How does alcohol really affect your health? Anna is joined by Professor Charlie Knowles, a renowned medic and author, to shed light on the complex relationship between alcohol and our bodies. They explore the popular perception that a glass of red wine a day is beneficial and address its potential role in increasing the risk of serious health issues, including various types of cancer. Together they discuss how alcohol, a Group 1 carcinogen, affects everything from our DNA and gut microbiome to our social behaviours, and touch on the ethical responsibility of the medical profession and the drinks industry to inform the public about these risks, especially against the backdrop of aggressive alcohol advertising. There is a thin line between moderate consumption and dependency, significant global social consequences of alcohol, and staggering costs of alcohol-related harm. So, whether you're curious about cutting back or just want to make more informed choices, stay tuned as we rethink the big drink together!

Here are the highlights:

03:55 Professor Charlie Knowles' writing his book.

13:00 How alcohol spreads through the body and affects it.

20:37 Common reflux disease linked to obesity and cancer.

32:30 Alcohol benefits for heart health questioned and debated.

35:50 Changes in DNA can increase cancer risk.

45:54 Know the risks and make decisions.

49:07 Dependency, long-term memory and behaviour issues.

53:47 Biology and alcohol: understanding addiction.

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Charles Knowles:

Charles Knowles is Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London and a colorectal surgeon. He is author of the book “Why We Drink Too Much: the new science of alcohol” which will be published by Macmillan in the UK, Commonwealth, US and Canada in January 2026. The book entwines his own journey with an understanding of the effects of alcohol in the body and brain, and how this informs rational approaches to stopping or moderating consumption. 

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Anna unravels the calculated persuasion behind glossy alcohol ads and their seductive campaigns, exposing how they obscure the true realities of alcohol's impact on our lives. In this compelling solo episode of The Big Drink Rethink Anna talks from the heart. With her 25 years of experience in the advertising world, she examines the insidious world of alcohol advertising with passion, knowledge and unflinching honesty. With nearly £1 billion spent annually in the UK alone to promote these beverages, she questions whether what's being sold is more than just a drink - but a dangerous misconception. Join Anna as she pulls back the curtain on the tactics, the consequences, and the undeniable need for a rethink on how alcohol is marketed to the masses.

Here are the highlights:

02:08 Challenging advertising, beliefs, and conditioning in alcohol.

03:23 Conditioning influences subconscious thoughts. 

08:29 Alcohol marketing's significant global economic impact.

13:16 Encouraging drinking through strategic marketing.

16:13 What are brands really trying to sell?

19:05 Increasing sales by targeting demographics.

27:00 A need for tougher alcohol marketing regulations.

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Imagine taking a break from alcohol that's not just a pause, but a transformative experience. In this episode, your host Anna, is exploring how you can make the most of any alcohol-free break. She is also sharing the fundamental principles behind her self-guided programme, sharing how taking a break from the book can be a productive, insightful, and even life-changing journey. So, let's get started!

Here are the highlights:

04:48 Discover the benefits of a month without alcohol.

08:46 Embrace the booze elevator, forget false labels.

12:38 Embrace circumstances, ditch blame, and willpower.

15:28 Willpower isn't enough for long-term behaviour change.

20:05 Curiosity allows for questioning, learning, and growth.

20:55 Shift from loss mindset to gain mindset.

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

We’re exploring the positive impact of stepping off the booze elevator with none other than Janey Lee Grace. She is an author, public speaker, Life Coach, and fervent advocate for healthy living. In this episode she shares her personal struggle with alcohol and how she navigated through the societal norms and medical attitudes surrounding drinking, to find her path to peace. 

Together with our host, Anna, Janey emphasises the interconnectedness of proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle practices in supporting sobriety. They touch on the guilt and shame often felt when quitting, but also highlight the overwhelming benefits of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. From improved health and energy levels to enhanced self-worth and emotional empowerment, discover how quitting drinking can transform your life.

Here are the highlights:

03:34 The huge elephant in the room was alcohol and I couldn’t grasp that life would be better without it.

12:47 Getting off the booze elevator before it all turns bad.

15:28 Alcohol culture and awareness around drinking is shifting.

24:17 Avoid the term "give up," use “quitting” or “ditching the booze”.

31:42 Alcohol's impact on the menopause and body temperature

36:43 Facing challenges led to helping others recover.

41:02 Focus on good food, and make supportive changes.

45:10 Develop awareness of body, thoughts, and emotions. Am I burying emotions with my behaviour?

50:29 When I gave up alcohol I could actually start to like myself again.

If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:

https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Janey Lee Grace:

Janey Lee Grace is an author, public speaker, and life coach trained in NLP, EFT, Matrix and Family Constellations therapy, plus sobriety and health coaching. Formerly she was a broadcaster best known as a co-host on Steve Wright in the afternoon on BBC Radio 2 - she is author of five books on holistic living including two number one amazon best sellers.  Janey hosts a podcast Alcohol Free Life which is rated in the Top 5 of all podcasts globally.  She presents shows for Uk Health Radio and runs Platinum Awards annually to recognise the best in wellbeing products and services,

Find out more: www.janeyleegrace.com

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the journey of sobriety milestones with David Wilson, better known as ‘Sober Dave’. This is Dave’s second time on the podcast, and he has returned to discuss the physical and emotional changes that come with giving up alcohol, and how envisioning future benefits can help make sobriety non-negotiable. Both Anna and Dave share their experiences of navigating holidays, emotional sobriety, and the ever-present struggle with identity and self-development after years of drinking. This episode is packed with valuable strategies, personal stories, and a wealth of support for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol.

Here are the Highlights:

13:13 Commit to sobriety, plan ahead, and feel empowered.

16:43 Embracing sobriety and helping others with mental health.

19:59 Supportive approach to managing social isolation at work.

23:04 Seek support, and create a personalised plan.

29:25 Successfully managing and enjoying a holiday without drinking.

44:05 Accepting the past, forgiving yourself, and moving forward purposefully.

49:39 Questioning sobriety, finding strength in experience.

54:38 Sobriety brings organisation and peace of mind.

About the host, Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About David Wilson:

Transforming his life in January 2019, David Wilson is a Certified Grey Area Drinking Coach, Trauma Informed Coach and Public Speaker. He is dedicated to motivating others to transform their lives, overcome personal challenges and embrace life with a renewed mindset. Using his unique delivery and no nonsense approach, Dave is both personable and relatable.

His Top 10 Apple Podcast 'One For The Road' reaches a global audience with over 300K downloads in the first year. Dave's rich and varied guest list includes RTT founder Marisa Peer, SAS Who Dares Wins Ollie Ollerton and author of 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober' Catherine Gray. 

Dave is a No.1 Bestselling Author with his debut book, also titled 'One For The Road' - a blend of his personal memoir, coaching techniques and offers motivational tips to help the reader change their relationship with alcohol.

Dave is a firm believer that the opposite of addiction is connection, which prompted him to create his own private Facebook groups so like minded people can share and connect in a safe space.

Connect with Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilson

Instagram: @soberdave

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

In this special episode, Anna offers a comprehensive summary of the free tools and resources discussed throughout the series so far. A fantastic collection of strategies, practical tips and reflection exercises to support listeners as they rethink their drinking - whether they are on a mindful drinking journey, or looking to totally quit alcohol. 

Tune in to learn more about the valuable tools available on Anna's website, www.thebeliefscoach.com and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Here are the highlights:

05:58 The ‘value’ of your drinks - a reflection tool, promoting moderation awareness.

08:58 Aligning drinking behaviours to happiness, balance, and life fulfillment, and using the wheel of life as a tool.

11:11 Journaling to boost well-being, sleep, and positivity. 

15:14 Alcohol damages the brain's prefrontal cortex; meditation strengthens it.

17:42 Free practical tools for rethinking your drinking. Get 50% off the rethink program.

Go to thebeliefscoach.com to download the free tools Anna mentions in the episode.

And apply the discount code POD99 at the Rethink Experiment checkout, to purchase the full programme for just £99 (original price £199)

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

In this special edition of the "Big Drink Rethink" podcast, host Anna Donaghey steps away from the usual guest format to reflect on the journey so far and welcome new listeners. She revisits her personal transformation from alcohol addiction to becoming an alcohol mindset coach, she recounts some of the key moments from the past five months of the podcast. The show is celebrating over 40,000 downloads and it is clear that people need support for rethinking how they drink.  Not only can they listen to the podcast but Anna also introduces tools and free resources available to listeners through her website. Make sure you tune into the episode, which offers a thoughtful overview of the podcast's mission to inspire a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Here are the highlights:

00.10 Helping the show top its category charts on Apple with over 40,000 downloads

04:31 Society's view on drinking is unhelpfully binary, categorising people into "normal drinkers" and "alcoholics".

08:10 Encouraging collective rethinking and celebrating positive changes in how we relate to alcohol.

12:41 Drinking to cope is a dangerous slope. It affects sleep, parenting, and personal potential.

13:59 Shift societal views on alcohol and personal identity.

17:56 Access free tools at thebeliefscoach.com.

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

In today's episode, host Anna Donaghey explores the world of conscious consumption with Anna Chalov, co-founder of Bemuse Drinks. They discuss the rising trend of honey for its health and sustainability benefits and dive into Bemuse's B- Corp certification and environmental commitments.

The two Anna’s shed light on the environmental impact of traditional winemaking, and highlight how honey-based drinks can positively affect biodiversity. And they cover the inspiring story of Bemuse's creation during the lockdown, with its mission to provide high-quality, planet-friendly, non-alcoholic options.

Join them as they extend the definition of ‘mindful drinking’ - to encapsulate being conscious not just of our alcohol consumption, but also whether our alcohol-free drinks are good for the health of the planet. It's an episode filled with insights on making sustainable and thoughtful choices in our drinking habits.

And Bemuse have kindly offered listeners a 20% discount on purchases through their website Bemuse Non Alcoholic Sparkling Mead – Bemuse Drinks-shop. Please purchase using discount code RETHINK20

Here are the highlights:

06:23 Experienced in new product development and marketing.

10:11 Honey trending due to health and sustainability.

11:06 B Corp certification rewards high social, environmental standards.

17:28 Mindful drinking and choices for a sustainable future.

19:59 Comparison of wine making and apiaries' impact.

23:54 Beekeeping is possible in various environments.

28:52 Innovative product fulfilling mindfulness in drink choices.

35:27 Highly praised product with numerous awards.

44:24 Admiring the vision and sustainability of the brand.

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Anna Chalov:

After graduating from London Business School, Anna moved into the world of private banking, dealing with successful entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Her business partner at Bemuse, Nataliya, has a passion for creating and developing new, exciting, and meaningful market innovations.

Together, they combined their business skills, passion for alcohol-free drinks and the natural world to develop Bemuse, curiously modern, effervescent honey wine that promotes both a  healthier lifestyle and encourages a balance of everyday life with nature. They wanted a new way of building businesses; one that is not only about profit, but which has ethical values that drive a sustainable and responsible operation. They believe that cities can be green and beautiful and that the countryside can be creative and inspiring, but that more sustainable ways of living and celebrating nature must be developed within the commercial landscape.

Bemuse is a proudly certified ‘Made in Britain’ and ‘Buy Women Built’ brand, and a B-Corp. Anna is one of the Top 10 Highly Commended 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch by Natwest and The Telegraph. 

Connect with Anna:

Instagram: @bemusedrinks

Facebook @bemusedrinks

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-chalov-108b97/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74029372/admin/dashboard/

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

In this episode, Anna shares 20 expert-backed tips and hacks to help you navigate your drinking choices with more mindfulness and control. From strategic drinking during meals and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, to avoiding rounds or kitties that speed up your intake, she’s got you covered. She also discusses practical shopping tips, like making dedicated trips to buy alcohol and saying no to wine subscription schemes that anonymise the purchase and heighten the allure of overindulgence.

Whether you're planning a night out or contemplating your weekly drinking routine at home, this toolkit is brimming with actionable advice and  effective strategies to moderate your consumption. Tune in to explore what works for you. 

Here are the highlights:

03:43 Practical tips for responsible drinking: limit, timing, location, and self-awareness.

09:36 Bubbles in champagne and Prosecco can speed up intoxication. 

15:35 Alternate alcohol with water.

19:16 Limit drinks, eat before, avoid third drink.

22:51 Limit pre-party drinking, set specific drinking window.

27:10 Avoid excessive drinking by not drinking alone.

28:26 Limit home drinking, buy only as needed.

32:27 Shop for alcohol intentionally.

34:08 Cancel alcohol subscriptions

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment

Anna interviews Dr. Manoj Krishna, a former spine surgeon turned mindfulness advocate, who shares his journey from setting up his medical practice to founding The HappierMe project, which focuses on understanding the mind to overcome human suffering.

Wonderfully insightful, Manoj sheds light on the thought processes that can lead to addiction, and they explore the societal and psychological pressures influencing the younger generation, particularly the impact of social media and constant comparison. 

The conversation then explores the essential role of self-enquiry, along with the three vital steps: awareness, ownership, and curiosity. Their conversation challenges conventional ideas about happiness and success, emphasising the power of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and how inner work can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Here are the highlights:

01:59 Understanding the mind leads to less suffering, better humanity.

06:35 Self-awareness involves exploring the mind's layers.

08:28 Comparing ourselves to others creates mental unhappiness.

13:32 Modern world feels out of control, easy to blame others.

26:23 Unconscious thought processes behind addiction and recovery.

29:46 Questioning conditioning, seeking meaning, connection and belonging.

33:07 Unconscious fears and desires shape our lives.

36:25 Curiosity brings compassion for ourselves and others.

44:26 Understanding the mind leads to a joyful life.

About the host Anna:

Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.

Connect with Anna:

Website: thebeliefscoach.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey

Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Dr. Manoj Krishna:

Dr. Manoj Krishna trained as a doctor in India before coming to the UK to pursue a career as a spine surgeon. He left that career after 25 years to write the books Understanding Me, Understanding You- an enquiry into being human, and Stress Free.  He started the HappierMe Project and created the HappierMe emotional intelligence app to help reduce suffering, help each person lead a happier and more successful life, and make the world a kinder place.

Understanding ourselves and how our minds work awakens our emotional intelligence, and this can lead to transformation. This can prevent and solve many problems which begin in our thinking: stress, anxiety, relationships breakdown, violence, addiction and division. By understanding ourselves, we can understand others better, leading to more fulfilling relationships. Self-understanding can boost all our soft skills - including communication, leadership, resilience, empathy and critical thinking.

Download the HappierMe app, visit https://happierme.app or follow Manoj on social media: https://linktr.ee/happierme.app

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/experiment