What if everything you thought you knew about menopause and weight loss was wrong? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey dives deep with guest Ailsa Hichens, a BANT registered nutritionist and author. Ailsa shatters common myths about menopause and unveils the truth behind metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the role of alcohol during this crucial life stage. From dietary insights to stress management and self-care, Ailsa offers a refreshing perspective on how women can nav...
Apr 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 64
The stories we tell ourselves about alcohol shape our reality and our ability to change, but how exactly can we first identify them, then go about changing them? Listen to this action-orientated episode of The Big Drink Rethink, with host Anna Donaghey, as she offers up practical tools and insights on how to identify and shift these narratives to rewrite your relationship with alcohol. Plus, learn about Anna's self-guided program and live coaching options to support your journey. Tune in and ret...
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 63
What if the stories we tell ourselves about alcohol are the very chains that bind us? A journey into the power of words awaits you on this episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey and guest Helen Packham as they unravel the narratives that shape our drinking culture and explore how changing our language can liberate us from old habits. In this engaging conversation discover how Helen, a speaker and Coach, uses her passion for verbal communication to transform lives. Get ready to...
Mar 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 62
Why do we often sabotage our own sobriety despite our best intentions? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna explores the perplexing nature of self-sabotage, a challenge faced by many seeking to reshape their relationship with alcohol. Anna offers a thoughtful exploration of what drives these destructive patterns and provides actionable strategies to break free from the cycle. Listeners will discover insights into the tug-of-war between the conscious desire for change and the ...
Mar 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 61
Have you ever considered how deeply ingrained the culture of alcohol marketing is in your life? Today your host, Anna explores the fascinating world of gendered alcohol marketing, alongside guest expert, Professor Carol Emslie, the co-director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and co-chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network. They discuss the intriguing and often controversial world of alcohol marketing, and its societal impact. They look at how it is carefu...
Mar 06, 2025•50 min•Ep. 60
Ready to break the drinking cycle? In this toolkit episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey shares the science of habit formation and why relying on willpower alone often fails when trying to change drinking behaviours. She breaks down James Clear's habit loop concept and provides practical, actionable strategies for creating lasting change through small, intentional adjustments rather than dramatic overnight transformations. Anna explores how to work with your brain's natural wiring...
Feb 27, 2025•40 min•Ep. 59
Is a sense of unworthiness and shame keeping you stuck? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Janssen, a leading Performance and Mindset Coach with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, to explore how shame and unworthiness can keep people trapped in addiction. Chris, who has been sober for 18 years and is the bestselling author of "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want," shares her personal journey and professional insight...
Feb 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 58
How does one deal with shame and embarrassment around their drinking behaviour? In this Q&A episode, host Anna Donaghey tackles this deeply personal question from a listener who struggles with past actions and memory gaps related to their drinking. Drawing from Brené Brown's research, Anna breaks down the differences between shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, offering practical journalling exercises and self-compassion techniques to help listeners process and move beyond their sha...
Feb 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 57
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to hit rock bottom, and whether you need to wait for that moment before making a change? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Karla Adkins, whose harrowing journey with alcohol nearly cost her life at just 37 years old. Through raw and emotional storytelling, Karla shares how her relationship with alcohol began as a solution to anxiety in college, but ultimately led to acute liver failure and a near-death...
Feb 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 56
Today we're doing things a bit differently. Your host Anna Donaghy is bringing back her old friend and fellow Coach, Tabbin Almond. Together, they're exploring their personal alcohol struggles and coaching journeys, sharing insights and tools that they wish they had when they felt well and truly "stuck”. Anna and Tabbin are not just talking about the problems - they’re also unveiling an exciting new program called Unstuck!, designed to help you break free from the alcohol cycle. If you've ever f...
Jan 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 55
Today, we are exploring the intricate world of habits and dependency, particularly related to alcohol consumption. Join your host Anna Donaghey and Christopher Richards, the esteemed founder of Atomic Growth and an expert in psychology and human behaviour. Christopher shares his insightful perspectives on how habits form, the fine line between habits and dependency, and the role of rituals, identity, somatics, and environment in breaking the cycle of alcohol usage. Christopher illuminates how qu...
Jan 23, 2025•51 min•Ep. 54
After a year of transformative insights and practical tools on The Big Drink Rethink podcast, Anna takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the most impactful strategies for rethinking their drinking habits. This episode reflects on the tools and advice discussed over more than 50 episodes, simplifying access to life-enhancing resources available for free on Anna’s website. Join Anna as she revisits pivotal conversations with experts like Professor David Nutt and Adrian Chiles, and sha...
Jan 16, 2025•35 min•Ep. 53
Today your host Anna is answering one of the most common questions for those trying to take a break from alcohol: "When will I begin to feel better?” She will share the physical, emotional, and visible changes you can expect - from better sleep and increased energy to potential weight loss and healthier skin - and a sense of when these benefits will kick-in. Plus, discover why keeping a log of your journey can be a game-changer. Whether you're participating in Dry January or just starting to ret...
Jan 09, 2025•32 min•Ep. 52
Discover the hidden costs of alcohol from a police perspective in this eye-opening episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey as she explores the profound societal impacts of alcohol consumption with retired Chief Superintendent, Maria Fox. Learn about the staggering statistics, the operational challenges for police, and Maria’s personal journey to transform the drinking culture within the force. Don’t miss this compelling discussion and the insights that could reshape your unders...
Jan 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 51
Thinking about doing Dry January? In today's episode, your host Anna shares a new approach to Dry January. She suggests approaching it as an empowering experiment, rather than a sheer test of willpower. It’s a fundamental mindset shift, and a way to discover practical strategies, compelling insights, and focus on growth and self-discovery. Let’s rethink Dry January together. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Take a break from alcohol for better health. 06:57 Observe alcohol's rol...
Dec 26, 2024•37 min•Ep. 50
Anna welcomes the refreshingly candid Gavin sisters, Loretta and Sharon, who share how giving up alcohol transformed their lives and inspired their thriving wellness venture, The Detox Barn. We'll be discussing their incredible journey from battling health challenges and the pressures of a drinking culture, to adopting a plant-based lifestyle and running successful wellness retreats. They'll share their experiences, including how giving up alcohol has positively impacted not only their health bu...
Dec 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 49
How do you master moderation at Christmas and other big events? Your host Anna will share practical strategies for controlling alcohol consumption, from planning when and what you'll drink to enjoying alcohol-free alternatives. We'll discuss how to avoid drinking rituals, recognise the impact of bubbly drinks, and focus on mindfulness throughout your festivities. Anna will also walk us through a brilliant visualisation technique used by top athletes, showing us how mental preparation can signifi...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 48
What do you do on tough days? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey dives deep into an incredibly important topic: coping with really low moments. Anna tackles a heartfelt question from a listener who, despite their successful journey towards an alcohol-free life, struggles during times of utter exhaustion and bad news. Join Anna as she shares profound tips and strategies to manage these challenging moments, reshaping one's mindset, and fostering resilience. Discover how to stay topped up, manage ...
Dec 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 47
In this latest episode of The Big Drink Rethink, our host Anna Donaghey, sits down with Millie Gooch, the dynamic founder of The Sober Girl Society, to delve into her inspiring path from heavy drinking to leading a vibrant, sober community. In this episode, Millie shares insights from her upcoming book, her involvement with Alcohol Change UK, and the innovative "Sober Spring" campaign. You'll also hear about the challenges of advocating for better alcohol advertising regulations and Millie's cre...
Nov 28, 2024•47 min•Ep. 46
In this eye-opening episode, your host Anna Donaghey explores one of the most challenging dynamics faced by those rethinking their relationship with alcohol. A partnership where the other half continues to drink. This heartfelt Q&A session, where Anna shares her personal experiences, offers practical advice on communication and provides insightful strategies to manage emotions such as resentment and frustration. Whether you're struggling to find support from your partner or seeking ways to f...
Nov 21, 2024•21 min•Ep. 45
When you transform your relationship with alcohol, you can rediscover your true self. Join host Anna Donaghey and guest Christy Osborne, as they share their journeys with motherhood, spirituality, and sobriety. Christy shares her raw and challenging experiences during the early stages of raising her children, the societal pressures that led her to drink, and the pivotal moment that prompted her transformation. Anna and Christy discuss the profound impact of alcohol on emotional growth, the socie...
Nov 14, 2024•46 min•Ep. 44
Discover the transformative power of shifting your mindset in moments of struggle, on this week’s episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Anna addresses the frustration and demotivation that come with stumbling back into old drinking patterns. With insights from an experimental mindset and tips on self-compassion, she reframes setbacks not as failures but as crucial learning opportunities. We'll discuss strategies like measuring progress in percentages rather than days, focusing on gains over perfecti...
Nov 07, 2024•17 min•Ep. 43
86% of women don’t fully understand the impact of perimenopause and menopause. In this fascinating episode, host Anna Donaghey is joined by the inspiring Lauren Chiren, CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, to explore the complex interplay between alcohol and menopause. With a blend of personal anecdotes and eye-opening insights, they unpack how lifestyle choices can profoundly influence the menopausal journey. From hormonal upheavals to healthcare challenges and the essential need for education. Tun...
Oct 31, 2024•46 min•Ep. 42
Can journalling help your sober journey? This episode Anna is taking a look at this transformative practice. Whether you're looking to reduce or quit drinking, or simply seeking a way to boost your mental and emotional well-being, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to get you started. We'll explore simple prompts, debunk perfectionist myths, and discuss the myriad benefits supported by research from reducing anxiety to improving overall health. With insights from historical figures and ...
Oct 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 41
Are you ready to reimagine your relationship with alcohol? In this Q&A episode, we're tackling a timely and crucial topic for those taking a break from alcohol: dealing with discomfort. Join your host, Anna Donaghey, as she offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with this transformative journey. Whether you're in the middle of Sober October or simply exploring a new lifestyle, this episode is full of reframes, reassu...
Oct 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 40
We explore the transformative journey from alcohol dependence to living an authentic and empowered life with our inspiring guest, Clare Pooley. Well-known in ‘Quit Lit’ circles for her best-selling book The Sober Diaries, Clare reflects on her personal journey with alcohol, the emotional rollercoaster of early sobriety, and how writing became her lifeline and therapeutic tool. Host Anna Donaghey leads this heartfelt conversation, celebrating Clare's bravery, resilience, and her journey to authen...
Oct 10, 2024•49 min•Ep. 39
Are cravings for alcohol creeping in and threatening to derail your Sober October plans? In this timely episode of the Big Drink Rethink, your host Anna Donaghey drops a powerful tool to help you tackle those pesky urges head-on. Whether you're navigating physical cravings for booze or attempting to outsmart the psychological triggers that are tempting you to have a drink, Anna has got you covered. Dive into actionable techniques, from mastering the art of ‘urge surfing’ to using powerful pauses...
Oct 03, 2024•28 min•Ep. 38
Alcohol steals genuine happiness, replacing it with fleeting, artificial pleasure. Today’s Q&A delves into a poignant question from a listener struggling to sustain sobriety due to missing the high from alcohol. Anna unpacks the psychological and physiological aspects of this challenge, offering insights into why we crave that fleeting euphoria and the long-term toll it takes on our bodies. She explores alternatives that can replace the artificial pleasure of alcohol with natural highs, prov...
Sep 26, 2024•15 min•Ep. 37
What happens when the blurred lines of alcohol culture are brought into sharp focus? Anna and her guest Denise Hamilton-Mace, founder and editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, break down the silos in alcohol culture. Join them as they discuss moderation, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, and making informed choices. In this engaging conversation, Anna explores the evolving landscape of the sober curious movement with Denise, who shares her personal journey from a flourishing hospitality caree...
Sep 19, 2024•49 min•Ep. 36
In this Q&A episode of The Big Drink Rethink, Anna Donaghey explores one of the most pressing questions for anyone reevaluating their relationship with alcohol: is moderation possible? She meticulously unpacks the complexities of drinking in moderation. Drawing from her personal journey and extensive coaching experience, she offers a nuanced perspective on whether it's achievable and the challenges that come with it. Whether you're considering moderating alcohol or contemplating an all-or-no...
Sep 12, 2024•20 min•Ep. 35
