Podcast & Interview Appearances | Charles Knowles
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![Podcast cover for 'The Big Drink Rethink' episode 34 on alcohol and health, featuring Anna Donaghey and Charles Knowles.]()
The Big Drink Rethink
Ep 34 - Alcohol & Health: It’s Journey Through the Body
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![The image shows a book cover titled 'STOMPCAST' by Dr. Alex George. It features two men standing outdoors with trees in the background. The man on the left has short light-colored hair and is wearing a black jacket, while the man on the right has short dark hair and is wearing a green jacket.]()
STOMPCAST PODCAST with Dr Alex George
Pt1. - The Truth About Why We Drink | Professor Charles Knowles
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![Book cover titled 'Why We Drink Too Much: Breaking Free from Alcohol Dependence' with subtitle 'Episode 876 | Interview with Dr. Charles Knowles'. The cover features a cartoon depiction of a human brain wearing cowboy boots, set against a green background.]()
This Naked Mind w Annie Grace - Why We Drink Too Much
Breaking Free from Alcohol Dependence | Charles’ Naked Life | EP876
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![A promotional graphic for a podcast episode titled 'Episode #265: Why We Drink Too Much: The Impact of Alcohol on Our Bodies and Culture' featuring Dr. Charles Knowles, a professor, consultant surgeon, author, and sobriety advocate. The design includes a blue circle with white text reading 'Alcohol Minimalist' on the left, and the episode title and details on the right, with images of scattered wine and alcohol bottles.]()
Alcohol Minimalist
The Impact of Alcohol on our Bodies & Culture with Dr. Charles Knowles
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Free State Podcast w Joe Brolly & Dion Fanning
8th March - Ep 354
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Why We Drink w Donal O'Doherty
Evolution, Reward, and Addiction | Podcast #16
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The Alcohol Debate w. Tabbin Almond
A double appearance by Charles & Annie
The Big Drink Rethink with Anna Donaghey
Ep 34 - Alcohol & Health: It’s Journey Through the Body
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How does alcohol really affect your health? Anna is joined by Professor Charlie Knowles, a renowned medic and author, to shed light on the complex relationship between alcohol and our bodies.
They explore the popular perception that a glass of red wine a day is beneficial and address its potential role in increasing the risk of serious health issues, including various types of cancer.
Together they discuss how alcohol, a Group 1 carcinogen, affects everything from our DNA and gut microbiome to our social behaviours, and touch on the ethical responsibility of the medical profession and the drinks industry to inform the public about these risks, especially against the backdrop of aggressive alcohol advertising.
There is a thin line between moderate consumption and dependency, significant global social consequences of alcohol, and staggering costs of alcohol-related harm.
So, whether you're curious about cutting back or just want to make more informed choices, stay tuned as we rethink the big drink together!
In part one, Charles joins Dr Alex George to discuss why some of us can drink more than others, why humans have drank alcohol throughout history and whether it is actually possible to ever have ‘just one more’...
Plus, Charles unpacks his concept of the ‘Three Cs’ when reflecting on alcohol consumption and shares how the brain’s reward pathway shapes our drinking habits.
STOMPCAST PODCAST with Dr Alex George
Pt1. - The Truth About Why We Drink | Professor Charles Knowles
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Charles Knowles is Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London, and a recovering alcoholic who has written about his experience with addiction in his new book ‘Why We Drink Too Much: The Hidden Science of Just One More’.
In part one, Charles joins Dr Alex George to discuss why some of us can drink more than others, why humans have drank alcohol throughout history and whether it is actually possible to ever have ‘just one more’...
Plus, Charles unpacks his concept of the ‘Three Cs’ when reflecting on alcohol consumption and shares how the brain’s reward pathway shapes our drinking habits
This Naked Mind w Annie Grace - Why We Drink Too Much
Breaking Free from Alcohol Dependence | Charles’ Naked Life | EP876
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Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependence, addiction, suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles, and relapse.
Why we drink too much isn't always obvious—what if the answer lies deeper than willpower or self-control? Dr. Charles Knowles, a world-renowned surgeon and author, spent decades trapped in a cycle he couldn't explain: 10 years of fun, 10 years of fun with consequences, and 10 years struggling to stop. As a high-achieving professional, he looked nothing like the stereotype of someone with alcohol dependence, yet he faced the same battle millions experience in silence. Through his journey to find freedom from alcohol and extensive research, Dr. Knowles discovered that understanding how we learn to drink, and why some people can't unlearn it, is the key to breaking free. In this episode, Dr. Knowles joins Coach Cole Harvey to explore the science behind gray area drinking, the difference between positive and negative reinforcement, and why shame is the biggest barrier to change.
Dr. Charles Knowles and Coach Cole discuss :
"Light turning on" moments: when alcohol feels like instant peace for the first time
Why being sober means having peace of mind, not just being alcohol-free
The powerful analogy: trying not to drink is like being deprived of water in the desert
How the "memory super league" in your brain makes drinking patterns nearly impossible to break
Gray area drinking and the role of worry, cognitive dissonance, and control
Alcohol reliance as a missing piece in how we talk about modern drinking habits
Why dry challenges work best when they become a learning process (not just "white-knuckling")
Finding out who you are without alcohol after years of drinking shaped your identity
Alcohol Minimalist: The Impact of Alcohol on our Bodies & Culture with Dr. Charles Knowles
The Truth About Why We Drink | Professor Charles Knowles
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In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly sits down with Dr. Charles Knowles, professor of surgery at Queen Mary University of London and author of Why We Drink Too Much.
This is a deep, science-forward conversation about why humans drink alcohol, why some people lose control while others don’t, and how culture, biology, psychology, and learning all intersect in our relationship with alcohol.
Dr. Knowles shares his personal journey through alcohol dependence, recovery, and ultimately peace—alongside the neuroscience, history, and behavioral science that explain why alcohol can quietly shift from pleasure to reliance.
If you’ve ever wondered “Why me?”, questioned your own drinking without fitting neatly into a label, or felt stuck in the gray area between “fine” and “not fine,” this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and perspective.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why problematic drinking is not a moral failure or lack of willpower
The difference between reward drinking and relief drinking—and why that shift matters
Why consumption alone is a poor measure of alcohol’s impact
The Three C’s of Drinking: Consumption, Consequences, and Control
What “alcohol reliance” means—and why so many people live in this gray area
Why sobriety, abstinence, and neutrality are not the same thing
How emotional sobriety and peace are built after (or alongside) behavior change
Why understanding the brain can help some people change—and why action still matters
The role of culture, normalization, and storytelling in how we relate to alcohol
Why a period of alcohol-free time can be valuable, regardless of long-term goals
The Alcohol Debate
In this thought-provoking episode of The Alcohol Debate, host Tabbin Almond welcomes two insightful guests, Professor Charles Knowles and Annie Knowles, who share their unique experiences with alcohol and the journey to sobriety.
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Professor Knowles, a medical doctor and author of the book "Why We Drink Too Much," discusses the complexities surrounding alcohol use, addressing the shame and stigma that often accompany drinking problems. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind alcohol consumption, helping listeners to navigate their own relationships with alcohol without self-blame.
Annie Knowles offers a deeply personal perspective, recounting her experiences living with Charles during his struggles with alcohol. She reflects on the impact of his drinking on their marriage and her own drinking habits, revealing how loneliness and isolation can lead to reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Throughout the episode, the trio explores critical themes such as the psychological and environmental factors contributing to alcohol dependence, the importance of self-awareness, and the challenges of supporting a loved one through their recovery journey. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the biopsychosocial model of addiction and the significance of fostering open conversations about alcohol use.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that understanding the underlying issues related to alcohol consumption can pave the way for healthier relationships with alcohol and oneself. Tune in to hear Charles and Annie's compelling stories and practical advice for those seeking to change their drinking habits.
Highlights: (02:00) Introduction to Charles and Annie Knowles (10:15) The science behind alcohol consumption (18:30) Annie's perspective on living with an alcoholic (25:00) The impact of isolation and loneliness (32:45) Understanding the biopsychosocial model of addiction (40:00) Strategies for supporting loved ones in recovery
WHY WE DRINK w. Donal O’Doherty: Evolution, Reward, and Addiction |
In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Charles Knowles (consultant colorectal surgeon; Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London and Lead for Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic London) to unpack the hidden science of alcohol: evolution, reward circuitry, learned cues/cravings, genetics, ADHD/neuroticism, and what recovery actually looks like in real life
Free State w. Joe Brolly & Dione Falling
Professor Charles Knowles is a very smart man. He is a surgeon and clinical researcher. He is able to apply logic and reason to find solutions to most things. But logic and reason made no sense when it came to his own drinking.
On Free State Charles Knowles explains why we drink and why we drink too much. He talks to Dion about his own struggles and why there is a genetic reason for many people drinking.
They discuss the line of Kurt Vonnegut that ‘Alcoholics Anonymous is America’s greatest contribution to the 20th century’ and Charles explains why modern science agrees with Vonnegut.