The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast

Off the back of their Catherine Gray episode, Steve and James dive into the books that have shaped their alcohol-free adventures — and the ones that came downstream of removing alcohol. From the core quitlit that first cracked things open — The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, This Naked Mind, Alcohol Explained, and Alcohol Lied To Me — to the mindset and habit books that helped rebuild life on the other side: Atomic Habits, The Chimp Paradox, Dopamine Nation, Why We Sleep, and more. Whether you're at day one or year five, this is your reading list. Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com   Insta: @sober.illiant   Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com    Linkedin http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032   Insta: ⁨@alcoholfreecoach⁩

Regular listeners will know that Catherine Gray has come up more than once on the show — and for good reason. Her book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober is one of those rare reads that genuinely shifts something, and it's been on both Steve and James's recommended lists since day one. So when the opportunity came to sit down with her properly, we jumped at it. Catherine joins us to talk about her latest book, Little Addictions: Freedom From Our Tiny But Mighty Compulsions — a brilliant exploration of all the habits and behaviours we don't necessarily need to quit, but probably need to look at a little more honestly. The conversation naturally spills into alcohol, identity, dopamine, the state of the industry, and quite a bit more besides. Twelve years alcohol-free, seven books deep, and as sharp and honest as ever Catherine was everything we hoped she'd be as a guest. Connect with Catherine: @unexpectedjoyof Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032      

This week we sit down with the one and only David Wilson AKA 'Sober Dave' We've been wanting to get Dave on for a while, and he didn't disappoint. In a conversation that covers childhood, identity, rock bottoms and real recovery, Sober Dave reminds us that it's never too late — and that stopping drinking is just the beginning. David Wilson is a trauma-informed sobriety coach, No.1 bestselling author, and host of the Top 10 Apple podcast One For The Road — one of the UK's most recognisable voices in modern sobriety, with nearly 200,000 followers and a belief that lasting change comes from understanding why we drink, not just trying to stop. In this episode he opens up about where it all started, the slow escalation that crept up over decades, and the moment he finally decided enough was enough. But what makes this conversation stand out is what comes after — the grief of letting go, the uncomfortable question of who you are without alcohol, and the real work involved in building a life you actually want to live. At 62, he's never felt better. But the road to get there was anything but straightforward — and he's refreshingly honest about that. Connect with Dave: 📖 One For The Road — the book 🎙️ One For The Road — the podcast 📱 @soberdave 🌐 soberdave.co.uk Connect with Dave: 📖 One For The Road — the book 🎙️ One For The Road — the podcast 📱 @soberdave 🌐 soberdave.co.uk Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032  

This week we’re joined by health psychologist Professor Richard Cooke to unpack one big question: If we know alcohol isn’t great for us… why do we still drink? We talk about why smoking feels different to drinking, why hangovers shift from a “badge of honour” in your 20s to a wake-up call in midlife, and why moderation can feel completely exhausting. We also dig into the real fear behind cutting back — losing connection — and why that fear might not be as real as we think. It’s honest, thought-provoking, and packed with insights into how behaviour change actually works in the real world. If you’ve ever said, “I know it’s not good for me, but…” — this one’s for you. Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032  

This week it's just Steve and James  and despite the fact the rain never wants to go away they talk through why spring can be a surprisingly tricky time when you’re changing your relationship with alcohol. From beer gardens and BBQs to the “I’ve earned it” mindset, They discuss the psychology behind cravings, the internal negotiation that often leads to “just one,” The conversation also highlights why taking a longer break can create real clarity and control — along with one of the biggest alcohol-free benefits people report: significantly better sleep, energy, mood and resilience. Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032  

Episode 34 – Rich Casement In this episode, we’re joined by Rich Casement, co-founder of Clean Break Coaching, ultrarunner, and alcohol-free performance coach. Rich shares his powerful journey from a 20-year career in the alcohol industry to taking a “clean break” from both drinking and the identity that once defined him. We explore the mental health challenges that sparked change, how running became both a refuge and a reset, and how Rich now helps others step away from habits that no longer serve them. A raw, honest conversation about identity, purpose, and building a life aligned with your values. Connect with Rich: Insta: @clean.break.coaching  Web: https://take-a-cleanbreak.com/ Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032 Authentic Brew: Listener Offer Code: TAFRP10 Discount: 10% off your entire order Link: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10

Episode 33: Matt Phelan – The Happiness Loan We Don’t Talk About In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Phelan, co-founder of The Happiness Index, to explore the surprising relationship between alcohol, happiness, and workplace culture. Matt shares his personal journey to becoming alcohol-free and explains how tracking his own wellbeing data revealed what he calls the “happiness loan” — the short-term lift alcohol provides, followed by a longer-term emotional cost. We dive into the shifting social attitudes toward drinking, particularly among younger generations, and discuss how organisations can create more inclusive workplace cultures that don’t revolve around alcohol. Matt also reflects on parenting, societal expectations, and why helping others feel happier may be one of the most powerful drivers of our own wellbeing. A thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about happiness, leadership, and living with greater intention. Connect with Matt:   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/ The Happiness index: thehappinessindex.com Book Matt as a speaker: www.mattphelan.co.uk Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032 Authentic Brew: Listener Offer Code: TAFRP10 Discount: 10% off your entire order Link: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10

Episode 32 — Mum Dad's Got another tattoo (with Mark Cox) In this episode of The Alcohol Free Revolution, Steve and James are joined by Mark Cox, host of the fabulous Mum, Dad’s Got another Tattoo podcast, for an open and wide-ranging conversation about alcohol, identity, and navigating midlife without losing yourself. Mark shares his experience of going alcohol-free without a dramatic “rock bottom”, and what it’s really been like moving through the first year — from the unexpected identity discomfort of being labelled “the non-drinker”, to realising how much of the pressure to justify not drinking is internal rather than external. Together, they explore why alcohol is one of the only substances we feel the need to explain not taking, how limiting beliefs around socialising and belonging quietly shape behaviour, and why most people are paying far less attention to us than we think. The conversation also dives into the practical changes Mark noticed after stepping away from alcohol — improved sleep, better mental health, body composition changes, and a renewed sense of presence as a dad — alongside a broader discussion about midlife, masculinity, community, and creating space for healthier, more honest conversations. A thoughtful, honest episode for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, navigating midlife change, or wondering what actually happens after the decision to stop drinking. Mum Dad's got another tattoo podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2LPYgwQMCWGPJNlZOisq9W?si=nGvp5olSTs-pN1T3xBY-sw  Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032 Authentic Brew: Listener Offer Code: TAFRP10 Discount: 10% off your entire order Link: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10

This week it’s just Steve and James, sitting down for an honest, unfiltered conversation about something a lot of people reach the end of January thinking quietly to themselves: So… what now? Having both gone alcohol-free over four and a half years ago, they reflect on why stopping for a month can feel powerful — but also why going straight back to drinking often doesn’t sit quite right. The episode explores what actually changes when you remove alcohol, why it’s common to feel a bit unsettled a few months in, and how identity shifts can feel uncomfortable even when life is clearly improving. The conversation moves through lived experience, coaching insights, and the kinds of discussions that come up every week inside the Alcohol-Free Revolution community — from health and habit change to relationships, purpose, and who you’re becoming without alcohol in the picture. If you’re finishing Dry January feeling better than expected — but unsure what the next step should be — this episode is a gentle, thoughtful place to land. Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032 Authentic Brew: Listener Offer Code: TAFRP10 Discount: 10% off your entire order Link: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10

Mike Mudie is the CEO and co-founder of Authentic Brew. Last year after experiencing corporate burnout and making the decision to step away from alcohol, Mike began questioning the way we rely on constant stimulation to get through the day. What started as a personal search for something more balanced and natural eventually led to the creation of Authentic Brew In this episode, Mike talks openly about the journey from burnout to building a values-led business, the wider cultural shift away from “always on” living, and why choosing a more authentic way of working, fuelling and living matters now more than ever. Try Authentic Brew for yourself Listener Offer Code: TAFRP10 Discount: 10% off your entire order Link: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10 Join our community:  Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com Insta: http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com  Linkedin :http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032