Laughter and rhythm without the booze: Can sober events redefine nightlife?

Refreshed after a summer break, Cess and Ollie speak with Martyn Davies, organiser of Sober is Fun (https://www.soberisfun.co.uk/), the UK's first regular sober comedy event, and Ben Jolliffe, who runs Feed the Fire (https://feedthefire.me/dancing), a no-drink or drugs rhythmic dance focused on freedom and connection.Both interviewees stopped drinking (and taking drugs) after being subjected to family interventions. Now, though, they are enjoying the freedom of being sober and looking to encourage others through the events they facilitate. Their timing is good, given that 34% of employees avoid work socials due to alcohol, according to a Booze News item, and there is a growing demand for venues that offer alcohol-free options and activities, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.Here is a recent playlist from one of Ben's Feed the Fire events: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kRMmbITmmiaQGm60bFbWU?si=r4UNikNESQCm-8izcBKtUA&pi=e-lO1NqcnnSTG9 And here is the ticket site for Martyn's next Sober is Fun event, on September 22 –  https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/bethnal-green/backyard-comedy-club/the-london-alcohol-free-comedy-club-7?t=tickets – perhaps see you there? Booze News items:The Independent (via MSN): Study looks at if the French Paradox of a glass of wine a day is actually a myth (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/study-looks-at-if-the-french-paradox-of-a-glass-of-wine-a-day-is-actually-a-myth/ar-BB1qABfs)Harpers: MP urges government to address non-alcoholic drink prices (https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/33135/MP_urges_government_to_address_non-alcoholic_drink_prices.html) Lovebscott via MSN: Ben Affleck Reportedly Decided To Divorce Jennifer Lopez Because Her ‘Fame and Lifestyle Was Putting His Hard-Won Sobriety at Risk’: ‘He Had to Leave to Avoid Relapse’ (https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/ben-affleck-reportedly-decided-to-divorce-jennifer-lopez-because-her-fame-and-lifestyle-was-putting-his-hard-won-sobriety-at-risk-he-had-to-leave-to-avoid-relapse/ar-AA1oKqiw)HR News: Sober Parties Lead the Way in the UK with 639% Surge in Non-Alcoholic Drink Demand (https://hrnews.co.uk/sober-parties-lead-the-way-in-the-uk-with-639-surge-in-non-alcoholic-drink-demand/)#summerholidays#sobriety#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober#sobercomedy#soberdancing