The Big Drink Rethink

Latest Episodes:

Ep 32: Toolkit '101' - Principles For a Successful Alcohol-Free Break Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Imagine taking a break from alcohol that's not just a pause, but a transformative experience. In this episode, your host Anna, is exploring how you can make the most of any alcohol-free break. She is also sharing the fundamental principles behind her self-guided programme, sharing how taking a break from the book can be a productive, insightful, and even life-changing journey. So, let's get started!

Here are the highlights:

04:48 Discover the benefits of a month without alcohol.

08:46 Embrace the booze elevator, forget false labels.

12:38 Embrace circumstances, ditch blame, and willpower.

15:28 Willpower isn't enough for long-term behaviour change.

20:05 Curiosity allows for questioning, learning, and growth.

20:55 Shift from loss mindset to gain mindset.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community information

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ep 31: From Grey Area Drinking to Holistic Health with Janey Lee Grace | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

We’re exploring the positive impact of stepping off the booze elevator with none other than Janey Lee Grace. She is an author, public speaker, Life Coach, and fervent advocate for healthy living. In this episode she shares her personal struggle with alcohol and how she navigated through the societal norms and medical attitudes surrounding drinking, to find her path to peace.

Together with our host, Anna, Janey emphasises the interconnectedness of proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle practices in supporting sobriety. They touch on the guilt and shame often felt when quitting, but also highlight the overwhelming benefits of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. From improved health and energy levels to enhanced self-worth and emotional empowerment, discover how quitting drinking can transform your life.

Here are the highlights:

03:34 The huge elephant in the room was alcohol and I couldn’t grasp that life would be better without it.

12:47 Getting off the booze elevator before it all turns bad.

15:28 Alcohol culture and awareness around drinking is shifting.

24:17 Avoid the term "give up," use “quitting” or “ditching the booze”.

31:42 Alcohol's impact on the menopause and body temperature

36:43 Facing challenges led to helping others recover.

41:02 Focus on good food, and make supportive changes.

45:10 Develop awareness of body, thoughts, and emotions. Am I burying emotions with my behaviour?

50:29 When I gave up alcohol I could actually start to like myself again.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Janey Lee Grace:

Janey Lee Grace is an author, public speaker, and life coach trained in NLP, EFT, Matrix and Family Constellations therapy, plus sobriety and health coaching. Formerly she was a broadcaster best known as a co-host on Steve Wright in the afternoon on BBC Radio 2 - she is author of five books on holistic living including two number one amazon best sellers. Janey hosts a podcast Alcohol Free Life which is rated in the Top 5 of all podcasts globally. She presents shows for Uk Health Radio and runs Platinum Awards annually to recognise the best in wellbeing products and services,

Find out more: www.janeyleegrace.com

Ep 30: Sobriety Milestones, with Sober Dave | Rethinking Alcohol | Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the journey of sobriety milestones with David Wilson, better known as ‘Sober Dave’. This is Dave’s second time on the podcast, and he has returned to discuss the physical and emotional changes that come with giving up alcohol, and how envisioning future benefits can help make sobriety non-negotiable. Both Anna and Dave share their experiences of navigating holidays, emotional sobriety, and the ever-present struggle with identity and self-development after years of drinking. This episode is packed with valuable strategies, personal stories, and a wealth of support for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol.

Here are the Highlights:

13:13 Commit to sobriety, plan ahead, and feel empowered.

16:43 Embracing sobriety and helping others with mental health.

19:59 Supportive approach to managing social isolation at work.

23:04 Seek support, and create a personalised plan.

29:25 Successfully managing and enjoying a holiday without drinking.

44:05 Accepting the past, forgiving yourself, and moving forward purposefully.

49:39 Questioning sobriety, finding strength in experience.

54:38 Sobriety brings organisation and peace of mind.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host, Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About David Wilson:

Transforming his life in January 2019, David Wilson is a Certified Grey Area Drinking Coach, Trauma Informed Coach and Public Speaker. He is dedicated to motivating others to transform their lives, overcome personal challenges and embrace life with a renewed mindset. Using his unique delivery and no nonsense approach, Dave is both personable and relatable.

His Top 10 Apple Podcast 'One For The Road' reaches a global audience with over 300K downloads in the first year. Dave's rich and varied guest list includes RTT founder Marisa Peer, SAS Who Dares Wins Ollie Ollerton and author of 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober' Catherine Gray.

Dave is a No.1 Bestselling Author with his debut book, also titled 'One For The Road' - a blend of his personal memoir, coaching techniques and offers motivational tips to help the reader change their relationship with alcohol.

Dave is a firm believer that the opposite of addiction is connection, which prompted him to create his own private Facebook groups so like minded people can share and connect in a safe space.

Connect with Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilson

Instagram: @soberdave

Ep 29: Toolkit '101' - Our Toolkit So Far | Alcohol Toolkit | Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode, Anna offers a comprehensive summary of the free tools and resources discussed throughout the series so far. A fantastic collection of strategies, practical tips and reflection exercises to support listeners as they rethink their drinking - whether they are on a mindful drinking journey, or looking to totally quit alcohol.

Tune in to learn more about the valuable tools available on Anna's website, www.thebeliefscoach.com and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Here are the highlights:

05:58 The ‘value’ of your drinks - a reflection tool, promoting moderation awareness.

08:58 Aligning drinking behaviours to happiness, balance, and life fulfillment, and using the wheel of life as a tool.

11:11 Journaling to boost well-being, sleep, and positivity.

15:14 Alcohol damages the brain's prefrontal cortex; meditation strengthens it.

17:42 Free practical tools for rethinking your drinking. Get 50% off the rethink program.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ep 28: The Big Drink Rethink - The Need & The Story So Far… | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

In this special edition of the "Big Drink Rethink" podcast, host Anna Donaghey steps away from the usual guest format to reflect on the journey so far and welcome new listeners. She revisits her personal transformation from alcohol addiction to becoming an alcohol mindset coach, she recounts some of the key moments from the past five months of the podcast. The show is celebrating over 40,000 downloads and it is clear that people need support for rethinking how they drink. Not only can they listen to the podcast but Anna also introduces tools and free resources available to listeners through her website. Make sure you tune into the episode, which offers a thoughtful overview of the podcast's mission to inspire a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Here are the highlights:

00.10 Helping the show top its category charts on Apple with over 40,000 downloads

04:31 Society's view on drinking is unhelpfully binary, categorising people into "normal drinkers" and "alcoholics".

08:10 Encouraging collective rethinking and celebrating positive changes in how we relate to alcohol.

12:41 Drinking to cope is a dangerous slope. It affects sleep, parenting, and personal potential.

13:59 Shift societal views on alcohol and personal identity.

17:56 Access free tools at thebeliefscoach.com.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ep 27: Conscious Consumption: Choosing Alcohol-free & Planet-Friendly Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

Intoday's episode, host Anna Donaghey explores the world of conscious consumption with Anna Chalov, co-founder of Bemuse Drinks. They discuss the rising trend of honey for its health and sustainability benefits and dive into Bemuse's B- Corp certification and environmental commitments.

The two Anna’s shed light on the environmental impact of traditional winemaking, and highlight how honey-based drinks can positively affect biodiversity. And they cover the inspiring story of Bemuse's creation during the lockdown, with its mission to provide high-quality, planet-friendly, non-alcoholic options.

Join them as they extend the definition of ‘mindful drinking’ - to encapsulate being conscious not just of our alcohol consumption, but also whether our alcohol-free drinks are good for the health of the planet. It's an episode filled with insights on making sustainable and thoughtful choices in our drinking habits.

And Bemuse have kindly offered listeners a 20% discount on purchases through their website Bemuse Non Alcoholic Sparkling Mead – Bemuse Drinks-shop. Please purchase using discount code RETHINK20

Here are the highlights:

06:23 Experienced in new product development and marketing.

10:11 Honey trending due to health and sustainability.

11:06 B Corp certification rewards high social, environmental standards.

17:28 Mindful drinking and choices for a sustainable future.

19:59 Comparison of wine making and apiaries' impact.

23:54 Beekeeping is possible in various environments.

28:52 Innovative product fulfilling mindfulness in drink choices.

35:27 Highly praised product with numerous awards.

44:24 Admiring the vision and sustainability of the brand.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Anna Chalov:

After graduating from London Business School, Anna moved into the world of private banking, dealing with successful entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Her business partner at Bemuse, Nataliya, has a passion for creating and developing new, exciting, and meaningful market innovations.

Together, they combined their business skills, passion for alcohol-free drinks and the natural world to develop Bemuse, curiously modern, effervescent honey wine that promotes both a healthier lifestyle and encourages a balance of everyday life with nature. They wanted a new way of building businesses; one that is not only about profit, but which has ethical values that drive a sustainable and responsible operation. They believe that cities can be green and beautiful and that the countryside can be creative and inspiring, but that more sustainable ways of living and celebrating nature must be developed within the commercial landscape.

Bemuse is a proudly certified ‘Made in Britain’ and ‘Buy Women Built’ brand, and a B-Corp. Anna is one of the Top 10 Highly Commended 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch by Natwest and The Telegraph.

Connect with Anna:

Instagram: @bemusedrinks

Facebook @bemusedrinks

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-chalov-108b97/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74029372/admin/dashboard/

Ep 26: Toolkit ‘101’: 20 Tips for Alcohol Moderation Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Anna shares 20 expert-backed tips and hacks to help you navigate your drinking choices with more mindfulness and control. From strategic drinking during meals and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, to avoiding rounds or kitties that speed up your intake, she’s got you covered. She also discusses practical shopping tips, like making dedicated trips to buy alcohol and saying no to wine subscription schemes that anonymise the purchase and heighten the allure of overindulgence.

Whether you're planning a night out or contemplating your weekly drinking routine at home, this toolkit is brimming with actionable advice and effective strategies to moderate your consumption. Tune in to explore what works for you.

Here are the highlights:

03:43 Practical tips for responsible drinking: limit, timing, location, and self-awareness.

09:36 Bubbles in champagne and Prosecco can speed up intoxication.

15:35 Alternate alcohol with water.

19:16 Limit drinks, eat before, avoid third drink.

22:51 Limit pre-party drinking, set specific drinking window.

27:10 Avoid excessive drinking by not drinking alone.

28:26 Limit home drinking, buy only as needed.

32:27 Shop for alcohol intentionally.

34:08 Cancel alcohol subscriptions

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ep 25: The Hidden Drivers of Behaviour and Addiction | Rethinking Alcohol | Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Anna interviews Dr. Manoj Krishna, a former spine surgeon turned mindfulness advocate, who shares his journey from setting up his medical practice to founding The HappierMe project, which focuses on understanding the mind to overcome human suffering.

Wonderfully insightful, Manoj sheds light on the thought processes that can lead to addiction, and they explore the societal and psychological pressures influencing the younger generation, particularly the impact of social media and constant comparison.

The conversation then explores the essential role of self-enquiry, along with the three vital steps: awareness, ownership, and curiosity. Their conversation challenges conventional ideas about happiness and success, emphasising the power of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and how inner work can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Here are the highlights:

01:59 Understanding the mind leads to less suffering, better humanity.

06:35 Self-awareness involves exploring the mind's layers.

08:28 Comparing ourselves to others creates mental unhappiness.

13:32 Modern world feels out of control, easy to blame others.

26:23 Unconscious thought processes behind addiction and recovery.

29:46 Questioning conditioning, seeking meaning, connection and belonging.

33:07 Unconscious fears and desires shape our lives.

36:25 Curiosity brings compassion for ourselves and others.

44:26 Understanding the mind leads to a joyful life.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Dr. Manoj Krishna:

Dr. Manoj Krishna trained as a doctor in India before coming to the UK to pursue a career as a spine surgeon. He left that career after 25 years to write the books Understanding Me, Understanding You- an enquiry into being human, and Stress Free. He started the HappierMe Project and created the HappierMe emotional intelligence app to help reduce suffering, help each person lead a happier and more successful life, and make the world a kinder place.

Understanding ourselves and how our minds work awakens our emotional intelligence, and this can lead to transformation. This can prevent and solve many problems which begin in our thinking: stress, anxiety, relationships breakdown, violence, addiction and division. By understanding ourselves, we can understand others better, leading to more fulfilling relationships. Self-understanding can boost all our soft skills - including communication, leadership, resilience, empathy and critical thinking.

Download the HappierMe app, visit https://happierme.app or follow Manoj on social media: https://linktr.ee/happierme.app

Ep 24: Addressing the Alcohol Middle Ground with Russell Lamb Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Anna explores lower alcohol wines with her special guest, Russell Lamb, co-founder of 6Percent Wine. Russell shares the story behind their innovative 6% alcohol wine, designed to offer a full-flavoured drinking experience without the excess. He shares their business journey from wine tastings to finding the perfect Bordeaux producers, and the surprising feedback from the London Wine Fair. Plus all the regulatory hurdles they've encountered along the way. This episode is packed with insights into the changing drinking culture, mindful moderation, and the exciting future for pioneers like 6Percent - a reminder that the landscape is changing and great new drinks are available for those of us curious to explore it.

Here are the highlights:

02:11 Project manager co-founds inclusive wine company after feeling excluded at a restaurant.

05:51 Challenges and potential in the low-alcohol wine market.

08:37 Diverse wine flavours maintained in signature taste.

11:34 Wine snobbery makes a huge difference in perception.

16:57 Drinks category rethinking to encourage mindful moderation.

22:09 Creating non-alcoholic wine to offer more options.

25:01 Enjoy wine without overindulging.

28:15 Confusion around alcohol labelling laws and categories.

36:47 Challenging perceptions of low alcohol wine quality.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

About Russell Lamb:

Russell is a founder, entrepreneur and experienced business change project manager with a love for wine and life.

Fed up with wine snobs and the complexity of the wine world, he previously co-founded SipIt Wine, a successful wine tasting events and retail company, alongside his wife, Gabi.

Then, two years ago, they became frustrated with high alcohol levels in wine, and couldn't understand why there were no credible lower alcohol options. So they set out on a mission and founded 6Percent - a great tasting, full flavour wine with half the alcohol and half the calories of regular wine.

Connect:

Website: www.6percent.wine

Instagram: www.instagram.com/6percent.wine/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ep 23: Toolkit '101': Measuring Your Personal Happiness | Alcohol Toolkit | Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Your host, Anna, explores happiness and its intricate relationship with alcohol consumption. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, Anna introduces a straightforward but brilliant tool, designed to give listeners a unique and quantitative measure of their own personal happiness.

Anna guides listeners through an enlightening and reflective exercise, involving the creation of a two-column chart to evaluate how alcohol contributes to or detracts from ten core emotions. By scoring these emotions on a scale of one to ten and noting alcohol's role, listeners can gain a clear and objective understanding of how alcohol influences their emotional well-being.

Tune in to this must-listen episode as Anna challenges the conventional belief that happiness is heavily reliant on external factors like alcohol.

Here are the highlights:

05:40 Alcohol is often linked to happiness, we are conditioned by society.

09:35 Childhood innocence is lost as alcohol dominates adulthood.

13:35 Pursuing euphoria through alcohol, leads to numbness.

14:26 Alcohol can initially bring happiness, then sadness.

18:29 Seeking alcohol for happiness can lead to negativity.

22:39 Assessing alcohol's impact on emotions and happiness.

32:49 Feeling awe and wonder, and understanding the importance of love.

35:29 Check out the exercise on the website and get your discount.

🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit Optin

To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment

And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk