Upper Bottom

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 spouse’s sobriety means to them. The replies – which the hosts hear for the first time on air – will surprise you as much as it does them. This is a fitting end to the 12 months of public therapy. Thanks so much for your support and warmth. We have had a brilliant year. Who would bet against a Christmas special? Seriously, we hope this becomes a useful resource for other Upper Bottoms. Good luck with your journeys. And whether you want to ditch the booze or not, may the dice be kind, may the wind be at your back, and may the gods turn the occasional blind eye. # [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en]dryjanuary #soberjourney [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en] #sobercurious [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobercurious/?hl=en] #soberadvice [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberadvice/?hl=en] #sobriety [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobriety/?hl=en] #upperbottompodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/upperbottompodcast/?hl=en]

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 captures the essence of alcohol consumption that requires explanation and context. Episode 1: What is an “Upper Bottom”? [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-an-upper-bottom/id1729582919?i=1000644622954] 2. Britain's relationship with alcohol has reached crisis levels. Government statistics show alcohol-specific deaths in England rose 63.8% from 2006 to 2023, reaching a record high of 15 per 100,000 population. 3. The UK faces a particularly concerning trend with youth drinking, especially among girls. England ranks highest globally for child alcohol use, with 11 and 13-year-olds being the most likely to have tried alcohol compared to 44 other countries surveyed. 4. Both governments and corporations bear responsibility for enabling alcohol harm in pursuit of economic growth. The cancer-causing effects of alcohol were known for nearly a decade before becoming widely publicised. 5. The British relationship with drinking is reflected in its expansive vocabulary, with 546 documented words for drunkenness. From "trolleyed" to "steampigged", these colourful terms reveal how deeply alcohol is woven into the cultural fabric. Episode 4: What is a “Dry Drinker”? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-is-a-dry-drinker/id1729582919?i=1000647171472] 6. Stopping drinking is merely the beginning of the sobriety journey. The societal narratives about needing alcohol for relaxation and socialising are deeply ingrained but fundamentally false. 7. There's a growing trend towards moderate drinking in the UK, according to the latest Drinkaware statistics. Nine in ten drinkers are now attempting to moderate their consumption, up from 84% in 2018. Episode 35: Drinkaware research indicates a sobering trend: But are UK drinkers binning the booze? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/drinkaware-research-indicates-a-sobering-trend-but/id1729582919?i=1000671364339] 8. Society's attitude towards alcohol reveals stark contradictions, particularly regarding mothers. Women are stigmatised for drinking during pregnancy but then encouraged to embrace the "wine o'clock" culture after giving birth. Episode 6: What is Mothering Sunday’s relationship with booze like in 2024? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-is-mothering-sundays-relationship-with-booze-like/id1729582919?i=1000648846032] 9. Women face unique challenges when choosing sobriety. The assumption that women who don't drink must be pregnant reveals persistent societal biases. Episode 5: Extending Dry January – what does two months sober feel like? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/extending-dry-january-what-does-two-months-sober-feel-like/id1729582919?i=1000648019196] 10. Learning to sit with discomfort, boredom, and unhappiness is a vital life skill. The constant pursuit of happiness is ultimately an immature approach to life. 11. Alcohol's impact on the brain is both immediate and long-lasting. While it provides temporary pleasure through dopamine release, regular drinking can alter brain structure and impair memory, though many effects can be reversed with sobriety. Episode 49: Last orders: Are you an Upper Bottom waiting for a crisis to stop drinking? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/last-orders-are-you-an-upper-bottom-waiting-for/id1729582919?i=1000683865871] 12. Ollie and Cess represent a broader cultural shift in lifestyle choices. Their experience shows that individuals are rarely as unique as they imagine themselves to be. 13. Workplace culture is shifting away from alcohol-centric socialising. With 34% of employees avoiding work socials due to alcohol, there's increasing demand for inclusive, alcohol-free venues and activities. Episode 29: Laughter and rhythm without the booze: Can sober events redefine nightlife? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/laughter-and-rhythm-without-the-booze-can-sober/id1729582919?i=1000665948921] 14. Today's binge drinking culture will one day be viewed as barbaric as bear baiting. Future generations will likely look back on our drinking habits with bewilderment and distaste. 15. Alcohol significantly impacts workplace productivity and attendance. Up to 5% of work absenteeism is alcohol-related, with presenteeism costing the UK economy over £1.4 billion annually. Episode 25: From office hours to happy hours: Is workplace drinking a recipe for disaster (part one)? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/from-office-hours-to-happy-hours-is-workplace-drinking/id1729582919?i=1000662353044] 16. Running 26 miles in sandals is possible. Physical achievements don't require alcohol as motivation or reward. 17. Vinnie Jones's perspective on sobriety after 11 years is enlightening. His observation that "drinking is a young man's sport" and "ego is not your amigo" carries particular weight. 18. Mountain climbing doesn't require an alcoholic reward. Physical achievements can be celebrated without alcohol. 19. The podcast has served as an extended form of public therapy. Sharing experiences openly has been therapeutic for both hosts and listeners. 20. Ollie's boozy, near-death experience with quicksand is a powerful metaphor. Life's challenges can appear suddenly and require clear-headed thinking to overcome. Episode 8: What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve done when drinking alcohol? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-8-whats-the-most-dangerous-thing-youve-done/id1729582919?i=1000649650061] 21. Ice cream gluttony holds no appeal for the host. Different people have different vices and triggers. 22. The commercialisation of St Patrick's Day through alcohol marketing diminishes Ireland's rich cultural heritage. The "land of Saints and Scholars" deserves better recognition than as a drinking holiday. Episode 7: St Patrick’s Day special: Do the celebrations lose their fizz when not drinking? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/st-patricks-day-special-do-the-celebrations-lose/id1729582919?i=1000649264801] 23. Writing Google reviews about establishments' non-alcoholic options is an effective way to create change. It helps normalise and encourage alcohol-free choices. Episode 15: Club Soda special: How can sober venues boost mindful drinking? [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/club-soda-special-how-can-sober-venues-boost-mindful/id1729582919?i=1000654767887] 24. Non-alcoholic wine hasn't yet matched the quality developments seen in alcohol-free beer. This market gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. 25. Sobriety is achieved through consistent daily habits and patience. Time compounds these small actions into lasting change. 26. Discovering you don't actually enjoy the taste of beer can be revelatory. It shows how much of drinking is habitual rather than about taste. 27. The human palate can be retrained to reject alcohol. What once tasted appealing can become unpalatable through sobriety. 28. Connecting with nature can provide the sense ...

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 doctor, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, calls for risk warnings on alcoholic beverages, similar to the labels on cigarettes, following new research that links the drinks to seven types of cancer. Meanwhile, new stats indicate 22 million (45%) of UK adults are attempting to moderate their boozing, and one in three visits to the "on-trade" – ie pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and bars – are now alcohol free. Booze News Items:  BBC: US top doctor calls for cancer warnings on alcohol (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj90x3np0zpo [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj90x3np0zpo]) Morning Advertiser: Low & no drinkers are a key part of socialising groups now (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/12/12/diageo-looks-at-how-low-no-drinkers-are-key-to-socialising/ [https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/12/12/diageo-looks-at-how-low-no-drinkers-are-key-to-socialising/]) More Morning Advertiser stats: https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/01/08/research-shows-38-drinking-low-no-semi-regularly/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08-Jan-2025&cid=DM1183755&bid=589422097 [https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/01/08/research-shows-38-drinking-low-no-semi-regularly/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08-Jan-2025&cid=DM1183755&bid=589422097]  PA: How sobriety changes the brain (https://pa.media/blogs/pa-editors-picks/how-sobriety-changes-the-brain/ [https://pa.media/blogs/pa-editors-picks/how-sobriety-changes-the-brain/]) Morning Advertiser: Lucky Saint to give away 100k pints through 15 UK pubcos (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/01/06/major-uk-pubcos-team-up-with-lucky-saint-for-pints-giveaway/ [https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/01/06/major-uk-pubcos-team-up-with-lucky-saint-for-pints-giveaway/]) # [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en]dryjanuary #soberjourney [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en] #sobercurious [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobercurious/?hl=en] #soberadvice [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberadvice/?hl=en] #sobriety [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobriety/?hl=en] #upperbottompodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/upperbottompodcast/?hl=en]

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 – READY, SET, LIFE, available on Amazon – which recounts James’ experiences in light of his wife giving birth to a baby boy. The hosts also catch up with friend-of-the-show Ryan, who has just managed 12 months of sobriety – and he has some surprising words of wisdom for listening. Good luck to those who are trying Dry January. Keep going strong! Booze News Items: Evening Standard: I'm an alcoholic, and I know why Dry January can mask a serious alcohol addiction (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/im-an-alcoholic-and-i-know-why-dry-january-can-mask-a-serious-alcohol-addiction/ar-AA1wN7TG [https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/im-an-alcoholic-and-i-know-why-dry-january-can-mask-a-serious-alcohol-addiction/ar-AA1wN7TG]) LadBible: How long it takes for brain to recover from drinking alcohol and timeline of reversing effects (https://www.ladbible.com/lifestyle/brain-recover-from-alcohol-how-long-013316-20250101 [https://www.ladbible.com/lifestyle/brain-recover-from-alcohol-how-long-013316-20250101]) Daily Mail: Experts reveal the little-known hack that'll make you stick to Dry January (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14239701/hack-make-stick-Dry-January.html [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14239701/hack-make-stick-Dry-January.html]) BBC: Dry January: I spent a year without alcohol (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8nmvxxxxeo [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8nmvxxxxeo]) # [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en]dryjanuary #soberjourney [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en] #sobercurious [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobercurious/?hl=en] #soberadvice [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberadvice/?hl=en] #sobriety [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobriety/?hl=en] #upperbottompodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/upperbottompodcast/?hl=en] #drychristmas [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/drychristmas/?hl=en]

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 planning to participate in Dry January, the pair have plenty of tips to help those giving up booze for a month ... or perhaps longer. Happy New Year to all our listeners. Good luck. Here's to a healthy and prosperous 2025! Booze News Items: Daily Mirror: Guinness shortage update issued after stocks run dry and pubs ration drinks (https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/guinness-shortage-update-issued-after-34351484 [https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/guinness-shortage-update-issued-after-34351484]) Daily Mirror: Almost a third of Brits sign up for biggest Dry January yet - 5 top tips for success (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/dry-january-2025-success-tips-34346465 [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/dry-january-2025-success-tips-34346465]) The Guardian: The Swedish sobriety secret: dry December – and off-licences shut on a Saturday night (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/18/the-swedish-sobriety-secret-dry-december-and-off-licences-shut-on-a-saturday-night [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/18/the-swedish-sobriety-secret-dry-december-and-off-licences-shut-on-a-saturday-night]) Gloucestershire Live (via MSN): 'I'm a GP and this is how Dry January you can reset your sleep in four weeks’ (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/im-a-gp-and-this-is-how-dry-january-you-can-reset-your-sleep-in-four-weeks/ar-AA1wqipp [https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/im-a-gp-and-this-is-how-dry-january-you-can-reset-your-sleep-in-four-weeks/ar-AA1wqipp]) # [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en]dryjanuary #soberjourney [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberjourney/?hl=en] #sobercurious [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobercurious/?hl=en] #soberadvice [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/soberadvice/?hl=en] #sobriety [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sobriety/?hl=en] #upperbottompodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/upperbottompodcast/?hl=en] #christmasdrinking [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/christmasdrinking/?hl=en] #drychristmas [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/drychristmas/?hl=en]