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In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Janey Lee Grace — a voice so many will recognise from BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright in the Afternoon, and an inspiring figure in the wellness and sobriety space. Janey is a bestselling author, broadcaster, founder of The Sober Club, and the host of the Alcohol Free Life podcast, which has clocked over 1.2 million downloads. She’s also delivered the powerful TEDx talk Sobriety Rocks: Who Knew?, and has been a passionate advocate for holistic living for decades.

Janey’s own sober journey began in 2018 when what was meant to be a “Dry January” became a life-changing decision. She shares how she was never at “rock bottom” but was caught in the all-too-familiar mummy wine culture, using alcohol as a daily “treat” without realising how much it was impacting her wellbeing, identity and self-worth. Her turning point came after reading a relatable memoir that showed her sobriety could be about gaining joy, freedom and clarity — not losing out.

We dive deep into the reality of being a so-called “normal drinker”, the impact of alcohol on sleep, mental health, and ageing, and why focusing on what you gain — rather than what you give up — is the key to making sobriety stick. Janey talks about stepping into a new identity, finding connection, creating a “sober toolkit”, and embracing small daily wins. We also explore the cultural shift towards alcohol-free living, the importance of finding joy outside the bottle, and her favourite techniques like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) for managing emotions without numbing them.

Janey’s story is rich with personal insights — from her early career as a backing singer touring with Wham, to her transition into radio, to becoming a leading voice in the sober movement. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a change, and that life alcohol-free can open doors to more creativity, confidence and connection than you ever imagined.

Key topics we explore in this conversation include:

• How Janey moved from daily drinking to long-term sobriety without a rock bottom moment
• The power of focusing on gains instead of deprivation when going alcohol-free
• How alcohol affects sleep, energy, mood and the ageing process
• Navigating identity shifts in sobriety and building confidence in social settings
• Why connection is critical — and how The Sober Club supports its members
• Creating a personalised “sober toolkit” to stay on track
• Finding joy and purpose beyond drinking, from childhood passions to new adventures
• How EFT can help manage anxiety and cravings
• Janey’s journey from touring with Wham to becoming a BBC radio personality and bestselling author

If you’re sober curious, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or simply looking for inspiration to live more fully, this conversation will resonate deeply. Janey’s warmth, honesty and wealth of experience make this a truly uplifting and practical episode.