Upper Bottom
Oliver Pickup and Dan Orcese
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Top 10 Upper Bottom Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Upper Bottom episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Upper Bottom for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Upper Bottom episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
From office hours to happy hours: Is workplace drinking a recipe for disaster (part two)?
Upper Bottom
07/23/24 • 46 min
For the second instalment of work drinking, Cess and Ollie speak with Liam McNulty – aka Whiskey Richard – who is based in Tokyo. He explains all about nomikai, basically Japanese work parties. There are several layers and dos and don'ts to navigate.
Notably, the sober curious movement doesn't seem to have travelled that far east – if people aren't drinking, it's probably because they can't afford to.
In Booze News, there is a particularly contentious story about a wedding guest leaving at 9.30pm and taking a whole load of friends with her as it was a dry party – a fact that was not advertised.
And there is an exciting new feature: Just the Tonic. This is a funny story or joke about sobriety to lighten the mood, should the Booze News become too serious.
Booze News items:
Daily Telegraph (via MSN): How we could be heading for a booze-free Britain (https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/other/how-we-could-be-heading-for-a-booze-free-britain/ar-BB1q1ndQ)
Sydney Morning Herald (via MSN): Sober thoughts: Non-alcoholic drinks trend is shaping Perth venues (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/sober-thoughts-non-alcoholic-drinks-trend-is-shaping-how-perth-eats/ar-BB1q1LSJ)
Mirror: 'I ditched pal's wedding to get drunk – they didn't warn me wedding was alcohol-free' (https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/i-ditched-pals-wedding-drunk-33254047)
Bristol Live (via MSN): Man blew £25,000 on alcohol in just two weeks as life went out of control (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/man-blew-25000-on-alcohol-in-just-two-weeks-as-life-went-out-of-control/ar-BB1q4b89)
#leadership
#japan
#nomikai
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
Growing pains: What is needed to help the no- and low-alcohol drinks category come of age?
Upper Bottom
09/17/24 • 59 min
Ollie and Dan have been busy attending various no- and low-alcohol events, and they are wearing Upper-bottom t-shirts, of course. Here, they capture some of the main takeaways from Drink It In and the Club Soda Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit.
So, where is the category right now? And what needs to happen to help it grow? Plus, what is the future of socialising? Is it nootropics bars? We'd love to know your thoughts (via a rambling, stream-of-consciousness voice note, if possible).
Booze News features sober dating apps, sober freshers' weeks, sober raving, and Mash Gang's acquisition – and going-on-tangents galore. (What's your favourite emoji?)
Booze News items:
STV: Sober clubbing: Rise in ravers enjoying alcohol-free nights out
(https://news.stv.tv/west-central/sober-clubbing-rise-in-ravers-enjoying-alcohol-free-nights-out)
Epigram: Socialising as a sober student this Freshers’ Week (https://epigram.org.uk/socialising-as-a-sober-student-this-freshers-week/)
TechCrunch: Drybaby is a dating app for the ‘sober curious’ movement (https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/10/drybaby-new-sober-dating-app-betting-on-surge-in-sober-curious-movement/)
The Grocer: Mash Gang acquired by alcohol-free beverage group DioniLife (https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/finance/mash-gang-acquired-by-alcohol-free-beverage-group-dionilife/695456.article)
#soberjourney
#clubsoda
#sobercurious
#nootropics
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sober
A sobering shift: Will the UK's new government change drinking culture like it did with smoking?
Upper Bottom
07/02/24 • 61 min
It became illegal to smoke in all enclosed workplaces across the UK between March 2006 (first in Scotland) and July 2007 (England) – and no one thought it would happen. It just shows the power of government when it puts its mind to something.
On the eve of the General Election, Ollie and Cess ponder whether the new government will have the appetite and willingness to change alcohol laws. To help answer the episode title's puzzler, they welcome Denise Hamilton-Mace, Founder and Editor of Low No Drinker Magazine, and Blake Gladman, Partner / Strategy and Insight Director at KAM Insight.
There is also a snippet from UK Hospitality's CEO, Kate Nicholls, and some fun Booze News (and stories) about Wimbledon.
Will it be love-all for no and low alcohol and the incoming government?
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#generalelection
#sober
06/18/24 • 58 min
Now for something a little different ... In this thought-provoking episode, unveiled on the eve of the summer solstice, Cess and Ollie are joined by guest Becky Burchell as they delve into the complex relationship between alcohol and accessing our primal selves.
The conversation explores the notion that while alcohol has become a societal shortcut for tapping into our wild nature, there are alternative paths to embracing our primal essence.
The trio discusses the importance of reconnecting with the natural world and how spending time in nature can help us rediscover our innate wildness. They also emphasize the role of community and surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who support and encourage our journey of self-discovery without relying on alcohol.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Becky share insights on the power of rituals and intentional practices in creating opportunities for experiencing wildness and pushing personal boundaries. They examine how societal norms and expectations have limited our access to our primal selves and propose ways to challenge and redefine these limitations.
Join Cess, Ollie, and Becky as they explore the transformative potential of embracing our wild nature through nature, community, and conscious practices, offering a fresh perspective on accessing our primal selves without needing alcohol.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#wildness
#sober
05/07/24 • 40 min
In a podcast first, Ollie and Cess record out and about. They visit Laura Willoughby, MBE, founder of Club Soda UK, at Club Soda's HQ in Covent Garden.
After some booze news involving England rugby star Billy Vunipola, and Taylor Swift's "functioning alcoholic" lyric, the CDB-drink-guzzling trio discusses the rise of sober venues and the importance of mindful drinking. Laura emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces that cater to both drinkers and non-drinkers, and highlights the growing market for alcohol-free options.
She also addresses the role of big alcohol brands in promoting moderation and providing alternatives, and explores the concept of mood-enhancing drinks and the benefits of switching to alcohol-free beverages.
Finally, Laura offers great examples and encouragement to individuals seeking to make positive changes in their drinking habits and advocates for a society that offers diverse and enjoyable options for everyone.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober
06/04/24 • 55 min
Navigating sobriety at a football match can be extremely challenging for people seeking to take back control of their alcohol consumption. For gritty stories and expert advice, Ollie and Cess welcome Jack Stirling (aka Kicking the Cans on Instagram), who is almost nine months sober, and Crystal Palace season-ticket holder Nick Houghton, who is just beginning his sobriety journey.
Blackouts, hangovers, and bad behaviour are the ugly side of the so-called beautiful game, as evidenced by the recent Champions League final at Wembley, when 53 arrests were made. And with the European Championships about to start in Germany, we can expect more headlines about boozed-up Brits supporting the Three Lions.
But why are booze and football seemingly inseparable? What is it about the combination of intoxicants? And what can football clubs do to better cater for fans who don't want to become intoxicated and escape?
Jack and Nick offer brilliant insights and great ideas – but will things change given alcohol sponsorship is ubiquitous?
Before that fascinating interview, Ollie and Cess serve up four tasty items of booze news, including how to identify if you have a drinking problem (that involves cheesecake).
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober
#football
06/11/24 • 44 min
This week, Cess and Ollie discuss the relationship between alcohol and Father's Day.
After attending a low- and no-alcohol event facilitated by KAM Insight and Lucky Saint, the duo, armed with stats, explore the growing trend of moderating alcohol intake and the need for more grown-up options. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting and normalising non-alcoholic choices and the potential for missed revenue in the hospitality industry.
The hosts also discuss the changing social dynamics and cultural assumptions around drinking. The conversation covers various topics related to alcohol and fatherhood, including outdated attitudes.
As usual, expect personal stories and reflections on the impact of drinking on their lives. This week, Ollie and Cess conclude that setting a positive example for their children is paramount.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#fathersday
#sober
05/21/24 • 51 min
Ollie and Cess debate what elements make the perfect pub. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's classic essay on his ideal boozer, the Moon Under Water, the hosts share their preferences for what makes a great pub atmosphere.
They cover everything, from impressive toilets and bar chat-friendly seating to pub games, animals, and the perfect music. The conversation also delves into the importance of cosy nooks, natural fires, covered areas, and a wide selection of low or no-alcohol options.
The pair discuss the evolution of pubs and the need for inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, whether they drink or not, can find warmth, shelter, sustenance, and good company in their local watering hole.
There is plenty of related booze news, including how you'll no longer be able to buy a drink in a Ibiza after 9.30pm. Talk about party pooping!
Get in touch to let Ollie and Cess know your likes and dislikes about pubs.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober
05/14/24 • 45 min
Is a smelly, sweltering tent the worst place in the world to have a hangover?
What is it about camping that brings out people’s wildness?
How did a particularly catastrophic drinking session during a camping holiday bring a premature end to one of Ollie’s romantic relationships?
And what happened when Cess accidentally sipped REAL booze after almost a year and a half without an alcoholic drink?
These vital questions, and many more, are answered in this "in-tents", 45-minute episode – pitched just in time for your summer camping trip.
You can also listen to the new "booze news" jingle, and a new outro.
#sobriety
#UpperBottomPodcast
#NoLowDrinkTrends
#sobermovement
#sobercurious
#sober
11/12/24 • 45 min
Is a rock-and-roll lifestyle a shortcut to hitting rock bottom?
Cess invites his musical pals Louis Brennan and Tom Bowen, who both stopped drinking during the pandemic, to explore the dangerous dance between sonic creativity and intoxicants.
It's a wild jig – and a level lower than usual for Upper Bottom listeners. Indeed, Tom reveals that he was shocked into giving up boozing after a doctor said he had only a year left to live if he didn't change his lifestyle.
However, the episode is timely, given the tragic premature death of musical megastar Liam Payne. RIP.
Booze News items:
UK Addiction Treatment Centres: Liam Payne: A talent lost – Alcoholism, struggles, and tragic death (https://www.ukat.co.uk/blog/celebrity/liam-payne-a-talent-lost/)
The Independent: Donald Trump reveals real reason he doesn’t drink alcohol (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-reveals-real-reason-he-doesn-t-drink-alcohol/ar-AA1t5Lzt)
BBC: Pub garden smoking ban dropped from government plans (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79ze8gv1w4o)
The Independent (via MSN): ‘I wish I’d never taken it’: More young people seeking rehab as ketamine addiction spirals in the UK Story by Holly Evans (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/i-wish-i-d-never-taken-it-more-young-people-seeking-rehab-as-ketamine-addiction-spirals-in-the-uk/ar-AA1tqBwF)
#soberjourney
#sobercurious
#soberadvice
#sobriety
#rockandroll
#sobermusicians
#UpperBottomPodcast
#sobermovement
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FAQ
How many episodes does Upper Bottom have?
Upper Bottom currently has 46 episodes available.
What topics does Upper Bottom cover?
The podcast is about Beer, Addiction, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Sobriety, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Men, Drinking, Recovery, Alcoholism and Wellbeing.
What is the most popular episode on Upper Bottom?
The episode title 'Glastonbury unplugged: Is sobriety the new headliner at festivals?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Upper Bottom?
The average episode length on Upper Bottom is 48 minutes.
How often are episodes of Upper Bottom released?
Episodes of Upper Bottom are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Upper Bottom?
The first episode of Upper Bottom was released on Feb 7, 2024.
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