What happens when you stop drinking in midlife – and everything starts to change?

In this episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by acclaimed crime author, former criminal barrister and The Traitors star Harriet Tyce. Harriet opens up about the turning points that led her to quit alcohol, why it became the “bedrock” for feeling better, and the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild confidence in her 50s.

They also dive into what The Traitors is really like behind the scenes – plus the simple, practical tools Harriet relies on when anxiety or rumination hits.

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Follow Harriet Tyce on Instagram: @harriet_tyce

Order Harriet's new book Witch Trial: https://www.waterstones.com/book/witch-trial/harriet-tyce/9781035411917

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More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 Welcome Harriet Tyce + The Traitors intro
03:02 Middle-aged women on The Traitors (strategy + being heard)
06:01 Stepping into power in midlife
09:03 From English degree to choosing law
12:02 Criminal Bar realities + drinking culture
15:04 Motherhood, leaving the Bar, and finding writing
18:03 Blood Orange breakout success + why books struggle to cut through
21:05 Pressure after success + writing process + audience growth
24:01 Witch Trial plot, research, and the “dark imagination”
27:02 Alcohol history + last drink (6 June 2022)
30:01 How sobriety transformed health, routines, and self-worth
33:03 Therapy, resources, and why it’s hard without support
36:00 Social life shifts + what might’ve happened otherwise
39:02 Midlife challenges: access, misinformation, and information overload
42:04 Listener Qs: anxiety hacks + sober socialising tips
49:08 Wrap + final reflections

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