As we transition into a new year, this episode of The Alcohol Debate offers insightful tips for navigating a drier January. Recorded from a cozy setting, our host shares practical advice for anyone looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, whether it's a complete break or simply cutting back. With a focus on kindness to oneself, the episode emphasizes the importance of gradual changes rather than drastic measures. Listeners are encouraged to assess their drinking habits and consider a staged reduction approach, particularly if they have been drinking heavily. Our host stresses the significance of consulting a doctor if there's any risk of withdrawal symptoms, as well as the benefits of involving friends or family for support on this journey. Throughout the episode, you'll discover the value of treating this experience as an experiment in self-care, with reminders that improvements in sleep and overall well-being will follow. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for managing cravings, including the importance of protein intake and alternative activities to replace habitual drinking moments. Whether you're starting your journey on New Year's Eve or later in January, this episode serves as a gentle reminder that any step taken towards reducing alcohol intake is a positive one. Tune in for a supportive and informative conversation that aims to empower you as you embark on your path to a healthier relationship with alcohol. Highlights: (01:30) The benefits of a staged reduction in alcohol consumption (04:15) The importance of kindness and self-compassion during change (07:40) Managing cravings and the role of protein in stabilizing blood sugar (12:00) The significance of support from friends and family (15:30) Practical tips for creating a successful dry January For additional resources and support, visit www.winetowatercoaching.com.

In this enlightening episode of The Alcohol Debate, we delve into the transformative potential of an alcohol-free Christmas. This two-part series continues with a deep dive into the letters N through Z, offering practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the festive season with clarity, joy, and a renewed sense of self. We explore the importance of nourishment, the normalcy of nerves, and the excitement of novelty as pillars of a fulfilling holiday experience. Discover how to manage overwhelm, the significance of planning, and the power of presence as you engage with friends and family. With tips on handling triggers and embracing vulnerability, this episode empowers you to redefine your relationship with the holidays. As we wrap up our A to Z journey, we discuss the value of self-compassion, the significance of sleep, and the need for simplicity in your celebrations. Learn how to trust yourself, unwind, and unlearn societal norms around drinking while fostering a zest for life and maintaining a Zen-like calm. Join us as we encourage you to embrace your authentic self this Christmas, paving the way for a happier, healthier New Year. Highlights: (02:30) Nourishment and its role in self-care (05:15) Managing nerves and embracing anticipation (09:00) The power of novelty in your alcohol-free journey (12:45) Strategies for handling overwhelm during the festive season (17:20) The importance of planning for social events (21:10) Recognizing and managing triggers (25:30) Cultivating self-compassion and the benefits of quality sleep (30:00) Embracing vulnerability and the gift of unlearning (35:45) Celebrating your zest for life and finding your Zen Connect with Tabbin: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/winetowatercoaching/   https://www.facebook.com/winetowatercoaching/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/wine-to-water-coaching/  

In this episode of The Alcohol Debate, Tabbin Almond takes us on a journey through the A to Z of having an alcohol-free Christmas, offering insightful strategies to navigate the festive season without the influence of alcohol. Drawing from her experience in advertising, Tabin emphasizes the importance of creative thinking and reframing our relationship with alcohol during this time of year. The conversation begins with the acknowledgment of anxiety, a common trigger for festive drinking, and moves into the realm of alternatives, encouraging listeners to explore new choices and activities that promote well-being. Tabbin discusses the significance of belonging, boundaries, and balance, highlighting how these elements can shape a more fulfilling holiday experience. As the episode unfolds, Tabbin dives into the importance of connection, cravings, and compassion, urging listeners to approach their relationship with alcohol with kindness and understanding. She explores deeper desires behind drinking and introduces the concept of healthy decompression rituals to replace old habits. With a focus on emotional awareness, Tabbin emphasizes the need for grounding, gratitude, and joy, challenging the conventional narratives around festive drinking. She encourages listeners to embrace their journey towards an alcohol-free lifestyle, reinforcing the idea that true fun and freedom can be found beyond the bottle. Highlights: (01:25) The role of anxiety in festive drinking (04:15) Exploring alternatives to alcohol (07:40) The importance of belonging and boundaries (10:50) Understanding cravings and cultivating compassion (14:30) The power of gratitude and grounding (18:00) Embracing joy and letting go of judgment (22:15) Setting intentions for an alcohol-free holiday Join Tabbin next week for the continuation of this enlightening discussion as she covers the N to Z of having a truly joyous alcohol-free Christmas. Connect with Tabbin: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/winetowatercoaching/ https://www.facebook.com/winetowatercoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wine-to-water-coaching/  

This conversation with Nick McMurray was such a refreshing shift from the usual workplace narrative around drugs and alcohol.  Nick is a Director of Positive Matters, an organisation that helps businesses build strategies that meet safety requirements for substance misuse through a culture of trust and support. Their focus is on the health and mental well being of employees, which is a world away from the test and fire approach that still appears far too often.  His work brings together clarity, strategy, and humanity in a way that genuinely benefits both people and organisations. We talk about why zero tolerance rarely delivers what businesses hope for, how stress and cultural pressures drive substance use, and why a supportive employer can be life changing.  Nick opens up the real world challenges companies face, along with the practical steps that create a safer workplace without losing compassion in the process. Highlights: (01:45) Why test and sack falls short and what organisations miss (03:25) How Positive Matters began and why a tailored approach works (06:12) Substance use as a coping mechanism in high pressure cultures (09:40) How workplace norms quietly encourage drinking (13:25) The shift from alcohol to other substances and why it matters (16:40) The four pillars of a humane and effective workplace strategy Connect with Nick:  www.positivematters.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mcmurray-06b14628/ Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Office parties can be brilliant for bringing people together, but they also have a habit of going off the rails when alcohol takes the lead.  In this episode, I talk through how employers and employees can shape a celebration that's warm, fun, and genuinely memorable, without waking up to HR headaches the next morning.  It's not about banning booze, it's about taking back control of the evening so everyone feels safe and included. I also share some practical tricks for anyone attending a work party and hoping to avoid drinking more than they planned.  From choosing a first drink that sets the tone, to the subtle art of keeping your glass full, these simple tactics make the night smoother, kinder, and much more enjoyable. Highlights: (01:44) Why office parties actually matter for culture and connection (04:10) How free alcohol free options change the whole atmosphere (07:22) Setting expectations with kindness rather than corporate warnings (11:05) The surprising downsides of voucher systems for drinks (13:40) Activities that stop the bar becoming the evening's main event (16:25) Smart strategies for enjoying the night without over drinking Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This conversation with Dr Susanne Evans opened up the side of workplace drinking culture that often hides in plain sight.  Susanne brings 25 years of organisational change experience, spanning Big 4 consultancy, academia and boardrooms in multiple sectors.  She is the author of the bestselling book ChangeStories, host of a Top 40 Apple UK Business and Management podcast and a specialist in using stories to create honest, practical conversations that spark real transformation. Her work helps leaders find the clarity, confidence and language to lead when it matters most. Together, we explore how unconscious habits shape workplace norms, why small decisions matter and how culture changes long before a policy ever does.  If you have ever felt torn between wanting to cut back and feeling pressure to join in, this episode will resonate. We look at the stigma that keeps people silent, the limits of data without emotion and the power of one open story to shift an entire team.  Susanne's empathy, experience and grounded approach make this a hopeful conversation about what is possible when people are given permission to be human. Highlights: (02:10) Why organisations do not notice their own alcohol culture (05:01) The role of uncomfortable conversations in real change (09:09) How leadership vulnerability creates psychological safety (13:23) Why data alone cannot shift behaviour without storytelling (23:08) The limits of EAPs and why support needs to evolve (36:56) Small workplace changes that spark meaningful cultural shifts Connect with Susanne: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/susanneevans Email – [email protected] Website (contains links to the podcast and the book) – www.feldsparconsulting.com Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This week I'm joined by the brilliant and brave Jelan Agnew, Keynote and TEDx Speaker, Life Coach, Wellness Consultant, and Mindfulness Facilitator. Jelan opens up about the moment her life changed forever - waking up in ICU in the same hospital she once worked at. What followed was an incredible journey from silence and shame to freedom and fulfilment. We talk about the dangers of hiding behind "having it all together," how stigma keeps people suffering in secret, and the unexpected joy that comes with living life fully awake again. Jelan's honesty is raw, refreshing and deeply inspiring. Highlights: (02:45) - Jelan's career in social work and how the pandemic pushed her drinking to dangerous levels (07:30) - The wake-up call from a concerned client that changed everything (13:45) - The ICU moment that became her turning point (17:20) - Letting go of shame and embracing spontaneous sobriety (23:00) - Rebuilding life in Mexico and rediscovering joy without alcohol (27:40) - Why success shouldn't come at the cost of our health Connect with Jelan: Website: Nalejofselfllc.com Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I'm joined by NLP practitioner Tina LeAnn, founder of The Sovereign Soul, NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, Human Design & Gene Keys expert, transformational coach, and host of The Sovereign Soul Podcast. Tina's work sits at the intersection of deep energetics and practical structure.  We'll explore how our early coping mechanisms quietly shape our adult behaviour, especially when it comes to alcohol and other habits.  We talk about why "I'll just stop drinking" rarely works without understanding what's happening underneath — and how language, neuroplasticity, and self-compassion can help rewire the brain for real change. Tina shares her own story of growing up around addiction, and the moment she realised that the subconscious isn't our enemy, it's just trying to keep us safe.  This one's full of lightbulb moments, laughter and genuine hope that healing is always possible. Highlights: (01:35) – What NLP really means and how it works in daily life (04:43) – How early childhood experiences create invisible programming (13:24) – The link between emotional suppression and using alcohol as a coping tool (17:11) – Inside a breakthrough NLP session: what actually happens (26:48) – Reframing addiction as learned strategy, not personal failure (30:55) – How self-compassion, not shame, helps break the cycle Connect with Tina: https://thesovereignsoul.co/ https://www.instagram.com/iamtinaleann/ https://www.facebook.com/iamtinaleann/ Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I'm talking about something that's often brushed aside but really needs our attention - the link between alcohol and cancer.  I'll share what the science actually says, how alcohol became recognised as a carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, and why even light or "middle lane" drinking increases risk. This isn't about shame or blame. Having faced breast cancer myself, I know how complex this is. My goal is simply to inform and empower you, so you can make choices that genuinely support your health and peace of mind.  I'll also walk you through my Eight to Liberate framework - eight simple steps to help you cut back with awareness and confidence, without pressure or perfectionism.   Highlights: (03:13) How alcohol is classified as a carcinogen by the WHO (05:00) Seven types of cancer linked directly to alcohol (09:40) The science behind how alcohol damages the body (14:13) Why breast cancer awareness around alcohol remains low (19:12) The shocking story of being told "you're cancer free" without mention of alcohol (28:51) Common myths about alcohol and health (30:00) Practical steps to reduce your risk and feel better Key Facts and Takeaways: 1️⃣ Alcohol is a Group 1 Carcinogen The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco smoke, asbestos, and ultraviolet radiation. (WHO / International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2021) 2️⃣ Global and UK Statistics Alcohol is responsible for around 4% of all new cancer cases globally, equivalent to about 740,000 cases per year. (WHO / IARC, 2021) In the UK, alcohol was linked to approximately 17,000 new cancer cases in 2020, including over 4,000 breast cancer cases. (House of Commons Library, "Alcohol and Cancer", 2023) 3️⃣ The Cancers Most Strongly Linked to Alcohol Evidence is strongest for seven cancers: Mouth Throat and voice box Oesophagus Liver Colon and rectum Female breast (World Cancer Research Fund International, 2024) 4️⃣ Breast Cancer and Alcohol Around 8–10% of all female breast cancers in the UK — roughly 4,100 to 4,400 cases per year — are linked to alcohol. (Cancer Research UK; House of Commons Library, 2023) A 2024 meta-analysis found that: Drinking less than one drink per day was associated with a 4% higher breast cancer risk compared with non-drinkers. Each additional daily drink increased risk by ~3% in premenopausal women and ~10% in postmenopausal women. (Xu et al., 2024) Earlier pooled studies found a 30–50% higher risk at around 1–2 drinks per day (15–30g alcohol). (Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer, Lancet Oncology, 2011) 5️⃣ How Alcohol Causes Cancer DNA Damage: Alcohol is metabolised to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that damages DNA. Oxidative Stress: Creates reactive oxygen species that injure cells. Hormonal Effects: Raises oestrogen levels, increasing breast tissue vulnerability. Folate Interference: Reduces the body's ability to repair DNA. Enhanced Carcinogen Absorption: Makes tissues more permeable to harmful chemicals. (WHO, 2021; National Cancer Institute, 2023) 6️⃣ Low Awareness Only around half of UK adults know alcohol can cause cancer. Just one in five recognise the link between alcohol and breast cancer. (Alcohol Health Alliance UK, 2023) Ireland will introduce cancer-warning labels on alcohol products in 2026. 7️⃣ No "Safe" Level for Cancer UK low-risk guidelines advise no more than 14 units per week for men and women, spread over several days with drink-free days. (UK Chief Medical Officers, 2016) For cancer specifically, experts stress that risk increases with any amount — so less is better. Sources World Health Organization / IARC (2021) – Alcohol: A Major Preventable Cause of Cancer House of Commons Library (2023) – Alcohol and Cancer (Research Briefing) Xu, et al. (2024) – Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk: Updated Meta-Analysis Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (2011) – Alcohol, Menopausal Status and Breast Cancer Risk, Lancet Oncology Cancer Research UK (2024) – Alcohol and Cancer Statistics Alcohol Health Alliance UK (2023) – Public Awareness Poll on Alcohol and Cancer UK Chief Medical Officers (2016) – Low Risk Drinking Guidelines National Cancer Institute (2023) – Alcohol and Cancer Fact Sheet World Cancer Research Fund International (2024) – Alcohol and Cancer Risk Report Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I sit down with trailblazer Toni Will, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings and the first woman to hold that role in the team's 50-year history.  Toni shares her journey from banking to professional sports, the gender bias she's faced, and how she's changing the culture of leadership - on and off the ice. We also talk about the drinking culture in sports, what it means to lead alcohol-free, and how authenticity and courage can create lasting change. Toni is a speaker, author, and the first female GM in ECHL history. She empowers women to thrive in male-dominated industries and to live in alignment with their values. Her debut book launches March 1, 2026, and her podcast Women In… spotlights inspiring women redefining success. Here are the highlights: From banking to the ice rink: an unexpected career leap (02:00) Breaking barriers as the first female GM (06:38) Challenging bias and earning respect in sports leadership (08:47) Owning her story and mentoring women in male-dominated industries (11:43) Reframing success and self-worth through sobriety (17:33) Changing drinking culture from the top down (23:01) Leadership, inclusion, and why rewards shouldn't come in bottles (26:20) Combining authenticity, influence, and impact (27:13) The shift toward wellness in professional sports (30:02) How alcohol-free living builds real connection and culture (33:09) Connect with Toni: Website: https://www.toniwill.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toniwillofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoniwill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toni-will/ YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3KCmFHv1UcB99L2Hi_6MwA Women In... podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in/id1745524618 Connect with Tabbin: LinkedIn  Website  Instagram Facebook This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio