Have you ever dipped a toe into the world of mindful drinking, decided it wasn't for you, and quietly slipped back to your old habits — only to find yourself here again, months or even a year later?

That's exactly what happened to H. She found this podcast, subscribed, then walked away. A year on, she came back — and this time, something had shifted. Her story isn't unique. It might actually be yours.

This episode explores the part of the mindful drinking journey that nobody really talks about: the waiting room. That in-between place where you're not quite ready to commit, but something keeps pulling you back. The repeated dry Januarys with no real plan for February. The "failed" attempts that weren't really failures at all. And the quiet but growing awareness that alcohol might not be serving you the way it once did.

Mindful drinking isn't a quick fix or a personality transplant. It's a tool — and knowing how and when to pick it up is half the battle. 

Whether you're somewhere between sober curious and not-bloody-likely-yet, your journey has already started, whether you're ready to admit it or not.

2:13 H's story

3:46 Not the only one

5:16 Mindful Drinking As a Tool

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Ever picked up a bottle of alcohol-free wine or a non-alcoholic spirit and wondered why it costs as much — or more — than the full-strength version? You're not alone, and the answer is more interesting than you might think.

Alcohol does a lot more heavy lifting in a drink than most people realise, and replacing all of those functions doesn't come cheap.

Find out everything you need to know in this five-minute listen.

Dive deeper with:

108: Costs Pt1: What You’re Really Paying For
On Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/108-costs-pt1-what-youre-really-paying-for/id1701338793?i=1000723671858

&

109: Costs Pt2: £62,899 Burnout
On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YDnvrKmgOEwCeP2b6U5NK?si=f092962e1999409e

& Feel free to email me any topics or questions you’d like me to answer for you on another episode of Drinks 101.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

If you ever find yourself stuck in the planning phase, endlessly researching moderation techniques but never quite knowing which one to actually try, this episode is for you. 

From zebra striping to bookending to coasting, the sheer number of approaches to cutting back can feel overwhelming—especially when you're not sure if what worked (or didn't work) for someone else will work for you.

I'm breaking down the most popular active moderation techniques, complete with honest pros and cons for each. But more importantly, I'm giving you five critical questions to ask yourself that will help you identify which approach might actually fit your life, your personality, and your drinking goals.

We'll explore the difference between active and passive moderation, why one failed attempt doesn't mean you're doomed, and how to build sustainable habits instead of white-knuckling your way through rigid rules. 

Whether you thrive on structure or need maximum flexibility, there's a moderation technique that can work for you—you just need to know which questions to ask first.

2:22 The Low No Drinker Quiz - The Thinker

3:43 Active & Passive Moderation

5:41 Dry Month Challenges: Pros And Cons

7:11 Zebra Striping Explained

8:53 Bookending Your Night

9:53 Coasting With Mid-Strength Drinks

10:58 Personal Rules And Boundaries

13:45 Mixing And Matching Approaches

14:34 Five Questions To Choose Your Method

17:12 Question 2

18:13 Question 3

19:22 Question 4

21:24 Question 5

ep#114: £800 Million Lost, Over-55s Join In & Why "Drinking Less" Is the Wrong Term

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Worried CBD drinks will get you high or trigger a case of the munchies? I'm clearing up the confusion around cannabidiol—the non-psychoactive ingredient from cannabis that's showing up in supermarket-friendly brands like Trip and GoodRays. From how it actually works in your brain to why it won't cause intoxication, I'll explain what CBD drinks really do and whether they're worth adding to your alcohol-free rotation.

Dive deeper with: ep#47. Psychotropic-Curious with High & Dry Founder Daniel Rowntree

On Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/47-psychotropic-curious-with-high-dry-founder-daniel/id1701338793?i=1000678626373 

On Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Hse5wHNPIFcbeABPRdUz7?si=4c1cfa1a6f02485d 

On Overcast – https://overcast.fm/+BDZGsWqbTU 

& Feel free to email me any topics or questions you’d like me to answer for you on another episode of Drinks 101.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

You've made a clear decision about your drinking trajectory for the night, you’re feeling comfortable and confident about it, yet some people can’t quite seem to accept “No thanks” for an answer.

It’s not about you. This is their issue… but why?

These are the five personality types you'll encounter when you start drinking differently. From the Validator to the Controller, and once you understand what each type actually needs from you, their reactions make a lot more sense. And more importantly, you'll know that you never need to compromise your choices to manage their discomfort.

1:59 Selfish in the Right Way

3:41 The Validator

5:28 The Includer

7:02 The Traditionalist

8:49 The Host

10:10 The Controller

11:32 Make No Mean No

13:02 Compassion Without Compromise

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Think coffee is your only pick-me-up? I'm unpacking nootropics—the brain-boosting compounds showing up in your alcohol-free drinks that enhance everything from memory to concentration. From the caffeine in your morning brew to lesser-known ingredients like L-tyrosine and ginkgo biloba, I'll explain what these cognitive enhancers actually do and why you definitely don't want to drink them before bed.

Go deeper with: ep#69. The Fungi Consultant: Do Functional Mushrooms Work in Low/No Drinks? 

On Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/69-the-fungi-consultant-do-functional-mushrooms-work/id1701338793?i=1000698034459 

On Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZLJayoZfdzS1775yTaUwJ?si=150266b3fd824799 

On Overcast – https://overcast.fm/+BDZGumjchM 

& Feel free to email me any topics or questions you’d like me to answer for you on another episode of Drinks 101.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Ever wondered what actually goes into making lasting change with your drinking habits, or why some programmes work while others leave you right back where you started? I'm pulling back the curtain on my 4-Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset and showing you exactly what happens inside—from the daily touchpoints to the honest self-assessment that helps people transform their relationship with alcohol without labels, rules, or pressure to quit forever.

This isn't recovery, it's not a challenge, and it's definitely not just about ticking boxes. 

It's a real-life reset for real-life drinkers navigating the muddle of midlife—the careers, kids, hormones, and social expectations that make moderating feel so challenging. 

I walk you through all four weeks, from unpacking your current habits and setting boundaries without apologising, to managing stress triggers and building sustainable change that lasts. 

Plus, I share honest feedback from students who've discovered why they were really drinking, learned to navigate social pressure, and found freedom in drinking differently on their own terms.

0:00 A Look Inside The 4-Week Reset

2:54 Moderation Misconceptions

6:47 What The Reset Is & Is Not

9:09 Daily Support

11:30 Week One: Awareness Is Everything

15:49 Week Two: Boundaries And Confidence

16:49 Week Three: Stress, Energy, And Sleep

19:11 Week Four: Building Your New Normal

20:27 Real Feedback From Learners

23:37 How To Join And Get Your Discount

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Ever wondered what all those mushroom-infused drinks are actually doing for you? I'm breaking down adaptogens—the ancient herbs, fungi, and botanicals showing up in your favourite alcohol-free drinks—and explaining why ingredients like lion's mane and ashwagandha are becoming the go-to for achieving that sense of ease you once got from alcohol. 

More: ep#94. Lifted: The UK's First High Protein, Alcohol-Free Lager
On Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/94-lifted-the-uks-first-high-protein-alcohol-free-lager/id1701338793?i=1000711117476 

On Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/6U4FMuCeLp7aOEydLEgqYB?si=pQVuoR-RTXO25-7-HU2JXA 

On Overcast – https://overcast.fm/+BDZGvGrj9s 

& feel free to email me any topics or questions you’d like me to answer for you on another episode of Drinks 101.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Today, I'm ditching the kid gloves to share eight brutal truths about changing your drinking habits in midlife that you need to hear. 

From romanticising your wild nights out to waiting for rock bottom before taking action, I’m tackling the stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck. 

I’ll explore why your social circle might need to shift, why moderation isn't the right path for everyone, and how most online sobriety content completely misses the mark for midlife drinkers. 

This episode also addresses all the elephants in the room. If you're ready for some tough love without the sugar-coating, this one's for you.

0:00 Why the Tough Love Today

2:06 Stop Romanticising Your Drinking Past

3:33 Don’t Wait For Rock Bottom

4:41 It's Not the Booze, it's Your Social Identity

7:06 Your Friend Group Will Need to Change

10:30 Moderation Might Not Be Your Path

13:28 Impatiently Patient

15:59 Sober Instagram Isn't For You

19:22 Some Alcohol-Free Drinks Suck

21:12 No More Excuses, Start Today

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

What actually is a functional drink – and why are they suddenly everywhere in low, no and light?

I'm kicking off the Drinks 101 mini-sodes with a four-part mini-series exploring functional beverages – drinks designed to do more than just quench your thirst. 

From coffee (the original functional drink) to the adaptogens, nootropics, and CBD-infused options flooding the low/no market, functional drinks have been around for centuries but are now experiencing a serious glow-up. 

I explain how some brands are investing thousands in creating alcohol-free drinks that target your brain's GABA receptors – the same ones that light up when you drink alcohol – to replicate that one or two drink feeling without the booze. 

But do they work for everyone? Does anything?

If you’re curious but cautious about functional drinks, this episode gives you the grounding you need before we dive deeper into specific ingredients in the episodes to come.

Dive deeper with: ep#45. 5 New Functional Spirits from Smiling Wolf

On Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/45-5-new-functional-spirits-from-smiling-wolf/id1701338793?i=1000676998877

On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/17IVpcbwpPUYuQtDMU6WuC?si=70bb4a1587414f61 

 On Overcast - https://overcast.fm/+BDZGsjXgI4

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

When you're changing your drinking habits in midlife, the challenge isn't just about the alcohol itself—it's about the identity you've built around it. 

In today’s episode, I explore the deep-rooted connection between alcohol and how we see ourselves, from the drinks we choose to project confidence to the role booze plays in our closest relationships. 

This tackles the fear that reducing alcohol intake means reducing who you are, and why that's simply not true. I discuss how to reframe identity shifts from loss to growth, recognising that different doesn't mean worse. 

Whether it's the Old Fashioned that made me feel powerful and confident, or the prosecco that signalled your arrival at every party, understanding why we use alcohol to express ourselves is the first step to reclaiming choice without losing who we are.

1:20 Fear Of Losing Your Self

3:15 Alcohol & Your Persona

7:50 Change, Growth, And Evolving Identity

11:00 Reframing From Loss To Learning

14:00 4-Week Mindful Drinking Reset And Substack

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Choosing low, no and light drinks to support your mindful drinking lifestyle shouldn’t feel like an exam. 

And yet here we are — staring at menus, shelves and online shops trying to work out what *any* of it actually means.

So this is a quick heads-up episode to introduce *Drinks 101*

A new short-form mini-series coming to the Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife podcast.

Rather than replacing our regular Wednesday mindset time together, Drinks 101 will be an extra mini-sode each week where we get practical.

Each episode will be less than 5 minutes and will focus on one specific thing you keep bumping into when you’re trying to drink differently, such as:

* What does “de-alcoholised” actually mean?

* What are functional drinks, adaptogens, and nootropics?

* Are 0.5 drinks still alcohol-free

And, of course,

* Why do alcohol-free drinks cost so much?

No judgment about when, how or why you drink. Just clear explanations so you can:

* Order without feeling awkward

* Buy without second-guessing yourself

* Choose drinks because they *taste good* — not because you feel you “should”

Think of Drinks 101 as a reference library you can dip into whenever you need it — especially if you’re new to low, no or light drinking and everything still feels unnecessarily complicated.

You’ll see these episodes clearly marked in the feed as ‘Drinks 101’.

Hit follow or subscribe so you don’t miss them.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Midlife drinking habits can feel set in stone after decades of established routines, but that doesn't mean change is impossible. 

In this episode, I explore whether you're ever too old to start moderating your drinking, tackling the unique challenges we face in our 40s, 50s, and beyond.

From breaking ingrained habits to navigating peer pressure with long-established friend groups. 

I share the inspiring story of Eamon, a 77-year-old Irishman who removed alcohol from his life after six decades of drinking, proving that neuroplasticity and the ability to make positive change don't disappear with age. 

We look at what mindful drinking actually means (spoiler: it's not meditation before every sip), how to communicate your choices to partners and friends without needing their permission, and why the challenges we face around alcohol are fundamentally different from those of the so-called “mindful-drinking generation”.

Gen Z ain’t got nothing on us Gen Xers!

0:00 Going Live Gone Wrong
3:48 We're Not 20 Anymore
5:03 Back To Basics: What Mindful Drinking Means
8:54 Drink & Let Drink
11:42 Old Dog; New Tricks
15:10 Midlife Peer Pressure Looks Different
17:33 Telling Friends & Family
19:35 You Don't Need Permission, But You Do Need To Share Your Why
23:47 The 5pm Fix

Download the 5pm Fix - https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Everyone bangs on about the first two Rs of mindful drinking – reduce and replace. But what about the third? 

This week, I'm tackling the missing piece of the moderation puzzle that nobody talks about: remove. I'm not talking about removing alcohol entirely (unless that's your goal). 

I'm talking about removing all the negative rubbish that comes with choosing to drink differently – the shame, the embarrassment, the social pressure, and that perfectionist trap that tells you one slip-up means total failure. 

Because without all three Rs working together, you're trying to balance on a two-legged stool, and we all know how that ends.

0:01 The Problem With A Two-Legged Stool

1:36 The First R: Reduce

2:47 The Second R: Replace

5:18 The Third R: Remove

6:56 Ditching Shame And Embarrassment

7:57 Can't Drink Like A 20 Year Old

9:54 Social Pressure And Changing Friendships

11:48 Escaping Perfectionism And Binary Thinking

14:00 Flexible Choices On A Night Out

16:21 The Three Rs & Meaningful Change

17:05 Get More From Me On Substack

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

We're smack bang between Quitter's Day and Blue Monday - that dreaded mid-January slump when Dry January motivation nosedives and everything feels a bit meh. 

You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into the top Dry January myths that make the challenge feel harder than it needs to be—like thinking you have to be completely sober, believing one drink means you’ve failed, or assuming your social life is over.

Discover how these all-or-nothing beliefs can sabotage your motivation, and learn practical tips for bouncing back and resetting Dry January without guilt or going back to day one. 

If you’re ready to challenge these Dry January myths and reclaim your motivation, this episode is for you!

0:01 Quitter’s Day And Blue Monday

2:52 Why All Or Nothing Backfires

4:29 Damp January

7:14 Reframing Slip Ups As Data

9:11 What Success Looks Like After January

10:22 Keeping Your Social Life Alive

13:23 When You Do Drink More - Reset Now, Not Next Monday

16:22 Reconnect to Your Why

18:49 Listener Milestones

Also mentioned:
ep#63: What Are Zebra Striping and Bookending (& Do They Work)?
ep#150: Dry January: The Pros, The Cons & The Sunnyside Perspective

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Nick Allen, co-founder and CEO of Sunnyside, joins me to explore why traditional Dry January might be setting us up to fail—and what we can do about it.

We discuss Sunnyside's "dry-ish January" approach that prioritises sustainable habit change over perfectionism, examining why February often sees people drinking more than ever after a month of white-knuckling through abstinence.

Nick shares insights on breaking decades-long drinking patterns, the limitations of willpower, and why having a system matters more than having goals.

We also touch on emerging medical options like Naltrexone for those struggling with biochemical cravings, and how bringing awareness to your drinking triggers during January can create lasting change throughout the year.

0:00 New Year, New Listeners
4:05 Nick and the Sunnyside story
6:46 Dry January Pros
10:19 Dry January Cons
12:00 The Willpower, Habits & Perfection Challenge
19:00 You Don't Have to Start on the 1st
21:24 Taking it forward
27:47 Breaking Decades Of Habit
29:53 Medication As Another Tool
35:22 The BBQ-Q

WE CHAT ABOUT Sunnyside https://get.sunnyside.co/new3/

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT: Best Days Brewing https://bestdaybrewing.com/

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

This New Year’s Eve episode closes out a full season of festive mayhem with one simple message: the night only matters if it feels right to you. 

Whether December was dry, mindful, lighter, messier than planned, or somewhere in between, what counts is how it compares to your own intentions — not anyone else’s highlight reel. 

Tonight isn’t about FOMO or mythology or doing it “properly.” It’s about choosing how you want to celebrate, honouring how you want to feel tomorrow, and stepping into the new year knowing the night didn’t happen to you — you chose it.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On this surprise bonus Day Twenty-Six of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we talk about Boxing Day — the often-forgotten second wave of Christmas. 

Whether you’re feeling a bit rough after yesterday or quietly proud of how you handled it, today is about kindness, not punishment. 

This episode gives you permission to slow down, hydrate, move gently, eat something real, and choose rest without guilt. 

If you’re feeling great, it’s also a reminder to protect that momentum — without pressure, rules, or expectations. Sofa optional. Self-compassion required.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty-Five of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we’ve made it to Christmas Day, and the message is simple: enjoy yourself. 

There’s nothing to track, nothing to analyse, and nothing to fix. 

This episode is a reminder to be present, grateful, and kind to yourself after everything you’ve navigated this December. 

Whether you’re surrounded by family, catching up with friends, or enjoying a quiet day on your own, today is about laughter, connection, and doing whatever genuinely brings you joy.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty-Four of the Mindful Drinking Advent, it’s time to stop, breathe, and slow everything down. 

Christmas Eve is charged with excitement, pressure, nostalgia, and logistics — but it doesn’t need to be fuelled by exhaustion or overdoing it. 

This episode is a gentle reminder to rest, enjoy something you genuinely love, and protect tomorrow by keeping tonight calm and intentional. 

No tasks. No plans. Just permission to pause before the big day arrives.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty-Three of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we focus on travel days — one of the most overlooked trigger points of Christmas. 

From packed trains and traffic jams to airport bars and trolley services, this episode explains why planning ahead matters if you want to arrive feeling energised rather than depleted. 

You’ll hear practical travel tactics, from bringing your own “journey juice” to setting expectations with hosts in advance, so the festivities don’t start with exhaustion before you’ve even unpacked.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty-Two of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we talk about hosting — and how to do it with ease, generosity, and inclusion. 

This episode shows you how to set up your drinks space so low, no and light options carry the same weight as alcoholic ones, making everyone feel welcome without creating more work for yourself. 

From stocking variety to making drinks self-serve, it’s about thoughtful preparation that lets you enjoy your own Christmas too.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty-One of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we rethink what “treat yourself” really means. 

This episode challenges the idea that indulgence has to involve alcohol, and asks a simpler question: Does it actually make you feel better? You’ll explore how to choose treats that restore rather than deplete — from low/no drinks and better sleep to time alone, movement, rest, and saying no when you mean no. 

A reminder that the best treats give something back.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Twenty of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we talk about family pressure — the noise, the mess, the emotional labour, and the temptation to use alcohol just to take the edge off. 

This episode is a reminder that presence matters more than perfection. You’ll explore how letting go of impossible standards, taking micro-escapes, and choosing to join in rather than control the chaos can transform the next few days. 

Be kind to yourself. This season doesn’t need you flawless — it needs you there.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Nineteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we focus on preparation — the difference between struggling through December and genuinely enjoying it at home. 

As work parties wind down and family time ramps up, this episode explains why stocking your fridge, upgrading your glassware, and thinking like a bar rather than relying on willpower makes drinking differently feel effortless. 

Being prepared turns good intentions into easy, satisfying choices — especially when everything else slows down.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Eighteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we talk about morning wins — those glorious, clear-headed starts after a night where you stuck to your intentions. 

This episode is a reminder to enjoy that feeling without turning it into a sermon. 

Not everyone is ready for the same choices at the same time, and no one ever changed because they were shamed. 

Lead by example, lend a hand, grab the coffees, and let your calm confidence do the talking.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Seventeen of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we tackle festive exhaustion and the myth of Dutch courage. 

When you’re tired, overstretched, and running on fumes, alcohol can feel like the thing that helps you keep going — but this episode questions whether it was ever really doing the work. 

You’ll explore the difference between energy and permission, how alcohol masks social fatigue, and why choosing the right people (or choosing rest) can be more powerful than pushing through another event.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Sixteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we’re talking about just how far low, no and light alcohol drinks have come — and why if you’ve tried one, you definitely haven’t tried them all.

This episode encourages you to keep an open mind, experiment like you once did with full-strength drinks, and treat low/no as exploration rather than restriction. 

From pubs and supermarkets to specialist online retailers, there’s never been more choice — and plenty that genuinely tastes fantastic.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Fifteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we focus on sleep — the foundation that quietly holds everything else together. 

This episode explains why the nightcap myth persists, how alcohol interferes with REM sleep and recovery, and why poor sleep makes every drinking decision harder the next day. 

You’ll learn simple, practical ways to protect your rest this December, from tracking sleep quality to timing your last drink, so you can wake up clearer, calmer, and more resilient.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

 YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Fourteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent, it’s time for a mid-December check-in. 

This episode invites you to pause, take stock, and notice what’s genuinely different for you this year — better sleep, clearer mornings, fewer regrets, or simply fewer moments you wish you could rewind. 

You’ll reflect on what’s working, tweak what isn’t, and remind yourself that small changes still count. 

No pressure, no perfection — just honest awareness and smarter adjustments for the rest of the season.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Thirteen of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we’re talking about the morning after the night before — the headache, the anxiety, the “I’m never drinking again” moment — and why shame is the least helpful thing you can reach for today. 

This episode encourages you to choose recovery over regret: hydrate, nourish yourself, move gently, forgive what happened, and reflect honestly on what triggered you so you can handle it differently next time. 

One night doesn’t define your December. Your next choice starts now.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Twelve of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we explore the magic of that first sip — the exhale, the shoulder-drop, the tiny moment of relief we’ve spent years associating with alcohol. 

This episode explains why the first and second drinks do the heavy lifting, and why everything after that is just chasing a feeling your brain can no longer deliver. 

Learn to slow down, savour, stop at one or two, and switch to low/no or functional drinks that keep the ritual without the consequences. 

A practical, science-backed guide to staying in control while still enjoying the moment. 

Ep#45 - 5 brand new functional spirits from Smiling Wolf

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Eleven of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we get into the festive pressure cooker — the well-meaning but relentlessly annoying “go on, it’s Christmas” comments. 

This episode shows you how to stand in your power, stay confident in your choices, and respond in ways that feel natural to you, not scripted or apologetic. 

Learn simple responses, ways to deflect, and the subtle tricks that stop people pushing drinks into your hand. 

A calm, grounded guide to making drinking decisions that actually belong to you.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Ten of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we dive into the sensory joy of mulled everything — wine, apple cider, even tonic water if you’re feeling experimental. 

Mulled drinks are one of the simplest wins for low/no drinkers because the craving isn’t for alcohol at all; it’s the cosy warmth, the spices, and that unmistakable festive aroma. 

This episode shows you how to create the full Christmas-market feeling at home, and why mulled drinks are the ultimate December hack for staying mindful without missing out.

Eisberg Wines - https://www.instagram.com/eisbergwine/

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Nine of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we dive into the beautifully chaotic world of December long lunches — the ones that start innocently at 1pm and somehow end at midnight. 

This episode helps you enjoy the fun without losing the whole day (and tomorrow) by using simple tools like the ‘hard out’.

A practical, honest guide to surviving the midday tipple trap on your terms.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Eight of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we unpack the practical side of moderation — the techniques that help you drink less without relying on willpower alone. 

This episode explains the difference between active and passive moderation, and breaks down four simple techniques you can use during the festive season: zebra striping, bookending, coasting, and pacing. 

If you're not going fully alcohol-free but want to feel more in control this December, this toolkit gives you structure, strategy, and genuine choice.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Seven of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, it’s time for a Sunday night calendar audit — a simple but powerful way to cut overwhelm, create breathing room, and avoid drinking on autopilot. 

This episode walks you through reviewing the week ahead, spotting the plans that energise you, and confidently ditching the ones that don’t. 

You’ll also learn how to add buffer days, escape routes, and boundaries so December stops running your life — and you get to run it instead.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE: WEIGH UP THE TRUE IMPACT OF DRINKING FROM LIGHT – MEDIUM – HEAVY DAYS WITH THE DRINKING IMPACT CALCULATOR AT https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

On Day Six of the Mindful Drinking Advent, we talk about reclaiming your weekends — especially the first Saturday of December, when hangovers usually steal the show. 

This episode digs into why a clear-headed Saturday is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself this month, and how a bit of upfront motivation can help you make better choices the night before. 

A simple, practical nudge to enjoy the weekend you actually want.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Five of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we talk about that classic Friday feeling — the end-of-week exhale that’s been glued to booze for as long as you can remember. 

This episode is about keeping the ritual, the reward, and the right to switch off, without automatically reaching for alcohol every time someone says “it’s Friday” or “go on, it’s Christmas.” 

You’ll get practical advice on saying no to the pub if you need a breather, or walking in with a few solid low/no go-to drinks in mind so you can enjoy the night and still like yourself on Saturday.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Four of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we hit the first big party of the season — the night where excitement, pressure, and expectation collide. 

Today’s episode gives you a simple Ready–Steady–Go plan to help you eat, hydrate, pace yourself, and leave when you’re done, without falling into “might as well” drinking spirals. 

Whether you’re easing into party season or going full Wham-and-Mariah, this gives you the tools to stay in control.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

On Day Three of the Mindful Drinking Advent Series, we dive into that classic 6pm moment — frazzled, overstretched, and desperate to switch off. 

This mini episode shows you how to decompress after work without slipping straight into autopilot drinking. From clearing your mind to switching off notifications to giving yourself a proper physical reset, learn how to reclaim your evening, breathe again, and actually unwind in a way that serves you.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

On Day Two of our Mindful Drinking Audio Advent Calendar, we dive into the sparkle, shine, and pure festive joy of alcohol-free bubbles. 

Learn why AF sparkling wines replicate the “real thing” so well, and why the celebration has always been about the ritual — not the alcohol. 

This episode is all about how to enjoy the full festive experience, from the pop of the cork to the clink of the glass, without the next-day hangover.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

On Day One of our Mindful Drinking Advent Series, learn how to set a clear, grounded intention for Christmas so you can navigate parties, pressure, and festive chaos on your own terms. 

Today’s episode helps you pause before December sweeps you away, reduce drinking on autopilot, and choose a more mindful, meaningful season.

0:00 Welcome To the Advent Series

4:33 Why Intentions Matter This Month

7:23 Craft Your Personal Guiding Sentence

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

Eighteen uncomfortable truths about mindful drinking at Christmas that nobody talks about.

From managing social pressure and family dynamics to handling drunk friends and awkward questions, I'm preparing you for the reality of festive drinking culture when you're choosing moderation or sobriety with 18 real-world quick-fire scenarios.

From FOMO & boundaries, to peer pressure & how to navigate Christmas parties, work dos and family gatherings with less alcohol on your own terms.

3:40 They won't stop asking
4:33 Assumptions
5:07 People will make it weird
6:02 They'll call you brave
7:03 Just one
8:11 You'll become boring
9:34 Your BS tolerance tumbles
10:56 You might not like your friends
12:10 Some things will be worse sober
13:05 You will feel left out
14:25 Nostalgia is a bitch
16:30 Feeling self-righteous
18:27 Awkward silences
19:42 Your mum will worry
20:55 Dad jokes
23:24 The designated everything

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Sign up to the Low No Drinker Mindful Drinking Advent Calendar for free and get ready for your best (adult) Christmas yet! - https://www.lownodrinker.com/mindfuladvent

Hamish Renton returns to discuss the latest developments in FAT JAB agonists—those increasingly ubiquitous fat jabs that are reshaping not just waistlines but drinking habits too.

With 5% of the UK population now using these compounds, they're silencing "drink noise," changing socialising patterns, and creating opportunities for functional beverages and nootropic drinks.

We explore the triple action of the latest compounds, the risks and benefits, and crucially, why these drugs aren't a substitute for doing the mental work around your relationship with alcohol.

3:21 What fat jabs do for drinkers?
5:01 5% of people
7:08 Triple impact on drinking?
11:10 Permanent change or temporary salve?
15:19 Dosage & Side Effects
23:26 Still "fat" inside: You need to do the work
32:20 The 'bad breath' problem
33:28 Where's the joy?
34:39 Boost to midlife sober clubbing
38:36 Finding Hamish & HRA-Global

HRA Global - https://hra-global.com/
Hamish's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishrenton/

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Longbottom - https://collabs.shop/5x4jom
Bloody Ben’s - https://amzn.to/4pc8OBP*
Big Tom - https://amzn.to/4qYtYoV
Ep#13 Fat Jabs & Drinking Low/No - https://www.lownodrinker.com/lndpodcast/fatjabs
Nazcal - https://nazcal.co.uk/

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

The festive season isn't one massive willpower test—it's death by a thousand shots. With six weeks of relentless celebrations from Thanksgiving through New Year's, willpower alone won't cut it.

In this episode, I unpack why beliefs, not willpower, are the real key to changing your drinking habits.

I share a four-step framework for gathering evidence to challenge limiting beliefs about alcohol, celebrations, and what fun actually means.

From assessing your self-talk to testing new behaviours at family gatherings, this episode gives you practical tools to navigate the season's cumulative exhaustion and build a Christmas that serves you on your own terms, not some outdated template from the past.

0:00 Death by a Thousand Shots
1:40 Willpower Explained
3:17 What Are Beliefs?
4:47 Thoughts, Actions, Outcomes, Beliefs
8:07 Gathering Evidence
8:35 Step One: Evidence From The Past
10:53 Step Two: Look to the Future
13:57 Step Three: Field Test
16:49 Step Four: Rebuild Your Beliefs System
20:07 What Truly Sustains Change
21:11 December Dailies And Advent Calendar
22:15 Power Hour Coaching

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

This December, I'm taking the podcast daily throughout the festive season.

From December 1st, I'll be delivering short, focused episodes created to support your mindful drinking journey through what can be the most challenging time of year for mindful drinkers. 

Each bite-sized episode will give you practical tips, motivation, and strategies to navigate Christmas parties, family gatherings, and New Year celebrations on your terms. 

If you've been dreading another booze-heavy festive season, this daily dose of support is exactly what you need. 

Sign up for the companion Mindful Drinking Advent Calendar at mindfuldrinkingadvent.com for exclusive drink recommendations and discounts too.

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

 GET READY FOR YOUR BEST (ADULT) CHRISTMAS YET & GET YOUR FREE MINDFUL DRINKING ADVENT CALENDAR AT http://mindfuldrinkingadvent.com/

If you've ever wondered why that glass of wine or pint of beer hits differently now than it did ten years ago, this episode breaks down the reality behind why midlife drinking hits differently.

I explore three critical body changes that make alcohol more potent as we age: declining water content (dropping from 60% to 50% by our 50s), hormonal shifts during menopause and andropause, and how alcohol sabotages the restorative sleep our bodies desperately need.

From practical pacing strategies to adaptogenic alternatives and sleep hygiene tips, I offer actionable ways to work with your changing body rather than fight against it. Because you're not broken – you're just not 18 anymore.

0:00 Listener Question Inspo
2:42 Body Water And Alcohol Intensity
5:47 Hormones, Menopause And Andropause
8:27 Weight gain, adaptogens & nootropics
10:21 The Nightcap Myth And REM Sleep
13:34 Sleep Hygiene And Alcohol-Free Nightcaps

Also mentioned:
Healthy Metal*
Trip Magnesium drinks*

Best episode to listen to next: 
#78 How Your Tastes Change When You Start Drinking Low/No

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Sign up to the Low No Drinker Mindful Drinking Advent Calendar for free and get ready for your best (adult) Christmas yet! - https://www.lownodrinker.com/mindfuladvent

This week, I’m joined by Andy Wingate, Asahi UK’s Director of Category, for a fascinating deep dive into the world of big beer and its growing commitment to the alcohol-free market for the companies leading alcohol-free beers, Peroni 0.0 & Asahi Super Dry 0.0.

We get into the real-world challenges the brand faces in bringing 0.0 beer to pubs on draught, as well as the impact of competitor marketing.

We also tackle some of the thornier questions, including whether "Big Alcohol’s" involvement helps or hinders the category. And Andy is refreshingly candid about the balance between commercial goals, genuine cultural change and competitor impact.

You’ll hear how Peroni 0.0 and Asahi 0.0 were created to match their full-strength counterparts as closely as possible, and why Asahi has set itself an ambitious goal of 15% of its global revenue to come from non-alcoholic products.

It’s an honest, insight-packed conversation that shines a light on how even the biggest players are facing challenges adapting to the mindful drinking movement, but why that’s good news overall for all of us who want more choice when we drink differently.

WE CHAT ABOUT
0:00 Andy's story
5:37 Why did Asahi/Peroni join the non-alc space?
8:17 15% target low/no target
12:15 Balancing 0% marketing & full-strength promotion
14:44 The impact of Heineken's ad spend
21:26 The future of alcohol-free Asahi & Peroni in pubs
25:35 Asahi/Peroni 0.0 on draught?
35:37 European-inspired market potential
38:37 The BBQ-Q

https://www.asahibeer.co.uk/

Try Asahi Super Dry 0.0 - https://collabs.shop/jnmcmp*
Try Peroni 0.0 -

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Take the 90-second quiz to find out your midlife drinking motivators + get your free bonus https://www.lownodrinker.com/
===


If you’ve decided to drink differently but still want to enjoy your social life, this episode is your ultimate guide to mindful nights out.

I walk you through how to plan before, during, and after your evening so you can stay in control and still have fun.

From setting clear intentions and managing expectations with friends, to communicating with the bar staff and why staying hydrated is so important as we age, if you do decide to drink.

We’ll look at practical moderation techniques like zebra striping and coasting, plus, importantly, how to reflect without judgment the next day.

Because drinking less in midlife shouldn’t mean missing out on good times with good friends.

0:00 Before, During, After: The Plan
3:03 Set Intentions That Aren’t About Alcohol
7:13 Manage Expectations
9:32 Research Venues And Low/No Menus
10:37 Moderation Methods And Personal Rules
12:29 At The Venue: Quality Over Quantity
14:28 Slow Down, Pause, And Check In
17:24 Mindfully low, no and light
19:57 The Morning After The Night Before
21:39 No Failure, Only Learning


Also mentioned:
ep#114 KAM Insights
ep#63 Zebra Striping & Bookending
ep#74 Coasting

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Take the 90-second quiz to find out your midlife drinking motivators + get your free bonus https://www.lownodrinker.com/

Changing your drinking habits doesn't just affect you – it impacts your partner too.

Today, I'm exploring why your other half might be struggling with your decision to drink less, even when they have the best intentions.

From fears about losing shared rituals to worries about their own drinking habits being challenged, I break down nine key concerns partners face and, crucially, how to navigate these conversations with honesty and compassion.

Whether you're worried your relationship can't survive your mindful drinking journey or you're facing resistance from your partner, this episode offers practical strategies for getting on the same page and building a stronger relationship together.

0:00 Why drinking changes can rock relationships
1:56 No blame allowed
3:49 Relationship fears: Will our dynamic change?
6:23 Losing shared drinking rituals
8:26 Uncertainty about what’s next
9:52 Emotional vulnerability
11:07 The impact on shared spending
12:19 Fears about themself: Holding up a mirror
13:17 Judgement & Pressure to change
14:19 Genuine concern for your well-being
14:59 Why you need their support
16:26 Managing your partner's fears with compassion
20:42

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Katy Moses, founder of KAM Insight, joins me to unpack the latest findings from their groundbreaking "Drinking Differently" report, produced in partnership with Lucky Saint.

Katie reveals why moderation—not abstinence—is the real story driving the low and no revolution, with 76% of UK adults actively employing tactics to reduce alcohol intake.

We explore the £800 million opportunity pubs are missing by defaulting to tap water, why the over-55s are finally joining younger generations in moderating, and how terms like "zebra striping" and "bookending" have helped the industry understand changing consumer behaviour.

Katy shares crucial insights on what venues need to do to capture this growing market and why flexibility has become the defining word of our drinking culture.


0:00 Katy's story
5:27 Why 'drinking differently'?
9:57 It's not all about Gen-Z
12:13 Flexibility & choice
18:26 Welcome to the over 55s
25:19 The Health Halo
30:47 The language of moderation
36:49 Where to find the report
38:57 The BBQ-Q

Get the KAM Insights Low+No Report

Also mentioned:
Trip*
Lucky Saint Lemon*
Everleaf*

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

With Sober October starting today, I'm exploring when (and if) you should take a break from alcohol. 

Why designated challenges like Dry January and Sober October get criticism, particularly when people restrict their entire social life and end up miserable, and share what actually makes these alcohol-free breaks successful. 

The truth? There's never a perfect time to take a break, so stop waiting for your calendar to magically clear. 

I reveal why white-knuckling through 30 days only to binge afterwards defeats the purpose, and share alternative approaches to mindful drinking and moderation that don't involve counting every drink. 

Whether you're considering a complete alcohol break or exploring different moderation techniques, this episode will help you take back the power of choice on your own terms and finally take a real step towards resetting your drinking.

2:10 The critique of dry months challenges

7:10 How to make the most of your month off

8:43 What happens after your month off

11:51 Taking your own break

13:16 Is there ever a perfect time to take a booze break?

15:41 The 3 things that make a successful alcohol reset

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Rejection stings, especially when you're changing your drinking patterns and facing family expectations or shifting friendship dynamics. 

After being turned down by a podcast host because of my moderation stance, I dive into how the fear of rejection holds us back from making choices that truly serve us. In this episode, we’ll unpack how family expectations, workplace pressure, and the subtle shifts in friendship dynamics can challenge your resolve to drink differently. 

Tune in to learn why some people resist your new drinking patterns—and how staying true to yourself is worth the discomfort.

1:43 Why I got rejected recently

5:07 Workplace Rejection

7:12 Rejection from Friends

9:31 Family Resistance to Changing Habits

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Breaking decades of drinking habits in midlife isn’t about willpower – it’s about understanding triggers, actions, and rewards, and then reshaping them to work in your favour. 

In this episode, I explore why habits form, why they’re so hard to undo, and how stress plays such a big role in keeping us stuck. 

I share practical steps to help you swap old autopilot behaviours for new actions that actually bring relief and joy, and why progress, not perfection, is the key.

0:00 Setting the scene
1:52 Moderating in midlife
3:04 Understanding the habit cycle
7:31 The trouble with stress
8:16 Step 1 - Reduce stress
9:36 Step 2 - Take new actions
12:41 Step 3 - Be prepared
15:22 Will it work every time?

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

In this episode of the Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife Podcast, I’m busting seven of the biggest myths about moderation and mindful drinking. From the nonsense that drinking has to be “all or nothing,” to the idea that you have to count every single drink forever, or that moderation won’t do anything for your health — I’m setting the record straight. 

I’ll share why drinking ‘less’ is still real change, how we can reshape decades of midlife habits, and why moderation isn’t just for the young or for people or those with “a problem.” 

If you’re exploring low, no or light alcohol options, curious about mindful drinking, or just want to build a healthier relationship with alcohol, this one’s for you — packed with truths to help you live a life less intoxicated, on your own terms.

0:00 Busting Moderation Myths Wide Open

2:14 Myth 1: Moderation Isn't Real Change

4:30 Myth 2: Counting Every Drink Forever

7:57 Myth 3: Always Falling Back to Old Habits

15:02 Myth 4: You Won't Improve Your Health Unless You're Sober

18:57 Myth 5: Only For Problem Drinkers

22:18 Myth 6: Just Another Trend

25:44 Myth 7: Only For Young People

Find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisehamiltonmace/

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

This is part two of my mini-series on the true cost of alcohol-free drinks.

Last week, we pulled back the curtain on the industry economics — from research and development to supermarket shelf space.

This week, I’m shifting the focus to you as the drinker. Yes, an AF pint might cost the same as a full-strength one, but what about the money saved on late-night taxis, hangover takeaways, or rounds of shots?

Beyond that, I dig into the personal costs: lost sleep, low mood, missed workouts, strained relationships, and even burnout. Choosing alcohol-free isn’t just about the price of one drink — it’s about the long-term gains for your financial, emotional and physical health.

0:00 The Cost of Drinking Alcohol-Free pt 2
3:48 Drinking with friends
8:07 Next day costs
10:52 £62,899 in a lifetime
12:54 Personal costs: hangovers & sleep
15:58 Social & emotional costs
16:35 Work life costs & burnout
19:23 Physical costs
20:42 Cost withdrawal vs deposits

Also mentioned:
alcoholchange.org.uk

Best episode to listen to next:
#108: Costs of Drinking AF Pt1: What You’re Really Paying For

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Time to tackle the question that comes up again and again: why do alcohol-free drinks cost so much when there’s no alcohol in them?

This is part one of a two-part mini-series on the true cost of drinking alcohol-free.

Today I’m breaking down the industry economics behind your favourite low and no drinks — from the surprising truth that alcohol is often the cheapest ingredient, to the eye-watering costs of research, development, small batch production, and simply getting bottles onto supermarket shelves.

Next time, I’ll flip the script and look at what it costs you personally to drink alcohol-free, and the impact that choice has on your life.

0:00 Why Alcohol-Free Costs the Same
2:19 Alcohol is cheap
3:26 Tradition, research & development
6:20 The technicalities of taste
9:12 Preservation and Shelf-Life Issues
11:20 Small batch production
13:20 Costs of dealcoholisation
17:42 Marketing & promotion
20:19 Distribution: supermarkets & online
25:13 Recouping the costs
26:36 Speculate to accumulate great drinks

Also mentioned:
Days*
Lucky Saint*

Best episode to listen to next:
#102. "No one wanted to work with me" Athletic Brewing's Bill Shufelt
#98. Lyre’s: The Honest Truth

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

This week I’m joined by Ben Hill, founder of Ask More, a performance Coaching service for professional men looking to up their game across the board, to talk about masculinity, midlife, and moderation.

We dive into why so many men still struggle to open up, how beer o’clock has quietly become the male equivalent of “mummy wine culture,” and the surprising amount of time and clarity Ben reclaimed when he stepped back from drinking.

From breaking outdated norms to learning how to “stand in your power,” Ben shares practical strategies for creating a life you don’t want to escape from – whether or not alcohol is in it.

0:00 Ben's story
4:19 Is it toxic masculinity?
8:20 Questioning marketing messages
12:10 Daddy beer culture
15:32 Standing in your power
18:26 Is midlife moderation the answer?
21:34 How to get the most of your booze break
27:17 Reclaiming your time
31:16 Peeling back the filter
34:29 Find Ben
36:17 The BBQ-Q


HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/BENHILL1/


WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Lucky Saint*
Cerona Cero*
Peroni 0.0*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#103. No One Tells You This About Drinking Less in Midlife

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Changing the way we drink can reveal who we really are. In this episode, I explore how introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts approach alcohol differently – and how understanding your personality type can help you drink in ways that genuinely suit you.

I introduce my Four I’s Framework (Identify, Investigate, Implement, Iterate) to help you match your social energy to your drinking style, so you can enjoy your nights out (or nights in) without draining your social battery or relying on Dutch courage to get you through.


0:00 Dutch courage
2:29 Personality types spectrum
4:22 Ambiverts
8:00 Discovering my type
11:47 The Four I's Framework
15:29 Mindful drinking for your personality type


Best episode to check out to next:
#103. No One Tells You This About Drinking Less in Midlife

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into the loaded topic of moderation — and why it’s not the dirty word so many in the alcohol-free space make it out to be.

I’m sharing my own experience with passive moderation, why I never said “I’m quitting alcohol forever,” and how that gentler, more flexible approach led me to a place where I barely drink at all — without feeling deprived or like I’d failed.

This episode is for anyone who’s been told moderation doesn’t work, or that taking a break from booze only counts if it ends in total abstinence. I don’t believe that. I believe in finding what works for you, on your terms — and giving yourself the space to figure it out.

0:00 Moderation Isn't a Zero-Sum Game
3:38 Active & Passive Moderation
7:15 Taking a break from alcohol is powerful
12:12 'Learning' not 'failure'

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

This week I’m joined by certified nutrition consultant and booze-free mixology expert Lila Volkas, who shares her brilliant five-element framework for making better alcohol-free drinks at home.

We get into why creating complexity is trickier without alcohol (and how to work around it), plus how ingredients like apple cider vinegar and citrus peels can completely transform your drink — no fancy kit required.

From her early days brewing kombucha in a student flat to leading workshops for global companies, Lila's approach blends flavour, function and a touch of wellness in every glass.

If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight wind-down or serve something special at your next get-together, this chat is packed with practical tips to help you make drinks worth savouring — booze or no booze.

0:00 Lila's story
4:05 A choice for health
6:21 Kombucha: Weird, slimy & I want some
14:59 Connecting nutrition & alcohol-free drinks
19:31 Five elements of non-alcoholic cocktails
26:57 Functionality in cocktails
29:59 Add some funk to your glass
34:30 Making things easy
39:33 Virtual & IRL classes with Lila Volkas
44:51 The BBQ-Q

LILAVOLKAS.COM  //  THEMOCKTAILSCHOOL.COM

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Perfect Puree
All the Bitter

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#71 The Award-Winning Sober Bartender's Guide to Non-Alc Spirits 

===
You can email me at denise@lownodrinkermagazine.com

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset


===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.

Let’s dive into some little-discussed truths about changing your relationship with alcohol that nobody talks about. From disrupted sleep and mood swings in those first crucial weeks, to navigating shifting friendships and social dynamics, I'm not sugarcoating anything.

I explore how your taste buds will literally change, why you'll discover more about yourself than ever before, and how this journey impacts everyone around you - not just you.

Most importantly, I address why midlife drinkers need different support and advice than the twenty-something wellness influencers dominating social media.

0:00 Truths About Life Less Intoxicated
1:29 It's not about the booze
3:22 It takes time
8:27 The impact on your friends and family
17:04 You're Not the Only One Drinking Less
22:03 You will get to know yourself like never before
28:29 It Doesn't Have to Be All or Nothing
32:37 How you feel about alcohol will change
37:47 You need a different type of support in midlife

Best episode to listen to next:
#66 Active vs Passive Moderation
#78 How Your Tastes Change When You Start Drinking Low/No