Ollie and Cess debate what elements make the perfect pub. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's classic essay on his ideal boozer, the Moon Under Water, the hosts share their preferences for what makes a great pub atmosphere. They cover everything, from impressive toilets and bar chat-friendly seating to pub games, animals, and the perfect music…

Is a smelly, sweltering tent the worst place in the world to have a hangover? What is it about camping that brings out people’s wildness? How did a particularly catastrophic drinking session during a camping holiday bring a premature end to one of Ollie’s romantic relationships? And what happened when Cess accidentally sipped REAL booze after almos…

In a podcast first, Ollie and Cess record out and about. They visit Laura Willoughby, MBE, founder of Club Soda UK, at Club Soda's HQ in Covent Garden. After some booze news involving England rugby star Billy Vunipola, and Taylor Swift's "functioning alcoholic" lyric, the CDB-drink-guzzling trio discusses the rise of sober venues and the importance…

In the afterglow of the London Marathon, Ollie and Cess discuss the relationship between running and giving up drinking. They explore how running can serve as a substitute for boozing, and socialising, and how it can help individuals get on track with sobriety. The conversation touches on the impact of running on mental health – just ask Russ Cook …

Time to slay some dragons! Ollie and Cess discuss St George's Day celebrations – have you had your "dragon's blood" cocktail yet? – with beer aficionado Rupert Ponsonby, who provides brilliant stories and details about boozing in England over the years. Before that interview, the hosts reflect upon their experiences with alcohol-free dancing (awkwa…

Friend of the pod Paul Walker, a digital engagement practitioner at the charity Change Grow Live, discusses his experience working in online support for individuals with substance misuse issues. He explains how the charity created a web chat platform to provide digital access to its services and the benefits of this approach. Paul emphasizes the im…

The hosts interview Chrissie Parkinson and Chris Losh, who established the World Alcohol Free Awards to address the lack of recognition and understanding of alcohol-free drinks. According to the competition founders, innovation and creativity in alcohol-free drinks are rapidly evolving, with a focus on artisanal and experimental approaches. Good ne…

In this episode, Ollie – who now boasts a year without booze – and Cess discuss various topics related to alcohol consumption and abstinence. They explore the perception of alcohol as a poison among younger generations and the growing view that boozing is bad. The hosts also reflect on their own experiences of sobriety and the positive changes it h…

Pour away the sickly grape juice! Amanda Thomson made it her mission to create a range of great-tasting non-alcoholic wines, including a sparkling Chardonnay – which co-hosts Ollie and Cess can confirm is exquisitely good. It took a long time, as Amanda tells Ollie, to create the "perfect liquid", but now you will find NOUGHTY, the AF range of wine…

Taking a break from interviewing guests, Ollie and Cess discuss their experiences with alcohol and the life-threatening situations they have found themselves in while under the influence. The hosts share personal stories of risky behaviour and regrets, highlighting the need for self-reflection and growth. Are boys / men more reckless with (and with…

Ahead of St Patrick's Day, Ollie and Cess speak to three Irish people to better understand what it's all about. Catherine Doogan offers some historical context, Melissa Kelly discusses going sober in Ireland, and Terry – a barman in the Blythe Hill Tavern – provides some words of wisdom to complete the unholy trinity. Whether you decide to drink a …

Ollie and Cess speak with Bethan Higson, Founder of Mother Root, an alternative – and delicious – grown-up "switchel" drink, and the trio discuss society's expectations of women and drinking habits. Bethan offers some advice to sober curious listeners, and Cess offers a brief history lesson on Mothering Sunday, while Ollie has a confession his own …

Ollie and Cess ask two friends of the pod, Natalie and Ryan, who have been sober for two months, to discuss their experiences with extending Dry January and their motivations. The guests explore the effects of sobriety on sleep, physical health, and mental well-being. They also discuss the challenges of social situations, the reactions of friends a…

Stuart Elkington, Founder of drydrinker.com, the UK’s top-rated independent low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drink specialist, joins Ollie and Cess for a deep dive into being a “dry drinker”. He discusses industry trends and – praise be! – serves up some passable 0-ish% wine recommendations. In booze news, the hosts consider some of the 546 words Brit…

Julia Linehan*, Founder and CEO of B2B adtech PR agency The Digital Voice, joins Ollie and Cess to talk about SPILL – Sober Party Industry Lads and Ladies – and (almost) five years of sobriety. *Not Jane, as a muddled Ollie mentions at c 5.39 minutes – SORRY Julia. The hosts also discuss their first taste of alcohol, and also how attending weddings…

Hosts Ollie and Cess reveal their early challenges with going sober – and offer a useful analogy of pals being lifted away on a hot air balloon – before realising the obvious and unforeseen benefits of not boozing. Mindset is everything, and not drinking – rather than moderating drinking – could be the game-changer for you, too. The pair also tackl…

Ollie and Cess open up about what tipped them into their sobriety journeys, reflect on the rising popularity of Dry January and the trend for younger generations to snub boozing. The hosts also discuss Marcus Rashford's 12-hour Belfast bender and debate serving non-alcoholic Prosecco at a 13-year-old's party – would you? https://upperbottompodcast.…

Are you tired of tragic tales of people hitting rock bottom thanks to booze? Join hosts Ollie and Cess as they explore sobriety through embarrassing drunken admissions, expert interviews, and amusing observations, proving that getting sober doesn't have to be a bum deal. https://upperbottompodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/upperbottompodcast…