Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom

I’m back after a three-month pause to own what happened, explain why my energy changed, and share what I’m choosing to prioritize now.  I also say the hard part out loud: I think it’s time to say goodbye to the podcast, even though I still love it. • Ghosting the show and why it wasn’t intentional • Knee replacement recovery realities, physical therapy load, and support at home • Family changes, p...

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: Brian's personal path to sobriety and the significance of May...

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. Disc...

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 sociali...

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 inter...

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 chal...

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 b...

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 presenta...

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 socia...

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 op...

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-...

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 s...

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 co...

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...

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 crea...

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...

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 mome...

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 invo...

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 stor...

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 c...

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 jo...

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 cop...

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 Thriv...

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 foll...

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, wher...