In this episode of No More Booze,I welcome Lily Shanks from Dallas, Texas. Lily opens up about her journey from heavy drinking to sobriety, sharing details that led her to seek help on September 3, 2018. Lily talks about her early relationship with alcohol, how it initially seemed like an escape from her insecurities and the pivotal moments that made her realise alcohol wasn’t the solution, leading to her transformative path toward healing and self-discovery.

Lily has just celebrated 7 years of sobriety. On the outside, she was a “functional” attorney who "had it all." On the inside, her world was dark and stormy. It never occurred to her that alcohol was the problem ... until it suddenly did.

Through her recovery, she discovered that alcohol was both her problem and her solution to not feeling comfortable in her own skin. She had to develop ways to find fulfillment and serenity – beyond work, success, and alcohol.

Today, Lily’s a certified life coach, certified yoga instructor, sobriety coach, and the founder of My Internal Weather (www.myinternalweather.com). She works with clients who have been chasing love and self-worth in all the wrong places – work, material possessions, food, relationships and/or at the bottom of a bottle – and helps them create more authentic, meaningful, serene lives.

To learn more about Lily, visit www.myinternalweather.com or reach out to Lily at [email protected]. To subscribe to her Serenity Sundays newsletter, go to https://www.myinternalweather.com/resources/subscribetoserenitysundays.

#nomorebooze #alcoholfree #soberlife

In this episode of No More Booze, I’m joined by my incredible friend John Waters, who shares his candid journey through the different phases of his drinking life and the profound realisation that ultimately led him to sobriety. We dive deep into the societal pressures surrounding alcohol and how it has shaped John's identity over the years. John reflects on his drinking experiences, from carefree college days to the overwhelming demands of entertaining in his professional life. We discuss his eye-opening moments during COVID that allowed him to reassess his relationship with alcohol. John is really funny and this conversation is filled with humour, personal anecdotes and invaluable insights for anyone considering a life without alcohol. #nomorebooze #alcoholfree #soberlife

This weeks guest is my good friend and fellow alcohol-free advocate, Jamie Burke @sober_in_south_mayo

Jamie shares his experiences from intermittent drinking to owning a pub, revealing how his relationship with alcohol evolved and the challenges he faced along the way. We chat about the life-changing realisation that led Jamie to sobriety after years of on-and-off stints.

The conversation centres around importance of personal development, making plans and the profound lessons learned on this path. This episode drives home the message that growth can emerge from even the toughest situations.

#nomorebooze #alcoholfree #sober

In this episode of No More Booze, we welcome back psychotherapist Orlagh Reid to tackle the topic of 'mommy wine culture'. We explore how societal norms around alcohol can influence mothers' perceptions of parenting and coping, often promoting the idea that wine is essential for survival in motherhood. Orlagh shares insights from her extensive experience working with women who drink to manage stress and burnout, shedding light on the staggering prevalence of messages that equate alcohol with self-care and relaxation. We discuss how these cultural scripts can lead to harmful narratives and even denial around alcohol use. We confront these issues, examine the impact on mental health and offer practical advice for breaking free from these entrenched beliefs. This is a really enlightening conversation that supports mothers in redefining their relationship with alcohol and discovering healthier ways to cope.

Psychotherapy and Coaching Services - Orlagh Reid

Alcohol Free Living Mentor | Olivia | Grey Area Drinker

In this solo episode of No More Booze, Olivia chats about the potentially transformative journey of Sober October, just in time for the month that encourages many to take a break from alcohol. She shares insights on the origins of the movement and how it started as a fundraising effort back in 2014. Olivia explores the immense benefits of going alcohol-free for 30 days, from improved sleep and energy levels to enhanced emotional clarity and mental resilience. With reflections on her own experiences, she emphasises the importance of setting intentions and navigating social pressures while taking this brave step. Tune in for valuable tips to make the most of your Sober October, including mindset shifts and alternative ways to enjoy social occasions. Olivia's passion for empowering others shines through, reminding us that this journey is about growth, joy and discovering a healthier relationship with alcohol. Join her as she inspires and supports you to make this month a meaningful milestone in your life!

In this episode of No More Booze, join me as I chat with Tracy Ollerenshaw @soberglimmers who has been alcohol-free for two and a half years. Tracy shares her journey through the challenges of drinking, especially during the pandemic and how it led her to reassess her relationship with alcohol. We dive deep into her experiences with trying to moderate her intake, the social pressures that kept her drinking and the moment she realised it was time to stop for good. She completed two 30 days stints and it finally stuck when she completed a 100 Day Challenge. Tracy's candid reflections on her emotional growth and newfound peace highlight the transformative power of sobriety. Discover how she became a coach and is now dedicated to helping others in their own sober journeys through her platform, Sober Glimmers. This episode is filled with insightful lessons, laughter and the reassurance that change is possible.

Tracy Ollerenshaw is the founder of Sober Glimmers. After 20+ years in news broadcasting (15 of those at BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat) she's now an accredited coach specialising in helping women who want to quit grey area drinking. Tracy launches her Sober Glimmers Community on 1st October 2025.

Alcohol-free & Sober coaching and mentoring by a certified coach

In this episode of No More Booze, I chat with Betty Guadagno, a fierce advocate for recovery hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Betty shares he journey through addiction, trauma and a transformative near-death experience that changed the course of her life. With raw honesty, she delves into her family’s generational struggles with addiction and the profound impact of her near-death encounter. She survived years of substance use, prostitution, and the devastating loss of both her parents, who died together in a suicide pact. Her path to healing didn’t happen all at once. It was messy, imperfect and sacred every step of the way. Betty recounts how she navigated her recovery journey, battling the dark shadows of her past while emerging with newfound clarity and purpose. We discuss the often unspoken connections between trauma and addiction, spiritual awakenings and the importance of community in healing. This is a deeply heartfelt conversation that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us that change is always possible.

Today, Betty lives a life led by service. She supports others in releasing fear, shame and guilt so they can step into radical honesty and spiritual alignment. She is the cofounder of The Wheel: Transformation in Motion, a community rooted in growth, connection, and truth. Her journey is proof that we don't have to be polished to be powerful, and even when we fall apart, we are still worthy of rising. Betty is an absolutely incredible guest, her energy is infectious and her story is incredible. Enjoy!

Website: buddhabetty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/bettyguadagno

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buddhabetty

Email:  [email protected]

Work with Betty: https://calendly.com/buddhabetty

This week I sit down with Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, an influential voice in alcohol policy advocacy. We chat about the profound implications of alcohol consumption on both individual health and societal well-being. Dr. Gilheany shares startling statistics on alcohol-related harm, including the staggering number of children affected by parental drinking. We discuss how marketing and societal norms perpetuate hazardous drinking habits, leaving many unaware of the risks associated with even moderate consumption. This episode is packed with startling statistics that you cannot ever unlearn. Enjoy!

Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) is a non-governmental organisation which acts as an expert independent voice for policy change on alcohol-related issues. Over many years it has been highly active in ensuring the successful passage of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, the first legislation in Ireland to take a public health approach to the control of alcohol consumption with measures such as Minimum Unit Pricing, restrictions on advertising and labelling of alcohol products. AAI is now working to ensure the full implementation of the Act as well as advocating for a range of other policies in areas such as children who have grown up with alcohol harm in the home though its Silent Voices initiative. Throughout all its work, AAI aim to bring the lived experience of those harmed by alcohol into the policy making space, e.g. through its Voices of Recovery initiative.

Sheila joined AAI in 2019 and has extensive experience in policy development and advocacy. She has led a range of not-for-profit organisations in science, education and public engagement including the Institute of Physics in Ireland and the Irish Centre for Talented Youth. She also has a number of volunteer positions including, Chair of the Board of Specialisterne Ireland, Vice Chair of Mental Health Reform and Treasurer/Board member of the European alliance of alcohol policy NGOs, Eurocare. She has a BSc Hons in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Queen’s University Belfast. 

This week on No More Booze, I welcome the renowned Professor David Nutt, psychiatrist and psychoneuropharmacologist and author of the ground breaking book, "Drink: The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health." In this incredible conversation, Professor Nutt dives into the complexities of alcohol, exploring its profound effects on the brain and body. He discusses societal views on alcohol, the emergence of a sober-curious generation and the myths surrounding drinking culture. With insights drawn from decades of research, he offers practical advice for those looking to reassess their relationship with alcohol.

Professor Nutt specialises in the study of the brain, drugs, addiction, anxiety, and sleep. David co-founded GABALabs with David Orren to fulfil their shared vision of safer, better choices for adult social drinkers and the current products can be found at sentiaspirits.com. 

David spent two years as Chief of Clinical Science in the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in America before setting up the psychopharmacology unit at Bristol University.

 In 2008 he moved to Imperial College London as the Edmond J. Safra chair in Neuropsychopharmacology. He also currently holds visiting professorships at the Open University and University of Maastricht.

David is a prolific speaker and successful author. He won the Transmission Prize for Communicating Science in 2014. David has published over 500 scientific papers, over 30 books, contributed to 8 government reports, and has edited the Journal of Psychopharmacology for 20 years. David earned the distinction of being included by Times Eureka magazine in 2010 as one of the 100 most distinguished figures in British science.

David is currently the Founding Chair of DrugScience.org.uk, a charity that researches and tells the truth about all drugs, legal and illegal, free from political or other interference. Enjoy!

This weeks guest is Caroline Donoghue @lovemuddoglasy who shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, which she embraced two years ago after grappling with the challenges of grief and motherhood. Throughout this candid conversation, Caroline reflects on her tumultuous relationship with alcohol, how it impacted her life and parenting and the unexpected joys that have come with sobriety. She highlights the importance of community support and self-love in reclaiming her life and the beauty of embracing her quirks. Caroline has such an infectious personality, she is brimming with fun and joy for life.

Caroline is a pet-level dog groomer with over 12 years of experience and a social media following of 650,000 devoted dog lovers. As the UK’s biggest dog groomer on social media, she has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, BBC News, and radio as a trusted voice in pet grooming. Known for her fun, practical, and stress-free approach, Caroline helps everyday owners keep their floofs looking and feeling their best. Specialising in pet grooming, she focuses on grooming essentials—from brushing techniques and handling tips to introducing puppies to grooming and deciding whether to DIY or find the right professional.