Upper Bottom

Now for something a little different ... In this thought-provoking episode, unveiled on the eve of the summer solstice, Cess and Ollie are joined by guest Becky Burchell as they delve into the complex relationship between alcohol and accessing our primal selves. 

The conversation explores the notion that while alcohol has become a societal shortcut for tapping into our wild nature, there are alternative paths to embracing our primal essence.

The trio discusses the importance of reconnecting with the natural world and how spending time in nature can help us rediscover our innate wildness. They also emphasize the role of community and surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who support and encourage our journey of self-discovery without relying on alcohol.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Becky share insights on the power of rituals and intentional practices in creating opportunities for experiencing wildness and pushing personal boundaries. They examine how societal norms and expectations have limited our access to our primal selves and propose ways to challenge and redefine these limitations.

Join Cess, Ollie, and Becky as they explore the transformative potential of embracing our wild nature through nature, community, and conscious practices, offering a fresh perspective on accessing our primal selves without needing alcohol.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#wildness

#sober

This week, Cess and Ollie discuss the relationship between alcohol and Father's Day. 

After attending a low- and no-alcohol event facilitated by KAM Insight and Lucky Saint, the duo, armed with stats, explore the growing trend of moderating alcohol intake and the need for more grown-up options. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting and normalising non-alcoholic choices and the potential for missed revenue in the hospitality industry. 

The hosts also discuss the changing social dynamics and cultural assumptions around drinking. The conversation covers various topics related to alcohol and fatherhood, including outdated attitudes.

As usual, expect personal stories and reflections on the impact of drinking on their lives. This week, Ollie and Cess conclude that setting a positive example for their children is paramount.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#fathersday

#sober

Navigating sobriety at a football match can be extremely challenging for people seeking to take back control of their alcohol consumption. For gritty stories and expert advice, Ollie and Cess welcome Jack Stirling (aka Kicking the Cans on Instagram), who is almost nine months sober, and Crystal Palace season-ticket holder Nick Houghton, who is just beginning his sobriety journey.

Blackouts, hangovers, and bad behaviour are the ugly side of the so-called beautiful game, as evidenced by the recent Champions League final at Wembley, when 53 arrests were made. And with the European Championships about to start in Germany, we can expect more headlines about boozed-up Brits supporting the Three Lions.

But why are booze and football seemingly inseparable? What is it about the combination of intoxicants? And what can football clubs do to better cater for fans who don't want to become intoxicated and escape?

Jack and Nick offer brilliant insights and great ideas – but will things change given alcohol sponsorship is ubiquitous?

Before that fascinating interview, Ollie and Cess serve up four tasty items of booze news, including how to identify if you have a drinking problem (that involves cheesecake).

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#sobercurious

#sober

#football

A bumper episode! In booze news Cess and Ollie discuss mocktails, partying in Ibiza without alcohol, and sober parties. That's followed by two fascinating interviews.

The first is with US-based lawyer Kris Butler, whose lovely book Drink Maps in Victorian Britain was recently published. She offers an expert perspective on the history of pubs in the last two centuries and the temperance movement, and serves up stats and anecdotes galore. 

Then Ollie heads north to visit Stephen Jeffreys at his abode, the Manchester Buddhist Centre. Stephen is the managing director of Hinterland, a new sober bar that will open in the basement any day. He discusses his struggles with alcohol and hopes for the future, not least through more sober bars and enriching the community.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#sobercurious

#sober

Ollie and Cess debate what elements make the perfect pub. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's classic essay on his ideal boozer, the Moon Under Water, the hosts share their preferences for what makes a great pub atmosphere. 

They cover everything, from impressive toilets and bar chat-friendly seating to pub games, animals, and the perfect music. The conversation also delves into the importance of cosy nooks, natural fires, covered areas, and a wide selection of low or no-alcohol options. 

The pair discuss the evolution of pubs and the need for inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, whether they drink or not, can find warmth, shelter, sustenance, and good company in their local watering hole.

There is plenty of related booze news, including how you'll no longer be able to buy a drink in a Ibiza after 9.30pm. Talk about party pooping!

Get in touch to let Ollie and Cess know your likes and dislikes about pubs.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#sobercurious

#sober

Is a smelly, sweltering tent the worst place in the world to have a hangover? 

What is it about camping that brings out people’s wildness? 

How did a particularly catastrophic drinking session during a camping holiday bring a premature end to one of Ollie’s romantic relationships? 

And what happened when Cess accidentally sipped REAL booze after almost a year and a half without an alcoholic drink?

These vital questions, and many more, are answered in this "in-tents", 45-minute episode – pitched just in time for your summer camping trip.

You can also listen to the new "booze news" jingle, and a new outro.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#sobercurious

#sober

In a podcast first, Ollie and Cess record out and about. They visit Laura Willoughby, MBE, founder of Club Soda UK, at Club Soda's HQ in Covent Garden.

After some booze news involving England rugby star Billy Vunipola, and Taylor Swift's "functioning alcoholic" lyric, the CDB-drink-guzzling trio discusses the rise of sober venues and the importance of mindful drinking. Laura emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces that cater to both drinkers and non-drinkers, and highlights the growing market for alcohol-free options. 

She also addresses the role of big alcohol brands in promoting moderation and providing alternatives, and explores the concept of mood-enhancing drinks and the benefits of switching to alcohol-free beverages. 

Finally, Laura offers great examples and encouragement to individuals seeking to make positive changes in their drinking habits and advocates for a society that offers diverse and enjoyable options for everyone.

#sobriety

#UpperBottomPodcast

#NoLowDrinkTrends

#sobermovement

#sobercurious

#sober

In the afterglow of the London Marathon, Ollie and Cess discuss the relationship between running and giving up drinking.

They explore how running can serve as a substitute for boozing, and socialising, and how it can help individuals get on track with sobriety.

The conversation touches on the impact of running on mental health – just ask Russ Cook (aka Hardest Geezer). Charlie Allen, the Founder of Run Social – "a running pub" – who is "99% sober" and this week's guest, ran alongside Russ during his last marathon across Africa, in Tunisia, earlier in April.

Another former drinker, reality TV star Spencer Matthews, has announced that he is attempting a world record to run 30 marathons in 30 days through the Jordanian desert. He's mentioned in booze news.

Other booze news includes a man with a bizarre condition that makes his body produce alcohol and the alarming rate of child alcohol abuse in Great Britain – the highest in the world.

#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober

Time to slay some dragons!

Ollie and Cess discuss St George's Day celebrations – have you had your "dragon's blood" cocktail yet? – with beer aficionado Rupert Ponsonby, who provides brilliant stories and details about boozing in England over the years.

Before that interview, the hosts reflect upon their experiences with alcohol-free dancing (awkward!), their favourite boozers, and the nation's most popular TV pubs, plus the pros and cons of sobriety – is Cess slipping?

They also celebrate football-hardman-turned-geezer-actor Vinnie Jones' 11 years of sobriety –  and an article about the changing drinking habits in the pub industry. Choice quotations include: “You can have a few pints because you're in your 20s. You can run it off and you can get on with it, but drinking is a young man's sport.” And: “I've learnt that ego is not your amigo.”

#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober

Friend of the pod Paul Walker, a digital engagement practitioner at the charity Change Grow Live, discusses his experience working in online support for individuals with substance misuse issues.

He explains how the charity created a web chat platform to provide digital access to its services and the benefits of this approach. Paul emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support before hitting rock bottom and highlights the gender and age trends in online support. He also discusses how to evaluate problematic drinking and the impact of the pandemic on alcohol dependence.

Cess and Ollie have three interesting items of booze news, including Dutch courage in extremis on The Titanic, and Lily Allen on nearly five years of sobriety.

#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast #NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober