Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast

Sarah Fellows: Grieving a parent lost to addiction

In this deeply moving episode of Children of Alcoholics, Sarah and Amy are joined by Sarah Fellows – a mum of three, physiotherapist, somatic therapist and adult child of an alcoholic mother. Sarah shares her story of growing up with a mum who struggled with alcohol addiction, the complex grief that followed her mum’s death, and what it’s like to grieve not just the parent you lost, but the parent you never truly had. Together, they explore the emotional neglect, hypervigilance and survival strategies that so many children of alcoholics carry into adulthood. The conversation dives into nervous system regulation, somatic therapy and how trauma is stored in the body – often resurfacing years later in unexpected ways. Sarah speaks honestly about anger, guilt, relief and shame, motherhood after addiction, and the lifelong work of breaking generational cycles. Sarah also shares the story behind a song she wrote in the depths of grief after her mum’s death – a song that went on to be gifted to Nacoa and has resonated powerfully with others affected by addiction. This episode is raw, validating and deeply compassionate. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, grief is complex, and it is possible to choose a different story for the next generation. Content note: This episode includes discussion of parental addiction, death, trauma and grief.

Maleena Pone: Making my COA documentary, 'Saving Mum' (THIS WEEK on Channel 4)

Filmmaker Maleena Pone joins Sarah and Amy to discuss Saving Mum, her Channel 4 documentary airing Wednesday 10th at 1pm. Maleena shares her powerful story of growing up as the eldest daughter in a South Asian family, supporting a mother who struggled with alcoholism, and navigating loss, responsibility and resilience. Together they explore what it means to love a parent with addiction, the pressure to fix and care for others, the impact on identity and relationships, and the process of breaking long-held emotional patterns. A raw and compassionate conversation for anyone who grew up around alcohol misuse — or is still healing from it. Support our work by becoming a member [https://nacoa.org.uk/get-involved/donating/become-a-member/] of Nacoa.

Special COA Pod announcement: Our brand new pod, COA Lives!

Hi all! Sarah and Amy here, from the Children of Alcoholics Podcast. We’re back with a new series soon.  Promise!  But in the meantime, we wanted to share with you about a second new Nacoa podcast - a younger sibling to the Sarah and Amy you might say. It’s called COA Lives! It’s hosted by Nacoa patron and all round excellent guy, the Right Honourable Jonathan Ashworth! Since leaving Parliament after years of campaigning for children of alcoholics, he’s set off on a new journey to hear COA stories from some heroic advocates of the cause, unfiltered and in their own words. Searching for that common thread of fellow feeling between us all. Amy - Hello! That sounds familiar. 😂  The first episode featured Calum Best and the demons he’s faced while speaking out. The next episode of COA Lives will feature…. Sarah - Me, Sarah!  Amy - So if you want - like me - to see the tables turned on Sarah, do tune in! Just search for COA Lives to listen and subscribe.

Quint Boa: Psychotherapy, animation, and son of a famous alcoholic dad

In this moving and honest episode, Sarah and Amy talk with Quint Boa, psychotherapist, filmmaker, and son of actor Bruce Boa (Fawlty Towers, Empire Strikes Back, Full Metal Jacket).   Quint opens up about his childhood growing up with an alcoholic parent, how that environment shaped his own drinking and recovery, and how he now uses animation and psychotherapy to help others understand mental health and addiction.   Together, they explore intergenerational trauma, emotional survival, sobriety, parenting, and finding humour in healing.   Honest. Emotional. Relatable. Real. If you grew up around alcohol misuse or love someone who struggles with addiction, this conversation will resonate deeply.

John Taylor: From Childhood Trauma to COA Author, Filmmaker and Therapist

In this episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with John Taylor – counsellor, accredited family therapist, filmmaker and author – to talk about growing up as the child of an alcoholic, his journey into recovery, and his mission to support families living with addiction. John shares the story behind his book and documentary 1 in 5, reflecting on the trauma he experienced as a child, the stigma and silence that surround alcoholism, and the healing power of speaking out. With over two decades of sobriety and nearly as many years supporting families through Turning Point, John offers both professional insight and deeply personal honesty. Together, we explore the hidden impact of alcohol addiction on children, the coping strategies we carry into adulthood, and why finding your voice – and a community – can change everything. If you’ve ever felt invisible growing up around alcohol, this conversation is for you.