In this powerful episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down with performance psychologist Stu Holliday a man whoâs worked with Olympic swimmers, England Netball, Liverpool FC, and now helps endurance athletes master their mental game through his Unbreakable Athlete program.
Stu shares practical, game-changing tools for managing your inner critic, building mental toughness, and finding joy in running again - without the pressure of constant performance.
We talk about:
Whether youâre training for your first 10K or chasing a marathon PB, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, recovery, and resilience â not just for running, but for life.
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Half-term fatigue, long drives, and two back-to-back half marathons⌠yet weâre feeling strangely good. In EP28 we unpack why: running our easy runs truly easy (heart-rate led), putting intention into the long run, and dropping the ego around paces. Rich talks skipping a 5K time trial to protect the key weekend session, how RunDotâs adaptive plans are earning our trust, and why comparison can be useful - until it isnât. We dig into process-over-destination goals, âopen goalsâ for mojo, and enjoying the block without pinning self-worth to a PB.
 Updates: Rich is now an England Athleticsâqualified coach and starting breathwork facilitator training; weâre onboarding runners now for spring races with a big push on base building. Teaser: next weekâs guest is sports psychologist Stuart Holliday on mindset, pain moments, and your âown Olympics.â Valencia Marathon is five weeks out -le tâs go.
If your looking to join us in the Clean Break Coaching community and want to take your Spring Goals to the next level https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/memberships
Raw-Dogging Life: Damo on Anxiety, Running & AF Living
Damian âDamoâ Sharp joins Andy & Rich for a candid deep-dive into living life unfiltered â no booze, full presence. We unpack anxiety, blips, and the gritty bits of rebuilding confidence with sleep, nutrition, and those âboringâ Zone 2 runs that change everything.
We cover:
If youâre AF-curious, in the messy middle, or coming back from a setback, this oneâs for you.
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This week we pick up Andyâs origin story where we left off â landing in Spain, fusing two drinking cultures, and trying to outrun anxiety with Sunday start lines. We talk about why consistency beats perfection, how to lower resistance to new habits, and what happens when you train hard and drink hard⌠right up to Andyâs 3:40 at the 2017 London Marathon and the family fallout that followed.
We also reflect on World Mental Health Day: the link between alcohol and anxiety, why connection trumps white-knuckling, and the moment a simple Google search (âDo I have a problem with alcohol?â) opened the door to community and change. We end on a cliff-hanger: the first steps of Andyâs clean break â and what came next.
In this episode
In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich and Andy sit down with Scott Woolley, founder of Arklet, to unpack the real conversation around alcohol: not a binary âalcoholic or not,â but a spectrum shaped by culture, mental health, and choice.
Scott shares his own shift from weekend binges to a decade alcohol-free, how picking up a camera opened the door to creativity and nature, and why heâs pro-choice, not anti-alcohol.
We explore the idea of a âhangover problemâ vs an âalcohol problem,â the limits of âdrink responsiblyâ messaging, what Gen Z is teaching us about wellness culture, and why swapping nights out for sunrise runs, coffee, and coastline sunsets can be life-changing.
If youâre sober-curious, on a break, or simply rethinking habits, this oneâs a grounded, stigma-free listen packed with practical insight - and a reminder that connection beats consumption every time.
Turning 50, mountains on the mind, and no longer chasing a single âpeak.â In this solo chat, Rich guides Andy through Part 1 of his origin story - from Bristol roots, rugby and Scouts, to pub-life chaos, backpacking the world, moving to Spain, and becoming a Dad.
Andy shares why âpeakingâ is a myth, how running taught him to love the process, why depth beats width, and how gratitude and positive psychology re-framed the last decade.
He also connects the dots between ADHD, spontaneity, job-hopping, and the old chase for dopamine.
 Part 2 (coming soon) dives into the Spain years and his evolving relationship with alcohol.
Highlights
If this resonates: follow, rate, and share with a friend whoâs redefining midlife.
Coaching the Ego: Acceptance, Consistency, Adaptation
Rain on the skylight, a snotty nose, and a missed runâperfect conditions for an ego flare-up. In Ep22, Andy and Rich get brutally honest about the ego we all carry and how to coach it rather than let it coach us.
We dismantle the âminimum 5Kâ myth, dig into why easy â pointless, and show how the 80/20 split + Zone 2 protects the only sessions that need to be hard: your long run and your quality workout. We talk practical executionâleave 1â2 reps in the tank, keep your intervals evenâand map that to the bodyâs energy systems (ATP/CP, lactate, aerobic) so gains compound instead of stall.
Rich shares a 5K PB (â16s) while running less weekly mileage than his last block, thanks to truly easy recovery and a smarter plan. Andy opens up about moving back to the UK, training for Valencia, and the mindset swings that come with ADHD, self-worth, and FOPO (fear of peopleâs opinions). Thereâs a shout to first-timers lining up in Berlin, a debrief on inclusivity vs elitism in big-city marathons (rhino suit memories included), and a riff on The Power of Nowâwhy chasing outcomes canât fill the hole the ego promises it will.
If you run, youâre a runner. Your job? Acceptance. Consistency. Adaptation. Ours? Giving you the plan and the community to make that stick.
In this episode
On the eve of Andyâs 50th, Rich and Andy welcome Kelly Harman for a grounded conversation about turning a so-called midlife crisis into a midlife awakening. Kelly shares how removing alcohol gave her clarity to recognise misalignment in career and relationships, and why sheâs now building Fire & Soul around values-led work and trauma-informed conscious connected breathwork.
Together we translate the science into plain English - how stress âshortensâ the breath, what a safe, facilitated session looks like (including breath analysis, acupressure and affirmations), and how polyvagal theory helps you spot when youâre in green/amber/red and use the breath to return to calm. Youâll get a live 4-7-8 downshift you can use before meetings or bedtime, a practical chat on running and breathing (nasal vs. mouth and why easy runs should feel easy), and a look at modelling alcohol-free norms for kids and schools.
We close with smart guidance on choosing accredited facilitators in a fast-growing space and a reminder that midlife isnât a cliff; itâs a powerful pivot when habits match your values.
HOW TO WORK WITH ANDY AND RICH - Check out the Website - take-a-cleanbreak.com and grab a 30 day FREE Group Coaching experience with our Silver Starter membership.
In EP21 of Clean Break Chats, Andy & Rich sit down with Jimmy Watkins - co-founder of Running Punks, ex-elite middle-distance runner, and over 2,000 days alcohol-free - for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and choosing a life that actually fits. Jimmy opens up about the moment he realised the live-music lifestyle was costing more than it paid back, and how going AF didnât shrink his world - it amplified it.
We unpack the transition from late-night gigs to early-morning miles: swapping the buzz of the crowd for the rhythm of breath, using music as a metronome for mindset, and building a community where pace is secondary to joy, expression, and showing up. Jimmy breaks down practical AF strategies - ritual replacements, environment design, crew accountability and how to convert a big milestone like 2,000 days into ordinary daily wins.
Expect real talk on cravings, social pressure, and the myth that you need stress to perform. We get tactical on pre-race nerves, post-gig comedowns, and how to turn âIâll just have oneâ moments into momentum. Most of all, this is a story about creating a loud, creative, sober life and inviting others to run alongside.
What youâll take-away:
In our first-ever face-to-face recording, things start off a bit awkward⌠footsie under the table, intense eye contact, and lots of laughs â but this quickly evolves into one of the most heartfelt, honest, and reflective episodes weâve recorded to date.
Andyâs just moved back to the UK after 21 years in Spain - and he opens up about the emotional chaos that comes with big life changes: new schools for the kids, lack of routine, bubbling anxiety, and a sense of not being quite "where he wants to be." Rich shares a powerful moment watching his son embrace the transition into high school - and how it reminded him of the quote: "No man ever steps in the same river twice."
Together, we explore:
This episode is for anyone navigating change - whether thatâs a career shift, a lifestyle transition, becoming alcohol-free, or just facing the reality that life never stays still.
If youâve ever felt like youâre ânot quite where you want to beâ⌠youâll want to hear this.
Why do some of us seek out the hard things - 100km ultras, sleep-deprived 4x4x48s, blizzards on high ridges - when life already hurts? In this deep, honest conversation, Tony Stopforth (founder of Peaky Runners) traces how grief, lockdown and a drifting sense of identity pulled him to the trailsâŚand how doing âcrazyâ challenges became a way to heal, connect, and lead.
Tony takes us from the moment his father died and running was simply a release âat first it felt like running awayâ to the point it became running towards purpose. Youâll hear the pivotal vignettes: the NHS fundraiser where he âran to Londonâ (then to France, adding lake swims for the Channel), the David Goggins 4x4x48 endurance challenge that broke his sleep but built his mind, a spontaneous first marathon on a windy coastline, and a searing hot Lake District race where he learned the hard way about self-reliance (and drank from a stream to finish).
We explore the freedom before structure phase - why curiosity and play often come before plans and data and the moment Tony fell in love with the Peak District: sunset solos, a whiteout epiphany on Derwent Edge, and the simple joy of a coffee by a lone tree. From a 7-person WhatsApp group chat to a thriving movement, he unpacks how Peaky Runners grew organically around three ground rules: no egos, no comparisons, no one gets left behind. Itâs not a club; itâs a community - where first-timers mix with elites, and everyoneâs win counts (from Markâs Spine Race to Robinâs Dragonâs Back, to your first trail 10K).
Then comes the hard pivot: two years sidelined by a major knee surgery and early arthritis. Tony shares the anger, the identity wobble, and the slow rebuild (a tentative 10K, a changed gait, gym sessions with his partner) and how witnessing others keep the community alive became the lifeline that pulled him back. The lesson: resilience isnât only forged in finish lines; itâs also built in the background, together.
If youâre navigating loss, stuck on lifeâs hamster wheel, or wondering whether a âmadâ challenge might just be your doorway to meaningâthis episode gives you a map: start messy, find your people, and let hard things reveal who you are.
In Episode 18, itâs just Andy & Rich - no guests, no script, just two mates talking honestly about change, expectations, and connection. Andy shares what itâs been like moving back to the UK after 21 years in Spain, while Rich opens up about parenting, letting go of control, and finding gratitude in the chaos.
They also explore why September feels like a bigger reset than January, the importance of focusing on one intentional thing each day, and how staying alcohol-free underpins it all.
Plus, a huge announcement: the first-ever Clean Break Retreat is coming to Spain in February 2026 - five days of running, mindset, yoga, breathwork, and connection in the sunshine. Get more information HERE - https://portal.take-a-cleanbreak.com/cleanbreak-retreat
In this special episode of the Clean Break Podcast - recorded live when Jodi Clark joined us as a guest inside the Clean Break community - Rich dives deep into Jodiâs powerful alcohol-free journey. From her first steps into sobriety to embracing running, connection, and a more balanced lifestyle, Jodi shares openly about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the joy sheâs found along the way. Her story is proof that going alcohol-free isnât about giving something up - itâs about gaining so much more.
In this raw and reflective episode, Andy and Rich dive deep into the emotional whirlwind of midlife â from moving countries and raising teens to caring for aging parents and navigating life alcohol-free. They unpack the stress of the "sandwich generation," the evolving meaning of success, and why the question âWhatâs the rush?â has become central to their mindset.
Expect honest chat about:
Plus, the guys talk retreats, AI-supported coaching, and getting excited about helping people fall in love with running and life again.
A must-listen if youâre juggling a lot, chasing goals, or just need a reminder to breathe and be present. đ
In this powerful guest episode, weâre joined by Mark Dobbs â a design manager, husband, father, and ultrarunner â who opens up about his life-changing decision to go alcohol-free and how that decision ultimately led him to complete one of the worldâs toughest endurance events: The Summer Spine Race.
Mark talks about his early struggles with alcohol, the influence of the book Finding Ultra, and how trail running became his new healthy obsession. He shares what it was like tackling 268 miles on the Pennine Way with little sleep, raw feet, and brutal self-doubt â and what it really means to suffer, endure, and evolve.
We discuss identity, regret, community, ultra-emotion, barefoot blisters, and how sometimes, the quietest moments of connection are the ones that save us. If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, struggled with self-worth, or wondered how far you can really go â this episode is for you.
In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the evolution of their alcohol-free journeys, exploring the powerful shifts in perspective that come with sustained change.Â
They talk about the complexities of day counting, the ups and downs of building new habits, and the joy and challenges that come with making long-term changes to your lifestyle. They reflect on their pasts, share pivotal moments from their personal journeys, and discuss the importance of self-awareness, presence, and celebrating even the smallest victories.
Whether youâre just starting out or well into your alcohol-free path, this episode is a reminder that change is a continuous process filled with growth, learning, and new perspectives. Tune in for a raw and real conversation about living fully, embracing change, and finding clarity in the present moment.
In this episode of the Clean Break Chats Podcast, weâre joined by Henry Beercock, who shares his incredible journey from burnout, excessive drinking, and a high-stress career to embracing sobriety, veganism, and training for his first marathon. Henryâs story is one of transformation, from struggling with emotional eating and self-medicating to finding clarity and purpose through running and a complete lifestyle overhaul.
He takes us through his decision to leave a family business after 17 years, the unexpected changes that followed, and how his growing sobriety has helped him not only shed 7 stone but also cultivate a mindset of gratitude and self-belief. Listen in as we discuss the profound impact of changing your beliefs about whatâs possible and how building a community can empower us to take ownership of our lives. Henryâs journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion, resilience, and pushing through comfort zones to achieve true personal growth
 "Once you open your eyes to sobriety, itâs hard not to see it everywhere. And itâs not about what youâre missing; itâs about what youâre gaining."
In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the messy but transformative power of uncertainty and why sometimes, the scariest decisions become the catalyst for real growth.
They open up about the personal turbulence of 2025âs first half, the emotional weight of moving countries, and what it really means to reframe huge life shifts as an experiment instead of a threat. Andy shares how shifting his mindset to see life as a series of experiments with no guaranteed outcomes - has replaced fear with genuine excitement about whatâs next.
Rich unpacks why uncertainty isnât always the enemy and explains how our craving for both certainty and uncertainty shapes our daily habits, choices, and sense of fulfilment. Together they reflect on how living alcohol-free has made them more resilient and clear-minded to navigate change - not just white-knuckling through it, but actively using it as fuel.
They get honest about the hidden social pressures that keep so many people stuck in the âmiddle laneâ of drinking - not dependent, but not fully free either and why simply taking a break can be more radical than people realise.
They also reveal the launch of their new 28-Day Clean Break Challenge, a guided programme to help anyone who feels stuck hit pause, build fresh momentum, and start rewriting the story theyâve been telling themselves for years - all with real-life community support alongside practical mindset shifts.
Are you ready to make a change a Take a Clean Break - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP to our 28 day Alcohol Free Challenge
To wrap up, they touch on the power of tiny, consistent steps â whether thatâs sticking to easy runs, tweaking your routine, or saying yes to a bit more discomfort because thatâs where the big breakthroughs happen, in running and in life.
If youâve ever felt trapped by the idea that life has to look a certain way - this conversation might just give you the permission slip to try a new experiment of your own.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sean Keeley - a father, runner, and honest voice for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.
âI used to think the best version of me was at the pub - turns out he was waiting at the top of a mountain,â says Sean as he opens up about swapping pints for peaks and finding a deeper sense of purpose through running and the outdoors.
Sean shares the raw truth of his journey - the tough mornings, the missed moments with his kids, and the day he decided enough was enough.
âI didnât just want to stop drinking - I wanted to actually live,â he tells us, reflecting on how sobriety turned into summits, finish lines, and family moments heâd never trade for another round at the bar.
If youâre looking for an honest conversation about making a clean break, finding strength you didnât know you had, and learning to put one foot in front of the other when life gets hard - this episode is for you.
Tune in and get inspired to swap the noise for nature, the fog for freedom, and the pint for a peak.
In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive into the ups and downs of the running cycle, how post-race blues can give way to periods of reflection and growth. They discuss the balance of taking a break from intense training while still staying active, and how sometimes, stepping back can help build stronger foundations for future goals. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting realistic expectations and re-framing challenges as opportunities for growth, especially when it comes to running, mindset, and maintaining consistency. Join us as we explore the emotional triggers behind habits, the power of reflection, and how shifting your perspective can lead to personal breakthroughs.