Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, today announced the return of its podcast Here’s to Change for a second season. Building on the success of Season One, the new series continues to spark open, non-judgemental conversations about alcohol, wellbeing and personal change through powerful lived experiences and expert insight.
Hosted by Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O’Brien, Season Two features a compelling mix of cultural voices, broadcasters, coaches and creatives who share honest reflections on how alcohol has shaped – and in many cases challenged – their lives. The series meets listeners where they are, encouraging reflection rather than perfection, and highlights the many different paths people take towards change.
The opening episodes of Season Two feature fashion and lifestyle influencer Sam Kelly (@samkelly98) and alcohol and sobriety coach Olivia Farrelly (@greyareadrinker), both of whom bring deeply personal perspectives to their conversations.
Sam Kelly speaks candidly about his relationship with alcohol, from binge-drinking culture in his college years to the moment he realised change was necessary. Reflecting on the social normalisation of excess drinking, Sam shares how alcohol began to negatively impact his mental health, work life and sense of self, before deciding to stop drinking in April 2023.
Through his episode, Sam explores the realities of early sobriety – from navigating friendships and dating without alcohol to learning how to fully accept himself without using drink as a crutch. His story highlights the gradual but profound benefits of change, including clarity, confidence and a renewed outlook on socialising.
Alcohol and sobriety coach Olivia Farrelly brings a different but equally relatable perspective, exploring what it means to be a “grey area drinker” – someone whose drinking may not appear problematic on the surface, yet still has a significant impact on wellbeing. Olivia reflects on using alcohol to manage anxiety, social connection and life transitions, including motherhood and midlife.
Drawing on both her personal journey and her professional work, Olivia discusses the emotional and physical effects of alcohol, the pressures of “wine o’clock” culture amongst mothers, and the importance of understanding why we drink. Her episode offers reassurance that slipping and sliding can be part of the process, alongside practical tools for building confidence, connection and balance without alcohol.
Speaking about the return of the series, Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Drinkaware, says:
“Season Two of Here’s to Change continues the conversations that resonated so strongly with listeners in our first season. We’re proud to share stories that reflect the many ways alcohol shows up in people’s lives – whether that’s questioning habits, choosing sobriety, or simply becoming more mindful. Our guests speak with honesty and compassion, and their experiences remind us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.”
Additional guests in Season Two include broadcaster Clare McKenna (@claremckennapresents), producer and media figure Michael O’Malley (@michaelomallley), and Sinéad Mooney (@moonsyoga), meditation teacher and life design coach, each offering unique insights into wellbeing, self-awareness and modern life.
Here’s to Change is part of Drinkaware’s ongoing mission to support adults in making informed, conscious choices about alcohol. By amplifying real stories and practical perspectives, the podcast contributes to the growing national conversation around balance, mental health and healthier relationships with drinking.
New episodes of Here’s to Change – Season Two will be available on all major streaming platforms, with episodes released fortnightly.
For more information, visit www.drinkaware.ie or follow Drinkaware on social media.
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Notes to the editor:
About Drinkaware: Drinkaware is a national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland. It is governed by an independent board and regulated by the Charities Regulator. Registered Charity Number: 20204601
For more information on research projects and publications, visit www.drinkaware.ie/research