Episodes
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Alcohol steals genuine happiness, replacing it with fleeting, artificial pleasure. Todayâs Q&A delves into a poignant question from a listener struggling to sustain sobriety due to missing the high from alcohol. Anna unpacks the psychological and physiological aspects of this challenge, offering insights into why we crave that fleeting euphoria and the long-term toll it takes on our bodies. She explores alternatives that can replace the artificial pleasure of alcohol with natural highs, providing a pathway to recalibrate our bodies and rediscover true joy in everyday moments. Tune in to explore ways to rethink and reshape your relationship with alcohol.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 Replace alcohol's high with a new perspective.
04:10 Body releases dynorphin which reduces dopamine euphoria.
08:45 Natural highs replace artificial, amazing daily pleasures.
10:48 Stopping alcohol boosts energy, clarity, and awareness.
13:16 Alcohol steals real joy, offers fleeting happiness.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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What happens when the blurred lines of alcohol culture are brought into sharp focus? Anna and her guest Denise Hamilton-Mace, founder and editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, break down the silos in alcohol culture.
Join them as they discuss moderation, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, and making informed choices.
In this engaging conversation, Anna explores the evolving landscape of the sober curious movement with Denise, who shares her personal journey from a flourishing hospitality career to pioneering a magazine dedicated to low and no alcohol beverages. Despite facing challenges, Denise's passion for promoting a balanced approach to drinking shines through, inspiring others to explore healthier alternatives without judgment.
Tune in to Anna and Denise, as they explore the importance of moderation as a personal choice, the impactful role of the magazine, and how breaking down traditional barriers in alcohol culture can lead to a more inclusive and mindful way of living.
Here are the highlights:
04:47 Denise realised alcohol wasn't serving her, and cut back.
12:22 Small brands struggle due to lack of funding.
14:32 Low alcohol draft faces logistical and demand challenges.
17:56 Entrepreneurs make unique drinks with inspiring stories.
20:49 Founders defy traditional rules; innovation prevails.
23:20 Prioritise reader needs; share relatable personal stories.
34:46 Magazine breaks silos, offering diverse lifestyle choices.
40:13 Moderation is personal, requiring tolerance and acceptance.
44:49 Predicts growth in mid-range light alcohol market.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Denise Hamilton Mace:
At the age of 45, Denise transformed her relationship with alcohol into a mission to inspire others. Once immersed in London's vibrant bar scene, she now champions a "life less intoxicated" through her creation, Low No Drinker Magazine. With nine issues, 35 podcast episodes, and numerous speaking engagements under her belt, she's become a leading voice in the low/no alcohol movement.
Her journey from party-goer to wellness advocate began during a transformative period of lockdown redundancy and motherhood. Embracing personal fitness and education, she discovered the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption. Today, she's not here to judge or preach sobriety, but to support those seeking a more balanced lifestyle. Through her work, she proves it's never too late to reinvent oneself and find a new purpose that resonates with personal growth and societal change.
Find out...
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Episodes manquant?
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In this Q&A episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most pressing questions for anyone reevaluating their relationship with alcohol: is moderation possible? She meticulously unpacks the complexities of drinking in moderation. Drawing from her personal journey and extensive coaching experience, she offers a nuanced perspective on whether it's achievable and the challenges that come with it. Whether you're considering moderating alcohol or contemplating an all-or-nothing approach, this episode sheds light on the psychological, physiological, and emotional factors at play. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice.
Here are the highlights:
00:52 Can you actually moderate alcohol?
05:50 Moderation is possible, but the real strength is when alcohol is irrelevant.
07:29 Decision fatigue depletes willpower.
11:06 Tolerance leads to increased alcohol consumption over time.
15:35 Alcohol raises your Blood Alcohol Content, causes euphoria, then declines.
17:34 80% prefer quitting alcohol over moderating consumption
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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How does alcohol really affect your health? Anna is joined by Professor Charlie Knowles, a renowned medic and author, to shed light on the complex relationship between alcohol and our bodies. They explore the popular perception that a glass of red wine a day is beneficial and address its potential role in increasing the risk of serious health issues, including various types of cancer. Together they discuss how alcohol, a Group 1 carcinogen, affects everything from our DNA and gut microbiome to our social behaviours, and touch on the ethical responsibility of the medical profession and the drinks industry to inform the public about these risks, especially against the backdrop of aggressive alcohol advertising. There is a thin line between moderate consumption and dependency, significant global social consequences of alcohol, and staggering costs of alcohol-related harm. So, whether you're curious about cutting back or just want to make more informed choices, stay tuned as we rethink the big drink together!
Here are the highlights:
03:55 Professor Charlie Knowles' writing his book.
13:00 How alcohol spreads through the body and affects it.
20:37 Common reflux disease linked to obesity and cancer.
32:30 Alcohol benefits for heart health questioned and debated.
35:50 Changes in DNA can increase cancer risk.
45:54 Know the risks and make decisions.
49:07 Dependency, long-term memory and behaviour issues.
53:47 Biology and alcohol: understanding addiction.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Charles Knowles:
Charles Knowles is Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London and a colorectal surgeon. He is author of the book âWhy We Drink Too Much: the new science of alcoholâ which will be published by Macmillan in the UK, Commonwealth, US and Canada in January 2026. The book entwines his own journey with an understanding of the effects of alcohol in the body and brain, and how this informs rational approaches to stopping or moderating consumption.
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Anna unravels the calculated persuasion behind glossy alcohol ads and their seductive campaigns, exposing how they obscure the true realities of alcohol's impact on our lives. In this compelling solo episode of The Big Drink Rethink Anna talks from the heart. With her 25 years of experience in the advertising world, she examines the insidious world of alcohol advertising with passion, knowledge and unflinching honesty. With nearly ÂŁ1 billion spent annually in the UK alone to promote these beverages, she questions whether what's being sold is more than just a drink - but a dangerous misconception. Join Anna as she pulls back the curtain on the tactics, the consequences, and the undeniable need for a rethink on how alcohol is marketed to the masses.
Here are the highlights:
02:08 Challenging advertising, beliefs, and conditioning in alcohol.
03:23 Conditioning influences subconscious thoughts.
08:29 Alcohol marketing's significant global economic impact.
13:16 Encouraging drinking through strategic marketing.
16:13 What are brands really trying to sell?
19:05 Increasing sales by targeting demographics.
27:00 A need for tougher alcohol marketing regulations.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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Imagine taking a break from alcohol that's not just a pause, but a transformative experience. In this episode, your host Anna, is exploring how you can make the most of any alcohol-free break. She is also sharing the fundamental principles behind her self-guided programme, sharing how taking a break from the book can be a productive, insightful, and even life-changing journey. So, let's get started!
Here are the highlights:
04:48 Discover the benefits of a month without alcohol.
08:46 Embrace the booze elevator, forget false labels.
12:38 Embrace circumstances, ditch blame, and willpower.
15:28 Willpower isn't enough for long-term behaviour change.
20:05 Curiosity allows for questioning, learning, and growth.
20:55 Shift from loss mindset to gain mindset.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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Weâre exploring the positive impact of stepping off the booze elevator with none other than Janey Lee Grace. She is an author, public speaker, Life Coach, and fervent advocate for healthy living. In this episode she shares her personal struggle with alcohol and how she navigated through the societal norms and medical attitudes surrounding drinking, to find her path to peace.
Together with our host, Anna, Janey emphasises the interconnectedness of proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle practices in supporting sobriety. They touch on the guilt and shame often felt when quitting, but also highlight the overwhelming benefits of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. From improved health and energy levels to enhanced self-worth and emotional empowerment, discover how quitting drinking can transform your life.
Here are the highlights:
03:34 The huge elephant in the room was alcohol and I couldnât grasp that life would be better without it.
12:47 Getting off the booze elevator before it all turns bad.
15:28 Alcohol culture and awareness around drinking is shifting.
24:17 Avoid the term "give up," use âquittingâ or âditching the boozeâ.
31:42 Alcohol's impact on the menopause and body temperature
36:43 Facing challenges led to helping others recover.
41:02 Focus on good food, and make supportive changes.
45:10 Develop awareness of body, thoughts, and emotions. Am I burying emotions with my behaviour?
50:29 When I gave up alcohol I could actually start to like myself again.
If youâre loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Janey Lee Grace:
Janey Lee Grace is an author, public speaker, and life coach trained in NLP, EFT, Matrix and Family Constellations therapy, plus sobriety and health coaching. Formerly she was a broadcaster best known as a co-host on Steve Wright in the afternoon on BBC Radio 2 - she is author of five books on holistic living including two number one amazon best sellers. Janey hosts a podcast Alcohol Free Life which is rated in the Top 5 of all podcasts globally. She presents shows for Uk Health Radio and runs Platinum Awards annually to recognise the best in wellbeing products and services,
Find out more: www.janeyleegrace.com
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In today's episode, we're diving deep into the journey of sobriety milestones with David Wilson, better known as âSober Daveâ. This is Daveâs second time on the podcast, and he has returned to discuss the physical and emotional changes that come with giving up alcohol, and how envisioning future benefits can help make sobriety non-negotiable. Both Anna and Dave share their experiences of navigating holidays, emotional sobriety, and the ever-present struggle with identity and self-development after years of drinking. This episode is packed with valuable strategies, personal stories, and a wealth of support for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
Here are the Highlights:
13:13 Commit to sobriety, plan ahead, and feel empowered.
16:43 Embracing sobriety and helping others with mental health.
19:59 Supportive approach to managing social isolation at work.
23:04 Seek support, and create a personalised plan.
29:25 Successfully managing and enjoying a holiday without drinking.
44:05 Accepting the past, forgiving yourself, and moving forward purposefully.
49:39 Questioning sobriety, finding strength in experience.
54:38 Sobriety brings organisation and peace of mind.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About David Wilson:
Transforming his life in January 2019, David Wilson is a Certified Grey Area Drinking Coach, Trauma Informed Coach and Public Speaker. He 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.
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 is a firm believer that the opposite of addiction is connection, which prompted him to create his own private Facebook groups so like minded people can share and connect in a safe space.
Connect with Dave:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilson
Instagram:
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In this special episode, Anna offers a comprehensive summary of the free tools and resources discussed throughout the series so far. A fantastic collection of strategies, practical tips and reflection exercises to support listeners as they rethink their drinking - whether they are on a mindful drinking journey, or looking to totally quit alcohol.
Tune in to learn more about the valuable tools available on Anna's website, www.thebeliefscoach.com and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Here are the highlights:
05:58 The âvalueâ of your drinks - a reflection tool, promoting moderation awareness.
08:58 Aligning drinking behaviours to happiness, balance, and life fulfillment, and using the wheel of life as a tool.
11:11 Journaling to boost well-being, sleep, and positivity.
15:14 Alcohol damages the brain's prefrontal cortex; meditation strengthens it.
17:42 Free practical tools for rethinking your drinking. Get 50% off the rethink program.
Go to thebeliefscoach.com to download the free tools Anna mentions in the episode.
And apply the discount code POD99 at the Rethink Experiment checkout, to purchase the full programme for just ÂŁ99 (original price ÂŁ199)
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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In this special edition of the "Big Drink Rethink" podcast, host Anna Donaghey steps away from the usual guest format to reflect on the journey so far and welcome new listeners. She revisits her personal transformation from alcohol addiction to becoming an alcohol mindset coach, she recounts some of the key moments from the past five months of the podcast. The show is celebrating over 40,000 downloads and it is clear that people need support for rethinking how they drink. Not only can they listen to the podcast but Anna also introduces tools and free resources available to listeners through her website. Make sure you tune into the episode, which offers a thoughtful overview of the podcast's mission to inspire a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Here are the highlights:
00.10 Helping the show top its category charts on Apple with over 40,000 downloads
04:31 Society's view on drinking is unhelpfully binary, categorising people into "normal drinkers" and "alcoholics".
08:10 Encouraging collective rethinking and celebrating positive changes in how we relate to alcohol.
12:41 Drinking to cope is a dangerous slope. It affects sleep, parenting, and personal potential.
13:59 Shift societal views on alcohol and personal identity.
17:56 Access free tools at thebeliefscoach.com.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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In today's episode, host Anna Donaghey explores the world of conscious consumption with Anna Chalov, co-founder of Bemuse Drinks. They discuss the rising trend of honey for its health and sustainability benefits and dive into Bemuse's B- Corp certification and environmental commitments.
The two Annaâs shed light on the environmental impact of traditional winemaking, and highlight how honey-based drinks can positively affect biodiversity. And they cover the inspiring story of Bemuse's creation during the lockdown, with its mission to provide high-quality, planet-friendly, non-alcoholic options.
Join them as they extend the definition of âmindful drinkingâ - to encapsulate being conscious not just of our alcohol consumption, but also whether our alcohol-free drinks are good for the health of the planet. It's an episode filled with insights on making sustainable and thoughtful choices in our drinking habits.
And Bemuse have kindly offered listeners a 20% discount on purchases through their website Bemuse Non Alcoholic Sparkling Mead â Bemuse Drinks-shop. Please purchase using discount code RETHINK20
Here are the highlights:
06:23 Experienced in new product development and marketing.
10:11 Honey trending due to health and sustainability.
11:06 B Corp certification rewards high social, environmental standards.
17:28 Mindful drinking and choices for a sustainable future.
19:59 Comparison of wine making and apiaries' impact.
23:54 Beekeeping is possible in various environments.
28:52 Innovative product fulfilling mindfulness in drink choices.
35:27 Highly praised product with numerous awards.
44:24 Admiring the vision and sustainability of the brand.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Anna Chalov:
After graduating from London Business School, Anna moved into the world of private banking, dealing with successful entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Her business partner at Bemuse, Nataliya, has a passion for creating and developing new, exciting, and meaningful market innovations.
Together, they combined their business skills, passion for alcohol-free drinks and the natural world to develop Bemuse, curiously modern, effervescent honey wine that promotes both a healthier lifestyle and encourages a balance of everyday life with nature. They wanted a new way of building businesses; one that is not only about profit, but which has ethical values that drive a sustainable and responsible operation. They believe that cities can be green and beautiful and that the countryside can be creative and inspiring, but that more sustainable ways of living and celebrating nature must be
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In this episode, Anna shares 20 expert-backed tips and hacks to help you navigate your drinking choices with more mindfulness and control. From strategic drinking during meals and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, to avoiding rounds or kitties that speed up your intake, sheâs got you covered. She also discusses practical shopping tips, like making dedicated trips to buy alcohol and saying no to wine subscription schemes that anonymise the purchase and heighten the allure of overindulgence.
Whether you're planning a night out or contemplating your weekly drinking routine at home, this toolkit is brimming with actionable advice and effective strategies to moderate your consumption. Tune in to explore what works for you.
Here are the highlights:
03:43 Practical tips for responsible drinking: limit, timing, location, and self-awareness.
09:36 Bubbles in champagne and Prosecco can speed up intoxication.
15:35 Alternate alcohol with water.
19:16 Limit drinks, eat before, avoid third drink.
22:51 Limit pre-party drinking, set specific drinking window.
27:10 Avoid excessive drinking by not drinking alone.
28:26 Limit home drinking, buy only as needed.
32:27 Shop for alcohol intentionally.
34:08 Cancel alcohol subscriptions
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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Anna interviews Dr. Manoj Krishna, a former spine surgeon turned mindfulness advocate, who shares his journey from setting up his medical practice to founding The HappierMe project, which focuses on understanding the mind to overcome human suffering.
Wonderfully insightful, Manoj sheds light on the thought processes that can lead to addiction, and they explore the societal and psychological pressures influencing the younger generation, particularly the impact of social media and constant comparison.
The conversation then explores the essential role of self-enquiry, along with the three vital steps: awareness, ownership, and curiosity. Their conversation challenges conventional ideas about happiness and success, emphasising the power of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and how inner work can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Here are the highlights:
01:59 Understanding the mind leads to less suffering, better humanity.
06:35 Self-awareness involves exploring the mind's layers.
08:28 Comparing ourselves to others creates mental unhappiness.
13:32 Modern world feels out of control, easy to blame others.
26:23 Unconscious thought processes behind addiction and recovery.
29:46 Questioning conditioning, seeking meaning, connection and belonging.
33:07 Unconscious fears and desires shape our lives.
36:25 Curiosity brings compassion for ourselves and others.
44:26 Understanding the mind leads to a joyful 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 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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Dr. Manoj Krishna:
Dr. Manoj Krishna trained as a doctor in India before coming to the UK to pursue a career as a spine surgeon. He left that career after 25 years to write the books Understanding Me, Understanding You- an enquiry into being human, and Stress Free. He started the HappierMe Project and created the HappierMe emotional intelligence app to help reduce suffering, help each person lead a happier and more successful life, and make the world a kinder place.
Understanding ourselves and how our minds work awakens our emotional intelligence, and this can lead to transformation. This can prevent and solve many problems which begin in our thinking: stress, anxiety, relationships breakdown, violence, addiction and division. By understanding ourselves, we can understand others better, leading to more fulfilling relationships. Self-understanding can boost all our soft skills - including communication, leadership, resilience, empathy and critical thinking.
Download the HappierMe app, visit
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Anna explores lower alcohol wines with her special guest, Russell Lamb, co-founder of 6Percent Wine. Russell shares the story behind their innovative 6% alcohol wine, designed to offer a full-flavoured drinking experience without the excess. He shares their business journey from wine tastings to finding the perfect Bordeaux producers, and the surprising feedback from the London Wine Fair. Plus all the regulatory hurdles they've encountered along the way. This episode is packed with insights into the changing drinking culture, mindful moderation, and the exciting future for pioneers like 6Percent - a reminder that the landscape is changing and great new drinks are available for those of us curious to explore it.
Here are the highlights:
02:11 Project manager co-founds inclusive wine company after feeling excluded at a restaurant.
05:51 Challenges and potential in the low-alcohol wine market.
08:37 Diverse wine flavours maintained in signature taste.
11:34 Wine snobbery makes a huge difference in perception.
16:57 Drinks category rethinking to encourage mindful moderation.
22:09 Creating non-alcoholic wine to offer more options.
25:01 Enjoy wine without overindulging.
28:15 Confusion around alcohol labelling laws and categories.
36:47 Challenging perceptions of low alcohol wine quality.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
About Russell Lamb:
Russell is a founder, entrepreneur and experienced business change project manager with a love for wine and life.
Fed up with wine snobs and the complexity of the wine world, he previously co-founded SipIt Wine, a successful wine tasting events and retail company, alongside his wife, Gabi.
Then, two years ago, they became frustrated with high alcohol levels in wine, and couldn't understand why there were no credible lower alcohol options. So they set out on a mission and founded 6Percent - a great tasting, full flavour wine with half the alcohol and half the calories of regular wine.
Connect:
Website: www.6percent.wine
Instagram: www.instagram.com/6percent.wine/
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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Your host, Anna, explores happiness and its intricate relationship with alcohol consumption. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, Anna introduces a straightforward but brilliant tool, designed to give listeners a unique and quantitative measure of their own personal happiness.
Anna guides listeners through an enlightening and reflective exercise, involving the creation of a two-column chart to evaluate how alcohol contributes to or detracts from ten core emotions. By scoring these emotions on a scale of one to ten and noting alcohol's role, listeners can gain a clear and objective understanding of how alcohol influences their emotional well-being.
Tune in to this must-listen episode as Anna challenges the conventional belief that happiness is heavily reliant on external factors like alcohol.
Here are the highlights:
05:40 Alcohol is often linked to happiness, we are conditioned by society.
09:35 Childhood innocence is lost as alcohol dominates adulthood.
13:35 Pursuing euphoria through alcohol, leads to numbness.
14:26 Alcohol can initially bring happiness, then sadness.
18:29 Seeking alcohol for happiness can lead to negativity.
22:39 Assessing alcohol's impact on emotions and happiness.
32:49 Feeling awe and wonder, and understanding the importance of love.
35:29 Check out the exercise on the website and get your discount.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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Anna Donaghey sits down with Alex Clapp, an entrepreneur and advocate for sober socialising. In this episode, you're invited to journey through Alex's personal battle with alcohol addiction and his quest to challenge societal norms surrounding masculinity and emotional vulnerability.
Youâll hear Alexâs story unfold, from growing up in an environment where showing emotion was seen as a weakness, to experiencing significant health challenges that turned his life upside down and forced him to confront his feelings.
Join Anna and Alex as they delve into changing stereotypes, the issues created by emotional suppression, the power of genuine connections, and the concept of sober social events that Alex champions through his business.
Here are the highlights:
01:55 Upbringing in an era of emotional suppression and expectations.
04:06 Built relationships around the drink culture, and it had an impact.
06:37 Hiding true feelings, using alcohol for coping.
12:30 Rehab success rates are often low.
13:43 Personal work leads to a better world.
21:10 Traditional masculinity stereotypes can harm men.
27:50 Shared vulnerability is the truest courage.
32:42 Struggled to be vulnerable, lacking emotional intelligence.
42:13 Discover genuine connections, like being a child.
45:23 Striving for global growth, learning patience.
46:49 Support long-term change and empower individuals' choices.
ï»żAbout 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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
About Alex Clapp:
Alex Clapp has owned multiple businesses in the North West including his flagship firm, County Cost Consultant for 23 years. Earlier this year, Alex co-founded Claritee, a corporate wellness company comprising no alcohol corporate events, bespoke corporate training and the recent establishment of a CIO department.
Claritee was born from Alexâs struggle with addiction as a result of a deteriorating eye condition that developed in 2015. With no confirmed diagnosis, Alex resorted to alcohol to cope with his mental health, covering up to family, friends and peers about his affliction. Thankfully, after seeking help, Alex attended multiple rehabilitation centres and has been sober for 9 months.
Through his own plight, Alex endeavoured to help others in a similar situation; individuals in the corporate sphere who may be struggling to admit vulnerabilities. Clariteeâs mission is to provide services which encourage individuals to prioritise their wellbeing and instill practices to maintain positive mindsets.
Clariteeâs second dry corporate event titled Be The Spirit takes place in Manchester at The Lowry Hotel on the 7th September. Open to all working industries, guests are invited to join the Claritee team for a revolutionary concept brought to the corporate social and networking market.
Connect with...
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Anna Donaghey sits down with Matt Phelan, co-founder of The Happiness Index, to explore what makes us happy and the profound effects of alcohol on personal well-being, safety and relationships.
They challenge the notion of alcohol as a social adhesive, advocating instead for genuine friendships that thrive beyond the presence of a drink. Together, they examine the importance of psychological safety, not only in the workplace but in all aspects of life, and how alcohol can hinder our abilities to meet basic human needs.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that promises to reshape how you view alcohol, happiness, and the strength of your social connections. Tune in as Anna and Matt share their journeys of self-discovery and the ongoing benefits of living an alcohol-free life.
Here are the highlights:
05:09 Neuroscience and psychology influence happiness research widely.
09:21 Essential human needs endure through the ages.
11:40 Alcohol's impact on psychological safety and relationships.
16:01 Self-worth influences drinking habits and recovery.
19:36 Balanced view on alcohol and regrets.
20:41 Regret, self-belief, and the pursuit of happiness.
27:35 Alcohol is a poison and happiness from drinking is temporary.
33:13 Learn from getting drunk after a long sobriety.
33:57 Matt talks about his LinkedIn article re. his journey, happiness and sobriety pros & cons.
41:06 Employee happiness and alcohol article feedback.
43:56 LinkedIn connections show genuine interest and empathy.
47:26 Friendship based on alcohol isn't genuine; explore new genuine friendships.
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
About Matt Phelan:
Matt Phelan is a Co-Founder of the Happiness Index. In his day-to-day role, he's responsible for the strategic direction of the business.
Matt is the founder of The Happiness and Humans Community, host of The Happiness and Humans Podcast and author of Freedom To Be Happy: The Business Case for Happiness & The Happiness Index: âWhy Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success". Matt recently completed a TEDx talk where he presented 12 million data points on happiness from 1 million human beings in 100+ countries in less than 15 minutes.
Connect with Matt:
Website: mattphelan.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/
Twitter: https://x.com/MatthewPhelan
Produced by...
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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 â the Creative Writing event in Liverpool on June 12th, hosted by previous guest, Helen Jeffery.
Sober Scribbles tickets
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
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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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
About Sam Willaims:
Sam is the founder of Seed Spark â 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 âedge-seeking Boundary Spanner, Mesearcher and Empathic Provocateurâ.
While her unfinished book âWho the fuck am I? And how did I get here? may never see print â 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:
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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 means
45:09 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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
About Nick Elston:
Nick Elston is one of the highest-profile and leading Inspirational Speakers on the Lived Experience of Mental Health.
Described as a âBIG man, BIG heart, BIG story & BRUTAL honesty!â, âUtterly inspirational, absolutely engaging!â and â10/10 âa Speaking Masterclass!â â Nick shares his experiences of Mental Illness, Mental Ill-Health & Breakdown worldwide âthrough his powerful, inspiring, engaging & emotional insights.
Nick is regularly featured in the global media, the BBC, industry shows and publications â 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:
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