Clean Break Chats

Raw-Dogging Life: Damo on Anxiety, Running & AF Living

Damian “Damo” Sharp joins Andy & Rich for a candid deep-dive into living life unfiltered — no booze, full presence. We unpack anxiety, blips, and the gritty bits of rebuilding confidence with sleep, nutrition, and those “boring” Zone 2 runs that change everything.

We cover:

From slips to Phase 2 sobriety: using blips as data, not dramaAnxiety, panic, and why caffeine had to goRunning for headspace: base-building, injury comebacks, and pacing the egoParenting, identity, and choosing presence over pintsPlanning a sober wedding (6 Dec!) without the late-night chaos

If you’re AF-curiou...

Duration: 01:04:18

This week we pick up Andy’s origin story where we left off — landing in Spain, fusing two drinking cultures, and trying to outrun anxiety with Sunday start lines. We talk about why consistency beats perfection, how to lower resistance to new habits, and what happens when you train hard and drink hard… right up to Andy’s 3:40 at the 2017 London Marathon and the family fallout that followed.

We also reflect on World Mental Health Day: the link between alcohol and anxiety, why connection trumps white-knuckling, and the moment a simple Google search (“Do I have a problem wi...

Duration: 01:13:01

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich and Andy sit down with Scott Woolley, founder of Arklet, to unpack the real conversation around alcohol: not a binary “alcoholic or not,” but a spectrum shaped by culture, mental health, and choice.

Scott shares his own shift from weekend binges to a decade alcohol-free, how picking up a camera opened the door to creativity and nature, and why he’s pro-choice, not anti-alcohol.

We explore the idea of a “hangover problem” vs an “alcohol problem,” the limits of “drink responsibly” messaging, what Gen Z is teaching us about wellness...

Duration: 00:53:21

Turning 50, mountains on the mind, and no longer chasing a single “peak.” In this solo chat, Rich guides Andy through Part 1 of his origin story - from Bristol roots, rugby and Scouts, to pub-life chaos, backpacking the world, moving to Spain, and becoming a Dad.

Andy shares why “peaking” is a myth, how running taught him to love the process, why depth beats width, and how gratitude and positive psychology re-framed the last decade.

He also connects the dots between ADHD, spontaneity, job-hopping, and the old chase for dopamine.

 Part 2 (coming soon) dives into the...

Duration: 00:48:06

On the eve of Andy’s 50th, Rich and Andy welcome Kelly Harman for a grounded conversation about turning a so-called midlife crisis into a midlife awakening. Kelly shares how removing alcohol gave her clarity to recognise misalignment in career and relationships, and why she’s now building Fire & Soul around values-led work and trauma-informed conscious connected breathwork.

Together we translate the science into plain English - how stress “shortens” the breath, what a safe, facilitated session looks like (including breath analysis, acupressure and affirmations), and how polyvagal theory helps you spot when you’re in green/amber/red...

Duration: 01:15:16

Coaching the Ego: Acceptance, Consistency, Adaptation

Rain on the skylight, a snotty nose, and a missed run—perfect conditions for an ego flare-up. In Ep22, Andy and Rich get brutally honest about the ego we all carry and how to coach it rather than let it coach us.

We dismantle the “minimum 5K” myth, dig into why easy ≠ pointless, and show how the 80/20 split + Zone 2 protects the only sessions that need to be hard: your long run and your quality workout. We talk practical execution—leave 1–2 reps in the tank, keep your intervals even—and map...

Duration: 01:01:15

In EP21 of Clean Break Chats, Andy & Rich sit down with Jimmy Watkins - co-founder of Running Punks, ex-elite middle-distance runner, and over 2,000 days alcohol-free - for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and choosing a life that actually fits. Jimmy opens up about the moment he realised the live-music lifestyle was costing more than it paid back, and how going AF didn’t shrink his world - it amplified it.

We unpack the transition from late-night gigs to early-morning miles: swapping the buzz of the crowd for the rhythm of breath, using music as a metronome fo...

Duration: 01:09:49

In our first-ever face-to-face recording, things start off a bit awkward… footsie under the table, intense eye contact, and lots of laughs — but this quickly evolves into one of the most heartfelt, honest, and reflective episodes we’ve recorded to date.

Andy’s just moved back to the UK after 21 years in Spain - and he opens up about the emotional chaos that comes with big life changes: new schools for the kids, lack of routine, bubbling anxiety, and a sense of not being quite "where he wants to be." Rich shares a powerful moment watching his son embr...

Duration: 00:49:48

Why do some of us seek out the hard things - 100km ultras, sleep-deprived 4x4x48s, blizzards on high ridges - when life already hurts? In this deep, honest conversation, Tony Stopforth (founder of Peaky Runners) traces how grief, lockdown and a drifting sense of identity pulled him to the trails…and how doing “crazy” challenges became a way to heal, connect, and lead.

Tony takes us from the moment his father died and running was simply a release “at first it felt like running away” to the point it became running towards purpose. You’ll hear the piv...

Duration: 01:22:49

In Episode 18, it’s just Andy & Rich - no guests, no script, just two mates talking honestly about change, expectations, and connection. Andy shares what it’s been like moving back to the UK after 21 years in Spain, while Rich opens up about parenting, letting go of control, and finding gratitude in the chaos.

They also explore why September feels like a bigger reset than January, the importance of focusing on one intentional thing each day, and how staying alcohol-free underpins it all.

Plus, a huge announcement: the first-ever Clean Break Retreat is coming to Spai...

Duration: 01:07:44

In this special episode of the Clean Break Podcast - recorded live when Jodi Clark joined us as a guest inside the Clean Break community - Rich dives deep into Jodi’s powerful alcohol-free journey. From her first steps into sobriety to embracing running, connection, and a more balanced lifestyle, Jodi shares openly about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the joy she’s found along the way. Her story is proof that going alcohol-free isn’t about giving something up - it’s about gaining so much more.

Duration: 00:43:07

In this raw and reflective episode, Andy and Rich dive deep into the emotional whirlwind of midlife – from moving countries and raising teens to caring for aging parents and navigating life alcohol-free. They unpack the stress of the "sandwich generation," the evolving meaning of success, and why the question “What’s the rush?” has become central to their mindset.

Expect honest chat about:

Big life transitions (including Andy’s UK move)The emotional cost of parenting teens and losing parentsMidlife stress and mental healthLetting go of the pressure to achieveFinding purpose beyond profitAnd why slowing down might actu...

Duration: 00:52:00

In this powerful guest episode, we’re joined by Mark Dobbs – a design manager, husband, father, and ultrarunner – who opens up about his life-changing decision to go alcohol-free and how that decision ultimately led him to complete one of the world’s toughest endurance events: The Summer Spine Race.

Mark talks about his early struggles with alcohol, the influence of the book Finding Ultra, and how trail running became his new healthy obsession. He shares what it was like tackling 268 miles on the Pennine Way with little sleep, raw feet, and brutal self-doubt — and what it really means to s...

Duration: 01:22:44

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the evolution of their alcohol-free journeys, exploring the powerful shifts in perspective that come with sustained change. 

They talk about the complexities of day counting, the ups and downs of building new habits, and the joy and challenges that come with making long-term changes to your lifestyle. They reflect on their pasts, share pivotal moments from their personal journeys, and discuss the importance of self-awareness, presence, and celebrating even the smallest victories.

Whether you’re just starting out or well into your alc...

Duration: 00:53:14

In this episode of the Clean Break Chats Podcast, we’re joined by Henry Beercock, who shares his incredible journey from burnout, excessive drinking, and a high-stress career to embracing sobriety, veganism, and training for his first marathon. Henry’s story is one of transformation, from struggling with emotional eating and self-medicating to finding clarity and purpose through running and a complete lifestyle overhaul.

He takes us through his decision to leave a family business after 17 years, the unexpected changes that followed, and how his growing sobriety has helped him not only shed 7 stone but also cultivate a mi...

Duration: 01:05:17

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive deep into the messy but transformative power of uncertainty and why sometimes, the scariest decisions become the catalyst for real growth.

They open up about the personal turbulence of 2025’s first half, the emotional weight of moving countries, and what it really means to reframe huge life shifts as an experiment instead of a threat. Andy shares how shifting his mindset to see life as a series of experiments with no guaranteed outcomes - has replaced fear with genuine excitement about what’s next.

Rich...

Duration: 01:08:15

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sean Keeley - a father, runner, and honest voice for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.

“I used to think the best version of me was at the pub - turns out he was waiting at the top of a mountain,” says Sean as he opens up about swapping pints for peaks and finding a deeper sense of purpose through running and the outdoors.

Sean shares the raw truth of his journey - the tough mornings, the missed moments with his kids, and the day he decided enou...

Duration: 01:17:31

In this episode of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich dive into the ups and downs of the running cycle, how post-race blues can give way to periods of reflection and growth. They discuss the balance of taking a break from intense training while still staying active, and how sometimes, stepping back can help build stronger foundations for future goals. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting realistic expectations and re-framing challenges as opportunities for growth, especially when it comes to running, mindset, and maintaining consistency. Join us as we explore the emotional triggers behind habits, the...

Duration: 00:42:31

In this powerful episode of Clean Break Chats, we welcome Victoria Higgins, a full-time coach and former senior leader in the pharmaceutical industry. After 30 years in science, Victoria took a bold step to leave behind the world of corporate pressure to pursue her true calling, coaching. 

With a rich background in mentoring, Victoria shares how she found freedom and purpose in her alcohol-free life and the deep transformation that came with it. From navigating personal trauma to empowering women in science, this conversation is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of stepping into your true p...

Duration: 01:16:12

In Episode 08 of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in the alcohol-free journey:

👉 The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety: it’s connection.

Fresh from a powerful weekend together in Leeds, the conversation flows from laughter to deep reflection as they explore how isolation fuels addiction and how authentic connection can be the lifeline that keeps us grounded and growing.

They explore:

Why addiction loves isolation, even when alcohol is framed as socialHow society sells us the lie that we need al...

Duration: 00:55:48

This week on Clean Break Chats, we sit down with Adam Mayhew — co-founder of A-Game Consultancy and a man who embodies calm, courage, and clarity.

Adam shares how he moved from the high-stress world of tech leadership and heavy weekend drinking into a life grounded in stoicism, stillness, and deep self-awareness. What began as curiosity became transformation — one breath, one decision, one moment of honesty at a time.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:

How meditation kick-started a complete life overhaul

"It was the focusing on the breath, and then becoming more awar...

Duration: 00:58:14

In this honest and wide-ranging episode, Andy and Rich dive deep into the mental game of running, the importance of showing up (even when it’s tough), and the connection between running, self-worth, and identity. They explore how running helps build resilience, how to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, and why our beliefs shape everything we do—on and off the road. Plus, a real talk about setbacks, self-compassion, and the value of community.

From messy mindsets to marathon goals, this conversation is a reminder that we’re all a work in progress—and that’s o

Duration: 01:11:35

In this deeply moving and reflective episode, Andy and Rich open up about navigating grief, connection, and the often-overlooked emotional depth of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Andy shares the sudden loss of a close friend in Spain - a man who walked with him through his entire alcohol-free journey. 

Through heartfelt conversation, they explore themes of vulnerability, friendship, rejection sensitivity, and resilience.

This is not just a conversation about loss - it's also about love, courage, and finding light even in the darkest places. From celebrating the power of sober connections to embracing raw emotion without n...

Duration: 00:27:31

In this powerful guest episode of Clean Break Chats, Rich Casement and Andy Delderfield are joined by coach, speaker, and mindset expert Adam Smith—a key figure in Rich’s alcohol-free journey and personal growth.

Together, they dive into the transformative impact of stoic philosophy, habit change, and living alcohol-free. Adam shares his raw insights on emotional regulation, ADHD, identity, and building self-awareness that actually sticks. Expect honest reflections, practical tools, and a deeper conversation about what it really means to live life on your “A Game.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck, reactive, or all-or-not...

Duration: 00:56:28

In this emotional and honest episode, Andy and Rich reconnect post-London and Paris Marathons to unpack two very different journeys to the finish line. From Rich’s mental battle, injury struggles, and reflections on performance, to Andy’s unforgettable experience running London in a full-body Save the Rhino costume, this chat goes deep.

They explore the pressure to prove growth through PBs, the healing power of running, what it means to be truly seen on the course, and why marathons are never just about the time on the clock. Expect vulnerability, laughter, and some very real talk abou...

Duration: 01:15:14

In this inspiring guest episode, Rich and Andy are joined by Carole Ray – one of our incredible Spring Marathon Heroes who has been training with us over the past 20 weeks with one powerful goal in mind: running her first-ever marathon at the age of 68.

Carole’s motivation runs deep. She’s taking on the London Marathon in support of Young Lives vs Cancer, after her nephew was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Thankfully, he is now in remission – and his recovery became the spark that gave Carole her why. It drove her to chase something many thought unthinkable – and she’s...

Duration: 00:59:35

After a short break, Andy and Rich are back behind the mic - this time under the new banner of Clean Break Chats.

In this opening episode, the boys go deep. They get real about where they’re at right now—personally, professionally, and what’s been going on behind the scenes. You'll hear honest reflections, future plans, and the big vision behind Clean Break Coaching. What does a “clean break” actually look like? And where are we heading?

Plus, we share exciting news about our Half Marathon and Full Marathon Coaching kicking off in June, aime...

Duration: 00:59:42