After almost exactly a year of podcasting – spanning 51 episodes – co-hosts Ollie and Cess raise a glass to their favourite episodes, best interviewees, top personal stories, the most fervent supporters and more. There is a cathartic close to the podcast, as Clare and Clara, wives of Ollie and Cess, respectively, answer puzzlers on what their spous…

With Upper Bottom hitting a half-century of episodes – woo hoo!! – Ollie and Cess list their top 50 learnings from their sobriety journey. These are listed below – with links to relevant episodes. (Booze News and Just the Tonic return next week.) 1. "Upper Bottom" may raise eyebrows as a podcast name, but it a conversation starter that perfectly ca…

Cess and Ollie welcome local south-east London friend Boo Darlison – who is Matron for Personal Cancer Care, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust – to share her wisdom about how people should invest in their future selves by making good decisions with drink and food before a health disaster strikes. The interview with Boo comes just as America's top do…

In the first episode of 2025, Ollie and Cess invite James Gwinnett to discuss his fascinating and insightful story of overcoming depression and alcoholism – he is nearly nine years sober – after a serious rugby injury, and going on to take part in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins and run a series of ultramarathons. He’s recently released a book – RE…

After a one-week break for the festive holiday, co-hosts Cess and Ollie return to discuss how their sober Christmas Days went – Botivo was a big hit for Cess! Ollie, meanwhile, shares a story about being sozzled in front of Princess Catherine. Oops! And, with the news that a record 15.5 million Britons (29% of the adult population in the UK) are pl…

In the final episode before Christmas – the hosts will take a break on December 24 – Cess and Ollie consider embarrassing drinking tales from work dos in the past. They also contemplate how to ensure a sober person can enjoy themselves during the especially boozy party season, and offer some tips and tricks. Given the time of year, there is also a …

With the festive season in full swing, Cess – now a marathon runner – and Ollie explore how norms are changing regarding Christmas drinking. And it seems that really boring lot, Gen Zzz, is to blame (according to the Daily Mail). A new trend for "Dry Christmas" is gathering pace, quicker than a behind-schdule Rudolph. This movement is being helped …

What was your relationship with alcohol like when growing up? To what extent did how your parents' drinking habits shape your own? And what do today's youngsters think about boozing? Ollie and Cess – who both gave up alcohol at least in part to set a better example for their children – try to answer these big questions. And to assist with the last …

To answer this massive question, Ollie and Cess draw upon their own insights and the straight-talking wisdom of interviewee Gary Mairs – aka sobernsound ("sweary sobriety mentor") on Instagram. Gary's catchphrase for his 33,000+ followers is "get to midnight and go again". He attended AA in April 2014, but struggled with the idea of supplicating to…

Dr Fiona Dowman, a clinical psychologist and addiction specialist, joins Cess and Ollie and shares many illuminating insights for Upper Bottoms – and those who have dropped lower. What are the signs of addiction? Are some people more predisposed to addiction than others? What are drinkers hoping to gain from boozing hard? And what are the tools and…

Is a rock-and-roll lifestyle a shortcut to hitting rock bottom? Cess invites his musical pals Louis Brennan and Tom Bowen, who both stopped drinking during the pandemic, to explore the dangerous dance between sonic creativity and intoxicants. It's a wild jig – and a level lower than usual for Upper Bottom listeners. Indeed, Tom reveals that he was …

To mark episode 40, co-hosts Ollie and Cess have a heart-to-heart about the progress of the podcast, which began in February. They've packed a lot in the last nine months, spoken about their troubles and interviewed the great and the good in this space – but has it all been a form of therapy, albeit in a public forum? The soul-searching comes as li…

When Ollie was drinking, "October 31 sounded the starting pistol to a one-person race for which there were no winners – apart from the venues where I would jollily buy outrageous Yuletide rounds," he writes in his latest Low No Drinker Magazine column. "I can now detect, while scrolling back through my phone to revisit nightmares of past Hallowe’en…

Of no-or-low beer, wine, and spirits, the latter sub-category has most underwhelmed Cess since he started his sobriety journey on January 1, 2023 – can this week's guests change his mind? The co-hosts are joined by Michael Allen, Co-Founder of Scotland-based Naesip, producer of a non-alcoholic gin, called Munroe (much to Cess's excitement), and Cas…

Cannabinoid (CBD) drinks and "functional" drinking are on the rise – indeed, the latter is enjoying a 38% year-on-year increase in the UK, according to Eoin Keegan, Co-Founder & CEO at Goodrays. His drinks are even available as part of the Waitrose meal deal at the moment. For this week's episode, Ollie and Cess dive into the CBD space with a fasci…

Ollie and Cess join Lou Pollitt, Category and Insights Director at Lucky Saint, for a 5-kilometre run around Regent's Park in London. This is a regular community-building event for the leading alcohol-free beer brand, which has rocketed since its establishment in 2018. The trio meets at the Lucky Saint pub, the company's headquarters, to discuss dr…

Over 5,000 adults were surveyed for the annual Drinkaware Monitor – since 2009, the UK’s only national survey that provides an insight into the country’s drinking habits, according to the official bumph. The 2024 Monitor, published on Sept 26, shows: Nine in ten UK drinkers moderate their drinking – up from 87% in 2023 and 84% in 2018 Yet in five (…

Cess and Ollie invite Cami Vidal, Founder of La Maison Wellness, and Gaby Lamb, Co-Founder (with her husband) of 6PERCENT, to discuss a new alcohol-free subcategory: light. The interview – which takes place in Ollie's kitchen (as everyone is based in south-east London) – covers drinking trends, how long it takes to develop a 6% wine that people are…

Ollie and Dan have been busy attending various no- and low-alcohol events, and they are wearing Upper-bottom t-shirts, of course. Here, they capture some of the main takeaways from Drink It In and the Club Soda Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit. So, where is the category right now? And what needs to happen to help it grow? Plus, what is the future o…

The hosts catch up with Jack, aka Kickingthecans on Instagram. He previously featured in one of Upper Bottom's most popular episodes, Final whistle: Why is watching football so boozy, and what's it like sober? Now Jack has reached the milestone of a year sober. And, although he won't be celebrating as such, life is good – and much better than it wa…

For many, September ushers in the end of summer and a halt to holiday indulgence. It's the second reset month of the year after January, and that means reflection, positive change, detoxification, and possibly action. Cess and Ollie have both been active, with the former bagging a couple of Munros in the Highlands and the latter bettering Dame Kell…

In this week's episode, just before schools reopen their doors for the new term, Ollie and Cess reflect on recent overseas holidays and how sobriety and drinking cultures vary in different countries – and how they have evolved. Special attention is paid to Ollie's experiences at a much-loved family retreat on the grape-growing slopes in Perpignan. …

Refreshed after a summer break, Cess and Ollie speak with Martyn Davies, organiser of Sober is Fun (https://www.soberisfun.co.uk/), the UK's first regular sober comedy event, and Ben Jolliffe, who runs Feed the Fire (https://feedthefire.me/dancing), a no-drink or drugs rhythmic dance focused on freedom and connection. Both interviewees stopped drin…

Before taking a well-earned summer break, the podcast hosts Ollie and Cess interview Sean Halpin, a 24-year old who divides his time between Munich and Manchester. He has also just hit one year of sobriety, too. Congratulations, Sean! Sean is an aficionado of Bavarian beer and enthusiastic about the trend for sober curiosity in Germany and plenty o…

In the third and final episode of the three-part mini-series about work and drinking, Cess and Ollie chat about times when they have been boozing on the job – or at least felt the effects the day after a night on the sauce. Cess mentions how a clothes shop colleague was once sent to the stock room because he was feeling worse for wear and proceeded…

For the second instalment of work drinking, Cess and Ollie speak with Liam McNulty – aka Whiskey Richard – who is based in Tokyo. He explains all about nomikai, basically Japanese work parties. There are several layers and dos and don'ts to navigate. Notably, the sober curious movement doesn't seem to have travelled that far east – if people aren't…

Boozing on the job is certainly not advised, but what if drinking is ingrained in work – or at least after-work - culture? To help answer this puzzler, Ollie and Cess welcome Tabbin Almond to the pod to discuss her forthcoming book, Bottling Up Trouble. The statistics are shocking: up to 5% of work absenteeism is due to alcohol; and presenteeism du…

A bone-fide Upper Bottom success story! Cess and Ollie visit the home of Simon – who is now three months sober – and his partner, Jadis. Simon, who works in the financial services industry, shares how alcohol is deeply ingrained in the culture of his profession and how he decided to quit drinking to improve his mental clarity and overall wellbeing …

It became illegal to smoke in all enclosed workplaces across the UK between March 2006 (first in Scotland) and July 2007 (England) – and no one thought it would happen. It just shows the power of government when it puts its mind to something. On the eve of the General Election, Ollie and Cess ponder whether the new government will have the appetite…

On the eve of one of the biggest field-based parties in the world – 200,000 revellers are expected at Worthy Farm – Ollie and Cess speak with DJ Dom Servini. Dom changed his drinking habits a couple of years ago to extend his career (and his life), and he shares some incredible stories about being intoxicated at work. When he decided to stop drinki…

Now for something a little different ... In this thought-provoking episode, unveiled on the eve of the summer solstice, Cess and Ollie are joined by guest Becky Burchell as they delve into the complex relationship between alcohol and accessing our primal selves. The conversation explores the notion that while alcohol has become a societal shortcut …

This week, Cess and Ollie discuss the relationship between alcohol and Father's Day. After attending a low- and no-alcohol event facilitated by KAM Insight and Lucky Saint, the duo, armed with stats, explore the growing trend of moderating alcohol intake and the need for more grown-up options. The conversation highlights the importance of supportin…

Navigating sobriety at a football match can be extremely challenging for people seeking to take back control of their alcohol consumption. For gritty stories and expert advice, Ollie and Cess welcome Jack Stirling (aka Kicking the Cans on Instagram), who is almost nine months sober, and Crystal Palace season-ticket holder Nick Houghton, who is just…

A bumper episode! In booze news Cess and Ollie discuss mocktails, partying in Ibiza without alcohol, and sober parties. That's followed by two fascinating interviews. The first is with US-based lawyer Kris Butler, whose lovely book Drink Maps in Victorian Britain was recently published. She offers an expert perspective on the history of pubs in the…

Ollie and Cess debate what elements make the perfect pub. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's classic essay on his ideal boozer, the Moon Under Water, the hosts share their preferences for what makes a great pub atmosphere. They cover everything, from impressive toilets and bar chat-friendly seating to pub games, animals, and the perfect music…

Is a smelly, sweltering tent the worst place in the world to have a hangover? What is it about camping that brings out people’s wildness? How did a particularly catastrophic drinking session during a camping holiday bring a premature end to one of Ollie’s romantic relationships? And what happened when Cess accidentally sipped REAL booze after almos…

In a podcast first, Ollie and Cess record out and about. They visit Laura Willoughby, MBE, founder of Club Soda UK, at Club Soda's HQ in Covent Garden. After some booze news involving England rugby star Billy Vunipola, and Taylor Swift's "functioning alcoholic" lyric, the CDB-drink-guzzling trio discusses the rise of sober venues and the importance…

In the afterglow of the London Marathon, Ollie and Cess discuss the relationship between running and giving up drinking. They explore how running can serve as a substitute for boozing, and socialising, and how it can help individuals get on track with sobriety. The conversation touches on the impact of running on mental health – just ask Russ Cook …

Time to slay some dragons! Ollie and Cess discuss St George's Day celebrations – have you had your "dragon's blood" cocktail yet? – with beer aficionado Rupert Ponsonby, who provides brilliant stories and details about boozing in England over the years. Before that interview, the hosts reflect upon their experiences with alcohol-free dancing (awkwa…

Friend of the pod Paul Walker, a digital engagement practitioner at the charity Change Grow Live, discusses his experience working in online support for individuals with substance misuse issues. He explains how the charity created a web chat platform to provide digital access to its services and the benefits of this approach. Paul emphasizes the im…

The hosts interview Chrissie Parkinson and Chris Losh, who established the World Alcohol Free Awards to address the lack of recognition and understanding of alcohol-free drinks. According to the competition founders, innovation and creativity in alcohol-free drinks are rapidly evolving, with a focus on artisanal and experimental approaches. Good ne…

In this episode, Ollie – who now boasts a year without booze – and Cess discuss various topics related to alcohol consumption and abstinence. They explore the perception of alcohol as a poison among younger generations and the growing view that boozing is bad. The hosts also reflect on their own experiences of sobriety and the positive changes it h…

Pour away the sickly grape juice! Amanda Thomson made it her mission to create a range of great-tasting non-alcoholic wines, including a sparkling Chardonnay – which co-hosts Ollie and Cess can confirm is exquisitely good. It took a long time, as Amanda tells Ollie, to create the "perfect liquid", but now you will find NOUGHTY, the AF range of wine…

Taking a break from interviewing guests, Ollie and Cess discuss their experiences with alcohol and the life-threatening situations they have found themselves in while under the influence. The hosts share personal stories of risky behaviour and regrets, highlighting the need for self-reflection and growth. Are boys / men more reckless with (and with…

Ahead of St Patrick's Day, Ollie and Cess speak to three Irish people to better understand what it's all about. Catherine Doogan offers some historical context, Melissa Kelly discusses going sober in Ireland, and Terry – a barman in the Blythe Hill Tavern – provides some words of wisdom to complete the unholy trinity. Whether you decide to drink a …

Ollie and Cess speak with Bethan Higson, Founder of Mother Root, an alternative – and delicious – grown-up "switchel" drink, and the trio discuss society's expectations of women and drinking habits. Bethan offers some advice to sober curious listeners, and Cess offers a brief history lesson on Mothering Sunday, while Ollie has a confession his own …

Ollie and Cess ask two friends of the pod, Natalie and Ryan, who have been sober for two months, to discuss their experiences with extending Dry January and their motivations. The guests explore the effects of sobriety on sleep, physical health, and mental well-being. They also discuss the challenges of social situations, the reactions of friends a…

Stuart Elkington, Founder of drydrinker.com, the UK’s top-rated independent low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drink specialist, joins Ollie and Cess for a deep dive into being a “dry drinker”. He discusses industry trends and – praise be! – serves up some passable 0-ish% wine recommendations. In booze news, the hosts consider some of the 546 words Brit…

Julia Linehan*, Founder and CEO of B2B adtech PR agency The Digital Voice, joins Ollie and Cess to talk about SPILL – Sober Party Industry Lads and Ladies – and (almost) five years of sobriety. *Not Jane, as a muddled Ollie mentions at c 5.39 minutes – SORRY Julia. The hosts also discuss their first taste of alcohol, and also how attending weddings…

Hosts Ollie and Cess reveal their early challenges with going sober – and offer a useful analogy of pals being lifted away on a hot air balloon – before realising the obvious and unforeseen benefits of not boozing. Mindset is everything, and not drinking – rather than moderating drinking – could be the game-changer for you, too. The pair also tackl…