Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast

Coping with an alcoholic mum! with Jen Payne and Arabella Byrne

Mother’s Day Special: Breaking the Silence with Arabella Byrne & Jen Payne
This Mother’s Day, the Children of Alcoholics Podcast opens up a heartfelt and honest conversation about the complex emotions that can surface for those who grew up with a parent battling addiction.
We’re joined by Nacoa ambassadors Arabella Byrne and Jen Payne—two inspiring women who grew up with alcoholic mothers and are now, in very different ways, navigating motherhood themselves. Arabella is a mum to two young children, while Jen, after years of struggling to conceive, is now preparing to welcome her first baby.
Together, they reflect on their childhoods, the long-lasting impact of growing up around addiction, and how their pasts have shaped the kind of mothers they want to be. With raw honesty, warmth, and courage, Arabella and Jen share their stories to remind others that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone.
Whether you're on your own journey of healing, approaching Mother's Day with mixed emotions, or simply want to understand more, this episode is a powerful listen.

COA Week special! Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson

It's Children of Alcoholics Week! So we're bringing you this bonus podcast featuring Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson.
We’re Sarah and Amy, two friends who grew up with parents struggling with alcoholism. We know firsthand the challenges, confusion, and emotional toll that come with it—and we’re here to create a space where others like us can feel heard, validated, and empowered.
Each episode, we’ll share personal stories, insights, and expert advice on healing, setting boundaries, and breaking generational cycles. Whether you're still navigating these challenges or on a journey of recovery, you're not alone.
Join us as we turn pain into strength and find hope together. 💙

I wrote a COA book and paid the price! - Arabella Byrne

In this episode of the COA Podcast, we welcome Arabella Byrne, author of In the Blood, a powerful and deeply personal exploration of intergenerational alcoholism. Arabella shares her journey of uncovering the hidden impact of addiction within families, how it shapes identities, and the path toward healing.
Arabella's memoir shared how her mother and she recovered from alcoholism within weeks of each other, having been caught in a long intergenerational spiral of addiction.
Arabella is also a prolific journalist on issues of children of alcoholics and also an ambassador of Nacoa UK
Join us as we discuss the complexities of growing up with alcoholism in the family, the patterns that can persist across generations, and the importance of breaking the cycle. Arabella also reflects on her writing process, the emotional toll of revisiting family history, and the hope she wishes to offer to others affected by a parent's drinking.

The Episode where they talk to Jen Payne

The Children of Alcoholics Podcast is back! In this episode, Sarah and Amy welcome Jen Payne, one of Nacoa's most prominent official ambassadors.
Since joining as a volunteer of Nacoa, no one has taken our message closer to heart. As a adult child of an alcoholic going through traumatic experiences to this day, she has tirelessly shared experiences to help children and adult children of tomorrow.
Jen has spoken for Nacoa in parliament, TV news specials, corporate galas, and schools. She has never shied away from an opportunity to let people know that they are not alone.

The Episode Where They Talk To Paul Summers

In this powerful episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with their first international guest, Paul Summers from the USA - a recovering addict and author. Paul opens up about his journey as a child of an alcoholic (COA) and his own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He shares his inspiring story of hitting rock bottom, losing custody of his daughter, and ultimately finding the courage to get sober through a 12-step program and a newfound belief in a Higher Power.
Paul's memoir, "Hide and Seek: A Dad's Journey from Soulless Addiction to Sole Custody," chronicles his path from poverty to artistic pursuits, substance abuse, and finally, recovery. Now 16 years sober, Paul discusses the inspiration behind his book and his mission to help others through sharing his story. Despite initially suppressing his passion for writing, Paul has embraced his craft and is now a college student, church worship team member, and devoted father committed to being present in his children's lives. With rawness and vulnerability, Paul's conversation as Sarah and Amy's first international guest is a testament to the power of recovery and second chances.

The Episode where they talk about their trip to parliament

In this episode of Sarah and Amy: The Children of Alcoholics Podcast, Sarah and Amy delve into their trip to Parliament, where Sarah spoke on behalf of NACOA (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Amy takes the lead, asking Sarah questions about her experience speaking alongside inspiring guests like Hilary Henriques, CEO of NACOA, and the late iconic George Best's son, Calum Best. It's a candid conversation filled with emotions, but in a dramatic turn of events, it's Sarah who cracks a dark joke, leaving Amy speechless. And in a shocking twist, Amy even dishes out a compliment to Sarah, surprising everyone. Tune in for this raw and honest episode exploring the realities of growing up with alcoholic parents.

The Episode where they talk to sisters Jess & Georgia

Sisters Jess and Georgia join us for a candid conversation about growing up with an alcoholic parent and losing their father Jed to addiction in 2023. Though their childhoods were filled with instability and dysfunction, the sisters have emerged as successful businesswomen - Jess as the sales and marketing director at Hotel Football in Manchester, and Georgia as the owner of the hair and beauty salon Allure in Manchester.
After seeing Calum Best on Celebrity SAS, the sisters were inspired to get involved with Nacoa as volunteers and helped organise the organisation's first Northern Gala in March 2023. Now, just three weeks away from Nacoa's second gala, Jess and Georgia open up about their childhoods and "not normal" moments that coloured their experiences as children of alcoholics.
Through their grief and resilience, the sisters exemplify the power of sibling bonds. Their story contains many laughs as well as poignant reflections on their past and hopes for the future.

The Episode where they reintroduce themselves

Sarah and Amy reunite for a Christmas edition of their podcast “The Children of Alcoholics.” It’s been a few months since their last show as both stepped up into new roles with NACOA (National Association for Children of Alcoholics).
But they candidly catch up on how they each managed the festive season of dysfunctional family dynamics and complicated memories tied to their alcoholic fathers, coincidentally both named Steve.
Sarah and Amy swap survival strategies, boundary tools and lessons learned from decades of attending alcohol-fueled Christmas celebrations. While difficult moments are shared, there is also hope as the friends discuss breaking destructive cycles through compassion and understanding this year.

The Episode where they Talk to Sarah’s sister Victoria Glennie

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, hosts Sarah and Amy embark on a heartfelt conversation with special guest Victoria Glennie, Sarah's younger sister. Brace yourself for an emotionally charged journey as they delve into the untimely passing of their father, Steve, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his battle with alcohol addiction.
With a mix of vulnerability and strength, the sisters open up about the deeply personal experience, sharing their perspectives on the day their father was hospitalised and ultimately succumbed to his addiction. This candid conversation sheds light on the complexity of addiction and its profound impact on individuals and families.
Through their shared memories, Sarah and Victoria uncover surprising revelations about their father's struggles, offering a unique and multi-faceted understanding of their shared loss. Alongside them, Amy, ever the supportive presence, occasionally chimes in, adding a touch of light-heartedness to the discussion despite feeling like a bit of a third wheel.
Please be advised, this episode carries a trigger warning as it delves into sensitive topics such as alcohol addiction and death. While the conversation is serious and raw, the hosts also infuse moments of levity, creating an atmosphere that balances reflection and compassion.
Tune in as Sarah, Amy, and Victoria unravel the layers of their past, navigating the complexities of grief, addiction, and the power of shared storytelling. This episode promises to be an engaging, intimate, and ultimately transformative exploration of loss and the human experience.

The Episode where they Talk to Tod Harrison

In this episode Sarah & Amy talk to Tod Harrison about his experience growing up as a child of an alcoholic. Tod talks candidly about how this has affected his adult life. This is a powerful episode and captures a story of resilience and determination like no other. 
Tod and some friends have formed a team and have challenged themselves for June 2024 to row the pacific ocean (2800 miles in 40 days) as part of the Talisker Whiskey competition event in aid of NACOA & Mind Charity, he talks to Sarah & Amy about the challenge and how being a COA has inspired him to take part. 
You can find out more about their challenge and donate to help them raise funds. 
www.itsallinthemind.co.uk