This week I’m joined by Ben Hill, founder of Ask More, a performance Coaching service for professional men looking to up their game across the board, to talk about masculinity, midlife, and moderation.

We dive into why so many men still struggle to open up, how beer o’clock has quietly become the male equivalent of “mummy wine culture,” and the surprising amount of time and clarity Ben reclaimed when he stepped back from drinking.

From breaking outdated norms to learning how to “stand in your power,” Ben shares practical strategies for creating a life you don’t want to escape from – whether or not alcohol is in it.

0:00 Ben's story
4:19 Is it toxic masculinity?
8:20 Questioning marketing messages
12:10 Daddy beer culture
15:32 Standing in your power
18:26 Is midlife moderation the answer?
21:34 How to get the most of your booze break
27:17 Reclaiming your time
31:16 Peeling back the filter
34:29 Find Ben
36:17 The BBQ-Q


HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/BENHILL1/


WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Lucky Saint*
Cerona Cero*
Peroni 0.0*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#103. No One Tells You This About Drinking Less in Midlife

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

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💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

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*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Changing the way we drink can reveal who we really are. In this episode, I explore how introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts approach alcohol differently – and how understanding your personality type can help you drink in ways that genuinely suit you.

I introduce my Four I’s Framework (Identify, Investigate, Implement, Iterate) to help you match your social energy to your drinking style, so you can enjoy your nights out (or nights in) without draining your social battery or relying on Dutch courage to get you through.


0:00 Dutch courage
2:29 Personality types spectrum
4:22 Ambiverts
8:00 Discovering my type
11:47 The Four I's Framework
15:29 Mindful drinking for your personality type


Best episode to check out to next:
#103. No One Tells You This About Drinking Less in Midlife

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

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💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

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*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into the loaded topic of moderation — and why it’s not the dirty word so many in the alcohol-free space make it out to be.

I’m sharing my own experience with passive moderation, why I never said “I’m quitting alcohol forever,” and how that gentler, more flexible approach led me to a place where I barely drink at all — without feeling deprived or like I’d failed.

This episode is for anyone who’s been told moderation doesn’t work, or that taking a break from booze only counts if it ends in total abstinence. I don’t believe that. I believe in finding what works for you, on your terms — and giving yourself the space to figure it out.

0:00 Moderation Isn't a Zero-Sum Game
3:38 Active & Passive Moderation
7:15 Taking a break from alcohol is powerful
12:12 'Learning' not 'failure'

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

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*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week I’m joined by certified nutrition consultant and booze-free mixology expert Lila Volkas, who shares her brilliant five-element framework for making better alcohol-free drinks at home.

We get into why creating complexity is trickier without alcohol (and how to work around it), plus how ingredients like apple cider vinegar and citrus peels can completely transform your drink — no fancy kit required.

From her early days brewing kombucha in a student flat to leading workshops for global companies, Lila's approach blends flavour, function and a touch of wellness in every glass.

If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight wind-down or serve something special at your next get-together, this chat is packed with practical tips to help you make drinks worth savouring — booze or no booze.

0:00 Lila's story
4:05 A choice for health
6:21 Kombucha: Weird, slimy & I want some
14:59 Connecting nutrition & alcohol-free drinks
19:31 Five elements of non-alcoholic cocktails
26:57 Functionality in cocktails
29:59 Add some funk to your glass
34:30 Making things easy
39:33 Virtual & IRL classes with Lila Volkas
44:51 The BBQ-Q

LILAVOLKAS.COM  //  THEMOCKTAILSCHOOL.COM

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Perfect Puree
All the Bitter

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#71 The Award-Winning Sober Bartender's Guide to Non-Alc Spirits 

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

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*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Let’s dive into some little-discussed truths about changing your relationship with alcohol that nobody talks about. From disrupted sleep and mood swings in those first crucial weeks, to navigating shifting friendships and social dynamics, I'm not sugarcoating anything.

I explore how your taste buds will literally change, why you'll discover more about yourself than ever before, and how this journey impacts everyone around you - not just you.

Most importantly, I address why midlife drinkers need different support and advice than the twenty-something wellness influencers dominating social media.

0:00 Truths About Life Less Intoxicated
1:29 It's not about the booze
3:22 It takes time
8:27 The impact on your friends and family
17:04 You're Not the Only One Drinking Less
22:03 You will get to know yourself like never before
28:29 It Doesn't Have to Be All or Nothing
32:37 How you feel about alcohol will change
37:47 You need a different type of support in midlife

Best episode to listen to next:
#66 Active vs Passive Moderation
#78 How Your Tastes Change When You Start Drinking Low/No

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Bill Shufelt, co-founder of Athletic Brewing, joins me to share the remarkable journey behind America's leading non-alcoholic beer brand.

From his personal decision to stop drinking 13 years ago to building a business that's now outselling major breweries, Bill's story is one of identifying a genuine market gap and relentlessly pursuing quality.

We explore Athletic's brewing philosophy, their expansion into the UK market (including that exciting Arsenal partnership), and why Bill believes non-alcoholic drinks could eventually claim 50% of the adult beverage market.

With insights on everything from draft beer challenges to their impressive charitable giving programme, this conversation reveals why Athletic Brewing has become such a force in reshaping how we think about beer.

5:58 No one wanted to work with me
10:16 When did we change the way we drink
15:31 The Athletic Brewing range UK/USA
23:26 Cocktail beers
26:05 Draught beer challenges
31:03 Big brands & big sport
33:17 Arsenal partnership
37:43 Two for the trails
44:08 The BBQ-Q
45:50 Bill's industry predictions

TRY ATHLETIC BREWING  //  @ATHLETICBREWING

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
The Pathfinder*
Ritual Zero Proof

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#28 - 1,500 AF Beers & Counting, with Martin Dixon

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Welcome to the Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife Podcast.

I'm so glad you're here.

We're about to go on a life-changing journey together.

The destination: A life less intoxicated!

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🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 practical strategies for not just surviving but thriving during any alcohol-free challenge, whether it's Dry January, Sober October, or your own personal experiment.

Drawing from years of trial and error plus insights from the Low No Drinker community, I cover everything from prioritising sleep and movement to exploring the brilliant world of alcohol alternatives.

This isn't about white-knuckling through 31 days – it's about creating a proper toolkit for success whilst being kind to yourself along the way.


0:00 Dry month challenges
1:45 Sleep like you mean it
5:29 Eat right
8:05 Move it, move it
11:37 It's cool to be kind
14:21 Phone a friend
16:32 Journaling Your Journey
18:41 Let's go outside
23:41 Filling the Time Void
25:44 Sugar Cravings
28:37 Exploring Alcohol-Free Drinks



Also mentioned:
Healthy Metal
All the Bitter
Zero Proof Nation
Sober Points


Best episode to listen to next:
#79 Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – pt1

===
🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

I’m flipping the script! To celebrate hitting an astonishing 100 episodes, today, I am testing my skills and interviewing myself.

Plus, I share some exciting news about the evolution of the Low No Drinker Podcast!

0:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes
2:49 Motivation
6:30 Toughest episodes
12:39 Best episodes
16:56 Explaining my job to my kids
19:10 Defend big alcohol
22:59 Ridiculous misconceptions
23:52 Controversial opinion
25:37 Too boozy / Too dry
29:02 Moderation is not a dirty word
30:55 Biggest mistake
31:14 What would make me quit?
32:14 Major challenges
33:21 Advice to new podcasters
33:45 Episode re-do's
34:50 The evolution of the podcast
39:18 New name & new topics
44:26 Thank you
47:53 Back to weekly
49:33 The BBQ-Q

Also mentioned:
Electric Mango Bubbaloo Sour
Lucky Saint Lemon*
Edna’s
Gentle Wines
Feragaia*
Pentire*
LND Substack

Episodes mentioned:
Big Drop / Pathfinder / Ben Branson
Martin Dixon / Myth / Talonmore / Impossibrew

===
🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

James Grundy, co-founder of Small Beer, joins me to share the fascinating story behind reviving a brewing tradition that vanished over a century ago.

After several years building a gin brand, James & partner, former Fuller's brewer Felix James, set out to revive "small beer", historically consumed for nutrition and hydration, with an upper limit of 2.8% ABV.

Their mission: to create the perfect middle ground between teetotalism and the spectacular hangovers from increasingly strong craft beers, has now grown into a B Corp-certified brewery that has revolutionised water usage and is now launching across 450 M&S stores.

0:00 A brief history of Small Beers
5:40 Bringing back a lost art
9:02 Finding a market
11:14 70% lager
17:53 The Small Beer range
22:50 Brewing up to mid-strength
25:32 Dry Floor policy
28:05 Long lagering & other challenges
29:38 Collaborative brewing & B Corp status
31:40 Launching into 450 M&S stores
34:20 Retail support
35:33 The mid-strength movement
42:06 Finding Small Beer
43:20 The BBQ-Q

TRY SMALL BEER*  //  @ORIGINALSMALLBEER

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT: Maison Sassy Cider*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#74 - 50% of drinkers prefer going for two: How ‘coasting’ is changing the way we moderate

===
🥃 Download your free guide: WHY YOU CAN'T DRINK LIKE YOU USED TO + YOUR NEW 5pm FIX - mindfuldrinkingreset.com

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE online or in print anywhere in the world at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE - https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine*

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.