In this episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with John Taylor – counsellor, accredited family therapist, filmmaker and author – to talk about growing up as the child of an alcoholic, his journey into recovery, and his mission to support families living with addiction.

John shares the story behind his book and documentary 1 in 5, reflecting on the trauma he experienced as a child, the stigma and silence that surround alcoholism, and the healing power of speaking out. With over two decades of sobriety and nearly as many years supporting families through Turning Point, John offers both professional insight and deeply personal honesty.

Together, we explore the hidden impact of alcohol addiction on children, the coping strategies we carry into adulthood, and why finding your voice – and a community – can change everything.

If you’ve ever felt invisible growing up around alcohol, this conversation is for you.

Being a child of an alcoholic (COA) is a thing. It's measurable. It impacts us physically and emotionally throughout our life. 

Today we sit down with the amazing Nacoa patron Sophie K to discuss where she is at on her recovery journey. After a rough few months of health. 

We explore how to speak to yourself, both in the present and in the past. Who is your inner child? What do they need? And why didn't they get the care they need? 

You can speak to that child. You can help them. Sophie's done the work. Listen to this wonderful podcast interview to find out more.

#ChildrenOfAlcoholics

#COA

#AlcoholicParents

#FamilyAddiction

#DysfunctionalFamilies

#GrowingUpWithAddiction

#RecoveryJourney

#HealingFromTrauma

#BreakingTheCycle

#InnerChildHealing

In this raw and moving episode, we sit down with George Billinge as he shares the emotional journey of growing up with a father lost to alcohol addiction. George speaks candidly about watching his dad’s decline — from a loving parent to a man consumed by addiction, now living homeless.

George opens up about the heartbreak of witnessing that transformation and the difficult reality of maintaining healthy boundaries — not out of anger, but out of love for himself and those closest to him. His story is one of deep reflection, personal growth, and the strength it takes to protect your peace while still holding compassion.

This episode is a powerful listen for anyone affected by a loved one’s addiction. It's about the pain of letting go, the courage of setting boundaries, and the hope that comes from healing.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and resilience.

In this powerful episode of Children of Alcoholics, Amy and Sarah sit down with Maya Parker, MA – co-founder and trustee of Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Maya brings a lifetime of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation. With deep empathy and expertise, she explores the emotional rollercoaster of growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction.

Maya shares candid reflections from her own journey as a child of an alcoholic, alongside the insights she’s gained from decades of advocacy and support work. Whether you're a COA, an adult COA, or someone who supports them, this episode offers understanding, hope, and practical guidance from someone who truly gets it.

Tune in for an honest, compassionate look at the challenges – and strength – of living through and beyond parental addiction.

Mother’s Day Special: Breaking the Silence with Arabella Byrne & Jen Payne

This Mother’s Day, the Children of Alcoholics Podcast opens up a heartfelt and honest conversation about the complex emotions that can surface for those who grew up with a parent battling addiction.

We’re joined by Nacoa ambassadors Arabella Byrne and Jen Payne—two inspiring women who grew up with alcoholic mothers and are now, in very different ways, navigating motherhood themselves. Arabella is a mum to two young children, while Jen, after years of struggling to conceive, is now preparing to welcome her first baby.

Together, they reflect on their childhoods, the long-lasting impact of growing up around addiction, and how their pasts have shaped the kind of mothers they want to be. With raw honesty, warmth, and courage, Arabella and Jen share their stories to remind others that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone.

Whether you're on your own journey of healing, approaching Mother's Day with mixed emotions, or simply want to understand more, this episode is a powerful listen.

It's Children of Alcoholics Week! So we're bringing you this bonus podcast featuring Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson.

We’re Sarah and Amy, two friends who grew up with parents struggling with alcoholism. We know firsthand the challenges, confusion, and emotional toll that come with it—and we’re here to create a space where others like us can feel heard, validated, and empowered.

Each episode, we’ll share personal stories, insights, and expert advice on healing, setting boundaries, and breaking generational cycles. Whether you're still navigating these challenges or on a journey of recovery, you're not alone.

Join us as we turn pain into strength and find hope together. 💙

In this episode of the COA Podcast, we welcome Arabella Byrne, author of In the Blood, a powerful and deeply personal exploration of intergenerational alcoholism. Arabella shares her journey of uncovering the hidden impact of addiction within families, how it shapes identities, and the path toward healing.

Arabella's memoir shared how her mother and she recovered from alcoholism within weeks of each other, having been caught in a long intergenerational spiral of addiction.

Arabella is also a prolific journalist on issues of children of alcoholics and also an ambassador of Nacoa UK

Join us as we discuss the complexities of growing up with alcoholism in the family, the patterns that can persist across generations, and the importance of breaking the cycle. Arabella also reflects on her writing process, the emotional toll of revisiting family history, and the hope she wishes to offer to others affected by a parent's drinking.

The Children of Alcoholics Podcast is back! In this episode, Sarah and Amy welcome Jen Payne, one of Nacoa's most prominent official ambassadors.

Since joining as a volunteer of Nacoa, no one has taken our message closer to heart. As a adult child of an alcoholic going through traumatic experiences to this day, she has tirelessly shared experiences to help children and adult children of tomorrow.

Jen has spoken for Nacoa in parliament, TV news specials, corporate galas, and schools. She has never shied away from an opportunity to let people know that they are not alone.

In this powerful episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with their first international guest, Paul Summers from the USA - a recovering addict and author. Paul opens up about his journey as a child of an alcoholic (COA) and his own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He shares his inspiring story of hitting rock bottom, losing custody of his daughter, and ultimately finding the courage to get sober through a 12-step program and a newfound belief in a Higher Power.

Paul's memoir, "Hide and Seek: A Dad's Journey from Soulless Addiction to Sole Custody," chronicles his path from poverty to artistic pursuits, substance abuse, and finally, recovery. Now 16 years sober, Paul discusses the inspiration behind his book and his mission to help others through sharing his story. Despite initially suppressing his passion for writing, Paul has embraced his craft and is now a college student, church worship team member, and devoted father committed to being present in his children's lives. With rawness and vulnerability, Paul's conversation as Sarah and Amy's first international guest is a testament to the power of recovery and second chances.

In this episode of Sarah and Amy: The Children of Alcoholics Podcast, Sarah and Amy delve into their trip to Parliament, where Sarah spoke on behalf of NACOA (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Amy takes the lead, asking Sarah questions about her experience speaking alongside inspiring guests like Hilary Henriques, CEO of NACOA, and the late iconic George Best's son, Calum Best. It's a candid conversation filled with emotions, but in a dramatic turn of events, it's Sarah who cracks a dark joke, leaving Amy speechless. And in a shocking twist, Amy even dishes out a compliment to Sarah, surprising everyone. Tune in for this raw and honest episode exploring the realities of growing up with alcoholic parents.