Laura Willoughby MBE: Redefining Sobriety with Club Soda
Our overall goal is to create a world where nobody feels out of place if they're not drinking, and I love that goal because it talks about you as an individual and it says we can help you feel more comfortable and build that confidence. You need to drink less or not at all in a very alco-centric country.
What happens when you realize your drinking has become a problem, but traditional sobriety methods don't resonate with you? Laura Willoughby MBE faced this dilemma and chose to carve her own path. In this episode of 'Soberful', hosts Veronica Valli and Chip Somers chat with Laura about her personal journey to sobriety and the birth of Club Soda, a UK-based initiative aimed at reshaping our cultural relationship with alcohol.
Laura, who is part of the LGBTQ community, felt the need for an inclusive approach that addresses unique challenges faced by different groups. She shares how Club Soda not only supports individuals looking to cut down or quit drinking but also pushes the media, hospitality industry, and society at large to view sobriety in a new light.
This episode dives into the complexities of being alcohol-free in various cultures, the role of corporate responsibility in catering to diverse audiences, and the evolving landscape of the alcohol-free sector. The conversation also touches on the opioid crisis and its ties to alcoholism, along with a thoughtful cost-benefit analysis of drinking. Laura emphasizes the power of collaboration in creating a world where choosing not to drink is not just accepted but celebrated.
Tune in to hear how one woman's vision is sparking a sober revolution.