no proof

Charlotte Voisey is the Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. A long-time industry figure, and award-winning mixologist, Charlotte has had cocktail recipes published and placed on menus across the world including New York’s famed PDT and the iconic Dorchester Hotel in London. Charlotte’s passion for all things spirits and cocktails keeps her on the stage at all major industry...

Lianne is a mother, a devoted yoga student, and a yoga teacher, brand leader, and founder of  hello, hi body  - a practice born from her own need to find her way back to herself. Through movement, breath, and honest presence, she creates space for others to do the same. She also works in brand management for  Modo Yoga , a hot yoga community in Columbus, Ohio, supporting its voice and growth. Afte...

In this episode, I chat with Annie and Luke, the owners of Law Bird, a James Beard semi-finalist bar here in Columbus, Ohio. Their program has always impressed me, and they are a great neighborhood spot serving delicious and eclectic beverages that are exciting in every category. Please enjoy this chat that covers ownership, staff education, and Luke's personal journey with removing alcohol. W...

In this conversation, Chloe Fisher shares her extensive journey in the hospitality industry, her path to sobriety, and the importance of community and mindfulness in both personal recovery and professional practice. She discusses the evolution of her perspective on mental health within the hospitality sector, the challenges of early sobriety, and the creative approaches to non-alcoholic beverages....

Jeremy Umansky shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, culinary innovation, and community impact. Discover how he integrates sobriety into his leadership, creates non-alcoholic beverages, and advocates for intentional hospitality. Jeremy Umansky is a chef/owner of Larder Delicatessen & Bakery in Cleveland, Ohio. Chef Umansky is a multiple time James Beard Foundation nominee.  Jeremy has been...

In this conversation, Lauren McGurrin shares her journey from the high-pressure restaurant industry to becoming a non-alcoholic beverage entrepreneur. I discover her personal story of overcoming substance reliance, exploring mental health resources, and creating a unique non-alcoholic Amaro called Mad Flora that redefines social drinking. Lauren is private chef and food stylist based in New York C...

In this conversation, Michael Toscano and I reconnect to discuss our journeys in sobriety, the evolution of non-alcoholic beverages, and the importance of support systems. Michael shares his transition to working with Pathfinder, a non-alcoholic brand, and reflects on the empowering nature of sobriety. We explore the challenges and opportunities within the non-alcoholic space, the significance of...

In this conversation, Alexa Davis shares her journey from a traditional career in hospitality to embracing sobriety and creating the Sober Supper Club. She discusses her early experiences in the restaurant industry, the challenges of navigating alcohol culture, and the transformative decision to commit to sobriety. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the e...

This conversation explores the journey of McCord, who transitioned from a career in hospitality to overcoming addiction and finding sobriety. Through personal anecdotes, he shares the struggles of addiction, the importance of family support, and the rediscovery of passion in hospitality. The discussion also highlights the significance of mental health, self-care, and the therapeutic nature of runn...

In this engaging conversation, Tone Munguia delves into his journey through the hospitality industry and his personal transformation after a year of sobriety. Tone shares his initial experiences as a busboy and bartender, highlighting the joy he finds in connecting with people through hospitality. The discussion shifts to the significance of the no and low-proof movement, particularly during event...

In this conversation, Max Schikora shares his transformative journey from a life of alcoholism to sobriety, detailing his experiences in the hospitality industry and the emotional challenges he faced along the way. He reflects on the impact of grief, the decision to seek help, and the importance of community in recovery. Max emphasizes the significance of kindness, forgiveness, and emotional growt...

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Fiorta shares her journey through the hospitality industry, her relationship with alcohol, and her path to sobriety. She discusses the importance of community support, personal growth, and the role of fitness in her recovery. Michelle emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and resilience, while also addressing the challenges of navigating social situ...

In this conversation, Willie McBride shares his journey of sobriety and how it has positively impacted his life, particularly in his running and coaching. He discusses the mental clarity and emotional resilience he has gained since stopping drinking, as well as the joy he finds in movement and the outdoors. The dialogue explores the balance between drive and rest, the importance of self-reflection...

Chris Marshall is the visionary founder of Sans Bar. He is a renowned mental health advocate and writer who has dedicated his career to building inclusive, alcohol-free communities. Chris has been alcohol-free since 2007 and began his work as a Substance Use counselor in 2009. His passion for supporting those in recovery led him to create Sans Bar in 2017, a groundbreaking alcohol-free space and c...

In this conversation, Amanda Chen shares her journey from Canada to Mexico, detailing her experiences in the hospitality industry, her relationship with alcohol, and her venture into creating a non-alcoholic agave spirit. She discusses the challenges and transformations she faced while navigating sobriety and the creative process behind her product, emphasizing the importance of local ingredients...

In this conversation, Sarah shares her journey towards an alcohol-free lifestyle, discussing the challenges and realizations she faced along the way. She reflects on her relationship with alcohol, the societal pressures surrounding drinking, and the transformative power of self-discovery. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, understanding the effects of alcohol, and embra...

In this conversation, Jesse Schenker shares his tumultuous journey through the world of hospitality, marked by a deep passion for cooking and a struggle with addiction. He reflects on his early inspirations in the kitchen, the development of his anxiety, and how it led him to self-medicate with drugs. Jesse recounts his descent into addiction, the impact on his family, and the turning point that l...

In this conversation, Cody Mashni shares his journey through the hospitality industry, detailing his early experiences, the allure of the party lifestyle, and the challenges he faced with alcohol. He discusses the turning point that led him to sobriety, the internal struggles he encountered, and the growth he has experienced since. Cody emphasizes the importance of connection, leadership, and pers...

In this conversation, Jon Lilley shares his extensive journey through the hospitality industry, reflecting on his relationship with alcohol and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety. He discusses the challenges and realizations he faced, particularly as he prepared for fatherhood, and how therapy played a significant role in his transformation. Jon emphasizes the importance of suppo...

In this conversation, Jesse shares his journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his early experiences working in his family's restaurant and the challenges he faced. He discusses his passion for hospitality, the impact of sobriety on his life and career, and the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-care, accountability, and emotional aware...

With over 10 years in the Denver Food Scene, Amanda Singh is a seasoned chef who’s made a name for herself in Denver’s vibrant brunch scene. A culinary school graduate with a Journeyman Certificate and CC certification, Amanda is Michelin-trained and known for bringing bold, inventive twists to classic brunch dishes. She’s always been deeply passionate about food and knew from a young age that her...

Lila Volkas is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and workshop facilitator based in Oakland, California. Lila brings joy and connection to employees around food and nutrition through her  Corporate Team-Building Workshops . She makes nutrition and culinary information easy to understand and fun to learn through her  public classes  and  food writing . Lila has been hosting food events and classes si...

Wills Dowd was born and raised in the hospitality industry. As a third generation Portland Maine local, he watched behind the scenes as his father owned and operated six food and beverage concepts in the Portland area. Recognizing this dedication to the industry, Dowd followed in his father’s footsteps by starting as a dishwasher at the age of 15 in the back of a busy kitchen. By the age of 24, he...

Will Lindsay is a musician and storyteller who’s spent the past decade chasing songs and dodging algorithms. He fronts the critically acclaimed Philadelphia indie-punk band Caracara, and before that, made noisy, joyful chaos as W.C. Lindsay. He’s toured the world, lost sleep in vans, and somehow managed to make music that people actually felt.   Now, he’s pouring all of that into  Buying Fireworks...

Chef Alex Smith is the Executive Chef of Urban Oak, which sits atop the dual branded Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, bringing over a decade of culinary expertise to one of Raleigh’s newest dining destinations. With a background in fine dining, menu development, and kitchen leadership, he has helmed acclaimed restaurants across the country. As Chef de Cuisine at Parallax Resta...