binthegin2020's podcast

Our Alcohol free year.

In this culminating chapter of binthegin2020, Sarah and Lynsey look back at the trials of an alcohol free Christmas and New Year; to tot up their Marie Curie total and talk about what's next for them with alcohol……

RecordedandeditedbySarahGentry

SocialMediaandresearch:LynseyGentry

Search:@binthegin2020onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram.

Email us: [email protected]

Sponsor us: justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket68.

In the penultimate chapter of  binthegin2020, Sarah and Lynsey count up their Marie Curie total so far and with the finishing line in sight, they discuss  what's next in their alcohol journey.

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry

Social Media and research: Lynsey Gentry

Search: @binthegin2020 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Email us: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket 68.

In Episode 7 of Bin the Gin 2020 - Sarah and Lynsey reflect on Episode 6 and their chat with addiction specialist, Michelle Morphitis and with a month long lockdown looming, they're trying to find light in the darkness by sharing a big slice of happiness. Their message- Do more of what makes you happy.

They're also talking about their October 150k challenge of running, walking or swimming 150k throughout the month of October. 

Their guest today is the one of this years BBC UNSUNG SPORTING HERO, NOMINEEs - Glyn Davies, who talks about his joy of keeping fit and running. 

Recorded and Edited by Sarah Gentry.

Social Media and Research: Lynsey Gentry.

Search: binthegin2020 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from @Rocket68cards

#running #runfree #happy #joy #health #selfcare  #lockdown2 #COVID19 #recoveryposse #menopause #silentdisco #Glastonbury #rocket68cards #sober #alcoholfree #happiness #smile #mountainwalks #sloegin #backtonature #rainbow #organised #lists #family #hugs #bellylaughs #hottubs #bubblebaths #trainers #lycra #parkrun #beach #seaswimming #wildswimming #forestwalks #festivals #airportarrivalslounge #radio #podcasts #music #dancing #butteredtoast #walking #cheesytunes #hometown #BarbaraStreisand #BugHotel #Alcoholfree #MarieCurie #nolo 

Our Alcohol Free Year.

In Episode 6 of BINTHEGIN2020, Sarah and Lynsey reflect on their journey so far, apologise for their absence through Lockdown and encourage you to join them as they take on a new challenge to add to their year of Abstinence -  To walk/run/swim 150K across the 31 days of October along with SOBER OCTOBER if you dare?

They've also added a disclaimer to their podcast title as suggested by their friend Rich  "Bin the Gin 2020 - other alcoholic beverages are available. " and they've an incredible Guest: 13 and half years sober, they talk to Michele Morphitis, who for 7 years was the Manager of the Addictions Treatment Programme at the Priory Hospital Roehampton and now runs her own psychotherapy business THE BOND STREET PRACTICE in London.

Quotes from Michelle:

"We underestimate clinical treatment massively in the uk. That's why people are falling apart in lockdown... as the repressed rears its head. In my opinion addiction doesn't exist... it is a symptom of a much bigger malaise... a disease of mind, body and spirit. The "cure" has to be all 3. But this is The Age of Anxiety and Distraction... we are ostriches with our heads buried. Which is fine if life is going well. ......"

Asking her why Alcohol becomes Toxic for some but not for others, Michelle replied with:

"Ultimately "why" doesn't matter... just work out if it is. Imagine if it was a person... what would you do?

But staying sober will only happen if you really want it. It's like having abs.. everyone can do it,  but not everyone wants the effort required. So... the fat tummy wins. The comfortable place. Ultimately it has to be more uncomfortable to drink rather than not to... unless it's a lifestyle choice... like being vegan. But choosing is not the same as having to... choosing not to eat nuts because you might get chubby is different from having to avoid nuts or they will kill you."

References: Michele Morphitis - THE BOND STREET PRACTICE 

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry.

Social Media and Research: Lynsey Gentry.

Search: binthegin2020 on twitter Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from @Rocket68cards

Hashtags: #Selfcare #isolation #lockdown #COVID19 #Sober #recoveryposse #naturalhighs #Rocket68 #staysober #alcoholfree #zero #AlcoholchangeUK #SoberOctober #Stoptober #anxiety 

Episode 5

In Episode 5 of Bin the Gin 2020 - Sarah and Lynsey discuss life in Lockdown, their new addiction to biscuits and chocolate, how they've been staying fit and keeping sane. 

They talk to Cognitive Behavioral Therapist Gordon Matthews about an email he got from his friend and mentor  Trevor Silvester from the Quest Institute which is helping him get through the "new normal "

It's a great read and Gordon has allowed us to

share his email here......

The Challenge:

Jeremy Bentham once exhorted us to 'deal with life as it is, not how it's supposed to be'. This is not easy. Your brain likes certainty, so when something shakes 'normality', it will either do its best to continue as before - even if it's heading you towards a cliff (we call that denial) -  or it will access your memoragination for guidance. 

With a shift from normality as big as Covid 19 it's not surprising that many people have no frame of reference from their past. This is literally like nothing they've ever faced before – they cannot see a way forward. Often the felt response to this is akin to depression; the brain wants you to stop and bed down for a while until the situation ahead becomes clearer (protection response = freeze). Or, if the brain matches it with negative events from your past – like previous experiences of poverty, redundancy, loss etc – then if the match is strong you'll experience anxiety (a fear of what you foresee as the outcome) and respond with fight or flight, or depression if your default with stress tends to be to freeze.

So, the great rollercoaster of emotions we're witnessing (and sharing) are perfectly normal, they're just us responding to the situation as our brain is interpreting it. It's good to remember that what we're taking to be privation would be luxury to 80% of the world, and amazing safety for millions of refugees. It's not what's happening, but what we make of it (write that on your fridge.)

The solutions:

In times of great uncertainty remaining in Internal locus of control is a good idea. That is the secret. And it isn't easy. 

How do we do this?

1.    For now, it's impossible to plan long-term, so lower your gaze. Deal with what's in front of you. What are the problems to be solved today? 

2.    Operate within your circle of influence. Pay attention and give energy to those things you can control, not the things you can't – these are in your circle of concern, which is much larger, but over which you have little power. 

3.    With our normal rhythms disrupted, create new ones. Have a list of things to achieve each day. Achieving them is a successful day. Keep them smallish and achievable. Include exercise and something novel – like learning a new hobby (juggling is great for anxiety and creativity).

4.    Secure your base. Sometimes appropriate protection is growth, so you might need to shrink or postpone your plans or ambitions. Don't try to keep your life/business bigger than it can be – make it what it needs to be, not what you'd like it to be.  Look at what you need to sustain you and your family now and make that as safe as you can. This is your launch pad for when this is over.

5.    Keep connected to people with a growth mindset. We feed what we focus on, so the more you tune into negative messages the more you'll be primed to look for them.

6.    Forgive yourself. This is not about being relentlessly positive. This is a difficult time with things happening that will have negative consequences for all of us to some degree or another. It's appropriate to grieve for the future that will no longer be there, to fear the loss of things we love or hoped to, to hurt for the people suffering. All feelings are ok to feel, so don't judge yourself by them. Cry for a while. Sit in a dark room for a while. Moan about the unfairness for a while. Go for it. Then rub yourself down with a wet wipe, get up, and work the problem that's in front of you.

When this is over we can look back at what we learned, how we grew and what we're grateful for. For now, take one step at a time and remember to love who you're connected to. Take some time to serve others.

One day this will be a story you tell. What character would you like yourself to be in it? Treat it as that story now.

References: Gordon Matthews,  The Quest Institute, Jeremy Bentham and Trevor Silvester. 

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry with a little help from Stevie Cripps.

Social Media and Research: Lynsey Gentry.

Search: binthegin2020 on twitter Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from @Rocket68cards

#philosopher #philosophy #Brewdog #nolow #kombucha  #selfcare #isolation #lockdown #COVID19 #recoveryposse #menopause  #mothernurtureuk #natural highs #beyond the blue #glastonbury #Freedam #Malta #TheQuestInstitute #TrevorSilvester #Rocket68cards #CognitiveBehaviouralTherapy #CBT #@Steviecripps #@rocket68cards  #stay sober  #alcohol free #Adnams #BrooklnBrewery

Episode 4- Bin the Gin 2020

Show notes.

In Episode 4 of Bin the Gin 2020 - Sarah and Lynsey discuss how they've adapted to the new Corona Crisis and question their Friend Kate's suggestion that they've picked an easy year to stop drinking. What do you think? They don't agree and think perhaps that some people are possibly drinking more? 

They talk to Claire from Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire who under normal circumstances, lives quite happily home alone but says now she's in Isolation she's definitely drinking and talking to herself more.

Sarah's Natural High was to be Shinrin Yoku  - In an Interview recorded prior to lockdown the girls talk to Reiki and Meditation practitioner, Nina about taking time to be quiet, hugging trees and how to fully immerse yourselves in the great outdoors.

References - THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES by Peter Wohlleben

Mother Nuture UK - Alternative and Holistic Health on Facebook on Instagram

References: drinkaware.co.uk

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry with a little help from Stevie Cripps.

Social Media and Research: Lynsey Gentry.

Search: binthegin2020 on twitter Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket68.

#Brewdog #nolo #kombucha  #Alternative #Reiki #Meditation #Yoga #Shinrinyoku #holistichealth #selfcare #isolation #lockdown #COVID19 #HebdenBridge #recoveryposse #menopause  #mothernurtureuk #naturalhighs #spirititual #legochallenge #glastonbury

Chewing the fat with some dry January chat.

In Episode 3 of BIN THE GIN 2020, Sarah and Lynsey sample some Kombucha, talk about the menace of storm Dennis and welcome new listeners and followers including the #SoberPosse.

Sarah has fun in her Kitchen with Stevie and Steve talking about their experience of Dry January and how their productivity and creativity went up as the month went on.  

Stevie talks about how he brain dumps in his "morning papers" and how he's adopted  the practice of not over thinking things with Mel Robbin's "5 second rule." 

A misunderstanding of when dry January ends leaves Stevie disappointed with Steve and reflecting on their time the Boys surmise that although a month is a good break, it's not enough time to rewire habits and remap your brain. 

A miscommunication sees Lynsey nearly agreeing to do a Bunjee Jump, Sarah Talks about the joys of a Gong bath, her latest Natural high and the pair discuss the benefits of being Alcohol free, their recent party experiences and Fact finder Lynsey looks at the many health and wellbeing benefits of going sober.

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry with a little help from Stevie Cripps.

Social Media and Research: Lynsey Gentry.

Search: binthegin2020 on twitter Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket68.

References: drinkaware.co.uk

In this second episode of binthegin2020, Sarah and Lynsey share their listeners thoughts and reactions to their first podcast,  discuss the responses to 

Lynsey's 0.05%  beers and their placebo effect, explore some alcohol alternatives and look at breaking some old bad habits. 

They're joined by guests,  Diane, a well seasoned open water bather and Kate, Sarah's old school friend, who joins her on her first Natural high, Swimming in the Sea, on one of the frostiest days of the year so far. 

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry

Social Media and research: Lynsey Gentry

Search: @binthegin2020 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Email us: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket 68.

In this first episode of binthegin2020, Sarah and Lynsey talk about the lightbulb moment that catapulted them into their year of sobriety. They answer their listeners questions as to why they're stopping; Talk about hang overs, the fact that they're lightweights; Lynsey's Hiccups, Sarah's anxiety and their want to raise money for Marie Curie.

Sarahs' explanation about her life in work turns from a brief synopsis to a mammoth meander. The pair talk about 0% beer, the benefits of not drinking, an upcoming party invite, addiction, habit and the natural highs they've got lined up, with their friends imminent no alcohol event - "The dark disco"  and Sarah and her friend Kate's monthly open water/ sea swims.

Recorded and edited by Sarah Gentry ( with a little help from Stevie Cripps. )

Social Media and research: Lynsey Gentry

Search: @binthegin2020 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Email us: [email protected]

Sponsor us : justgiving.com/fundraising/lynsey-gentry

Art work by Jill White from Rocket 68.

Hi my wife and I are rethinking drinking……

Our 2020 Vision is to go sober-  for the entire year whilst documenting our dry journey across the 12 months on this podcast. 

Most of our friends and family have been really supportive while others are concerned we won't be fun without a drink in hand- Our hope, is to prove them wrong!  

We'll talk about all sorts of drinking related subjects, from exploring ours and others Alcohol habits,  binge drinking and the horrors of hangovers,  whilst enjoying and sharing some of our Natural Highs, alcohol Free celebrations and looking at the benefits of stopping or cutting down on the booze-  We don't want to be a born again "non drinking bores" but are excited about  where this path will take us...

We're new to podcasting so learning as we go, so bear with us as we experiment...We enjoy and learn from your feedback and have already, as they proved unpopular,  ditched the sound effects from episode 1! 

Please subscribe in your favourite podcast app to get each sobering update as it drops.

Sarah and Lynsey

BIN THE GIN 2020.