Mindful Drinking: Derek Brown's Journey from Bartender to Wellness Advocate

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are excited to bring you an insightful discussion with Derek Brown, a renowned author, NASM certified wellness coach, and founder of Positive Damage. Derek is known for his inspiring journey from being one of America's top bartenders to becoming a leading advocate for mindful drinking and inclusive spaces. Today, Derek shares his personal story and insights on how we can all foster a healthier relationship with alcohol.

We delve into Derek's fascinating transition from a celebrated bartender to a mindful drinking advocate. Key questions we explore include: What led Derek to change his relationship with alcohol? How can we incorporate mindful drinking into our daily lives? What are some practical tips for social situations where alcohol is prevalent? These discussions not only provide valuable insights but also help optimize your approach to alcohol and social wellness.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of mindful drinking, including key concepts such as intrinsic goal alignment, the RATE (Replace, Avoid, Temper, Elicit help) strategy, and practical steps to make healthier choices in social settings. Derek also sheds light on the evolving landscape of no and low alcohol cocktails, offering tips for creating sophisticated, non-alcoholic drinks at home.
In 2022, Brown published his second book, Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails. 

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:
[00:00:00] - Introduction of Derek Brown, renowned author, NASM certified wellness coach, and founder of Positive Damage.

[00:01:13] - Derek's impressive background: from top bartender to advocate for no and low alcohol cocktails.

[00:01:54] - Derek shares his personal journey from bartending to mindful drinking advocacy.

[00:02:18] - Early life experiences with alcohol, including family struggles and personal challenges.

[00:03:01] - Describing the intense lifestyle of bartending and its impact on his relationship with alcohol.

[00:04:16] - Decision to change his relationship with alcohol and seek therapy and wellness coaching.

[00:04:57] - Explanation of Derek's unique approach to mindful drinking and its personal significance.

[00:05:15] - Addressing the concept of mindful drinking and how it differs from traditional sobriety.

[00:07:25] - Challenges faced during his journey to mindful drinking, including social and career obstacles.

[00:08:49] - The importance of finding better coping mechanisms and improving mental health.

[00:09:34] - The process of facing personal problems without the aid of alcohol.

[00:10:25] - Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and its relevance to mindful drinking.

[00:12:00] - Defining mindful drinking and its connection to personal goals and values.

[00:13:56] - Practical steps for incorporating mindful drinking into daily life, such as journaling and setting goals.

[00:14:50] - The RATE acronym: Replace, Avoid, Temper, Elicit help, and how it aids mindful drinking.

[00:15:51] - Social challenges of mindful drinking and tips for navigating social situations.

[00:18:00] - Derek's views on the evolving culture of drinking, especially among different age groups.

[00:22:09] - Addressing misconceptions about alcohol's health benefits and the shift in societal attitudes.

[00:23:50] - Strategies for managing stigma and embarrassment when choosing not to drink.

[00:26:32] - Positive responses from the bar and restaurant industry to Derek's work and advocacy.

Derek's Links

• Website: