, we flip the script — and Steve interviews his co-host, James Lloyd, alcohol-free coach and creator of The 60-Day Control Reset. In this powerful conversation, James shares the personal journey that led him to ditch alcohol in 2021 — not because he hit rock bottom, but because he knew deep down something had to change. We talk about: – How learning about neuroscience and habit loops changed everything – The cascade of benefits that followed his first alcohol-free 60 days — from energy and weight loss to sleep, exercise, and joy – And why this is about expansion, not restriction James also breaks down his coaching philosophy, how he supports high-achieving professionals through alcohol-free transformation, and the mindset shift that helped him — and now his clients — finally take control. James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032   Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links