Clean Break Chats

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 drinking
  • Why the “messy middle” of alcohol use is where most people actually live
  • The rise of alcohol-free options and how choice is changing everything
  • How rituals, habit loops, and identity shape our drinking behaviours
  • Why 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 evolving
  • And most importantly: how to make empowered choices without guilt, shame, or labels
This 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.

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.