Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms
**A Spotify 'Rising Star' show** How do I drink less without quitting completely? What's the difference between low, no and light alcohol drinks? Why can't I drink like I used to? Why do alcohol-free drinks cost so much?
If you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and asking these questions, this is your podcast.
Welcome to the essential show for midlife adults who want to drink less, on their own terms—without the pressure to quit completely, follow rigid rules, or label themselves as sober.
I'm Denise Hamilton-Mace, your mindful drinking mentor, magazine editor, writer and public speaker on all things low, no and light. Each week, I help stressed parents and busy midlife adults navigate their relationship with alcohol through practical approaches grounded in real-world experience and behaviour change strategy, not willpower or wellness culture
What you'll get:
Mindful Moderation Solo Episodes – Deep-dives answering the questions that matter to sophisticated drinkers who want to moderate smartly:
- How do I cut back when my partner still drinks at home?
- Why do premium alcohol-free drinks cost the same as full-strength versions?
- How do I navigate social situations when I'm the only one moderating?
- What really works: willpower vs. strategy?
Drinks 101 Mini-Series – Short educational episodes demystifying the confusing world of low and no alcohol drinks:
- What does ABV actually mean?
- What's the real difference between non-alcoholic, alcohol-free, low alcohol, and light beer?
- How are alcohol-free drinks made?
- Which drinks are safe for pregnancy, driving, or recovery?
Meet the Makers – Intimate conversations with the founders, brewers, distillers, and visionaries creating the premium drinks and experiences that support your moderation goals.
This podcast is for you if:
- You want drinks that taste like the ones you already love
- You're looking for practical advice that fits your demanding life, not another wellness overhaul
- You recognise that coasting with mid-strength drinks, zebra-striping, or bookending your evening with something non-alcoholic are all valid strategies
- You want better mornings without giving up celebrating life's special moments
This isn't about going completely dry or reinventing yourself. It's about keeping energy for what matters most: family, health, career, and living life on your own terms.
Join the moderation revolution happening in midlife – because while Gen Z gets the headlines, you're the one actually doing it.
Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms
Latest Episodes
175. 6 Causes, 6 Questions: What's Really Driving Your Over-Drinking?
What if the reason moderation keeps feeling so hard has nothing to do with willpower, and everything to do with using the right tool for the wrong job?There are six distinct drivers behind why we drink more than we intend to — and most o...
174. Why Are You Waiting for Rock Bottom?
What if your reason for wanting to drink differently just isn't that interesting? No rock bottom. No car wrapped around a tree. No relationship in ruins. Just a quiet, growing sense that life could probably be a bit better if alcohol wasn't qui...
173. Alcohol Cravings Don't Last As Long As You Think (And 4 Steps To Take When One Hits)
You're walking home after a long day. You round the corner, your favourite pub comes into view — and suddenly, every cell in your body wants to walk through that door. We’ve all been there. But what if that pull isn't actually about...
172. 6 Uncomfortably Honest Reasons to Avoid Low/No Drinks
What if low and no alcohol drinks just... aren't for you? Before you close the tab — hear me out.Not everyone is ready to make the switch, and that's not a criticism — it's a reality check. There are some very specific reason...
171. The Limiting Beliefs Keeping You Stuck in the Same Drinking Patterns
What if the thing standing between you and a healthier relationship with alcohol isn't your social life, your job, or your partner — but the beliefs you've been carrying around for years without ever questioning them?In this episode, I g...