Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom

Discover how Brian Miller transformed his life from deep alcohol dependency to building a successful non-alcoholic spirits brand and becoming a thought leader in sobriety. 

In this episode, Brian shares his personal recovery story, entrepreneurial journey, and insights on redefining sobriety beyond traditional methods.

Key Topics:

An episode to remind you that sobriety is not about deprivation but about choosing freedom and fuller living.

My guest today is Kristin Martinez, a passionate sober content creator and founder of Queen City Sober. Kristin shares her personal journey through grief, motherhood, and reclaiming joy without alcohol, highlighting how community and creative non-alcoholic drinks transformed her life. Discover practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a delicious adaptogenic mocktail recipe that celebrates sobriety as an empowering and liberating path.

In this episode:

Most people think cutting back on alcohol is about willpower, until they discover Kava, the plant-based relaxant that’s changing the sober curious game. In this episode, Katie of Soberish Mom shares how Kava helps you unwind without the hangover.

You’ll discover the surprising history of Kava from the South Pacific, why high-quality products matter, and how it can be your ultimate tool for socializing sober and reducing stress. Katie breaks down exactly how Kava works in your brain, shares her favorite ways to enjoy it, and offers practical tips for getting started and avoiding pitfalls. Whet...

What if a single dry January became the spark for five years of clear mornings, real connection, and a thriving community? Deb—aka Mocktail Mom—opens up about the quiet shame that trailed her wine habit, the small rituals that helped her step away, and the surprising joy she found in crafting non-alcoholic drinks that actually satisfy. Sarah Kate from Some Good Clean Fun flips the script and interviews Deb about the moments that changed everything: the first receipt for NA wine, the spicy margarita tweak that delivered the “bite” she missed, and the viral video that led to her mock...

In this episode of Thriving Alcohol Free, host Deb Podlogar welcomes Marina Castillo, a passionate advocate for non-alcoholic beverages and the co-founder of Modern Mocktail. 

They discuss Marina's journey from the circus to sobriety, the rise of kava bars, and the importance of creating a supportive community for those in recovery. Marina shares her insights on the benefits of kava, the challenges of navigating the industry, and offers encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs in the non-alcoholic space. Together, they create a special mocktail recipe that emphasizes the joy of savoring delicious drinks without alcohol.

In this episode, Deb Podlogar interviews David Lund, the founder of Dromme, a non-alcoholic drink brand. They discuss David's journey from finance to creating Dromme, the unique ingredients used in the drinks, and the benefits they offer. David shares insights on the challenges of starting a business in the non-alcoholic space, the importance of community support, and the meaning behind the brand's name. The conversation highlights the growing interest in non-alcoholic options and the positive impact of Dromme on consumers' lives.


The podcast promotes enjoying drinks with friends, not just alcohol.

David Lund transitioned...

Ever been handed a cocktail menu and felt that flicker of pressure to justify your choice? We’ve been there. Today, we celebrate the beauty of alcohol-free living with Felicia from Mocktailing Around—creator, homeschool mom, and unapologetic champion of drinks that look stunning, taste vibrant, and leave you clear-headed for tomorrow.

We kick off by building a blueberry mojito that proves presentation and flavor can carry the whole experience. From mint-smacking and gentle muddling to smart garnishes and fizz, you’ll pick up practical techniques to make your glass pop. We also explore simple ways to add de...

In this episode, Deb Podlogar chats with Brooklyn Fahey of Dry Social about the journey to living alcohol-free. 

They discuss the importance of mocktails, Brooklyn's personal experiences with alcohol, and the pressures of drinking culture, especially in college. 

Brooklyn shares her story of cutting back on alcohol, the creation of her Instagram account Dry Social, and how she navigates social situations without drinking. 

The conversation emphasizes the evolving landscape of alcohol-free options and the importance of being true to oneself in social settings.

Brooklyn started her sober journey two...

A coupe glass, a good shake, and a bold idea: we sit down with Rebecca Styn, founder and CEO of Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails, to trace how a small speakeasy in Erie, Pennsylvania, turned a lockdown challenge into a nationwide zero-proof favorite. 

Starting with a live Bee’s Knees mix-along, we dig into the flavor-first philosophy that makes these cans taste like a bar-crafted pour.

Rebecca opens up about the brand’s Prohibition DNA, where the hidden rooms of “blind tigers” stood for inclusivity and cultural mashups, and how that ethos guides everything from label design to...

Deb Podlogar welcomes Robin Cummiskey, the founder of Wallace Dry Goods, a non-alcoholic bottle shop on the Philadelphia Main Line in Ardmore, PA. 

They discuss the journey of starting the shop, the challenges of running a business focused on premium non-alcoholic beverages, and the importance of community and customer relationships. Robin shares insights on popular products, the evolution of non-alcoholic drinks, and the significance of creating a welcoming space for all drinkers, whether sober, sober curious, or simply looking for mindful options. The episode also features a fun mocktail-making segment, showcasing the creativity and versatility of non-alcoholic d...

Deb Podlogar welcomes back Jen Butler, an author and alcohol-free life coach, to discuss her debut memoir, Mom, Rediscovered.

They make a margarita mocktail together and explore Jen's journey through motherhood, sobriety, and the writing process, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and sharing stories. 

Jen shares her experiences with alcohol, the challenges of parenting, and the strategies she used to navigate her alcohol-free life. The discussion highlights the transformative power of storytelling and the significance of trusting the process of change.

Mentioned in the episode: 

Click HERE to re...

In this episode of Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey to sobriety, and she brings the receipt for how it all started.  

She discusses the importance of having non-alcoholic alternatives and shares more about the upcoming Mocktail Challenge, a 21-day program designed to support and encourage those exploring a sober lifestyle. Deb also highlights the community aspect of the challenge, with daily emails, happy hour events, and prizes. 

Send me a message about the show!

Replay of the Mocktail Summit is available now!

Join th...

In this solo episode of Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom®, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey to sobriety, reflecting on the lessons learned and the support she received along the way. She emphasizes the importance of community, the benefits of alcohol-free living, and introduces the Mocktail Challenge, a program designed to celebrate non-alcoholic options and foster connection among participants.

Use code OCTOBER for $10 off The Mocktail Challenge 

Use code MOCKTAILMOM for 40% Deb's favorite electrolyte drink of all time, Instant Hydration

Deb shares her experience of becoming alcohol-free un...

In this episode, Deb Podlogar speaks with Zane Curtis, the founder of Monday Morning Bottle Shop in San Diego. 

Zane shares his journey to sobriety, which began two years ago after a series of personal revelations and challenges. He discusses the rapid development of his bottle shop, which focuses on providing a unique non-alcoholic experience for customers. 

Zane emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment that encourages exploration of non-alcoholic beverages, and he shares insights into the various products available at his shop. The conversation highlights the joy of sobriety and the community that ca...

Deb Podlogar and Jen Hirst explore the journey of sobriety, the importance of community, and the transformative power of mindset. 

They make Jen's easy mocktail recipe, Momma Doesn't Have Time, using one of their favorite water enhancers, Stur. 

Code MOCKTAILMOM to save 15% off Stur. 

Jen shares her personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction and how she now helps other women embrace sobriety through her programs. 

They discuss the significance of creating easy mocktails, building supportive networks, and establishing healthy habits to thrive alcohol-free. The conversation emphasizes the joy of living sober and...

In this episode, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey of transitioning into an empty nester, reflecting on the emotional challenges and adjustments that come with this new phase of life. She discusses the importance of reframing grief and embracing change, drawing inspiration from John O'Leary's insights on goodbyes and new beginnings. Deb emphasizes the value of cherishing past moments while looking forward to new relationships and experiences, particularly in the context of her alcohol-free journey and evolving family dynamics.

Takeaways

Deb shares her experience of becoming an empty nester.
The transition to an empty...

Join Deb as she welcomes Marissa Cherepanov, a leader in female empowerment and a dedicated advocate for women in leadership. 

Marissa shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, the challenges she faced during COVID, and how a pivotal conversation with her child led to a life-changing decision. Discover how Marissa's commitment to change not only transformed her life but also inspired her involvement as CEO of the No Girl Left Behind organization, empowering women across North America.

From her struggles with alcohol to her commitment to empowering women through the organization, No Girl Left Behind, Marissa d...

Join Deb from "Thriving Alcohol Free with Mocktail Mom" as she welcomes Kate Denaj, the inspiring force behind Clarity Zero Proof.

In this engaging episode, Kate shares her transformative journey to sobriety, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of living alcohol-free. From her early days in a resort town to becoming a passionate advocate for non-alcoholic beverages, Kate's story is a testament to resilience and empowerment. Discover how she navigated personal struggles, embraced sobriety, and now helps others find joy in an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Kate's journey is filled with insightful moments, including her experiences with the...

Kristin Horstman shares her journey from gray area drinking to becoming a certified coach who helps others find freedom from alcohol while developing powerful nervous system regulation techniques.

• Drinking exists on a spectrum with millions of people in the "gray area" between occasional consumption and end-stage addiction
• Neural pathways created by habits can't be erased, but can go dormant when we build new, healthier pathways
• The sunset hours naturally trigger our nervous system to downshift, which is why Kristen promotes "Sunsets are the new happy hour."
• Taking a 30-day break from alcohol provides valuable data abo...

Deb, the Mocktail Mom, returns from a brief hiatus to share updates on her alcohol-free journey and exciting changes coming to the podcast. After 4.5 years without alcohol, she continues to find joy and gratitude in sobriety while focusing on spending quality time with her family before her youngest daughter leaves for college.

• Four and a half years alcohol-free with no regrets and continuing joy
• Spending summer focused on family time before becoming an empty nester
• Weekly Mocktail Social Club happy half hours providing connection and support
• Members celebrating sobriety milestones from days to years
• Th...

In this special episode, I am joined by Abbie Romanul from Raising the Bar to discuss our special collaboration for May's "Yo Mama" box, featuring exclusive mocktails honoring motherhood in all its forms.

• The Yo Mama box features signature drinks: the Lavender Daughter and the Strawberry Daughter
• We both share how we escaped "mommy wine culture" and found healthier coping mechanisms 
• Abbie reveals that alcohol "romanticized" her life, but sobriety allowed her to find genuine beauty in everyday moments
• Six years into sobriety, Abbie now ships thousands of mocktail kits monthly through Raising the Bar
•...

Life's most significant transitions deserve our full attention and presence. After faithfully recording 114 episodes over two years, I'm pressing pause on weekly podcast releases to embrace a precious season fully – my youngest daughter's final months before high school graduation.

Recording from an Airbnb in Branson, MO with my phone hotspot, I wanted to personally share that Thriving Alcohol-Free will be taking a brief intermission. Rather than missing these fleeting moments with my daughter before she leaves for college, I'm calling everything thus far "Season One". I will return with "Season Two" when I officially become an empty ne...

Vanessa Royle never planned to launch a non-alcoholic beverage company. But when she quit drinking during the pandemic lockdown of 2020, something unexpected happened – she felt dramatically better. As she prepared to start her MBA at Harvard Business School, she made a pivotal decision to stay sober, creating an opportunity to reintroduce herself without the drinking habits of her past.

What followed was a rude awakening. At prestigious networking events, Royal found herself clutching Diet Coke while fielding uncomfortable questions about her sobriety. The sophisticated social drinking world offered nothing comparable for non-drinkers. This frustration sparked a mission to...

Ruby Williams shares her transformative journey from working in the wine industry while drinking three bottles a day to becoming a sober coach helping others find freedom from alcohol dependence.

• Struggled with disordered eating from a young age as her first coping mechanism
• Underwent bariatric surgery, which unexpectedly transferred her addiction to alcohol
• Worked in the wine industry, where drinking was normalized and celebrated daily
• Found The Naked Mind book by Annie Grace, which provided the science and mindset shift needed
• Transitioned from wine industry to becoming a certified coach
• Uses monk fruit as a s...

Lindsay Hennekey shares her powerful journey from using alcohol to cope with life disappointments to creating a thriving alcohol-free life through her coaching program Feel Good AF.

• Lindsay's drinking escalated when facing fertility issues and divorce, leading to daily alcohol consumption
• We often drink to procrastinate and avoid dealing with difficult emotions
• When you hold space for emotions rather than numbing them, they naturally dissipate
• Lindsay's turning point came after reading quit literature and realizing she would never have children. 
• Instead of numbing her grief with wine, she chose to discover "what happy people do w...

Discover the transformative power of choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle while traveling. This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Susan Larkin, a certified alcohol freedom coach, who shares her journey to breaking free from alcohol as a coping mechanism. 

- Understanding the societal pressures surrounding alcohol and vacations 
- Exploring the joys of sober travel and refreshing alternatives 
- Introducing resources for preparing an alcohol-free vacation 
- Navigating social settings and staying true to your choices 
- Embracing a lifestyle of wellness over the stigma of sobriety 

If you enjoyed today's discussion, share...

This week, I’m hanging out with Lief Frederick, a bartender of 15+ years, an expert at crafting next-level non-alcoholic drinks, and the creator of @thevariantco on Instagram. Lief shares how his bar experience is helping people make better alcohol-free drink choices and opens up about his own journey to ditching alcohol, including the powerful realization about his daughter that gave him the nudge he needed to make a change.

Together, we delve into the beautifully rewarding aspects of an alcohol-free lifestyle. It's about more than just drinks—it's about being present for your family, navigating social events with...

Grab your favorite glass and prepare for a fun, flavor-packed chat with the brilliant Kendall Olsen, the mastermind behind @libations_library! Kendall is a pro at breaking down the art of mocktail-making into bite-sized, easy-to-digest goodness. In this episode, she lets us in on her go-to restaurant order, the local brands she loves, and why the mindful drinking movement is booming. 

We talk about the magic of a non-alcoholic Salty Dog (recipe included!), how she’s supporting amazing alcohol-free brands—especially in her hometown of St. Louis—and the overwhelming but exciting explosion of NA options (and how to...

What happens when you take alcohol out of the equation? According to this week’s guest, Abby Calabrese, you get deeper connections, a clearer mind, and a whole lot more fun! Abby is a mom of two, a passionate advocate and coach for alcohol-free living, and the host of The Alcohol-Free Coterie podcast. After years of navigating social drinking norms, Abby found freedom in sobriety and is now on a mission to help others do the same.

In this episode, we get into it all—how alcohol is pushed as a “normal” part of life, why the “drink resp...

Hey friends! Did Dry January just fly by, or are you still cruising on that alcohol-free vibe? Either way, buckle up for a super fun episode featuring Mocktail Mo! If you missed the Mocktail Summit in January, don’t worry—today you’re getting one of the highlights: Mo’s deliciously easy Batanga mocktail.

We’re diving into this drink recipe that’s become my personal favorite (seriously, it’s been on repeat in my house), made with authentic Mexican Coca-Cola, lime, and a splash of non-alcoholic tequila. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, tart, and spicy—and so sim...

Ever wondered how a premium non-alcoholic wine is crafted? This week’s episode is a snippet from the recent Mocktail Summit 2025, where I had the pleasure of hosting a Happy Hour with Duncan Shouler, Chief Winemaker at Giesen and a trailblazer in the alcohol-free wine world. (If you want to catch the full summit replay, snag your pass now!)

Duncan shared how Giesen’s journey into NA wines started with a company-wide health initiative and a desire to create an authentic wine experience without the alcohol. Using cutting-edge spinning cone technology, they’ve perfected the art of de-alc...

Ever wondered what bitters are or how to use them? This episode is here to demystify the magic of these tiny-but-mighty drink enhancers!  Recorded as part of the recent Mocktail Summit 2025, I’m chatting with Ian Blessing, co-founder of All The Bitter, an incredible alcohol-free bitters company he runs with his wife, Carly. (Want to hear more about their journey from sommeliers at The French Laundry to NA entrepreneurs? Check out Episode 6 for the full scoop on how they started their company and manage it together!)

Today, our focus is on bitters: what they are, how they wor...

Hey friends! Guess what? We’ve got Lilly from @MocktailsWithLilly in the house today! She’s serving up her radiant energy, gorgeous mocktail inspo, and some seriously good chats about thriving in an alcohol-free life.

Lilly’s been alcohol-free for over four years now, and she’s absolutely glowing as she gears up to welcome her first baby (a boy!) into the world. We talk about all the things—her NYC mocktail adventures, how puzzles and audiobooks became her sobriety sidekicks, and why destigmatizing alcohol-free living is her mission. Oh, and don’t miss her tips for mocktail mag...

Celebrating the start of Dry January, this episode reflects on four years of sobriety, emphasizing the joy and community of alcohol-free living. 

Deb shares her journey, offers recommendations for resources, and shares about the upcoming Mocktail Summit. 
• Introduction to Dry January and its meaning 
• Celebrating two years of the podcast and four years sober 
• Importance of community and participating in sober activities 
• Exploring innovative alcohol-free alternatives available today 
• Discussing Quit Lit  book recommendations 
• Promoting the Mocktail Summit and the presenters' insights 
• Encouragement for those on an alcohol-free journey or considering one

Send me a mes...

What does it take to bring a delicious non-alcoholic drink to life? Spoiler: a lot more than you’d think! In this episode, I’m chatting with Larry Weintraub from Beckett’s, and we’re diving into all the juicy (and fizzy) details behind the magic of crafting amazing alcohol-free options.

From his unique transition from the music industry and social media marketing to innovating in the beverage space, Larry shares his insights into how Beckett's has become a staple for those seeking alcohol-free alternatives. We’re talking zebra striping (what?!), the rise of mocktails on menus, and why th...

 

This week, I’m chatting with the amazing Abbie, one of the founders of Raising the Bar, the zero-proof cocktail subscription box that’s changing how we celebrate, one sip at a time. Abbie gets real about her journey to an alcohol-free life—why she started her sober journey in December (yes, during the holidays!), how people-pleasing played into her drinking, and why putting yourself first is always the right move.

We also dive into her best tips for navigating holiday parties booze-free, the importance of community (because you’re not meant to do this alone...

Hey friends, we’re already laughing and having a blast, so you know this episode is going to be fun. And it’s not just any episode—it’s our 100th! 🎊 I’m celebrating this milestone with none other than the fabulous Lori Liguori, Director of HR and Marketing at High 5 Hospitality (19 restaurants strong!) and all-around powerhouse. Lori’s joining me from the award-winning Limestone BBQ and Bourbon in Wilmington, Delaware, to chat about their exciting new venture into the world of mocktails.

Lori shares why a bourbon bar is embracing non-alcoholic cocktails, dives into what it means to serve...

This week’s episode is a total vibe! I’m sitting down with Drea Groeschel, the go-getter behind Better Than Booze, who’s making waves in the non-alcoholic beverage world. With years of experience in consumer product goods, Drea made the bold decision to break into the food and beverage industry, and wow, has she made her mark!

In this conversation, Drea shares the journey that took her from experiencing the foggy haze of alcohol to crafting a line of non-alcoholic drinks that have now won 36 awards! From experimenting in her kitchen to landing her beverages on the me...

Get ready to fall in love with Elaine Empalmado, the powerhouse behind Mocktail Hour and one of the freshest voices in the alcohol-free world! After seven years of slinging drinks in Toronto’s nightlife scene, Elaine got sober in January 2024 (cheers to almost a year!) and realized something big: mocktails needed a serious glow-up.

Now, she’s on a mission to make sobriety not just a choice but a full-on celebration. Elaine dishes on everything—from her wild bartending days (firepoles and all!) to how she’s now inspiring the restaurant world to up their mocktail game. Oh, and...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jodi Clark, founder of Sober Flourish and a total rockstar in the alcohol-free coaching world, to get real about life after ditching the drink. We dive into that “always thinking about drinking” phase, the quirky stuff that happens as the noise finally quiets, and yes, the rollercoaster of going alcohol-free (and what to do when a spicy margarita still calls your name!).

Jodi also shares how she’s crafted her dream life since quitting drinking—visualizing her future self down to what she’s wearing and how she shows up e...