Alcohol is one of the only substances that we’re expected to consume and judged when we don’t. But why?

In this episode, Abby sits down with Mike Marshall, CEO of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance and a longtime advocate in the public health and recovery space, to unpack how alcohol became so deeply embedded in our culture and who benefits from that.

Mike shares his personal sobriety journey, his background in politics and advocacy, and why alcohol should be treated as a public health issue not just a matter of “personal responsibility.” Together, they explore the links between alcohol and cancer, mental health, violence, and motherhood, as well as why most people don’t actually have access to this information.

This conversation is eye-opening, validating, and empowering, especially if you’ve ever felt like opting out of drinking made you the “weird one.”

In this episode, we cover:

• Why alcohol is regulated differently than tobacco

• The connection between alcohol and breast cancer

• How the alcohol industry shapes social norms

• Why sobriety and moderation aren’t just personal, they’re political

• What real change could look like at a policy level

To learn more or get involved, visit alcoholpolicy.org.