It seems whenever you turn on the TV there's someone swilling a pint, necking a shot, sipping a glass of red or swishing ice in a tumbler of whisky. It's either Pat Butcher leant on the bar at 'The Old Vic.' Homer Simpson downing a Duff Beer or Edina from Ab Fab holding a flute of Dom Perigean - You can not escape! If it's not on the show itself it's in the adverts in-between. Let's face it, alcohol is everywhere! So, today Vic and Hamish discuss the impact alcohol in the media. How it affects s...
Sep 17, 2023•45 min•Season 6Ep. 17
In this week's retrospective episode we are tapping back into some of Lucy's wisdom from the sixth episode of Sober Awkward . Lucy is all too aware of the negative impact her drinking had on her two daughters but by making the decision to go sober, she is not only undoing a lot of the damage but, she inspiring them as she does it. If you are a parent and fear that your drinking habits have affected your relationship with your kids. It is never too later to give up! You can listen to the full epi...
Sep 13, 2023•6 min
Whether you are somebody that gave up alcohol for a set amount of time or forever, the question of how to stay motivated is one that we are often asked. Hame's plan was to give up for a year. He has chosen to carry on but wants to find out how to keep up the momentum without the excitement of ticking off all of the 'I've-never-done-this-before-sober' things. For Vic, it's a different story. When she gave up, she knew it was forever and her motivation and clarity of thought have not wavered. Are ...
Sep 10, 2023•41 min•Season 6Ep. 16
In this week's retrospective episode we take a look at the first time that Vic and Lucy really addressed the Mummy Wine Culture. What is it and why is it dangerous not only to women but to their families? And perhaps, most worryingly, why has it become so normalised? You can listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sober-awkward/id1565657975?i=1000525583076 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Sep 06, 2023•4 min
On a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO podcast, Russell Brand said: 'You can't be a father to anyone until you can be a father to yourself'. And it struck us that this is true of all parents. (We understand that plugging another podcast in the notes of your own podcast isn't smart business talk but its all for the greater cause!) One of the things that a lot of us had in common during our drinking days is that we didn't take particularly good care of ourselves. We abused our bodies, were prom...
Sep 03, 2023•49 min•Season 6Ep. 15
In this week's retrospective episode we take a look back at Lucy's experiences of being a 'functionable drinker'. Her ability to still parent in spite of feeling hungover or drunk played its part in delaying her sobriety. The mindset being: 'If work life and home life are unaffected by booze then what's the problem?' Sometimes it takes digging a little deeper to realise the ways in which your drinking is still affecting the lives of those around you. You can listen to the full episode here: http...
Aug 30, 2023•5 min
Today Vic and Hamish discover if you can ditch an identity? Can you leave the party girl sat on the curb in 1992 and become someone else.... or do you have to stay playing a role even when it's bad for your health? Have you ever been lost? Found yourself questioning who you are or your role in society? Are you fed up with being pointed out as the party animal? And find yourself acting out in ways you don’t want to just because of reputation. This kind of contemplation is only natural, and everyo...
Aug 27, 2023•56 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In this week's retrospective episode we are taking you on a walk down memory lane to when Vic first shared her signature dance move from her drinking days. It's weird. It's wonderful. And it's (kind of!) brilliant! But what did you expect...? You can listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sober-awkward/id1565657975?i=1000523753718 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 23, 2023•2 min
What a pleasure it is to bring you the second of our Sober Awkward interview guests. This month we welcome to the podcast Millie Mackintosh! You may know Millie from Made in Chelsea or her work as a fashion and beauty icon representing brands like L'Oreal, Ralph Lauren and House of Fraser. Millie shares stories of how her life has not always been glitzy and glamorous. and takes a deeper look at the possible causes of her unhealthy relationship with booze. Millie gave up alcohol almost exactly a ...
Aug 20, 2023•52 min•Season 6Ep. 13
In this week's retrospective episode Vic and Lucy reveal the relationships between their mental health and their over drinking. For Lucy it was depression brought about by a chronic disease diagnosis whereas for Vic it was the anxiety triggered by recreational drug use. Whatever it is for you - the importance of mental wellbeing is imperative to getting and staying sober. We hope that Vic and Lucy's vulnerable, honest and open stories can help you in your sober journeys. You can listen to the fu...
Aug 16, 2023•3 min
It's a question Vic and Hamish get emailed everyday - Help! I can't stop drinking what can I do? It's a plea that they actually find hard to answer because what works for one person - may not work for the next. So, today you will get the run down of everything, from a visit to the GP, therapy and AA to Rehab and Quit Lit. They will discuss what worked for them, how it all starts with you standing up for yourself and taking that first step into recovery - reaching out for support. This is an oppo...
Aug 13, 2023•49 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In this week's retrospective episode we pay our thanks and respect to Vic's sister. Louise Vanstone is one of the unsung heroes of the Sober Awkward Podcast. Not only did she play a part in inspiring Vic to follow in her footsteps but she also has more sober years than Vic, Hame and Lucy put together. AA changed her life and she continues to attend their meetings after over 22 years of sobriety. The lesson that she shares here is one that Lucy wishes she had heard 15 years ago. You can listen to...
Aug 09, 2023•6 min
It's the episode you've all been asking for....Alcohol and the menopause. Why does it make you feel like drinking? Will a glass of red help your symptoms? If I am sober will the menopause be easier? So many questions and only two uneducated buffoons to answer them! It's not a topic that Vic and Hame know much about so they had to learn on the go and bring in an expert - Dr Sally Hunt from the University of Newcastle explains why women feel the need to drown out the side effects of 'the change' a...
Aug 06, 2023•46 min•Season 6Ep. 11
In this week's retrospective episode we revisit Vic and Lucy's struggle to beat the moderation pixie. Many of us try and fail to moderate for years before eventually accepting that sobriety might be the best route for us. We have heard every trick in the book from drinking a water in between each alcoholic drink to only drinking on the weekends! Attempting moderation is often a losing battle. You might be surprised to hear that going totally sober is actually the easier way to live your life. Yo...
Aug 02, 2023•6 min
Hame isn't a dermatologist (shock, horror!) but he has theory about skin. Whatever effects a skincare product might promise to have on your wrinkles/ageing skin/your 'glow' - the best way to improve your skin is from the inside out. Changing what you put into your body (starting with alcohol of course) has noticeably faster and more effective improvements on your skin quality than any product on the market. Vic and Hame explore the changes they have noticed when looking back on their drinking ye...
Jul 30, 2023•36 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this week's retrospective episode we take a look back at one of THE biggest concerns for the newly sober. How do you deal with this inevitable question. Lie? Prepare a few possible answers? Laugh it off? Or you might choose to use one of Vic's slightly extreme responses. Vic and Lucy compared notes for their different approaches in one of the first Sober Awkward episodes. You can listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sober-awkward/id1565657975?i=1000519587067 ...
Jul 26, 2023•6 min
It's the episode you've all been waiting for! Our chat with super star DJ Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim. We were privileged to be invited back stage before his gig in Brisbane to have a quick chat with Norman about life since going sober 14 years ago. We reminisce about The Big Beat Boutique, find out why bringing Fatboy Slim home after a gig triggered him to seek help and how it feels entertaining a massive crowd since giving up booze. We are so excited to share this with our Sober Awkward fans. ...
Jul 23, 2023•33 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In this week's retrospective episode we look at the moment that you have decided to go sober and are deciding who to tell, and equally importantly...when. For some telling your friends and family keeps you accountable whereas for others, the fear of their reaction can delay this conversation for months on end. Vic and Lucy had two very different experiences and approaches to this moment - here are their stories. You can listen back to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/...
Jul 19, 2023•11 min
'Can I still tear up the dancefloor without alcohol?' That was Hame's first worry when he gave up booze. And he is not alone... The dance-floor is a very different place when you’re sober. Alcohol was a way to release your inhibitions. Without it you feel more aware, less sexy and considerably more awkward. Also dancing for hours is bloody tiring without alcohol. (Although that might just be because we are both parents now!) Dancing can go from something that you loved to a place of huge discomf...
Jul 16, 2023•47 min•Season 6Ep. 8
To continue our new weekly retrospective feature - we are heading back to the first ever episode of Sober Awkward. A lot of people try and fail drinking moderately for a long time before eventually becoming sober. 'Most people seem to be able to do it so why can't I?' is a question you may have asked yourself a few hundred times! Vic and Lucy share their experiences of battling with this question and discuss the effect that drinking had on their children. You can listen back to the full episode ...
Jul 12, 2023•10 min
Tomorrow we celebrate Hame's 1 year soberversary. He has achieved what he set out to do but is this our last podcast together? Will he be heading straight back to the pub or will he (and the podcast) be continuing? Vic and Hame look back on the similarities and differences of their first year's sober. They share what they have enjoyed the most and shine a light on what they have found difficult. (Who knew you could still get hangover when you were sober?!) After almost six weeks away you can sen...
Jul 09, 2023•53 min•Season 6Ep. 7
To kickstart our new weekly retrospective feature in which we take a look back at a significant moment from a previous Sober Awkward episode - we are going all the way back to our first ever episode! For many of us, there is specific moment when you realise that drinking isn't for you anymore. Most of us ignore these for years. Until one day, something happens that makes them impossible to ignore any longer. Listen as Vic and Lucy share their memories of that precise moment. You can listen back ...
Jul 05, 2023•9 min
Sober, Single and on Tinder - with Lucy Good. For some sober folks, leaving the safe confines of your living room might be a challenge, socialising feels awkward at first and it's easier to stay in rather than venture out into the big wide world. Lucy is a classic case of someone who found her home comforting in early sobriety. But we are pleased to announce that the queen of the hermits, the matriarch of staying in has been getting herself back out there! Yes - Lucy has joined Tinder and has co...
Jul 02, 2023•55 min•Season 6Ep. 6
It's nearly July... so today Vic and Hamish want to find out the pros and cons of having a a break from booze. For some, this month will be the pivotal point that you start your road to recovery. It might represent years of over doing it coming to an end ….but for others, it might just be an excuse to prove you don’t have a drink problem and allow you to get blackout bladdered for the rest of the year. So, what are the benefits of giving up booze for 30 days? Can you use this time positively? Dn...
Jun 25, 2023•39 min•Season 6Ep. 5
If you Google any hotel today - you will probably be met with a photo of a cocktail bar, a swim up bar, or a chilled wine being served in the restaurant...and don't get us started on minibars! It seems almost impossible to book a hotel anywhere without being confronted by alcohol. Our society is so ingrained that holidays = drinking booze that this has become inevitable. But that doesn't mean you can no longer enjoy a hotel stay on holiday! During this week's episode Hame and Vic will share some...
Jun 18, 2023•39 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Vic's a classic case of a red flag ignorer. A binge drinker that disregarded every sign that she was over doing it. No matter how much they flapped, whipping her across the face, she somehow managed to push past, never having to address her over drinking. She failed at school, college, and Uni, blew a finger off with a firework, got in dangerous situations with men, was bloated, had anxiety, people worried about her... the list goes on. She simply could not see those big red warning signs! Us dr...
Jun 11, 2023•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 3
In this week's episode, Hame and Vic will answer some of the world's toughest questions. Like, why do kebabs taste so good when you are drunk (or even when you are sober for that matter!) Why do we eat like pigs when hungover? Is it ok to eat food that has booze in it? You might be thinking why are we talking about food in a sobriety episode? Well Hame and Vic have been busy researching and have found undeniable evidence (eat your heart out Huberman) that links food and booze. We have stumbled a...
Jun 04, 2023•47 min•Season 6Ep. 2
If we truly want to learn about what makes a substance addictive - we first need to educate ourselves on Dopamine. In this week's episode Hame and Vic will delve a little further than 'it is the happy hormone'! They will look at the role it plays in our drinking years, why we don't always feel amazing in the initial stages of sobriety and the importance of finding healthy dopamine substitutes in our sobriety. (Yes chocolate does give us a hit of dopamine but other options are available!) EPISODE...
May 28, 2023•55 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Being lonely and isolated is unfortunately a common feeling when going sober. People get scared of going out and facing the alcohol drenched world, so stay in watching TV, going to bed early and getting a little too cosy. (Guilty!) But, staying in too much after giving up the grog is a problem. It can lead to loss of friendships, anxiety, loneliness and relapse. Believe it or not, Vic gets very lonely during the week. She doesn't want to bother friends that are busy and working from home adds a ...
May 25, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 21
The Drugs Episode - Trigger warning - This episode contains references to recreational drug use, overdose and the impact of drugs on sobriety. Attention whistle posseI It's time to get out your Fila trainers, pop on your hyper-colour t-shirts and strap on a bum bag because today Sober Awkward is heading back to a time when getting off your nut on drugs seemed pretty damn cool. (Well, until it causes serious mental health issues, anxiety and Psychosis. It was fun though. Wasn't it? ) On todays So...
May 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 20
