Can You Do This Without a Drink? | Melissa Reader | Club Sandwich

If a glass of wine has become your shortcut from caregiving stress to “I can finally exhale”, this episode is for you. Ageing parents? You’ve got them. We’ve got you. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit https://clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community. SEND US YOUR QUESTION: [email protected] In this episode: The Conversation: Sarah Macdonald and Melissa Reader talk honestly about alcohol in midlife, especially for women caring for ageing parents while juggling work, family, stress and the mental load of everyone else’s needs. They unpack why alcohol became such a normal coping tool for Gen X, why it can stop working in midlife, what it does to sleep, and how to build new rituals for the hardest hour of the day. This Week’s Hack: Replace wine o’clock with time o’clock. Build a deliberate non-alcoholic ritual for the hardest part of the day, whether that is a proper mocktail, a walk, exercise, or something else that genuinely helps shift your energy. Hot Mess Moment: Melissa shares the family gathering that went pear-shaped, and the two strong gin and tonics that followed. Meet the regular ClubbersMelissa Reader - CEO of Vera and expert on Australia’s ageing crisis.Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt and family dynamics.Dr Ginni Mansberg - GP and women’s health advocate who tells it straight.Dr Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician helping you understand when “old” becomes a crisis.Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox star bringing humor and honesty to the sandwich generation. Topics covered in this episode* midlife women and alcohol* caring for ageing parents and stress* why Gen X grew up drinking this way* wine o’clock and the sandwich generation* alcohol, hormones and sleep* why alcohol can stop working in midlife* ritual, habit and stress relief* non-alcoholic alternatives* mocktails and replacement rituals* how to slow the day down without a drink This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services. Proactive local care that helps your parents live well at home, less stress for them, less worry for you, and more time for the good stuff. Visit https://www.australianunity.com.au/clubsandwich. CreditsClub Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don’t have to do it alone. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit https://clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community.SEND US YOUR QUESTION: [email protected] Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera and expert on Australia’s ageing crisis.Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics.Dr Ginni Mansberg - GP and women’s health advocate who tells it straight.Dr Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician helping you understand when old becomes a crisis.Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation. This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services. Proactive local care that helps your parents live well at home, less stress for them, less worry for you, and more time for the good stuff. Visit https://www.australianunity.com.au/clubsandwich. Need more clarity at 3 AM? Vera gives you a structured 15-minute voice conversation to help you understand where your parent stands and what to do next. Discover more at https://vera.guide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.