Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast

Sarah Drage & Amy Dickson

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/49d. Total Eps: 22

Join Sarah & Amy in this one of a kind podcast talk exclusively about how they and their guests have been affected by addiction in the family. In short, being the child of an alcoholic. It's a thing!

Each episode will focus on a different topic or guest, increasing understanding of and breaking down stigmas around alcoholism and addiction.

Sarah & Amy are unapologetically honest when discussing their own experiences with their Dads (both called Steve).

Dark humour at times, so be warned!

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Apple

Data updated on 04/07/2026

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
22/06/2026
#68
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
19/03/2026
#89
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
27/12/2025
#63
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
26/12/2025
#52
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
25/12/2025
#41
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Health & Fitness
25/12/2025
#80
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
24/12/2025
#64
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
20/12/2025
#71
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Mental Health
03/08/2025
#94
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Alternative Health
19/07/2025
#55

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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http://www.itsallinthemind.co.uk
1 share
https://nacoa.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/
1 share
https://nacoa.org.uk/get-involved/donating/become-a-member/
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 37%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Latest published episodes

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Sarah Fellows: Grieving a parent lost to addiction

Episode 22

Thursday, December 18, 2025 • Duration 51:13

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.

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

Episode 21

Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 01:23:56

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.

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

Episode 20

Friday, November 21, 2025 • Duration 01:13

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.

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

Episode 19

Thursday, October 9, 2025 • Duration 01:01:21

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.

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

Episode 18

Thursday, August 21, 2025 • Duration 01:02:42

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.

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Sophie K: Talking to your inner child as an ACOA

Episode 17

Friday, August 1, 2025 • Duration 59:04

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

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Setting boundaries with my homeless, alcoholic dad - George Billinge

Episode 16

Friday, June 13, 2025 • Duration 01:04:36

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.

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

Episode 15

Thursday, May 1, 2025 • Duration 01:06:52

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.

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

Episode 14

Friday, March 28, 2025 • Duration 44:52

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.

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COA Week special! Josh Connolly and Chanita Stephenson

Episode 13

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 59:44

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. 💙

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Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other3

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other3

Apple Podcasts

Spotify