Embarking on an introspective expedition, we're joined by the insightful Health and Wellbeing Coach, Sarah Rustbatch, who shares a candid narrative of her personal evolution from the grips of teenage drinking to the liberation of sobriety. Her story is set against the backdrop of Northern England's culture where alcohol is woven into the fabric of social bonding, from school years to the professional world. As we traverse Sarah's experiences, you're invited to contemplate the profound impact of cultural expectations on our choices and the courage it takes to break free from them.

With raw vulnerability, Sarah unfolds the chapters of her life that led her from being the life of the party to a beacon of hope as a sober coach. The conversation journeys through the landscapes of London's demanding corporate scene to the life-altering move to Perth, where the challenges of starting a family and isolation catalysed a pivotal transformation in her relationship with alcohol. Sarah's revelation and subsequent path to sobriety are not just her story—they reflect a silent struggle faced by many, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for those navigating similar crossroads.

Concluding our episode is a celebration of Sarah's triumph in authorship, "Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free," a testament to the rich, fulfilling existence that awaits beyond the haze of alcohol. Her book embodies the essence of self-discovery and personal growth that sobriety can ignite, especially when faced with a partner who drinks or the pursuit of joy and purpose in the sober life. Sarah's journey—echoed in her words and in her book—is an invitation to all listeners to explore the depths of their own strength and the beauty of a life unchained from societal norms.

Website: https://sarahrusbatch.com/
Insta:  https://www.instagram.com/sarahrusbatch/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Have you ever raised a glass, seeking pleasure, only to find yourself in a less-than-sunny place once the buzz fades? That's the deceptive dance of alcohol that Annie Grace of "This Naked Mind" illuminates so well. The short-lived pleasure of alcohol only leads to more discomfort, a truth that's both harsh and liberating. By understanding the science of these alcohol-induced dysphorias, and how our bodies build defence mechanisms against this artificial euphoria, we can extinguish our desire to drink. 

On the lighter side of things, my co-host Meg and I are thrilled to roll out the red carpet for you, our vibrant community, to take the mic on our 'Not Drinking Today' series. Your questions and topics are the secret ingredients that spice up our episodes! We're geared up for a year chock-full of deep dives into all the challenges that come with alcohol and the fun that flows when we triumph over it. So, send those emails our way—your curiosity is the driving force behind our heart-to-heart chats, and we're all about walking this journey together, with plenty of smiles, sans the spirits.

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Reflecting on the reckless abandon of our youths, we never imagined the nights of heavy drinking would evolve into a lifestyle fraught with risks and regrets. Join Meg and Bella as we peel away the layers of Australia's binge drinking culture, sharing raw and honest tales from our past. We take you through the high-risk initiation rites of youth, the pressure to maintain this hazardous habit, and the urgent need for new, healthier traditions of celebration. In this candid conversation, we also discuss the sobering reality of the aftermath and the recommended guidelines for responsible drinking, aiming to spark a dialogue on the necessity of redefining our relationship with alcohol.

As we venture further into our personal experiences, we dissect the complex reasons that fuel our binge drinking habits. From using alcohol as social glue in our formative years to numbing anxiety, Meg and Bella unveil the escalating tolerance that has led us, and many others, to blackouts and daily binge drinking. We examine the societal norms, like pub promotions, that perpetuate dangerous drinking patterns and the challenges we face in breaking free from the normalisation of excessive alcohol consumption. Through our introspective journey, we offer listeners a chance to rethink their own drinking practices as we champion the creation of more mindful and healthy celebratory customs.

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

As the clock struck midnight this New Year's Eve, Bella and Meg celebrated not with clinking glasses, but with a toast to clarity and vitality. We're kicking off the podcast with a heart-to-heart about the serenity of our alcohol-free festivities and the uplifting start to another year of sobriety. We open up about the empowering decision to share this journey publicly – a move that's reinforced our commitment and chipped away at the stigma sometimes tied to sobriety. It's not just a personal victory; it's a beacon for others seeking similar paths.

Harnessing the influence of community and creativity, we're mapping out innovative ways to cultivate friendships and stay true to an alcohol-free ethos. Imagine a vibrant Instagram feed, brimming with tempting mocktail recipes, or the solidarity from a sober app's cheer squad – these are just some of the strategies we're diving into. We even ponder the potential of Sunday Soul Sessions and cozy coffee meetups to connect with like-minded folks. Closing out, we extend an invitation to you, our listeners, to share your queries on navigating life without alcohol. Tune in for an episode packed with genuine insights and actionable tips, as we navigate the rewarding terrain of sobriety together.

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Jolene Park joins us this episode to talk about the importance of prioritising the nourishment of your nervous system and neurotransmitters when quitting drinking. Jolene explains why a “bottom up” approach focussing on rewiring, replenishing and repairing the nervous system is vital to the success of drinking less long term. Do you drink to relax, destress, numb anxiety or soothe an activated nervous system (most do!)? Then it is essential to incorporate resources to calm the nervous system into your sober practice. This physiological piece is often overlooked or minimised in favour of cognitive reframing work. It shouldn’t be. The good news is, Jolene provides examples of simple and accessible resources that can easily be put into practice by you or your clients. Jolene is a leading authority on Grey-Area Drinking, a TED talk speaker, functional nutritionist and health coach who coaches private clients and also trains healthcare practitioners on the importance of nourishing neurotransmitters and supporting their client’s nervous system.

Jolene's website: https://grayareadrinkers.com
Jolene's instagram handle: @jolene__park

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Picture the scene - a harried mom at the end of a tiring day, reaching for a glass of wine to unwind. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? We've all been there, but have you ever truly considered how this habit impacts us and our children? Let's challenge this perception together as we welcome our special guest, Chrissy Jannega, a certified alcohol-free mindset success and NLP coach. Chrissy opens up passionately about her personal struggle with alcohol and body image, her journey to sobriety, and her insightful take on the ubiquitous "Mummy Wine Culture". 

Who hasn't used wine as a stress-buster, a "mommy's little helper"? Join us as we confront this societal narrative that often portrays this behavior as amusing and harmless. We, along with Chrissy, bravely dissect the profound implications of this culture on women and their children, calling for a healthier narrative and a shift in perspective. Let's break the stigma associated with choosing not to drink. It's time we support and provide alternatives for those who opt for an alcohol-free life.

But, it doesn't just stop at quitting alcohol. We explore the transformative power of finding one's purpose and the art of manifesting. Sharing our personal experiences, we demonstrate how removing alcohol can usher in clarity and enable you to tap into your life purpose. From manifesting writing books to Chrissy's inspiring manifestation journey, we emphasise the importance of having faith in the process and maintaining a clear vision. So, are you ready to navigate your relationship with alcohol, discover your purpose, and harness the power of manifestation? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion and equip yourself with tools for a more mindful and purposeful life.

website: https://www.chrissyjaniga.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chrissyjaniga/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Our guest today, Susan Hodgson, is an Irish coach living in France, who helps expats to drink less and find a welcoming sober community abroad.

We discuss how Susan  made the choice to step away from alcohol after experiencing anxiety and worried that her alcohol use may be exacerbating it. We also discuss the startling differences between Irish and French drinking cultures and how it can be hard to drink less as an expat when you are trying to  find friends and fit into another culture where wine is revered and accompanies every gathering.

Finally, we tackle the broader societal perspectives on women's relationship with alcohol. We discuss how quitting alcohol can lead to genuine laughter, greater positivity, and a more fulfilling life.

Join us!

SUSAN HODGSON - SHARP SENSE COACHING

To learn more about Susan Hodgson's services:

Website: www.sharpsensecoaching.com
Instagram: @sharp.sense.coaching  

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

In this episode, Michelle Cunniff, an alcohol mindset coach,  takes us on an intimate journey that traces her path from over-drinking to fully embracing a healthier lifestyle. Through candid conversations, we delve into her early forays into drinking during high school and college, and how this habit evolved and became a crutch during periods of loneliness and boredom. Michelle's story is a testament to the transformational power of choosing sobriety and breaking free from the cycle of over-drinking.

Quit drinking, and recover mornings, emotions, and life's simple pleasures - sounds like a tall order, right? Hear Michelle share her transformative journey of bidding farewell to alcohol and the incredible changes it gifted her. From facing her emotions head-on instead of numbing them to rediscovering her love for mornings, Michelle's experiences will inspire you. Sobriety, she underlines, opens up space to truly relish life's simple pleasures. 

As we wrap up our chat, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion about finding joy and passion in sobriety. Michelle shares her experience of rediscovering activities she once thought boring and dealing with the fear and judgment that may arise when one chooses not to drink. You'll be moved by the childlike wonder and freedom that accompanies an alcohol-free life. Hear Michelle talk about her work as a sobriety coach, guiding others on their path to freedom from alcohol, using her own experiences as a compass. Join us on this journey as we explore the reality, challenges, and joys of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Website: https://www.michellerenecoaching.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/michellerenecoaching/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Are you sick of 'meetings' at the pub? Do you feel pressured to drink when networking or feel anxious before 'Happy Hour' and dread the inevitable hangover? Do you wish being part of your work's 'inner sanctum' didn't necessitate downing bucketloads of alcohol? Surely, there is another way for the workplace to be safer, more inclusive and healthier!

Today we are joined by the remarkable (and very funny!) Janet Hadley, Director of Choose Sunrise, and founder of the innovative Alcohol Safe Workplace accreditation program.  Janet opens up about her personal struggles with alcohol and now aims to foster supportive and uplifting workplace environments where employees can truly succeed.

Alcohol policies in the workplace - why are they important? Why do we need to talk about them? This episode is dedicated to helping you understand the profound implications of these policies, and how they can contribute to psychological safety at work.

The creation of an inclusive workspace not only boosts employee engagement but also promotes a diverse workforce. However, changing the drinking culture is no easy task, especially when decision-makers themselves might be drinkers and cannot contemplate networking without it. Our younger employees are bucking this trend and do not want their workplace to be enmeshed with alcohol, hangovers and the way alcohol-laden socialising eats into their personal time. This is exactly why we must question it.

This episode is a must for those looking to comprehend the impacts of alcohol in the workplace, and create a healthier drinking culture. So, grab your headphones and join us!

JANET HADLEY

Choose Sunrise: https://choosesunrise.co.uk/

Alcohol Safe Workplace page: https://alcoholsafeworkplace.co.uk/asw

101 Days to Sober Page: https://choosesunrise.co.uk/client

The Sober Business Network https://soberbusinessnetwork.co.uk/home

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...

Ever wondered when a stay in a rehabilitation treatment centre might be necessary? What can you expect if you or a loved one is considering spending some time in one? What does an average day look like in rehab? 

Today we discuss these questions and more with Ruth Limkin, Chief Development Officer of Sana Health Group, which coordinates a network of Australia's three leading treatment centres located  in some of the most beautiful parts of the world: The Banyans Healthcare in Queensland, Byron Private and the Palladium in South East Queensland. This episode is especially significant for Bella who spent some time in Byron Private in 2020. 

Ruth's passion for assisting people to create better futures for themselves is genuinely inspiring. Ruth unpacks the unique, holistic care programs that these treatment centres provide. 

We unpack a lot in this episode, including the surge in chronic stress, burnout and substance abuse during COVID and beyond and how barriers to accessing quality care can be reduced via education, workplace initiatives and policy reform.

Ruth shares practical advice on seeking help and reminds listeners that they are not alone in their struggle. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the life-changing work that Ruth and her team are doing at Sana and Banyan's Healthcare. Tune in now.

RUTH LIMKIN

To learn more about Ruth and the services that the Banyans, Byron Private and the Palladium provide, the best place to start is: sanahealthgroup.com

You can also follow Ruth on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlimkin/

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthlimkin/

MEG

Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching


BELLA

Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...