Happy AF!

Two Happy AF women. 20 episodes. Over one million views. Countless conversations that have challenged the way we think about alcohol, happiness, and living fully. Maxine and Isabelle reflect on the biggest lessons they've learned on their alcohol-free journeys and from the incredible Happy AF community.
They also tackle a provocative article by a journalist who quit drinking—only to conclude that alcohol is the "social glue" we all need. Is that really true? Or is alcohol simply masking a deeper issue? From luxury cruises to chatting with strangers at bars, they challenge the belief that we need alcohol to connect, have fun, or enjoy meaningful relationships.
If alcohol is the Band-Aid... what's the real wound?

Liquid Joy:
Le Petite Victoire

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One of our favorite traditions is back: a Happy AF Q&A episode. These listener-driven conversations have become some of our most popular episodes—and they're among our favorites to record as well. This time, Maxine and Isabelle tackle questions about life after alcohol, including what they do when they're stressed, angry, or overwhelmed, how long it took for alcohol-free living to feel normal, and whether they ever imagine drinking again. They also dive into one of the questions Maxine is asked most often: looking back now, does she consider herself an alcoholic?
As always, we share our personal experiences, not universal answers, and we're grateful for the thoughtful questions that continue to shape these conversations. Keep them coming—we may feature yours in a future episode.

Liquid Joy:
Wilfred’s Spritz

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As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, Maxine and Isabelle explore one of the biggest drinking weekends of the year and how alcohol impacts the celebration. Inspired by a recent discussion on alcohol and creativity, they unpack the idea that alcohol helps us think more freely, examine the myth of "liquid courage," and reflect on what they've gained since choosing an alcohol-free life. Along the way, they explore whether the things we often credit alcohol for—creativity, joy, spontaneity, and fun—might actually have been inside us all along.

Liquid Joy: Blind Tiger

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Lots of things are shifting in the culture around alcohol — and it’s bigger than just “drinking less.” From Gen Z redefining social life to the rise of wellness culture, daytime socializing, mindful drinking, and even the unexpected impact of Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs, a new relationship with alcohol is emerging in real time. And Maxine and Isabelle are HERE for it!

In this episode, they talk trends, contradictions, and cultural forces reshaping drinking culture today — and how the alcohol industry is rapidly reinventing itself to keep up. They also reflect on their own experiences growing up pre-social media, from Maxine’s hilarious Atkins diet era to the very different pressures younger generations now face online. This isn’t about prohibition or perfection. It’s about something bigger: alcohol is no longer the unquestioned center of connection, celebration, and fun!

Liquid Joy: Saint Viviana Cabernet Sauvignon

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Episode 16 — The Summer Switch

June hits differently. Suddenly it’s graduations, backyard parties, weddings, long weekends, and endless invitations — and for many people, alcohol is still assumed to be part of all of it. In this episode, Maxine and Isabelle talk honestly about what it feels like to move through summer party season alcohol-free: the pressure of the social script, the lingering worry about how other people perceive you, and the strange guilt that can come with leaving early or seeming misunderstood.

They also explore the “rosé all day” culture of summer and what begins to replace it when alcohol is no longer at the center of the season. For Maxine, it’s tennis and early mornings. For Isabelle, it’s time in the garden and being fully present for long summer days.

They also correct a confused listener and take some constructive criticism to heart! Funny, thoughtful, and deeply relatable.

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Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
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In this episode, Maxine and Isabelle are talking weddings. They both had multiple weddings to their husbands but had totally opposite honeymoons! They take a hilarious walk down wedding memory aisle and discuss how alcohol shaped the whole experience in Ireland, Montreal, NYC, The Maldives and The Himalayas! No corner of the world is safe! Not to mention an excommunicated priest, and one of them still can’t pronounce the names of religions. You don’t want to miss this one!

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Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
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In this episode, Maxine and Isabelle respond to your questions—the real ones. The complicated ones. The ones that don’t have neat, tidy answers.

From loving someone whose drinking worries you… to being the only one not drinking in the room. What to say when the pressure’s on, why people suddenly tell you everything about their own drinking, and how to stay steady in those early, shaky days.

They also talk sugar, substitutes, and their colleague’s kid who calls them “the women who don’t know how to drink”, au contraire kiddo!

Real questions. Real (often hilarious) answers.

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Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
www.happyafpodcast.com

After spending a lot of time on the road in recent months, Maxine and Isabelle unpack what travel really looks like without alcohol. From airport culture and in-flight drink carts to liquor stores in cities across the country, talking about it helps move the needle.  They explore why vacation has become so intrinsically linked to drinking (from the moment you arrive at the airport) and what happens when you replace that default. The result: new rituals, more energy, deeper presence, and no hangovers... even in paradise.  They share practical tips for navigating travel alcohol-free, from bringing your own options to advocating for better zero-proof offerings at bars, restaurants, and airlines. The conversation also highlights the growing sober and sober-curious movement—particularly the role women are playing as founders and consumers—and spotlights brands like Raising the Bar, making it easier to bring elevated alcohol-free experiences anywhere.

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Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
www.happyafpodcast.com

From communion wine to Manischewitz, alcohol shows up in some of our most sacred and social rituals, but the
way we each experience it can be wildly different. In this episode, Maxine and Isabelle take a funny, honest look
at alcohol, religion, and tradition, from hosting styles (never wanting the party to end vs. leaving at 9:30 sharp) to
completely opposite feelings about Easter: the pastels, food, and clothing!
They explore the contradictions between what religion teaches and what culture practices, share stories of
navigating unfamiliar traditions (including a very eye-opening first Passover), and reflect on how their relationship
with alcohol has shifted - from cycles of fasting and overindulgence to something far more intentional and
CONSISTENT!
Along the way, they also touch on friendships, what falls away, what deepens, and amazing NEW community!

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Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
www.happyafpodcast.com

In Happy AF’s first on-location episode, Maxine and Isabelle head to the unique and wonderful Dorset Union Store to chat with the store’s wine buyer and explore how the beverage world is evolving, FAST. What does a modern wine buyer see shifting in the industry? Are people drinking less? Differently? What’s selling now? Together, they taste and don’t have to spit! But they may have to because they are VERY honest about what they like and what they dislike! Just like alcoholic beverages, Maxine and Isabelle don’t always agree on what tastes good! From Main Street Vermont to global trends, they explore how shopping for wine and beverages looks very different than it did even five years ago.

The modern drink aisle isn’t just about alcohol anymore; it’s about intention and CHOICE!

Send us a text - We'd love to hear what you thought of our show!

Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and to visit our website at:
www.happyafpodcast.com