Mocktails with Marina

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the untold history of kava bars and their pivotal role in shaping the non-alcoholic social movement in the United States. Long before the current boom in non-alcoholic bars, kava bars were creating unique, community-driven spaces focused on wellness, relaxation, and connection—without the need for alcohol.

I share my personal journey with kava, from discovering it during my own sobriety journey to working my way up in the kava bar industry. We'll explore the origins of kava bars, starting with Nakamal at Home in 2002, and discuss how they laid the groundwork for today's non-alcoholic spaces.

This episode is more than a history lesson—it's a call to action. To move forward, we need to understand the roots of the industry and think bigger about where it's headed. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or simply someone passionate about the non-alcoholic movement, this episode will challenge your perspective and spark intentional thought about the future of this growing industry.

To learn more about creating a successful kava or non-alcoholic business, check out the Bula Boss program at www.marinamars.com/bulaboss. If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email at [email protected].

Listen now to discover how kava bars shaped the non-alcoholic movement and why understanding their legacy is essential for building the future.

Episode cover photo context: my dear friend and fellow kavatender, Maya and I taking a clock-in photo; something our POS system required of us to confirm we weren't clocking in for each other. Our team began to grow fond of these photos and I still have an album of dozens of these photos! Shout out to the #dreamteam, y'all eternally rock and legend of you echoes in every one of our programs <3

In this insightful episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina sits down with Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the evolving landscape of kava culture and its potential as a global alternative to alcohol. Together, they discuss the findings of a groundbreaking nationwide survey revealing that there are over 21 million kava users in the United States, with 28% being new users in the past year. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in educating consumers and creating industry standards to ensure safety and quality.

Matthew shares the Coalition's efforts to address regulatory hurdles, clean up the industry with new product standards, and dispel misconceptions about kava's safety. They discuss the importance of proper labeling, the cultural evolution of kava, and the growing popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) kava products.

The episode also highlights global perspectives, including the progress made in countries like Australia and the ongoing work to reintroduce kava to regions where it's currently restricted. We also talk about the importance of education, science-backed data, and collaboration within the kava and non-alcoholic industries to support its growth and mainstream acceptance.

Whether you're a kava enthusiast, bar owner, or just curious about this ancient beverage, this episode provides a fascinating look at kava's journey and the exciting possibilities ahead. Don't miss this one if you're passionate about shaping the future of mindful social drinking!

Links Mentioned in Episode:

https://www.kavacoalition.org/

https://www.instagram.com/kavacoalition

https://www.marinamars.com/bulaboss

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Michael Hamway, co-owner of Kava Love Lounge, to dive deep into the kava and kratom industry. Michael shares his journey from a career in finance to accidentally discovering kava bars and eventually becoming a passionate advocate and business owner in the space.

We discuss the unique community and culture surrounding kava bars, including the respect and connection fostered in these third-place environments. Michael highlights the challenges and responsibilities of being a kava bar owner in an unregulated industry, from sourcing clean products to educating both customers and staff. He shares his methods for ensuring product quality, navigating customer interactions, and maintaining the integrity of the kava community.

Michael also addresses the parallels between the kava industry and the vape industry, offering valuable insights into the importance of self-regulation to prevent negative government scrutiny. As the industry grows, he emphasizes the need for collaboration among kava bar owners to protect and promote the community-driven values that make these spaces special.

Looking to the future, Michael shares his plans for franchising Kava Love Lounge and launching a foundation to support local communities in times of crisis. He also offers a call to action for those passionate about kava to step into the industry with knowledge, commitment, and respect for the community.

If you're curious about the kava industry, interested in starting your own kava lounge, or simply want to learn more about the culture behind this growing non-alcoholic space, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration.

How to open your own kava bar: https://www.marinamars.com/bulaboss

Kava Luv Lounge: https://www.kavaluv.com/

Tea Time Episode: https://youtu.be/CAahS4avnBM

Meraki Episode: https://youtu.be/RpNVUYlb9yA

In this final episode of Mocktails with Marina for 2024, Marina reflects on a groundbreaking year for the non-alcoholic industry and her community. The episode highlights key milestones, such as the non-alc beverage market reaching $1.3 trillion, the rise of functional beverages, and the success of savory, culinary-inspired cocktails. Marina shares stats from her own work this year, including 50 podcast episodes and 26 inspiring guests!

Listeners will hear about the exciting projects Marina and her team tackled in 2024, from creating nearly 400 pages of industry guides and workbooks to partnering with the Kava Coalition on a multi-million participant survey.

Looking ahead to 2025, Marina unveils new offerings, including AI integrations, leadership training, the Kavatender 101 training program, and the Bev Brand Builder course for entrepreneurs ready to launch their own non-alcoholic beverage brands. She also discusses market growth projections, emerging flavor trends, and strategies to navigate challenges like tariffs and evolving regulations.

Marina ends the episode with a call to action for aspiring and expanding non-alc entrepreneurs, encouraging listeners to email her at [email protected] to find the perfect program for their 2025 goals.

https://www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

Join Marina as she celebrates the wins of 2024 and sets an inspiring tone for the year ahead. Cheers to making 2025 the year of breakthroughs and abundance!

In this episode, host Marina Castillo dives into the mission and vision of The Modern Mocktail. By helping non-alcoholic business owners, The Modern Mocktail aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. These entrepreneurs build inclusive third spaces where people can connect, relax, and celebrate without the pressure of alcohol. Marina shares how supporting these businesses can impact thousands of lives.

She discusses the challenges of toxic management and the importance of strong leadership. By helping new and established business owners optimize operations, The Modern Mocktail fosters thriving, scalable, and enjoyable businesses. Starting with just a $1,700 investment, the company has grown significantly thanks to their clients' hard work and dedication.

Transparency is at the heart of their operations. Marina explains their selective approach to partnerships, turning down collaborations that don't meet their high standards. This podcast is entirely self-funded and reflects their commitment to honesty and integrity.

The episode closes with gratitude for the support of clients and listeners, emphasizing the bigger picture: building a movement for a more inclusive, alcohol-free culture. Marina also teases next week's 2024 Year in Review episode, which will cover lessons learned and what to expect in 2025.

Learn more about us, download free resources, and make an impact today: https://www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

Tune in for an inspiring and transparent look at the work driving The Modern Mocktail forward!

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina explores how fixing your energy can lead to more sales and consistent cash flow. If your business feels stuck or clients seem out of reach, it may be time to reflect on your commitment levels.

Are you fully investing your energy in the courses, strategies, and daily tasks you've signed up for?

Halfway commitment leads to halfway results, and money is drawn to confidence, not fear.

Marina explains why showing up confidently and fully committed creates a magnetic energy that attracts the right clients. She offers five practical tips for shifting your energy, including checking your commitment levels, shifting from scarcity to abundance thinking, continuous learning, taking consistent action, and protecting your energy.

For more information on Marina's programs and services, visit www.marinamars.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @mocktailswithmarina.

If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it and help them fix their energy too. Listen to the full episode and start committing fully to see the magic happen in your business.

Learn more about us and how we can help here: https://www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

In this episode, we dive into the hidden reasons why most CEOs stumble and fail — and it's not due to a lack of intelligence or effort. We explore the emotional blind spots that catch leaders off guard: overconfidence, isolation, and burnout. These pitfalls quietly creep in, undermining even the most successful leaders. Through powerful analogies and real insights, we'll discuss the weight of leadership, the fears that come with it, and how vulnerability at the top can lead to disaster if left unchecked.

But it doesn't have to end that way. We'll also explore how gaining clarity, anticipating challenges, and finding the right support can help you avoid these pitfalls. If you've ever felt like you're one step away from everything falling apart, this episode offers a path to steadiness and confidence. Join us and learn how to make sure you don't become a cautionary tale.

Plus, hear about an upcoming workshop designed to help you uncover and avoid these common CEO blind spots. Because you didn't come this far to trip at the finish line.

**The Masterclass has long expired, but you can still find more FREE resources in our library here: https://tally.so/r/1A1Q4b

Ask me questions here: [email protected]

In this episode, Marina dives into the importance of slowing down and reflecting as the year comes to a close. She shares why December is the perfect time to pause, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges, setting the stage for a stronger start in the new year.

Marina reminds listeners that while January is for jump-starting, December is for wrapping up and honoring the journey. Through personal insights and actionable advice, she encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the rhythm of the season and find meaning in reflection.

For those ready to take their reflections to the next level, Marina invites you to join her CEO Self-Audit: The Year-End CEO Review masterclass on December 30th. This live workshop will guide participants through evaluating their year, unpacking lessons, and mapping out a plan for success in 2025.

**This workshop has long passed, but the idea remains the same. Go here to access The Modern Mocktail's FREE library of resources: https://tally.so/r/1A1Q4b

Take this opportunity to end the year with clarity and intention. Tune in now! 🎧

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we're diving into a topic every entrepreneur faces at some point: overwhelm. Feeling like there's too much to do and not enough time can stop even the most ambitious business owners in their tracks but it doesn't have to.

Marina breaks down the four most common reasons entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and provides actionable mindset shifts to turn those challenges into opportunities. Learn how to:

• Prioritize effectively when it feels like everything is urgent.
• Let go of perfectionism and embrace progress over perfection.
• Focus on high-impact tasks that move your business forward.
• Build your dream team and delegate with confidence.

Plus, Marina shares how her Discovery Phase Launchpad and Bula Boss Executive Support program can help you navigate overwhelm and build a thriving business—whether you're just starting out or scaling to new heights.

Discovery Phase Launchpad: www.marinamars.com/discoveryphaselaunchpad

Bula Boss: www.marinamars.com/bulaboss

If you're ready to transform overwhelm into opportunity, tune in now!

For personalized support or to hire Marina directly, email her at [email protected].

In this episode, Marina dives into the essential yet often overlooked concept of optimization for non-alcoholic businesses. She paints a vivid picture of what happens when businesses operate in constant crisis mode burnout, cash flow struggles, and systems that bottleneck growth.

Marina invites listeners to consider how their businesses would survive without their constant involvement. Would it keep running smoothly, or would it fall apart? Through an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, she explains why optimization isn't just about operations it's about freedom, scalability, and creating a foundation for lasting impact.

This episode focuses on building awareness of the pitfalls that hold businesses back and the limitless possibilities that come with streamlined systems. It's a powerful call to action for any business owner dreaming of growth, stability, and the ability to step back and truly lead.

Key Takeaways: • Why running your business on passion alone is unsustainable. • The risks of staying in survival mode and what it costs your growth. • What optimization really means (hint: it's more than just organization). • How scalable systems can transform your business and give you back your time.

This episode is a must-listen for non-alc business owners who want to build smarter, not harder. Tune in to get inspired and start thinking about what's next for your business.

Full list of free resourfces: https://tally.so/r/1A1Q4b

Connect with Marina: https://tally.so/r/mKoyEg