The Big Drink Rethink

Do holidays and the summer break leave you feeling less refreshed and more exhausted? Does ‘holiday mode’ mean you default straight to drinks even when you’d love to come back energised, present, and rested? If you’re tired of summer routines that always revolve around alcohol, make sure you listen in

Join Anna as she kicks off The Big Drink Rethink’s summer series, our six-week companion to navigating July and August on your terms. She unpacks why summer holidays are a breeding ground for booze triggers, from sunshine and airport pints, to the emotional weight we load on...

Ever wondered why alcohol can feel like "liquid confidence," or if there’s a better way to build self-belief without a drink in hand? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey is joined by Sue Reid, certified confidence and self-belief coach, NLP master practitioner, hypnotherapist, and author of Building Confidence: How to Thrive as a Shy Person.

Anna and Sue take a deep dive into the real root causes of low self-esteem and how these hidden stories about our worth can shape and sometimes sabotage our relationship with alcohol. They unpack the difference be...

Does a sunny day spark a craving for a cold alcoholic drink? Do pub gardens, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings feel like booze is suddenly everywhere, making it harder to stick to your goals? If the sun is your biggest trigger, this episode can help.

Join Anna as she unpacks why sunshine is such a powerful cue for drinking, especially in UK culture, and how our brains build deep associations between warm weather and alcohol. She explores the neuroscience of habit (hello, Pavlov!), the biology of sunshine-boosted serotonin, the pull of “holiday mode,” and the classic FOMO that come...

What if parents could truly change the future just by having more open conversations about alcohol? In this episode host Anna Donaghey is joined by Jessica Lahey, educator and author of The Addiction Inoculation. 

Together, they explore the factors that influence substance use in young people, the power of prevention, and how honest dialogue can break cycles of dependence. This episode guides listeners through what they can do, no matter their own history with alcohol, to build resilience in the next generation.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

Have you ever felt like the person you trust least is yourself? On this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey explores one of the most tender and universal challenges for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol: how to rebuild self-trust after countless broken promises to yourself and to others. 

Drawing from deeply personal experiences and the honest struggles of her listeners, Anna unpacks the lonely cycle of making resolutions, letting yourself down, and feeling the bedrock of your confidence slowly erode. With compassion and practical wisdom, she explores why rebuilding trust isn't just motivational f...

Have you ever wondered why so many mothers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, or pressured to present a picture-perfect life especially when it comes to drinking culture? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey talks to Anna Cusack, a postnatal doula, motherhood studies practitioner, and author of the powerful book "Mama, You’re Not Broken". 

Together, they explore the emotional realities behind the “perfect mother” myth, the pressures that lead many mums to reach for a glass of wine, and the real-life support systems that are often missing in our lives. This episode challenges common...

In this special Q&A episode, Anna tackles a powerful listener question about what happens after the buzz fades from going alcohol-free. You've made it past those first few transformative months, and maybe you don't miss drinking, but the excitement has levelled out, and you're wondering how to stay motivated for the long haul.

Anna explores the “middle” of the alcohol-free journey when things become routine and life feels a little flat, but also wide open with new possibilities. She reframes this phase not as the end of the road, but as the beginning of something deeper: a ti...

Are functional drinks the future of socialising, or just another wellness fad? On this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Zoey Henderson, an entrepreneur, mindful drinking consultant, and early functional drinks pioneer, to unravel the hype, science, and shifting culture around functional drinks. With drinking habits changing across the UK and a booming market for mushroom-powered beers and botanical blends, they explore whether these innovative drinks can deliver real benefits, challenge traditions, and truly change how and why we drink. This episode offers plenty of practical tips to help you rethink what you’re...

So many mums reach for a glass of wine at the end of a long day. How else can we cope with the chaos of motherhood? How else can we navigate this emotional tsunami for which we receive no training?

In this deeply personal episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey opens up about her own journey through early motherhood, where drinking evolved from a social habit into an emotional crutch. 

Drawing from the candid messages she's received from listeners, Anna spotlights the realities facing mums of young children and the quiet pressures t...

If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a glass of wine after a tough day, but wish you had an easier, healthier alternative - this episode is for you.

Today, Anna dives into practical, 5-minute resets: simple, research-backed tools that can help you navigate cravings, manage stress, and regulate your nervous system. Drawing inspiration from global traditions, think mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, movement, and creating your own rituals. It genuinely does just take only a few minutes to reset your nervous system and find real relief. 

Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or already alcohol-free, consi...

Have you ever rolled your eyes at the idea that breathing could actually help with stress or cravings? You’re not the only one. That’s exactly what we’re getting into today on the Big Drink Rethink.

In this episode, Anna Donaghey sits down with Zoë Ewart, a trauma-informed life coach and breathwork facilitator, to challenge the skepticism around breathwork - especially for those rethinking their relationship with alcohol. 

Together, Anna and Zoë unpack how breathwork isn’t just “woo-woo” - it’s rooted in biology, neuroscience, and can be a practical, powerful tool for anyone lookin...

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions, outwardly successful but inwardly exhausted? Welcome to The Big Drink Rethink podcast with your host, Anna Donaghey. 

In today's episode, we're diving into the theme of strategic recovery, with Chloe Stephens, a Flow Coach with thirty years of experience in fitness and well-being. Chloe's exploration into sleep, recovery, and nervous system regulation,  empowers her to support her clients holistically, adopting a 360-degree approach to health. 

Join us as we explore how stress management can transform your life and your relationship with alcohol.

Her...

Do other people’s behaviour trigger you to drink? Today on the Big Drink Rethink, we're exploring a topic that affects many of us: how to manage those moments when other people’s behaviour triggers our urge to drink. This episode is inspired by a question from one of my coaching clients, who finds herself frequently wound up by others, and is wondering how to stop being triggered by them.

Join me, Anna Donaghey as we look at ways to face these challenges head-on, especially in our busy and unpredictable lives where stress and emotions can run high...

What if everything you thought you knew about menopause and weight loss was wrong? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey dives deep with guest Ailsa Hichens, a BANT registered nutritionist and author. 

Ailsa shatters common myths about menopause and unveils the truth behind metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the role of alcohol during this crucial life stage. From dietary insights to stress management and self-care, Ailsa offers a refreshing perspective on how women can navigate midlife by prioritising their health in a way that works for them. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation t...

The stories we tell ourselves about alcohol shape our reality and our ability to change, but how exactly can we first identify them, then go about changing them? Listen to this action-orientated episode of The Big Drink Rethink, with host Anna Donaghey, as she offers up practical tools and insights on how to identify and shift these narratives to rewrite your relationship with alcohol. Plus, learn about Anna's self-guided program and live coaching options to support your journey. Tune in and rethink the stories you hold about alcohol and yourself.

Here are the highlights:

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What if the stories we tell ourselves about alcohol are the very chains that bind us? A journey into the power of words awaits you on this episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey and guest Helen Packham as they unravel the narratives that shape our drinking culture and explore how changing our language can liberate us from old habits. 

In this engaging conversation discover how Helen, a speaker and Coach, uses her passion for verbal communication to transform lives. Get ready to rethink the words you use and the stories you tell yourself a...

Why do we often sabotage our own sobriety despite our best intentions? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna explores the perplexing nature of self-sabotage, a challenge faced by many seeking to reshape their relationship with alcohol. Anna offers a thoughtful exploration of what drives these destructive patterns and provides actionable strategies to break free from the cycle. 

Listeners will discover insights into the tug-of-war between the conscious desire for change and the subconscious fear of the unknown. With a focus on practical steps and the power of support systems, this episode is a...

Have you ever considered how deeply ingrained the culture of alcohol marketing is in your life? Today your host, Anna explores the fascinating world of gendered alcohol marketing, alongside guest expert, Professor Carol Emslie, the co-director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and co-chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network.

They discuss the intriguing and often controversial world of alcohol marketing, and its societal impact. They look at how it is carefully crafted and targeted towards different genders. From the lucrative realm of pink drinks to sponsorships in sports, discover the profound effects...

Ready to break the drinking cycle? In this toolkit episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey shares the science of habit formation and why relying on willpower alone often fails when trying to change drinking behaviours. She breaks down James Clear's habit loop concept and provides practical, actionable strategies for creating lasting change through small, intentional adjustments rather than dramatic overnight transformations.

Anna explores how to work with your brain's natural wiring instead of against it, introduces the power of "friction" in breaking unwanted habits, and shares personal examples of how tiny changes can lead...

Is a sense of unworthiness and shame keeping you stuck? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Janssen, a leading Performance and Mindset Coach with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, to explore how shame and unworthiness can keep people trapped in addiction. Chris, who has been sober for 18 years and is the bestselling author of "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want," shares her personal journey and professional insights on breaking free from shame-based thinking. 

Together, they discuss how community support, self-compassion, and...

How does one deal with shame and embarrassment around their drinking behaviour? In this Q&A episode, host Anna Donaghey tackles this deeply personal question from a listener who struggles with past actions and memory gaps related to their drinking. Drawing from Brené Brown's research, Anna breaks down the differences between shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, offering practical journalling exercises and self-compassion techniques to help listeners process and move beyond their shame. She explains why shame thrives in silence and provides actionable steps for writing a self-forgiveness letter to release the burden of past regrets.

Here are t...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to hit rock bottom, and whether you need to wait for that moment before making a change? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Karla Adkins, whose harrowing journey with alcohol nearly cost her life at just 37 years old. Through raw and emotional storytelling, Karla shares how her relationship with alcohol began as a solution to anxiety in college, but ultimately led to acute liver failure and a near-death experience. As co-owner of The Zero Proof Life and author of "And She Came...

Today we're doing things a bit differently. Your host Anna Donaghy is bringing back her old friend and fellow Coach, Tabbin Almond. Together, they're exploring their personal alcohol struggles and coaching journeys, sharing insights and tools that they wish they had when they felt well and truly "stuck”.

Anna and Tabbin are not just talking about the problems - they’re also unveiling an exciting new program called Unstuck!, designed to help you break free from the alcohol cycle. If you've ever felt trapped by your drinking habits, this episode will resonate deeply and provide you with prac...

Today, we are exploring the intricate world of habits and dependency, particularly related to alcohol consumption. Join your host Anna Donaghey and Christopher Richards, the esteemed founder of Atomic Growth and an expert in psychology and human behaviour. Christopher shares his insightful perspectives on how habits form, the fine line between habits and dependency, and the role of rituals, identity, somatics, and environment in breaking the cycle of alcohol usage.

Christopher illuminates how quickly casual drinking can morph into a more concerning dependency, often driven by our desire for immediate benefits like confidence and relaxation. He emphasises...

After a year of transformative insights and practical tools on The Big Drink Rethink podcast, Anna takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the most impactful strategies for rethinking their drinking habits. This episode reflects on the tools and advice discussed over more than 50 episodes, simplifying access to life-enhancing resources available for free on Anna’s website.

Join Anna as she revisits pivotal conversations with experts like Professor David Nutt and Adrian Chiles, and shares the tools designed to foster a sober curious lifestyle, from alcohol tracking guides to mindfulness exercises. Whether you're a long-time listener or a...

Today your host Anna is answering one of the most common questions for those trying to take a break from alcohol: "When will I begin to feel better?”  She will share the physical, emotional, and visible changes you can expect - from better sleep and increased energy to potential weight loss and healthier skin - and a sense of when these benefits will kick-in. Plus, discover why keeping a log of your journey can be a game-changer. Whether you're participating in Dry January or just starting to rethink your drinking habits, this episode is packed with insights that will hel...

Discover the hidden costs of alcohol from a police perspective in this eye-opening episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey as she explores the profound societal impacts of alcohol consumption with retired Chief Superintendent, Maria Fox. Learn about the staggering statistics, the operational challenges for police, and Maria’s personal journey to transform the drinking culture within the force. Don’t miss this compelling discussion and the insights that could reshape your understanding of alcohol's pervasive influence on society.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:35 Delayed statements hinder resource allocation and serv...

Thinking about doing Dry January? In today's episode, your host Anna shares a new approach to Dry January. She suggests approaching it as an empowering experiment, rather than a sheer test of willpower. It’s a fundamental mindset shift, and a way to  discover practical strategies, compelling insights, and focus on growth and self-discovery. Let’s rethink Dry January together.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:36 Take a break from alcohol for better health.

06:57 Observe alcohol's role; reconsider its necessity.

19:39 January encourages exploring different lifestyle choices.

23...

Anna welcomes the refreshingly candid Gavin sisters, Loretta and Sharon, who share how giving up alcohol transformed their lives and inspired their thriving wellness venture, The Detox Barn. We'll be discussing their incredible journey from battling health challenges and the pressures of a drinking culture, to adopting a plant-based lifestyle and running successful wellness retreats. They'll share their experiences, including how giving up alcohol has positively impacted not only their health but also their relationships and overall well-being.

Here are the highlights:

05:15 Adopted a plant-based diet, eliminated stress, and alcohol.

09:13 Started health retreats...

How do you master moderation at Christmas and other big events? Your host Anna will share practical strategies for controlling alcohol consumption, from planning when and what you'll drink to enjoying alcohol-free alternatives. We'll discuss how to avoid drinking rituals, recognise the impact of bubbly drinks, and focus on mindfulness throughout your festivities.

Anna will also walk us through a brilliant visualisation technique used by top athletes, showing us how mental preparation can significantly influence our drinking choices. Tune to learn how to make positive choices about alcohol consumption during the festive season.

What do you do on tough days? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey dives deep into an incredibly important topic: coping with really low moments. Anna tackles a heartfelt question from a listener who, despite their successful journey towards an alcohol-free life, struggles during times of utter exhaustion and bad news. Join Anna as she shares profound tips and strategies to manage these challenging moments, reshaping one's mindset, and fostering resilience. Discover how to stay topped up, manage anxiety, and find healthier ways to cope with emotional overload.

Here are the highlights:

04:12 Prioritise self-care to...

In this latest episode of The Big Drink Rethink, our host Anna Donaghey, sits down with Millie Gooch, the dynamic founder of The Sober Girl Society, to delve into her inspiring path from heavy drinking to leading a vibrant, sober community. In this episode, Millie shares insights from her upcoming book, her involvement with Alcohol Change UK, and the innovative "Sober Spring" campaign. You'll also hear about the challenges of advocating for better alcohol advertising regulations and Millie's creative strategies to support those choosing a life without alcohol. From practical advice on navigating social pressures to fostering self-discovery beyond...

In this eye-opening episode, your host Anna Donaghey explores one of the most challenging dynamics faced by those rethinking their relationship with alcohol. A partnership where the other half continues to drink. This heartfelt Q&A session, where Anna shares her personal experiences, offers practical advice on communication and provides insightful strategies to manage emotions such as resentment and frustration. Whether you're struggling to find support from your partner or seeking ways to fortify your resolve, this episode is packed with compassionate guidance to help you on your journey.

Here are the highlights:

05:57 Be clear...

When you transform your relationship with alcohol, you can rediscover your true self. Join host Anna Donaghey and guest Christy Osborne, as they share their journeys with motherhood, spirituality, and sobriety. Christy shares her raw and challenging experiences during the early stages of raising her children, the societal pressures that led her to drink, and the pivotal moment that prompted her transformation. Anna and Christy discuss the profound impact of alcohol on emotional growth, the societal pressure of "mummy wine culture," and the empowering clarity that comes with sobriety. This episode not only explores the intricate link between spirituality...

Discover the transformative power of shifting your mindset in moments of struggle, on this week’s episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Anna addresses the frustration and demotivation that come with stumbling back into old drinking patterns. With insights from an experimental mindset and tips on self-compassion, she reframes setbacks not as failures but as crucial learning opportunities. We'll discuss strategies like measuring progress in percentages rather than days, focusing on gains over perfection, and the importance of self-determination. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical tools and a new perspective to keep moving forward on...

86% of women don’t fully understand the impact of perimenopause and menopause. In this fascinating episode, host Anna Donaghey is joined by the inspiring Lauren Chiren, CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, to explore the complex interplay between alcohol and menopause. With a blend of personal anecdotes and eye-opening insights, they unpack how lifestyle choices can profoundly influence the menopausal journey. From hormonal upheavals to healthcare challenges and the essential need for education. Tune in as we explore how a mindful approach to alcohol can make a world of difference to managing menopause and reclaiming your well-being.

...

Can journalling help your sober journey? This episode Anna is taking a look at this transformative practice. Whether you're looking to reduce or quit drinking, or simply seeking a way to boost your mental and emotional well-being, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to get you started. We'll explore simple prompts, debunk perfectionist myths, and discuss the myriad benefits supported by research from reducing anxiety to improving overall health. With insights from historical figures and modern-day journalling advocates, like Claire Pooley, we'll show you how dedicating just a few minutes each day to journalling can become a happy habit. 

Are you ready to reimagine your relationship with alcohol? In this Q&A episode, we're tackling a timely and crucial topic for those taking a break from alcohol: dealing with discomfort. Join your host, Anna Donaghey, as she offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with this transformative journey. Whether you're in the middle of Sober October or simply exploring a new lifestyle, this episode is full of reframes, reassurances and strategies to keep you on track. Tune in and discover how to turn moments of discomfort into milestones...

We explore the transformative journey from alcohol dependence to living an authentic and empowered life with our inspiring guest, Clare Pooley. Well-known in ‘Quit Lit’ circles for her best-selling book The Sober Diaries, Clare reflects on her personal journey with alcohol, the emotional rollercoaster of early sobriety, and how writing became her lifeline and therapeutic tool. Host Anna Donaghey leads this heartfelt conversation, celebrating Clare's bravery, resilience, and her journey to authenticity.

Tune in as we explore Clare’s pivotal decision to quit drinking, the impact of sobriety on her family, and the importance of vulnerability in foster...

Are cravings for alcohol creeping in and threatening to derail your Sober October plans? In this timely episode of the Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna Donaghey drops a powerful tool to help you tackle those pesky urges head-on. Whether you're navigating physical cravings for booze or attempting to outsmart the psychological triggers that are tempting you to have a drink, Anna has got you covered. Dive into actionable techniques, from mastering the art of ‘urge surfing’ to using powerful pauses and power poses. Equip yourself with these solid strategies and transform your cravings into stepping stones towards a heal...