June 12, 2025

Is Alcohol Good For You, Or Is Alcohol A POISON? (You'll Be Surprised At The Results!): Drinker Ben Greenfield Debates Non-Drinker James Swanwick.

1 hour

In this debate podcast featuring return guest James Swanwick (you can check out our first show together here), you'll get to hear an honest, science-backed exploration of alcohol’s true impact on your body, brain, and quality of life—plus what it really takes to build a vibrant, alcohol-free lifestyle.

James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who helps high performers and casual drinkers reduce or quit alcohol without feeling deprived. He is a former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN and the creator and founder of Project 90, a neuroscience-based process scientifically proven to reduce drinking by 98%. James specifically supports high achievers, including entrepreneurs, executives, physicians, attorneys, and professional athletes. He’s also an investor, speaker, and author of the book, CLEAR: The Only Neuroscience-Based Approach for High Achievers to Finally Break Free From Alcohol Without Willpower, Rehab or AA.

I push back on some of James’ views, especially around moderation. We get into the nuances of drinking, discussing hormesis, genetics, culture, and whether small amounts of alcohol can play a role in a well-rounded, intentional lifestyle. It’s a respectful, spirited conversation that doesn’t aim to tell you what to do—but gives you the clarity and information to make the best decision for your own health and goals.

Whether you’re sober-curious, optimizing your performance, or just reevaluating your habits, this episode offers practical tools, real-world insight, and a fresh perspective on one of the most normalized substances in our culture.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/alcoholpod

Episode Sponsors:

Quantum Upgrade: Recent research has revealed that the Quantum Upgrade was able to increase ATP production by a jaw-dropping 20–25% in human cells. Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code BEN15 at quantumupgrade.io.

BEAM Minerals: If you want to up your mineral game, give BEAM Minerals a try. Go to beamminerals.com and use code BEN at checkout for 20% off your order.

Pique: Pique Teas are where plants and science intersect to produce teas and supplements of unrivaled efficacy, purity, and convenience. Go to Piquelife.com/Ben to get 20% off for life, plus a free starter kit with a rechargeable frother and glass beaker to elevate your ritual.

Fatty15: Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15:0 levels and help you live healthier—longer. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/BEN and using code BEN at checkout.

Vandy Crisps: Vandy Crisps are traditional potato chips hand-made in small batches with only three very high-quality ingredients: heirloom naturally grown potatoes, grass-fed beef tallow, and sea salt. Made the way chips were 100 years ago. Try them for yourself and get 25% off when you go to vandycrisps.com/GREENFIELD and use code GREENFIELD.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...more

View all episodes

By Ben Greenfield

4.6

48794,879 ratings