In this episode I sit down with Greg Jennings, also known as Booze Free Dad on Instagram. Greg is a media professional, father of two, and a powerful voice in the sober curious space. He’s also my very first male guest, and I’m thrilled to share this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with you.
Greg opens up about his early drinking years - starting at just 12 years old - and how alcohol became part of the fabric of his life well into adulthood. Like many of us, he didn’t consider himself to have a problem for a long time. It wasn’t until he became a dad and his kids asked some brutally honest questions that he really stopped to reflect.
Throughout our chat, we explore Greg’s decision to quit drinking on 1 January 2020 and what helped him stick with it this time. He shares how preparing for “Day One” with quit lit, podcasts, and the support of an online community gave him a foundation that worked. We also touch on what it was like for him navigating the first year alcohol-free, including parties, tough days, and those awkward social moments.
One of the most beautiful parts of Greg’s story is how he discovered breathwork. He describes how this healing modality has helped him reconnect with himself, manage stress, and even release old emotional blocks. Greg's passion for breathwork is palpable - it’s now a core part of how he stays centred, grounded, and connected in sobriety.
This episode isn’t just about quitting alcohol. It’s about learning who you are without it. Greg talks openly about the identity shifts, the emotional honesty, and the unexpected joy that come with living an alcohol-free life. He also shares how sobriety has impacted his relationship, his parenting, and the way he shows up in the world.
If you’re sober curious, newly alcohol-free, or just wondering what might be possible without wine in your hand, this conversation will give you hope and practical insight.
Key Takeaways (in my own words):
Greg’s story reminded me that alcohol is often so normalised in Aussie culture, we don’t even realise it’s shaping our lives- until we stop. He didn’t hit rock bottom, but he recognised that drinking wasn’t aligned with the kind of father or man he wanted to be.
The power of preparing for a sober start really stood out. Greg didn’t just stop drinking—he surrounded himself with tools, community and intention. He planned for cravings, social triggers and awkward conversations - and that’s what helped him stay on track.
Breathwork was a revelation for Greg. He spoke with such clarity about how conscious connected breathing helped him access parts of himself he hadn’t felt in decades. It’s more than stress relief - it’s a way to come home to yourself.
One of the most moving parts was hearing how sobriety changed his relationship with his kids. They see a present, available, honest dad - and for Greg, that’s everything.
He also doesn’t sugar-coat it. Sobriety hasn’t made life perfect, but it’s made life real - and that, for both of us, is worth everything.
Things you might want to try after listening:
Start planning your own Day One. Even if you’re not sure when that will be, gather your tools - books, podcasts, journal prompts - and let yourself be curious.
Get honest about your “why”. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be as simple as wanting more clarity or being a better role model for your kids.
Explore breathwork. Try a few simple breathing exercises this week - Greg mentions a 4-6 breath (inhale for 4, exhale for 6) that’s easy to start with.
Challenge the idea that alcohol is required to have fun, relax, or socialise. Bring your own alcohol-free drink, arrive early, and leave before things get messy. You’re not missing out - you’re opting in to something better.
