Why Listen?
Sober travel is no longer a niche idea — it’s a growing movement. But if you’ve ever tried to plan an alcohol-free holiday, you know the options aren’t always obvious.
The Sober Cruise Podcast exists to change that.
Hosted by recovery coach Mark Carlin and travel expert Martin Ross, the show explores what it actually looks like to travel well while sober. From cruise ships and airports to all-inclusive resorts and group travel, each episode breaks down how to enjoy the world without the pressure to drink.
Early episodes focus on Virgin Voyages and the Scarlet Lady, widely considered one of the most sober-friendly cruise experiences at sea. But the podcast goes beyond one ship, expanding into the broader world of sober travel, dry-tripping, and alcohol-free adventure.
Listeners will discover:
Practical tips for navigating travel without alcohol
The rise of sober and sober-curious travel culture
Which cruise lines truly support alcohol-free experiences
How connection, wellness, and community are redefining luxury travel
If you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply interested in traveling with more presence and clarity, this podcast will help you discover a different way to explore the world.
Because the best trips are the ones you actually remember.
This episode explores how tech professionals can transform from being ”the best kept secret” in their organization to becoming influential, authentic leaders. Uma Subramanian and Megan Swan dive into the strategies, mindsets, and practical tools for building a leadership brand that stands out—even in the age of AI.
How to retain your ”human edge” as a leader in a technology-driven workplace
The importance of presence and mindful communication for impactful leadership
Tools and practices for grounding yourself and showing up with authority, like breathwork and self-worth reminders
Reframing visibility and self-promotion as acts of service, and how to leverage your strengths for career opportunities
Why authentic leadership looks different for everyone, and how subtle shifts in mindset and presence can quickly change perceptions and results
TLDR: Leadership in tech isn’t about competing with AI—it’s about elevating your uniqueness and showing up authentically. Building your leadership brand, owning your value, and prioritizing wellness are key steps to sustainable influence and opportunities, no matter your starting point.
Thank you for listening!
If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!
Connect with Megan Swan
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness
LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness
Websites: www.meganswanwellness.com
Subscribe to my Substack:https://meganswan.substack.com/
Connect with Uma Subramanian
Website: http://thelimitlessleaders.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-subramanian-limitless/
Keywords
leadership brand, executive coaching, tech professionals, presence, influence, authentic leadership, personal branding, AI in tech, human edge, empathy, communication skills, burnout prevention, female founders, diversity in tech, authenticity, thought leadership, career advancement, visibility, self-promotion, leveraging expertise, reframing mindset, professional development, in-person meetings, ground energy, breathwork, building trust, abundance mindset, overcoming self-doubt, proactive communication, wellness prioritization
Share the Show
Meet Your Host - Megan Swan
Mark has been part of recovery circles for more than 22 years. After a 30-year career in corporate IT consultancy with IBM UK, he retrained as a CCAR-accredited Recovery Coach, bringing a blend of structure, curiosity, and lived experience to his work. More recently, he worked as a coach at a rehab facility in Southern Spain, where he also ran their aftercare Zoom programme for a year.
He is the co-founder of The Sober Cruise, a luxury travel experience created for people who want to enjoy cruising without alcohol being the focal point. At its heart, The Sober Cruise is about ease and permission — the ease of settling into beautiful ships, thoughtful itineraries, and good company, and the permission to enjoy it all without explanation. The next Sober Cruise will depart from Barcelona in August 2026.
Mark’s interests sit at the meeting point of recovery, travel — especially cruising — long-distance walking, and theatre, all of which inform the way he thinks about presence, connection, and how we choose to spend our time. He writes from lived experience and curiosity, always with an eye toward what helps people feel more at home in their own lives.
Learn more about Mark at:
- Website: thesobercruise.com
- Facebook: The Sober Cruise
- Instagram: @TheSoberCruise
- Podcast: The Sober Cruise

