Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom

Deb, Mocktail Mom
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Are you afraid the fun will end when you quit drinking? Are you nervous about what you will drink instead of your favorite alcoholic beverage? Welcome to the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast with Deb, the Mocktail Mom. This is the place for delightful conversations about non-alcoholic cocktails and the joy of sober living. We celebrate authentic freedom of life without alcohol. There are many great podcasts about getting sober, but in this podcast, we will focus on the delicious world of non-alcoholic options and the fun of living each day without a “mommy wine headache.” After almost nine years of trying to moderate and promising "I will just have one," Deb broke up with Chardonnay and loves to share the freedom & fun of an alcohol-free lifestyle. You, too, can thrive and be free from alcohol. Join Deb’s membership & make mocktails together during her weekly virtual Happy Hours, plus gain access to her beginner mocktail course. The direct link to join is ThrivingAlcoholFree.com Follow on Instagram or TikTok @Mocktail.Mom Website: MocktailMom.com 

  1. 9 DEC

    EP 132 | A Pregnant Woman Walks Into A Bar: Meet Marina Castillo

    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 challenges of navigating the industry, and offers encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs in the non-alcoholic space. Together, they create a special mocktail recipe that emphasizes the joy of savoring delicious drinks without alcohol. Kava Haven, code MOCKTAILMOM for a discount.  Marina Castillo is a passionate advocate for non-alcoholic beverages. The mocktail they created is called 'The Bride'. Marina's journey to sobriety began in 2019. Kava bars are gaining popularity as non-alcoholic spaces. The Global Kava Coalition aims to educate about kava. Kava is a special pepper plant with calming effects. It's essential to consume the right part of the kava plant. Noble kava is the preferred type for consumption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thriving Alcohol Free 02:12 Creating a Special Mocktail 06:22 Marina's Journey to Sobriety 12:10 The Rise of Kava Bars 16:13 Navigating the Kava Industry 19:14 Understanding Kava and Its Benefits 32:22 Encouragement for New Entrepreneurs Follow Marina on her Instagram page.  Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    38 min

  2. 25 NOV

    EP 131 | Garnish with Friends & Meet Spirited Zero Proof Brand, Dromme

    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 brand's name. The conversation highlights the growing interest in non-alcoholic options and the positive impact of Dromme on consumers' lives. The podcast promotes enjoying drinks with friends, not just alcohol. David Lund transitioned from finance to create Dromme. Dromme offers complex flavors without alcohol. The brand focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Droma's ingredients include herbs like ashwagandha and lion's mane. Regular consumption of Dromme can lead to long-term benefits. Dromme means 'dream' in Danish, reflecting its cultural roots. The non-alcoholic space is growing with community support. Challenges in production can lead to innovation. David emphasizes the importance of moving forward despite setbacks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dromme and David Lund 05:34 The Journey of Creating Dromme 16:02 Understanding the Ingredients and Their Effects 20:34 The Meaning Behind Dromme and Its Philosophy 22:51 Creating a Community Around Non-Alcoholic Drinks 29:36 The Journey of Building a Brand 33:43 Challenges in Production and Overcoming Obstacles 40:51 The Importance of Perseverance in Business Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    42 min

  3. 11 NOV

    EP 130 | The Confidence To Say NO: A Mocktail Journey, Meet Felicia Marshall

    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 presentation and flavor can carry the whole experience. From mint-smacking and gentle muddling to smart garnishes and fizz, you’ll pick up practical techniques to make your glass pop. We also explore simple ways to add depth, like botanical zero-proof spirits with blueberry-ginger-mint notes or a touch of spice from an NA “bourbon” alternative.  The heart of our talk centers on confidence and boundaries. Felicia shares how she learned to say no at corporate happy hours, the awkward questions that follow, and why “I’m not drinking today” is enough. A powerful story unfolds: a table that mocked our mocktails returned a year later and ordered them too. Your no can change the room. We dig into scripts, social strategies, and the importance of curating a circle that respects your lines—especially in the early days. You’ll also hear insider tips for ordering off-menu when a bar has no mocktail list: ask for a fruit-forward mojito build or invite the bartender to be creative and match a photo you love. Most pros light up when they get to craft something beautiful. Between content creation insights, homeschool rhythms, and a proud archery win, this conversation blends real life with practical alcohol-free tools—and offers favorite picks like crisp NA rosé and peach Bellini–style bubbles to keep on hand. If this resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who’s sober curious, and leave a quick review so more people can find alcohol-free confidence and joy. Cheers to bold boundaries and beautiful drinks. Give Felicia a follow on Instagram: @MocktailingAround & be inspired by her beautiful mocktails!  To purchase Amethyst Non-Alcoholic Spirits, code MOCKTAILMOM will save 20% Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    36 min

  4. 28 OCT

    EP 129 | From Sober Curious To Confidently Dry With Brooklyn Of Dry Social

    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 social situations without drinking.  The conversation emphasizes the evolving landscape of alcohol-free options and the importance of being true to oneself in social settings. Brooklyn started her sober journey two and a half years ago. She experienced significant pressure to drink during college. Brooklyn's engagement was celebrated with non-alcoholic champagne. The idea of Dry Social came from her desire to help others stay social without alcohol. Mocktails can be just as fun and celebratory as alcoholic drinks. Brooklyn wants to be a parent who doesn't drink around her children. She feels empowered by the growing availability of non-alcoholic options. Social situations can be navigated without alcohol, but it requires self-awareness. Brooklyn's journey has inspired others to evaluate their drinking habits. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in one's choices. Follow Dry Social on Instagram.  & special thanks to Go Brewing for sponsoring this podcast episode. They are my favorite non-alcoholic beer brand. Code MOCKTAILMOM will get you a discount.  Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    32 min

  5. 21 OCT

    EP 128 | How A Pandemic Pivot Became A Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Powerhouse

    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 opens up about the brand’s Prohibition DNA, where the hidden rooms of “blind tigers” stood for inclusivity and cultural mashups, and how that ethos guides everything from label design to how the drinks are served. We break down the lineup—French 75, Mojito, Sidecar Mimosa, Bee’s Knees—and spotlight the new low-calorie Grapefruit Fizz. Behind the taste, there’s tenacity. Rebecca shares the winding road to Wegmans, the serendipity and prep behind a QVC debut, and the logistics of scaling without losing craft. We talk funding wins like the Ben Franklin Technology Partners grant, the value of a skilled beverage engineer to nail shelf stability, and the community momentum from the Tory Burch Foundation. Most of all, we explore how zero-proof cocktails can change social moments, giving you something elegant to hold, a ritual to enjoy, and a clear head the next morning. If you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or love great flavor, this story will spark your next pour.  Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a non-alcoholic cocktail ritual, and leave a review to help more people find their perfect spirit-free sip. Visit Blind Tiger's website to learn more.  Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    29 min

  6. 14 OCT

    EP 127 | Cheers To Choices: Robin Cummiskey of Wallace Dry Goods

    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-alcoholic drinks, and the significance of creating a welcoming space for all drinkers, whether sober, sober curious, or simply looking for mindful options. The episode also features a fun mocktail-making segment, showcasing the creativity and versatility of non-alcoholic drinks. Wallace Dry Goods offers a curated selection of high-end non-alcoholic beverages. The shop aims to create a welcoming, judgment-free community for all drinkers. Robin's background in retail management helped shape the aesthetics and operations of the shop. The phrase 'Cheers to choices' encapsulates the philosophy of the shop. Non-alcoholic drinks have evolved significantly in taste and quality. Education about non-alcoholic options is crucial for consumer acceptance. Community engagement and events are key to building customer relationships. The shop features a bar setup for mixology classes and tastings. Popular products include non-alcoholic wines and functional beverages. The future of non-alcoholic drinks looks promising with ongoing innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wallace Dry Goods and Robin Cummiskey 03:24 Creating a Mocktail: Dark and Stormy Twist 06:41 The Journey of Starting Wallace Dry Goods 12:33 Challenges of Running a Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop 18:33 Building Community and Customer Relationships 24:21 Exploring Popular Products and Trends 30:18 Inspiration and Future of Non-Alcoholic Beverages Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    38 min

  7. 7 OCT

    EP 126 | Mom, Rediscovered: Midlife Breakup with Drinking & Diet Culture

    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 strategies she used to navigate her alcohol-free life. The discussion highlights the transformative power of storytelling and the significance of trusting the process of change. Mentioned in the episode:  Click HERE to register for the free in-person book signing event in Louisville, Kentucky on 11/5/2025  Today's mocktail recipe is available in The Happiest Hour  All The Bitter use code MOCKTAILMOM for 15% off TomoNotomo delish non-alcoholic agave spirit, code MOCKTAILMOM for 20% off.  Follow Jen Butler on Instagram  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jen Butler and Her Journey 07:56 The Process of Writing a Memoir 14:28 Navigating Alcohol-Free Life 20:00 The Shift in Perspective on Sobriety 26:45 Practical Strategies for Sobriety 31:31 Trusting the Process of Change Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    33 min

  8. 1 OCT

    EP 125 | Total Wine Purchase That Sparked My Sobriety + The Mocktail Challenge

    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 community aspect of the challenge, with daily emails, happy hour events, and prizes.  Send me a message about the show! Click HERE to get on the list for The Mocktail Summit. Click HERE to download the FREE 12 Days of Menopause Mocktails Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!

    17 min
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About

Are you afraid the fun will end when you quit drinking? Are you nervous about what you will drink instead of your favorite alcoholic beverage? Welcome to the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast with Deb, the Mocktail Mom. This is the place for delightful conversations about non-alcoholic cocktails and the joy of sober living. We celebrate authentic freedom of life without alcohol. There are many great podcasts about getting sober, but in this podcast, we will focus on the delicious world of non-alcoholic options and the fun of living each day without a “mommy wine headache.” After almost nine years of trying to moderate and promising "I will just have one," Deb broke up with Chardonnay and loves to share the freedom & fun of an alcohol-free lifestyle. You, too, can thrive and be free from alcohol. Join Deb’s membership & make mocktails together during her weekly virtual Happy Hours, plus gain access to her beginner mocktail course. The direct link to join is ThrivingAlcoholFree.com Follow on Instagram or TikTok @Mocktail.Mom Website: MocktailMom.com 

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