Kath Elliott is the founder of The Alcohol Mindset Coach, where she empowers people to change their relationship with alcohol—not by quitting outright, but by redefining its role in their lives. Her journey is one of resilience, reflection, and personal growth. After grappling with binge drinking for years, Kath decided to take control of her life. Her journey included navigating breast cancer, a career change, and the end of a 22-year marriage—all while staying committed to living alcohol-free.
Now, she’s helping others do the same. Through coaching, workshops, and keynote speaking, Kath provides people with the tools to rethink their drinking habits and create a healthier, more balanced life.
In this inspiring episode of The Do Landers, Kath shares her powerful story of transformation, highlighting the small decisions that lead to big changes. Her journey is a testament to the idea that you don’t have to “hit rock bottom” to make a meaningful change.
Key topics we cover in this episode:
- How binge drinking culture became “normal” but left Kath feeling out of control.
- Her wake-up moment after a personal health scare—and how it reshaped her view on alcohol.
- The rise of the “sober curious” movement and how more people are rethinking their drinking habits.
- Navigating divorce, career shifts, and parenting without using alcohol as a crutch.
- Kath’s practical, compassionate approach to helping people explore their relationship with alcohol.
If you’ve ever thought about cutting back or redefining your relationship with alcohol, this episode will give you perspective, inspiration, and practical steps to start your own journey.
Listen now to Episode 60 of The Do Landers Podcast: Kath Elliott – Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol.
Connect with Kath | Follow her on Instagram
Key Topics We Cover in This Episode
- Binge Drinking Culture: How binge drinking became “normal” but left Kath feeling out of control.
- Health and Alcohol: The link between alcohol, health, and breast cancer risk.
- Personal Growth and Change: How Kath rebuilt her life after a cancer diagnosis, marriage breakdown, and career shift.
- Sober Curious Movement: The rise of the “sober curious” movement and how more people are rethinking their drinking habits.
- Alcohol Coaching: How Kath’s approach to coaching helps people explore their relationship with alcohol and make changes on their terms.
Why Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol Matters
In a society where alcohol is present at every social gathering, celebration, and work event, it’s easy for “normal drinking” to evolve into something more problematic. Binge drinking, social drinking, and “just one more” habits are so deeply embedded in our culture that most people don’t realise they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol until it’s too late.
For Kath Elliott, it wasn’t about “quitting” alcohol—it was about rethinking her relationship with it. Her story highlights a growing global trend known as the “sober curious” movement, where people explore the benefits of living alcohol-free without the pressure to abstain forever. This shift is reflected in the rise of alcohol-free drinks, sober-friendly events, and a renewed focus on mental health and well-being.
If you’ve found yourself questioning your drinking habits—whether it’s binge drinking on weekends or relying on a drink to “unwind”—this episode provides relatable, real-world insights on how to reflect, reset, and regain control.
What is an Alcohol Mindset Coach?
Unlike traditional alcohol cessation programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), an Alcohol Mindset Coach helps people explore their drinking habits in a non-judgmental way. It’s not about forcing people to quit—it’s about providing them with the tools to rethink their drinking. The approach is often rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), self-reflection, and building personal accountability.
Kath Elliott’s coaching approach focuses on:
- Self-awareness: Recognising the reasons behind drinking and understanding its impact.
- Practical tools: Learning strategies to create healthier habits and manage social pressure.
- Accountability: Offering guidance and support from someone who has lived the experience.
Signs You May Need to Rethink Your Drinking
If you’ve ever wondered if your drinking is “normal,” you’re not alone. Many people ask themselves this question, especially after experiencing the negative effects of binge drinking. Here are some signs it might be time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol:
- You often drink to “take the edge off” after work or social situations.
- You’ve blacked out or lost memories after a night of drinking.
- You feel guilt, shame, or anxiety about your drinking.
- You find it difficult to set limits on how much you drink.
- You have friends or family members who have expressed concern.
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to rethink your drinking habits. Kath Elliott’s story is a reminder that it’s possible to make small changes that lead to life-changing results.
The Sober Curious Movement: Why More People Are Rethinking Alcohol
The sober curious movement is changing the way people view drinking. It’s no longer just about abstinence or “hitting rock bottom.” Instead, it’s about making conscious choices about when, why, and how we drink. Here’s why this movement is gaining momentum:
- Rise of Alcohol-Free Alternatives: From alcohol-free beer to zero-proof spirits, non-alcoholic options are more accessible than ever.
- Mental Health Awareness: More people are realising the impact alcohol has on anxiety, depression, and sleep.
- Workplace Shifts: Companies like NAB (National Australia Bank) are introducing policies to limit alcohol at corporate events.
- Physical Health: Growing evidence from organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the connection between alcohol and cancer risk, particularly breast cancer.
How Alcohol Impacts Your Health
Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption? While many people think “a glass of red wine is good for the heart,” research shows that the risks may outweigh the benefits. Here’s why:
- Sleep Disruption: Alcohol interferes with REM sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue.
- Anxiety and Mood Swings: Alcohol increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and disrupts neurotransmitters, often leading to heightened anxiety.
- Impact on Cognitive Function: Long-term alcohol use affects memory, attention, and decision-making.
- Increased Cancer Risk: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to cancers of the breast, liver, and digestive system.
Kath Elliott’s story of discovering a breast cancer diagnosis just six weeks after becoming alcohol-free is a poignant reminder of how lifestyle changes can impact health outcomes.
How Kath Elliott Can Help You Rethink Your Drinking
As a certified alcohol coach and founder of The Alcohol Mindset Coach, Kath Elliott provides 1:1 coaching and group workshops to help people explore their relationship with alcohol. Her work is driven by lived experience, compassion, and a belief that anyone can make positive changes.
Through her Sipsmart programs, Kath helps companies integrate alcohol awareness into their corporate well-being initiatives. By encouraging employees to reflect on their drinking habits, businesses can boost employee health, reduce absenteeism, and foster a more supportive work culture.
