The Clear Head Club

This week on The Tash and Holly Show.… Friendships changing in sobriety, what to say when people ask why you don’t drink, what actually keeps us sober, alcohol, drugs and fake confidence, and those “good times” we remember having when we were drinking. We also talk about natural highs, authentic fun and one very memorable Sober Sisters hike where things got a little more free-spirited than usual! Because getting sober isn’t about giving up fun, confidence, connection or amazing memories. It’s about discovering that you can experience all of those things without alcohol or drugs. And sometimes the highs you get from actually being present, connected and completely yourself are better than anything alcohol ever gave you. As always, honest conversations, plenty of laughs and absolutely no bullshit. Keep sending us your topics and you might hear yours on the next show! Tash & Holly x

If you want to get sober and change your life, you need to hear this episode. This is not an easy conversation about sobriety. This is about taking responsibility. And I do not hold back. There are some harsh reminders in this episode. Some uncomfortable truths. Some valuable life lessons that I believe we all need to hear, whether we are struggling with alcohol or simply know that something in our life needs to change. Because at some point, we have to stop waiting for somebody else to fix it. We have to stop blaming our circumstances, our past, our relationships, our stress, our childhood, our jobs, other people or alcohol itself. We have to be willing to look honestly at our own choices and take responsibility for what we do next. That doesn’t mean blaming yourself. It doesn’t mean beating yourself up. It means recognising that you have more power than you might think. In this episode, I’m talking about what taking responsibility really looks like when you’re trying to get sober, the excuses that can keep you stuck, the uncomfortable questions you need to ask yourself and why your life can start changing when you stop waiting for someone or something else to change it for you. And I’m not just giving you harsh truths. I’m giving you practical tips, questions and exercises you can actually do to start taking responsibility for your life today. If you’re drinking and desperately want things to change, if you’ve tried to get sober before, if you keep finding yourself stuck in the same patterns, or if you know deep down that it’s time to stop making excuses and start doing something differently… Listen to this episode. It might be uncomfortable. It might challenge you. It might make you look at yourself differently. But it could also be the reminder you needed to finally change your life.

In this episode of The Clear Head Club, I’m joined by Gary Mairs from Sober N Sound for a conversation that goes right into the highs, lows, chaos and everything in between. Gary opens up about his most embarrassing moment during his drinking, the darkest times of his alcoholism and what it really took to turn his life around. But this isn’t just a story about how bad things got. We also talk about the brightest parts of Gary’s sobriety, the life he has created since getting sober and what happens when you stop living a life you constantly need to escape from and start building one you genuinely love. Gary now uses his own experience to help other people change their relationship with alcohol and discover that sobriety doesn’t have to mean a smaller life. In fact, it can be the beginning of a much bigger one. We talk honestly about addiction, shame, recovery, identity, finding yourself again and why living sober can be the best decision of your life. You can find Gary and follow his work at @sobernsound on Instagram.

What if some of the things you’ve struggled with for years finally started to make sense? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Claire Stubbs, the counselling psychologist and ADHD assessor who diagnosed me with ADHD earlier this year. We talk about ADHD and addiction, alcohol and the brain, whether to medicate ADHD or not, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and ADHD during perimenopause and menopause. I also share my own experience of being diagnosed and what it’s made me realise about my past. Whether you have ADHD, think you might have it, know someone who does, or have struggled with alcohol or addiction, this conversation is for you. A fascinating conversation about understanding your brain, your behaviours and yourself in a completely different way.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations around non-consensual sex, eating disorders, drug and alcohol use, addiction and experiences that may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself when deciding whether this episode is right for you. The first ever Tash & Holly Show has landed! This is a brand new part of The Clear Head Club where you send us the questions and topics you want us to talk about, and we have the conversations. In our first episode, we’re talking about consent when drinking, navigating those difficult early days of sobriety, some of our drunken travel stories and why we think we became addicts in the first place? We don’t always have the answers, but we’re willing to have the conversations. Some are serious, some are uncomfortable, and some will have you laughing at the things we got up to before sobriety. Want us to talk about something on the next Tash & Holly Show? Send us your questions and topics. Listen to The Clear Head Club wherever you get your podcasts.

George is 26 years old and nearly five years sober. His story is powerful and inspiring, and I’m incredibly grateful that he was brave enough to open up and share it with me. George grew up in an alcoholic household with two alcoholic parents, and spent years of his childhood living with the impact of alcohol within his family. We talk about his childhood, his own relationship with alcohol as he got older, his health struggles, and one night in a park in Brighton that had an enormous impact on his life. We also talk about the reasons he eventually decided that he wanted to give up drinking and build a better life for himself. At just 22 years old, George stopped drinking. Nearly five years later, George has built an incredibly blessed life, and hearing him talk about the journey he has been on and everything he has created since giving up alcohol is genuinely inspiring. George was incredibly open and honest in this conversation, and I’m so grateful he trusted me enough to share his story. There is so much courage in George’s story, but what I love most is where he is today. He chose a different path at just 22, and the life he has created since is something he should be incredibly proud of. Thank you, George, for being so open, so honest and so brave in sharing your story. I feel very lucky to have had this conversation with you.

EPISODE 29 | Abandoning Yourself With Alcohol. Coming Home to Yourself in Sobriety. What if getting sober isn’t about becoming a completely different person, but about finally coming home to yourself? For so many of us, alcohol becomes a way of disconnecting from ourselves. We learn to numb, avoid, suppress and escape. We lose touch with what we feel, what we need, who we are and what we actually want. But sobriety gives us the opportunity to turn back towards ourselves. The more we get to know ourselves, the more we begin to understand who we are underneath the habits, coping mechanisms, expectations and behaviours we may have picked up along the way. And from there, we can begin to accept ourselves as we are, understand what we genuinely need, and build the tools that actually keep us safe. In this solo episode, I’m talking about self-abandonment, alcohol, self-acceptance and what it really means to come home to yourself in sobriety. Because sobriety isn’t just about taking alcohol away. It’s about finding yourself again.

This week’s episode is a special one. Welcome to the very first studio episode of The Clear Head Club and my first ever guest interview. I’m joined by the incredible Holly, who has just celebrated one year sober. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Holly shares the reality of where alcohol took her, from her lowest moments and most embarrassing drunk story to the life she’s built since choosing sobriety. We talk about why she no longer feels the need to escape herself, how her confidence has grown, what surprised her most about getting sober and why she now wakes up genuinely happy to be alive. If you’ve ever wondered whether life really can get better without alcohol, Holly is living proof that it can. You can find Holly on Instagram @hollyssoberdiaries.

If alcohol makes you feel so shit, why do so many people keep going back to it? In today’s episode, I share my own experience of what kept me stuck in that cycle for years. Now, eight years sober, I understand it wasn’t as simple as just stopping drinking. We talk about what alcohol is actually doing to your brain, the neuroscience behind why it can be so difficult to stop, and everyone’s favourite feel-good chemical, dopamine, and the part it plays in keeping the cycle going. The more you understand alcohol and what it’s doing to your brain, the more everything starts to make sense. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep going back to something that makes you feel so awful, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Clear head Club, I talk about something that has completely changed the way I understand myself: my ADHD diagnosis at 39. For years I wondered why I felt different. Why I struggled with certain things that seemed to come naturally to other people. Why I found emotions so intense, why I chased dopamine, why I struggled with impulsivity, overwhelm and feeling like I never quite fitted in. I share my own story of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, how it affected me as a child, through my teenage years and into adulthood, and how it played a role in my relationship with alcohol and addiction. I also dive into the science behind ADHD and addiction, looking at how the ADHD brain works, why people with ADHD can be more vulnerable to seeking ways to escape uncomfortable feelings, and why understanding our brains is such an important part of recovery. This episode is about education, awareness and compassion. Especially for young people who may be growing up feeling like they are too much, not enough, or somehow different without understanding why. Getting sober taught me that I didn’t need to escape myself. I needed to understand myself. ADHD does not have to define your life. You can learn how your brain works, build tools that support you, and become the most authentic version of yourself without needing to numb, hide or run away from the difficult moments. If you have ADHD, think you might have ADHD, love someone with ADHD, or you’re curious about the connection between ADHD and addiction, I hope this episode helps you feel seen and reminds you that you are not alone.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why we believe birthdays, weddings, holidays, Christmas and even motherhood somehow need alcohol? In this episode of The Clear Head Club, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest marketing success stories in history. I explore how the alcohol industry has spent decades convincing us that drinking is the key to celebration, relaxation, confidence and connection. We talk about the messages we’ve absorbed without even realising it, from wine mum culture to the pressure placed on men to drink, and how these narratives shape the way we think. I also share the experience of hosting my recent sober retreat in Bulgaria, where we laughed, connected, explored and made unforgettable memories without a drop of alcohol. It was a powerful reminder that the best moments in life don’t come from what’s in your glass. They come from being fully present. If you’ve ever wondered whether life is actually better without alcohol, or you’re questioning the beliefs you’ve grown up with, this episode will challenge the stories we’ve all been told and offer a completely different perspective. Because the occasion was never the problem. The alcohol was.

In this week’s episode of The Clear Head Club Podcast, I talk about what it really means to be authentically yourself and why so many of us lose sight of who we are when we’re stuck in survival mode, people-pleasing, or using alcohol to escape. I share how sobriety creates the space to reconnect with your true self, pursue your passions, and build a life that feels so fulfilling you no longer want to run away from it. We explore the science behind purpose, passion, and wellbeing, alongside personal stories from my own journey of getting sober and creating a life I genuinely love waking up to. I also talk about practical ways to uncover what lights you up, how to overcome fear and self-doubt, and why following your passions can actually strengthen your sobriety rather than threaten it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what comes next, this episode is your reminder that you are allowed to change, grow, dream bigger, and become the person you were always meant to be.

In this episode of The Clear Head Club I share powerful sobriety life hacks that can completely shift the way you think about your life, your habits and your future. We go beyond just not drinking and into building a life that feels genuinely exciting to wake up to. I talk about the importance of remembering your why and staying grounded in reality instead of slipping into the fantasy that can pull you off track. We explore how awareness changes everything and how powerful it is when you start noticing your thoughts, your triggers and your patterns instead of reacting on autopilot. I also share how to start chasing healthy dopamine so your brain begins to crave what actually supports you rather than what destroys you. We look at how sobriety is not about restriction but about creation. You are building something new. A life that feels aligned, energised and full of possibility. This episode is about stepping into that mindset and learning to see sobriety as something that expands your life rather than limits it. If you are ready to feel more in control, more inspired and more connected to the life you are building then this episode is for you.

Welcome back to The Clear Head Club Podcast. This week is a special episode because for the first time ever, I’m answering your questions sent in through voice notes. From Mum wine culture to living with someone who has an addiction, from navigating withdrawal symptoms to learning how to socialise and have fun without alcohol, no topic is off limits. These are real questions from real listeners and I’m sharing my honest thoughts, personal experience and professional insight as a recovery coach who has been alcohol free for eight years. In this episode we discuss: • Mum wine culture and the normalisation of alcohol • Loving and living with someone who struggles with addiction • How to socialise, connect and enjoy life without drinking • Common withdrawal symptoms and what to expect • The fears, challenges and realities of changing your relationship with alcohol Whether you’re sober curious, newly alcohol free, supporting a loved one or well into your recovery journey, I hope this episode gives you reassurance, clarity and a reminder that you’re not alone. Thank you to everyone who sent in a voice note and trusted me with your questions. Let’s get into it.

In this episode, I share some exciting news about what is coming next for The Clear Head Club, including the introduction of guest episodes and what you can expect from them. Each guest will bring honesty, humour, and real life lessons, and I cannot wait for you to hear their stories. To kick things off, I open up with an embarrassing drunk story of my own and reflect on the difference between who I was at 30 compared to who I am at (nearly!) 40. This episode is about accountability, responsibility, and what happens when you finally stop outsourcing your power. Because when you start owning your choices, your life begins to change in ways you never thought possible. It is a reminder that you are not stuck, you are not powerless, and you are the creator of your life. Everything shifts when you start living like it.

Hey guys, it’s a short episode from me today, sharing the new intro for The Clear Head Club. I’m really excited for you all to hear it and for this next chapter of the podcast. I’m also inviting you to send in your voice notes for an upcoming Q&A episode! I’d love to hear your questions, thoughts, or any inspirational stories you want to share. I leave you with a few words of inspiration at the end of this one. Thanks for being here.

In this episode of The Clear Head Club, we dive into what it truly means to live an extraordinary life after alcohol and how sobriety can become the foundation for creating everything you truly want. I talk about the power of your thoughts, energy, frequency, mindset and the science behind how repeated thoughts shape feelings, behaviours and ultimately your reality. This is not just “woo woo” thinking. There is real psychology and neuroscience behind the way our thoughts influence the direction of our lives. Inside this episode, I also share a powerful exercise to help you get clear on the life you want to create and how to start aligning your daily thoughts, emotions and actions with that version of yourself. Sobriety is not just about removing alcohol. It is about creating a life so fulfilling, purposeful and extraordinary that you no longer want to escape from it. If you are ready to raise your standards, shift your mindset and begin consciously creating the life you deserve, this episode is for you.

When I was drinking, I thought getting sober meant life would become boring. I thought alcohol gave me excitement, freedom and fun. But the truth? Drinking ruined me. I was surviving, not living. In this episode of the The Clear Head Club, I talk openly about the difference between my drinking life and my sober life and how sobriety has completely transformed the way I experience the world. I share how my life today feels more exciting, authentic, peaceful and REAL than it ever did when I was drinking. The highs feel higher because I actually feel them. My relationships are deeper. My confidence is genuine. And for the first time in my life, I’m truly connected to myself. I also leave you with simple but powerful tools you can start using today to raise your vibration, shift your mindset and reconnect with gratitude, purpose and joy. If you’ve ever worried that sobriety means losing your spark, this episode is for you. Because I can promise you this… the best parts of life began when I stopped drinking.

In today’s episode of The Clearhead Club, I’m answering your honest questions about addiction, alcohol, recovery, triggers, relapse, and what sobriety really looked like for me behind closed doors. Nothing was off limits in this Q&A. We talk about how I finally stopped drinking, my worst day sober versus my worst day drunk, living with triggers you can’t escape from, feeling disconnected in recovery spaces, relationships, fear, shame, anxiety and yes… even shitting myself. These are the conversations people often avoid having openly, but they matter because addiction is messy, painful, emotional and sometimes completely humiliating. This episode is raw, honest, emotional and real. If you’re struggling, sober curious, in recovery, or simply feeling alone in any of this, I hope it reminds you that change is possible and you are not the only person figuring it out as you go.

In this episode I talk honestly about relapse. I share my own experiences before I got sober this time and what I believe was really going on underneath it all. I also open up about a moment five years into sobriety where I came very close to relapsing and what helped me get through it. I break down why relapse can happen, what it can teach you if you are willing to look at it, and what I have put in place to support myself so I do not go back there again. This episode is for anyone. Whether you are newly sober, years in, or just thinking about making a change, it will help strengthen your sobriety and give you a better understanding of relapse. I also share a bit about what I have been up to recently including my ADHD diagnosis, the sober retreats I run, and my monthly membership over at www.theclearheadclub.co.uk.