Sober at Work (Part 3 of 4): The “Welcome Drink” Problem

Sober at Work (Part 3 of 4): The “Welcome Drink” Problem

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470920/fan_mail/new] We’re back after a few weeks of much-needed holiday rest — feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to continue our Sober at Work four-part series. In Part 3 of 4, we discuss the “welcome drink” problem: what happens when workplace events offer alcohol as the default way to greet, include, or celebrate people. A welcome drink should make people feel welcome. But when the only thoughtful options are beer, wine, Prosecco, or cocktails, it can unintentionally signal that alcohol is still the center of professional connection. In this episode, we talk about: * why alcohol-free inclusion matters in workplace settings * how corporate events can unintentionally exclude non-drinkers * why NA options should be easy to find, appealing, and normalized * how workplaces can create more thoughtful, respectful event cultures This is a key conversation for anyone navigating work events, conferences, client gatherings, or professional celebrations while alcohol-free, sober curious, or simply choosing not to drink. Part 4 is next: The Power of Explanation — what to say, and what not to feel pressured to explain, when you don’t drink at work.

Sober at Work (Part 2 of 4): Work Events, Free Alcohol, and the Career Fallout

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470920/fan_mail/new] In Part 2 of our 4-part mini-series Sober at Work, we dive into the side of workplace drinking culture that doesn’t get enough airtime: the consequences. From conferences to office celebrations to holiday parties, alcohol is often treated as the default “reward.” But when free drinks meet professional settings, the aftermath can include gossip, regret, anxiety, and reputational fallout — especially for people early in an alcohol-free journey. In this episode, we discuss: *  why “free alcohol” changes workplace dynamics  *  the post-event gossip cycle and its impact  *  anxiety, shame, and the career cost people don’t anticipate  *  why sobriety supports clarity, confidence, and professionalism  Part 3 is next — focused on inclusion, non-alcoholic options, and what it means to feel genuinely welcome at work events.

Sober at Work (Part 1 of 4): Navigating Boozy Workplace Culture

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470920/fan_mail/new] Welcome to Year 2 of Sober Across the Pond — and thank you again for helping us reach our one-year anniversary and 1,000 downloads milestone. We’re continuing the momentum with a new mini-series: Sober at Work. In Part 1 of 4, we talk about workplace drinking culture and how it shows up in corporate life — from “boozy norms” to social expectations — and how staying alcohol-free can become a quiet superpower in clarity, confidence, and authenticity. We cover: *  how workplace culture has shifted since COVID and hybrid work  *  why alcohol still shows up as the default “social glue” in many environments  *  how to stay authentic when you’re asked about drinking (or not drinking)  Part 2 drops next, where we get into the real-world consequences and what happens at work events when alcohol is the default.

Anniversary Special — The Rush of Love (Video/Audio Now Matched)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470920/fan_mail/new] This is the correct audio release of our Anniversary Special ‘Rush of Love’ conversation (the video version was always correct). If you listened earlier and it didn’t match the video, this is the version you wanted. In this episode, we talk about gratitude, connection, and why sobriety brings your best feelings back online — plus a quick behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a podcast going alongside full-time jobs and family life. Thanks for being part of our podcast family. Prefer video? The Vimeo version is here: https://vimeo.com/1183617187/7a09ca80cd?fl=tl&fe=ec

Stigma, Sobriety & the Moderation Myth (Anniversary Special — Part 1 of 2)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470920/fan_mail/new] Anniversary Special (Part 1 of 2): Stigma + engagement fear + the moderation myth In Part 1 of our anniversary special, we talk about one of the most common frustrations for sober-curious and “middle lane” drinkers: stigma. Many people can relate to this moment: you say you’re taking a break from alcohol — and the response is, “Oh… I didn’t know you had a problem.” We explore: *  Why stigma still shapes how people talk about alcohol  *  Why some people hesitate to even engage publicly (likes/comments) because they worry what others will assume  *  Why sobriety can be a real “superpower” in clarity and self-awareness  *  Why the “moderation” approach often becomes exhausting — and can keep people stuck  This is Part 1 of 2 in our anniversary special series. Part 2 drops next.