Sober Awkward

This week, Hame sits down with one of Britain’s most beloved voices on mental health and addiction — the brilliant, wonderful, and hilarious Bryony Gordon.A bestselling author, journalist, and mental health champion, Bryony’s career exploded with the release of Mad Girl in 2016, her raw and relatable account of life with OCD. Off the back of its success, she made headlines as the first person to interview Prince Harry about his mental health.But behind the scenes, as her public profile soared, so too did her battle with addiction.Now approaching 8 years sober (August 27th!), Bryony opens up about how she turned her life around — with the help of friends, family, rehab, and running. She and Hame also discover some weirdly uncanny similarities, adding a touch of unexpected hilarity to this deeply honest conversation.We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Bryony to the podcast. Her story is inspiring, unfiltered, and not to be missed.🎧 Show Notes💛 Resources & Links📸 Bryony's Instagram: @bryonygordonMental Health Mates website: https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/bryony-gordon/📘 Victoria’s memoir – Find out more at www.soberawkward.com and find her bestsellingMemoirs ‘Mumming - A Year of Trying and Failing to be a Better Parent’here https://amzn.asia/d/9n1u5m1 and ‘A Thousand Wasted Sundays’here - https://amzn.asia/d/iE0Snje🎧 Listen to more Sober Awkward episodes👉 www.soberawkward.com🫖 Join The Cuppa CommunityOur private, supportive online space for sober folk👉 www.cuppa.community📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideOur downloadable toolkit for ditching booze the awkward way.👉 www.soberawkward.com/theguide📱 Follow us for daily sober fun:Instagram: @soberawkwardTikTok: @soberawkwardFacebook: Sober Awkward Community for Women🚨 Helplines & Support🇦🇺 Australia– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org🇬🇧 UK– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk🇺🇸 USA– SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)– AA USA – www.aa.org

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NlF5VzAkJJ1n0yItpZsr6?si=5c2bb0e7f9174e57

Thinking of taking a month off booze? You’re in the right place. In this lively, awkward, and surprisingly educational episode, Vic and Hamish dive deep into what actually happens to your body when you stop drinking for 30 days. From liver repair and glowing skin to remembering your Netflix password, this is your full-body audit — with stats, science, and saddle chafing.We talk about the first five days (spoiler: there’s bloat, fog, and sudden urges to take up badminton), the weeks that follow, and the ripple effects that might just change your life. It’s funny, it’s honest, and for some unknown reason, Vic says the phrase “pussy hair.” Yes, we’re horrified too. Very un-British. There’s also a moment where we consider ponies’ private parts. It’s informative stuff... we promise.So whether you’re curious, already on the sober pony, or just here for the inappropriate metaphors, this episode will give you everything you need to know about going alcohol-free — and maybe, just maybe, staying that way.The Month of Nope? Dried July? Mocktail Month? Whatever you call it, let’s just go with “30 Days of Nope” and crack on. Oh, and don't forget, if you need some extra support head to www.soberawkward.com and download 'The Guide' today. It's Vic and Hame's 30 day sober guide. Everything you need to get through this month with a smile on your face and a spring in your step! This episode is proudly sponsored by www.cleanslateclinic.comWithdraw Safely from Alcohol from the Comfort of Your Home🎧 Show Notes 💛 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👉 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🚨 Helplines & Support🇦🇺 Australia– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org🇬🇧 UK– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DP1YiCXJsJuLpJ3YjldWq?si=8c3f8d57535c4a65

Did someone say Judy?In this episode, Vic and Hamish come to a shocking realisation: they may have caught imposter syndrome. Since going sober, they’ve been flooded with kind messages, heartfelt emails, and praise from listeners who say Sober Awkward has changed, or even saved, their lives. But here’s the awkward bit… they can’t quite seem to absorb any of it.Vic thinks it’s a weird form of staying humble (and maybe a sprinkle of self-loathing), while Hamish wonders if it’s just his British manners kicking in “No no, YOU’RE amazing, please, I insist, I’ll go last.”They also ask the big question, is it possible we still don’t fully know who we are without alcohol? That maybe some of the self-doubt is just leakage from our drinking days, when we didn’t care about validation, purpose or identity, we just cared about where the next drink was coming from.Together, they break down what imposter syndrome actually is, why it seems to show up in sobriety, and how it’s sneakily shaping the way they see themselves. And because it wouldn’t be Sober Awkward without things getting weird, there’s a cringe-worthy rap battle of compliments that nearly ends in a sick bucket…Oh, and seriously, who the hell is Judy???Tune in for laughs, awkward truths, and maybe even a smidge of self-acceptance.#sobriety #impostersyndrome #awkwardlysober #soberidentity #britishawkwardness #soberpodcast #soberawkward #selfworth #nicetiesandnausea #whothehellisjudy🎧 Show Notes 💛 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👉 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🚨 Helplines & Support🇦🇺 Australia– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org🇬🇧 UK– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DP1YiCXJsJuLpJ3YjldWq?si=8c3f8d57535c4a65

This week, Vic and Hamish dive headfirst into one of the most common and dangerously convincing excuses in the drinking world:“I’m not alcoholic enough to stop.”It’s the idea that if you haven’t hit rock bottom, you haven’t earned your sober stripes. That unless you’re swigging whiskey at 10am or shouting at a toaster in a wine-stained dressing gown, your drinking “isn’t that bad.”In this episode, Vic and Hame finally get to be the experts—sharing their own experiences of going sober before things totally fell apart. They explore why people cling to this excuse, the outdated stereotype of what an “alcoholic” looks like, and how the stigma, denial, fear of change, and cultural acceptance of booze all play a part in keeping people stuck.There’s also some fascinating research, a bit of self-deprecating truth telling, and yes—a shame-prevention schemes, and an Australian slang battle that proves even ChatGPT might be an alcoholic.By the end of this one, you’ll be asking:– Do I really have to wait until everything breaks to make a change?– What if I just skip the crash and start feeling better now?Packed with laughs, science, stories, and serious wake-up calls, this is the episode for anyone who’s ever said:“I’m not that bad.”🎧 Show Notes 💛 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 👉 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🚨 Helplines & Support🇦🇺 Australia– Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) – 1300 85 85 84– Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)– Hello Sunday Morning / Daybreak App – hellosundaymorning.org🇬🇧 UK– Drinkline (NHS) – 0300 123 1110– Alcoholics Anonymous UK – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk🇺🇸 USA– SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)– AA USA – www.aa.org

🎙️ Throwback Thursdays on Sober Awkward!Every Thursday, we’re serving up a little slice of Sober Awkward history – a short, powerful clip from one of our most-loved past episodes.Why? Because sometimes, the right words hit differently the second time around. Whether you’re new here or a long-time listener, these throwback moments are here to keep you company, remind you you’re not alone, and offer that little nudge of insight or encouragement just when you need it.Think of it as a midweek check-in. Something bite-sized to walk with, laugh at, or quietly reflect on. And if the clip hits home? You can go back and listen to the full episode anytime – just follow the link in the show notes.We know one episode a week isn’t always enough – so here’s your extra helping of honesty, humour, and a bit of awkwardness to get you through the week.🎧 Listen to the full episode here → https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M5Q1EFGww6FBCmtkXCJfR?si=2eb734cabf18429b

Have you ever been conned? Or are we being conned all the time… and it’s only after a few years of sobriety that the fog lifts and the truth comes into focus?In this episode, we’re taking on the big guns — yep, we’re questioning everything. From government booze taxes and sneaky advertising tactics to ingrained drinking culture and societal pressure. Is alcohol just one big con sold to us from birth? And if so… is sobriety actually a quiet rebellion?Yes - we are taking the blame of the end user today and pointing our fingers at the people in charge of selling us all a massive lie. It’s deep, it’s awkward, and of course, in the most Sober Awkward way, not as serious as it was supposed to be. Somewhere between thigh gaps and Vic’s imaginary OnlyFans page, things take a very weird turn. All we’re going to say is: sandpaper. You’ll have to listen to find out.Tune in as we dig into the system that told us we needed a drink — and why choosing not to might just be the most rebellious thing you’ll ever do.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