Every child of an alcoholic is DIFFERENTLY unhappy — Maya Parker, Nacoa Co-Founder
In this powerful episode of Children of Alcoholics, Amy and Sarah sit down with Maya Parker, MA – co-founder and trustee of Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Maya brings a lifetime of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation. With deep empathy and expertise, she explores the emotional rollercoaster of growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction.
Maya shares candid reflections from her own journey as a child of an alcoholic, alongside the insights she’s gained from decades of advocacy and support work. Whether you're a COA, an adult COA, or someone who supports them, this episode offers understanding, hope, and practical guidance from someone who truly gets it.
Tune in for an honest, compassionate look at the challenges – and strength – of living through and beyond parental addiction.
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Coping with an alcoholic mum! with Jen Payne and Arabella Byrne
Mother’s Day Special: Breaking the Silence with Arabella Byrne & Jen Payne
This Mother’s Day, the Children of Alcoholics Podcast opens up a heartfelt and honest conversation about the complex emotions that can surface for those who grew up with a parent battling addiction.
We’re joined by Nacoa ambassadors Arabella Byrne and Jen Payne—two inspiring women who grew up with alcoholic mothers and are now, in very different ways, navigating motherhood themselves. Arabella is a mum to two young children, while Jen, after years of struggling to conceive, is now preparing to welcome her first baby.
Together, they reflect on their childhoods, the long-lasting impact of growing up around addiction, and how their pasts have shaped the kind of mothers they want to be. With raw honesty, warmth, and courage, Arabella and Jen share their stories to remind others that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone.
Whether you're on your own journey of healing, approaching Mother's Day with mixed emotions, or simply want to understand more, this episode is a powerful listen.
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COA Week special! Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson
It's Children of Alcoholics Week! So we're bringing you this bonus podcast featuring Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson.
We’re Sarah and Amy, two friends who grew up with parents struggling with alcoholism. We know firsthand the challenges, confusion, and emotional toll that come with it—and we’re here to create a space where others like us can feel heard, validated, and empowered.
Each episode, we’ll share personal stories, insights, and expert advice on healing, setting boundaries, and breaking generational cycles. Whether you're still navigating these challenges or on a journey of recovery, you're not alone.
Join us as we turn pain into strength and find hope together. 💙
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I wrote a COA book and paid the price! - Arabella Byrne
In this episode of the COA Podcast, we welcome Arabella Byrne, author of In the Blood, a powerful and deeply personal exploration of intergenerational alcoholism. Arabella shares her journey of uncovering the hidden impact of addiction within families, how it shapes identities, and the path toward healing.
Arabella's memoir shared how her mother and she recovered from alcoholism within weeks of each other, having been caught in a long intergenerational spiral of addiction.
Arabella is also a prolific journalist on issues of children of alcoholics and also an ambassador of Nacoa UK
Join us as we discuss the complexities of growing up with alcoholism in the family, the patterns that can persist across generations, and the importance of breaking the cycle. Arabella also reflects on her writing process, the emotional toll of revisiting family history, and the hope she wishes to offer to others affected by a parent's drinking.
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The Episode where they talk to Jen Payne
The Children of Alcoholics Podcast is back! In this episode, Sarah and Amy welcome Jen Payne, one of Nacoa's most prominent official ambassadors.
Since joining as a volunteer of Nacoa, no one has taken our message closer to heart. As a adult child of an alcoholic going through traumatic experiences to this day, she has tirelessly shared experiences to help children and adult children of tomorrow.
Jen has spoken for Nacoa in parliament, TV news specials, corporate galas, and schools. She has never shied away from an opportunity to let people know that they are not alone.
About Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast
Join Sarah & Amy in this one of a kind podcast talk exclusively about how they and their guests have been affected by a loved ones drinking.
Each episode will focus on a different topic or guest, increasing understanding of and breaking down stigmas around alcohol addiction.
Sarah & Amy are unapologetically honest when discussing their own experiences with their Dads (both called Steve); and like to use dark humour at times, so be warned!
Ireland