Podcast
Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom
Hosted by Deb, Mocktail Mom · EN
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 Hour events. The direct link to join is MocktailSocialClub.com Follow on Instagram or TikTok @Mocktail.Mom Website: MocktailMom.com
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 127 | Cheers To Choices: Robin Cummiskey of Wallace Dry Goods
Oct 1400:38:14Tap to summarizeDeb 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wallace Dry Goods and Robin Cummiskey03:24 Creating a Mocktail: Dark and Stormy Twist06:41 The Journey of Starting Wallace Dry Goods12:33 Challenges of Running a Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop18:33 Building Community and Customer Relationships24:21 Exploring Popular Products and Trends30:18 Inspiration and Future of Non-Alcoholic BeveragesSend me a message about the show! Replay of the Mocktail Summit is available now! Join the community of mocktail-loving ladies in the Mocktail Social Club. Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour Website: MocktailMom.com You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 101 Surviving the Holidays Alcohol-Free With Abbie Romanul from Raising the Bar
Dec 24, 202400:26:13Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! This week, I’m chatting with the amazing Abbie, one of the founders of Raising the Bar, the zero-proof cocktail subscription box that’s changing how we celebrate, one sip at a time. Abbie gets real about her journey to an alcohol-free life—why she started her sober journey in December (yes, during the holidays!), how people-pleasing played into her drinking, and why putting yourself first is always the right move.We also dive into her best tips for navigating holiday parties booze-free, the importance of community (because you’re not meant to do this alone!), and how she turned her dining room into ground zero for a business that’s now a nationwide sensation. From festive, thoughtful drink recipes to the chaos of shipping 600+ boxes after a Today Show shoutout, Abbie spills all the behind-the-scenes stories—including a crazy story with none other than Danny Trejo!Plus, we’re teasing some big news for 2025, chatting about the Mocktail Summit in January! Snag your box & let’s make mocktails together during The Mocktail Summit!Follow Raising the Bar!Website | Instagram | Facebook Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 100 Shake Up Mocktails in Delaware with Deb and Lori Liguori!
Dec 17, 202400:23:56Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! Hey friends, we’re already laughing and having a blast, so you know this episode is going to be fun. And it’s not just any episode—it’s our 100th! 🎊 I’m celebrating this milestone with none other than the fabulous Lori Liguori, Director of HR and Marketing at High 5 Hospitality (19 restaurants strong!) and all-around powerhouse. Lori’s joining me from the award-winning Limestone BBQ and Bourbon in Wilmington, Delaware, to chat about their exciting new venture into the world of mocktails.Lori shares why a bourbon bar is embracing non-alcoholic cocktails, dives into what it means to serve others well (she totally blew me away with her thoughtfulness at a past event), and why the mocktail movement is gaining major buzz. Did someone say Dry January goals? Plus, Lori gives us the scoop on our upcoming Mocktail Brunch & Workshop on January 26th. Trust me, you’ll want to mark your calendar for this deliciously inclusive event. We’re talking a fabulous brunch, hands-on mocktail-making (with recipes from my book!), goodie bags, and plenty of fun with yours truly!Limestone BBQ and BourbonWebsite | Instagram | FacebookMocktail Brunch & Workshop: January 26th @ Limestone BBQ and Bourbon - Call 302-274-2085 to register today!Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 99 How Better Than Booze Is Taking on the Beverage Giants With Drea Groeschel
Dec 10, 202400:30:56Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! This week’s episode is a total vibe! I’m sitting down with Drea Groeschel, the go-getter behind Better Than Booze, who’s making waves in the non-alcoholic beverage world. With years of experience in consumer product goods, Drea made the bold decision to break into the food and beverage industry, and wow, has she made her mark!In this conversation, Drea shares the journey that took her from experiencing the foggy haze of alcohol to crafting a line of non-alcoholic drinks that have now won 36 awards! From experimenting in her kitchen to landing her beverages on the menu at the Grand Ole Opry, her story is a classic David vs Goliath tale that inspires.We explore the challenges she faced in launching a brand from scratch and the big wins that have validated her hard work—like beating out global competitors to snag a major “best in class” award in Vegas. Drea also talks about why she’s so passionate about creating high-quality non-alcoholic options and how Better Than Booze empowers people to enjoy the moments that matter most.Whether you’re curious about the non-alcoholic movement or love a good success story, you’ll be in awe of Drea’s drive, creativity, and refusal to settle for less than amazing. Tune in to hear more!Discover more from Better Than Booze!Website | Instagram | Facebookcode MOCKTAILMOM to save on your first purchase 🎉🎉Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 98 From Bartender to Mocktail Innovator: Elaine’s Booze-Free Glow-Up
Dec 3, 202400:15:44Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! Get ready to fall in love with Elaine Empalmado, the powerhouse behind Mocktail Hour and one of the freshest voices in the alcohol-free world! After seven years of slinging drinks in Toronto’s nightlife scene, Elaine got sober in January 2024 (cheers to almost a year!) and realized something big: mocktails needed a serious glow-up.Now, she’s on a mission to make sobriety not just a choice but a full-on celebration. Elaine dishes on everything—from her wild bartending days (firepoles and all!) to how she’s now inspiring the restaurant world to up their mocktail game. Oh, and she’s spilling her fave booze-free picks, like NA gin, Heineken 0.0, and Kin Euphorics.This convo is just a sneak peek of the longer conversation Elaine and I had for the upcoming Mocktail Summit, happening January 2025! Elaine’s summit session is packed with even more juicy stories, tips, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it!Get in touch with Elaine!Website | InstagramRegistration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 97 Creating The Life You Want, Alcohol-Free With Jodi Clark
Nov 26, 202400:31:41Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Jodi Clark, founder of Sober Flourish and a total rockstar in the alcohol-free coaching world, to get real about life after ditching the drink. We dive into that “always thinking about drinking” phase, the quirky stuff that happens as the noise finally quiets, and yes, the rollercoaster of going alcohol-free (and what to do when a spicy margarita still calls your name!).Jodi also shares how she’s crafted her dream life since quitting drinking—visualizing her future self down to what she’s wearing and how she shows up each day. And, for those who’ve ever wrestled with the sweet tooth that sneaks up post-booze, she gets into it all. Plus, we talk about showing up for yourself, the power of future self-work, and, of course, what she’s drinking these days (spoiler: there’s a lot of tea!).Whether you’re here for the laughs, the real talk, or a little inspiration, Jodi’s journey is full of moments that might just resonate with yours. Get ready to feel empowered to create your own version of flourishing, one decision at a time!Get in touch with Jodi!Website | InstagramSign up for her 100 Days To Flourish challenge!Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 96 The NA Bottle Shop Experience You’ve Always Wanted With Kristin and Andee of Orangily
Nov 19, 202400:28:05Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! Get ready to meet the fabulous sister duo behind Orangily (formerly Loren’s Alcohol-Free Beverages)—Kristin and Andee! Join us to hear all about how their shift toward an alcohol-free lifestyle in 2021 led them to open Indiana's second non-alcoholic bottle shop near Indianapolis—a place that’s quickly become a go-to for everyone looking to swap their usual for something fabulous and booze-free.Kristin and Andee share their passion for creating a welcoming space where everyone—from the sober-curious to wine lovers looking to cut back—can explore the non-alcoholic world with a little guidance. Spoiler alert: they don’t just sell drinks—they coach you through their curated collection! From award-winning wines to bitters that add that perfect pop to your seltzer, they’ve got something special for every palate. With their exciting rebrand in the works to capture their vibrant personalities and align with the wellness world, Kristin and Andee are more pumped than ever to serve up Indiana’s best alcohol-free shopping experience. Tune in to hear more!Get in touch with Kristin & Andee!Website | Instagram | FacebookTake their free wine quiz! Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 95 Sober Strength: Addressing Fitness, Mental Health, and Addictions With Jesse Carrajat
Nov 12, 202400:39:35Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! In this special episode, we’re celebrating Jesse Carrajat’s one-year podcast anniversary! Jesse, the powerhouse behind Altum Fitness and host of the Sober Strength podcast, is all about helping people build healthy habits and embrace the journey of personal growth—whether that’s through fitness, mindset, or navigating sobriety. As a US Marine Corps veteran and dad of three, he’s learned a thing or two about resilience and staying strong in the face of challenges.Join us as Jesse opens up about his own sobriety journey, sharing the big ‘aha!’ moments, the struggles, and how he shifted from self-medicating with alcohol to supporting others on their paths to wellness. We talk everything from setting realistic goals to the surprises and wins that come with living alcohol-free. And yes, Jesse gets into the raw details of his experience with family life, perfectionism, and how his career change—from corporate to running his own fitness business—has brought him closer to his purpose.If you’re looking for inspiration, or some straight-up advice, you’re in the right place. Grab a comfy seat, hit play, and celebrate this milestone with us as we dive into Jesse’s world of sober strength and thriving!Get in touch with Jesse!Website | Instagram | FacebookListen to the Sober Strength podcast!Registration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 94 Cheers to The Happiest Hour: Book Launch & Real Talk with Jennifer Page
Nov 5, 202400:40:03Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! IT’S HERE!! My new book, The Happiest Hour, has officially launched, and to say I’m ecstatic is an understatement! To help me celebrate this big moment, I’ve invited my friend and fabulous guest Jennifer Page to join me on the podcast, where we are making one of her favorite mocktails together - a classic Gin & Tonic with all the flavor and none of the booze.Jennifer is a member of my membership community, Thriving Alcohol-Free, and I can say with certainty that this book would not have happened without her! She has been alcohol-free for over two years now and has so much wisdom from her experiences that I know you’re going to relate to. She’s actually a repeat guest, so if you’d like to hear more of her story, check out EP 7. In this episode, we’re unpacking it all—those side-eyes from friends, the still not drinking? questions, and even the nuances of gray area drinking. It’s all right here and we can’t wait for you to join us - here’s to freedom, fun, and a lifetime of happy hours!Mentioned ResourcesGeneration NA: @generationnaRachel Hart: Why Can't I Drink Like Everyone Else?Huberman Lab Podcast: Effects of Alcohol on The Brain and BodyRegistration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →EP 93 Make A Mocktail with Marnie Rae Clark
Oct 29, 202400:25:42Tap to summarizeSend me a text message about the show! In this fun episode, I’m so excited to welcome back one of my favorite guests and dear friend, Marnie Rae! Marnie, the amazing founder of National Mocktail Week, is here to celebrate with me the launch of my brand-new book, The Happiest Hour, by shaking things up in the kitchen. We are making a delicious Dark and Stormy-inspired mocktail from the book, and catching up on everything from her incredible impact on the alcohol-free movement to her own journey with over 22 years of sobriety. If you’re curious to hear more of her story, check out EP 11.Marnie and I go way back, so we reminisce about how we first connected and reflect on how far the sober-curious space has come since she began advocating for mocktails back in 2018. In this conversation, Marnie also opens up about her battle with stage 4 lung cancer and shares how it’s shifted her perspective on life, work, and self-care in a profound way. There are plenty of laughs, some tears, and so many deep reflections about what it means to truly thrive at every stage of life. Whether you’re celebrating life’s big wins or navigating those tough days, I know you’ll leave this episode feeling inspired and empowered. So head to your kitchen, grab your favorite mocktail ingredients, and join us as we raise a glass to the beauty of living alcohol-free and embracing every moment.Get in touch with Marnie Rae!Website | InstagramRegistration is now open for The Mocktail Summit (January 14-16)!Order a copy of The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In Join our membership community & let's make mocktails together! Let's get social! @Mocktail.Mom Grab a guide to help when dining out: Ordering Out Made Easy Website: MocktailMom.com Celebrate your Authentic Freedom A huge thank you to the sponsor of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast! Giesen 0% Wines You are loved. Big Time Cheers!
Transcribe →