Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast

Sarah Fellows: Grieving a parent lost to addiction

In this deeply moving episode of Children of Alcoholics, Sarah and Amy are joined by Sarah Fellows – a mum of three, physiotherapist, somatic therapist and adult child of an alcoholic mother.
Sarah shares her story of growing up with a mum who struggled with alcohol addiction, the complex grief that followed her mum’s death, and what it’s like to grieve not just the parent you lost, but the parent you never truly had. Together, they explore the emotional neglect, hypervigilance and survival strategies that so many children of alcoholics carry into adulthood.
The conversation dives into nervous system regulation, somatic therapy and how trauma is stored in the body – often resurfacing years later in unexpected ways. Sarah speaks honestly about anger, guilt, relief and shame, motherhood after addiction, and the lifelong work of breaking generational cycles.
Sarah also shares the story behind a song she wrote in the depths of grief after her mum’s death – a song that went on to be gifted to Nacoa and has resonated powerfully with others affected by addiction.
This episode is raw, validating and deeply compassionate. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, grief is complex, and it is possible to choose a different story for the next generation.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of parental addiction, death, trauma and grief.

Maleena Pone: Making my COA documentary, 'Saving Mum' (THIS WEEK on Channel 4)

Filmmaker Maleena Pone joins Sarah and Amy to discuss Saving Mum, her Channel 4 documentary airing Wednesday 10th at 1pm. Maleena shares her powerful story of growing up as the eldest daughter in a South Asian family, supporting a mother who struggled with alcoholism, and navigating loss, responsibility and resilience.
Together they explore what it means to love a parent with addiction, the pressure to fix and care for others, the impact on identity and relationships, and the process of breaking long-held emotional patterns. A raw and compassionate conversation for anyone who grew up around alcohol misuse — or is still healing from it.
Support our work by becoming a member of Nacoa. 
 

Special COA Pod announcement: Our brand new pod, COA Lives!

Hi all! Sarah and Amy here, from the Children of Alcoholics Podcast. We’re back with a new series soon.  Promise! 
But in the meantime, we wanted to share with you about a second new Nacoa podcast - a younger sibling to the Sarah and Amy you might say. It’s called COA Lives!
It’s hosted by Nacoa patron and all round excellent guy, the Right Honourable Jonathan Ashworth!
Since leaving Parliament after years of campaigning for children of alcoholics, he’s set off on a new journey to hear COA stories from some heroic advocates of the cause, unfiltered and in their own words. Searching for that common thread of fellow feeling between us all.
Amy - Hello! That sounds familiar. 😂 
The first episode featured Calum Best and the demons he’s faced while speaking out. The next episode of COA Lives will feature….
Sarah - Me, Sarah! 
Amy - So if you want - like me - to see the tables turned on Sarah, do tune in!
Just search for COA Lives to listen and subscribe.

Quint Boa: Psychotherapy, animation, and son of a famous alcoholic dad

In this moving and honest episode, Sarah and Amy talk with Quint Boa, psychotherapist, filmmaker, and son of actor Bruce Boa (Fawlty Towers, Empire Strikes Back, Full Metal Jacket).
 
Quint opens up about his childhood growing up with an alcoholic parent, how that environment shaped his own drinking and recovery, and how he now uses animation and psychotherapy to help others understand mental health and addiction.
 
Together, they explore intergenerational trauma, emotional survival, sobriety, parenting, and finding humour in healing.
 
Honest. Emotional. Relatable. Real. If you grew up around alcohol misuse or love someone who struggles with addiction, this conversation will resonate deeply.

John Taylor: From Childhood Trauma to COA Author, Filmmaker and Therapist

In this episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with John Taylor – counsellor, accredited family therapist, filmmaker and author – to talk about growing up as the child of an alcoholic, his journey into recovery, and his mission to support families living with addiction.
John shares the story behind his book and documentary 1 in 5, reflecting on the trauma he experienced as a child, the stigma and silence that surround alcoholism, and the healing power of speaking out. With over two decades of sobriety and nearly as many years supporting families through Turning Point, John offers both professional insight and deeply personal honesty.
Together, we explore the hidden impact of alcohol addiction on children, the coping strategies we carry into adulthood, and why finding your voice – and a community – can change everything.
If you’ve ever felt invisible growing up around alcohol, this conversation is for you.

Sophie K: Talking to your inner child as an ACOA

Being a child of an alcoholic (COA) is a thing. It's measurable. It impacts us physically and emotionally throughout our life. 
Today we sit down with the amazing Nacoa patron Sophie K to discuss where she is at on her recovery journey. After a rough few months of health. 
We explore how to speak to yourself, both in the present and in the past. Who is your inner child? What do they need? And why didn't they get the care they need? 
You can speak to that child. You can help them. Sophie's done the work. Listen to this wonderful podcast interview to find out more.
#ChildrenOfAlcoholics
#COA
#AlcoholicParents
#FamilyAddiction
#DysfunctionalFamilies
#GrowingUpWithAddiction
#RecoveryJourney
#HealingFromTrauma
#BreakingTheCycle
#InnerChildHealing

Setting boundaries with my homeless, alcoholic dad - George Billinge

In this raw and moving episode, we sit down with George Billinge as he shares the emotional journey of growing up with a father lost to alcohol addiction. George speaks candidly about watching his dad’s decline — from a loving parent to a man consumed by addiction, now living homeless.
George opens up about the heartbreak of witnessing that transformation and the difficult reality of maintaining healthy boundaries — not out of anger, but out of love for himself and those closest to him. His story is one of deep reflection, personal growth, and the strength it takes to protect your peace while still holding compassion.
This episode is a powerful listen for anyone affected by a loved one’s addiction. It's about the pain of letting go, the courage of setting boundaries, and the hope that comes from healing.
Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and resilience.

Every child of an alcoholic is DIFFERENTLY unhappy — Maya Parker, Nacoa Co-Founder

In this powerful episode of Children of Alcoholics, Amy and Sarah sit down with Maya Parker, MA – co-founder and trustee of Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Maya brings a lifetime of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation. With deep empathy and expertise, she explores the emotional rollercoaster of growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction.
Maya shares candid reflections from her own journey as a child of an alcoholic, alongside the insights she’s gained from decades of advocacy and support work. Whether you're a COA, an adult COA, or someone who supports them, this episode offers understanding, hope, and practical guidance from someone who truly gets it.
Tune in for an honest, compassionate look at the challenges – and strength – of living through and beyond parental addiction.

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. 💙