For over two decades, Olivia's drinking followed the same pattern. Fine for months, then unable to stop at one once she started. No lost job, no lost marriage — just a private cycle she couldn't explain to herself. It took a panic attack in a Spanish hotel room, convinced she was going to die and leave her kids without a mum, to finally break it. Nearly eight years later, she's alcohol-free and helping others spot the exact pattern she lived for over twenty years.

Olivia is known online as the Grey Area Drinker — a phrase for the space between "social drinker" and "alcoholic" that so many people quietly live in without ever naming it. In this conversation she walks through the moment everything changed, why moderation never worked for her, and what actually shifted once the drink was gone. If you've ever told yourself "I'm not that bad" while still dreading Sunday mornings, this one's going to sting a bit — in a good way.

What you'll hear:

• The panic attack in a hotel room in Spain that became Olivia's rock bottom
• Why "grey area drinking" is different from alcoholism — and why the label matters
• The dopamine cycle behind why some people can have one drink and others can't
• How alcohol was quietly borrowing from tomorrow's joy, one hangover at a time
• What actually changed in how she shows up as a parent since going alcohol-free
• Her honest answer to "is the juice worth the squeeze?"

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Olivia's story and journey
11:50 — Olivia's background and childhood in Ireland
12:26 — The turning point in Spain after a severe hangover
36:38 — The moment Olivia decided she was done with alcohol
52:54 — Reflecting on the costs and benefits of drinking
1:00:44 — The emotional and psychological effects of quitting alcohol
1:04:28 — Olivia's next chapter and future plans

Connect with Olivia:

Website: https://www.greyareadrinker.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greyareadrinker
Podcast: No More Booze — https://open.spotify.com/show/037RmUDIJ3hW44FI5YLRjN

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Amy Devine had her first drink at eleven years old. By her late twenties she was waking up on a flight to Beijing with a broken elbow and zero memory of how it happened. Today she's been sober since January 2023, runs the Sober Sisterhood Community, and helps other women put the drink down for good. This is the story of everything that happened in between.

Amy grew up watching violence in her home before the age of twelve, and alcohol became her relief valve not long after. What followed was over a decade of using drink to switch off — through university, through eleven years living and teaching in China, through a lifestyle that looked exciting from the outside and felt like survival on the inside.

She got sober. She relapsed. She got sober again. And it was only when she stopped trying to moderate — stopped trying to control something that was never going to be controlled — that things actually changed for her.

If you've ever told yourself you'll just have two and then had six. If you've ever promised yourself you'd cut back and then found yourself right back where you started. This one's for you.

What you'll hear:

• Why Amy says moderation is harder than just quitting altogether
• The moment a house guest sat her down and said the words nobody wants to hear
• What actually happened on that flight to Beijing — and why she still doesn't remember it
• Why her first attempt at sobriety didn't stick, and what her relapse actually taught her
• How she rebuilt her nervous system from the ground up instead of just white-knuckling it
• Why she believes community, not willpower, is what gets people through

Chapters:

 00:00 — Amy's story begins
 00:51 — Childhood, and her first drink at eleven
 05:32 — Moving to China and the party years
 10:34 — Alcohol as a coping tool
 14:53 — First AA meeting
 34:58 — The relapse, and what it taught her
 43:58 — Plant medicine and the turning point
 50:54 — Breathwork, community, and life now

Connect with Amy: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devine.breath/
Website: https://devinebreath.com/

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Ross Rolph spent years holding the worst days of other people's lives together as a police officer — walking into chaos, staying calm on the outside, saying nothing about what it was doing to him on the inside. His mind was racing every single day, running on nothing. Nobody knew. That's the part of this episode that'll stop you.

Ross's anxiety didn't start with the job. It started young — a separated family, a need to please, a habit of holding it together for everyone else that followed him straight into adulthood. The police force just turned the volume up. Constant unpredictability, no control over what walked through the door next, and a culture where admitting you were struggling wasn't really an option. It cost him his marriage before it cost him anything else. That was the moment he couldn't keep pretending.

What he's built since is a framework any working man can actually use — not therapy-speak, not years on a couch, but three steps: awareness, acceptance, action. If you've ever gone quiet in a room full of people who need you to be the strong one — on site, at home, wherever — this episode is for you.

What you'll hear:

• Why anxiety is really an intolerance to a lack of control, not a personality flaw
• How Ross hid what he was going through for years while wearing the uniform
• The moment his marriage breaking down forced him to finally ask for help
• The awareness, acceptance, action framework he now coaches men through
• A breathing technique you can use in the van before a hard conversation or a hard day
• Why reframing anxiety as excitement changes how your body responds to it

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction and Ross's background in police and personal journey
03:42 — Ross's childhood, career choices, and early signs of anxiety
17:13 — Transition from police work to coaching and overcoming health scares
35:34 — The power of mindset, fear, and opening the door to opportunities
41:25 — The awareness, acceptance, action framework for managing anxiety
54:17 — Tools and techniques for anxiety relief: breathwork, routines, and mindset
01:12:47 — Next chapter: wedding, book writing, podcast, and future plans
01:16:10 — Closing thoughts and Ross's advice for overcoming anxiety and embracing life

Connect with Ross:

• Website: rossrolph.com
• Instagram: @rossrolphcoaching
• TikTok: @rossrolph
• Podcast (Spotify): Listen here

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In five years, Adam Woollett lost all three of his grandparents, went through a divorce, and became a single parent dad to his five-year-old son. He hasn't had a drink since he was 18.

Adam's an electrician, an old mate of mine from my building site days, and one of the most emotionally honest blokes I know. This episode isn't about quitting drinking — Adam's never needed to.

 It's about something just as important: how you actually process the hard stuff when you've got nothing to numb it with. We talk about the moment he realised he was underwater without even knowing it, why "man up" does more harm than good, and why he believes patience — not painkillers — is what gets you through the worst of it. If you're in the middle of losing something right now and you feel like shutting down, this one's for you.

What you'll hear:

• Why Adam never needed alcohol to cope, even when everyone around him was drinking
• The "compartmentalising" method he used to survive losing three grandparents and a marriage in the same stretch of years
• What his actual rock bottom looked like — and how long it took him to recognise it
• Why "man up" and "just stay positive" can do more harm than good
• How he's rebuilding his relationship with his son as a part-time dad
• What he'd tell any bloke who feels like giving up right now

Chapters:
 
00:00 — Introduction: who Adam is and what this episode is really about
02:00 — Growing up in Bath and the freedom his parents gave him
08:00 — Choosing not to drink at 18, and why
16:00 — Becoming an electrician and finding pride in his work
22:00 — Five years, three grandparents, and a divorce
30:00 — The rock bottom he didn't recognise until he was out of it
38:00 — Why alcohol never felt like an option — and what he saw it do to family
44:00 — "Man up" and the damage of staying silent
50:00 — Being a part-time dad and rebuilding a relationship with his son
56:00 — What he'd tell his younger self
1:00:00 — The next chapter

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At the height of her career, Liane was competing for England and Great Britain in beach volleyball — podiums, titles, everything that's supposed to mean you've made it.

Behind it, she was falling apart. Years of pressure, an inner critic that never switched off, and a body stuck permanently in fight or flight had pushed her into a full mental health crisis. She'd built her whole identity on holding it together, and it wasn't working anymore.

Then a single breathwork session changed the course of her life. In this episode, Liane shares what it actually feels like to hit that wall when performing is all you know, how she found a way to regulate her nervous system without numbing out, and why learning to breathe properly might be one of the most underrated tools going for anyone who never learned how to switch off.

If you've ever felt like you're winning on the outside and wired, exhausted or falling apart on the inside, this conversation is for you.

What you'll hear:

• The moment elite competition tipped over into a mental health crisis
• Why performing well can hide how badly you're actually doing
• How one breathwork session shifted her out of fight or flight for the first time in years
• The physiological sigh — a simple tool you can use in the moment to calm your body down
• The difference between breathwork and meditation, and why it matters
• Why community and the right environment make change stick

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Liane's journey into volleyball
• 03:02 – The pressure of competition and the inner critic
• 05:55 – Transitioning from athlete to breathwork coach
• 09:02 – Struggles with identity and mental health
• 11:57 – The transformative power of breathwork
• 14:59 – Finding breathwork and its impact
• 18:07 – The challenges of elite athlete training
• 21:11 – Breathwork: overcoming skepticism and misconceptions
• 24:58 – Transformative experiences in breathwork
• 25:11 – Understanding the body's response to stress
• 27:28 – Grounding techniques for everyday life
• 29:14 – Aha moments in group sessions
• 30:51 – The physiological sigh: a quick stress relief tool
• 32:38 – The importance of being present
• 34:09 – Building resilience through breathwork
• 36:16 – Breathwork vs meditation: understanding the difference
• 39:53 – Breaking stereotypes in breathwork
• 42:43 – Small steps to breathwork success
• 43:51 – Words of wisdom for the younger self
• 44:42 – Future endeavours and closing thoughts

Connect with Liane:

Website: bravebreathwork.com 

Instagram: @brave_breathwork

During the episode, Liane also mentioned two Coventry-based charities she volunteers her breathwork sessions with — men in these programmes have voted the sessions one of their favourite parts of the recovery process:

The Dynamo Project — thedynamoproject.co.uk An independent Coventry charity supporting people through drug and alcohol addiction, offering a structured day programme, supported housing, and community space to help people rebuild after rehab.

Exodus — exodusco.org A Coventry-based supported housing and recovery service for men and women affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Staffed by people with lived experience of recovery themselves, offering therapy, fitness, and breathwork as part of the programme.

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At 59, Norman Calvo was a successful mortgage banker who couldn't climb a flight of subway stairs without getting winded — and was missing out on life with his grandkids. 

Today, at 72, he's a half-marathon runner, a whole-food plant-based eater who's lost over 70 pounds (5 stone), and someone who's made it his mission to prove that aging doesn't mean slowing down.

In this episode, Norman shares the moment a chance conversation with an employee changed the course of his life, why he tore up the script on what a 'successful' life was supposed to look like, and how he's approached everything from his diet to his training to his bucket list — including his sights on climbing Kilimanjaro — with the same courage that got him through his first race.

If you've ever told yourself it's too late to change, this conversation will make you think again.

What you'll hear:

• The wake-up call that pushed Norman from workaholic to adventurer
• How he trained for his first half marathon at 59, starting from nothing
• Why he switched to a whole-food plant-based diet — and the myths he had to unlearn about protein
• How he stays fit and motivated at 72
• Why community and the right environment matter as much as willpower
• What's next on his bucket list, and why he refuses to slow down

Chapters:

• 02:02 – Norman Calvo: a life against the norm
• 05:04 – The turning point: from workaholic to adventurer
• 09:58 – Marathon journey: overcoming physical limitations
• 11:59 – Dietary changes: the shift to plant-based living
• 17:07 – Training regimen: staying fit at 72
• 20:12 – Embracing challenges: learning new skills
• 22:56 – Breaking free from societal norms
• 27:05 – Living life to the fullest: no regrets
• 28:54 – Navigating life changes and trade-offs
• 36:11 – Challenging societal norms on aging
• 43:55 – The importance of community and support
• 49:54 – Defining a meaningful life
• 52:04 – Lessons from the past and future aspirations

Connect with Norman:

Website: https://againstthenorm.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvo.norman/

Substack: https://normancalvo.substack.com

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Jamie Blair traded a career in law for something far less predictable — building Roots, a thriving cafe business on the Isle of Man that's become as much a community hub as a coffee shop. 

In this episode, Jamie opens up about the early days of brewing soft drinks in a utility room, the setbacks that nearly derailed him, and why he now sees failure as fuel rather than a full stop.

We talk about what it really takes to build something from nothing on a small island, how community became the backbone of the Roots brand, and Jamie's new venture — The Offline Club — bringing wellness and real-life connection back into people's routines. If you're chasing a vision of your own, or wondering whether it's too late to start over, this one's for you.

What you'll hear:

• How Jamie went from studying law to brewing drinks in a utility room
• The mistakes that taught him the most about running a business
• Why community, not just coffee, is what makes Roots work
• The mindset shift that turned failure into momentum
• Jamie's vision for The Offline Club and what's next

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and tech mishaps in recording
• 01:00 – Jamie Blair's background and journey into entrepreneurship
• 02:24 – The early days of brewing soft drinks and building Roots
• 06:03 – Overcoming setbacks and the importance of persistence
• 08:28 – The role of failure and feedback in growth
• 10:38 – The significance of community and the Isle of Man
• 13:49 – Roots as more than a cafe: building a brand and community
• 17:00 – Lessons learned from early mistakes and embracing failure
• 20:15 – The journey through challenges and the power of resilience
• 23:20 – Mentoring new cafe owners and mindset shifts
• 30:39 – The Offline Club and mental health awareness
• 40:09 – The importance of having a North Star and vision
• 44:20 – Jamie Blair's future plans and big vision
• 55:12 – Closing thoughts and inspiration for entrepreneurs

Connect with Jamie:

Website: https://imjamieblair.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_rootss/

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Tom James had his first stroke at 24. He was drinking heavily, battling ADHD and bipolar disorder, and using alcohol to numb everything he didn't want to face.

The stroke should have been enough. It wasn't.

What finally made him stop? A hallucination at a festival — his future son, begging him to change.

In this episode, Tom shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what addiction looks like from the inside — the shame cycles, the toxic environments, the moments he nearly lost everything. And how he went from that bloke to someone who's lost 60kg and is competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

This one's powerful. Don't skip it.

What we cover:

• Growing up with ADHD and bipolar and how that shaped his relationship with alcohol
• The stroke that should have changed everything — and why it didn't straight away
• Rock bottom at a festival and the vision that finally made him stop
• Why removing toxic environments was the real game changer
• How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helped him rebuild his identity from scratch
• Practical advice for anyone stuck in the cycle right now

Chapters:

1. Introduction and Technical Challenges — 00:00
2. Tom's Journey: From Addiction to Transformation — 01:52
3. Childhood and Early Struggles — 02:24
4. The Onset of Heavy Drinking — 04:54
5. Understanding ADHD and Its Impact — 06:17
6. Recognising the Problem — 09:34
7. The Stroke: A Life-Changing Event — 12:09
8. Life During COVID and Its Effects — 13:07
9. The Role of Drugs in Social Settings — 19:10
10. The Day of the Stroke: A Critical Moment — 24:27
11. The Stroke Experience — 26:59
12. The Road to Sobriety — 30:04
13. The Importance of Environment — 32:51
14. Social Challenges in Sobriety — 36:12
15. Rock Bottom at the Festival — 38:53
16. The Turning Point — 45:10
17. Support Systems in Recovery — 49:08
18. The Struggles of Sobriety — 55:22
19. Transformative Weight Loss Journey — 56:05
20. The Impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — 59:39
21. Rebuilding Identity After Addiction — 01:05:33
22. Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction — 01:08:29
23. The Misconception of Boredom in Sobriety — 01:10:15
24. The Power of Community and Support — 01:12:20
25. Future Aspirations and Helping Others — 01:18:20

Connect with Tom: 

Instagram | TikTok

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If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action. 

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What does it actually take to leave everything behind and start again?

Izzy packed up her life in California — as a young mum escaping crime, negativity, and a life that no longer felt like hers — and moved to the Isle of Man. No playbook. No guarantee. Just a gut feeling that something had to change.

In this episode of The Next Chapter, Izzy gets raw and honest about the real challenges of uprooting your life, surviving a brutal first winter alone, and what she discovered about herself when the comfort blanket was ripped away.

We get into:

• Why the crime and negativity in America was silently destroying her mental health
• The moment she knew the move was right — even when the tears were flowing
• How loneliness forced her to build community from scratch on a small island
• What TikTok taught her about authenticity, showing up, and finding her voice
• Leaving hustle culture behind and redefining what happiness actually looks like as a mum

Five years on, Izzy calls it one of the best decisions she's ever made.

Her message? Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose a completely different environment — and trust that you'll figure out the rest.

"Suit up and show up." — Izzy

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Izzy's Journey
• 03:30 Life Before the Isle of Man
• 04:28 First Impressions of the Isle of Man
• 07:25 The Moment for Change
• 10:16 Reactions to the Move
• 19:10 What Was Hard to Leave Behind
• 22:23 Perceptions of the Isle of Man
• 26:01 The Birth of TikTok Content
• 28:57 Creating Community and Positivity
• 32:52 Personal Growth Through Content Creation
• 36:51 The Reality of Content Creation
• 48:16 Life Changes on the Isle of Man
• 57:24 Navigating Personal Challenges
• 01:01:03 Defining Happiness and Self-Worth
• 01:10:00 Looking Ahead: Community and Growth

Connect with Izzy...

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@izzyontheiom 

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What happens when you stop pretending and start actually living?

In this episode of The Next Chapter, I sit down with Marty Bailey — Leadership and Resilience Coach from Liverpool — who opens up about his raw journey from anxiety and depression to building a life grounded in authenticity, discipline, and self-leadership.

Marty doesn't sugarcoat it. He talks about hitting rock bottom, using meditation as a lifeline, overcoming people-pleasing, and why most men are just existing rather than truly living.

If you've ever felt like you're playing a role in your own life — this one's for you, mate.

We cover:

• Why you have to break down before you can break through
• How meditation changed everything for Marty
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt
• What real confidence actually looks like
• Listening to your inner voice over the noise of everyone else's expectations

CHAPTERS

- 00:00 Introduction to Marty Bailey
- 02:15 Marty's Early Life and Challenges
- 05:15 The Breakdown and Breakthrough
- 11:34 The Role of Meditation in Healing
- 14:15 Finding Direction and Purpose
- 19:19 Overcoming People-Pleasing
- 23:28 Self-Discovery and Resilience
- 25:57 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
- 30:18 Journaling and Self-Reflection
- 32:42 Training for Survival: Physical and Mental Toughness
- 38:05 The Cost of Choosing Yourself
- 46:04 Living vs. Existing
- 54:03 Defining Manhood on Your Own Terms
- 58:42 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- 01:01:12 Visualisation and Self-Belief
- 01:06:45 Confidence and Performance
- 01:12:59 Redefining Resilience
- 01:15:39 Listening to Your Inner Voice

Connect with Marty Bailey: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/martyhbailey/

Connect with Luke: Website — https://lukejonescoaching.com

If this episode helped you, share it with a mate who needs to hear it. And drop a comment below — what part hit hardest?

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It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family.

Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time.

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Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...