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In the final episode before Christmas – the hosts will take a break on December 24 – Cess and Ollie consider embarrassing drinking tales from work dos in the past. They also contemplate how to ensure a sober person can enjoy themselves during the especially boozy party season, and offer some tips and tricks.
Given the time of year, there is also a reflection on the last 12 months – and the pair have crammed a lot into 2024. Needless to say, this would not have been possible had they been still drinking.
Happy festive season to all Upper Bottom listeners – the next episode will run on December 31, focusing on preparing for Dry January.
Bonus Link:
A runner in Toronto has fun: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDPe-lgsEHH/?igsh=MTE5ZzdzOHJkZ2l3ZQ==
Booze News items:
BBC: Nightclub stickers over smartphone rule divides the dancefloor (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gpn44pyz9o)
i: I save £7k a year not drinking – how I do party season sober (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/save-7k-year-not-drinking-party-sober-3410475?ico=most_)
Guardian: ‘I’d always enjoyed alcohol – but my mother’s sudden, violent death made me a heavy drinker overnight’ (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/08/id-always-enjoyed-alcohol-but-my-mothers-sudden-violent-death-made-me-a-heavy-drinker-overnight)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#upperbottompodcast
#christmasparty
#christmasdrinking
#drychristmas -
With the festive season in full swing, Cess – now a marathon runner – and Ollie explore how norms are changing regarding Christmas drinking. And it seems that really boring lot, Gen Zzz, is to blame (according to the Daily Mail).
A new trend for "Dry Christmas" is gathering pace, quicker than a behind-schdule Rudolph. This movement is being helped by more low- and no-alcohol options.
The hosts welcome Emma Newman (@emma_sobersocial on Instagram) to discuss Christmasy alternatives to traditional drinks, plus her sobriety journey, which started over nine years ago.
Booze News Items
Mirror: Nearly half of Gen Z embrace a sober festive season as 'Dry Christmas' gains traction (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/nearly-half-gen-z-embrace-34225345)Daily Mail: Gen Zzz kills off the Christmas party: The VERY different face of the festive bash now mistletoe is out, Band Aid is banned and 'sober curious' guests are home by 9pm (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14136625/The-new-Gen-Z-Christmas-party-Mistletoe-Band-Aid-teetotal.html)
Financial Times (via MSN): Is this the year of the sober office Christmas party? (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/topstories/is-this-the-year-of-the-sober-office-christmas-party/ar-AA1v3CbC)
The Independent (via MSN): New low-alcohol beer launched to cut boozy train passenger accidents (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/new-low-alcohol-beer-launched-to-cut-boozy-train-passenger-accidents/ar-AA1vhFmW)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#upperbottompodcast
#christmasdrinking
#drychristmas -
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What was your relationship with alcohol like when growing up? To what extent did how your parents' drinking habits shape your own? And what do today's youngsters think about boozing?
Ollie and Cess – who both gave up alcohol at least in part to set a better example for their children – try to answer these big questions.
And to assist with the last puzzler, the co-hosts' offspring offer their words of wisdom (partly in the hope of becoming world famous, more fool them). The short interviews are sweet and revealing.
In other news, Ollie's latest column for Low No Drinker Magazine about the slow descent to a boozy Christmas (and how to avoid it) has been published. The lovely editor, Denise, has offered Upper Bottom listeners a 20% discount using the code UPPER20 (expires Dec 31).
Finally, well done (and thank you) certified superfan Tom Bowen for sharing the podcast with the most people! A mug will find its way to you very soon. X
Booze News items:
The Wall Street Journal: Why Is Everyone ‘Sober-ish’ All of a Sudden? (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/why-is-everyone-sober-ish-all-of-a-sudden/ar-AA1uxccX)
BBC: ‘I had no idea being a social drinker would damage my liver by 31’ (https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/c30pre660mzo)
Metro (via MSN): I watched my mum wreck her life through alcohol, then I did the same https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/i-watched-my-mum-wreck-her-life-through-alcohol-then-i-did-the-same/ar-AA1ufFLU
Evening Standard: Denise Welch was 'in denial' about how her drug and alcohol use affected son Matty Healy (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/denise-welch-was-in-denial-about-how-her-drug-and-alcohol-use-affected-son-matty-healy/ar-AA1urin8)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#upperbottompodcast
#childrenandalcohol -
To answer this massive question, Ollie and Cess draw upon their own insights and the straight-talking wisdom of interviewee Gary Mairs – aka sobernsound ("sweary sobriety mentor") on Instagram.
Gary's catchphrase for his 33,000+ followers is "get to midnight and go again". He attended AA in April 2014, but struggled with the idea of supplicating to God, or a higher power.
Yet, through meditation and no small amount of determination, Gary beat the booze. Here, he discusses the difference between "survival sobriety" – which is when, in the early days, you just try and get through the days and weeks without a drink – and "emotional sobriety", and that comes later.
There is plenty of excellent advice for Upper Bottoms – and those who might be falling deeper.
Booze News items:
The Independent via MSN: Denzel Washington opens up about past struggles with drugs and alcohol: ‘I’ve done a lot of damage’ (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/denzel-washington-opens-up-about-past-struggles-with-drugs-and-alcohol-i-ve-done-a-lot-of-damage/ar-AA1uoBrA)
Wales Online: 'I turned my addictions from drugs to furniture and made a thriving business’ (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/i-turned-my-addictions-from-drugs-to-furniture-and-made-a-thriving-business/ar-AA1ul3I8)
The Caterer: Customers are drinking less – how can I balance the booze on my menu? (https://www.thecaterer.com/indepth/how-can-i-serve-up-a-sober-christmas)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#alcoholicsanonymous
#addiction#UpperBottomPodcast
#sobermovement
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Dr Fiona Dowman, a clinical psychologist and addiction specialist, joins Cess and Ollie and shares many illuminating insights for Upper Bottoms – and those who have dropped lower.
What are the signs of addiction? Are some people more predisposed to addiction than others? What are drinkers hoping to gain from boozing hard? And what are the tools and tips to gain better control over one's "relationship with alcohol", as Fiona, Founder of Purple Bridge Psychology, calls it?
These puzzlers and more are answered. You'll also discover the benefits of establishing personal values, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy. This episode is packed with great, timely advice, given we are nearing the start of the indulgent festive season.
Booze News items:
London Review of Books: La Chasse au Pinard (https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n21/julian-barnes/la-chasse-au-pinard)
Good Housekeeping (via MSN): "We're a 'half sober' couple - I drink but my husband doesn't" (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/foodanddrink/news/we-re-a-half-sober-couple-i-drink-but-my-husband-doesn-t/ar-AA1tJC7P)Psychology Today: Reframe Addiction: Why Sobriety Is Not Just Recovery (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sober-curiosity/202411/reframe-addiction-why-sobriety-is-not-just-recovery)
Lad Bible: Man breaks sobriety after 18 months and shares 'surprising' impact it had on him (https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/what-happens-to-the-body-when-you-break-sobriety-958032-20241114)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#addiction#UpperBottomPodcast
#sobermovement
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Is a rock-and-roll lifestyle a shortcut to hitting rock bottom?
Cess invites his musical pals Louis Brennan and Tom Bowen, who both stopped drinking during the pandemic, to explore the dangerous dance between sonic creativity and intoxicants.
It's a wild jig – and a level lower than usual for Upper Bottom listeners. Indeed, Tom reveals that he was shocked into giving up boozing after a doctor said he had only a year left to live if he didn't change his lifestyle.
However, the episode is timely, given the tragic premature death of musical megastar Liam Payne. RIP.
Booze News items:
UK Addiction Treatment Centres: Liam Payne: A talent lost – Alcoholism, struggles, and tragic death (https://www.ukat.co.uk/blog/celebrity/liam-payne-a-talent-lost/)
The Independent: Donald Trump reveals real reason he doesn’t drink alcohol (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-reveals-real-reason-he-doesn-t-drink-alcohol/ar-AA1t5Lzt)
BBC: Pub garden smoking ban dropped from government plans (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79ze8gv1w4o)
The Independent (via MSN): ‘I wish I’d never taken it’: More young people seeking rehab as ketamine addiction spirals in the UK Story by Holly Evans (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/i-wish-i-d-never-taken-it-more-young-people-seeking-rehab-as-ketamine-addiction-spirals-in-the-uk/ar-AA1tqBwF)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#rockandroll
#sobermusicians#UpperBottomPodcast
#sobermovement
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To mark episode 40, co-hosts Ollie and Cess have a heart-to-heart about the progress of the podcast, which began in February.
They've packed a lot in the last nine months, spoken about their troubles and interviewed the great and the good in this space – but has it all been a form of therapy, albeit in a public forum?
The soul-searching comes as listener numbers are stubbornly not rising – but does that matter? What's next for Upper Bottom? Have Ollie and Cess been cured? Or is that when complacency sets in?
Watch this space ...
Booze News items:
Newcastle Chronicle: Newcastle nightclub packed out as top DJ hosts city's first ever sober rave (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/newcastle-nightclub-packed-top-dj-124051796.html)
The Grocer: Alcohol industry rages as duty set to go up in line with inflation (https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/alcohol-industry-rages-as-duty-set-to-go-up-in-line-with-inflation/697266.article)
Daily Mail: Ozempic could be dished out to help curb boozing and prescription drug addiction
(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13974337/Ozempic-dished-help-curb-boozing-prescription-drug-addiction.html)
The Telegraph (via MSN): Dear Richard Madeley: My recently sober friend blames me for his drinking behaviour (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/celebrity/dear-richard-madeley-my-recently-sober-friend-blames-me-for-his-drinking-behaviour/ar-BB1qIMNI)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
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When Ollie was drinking, "October 31 sounded the starting pistol to a one-person race for which there were no winners – apart from the venues where I would jollily buy outrageous Yuletide rounds," he writes in his latest Low No Drinker Magazine column.
"I can now detect, while scrolling back through my phone to revisit nightmares of past Hallowe’en parties, the grinning glee of the two months of booze-heavy chaos about to ensue," he continues. "In my head, it permitted me to go on the sesh three – or more – times a week until the end of the year."
Do you feel the same? If so, we have got you.
The so-called Golden Quarter can seem especially scary for newly sober people, but Cess and Ollie arm listeners with the tools necessary to battle and win this busy party season.
Just don't expect Cess to join you on your axe-throwing night out ...
Booze News items:
Financial Times: Competitive socialising pulls Britons from the pub (https://www.ft.com/content/d4bbda55-c203-44be-bc32-3b4c481b2eba)
ITV News: Grolsch drops alcohol content amid sales slump and tax rules on weaker brews (https://www.itv.com/news/2024-10-21/grolsch-drops-alcohol-content-amid-sales-slump-and-tax-rules-on-weaker-brews)
Evening Standard: What is drinkflation? (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/what-is-drinkflation-b1189176.html)
Insider (via MSN): I went to my favorite Halloween theme park events sober. They were even scarier — and more fun. (https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/i-went-to-my-favorite-halloween-theme-park-events-sober-they-were-even-scarier-and-more-fun/ar-AA1sAePF)
Daily Mail: White Britons are dying faster than other ethnic groups because of their drinking and smoking habits, latest figures show (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13981531/White-Britons-dying-faster-ethnic-groups-drinking.html)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#halloween#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
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Of no-or-low beer, wine, and spirits, the latter sub-category has most underwhelmed Cess since he started his sobriety journey on January 1, 2023 – can this week's guests change his mind?
The co-hosts are joined by Michael Allen, Co-Founder of Scotland-based Naesip, producer of a non-alcoholic gin, called Munroe (much to Cess's excitement), and Casa Lumbre Spirits' Chief Innovation Officer, Iván Saldaña – aka the "spirit whisperer". He helped create Lewis Hamilton's Almave drink.
It's a jolly discussion, and one that begins after the weekly Booze News items – featuring Spider-Man actor Tom Holland's new non-alc beer brand – and a unique Just the Tonic.
Ollie and Cess would like listeners to recommend Upper Bottom to as many people as possible. The winner – verified on dodgy grounds – has been promised an Upper Bottom mug. So get sharing, and spread the good word (please)!
Booze News items:
i: The non-alcoholic beers with more sugar than a real pint (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/non-alcoholic-beers-more-sugar-real-pint-3314006?ico=related_stories)
ABC News: Tom Holland explains how his sobriety journey inspired his new non-alcoholic beer (https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/tom-holland-explains-sobriety-journey-inspired-new-alcoholic/story?id=114861323)
#nonalcoholicspirits
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement -
Cannabinoid (CBD) drinks and "functional" drinking are on the rise – indeed, the latter is enjoying a 38% year-on-year increase in the UK, according to Eoin Keegan, Co-Founder & CEO at Goodrays. His drinks are even available as part of the Waitrose meal deal at the moment.
For this week's episode, Ollie and Cess dive into the CBD space with a fascinating interview with Eoin and Brendan Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of NuWave AF Beer.
The pair discuss the calming effects of these drinks and their many related benefits, and look ahead to the future of socialising across the globe. For non-drinkers, more "third spaces" that don't revolve around booze are popping up.
Booze News items:
i (via MSN): How quitting alcohol benefits your body after a day, a month and a year (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/how-quitting-alcohol-benefits-your-body-after-a-day-a-month-and-a-year/ar-AA1rRJmc)
i: I gave up drinking and discovered who I really am (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/gave-up-drinking-discovered-who-really-am-3299240?ico=most_popular)
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Ollie and Cess join Lou Pollitt, Category and Insights Director at Lucky Saint, for a 5-kilometre run around Regent's Park in London. This is a regular community-building event for the leading alcohol-free beer brand, which has rocketed since its establishment in 2018.
The trio meets at the Lucky Saint pub, the company's headquarters, to discuss drinking trends and plans for the coming years – plus the secret to the brand's success.
There is also a post-run snippet with Jonty Brown, Founder of Run Unlimited, who led the community run. He has an interesting and inspiring story you should listen to.
Also, for Just the Tonic, Cess does something very unexpected – and quite beautiful.
Booze News items:
Yorkshire Evening Post: Go Sober in October: Going out without alcohol in Yorkshire just got easier (https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/community/go-sober-in-october-going-out-without-alcohol-in-yorkshire-just-got-easier-4800961)
Huffington Post: 10 Powerful Things You Can Do To Support Your Sober Partner (https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/supporting-sober-partner-powerful_l_66f5a7a5e4b08b9c8c8c9cbc)
New York Post: Kris Kristofferson once thought he’d be dead by 30: ‘I was a functioning alcoholic’
(https://nypost.com/2024/09/30/entertainment/kris-kristofferson-once-thought-hed-be-dead-by-30/)
i: I regret going sober – I’m happier now I’m a moderate drinker (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/regret-going-sober-happier-moderate-drinker-3299144?ico=in-line_link)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#soberrunning#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#luckysaint
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Over 5,000 adults were surveyed for the annual Drinkaware Monitor – since 2009, the UK’s only national survey that provides an insight into the country’s drinking habits, according to the official bumph.
The 2024 Monitor, published on Sept 26, shows:
Nine in ten UK drinkers moderate their drinking – up from 87% in 2023 and 84% in 2018Yet in five (19%) UK drinkers – around eight million people – are exceeding the UK Chief Medical Officers' low-risk drinking guidelines, and putting their health at serious riskSome 28% of people have been concerned about someone else's drinking in the last 12 monthsAnd there are plenty more findings to discuss in a report that is 76 pages long. Luckily, Cess and Ollie are joined by Drinkaware CEO Karen Tyrell to discuss it all.
Additionally, there is a plug for Ollie's latest column for Low No Drinker Magazine – issue 10 came out over the weekend. Editor Denise has kindly offered Upper Bottom listeners a 20% discount by using the code UPPER20. Enjoy!Finally, with it being the first of the month, perhaps you would like to participate in a no-drinking October? Maybe you want to raise money for cancer research at the same time? This week's Just the Tonic flags how you can "Go Sober" this October, and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.gosober.org.uk/. Good luck!
Booze News items:
Hummus societies, sober spa evenings and macramé crafts nights: How Gen-Z students are ditching the booze this freshers' week (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13903727/Gen-Z-students-ditching-booze-freshers-week-Hummus-societies.html)
The Independent: The disturbing (and extremely sobering) story behind the anti-alcohol movement (https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/wine-alcohol-health-movendi-who-templars-b2616361.html)
CNN (via MSN): Some experts are calling for age restrictions on the sale of nonalcoholic drinks. Here’s why (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/some-experts-are-calling-for-age-restrictions-on-the-sale-of-nonalcoholic-drinks-here-s-why/ar-AA1qTURW)
Daily Mail: It's no beer Keir! As Labour reveal latest attack on booze, how Starmer's nanny state drive to 'boost health' threatens to decimate Britain's hospitality industry (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13884921/Its-no-beer-Keir-Labour-reveal-latest-attack-booze-Starmers-nanny-state-drive-boost-health-threatens-decimate-Britains-hospitality-industry.html)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#drinkaware
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Cess and Ollie invite Cami Vidal, Founder of La Maison Wellness, and Gaby Lamb, Co-Founder (with her husband) of 6PERCENT, to discuss a new alcohol-free subcategory: light.
The interview – which takes place in Ollie's kitchen (as everyone is based in south-east London) – covers drinking trends, how long it takes to develop a 6% wine that people are happy with, predictions about the future of socialising, and plenty of advice for fellow Upper Bottoms. And much more. It's an episode you won't want to miss, as it's packed full of insights.
Cami even brings around some sparkling tea, offering a tasty alternative to drinking. And there is the usual Booze News and Just the Tonic – but this is shorter than usual, as the interview was too good to distill too much!
Booze News items:
Guardian: Pint of no return? Two-thirds measure could boost English health – study (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/sep/17/pint-two-thirds-beer-measure-english-health-study-pubs)
Daily Mail: The four coded questions doctors ask to uncover a hidden alcohol problem (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13854961/coded-questions-doctor-alcoholic-addiction-secret.html)
Morning Advertiser: Big Drop is meeting the challenge of low & no on draught (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/09/16/big-drop-talks-about-adding-a-low-no-draught-line-at-a-pub)
Telegraph (via MSN): I took a pill to help fix my drinking problem (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/i-took-a-pill-to-help-fix-my-drinking-problem/ar-AA1qCq9M)
#soberjourney
#lighteralcoholfree
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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Ollie and Dan have been busy attending various no- and low-alcohol events, and they are wearing Upper-bottom t-shirts, of course. Here, they capture some of the main takeaways from Drink It In and the Club Soda Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit.
So, where is the category right now? And what needs to happen to help it grow? Plus, what is the future of socialising? Is it nootropics bars? We'd love to know your thoughts (via a rambling, stream-of-consciousness voice note, if possible).
Booze News features sober dating apps, sober freshers' weeks, sober raving, and Mash Gang's acquisition – and going-on-tangents galore. (What's your favourite emoji?)
Booze News items:
STV: Sober clubbing: Rise in ravers enjoying alcohol-free nights out
(https://news.stv.tv/west-central/sober-clubbing-rise-in-ravers-enjoying-alcohol-free-nights-out)
Epigram: Socialising as a sober student this Freshers’ Week (https://epigram.org.uk/socialising-as-a-sober-student-this-freshers-week/)
TechCrunch: Drybaby is a dating app for the ‘sober curious’ movement (https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/10/drybaby-new-sober-dating-app-betting-on-surge-in-sober-curious-movement/)
The Grocer: Mash Gang acquired by alcohol-free beverage group DioniLife (https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/finance/mash-gang-acquired-by-alcohol-free-beverage-group-dionilife/695456.article)
#soberjourney
#clubsoda
#sobercurious
#nootropics
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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The hosts catch up with Jack, aka Kickingthecans on Instagram. He previously featured in one of Upper Bottom's most popular episodes, Final whistle: Why is watching football so boozy, and what's it like sober?
Now Jack has reached the milestone of a year sober. And, although he won't be celebrating as such, life is good – and much better than it was 12 months ago.His mental health is considerably improved, his relationships are stronger, and – even if he has changed, a little – he is not missing the booze at all.
The difference between the before – losing all memory for four hours on his uncle's stag do (was he in a car park, as his phone suggests?) – and after is incredible.
With the year up, it triggers memories of early sobriety for Ollie and Cess, and the trio offer many insights for those thinking about kicking the cans.
Tom Daley and Elle Macpherson feature in Booze News – as does the revelation that Ollie used to also be known, very briefly, as "the body".
Booze News items:
The Caterer: Pub owners believe outdoor smoking ban would risk closures(https://www.thecaterer.com/news/pub-owners-believe-outdoor-smoking-ban-would-risk-closures)
Daily Mail: Elle Macpherson reveals she still attends regular AA meetings following her decision to quit alcohol 20 years ago: 'Without being sober, I wouldn't be here’ (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13804345/Elle-Macpherson-AA-meetings-sobriety.html)
Guardian: UK MPs urged to give up freebies from tobacco, alcohol and junk food firms (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/30/uk-mps-urged-to-give-up-freebies-from-tobacco-alcohol-and-junk-food-firms)
Mirror: Retired diver Tom Daley sports knitted trunks with a safety message to swimmers (https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/tom-daley-swimming-alcohol-awareness-33460487)
#soberjourney
#soberadvice
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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For many, September ushers in the end of summer and a halt to holiday indulgence. It's the second reset month of the year after January, and that means reflection, positive change, detoxification, and possibly action.
Cess and Ollie have both been active, with the former bagging a couple of Munros in the Highlands and the latter bettering Dame Kelly Holmes in the Big Half.
The hosts offer words of wisdom to those thinking about quitting booze this month, and also talk about the growing trend of non-alcoholic drinks, including Guinness 0.0%, and the potential for these drinks to outsell their alcoholic counterparts.
NB Discount code for Drink it In Festival: PICMED-DRINKITIN-15 (via https://www.drinkitinfestival.com/) – we'll be there on Sept 6.
Booze News items:
This is Money (via MSN): Non-alcoholic Guinness could outsell the real thing, says Diageo (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/foodanddrink/other/will-non-alcoholic-guinness-outdo-the-real-thing/ar-AA1ppz6l)
Evening Standard: The Devonshire in Soho becomes Great Britain’s first pub to serve Guinness 0.0 on tap (https://www.standard.co.uk/going-out/bars/the-devonshire-guinness-0-0-tap-keg-b1178790.html)
Daily Mail: 'The end of pubs': Farage leads furious backlash at Labour's 'nanny state' OUTDOOR smoking ban plans - which will ban people from lighting up in beer gardens, near football grounds and in children's parks (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13790649/end-pubs-backlash-Labours-nanny-state-OUTDOOR-smoking-ban-beer-gardens-football-grounds-childrens-parks.html)
Morning Advertiser: Gen Z drinking less alcohol but still visiting the on-trade (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/08/22/gen-z-drinking-less-alcohol-but-still-visiting-on-trade)
#summerholidays
#septmeberreset
#sobriety
#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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In this week's episode, just before schools reopen their doors for the new term, Ollie and Cess reflect on recent overseas holidays and how sobriety and drinking cultures vary in different countries – and how they have evolved.
Special attention is paid to Ollie's experiences at a much-loved family retreat on the grape-growing slopes in Perpignan. Meanwhile, Cess takes a detailed look at Sweden, particularly the broader role the state has taken in regulating the supply of alcohol to its citizens.
There is also an item late on about the top five destinations for sober people – and the best-ranking country might surprise you.
Booze News items:
BBC: Plan to serve alcohol at water park from 08:00 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qgvjel25xo)
The Sun: BOOZY JACUZZI UK’s first BEER spa launched where booze fans can bathe in ale and sup pints in the jacuzzi (https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/29947621/uk-first-beer-spa-norfolk-mead-hotel/)
The Sun: TOAST YOUR FLIGHT Surprisingly high percentage of holiday Brits who enjoy airport breakfast beer before jetting off revealed (https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/29924767/brits-enjoy-airport-breakfast-beer/)
Gallup: Alcohol Consumption Increasingly Viewed as Unhealthy in U.S. (https://news.gallup.com/poll/648413/alcohol-consumption-increasingly-viewed-unhealthy.aspx)
#summerholidays
#sobriety
#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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Refreshed after a summer break, Cess and Ollie speak with Martyn Davies, organiser of Sober is Fun (https://www.soberisfun.co.uk/), the UK's first regular sober comedy event, and Ben Jolliffe, who runs Feed the Fire (https://feedthefire.me/dancing), a no-drink or drugs rhythmic dance focused on freedom and connection.
Both interviewees stopped drinking (and taking drugs) after being subjected to family interventions. Now, though, they are enjoying the freedom of being sober and looking to encourage others through the events they facilitate.
Their timing is good, given that 34% of employees avoid work socials due to alcohol, according to a Booze News item, and there is a growing demand for venues that offer alcohol-free options and activities, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.
Here is a recent playlist from one of Ben's Feed the Fire events: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kRMmbITmmiaQGm60bFbWU?si=r4UNikNESQCm-8izcBKtUA&pi=e-lO1NqcnnSTG9
And here is the ticket site for Martyn's next Sober is Fun event, on September 22 – https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/bethnal-green/backyard-comedy-club/the-london-alcohol-free-comedy-club-7?t=tickets – perhaps see you there?Booze News items:
The Independent (via MSN): Study looks at if the French Paradox of a glass of wine a day is actually a myth (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/study-looks-at-if-the-french-paradox-of-a-glass-of-wine-a-day-is-actually-a-myth/ar-BB1qABfs)
Harpers: MP urges government to address non-alcoholic drink prices (https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/33135/MP_urges_government_to_address_non-alcoholic_drink_prices.html)
Lovebscott via MSN: Ben Affleck Reportedly Decided To Divorce Jennifer Lopez Because Her ‘Fame and Lifestyle Was Putting His Hard-Won Sobriety at Risk’: ‘He Had to Leave to Avoid Relapse’ (https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/ben-affleck-reportedly-decided-to-divorce-jennifer-lopez-because-her-fame-and-lifestyle-was-putting-his-hard-won-sobriety-at-risk-he-had-to-leave-to-avoid-relapse/ar-AA1oKqiw)HR News: Sober Parties Lead the Way in the UK with 639% Surge in Non-Alcoholic Drink Demand (https://hrnews.co.uk/sober-parties-lead-the-way-in-the-uk-with-639-surge-in-non-alcoholic-drink-demand/)
#summerholidays
#sobriety
#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
#sobercomedy
#soberdancing -
Before taking a well-earned summer break, the podcast hosts Ollie and Cess interview Sean Halpin, a 24-year old who divides his time between Munich and Manchester. He has also just hit one year of sobriety, too. Congratulations, Sean!
Sean is an aficionado of Bavarian beer and enthusiastic about the trend for sober curiosity in Germany and plenty of no-alcohol options. He also reveals some very interesting reasons why he thinks fellow Gen Zers are less inclined to drink booze – these will likely surprise older listeners. And there are plenty of useful tips for those starting out on their sobriety journey.
As always, there are some Booze News items, and Just the Tonic.
The podcast will return on August 20, with a special episode on sober events.
Happy summer holidays to all Upper Bottom listeners!
Booze News items:
Irish Examiner (via MSN): Munich, home of Oktoberfest, to open its first alcohol-free beer garden (https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/national/munich-home-of-oktoberfest-to-open-its-first-alcohol-free-beer-garden/ar-BB1q8QYW)
Bored Panda (via MSN): 76 Reasons People Got Fired On Their First Day On The Job (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-boss-went-to-the-hospital-to-tell-him-he-was-fired-76-reasons-people-got-fired-on-day-one/ar-BB1qB8Vw)
Telegraph (via MSN) I could drink and run marathons – it took losing everything to stop (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/i-could-drink-and-run-marathons-it-took-losing-everything-to-stop/ar-BB1qFw9y)
#munich
#germany
#oktoberfest
#summerholidays
#workdrinking
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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In the third and final episode of the three-part mini-series about work and drinking, Cess and Ollie chat about times when they have been boozing on the job – or at least felt the effects the day after a night on the sauce.
Cess mentions how a clothes shop colleague was once sent to the stock room because he was feeling worse for wear and proceeded to curl up and nap. Ollie shares eyebrow-raising tales from his early career as a sports journalist – three bottles before the rugby union international, anyone?
On the subject of sport, with the Olympics starting, the pair debate the treatment of a teenage Japanese gymnast who was sent home before the competition after someone dobbed her in for drinking (and smoking) at the training base. That item is one of four tasty Booze News bits.
And there is some proper research on the occupations in the UK in which heavy drinking is prominent – some of the top five boozy jobs might surprise you (hint: The Brittas Empire).
Here is a link to the research, Associations between occupation and heavy alcohol consumption in UK adults aged 40–69 years: a cross-sectional study using the UK Biobank: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-10208-x
Booze News items:
Fortune (via MSN): Britain’s young football fans are ditching their sloppy drunk reputation – and are leading the charge for alcohol-free beer (https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/britain-young-football-fans-ditching-183818345.html)
Metro (via MSN): Olympic team captain sent home for smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/olympic-team-captain-sent-home-for-smoking-cigarettes-and-drinking-alcohol/ar-BB1qgRyz)
People: The Most Surprising Rules You Didn't Know Athletes Must Follow in the Olympic Village (https://people.com/olympic-village-rules-athletes-must-follow-8681929)
Metro: Prison officers warned after drinking in pub on lunch break at HMP Winchester (https://metro.co.uk/2024/07/14/hmp-winchester-prison-officers-warned-drinking-pub-break-21187308/)
#leadership
#olympics
#parisolympics2024
#workdrinking
#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
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