Renowned breakfast radio personality Danny Lakey, who once relied on a trusty Dictaphone to capture the aftermath of his drinking binges, is now celebrating a significant milestone: 8 years of sobriety. To keep his resolve, Lakey has channelled his experience into a powerful new podcast, "Less Drinking, More Thinking."
Launching with six episodes and targeting the 400,000 Australian’s who wish to try sobriety*, Danny’s shares his journey to sobriety along with guests, including: DJ Tom Lowndes (Hot Dub Time Machine), Sam Newman, Amanda Goff (aka Samantha X); comedian Cam Knight, TV personality Mike Goldman and Alcohol Mindset Coach Kathryn Elliott.
Lakey said producing the podcast was a cathartic and revelatory experience.
“I started to feel my commitment to sobriety was waning slightly, so I wanted to look back and remember why I made this change in the first place; experience all those feelings and vulnerability again,” he said. “I realised how much loneliness and a fragile male ego was tied to my drinking. I used it as a social lubricant to be able to talk to women and get female gratification. I always believed a ‘few’ drinks made me a funnier, better Danny. It just got to a stage where I would drink until I had no self-consciousness at all!
Lakey said at the height of his drinking he was arrested for being naked in Cavill Avenue, but it wasn’t until he was in court that he had any idea what he’d done to deserve to be charged.
“There are so many moments like this that should have been the wake-up call to stop but I went another 5 years before I quit.”
Lakey said he hoped the podcast would help people realise their truth and negative relationship with drinking sooner.
“Every time I am out people confide in me that they would like to be sober, so I thought making a podcast might help people and prevent me having to cop all the bad beer breath!
“You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom. You know in your heart of hearts if you have a problem. I consciously tried three times to get sober before it stuck, but I just knew I had more potential than the life I was living.”
Lakey’s Top 2 Tips for staying sober.
- 24-Hour Test: If you're tempted to drink, give yourself 24 hours first before you do anything and see if the desire is still there. In my experience it always passes.
- One Moment at a Time: You will think of so many issues and problems, but you can only actually deal with one thing at a time.
Less Drinking, More Thinking unpacks a myriad of ‘whys’ and dives deep into the personal struggles and triumphs that come with the decision to quit drinking. It can be found on the Listnr app, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
Experts Comments
Kathryn Elliott – specialist binge drinking and alcohol coach The Alcohol Mindset Coach
I believe the primary obstacle to living an alcohol-free life is the fear of judgment from others and the lack of a positive why or motivation. When we approach quitting alcohol from a negative standpoint, focusing on the things we've done wrong, it feels like we're giving up something rather than making a positive change.
By reframing the situation, we can avoid getting stuck in the mindset of 'I must stop drinking,' which can be a significant barrier. Believing in yourself and accepting the need for change is crucial. Recognise that nobody else truly understands how it's affecting you. When you take responsibility, that's when breakthroughs can happen.
Kathryn’s top tips for helping people move towards living without alcohol.
- You need to find a motivation that feels real and true to you. For long-term change to happen, we must connect with a positive emotional shift. If we're in a FOMO mode, we won't be able to rely on willpower alone to sustain the change.
- Focus on the positive benefits rather than what you're letting go of. If someone offers you a drink say yes thanks and order a non-alcoholic beverage. When questioned about your choice rather than speak of the negative reasons you can say, 'I'm so much happier without it.'
- Choosing to embrace an alcohol-free life often means breaking a long-standing drinking habit. It's not about making big grand statements but rather making small choices every day. Practice mindful drinking, gradually reduce your alcohol consumption, and recognise your triggers. Understanding the emotional drivers behind your drinking habits is essential for sustaining a lifestyle without alcohol.
Podcast Guests:
1. Tom Lowndes (Hot Dub Time Machine): an International DJ who has managed to successfully quit drinking in an environment fuelled by alcohol and partying.
2. Sam Newman: a controversial media personality and ex AFL player who gave up drinking after a DUI scare.
3. Amanda Goff (aka Samantha X) one of Australia’s most successful and outspoken female escorts. A journalist, entrepreneur, and Mum, she successfully gave up drinking after many years of anxiety and shame.
4. Mike Goldman: one of Australia’s most loved TV personalities and Voice Over Artists. He has since given up alcohol to maximise him and his partner’s chances of conceiving through IVF.
5. Cam Knight: one of the country’s finest stand-up comics who was given an ultimatum to give up drinking from his then partner. Since he’s successfully abstained from alcohol, he’s also been diagnosed with ADHD and has since embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
6. Kathryn Elliott (Alcohol Mindset Coach) is an expert in abstaining from alcohol. Her three pillars - Knowledge, Emotion, Action have helped numerous people struggling with alcohol addiction, including herself.
Key Facts:
· 400,000 Australian’s who wish to try sobriety *https://www.finder.com.au/aussies-plan-to-quit-drinking-in-2023
· Binge Drinking is defined as more than 4 drinks in one day. - National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-alcohol-guidelines-revised
· Alcohol consumption has been decreasing in Australia 2007 - 10 per cent reduction in per capita consumption across the whole population. - National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University.
Contact details:
Trina McColl 0413 922 284 trina@ignitepr.com.au
