Over The Influence: The Alcohol Free Podcast

Welcome to Over the Influence, the podcast where sobriety isn't just a choice - it’s a celebration! Hosted by Sharon Hartley and Ben Anderson, both BBC professionals by day and passionate advocates for alcohol-free living by night, this is your go-to space for real, raw, and uplifting stories of what life looks like on the other side of alcohol.

Each episode shines a light on inspiring, often hard-hitting journeys to sobriety. From personal struggles to incredible triumphs, we bring you heartfelt conversations with guests from all walks of life - whether they're celebrities, experts, or everyday heroes. Their stories might trigger deep emotions, but they’ll also inspire hope, empowerment, and a renewed sense of what the human spirit can overcome.

Whether you're sober curious, walking your own path to sobriety, or simply looking for some inspiration, you're in the right place. Let’s talk openly about the highs, the lows, and everything in between - and most importantly, let's celebrate the joys of a vibrant, alcohol-free life together.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not necessarily those of Over The Influence (OTI) Ltd. The information shared is for general purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. If you are physically addicted to alcohol - or even think you might be - it's essential you seek qualified medical advice from your doctor or other medical professional. Stopping drinking suddenly can be very dangerous and in some cases fatal. You can find links to support services on our website here.



Recent Episodes
  • S3 Ep217: Elin Smith: What's Your Gut Telling You?
    Jun 2, 2025 – 51:33
  • S3 Ep217: 6.5 Tips To Thrive Through the Bank Holiday Weekend
    May 23, 2025 – 42:11
  • S3 Ep216: Sean Willers: Take Back Control
    May 19, 2025 – 51:21
  • S3 Ep215: Samantha Southern: Solace
    May 12, 2025 – 43:39
  • S3 Ep214: Austin Karr: Striving For Happiness
    May 5, 2025 – 51:33
  • S3 Ep213: Kelly: The Team OTI Iron Man
    Apr 28, 2025 – 43:03
  • S3 Ep212: Sarah Connelly: The Thirty Day Power Pause
    Apr 21, 2025 – 51:58
  • S3 Ep211: James Ruiz: The High-Flying Dad
    Apr 14, 2025 – 49:19
  • S3 Ep210: Sarah Chamberlain: UnashamED
    Apr 7, 2025 – 50:05
  • S3 Ep209: The Gavin Sisters: The Detox Barn
    Mar 31, 2025 – 49:30
  • S3 Ep208: James Laughlin: The Habits of High Performers
    Mar 24, 2025 – 56:02
  • S3 Ep207: Neil & Ian: The Team OTI Iron Man
    Mar 17, 2025 – 49:06
  • S3 Ep206: Sarah Rusbatch: Beyond Booze
    Mar 10, 2025 – 50:51
  • S3 Ep205: Annalise Woolfson: Don't Give Up!
    Mar 3, 2025 – 44:46
  • 205: Lauren Newhouse: Sticking With It
    Feb 24, 2025 – 52:43
  • S3 Ep204: Jen Mugan: Maybe You Already Have Everything That You Need
    Feb 17, 2025 – 46:07
  • S3 Ep203: Tabbin Almond: Wine To Water
    Feb 10, 2025 – 52:08
  • S3 Ep202: Mikey: The Five C's
    Feb 3, 2025 – 47:11
  • S3 Ep201: Andy Garwood: I'm Not Even A Runner!
    Jan 27, 2025 – 52:23
  • S3 Ep200: James Gwinnett: Ready, Set, Life
    Jan 20, 2025 – 54:20
  • S3 Ep199: Hamza Najam: Starting Your Sober Journey
    Jan 13, 2025 – 52:53
  • S3 Ep198: Louis & Andreas: AF Brothers
    Jan 6, 2025 – 51:03
  • S3 Ep197: Sharon Hartley: The Life-Changing Magic of Quitting Alcohol
    Dec 30, 2024 – 39:20
  • S3 Ep196: Rich Gross: Second AF Christmas!
    Dec 23, 2024 – 56:31
  • S3 Ep195: Sarah Allen Benton: Parents In Recovery
    Dec 16, 2024 – 51:15
  • S3 Ep194: Hadley Sorensen: Sobriety Hype Girl
    Dec 9, 2024 – 48:52
  • S3 Ep193: Jack Cotterill: The Sober Musician
    Dec 2, 2024 – 51:29
  • S3 Ep192: Niall Davison: One Year AF!
    Nov 25, 2024 – 48:52
  • S3 Ep191: Tammy & Brennan: Like Mother, Like Daughter
    Nov 18, 2024 – 53:05
  • S3 Ep190: Stuart Reeves: One Year AF!
    Nov 11, 2024 – 50:50
  • S3 Ep189: Emma Cleal: Be More Frank
    Nov 4, 2024 – 46:25
  • S3 Ep188: Millie Gooch: Sober Girl Society
    Oct 28, 2024 – 50:08
  • S3 Ep187: Kate Nichols: Freedom Affect
    Oct 21, 2024 – 50:25
  • S3 Ep186: Holly Walsh: Hello Holly
    Oct 14, 2024 – 43:44
  • S3 Ep185: Barbara Williams: Sober In Colour
    Oct 7, 2024 – 49:19
  • S3 Ep184: Melodie: A Better Life For My Children
    Sep 30, 2024 – 46:25
  • S3 Ep183: Maggie Klaassens: The Sober Summit 2024
    Sep 23, 2024 – 52:14
  • S3 Ep182: Andy Delderfield: Ordinary To Extraordinary
    Sep 16, 2024 – 52:14
  • S3 Ep181: Hayden Syers: Time For Change
    Sep 9, 2024 – 52:38
  • S3 Ep180: Rafael Briceño: Making The Most Of Today
    Sep 2, 2024 – 52:42
  • S3 Ep179: Ali Press: Discovering Who You Really Are
    Aug 26, 2024 – 43:56
  • S3 Ep178: Seana Smith: Going Under
    Aug 19, 2024 – 50:10
  • S3 Ep177: Michael Sargood: Happy Without The Hooch
    Aug 12, 2024 – 53:13
  • S3 Ep176: The Ben Nevis Special!
    Aug 5, 2024 – 53:38
  • S3 Ep175: Caroline Evers-Endacott: cee-change.com
    Jul 29, 2024 – 50:28
  • S3 Ep174: John Whaite: Ruff Puff Brownies
    Jul 22, 2024 – 49:28
  • S3 Ep173: Pippa Morris: AF In The Goldie
    Jul 15, 2024 – 48:56
  • S3 Ep172: BIG News
    Jul 8, 2024 – 47:23
  • S3 Ep171: Sarah O'Mara: Red Rose Recovery
    Jul 1, 2024 – 48:05
  • S3 Ep170: Ellie Webb: Caleño
    Jun 24, 2024 – 44:21
Recent Reviews
  • Katie’s Nickname
    100 days alcohol free and never going back!
    Thank you for your podcast. I started the year aiming to drink less to help my body take a break. After reading more and more about what type of “break” would help my body, I stopped for a week and then two. It wasn’t until I found your podcast that I decided that 100 days was the goal- and quickly decided that an alcohol free life was just easier and frankly better. Thank you.
  • gomez70
    Happiness and Joy
    I never write reviews but I had to make sure I wrote one for the OTI podcast. I am 29 days alcohol free today and have been listening to sobriety podcasts for the last month or so every morning at the gym. OTI is by far my favorite. The hosts are so relatable, funny and down to earth. Some sobriety podcasts can be downright depressing. OTI has the perfect mix of hearing people’s stories and showing the joy and happiness that comes from living an alcohol free life.
  • IpswichMandy
    Absolute Best Hosts /best guests
    I really enjoy listening to this podcast , both Shaz and Ben are such great hosts . They are brilliant at not only asking their guests the right questions ,but then they really do listen to the answer without talking over each other…I have been Alcohol free now for 18months and it’s the wonderful connection I feel listening to this show that keeps me on track, reminds me not to get complacent ,and kills any thoughts of moderation .. I live in Florida although grew up in Ipswich Suffolk , so can relate to the 80s, 90s ladette drinking scene.. Thanks for all you do..I even received a wonderful handwritten Congratulations card from both Ben And Shaz on my accomplishment thus far, so proud and excited.. Thank you, Thank you for all that you do
  • Chris33088
    Amazing!
    This podcast is a must for anyone who’s started to question their relationship with alcohol. The hosts are amazing and their humor and positivity are infectious. I stumbled upon the podcast looking for more William Porter content after reading “Alcohol Explained” and I’m now well over a year alcohol free, which this podcast was a huge part of. Can’t recommend it enough!
  • MaggersNM
    Great energy, some laughs, and helpful
    Thanks Shazzer and Ben for honest, helpful recovery with some laughs.
  • Hottie Bear
    Inspiring Podcast
    Such an uplifting and inspiring podcast! The hosts are so positive and add an element of humor to what can be such a difficult time in the lives of so many fighting to be sober. The interviews and life experiences are a great reminder that we are not alone in this sober journey. Thank you OTI for being there for me and so many others.❤️
  • JoeMac7345
    Upbeat and motivating
    I really enjoy these hosts and the conversations with guests. A nice weekly boost to remember why cutting out alcohol is worthwhile.
  • i hate spotify1011
    Great sobriety companions!
    Love, love, love tuning in to listen to very practical and funny stories shared here. You keep inspiring me to stay away from alcohol.
  • Deberdoo429
    LOVE!!
    I was so happy to find this podcast. Thank you William Porter for the recommendation. I love these two!! Oh...and background Ben. Being American..I have to say the accents are fun to listen to. I appreciate the time and work they are giving to this podcast to help those of us wanting to live an alcohol free life. Thank you!! Keep up the GREAT work.
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