148. The Alcohol Episode: How It Affects Your Health, Hormones, Habits & Social Life

Ever wondered what alcohol is really doing to your body, your hormones, and your headspace?

In this episode, Leanne is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Sally Hunt, a leading expert in women’s mental health and alcohol use. Together, they unpack why alcohol feels helpful in the moment—but quietly undermines sleep, mood, motivation, and long-term well-being.

Whether you’re doing Dry July, rethinking your weeknight wine, or just curious about alcohol-free options, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical strategies to make choices you actually feel good about.

We cover:

• How alcohol affects sleep, anxiety, hormones, and perimenopause symptoms

• Why women often drink to cope (not just to socialise)

• The truth about “moderate drinking” and why there’s no truly safe level

• How to handle social pressure without awkwardness

• Why just one or two drinks can impact recovery, energy and weight

• What to expect in your first 2–4 weeks alcohol-free

• The psychology of habit change—and how to make alcohol-free living feel empowering, not restrictive

Plus, Leanne shares how she’s personally cutting back, and why Edenvale’s non-alcoholic wines have become her go-to for dinner parties, wind-down rituals, and weekend celebrations.

🍇 Episode Sponsor

This episode is proudly sponsored by Edenvale — Australia’s award-winning alcohol-removed wine range.

Whether you’re doing Dry July or simply cutting back on alcohol, Edenvale lets you enjoy the taste, aroma and complexity of real wine — without the alcohol or next-day regret. Made from premium Australian grapes and crafted using a GoLo heat-pump powered unit, the first of its kind in the world, Edenvale’s range includes Sparkling Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more.

With less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, fewer calories than regular wine, and a wide variety of styles, Edenvale helps you celebrate every moment — your way.

Shop the full range or learn more at edenvale.com.au

Instagram: @edenvalewines

🎧 Why You Should Listen Now

• 🔍 For first‑time listeners: Cut through alcohol marketing myths with evidence-based insight

• 🌱 For loyal fans: Deepen your toolkit with expert strategies on sleep, stress, perimenopause & habit change

• 🚀 For wellness seekers: Optimize hormone balance, mood resilience, mental clarity & long-term health

Ready to press pause on alcohol and pivot to more energy, focus and hormone harmony? This episode is for you.