Club Soda Community Podcast

The Next Round: Sean turned recovery into theatre

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Sean Daniels decided to change his relationship with alcohol, he turned to what he knew best: theatre.His play, The White Chip, shares his story ...

The Next Round: Sue found confidence through woodwork

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Sue put down the bottle for good, she picked up something else entirely – scraps of Scottish oak, old skateboards, and a newfound passion for w...

The Next Round: Ryan made a sober pact with his mum

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not many people kick off their sobriety journey with a pact made with their mum - but for Ryan and his mum, it worked. And it’s transformed both of ...

The Next Round: Jeff reversed fatty liver disease

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It was a health scare that pushed Jeff out of his comfort zone. He was diagnosed with a fatty liver at 29.Now he’s reversed fatty liver disease and ...

The Next Round: Anneke draws strength and insight from Tarot cards

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anneka has a story many of us recognise — that moment where one drink turns into four, and suddenly you’ve lost the night again.Like so many, she ...

The Next Round: John opened Ghana's first alcohol-free bar

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alcohol affects everyone – no matter who you are or where you’re from. Take John  from Ghana. Sound familiar?Today, he’s leading the charge for...

The Next Round: Angie discovered she needed to heal

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Angie Thompson  grew up in a turbulent home, where shouting, swearing, slammed doors, and harsh words were the norm.But when she quit drinking, she u...

The Next Round: Anna fell in love with podcasting

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Looking back it is easy to see how alcohol drains your time, but for a long time Anna couldn’t quite admit what the problem was.But Anna is not look...

The Next Round: Seana found freedom in exploring her childhood

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seana spent most of her adult life in a love-hate tango with alcohol. But in writing her story, she unearthed the reasons she drankWelcome to The Next...

The Next Round: Cecilia is living the lifestyle she encourages others to follow

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For years, Cecilia lived a life dedicated to health and fitness and encouraged others to prioritise their well-being. But one thing didn’t align wit...

The Next Round: Tabbin decided to take on boozy workplace culture

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tabbin is on a mission to shake up booze-soaked workplace culture -but her own journey with alcohol was anything but smooth. After going alcohol-free ...

The Next Round: Hattie Immersed herself in Cold Water

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hattie may be a clear-headed, cold-water queen these days, but getting here was harder than mastering butterfly stroke! Even pregnancy didn’t create...

The Next Round: Gavin became a Samaritan

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Gavin quit drinking, he didn’t expect to gain listening skills—but he’s embraced his new life with open arms!Now, you can’t stop him from...

The Next Round: Marie went from Climate to Climax

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the past 25 years, Marie Morice has been at the forefront of global climate change, and with some big shifts in her life, including quitting drink...

The Next Round: Narmeen champions alcohol-free at events

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Socialising and networking alcohol-free can be tough—even for the pros. But for Narmeen, it’s a choice she’s never looked back on.Now, she’s s...

The Next Round: Alasdair became a private chef (and writer)

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alasdair Gill has a passion for cooking and an abundance of creativity. However, years of working in hospitality and drinking heavily left him facing ...

The Next Round: Denise Launched Low & No Drinker Magazine

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Denise has produced 18 editions of her new magazine dedicated to low and no alcohol drinks. Something she would never have considered if she had no re...

The Next Round: Michelle Recovered Loudly (in hospitality)

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After quitting alcohol, Michelle Righini has dedicated herself to championing the wellbeing and skills of hospitality staff.On The Next Round podcast,...

The Next Round: Paul founded a dance company

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to “The Next Round,” where we explore the remarkable stories of those who found new beginnings once they stopped seeking answers at the bo...

Xiomara became part of an AF socialising power couple

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Xiomara Wimmer decided to give up drinking, she didn’t just change her life—she found herself becoming part of an alcohol-free super couple.L...

The Next Round: Clare named her bar after a drunken name change

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Next Round – the podcast that celebrates the journey to your next chapter. Because let’s face it, getting there isn’t always smoo...

The Next Round - James Discovered Breathwork

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, anaesthetist and breathwork expert James Brunning shared the story of his journey away from alcohol and towards a life of emotional c...

The Next Round: Shaun Became a Performance Poet

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was great to have this conversation with Shaun Reany, a performance poet, advocate for mindful living and founder of the Sober Af Poetry Night. He ...

The Next Round: Victoria Regained Her Sundays

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Victoria Vanstone is best known for the Sober Awkward Podcast. A candid and humorous podcast co-hosted with Hamish Adams-Cairns. The duo dives into th...

The Next Round: Briony May Willliams Became your Champion

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At our Low, Light and Alcohol Free Conference I Interviewed Briony May Williams. Briony is a TV presenter and self-taught baker who has appeared on Th...

The Next Round: Trina made a comeback

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trina Gulliver MBE is ten times world darts champion. But drinking nearly ended her career. Her sport did not disappoint her, though - with the help ...

The Next Round: Helen became a Champion

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Helen Tomlinson is the UK's menopause champion, a role she does alongside her full-time job. And in this episode of the next round, she shares he...

The Next Round: Hari is taking on The Festivals!

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Running a hospitality venue is stressful - but Hari saw the benefits of quitting drinking really quickly. She has now kitted out a horse box to take ...

The Next Round: Lucy became an Artist

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy got to the point where she was finally ready to change her drinking - but she laid her personal development groundwork first. Changing her drink...

The Next Round: Piers tried stand-up comedy

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s like Piers Burnell is 21 again. He is always busy with new creative projects. But when he tried his hand at stand-up comedy - he did not do tha...

The Next Round: Justin set up a business

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ex-professional athlete and restauranteur Justin Bone hit rock bottom. But you wouldn't know that to hear him now. He has new business ideas aple...

The Next Round: Ellie created a podcast

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ellie Gibson is a journalist, broadcaster and comedian. And yes, she explored her drinking habits by sharing her story with special guests, on a podca...

The Next Round: George's performance got a boost

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

George Anderson has been into fitness all his life. He has even made a career from it. But it wasn't until his late thirties he finally realised ...

The Next Round: Ben swam 21 miles

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Next Round, Laura meets Ben Tuff. Ben may not have swum much as a kid, but he recently completed a  21-mile swim around ...

The Next Round: Emma became a Club DJ

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of The Next Round, Laura talks to Emma Baron, one third of the day club House of Happiness.Emma reached back to her teenage pass...

The Next Round: Kayla wrote a book

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Next Round, Laura talks to Kayla Lyons.Kayla is the author of Soberish, a non-judgemental guide to help millennials and G...

The Next Round: David launched an alcohol free wine

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this new podcast series from Club Soda, Laura Willoughby meets people who've changed their drinking and discovered new passion and purpose.In ...

Beyond Booze bonus: NYC edition part 2

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What's happening for mindful drinkers in NYC? Beyond Booze went on tour to find out.In this week's special bonus episode of Beyond Booze, No...

Beyond Booze bonus: NYC edition

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode, Noah Villeneuve reports on his summer adventures in the USA. Following his visit to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, ...

Beyond Booze: Lauren Paylor LP O'Brien and Alex Jump, Focus On Health

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the Beyond Booze season finale, Noah meets Netflix Drink Masters champion LP O'Brien and her co-founder Alex Jump, the forces behind Focus on ...

Beyond Booze: Imme Ermgassen, Botivo

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 13 of Beyond Booze features Imme Ermgassen, co-founder of Botivo.Prior to trying and falling in love with the complexity of Botivo, Imme was t...

Beyond Booze: Ian Blessing, All The Bitter

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Creator of All The Bitter, Ian Blessing, is Noah's guest for episode 12 of Beyond Booze.Ian and his wife Carly met while working together as somm...

Beyond Booze: Luke Boase, Lucky Saint

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lucky Saint founder Luke Boase is our guest for episode 11 of Beyond Booze.Luke's journey to creating Lucky Saint started with two simple questio...

Beyond Booze: Derek Brown, Positive Damage Inc

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Inspirational bartender, writer and wellness coach Derek Brown is our guest for episode 10 of Beyond Booze.Derek began work as a bartender in 2000. He...

Beyond Booze: Adrian Hodgson, REAL Drinks

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 9 of Beyond Booze explores the magic of camellia sinensis with Adrian Hodgson of REAL Drinks.Adrian's PhD studies focused on the health b...

Beyond Booze: Dash Lilley, Three Spirit

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dash Lilley of Three Spirit talks to Noah Villeneuve on this week's episode of Beyond Booze.Dash has been developing drinks brands since 2012 and...

Beyond Booze: Amanda Thomson, Thomson & Scott

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Beyond Booze, we meet Amanda Thomson, the creator of Noughty alcohol-free wines.Amanda founded her company Thomson & Scott following ...

Beyond Booze: Davide Segat, NoMad London

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's Beyond Booze, Noah Villeneuve explores life as a sober bartender with Davide Segat.Born in Venice, Davide came to London in 2003, ...

Beyond Booze: Ellie Webb, Caleño

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ellie Webb, the creator of alcohol-free spirit Caleño, is Noah Villeneuve's guest this week for episode 5 of Beyond Booze.Ellie was working for ...

Beyond Booze: Chris Wilfred Hughes, Wilfred's

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 4 of Beyond Booze introduces Chris Wilfred Hughes, creator of Wilfred’s Aperitif.Chris had always been passionate about creating drinks and ...

Beyond Booze: Louise Avery, L.A Brewery

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

L.A Brewery was founded on Louise Avery’s love of flavour, foraging and fermentation while seeking a healthier and more delicious drink.In episode 3...

Beyond Booze: James Edis, New London Light

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode two of Beyond Booze is all about New London Light, as Noah Villeneuve meets James Edis.New London Light is a collection of three non-alcoholic...

Beyond Booze: Camille Vidal, La Maison Wellness

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode one of Beyond Booze, Noah Villeneuve talks to mindful drinking expert Camille Vidal of La Maison Wellness.Cami is on a mission to inspire t...

Beyond Booze season opener and overview

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Beyond Booze is a new podcast series from Club Soda exploring the world's best alcohol-free drinks.In this week's season opener, host Noah V...

Beyond Booze is coming soon

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Beyond Booze is a new podcast series from Club Soda exploring the world's best alcohol-free drinks.Hosted by Noah Villeneuve, who heads the cockt...

The Club Soda podcast is taking a break, but we'll be back

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're taking a short break from the Club Soda podcast. If you've been a regular listener, thank you so much for your support. This podcast w...

Mark Wong of Impossibrew on redefining alcohol-free options

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's podcast, the wonderful Yasmin Spark interviews Mark Wong, founder of the most relaxing of alcohol-free options, Impossibrew. You&a...

Club Soda Drink Special Podcast: Paul Mathew from Everleaf

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a cocktail conversation that really hits the spot? This week, resident Club Soda mixologist and cocktail expert Noah Villeneuve talks to P...

Lou Lebentz: What's next after you've changed your drinking?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Club Soda co-founder Dru met the fantastic Lou Lebentz at a festival panel last summer and was drawn to her openness and warmth. Lou is a  therapist,...

Callum Hughes on celebrating pub culture alongside sobriety in his new show, Thirst

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For actor, writer, and singer Callum Hughes, pub culture has often gone alongside his working and personal life. Having had time to contemplate and wr...

Gillian Bennett: Sugar cravings when you change your drinking

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At Club Soda, we love nothing more than lively discussions in our Facebook group about the stuff that matters most to our community. One topic that we...

Cat Sims: Not so smug now about alcohol

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When our team heard that Cat Sims of Not So Smug Now Insta fame had given up drinking, it was just another reason to love the blunt, topical, and fran...

The Club Soda team: planning for Christmas

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our last episode before Christmas, we're excited to introduce you to the newest members of Club Soda, our Tasting Room team. They've join...

Nicola Price: Remember to breathe this Christmas

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're in the run-up to Christmas with a week and a bit away until Christmas day, and many people are starting to feel stressed about Christmas. T...

Jo Ferbrache: Rising to the challenge of change

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the New Year, some of us might be thinking about challenging ourselves to a month off drinking. Some of us might have been moderating a...

Laura and Dru: How to pick an alcohol-free drink

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast is a little break from the norm as Club Soda founders Laura and Dru chat about how to pick the perfect alcohol-free drink. Of...

Jonny Stevens on navigating alcohol-free drinks

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special podcast for our podcast listeners in the United States. It's Black Friday in the US, and yesterday was one of the biggest celeb...

Sarah Williamson: From active moderation to alcohol-free

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Active moderation is a hotly debated topic within our community: does it work, is it achievable, and how do people sustain moderation as a tool for pr...

Anit Chatrath: Life beyond dependence on alcohol

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When Anit joined Club Soda’s Facebook group in March 2018, he already had 2 years of experience in keeping his dependence on alcohol at bay. But Ani...

Kate and Mandy from Love Sober on their new book 'Love Your Sober Year'

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our podcast guests this week are no strangers to the mindful drinking world. Kate Baily and Mandy Manners, also known as Love Sober, are expert podcas...

Lazarus Letcher on getting sober, making music and reconnecting with community

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lazarus Letcher is a musician, writer and academic who draws on their experiences living as a Black, queer, trans, sober person in America. This conve...

Dina Basharahil and the discourse around Black Muslims during Black History Month

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our fourth of five episodes of the Club Soda podcast for Black History Month centers around Black Muslims, and how they're often left out of the ...

Discovering sober joy with our Black History Month panel

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our Black History Month podcast takeover continues, and guest podcast host Yasmin Spark says that this episode was a joy to record. That's good t...

Staying sober in a world that's burning with Jason-Candid Knusel & Michael Adu

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're in the second part of a two-part podcast topic to kick off Black History Month. The subject is staying sober while the world is b...

Staying sober in a world that's burning with Valerie Mason-John

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

October is Black History Month in the UK. This year, the fantastic Yasmin Spark has taken over our podcast. Over the next month, Yasmin speaks to an i...

Yasmin Spark's podcast takeover for Black History Month

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is kicking off a series of 5 episodes to come over the next month focusing on Black History Month. We've invited the wonderf...

Jason-Candid Knüsel: Putting hospitality at the centre of bar culture

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we started putting together this latest podcast, it was scheduled for National Hospitality Day which has now been moved to 30 September due to th...

Lea Watson: Coping with tragedy and going alcohol-free

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast guest, Lea Watson, is known mostly for her Instagram account @glowsober where she is the queen of alcohol-free drinks and qui...

Alcohol and sport, stereotypes, and real health

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While most social gatherings tend to involve booze, alcohol and sport seem to be inextricably linked. It's a heady mix of celebration drinks, com...

Sober clubbing: Morning Gloryville, House of Happiness & DryWave

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While changing our drinking can be challenging, it's important not to lose the things that bring us joy as a counterbalance. Giving up alcohol do...

London Wine Fair: alcohol-free wine is getting better

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A big topic of constant discussion in our community is alcohol-free wine. People who've been hardcore wine drinkers who have not quit drinking se...

Amy Armstrong on ready-made drinks for a sober picnic

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The British summer may well be unpredictable, but we'll always find time to have a long Sunday afternoon lazing on a picnic blanket in the warmth...

Rosie Wilby on alcohol and relationships

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast is a look back at last month's fantastic Mindful Drinking Festival in Brighton. One of our two keynote speakers, comedia...

Fantastic Mindful Drinking Festival speakers for Brighton 2022

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Club Soda co-founder Dru is joined by founder Laura and events organiser Josh to talk about the exciting festival speakers and events that ...

Mindful Drinking Festival preview: alcohol-free drinks

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With only a fortnight to go until our Mindful Drinking Festival in Brighton, we thought that the team at Club Soda could give you a little festival pr...

B Corp: alcohol-free drinks as a force for good

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're really excited to announce that Club Soda has finally become a certified B Corp organisation. It's been a long time in the making and ...

Robin Lomax on celebrating alcohol-free beer for Beer Day Britain

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alcohol-free beer is the healthiest thing you could be drinking in the pub after water and we think that it's worth celebrating the growing promi...

Changing drinking for busy parents

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a busy parent who's trying to accelerate your career whilst making sure your kids are having plenty of your time and are still g...

Bartender 2.0

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At Club Soda, we're proud to support everyone involved in the alcohol industry. Whether you're a problem drinker, a venue who wants to stock...

Eat, drink, laugh, dance, repeat.

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not unusual, in the early days of changing our drinking, to worry that we won't be able to do the things that we enjoyed before if we d...

Club Soda founder Laura Willoughby on being 10 years AF

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You'll all know Club Soda's founder, Laura Willoughby, but what you might not have known is that this super inspirational woman celebrated 1...

How can I navigate a boozy work culture?

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever worked in a boozy workplace, you know how difficult it can be if you're cutting down or giving up. Outside of standing around...

Millie Gooch on making friends when you're sober

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you're drinking, surrounded by your drinking buddies, and having a good time, it's hard to imagine what life would be like when you&apo...

Taking time for tea with Michelle and Rob of Comins Tea

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Giving up alcohol often leaves space for other things to become more prominent in your life. You might find you have more time for hobbies, have deepe...

Talk Club & Bristol Beer Factory on men's mental health

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When having work done on their house, Club Soda co-founder Dru Jaeger found themselves hotdesking in a cafe, ordering an alcohol-free beer. On the bac...

Rapper Dax on his hit 'Dear Alcohol'

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For Canadian rap artist Dax, his latest hit 'Dear Alcohol' started as a poem. It reflected his drinking habits once he moved to LA to become...

Why doesn't willpower work for me?

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast episode, we are recapping a conversation that we had at our Global Mindful Drinking Festival in October last year about wi...

Annemarie McAllister on the temperance movement

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A few weeks back, Dru Jaeger caught up with Dr Annemarie McAllister, a cultural historian and leading researcher into the history and effects of the t...

Victoria Volk on grief and alcohol

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast is a collaborative effort between Dru Jaeger of Club Soda and Victoria Volk of Grieving Voices podcast.Victoria is a grief re...

Chelsey Flood on alcohol and neurodiversity

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's true to say that alcohol and neurodiversity are not indivisible. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism in social situations. If you ha...