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At first glance, an AFL retreat might look like a few days away in a nice location. It's not. In this episode, James Swanwick and head coach David Gilks take you behind the scenes of AFL's recent Atlanta retreat - what really happens, why it works, and the standards that make it unlike anything else in the alcohol-free space. You'll hear how the room came together to raise over $50,000 for a breast cancer rehabilitation charity… and why that mission matters so deeply to the AFL community. But this isn't just about impact - it's about transformation. From the intentional structure of the days… to the surprising rules (like walking to and from dinner)… to the small details like calling restaurants ahead to ensure every meal supports performance, not sabotage… Everything is designed to help high-performing men and women reset their relationship with alcohol - and step into a sharper, more energized version of themselves.  You'll also hear about the unexpected side of these retreats: Playfulness. Connection. And why even highly successful adults need to reconnect with that part of themselves. If you've ever wondered what actually happens at an AFL in-person event - and why they're so powerful - this episode pulls back the curtain.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear  

Most people think alcohol just "takes the edge off." But what if it's actually taking your edge away? In this episode, James Swanwick breaks down the neuroscience of alcohol—what's really happening inside your brain every time you drink, and why even "moderate" consumption may be costing you far more than you realize. You'll discover: How alcohol rewires your brain's reward system (and keeps you coming back for more) Why your focus, memory, and decision-making quietly decline over time The truth about dopamine, stress, and why drinking actually makes you feel worse long-term What high performers are doing differently to protect their cognitive edge This isn't about fear tactics or telling you to quit forever. It's about giving you the clarity and awareness to make smarter decisions about your drinking—so you can operate at your highest level in business, relationships, and life. If you care about your performance, your future, and your brain… You'll want to hear this.     Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Are you waiting for the "perfect time" to stop drinking? James Swanwick explores why high achievers, entrepreneurs, physicians, and executives often get stuck in a "thinking problem" rather than an "action problem." Discover why your brain uses upcoming holidays, weddings, and work deals as excuses to delay change, and why the "72-Hour Rule" is the only way to break the cycle. Learn the difference between "living alcohol-free" and "loving living alcohol-free," and how a community of like-minded peers can make lasting change probable, not just possible. This episode is a call to move past resistance, take the leap of faith, and trust that the safety net will appear.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Do you believe freedom is doing whatever you want, whenever you want? Coach Matt challenges this common misconception by exploring how high achievers often mistake compulsions for preferences . Discover the "Biological Trap" of chemical dependency and why true freedom isn't just the ability to choose a drink, but the ability to walk away from it . This episode breaks down the bio-psycho-social prisons that alcohol creates from disrupted sleep and "drinking math" to a limited social identity and reveals how an alcohol-free lifestyle restores your biological sovereignty . Learn to move from numbing and escaping to a state of being "free to experience" life with radical clarity and authentic connection .   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Are you constantly living in the future or ruminating on the past? In part two of their "Life by Design" series, Coach Matt and mindfulness expert Jeff Lester move from theory to application. Jeff guides listeners through a powerful meditation practice designed to shift the body from a high-alert sympathetic state into deep relaxation and presence. Discover the neurological difference between "meditation" (the state) and "meditation practice" (the tool) as you learn to use your breath to soften physical tension and amplify feelings of spaciousness. This episode provides high achievers with a practical, immersive experience to reclaim their mental clarity and anchor themselves in the alcohol-free edge.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Are you living your life by choice or by habit? Coach Matt welcomes back mentor and wellness expert Jeff Lester to explore the concept of Life by Design. Discover how to shift from "downriver" living, where you react to past behaviors, to a state of conscious agency. Learn why high achievers must "follow the plan, not the mood," and how to transform mundane routines into powerful rituals through presence and curiosity. This episode provides a blueprint for integrating mindfulness, breathwork, and intuitive movement into your daily schedule to manage your energy and build a life that aligns with your highest vision.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

s 90 days enough, or are you just getting warmed up? Coaches Matt and Jason explore the profound difference between becoming alcohol-free and living alcohol-free. While the first 90 days provide essential "wet cement" for new neural pathways, it is the one-year mark that truly "cures" your new identity. Discover the neuroscience of the 21/90 Rule, the restoration of natural dopamine tone, and why high achievers must move past "Destination Syndrome" to avoid the drift back to old habits. This episode provides a blueprint for sustaining long-term growth, leveraging community as a life-saving accountability tool, and turning an alcohol-free choice into an automatic, high-performance lifestyle.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Have you reached the 90-day mark and started thinking, "I'm good, I've got this"? Coaches Matt and Jason dive into the dangerous phenomenon of "The Drift"—the slow, subtle erosion of your alcohol-free identity that can happen months or even years after quitting . Discover the neuroscience of Fading Effect Bias and why "famous last words" like "I'll be fine" often lead high achievers back to the moderation trap . This episode provides a candid roadmap to identify the shift from firm commitment to ambiguous language and offers practical strategies to re-anchor your identity through consistent habits and community support . Learn how to stay vigilant and grounded, ensuring your 90-day win becomes a lifelong transformation   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

James interviews his father, Ron, 81 as they discuss family, regrets, accomplishments and more. Listen to James's father tell the story of meeting his granddaughter for the first time, what his biggest fear for James was, his pride, accomplishments, regrets and hopes for the future. The conversation every son gets to have with his father.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Is your business truly growing, or are you just "scaling chaos"? In this episode, we dive into the hidden friction points that keep successful founders stuck between seven and eight figures. Discover why most entrepreneurs mistake a conversion or alignment problem for a "leads problem" and how internal rivalries between sales and marketing can kill your momentum. Learn the "Game Seven Team" philosophy for building elite company culture, the danger of "Omnipresence FOMO" in the age of AI, and why companies don't scale, leaders do. Reclaim your time and mental real estate by moving from operator to owner with the strategic guidance of mentors who have already walked the path to a $40 million exit.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Is your business a scalable machine or just a full-time job that's wearing you down? James Swanwick sits down with Jeff Lester to discuss the transition from a "tradie" (carpenter) to a high-level mentor for seven-figure entrepreneurs. Discover the "Chippy's Blueprint", why skipping levels in your business foundation leads to inevitable collapse and how to identify the warning signs of entrepreneurial burnout. Jeff shares his personal cautionary tale of losing it all in Brazil and how he rebuilt using the Faith, Fitness, Finances, and Flow framework. Learn why strategic thinking is your highest leverage tool, how to navigate the "Shiny Object Syndrome" of AI in 2026, and why embodied wisdom from a mentor is the ultimate shortcut to long-term success.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Have you reached a milestone and started thinking you're finally "cured"? Coaches Matt and Jason expose the psychological trap of the "slow erosion" the gradual process where overconfidence and ego lead high achievers back to the drink. Discover the neuroscience behind fading effect bias and why your "famous last words" are often "I'll be fine" or "I got this."  Learn how to identify the drift in your narrative before it becomes a behavioral shift, and why maintaining identity-based habits is the only way to prevent old neural pathways from reactivating. This episode provides a candid roadmap to sustained clarity, helping you stay humble and grounded long after the initial 90-day win.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Is stopping the drink enough, or do you need a complete internal shift to stay alcohol-free? Coaches Matt and Jason discuss the vital importance of community in moving beyond the "white-knuckling" phase of alcohol-free. Celebrating Jason's five-year milestone, they explore why traditional 12-step programs weren't enough for their personal growth and how high achievers can trade "disempowering language" for neuroplasticity-based empowerment. Discover why human connection is the ultimate antidote to drinking in isolation and how a supportive "tribe" allows you to stop playing a role and start living as the best version of yourself. This episode provides a blueprint for building long-term self-trust and integrity through the power of collective accountability.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Have you ever told yourself, "I've been alcohol-free for so long, I can probably handle just one"? Coach Matt shares his powerful personal story of how those "famous last words" triggered a four-year slide back into the moderation trap after more than three years of being alcohol-free. This episode explores the psychological roots of the "rebellious side" and how early childhood associations with alcohol can shape an adult identity. Learn why Coach Matt believes that keeping an "inner eye" on fleeting thoughts about drinking is a sign of strength, not weakness, and how moving into solutions mode helped him break a multi-generational cycle of alcoholism to reach a seven-year milestone.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

What happens when a high achiever stops "managing" their drinking and starts masterfully managing their life? Coach Matt sits down with AFL client Laura to celebrate her 13-month alcohol-free milestone. Discover how Laura navigated the common pitfalls of the first year, from "gray area" drinking traps to high-stakes social events, and emerged with a level of self-trust she never thought possible. Learn about the profound shift in metabolic health, the elimination of "3 AM anxiety," and the power of consistent coaching in building a life where alcohol is no longer even a consideration.  This episode is a deep dive into the compounding interest of sobriety and the lasting freedom that comes from choosing yourself over the glass.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear