Shows
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#98. Lyre’s: The Honest TruthHey, let's text 🤗This week, I'm joined by Anita Osborne, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Lyre's Spirit Co. in the EU and UK. Anita takes us behind the scenes of one of the most successful global alcohol-free brands, sharing the highs and lows of building a business that spans over 60 territories. From launching with an ambitious 12 spirits (including an alcohol-free absinthe!) to navigating supply chain nightmares, pirate attacks on the Suez Canal, and strategic downsizing, Anita doesn't hold back about what it really takes to survive in this space. We explore Lyre's "your...
2025-06-1859 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#97. Adults Only? Are Alcohol-Free Drinks Safe for Kids?Hey, let's text 🤗Today I’m diving into a question that comes up a lot — is it safe, and is it a good idea, to give alcohol-free drinks to kids?I’m talking specifically about drinks under 0.5% ABV (so not low, light or mid-strength alcohol). I cover the safety aspect first, but more importantly, I explore the bigger question: should we be giving them to kids at all?I share why these drinks aren’t made for children, what message we might be sending if we do give them to our kids, and w...
2025-06-1315 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#96. Get That "One or Two Pint" Feeling with Impossibrew’s Social BlendHey, let's text 🤗Mark Wong joins me to share the journey behind Impossibrew, the functional beer brand that went from Dragon's Den rejection to securing six and then seven-figure crowdfunding. I nosy my way into their proprietary "social blend" of plant-based ingredients designed to replicate that one-or-two-pint feeling without the alcohol, how they've iterated their recipes based on customer feedback, and why Mark believes that despite his immense success, there’s still a lot of work to be done.0:00 Mark's Impossibrew Journey7:18 Failure is not a rea...
2025-06-1148 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#95. Alcohol-Free Wine vs AF Beer: It's Not a Fair FightHey, let's text 🤗This week, I'm diving into the thorny topic of alcohol-free wine and why we need to stop whining about it. Whilst I'm not claiming it's perfect yet, the constant negativity isn't helping anyone. I explore why alcohol-free wine faces unique challenges compared to the meteoric rise of AF beer, from centuries of tradition to higher production costs, and why these passionate producers deserve our support rather than our scorn. It's time to approach alcohol-free wine with curiosity instead of cruelty, give it the same trial-and-error approach we gave ful...
2025-06-0619 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#94. Lifted: The UK's First High Protein, Alcohol-Free LagerHey, let's text 🤗This week I'm chatting with Tony Robinson, co-founder of Lifted - the UK's first 0.0% high protein craft lager made for athletes. Tony and his wife, Rebecca, launched their unique offering to solve a problem they were both experiencing - wanting additional protein in their diets whilst enjoying alcohol-free options after workouts. With over 250,000 cans sold and a fiercely loyal customer base, Lifted sits at the intersection of fitness culture and mindful drinking. Tony shares the challenges of creating a category of one, the lengthy R&D process of making...
2025-06-0443 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#93. Stop Asking If I Still Drink Alcohol!Hey, let's text 🤗I get asked constantly whether I still drink alcohol, as my answer will somehow validate my right to speak on the subject. Well, I'm getting fed up of answering that question, and here's why - it's completely missing the point! In this one-on-one episode, I’m jumping with two feet into why I've built this platform for the messy middle ground, why shame-based messaging from both sides drives me mad, and why you don't need to make lifelong commitments to change something today. This is my honest take on why the Low No Dr...
2025-05-3020 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#92. “Turning my mess into my message” - Laura Silverman, Zero Proof NationHey, let's text 🤗Laura Silverman is the founder of Zero Proof Nation, a global platform connecting low and no-drinks & drinkers worldwide. Nearly 18 years sober, Laura’s LinkedIn profile describes her as "the nexus of NA" – a title she's earned through her tireless work building community and resources for the alcohol-free movement, including the most comprehensive global map of booze-free bars and bottle shops.0:00 Meeting Laura Silverman2:21 Different worlds, one nation!3:20 Laura's story: Hospitalised twice by 2413:10 First steps to building Zero Proof Nation16:39 What...
2025-05-2852 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#91. Be the Voice of Low No NationHey, let's text 🤗In this special announcement episode, I'm reaching out to you, my wonderful Low No Nation, as we approach a major milestone - episode 100 of the podcast! After nearly two years of bringing you conversations about the world of low, no and light drinks, I'm inviting you to be part of this celebration. Whether you've been listening since day one or just discovered us recently, I'd love to hear your voice - share a favourite moment, a quote that resonated, a guest who changed your perspective, or simply where you are on your jou...
2025-05-2308 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#90. How Lucky Saint Is Brewing Beer You Can Believe In (Even at Lunchtime)Hey, let's text 🤗This week, I’m joined by Lou Pollitt from Lucky Saint, the UK’s best-known alcohol-free beer.We talk about how the brand’s evolved since launching back in 2018, why they stuck so firmly to perfecting just one lager for so long, and how brewing to the German Rheinheitsgebot purity law plays into that commitment to quality.Lou also shares some insight into their newest release —a Lemon Lager, and their less new IPA, plus we chat about the growing presence of alcohol-free options in workplaces, what it really means to build a...
2025-05-2147 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#89. How I Got It All Wrong at a 5-Year-Old's Birthday PartyHey, let's text 🤗Today, I’m exploring how years of conditioning led me to make unfair assumptions about my hosts, who were actually on their own mindful drinking journey, at a recent kids’ birthday party. This experience prompted me to question the wider assumptions we all make - about venues, other people's perceptions, and even ourselves and the habitual thoughts and behaviours that dictate our actions when navigating social drinking situations. 0:00 Party time1:53 My assumption5:59 Mixed drinking hosting6:58 Habitual behaviours8:33 Reflecting with an open mindAlso mentioned:Zeno...
2025-05-1612 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#88. Sober Sound System Ibiza: Changing Raving on the No.1 Party IslandHey, let's text 🤗He’s the Sober Sommelier who went from a disastrous weekend on to co-create Sober Sound System Ibiza, bringing his personal drink & drug story full circle after seven years.Join me and Alex Norwood Hill on his amazing journey of self-discovery on the party island.Can you go sober in Ibiza? Hell yes, you can! 0:00 The early days of drink & drugs9:48 Alex's Spiritual Awakening in Ibiza17:39 From DJ to Sober Sommelier23:12 Launching Sober Sound System Ibiza
2025-05-1453 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#87. The Uncomfortable Truth: 4 Reasons Some Alcohol-Free Drinks Fall FlatHey, let's text 🤗It’s time for some uncomfortable truths about alcohol-free drinks. This episode might make me a little unpopular in the industry, but that’s ok because it needs to be said: Not all alcohol-free drinks are good!After being asked this very question during my BBC Radio Xtra debut (yay!), I was inspired to share this episode and explore with you why some low/no options fall short. But to keep the balance, it’s not all bad, I’m still sharing the love, but only after some real honesty.0:00 Are all alc...
2025-05-0919 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#86. 50/50: The Cocktail Box Company Bridging Alcohol-Free & Alcohol-FullHey, let's text 🤗This week, I'm chatting with Jonny Hughes, one-half of the husband-wife duo behind Penthouse Cocktails – a unique at-home cocktail box service offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the same drinks. Johnny, who also writes for Low No Drinker Magazine, brings his refreshingly honest and sometimes blunt (be warned!) perspective on everything from balancing a business that serves both markets to the challenges of finding quality non-alcoholic alternatives to his perspective on low/no wines.Johnny also shares practical tips for making non-alc cocktails at home and explains why their 50/50 business model (right...
2025-05-0756 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#85. Move Over Gen Z: How Midlife Moderators are Changing the Drinking GameHey, let's text 🤗This week, I'm busting the myth that Gen Z are the only ones changing their relationship with alcohol. Inspired by a 70-year-old Irish gentleman named Eamon who told me he recently decided to quit drinking, I explore how my generation—Generation X—along with older Millennials and even Boomers, are quietly revolutionising our drinking habits. With 74% of UK adults now actively moderating their alcohol consumption, this episode delves into the different motivations driving mature drinkers—from health and energy concerns to extending social occasions—and how our approach differs from that of young...
2025-05-0216 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#84. 5 Hours of Sober Clubbing Bliss with The House of HappinessHey, let's text 🤗This week I'm thrilled to be joined by Neil Hudson-Basing, the “chaotic, queer and kind” co-founder of House of Happiness - London's sober clubbing extravaganza. Neil takes us behind the scenes of creating London's first queer-led sober rave, from its humble beginnings to becoming a glitter-filled, music-pumping daytime party at one of London's top clubs. We dive into the challenges of launching a sober event in traditional clubbing venues, the careful curation that goes into creating an inclusive space, and the emotional moments that have validated their mission. From the pre-mee...
2025-04-301h 10
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#83. You Can Drink Your Own WayHey, let's text 🤗In this candid solo episode, I tackle the gatekeeping creeping into the low/no space, particularly around big alcohol brands releasing alcohol-free options. After receiving pushback for sharing Heineken's expansion news, I'm setting the record straight: there's no "right way" to be a mindful drinker. Whether you prefer mainstream alcohol-free beers or artisanal botanical concoctions, what matters is making intentional choices that serve you. Mainstream brands offer accessibility, affordability and familiarity that many people need. While I'll always champion independent brands too, this episode is my passionate reminder that everyone deserves a seat at the...
2025-04-2510 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#82. “I Thought Alcohol-Free Beer Was Disgusting” How Jump Ship’s Founder Changed Her Own MindHey, let's text 🤗Sonja Mitchell is the founder of Jump Ship, the award-winning Scottish alcohol-free brewery making waves in the low/no space. From knowing absolutely nothing about brewing to winning 'Scottish Small Brewery of the Year', Sonja shares her remarkable journey—including launch delays, a pandemic pivot, and even a David and Goliath-esque legal battle. 0:00 Sonja's story4:09 Building the business step by step6:03 When brewing goes wrong9:44 Pandemic setbacks13:33 Opening her own brewery21:24 The Jump Ship Range
2025-04-231h 02
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#81. Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – Pt2Hey, let's text 🤗Subscribe to Low No Drinker Magazine free trialCome with me on part 2 of our mindset shifts discovery.You can find part 1 at ep#79 This week, we cover:1:46 Shift 10 - They're not worth the price3:52 Shift 11 - Changing my social identity5:24 Shift 12 - This is just a trend7:30 Shift 13 - Tried one, tried them all10:23 Shift 14 - Limiting social occasions14:03 Shift 15 - I wo...
2025-04-1825 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#80. 12 Years in the Making: From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben BransonHey, let's text 🤗This week, I’m bringing you none other than Mr Ben Branson! The man who turned the drinks world upside down with Seedlip joins me to share the story behind his newest venture, Sylva, with a quick stop off at his innovative bitters range, Seasn.Sylva is a revolutionary approach to non-alc dark spirits that extracts flavours from trees using sonic maturation. From his humble beginnings as a farming-family-kid-turned-entrepreneur with zero drinks industry experience, Ben opens up about the rollercoaster journey of creating category-defining products. I loved his refreshing honesty about the chall...
2025-04-161h 06
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#79. Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – Pt1Hey, let's text 🤗In this solo episode, I explore some of the essential mindset shifts that can transform your relationship with low, no and light drinks. These perspective changes are game-changers on your journey to mindful drinking, helping you appreciate alcohol alternatives for what they truly offer rather than what they're replacing. Whether you're aiming for complete sobriety or just cutting back occasionally, these mental adjustments will help you navigate the vibrant world of alcohol alternatives with greater confidence and enjoyment. This week, we cover:0:00 Why we need a mind...
2025-04-1123 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#78. How Your Tastes Change When You Start Drinking Low/NoHey, let's text 🤗A few months ago, I tasted a sip of an Old Fashioned (my former favourite cocktail) and nearly fell off my chair because it tasted SO strong. But here's the thing - the drink hadn't changed, my taste buds had!In this episode, I get into the science behind why this happens (don't worry, no lab coat required) and how it actually numbs our taste buds, and when we drink less, those receptors wake right up. I map out the timeline from the first subtle changes to the full "taste bud makeover".
2025-04-0921 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#77. Ethical Consumerism Meets Mindful Drinking with Sea Change WinesHey, let's text 🤗I chatted with Simon Rolfe, Director at Sea Change Wines - a brand combining award-winning wines with ocean conservation. Sea Change began in 2018 when Simon's team wanted to create a product that would create a legacy their children could be proud of. Inspired by David Attenborough’s Blue Planet series, they proceeded to build a brand, removing unnecessary packaging, using sustainable materials, and donating to marine charities with every sale.Their alcohol-free Sea Change Free has exceeded expectations, with sales jumping from 2.2% to 5% of their total business in just one year. Simon share...
2025-04-0450 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#76. Beyond Bananas! 12 Everyday Foods That Contain AlcoholHey, let's text 🤗In this episode, I’m tackling the common concern around 0.5% ABV drinks by taking a look at the surprising array of everyday foods in your kitchen that contain similar or higher levels of alcohol. If you've been hesitant to try 0.5% drinks on your mindful drinking journey, this episode will help put things into perspective and potentially open up a whole new world of drinking experiences for you. 0:00 Why we're talking about food...2:18 Foods that contain alcohol8:18 How does alcohol...
2025-04-0216 min
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#75. Beyond Wine: Creating Category-Less Drinks with MuriHey, let's text 🤗This week I'm joined by Murray Patterson, founder of Muri - a unique range of fermented non-alcoholic drinks designed for wine occasions. Murray shares his fascinating journey from a soul-crushing corporate job at JP Morgan to discovering his passion for fermentation in the cider industry before relocating to Copenhagen - a global hub for fermentation expertise.At Muri, they're breaking free from simply mirroring alcoholic drinks, instead using chef-led techniques and complex fermentation processes to create genuinely original flavour profiles. Murray explains their painstaking methods, from carbonically macerating strawberries to lacto-fermenting beetroot and...
2025-03-2846 min
Give and TakeEpisode 282: Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future, with Denise HamiltonOn this episode of Give and Take, host Scott Jones sits down with Denise Hamilton to discuss her debut book, Indivisible. A visionary leader and advocate for inclusion, Hamilton explores what it truly means to bridge divides in an increasingly polarized world. Together, they delve into the urgent need for unity, the challenges of fostering meaningful conversations across differences, and how individuals can take action to create a more connected and equitable society. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring discussion on building a future where everyone belongs.Special Guest: Denise Hamilton .
2025-03-271h 27
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms#74. 50% of Drinkers Prefer Going for Two: How ‘Coasting’ Is Changing the Way We ModerateHey, let's text 🤗The mid-strength Collective. How these 12 brands are coming together to help spread the word of this exciting new category with great potential but little exposure.ON THE SHOW0:00 Intro2:28 Why is mid-strength important?3:18 Why we are choosing to moderate4:55 Across the ages6:20 How we're moderating7:09 Coasting8:06 Going for two is the new going for one8:53 Why and when we're choosing mid-strength11:03 Work drinks12:52 The mid-strength challenge14:31 Do drinkers actually want mid-strength drinks?17:07 Mid-strength on pubs & bars19:25 Wha...
2025-03-2631 min