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 interviews Deb about the moments that changed everything: the first receipt for NA wine, the spicy margarita tweak that delivered the “bite” she missed, and the viral video that led to her mocktail recipe book.

We walk through the upcoming Mocktail Summit with a behind-the-scenes look at the presenters across three days—Mocktails 101, functional sips and day-drinking without alcohol, and a deep dive into non-alcoholic wines with experts from Geisen, Prima Pavé, Noughty, and more. Along the way, Deb tackles common worries with practical answers: what to drink at weddings, how to replace the 5 p.m. ritual, and why presence beats champagne every time. You’ll hear about building habits that last, finding the right NA wine or spirit for your palate, and using community to turn a private goal into a sustainable lifestyle.

This is a candid, warm conversation about choosing yourself, one glass at a time. If you’re sober-curious, doing Dry January, or years into an alcohol-free life, you’ll leave with simple swaps, fresh inspiration, and a reminder that the fun’s not over—and there are still good things to drink. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Cheers to your clearest year yet.

Send me a message about the show!

Click HERE for a free ticket to the Mocktail Summit. After you register, you will have the option to upgrade.

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!

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 for a free ticket to the Mocktail Summit. After you register, you will have the option to upgrade.

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!

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 for a free ticket to the Mocktail Summit. After you register, you will have the option to upgrade.

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!