Mindful Drinking

On this heartfelt episode of the “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown takes listeners on a journey through the essence of mindful social spaces and the often-overlooked power of true hospitality. Derek begins with a charming story from his days as a bartender in Washington, D.C., recounting his inventive solution for a non-alcoholic cocktail request—a delicious orgeat lemonade inspired by...

On this “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Radha Agrawal, co-founder of Daybreaker and founder of Belong Center, to deep dive into social wellness and mindful drinking. Daybreaker, known for its early-morning, alcohol-free dance parties, has revolutionized how people connect and celebrate together. The two discuss how building strong social connections can enhance ov...

What if wellness wasn’t a bonus in hospitality—but the foundation? In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Amie Ward, also known as The Healthtender—a certified health coach, mobility specialist, and Executive Director of Safe Bars. Amie has spent her career advocating for bartenders’ physical and mental health, gender-based violence prevention, and cre...

In this special monologue episode, host Derek Brown shares a personal and unflinching account of how alcohol became his coping mechanism—and how that strategy nearly unraveled his life. As a bartender, author, and former owner of one of the top cocktail bars in the country, Derek’s career was built around drinks. But behind the scenes, alcohol had become more than a profession—it was a way to mana...

What if everything we thought we knew about “moderate drinking” was wrong? In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown sits down with featured guest, Dr. Tim Stockwell, renowned alcohol researcher, and former director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, to discuss the data that’s reshaping how we understand alcohol and health. From the deeply held belief that a glass...

You swore you’d take a break. You meant it. And then… you didn’t. This episode is for that moment—the one where willpower runs out and shame tries to take over. Host Derek Brown explores what actually happens when we go against our intentions, and more importantly, what comes next. Why willpower isn’t enough. How to break the all-or-nothing mindset. And how to treat yourself with curiosity instead...

Mindful Drinking is about drinking with intention, but what happens when it's hard to follow through with your intentions and the way you drink feels out of control?   While mindful drinking may be useful for most of us, others aren't exactly sure where to draw the line and may need expert advice.   In this special encore presentation, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. Nzinga Harri...

After a tough workout or long race, many athletes are turning to non-alcoholic beer—but does it work? And how does it compare to energy drinks or chocolate milk for recovery? Research suggests that NA beer may reduce inflammation, aid hydration, and even support immune function. But recovery isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. The taste of beer alone—without alcohol—triggers dopamine release, in...

Alcohol is one of the only widely consumed beverages in the U.S. that doesn’t require full nutritional labeling. But should it? On this episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. DeAnna Nara, Campaign Manager for the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s food labeling initiatives. A licensed dietitian-nutritionist and expert in food systems for...

With nonstop news of crises—wildfires, war, and uncertainty—it’s easy to reach for a drink to take the edge off. But does alcohol relieve stress, or could it be making things worse? On this episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, host Derek Brown  takes a closer look at the relationship between alcohol and stress. While drinking is often linked to relaxation, research suggests that in times of hi...

Non-alcoholic drinks used to be sweet, simple, and insipid. But times have changed and so have the beverages. In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown talks with Marcos Salazar, Co-Founder and CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), about the transformation of NA drinks from bland afterthoughts to complex, high-quality options. Marcos shares how brand...

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown reflects on the impactful final address by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, titled “My Parting Prescription for America”. Derek explores how Dr. Murthy’s call to action intersects with the principles of mindful drinking and what it means for individuals, communities, and the hospitality industry. Delving into themes like con...

On this “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist, founder of GoingDry.co, and author of "The Dry Challenge." Hilary shares her experiences as a mindful drinking advocate and discusses the benefits and challenges of temporary abstinence months like Dry January, Dry July, and Sober October. Hilary, a prominent voice in the mindful dri...

If you're trying to drink more mindfully, it's important to know what your limits are. But, aside from recommended guidelines that aren't always context or person-specific, how do you know how much is too much for you? In this “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown shares what a "standard drink" is and outlines some of the factors that determine both the amount of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage an...

On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown welcomes featured guest, Maria Bastasch, co-founder of the Mindful Drinking Fest and a NASM-certified wellness coach, to explore the emerging trend of "zebra striping." This practice involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages within the same social occasion, allowing individuals to moderate their alcohol intake without ab...

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown dives into the Four C’s of drinking occasions— Celebration, Conviviality, Consecration, and Connoisseurship —to explore why, when, and how we drink. Drawing from anthropology, history, and personal insights, Derek uncovers how these categories shape our relationship with alcohol and mindful drinking. Whether it’s a champagne toast...

Holidays and hangovers don’t have to go hand in hand. In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown explores how to drink mindfully during the holiday season without sacrificing any of the festive fun. Using the RATE acronym—Replace, Avoid, Temper, and Elicit Help—Derek provides practical strategies for navigating the holidays with intention. He also shares his favorite non-a...

On this “Mindful Drinking” podcast, host Derek Brown delves into what "The End of Wine" really means. Is it the decline of an iconic cultural symbol, or a transformation of a millennia-old tradition? Derek uncorks the complex relationship between mindful drinking, the wine industry, and our evolving tastes. We'll explore the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, changing social habits, and why more...

 In this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Tawny Lara, writer, author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without Booze and co-host of the “Recovery Rocks” podcast. They dive into the intersection of alcohol, dating, and the concept of "Dutch courage" – that extra boost many of us seek from alcohol before putting ourselves out there....

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown explores the current U.S. dietary guidelines for alcohol and how they align with the principles of mindful drinking. He breaks down how these guidelines serve those who choose to drink, helping individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption. Derek also delves into the potential changes to these guidelines in 2...

On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host, and award-winning bartender, Derek Brown, is joined by featured guest, Rev. Erin Jean Warde, Episcopal priest and author of Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol. They explore how spiritual perspectives can influence mindful drinking and how examining one’s drinking habits can contribute to broader personal growth. Rev. Warde s...

 On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host, and award-winning bartender, Derek Brown, delves into the fascinating intersection between bartending and positive psychology. Drawing on his recent studies, Derek explores how the principles of positive psychology—like the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) of wellbeing, savoring, and flow—can enhance...

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown sits down with featured guest, Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, an alcohol moderation platform. Ian shares his personal journey and the story behind Sunnyside's mission to "Change the way the world drinks alcohol," helping people build healthier relationships with alcohol through mindful drinking, moderation, or abstinence....

Join host Derek Brown, cocktail expert and author of Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No & Low Alcohol Cocktails, as he guides the curious on a journey through the art of crafting complex, sophisticated low- and no-proof drinks. In this “Mindful Drinking” episode, Derek shares how he used his mixology expertise to create a new arsenal of delicious and satisfying libations. Creating no- a...

On this “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist, founder of GoingDry.co, and author of "The Dry Challenge." Hilary shares her experiences as a mindful drinking advocate and discusses the benefits and challenges of temporary abstinence months like Dry January, Dry July, and Sober October. She also introduces her upcoming workbook, "...