In this episode, we have the incredible Sophie Lee, founder of Electric Peach, a brand storytelling agency. Sophie's journey from Prague to Shanghai and back to the UK unveils the impact of drinking cultures on her life, especially in creative workplaces.

Sophie candidly shares her turning point, confronting challenges, and embracing recovery. Her story sheds light on workplace drinking norms and the need for change. As we head towards Alcohol Awareness Week, Sophie advocates for open conversations, destigmatisation, and supportive workplaces.

In this episode, we're joined by Mark Glover, editor of SHP Online, diving into the intersection of alcohol culture and health and safety in the workplace.

Mark shares his journey into health and safety journalism, revealing personal insights into alcohol addiction within his family. We explore the changing landscape of workplace drinking, from traditional after-work pints to the rise of non-alcoholic options.

Reflecting on our experiences, we discuss the challenges in male-dominated industries like construction, where drinking norms can be intense. We touch on the impact of cultural shifts, the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and how flexi-drinking is reshaping habits.

The conversation delves into the evolving workplace culture and the potential impact of alcohol-free options on younger generations. This really was an engaging chat on navigating a thoughtful and alcohol-safe workplace. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation!

In this podcast episode, I got to chat with Hilary Sheinbaum, an author and journalist based in New York City. Our discussion revolved around the concept of dry January and the positive impacts of temporarily abstaining from alcohol. Hilary shared her personal journey through the transformative experience of her initial dry January, highlighting improved sleep, elevated mood, and an overall sense of well-being.

We explored the evolving landscape of non alcoholic beverages, acknowledging the exciting options available today. Shifting towards workplace culture, we delved into the importance of inclusive events that don't solely centre around alcohol, drawing from Hilary's own journey in journalism, which evolved from alcohol-related content to advocating for non-alcoholic choices.

Throughout our conversation, we shed light on the societal impact of alcohol-related accidents and expenses, emphasising the need for more inclusive spaces for those opting not to drink. Hilary's book, "The Dry Challenge," emerged as a compassionate guide, encouraging individuals to explore a break from alcohol without judgment. Her website, goingdry.co, is also coming soon, and you can contact Hilary on her Instagram (@goingdry.co).

In this episode, I chat to Jessa Frances, a non alcoholic beverage expert and consultant, who brings invaluable expertise to the conversation. Jessa's journey from a military background to guiding businesses in navigating non-alcoholic beverages sheds light on the challenges faced by smaller brands and the changing landscape of the industry. We discuss the pivotal role of finding enjoyable non alcoholic alternatives, exploring a range of products and the emerging trend of mindful drinking.

We delve into the military drinking culture, sharing our experiences and the societal shift towards seeking healthier options. Jessa and I exchange recommendations for favourite non-alcoholic drinks, advocating for robust, adult-flavoured options. Our conversation underscores the potential and challenges within the non-alcoholic beverage realm, expressing hope for its continued growth and wider acceptance.

Today, we’re delving deep into the world of sobriety with the incredible Hannah Rodger. She's the brains behind Chai People and has been sober for an incredible six years.

We get real about her drinking journey – from the casual sips at 15 to the rollercoaster of highs and lows in her 20s. Moving to Australia kicked off a new chapter, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. Hannah shares how her stepmum role became a wake-up call, triggering a desire for change.

We dive into her attempts to stop drinking, the support she sought, and the challenges she faced in a booze-centric industry. It's a story of resilience, learning, and ultimately, finding a new path that's transformed her life.

Join us for this candid chat where Hannah opens up about her personal journey, the challenges of societal drinking norms, and the incredible growth she's experienced along the way.

Alcohol's role in the workplace is often overlooked or brushed aside, but its impact is significant, especially during events like office parties or gatherings. It's crucial to create an inclusive environment that caters to those who don't drink or want alternatives. The presence of alcohol-free options should not be an afterthought but an integral part of any workplace event, making everyone feel included and respected.

From my conversation with Dave, it's evident that personal relationships and societal pressures can heavily influence our drinking habits. The workplace culture, often centred around alcohol-related activities, can contribute to someone's drinking patterns and mental health challenges.

Addressing mental health issues tied to alcohol consumption is essential. Employees' struggles with alcohol may go unnoticed or unaddressed in most workplaces, leading to more severe consequences down the line. Encouraging open discussions, providing support, and reshaping the workplace culture around alcohol are crucial steps in fostering a healthier and more inclusive environment.

Dave's personal journey and his focus on men's mental health underscore the need for workplaces to rethink their approach to alcohol consumption and its effects on mental well-being. It's time for organisations to prioritise support, education, and resources, breaking the stigma associated with addressing alcohol-related issues within the workplace.

Welcome back to the Professional Drinkers Podcast! Despite the chilling UK weather, I'm committed to my icy cold water dips, a ritual that challenges and resets my mind.

Recently, Uber Eats' wine-centric advert got me thinking about alcohol advertising. It often glamorises drinking without showing its downsides. I'm teaming up with the Sober business network to voice concerns about this misleading portrayal.

This week, I'm thrilled to host Marin Nelson, founder of “Stealth Heath" - a Tech Company for Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace and co-founder of Soberforce.

Marin's journey to sobriety at 24 led her to create Soberforce at Salesforce, providing support and breaking the stigma around addiction in the workplace.

Her story illustrates that success and sobriety aren't mutually exclusive. Marin's work empowers others to say no to drinking-centric events without fear of judgment.

Alcohol issues in the workplace are prevalent across various industries. Marin's efforts emphasise the importance of inclusive and supportive work environments.

As the leaves turn golden and the sun shines brightly, it's a magical time of year. I recently spent a few days in Northumberland, surrounded by the stunning scenery of blue skies and colourful autumn leaves. It's a joy to wake up sober and fully embrace these beautiful mornings.

I also have an exciting update to share about my cold water swimming journey. I've acquired an Arctic pod, which is like a grown-up's paddling pool in the shape of a barrel. The challenge is to take a dip in it every day throughout the winter. So far, I've been consistent, except for days when I'm away from home. It's getting progressively more challenging as the temperatures drop, and I'll be posting some photos on my social media soon.

In the alcohol-free world, an interesting article caught my eye in the Daily Mail, a publication I don't typically favour. The article discusses the mummy wine culture's role in the UK, where women are among the world's top binge drinkers. Surprisingly, only 25% of women worldwide consume alcohol, meaning 75% are sober. This statistic was an eye opener for me. The article rightly points out the harmful influence of mummy wine culture, which normalises excessive drinking, often using humour or large wine glasses to downplay the issue.

The podcast takes a deeper dive into the stigma around not drinking. I recently received a call from someone who had never consumed alcohol but faced pressure from friends who assumed they were an alcoholic. The stigma of not drinking was troubling for them, similar to the challenges I faced. My guest this week, Mandy, runs the Talk HR Club, a community for HR independents. She shares her journey of becoming a non-drinker and the pressure she faced to drink in social situations.

We discuss the importance of challenging the stigma around not drinking and creating a world where saying "I don't drink" is perfectly acceptable. Mandy's story resonates with mine, and it's the inspiration for this week's episode, "Sober in a World of Drinkers." We delve into the peer pressure, unhelpful comments, and judgments that non-drinkers often face.

Thank you, Mandy, for being a part of the podcast and sharing your story. It's been a pleasure having you as my guest, and I appreciate your support for the Professional Drinkers Podcast.