The Next Round: What happens after you change your drinking?
The Next Round: What happens after you change your drinking?
When Xiomara Wimmer decided to give up drinking, she didn’t just change her life—she found herself becoming part of an alcohol-free super couple.
Little did she know that sharing her journey alongside her husband would turn into a mission that’s now helping countless others navigate socialising alcohol-free.
Welcome to The Next Round, the podcast where we dive into the inspiring stories of people who’ve redefined their lives by changing their relationship with alcohol. From mending relationships to taking on life-changing challenges, the possibilities are endless when booze is no longer center stage.
In this episode, we meet Xiomara, a trailblazer in the alcohol-free community. Since embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, she and her husband have inspired countless others by sharing their journey on their social platform—showing how vibrant and connected life can be without alcohol. Now, Xiomara is taking her mission even further, leading empowering workshops designed to help others socialise with confidence, authenticity, and joy in an alcohol-free world.
You can find xiomara and Patrick @theafcouple
For Xiomara and her husband Patrick, alcohol was a common element in their relationship—until they realised it was holding them back. When they decided to give up drinking, everything changed. It wasn’t just about cutting out alcohol; it was about rediscovering their connection, their purpose, and their shared passions.
Xiomara and Patrick, also known as The AF Couple, shared their story of going alcohol-free over two and a half years ago. For years, they enjoyed their life together but noticed that alcohol often brought unnecessary conflict and tension into their relationship. While it wasn’t always the source of their problems, it tended to amplify any existing issues.
Finally, they reached a breaking point. They decided to remove alcohol from their lives completely. The result? A newfound clarity in their relationship and their communication.
Going alcohol-free is a personal journey, but for Xiomara and Patrick, it was also a shared one. They chose to navigate this path side by side, creating a unique and powerful dynamic.
“We’ve always been told we’re a beautiful couple, but when alcohol was involved, that didn’t always align.” Xiomara Wimmer
By quitting together, they strengthened their bond and rediscovered what made them such a great team.
They now share their journey on their Instagram account, @theafcouple, where they document the highs and lows of their alcohol-free lifestyle. Their posts reflect the reality of sobriety, showcasing both the good and the messy moments, inspiring others to reconsider their relationship with alcohol.
One of the biggest challenges of going alcohol-free is learning to navigate social situations without it. Xiomara and Patrick quickly realized the importance of setting boundaries and being upfront with friends and family. “We made it clear to those close to us why we were making this change,” Xiomara explains. This honesty not only gained them support but also inspired others to reflect on their own drinking habits.
When it comes to larger social events, they’ve found small but effective strategies, such as bringing their own alcohol-free drinks. Whether it’s a mocktail or an alcohol-free beer, having something in hand helps them feel included while staying true to their commitment.
Their alcohol-free journey has also inspired Xiomara to empower others. Through workshops and events, she helps people build confidence in socialising without alcohol. She’s even organised mocktail socials and alcohol-free pub crawls, proving that fun doesn’t need to revolve around drinking.
Her mission doesn’t stop there. Xiomara also advocates for greater inclusivity at major events, such as Burning Man, where she leads the Alcohol-Free Burners group.
“What’s more radical than being alcohol-free in a society built around drinking?”
Her efforts are breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to socialize.
For Xiomara and Patrick, choosing to live alcohol-free has been transformative. They’ve shown that life without alcohol isn’t about giving up—it’s about gaining clarity, connection, and joy. Their story is a reminder that it’s possible to build meaningful relationships, embrace creativity, and thrive socially, all without alcohol.
Follow Xiomara and Patrick’s journey on Instagram at @theafcouple, and discover how an alcohol-free lifestyle can open up a world of possibilities.
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