Podcasts & Articles
I’ve had some amazing conversations with brilliant podcasters from around the world. Several of these episodes have gone on to become their most listened to. That’s because Grey Area Drinking is far more common than people think and resonates with so many men and women around the world. Many people tell me my story is their story too.
Spreading the word that you don’t have to be an ‘alcoholic’ to decide to quit drinking and that a life without alcohol is definitely NOT boring is my absolute passion. So, let’s keep talking!
"Sarah was generous with her information and shared her personal story in a way that was compelling, raw, and yet graceful. She provides an excellent balance of setting-up-the problem/situation, an engaging story, evidence-based information, strategies and solutions. Our discussion flowed as naturally as if we had met before. I was so impressed. The episode saw my downloads double, testament to the topic and Sarah sharing with her community."
- Dr Amanda Ferguson, Podcast Host "Psych for Life"
"Sarah Rusbatch is the ideal podcast guest. Her expertise, experience and dedication to enriching the lives of others through storytelling, trusted information and a pathway forward makes a podcast hosts' job easy! She has a way of sharing her knowledge in a way that inspires and empowers listeners without them ever feeling judged for their choices around drinking."
- Dr Jodi Richardson, host of the award winning podcast “Well Hello Anxiety”
"It was such a joy to have Sarah as a guest on Behind The Smile. Sarah was a wealth of knowledge and helped shed light on what is historically a black and white rhetoric around alcohol addiction. Her honesty and vulnerability made our conversation both emotive and engaging. I'd love to have Sarah return as a guest in the future!"
- Ash Butterss, Podcast Host "Behind the Smile"
"Sarah was an absolutely brilliant guest on Roll With The Punches. Fun and oh so relatable with a mix of stories and insights, making a topic that so many people struggle with seem so much more normalised and most importantly, accessible to take action on."
- Tiffanee Cook, Host of "Roll with the Punches"
Podcasts
The Sobriety Experiment
Tribe Sober - Inspiring and Alcohol Free Life
Release date: April 20, 2024
In this episode, you'll discover how Sarah realized alcohol was holding her back, impacting her health, relationships, and career, the surprising "aha" moment that kickstarted her journey to sobriety and actionable tips to quitting and building a life you LOVE without booze! Sarah is not just about quitting, she's about thriving! Learn how she rediscovered her authentic self, became a better role model for her kids, and found a whole new zest for life.
An Alcohol-Free Life with Sarah Rusbatch
Anxiety Reset Podcast
Release date: March 25, 2024
In this episode, Georgie is joined by Sarah Rusbatch, a certified wellness coach, grey area drinking coach, and the bestselling author of "Beyond Booze."Throughout the episode, Sarah shares profound wisdom and insights into understanding the impact of alcohol and how these effects are often normalised in our society. Even if you don't identify as an alcoholic, this episode is for those curious about how alcohol might be influencing their anxiety, health, wellbeing, and overall life.
Beyond Booze: Embracing Sobriety
Well, hello Anxiety with Dr. Jodi Richardson
Release date: February 13, 2024
In a society where alcohol is ubiquitous and often synonymous with celebration and relaxation, Sarah challenges us to consider the possibility of living a fulfilling and joyful life without it. Drawing from her own experiences and insights shared on her website, Sarah offers valuable perspectives on the benefits of sobriety, debunking myths and misconceptions along the way. Tune in as Dr. Jodi Richardson and Sarah Rusbatch delve into the complexities of sobriety, discussing its impact on mental health, well-being, and the pursuit of happiness in a culture that glorifies alcohol consumption.
Grey Area Drinking
Happy Hormones Podcast
Release date: January 03, 2024
After developing what she describes as 'a dysfunctional relationship' with alcohol, Sarah Rusbatch made the decision to remove it from her life in early 2019 and has never looked back. She's now an accredited 'Grey Area Drinking' coach, helping other women to enjoy the benefits of sobriety and improve their health. We chatted about what ‘grey area drinking’ is and how to know if you’re in that category. Plus, why women can be more vulnerable than men to the health effects of too much alcohol and how to give it up in a society that can make that difficult.
Grey Area Drinking
Sleep Like A Boss
Release date: December 15, 2023
Ever wondered if your drinking habits fall into the 'gray area'? In this podcast episode, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of gray area drinking, a category between social drinking and alcoholism. The discussion with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach and Gray Area Drinking Coach, sheds light on the need to recognize dysfunctional drinking habits that don't neatly fit into traditional categories. Our conversation explores the impact of major life changes on drinking habits and emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances surrounding alcohol consumption for mental health and overall well-being.
#1336 WTF is Grey Area Drinking?
The You Project
Release date: November 06, 2023
So, not a teetotaller and not an alcoholic, but you still have a propensity to do dumb things with booze and wake up regularly feeling like complete shite? Well, you might just be a grey area drinker. Yep, it's a real thing. Sarah Rusbatch is a Grey Area Drinking Coach, Author and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to sobriety and the impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is the face behind Perth's growing Alcohol-Free Movement, a brilliant communicator and a great storyteller. Even as a lifelong non-drinker, I found this chat fascinating and insightful. Enjoy.
Alcohol - The Truth About Your Health, Your Hormones & Grey Area Drinking
Health, Happiness + Human Kind
Release date: August 10, 2023
In today’s episode, we are joined by Sarah Rusbatch, Australia's leading Grey Area Drinking Coach who works with individuals across the globe to break free of their drinking habits. We explore her story and the turning point for her to stop drinking, what is "grey area drinking", why her demographic is predominately women aged 40+ and their increased susceptibility to alcohol, the impact of the mental load of motherhood and cultural narratives around alcohol, how you can navigate a conversation with someone who you know is grey area drinking, how we can empower people to make a change and so much more.
Are you a Gray Area Drinker?
Beyond Sugar Freedom
Release date: June 6, 2023
Do you have a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol?Maybe you’re not quite sure, but you notice that alcohol is playing the role as a crutch in your days when life gets hard.Today’s episode we welcome on a very special guest, Sarah Rusbatch, to blow the lid wide open on the truth about how and why we drink.
In this episode:What is grey area drinking?What are the signs to know if you’re a grey area drinker?What does alcohol do in our bodies?Why are women drinking at record levels? What are some alternatives to drinking?What does the process look like to remove alcohol from your life? What does life look like without alcohol?
Alcohol and Sex Life Changes
Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson
Release date: May 31, 2023
In this episode, I welcome back Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.
Listen in to hear - Why alcohol and sex is a complex relationship - Does alcohol improve one's sex life - The science behind alcohol and libido - When alcohol can have have negative outcomes on our intimate relationships - The benefits of reducing alcohol
The Challenges That Changes Us
The Impact of Grey Area Drinking
Release date: April 30, 2023
In society we are well aware of the term ‘alcoholic’, but have you heard of Grey Area Drinking?This episode’s guest is Grey Area Drinking Coach, Motivational Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and host of a community of over 20,000 women, Sarah RusbatchAfter years of dysfunctional drinking, falling hard for ‘Mummy Wine Culture’ and using alcohol as a crutch to manage stress, overwhelm and anxiety, Sarah finally made the decision to remove alcohol from her life in April 2019.
The Politics of Sobriety
The Politics of Everything
Release date: March 22, 2023
++ Trigger warning – this episode discusses addiction and alcohol and may not be suitable for all listeners. Should this show raise issues for you please reach out to someone. In Australia that maybe by calling 13 11 14 (Lifeline).We live in a culture surrounded by reasons to drink alcohol – when celebrate, when we are sad, and even just because its Friday night.
Grey Area Drinking: How to Re-evaluate Your Relationship with Alcohol
That's Helpful with Ed Stott
Release date: April 6, 2023
The morning Sarah Rusbatch realised that her relationship with alcohol needed to change, she woke up in blood stained bed sheets with her 5 year old daughter peering at her face asking her what had happened. This sounds like an extreme story, but Sarah says that her relationship with alcohol would be familiar to SO many of us. BUT the night before she’d been at a 40th birthday party where the wine was flowing, she’d nipped outside for a cigarette and when she reached down to stub it out, she toppled over her heels and landed face first on the concrete.
I’m sure you have a similar story - one where a few two many drinks has left you feeling anxious & embarrassed. I know I do. Sarah says that morning left her with an overwhelming feeling that there was another way of living. In 2019 she quit booze completely & is now an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach.
Grey Area Drinking and Weight Loss Resistance
Fast Heal Stories
Release date: March 8, 2023
Sarah discussed what grey drinking is and the signs of it, her story of what led her to be passionate about sharing the dangers of grey drinking, how does alcohol impact the progress of reversing metabolic illness, do men and women equally struggle with estrogen dominance when drinking excessively, the effect alcohol has on poor gut microbiome and what to do if you suspect you or someone you know struggles with grey area drinking.
Finding Freedom in Sobriety
Finding Freedom
Release date: March 2, 2023
In this episode, I am joined by the incredible Sarah Rusbatch, who is a grey area drinking coach. We dive into the grey area of drinking, what happens when we start using alcohol for a reason and finding your authenticity when you remove alcohol from your life.Grey area drinking is a scale of drinking between 1 (never drinks) to 10 (fully dependent) - the grey area is a 4-8 on the scale and this is where we've started using alcohol for a reason
Grey Drinking and Sobriety
The Mind Movement Health Podcast
Release date: March 1, 2023
This week I have an amazing guest on the show, Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, Sarah Rusbatch. Sarah and I discuss: Who Sarah is and what she does, What grey area drinking is, When did alcohol become so prevalent, Sarah’s tipping point within her own journey, Where people who want to make a change can start, How to deal with the pressures of people around you to drink, The new government health guidelines in Canada, Changing mindset around alcohol, What alcohol does to your body system, Advice Sarah has for listeners with teenagers who might start drinking, Tips for breaking habits when trying to avoid alcohol, and One last piece of advice Sarah would like to leave listeners with.
Is it time to rethink your relationship with alcohol?
Living the Queen Life
Release date: December 19, 2022
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to have a problematic relationship with alcohol. Finding yourself setting rules that you’ll only drink on weekends, and that you'll only drink 2 bottles of wine over the weekend? Or doing Dry July and then making up for it in August? Did you know that a bottle of wine has the same carcinogenic properties as smoking 10 cigarettes? Alcohol directly causes 7 types of cancer and up to 20% of breast cancer diagnoses in Australia are caused by alcohol. Sarah gives listeners some great advice on how to reduce or give up alcohol in your routine, and how to reframe your mindset and conversations about the role of alcohol in your life. Maybe consider getting sober curious - how much better could you feel without alcohol? I recently gave up alcohol due to the impact I could feel it has on my body and I love how I’m feeling without it.
Are You a Grey Area Drinker? An Honest Conversation about Alcohol
The Pure Potential
Release date: December 20, 2022
What is grey area drinking. How you can assess your personal relationship with alcohol. Factors that lead to an over reliance on alcohol and using alcohol in a way that isn’t serving us Mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing when consuming alcohol How to transition away from alcohol in a sustainable way How to communicate your decision to your loved ones Sarah’s 30-day January challengeHow removing or reducing alcohol allows you to really get to know your vibrant, healthy self.Sarah's website can be found linked hereSarah's instagram can be found linked hereWishing you a healthy and happy festive season.
Menopause & alcohol – a slippery slope and why self compassion works
Psych for Life
Release date: December 15, 2022
Listen in to hear: The impact of perimenopause and menopause on women and their drinking behavior. Why hormone fluctuations due to menopause influence mood and the need for better education and awareness around these changes for women. How the pressure on women to do it all, along with our alcohol centric society add additional stress that can result in increased drinking. Why women need to feel empowered during these changes and how to achieve this with self compassion. Why reducing alcohol dependency requires good support. With the festive season upon us, there's no better time to check in with yourself and your drinking habits and to obtain support if you feel positive changes need to be made.
I'm Going Sober
Jamie’s Corner
Release date: December 9, 2022
On today's episode, I am joined by health and wellness coach Sarah Rusbatch to discuss alcohol and the grey area of drinking. Sarah is passionately leading the alcohol-free movement in Australia and she is going to share her journey to sobriety, the incredible benefits she has discovered in her new healthy lifestyle, and how she ultimately went about quitting drinking for good.
Perhaps you drink when you feel stressed, when you need to ‘take the edge off’ after a long day at work? Or maybe you only drink when you're out with friends or at a social gathering? It’s possible you also often take extended breaks from drinking, don’t drink every day and no one around you would ever say you have a drinking problem. But inside, you know you aren’t comfortable with how you are using alcohol, you know it’s starting to take more than it’s giving and you know you want to change, or end, your relationship with alcohol. That's where Sarah comes in.
Demystifying “Grey-Area” Drinking
How To Not Get Sick And Die
Release date: December 7, 2022
"Today is so stressful, I can’t wait to get home and have a glass of wine”... How many times have you felt like a stiff drink will release the tension of the day? According to the data the only group of people increasing their alcohol consumption volume and frequency is women 40-60 years old. But why? Because love is bloody chaos that’s why… but the sad thing is that this is having devastating effects on health, weight, sex life and self management… it’s ruining relationships and we’re talking specifically about people that don’t classify as alcoholics. This is a good episode for people who drink but don’t consider themselves alcoholics.
Alcohol & Anxiety: 10 things we need to know
Well, hello anxiety
Release date: November 23, 2022
I put it to you that you that you’ll learn more about alcohol in this 45 minute episode than you will have learned over your whole life. And much of what you learn may surprise you. Please let me know if I’m wrong. As a Grey Area Drinking Coach and Speaker, Sarah Rusbatch is passionate about alcohol and rightly, she asks why so much of what we need to know about alcohol, to make informed decisions, isn’t common knowledge. In this episode you’ll learn how the very thing so many turn to to quell anxiety only makes it worse, how alcohol impacts brain function, cancer risk, decision making, openness to change and so much more. It’s a fascinating conversation for all of us.
It’s just a cheeky drink…What’s The real cost of Alcohol
Roll with the punches
Release Date: November 20, 2022
'Don't be silly, it's just one drink.' Or is it? There's a vast gap between sobriety and alcoholism, but where is the elusive line in the sand where our relationship with this widely accepted substance becomes problematic? Is it only when we wake up in the morning and can't function without alcohol? Is it only when our loved ones view us as an alcoholic? Surely it's only when we have to go to meetings, right? Or if we look more closely, is there a real 'grey area' in our drinking habits where numbing and self-destruction is the silent norm? Did you know that alcohol is one of the few substances from which withdrawal can be fatal? I sure didn't know this until Sarah Rusbatch gave me the lowdown. Sarah is a Grey Area Drinking Coach (yep, it's a thing) and she's helping thousands of high-functioning, seemingly 'got-it-together' women cut their destructive ties with the demon drink. Sarah shares her own experience with booze and the slippery slope she found herself on before swapping out the spirits for soda and pulling her sh*t together to tap into the potential that alcohol was drowning out.
Is grey area drinking catching up with you?
Psych for Life
Release date: November 15, 2022
In this episode, Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker shared her journey to Sobriety and the impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement. Listen in to hear: What is grey area drinking? Why does being surrounded by grey area drinkers may increase risk? How the women "can have and do it all" mentality is impacting drinking. Why people are becoming sober curious - Plus Busting alcohol myths and limiting beliefs related to drinking. This must-listen episode offers insight and wisdom for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and to obtain support if needed.
From Pissed to Purpose
Life, Health and The Universe
Release date: November 3, 2022
Did you know that Grey Area Drinking is a new term where individuals don't identify as being an 'alcoholic' but do identify as drinking more than they would like?Sarah is a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and a Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.After developing what she describes as 'a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol', Sarah made the decision to remove alcohol from her life in early 2019 and has never looked back.After sharing her story with Mamamia Sarah had over 8000 women emailing her to say 'you just told my story. She now works with women across the globe, guiding them from feeling lost, stuck and out of control (something she fully understands herself), to a healthier and happier way of living.
About Grey Area Drinking
Project Women
Release date: September 29, 2022
Sarah is a certified women's health and grey area drinking coach, helping women to discover and live their best lives. But when you talk to Sarah, there's so much more to it. Speaking of her 'normal' relationship with alcohol which started in her early teens, she takes us through her feelings and experiences that finally saw her close the drinks cabinet for good.
Grey Area Drinking, and how to change your life
Running Mums Australia
Release date: February 21, 2022
In 2017, Sarah Rusbatch was just like many other working running mums. She lived a busy life with her family in Perth, and tried to juggle all of the things. She considered herself fit and active, yet she had a problem with alcohol. She didn't really know it at the time, but alcohol was ruling most of her days, thoughts, and emotions, as she used it as a way to cope with her busy schedule and active social life. She was by no means an alcoholic, but it was a constant in her life, and started to control her everyday, and affected her wellbeing and her family.
One day Sarah saw a post in RMA about a book on drinking, "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace which helped to change her perspective on how alcohol was slowly filtering into her every day and making her different to the person that she wanted to be. After that Sarah took control, and went on a journey of self-discovery, and sobriety. She changed her relationship with alcohol, and in the process became a Grey Area Drinking coach herself. She has since helped thousands of women overcome this adversity in their lives in a powerful way through her network, the "Women's Wellbeing Collective" over on Facebook, and has created programs aimed at helping women take back control of their own lives.
This is a powerful story of self-awareness and change, and the opportunity to influence a collective powerful way.
We hope this episode helps you to question how alcohol might play a role in your life, and if this is something that you need to change.
Grey Area Drinking
Don’t Give a Fifty
Release date: January 30, 2022
Sarah unpacks the spectrum of grey area drinking. What does it mean & how dysfunctional does our relationship with alcohol need to be before we act? Sarah talks through her personal decision to give up drinking & her journey to 1000 days sobriety. A thought-provoking topic lead by an inspiring fellow 50isher.
Grey Area Drinking – Is Alcohol Really A Problem?
Harmony Inspired Health Podcast
Release date: September 6, 2021
Sarah is an accredited grey area drinking coach, who previously identified as having a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol which was impacting my mental health, self-esteem, confidence, weight, hormones and general happiness. In this episode we discuss:
- Sarah’s journey to Sobriety
- What is Grey Area Drinking
- How to identify if you are a ‘Grey Area Drinker’
- Why you don’t have to be classed as an alcoholic to have problems with alcohol
- How alcohol affected Sarah’s health & wellbeing
- How confidence grows through sobriety
- Taking those first steps to sobriety
TID BIT: Ways To Curb Your Drinking During Lockdown
Halfternoons with Those Two Girls
Release date: September 2, 2021
Lise & Sarah are joined by "Grey Area Drinking" expert Sarah Rusbatch, to talk about Wine Mum culture, and curbing bad habits during lockdown.
Grey Area Drinking & The Path To Sobriety
Woman - Conversations for the Curious
Release date: July 29, 2021
Sarah Rusbatch is a certified health and wellness coach, a credited Grey Area Drinking Coach and a passionate ambassador for supporting women change their relationship with alcohol for good. I’m so happy Sarah is here to discuss ‘grey area drinking’ – and the path to sobriety.
Are you drinking too much? | Meet a Certified 'Grey-Area Drinking' Coach | SLR Wellness
The Good Girl Confessional
Release date: June 29, 2021
Sarah Rusbatch is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, accredited 'Grey Area Drinking' coach, host of two thriving communities for women in sobriety and a passionate ambassador for supporting women change their relationship with alcohol - for good! If like a lot of women through the pandemic you have started to question your own relationship with alcohol or are just interested in taking a break from alcohol, Sarah runs judgement free alcohol free challenges, and also works with clients one on one to guide them with an alcohol free life. She joins us in The Confessional to talk about her own journey with alcohol and how she found sobriety and her purpose.
Grey Area Drinking: What Is It & How Can I Curb It?
Halfternoons with Those Two Girls
Release date: June 25, 2021
Lise & Sarah are joined by accredited 'grey area drinking coach' Sarah Rusbatch, who works with women all over the world to change their relationship with Alcohol
Alcohol Freedom Movement
My Soul Life with Susan Scollen
Release date: June 20, 2021
Sarah's an absolute inspiration and today we talk about the things that come up for you when you stop drinking, how she’s helping women through that and what happens afterwards - because for so many of us we can’t see the bigger picture, and when alcohol has been such a big part of our lives, its ok to have no idea but this is where the fun really kicks in. Be inspired.
What is Gray Area Drinking?
Alcohol Tipping Point
Release date: June 20, 2021
Sarah Rusbatch joins the show to talk about gray area drinking. Sarah is a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and a Key-Note speaker who shares her journey to sobriety and the impact of alcohol on mental health with global audiences.
Listen to find out:
- What grey area drinking is
- Signs of a grey area drinker
- Sarah’s experience with drinking
- The value of stopping and starting again and again
- Top tips for changing your drinking
And more!
The Sober Experiment
The Sober Experiment Podcast
Release date: June 5, 2021
Today, Alex and Lisa chat with Sarah Rusbatch about how getting sober changed her life completely. Moving to Australia made her aware of how alcohol had become her companion and part of her identity. When Sarah decided to take a break from alcohol, she realised her life had so much potential.
Sarah is over 2 years sober and has since re-trained as a women's health and wellness coach with a specialism in sobriety and addressing unhealthy habits. She lives in Australia, originally from Manchester in the UK and attributes all the great things in her life to her sobriety. Sarah runs a global community for women looking to live their best lives.
The Grey Area
Australian Fitness Podcast
Release date: May 16, 2021
Sarah Rusbatch by all normal standards would probably have been classified as a party girl, the life of the party, the spark, the person who would host the after-party at her place when you wanted to kick on. She was also by all standards a high achiever, successful in her career, a solid parent, and always the 'fun' friend to be around. But as you’ll hear in this discussion, what you saw and what was going on behind the scenes, externally and internally, was a very different and somewhat disturbing story.
Sarah was what is known as a grey area drinker. Before I met Sarah, I hadn’t even heard of the term. Sarah has been through quite a lot since 2017, and through this, has not only reinvented her own health and wellness but created a brand new business and career for herself in the process.
Sarah is now a very sought-after wellness coach and Certified Grey Area drinking coach. Sarah speaks honestly and candidly and is now helping thousands of others to manage their alcohol intake or remove it altogether. By her own admission, Sarah really has reclaimed her life.
Looking to explore taking a break from alcohol?
Download my free guide to taking a break from booze to learn all the tricks, tools, books, podcasts and more that were so much help to me at the start.
"It was such an honor to have Sarah come on my podcast. She is extremely knowledgeable, relatable, and a true leader. Sarah is able to break down complex topics and make it easily digestible for listeners. I am super inspired after recording with her and I am so excited for my listeners to delve into the topics of health, wellness, alcohol, psychology, and more."
- Jamie Logan, Podcast Host "Jamie’s Corner"
