What happens when a "work hard, play hard" culture collides with real life? In this episode, Helene Poole joins me to talk about her decades-long relationship with alcohol - from corporate bonding over cocktails to quiet evenings on the terrace - and what finally helped her quit for good. We talk candidly about infertility, motherhood, and how a cancer diagnosis became an unexpected turning point. Helene also shares her unique perspective on drinking culture across the UK, France, and Switzerland, and why the idea of "moderation" can be just as toxic as binge culture. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about change, resilience, and discovering that life really does get better on the other side of alcohol. Here are the highlights: Early drinking days & the "fun and magic" years

Corporate culture, stress, and the slippery slope

Motherhood, moderation, and the misery years

Facing cancer during COVID - and what changed after

Cultural differences: UK bingeing vs. French & Swiss "moderation"