Mocktails with Marina

The non-alcoholic space is booming—but make no mistake, the game is still rigged. In this episode, Marina exposes the power structures keeping non-alc brands stuck on the sidelines and what it really takes to win.

We unpack how the alcohol industry controls distribution, funding, and even social norms—while quietly investing in non-alc products to keep control. You’ll learn the psychology behind why drink culture is so hard to break—and how non-alc brands can use that exact psychology to build something magnetic.

Whether you're building a bottle shop, launching a beverage, or just tir...

They told you that launching a non-alc business takes millions in funding, insider connections, and a nonstop hustle mindset.

They lied.

In this episode, I’m debunking the 3 most toxic myths keeping passionate founders stuck—and showing you exactly what it really takes to build a successful non-alc brand from the ground up.

You’ll learn:

Nobody cares what’s in the bottle. They care how it makes them feel. In this solo episode, Marina breaks down one of the most common mistakes in the non-alc industry: over-educating instead of emotionally connecting. If you’ve been pushing ingredients, benefits, and back labels instead of identity, aspiration, and community… this episode is your wake-up call.

You’ll learn:

If you’re...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michelle LeBlanc, co-founder of Mantra Kava and Botanical Bar in DeLand, Florida, to talk about what it really takes to build a soulful, alcohol-free gathering space from the ground up.

Michelle shares how her diverse background became an asset—not a detour—in launching a business rooted in the energy of the root chakra. We dive into the mission behind Mantra, the power of creating a true third space, and the importance of asking for help when you're stuck. From branding to balance, community to clarity, Michelle’s story is a p...

In this powerful and relatable episode, we’re joined by Kendall Bierman, licensed therapist and founder of Kendall B Therapy, who opens up about her journey from self-medicating in college to building a career helping others break free from the same patterns.

Kendall shares how drinking once felt like a normal part of life; especially in environments where alcohol use is glamorized and going sober feels isolating. But through deep inner work and tough (yet transformative) choices, she not only got sober but discovered her calling: helping young adults navigate anxiety, substance use, and the complicated emotions th...

In this episode, Marina sits down with Maggie Klaassens: alcohol-free coach, mom of three, and the founder of The Sober Summit and The Sober Hive. What started as a personal 100-day challenge to ditch alcohol turned into a purpose-filled mission to help gray area drinkers take back their lives and build a future they’re excited to wake up to.

Maggie shares how she created a powerful three-day virtual summit that’s now changing lives across the globe, what “gray area drinking” really means, and why sober community and connection are the key to long-term transformation. She also giv...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we're diving deep into the booming world of non-alcoholic product creation. If you've ever dreamed of launching your own functional beverage, sober-friendly tincture, or wellness powder, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Marina breaks down exactly why now is the perfect time to enter the non-alcoholic beverage industry, how to position your idea in a rapidly growing functional beverage market, and what most new CPG startups get wrong when launching.

You’ll learn:

Why consumer demand is skyrocketing for sober-curious, alcohol-free alternatives

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, host Marina sits down with Rebecca Styn, founder of Blind Tiger, a non-alcoholic cocktail company rooted in inclusivity, hospitality, and premium zero-proof experiences. Discover how Rebecca turned the challenges of the 2020 pandemic into a groundbreaking pivot that transformed her speakeasy-style bar, Room 33, into the birthplace of Blind Tiger—now one of the most celebrated non-alcoholic beverage brands on the market.

We dive into:

The story behind the name Blind Tiger and its ties to Prohibition-era speakeasies

The challenges and wins of launching a non-alcoholic brand during COV...

In this powerful episode of Mocktails with Marina, host Marina sits down with Becky Moreno, founder of Unity SoBar and Unity Recovery Solutions, to explore the deeper meaning behind the growing non-alcoholic movement. Becky shares her raw and inspiring recovery journey—from navigating life as an alcoholic to becoming a bold leader in the sober entrepreneur space.

Listeners will hear how Becky transformed her lived experience into a mission-driven business, creating alcohol-free environments that prioritize wellness, community, and connection. This episode dives into the heart of why sober spaces matter, how to make room for the sober cu...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we explore a powerful and often overlooked business skill: setting boundaries as a business owner while maintaining professionalism, leadership, and client trust. If you're an entrepreneur in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, a CPG founder, or a wellness-based business leader, chances are you've experienced clients, collaborators, or leads pushing past agreed-upon limits—whether that's asking for free advice, assuming access to services you don’t offer, or expecting deeper involvement than what was originally scoped.

Marina shares real-world examples from her recent consulting experiences and reveals how she navigates these common chall...

Are you stepping into a mentorship role, teaching others, or seeking guidance for your own business journey? In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we explore what it really means to be a mentor, teacher, or guide—especially in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, entrepreneurial space, and personal development world.

Many people believe that simply knowing something qualifies them to teach it, but the reality is much different. The best mentors never stop being students themselves. A great teacher remembers what it’s like to struggle with new concepts and knows how to break down complex ideas so that...

In this high-impact, no-fluff episode, I’m breaking down how to shift timelines and step into the reality you actually want - fast. Your current life is a loop of past thoughts and actions, but you don’t have to stay stuck in it. The secret? Identity shifting.

Here’s what we cover in just 2 minutes:
✅ Decide who you are right now. Not someday. Today.
✅ Act outside your current reality. Do something your future self would do.
✅ Override the doubt. Your brain will resist change, but keep moving.

If you’re ready to break out o...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, I share how our first year in business was more than just a career shift—it was a healing process. If you have ever felt burned out, stuck in the 9-5 grind, or unsure how to build a business that truly supports you, this episode is filled with real-world lessons, faith-driven perseverance, and insights from the growing non-alcoholic beverage industry.

Burnout is more than exhaustion; it is often a sign that something fundamental needs to change. For us, that realization came when we walked away from traditional employment. Our last jo...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, I sit down with Weston Porter, Head of Sales at Leilo, a leading brand in the functional beverage and non-alcoholic drink space. Weston shares his journey from being Leilo’s fourth employee to spearheading the sales team, revealing valuable insights into the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic industry since 2021.

https://leilo.com/

We explore how Leilo’s kava-based drinks are redefining relaxation for the health-conscious consumer, the common misconceptions about kava, and how education plays a key role in consumer adoption. Weston dives into regional sales trends, effective expa...

Are you building a non-alcoholic third space like a kava bar, sober lounge, or functional beverage café? To succeed in this fast-growing industry, you need more than great drinks—you need a strong brand, smart marketing, and an effective sales strategy.

In this episode, we cover:
-How to brand your business so it stands out in the competitive functional beverage market
-The best marketing strategies to attract loyal customers without relying on expensive ads
-Sales techniques that feel natural, not pushy, so you can confidently grow your revenue
-How to avoid jackassery in the...

Did you know that most business owners waste 10+ hours per week just trying to manage their operations? That’s over 40 hours a month—an entire week of lost time! But what if you could get a year’s worth of progress in just ONE week?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of our first-ever 1:1 Tech & Operations Bootcamp, where I worked with a client to completely overhaul their business in just five days. And the results? INSANE.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ The biggest operational mistakes that keep business owners stuck
✔️ How we streamlined a...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we tackle one of the biggest struggles for business owners—hiring and keeping great employees.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of hiring, training, losing employees, and starting all over again, this episode is for you.

We’ll discuss why hiring feels so hard, the hidden costs of getting it wrong, and how you can finally build a team that not only sticks around but actually helps your business grow.

This isn’t about luck—it’s about having the right systems in place. 

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the concept of and "Elegant Excellence" as the foundation for creating an effortless operation in your business. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos of daily tasks, this episode will help you rethink how you work, so your business can run smoothly—even without you.

We explore why true change starts with you and how small, intentional shifts in your mindset and habits can lead to massive transformation. You’ll learn:

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the untold history of kava bars and their pivotal role in shaping the non-alcoholic social movement in the United States. Long before the current boom in non-alcoholic bars, kava bars were creating unique, community-driven spaces focused on wellness, relaxation, and connection—without the need for alcohol.

I share my personal journey with kava, from discovering it during my own sobriety journey to working my way up in the kava bar industry. We'll explore the origins of kava bars, starting with Nakamal at Home in 2002, and dis...

In this insightful episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina sits down with Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the evolving landscape of kava culture and its potential as a global alternative to alcohol. Together, they discuss the findings of a groundbreaking nationwide survey revealing that there are over 21 million kava users in the United States, with 28% being new users in the past year. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in educating consumers and creating industry standards to ensure safety and quality.

Matthew shares the Coalition's efforts to address regulatory hurdles, clean...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Michael Hamway, co-owner of Kava Love Lounge, to dive deep into the kava and kratom industry. Michael shares his journey from a career in finance to accidentally discovering kava bars and eventually becoming a passionate advocate and business owner in the space.

We discuss the unique community and culture surrounding kava bars, including the respect and connection fostered in these third-place environments. Michael highlights the challenges and responsibilities of being a kava bar owner in an unregulated industry, from sourcing clean products to educating both customers...

In this final episode of Mocktails with Marina for 2024, Marina reflects on a groundbreaking year for the non-alcoholic industry and her community. The episode highlights key milestones, such as the non-alc beverage market reaching $1.3 trillion, the rise of functional beverages, and the success of savory, culinary-inspired cocktails. Marina shares stats from her own work this year, including 50 podcast episodes and 26 inspiring guests!

Listeners will hear about the exciting projects Marina and her team tackled in 2024, from creating nearly 400 pages of industry guides and workbooks to partnering with the Kava Coalition on a multi-million participant survey.

...

In this episode, host Marina Castillo dives into the mission and vision of The Modern Mocktail. By helping non-alcoholic business owners, The Modern Mocktail aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. These entrepreneurs build inclusive third spaces where people can connect, relax, and celebrate without the pressure of alcohol. Marina shares how supporting these businesses can impact thousands of lives.

She discusses the challenges of toxic management and the importance of strong leadership. By helping new and established business owners optimize operations, The Modern Mocktail fosters thriving, scalable, and enjoyable businesses. Starting with just a $1,700...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina explores how fixing your energy can lead to more sales and consistent cash flow. If your business feels stuck or clients seem out of reach, it may be time to reflect on your commitment levels.

Are you fully investing your energy in the courses, strategies, and daily tasks you’ve signed up for?

Halfway commitment leads to halfway results, and money is drawn to confidence, not fear. 

Marina explains why showing up confidently and fully committed creates a magnetic energy that attracts the right clients. She...

In this episode, we dive into the hidden reasons why most CEOs stumble and fail — and it’s not due to a lack of intelligence or effort. We explore the emotional blind spots that catch leaders off guard: overconfidence, isolation, and burnout. These pitfalls quietly creep in, undermining even the most successful leaders. Through powerful analogies and real insights, we’ll discuss the weight of leadership, the fears that come with it, and how vulnerability at the top can lead to disaster if left unchecked.

But it doesn’t have to end that way. We’ll also explore ho...

In this episode, Marina dives into the importance of slowing down and reflecting as the year comes to a close. She shares why December is the perfect time to pause, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges, setting the stage for a stronger start in the new year.

Marina reminds listeners that while January is for jump-starting, December is for wrapping up and honoring the journey. Through personal insights and actionable advice, she encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the rhythm of the season and find meaning in reflection.

For those ready to take their reflections to the...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we’re diving into a topic every entrepreneur faces at some point: overwhelm. Feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time can stop even the most ambitious business owners in their tracks—but it doesn’t have to.

Marina breaks down the four most common reasons entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and provides actionable mindset shifts to turn those challenges into opportunities. Learn how to:

In this episode, Marina dives into the essential yet often overlooked concept of optimization for non-alcoholic businesses. She paints a vivid picture of what happens when businesses operate in constant crisis mode—burnout, cash flow struggles, and systems that bottleneck growth.

Marina invites listeners to consider how their businesses would survive without their constant involvement. Would it keep running smoothly, or would it fall apart? Through an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, she explains why optimization isn’t just about operations—it’s about freedom, scalability, and creating a foundation for lasting impact. 

This episode focuses on buildi...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we’re diving into the 8 critical phases of building a successful non-alc business. From discovery to mastery, I’ll walk you through each stage and break down the challenges, opportunities, key areas of focus, and common pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Whether you’re working on your first non-alc venture or scaling your 15th revenue stream, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate each step thoughtfully and effectively.

Think of your business as an octopus—each “arm” may be in a different phase, and that’s okay...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into a nuanced discussion on kratom and its role in the kava bar culture. I address why kratom is often misunderstood in smoke shops, where a lack of education and serving recommendations can lead to misuse.

I also examine how some irresponsible kava bars misrepresent kratom by failing to educate customers. Drawing from my personal experiences, I explore the balance between advocating for kratom’s benefits while promoting safe and informed usage.

Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation on this controversial plant!

Mentioned in...

In this episode, we're joined by Megan Klein, the CEO and founder of Little Saints, to explore her unconventional journey in the non-alcoholic CPG industry. Megan shares the story of how Little Saints came to be, highlighting the unique process behind their delicious and functional formulations.

We dive into the beliefs that guide Megan as she navigates the challenges of running a fast-growing company—like the non-negotiables that keep her grounded and the renegade mindset fueling Little Saints' impressive growth (600% year over year!). With numbers like $70k in 2021 to $5.5M and counting in 2024, Megan opens up about wh...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the exciting and transformative Discovery Phase of building your business. Whether you're just starting out in the non-alc industry or reimagining your current venture, this phase is all about exploration, connection, and taking that all-important first step. We discuss the power of community, authentic list building, and creating a solid foundation for your vision, while sharing actionable strategies to help you turn ideas into reality.

But let's be honest—stepping into the unknown can be daunting. That's why we also tackle common business fears and how to ov...

From Burnout to Purpose: Building a Soulful, Sustainable Business

In this episode, Marina reflects on her journey from running fast-paced, high-energy businesses to building a meaningful, purpose-driven venture in the non-alcoholic space. She shares how her first two businesses, though successful on paper, left her feeling empty and burnt out. After finding sobriety, faith, and her husband, she discovered a new mission: helping others create non-alcoholic spaces that foster connection and healing.

Drawing from nearly a decade of experience working with successful clients and businesses, Marina now has nine months of consulting under her belt...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Kayla Lewis, founder of NAPS Chicago (Non-Alc Party Scene), to dive into the world of non-alcoholic social events and the growing demand for more engaging, alcohol-free spaces. Kayla shares her journey, from recognizing the need for better social options for non-drinkers to organizing creative themed events like her upcoming Taylor Swift party in collaboration with Generation NA.

We also discuss the challenges of navigating societal pressures around drinking, the slow acceptance of non-alcoholic options in bars and restaurants, and how Kayla is working to create an...

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the creative and inspiring journey of Derick Santiago, the mastermind behind @MocktailWiz. Derick shares his personal story of transformation from using alcohol as a coping mechanism after the loss of his mother in 2020, to becoming a pioneer in the mocktail industry. Listen as he recounts the inception of his first mocktail, a spicy pineapple margarita, and how a single Instagram reel in July 2022 catapulted him into the spotlight, eventually leading to a book deal with Simon & Schuster.   The Mocktail Club: https://www.amazon.com/Mocktail-Club-Classic-Recipes-Favorites/dp/1507221630   Derick discusses the nuances of sobriety, the ar...

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, your host Marina takes you on a personal journey through the creation of Bula Boss, a groundbreaking program designed to empower non-alc business owners to thrive, not just survive.   Marina explores the concept of burnout, sharing real-life experiences and strategies to avoid the entrepreneurial trap of overworking. She introduces the philosophy behind Bula Boss, explaining how it's not just about business growth but about fostering a community, promoting well-being, and empowering visionaries in the non-alcoholic space.   This episode isn't just about pitching a program; it's a narrative of how Bula Boss was born from the ne...

In this engaging installment of "Mocktails with Marina," Marina sits down with Brandon and Steve Rivero, the dynamic father-son duo behind Tea Time Drinks. This episode takes a deep dive into the world of kratom-infused beverages, exploring the inception and ethos of their family-run enterprise.

Brandon and Steve share the heartwarming story of how Tea Time Drinks was born from a personal quest for wellness and a shared family passion for non-alc options. They discuss the unique challenges and joys of working together as family, offering a candid look at how they navigate business decisions while preserving...

In this insightful episode of "Mocktails with Marina," host Marina welcomes Kristi Tanner, the visionary founder behind Sober Social Shop, a platform dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for those embracing a sober lifestyle. Kristi shares her personal journey and the motivations that led her to create Sober Social Shop, emphasizing the importance of building a business around strong personal values and boundaries.   The conversation delves deep into the challenges and rewards of being a sober entrepreneur. Kristi discusses how maintaining sobriety influences her business decisions and interactions, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the delicate balance of managing personal l...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Bail, the founder of Third Place Bar NYC. Sam's background in event planning and her passion for creating inclusive spaces have made her a trailblazer in the non-alcoholic event scene. Join us as we delve into her journey, the inspiration behind Third Place Bar, and her insights on the growing demand for non-alcoholic options in the vibrant New York City nightlife. 

Sam's journey in the event planning industry began with a passion for creating memorable experiences for people. After years of working in the field, she noticed a gap i...

I once heard of a company that spent $100,000+ over the course of 2 years switching between 4 different POS systems. Some of that cost was the technology itself, some of it was in the trainings and retraining's, and some of it was due to the significant amount of staff turnover that occurred as a direct result (per their exit interviews).

The owner *knew best* and everyone else was simply "inexperienced" or "unable to understand the problem at large."

And that business owner really, reeeeeeally believed that.

But the data doesn't lie, it doesn't care about...