Best Sober Curious Movement Podcasts (2025)

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EP27 - Guest Episode - Damian Sharp: Raw-Dogging Life: Damo on Anxiety, Running & AF Living 1:04:18

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1d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Raw-Dogging Life: Damo on Anxiety, Running & AF Living Damian “Damo” Sharp joins Andy & Rich for a candid deep-dive into living life unfiltered — no booze, full presence. We unpack anxiety, blips, and the gritty bits of rebuilding confidence with sleep, nutrition, and those “boring” Zone 2 runs that change everything. We cover: From slips to Phase …

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The Moment “Normal” Became Too Much 10:56

3d ago10:56

10:56

When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal anymore? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives deep into that subtle but powerful shift — the moment when alcohol stops feeling like a treat and starts feeling like a habit. You’ll learn: 🥂 Why “normal drinking” slowly creeps into dependency without you realizing it 🧠 How tolerance, str…

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81. Peptides are NOT big pharma, why they are the future of health, the difference between peptides vs. traditional prescription medications 19:58

21h ago19:58

19:58

In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion in the wellness world — the difference between peptides and medications. She explains what peptides actually are, how they work in the body, and why understanding their role can completely shift how you approach healing, longevity, and fat…

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The Psychology Behind “Letting Loose” 9:28

5d ago9:28

9:28

Why do we say we’re “letting loose” when what we’re really doing is trying to escape? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology behind our favorite drinking phrase — and why society has turned “escape” into something we disguise as “fun.” You’ll learn: How “letting loose” became our modern code word for stress relief What’s happenin…

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EP26 - Andy’s Story, Part 2: Consistency, Culture Shifts & the London Marathon Wake-Up 1:13:01

9d ago1:13:01

1:13:01

This week we pick up Andy’s origin story where we left off — landing in Spain, fusing two drinking cultures, and trying to outrun anxiety with Sunday start lines. We talk about why consistency beats perfection, how to lower resistance to new habits, and what happens when you train hard and drink hard… right up to Andy’s 3:40 at the 2017 London Mara…

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When Did ‘Normal Drinking’ Start Feeling Like Too Much? 10:49

10d ago10:49

10:49

When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how casual, everyday drinking quietly evolves from a harmless ritual into something that leaves you foggy, anxious, and wondering what changed. You’ll learn: How habit loops and tolerance make “just one” feel necessary Why emotional numbing h…

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296: Ultraprocessed Foods in Focus: How is the Food Industry Responding? – Rocco Renaldi 35:50

7d ago35:50

35:50

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/296 Are processed foods truly undermining our health, or are they an essential part of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply? Should the way we classify foods based on processing outweigh decades of national dietary guidelines—or are these systems flawed from the start…

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The Trauma Coach: Why You're Not Addicted, You're Avoiding Yourself 1:01:42

8d ago1:01:42

1:01:42

When life gets loud, do you reach for connection—or for a coping mechanism? In this vulnerable conversation, trauma-informed coach Nina Vasquez makes a bold case: most of us aren’t “addicted”… we’re avoiding ourselves. We explore what it means to stop numbing and start feeling, and how shame, isolation, and disconnection from the body keep us stuck…

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Would You Still Drink If No One Else Did? 9:46

12d ago9:46

9:46

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks one of the most uncomfortable questions about alcohol — do we drink because we want to, or because everyone else does? You’ll learn: Why social conformity and dopamine make group drinking feel so rewarding How alcohol becomes a stand-in for confidence, connection, and belonging Why ingredients like Ashwagan…

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EP25 - Connection Over Consumption: Scott Woolley on Choosing Alcohol-Free & Finding the Outdoors 53:21

16d ago53:21

53:21

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich and Andy sit down with Scott Woolley, founder of Arklet, to unpack the real conversation around alcohol: not a binary “alcoholic or not,” but a spectrum shaped by culture, mental health, and choice. Scott shares his own shift from weekend binges to a decade alcohol-free, how picking up a camera opened the …

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What Have You Missed Because You Were Drinking? 9:43

17d ago9:43

9:43

🎧 How many memories, moments, or opportunities have slipped by while you were drinking? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the quiet cost of alcohol — the birthdays half-remembered, the mornings lost to hangovers, and the life experiences dulled by the buzz. You’ll learn: How alcohol interferes with memory formation and emotional depth Wh…

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80. When Microdosing GLP-1s Isn’t Enough For Fat Loss: Why Needing a Higher Dose Isn’t Failure 33:54

15d ago33:54

33:54

In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret shares her personal experience with microdosing GLP-1 peptides, and observations she’s had having coached clients who are microdosing GLP peptides. She breaks down how microdosing can minimize side effects, support appetite regulation, and improve metabolic health, while emphasizing that it’s n…

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The Science of Joy without Alcohol with The Party Scientist 1:00:19

15d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

By Lee Davy

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Why Do We Drink More When We’re Busy? 9:52

18d ago9:52

9:52

By Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9

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EP24 - Beyond the Peak: Andy’s Origin Story (Part 1) 48:06

23d ago48:06

48:06

Turning 50, mountains on the mind, and no longer chasing a single “peak.” In this solo chat, Rich guides Andy through Part 1 of his origin story - from Bristol roots, rugby and Scouts, to pub-life chaos, backpacking the world, moving to Spain, and becoming a Dad. Andy shares why “peaking” is a myth, how running taught him to love the process, why d…

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Why Do Airports Make Us Drink So Early? 9:49

24d ago9:49

9:49

🎧 Ever wonder why airports make it feel totally normal to order a mimosa at 7AM? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology, biology, and culture behind the airport drinking phenomenon, including: Why airports feel “outside of time” — and how that tricks your brain How stress, social proof, and clever marketing push early cocktail…

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79. How expectations can sabotage healing, lessons on letting go of timelines & surrendering to your health journey 17:06

25d ago17:06

17:06

In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret has an honest conversation about one of the most common questions she hears: “How long is this going to take?” Whether it’s balancing hormones, healing the gut, improving energy, or reaching weight loss goals, many women expect a clear timeline. But the body doesn’t work that way. Instead, Marg…

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The Sleep Myth Behind the Nightcap 10:33

26d ago10:33

10:33

🎧 A glass of wine to help you sleep? It’s an old idea — and one that still lingers in culture, medicine, and even casual advice. But here’s the truth: the “nightcap” might help you fall asleep faster, but it actually wrecks your sleep quality. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the history and science behind the so-called nightcap, including…

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295: Healthy & Sustainable: Exploring Food Values and Their Impact – Lauren Hoffman 50:21

23d ago50:21

50:21

By Melissa Joy Dobbins and Lauren Hoffman

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Alcohol Is the Ultimate Echo Chamber (And Why Safe People Keep You Stuck) 21:27

26d ago21:27

21:27

Ever notice how comforting it feels to run to your “safe people” when life gets rough—the ones who nod, agree, and reassure you? For a moment, you feel calmer. But here’s the catch: nothing really changes. In this episode, I unpack why alcohol is the ultimate echo chamber—always agreeing, never challenging—and how “safe conversations” can quietly k…

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EP23 - Guest Episode - Kelly Harman: Midlife Awakening, Not Crisis: Breathwork, Values & AF Clarity 1:15:16

29d ago1:15:16

1:15:16

On the eve of Andy’s 50th, Rich and Andy welcome Kelly Harman for a grounded conversation about turning a so-called midlife crisis into a midlife awakening. Kelly shares how removing alcohol gave her clarity to recognise misalignment in career and relationships, and why she’s now building Fire & Soul around values-led work and trauma-informed consc…

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The Science Behind Alcohol and Anger 9:52

30d ago9:52

9:52

🎧 Why do some people get funnier, sleepier, or more social after a few drinks — while others get angry, loud, or even aggressive? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the science behind alcohol and aggression, including: How alcohol lowers inhibitions and weakens impulse control Why brain chemistry, hormones, and even stress levels can fuel ag…

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Why Being Homebound Made My Drinking Worse (And How to Break the Cycle) 19:34

1M ago19:34

19:34

The baby wouldn’t stop crying. We were 26, knackered, and suddenly drowning in wine we never meant to drink. When parenthood hit, so did the isolation. Nights out turned into nights in, and without even realising it, we brought the pub into the house. One glass became a bottle. Tuesdays felt like Fridays. And before long, drinking wasn’t a choice—i…

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78. The problem with birth control for PMS, PMDD, Perimenopause and what to do instead 25:37

1M ago25:37

25:37

In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret explores the reality of PMS and PMDD, especially for women in their 30s and 40s. She challenges the conventional approach of prescribing birth control as a “fix,” explaining why it fails to address the root causes of hormonal imbalance. Instead, she highlights the role of bioidentical progester…

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Memory Blackouts & Hangover Flashbacks Explained 11:28

1M ago11:28

11:28

🎧 Why does alcohol sometimes wipe your memory clean — while also making you relive embarrassing flashbacks on repeat? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol rewires your brain’s memory system, including: Why blackouts happen (and why you might not remember anything) The science behind “hangxiety flashbacks” the morning after How …

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EP22 - Coaching the Ego: Acceptance, Consistency, Adaptation 1:01:15

1M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Coaching the Ego: Acceptance, Consistency, Adaptation Rain on the skylight, a snotty nose, and a missed run—perfect conditions for an ego flare-up. In Ep22, Andy and Rich get brutally honest about the ego we all carry and how to coach it rather than let it coach us. We dismantle the “minimum 5K” myth, dig into why easy ≠ pointless, and show how the…

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Why Your “Drunk Voice” Sounds So Different 10:57

1M ago10:57

10:57

🎧 Ever noticed your voice sounds totally different after a few drinks? Louder, raspier, maybe even a little slurred? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of your “drunk voice,” including: How alcohol relaxes vocal muscles and changes pitch Why dehydration makes your voice sound hoarse and shaky The brain effects that make you s…

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77. The Cost of GLP-1s: Insurance, Telehealth Options, Maintenance on semaglutide / tirzepatide 31:35

1M ago31:35

31:35

In today’s episode I’m sharing real talk on the cost of GLP-1 peptides like semaglutide and tirzepatide, what insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, and what it actually takes to maintain results long term. These medications can be powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic health, but they’re not quick fixes. That’s why it’s so important to underst…

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The Migraine Mystery in Your Glass 10:25

1M ago10:25

10:25

🎧 Why do some drinks give you a migraine while others don’t? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising science of alcohol-triggered migraines — and what might be hiding in your glass. From red wine headaches to tequila troubles, we’ll explore the compounds, brain chemistry, and lifestyle factors that make certain drinks worse tha…

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Norm MacDonald on Sobriety, Alcohol, and Life Without Drinking 27:25

1M ago27:25

27:25

Norm MacDonald was one of comedy’s sharpest minds—and in this rare conversation, he opens up about his relationship with alcohol, how quitting changed his creativity, and why living alcohol-free gave him an edge in life. You’ll hear Norm’s stories about drinking on stage, what happens when alcohol becomes part of your persona, and why he believed a…

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EP21 - Guest Episode - Jimmy Watkins (Running Punks): Over 2,000 Days Alcohol-Free, From Live Music to Loud Miles 1:09:49

1M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

In EP21 of Clean Break Chats, Andy & Rich sit down with Jimmy Watkins - co-founder of Running Punks, ex-elite middle-distance runner, and over 2,000 days alcohol-free - for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and choosing a life that actually fits. Jimmy opens up about the moment he realised the live-music lifestyle was costing more t…

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The Real Science Behind Hangover Hell 11:58

2M ago11:58

11:58

🎧 Ever wonder why some nights leave you totally wrecked, while others barely touch you — even if you drank the same amount? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the real science behind hangovers, including: Why darker drinks like whiskey and red wine tend to cause harsher hangovers than vodka or gin The role of congeners, sugar, and dehydratio…

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76. GLP-1s, Dopamine, and Food Noise: A New Way to Experience Food 17:32

2M ago17:32

17:32

Today’s episode is all about something I know so many of you have struggled with: that constant chatter in your head around food. The “should I eat this?” … “why can’t I stop?” … “just one more bite” loop that feels like it never shuts off. This “food noise” can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and even isolating. In this episode, I’m diving into how…

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294: MAHA: A Call to Action – Dr. Kevin Klatt 59:49

1M ago59:49

59:49

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/294 Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is a public health-oriented slogan and initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges facing Americans led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Scientists, medical professionals and public health offic…

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Can Alcohol Change Your Sense of Time? 10:13

2M ago10:13

10:13

🎧 Ever gone out for “just one drink” and suddenly the whole night disappears? Or wake up the next morning and feel like time is crawling at half speed? That’s not just your imagination — alcohol literally changes how your brain perceives time. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of alcohol and time perception, including: How a…

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I Quit Alcohol for 30 Days – Here’s What Really Happened 18:56

2M ago18:56

18:56

Nothing prepares you for quitting alcohol. Not the books, not the blogs, not the horror stories — nothing. Most people think 30 days without alcohol will be a nightmare: no fun, no relaxation, no connection. But what if those fears are exaggerated? What if those 30 days aren’t the end of joy, but the beginning of calmness, clarity, courage, and con…

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EP20 - Real Talk in Real Life: Coaching, Kids & Chaos 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

In our first-ever face-to-face recording, things start off a bit awkward… footsie under the table, intense eye contact, and lots of laughs — but this quickly evolves into one of the most heartfelt, honest, and reflective episodes we’ve recorded to date. Andy’s just moved back to the UK after 21 years in Spain - and he opens up about the emotional c…

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The Surprising Link Between Music and Alcohol 8:28

2M ago8:28

8:28

🎧 Ever notice how a drink tastes better when the right song is playing? That’s not just the vibe — it’s neuroscience. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks how music literally changes the way alcohol tastes and feels, including: Why fast beats make you sip quicker while slow music makes drinks feel smoother How pitch, tempo, and volume shape yo…

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Why I Was Afraid to Lose Friends When I Quit 15:20

2M ago15:20

15:20

What if quitting drinking wasn’t about losing your friends—but about losing your supply? Not alcohol. Not even fun. Supply: that deep hit of approval, belonging, and validation. When I quit drinking, my biggest fear wasn’t the empty pint glass—it was the empty space where my friends’ approval used to be. In this episode, I share how my Performer Pa…

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75. My 6 month update on microdosing a GLP 1, how peptides impact cravings, blood sugar, and can be a tool for longevity 45:39

2M ago45:39

45:39

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re celebrating 75 episodes of the Fueled & Free Podcast! 🎉 In today's episode, I’m sharing my six-month update on microdosing a GLP-1 peptide, Tirzepatide. This hasn’t been about chasing shortcuts or finding an “easy way out,” but rather giving my body the support it needed to finally respond again. Over …

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Does Alcohol Actually Make You More Creative? 8:40

2M ago8:40

8:40

🎧 Does alcohol really unlock creativity — or is that just a myth we love to romanticize? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook digs into the science (and the hype) behind alcohol and creativity, including: Why that first drink can feel like it frees your ideas — and why it’s mostly just lowered inhibitions How alcohol actually slows memory, focus, and …

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EP19 - Guest Episode - Tony Stopforth: Turning Pain Into Purpose with Peaky Runners 1:22:49

2M ago1:22:49

1:22:49

Why do some of us seek out the hard things - 100km ultras, sleep-deprived 4x4x48s, blizzards on high ridges - when life already hurts? In this deep, honest conversation, Tony Stopforth (founder of Peaky Runners) traces how grief, lockdown and a drifting sense of identity pulled him to the trails…and how doing “crazy” challenges became a way to heal…

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Would You Still Drink If It Wasn’t Cool? 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

Would you still drink if it didn’t come with the image? The vibe? The “cool factor”? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol’s popularity has more to do with marketing than biology — and why many of us are drinking for identity, not enjoyment. You’ll learn: How alcohol became the default symbol of adulthood, rebellion, and connect…