Buzz without the booze.
This Week's Brave New Girls Podcast Guest: How Can We Make a Personal Choice That Goes Against the Very Grain of Our Social Fabric and Relationships With Others?
If you’re interested in having a buzz without the booze, this week’s Brave New Girls podcast is for you. My guest is Sarah Kate Kiriliuk- leading expert in non-alcoholic drinks and founder of Some Good Clean Fun, a lifestyle platform that champions mindful drinking, shares mocktail recipes, and celebrates women living joyfully without alcohol.
Sarah’s big question- how can we make a personal choice that goes against the grain of our social fabric and relationships?- is for anyone who’s ever challenged cultural norms, especially when it comes to drinking. She herself gave up alcohol in 2020, during one of the most stressful global events of our time. Maybe not the easiest time to do it but her instinct told her alcohol was no longer serving her.
Many of us, particularly women navigating perimenopause and menopause, reach a turning point where our bodies tell us that enough is enough. But we don’t need to hit rock bottom to explore life with less alcohol. We simply need to listen to our bodies- and our instincts.
Her approach isn’t about restriction of alcohol; it’s about focusing on abundance of the good things in life. Sarah reframes sobriety as a sensory-rich experience filled with clarity, connection, and joy. Sarah shares how she replaced the buzz of wine with the full presence of life.
It’s easy to think, how will I relax or have fun without alcohol? We’re so conditioned to believe that a glass of wine or fizz or beer will ease us into a fun night. But Sarah invites us to redefine what fun feels like. True connection doesn’t require wine in hand- it requires presence.
So if you’re sober-curious, fully alcohol-free, or simply looking to cut back, see below for 10 top tips:
Brave New Girl- How to Be Fearless.
10 Actionable Steps for a better future.
Start with 30 Days – A one-month break gives your body and brain time to reset and reflect on your relationship with alcohol.
Curate Your Own Rituals – Replace that evening glass of wine with a special tea, kava tonic, or functional mocktail.
Bring Your Own – Whether it's a picnic or dinner party, come armed with your favourite non-alcoholic options. Most people won’t even blink.
Try Adaptogens – Herbs like ashwagandha, reishi, and magnesium bisglycinate can help reduce stress and sugar cravings (consult a professional if needed).
Build a Support Circle – Whether it’s a walking group or online community, connect with others who share your values.
Read “The Sober Lush” – Discover the beauty of being fully present and the joy that comes from clear-headed experiences.
Visit Spaces Like Club Soda (UK) – Try alcohol-free wines and spirits in a social setting without the pressure.
Journal the Feels – You don’t need to be a “journal person,” but even scribbled notes help you track emotional shifts and small wins.
Accept the Wobbles – You don’t need 100% to make progress. 90% alcohol-free is still miles ahead of where you were.
Redefine Courage – As Sarah says, courage isn’t about the absence of fear. It’s about acting despite the fear. If your gut says “this isn’t working”- listen.
Redefining joy, health, and connection- Sarah Kate Kiriliuk shows us how life without alcohol can be lush, empowering, and fun.
PS. Listen HERE to SARAH'’S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us create well beings on a well planet.
