Alcohol Freedom Finders

The Ripple Effect: Living With Someone Who Found Alcohol Freedom | Alcohol Freedom Finders #with Nick Bird

What happens when one partner finds freedom from alcohol — and the other isn't even trying to quit? In this episode of Alcohol Freedom Finders, we sit down with Justin's husband Nick Bird to explore the powerful ripple effect that led to him living alcohol-free by choice.

Nick never set out to stop drinking. But after watching Justine's journey and absorbing the curiosity mindset and This Naked Mind methodology through osmosis, he found himself drawn to the same path — nearly four years ago. Together, we dig into what really changed: the struggles with social drinking culture at work, the surprising resistance from friends, the discovery that alcohol-free beer gives you that same first-sip feeling without the downside, and how choosing not to drink led to deeper connection, more energy, and even a brand-new business.

Whether you're alcohol-free curious, supporting a partner on their journey, or just wondering whether life without drinking can really be as good as people say — this honest, warm conversation is for you.

In this episode:

• How curiosity — not willpower — led Nick to stop drinking
• The work and social challenges of being the non-drinker in the room
• Why alcohol-free beer is a game-changer (and the placebo effect behind it)
• How quitting drinking deepened Nick and Justine's relationship
• The three words that sum up an alcohol-free life: Control, Joy, Freedom
• Nick's public speaking coaching business and how clarity and energy unlocked new ambitions

Guest:
Nick Bird — Public speaking and presentation skills coach. Find him  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bird-233a6116/on LinkedIn or visit msbexecutive.com

Hosts:
Barry & Justine — Alcohol Freedom Finders

Chapters:
0:00 Welcome
2:01 The Ripple Effect
2:43 Struggles and Changes
5:51 New Adventures
11:40 Alcohol-Free Beer
17:20 Changes in Justine
19:14 Biggest Fears
24:31 Three Words
28:33 Nick's Speaking Business

Keywords:
alcohol freedom, quit drinking, alcohol-free living, ripple effect, This Naked Mind, alcohol curiosity, alcohol-free beer, sober curious, mindful drinking, relationship and alcohol, benefits of not drinking, public speaking coaching

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

After 34yrs of "drunken debauchery" with a 2nd marriage failing and kids he wanted to be more present for, Ian took the drastic step to try 10 days  of aversion therapy rehab - and it changed everything!

Ian Fee:
https://ianfee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/makeitgreat.me/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

This week we meet Deb Melo, a fellow alcohol freedom coach, who shares how she began drinking regularly in her mid-30s and gradually reached three to four glasses of wine most nights, then spent years trying to control it A breast cancer scare, an eye surgery complication, and a small stroke all focussed the mind towards change but is was a chance book recommendation at a Weight Watchers meeting taht helped her reframe alcohol, stop chasing “never again” thinking, and use “data points” to make alcohol small and irrelevant. Debbie also explains how Weight Watchers, self-compassion, and ending negative self-talk—especially a daily mirror practice —transformed both her food and alcohol relationships. Now nearly seven years alcohol-free after stopping at 62, she describes greater health, peace, authenticity, energy, and the courage to say yes to new possibilities, including being a coach

Deb Melo:
https://fullheartcoaching.net/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Full-Heart-Coaching/61562193626702/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

This week we've had the pleasure of talking to Tony Fields, the creator and founder of pH seven Performance, which is a members, uh, group for men who want to live better and be better dads at home and like, who needs to be, uh, an alcoholic to stop drinking? What about just wanting to be a better version of yourself?

Tony Fields:
https://ph7performance.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-fields-3490a055/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

In this episode, we talk to Dan Justine's personal trainer. We'll hear how a near death experience led Dan to truly embrace his life as a fitness coach through self-awareness and the support of his fellow physical and mental health experts. We'll also learn his own daily routines and the importance of self-forgiveness and the power of community and connection in overcoming addictive behavior.

Dan Panzanaro
https://www.instagram.com/dnzh.mvt/
https://www.swaystudio.co.uk/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

This week we’re joined by Lori McGiven, a fellow Alcohol Freedom coach from Vermont where shé also part of the medical examiners death investigation team. At 40, Lori realized she had an issue with her drinking and struggled to break free. Discover how she navigated her journey towards alcohol freedom. Lori shares the transformation from feeling powerless and overwhelmed to finding joy, freedom, and fulfillment in life. Watch to learn about the profound impact this had on her relationships, and the empowerment that comes from truly understanding and addressing your relationship with alcohol.

Lauri McGivern

https://freespiritsaf.com/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Free-Spirits-AF/61571611805851/#

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

In this episode we welcome fellow coach Tim Kelly. Tim shares his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, the multiple attempts at various treatments, and eventually finding solace through Annie Grace’s 'This Naked Mind'. Tim discusses his moment of realization, the support from his fiancée, and the transformative 30-day alcohol-free experiment which marked a turning point in his life. Now, Tim aims to help others by working with employers to provide support programs for their employees. Learn about the key elements that made freedom from alcohol possible for Tim: the importance of self-awareness, being present, and the significance of reclaiming personal power. Tune in to hear how Tim is making an impact through coaching and inspiring others on their paths to an alcohol-free life.

On a technical note we unfortunately had problems with the recording software so the sound is pretty ropey this time but its definitely worth persevering!

Tim  Kelly
https://onwardafcoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/timonwardafcoaching
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onwardafcoaching

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

In this episode of Alcohol Freedom Finders, hosts Justine Clark and Barry Condon talk with Sarah Callejo, a fellow alcohol freedom coach from Spain, about her transformative journey to alcohol freedom. Sarah shares how she started drinking at 14, driven by a need to fit in and cope with feelings of being an outsider. She discusses the cultural pressures and how life as a writer amplified her alcohol consumption. Sarah's turning point came after an embarrassing incident involving her children, pushing her to seek help. Through resources like 'This Naked Mind,' she found the courage to become her authentic self, shedding alcohol and the false sense of connection it provided. Sarah provides insights and advice for those looking to break free from alcohol dependence in similar culturally ingrained environments. Now an alcohol freedom coach, Sarah helps others navigate their own journeys towards pride, inner peace, and authenticity.
00:00 Introduction to Sarah Callejo
00:22 Sarah's Early Struggles with Alcohol
01:37 The Turning Point
04:22 The Writer's Dilemma
06:09 Cultural Influences on Drinking
10:12 Realizations and Change
13:52 Life After Alcohol
23:12 Advice for Others
26:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sarah Callejo
https://www.rememberthenow.es/
https://www.instagram.com/irememberthenow/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

This week, we explored Jason’s incredibly honest journey from being a committed social drinker to embracing full alcohol freedom. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

The Insidious Nature of Habit: For many, the struggle with alcohol isn't a dramatic "rock bottom" moment, but rather the quiet, insidious habit that creeps up by stealth. Jason shares how easily consumption rises from a glass with dinner to a few glasses, turning into a cycle of drinking and recovery.

The Delayed Epiphany: Jason reminds us that we shouldn't wait for a sudden, magical moment of clarity. For him, the true realisation of sobriety's benefits only occurred after he tried drinking again, allowing him to see the stark contrast between his drinking and non-drinking self.

Challenging the "Reward" Myth: The biggest barrier to quitting is the belief that alcohol is intrinsically linked to relaxation and fun. We discussed how reframing this is vital; you are not missing out on the reward, you are just replacing short-term dopamine spikes with sustainable oxytocin (long-term wellbeing and connection).

Shifting Focus to Living Well: Sobriety eventually stops being about "not drinking" and starts being about discovering how to live the best version of your life. As Jason notes, this includes having the energy to play with your children and tackling major life challenges, like moving across the world.

Jason’s Practical Advice:

Allow yourself a period of time off to gain understanding and question old habits.

Reintroduce social situations gradually (start with one or two close friends).

Don't be afraid to use modern non-alcoholic options; as Jason found, nobody is usually the wiser!

Reframe your social role: Volunteering to be the designated driver can provide a positive, satisfying form of feedback.

Jason’s three words to describe becoming an Alcohol Freedom Finder were: Freedom, Emotions, and Happiness.

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/

This week we're joined by a fellow, this Naked Mind coach Corina, who didn't think she had a problem with alcohol at all. She was a working mother, highly successful and functioning well. Until she wasn't. When she hit her mid forties, she was hit by a double dose of stress.

Her son was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and her mother with cancer. This moment of extreme vulnerability forced Corina to take a long, hard look at her drinking wasn't really the elixir that she was hoping it was, or was it preventing her from approaching this. Tough time calmly and with Grace.

Corina joins us today to share her journey, which includes her specialist perspective on working with adolescents and those from a Latin American cultural background. 

Karina Koplock
https://www.theafplanet.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theafplanet
https://www.facebook.com/thafplanet
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-koplock-0805272/

Our 30-day group programme:
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/aff-community

The podcast home page
https://podcast.alcoholfreedomfinders.com/

Justine Clark
https://wellwithjustine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wellwithjustine/

Barry Condon
https://www.cleanlifecoaching.org/
https://www.instagram.com/clean.life.coaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-condon-577b85294/