Take the 90-second quiz to find out your midlife drinking motivators + get your free bonus https://www.lownodrinker.com/
===


If you’ve decided to drink differently but still want to enjoy your social life, this episode is your ultimate guide to mindful nights out.

I walk you through how to plan before, during, and after your evening so you can stay in control and still have fun.

From setting clear intentions and managing expectations with friends, to communicating with the bar staff and why staying hydrated is so important as we age, if you do decide to drink.

We’ll look at practical moderation techniques like zebra striping and coasting, plus, importantly, how to reflect without judgment the next day.

Because drinking less in midlife shouldn’t mean missing out on good times with good friends.

0:00 Before, During, After: The Plan
3:03 Set Intentions That Aren’t About Alcohol
7:13 Manage Expectations
9:32 Research Venues And Low/No Menus
10:37 Moderation Methods And Personal Rules
12:29 At The Venue: Quality Over Quantity
14:28 Slow Down, Pause, And Check In
17:24 Mindfully low, no and light
19:57 The Morning After The Night Before
21:39 No Failure, Only Learning


Also mentioned:
ep#114 KAM Insights
ep#63 Zebra Striping & Bookending
ep#74 Coasting

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

Take the 90-second quiz to find out your midlife drinking motivators + get your free bonus https://www.lownodrinker.com/

Changing your drinking habits doesn't just affect you – it impacts your partner too.

Today, I'm exploring why your other half might be struggling with your decision to drink less, even when they have the best intentions.

From fears about losing shared rituals to worries about their own drinking habits being challenged, I break down nine key concerns partners face and, crucially, how to navigate these conversations with honesty and compassion.

Whether you're worried your relationship can't survive your mindful drinking journey or you're facing resistance from your partner, this episode offers practical strategies for getting on the same page and building a stronger relationship together.

0:00 Why drinking changes can rock relationships
1:56 No blame allowed
3:49 Relationship fears: Will our dynamic change?
6:23 Losing shared drinking rituals
8:26 Uncertainty about what’s next
9:52 Emotional vulnerability
11:07 The impact on shared spending
12:19 Fears about themself: Holding up a mirror
13:17 Judgement & Pressure to change
14:19 Genuine concern for your well-being
14:59 Why you need their support
16:26 Managing your partner's fears with compassion
20:42 More support

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

Katy Moses, founder of KAM Insight, joins me to unpack the latest findings from their groundbreaking "Drinking Differently" report, produced in partnership with Lucky Saint.

Katie reveals why moderation—not abstinence—is the real story driving the low and no revolution, with 76% of UK adults actively employing tactics to reduce alcohol intake.

We explore the £800 million opportunity pubs are missing by defaulting to tap water, why the over-55s are finally joining younger generations in moderating, and how terms like "zebra striping" and "bookending" have helped the industry understand changing consumer behaviour.

Katy shares crucial insights on what venues need to do to capture this growing market and why flexibility has become the defining word of our drinking culture.


0:00 Katy's story
5:27 Why 'drinking differently'?
9:57 It's not all about Gen-Z
12:13 Flexibility & choice
18:26 Welcome to the over 55s
25:19 The Health Halo
30:47 The language of moderation
36:49 Where to find the report
38:57 The BBQ-Q

Get the KAM Insights Low+No Report

Also mentioned:
Trip*
Lucky Saint Lemon*
Everleaf*

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

With Sober October starting today, I'm exploring when (and if) you should take a break from alcohol. 

Why designated challenges like Dry January and Sober October get criticism, particularly when people restrict their entire social life and end up miserable, and share what actually makes these alcohol-free breaks successful. 

The truth? There's never a perfect time to take a break, so stop waiting for your calendar to magically clear. 

I reveal why white-knuckling through 30 days only to binge afterwards defeats the purpose, and share alternative approaches to mindful drinking and moderation that don't involve counting every drink. 

Whether you're considering a complete alcohol break or exploring different moderation techniques, this episode will help you take back the power of choice on your own terms and finally take a real step towards resetting your drinking.

2:10 The critique of dry months challenges

7:10 How to make the most of your month off

8:43 What happens after your month off

11:51 Taking your own break

13:16 Is there ever a perfect time to take a booze break?

15:41 The 3 things that make a successful alcohol reset

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

Rejection stings, especially when you're changing your drinking patterns and facing family expectations or shifting friendship dynamics. 

After being turned down by a podcast host because of my moderation stance, I dive into how the fear of rejection holds us back from making choices that truly serve us. In this episode, we’ll unpack how family expectations, workplace pressure, and the subtle shifts in friendship dynamics can challenge your resolve to drink differently. 

Tune in to learn why some people resist your new drinking patterns—and how staying true to yourself is worth the discomfort.

1:43 Why I got rejected recently

5:07 Workplace Rejection

7:12 Rejection from Friends

9:31 Family Resistance to Changing Habits

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

Breaking decades of drinking habits in midlife isn’t about willpower – it’s about understanding triggers, actions, and rewards, and then reshaping them to work in your favour. 

In this episode, I explore why habits form, why they’re so hard to undo, and how stress plays such a big role in keeping us stuck. 

I share practical steps to help you swap old autopilot behaviours for new actions that actually bring relief and joy, and why progress, not perfection, is the key.

0:00 Setting the scene
1:52 Moderating in midlife
3:04 Understanding the habit cycle
7:31 The trouble with stress
8:16 Step 1 - Reduce stress
9:36 Step 2 - Take new actions
12:41 Step 3 - Be prepared
15:22 Will it work every time?

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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 of the Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife Podcast, I’m busting seven of the biggest myths about moderation and mindful drinking. From the nonsense that drinking has to be “all or nothing,” to the idea that you have to count every single drink forever, or that moderation won’t do anything for your health — I’m setting the record straight. 

I’ll share why drinking ‘less’ is still real change, how we can reshape decades of midlife habits, and why moderation isn’t just for the young or for people or those with “a problem.” 

If you’re exploring low, no or light alcohol options, curious about mindful drinking, or just want to build a healthier relationship with alcohol, this one’s for you — packed with truths to help you live a life less intoxicated, on your own terms.

0:00 Busting Moderation Myths Wide Open

2:14 Myth 1: Moderation Isn't Real Change

4:30 Myth 2: Counting Every Drink Forever

7:57 Myth 3: Always Falling Back to Old Habits

15:02 Myth 4: You Won't Improve Your Health Unless You're Sober

18:57 Myth 5: Only For Problem Drinkers

22:18 Myth 6: Just Another Trend

25:44 Myth 7: Only For Young People

Find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisehamiltonmace/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

This is part two of my mini-series on the true cost of alcohol-free drinks.

Last week, we pulled back the curtain on the industry economics — from research and development to supermarket shelf space.

This week, I’m shifting the focus to you as the drinker. Yes, an AF pint might cost the same as a full-strength one, but what about the money saved on late-night taxis, hangover takeaways, or rounds of shots?

Beyond that, I dig into the personal costs: lost sleep, low mood, missed workouts, strained relationships, and even burnout. Choosing alcohol-free isn’t just about the price of one drink — it’s about the long-term gains for your financial, emotional and physical health.

0:00 The Cost of Drinking Alcohol-Free pt 2
3:48 Drinking with friends
8:07 Next day costs
10:52 £62,899 in a lifetime
12:54 Personal costs: hangovers & sleep
15:58 Social & emotional costs
16:35 Work life costs & burnout
19:23 Physical costs
20:42 Cost withdrawal vs deposits

Also mentioned:
alcoholchange.org.uk

Best episode to listen to next:
#108: Costs of Drinking AF Pt1: What You’re Really Paying For

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

Time to tackle the question that comes up again and again: why do alcohol-free drinks cost so much when there’s no alcohol in them?

This is part one of a two-part mini-series on the true cost of drinking alcohol-free.

Today I’m breaking down the industry economics behind your favourite low and no drinks — from the surprising truth that alcohol is often the cheapest ingredient, to the eye-watering costs of research, development, small batch production, and simply getting bottles onto supermarket shelves.

Next time, I’ll flip the script and look at what it costs you personally to drink alcohol-free, and the impact that choice has on your life.

0:00 Why Alcohol-Free Costs the Same
2:19 Alcohol is cheap
3:26 Tradition, research & development
6:20 The technicalities of taste
9:12 Preservation and Shelf-Life Issues
11:20 Small batch production
13:20 Costs of dealcoholisation
17:42 Marketing & promotion
20:19 Distribution: supermarkets & online
25:13 Recouping the costs
26:36 Speculate to accumulate great drinks

Also mentioned:
Days*
Lucky Saint*

Best episode to listen to next:
#102. "No one wanted to work with me" Athletic Brewing's Bill Shufelt
#98. Lyre’s: The Honest Truth
#80. From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben Branson

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.

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

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.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.