Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast
There's plenty of content out there about alcohol. Everybody loves cocktails and mixology, right? But what about those of us who have stopped drinking -- whatever the reason? Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast aims to explore the world beyond booze. From lightly fermented drinks around the world to health claims and beverage apparatuses, Sarah investigates a variety of beverage-related topics, along with discussing her own personal relationship with addiction and recovery. Plus, every episode includes a taste & review of everyone's favorite little sprit-free elixir: The Shrub. Bespoke new flavor each week!
The Dry Ice
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Sarah and The Shrub investigate Dry Ice - from a little bit of science, history, and common uses for the super cold sublimating product! Including how to safely use dry ice in your favorite mocktail. Also, another nod to community. And the nuances & uniqueness of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and how you do not have to have a higher power to get sober.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_ice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_carbon_dioxide
https...
The Tonic
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Sarah and The Shrub visit South America, India, Sri Lanka, Europe....not really (you know no one is really traveling on this show, right?) but the history of Tonic Water takes you all over the map! From the Peruvian tree that started it all, to some wacky historical cures for malaria, this episode investigates everything Tonic Water -- including actual mocktail recommendations! Also, what happened at PodFest, and Sober Community.Â
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonic_water
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81gua_de_I...
The Honey - Pt. 2!
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Sarah and The Shrub (a particularly good one!) expand on honey by putting their paws in pots of fermented honey, honeydew, and propolis -- figuratively, of course. Also, how do sober communities respond to or offer invitations for celebration and community without the classic one liner "can I buy you a drink?"
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s_mk7zGYDA8
https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1109/honey-and-honey-syrup/fermented-honey
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/hunt-for-fermented-honey?srsltid=AfmBOop1...
The Honey
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Sarah and The Shrub start in on a honey-centric two-parter with a little background on bees, honey production, and health benefits, in anticipation of more honey loving to come! Also, a look at that "fresh restart" that comes with the new year, seasonal depression, and the cycle of going on a bender.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey - Base Article
https://www.honey.com/about-honey/how-honey-is-made - 2nd Base Article
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article...
The Tepache
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Sarah and The Shrub(s) go south of the border for this week's ancient fermented beverages, with notes of pineapple, corn, brown sugar, and funk. Also, on that big first step of admitting you have a problem, and asking for help.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepache
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejuino
https://imbibemagazine.com/tepache-traditional-to-mexico-cautiously-finds-its-way-northward/
https://www.foodrepublic.com/1853633/tejuino-vs-tepache-mexican-drinks-explained/
https://punchdrink.com/articles/tepache-ready-to-drink-cans-mexico/
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The Kvass
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Sarah and The Shrub get sour and funky with the discovery of yet ANOTHER ancient fermented beverage, and talk flights - in more ways than one.
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https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/13457-cranberry-shrub-syrup
https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/03/29/expo-west-banana-water-s-clean-label-features-one-ingredient/
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-banana-water-for-plants-5218164Â
https://www.thespruce.com/compost-tea-8661967Â
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kvass
The Suck: Straws
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Sarah and The Shrub journey to the land of straws, and reflect on the joy of simply...being.Â
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_straw#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombilla
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milo_Cress
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/world/europe/metal-straws-death.html
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/straws-history
https://www.t...
The Nut Milk
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Happy Halloween! This episode has nothing to do with Halloween, but everything to do with plant-based milks. Also, Sarah and The Shrub reflect on how moving towards healthier habits can actually feel a little bitter sweet.
ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
The Matcha
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Sarah and The Shrub discover there is so much more to matcha than meets the eye! Also, what might it be like to re-frame how we approach the challenges of getting sober?
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha#Introduction_of_powdered_tea
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/dining/matcha.html?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_content=ig-nytcooking&utm_medium=instagram&utm_source=dash+hudson
https://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/about/chado/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2007558/
https://www3...
The Sourdough
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Sarah and The Shrub go further down the path of fermentation with sourdough bread making, and ponder over the practice of self reflection through writing.Â
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https://en.muehlerama.ch/ausstellungen/detail/das-brot-aus-dem-see-1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/sourdough
ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance a...
The Eternity Grains: Kefir
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Sarah and The Shrub are back with more NA drinky fun, journeying to North Caucasia and back to explore Kefir, what it means to slow down, and of course....tasting a fresh (or not so fresh) shrub.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Kefir
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318353
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Caucasus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactobacillus
ig: @shrubbish_pod
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The OK Soda
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Take a trip to the 90's with Sarah and The Shrub as they digest a major beverage brand's hilarious flop
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Soda
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_CokeÂ
https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/ok-soda-coca-cola-history
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ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, t...
The Apple Cider (and Johnny Appleseed)
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Sarah and The Shrub go a little off topic with the history of apple cider, but the main event is 100% that lanky woodsy wanderer: Johnny Appleseed.
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https://cider.wsu.edu/history-of-cider/Â
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucQKLWYBgeU
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-origins-apple-cider-180960662/Â
https://www.nationalapplemuseum.com/about/Â
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AppleÂ
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Appleseed
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/real-johnny-appleseed-brought-applesand-booze-american-frontier-180953263/
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The Aguas Frescas
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Journey to Mexico (and Brooklyn!) with Sarah and The Shrub as they talk about the thirst quenching Agua Fresca, indie concerts, favorite firsts, tacos, and more.
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- “Agua Fresca” (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agua_fresca
- Guzmán, Alicia Inez. “The Beauty of Aguas Frescas” New Mexico Magazine, 2 April 2019. https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/matteos-aguas-frescas/
- Pinkham, C.A. “The Origin of Mexico’s Iconic Agua Fresca Drink” Yahoo!Life, 15...
The Oxymel
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Take a trip to Ancient Greece with Sarah and The Shrub as they chat about a little tincture not too far off from shrubs - The Oxymel!
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- “Oxymel” (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymel
- Slagle, Ali. “Oxymel is the Tart, Herbal Tonic You Can Make at Home.” Bon Appetite, 2 Nov. 2017. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-oxymel-herbal-tonic
- Deluca, Leo, “Ancient Honey-and-Vinegar Combo Could Actually Treat Infected Wounds.” Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2023. <...
The Booch: Kombucha
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Get your fermentation on whith Sarah and The Shrub covering Kombucha! Also a little story (some might say rant...) from a recent weird event, and a spicy face-off between two shrubs.
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- “Kombucha” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KombuchaÂ
- Zeratsky, Katherine. Mayo Clinic Consumer Health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/kombucha-tea/faq-20058126
- MacKeen, Dawn. “Are There Benefits to Drinking Kombucha?” The New York Times, 16 Oct. 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/kombucha-benefits.html
- Maicas, Sergi. “The Role of Yeasts in Fermenta...
The Kava
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Sarah and The Shrub delve into the history, pharmacology, and brewing of the psychoactive beverage Kava.
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- “Kava” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava
- “Lapita Culture” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapita_culture
- “Kavalactone” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kavalactone
- “Kava.” Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 06 June 2024. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/kava/
- “Kava - Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-872/kava
- “Kava.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/h...
The Boba
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Sarah and The Shrub cover the history and making of Bubble Tea, and discuss a little about her experience with AA. Potential (NA) drinking game: count how many times she says the word "boba".
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- “Bubble Tea” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_tea
- “Tapioca Pearl” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca_pearl
- “Popping Boba” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popping_boba
- Wei, Clarissa. “T...
The Coffee - Part 2!
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Let's wrap this bad boy up. Brewing methods, grinders, what's a latte vs. a cappuccino? Sarah and The Shrub cover all kinds of basics on what goes into your favorite cup of coffee.
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- “Kopi Luwak” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_luwak
- “5 Things to Know About Cold Brew.” Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Company, 5 May 2023. https://kaldiscoffee.com/blogs/news/5-things-you-should-know-about-cold-brew#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20biggest%20myths,hot%20brewed%20coffee%2C%20even%20espresso.Â
- Simon, Lu...
The Coffee - Part 1!
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We've got a two-parter folks! There's just so. much. to. learn. about. coffee. Here's a *wee* bit of history, and what's going on with the plant itself. Also, Sarah and The Shrub are joined by a surprise beverage guest!
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- Beller, Debra. “How Coffee Works.” HowStuffWorks.com.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/coffee.htm/printable
-“What is Coffee?” National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc.
https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/What-is-Coffee
The Buzz: Caffeine
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Oh no, not another podcast episode about caffeine!
How many cups of coffee do you think Sarah and The Shrub had before this episode?
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Sources
-Grisel, Judith. Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction. Anchor Books, 2019.
-W. Bryant, Charles & Clark, Josh, hosts. “The Duality of Caffeine.” Stuff You Should Know, iHeartPodcasts, 16 Jan. 2016.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duality-of-caffeine/id278981407?i=1000360672007
-Justin Evansm John R. Richards, Amanda S. Battisti. “Caffei...
The Egg Cream
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Do you know what's in an egg cream? Join Sarah and The Shrub in this mildly chaotic episode to find out! Plus - story time.
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-“Egg Cream” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_cream
-“Cream” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream#:~:text=Cream%20is%20a%20dairy%20product,using%20centrifuges%20called%20%22separators%22.
-“Pilk” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilk
-“Boris Thomashefsky” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Thomashefsky
-“Gem Spa” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikip...
The Bite: Bitters
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A fascinating history of bitters. Also, happy allergy season!
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- Parsons, Brad Thomas. Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas. New York, Ten Speed Press, 2011.
- “Bitters” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitters
- “House of Angostura” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Angostura
- “Sack (wine)” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sack_(wine)
- Harans, Julie. “All About Bitters: The Bar Cart Essential That Transforms Cocktails in a Dash” Epicurious, 10 Nov. 2023.
https://www.epicurious.c...
The Goop: Sea Moss Gel
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It's getting goopy in the booth! Sarah and The Shrub meet up with a seafaring friend: Sea Moss Gel
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- “Health Benefits of Sea Moss” (WebMD)
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-moss
- Blum, Dani. “Is A Spoonful of Sea Moss the Key to Good Health?” New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/well/eat/sea-moss-gel-benefits.htmlÂ
- “Chondrus Crispus” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrus_crispusÂ
- “Carrageenan” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CarrageenanÂ
- “Spirulina: Are There...
The Balance: Adaptogens
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Sarah and The Shrub take a deep dive into the world of adaptogens.
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-“Adaptogen” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen
-What are adaptogens and should you be taking them? Â UCLA Health, Feb 16 2022
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them#:~:text=Adaptogens%20are%20herbs%2C%20roots%20and,soups%2C%20smoothies%20and%20other%20foods.
-”Adaptogens” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens
-”Hypothalamus” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22566-hypothalamus
-”Endocrine System” (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.o...
The Fizz: Carbonated Water
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Maybe more than you ever wanted to know about carbonated water.
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-“Carbonated Water” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water
-“Club Soda” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_soda
-“Gasogene” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasogene
-“Joseph Priestley” (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Priestley
-Directions for Impregnating Water with Fixed Air by Joseph Priestly, 1772 as published on Todayinsci.com
https://todayinsci.com/P/Priestley_Joseph/PriestleyJoseph-MakingCarbonatedWater1772.htm
-“Fizzy Water: The Unnatural History of a Carbo...
The Shrub
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It begins! Meet your host and learn all about our tantalizing titular character, The Shrub (spoiler alert: taste buds are gonna flip)
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Research Sources
- “Shrub (drink)” (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrub_(drink)
- "Shrubs" by Tim Oakley for Class Magazine published in Difford’s guide
https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/535/bws/shrubs
- “What’s shaking in the cocktail scene? Shrubs.” by Jessica Gelt for the Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/style/la-xpm-2012-may-26-la-fo-shrub-cocktails-20120526-story.html
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ig: @shrubbi...
