Women’s Health Unwrapped
Episode 154:
What if it’s not perimenopause — It’s the wine?
What if the glass of wine you use to unwind is actually what’s holding you back?
“So many women are functioning, but not thriving. And deep down, they know it. We think how we feel is normal — but it’s often just familiar. Change begins with awareness.”
— Nicola Farndell
“I wasn’t rock bottom. I was midlife, managing, doing all the things. But I wasn’t really living. Alcohol was my default — my reward, my release, my escape. Until I realised it was also the thing keeping me stuck. Taking a break didn’t just change my habits. It changed my whole identity.
— Tracy Ollerenshaw
In this episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped:
In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by former BBC journalist and now alcohol-free coach Tracy Ollerenshaw, who shares how one courageous decision — to take a break from drinking — transformed her energy, purpose and sense of self.
Together, we explore what so many midlife women are quietly questioning:
“I’m not out of control, but I don’t feel fully in control either.”
This is where grey area drinking lives — where habits are “normal,” but you don’t quite feel like yourself anymore. Through honest reflection and inspiring insights, Tracy opens up about how she broke free from autopilot living, and how the simple act of pausing helped her reconnect with joy, clarity and a whole new vision for her life.
In this episode we’re unwrapping:
What grey area drinking really looks like for high-achieving women.
How alcohol impacts mood, hormones and identity, especially in perimenopause.
The hidden cost of “coping” and the power of choosing clarity instead.
How Tracy built a new identity by changing her environment and habits.
Why podcasts and social media can be lifelines when you feel alone in your decision.
The unexpected joy of sober living — and how it helped Tracy reconnect with herself, her kids and her purpose.
The importance of community, support and self-compassion on this journey.
Three small steps to start redefining your relationship with alcohol, without pressure or shame.
About Tracy Ollerenshaw:
Tracy Ollerenshaw is the founder of Sober Glimmers and an accredited Alcohol-Free Coach who supports grey area drinkers ready to reclaim their energy, clarity and confidence. After two decades in broadcast news, including 15 years at BBC Radio 1, Tracy made the life-changing decision to go alcohol-free and is now passionate about helping other women break free from habits that no longer serve them.
Through her Go & Glow 30-day walking coaching programme and signature DRI Method (Disrupt – Reprogramme – Integrate), Tracy offers a powerful yet compassionate approach to change. She also leads the Sober Glimmers Community — a space for women navigating midlife, perimenopause, relationships and identity shifts who are ready to step into their 2.0 era with intention and joy.
Connect with Tracy:
Get Tracy’s Free Seven Booze-free Swaps for Sober Curious Mums
Feeling tired, foggy or a little off—but not sure why?
It might not just be your hormones. Sometimes the habits we lean on to cope — like that evening glass of wine — can quietly drain our energy, disrupt our sleep and cloud our thinking.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to start feeling better.
Take the Midlife Reset Quiz to:
💛 Spot the habits or hidden stressors pulling you out of balance.
💛 Discover one small but powerful shift to support your energy and clarity.
💛 Start reconnecting with the version of you that feels calm, clear and in control.
It takes just 2 minutes — and gives you one clear next step that fits your real life.
✨ Take the Midlife Reset Quiz today and begin your next chapter with intention.
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