Clean Break Chats

Rich has ditched his watch. Not just for one run - for the entire Yorkshire Marathon training block. No Garmin, no heart rate monitor, no Strava, no data of any kind. Just running to feel, a whiteboard on the wall, and 20 years of experience to go on. He's calling it the naked running experiment, and it's already producing results he didn't expect.Two weeks in, he ran Leeds 10K without a watch and took 90 seconds off his PB. His average pace was 4:02 per kilometre - faster than he believes he would have allowed himself to run if the watch had been telling him otherwise. No data, no limiting belief, no ceiling.This week, Rich and Andy dig into what that actually means. Why does removing the data feel so uncomfortable to so many people? Why do we use our watches to confirm what we already know, but also to cap what we think we're capable of? Andy's Garmin has been telling him he can run a 4-hour marathon for years. His PB is 3:30-something. At what point does the data stop being useful and start being a ceiling?And then Andy makes the connection that stops the conversation in its tracks. When Rich says people keep telling him "I couldn't do that" about running without a watch, Andy says: that's exactly what people say about going alcohol-free. And if you genuinely believe you can't go without it - whether it's the watch or the drink - maybe that's the most important reason to try.Also in this episode: Rich's chaotic Manchester Half Marathon, Andy navigating the post-big-event lull, and what happens when your friends and family are done hearing about the race you just ran.Yorkshire Marathon training block officially starts June 29th. One Valencia place still available - details in the show notes.One Valencia spot still available. DM clean.break.coaching on Instagram if that's you.FRIDAY CONNECTION CALL 1PM EVERY FRIDAY Register here - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/friday-connection-call-pageAre you interested in training with us towards you Autumn/Winter Goals - On-boarding until the end of July ONLY - Come and join the Clean Break Collective. 

He's back. Andy returned from Peru having completed 230 kilometres through the Amazon rainforest over five days, finishing 17th out of 67 starters, and winning the Simon Small Award for his presence and leadership in camp. This week, he and Rich go through the whole thing.It starts at Cloud Forest - 3,000 metres above sea level, clouds rising up from the jungle below, temperatures at 3 degrees - and the moment Andy stepped off the bus and all the fear just disappeared. He'd arrived. He was back in his happy place.Then it's day by day. Day 1 down through five different ecosystems, insoles shifting in his shoes at 20K, running the rest of the day without them. Day 2 into proper jungle for the first time - little rivers, bogs, mud, trees to go under and over, and ants. Ants everywhere, in every size and colour, for the entire five days. Day 3 - the hardest 25K he's ever done in his life. Three enormous hills in thick humid jungle at 500 metres above sea level, a final 3.7K section that took him two hours to climb in semi-dry conditions, and then it rained for everyone still out there behind him. Day 4 brutal but manageable. And then Day 5 - up an on it at 4.30am, 70K, a river section with 60-odd crossings, a 7K climb in the afternoon heat, blisters forming in the dark, a torch he couldn't find in his own bag, and local kids grabbing his hands and running him through the town square to a finish line with a live band playing.He talks about the moment the jungle became a computer game in his head, and what it felt like to find joy not just in the finish, but in the hardest moments of the race itself. And then, quietly and powerfully, he connects it all back to where it started - the decision to go alcohol-free, and the belief system that grew from that one act of courage into everything he's become since.Rich is week two into his naked marathon training block for York in October - no watch, no data, no Strava. That's a conversation too.One Valencia spot still available. DM clean.break.coaching if that's you.

David Jacko Jackson played over 300 games for Nottingham Rugby Football Club. In 2013, a month after getting married, he had a seizure on the pitch and a small bleed on the brain. His rugby career was over.What followed was months of emotional dysregulation, extreme fatigue, sensitivity to light, and a nervous system so disrupted he once burst into tears in a supermarket because he couldn't choose a yogurt. Doctors told him to sit in a dark room and wait. Nobody talked about breathing.Years into his recovery, Jacko stumbled across research connecting traumatic brain injury with disrupted respiratory patterns, and everything changed. By retraining his breathing mechanics, he knocked a minute off his 5K time in four weeks. He retrained as a strength and conditioning coach, worked with the British Paralympic swim team ahead of Rio, and eventually built an entirely new career around what he'd discovered. His book, Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger, with a foreword by Patrick McKeown of The Oxygen Advantage, came out two months ago.This week, Rich sits down with Jacko to talk about the brain injury, the recovery, and why breathing might be the most overlooked performance tool in every runner's kit bag. They get into the CO2 science, why your perception of effort is more closely linked to your breathing rate than your heart rate or blood lactate levels, and the three things that should always be in play regardless of whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth.They also talk about what Jacko is doing next - running 200 marathons in 100 days for two brain injury charities, Headway UK and Head for Change, starting the day after his 44th birthday and taking a clockwise loop of the UK. You can join him for as little as a 5K at 25 locations along the route.Find Jacko at thebreathrunningcoach.com or on Instagram @TheBreathRunningCoach.

Andy is calling in from Cusco, Peru. He flies into the jungle tomorrow. In 48 hours, he'll be on a start line for 230 kilometres through the Amazon rainforest over five days - four manageable days of 26 to 36K, and then a 75K final stage that starts at 4am and has taken some people 22 hours to complete.This is the conversation they had the day before all of that.Rich and Andy talk through what the race actually looks like, the logistics, the terrain, the cut-off times, and why 35K in the jungle can take more than 10 hours. Andy reflects on his desert race - the moment he ran out of water with 4K still to go, his hands swelling up, wedding ring bulging, collapsing into a checkpoint with 45 minutes to spare before the cutoff. And the 10K after that, when the voice telling him he wasn't good enough became the loudest thing in his head.He talks honestly about fear. Not the fear of the jungle, but the fear of that voice coming back when he's too tired to fight it. About whether, this time, he'll finally be able to prove to himself that the story isn't true.And then, quietly, he talks about grief. About wishing his dad could be on the end of a phone right now. About wanting to hear him say he's got this.Rich connects it all back to the people they work with every day - the ones standing at the door, able to see what's on the other side, but not quite ready to step through. The certainty of staying stuck versus the uncertainty of change.It's one of the most honest episodes they've done.Follow Andy's dot at BeyondTheUltimate.co.uk from Sunday. All the BTU coverage is on their socials too.

Gab Stone had it all mapped out from the age of 14. Loughborough, sports management, his own agency, 22 athletes at London 2012 - 13 of them medalling. He was 29 years old and at the centre of one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen.And behind all of it, he was living a double life.Gab has battled a gambling addiction since university - one that followed him through the highs of his career, took everything he'd built, led to a criminal conviction, and eventually landed him in a prison cell. And it was in that cell, on his first morning inside, that he put his watch on the windowsill, closed his eyes, and ran a 5K around Regent's Park.This week, Rich and Andy sit down with Gab for one of the most honest, gripping conversations they've had on the podcast. They cover the early warning signs nobody spotted, what online gambling does to remove every last firewall of resistance, the quarter of a million pounds, the Sunday papers, the court case, and the four and a half months inside.But mostly, they talk about what comes next. Eleven years clean. Running as recovery. And a plan to run 30 marathons in 30 days throughout June to raise awareness around gambling harm - starting in Mayfair on the 1st and making his way up to Newcastle and back.If you're in Leeds on June 15th, Rich will be running with him.This one will stay with you.Follow Gab - https://www.instagram.com/gabstone9/

It’s just the two of them this week, and they’ve got a lot to get through.Rich and Andy kick things off with some genuinely exciting news - the Valencia marathon experience that became the highlight of Rich’s year is back in December 2026, and this time they’re opening it up. They’re giving up their race bibs, offering a six-month coaching programme, and taking a small group on the whole journey with them. Twelve people expressed interest within 24 hours of it going live.There are race reports too. Client Ed ran 3:47 at the brutally hilly Leeds Marathon - only five minutes slower than his Seville time on a completely different beast of a course. Andy ran the Bristol Half with his son Johnny on his 18th birthday and crossed the line holding hands in 1:42. Rich used Leeds Half as a glorified training run, executing 12K of race-pace intervals while trying not to fart on people.But the heart of this episode is Mental Health Awareness Week. Rich opens up about where he was five years ago - sitting at his kitchen table, not wanting to be here - and traces the slow build that got him there: the values misalignment, the coping mechanisms, the things he was avoiding. It’s honest, raw, and the kind of conversation that reminds you exactly why this podcast exists.Andy talks about the emotional regulation rollercoaster of ADHD, what it really means to chase contentment instead of highs, and what it felt like to watch the ripple effect of eight years of choices play out in real time on a finish line in Bristol.Oh, and Andy’s off to run 230 kilometres through the Peruvian Amazon jungle in ten days. Training’s done. The zip lines are being built as we speak. The foot cream has arrived.This one’s got everything.To join the Valencia Marathon Waiting list go here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXj3TJDplFq-83-VlYZj_PwfGBjKDzn_3t0cqR_Z2nurhPHA/viewformSend us a DM and start the conversation - https://www.instagram.com/clean.break.coaching/

Rich is joined this week by the wonderful Louisa Evans  therapist, hypnotherapist, CBT practitioner, and someone who stopped drinking three and a half years ago and hasn't looked back since.Louisa's story isn't about rock bottoms or dramatic turning points. It's about the slow, quiet exhaustion of a decade spent trying to moderate, the physical signs her body kept sending that she kept ignoring, and the moment she finally decided she was done negotiating with herself.Since then, her life has changed in ways she genuinely didn't see coming. She's lost 3.5 stone, cleared up her rosacea, completed a Master's in Psychology, and is about to embark on a PhD exploring the link between neurodivergence and alcohol use. Oh, and her husband Dale — who said he'd join her "just for a year"  never went back either.This is a conversation about what it really means to be a grey area drinker, why moderation is harder than it sounds (especially if you've got a busy brain), and how understanding yourself - your patterns, your triggers, your neurodivergence — is often the thing that finally makes sobriety stick.Honest, warm, and genuinely inspiring. This one's worth your time.

Rich and Andy are back together, and this one goes deep. What starts as Andy pulling on a medium t-shirt for the first time in years turns into a genuinely honest conversation about gratitude - not the toxic positivity version you see on social media, but what Viktor Frankl called tragic optimism: the ability to find meaning in life despite inevitable suffering, loss, and pain.They talk about why gratitude isn't a destination you arrive at, but a daily practice you have to train. Andy shares what it's like running to his mum's funeral playlist - crying through the woods, feeling grief and joy at the same time, and what it means to actually be able to process things now. Rich talks about using gratitude to close the gap between trigger and response, and how it maps directly onto the alcohol-free journey.There's also a proper celebration of the Clean Break community - Six runners across Manchester, Nice Half Marathon and the London Marathon, including Syori who went from not being able to run 5K to finishing her first marathon in nine months, and Jane, who at 70 called her half marathon in Nice "just an easy run, but a bit longer." And with Sebastian Sawy going sub-two in London, the conversation turns to what's still possible as we get older, and how far both Rich and Andy feel from their own ceilings.

Mark Long has been losing his sight since he was 12 years old. For most of that time, he pretended everything was fine - hiding his condition, masking it with alcohol, and performing a version of himself he thought the world needed to see. It took a car crash, a divorce, and a gym full of tears listening to a podcast about suicide to finally make him stop.Now registered blind, 16 months alcohol-free, and training for a 25K SAS selection route through the Brecon Beacons, Mark is a qualified positive psychology life coach who's building a life he actually recognises. He talks to Rich and Andy about using drink to cover up his vision loss in social situations, the moment he realised his relationship with alcohol was quietly destroying his marriage, what it feels like to run when you can barely see, and why he refuses to be defined by his blindness.He's also running the Fan Dance on 2nd May to raise money for Guide Dogs UK - the charity that gave him Mary, his black lab and, by the sound of it, his best mate. Links to donate in the show notes.Sponsored by Authentic Brew. Use code CB10 at authenticbrew.com for 10% off.Tpo Sponsor Mark use this link - https://www.justgiving.com/page/pounds-for-puppy-penny?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020

Fifty episodes. And if you were hoping that by now Rich and Andy had everything figured out - the admin, the pack training, the carb loading, the ability to stay on topic - we're sorry to disappoint.EP50 finds Andy six weeks out from a 230km, five-day jungle ultra, feeling physically great, mentally in comfortable denial, and still yet to put his 11-kilo pack on his back for a single training run. We've been here before. So has his back. It didn't end well.Meanwhile, it's marathon season - Manchester, London, Nice, Bristol. Leeds and Edinburgh - and the episode opens up into a genuinely useful and often hilarious deep dive into race week panic. Specifically, the kind that comes from reading too much online and concluding you need to eat 800 grams of carbs a day to survive a marathon. You don't. Please stop.Rich and Andy talk through what actually matters in race week - and more importantly, what doesn't - and why the best time to trial your gel strategy, your Imodium timing, and your pre-race coffee ritual is definitely not the Thursday before Manchester. They also get into process goals versus destination goals, the compound effect of consistency, and why Rory McIlroy winning the Masters by doing absolutely nothing clever is basically the perfect metaphor for marathon running.And then there's Toby. Who got a chest infection a week before the Paris Marathon, went anyway, broke his PB, and probably grew more from that race than any he's run before.Fifty episodes in, and the honest truth is this: the figuring out never really stops. You just get better at showing up anyway.Use code CB10 for 10% off Authentic Brew - natural energy, no caffeine, no nonsense.

What separates a high-performing team from one that's just going through the motions? According to this week's guest, it usually comes down to three things most organisations never get right: clarity, identity, and the psychological safety to actually fail without consequence.Rich Turner is a high-performance coach, sports scientist, and what he calls a Corporate Athlete. He's spent years taking the lessons of elite sport - the debrief cultures, the marginal gains mindset, the psychology of team identity - and applying them to the messy, complicated reality of corporate teams and leadership. The result is a coaching approach that's refreshingly honest: high performance isn't a moment, it's something you have to be able to sustain.In this conversation, Rich, Rich and Andy get into what the best teams actually do differently, why your identity as an individual - and as a collective - can quietly cap your potential without you even realising it, and why the absence of feedback loops in most workplaces is quietly killing performance. They also explore the self-determination theory, the loneliness of being a solopreneur, why autonomy and purpose matter more than most leaders think, and how the lessons from sport translate - and sometimes don't - into a corporate environment.Oh, and Rich Turner has just made the England Over 35's hockey squad for the World Cup in Rotterdam. So there's that.A wide-ranging, genuinely thought-provoking conversation that will resonate whether you lead a team of two or two hundred.Use code CB10 for 10% off Authentic Brew.

Fair warning: this one goes places. If you've just discovered Clean Break Chats, we'd like to apologise in advance - and also assure you that we do occasionally talk about serious things. Eventually.EP48 starts with Andy somehow surviving 110K in seven days on trails (his legs have not forgiven him), detours through Rich's manic solo parenting Thursday, a heartfelt rant about the alcohol industry's genius trick of making you feel stupid for doing the thing they engineered you to do - and somehow ends up at lactate threshold, heart rate reserve, and race-day pacing strategy. It's a journey.In between: Andy's first supermarket alcohol aisle visit in seven months, the "productive life" reframe that reframes everything about turning 50, Jane - a 70-year-old in their coaching group quietly nonchalanting her way through 2hr 20min long runs - and a midlife health update from Rich that involves neither cancer nor a crisis, but does involve ointment.There's also Andy's A&E dash with daughter Lily the night before flying to Spain, the father-son running bond with Johnny ahead of his first half marathon, and a teaser for a marathon experiment Rich refuses to explain yet.It's honest, warm, funny, and yes - occasionally about haemorrhoids. But stick with it. The good stuff is in there too.Use code CB10 for 10% off Authentic Brew - natural energy, mood-enhancing, and probably better for you than whatever Rich needs from the pharmacy right now.https://www.authenticbrew.com

When Martyn Davies stopped drinking 8 years ago, he had one question that wouldn't leave him alone. What would a comedy club look like without alcohol?The answer he got from the industry he'd spent 20 years in? Laughter. At him. Nobody's going to come to a comedy club without a drink. You need alcohol to laugh.He did it anyway.This week Rich and Andy sit down with Martyn - founder of Sober is Fun and the London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club - for one of the most honest, warm, and at times raw conversations we've had on the podcast. Martyn takes us right back to the beginning: the 90s rave scene, a party lifestyle that lit him up on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside, and a 27-year relationship with alcohol and substances that eventually took him to a very dark place. Behind closed doors, isolated, pushing away everyone who loved him - until his brother staged an intervention in their parents' front room with printed-off emails and their mum sat on the sofa.That Saturday evening, Martyn said yes to getting help. It changed everything.He talks about his month in rehab, what it really took to build a life in recovery, his recent ADHD diagnosis and how it re-framed so much of his story, and why giving back - to the rehab, to an addiction charity, and eventually through Sober is Fun - became the foundation everything else was built on.And yes, we do get into running. Because of course we do.If you've ever been told your idea is ridiculous, or you're in a place right now where you can't quite see the way out - this one's for you.SOBER IS FUN WEBSITE - https://www.soberisfun.co.uk/

We've all heard of the comfort zone. But what if it doesn't actually exist? This week, Rich and Andy make a distinction that changes everything - it's not a comfort zone, it's a familiar zone. And familiar isn't the same as comfortable. It's just easier than facing what's underneath.They explore how alcohol keeps people locked in cycles they know are hurting them - the Sunday bottle of wine, the Monday shame, the white - knuckling through Thursday - and why that loop can run for years without anyone around you even noticing. Then the conversation goes deeper. Andy opens up about his ADHD diagnosis and the uncomfortable truth that for neurodiverse people, alcohol isn't just a social habit - it's often self-medication. When your brain is running 40 tabs at once and never truly quiets down, a drink that silences the noise isn't a reward. It's a relief. And that's a very different thing.They also get into dopamine, rejection sensitivity, the post-marathon crash, and why going alcohol-free takes far more courage than most people give it credit for.If you've ever felt like you were outrunning something but couldn't quite name what - this episode is for you.

Most people know Georgie Bingham as the voice they heard on Saturday mornings on TalkSport. What most people didn't know was what was happening behind the mic.In this episode, Rich and Andy sit down with broadcaster-turned-coach Georgie Bingham for one of the most honest, raw and genuinely moving conversations we've had on the pod.Georgie opens up about 25 years of early alarms, no weekends, and a career she slowly fell out of love with. About drinking alone in a house that never really felt like home. About a moment where she realised she was pretty much suicidal - and didn't even clock how serious that was at the time. And about how sobriety didn't just change her habits - it gave her back herself.We talk about:The "midlife funk" - and why it's not a crisis, it's a callingWhy giving up alcohol is the bravest thing you'll ever doThe toxic lad culture she navigated as the only female voice at TalkSportFOMO, loneliness, and what it means to finally stop being a sheepHow coaching is helping people do in 5 months what took Georgie 5 yearsThis one hit differently. Whether you're sober-curious, deep in your own midlife moment, or just need to hear someone be brilliantly, unapologetically honest - this episode is for you.Find Georgie: themidlifefunkcoach.com | @GeorgieBingham

This week’s episode is a personal one. Andy hits 7 years alcohol-free, and we unpack what’s changed - and what keeps getting better even this far down the road.We talk honestly about the midlife runner’s reality: the hidden negotiations, the “badge of honour” hangover runs, and the way running can become both a coping mechanism and a doorway to real change. You’ll hear why 100 days is often the point where the real identity shift begins, why clarity is a double-edged sword, and how learning to process grief and emotion (instead of numbing it) becomes a superpower.We also share some race-week energy - Tokyo Marathon shout-outs, training markers, and why consistency beats intensity every time when life is busy and you’re trying to build something sustainable.If you’re a midlife runner who feels stuck, misaligned, or caught in the weekday discipline / weekend sabotage loop - this one will land.In this episode:The 7-year “soberversary” (and why there’s no itch to go back)The badge-of-honour trap: “I can still run after drinking…”Running away vs running towards: the identity shiftGrief, gratitude, and feeling life in full colourWhy 100 days is a real data point (not just a milestone)Consistency > intensity (and how to train without burning out)Race-week shout-outs + how to use races as confidence buildersWork with us: If you’re ready to remove alcohol as the hidden performance ceiling and rebuild self-trust, DM us and start the conversation.

This week we’re joined by Mike Mudie, Co-Founder & CEO of Authentic Brew - a 100% natural functional energy drink created after Mike’s life took an unexpected turn. After leaving a high-pressure career, Mike hit a sudden and serious burnout that forced him to rebuild his health from the ground up - and ultimately sparked the idea for Authentic Brew.We talk about the realities of modern stress, why alcohol and “fake energy” can quietly pull us off track, and what happens when you return to nature for recovery. Mike also shares the story behind Authentic Brew’s unique ingredients (including organic functional mushrooms + seaweeds), why the first production run sold out fast, and how they’re building a values-led brand with 25% of net profit supporting biodiversity restoration.If you’re into running, wellbeing, alcohol-free living, or performance without the crash, this one’s for you.In this episode:Mike’s journey from high performance to total shutdown -  and backThe “life hack” of removing alcohol (and why it creeps back in)Why many elite sports teams don’t consume their sponsor productsWhat makes Authentic Brew different (no caffeine, no added sugar, no synthetics)The role of ritual, energy, calm focus - and the outdoor community🎁 Clean Break Chats listener offer: 10% off Authentic Brew Use the link below (discount applied): https://shop.authenticbrew.com/discount/CB10Find out more / join the crew: authenticbrew.com Follow: @authenticbrew

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive into the uncomfortable middle ground of alcohol use - the space where you're functioning, coping… but quietly struggling.They explore the idea of being “not bad enough” to quit, yet not truly thriving either. From emotional reliance and the fading bias effect, to using running as a mask rather than a solution, this conversation gets honest about what alcohol was really doing behind the scenes.Andy reflects on the anxiety-filled mornings he never wants to relive. Rich opens up about vocational dependence and the subtle ways alcohol embeds itself into identity and routine. Together, they unpack why so many men in their 40s feel stuck - and why removing alcohol might be the first real step toward clarity, not restriction.This episode is for the runner who drinks. The dad who feels the pressure. The man who looks fine on the outside.If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is helping or quietly holding you back....this one’s for you.

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, we’re joined by Ben Gray from Run Talk Run (part of Sport in Mind) for a conversation that goes well beyond running.We talk about movement as a tool for mental health, why small, consistent community spaces matter, and how simply showing up can be life-changing - even on the weeks when nobody else does.Ben shares his own journey through ADHD, alcohol, identity, and finding purpose, along with the story behind Run Talk Run and why it works: no pressure, no pace, no fixing -  just moving together and being human.Along the way we cover:why “fine” often isn’t finethe power of walk-and-talk spacestraining for ultras versus training for lifethe calm swan… and the chaos underneathconsistency over perfection (plus an unexpected Cream Egg & pizza 5K PB)If you’ve ever felt on the edge of joining something - or wondered how movement can support mental health without judgment - this episode is for you.

This one’s a proper sit-down, no-filter chat.We start with Ali’s Spine Race update (268 miles, barely any sleep, and she still says it was everything she wanted it to be)… and that opens the door to something bigger:The pain we choose… versus the pain life hands us.Because not everyone’s “Spine” is a Spine.For Rhonda, it was her first Parkrun.For Phil, it was showing up three times in a week.For Sandra, it was making an alcohol-free choice on a cruise.And for Johnny, it’s fighting the resistance, the fear of failing, and the pressure of a ticking clock.We talk about ego, comparison, why confidence doesn’t come first… and why choosing challenge is often how we build the tools we’ll need when life gets hard without our permission.If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you “should be doing more”… this episode will land.To sign up to our newsletter head over to WWW.AFRUNNERS.COM where you can get on the email list and get great content from Rich and I.

In Episode 39 of Clean Break Chats, we are joined by one of the most honest, respected and quietly formidable voices in endurance sport — Allie Bailey.Allie is an ultra-endurance athlete, coach, speaker and author of two powerful books: 📖 There Is No Wall 📖 31 Days: a Zero-Bullsh*t Masterclass in Mindset Training For: The Modern RunnerSince this conversation was recorded, Allie has gone on to complete one of the most brutal endurance events on the planet - the Winter Spine Race 2026.🏔️ 268 miles ❄️ Mid-winter conditions 🌙 18+ hours of darkness per day 🧠 Relentless mental and physical challengeAnd she didn’t just finish.👉 She placed 7th Female which is an epic result.Allie has taken on some of the toughest terrains on Earth - from crossing frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia to running the length of the Panama Canal - and has finished 200+ marathons and ultra-marathons around the world. Along the way she’s battled depression and alcoholism, transformed her life, and now helps others find strength through both running and mindset work. In this episode, Allie talks candidly about: ✔️ What it really takes to stand at the start line of races like the Spine Race and multi-day ultras ✔️ Why process over destination is everything ✔️ How mental training outlives physical wins ✔️ Her experience on the Winter Spine Race/Spine Challenger - one of the toughest winter ultras in the UK - and how she accidentally found her way into doing it despite saying she never would ✔️ Valuable lessons in self-worth, motives for running, and letting go of unrealistic comparisonWhether you’re an ultrarunner, a weekend warrior, or someone navigating life’s tough transitions, this raw, honest and inspiring conversation will challenge how you think about effort, struggle, and success.Here’s who we’re talking about:Allie Bailey - British ultrarunner, author, coach, speaker and podcaster. 🏆 Recognised as one of the UK’s most inspiring female adventurers. 📚 Author of the acclaimed “There Is No Wall”. 🥇 Podiumed in numerous long ultras (including Wildhorse 200). 🌍 Has completed 200+ ultra-distance runs including multi-day and extreme conditions worldwide.  📣 Regular speaker on mindset, endurance and mental health.  🐕 Lives in Yorkshire with rescue dog, Pickle (a true trail companion!). 👉 She’s also been part of the Spine Race team in safety and media roles leading up to tackling the Winter challenge herself in 2026

In this episode, Andy and Rich explore the pressure that often arrives with the start of a new year - the sense that things should feel clearer, calmer, and more organised by now… even when they don’t.They talk openly about:Why January can amplify overwhelm rather than motivationHow avoidance, ADHD task paralysis, and self-criticism can quietly stall progressThe difference between self-sabotage and learning to protect your future selfWhy going from zero to all-in rarely worksHow focusing on process over perfection creates sustainable momentumAndy shares his own reflections on feeling scattered and stuck - and how returning to the gym after years of resistance has become a powerful symbol of doing the uncomfortable things that support long-term goals, rather than avoiding them out of fear.Rich dives into mindset, goal-setting, and belief, sharing how a simple mental shift led to a 19:49 5K, reinforcing that progress doesn’t come from doing more - it comes from doing the right things consistently.Together, they reflect on how small, repeatable actions, kinder self-talk, and better focus can unlock confidence, clarity, and forward motion - not just in running, but in life.They also share what’s coming up across Clean Break Coaching, including races, meet-ups, retreats, and a limited-time coaching offer for those wanting structure, accountability, and support as the year unfolds.If you’re feeling the weight of new-year expectations, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan - just the next right step.🔓 Current Coaching OfferFor a limited time, you can get 33% off for 2 months on both coaching options:👉 Group Coaching https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/silveroffer100👉 1:1 Coaching + Group Support https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/silveroffer200

What if going alcohol-free isn’t the change… but the catalyst that unlocks every other change in your life?In this special guest episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich are joined by one of the most influential voices in the alcohol-free world - Andy Ramage (One Year No Beer / Dry / coach & author).For Andy D, this conversation is deeply personal. His alcohol-free journey began back in May 2018 after finding One Year No Beer online, and after months of blipping and slipping, his last “Day One” landed on 28th February 2019 - the same moment he started his first course with Andy Ramage.Together, we unpack why removing alcohol so often becomes the gateway to transformation, including:Why alcohol-free living takes courage - especially when everyone else is walking in the opposite directionHow our beliefs about alcohol (confidence, fun, connection) get formed early… and keep us trapped for decadesWhy alcohol disconnects us from the micro-moments that create real joy and meaningHow clarity, sleep, and emotional resilience return when alcohol leavesWhy men, grief, vulnerability and alcohol are so tightly linked and why we need new spaces for real conversationThe truth about being accused of “preaching” and why sharing this message matters now more than everAndy also shares exciting updates on what he’s building next, including Authentic Brew, a functional wellness drink created to support energy, clarity and connection - and his upcoming documentary tracking real drinkers through an alcohol-free transformation.This is a powerful, honest, funny and deeply human conversation - and if you’ve ever thought about taking a break from alcohol… this might be the episode that changes everything. 📲 Follow Andy Ramage: https://www.instagram.com/andyramageofficial and https://andyramage.com 🍃 Authentic Brew: https://www.authenticbrew.com

Happy New Year - and welcome to the first Clean Break Chats episode of 2026.In this conversation, Rich and Andy reflect on what 2025 really taught them: that success isn’t measured by a bank balance, but by the joy, gratitude, connection, and meaning you’re building day-to-day. They talk honestly about alcohol-free life over Christmas (what felt easy, what still shows up), the “placebo” rituals of special occasions, and the tricky, nuanced question of moderation - especially when alcohol has been part of your identity.They also explore one of the most powerful tools in any change journey: creating a gap between stimulus and response. Because when you think you’re craving alcohol, you’re usually craving a feeling - relaxation, connection, excitement, relief - and you can learn to meet that need without pouring a drink.From there, the chat opens up into running, coaching, and what’s ahead: why process goals beat destination goals, why community race-weekends (like Valencia and Benidorm) matter so much, and what 2026 might look like when you “remove what isn’t important” before piling more on.Andy shares what stepping into 50 feels like (spoiler: it’s not fear - it’s fuel), why the gym suddenly matters for the next challenge, and how he’s thinking about productivity, accountability, and building strength to match big endurance dreams. Rich talks marathon plans, focus, and doubling down on what matters.If you’re doing Dry January - or just feeling that “new year reset” energy -this one will help you simplify, refocus, and start building momentum.Mentioned in this episodeFREE 28-day Alcohol-Free Challenge (code: FREEMAKEACHANGE) - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/alcoholfreechallegeGroup coaching: £75/month (weekly running + mindset call + weekly alcohol-free call) - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/memberships1:1 coaching: from £150/month - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/membershipsFree discovery call (30 mins) to figure out the best option for you - https://calendly.com/rich-cleanbreakcoaching/clean-break-coaching-30min-discovery-call

In this very special Clean Break Chats Christmas Special, Andy and Rich are joined by members of the Clean Break community for an honest, moving and uplifting reflection on the year that’s been - and the year ahead.This episode isn’t about perfect training blocks, PBs or rigid plans. It’s about connection over perfection.Together, we explore:Navigating injuries, setbacks and frustration - without walking awayWhy community matters more than motivationWhat it really means to train smarter, not harderHow being alcohol-free creates space for deeper connection - with yourself, your running, and your familyPatience, sustainability, and learning to play the long gameThe emotional power of running  - especially when shared with othersIdentity shifts: “I’m not a runner” → “I am a runner”Why failure isn’t the end - it’s part of the pathYou’ll hear raw, real stories from Liz, Stacey and Kris - covering injury, sobriety milestones, weight loss, mindset shifts, family inspiration, and the courage to keep showing up when things don’t go to plan.If you’re finishing the year feeling tired, stuck, injured, inconsistent - or quietly proud of how far you’ve come - this episode is for you.🎄 A reminder this Christmas: You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do it alone. And you’re probably doing better than you think.

Victory in Valencia.But not in the way most people think.In this deeply reflective episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich unpack everything that happened before, during, and after the Valencia Marathon - from the electric race-weekend atmosphere to the mental battles after 30km, the heat, the crowds, the doubts… and the breakthroughs.This isn’t a “what time did you run?” episode.It’s a conversation about process over pace, connection over consumption, and why the real win happens long before the finish line.We talk about:Why marathon success is earned in the months before race dayManaging expectations, nerves, logistics, and controllablesRunning alcohol-free and why clarity beats chaos every timeTrusting the process (even when doubt creeps in)The power of mindset, belief, and staying present in the painWhy PBs are a by-product - not the pointCommunity, coaching, and doing hard things togetherWhether you’re training for a marathon, returning to running, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or simply navigating a demanding season of life - this episode is a reminder that you’re not behind, you’re building.🎽 You’re running your own Olympics.And you’re allowed to be proud of the effort - not just the result.🎧 Listen now and take what you need from the journey.

In this special in-person episode, Andy and Rich sit down in Spain just days before the Valencia Marathon to reflect on the year, the training blocks, and everything that’s led to this moment.They talk honestly about pre-race nerves, heat anxiety, gels, hydration, heart rate, and the mental battles that define the marathon experience. But this episode goes much deeper than pacing plans and race strategy. It’s about perspective. About learning to let go of arbitrary time goals. About gratitude, recovery, ageing, reduced training volume, and staying consistent through life’s curveballs.They reflect on the growth of Clean Break Coaching, the power of alcohol-free connection, and what it truly means to inspire rather than influence. There’s talk of future races, ultras, trail running, community, and why showing up matters more than stopwatch success.If you’re heading into a marathon, considering your first big race, or simply navigating a demanding season of life - this episode is for you.🎯 Topics covered:Pre-marathon mindset & race-day nervesTraining in the heat & adjusting expectationsThe power of consistency over volumeFueling, hydration & heart rate awarenessLetting go of time obsessionGratitude, ageing & resilienceClean Break community & future race plans🎧 A grounded, funny, vulnerable and motivating listen - recorded right on the edge of race weekend.

In this week’s episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down with the brilliant Denise Hamilton Mace - podcast host, writer, speaker, and one of the most insightful voices in the alcohol-free and mindful-drinking movement.Denise opens up about:Her journey from daily drinking in hospitality to becoming a leading advocate for mindful drinkingWhy the “messy middle” of alcohol use is where most people actually liveThe rise of alcohol-free options and how choice is changing everythingHow rituals, habit loops, and identity shape our drinking behavioursWhy pubs are missing out on £800 million a year (and what needs to change)The future of AF wine, functional drinks, and how the entire category is evolvingAnd most importantly: how to make empowered choices without guilt, shame, or labelsThis is a rich, nuanced conversation about moderation, identity, culture change, and giving people permission to choose what works for them.If you’ve ever questioned your own drinking, felt in the “in-between” space, or just want to understand the modern mindful-drinking landscape - this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and plenty of aha moments.

In this powerful episode of the Clean Break Chats Podcast, Andy and Rich sit down with running coach, speaker, and all-round mindset powerhouse John Hill - a man who has lived many lives and isn’t afraid to talk about all of them.John opens up about his early years of low self-esteem, weight struggles, and using alcohol and persona as a mask - and the moment he finally transformed everything by challenging the beliefs he held about himself. From losing 70 lbs, becoming a marathon runner, and finally breaking the 3-hour barrier in his mid-40s, to choosing to go alcohol-free for reasons far deeper than health, this episode explores:🔥 How identity shapes every decision you make 🔥 Why belief change is more important than behaviour change 🔥 The mental battles all runners face (and how to win them) 🔥 Alcohol, ego, escapism and the masks men wear 🔥 How to pursue big goals in your 40s, 50s and beyond 🔥 The power of forgiveness, pausing, and choosing differently 🔥 Why the “fat kid” story never really leaves - and how to run anywayIt’s raw, human, funny, deep - and absolutely overflowing with insights for anyone on a journey of change, sobriety, fitness or self-discovery.If you’re looking for an episode that will shift your perspective and get under your skin in the best possible way… this is it.

This week it’s just the two of us - Andy and Rich - diving into all things running, mindset, training maturity, ego, taper madness, winter motivation, and what really drives long-term progress.With Valencia Marathon just 3 weeks away, we get honest about:How small, intentional actions compound into big resultsThe power of consistency over intensityWhy most runners massively overestimate effort and underestimate recoveryThe difference between running smarter vs running harderTaper fears, niggles, and the psychology of race-weekTraining in winter and “owning the dark months”How ego can derail race prep (hello, Benidorm Half 👀)Why coaching is WAY more than a plan - it’s mindset, structure, accountability, and communityWe also talk about the importance of safety in winter running, adapting your routine, and why joining a social group or run buddy system might be the best move you make this season.Plus - we announce our FREE 5-Day Running Kickstart Challenge starting Monday 17th. Perfect for anyone wanting accountability, structure, and a fresh start as winter hits. (See link below)This episode is raw, honest, funny, and packed with takeaways you can use immediately in your training - whether you’re targeting a marathon or just lacing up again.Small actions. Smart training. Big outcomes. Tune in and let’s get stuck in.The FREE 5 Day Running Kick-start For alcohol-free & sober-curious people Who Want to ditch the booze and hit their stride! CLICK ON THE LINK AND GET SIGNED UP - ALL KICKS OFF ON MONDAY 17th November https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/challenge

In this powerful episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down with performance psychologist Stu Holliday  a man who’s worked with Olympic swimmers, England Netball, Liverpool FC, and now helps endurance athletes master their mental game through his Unbreakable Athlete program.Stu shares practical, game-changing tools for managing your inner critic, building mental toughness, and finding joy in running again - without the pressure of constant performance.We talk about:How to manage your inner chimp (and why you can’t just silence it)What to do when the voice in your head says “you’re not good enough”Why “open goal” runs without music or watches reconnect you to joyThe power of composure, smile cues, and realistic optimismHow to mentally navigate injury, self-doubt, and comparisonWhy the strongest athletes train their minds as much as their bodiesWhether you’re training for your first 10K or chasing a marathon PB, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, recovery, and resilience — not just for running, but for life.👉 Follow Stu at @endurancemindcoaching 👉 Learn more about the Unbreakable Athlete program 👉 Follow Andy & Rich at @cleanbreakcoaching

Half-term fatigue, long drives, and two back-to-back half marathons… yet we’re feeling strangely good. In EP28 we unpack why: running our easy runs truly easy (heart-rate led), putting intention into the long run, and dropping the ego around paces. Rich talks skipping a 5K time trial to protect the key weekend session, how RunDot’s adaptive plans are earning our trust, and why comparison can be useful - until it isn’t. We dig into process-over-destination goals, “open goals” for mojo, and enjoying the block without pinning self-worth to a PB. Updates: Rich is now an England Athletics–qualified coach and starting breathwork facilitator training; we’re onboarding runners now for spring races with a big push on base building. Teaser: next week’s guest is sports psychologist Stuart Holliday on mindset, pain moments, and your “own Olympics.” Valencia Marathon is five weeks out -le t’s go.If your looking to join us in the Clean Break Coaching community and want to take your Spring Goals to the next level https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/memberships

Raw-Dogging Life: Damo on Anxiety, Running & AF LivingDamian “Damo” Sharp joins Andy & Rich for a candid deep-dive into living life unfiltered — no booze, full presence. We unpack anxiety, blips, and the gritty bits of rebuilding confidence with sleep, nutrition, and those “boring” Zone 2 runs that change everything.We cover:From slips to Phase 2 sobriety: using blips as data, not dramaAnxiety, panic, and why caffeine had to goRunning for headspace: base-building, injury comebacks, and pacing the egoParenting, identity, and choosing presence over pintsPlanning a sober wedding (6 Dec!) without the late-night chaosIf you’re AF-curious, in the messy middle, or coming back from a setback, this one’s for you.👉 Share with a mate who needs it, and DM us your takeaway. Follow @clean.break.coaching for coaching, community & spring race prep.

This week we pick up Andy’s origin story where we left off — landing in Spain, fusing two drinking cultures, and trying to outrun anxiety with Sunday start lines. We talk about why consistency beats perfection, how to lower resistance to new habits, and what happens when you train hard and drink hard… right up to Andy’s 3:40 at the 2017 London Marathon and the family fallout that followed.We also reflect on World Mental Health Day: the link between alcohol and anxiety, why connection trumps white-knuckling, and the moment a simple Google search (“Do I have a problem with alcohol?”) opened the door to community and change. We end on a cliff-hanger: the first steps of Andy’s clean break — and what came next.In this episodeConsistency > perfection (and how to remove friction)Solo-parenting realities & gratitude for our partnersCommunity shout-outs & autumn race vibesSpain vs UK: how culture shapes drinking habitsWhen running starts justifying drinkingThe London Marathon “wake-up” momentFinding help, finding community, starting the break

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich and Andy sit down with Scott Woolley, founder of Arklet, to unpack the real conversation around alcohol: not a binary “alcoholic or not,” but a spectrum shaped by culture, mental health, and choice. Scott shares his own shift from weekend binges to a decade alcohol-free, how picking up a camera opened the door to creativity and nature, and why he’s pro-choice, not anti-alcohol. We explore the idea of a “hangover problem” vs an “alcohol problem,” the limits of “drink responsibly” messaging, what Gen Z is teaching us about wellness culture, and why swapping nights out for sunrise runs, coffee, and coastline sunsets can be life-changing. If you’re sober-curious, on a break, or simply rethinking habits, this one’s a grounded, stigma-free listen packed with practical insight - and a reminder that connection beats consumption every time.

Turning 50, mountains on the mind, and no longer chasing a single “peak.” In this solo chat, Rich guides Andy through Part 1 of his origin story - from Bristol roots, rugby and Scouts, to pub-life chaos, backpacking the world, moving to Spain, and becoming a Dad. Andy shares why “peaking” is a myth, how running taught him to love the process, why depth beats width, and how gratitude and positive psychology re-framed the last decade. He also connects the dots between ADHD, spontaneity, job-hopping, and the old chase for dopamine. Part 2 (coming soon) dives into the Spain years and his evolving relationship with alcohol.Highlights50th reflections: joy > happiness, journey > destinationPeaks & valleys: why the high is brief and what to do afterADHD threads: rejection sensitivity, spontaneity, and workParenting, purpose, and simplifying life for more depthIf this resonates: follow, rate, and share with a friend who’s redefining midlife.

On the eve of Andy’s 50th, Rich and Andy welcome Kelly Harman for a grounded conversation about turning a so-called midlife crisis into a midlife awakening. Kelly shares how removing alcohol gave her clarity to recognise misalignment in career and relationships, and why she’s now building Fire & Soul around values-led work and trauma-informed conscious connected breathwork. Together we translate the science into plain English - how stress “shortens” the breath, what a safe, facilitated session looks like (including breath analysis, acupressure and affirmations), and how polyvagal theory helps you spot when you’re in green/amber/red and use the breath to return to calm. You’ll get a live 4-7-8 downshift you can use before meetings or bedtime, a practical chat on running and breathing (nasal vs. mouth and why easy runs should feel easy), and a look at modelling alcohol-free norms for kids and schools. We close with smart guidance on choosing accredited facilitators in a fast-growing space and a reminder that midlife isn’t a cliff; it’s a powerful pivot when habits match your values.HOW TO WORK WITH ANDY AND RICH - Check out the Website - take-a-cleanbreak.com and grab a 30 day FREE Group Coaching experience with our Silver Starter membership.

Coaching the Ego: Acceptance, Consistency, AdaptationRain on the skylight, a snotty nose, and a missed run—perfect conditions for an ego flare-up. In Ep22, Andy and Rich get brutally honest about the ego we all carry and how to coach it rather than let it coach us.We dismantle the “minimum 5K” myth, dig into why easy ≠ pointless, and show how the 80/20 split + Zone 2 protects the only sessions that need to be hard: your long run and your quality workout. We talk practical execution—leave 1–2 reps in the tank, keep your intervals even—and map that to the body’s energy systems (ATP/CP, lactate, aerobic) so gains compound instead of stall.Rich shares a 5K PB (–16s) while running less weekly mileage than his last block, thanks to truly easy recovery and a smarter plan. Andy opens up about moving back to the UK, training for Valencia, and the mindset swings that come with ADHD, self-worth, and FOPO (fear of people’s opinions). There’s a shout to first-timers lining up in Berlin, a debrief on inclusivity vs elitism in big-city marathons (rhino suit memories included), and a riff on The Power of Now—why chasing outcomes can’t fill the hole the ego promises it will.If you run, you’re a runner. Your job? Acceptance. Consistency. Adaptation. Ours? Giving you the plan and the community to make that stick.In this episodeCoaching the ego: from comparison to acceptance80/20 & Zone 2: the science behind running slow to run fastQuality sessions that stay quality (stop burning all your matches)PBs on lower mileage, and why it worksGatekeeping, FOPO, and building an inclusive running cultureBrick-by-brick progress: cutback weeks and long-game thinking

In EP21 of Clean Break Chats, Andy & Rich sit down with Jimmy Watkins - co-founder of Running Punks, ex-elite middle-distance runner, and over 2,000 days alcohol-free - for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and choosing a life that actually fits. Jimmy opens up about the moment he realised the live-music lifestyle was costing more than it paid back, and how going AF didn’t shrink his world - it amplified it.We unpack the transition from late-night gigs to early-morning miles: swapping the buzz of the crowd for the rhythm of breath, using music as a metronome for mindset, and building a community where pace is secondary to joy, expression, and showing up. Jimmy breaks down practical AF strategies - ritual replacements, environment design, crew accountability and how to convert a big milestone like 2,000 days into ordinary daily wins.Expect real talk on cravings, social pressure, and the myth that you need stress to perform. We get tactical on pre-race nerves, post-gig comedowns, and how to turn “I’ll just have one” moments into momentum. Most of all, this is a story about creating a loud, creative, sober life and inviting others to run alongside.What you’ll take-away:How to turn a milestone (2,000 days AF) into sustainable habits you can repeat tomorrowPractical “swap this for that” rituals for nights out, race days, and weekendsUsing music to regulate effort, mood, and cadence—on runs and in lifeWhy community beats willpower, and how to find (or build) your crewMindset shifts that make running more fun and performance more consistent

In our first-ever face-to-face recording, things start off a bit awkward… footsie under the table, intense eye contact, and lots of laughs — but this quickly evolves into one of the most heartfelt, honest, and reflective episodes we’ve recorded to date.Andy’s just moved back to the UK after 21 years in Spain - and he opens up about the emotional chaos that comes with big life changes: new schools for the kids, lack of routine, bubbling anxiety, and a sense of not being quite "where he wants to be." Rich shares a powerful moment watching his son embrace the transition into high school - and how it reminded him of the quote: "No man ever steps in the same river twice."Together, we explore:🎙️ The closure of the Over the Influence podcast and what it teaches us about boundaries and burnout in community-building🧠 ADHD, anxiety, and how change hits different when your brain works a bit differently📱 The dilemma of smartphones and parenting in a digital world🏃‍♂️ Our new AI-enhanced coaching system using RunDot - and how it’s helping us (and our runners) train smarter, not harder💬 Why connection (to others and ourselves) is everything during life transitions🙌 Huge shoutouts to our Clean Break runners tackling the Great North Run & upcoming marathonsThis episode is for anyone navigating change - whether that’s a career shift, a lifestyle transition, becoming alcohol-free, or just facing the reality that life never stays still.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not quite where you want to be”… you’ll want to hear this.

Why do some of us seek out the hard things - 100km ultras, sleep-deprived 4x4x48s, blizzards on high ridges - when life already hurts? In this deep, honest conversation, Tony Stopforth (founder of Peaky Runners) traces how grief, lockdown and a drifting sense of identity pulled him to the trails…and how doing “crazy” challenges became a way to heal, connect, and lead.Tony takes us from the moment his father died and running was simply a release “at first it felt like running away” to the point it became running towards purpose. You’ll hear the pivotal vignettes: the NHS fundraiser where he “ran to London” (then to France, adding lake swims for the Channel), the David Goggins 4x4x48 endurance challenge that broke his sleep but built his mind, a spontaneous first marathon on a windy coastline, and a searing hot Lake District race where he learned the hard way about self-reliance (and drank from a stream to finish).We explore the freedom before structure phase - why curiosity and play often come before plans and data and the moment Tony fell in love with the Peak District: sunset solos, a whiteout epiphany on Derwent Edge, and the simple joy of a coffee by a lone tree. From a 7-person WhatsApp group chat to a thriving movement, he unpacks how Peaky Runners grew organically around three ground rules: no egos, no comparisons, no one gets left behind. It’s not a club; it’s a community - where first-timers mix with elites, and everyone’s win counts (from Mark’s Spine Race to Robin’s Dragon’s Back, to your first trail 10K).Then comes the hard pivot: two years sidelined by a major knee surgery and early arthritis. Tony shares the anger, the identity wobble, and the slow rebuild (a tentative 10K, a changed gait, gym sessions with his partner) and how witnessing others keep the community alive became the lifeline that pulled him back. The lesson: resilience isn’t only forged in finish lines; it’s also built in the background, together.If you’re navigating loss, stuck on life’s hamster wheel, or wondering whether a “mad” challenge might just be your doorway to meaning—this episode gives you a map: start messy, find your people, and let hard things reveal who you are.

In Episode 18, it’s just Andy & Rich - no guests, no script, just two mates talking honestly about change, expectations, and connection. Andy shares what it’s been like moving back to the UK after 21 years in Spain, while Rich opens up about parenting, letting go of control, and finding gratitude in the chaos.They also explore why September feels like a bigger reset than January, the importance of focusing on one intentional thing each day, and how staying alcohol-free underpins it all. Plus, a huge announcement: the first-ever Clean Break Retreat is coming to Spain in February 2026 - five days of running, mindset, yoga, breathwork, and connection in the sunshine. Get more information HERE - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/cleanbreak-retreat

In this special episode of the Clean Break Podcast - recorded live when Jodi Clark joined us as a guest inside the Clean Break community - Rich dives deep into Jodi’s powerful alcohol-free journey. From her first steps into sobriety to embracing running, connection, and a more balanced lifestyle, Jodi shares openly about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the joy she’s found along the way. Her story is proof that going alcohol-free isn’t about giving something up - it’s about gaining so much more.

In this raw and reflective episode, Andy and Rich dive deep into the emotional whirlwind of midlife – from moving countries and raising teens to caring for aging parents and navigating life alcohol-free. They unpack the stress of the "sandwich generation," the evolving meaning of success, and why the question “What’s the rush?” has become central to their mindset.Expect honest chat about:Big life transitions (including Andy’s UK move)The emotional cost of parenting teens and losing parentsMidlife stress and mental healthLetting go of the pressure to achieveFinding purpose beyond profitAnd why slowing down might actually be the path to real growthPlus, the guys talk retreats, AI-supported coaching, and getting excited about helping people fall in love with running and life again.A must-listen if you’re juggling a lot, chasing goals, or just need a reminder to breathe and be present. 🙌

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.