Shows
Clean Break ChatsEP32: Guest Episode – Denise Hamilton Mace: Mindful Drinking, Choice & The New Culture of ConnectionIn this week’s episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down with the brilliant Denise Hamilton Mace - podcast host, writer, speaker, and one of the most insightful voices in the alcohol-free and mindful-drinking movement.Denise opens up about:Her journey from daily drinking in hospitality to becoming a leading advocate for mindful drinkingWhy the “messy middle” of alcohol use is where most people actually liveThe rise of alcohol-free options and how choice is changing everythingHow rituals, habit loops, and identity shape our drinking behavioursWhy pubs are missing out on £800 million a year (and wha...
2025-11-291h 12
The Sober CreativeEpisode 028 - The Middle Ground Nobody Talks About: Denise Hamilton-Mace on Moderation, Midlife, and Creative ClarityThere’s a space between “rock bottom” and “business as usual” that rarely gets airtime in conversations about alcohol. It’s where most people actually live—questioning whether their drinking serves them, curious about alternatives, but not identifying with traditional recovery language or abstinence-only approaches.Denise Hamilton-Mace has built her entire platform in that messy middle. As the founder of Low No Drinker and the podcast “Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife,” she champions personal choice over rigid labels, serving what she calls “curious drinkers”—people who want to examine their relationship with alcohol without necessarily ending it. Her stance has gotten he...
2025-11-2832 min
The Alcohol DebateThe Changing Face of Low and No-Alcohol Drinks with Denise Hamilton-MaceIn this episode, I'm joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace - founder of Low No Drinker Magazine - to talk about her shift from a career in hospitality and "professional drinking" to leading a growing alcohol-free community. We explore how the low and no-alcohol drinks market is evolving, why it's more about choice than restriction, and what's still missing from the shelves. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just cutting back, Denise brings a grounded and inspiring perspective to navigating life with less alcohol. Here are the highlights: Denise's Personal Journey and Inspiration (1:52)
2025-05-2153 minThe Alcohol DebateThe Changing Face of Low and No-Alcohol Drinks with Denise Hamilton-MaceIn this episode, I'm joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace - founder of Low No Drinker Magazine - to talk about her shift from a career in hospitality and "professional drinking" to leading a growing alcohol-free community. We explore how the low and no-alcohol drinks market is evolving, why it's more about choice than restriction, and what's still missing from the shelves. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just cutting back, Denise brings a grounded and inspiring perspective to navigating life with less alcohol. Here are the highlights: Denise's Personal Journey and Inspiration (1:52)
2025-05-2153 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#89. How I Got It All Wrong at a 5-Year-Old's Birthday PartyToday, 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 Sparkling Wine*Brew...
2025-05-1613 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#88. Sober Sound System Ibiza: Changing Raving on the No.1 Party IslandHe’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 Ibiza35:56 What to...
2025-05-1454 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#87. The Uncomfortable Truth: 4 Reasons Some Alcohol-Free Drinks Fall FlatIt’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 alcohol-free drinks good?2:07...
2025-05-0919 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#86. 50/50: The Cocktail Box Company Bridging Alcohol-Free & Alcohol-FullThis 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 down to their pink an...
2025-05-0758 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#85. Move Over Gen Z: How Midlife Moderators are Changing the Drinking GameThis 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 younger generations.0:00 T...
2025-05-0217 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#84. 5 Hours of Sober Clubbing Bliss with The House of HappinessThis 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-meet pastries to the confetti cann...
2025-04-301h 11
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#83. You Can Drink Your Own WayIn 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 mindful drinking table—no ju...
2025-04-2510 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#82. “I Thought Alcohol-Free Beer Was Disgusting” How Jump Ship’s Founder Changed Her Own MindSonja 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 Range24:35 Taking BrewDog to...
2025-04-231h 04
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#81. Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – Pt2Subscribe 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 won't enjoy my food t...
2025-04-1826 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#80. 12 Years in the Making: From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben BransonThis 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 challenges ("I wanted to close th...
2025-04-161h 07
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#79. Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – Pt1In 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 mindset shift2:37 S...
2025-04-1123 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#78. How Your Tastes Change When You Start Drinking Low/NoA 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".And I take...
2025-04-0922 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#77. Ethical Consumerism Meets Mindful Drinking with Sea Change WinesI 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 shares insights on the challenges of...
2025-04-0451 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#76. Beyond Bananas! 12 Everyday Foods That Contain AlcoholIn 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 get into these foods?
2025-04-0217 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#75. Beyond Wine: Creating Category-Less Drinks with MuriThis 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 creating tomato wine. We...
2025-03-2847 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#74. 50% of Drinkers Prefer Going for Two: How ‘Coasting’ Is Changing the Way We ModerateThe 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 What drinkers want from mid-strenghth
2025-03-2633 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#73. America's 1st Non-Alc Bottle Shop, Celebrity Brands & THC DrinksVictoria Watters is the co-founder of Dry Atlas, a media platform dedicated to alcohol alternatives. She is also one-half of the driving force behind Spirited Away – America's first non-alcoholic bottle shop. Victoria and her husband, Douglas, launched their bottle shop in November 2020 and have never looked back!This week, we’re chatting about Victoria's insights on the evolution of non-alcoholic drinks – from the improving technology in de-alcoholised wines to the emergence of THC-infused beverages in the US, how the industry is moving from sober curiosity to ‘flex drinking’, and where celebrity brands are getting it right, and wrong, in...
2025-03-2056 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#72. The Problem with Naming Alcohol-Free SpiritsIn this episode, I explore why alcohol-free bottles are labelled as ‘botanical spirit’ or ‘dark spiced’ instead of gin or rum. These naming conventions aren't just creative marketing—they're legal requirements which force alcohol-free producers to use alternative terminology that hints at what their products are meant to replace. But does it cause more confusion? What do brands need to do to support low, no, light drinkers in finding, understanding and enjoying their drinks?THIS WEEK, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:0:00 Talking alcohol-free spirits1:29 Legally protected2:37 Mi...
2025-03-1817 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#71. Award-Winning Sober Bartender's Guide to Non-Alc Spirits & CocktailsChris Cardone is a beverage consultant, chief mixologist and career bartender who, despite being sober for nearly 10 years, has continued to work in the hospitality drinks industry and help make the bar scene more inclusive for those seeking alternative ways to drink.He is the winner of Bartender of the Year, a four-time national flair bartending finalist, and has even taught celebrities like Tom Holland how to flair bartend. From Chris’s terrifying brain chemistry causing terrifying hallucinogenic reactions to even small amounts of alcohol to the naysayers claiming a sober bartender couldn't succeed, this sto...
2025-03-131h 11
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#70. Mocktail: The Dirty Word of Alcohol-Free DrinkingWhy is the word 'Mocktail' so contentious in the low/no space?IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, WE COVER:0:59 [A very] Brief history of mocktails2:55 A mockery3:40 Second-class drinkers4:46 Not for the kids menu7:40 What else can we call them?8:24 Other terrible terms9:21 AF mixologists to watch10:49 But... some people still like it12:04 A good problem to...
2025-03-1115 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#69. The Fungi Consultant: Do Functional Mushrooms Work in Low/No Drinks?Oli Genn-Bash is one of the most interesting guests I’ve had the privilege to interview. He’s a fungi fanatic and a mycology maestro; aka he loves mushrooms!In this deep dive episode into the true role of functional mushrooms in our drinks, Oli doesn’t hold back. He tells us what these fascinating fungi actually do in our bodies, how to identify quality suppliers and the truth about whether they’re actually having any impact when used inside low/no drinks.This is definitely one of those episodes where I’m inviting you to strap o...
2025-03-0657 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#68. The No.1 Mistake Made by New Low/No Drinkers“Alcohol changes everything about how a drink feels and tastes and behaves.”“There's a lot that goes on with alcohol inside a drink that is about far more than just getting you sozzled, and when you take that away, it's going to give you a different product.” This week we cover:0:00 Welcome to ep#680:26 But first, a big thank you!2:13 The no.1 mistake2:45 Managing expectations3:19 Alcohol changes everything4:47 The co...
2025-03-0417 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#67. MUUSH: The Functional Mushroom Elixir Served Hot, Cold & in MocktailsMatt Martin is the co-founder of MUUSH functional mushroom elixirs. A unique range of alcohol-free drinks that can be mixed and served hot, cold or added into mocktails – covering your functional needs though morning, noon and night.But they’re not stopping there. Matt & Dan have also added an extension of kid-friendly drinks with their Mini Muush range, and wanting to ensure Generation A stays enthused and motivated, they’ve also launched a brand new docuseries called ‘One Small Step’, sharing the incredible feats of regular humans doing exceptional things.Warm yourself up or cool yourself d...
2025-02-2757 min
Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife: Low No Drinker Podcast#66. Active vs Passive Moderation Techniques“It's a change in who you are. It's a change in the way you think. It's a change in the way that you act, and, most importantly, it's a change in your belief system.”This week we're covering: 0:21 Active vs passive moderation0:46 Warning: Not suitable for people with AUD2:19 3 Es Framework3:52 What is active moderation?4:41 Setting the rules of active moderation5:34 Pros of active moderation7:30 Cons of ac...
2025-02-2530 min