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Through the years, I’ve maintained transparency about my journey with alcoholism—a label I’ve embraced in the solitude of self-discovery.
However, this characterization doesn’t resonate with most individuals. The majority of drinkers engage in a marginally excessive indulgence in alcohol. While this behavior may not be catastrophic in the traditional sense, it does raise discernible concerns. The persistent hangovers, lethargy, and resulting melancholy it begets become tiresome. The desire to desist is tangible, but the seamless integration of alcohol into social and professional settings renders the prospect of abstention seemingly insurmountable.
Today’s guest found himself ensnared within precisely this behavior pattern. Ruari Fairbairns is a former oil broker from London who—after a falling out with booze—decided it was time to put the plug in the jug. The benefits were so profound that he later walked away from his career in finance to become a full-time advocate for an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Ruari, alongside collaborator Andy Ramage (featured in episode 444 in 2019), co-founded a pioneering institution, One Year No Beer, in 2015, a subscription-based bastion of sobriety with over 100,000 global members. Beyond his role as co-founder, Fairbairns co-authored the UK bestseller The 28-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge. He also co-hosts the One Year No Beer Podcast, guiding listeners on a journey of wisdom and sobriety.
“There are no physiological benefits to alcohol. It’s 100 percent toxic.”
– RUARI FAIRBAIRNS
In this episode, we delve into the gradual transformation of society’s relationship with alcohol, dissecting the negative repercussions on both mind and body. We explore the need for heightened awareness around alcohol, challenging the traditional narrative and embracing a healthier relationship with it. Ruari guides us through compelling discussions on stress, trauma, ADHD, emotional sobriety, and the pivotal role of community in the transformative journey.
In essence, alcohol works until it doesn’t. Recognizing it for what it is—a neurotoxin—we challenge the nefarious societal structures that keep people stuck in patterns that don’t serve them, fostering fear of ostracization from their in-group or community.
Ruari’s message provides a welcome mat for millions dealing with alcohol-related concerns. One Year No Beer is on a mission to create better lives by capturing and redressing these issues. Ruari’s work is not just commendable—it’s beautiful.
As we welcome the New Year and the possibilities it presents, I offer this conversation as an encouragement to consider the many ways in which alcohol continues to interfere with your health, hopes, and dreams.
The visually inclined can watch this one on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I sincerely hope you find inspiration in our exchange.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Ruari: Instagram | LinkedIn | X | Facebook
- One Year No Beer: Change Your Relationship With Alcohol
- Book: The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge: Sleep Better, Lose Weight, Boost Energy, Beat Anxiety
- Podcast: The OYNB Podcast
- The Zero Proof: Alcohol-Free Brews & Spirits
- Medium: Heroes Of The Addiction Crisis: How Ruari Fairbairns of One Year No Beer Is Helping To Battle One of Our Most Serious Epidemics
- Elite Business: Off the booze and on the way up
- Daily Record: Dad of two tells how wife’s heartbreak over drunken train stunt gave him shock needed to give up booze
- Financial News: I thought drinking would make me a better broker — I was wrong
- Men’s Health: The Trick to Drinking Less – Without Going Sober
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; video clips for social media are created by AJ Akpodiete; copywriting by Georgia Whaley; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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