In this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Bhaskaran Brown for a real conversation about the hidden costs of alcohol in the workplace.

Duncan has done his fair share of over indulgence, strictly speaking he’s drunk more than his fair share of wine and eaten more than his fair share of cake. After 20 years of overdoing it, he cleaned up his act and trained with the world’s most successful stop smoking service. But that wasn’t enough. He studied human behaviour at Cornell University, the Chartered Management Institute and in a windowless room in Peterborough. Now regarded as a leading behaviour change expert, Duncan helps people to destroy bad habits and build new ones.

We’re pulling apart the myths, talking about why “just one drink” at a work event isn’t as harmless as it seems, and how alcohol culture quietly chips away at businesses.

From productivity dips to mental health impacts, we’re laying it all out. If you're curious about how changing the way your business thinks about alcohol could actually save money, culture, and people, this is one you’ll want to catch.

Here are the highlights:

Duncan's Journey with Alcohol (2:18)

Impact of Alcohol on Businesses (4:49)

Health Risks of Moderate Drinking (10:27)

Alcohol and Mental Health (12:26)

Alcohol and Workplace Culture (14:49)

Solutions for Reducing Alcohol Harm (15:04)

The Role of Education and Screening (15:25)

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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Sharni Knighton, a hair loss specialist who shares why what’s happening on our heads often points to something deeper within. We explore the striking parallels between hair loss and alcohol use - how both are often hidden, surrounded by shame, and rooted in unspoken emotional pain.

Sharni has over 25 years of experience in the hairdressing industry and has owned multiple salons throughout her career. Her true passion lies in supporting women experiencing hair loss. She is also the host of the ‘Tell Her’ podcast, which discusses controversial and taboo subjects of particular interest to women

Sharni opens up about growing up with her mum’s problematic drinking, breaking cycles of generational trauma, and how her salon chair became an unexpected sanctuary for women carrying heavy stories.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to keep parts of your life quiet just to be accepted, this conversation will remind you that healing often starts with telling the truth - especially to yourself.

Here are the highlights:

Sharni Knighton's Background and Work (1:23)

Parallels Between Problematic Drinking and Hair Loss (1:55)

Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health and Hair Loss (4:59)

Sharni's Personal Story and Family Dynamics (7:12)

Sharni's Mother's Journey and Sharni’s Decision to Stop Drinking (9:04)

Generational Trauma and Emotional Maturity (14:40)

Sharni’s Experience with Alcohol-Free Drinks and Community Building (22:05)

Connect with Sharni:

Email: info@sharnikcoaching.com

Website: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tell-her/id1796936982

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In this episode, I’m joined by Cole Harvey, a coach trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), for one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had on the show.

Cole is an alcohol-free coach and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner who helps people shift their relationship with alcohol through curiosity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of their inner world.

We unpack the IFS approach to understanding addiction - not as a battle to be won, but as a system of protective parts trying their best to keep us safe. It’s deep, it’s compassionate, and it might just shift how you see yourself (or someone you love) forever.

We talk about exiles, firefighters, managers - and how even the part of you that drinks has good intentions.

If you’ve ever said “Why do I do this?” or felt stuck in cycles you can’t explain, this episode will help you reconnect with the part of you that’s whole, calm, and capable of real healing. A must-listen if you're exploring a more compassionate, trauma-informed path to recovery.

Here are the highlights:

Cole Harvey's Background and Introduction (2:46)

Discussion on Workplace Drinking Culture (5:34)

Explaining Internal Family Systems (IFS) (10:30)

Practical Application of IFS (23:11)

Resources and Recommendations (28:50)

Connect with Cole:

Website: coleharveycoaching.com

Instagram: @coleharveycoaching

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In this toolkit episode, I’m walking you through a brand new resource I’ve developed - the Mindful Approach to Cravings Journal.

It’s a powerful tool for those moments when you say “I’m not drinking today” in the morning… and somehow find yourself pouring a glass by the evening. If you’re stuck in the cycle and sick of relying on willpower alone, this is for you.

I share the full 8-step framework behind the journal, from understanding your triggers to evaluating alcohol’s real effectiveness, and what to do instead of reaching for a drink.

We’ll also talk emotional awareness, cognitive dissonance, and why the goal isn’t perfection - it’s progress. Whether you drink or not, completing the journal builds self-awareness that supports long-term change.

Here are the highlights:

The Unstuck Program (1:21)

The Mindful Approach to Cravings Journal (2:31)

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Journal (5:24)

Alternatives to Drinking (20:13)

Reflecting on the Experience (29:07)

https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1

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In this episode, I sit down with Steve Dann to unpack the hidden relationship between alcohol, workplace stress, and leadership culture.

Steve is an experienced senior leader with over 30 years in UK policing and eight years as a Senior Cvil Servant in the Home Office. He was recognised for strategic leadership in Afghanistan, receiving US Military Superior Civilian Medal and the UK Civilian Service Medal. He was awarded the King’s Coronation Medal for leadership as Border Force Gold Commander in 2023

With his decades of experience across high-stakes roles in policing and government, Steve brings a rare, honest perspective on how stress shows up in the workplace - and why drinking is often the unspoken coping strategy.

We talk about macho team dynamics, drinking as emotional armour, and the gaps in HR and wellbeing support that leave people quietly struggling. Steve also shares how our chat opened his eyes to the role alcohol might actually be playing in rising stress-related absences.

If you lead people, care about culture, or just want to understand what’s really going on behind closed doors, this conversation is a must-listen.

Here are the highlights:

Steve Dann's Impressive Career Background (1:59)

Challenges and Coping Mechanisms in High-Stress Roles (8:16)

Impact of Alcohol on Stress and Performance (11:18)

The Role of Alcohol in Workplace Stress (25:17)

Barriers to Addressing Alcohol and Stress in the Workplace (28:57)

Potential Solutions and Future Conversations (48:50)

Connect with Steve:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dannsteve

Email contact:steve@everus-si.com

Offer to Listeners: As a thank you to podcast listeners, I’m offering the opportunity for a free consultation call to leaders or HR professionals in policing, public sector or high-risk industries who are looking to strengthen their workplace resilience and leadership in the face of behavioural risks - including the hidden impact of alcohol. To take up the offer, simply mention this podcast when you reach out via LinkedIn or email.

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After hitting 2,500 days alcohol-free, I felt called to share the real lessons this journey has taught me - not the just shiny stuff.

In this episode, I open up about the twisty path I took to get here, from trying AA, hypnotherapy, and eventually discovering what actually worked for me - and why that might look completely different for you.

I cover six key lessons, including why comparison keeps us stuck, how to stop chasing perfection, and the underrated power of breath-work, mindfulness, and community.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your alcohol-free life, this one’s a reminder that there's no single way to heal - just your way.

Here are the highlights:

The Twisty Path to Sobriety (2:14)

Relapses and New Approaches (5:58)

Avoiding Comparison (7:49)

Celebrating Wins and Focusing on Progress (11:28)

Mindset Shifts and Self-Compassion (13:21)

Staying Present and Managing Stress (21:56)

Building Community and Connection (26:46)

Unstuck Link - https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1

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Can you go alcohol-free without rehab, support groups, or rock-bottom moments? In this episode, I sit down with James Lloyd, who transformed his life by quitting alcohol purely through reading and podcasts—no formal programs, no interventions.

James quit the booze back in 2021 and has been living alcohol-free ever since. With over 20 year’s experience of working in senior corporate sales roles, James also holds a triple accredited Diploma in Positive Psychology and Coaching, specialising in Alcohol Free Performance. He now helps other corporate leaders to stop drinking and start living healthier, happier lives.

We‘ll cover his career in the film industry, where free bars and late nights were the norm, and the moment he realised his drinking wasn’t in his control.

James shares how questioning his beliefs around alcohol, rewiring his mindset, and focusing on sleep, mental clarity, and personal growth changed everything.

If you’re curious about quitting but don’t resonate with traditional recovery models, this conversation will open your eyes to a different way forward.

Here are the highlights:

(2:10) James Lloyd's Background and Initial Drinking Patterns

(10:24) Transition to Alcohol-Free Living

(13:14) Challenges and Beliefs About Alcohol

(21:43) Impact of Alcohol-Free Living on Health and Well-being

(27:05) Professional Transition and Coaching

Exclusive Limited Time Offer - Exclusive to listeners of The Alcohol Debate, sign up for James’ 6 week coaching program before 30th April 2025 and receive a 20% discount. Apply at James’ website – AlcoholFreeCoach.com

Connect with James:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-48313032/

Website – AlcoholFreeCoach.com

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@alcoholfreecoach

Email – james@alcoholfreecoach.com

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Watching someone you love struggle with alcohol can feel frustrating, heartbreaking, and completely out of your control.

In this episode, I’m tackling one of the most common (and toughest) questions I get: How do I help someone who isn’t ready to change?

I break down the real reasons people get stuck in alcohol dependence, why interventions and ultimatums rarely work, and how to shift your approach from fixing to supporting.

You’ll learn what actually helps, why “letting them” is sometimes the best thing you can do, and how to protect your well-being in the process.

If you’ve ever felt helpless in this situation, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

(1:37) Understanding the Struggle with Alcohol

(7:13) Genetic vs. Nurture in Alcohol Use Disorder

(12:03) The Addictive Nature of Alcohol

(18:07) The Role of the Loved One in Supporting Change

(23:13) Practical Steps for Loved Ones

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