This week on the podcast, Hame is joined by broadcaster, author, mum, podcaster, and all-round Aussie icon — Yumi Stynes.

Now nine years sober, Yumi shares the full arc of her relationship with alcohol: from growing up in Swan Hill and nervously sipping booze as a teen, to navigating grief after the loss of her dad, and working in the booze-fuelled world of music television during her time at Channel V.

We also touch on post-natal depression, shame as an unexpected motivator, the myth of “cool”, and some frankly hilarious (and horrifying) stories from the wild days of drinking. Oh, and yes, that kiss with Robbie Williams that changed the course of her life and career!

Yumi’s honesty and insight shine throughout this conversation, and she reminds us that the best drugs of all are free, legal, and available daily, and no, we’re not talking about pills, powders or pints.

Her decades-long career in the public eye has grown and evolved alongside her sobriety, and she credits her current creative energy to leaving alcohol behind.

Yumi is a dream guest, raw, wise, funny, and we hope you get as much from this episode as we did.

🎧 Show Notes

For more information on Clean Slate just head to www.cleanslateclinic.com

💛 Resources & Links

📸 Yumi's Instagram: @yumichild

📚 Her books are available here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Books-Yumi-Stynes/s?rh=n%3A4851626051%2Cp_27%3AYumi%2BStynes

🎤 Listen to her podcast 'Ladies, We Need to Talk'

😘 Watch THAT kiss with Robbie Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYXgeozYRX0

📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted Sundays

A brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.

👉 Buy the book here

🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes

👉 www.soberawkward.com

🫖 Join The Cuppa Community

Our private, supportive online space for sober folk

👉 www.cuppa.community

📘 Get the Sober Awkward Guide

Our downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.

👉 The Sober Awkward Guide

📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:

Instagram: @soberawkward

TikTok: @soberawkward

Facebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women

🚨 Helplines & Support

🇦🇺 Australia

– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org

🇬🇧 UK

– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110

– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!

Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.

Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.

Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.

We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/5azo5JqF3CrFFpNR68oDy4?si=f3134ecef6fd439b

For more information on Clean Slate just head to www.cleanslateclinic.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This sober thingymijig is not about why you stop drinking - It's all about why you started in the first place!

It's a croaky episode today. Vic sounds like a frog after a week in bed but pushes through to join Hamish in asking a big question. Instead of always being asked why they gave up booze, they flip the script and try to figure out why they started drinking in the first place.

Was it just about trying to fit in, copying older kids, or chasing confidence in a bottle? Or was there something deeper going on that neither of them understood at the time? They both go back to their teenage years to try and pinpoint the moment it all began, and reflect on how those early choices shaped the way their drinking developed later in life.

To help them understand what it’s really like to grow up in an alcohol-free house, Vic invites on a very special guest - her own teenage son George. He offers an honest perspective on booze, having an alcohol free house, why talking about it openly makes a difference and what could entice him to take his first drink.

This episode is funny, thoughtful and a little emotional. It’s about looking back at where it all started and realising that maybe the most important question isn’t why you stopped drinking, but why you ever felt you needed to start.

🎧 Show Notes

For more information on Clean Slate just head to www.cleanslateclinic.com

💛 Resources & Links

📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted Sundays

A brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.

👉 Buy the book here

🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes

👉 www.soberawkward.com

🫖 Join The Cuppa Community

Our private, supportive online space for sober folk

👉 www.cuppa.community

📘 Get the Sober Awkward Guide

Our downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.

👉 The Sober Awkward Guide

📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:

Instagram: @soberawkward

TikTok: @soberawkward

Facebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women

🚨 Helplines & Support

🇦🇺 Australia

– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org

🇬🇧 UK

– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110

– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!

Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.

Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.

Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.

We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

For more information on Clean Slate just head to www.cleanslateclinic.com

🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NlF5VzAkJJ1n0yItpZsr6?si=5c2bb0e7f9174e57

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Hame sits down with one of Britain’s most beloved voices on mental health and addiction — the brilliant, wonderful, and hilarious Bryony Gordon.

A bestselling author, journalist, and mental health champion, Bryony’s career exploded with the release of Mad Girl in 2016, her raw and relatable account of life with OCD. Off the back of its success, she made headlines as the first person to interview Prince Harry about his mental health.

But behind the scenes, as her public profile soared, so too did her battle with addiction.

Now approaching 8 years sober (August 27th!), Bryony opens up about how she turned her life around — with the help of friends, family, rehab, and running. She and Hame also discover some weirdly uncanny similarities, adding a touch of unexpected hilarity to this deeply honest conversation.

We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Bryony to the podcast. Her story is inspiring, unfiltered, and not to be missed.

🎧 Show Notes

💛 Resources & Links

📸 Bryony's Instagram: @bryonygordon

Mental Health Mates website: https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/bryony-gordon/

📘 Victoria’s memoir – Find out more at www.soberawkward.com and find her bestselling

Memoirs ‘Mumming - A Year of Trying and Failing to be a Better Parent’

here https://amzn.asia/d/9n1u5m1 and ‘A Thousand Wasted Sundays’

here - https://amzn.asia/d/iE0Snje

🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes

👉 www.soberawkward.com

🫖 Join The Cuppa Community

Our private, supportive online space for sober folk

👉 www.cuppa.community

📘 Get the Sober Awkward Guide

Our downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.

👉 www.soberawkward.com/theguide

📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:

Instagram: @soberawkward

TikTok: @soberawkward

Facebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women

🚨 Helplines & Support

🇦🇺 Australia

– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org

🇬🇧 UK

– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110

– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

🇺🇸 USA

– SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

– AA USA – www.aa.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!

Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.

Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.

Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.

We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NlF5VzAkJJ1n0yItpZsr6?si=5c2bb0e7f9174e57

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking of taking a month off booze? You’re in the right place. In this lively, awkward, and surprisingly educational episode, Vic and Hamish dive deep into what actually happens to your body when you stop drinking for 30 days. From liver repair and glowing skin to remembering your Netflix password, this is your full-body audit — with stats, science, and saddle chafing.

We talk about the first five days (spoiler: there’s bloat, fog, and sudden urges to take up badminton), the weeks that follow, and the ripple effects that might just change your life. It’s funny, it’s honest, and for some unknown reason, Vic says the phrase “pussy hair.” Yes, we’re horrified too. Very un-British. There’s also a moment where we consider ponies’ private parts. It’s informative stuff... we promise.

So whether you’re curious, already on the sober pony, or just here for the inappropriate metaphors, this episode will give you everything you need to know about going alcohol-free — and maybe, just maybe, staying that way.

The Month of Nope? Dried July? Mocktail Month? Whatever you call it, let’s just go with “30 Days of Nope” and crack on. Oh, and don't forget, if you need some extra support head to www.soberawkward.com and download 'The Guide' today. It's Vic and Hame's 30 day sober guide. Everything you need to get through this month with a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

This episode is proudly sponsored by www.cleanslateclinic.com

Withdraw Safely from Alcohol from the Comfort of Your Home

🎧 Show Notes

💛 Resources & Links

📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted Sundays

A brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.

👉 Buy the book here

🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes

👉 www.soberawkward.com

🫖 Join The Cuppa Community

Our private, supportive online space for sober folk

👉 www.cuppa.community

📘 Get the Sober Awkward Guide

Our downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.

👉 The Sober Awkward Guide

📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:

Instagram: @soberawkward

TikTok: @soberawkward

Facebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women

🚨 Helplines & Support

🇦🇺 Australia

– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org

🇬🇧 UK

– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110

– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!

Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.

Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.

Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.

We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DP1YiCXJsJuLpJ3YjldWq?si=8c3f8d57535c4a65

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did someone say Judy?

In this episode, Vic and Hamish come to a shocking realisation: they may have caught imposter syndrome. Since going sober, they’ve been flooded with kind messages, heartfelt emails, and praise from listeners who say Sober Awkward has changed, or even saved, their lives. But here’s the awkward bit… they can’t quite seem to absorb any of it.

Vic thinks it’s a weird form of staying humble (and maybe a sprinkle of self-loathing), while Hamish wonders if it’s just his British manners kicking in “No no, YOU’RE amazing, please, I insist, I’ll go last.”

They also ask the big question, is it possible we still don’t fully know who we are without alcohol? That maybe some of the self-doubt is just leakage from our drinking days, when we didn’t care about validation, purpose or identity, we just cared about where the next drink was coming from.

Together, they break down what imposter syndrome actually is, why it seems to show up in sobriety, and how it’s sneakily shaping the way they see themselves. And because it wouldn’t be Sober Awkward without things getting weird, there’s a cringe-worthy rap battle of compliments that nearly ends in a sick bucket…

Oh, and seriously, who the hell is Judy???

Tune in for laughs, awkward truths, and maybe even a smidge of self-acceptance.

#sobriety #impostersyndrome #awkwardlysober #soberidentity #britishawkwardness #soberpodcast #soberawkward #selfworth #nicetiesandnausea #whothehellisjudy

🎧 Show Notes

💛 Resources & Links

📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted Sundays

A brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.

👉 Buy the book here

🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes

👉 www.soberawkward.com

🫖 Join The Cuppa Community

Our private, supportive online space for sober folk

👉 www.cuppa.community

📘 Get the Sober Awkward Guide

Our downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.

👉 The Sober Awkward Guide

📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:

Instagram: @soberawkward

TikTok: @soberawkward

Facebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women

🚨 Helplines & Support

🇦🇺 Australia

– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org

🇬🇧 UK

– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110

– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!

Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.

Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.

Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.

We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DP1YiCXJsJuLpJ3YjldWq?si=8c3f8d57535c4a65

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.