The Alcohol Debate

• Cocktails, Culture and Cancer with Helene Poole

  What happens when a “work hard, play hard” culture collides with real life? In this episode, Helene Poole joins me to talk about her decades-long relationship with alcohol - from corporate bonding over cocktails to quiet evenings on the terrace - and what finally helped her quit for good. We talk candidly about infertility, motherhood, and how a cancer diagnosis became an unexpected turning point. Helene also shares her unique perspective on drinking culture across the UK, France, and Switzerland, and why the idea of “moderation” can be just as toxic as binge culture.This is a raw, inspiring conversation about change, resilience, and discovering that life really does get better on the other side of alcohol.Here are the highlights:Early drinking days & the “fun and magic” years (04:10)Corporate culture, stress, and the slippery slope (14:45)Motherhood, moderation, and the misery years (22:00)Facing cancer during COVID - and what changed after (30:15)Cultural differences: UK bingeing vs. French & Swiss “moderation” (35:01)Connect with Helene:WebsiteReach out to set up a free discovery call on - [email protected] Instagram - thesobercoach.euConnect with Tabbin:LinkedIn Website InstagramFacebookThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

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• Balancing Act: Alcohol, Relaxation and Performance in Pro Sport and in Business with James Parkes

  In this episode, I sat down with James Parkes, former professional rugby player, strength and conditioning coach, and founder of MyDay Health. We talked about alcohol’s complicated role in sport, from team bonding to the risks it carries for health and performance. James shared candid insights on rugby culture, leadership, and the importance of support systems, and we explored how these lessons translate into business and organisational well-being. If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol really brings people together or holds them back, this conversation will get you thinking.Here are the highlights:James Parkes on rugby, coaching, and starting MyDay Health (1:49)How alcohol shapes rugby culture and team bonding (6:38)Saying no in a drinking culture (13:44)Alcohol, mental health, and stigma (16:15)What rugby socials are really like (25:40)Parallels between rugby teams and business teams (28:57)Connect with James:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-parkes-066aa330/Website: http://www.my-dayapp.com/Connect with Tabbin:LinkedIn Website InstagramFacebookThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

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• The Truth About Alcohol and Jet Lag, with The Jet Lag Guy

  Frequent flying doesn’t just make you tired. It can affect your brain, heart and long-term health in ways most travellers never consider. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Stephen Jasper, a pharmacist and chronobiology expert known as The Jet Lag Guy, to explore the surprising connections between alcohol, disrupted body clocks and the risks every traveller should understand.We discuss what jet lag really is and why travelling east feels so different from heading west. Dr Jasper explains the hidden health dangers of a disrupted circadian rhythm, from heart attacks to diabetes, and why the culture of airport lounges and “it’s five o’clock somewhere” thinking can quietly sabotage your trip. We dive into how alcohol compounds the effects of jet lag and dehydration in flight, and share practical, science-backed ways to reduce travel fatigue without relying on a drink.Whether you are a frequent flyer, an occasional traveller or planning your next holiday, this conversation will help you protect your health, arrive feeling sharper and rethink that pre-flight drink.Here are the highlights:Chronobiology and Jet Lag (2:53)Defining Jet Lag and Its Symptoms (5:38)Impact of Jet Lag on Health and Addiction (9:34)Jet Lag and Circadian Rhythms (20:12)Organisational Culture and Alcohol (32:36)Connect with Dr Stephen here:http://linkedin.com/in/jasperstephenhttps://jetlagguy.com.au/[email protected] with Tabbin:LinkedIn Website InstagramFacebookThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

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• How Serious ARE Governments About Reducing Health Risks Caused by Alcohol?

  This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Jem Roberts, head of the Institute of Alcohol Studies. Jem brings a ton of insight into the messy world of alcohol policy, and we unpack what’s really going on behind the headlines.We talk about why certain policies, like minimum unit pricing and better labelling, could save lives, and why they're still not being properly implemented.Jem also sheds light on the surprising influence of alcohol-free drinks, the gaps in cancer education, and how commercial interests often clash with public health goals. It’s a sobering look at how we handle booze at the policy level.If you’ve ever wondered why alcohol labels don’t tell you the full story - or how we could actually make drinking safer - this one’s for you.Here are the highlights:Impact of Delayed Health Warnings (4:38)UK 10-Year Health Plan and Alcohol Policies (14:43)Effectiveness of Minimum Unit Pricing (19:08)Challenges in Implementing Effective Policies (26:52)The Government’s Role in Alcohol Policy (30:30)Jem’s Links:IAS website: https://www.ias.org.uk/about-us/Blog post on politics of inaction: https://www.ias.org.uk/2025/07/11/the-politics-of-inaction-why-alcohol-policy-cant-wait/Jem Roberts email: [email protected] Connect with Tabbin:LinkedIn Website InstagramFacebookThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

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• Putting The Human in Human Resources with Michael Thomas Morgan

  In this episode, I sit down with Michael Thomas Morgan, Senior People Partner for Y TREE and 7 years sober. Passionate about shining a light on ways that the HR profession can do more to support and understand those with a drinking problem and those worried about their drinking. We explore how alcohol culture still runs deep in workplaces - and why it’s time for change. Michael shares his powerful story of going alcohol-free after years of struggling with drinking, family history, and the impact it had on his career and mental health.We dive into the role HR teams can play in shifting pro-alcohol workplace cultures. From free bars at company events to the lack of support for employees who may be struggling, Michael and I unpack why organisations need to rethink their approach and offer meaningful benefits that truly support wellbeing.We also talk about breaking the stigma around alcohol problems. Our conversation is a reminder that healthier, more inclusive work cultures start with open, honest dialogue.Here are the highlights:Guest Introduction and Background (1:24)Michael's Personal Journey with Alcohol (3:35)The Impact of Alcohol on Michael's Life and Career (6:23)The Role of HR in Addressing Alcohol Issues (11:08)Challenges and Opportunities in Changing Workplace Culture (34:08)The Importance of Education and Awareness (35:38)Connect with Tabbin:LinkedIn Website InstagramFacebookThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

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