no proof

I'm fortunate to know someone like Derek Brown. His writing, books, and expertise have been influential in what shaped me as a bartender. I've learned recipes, techniques, and storytelling from someone like Derek, and now as I continue life without alcohol, he has found a new way to influence me. His own journey has afforded him the pause it took to look at the way his life was being lived and the decision to change it. It's incredible to see Derek take his new direction and do what he does best, understand the best he can for himself, and amplify his knowledge in the direction that helps others. Thank you for your time, path, journey, and willingness to share, Derek. I owe you so much.

Derek is the founder of Positive Damage, Inc., a NASM-certified wellness coach, advocate for mindful drinking, and expert on no- and low-alcohol cocktails. He is also known as a cocktail pioneer, former owner of the prestigious Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. (2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar” at the Spirited Awards), and one of the nation’s top bartenders as Chief Spirits Advisor to the National Archives Foundation, which he jokes made him the highest-ranking bartender in the U.S. government.

In 2017, Playboy magazine named Brown one of "The 10 Entertainers, Thought Leaders and Heroes Who'll Save Us in 2017." More recently, Brown was recognized as a leading beverage figure affecting positive change in the global bar industry by Drinks International in 2020 in their “Bar World 100” list.

Brown changed his approach to drinking in 2018, realizing he had a problem with alcohol. At first, he wasn’t sure how to approach drinking with his new concerns. He subsequently released his first book, Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World in 2019. He then decided it was time to be open about his struggles with alcohol and addressed his new appreciation for mindful drinking in a 2020 Vox article entitled, “Becoming a ‘mindful drinker’ changed my life.”

Shortly after, Brown published Mindful Mixology: a Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails, pursued his certification in wellness through the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), and began to study positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He wanted to understand how happiness and vitality affect our approach to drinking, and how simple interventions can improve our relationship with alcohol.

Brown is now working to help foster a culture of mindful drinking and make room for everyone at the bar with delicious no- and low-alcohol drinks. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his family, skateboards and plays chess.

Link: positivedamageinc.com

Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/mindful-mixology-a-comprehensive-guide-to-no-and-low-alcohol-cocktails-with-60-recipes-derek-brown/17384545?ean=9780847871278

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Before I met Rudy, I had sipped both versions of Parch, a n/a canned cocktail, and quickly became a super fan. The mix gave me pause when I sipped, and unlike many citrus, sugar, and soda combinations I've had in the past, this cocktail built a picture in my mind. I had to know more. Meeting Rudy has been fulfilling in so many beautiful ways. I was thrilled to discover he's also a passionate runner, and that he too uses his trots as a form of meditation. I'm thankful for the time he spent telling his story in this episode, and I've included some great links for charitable donations that are associated with some of the things we touch on in our chat. I can't say enough good things about Rudy or about Parch, so please enjoy this episode, and please see for yourself how delicious the two cocktails are.

Rudy Aldana is the Co-Founder & CEO for Parch non-alcoholic agave-based cocktails and spirits. A 14-year DIAGEO veteran, worked across multiple geographies (Canada, Europe, USA), and most recently was the Diageo North America Director for Agave Based Spirits based in New York City. As a health & wellness advocate and a Cancer survivor, Rudy firmly believes in offering premium and better-for-you alternatives for all adult drinking occasions.

For more info and buy PARCH online, please visit www.drinkparch.com or PARCH at Amazon or get in touch: [email protected]

For information on the Mission Garden and its work on indigenous Tucsonian agriculture. https://www.missiongarden.org

For some Non-Alc retailers supporters of PARCH:

For cancer research support, kindly follow this link to support the FRED’s Team, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Fundraising running team for the annual NYC Marathon Donate here: 100% of proceeds go to fund cancer research at MSKCC

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I was glad to have had this chat with Geo. We met at Camp Runamok where I got to see his personality on full display, a character, someone you like to be around. One day on social media I noticed Geo sharing updates from a hospital. It wasn't my business to pry, so I followed along and watched as a man hospitalized started his epic comeback. Now, his sharing is in the form of gym selfies, and positivity. This was my first time hearing of Geo's epic bounce back and the man he'd get to become. Thanks for your honesty, Geo.

Geo Thompson, a Boston hospitality professional “lifer” having scraped the plates clean of the multitudes who have passed through his time serving and managing chain restaurants, music venues, and elite private clubs of this old city, now reflects on a long career of what ifs and what lays ahead through a new lens of sobriety, and a new lease on life after nearly losing it all.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Jackie and I grew up relatively close to each other, but we didn't meet until we both lived in Columbus. It's almost strange to think now, that two people could live such parallel moments in their individual lives so close to each other without those moments ever meeting. Jackie is in her sixth year of sobriety, and I in my fifth, and this was the first time we chatted about it. It's truly great to chat through the growth that is possible, the revelation of a life that's right in front of your eyes, and how beautiful it is when you finally pay attention. Thanks for your time, Jackie.

Jackie Mantey is a writer and artist who lives in Chicago. One month into sobriety, Jackie began a visual art practice that includes hand embroidery on found and historical photographs. Six years later, she’s still sober and still making embroidery art, which she exhibits around Chicago and sells in her online shop.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I met Steven Gonzalez during a virtual portion of the Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition. He was genuine, suave, had a good story, and a good drink. Many put on faces or fronts when competing, but when I met Steven in person I met the same, soft, personable person from the video. I didn't know at the time that he also didn't drink. I loved this opportunity to sit with Steven and chat about our decision to love an industry fully while removing what some would think is a crucial portion of it. We chat about the opportunity that life provides when you give yourself more space to grow, and more grace to act upon. We cover what it takes to live a life without alcohol and stand upon a global stage as yourself, with no liquid courage, just the things you've built. In this episode, we laugh about being met with clichés and learning to embrace them. Thanks for your passion, and your genuine approach to life, Steven.

Steven Gonzalez is a Colombian-born bartender who moved to NYC in the early 2000s where he found his love for hospitality. After years of being part of the industry, he decided to make positive changes in his life for his health, finances, and family. He has been sober for almost three years and believes it has been the best decision he could have made.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Jill is someone, like many of my guests that I met on the internet. Luckily, I got to meet Jill in real life and bask in her energy while we were both at Tales of the Cocktail. In this episode we chat about what it takes to become sober, and what a support system can look like. Jill and her husband decided to remove alcohol from their lives at the same time, and she talks about what it's like to have a co-pilot while making that transition. I loved this conversation. I'm so lucky to share in the change of others as they talk about the people they've become, what's possible now, and what they uncovered. Thanks for sharing, Jill, glad to know you.

As a seasoned expert in pretty much every part of the beverage industry: years spent at distributors, suppliers, and even as an owner; Jill Sites still had one more area to taste: Non-Alcoholic.

More recently, she has stepped into a National role with Betty Buzz, Blake Lively’s line of “Mix it or Fly Solo” non-alcoholic mixers. While this industry’s lifestyle is known to take its own toll, Jill has found her own path and as of this interview, celebrates more than 300 days of sobriety.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Molly makes delicious n/a drinks in Seattle. With her history in coffee, she finds new and expressive ways of bringing creative drinks to people. It was so nice chatting with her about the importance of finding your own words as you forge your own path. It's fascinating to find similarities in these conversations, but I am equally as interested in the things that make our journeys unique. I enjoy the gentleness that Molly brings to the conversation about sobriety, I liked hearing about the way her partner has been supportive, and the person she's become since making that change over six years ago. I keep discovering the clichés within these talks, but they are clichés for a reason. Whatever we need to hear, however we need to say it until it makes sense to us. Thank you Molly for sharing the light you shine on your own path of sobriety, and for keeping it bright enough for others to see.

Molly Flynn is a community organizer and sober home mixologist. She has a passion for giving folx access to non-alcoholic beverage options and believes these options serve as a valuable (and delicious!) tool for anyone choosing to reduce or omit alcohol from their diet. As a queer woman, Molly is particularly interested in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, which is statistically more vulnerable to addiction and substance abuse.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Dre is passionate about bartending. His work at Clavel in Baltimore brings a deep love and understanding for Mezcal, hospitality, and forward-thinking cocktails. The way he speaks of n/a drinks is one of inclusion and precision. It was exciting to chat about where the industry and the world are at with no proof offerings, how he's changed his mindset since giving up alcohol, and what's next all around. Thanks for your time and your story, Dre.

Dre Levon is a New York-born Baltimore-raised bartender. He’s the Bar Director of Clavel Mezcaleria, where he has worked for the past 7 years since its inception. He and his team have been nominated for a pair of James Beard Nominations and are enthusiasts for the good mezcal, Mexican food, and their cultural/agricultural inroads.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I'm lucky to know Dave Conway. We met when we were both working for a distillery, I, a bartender for the attached restaurant, and Dave one of the distillers. We hit it off with our similar sense of humor and quickly created a weekly Instagram show called 'Distilling with Dave!" that included brief bonehead check-ins that were hilarious albeit not helpful to actual distillers. One day in September Dave seemingly disappeared. When he returned he had stories of strokes, a heart attack, and the road to recovery. In this scare he found sobriety, and now we also share that. Check out my conversation with an old pal who went from not wanting to fall asleep for fear of not waking up, to celebrating each morning and being thankful for the day. I love you, Dave. I'm glad you're here.

Dave is one of the former distillers at Watershed Distillery.  He is currently working on a degree in Psychology with the goal of helping those who have gone through life-changing events.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Sasha was open as she told me about her decision to leave alcohol behind. Getting to hear about her past, and how she came up as a chef was illuminating, but what really struck me was the way she talked about the future. The way she communicates with staff, the way conversations are changing, and the respect every individual gets along the way. I really appreciate her honesty, and for sharing her story as she navigated early stages, and what it felt like to decide to stop drinking in a pandemic.

Chef Sasha Grumman is a Houston based Private Chef and Chef/Owner of her focaccia business, Sasha’s Focaccia. Most recently, she was a contestant on Bravo’s hit TV show, Top Chef Season 18, which filmed in Portland, Oregon. Her style of cooking is California inspired with Italian influences, all while using the best Texas products she can find!

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6