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 anyway
It’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.
What is Clean Break Chats?
🎙️ Clean Break Chats – Mindful Miles and AF Lifestyles.
Hosted by Andy and Rich – two ordinary guys who’ve discovered something extraordinary through living alcohol-free. Andy lives by the sea in sunny Spain, and Rich’s home base is in Leeds, UK. What they share is a passion for running, a commitment to alcohol-free living, and a desire to help others unlock the same freedom and joy.
Formerly known as The Running Dryy podcast, this re-branded podcast is part of their new venture Clean Break – a growing community dedicated to helping runners break free from booze and tap into their full potential. Between them, Andy and Rich have run multiple marathons and ultra events, and they credit going alcohol-free as their superpower.
Each episode features raw, honest conversations between the two – full of laughs, insights, and the kind of chat you'd have on a long run with your best mate. They also invite brilliant guests to share their own stories of transformation, triumph, and what it means to live, run, and thrive without alcohol.
Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or just want to hear real stories about finding meaning through movement and mindset, Clean Break Chats is your new go-to listen.
👟 Come for the running.
💬 Stay for the community.
✨ Leave feeling inspired.