The Gavin Sisters Wellness Show

This is a special bonus episode created exclusively for our listeners by alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey. Many people who join our retreats struggle with their relationship with alcohol—whether that's cutting back, giving up altogether, or simply feeling they're drinking more than they'd like. When it comes to alcohol, knowledge is powerful, and in this episode Anna shares her expertise, insights, and practical strategies for creating lasting change. In this specially recorded episode, alcohol mindset coach and bestselling author Anna Donaghey explores the deeper reasons behind our drinking habits and how to build a life that relies less on relief, numbing, and coping mechanisms. She discusses the mindsets, societal influences, and personal stories that shape our relationship with alcohol, and explains why meaningful change starts with curiosity rather than restriction. Key Topics Covered Anna Donaghey's journey from advertising strategist to alcohol mindset coach and wellness practitioner The difference between relief and restoration when it comes to alcohol The needs alcohol often fulfils, including decompression, connection, pleasure, identity, and transition Why alcohol can become the "big domino" that impacts every area of life The gradual cost of alcohol on sleep, energy, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and relationships Challenging the belief that alcohol is essential for relaxation and social connection How to design a life where alcohol is no longer the primary coping mechanism The positive ripple effects of reducing or eliminating alcohol Why honest self-awareness can lead to a more meaningful and aligned life Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Anna Donaghey's expertise 00:46 – Alcohol, societal norms, and personal experiences 01:44 – The backlash against moderation and Stephen Bartlett's experience 02:54 – Exploring what we're really seeking from alcohol 03:24 – Relief versus restoration 06:52 – Why it's important to question what alcohol does for us 08:48 – The risks of constantly seeking relief instead of meaningful change 09:41 – The core needs alcohol often fulfils: decompression, connection, pleasure, identity, and transition 10:40 – Alcohol's role in connection and reconnecting with ourselves 11:11 – Pleasure, enjoyment, and personal identity 12:38 – How alcohol becomes part of our life story and self-concept 13:05 – The role of alcohol in life's transitions and changing roles 13:33 – Reframing the conversation: our needs are human, but is alcohol the best solution? 14:02 – The importance of genuine restoration over temporary relief 15:00 – Alcohol's impact on sleep, energy, confidence, and emotional awareness 17:25 – The "big domino" effect of alcohol 18:29 – The transformative ripple effect of drinking less 20:24 – Restorative sleep and mental clarity 21:24 – Increased emotional availability and self-respect 22:20 – Recognising the slow creep of alcohol's hidden costs 23:19 – Why curiosity works better than guilt when changing habits 24:18 – Moving from "giving up" alcohol to designing a better life 25:50 – How modern lifestyles can reinforce alcohol dependence 26:47 – Understanding what you may be coping with beneath the surface 27:48 – The importance of intentional life design 28:18 – Viewing alcohol reduction as a pathway to a more authentic and fulfilling life 28:46 – Resources: The Big Drink Rethink and What Are You Thirsty For? Connect with Anna Donaghey Website: https://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com/book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink/ Connect with Gavin Sisters www.gavinsisters.co.uk Insta: @gavinsistersuk TIKTOK:@gavinsisters Facebook: @TheDetoxBarn You Tube: @gavingavin This episode is sponsored by Funki Coffee. Organic triple certified mushroom coffee boosted by adaptogens. Great for gut health, skin, immune boosting, and no crash. Use the code podcast for 10% off for listeners.

In this episode, Lauretta is joined by world-renowned biogerontologist and cell biologist Valter Longo, known for his groundbreaking research on fasting, aging, nutrition and longevity. They explore the science behind the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), its potential role in autoimmune conditions, inflammation, blood pressure, cancer support and extending healthspan. Lauretta also shares her personal journey recovering from autoimmune disease using diet and fasting protocols, making this a powerful and deeply personal conversation. In this episode, we cover: Prof Valter Longo's research on fasting and the immune system The difference between water fasting and the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) How fasting may support autoimmunity, stem cells, cellular repair and inflammation reduction Why identifying potential food triggers is key in autoimmune disease Whether a 5-day or 7-day FMD is more effective Sharon's experience using FMD to improve blood pressure Why people are living longer but becoming less healthy The case for 12-hour time-restricted eating vs 16-hour fasting The role of fasting in cancer research and treatment support His views on protein intake, alcohol and modern health trends Practical, realistic habits to improve long-term health Key Takeaways: According to Valter Longo, fasting is not just about autophagy. Its benefits likely come from a combination of processes including: Stem cell activation Cellular reprogramming Reduced inflammation Immune system regulation The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is designed to mimic fasting while still allowing food intake, combining low calories with plant-based, nutrient-dense ingredients. He also explains why a 12-hour eating window may be safer, more sustainable and potentially more beneficial than longer fasting windows for most people. Valter Longo's Core Longevity Habits: Follow a plant-forward longevity diet (largely pescatarian) Practice 12-hour time-restricted eating Do the Fasting Mimicking Diet 1–3 times per year Exercise regularly (150+ minutes per week) Walk daily About the Guest Professor Valter Longo is a leading biogerontologist and cell biologist specialising in aging, nutrition and disease prevention. His research focuses on how fasting and diet can promote longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. He is also a professor at the University of Southern California. https://valterlongo.com/ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes. Would love you to review us, even a line really helps. Follow us on the links below for more: www.gavinsisters.co.uk Tiktok @gavinsisters Insta: @gavinsistersuk Facebook: @TheDetoxBarn

This week on The Gavin Sisters Wellness Show, Sharon and I are talking about something that honestly makes both of us feel slightly anxious… money. Finance has always felt a bit overwhelming (and if I'm honest, a bit boring) but it's also something that affects every part of our wellbeing — our stress levels, our sleep, our relationships and how free we feel in our lives. Before we dive into the conversation, we start with our usual weekly catch-up. This includes my irritation with wellness buzzwords like mindful eating, Sharon's slightly terrifying medical results appointment (thankfully she's absolutely fine), and a reminder that life is never quite as calm and balanced as the wellness world sometimes suggests. Then we're joined by Sammie Ellard-King, founder of Up The Gains, and the conversation becomes really fascinating. Sammie shares how he found himself around £24,000 in debt after university, how trying to keep up appearances in London made things spiral, and the moment he realised something had to change. What I loved about this conversation is that Sammy doesn't talk about money in a complicated or intimidating way. Instead, he breaks it down into simple habits, mindset shifts and small actions that anyone can take. We talk about how our childhood and family experiences shape our relationship with money, why so many people feel ashamed or avoid looking at their finances, and how even saving small amounts can completely change your confidence over time. By the end of the episode I actually felt… dare I say it… inspired about finance. In this episode we talk about: Why money can feel stressful, overwhelming and taboo Sammy's journey from £24k of debt to financial stability How family patterns shape our money habits The emotional side of spending and wanting to "fit in" Why traditional budgeting doesn't work for most people The idea of automating your finances to remove stress Side hustles and creative ways to increase income The psychology behind impulse spending Money mindset, abundance and believing things can change My biggest takeaway You don't need to become a financial expert to improve your relationship with money. Small steps, small habits and a bit of awareness can go a really long way. And perhaps most importantly, money stress is something almost everyone experiences, so there's absolutely no shame in learning about it. About our guest Sammie Ellard-King is the founder of Up The Gains, a platform designed to simplify finance and help people feel more confident managing their money. After getting himself out of debt in his twenties, Sammy began sharing what he'd learned in a way that felt simple, practical and accessible. He now runs a large online community helping people understand finance without the jargon. You can find Sammy here: https://upthegains.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upthegainsmoney/ This episode is sponsored by… Us! The Gavin Sisters. We've created our very first product Funki Coffee, a triple certified organic arabica coffee boosted with adaptogens designed to support energy without the crash. You can get 10% off at use the code podcast GavinSisters.co.uk Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes, follow us on the links below for more and please review us, even one line helps!! www.gavinsisters.co.uk Insta: @gavinsistersuk TIKTOK:@gavinsisters Facebook: @TheDetoxBarn You Tube: @gavingavin

In this interview, wellness expert Gudiya Patel shares her story of receiving two kidney cancer diagnoses—both discovered through preventive testing—alongside the realities of parenting, running a business, caregiving, and living in long-term fight-or-flight. She explains why she became passionate about testing and prevention, what's realistically available via a GP vs privately, and how stress can shape health over time. The conversation explores the mind–body connection, including the impact of thoughts, cortisol, and nervous system regulation, and how Gudiya's deeper work with mindfulness and Dr. Joe Dispenza's meditations helped her shift patterns of fear, reactivity, and negativity. They also discuss gratitude, coping with uncertainty, and manifestation—including what to do when things don't unfold the way you expected. What You'll Hear in This Interview Gudiya's first kidney cancer diagnosis discovered "by fluke" during a health screen in India Surgery, recovery, and why it prompted her to study nutrition and deeper wellness Caring responsibilities, marriage stress, business pressure — and years of chronic stress A second diagnosis on her remaining kidney, also discovered through routine testing Why Gudiya advocates for preventive testing (bloods, vitamins, diagnostics) NHS reality: what you can request from a GP vs what requires private testing Stress physiology: fight-or-flight, cortisol, gut health, and coping behaviours Joe Dispenza's approach: thoughts, the subconscious, and changing internal states Shifting from reacting to responding (and reducing ego-driven responses) Gratitude journaling: a daily practice for perspective and emotional regulation Fear, surrender, and staying present when the future feels uncertain Manifestation as "resonance": embodying the feeling rather than focusing on the "how" Why money doesn't automatically equal happiness — joy as the real goal Time Stamps / Chapters (Interview) 07:32 – Guest intro: Gudiya Patel + her work in holistic wellness 09:30 – First kidney cancer diagnosis found during testing in India 11:44 – Surgery + life shifts: nutrition, mindfulness, natural living 13:54 – Second diagnosis + how chronic stress played a role 16:15 – Preventive testing: GP limitations vs private options 18:42 – Joe Dispenza + mind–body connection insights 21:01 – Changing the inner narrative; reacting vs responding 25:18 – Gratitude practice and journaling through hard moments 27:40 – Retreat observations: switching off, stress, and women's load 30:00 – Fear, surrender, and staying present 34:43 – Protecting your energy from news/politics/AI overwhelm 43:28 – Manifestation and handling setbacks when things don't go to plan 48:11 – Money, freedom, and joy 50:31 – How to work with Gudiya + retreat dates Gudiya Patel https://www.phiclinic.com/gudiya-patel https://gudiyawellness.com/ Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes, follow us on the links below for more and please review us, even one line helps!! www.gavinsisters.co.uk Insta: @gavinsistersuk TIKTOK:@gavinsisters Facebook: @TheDetoxBarn You Tube: @gavingavin This episode is sponsored by Funki Coffee. Organic triple certified mushroom coffee boosted by adaptogens. Great for gut health, skin, immune boosting, and no crash. Use the code podcast for 10% off for listeners.

In this episode, We sit down with Will Chase, the entrepreneur behind Tyrell's Crisps, Chase Distillery, and Willie's Apple Cider Vinegar. Will takes us through his journey from conventional farming to building some of the UK's most successful food and drink brands. We talk about: Turning potatoes into Tyrell's Crisps and discovering the huge market for vegetable chips. Launching a craft distillery and exploring the craft spirit boom in the UK. How Willie's Apple Cider Vinegar "with the living mother" is different from anything else on the market. The highs, lows, and failures in building businesses, and how trust and community are everything. Coping with stress, ADHD, and anxiety in entrepreneurship. Reflections on wealth, happiness, and doing what you love versus chasing money. Insights on wellness, longevity, and the power of sober living. If you're an entrepreneur, a wellness enthusiast, or just curious about what it takes to build a brand that lasts, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Willie's Apple Cider Vinegar: Willys Apple Cider Vinegar Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes. Would love you to review us, even a line really helps. Follow us on the links below for more: www.gavinsisters.co.uk Tiktok @gavinsisters Insta: @gavinsistersuk Instagram Facebook: @TheDetoxBarn You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@GavinGavin