Ep 81. Alcohol Rewind with Adrian Chiles
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Ep 81. Alcohol Rewind with Adrian Chiles

37:14 Jul 31, 2025
About this episode
Why is it so hard to rethink our drinking and what does it actually look like to drink less without going “all or nothing”? In this special summer mini-series of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey revisits her most downloaded conversation with broadcaster and writer Adrian Chiles. Adrian shares his personal, honest journey from heavy to moderate drinking, not by swearing off alcohol, but by noticing when “enough is enough” and finding what works for him.Adrian’s story brings clarity and realism to moderation, highlighting how even small changes can spark more joy, presence, and satisfaction, when we are conscious of what we drink.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:41 Adrian’s story: heavy drinking, shocking discoveries, and the wake-up call07:12 Counting units: the power of writing it all down09:29 Challenging “all or nothing”, why moderation might work for you11:22 The impact of simply removing the drinks you don’t want13:00 Mindful drinking and choosing what genuinely brings you joy15:03 Why the first drink is magical (and the fifth, not so much)23:06 Most people really do drink less than you think27:20 Why “alcoholic” is an unhelpful label30:08 Track your drinking, make it simple, take away the shame33:52 The challenges and freedoms of moderation35:22 Setting non-negotiables so the “sweet spot” can become your reality🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINKHere’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/If you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experi
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