As Christal and Lisa wrap up an incredible first season of The Sober Freedom Podcast, they take a heartfelt look back at the powerful conversations and remarkable guests who have graced the mic.

Throughout the season, some key themes have consistently emerged — each shedding light on the complex and often hidden ways alcohol affects our lives:

• How alcohol intensifies the challenges of ADHD, peri/menopause, anxiety, and overall mental and physical wellbeing

• The early roots of drinking and the pressure to fit in

• The strain alcohol can place on our closest relationships

• What happens when our drinking habits begin to clash with our core values

• That crucial moment when the negative impacts start to outweigh the benefits

• The tipping point — and the courage it takes to make a change

• And above all, bravery — in choosing honesty, vulnerability, and freedom

This season has been nothing short of transformative. Whether you’ve been with us since Episode One or just discovered us, thank you for listening, sharing, and connecting with us through the @sober.freedom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram community.

With love and gratitude:

• To our listeners — your support means the world
• To Kupod Studios — thank you for creating such a warm, welcoming space behind the scenes.
• To our incredible guests — your stories and insights have inspired and empowered us in ways we’ll never forget.

Season Two is already taking shape, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!

Interested in supporting or sponsoring the podcast?

We’d love to hear from you: [email protected]

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa and Christal are joined by Vicky, founder of My Happy Balance, as she reflects on the life-changing moment that led her to sobriety five years ago. A sense of deep disconnection at a friend’s wedding became the turning point, prompting Vicky to take an honest look at her relationship with alcohol—and she didn’t like what she saw.

Vicky opens up about the inner conflict she faced: the overwhelming desire to stop using alcohol as a coping mechanism while still feeling the pull to drink. She shares how she created rules to mask her drinking habits and the justifications she clung to in an attempt to stop.

We also dive into the societal pressures that kept her stuck—the fear of how friends might react if she chose sobriety—and how the isolation of the COVID lockdown forced her to make a choice: let her drinking spiral or stop altogether.

Drawing on her expertise as a health and nutrition coach, Vicky explores the physical impact of alcohol on the body, particularly how it can worsen symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Her approach at My Happy Balance focuses on adding more of the "good stuff"—strength training, nutrition, and wellness—to support women through life’s challenging transitions.

Today, Vicky is thriving. Five years sober and nearly five years into running My Happy Balance, she shares how sobriety was the foundation for building the business and life she has today.

Fun fact: Christal, Vicky, and our producer Matt know each other from the party scene (almost 20 years ago)—and now, years later, they've come full circle, reconnecting through the podcast for a powerful and inspiring conversation.

Connect with Vicky:

Website: My Happy Balance

Instagram: @MyHappyBalance

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa and Christal sit down for a much-needed catch-up, reflecting on the powerful personal stories and professional insights shared by recent guests.

They open up about the changes they’ve been making in their own lives, including new practices they’re exploring to support their mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth.

The episode also dives into their restorative experience at The Goddess Movement  day retreat – a space dedicated to healing, empowerment, and connection.

Curious to learn more about the retreat? Head over to Instagram: @thegoddess_wellness_movement

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful and compassionate episode, Lisa and Christal are in conversation with Nadine Pittam, a counsellor, psychotherapist, to explore what really lies beneath our drinking habits.

Together, we dig into the deeper emotional roots of alcohol use—and the liberation that comes from finally facing the pain that alcohol has been masking. So often, alcohol isn’t the problem—it’s the solution we’ve turned to in order to silence discomfort, override our feelings, and survive in a world full of social expectations.

But what happens when we stop drinking alcohol and all those emotions rise to the surface?

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why alcohol is often used as a coping strategy rather than the core issue
  
• The social expectations around drinking and how they keep us stuck
  
• What we lose when we avoid uncomfortable emotions—and what we gain when we face them
  
• How therapy can help unpick the inner stories, patterns, and past experiences that shape our behaviours
  
• The role of shame, fear, guilt, and pain in addictive cycles—and how we begin to heal them
  
• The idea that addictive behaviours might have been trying to save us all along
  
• How therapy acts like an emotional audit, helping you trace the thread from what was true in the past to what’s true now
  

• What to do when shame keeps resurfacing
  
• How to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of running from them
  
• How to begin rewriting the stories that keep us feeling small or stuck
  
• Why therapy can be a powerful act of reclaiming your voice and your truth
  

We can’t bypass the pain. If we do, we miss the lesson and the healing.

We explore scenarios, guided by Nadine’s gentle insight, including:This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about putting down the drink—it’s about picking up yourself.

Whether you're newly sober, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or years into your journey, this conversation is a compassionate companion on your path. 

Connect with Nadine Pittam

https://www.nadinepittam.com

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠

Trigger Warning:

This episode touches on sensitive topics such as addiction, family complexities, COVID 19, and grief. Please listen with care.

This episode is a raw and inspiring conversation about turning pain into purpose, embracing change, and creating something positive out of loss. Don't miss Cat’s powerful story and her commitment to helping others find their path to recovery.

In this episode, we continue Cat’s story from the previous episode.  Cat shares her personal journey of breaking old patterns and embracing radical change. Her path toward recovery began with a simple yet profound step: booking her first yoga class. Through yoga, she discovered a natural high, a sense of clarity, and a feeling of wellness that carried into the next day—signaling the start of a new chapter in cultivating positive habits to replace the destructive ones.

Cat also discusses how her awareness of the harm alcohol was causing in her life grew as she sought quiet space for reflection. Over time, she came to understand the importance of getting out of her comfort zone to make meaningful changes and the role that community plays in supporting recovery.

As Cat navigated her own healing journey, she also struggled with the guilt of not being able to fix her sister's struggles with alcohol, especially during the turbulent time of COVID-19. 

The pandemic escalated the impact alcohol had on Cat’s sister Paulette and Cat had to process the overwhelming challenge of accepting that she couldn’t cure her sister. Cat reflects on how nobody thinks alcoholism or alcohol-related death will ever affect them, but the reality of these consequences is undeniable.

Cat opens up about how Alcohol Change UK supported her, and how she is now an ambassador for the organisation. To honour her sister Paulette, she is running the Manchester Half Marathon to raise funds for Alcohol Change UK. You can support Cat and her mission by sponsoring her for the race, with all proceeds going toward the cause.

Links:

Sponsor Cat for the Manchester Half Marathon by visiting her instagram and clicking in the link in her bio @yoga_up_cat

To find about all of Cat’s Yoga Up classes visit: https://www.yogaup.co.uk/ 

For resources to support you in your sober journey please visit: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ 

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠

Trigger Warning:

This episode touches on sensitive topics such as addiction, family complexities, and grief. Please listen with care.

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Sober Freedom Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re honoured to be joined by Cat, the founder of Yoga Up – a yoga and wellness business based in Manchester. Since 2017, Cat has been dedicated to helping people of all ages manage their mental and physical health through practices such as breathwork, meditation, cold water therapy, and fitness.

We dive into the journey of self-discovery with Cat, who opens up about how nobody starts out in life wanting to become an alcoholic. In this episode, we discuss the early stages of drinking, how it starts innocently, and how our environment can heavily influence our decisions. Cat shares her personal experience growing up in Northern Ireland and the moments that began to shape her future and that of her sister, Paulette. 

Cat talks about her life-changing move to Manchester to attend university – a decision that marks a key turning point in her life. But with change comes complexity, and it was here that she began to notice that although she had moved geographically, her coping behaviours had not changed.

We delve into the tipping point – that moment when Cat realised alcohol had become more than just a part of her social life. She shares the emotional struggles that came with recognising a problem that had been quietly taking hold for years. The guilt and stigma associated with alcohol dependence are explored deeply, as well as the impact on family relationships – that often come with addiction.

As we continue, we unpack the deep-rooted patterns and habits that perpetuate alcohol dependence. Cat shares the moment she knew things had to change and how yoga played a key part in the rewiring of her habits. 

We discuss how difficult it can be to break free from these ingrained decisions and behaviors and how finding the right tools to rewire our habits is crucial in recovery.

Cat’s journey toward breaking free from these patterns is inspiring. We talk about how she found balance and healing through yoga, mindfulness, and wellness practices. Through her business, Yoga Up, she’s now dedicated to helping others do the same – creating a space where people can transform their lives, break free from harmful habits, and reconnect with their true selves.

You can connect with Cat on instagram @yoga_up_cat

For access to resources please visit: alcoholchange.org.uk

Trigger Warning:

This episode touches on sensitive topics such as addiction, family complexities, and grief. Please listen with care.

This episode will give you insights into overcoming addiction and finding strength through healing practices that empower you to rewrite your own story.

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by me Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Sober Freedom Podcast, hosts Lisa and Christal are joined by Simon (Si), Christal's partner, as they explore his personal journey to an alcohol-free life. Si opens up about the key events that led him to make the decision to stop drinking.

Si shares the pivotal moment when he experienced a panic attack while driving the day after a night out, and how that incident planted the seed to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol. He talks about his desire to quit smoking and how it intertwined with his journey to sobriety. Si also reflects on a disorienting experience when he felt "spiked" after a night of drinking, after a period of consciously reducing his alcohol intake.

As a father, Si also touches on the growing realization that hangovers were no longer compatible with family life. This episode provides insight into how Si and Christal are navigating their relationship and finding new ways to connect and communicate without alcohol. Though it’s a work in progress, they highlight some of the positive changes and new experiences they've shared since becoming sober.

The conversation also delves into the complexities of their different drinking behaviors and how alcohol had once been like “throwing a grenade” into their relationship. This raw and honest discussion reveals the ups and downs of their shared journey towards a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle and the positive impact it has had on their family dynamics.

Highlights:

• Si's journey to sobriety, including a panic attack and feeling "spiked" after reducing alcohol.

• How hangovers and family life played a key role in Si's decision to stop drinking.

• Christal and Si’s evolving communication and connection without alcohol.

• The effect of alcohol on relationships, and how it impacted Si and Christal's bond.

• New experiences and positive family changes since becoming sober.

Tune in to hear how Si and Christal are reshaping their lives and their relationship, one sober day at a time!

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by me Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠

In this week’s episode of the Sober Freedom Podcast, Christal and Lisa sit down with Claire Dew, Stress Resilience and Health and Nutrition Coach. Claire opens up about her personal experience of how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism whilst navigating life with a young baby, and the isolation and overwhelm a new baby can bring.

Claire shares her personal experience and how her vast training in neuroscience, emotional intelligence and eating psychology led her to conclude alcohol was mis-aligned with her values. Her sober journey began in April 2022 when she listened to the deep knowing that she was done with alcohol and took the decision to find peace, calm and energy.

Claire provides invaluable tools to help build the foundations that make sobriety stick, emphasizing the importance of understanding and advocating for your needs. She explains why these steps are essential for anyone looking to thrive in their sobriety journey, especially during the early days of going alcohol-free.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Claire's personal story of using alcohol to cope with life’s challenges

• The importance of advocating for your own needs during the early days of sobriety (and beyond)

• Simple and actionable tools to help you build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety

• How to implement easy tips and strategies that work, even when things feel tough

• The significance of self-awareness and emotional resilience in overcoming addictive patterns.

Connect with Claire Dew:

Website: www.clairedew.com

Instagram: @clairedewcoaching

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/clairedew/

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by me Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠⁠

This week, we welcome Matt Dean, podcast producer, back to the show for an insightful update following his experience with Dry January. He shares his commitment to honoring his plans, taking responsibility, and showing up more intentionally.

In this episode, we dive into the benefits of facing challenging situations without the crutch of alcohol and how sobriety can bring a sense of clarity, especially during tough times. We explore the concept of personal growth in the absence of alcohol, shedding light on the journey of discovering who we are without it, and getting comfortable with ourselves. Along the way, we discuss the importance of honesty, self-awareness, and the transformative power of midlife awakenings.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on sobriety, self-awareness, and the journey of personal growth.

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by me Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠

Meet Siobhan O’Connor, who stopped drinking on her 28th Birthday following the events of a Disney Bottomless brunch. Now six years sober Siobhan reflects on how she started drinking to fit in and feel comfortable in her own skin. In this honest and entertaining conversation we explore the pivotal moments in Siobhan’s life and where she is now; Co - founder of her marketing agency Outsauced media and sober icon @notsosecretlysober living a fulfilled and fun alcohol free life!

The Sober Freedom podcast is hosted by Christal Dauncey and Lisa McGinnis.

To leave comments, ask questions and interact with the show, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠@sober.freedom on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Please also subscribe, rate and leave comments wherever you listen to help us reach more people!

The show is recorded at KUPOD Studios in Oldham and produced by me Matt Dean, with video production from Eddie Corteen for KUPOD Productions. 

For more information visit⁠⁠⁠⁠kupod.co.uk⁠⁠