Sober Awkward

Did we inherit our drinking habit and have our years of over doing it been passed onto our own kids?In short, is Alcoholism genetic? It's a question that we get asked by worried ex-drinkers and many struggling with their sobriety about 3 times a week!Just like many of the questions we get asked - we don't feel as if we have the knowledge or experience to offer any kind of accurate answer...which is why we invited Arabella Byrne onto the podcast.Arabella is the co-author (alongside her mother Julia Hamilton) of 'In The Blood' - the UK's first mother/daughter recovery memoir. She is also a proud ambassador for the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA).This incredible book tracks the stories of alcoholism (that of Arabella's and of her mother Julia's). Arabella gave up booze just 9 months after her mother and they would go onto attend AA meetings together. There are heartbreaking similarities in both of their stories and the book is so beautifully written that it brought me to tears more than once.Unlike many other books that I have read on the subject, this is not quit-lit, this is storytelling at its most raw and honest. An exploration into the relationship between mothers and daughters and in between alcoholic parents and their children.I dare you to read it, or listen to Arabella discuss this topic, without being deeply moved. It is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. SHOW NOTESYou can find Arabella through her Instagram which is @drarabella or at her X account which is @drarabellabyrne.If you would like to purchase her book 'In the Blood' which she co-wrote with her mother Julia Hamilton - this can be done here:https://www.amazon.com.au/Blood-stirring-mother-daughter-alcoholism-generations-ebook/dp/B0D13HCPKFFind out more about the amazing work that the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) do at https://nacoa.org/Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety

In this week's retrospective episode, Hame and Vic look at the excuses that come up over and over again for why we don't think can go sober?'I've got a party coming up.''Drinking is my identity.''Sober me is boring.'Ringing any bells?You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4c0chOrhwlSASDGXyCmvU0?si=DoUKd5sPS7u-JDKyqu14hgShow Notes:Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

The conversation continues, and this time, it gets emotional. Vic opens up about the real pain of body dissatisfaction, how it affects her self-worth, and the heartbreaking realisation of what message that might be sending her kids. Meanwhile, Hamish reflects on whether men really experience body image struggles in the same way—and if they do, why don’t they talk about it?But don’t worry, we don’t leave you in a puddle of sadness. By the end, we’re flipping the script and giving you tools to break free from the body-hating cycle. Expect some questionable but empowering bathroom mirror affirmations, some real talk about separating our worth from our weight, and answers to the big question: Can we actually learn to accept ourselves?A tough, heart felt episode, but one that so many people will relate to. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and not liked what you saw, this one’s for you. 💛Show Notes -Vic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

In part two of our deep dive into communicating with teens, Hamish and Vic tackle the big question—should we tell them about our own messy drinking days? Will honesty help them make better choices, or will it just give them ideas?We explore the pros and cons of sharing our past, the fear of hypocrisy, and how to approach these conversations in a way that actually connects rather than backfires. Is it possible to be open without glorifying our own wild years? And does telling the truth make us more relatable—or just more awkward?Join us as we navigate the tricky balance of honesty, boundaries, and giving teens the tools to make their own informed decisions. Because when it comes to parenting and sobriety, there’s no rulebook—just a whole lot of trial, error, and awkward chats!You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uJ7HW0meaju2IzXBl6A1x?si=ae45f4c02d4241ebShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

So, we got sober… but guess what? We still don’t like what we see in the mirror. In this brutally honest episode, Vic and Hamish dive into body image, self-criticism, and why, even without booze, they still struggle with how they look. Turns out, sobriety doesn’t automatically fix self-esteem, and for many of us (especially women), body dissatisfaction runs deep—so deep that 98% of women aren’t happy with their appearance. But where does this self-loathing come from? Is it society, our upbringing, or just decades of being told we need to look a certain way?What started as a lighthearted chat quickly turned into something way bigger than we expected, so much so that we had to split this conversation into two episodes. It turns out, body image and sobriety are more connected than we ever realised.Prepare for raw honesty, a few awkward laughs, and maybe even some uncomfortable truths as we pick apart why we’re so hard on ourselves and whether we can actually change the way we feel about our bodies.Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

In this retrospective episode, Hamish and Vic revisit one of the most important (and awkward) topics—how to communicate with teenagers about alcohol, boundaries, and life in general.Why do so many parents struggle to talk to their teens? How can we create open, honest conversations without pushing them away? And what role does our own relationship with alcohol play in shaping theirs?We explore the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the importance of keeping the lines of communication open—because when it comes to guiding the next generation, what we say (and don’t say) really matters. Tune in for insights, laughs, and some hard-earned wisdom on navigating the tricky world of talking to teens.You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uJ7HW0meaju2IzXBl6A1x?si=ae45f4c02d4241ebShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

Ever wondered how alcohol brands make booze look like the ultimate ticket to happiness, success, and social belonging? This week on Sober Awkward, we’re lifting the lid on the world of alcohol advertising with Anna Donaghey, a former London-based ad exec who spent years working on big-brand alcohol campaigns.Anna shares insider knowledge on how the industry uses behavioural science to lure people in—crafting campaigns that convince us alcohol is our friend, our reward, and even our identity. We’ll uncover the sneaky tactics used to target mums with pink drinks, push the “work hard, play hard” mentality, and make us believe that a drink is the key to fitting in.Today, Anna spends her time working as an alcohol mindset coach and hosting of the Big Drink Rethink Podcast.And it’s not all doom and gloom—Anna also believes things are changing. With the rise of the sober-curious movement, new regulations, and shifting social attitudes, the industry is being forced to evolve. So, is the booze bubble starting to burst?Join us as we unravel the glossy façade of alcohol marketing, expose the industry’s biggest tricks, and explore whether the tides are finally turning for good.SHOW NOTESYou can connect with Anna through her website: www.thebeliefscoach.comor on social media where her Instagram handle is @bigdrinkrethinkAlternatively you can listen to her podcast 'The Big Drink Rethink' wherever you get your podcasts.💛 Resources & Links📘 Victoria’s memoir – A Thousand Wasted SundaysA brutally honest and hilarious look at motherhood, anxiety, and ditching the booze.👉 Buy the book here🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk and the sober curious.👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 The Sober Awkward Guide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety

In this week's retrospective episode, Hame and Vic offer some tips on how you can approach staying sober during the ups and downs of parenting. What tools can you put in place to best prepare you?You can listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05gOJ3Ae8XHZQMxiIySEVu?si=8VJadZniTGmGHbFbTVWQBgShow Notes:Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for…again!In this very special instalment of Sober Awkward, we sit down with none other than superstar DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.Recorded backstage at his Brisbane gig, just before he stepped out in front of thousands of fans, Norman opens up about his 14-year sobriety journey, the early days of The Big Beat Boutique, and that pivotal moment—when bringing Fatboy Slim home after a night out made him realise it was time to get help.Vic was lucky enough to see him live again just last night, and even though she was nervous, Norman was—as always—warm, open and welcoming. This conversation is packed with such wisdom, proof that you can still party hard, dance like mad, and live loud… without being wasted.Whether you’re sober curious or 10 years in, this is one for the books. Huge love and thanks to Norman, Al and Andy Mac for making it all happen.Let’s do it—press play and get inspired by one of the coolest sober legends around.Show Notes. Vic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...Buy Here on Audible and Ebookand please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays