Clean Break Chats

In this powerful guest episode, we’re joined by Mark Dobbs – a design manager, husband, father, and ultrarunner – who opens up about his life-changing decision to go alcohol-free and how that decision ultimately led him to complete one of the world’s toughest endurance events: The Summer Spine Race.Mark talks about his early struggles with alcohol, the influence of the book Finding Ultra, and how trail running became his new healthy obsession. He shares what it was like tackling 268 miles on the Pennine Way with little sleep, raw feet, and brutal self-doubt — and what it really means to suffer, endure, and evolve.We discuss identity, regret, community, ultra-emotion, barefoot blisters, and how sometimes, the quietest moments of connection are the ones that save us. If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, struggled with self-worth, or wondered how far you can really go — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the evolution of their alcohol-free journeys, exploring the powerful shifts in perspective that come with sustained change. They talk about the complexities of day counting, the ups and downs of building new habits, and the joy and challenges that come with making long-term changes to your lifestyle. They reflect on their pasts, share pivotal moments from their personal journeys, and discuss the importance of self-awareness, presence, and celebrating even the smallest victories.Whether you’re just starting out or well into your alcohol-free path, this episode is a reminder that change is a continuous process filled with growth, learning, and new perspectives. Tune in for a raw and real conversation about living fully, embracing change, and finding clarity in the present moment.

In this episode of the Clean Break Chats Podcast, we’re joined by Henry Beercock, who shares his incredible journey from burnout, excessive drinking, and a high-stress career to embracing sobriety, veganism, and training for his first marathon. Henry’s story is one of transformation, from struggling with emotional eating and self-medicating to finding clarity and purpose through running and a complete lifestyle overhaul.He takes us through his decision to leave a family business after 17 years, the unexpected changes that followed, and how his growing sobriety has helped him not only shed 7 stone but also cultivate a mindset of gratitude and self-belief. Listen in as we discuss the profound impact of changing your beliefs about what’s possible and how building a community can empower us to take ownership of our lives. Henry’s journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion, resilience, and pushing through comfort zones to achieve true personal growth "Once you open your eyes to sobriety, it’s hard not to see it everywhere. And it’s not about what you’re missing; it’s about what you’re gaining."

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the messy but transformative power of uncertainty and why sometimes, the scariest decisions become the catalyst for real growth.They open up about the personal turbulence of 2025’s first half, the emotional weight of moving countries, and what it really means to reframe huge life shifts as an experiment instead of a threat. Andy shares how shifting his mindset to see life as a series of experiments with no guaranteed outcomes - has replaced fear with genuine excitement about what’s next.Rich unpacks why uncertainty isn’t always the enemy and explains how our craving for both certainty and uncertainty shapes our daily habits, choices, and sense of fulfilment. Together they reflect on how living alcohol-free has made them more resilient and clear-minded to navigate change - not just white-knuckling through it, but actively using it as fuel.They get honest about the hidden social pressures that keep so many people stuck in the ‘middle lane’ of drinking - not dependent, but not fully free either and why simply taking a break can be more radical than people realise.They also reveal the launch of their new 28-Day Clean Break Challenge, a guided programme to help anyone who feels stuck hit pause, build fresh momentum, and start rewriting the story they’ve been telling themselves for years - all with real-life community support alongside practical mindset shifts.Are you ready to make a change a Take a Clean Break - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP to our 28 day Alcohol Free ChallengeTo wrap up, they touch on the power of tiny, consistent steps — whether that’s sticking to easy runs, tweaking your routine, or saying yes to a bit more discomfort because that’s where the big breakthroughs happen, in running and in life.If you’ve ever felt trapped by the idea that life has to look a certain way - this conversation might just give you the permission slip to try a new experiment of your own.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sean Keeley - a father, runner, and honest voice for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.“I used to think the best version of me was at the pub - turns out he was waiting at the top of a mountain,” says Sean as he opens up about swapping pints for peaks and finding a deeper sense of purpose through running and the outdoors.Sean shares the raw truth of his journey - the tough mornings, the missed moments with his kids, and the day he decided enough was enough.“I didn’t just want to stop drinking - I wanted to actually live,” he tells us, reflecting on how sobriety turned into summits, finish lines, and family moments he’d never trade for another round at the bar.If you’re looking for an honest conversation about making a clean break, finding strength you didn’t know you had, and learning to put one foot in front of the other when life gets hard - this episode is for you.Tune in and get inspired to swap the noise for nature, the fog for freedom, and the pint for a peak.

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive into the ups and downs of the running cycle, how post-race blues can give way to periods of reflection and growth. They discuss the balance of taking a break from intense training while still staying active, and how sometimes, stepping back can help build stronger foundations for future goals. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting realistic expectations and re-framing challenges as opportunities for growth, especially when it comes to running, mindset, and maintaining consistency. Join us as we explore the emotional triggers behind habits, the power of reflection, and how shifting your perspective can lead to personal breakthroughs.

In this powerful episode of Clean Break Chats, we welcome Victoria Higgins, a full-time coach and former senior leader in the pharmaceutical industry. After 30 years in science, Victoria took a bold step to leave behind the world of corporate pressure to pursue her true calling, coaching. With a rich background in mentoring, Victoria shares how she found freedom and purpose in her alcohol-free life and the deep transformation that came with it. From navigating personal trauma to empowering women in science, this conversation is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of stepping into your true potential.Her inspiring journey will leave you reflecting on your own path, purpose, and the boundaries you’re willing to break. This episode is a must-listen for anyone at a crossroads or seeking a deeper connection with their work and life.

In Episode 08 of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in the alcohol-free journey:👉 The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety: it’s connection.Fresh from a powerful weekend together in Leeds, the conversation flows from laughter to deep reflection as they explore how isolation fuels addiction and how authentic connection can be the lifeline that keeps us grounded and growing.They explore:Why addiction loves isolation, even when alcohol is framed as socialHow society sells us the lie that we need alcohol to connect and what happens when we challenge thatThe shift from relying on alcohol for confidence or stress relief to relying on real human connectionHow over-consumption shows up in unexpected places, like self-improvement or even running and can become another form of escapeThe danger of using sobriety as a badge of honour and the risk of judgement in alcohol-free circlesThis is a conversation about being human, messy, emotional, striving, stuck and how the way through isn’t perfect sobriety, but honest, vulnerable relationships with ourselves and others.If you've ever questioned how to stay connected without alcohol, or felt that loneliness creep in during your AF journey, this episode will speak to your soul.

This week on Clean Break Chats, we sit down with Adam Mayhew — co-founder of A-Game Consultancy and a man who embodies calm, courage, and clarity.Adam shares how he moved from the high-stress world of tech leadership and heavy weekend drinking into a life grounded in stoicism, stillness, and deep self-awareness. What began as curiosity became transformation — one breath, one decision, one moment of honesty at a time.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore: How meditation kick-started a complete life overhaul"It was the focusing on the breath, and then becoming more aware of what I was doing, that then I realised the alcohol wasn't serving me."Why stoicism is not about suppressing emotion"There’s a misconception about stoicism — that we suppress emotion. No, the Stoics would process the emotion for what it is and not catastrophize."The 4 virtues that guide Adam’s decision-making"When I make my decisions, I try to ask — are they passing through these four virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance and justice?"How ‘doing hard things on purpose’ builds resilience"I remember being up at 4 a.m. with my son and thinking, this is nothing — do you remember when you ran 80k and had no water or food left?"The true meaning of contribution — and how it shapes happiness"One of my clients had everything — money, success — but he felt empty. As soon as we talked about contribution, something lit up in him."Why it’s not about perfection, but practice"I still get stressed and anxious. But it doesn’t hang around for long — because I’ve trained myself to come back to the breath, to the present moment."Whether you’re at mile 12 of your long run, or sitting with the thought that something needs to shift, this episode might just be the perspective re-frame you didn’t know you needed.Head over to the website - www.take-a-cleanbrak.com and find information on our current group coaching opportunities.Sign up for our Next 1/2 Marathon and Marathon Cohort HERE - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/halfmarathon-6168

In this honest and wide-ranging episode, Andy and Rich dive deep into the mental game of running, the importance of showing up (even when it’s tough), and the connection between running, self-worth, and identity. They explore how running helps build resilience, how to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, and why our beliefs shape everything we do—on and off the road. Plus, a real talk about setbacks, self-compassion, and the value of community.From messy mindsets to marathon goals, this conversation is a reminder that we’re all a work in progress—and that’s okay.

In this deeply moving and reflective episode, Andy and Rich open up about navigating grief, connection, and the often-overlooked emotional depth of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Andy shares the sudden loss of a close friend in Spain - a man who walked with him through his entire alcohol-free journey. Through heartfelt conversation, they explore themes of vulnerability, friendship, rejection sensitivity, and resilience.This is not just a conversation about loss - it's also about love, courage, and finding light even in the darkest places. From celebrating the power of sober connections to embracing raw emotion without numbing out, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to feel and how sobriety gives us the tools to do just that.They also reflect on the success of the Marathon Heroes, the strength of community, and even a little football banter to close things off.

In this powerful guest episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich Casement and Andy Delderfield are joined by coach, speaker, and mindset expert Adam Smith—a key figure in Rich’s alcohol-free journey and personal growth.Together, they dive into the transformative impact of stoic philosophy, habit change, and living alcohol-free. Adam shares his raw insights on emotional regulation, ADHD, identity, and building self-awareness that actually sticks. Expect honest reflections, practical tools, and a deeper conversation about what it really means to live life on your “A Game.”If you’ve ever felt stuck, reactive, or all-or-nothing in your thinking, this episode will give you the mental frameworks to shift into clarity and self-ownership.🎧 Topics include:How stoicism can create emotional balanceThe trap of "self-sabotage" and what it really isRewriting internal narrativesWhy removing alcohol might be the catalyst for lasting changeHow to identify helpful vs unhelpful ingredients in your "recipe for life"Adam doesn’t hold back and this one will hit home.Head over to the website - www.take-a-cleanbrak.com and find information on our current group coaching opportunities. Sign up for our Next 1/2 Marathon and Marathon Cohort HERE - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/halfmarathon-6168

In this emotional and honest episode, Andy and Rich reconnect post-London and Paris Marathons to unpack two very different journeys to the finish line. From Rich’s mental battle, injury struggles, and reflections on performance, to Andy’s unforgettable experience running London in a full-body Save the Rhino costume, this chat goes deep.They explore the pressure to prove growth through PBs, the healing power of running, what it means to be truly seen on the course, and why marathons are never just about the time on the clock. Expect vulnerability, laughter, and some very real talk about ego, gratitude, and why this sport continues to change lives.Whether you're training for your first race or chasing your next PB, this one’s for anyone who’s ever toed the line and wondered what’s really fuelling their fire.Head over to the website - www.take-a-cleanbrak.com

In this inspiring guest episode, Rich and Andy are joined by Carole Ray – one of our incredible Spring Marathon Heroes who has been training with us over the past 20 weeks with one powerful goal in mind: running her first-ever marathon at the age of 68.Carole’s motivation runs deep. She’s taking on the London Marathon in support of Young Lives vs Cancer, after her nephew was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Thankfully, he is now in remission – and his recovery became the spark that gave Carole her why. It drove her to chase something many thought unthinkable – and she’s done it.Through training, Carole has shown pure grit, resilience, and an ability to “control the controllables.” She is the definition of what consistent hard work looks like. Now, 7 years alcohol-free, Carole is a lighthouse for us all – proof of the strength we can find when we commit to living life fully.This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation. Carole – just brilliant.

After a short break, Andy and Rich are back behind the mic - this time under the new banner of Clean Break Chats.In this opening episode, the boys go deep. They get real about where they’re at right now—personally, professionally, and what’s been going on behind the scenes. You'll hear honest reflections, future plans, and the big vision behind Clean Break Coaching. What does a “clean break” actually look like? And where are we heading?Plus, we share exciting news about our Half Marathon and Full Marathon Coaching kicking off in June, aimed at helping runners prepare for those big autumn and winter events.Whether you’re a returning listener or new to the community, this is your chance to reconnect, get inspired, and join us on the journey ahead.🔥 Expect heart, humour, and heaps of honesty - classic Andy & Rich.