Upper Bottom Oliver Pickup and Dan Orcese

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 and willingness to change alcohol laws. To help answer the episode title's puzzler, they welcome Denise Hamilton-Mace, Founder and Editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, and Blake Gladman, Partner / Strategy and Insight Director at KAM Insight.
There is also a snippet from UK Hospitality's CEO, Kate Nicholls, and some fun Booze News (and stories) about Wimbledon.
Will it be love-all for no and low alcohol and the incoming government?
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#generalelection
#sober

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 drinking, he had a crisis of confidence, as there is – or perhaps was – an expectation that DJs would be getting into the groove one way or another. Drugs, rather than drink, is the biggest vice within the music industry, says Dom. His journey is influencing others on the DJ circuit, though. 
There is also a snippet from musicians Tom Bowen and Louis Brennan on their top tips for attending festivals sober as performers and punters. What's lost? What's gained?
Four Booze News items consider the impact of non-alcoholic drinks during the European Championships – Tesco is expecting to sell 5.5 million bottles and cans of “no” and “low” alcohol options – while Glastonbury is trucking in draft beer for 1,200,000 pints (enough to fill two full-size swimming pools). A documentary about Avicii, the Swedish producer who took his own life in 2018 aged 28, is also mentioned. And (alleged) drink-driver Justin Timberlake features.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#glastonbury #musicfestivals
#sober

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 for tapping into our wild nature, there are alternative paths to embracing our primal essence.
The trio discusses the importance of reconnecting with the natural world and how spending time in nature can help us rediscover our innate wildness. They also emphasize the role of community and surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who support and encourage our journey of self-discovery without relying on alcohol.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Becky share insights on the power of rituals and intentional practices in creating opportunities for experiencing wildness and pushing personal boundaries. They examine how societal norms and expectations have limited our access to our primal selves and propose ways to challenge and redefine these limitations.
Join Cess, Ollie, and Becky as they explore the transformative potential of embracing our wild nature through nature, community, and conscious practices, offering a fresh perspective on accessing our primal selves without needing alcohol.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#wildness
#sober

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 supporting and normalising non-alcoholic choices and the potential for missed revenue in the hospitality industry. 
The hosts also discuss the changing social dynamics and cultural assumptions around drinking. The conversation covers various topics related to alcohol and fatherhood, including outdated attitudes.
As usual, expect personal stories and reflections on the impact of drinking on their lives. This week, Ollie and Cess conclude that setting a positive example for their children is paramount.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#fathersday
#sober

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 beginning his sobriety journey.
Blackouts, hangovers, and bad behaviour are the ugly side of the so-called beautiful game, as evidenced by the recent Champions League final at Wembley, when 53 arrests were made. And with the European Championships about to start in Germany, we can expect more headlines about boozed-up Brits supporting the Three Lions.
But why are booze and football seemingly inseparable? What is it about the combination of intoxicants? And what can football clubs do to better cater for fans who don't want to become intoxicated and escape?
Jack and Nick offer brilliant insights and great ideas – but will things change given alcohol sponsorship is ubiquitous?
Before that fascinating interview, Ollie and Cess serve up four tasty items of booze news, including how to identify if you have a drinking problem (that involves cheesecake).
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober
#football

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 last two centuries and the temperance movement, and serves up stats and anecdotes galore. 
Then Ollie heads north to visit Stephen Jeffreys at his abode, the Manchester Buddhist Centre. Stephen is the managing director of Hinterland, a new sober bar that will open in the basement any day. He discusses his struggles with alcohol and hopes for the future, not least through more sober bars and enriching the community.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober