Club Soda Community Podcast

• The Next Round: Gavin became a Samaritan

  When Gavin quit drinking, he didn’t expect to gain listening skills—but he’s embraced his new life with open arms!Now, you can’t stop him from filling his time with meaningful activities.Welcome to the next round: exploring life after quitting drinking and discovering the many ways to find purpose—like helping others.This week, meet Gavin Chase, care industry recruiter by day and Samaritan volunteer by night. Through volunteering, Gavin has honed new skills, found deep purpose, and even become a role model for others.Gavin Chase’s story is one of transformation and dedication—a journey marked by his decision to quit drinking, his commitment to volunteering, and his belief in living a life of purpose. Far from leaving his corporate job, Gavin’s spare time is dedicated to initiatives that complement his professional life and fulfill his personal aspirations.“Sobriety isn’t just about saying no; it’s about saying yes to a better life.”Gavin’s decision to quit drinking was a pivotal moment in his life.“It wasn’t just about giving up alcohol; it was about reclaiming my life”The journey to sobriety was not without its challenges, but it profoundly shaped who he is today.“You start to see the world differently. It’s like waking up from a fog.”This newfound clarity and energy have allowed him to focus on what truly matters, inspiring others to consider the transformative potential of a sober lifestyle.Volunteering with the SamaritansOne of the most profound aspects of Gavin’s journey is his dedication to volunteering with the Samaritans, a charity that offers support to those in emotional distress.“Being there for someone in their darkest moments is humbling.” His work with the Samaritans has given him a deep sense of purpose and perspective.“While I’m there to help others, I’ve learned so much about empathy, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.”This experience has reinforced his belief in the importance of listening and being present for others—lessons that resonate in every aspect of his life.“Service has a way of bringing out the best in you.”This candid insight highlights Gavin’s belief in the transformative power of giving. He describes volunteering as a grounding force, one that reminds him of what truly matters.Beyond his role with the Samaritans, Gavin is actively involved in other community initiatives. From mentoring young people to supporting local environmental projects, his volunteering efforts are diverse and impactful.“Helping others isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a privilege” Gavin’s volunteering not only enriches his life but also allows him to build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life.Overcoming Challenges and Finding PurposeNo personal transformation is without its hurdles, and Gavin’s was no exception. From self-doubt to navigating the complexities of balancing work and volunteering, he has faced his share of challenges.“What keeps you going is the belief that what you’re building matters.” For Gavin, purpose extends beyond personal achievements. Whether through mentoring, supporting community projects, or sharing his story of sobriety, his focus remains on leaving a lasting impact.“Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.”This powerful reminder underscores Gavin’s belFind Club Soda:The Club Soda Tasting Room is at 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRFind us on Instagram

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• The Next Round: Marie went from Climate to Climax

  For the past 25 years, Marie Morice has been at the forefront of global climate change, and with some big shifts in her life, including quitting drinking she has added gender initiatives and campaigning within organisations such as the UN to her passions. She has now retrained as a clinical sexologist and uses her skills to support individuals as well as wider systems change.Today, Marie helps women rediscover their sexual agency and pleasure. Her journey to this point has been anything but linear, but it was quitting alcohol that catalysed her transformation. Now post-menopause and living a life full of clarity and energy, Marie is a walking testament to the power of change.“There’s a Life Energy in Me That I’ve Never Had”Marie’s relationship with alcohol was intense. As she puts it:“It was part of my celebrations and my commiserations. Let’s have a drink—no matter what.”Over the years, however, her body began reacting less and less well to alcohol, something that became especially apparent as she went through hormonal changes during menopause. Despite several attempts to take breaks from drinking, she always found herself returning to it.But a heavy night a year and a half ago was the turning point.“I woke up and thought, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep waking up knowing I’ll feel hungover in two or three days. My life was being wasted.”For Marie, it wasn’t about hitting rock bottom but rather a constellation of factors—the end of a long-term relationship, a desire to invest in her work helping women, and a need to prioritise her health and energy.Giving up alcohol wasn’t easy, but the rewards have been profound.“There’s a life energy in me that I’ve never had, or maybe that I had but was tamed by alcohol, – I have a clarity now that I didn’t know I was missing. It’s incredible.”Reclaiming Pleasure and AgencyMarie’s journey away from alcohol coincided with her decision to retrain as a coach. Originally inspired by friends and family who praised her listening skills, she realised her true passion lay in helping others on a deeply personal level. While her early coaching clients brought a range of issues to her, many women came to her seeking guidance on their sexuality. That’s when Marie decided to specialise as a sex coach and clinical sexologist.“Our relationship to pleasure is so important. For many women, it’s fraught with guilt, whether that’s related to drinking or societal expectations. The first thing I work on with my clients is understanding their relationship to pleasure—not just sexual pleasure, but pleasure in life.”Marie believes that for women, especially those in midlife, this work is vital.“As we go through menopause, there’s a natural reevaluation of who we are and what we want. It’s a chance to reconnect with our bodies and desires.”And she’s quick to emphasise that pleasure is a skill that can be relearned.“It’s about creating new pathways to joy. What gives you pleasure? It could be anything, from a quiet moment of doing nothing to an incredible orgasm. The point is to explore.”Find Club Soda:The Club Soda Tasting Room is at 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRFind us on Instagram

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• The Next Round: Narmeen champions alcohol-free at events

  Socialising and networking alcohol-free can be tough—even for the pros. But for Narmeen, it’s a choice she’s never looked back on.Now, she’s shaking up the events industry, challenging organisers and caterers to rethink how they cater to guests. Her mission? To make events more inclusive and ensure everyone feels part of the party, regardless of what’s in their glass.🎧 Welcome to The Next Round Podcast, where we share inspiring stories of life after quitting drinking. From bold career shifts to embracing new hobbies, this series explores the many ways people thrive alcohol-free.Take Narmeen: She hasn’t changed what she does—she’s still a powerhouse event organiser. But she’s using her voice to demand better options for all of us who want to party and network without the booze. And honestly? We’re so glad she’s got our backs!Narmeen Kamran knows firsthand how the events industry thrives on social connection, but she’s also seen how heavily reliant it is on alcohol. As someone who stepped away from drinking, Narmeen has made it her mission to challenge the status quo and push for more inclusive, alcohol-free options at events.From Comic-Con Volunteer to Events PowerhouseNarmeen’s journey into events started in her teens, volunteering at Comic-Con conventions. What began as a passion for organisation grew into a successful career in event planning, where she thrived in high-pressure environments.“You have to be really organised in events, but it’s something you can learn. Over time, it becomes second nature,” However, as she climbed the ranks, she noticed how central alcohol was to the industry—and how few options existed for those who didn’t drink.Why Alcohol-Free Inclusion MattersWhen Narmeen decided to stop drinking, she experienced the industry’s blind spots from the other side.“I attended my first event as a non-drinker, and I was shocked. The best option was J2O—apple and watermelon, because it looked like rosé if you drank it from a flute. That was it,” Recognising the gap, Narmeen began advocating for change. She approached caterers, venues, and suppliers, challenging them to improve their offerings.“If you don’t have better options, that’s just being lazy –  There’s so much more out there now. Venues and caterers need to think beyond the standard champagne reception or half-bottle of wine with dinner. We need more choice—and not just for sober guests, but for everyone.”Find Club Soda:The Club Soda Tasting Room is at 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRFind us on Instagram

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• The Next Round: Alasdair became a private chef (and writer)

  Alasdair Gill has a passion for cooking and an abundance of creativity. However, years of working in hospitality and drinking heavily left him facing a difficult decision—one he took reluctantly, despite a dire prognosis.His advice is valuable for everyone, no matter where you are in your relationship with alcohol.Welcome to the next round, where I talk to people who have inspired me—not just with the changes they’ve made to their drinking habits, but with what they’ve gone on to achieve next. From reigniting old passions with renewed vigour to making bold life and career changes, there’s no template. What you do next is entirely up to you!Alasdair Gill is now a private chef. Since rehab, he has rediscovered the skills and passion for cheffing that he developed early in his career, building a new way of working that aligns with who he is today. His story is a powerful reminder that the things you loved before life fell apart can still be part of your future.Alasdair Gill’s journey from battling addiction to becoming a successful private chef is a powerful testament to resilience and reinvention. His story highlights the challenges of working in hospitality while struggling with alcohol and drug dependency and how recovery transformed not only his outlook on life but also his career.The Beginning of the Journey: Struggles in HospitalityFor Alasdair, the hospitality industry was both a lifeline and a trap. He describes the kitchens and bars he worked in as a “pressure cooker,” a space that both attracted and enabled his struggles with alcohol.“Hospitality is accepting of what you are—it will take us in.”While kitchens initially provided a way to earn money, Alasdair admits they didn’t spark joy or passion.“For a long time, it was just about making money. There wasn’t much love there,” The Turning Point: RecoveryThe tipping point came when Alasdair faced severe health issues, including cirrhosis of the liver, and was told he wouldn’t survive to see Christmas. Even then, his decision to enter rehab was reluctant.“I didn’t want to live, but I didn’t want to die either. I was in between—a numbness of fine.”Rehab became the space where Alasdair could pause, reflect, and start to piece his life back together.“It gave me a sober mind for the first time since I was 15. Suddenly, I started questioning whether what I’d been doing was normal.”Finding Purpose Through CookingPost-recovery, Alasdair returned to the one industry where he had experience -hospitality. But this time, he approached it differently. Together with a friend who was also in recovery, Alasdair launched a private catering business.“Every gig is a completely different adventure, and I love that,” Sobriety has not only allowed Alasdair to rebuild his life but also to rediscover creativity and care in his craft.“I give much more of a shit about the product than the paycheck,”Book Alasdair at gordonandgill.co.ukFind Club Soda:The Club Soda Tasting Room is at 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRFind us on Instagram

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• The Next Round: Denise Launched Low & No Drinker Magazine

  Denise has produced 18 editions of her new magazine dedicated to low and no alcohol drinks. Something she would never have considered if she had no re-evaluated her relationship with alcohol.Welcome to the next round, where we speak to people about the next stage of their life once they have reviewed how alcohol impacts them.You don’t have to be totally alcohol-free to gain benefits from rethinking your drinking. But as this week’s guest Denise Hamilton Mace has shown, you need to have a determination to change your life, and some ideas to get going with.Denise has moderated her drinking habits, which led her to a degree in sports fitness and then she got brave, and started writing – something she was told way back when, that she may not be suited to. We love it when a guest proves their nay sayers wrong!Exploring the Low and No Alcohol Revolution: Denise’s Journey of Discovery and InnovationThe rise of low and no alcohol options is transforming how we think about drinking, and Denise’s story provides a unique perspective on this cultural shift. As a hospitality professional turned advocate for mindful drinking and editor of Low and No Drinker magazine, Denise shares her journey of personal growth, career transformation, and creative exploration.Redefining Life Through Moderating Alcohol For Denise, the decision to cut back on alcohol wasn’t a dramatic turning point but a series of realisations. “I started to notice how alcohol affected me over time. It wasn’t just the hangovers; it was the brain fog, the mood swings, and feeling like I wasn’t operating at my full capacity”Her journey began with small lifestyle changes.“I stopped eating red meat because it made me feel moody, and alcohol was the next thing I recognized as not serving me.”Denise emphasises that she doesn’t identify as teetotal or in recovery but rather someone who found more balance by drinking less.“It’s about discovering who you want to be and whether alcohol helps or hinders that.”Find Club Soda:The Club Soda Tasting Room is at 39 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RRFind us on Instagram

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