Hattie may be a clear-headed, cold-water queen these days, but getting here was harder than mastering butterfly stroke! Even pregnancy didn’t create the clean break from alcohol she had hoped for.

And despite a few trials with moderation along the way, she now knows—this time, sobriety is for good.

Welcome to The Next Round—the podcast about the bold, brilliant, and sometimes downright bonkers things people do after quitting booze. But remember, folks, you don’t have to freeze your bits off to get sober!

Unlike this week’s guest, Hattie, who prefers being neck-deep in icy water rather than in booze. She kicked off her journey with the Dry January Challenge, and alongside a whole lot of learning and reflection, she’s now alcohol-free and bouyant.

Finding Peace in the Water

For Hattie Underwood, cold water swimming is more than just a pastime – it’s a sanctuary. The icy plunge slows everything down, giving her a rare sense of hyper-focus and clarity.

Her love for swimming started young, training competitively for Southampton. But it was her mother, an avid swimmer in Hampshire’s rivers and along the South Coast, who instilled a love for wild swimming. As she embarked on her sobriety journey, this practice took on new meaning.

Living in London, Hattie became a member of an ice bath club, pushing her limits and embracing the mental resilience required to withstand freezing temperatures.

A Relationship with Alcohol That Had to Change

Despite a successful life on paper, Hattie’s relationship with alcohol had always been problematic. From sneaking drinks in school to drinking alone before socialising, she felt an intense need for alcohol to function socially. The dependency escalated over time, leading to morning drinking and a fear of being ‘found out.’

When she became pregnant, she assumed nine months of abstinence would change her relationship with alcohol. However, once her child was born, she quickly fell back into old patterns.

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When Gavin quit drinking, he didn’t expect to gain listening skills—but he’s embraced his new life with open arms!

Now, you can’t stop him from filling his time with meaningful activities.

Welcome to the next round: exploring life after quitting drinking and discovering the many ways to find purpose—like helping others.

This week, meet Gavin Chase, care industry recruiter by day and Samaritan volunteer by night. Through volunteering, Gavin has honed new skills, found deep purpose, and even become a role model for others.

Gavin Chase’s story is one of transformation and dedication—a journey marked by his decision to quit drinking, his commitment to volunteering, and his belief in living a life of purpose. Far from leaving his corporate job, Gavin’s spare time is dedicated to initiatives that complement his professional life and fulfill his personal aspirations.

“Sobriety isn’t just about saying no; it’s about saying yes to a better life.”

Gavin’s decision to quit drinking was a pivotal moment in his life.

“It wasn’t just about giving up alcohol; it was about reclaiming my life”

The journey to sobriety was not without its challenges, but it profoundly shaped who he is today.

“You start to see the world differently. It’s like waking up from a fog.”

This newfound clarity and energy have allowed him to focus on what truly matters, inspiring others to consider the transformative potential of a sober lifestyle.

Volunteering with the Samaritans

One of the most profound aspects of Gavin’s journey is his dedication to volunteering with the Samaritans, a charity that offers support to those in emotional distress.

“Being there for someone in their darkest moments is humbling.”

His work with the Samaritans has given him a deep sense of purpose and perspective.

“While I’m there to help others, I’ve learned so much about empathy, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.”

This experience has reinforced his belief in the importance of listening and being present for others—lessons that resonate in every aspect of his life.

“Service has a way of bringing out the best in you.”

This candid insight highlights Gavin’s belief in the transformative power of giving. He describes volunteering as a grounding force, one that reminds him of what truly matters.

Beyond his role with the Samaritans, Gavin is actively involved in other community initiatives. From mentoring young people to supporting local environmental projects, his volunteering efforts are diverse and impactful.

“Helping others isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a privilege”

Gavin’s volunteering not only enriches his life but also allows him to build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose

No personal transformation is without its hurdles, and Gavin’s was no exception. From self-doubt to navigating the complexities of balancing work and volunteering, he has faced his share of challenges.

“What keeps you going is the belief that what you’re building matters.”

For Gavin, purpose extends beyond personal achievements. Whether through mentoring, supporting community projects, or sharing his story of sobriety, his focus remains on leaving a lasting impact.

“Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.”

This powerful reminder underscores Gavin’s bel

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For the past 25 years, Marie Morice has been at the forefront of global climate change, and with some big shifts in her life, including quitting drinking she has added gender initiatives and campaigning within organisations such as the UN to her passions. She has now retrained as a clinical sexologist and uses her skills to support individuals as well as wider systems change.

Today, Marie helps women rediscover their sexual agency and pleasure. Her journey to this point has been anything but linear, but it was quitting alcohol that catalysed her transformation. Now post-menopause and living a life full of clarity and energy, Marie is a walking testament to the power of change.

“There’s a Life Energy in Me That I’ve Never Had”

Marie’s relationship with alcohol was intense. As she puts it:

“It was part of my celebrations and my commiserations. Let’s have a drink—no matter what.”

Over the years, however, her body began reacting less and less well to alcohol, something that became especially apparent as she went through hormonal changes during menopause. Despite several attempts to take breaks from drinking, she always found herself returning to it.

But a heavy night a year and a half ago was the turning point.

“I woke up and thought, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep waking up knowing I’ll feel hungover in two or three days. My life was being wasted.”

For Marie, it wasn’t about hitting rock bottom but rather a constellation of factors—the end of a long-term relationship, a desire to invest in her work helping women, and a need to prioritise her health and energy.

Giving up alcohol wasn’t easy, but the rewards have been profound.

“There’s a life energy in me that I’ve never had, or maybe that I had but was tamed by alcohol, – I have a clarity now that I didn’t know I was missing. It’s incredible.”

Reclaiming Pleasure and Agency

Marie’s journey away from alcohol coincided with her decision to retrain as a coach. Originally inspired by friends and family who praised her listening skills, she realised her true passion lay in helping others on a deeply personal level. While her early coaching clients brought a range of issues to her, many women came to her seeking guidance on their sexuality. That’s when Marie decided to specialise as a sex coach and clinical sexologist.

“Our relationship to pleasure is so important. For many women, it’s fraught with guilt, whether that’s related to drinking or societal expectations. The first thing I work on with my clients is understanding their relationship to pleasure—not just sexual pleasure, but pleasure in life.”

Marie believes that for women, especially those in midlife, this work is vital.

“As we go through menopause, there’s a natural reevaluation of who we are and what we want. It’s a chance to reconnect with our bodies and desires.”

And she’s quick to emphasise that pleasure is a skill that can be relearned.

“It’s about creating new pathways to joy. What gives you pleasure? It could be anything, from a quiet moment of doing nothing to an incredible orgasm. The point is to explore.”

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