The Alcohol Free Revolution Podcast

Ep: 42 Jo Hands From Gin in Jam Jars to Finally Free

This week we're joined by a very good friend of ours, Jo Hands — someone we've been meaning to get on the show for a long time and, frankly, we should have done it sooner.
Jo grew up in the 70s in a home where alcohol was a completely normalised, ever-present friend. By the time she hit boarding school in the Lake District, gin was being smuggled back in jam jars. By the time she landed in London in the 90s, working in corporate financial communications, Thursday night office drinks weren't optional — they were part of the job description.
For years she was in and out of medical waiting rooms working through a long list of unexplained symptoms, and not once was she asked how much she drank. Alcohol, as she puts it, was the one thing in the room that nobody was looking at.
Jo went alcohol-free at 54 and in this conversation she talks about the perimenopause connection that nobody discusses enough, the moment she started viewing alcohol through the lens of coercive control, and the morning she looked in the mirror and said — clearly, finally — never again.
Honest, warm, and at times genuinely funny. We think you're going to love this one.
Connect with Jo:
Insta:
@johands_coaching
Linkedin:
linkedin.com/in/jo-hands-coaching
Join our community: Email the word 'Interested' to:
info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web: www.soberilliant.com
Insta: @sober.illiant
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stevesmith-soberilliant
 
Coach with James:
Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Insta: @alcoholfreecoach_
 

Ep 41: The Other Half: What It's Really Like Being Married to Someone Alcohol-Free part 2

Last week we heard from Jo — Steve's wife — and the response has been incredible. So this week we're back with part two.
This time Steve sits down with Kristen, James' wife, for an equally honest conversation about what she saw, what worried her, and what actually changed when James stopped drinking. If last week felt familiar, we think this one will too.
Two women, two stories, one very consistent picture of what going alcohol-free really looks like from the inside.
If you haven't listened to part one yet, go back and start there first.
Join our community: Email the word 'Interested' to: info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve: Web: www.soberilliant.com
Insta: @sober.illiant
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stevesmith-soberilliant
Coach with James: Web: http://alcoholfreecoach.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Insta: @alcoholfreecoach_
 
 
 
 
 

Episode 40: The Other Half: What It's Really Like Being Married to Someone Alcohol-Free part 1

In this special two-part series, we hand the mic to the people who've had the best — and most honest — view of what going alcohol-free really looks like: our wives.
This week, James sits down with Jo, Steve's wife, for a candid conversation about what life looked like when alcohol was central to everything, the moments that made her think things needed to change, and what actually shifted when Steve stopped drinking. She talks about her initial worries, the surprises, and what she'd say to anyone whose partner is considering going alcohol-free.
Next week, Steve turns the tables and interviews James' wife Kristen — and we have a feeling the stories are going to sound very familiar.
If you've ever wondered what the people closest to us really think, this one's for you.
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
@sober.illiant
Linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/in/stevesmith-soberilliant
 
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Insta:
⁨@alcoholfreecoach⁩ _

Ep 39: The Books That Started The Revolution

Off the back of their Catherine Gray episode, Steve and James dive into the books that have shaped their alcohol-free adventures — and the ones that came downstream of removing alcohol.
From the core quitlit that first cracked things open — The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, This Naked Mind, Alcohol Explained, and Alcohol Lied To Me — to the mindset and habit books that helped rebuild life on the other side: Atomic Habits, The Chimp Paradox, Dopamine Nation, Why We Sleep, and more.
Whether you're at day one or year five, this is your reading list.
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
 
Insta:
@sober.illiant
 
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
 
Linkedin
http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
 
Insta:
⁨@alcoholfreecoach⁩

Episode 38: Catherine Gray- Little Addictions

Regular listeners will know that Catherine Gray has come up more than once on the show — and for good reason. Her book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober is one of those rare reads that genuinely shifts something, and it's been on both Steve and James's recommended lists since day one. So when the opportunity came to sit down with her properly, we jumped at it.
Catherine joins us to talk about her latest book, Little Addictions: Freedom From Our Tiny But Mighty Compulsions — a brilliant exploration of all the habits and behaviours we don't necessarily need to quit, but probably need to look at a little more honestly. The conversation naturally spills into alcohol, identity, dopamine, the state of the industry, and quite a bit more besides.
Twelve years alcohol-free, seven books deep, and as sharp and honest as ever Catherine was everything we hoped she'd be as a guest.
Connect with Catherine:
@unexpectedjoyof
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
 
 
 

Episode 37: Sober Dave — From Glugsy to David Wilson

This week we sit down with the one and only David Wilson AKA 'Sober Dave'
We've been wanting to get Dave on for a while, and he didn't disappoint. In a conversation that covers childhood, identity, rock bottoms and real recovery, Sober Dave reminds us that it's never too late — and that stopping drinking is just the beginning.
David Wilson is a trauma-informed sobriety coach, No.1 bestselling author, and host of the Top 10 Apple podcast One For The Road — one of the UK's most recognisable voices in modern sobriety, with nearly 200,000 followers and a belief that lasting change comes from understanding why we drink, not just trying to stop.
In this episode he opens up about where it all started, the slow escalation that crept up over decades, and the moment he finally decided enough was enough. But what makes this conversation stand out is what comes after — the grief of letting go, the uncomfortable question of who you are without alcohol, and the real work involved in building a life you actually want to live.
At 62, he's never felt better. But the road to get there was anything but straightforward — and he's refreshingly honest about that.
Connect with Dave:
📖 One For The Road — the book 🎙️ One For The Road — the podcast 📱 @soberdave 🌐 soberdave.co.uk
Connect with Dave:
📖 One For The Road — the book 🎙️ One For The Road — the podcast 📱 @soberdave 🌐 soberdave.co.uk
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
 

Ep 36: Why We Drink (Even When We Know It’s Bad For Us) – With Professor Richard Cooke

This week we’re joined by health psychologist Professor Richard Cooke to unpack one big question:
If we know alcohol isn’t great for us… why do we still drink?
We talk about why smoking feels different to drinking, why hangovers shift from a “badge of honour” in your 20s to a wake-up call in midlife, and why moderation can feel completely exhausting.
We also dig into the real fear behind cutting back — losing connection — and why that fear might not be as real as we think.
It’s honest, thought-provoking, and packed with insights into how behaviour change actually works in the real world.
If you’ve ever said, “I know it’s not good for me, but…” — this one’s for you.
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
 

Ep: 35 Spring is coming....honest?

This week it's just Steve and James  and despite the fact the rain never wants to go away they talk through why spring can be a surprisingly tricky time when you’re changing your relationship with alcohol. From beer gardens and BBQs to the “I’ve earned it” mindset,
They discuss the psychology behind cravings, the internal negotiation that often leads to “just one,” The conversation also highlights why taking a longer break can create real clarity and control — along with one of the biggest alcohol-free benefits people report: significantly better sleep, energy, mood and resilience.
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
 

Ep:34 Rich Casement Clean Break

Episode 34 – Rich Casement
In this episode, we’re joined by Rich Casement, co-founder of Clean Break Coaching, ultrarunner, and alcohol-free performance coach. Rich shares his powerful journey from a 20-year career in the alcohol industry to taking a “clean break” from both drinking and the identity that once defined him. We explore the mental health challenges that sparked change, how running became both a refuge and a reset, and how Rich now helps others step away from habits that no longer serve them. A raw, honest conversation about identity, purpose, and building a life aligned with your values.
Connect with Rich:
Insta:
@clean.break.coaching 
Web:
https://take-a-cleanbreak.com/
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Authentic Brew:
Listener Offer
Code: TAFRP10Discount: 10% off your entire orderLink: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10

Ep 33: Matt Phelan: The Happiness Index

Episode 33: Matt Phelan – The Happiness Loan We Don’t Talk About
In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Phelan, co-founder of The Happiness Index, to explore the surprising relationship between alcohol, happiness, and workplace culture. Matt shares his personal journey to becoming alcohol-free and explains how tracking his own wellbeing data revealed what he calls the “happiness loan” — the short-term lift alcohol provides, followed by a longer-term emotional cost.
We dive into the shifting social attitudes toward drinking, particularly among younger generations, and discuss how organisations can create more inclusive workplace cultures that don’t revolve around alcohol. Matt also reflects on parenting, societal expectations, and why helping others feel happier may be one of the most powerful drivers of our own wellbeing.
A thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about happiness, leadership, and living with greater intention.
Connect with Matt:
 
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/
The Happiness index:
thehappinessindex.com
Book Matt as a speaker:
www.mattphelan.co.uk
Join our community: 
Email the word ‘Interested’ to : info@thealcoholfreerevolution.co.uk
Coach with Steve:
Web:
www.soberilliant.com
Insta:
http://soberilliant.com/all-my-links
Coach with James:
Web:
http://alcoholfreecoach.com 
Linkedin
:http://linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032
Authentic Brew:
Listener Offer
Code: TAFRP10Discount: 10% off your entire orderLink: https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/TAFRP10