Joshua James, the founder of Ocean Beach Café and the voice behind @JoshTheNonAlcoholic, joins The Stay Curious Show to talk about recovery, ritual, and reshaping how we drink. From launching one of the country's first booze-free bottle shops to building community through education and tasting experiences, Josh shares how one article turned a soft opening into a movement—and why the future of drinking is more inclusive than ever. ✨🥂

About Joshua James: Joshua James is the founder of Ocean Beach Café and the voice behind @JoshTheNonAlcoholic, a leading figure in the nonalcoholic beverage space. Drawing on his hospitality roots, Josh built a space that celebrates booze-free wine, spirits, and cocktails in a vibrant, inclusive way. Through tastings, events, and educational content, he's making mindful drinking more accessible, flavorful, and fun.

Follow Joshua & Learn More: Instagram: @joshthenonalcoholic & @ocean.beach.cafe Website: www.oceanbeachcafe.com

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram: @staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram: @curiouselixirs Facebook: Curious Elixirs TikTok: @curiouselixirs

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: curiouselixirs.com

This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

Chef Jae Lee, the visionary behind NYC’s Nowon, joins The Stay Curious Show to talk flavor, identity, and building a more intentional dining culture. From growing up Korean-American to designing a beverage menu with 25% zero-proof pairings, Jae shares how food, sobriety, and community collide in his work... and why hospitality starts from within.  🍜✨

✨ About Chef Jae Lee: Chef Jae Lee is the founder of Nowon in NYC’s East Village and Bushwick, where he’s redefining Korean-American cuisine through bold flavors and storytelling. A Culinary Council member at The Sylvia Center and sober since 2021, Jae is building a more creative, wellness-centered restaurant culture from the inside out.

📍 Follow Chef Jae Lee & Learn More: Instagram:  @yo.jaelee | @nowon.usa Websites: chefjaelee.com | nowonusa.com

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram:  instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram:  instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook:  facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Curious founder JW Wiseman sits down with Ivy Mix -- award-winning mixologist, author, and co-founder of Speed Rack -- to talk about her journey behind the bar and beyond. From launching her bartending career in Guatemala to creating spaces like Whoopsie Daisy and FIASCO! Wine & Spirits, Ivy shares what it means to serve with purpose, build inclusive bar culture, and make room for the sober and sober-curious in hospitality.

✨ About Ivy Mix: Ivy Mix is a trailblazing mixologist, author, and hospitality changemaker. As the co-founder of Speed Rack and owner of Brooklyn’s Whoopsie Daisy and FIASCO! Wine & Spirits, she’s built a career championing creativity, equity, and booze-free inclusion behind the bar. From launching her bartending journey in Guatemala to writing Spirits of Latin America and raising over $1.75 million for breast cancer research, Ivy is redefining what it means to serve—with purpose.

📍 Follow Ivy & Learn More: Instagram:  @ivymix | @speed_rack | @whoopsiedaisybarx | @fiascobrooklyn Websites: ivymix.com | speed-rack.com | whoopsiedaisybk.com | fiascobk.com

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram:  instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram:  instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook:  facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Curious founder JW Wiseman sits down with Mickey Bakst, veteran hospitality leader and co-founder of Ben’s Friends, to talk about building sober community in an industry known for its culture of excess. From nearly five decades in restaurants to helping launch a nationwide movement, Mickey shares how connection can be a lifeline for hospitality workers facing addiction—and why showing up for each other matters more than ever. 

✨ About Mickey Bakst: Mickey Bakst is a longtime hospitality professional and co-founder of Ben’s Friends, a national support network for food and beverage workers navigating sobriety. With over 40 years in the industry and sober since 1982, Mickey has become a leading advocate for mental health and recovery in restaurants. Through Ben’s Friends, he’s helping to destigmatize addiction and create a more compassionate, supportive industry for all.

Follow Mickey & Ben's Friends: Instagram: @mickeybakst @bensfriendshope Facebook: @bensfriendsnational Website: https://www.bensfriendshope.com/ 

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious!

Follow on Instagram:  instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram:  instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook:  facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Curious founder JW Wiseman sits down with Sober in Central Park to talk about what it really means to build sober community. Rachel opens up about her own journey with sobriety, including the moment she was accidentally served alcohol after two years sober, and how that experience reaffirmed her mission to create safer, more inclusive spaces. From recovery to advocacy, this conversation explores the real-life challenges and joys of choosing connection over alcohol. ✨🍸

✨ About Rachel: Rachel Hechtman is a sober coach, event consultant, and founder of Sober in Central Park, a community initiative supporting alcohol-free living. As Head of Events & Partnerships at Soft Bar + Cafe, she creates vibrant, booze-free social experiences. Since getting sober in 2021, Rachel has been on a mission to make sobriety more accessible, inclusive, and celebrated.

📍 Follow Sober in Central Park: instagram.com/soberincentralpark  📍 Follow Soft Bar Cafe: instagram.com/soberincentralpark 

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram:  instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram:  instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook:  facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Curious founder JW Wiseman sits down with Patty Diez, an expert in booze-free cocktails, nostalgic food trends, and experiential dining, to explore how food and beverage culture is evolving. From working in New York City restaurants and wine shops to leading dynamic sponsorships at Eater, Patty shares her insider perspective on where the industry is headed.🍸🎶

✨ About Patty Diez: Patty Diez is an expert in booze-free cocktails, nostalgic food trends, and experiential dining. As Eater’s associate director of network development, she bridges sales and editorial to craft dynamic and timely sponsorships and opportunities. She joined Eater in 2015 after developing a deep knowledge of the industry working in New York City restaurants and wine shops.

📍 Follow along: instagram.com/pattydiez

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram:  instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram:  instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook:  facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Derek Brown, award-winning mixologist, author, and mindful drinking pioneer, comes on to discuss his journey from crafting the best martini in the U.S. to revolutionizing the non-alcoholic cocktail scene. From mixing drinks for royalty to creating booze-free cocktails that rival the classics, Derek shares how hospitality, culture, and mindful drinking intersect... plus, hear how he crafted a martini fit for the Queen! 

✨ About Derek Brown: Derek Brown is an award-winning mixologist, author, and mindful drinking advocate. Once known for crafting GQ’s “Best Martini in the U.S.,” he’s now pioneering the non-alcoholic cocktail movement. As the founder of Positive Damage, Inc., Co-Founder of Mindful Drinking Fest, and author of Mindful Mixology, Derek is redefining how we drink—proving that great cocktails don’t need booze.

Follow all things Derek Brown! Positive Damage: positivedamage.substack.com substack.com/@positivedamage  Instagram: instagram.com/positivedamageinc

Mindful Drinking Fest: https://www.mindfuldrinkingfest.com/   Instagram: http://instagram.com/mindfuldrinkingfest  Podcast: spotify.com/mindfuldrinkingpodcast

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/staycuriousshow See it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/p5L1poQKoyw 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram: instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook: facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: tiktok.com/curiouselixirs

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: curiouselixirs.com

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

In this episode, Curious founder JW Wiseman sits down with Eric Landsman, GM of the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club, to talk about how adding premium non-alcoholic cocktails like Curious Elixirs reshaped hospitality and boosted revenue at one of NYC’s most iconic venues. 🍸🎶

✨ About Eric Landsman: As the General Manager of Blue Note NYC, Eric has played a key role in evolving the club’s beverage program, ensuring every guest, whether they drink alcohol or not, has a top-tier experience. Plus, don’t miss his epic Grateful Dead story! 🎸

Check out Blue Note Jazz Club NYC: Instagram: instagram.com/bluenotenyc Website: www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc

🎧 Tune in every other Wednesday and discover what it means to embrace curiosity in your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and Stay Curious! Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Spotify: spotify.com/staycuriousshow Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-curious-show

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram: instagram.com/curiouselixirs Facebook: facebook.com/curiouselixirs Tiktok: tiktok.com/curiouselixirs

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: curiouselixirs.com

*This episode was recorded in Fall 2024, and any references to events or dates reflect that timeframe.

Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious, shares her journey redefining our relationship with alcohol. Ruby opens up about her personal evolution, the ripple effects of her coining the term 'sober curious', and her philosophy of staying curious in all aspects of life. Discover how questioning the norm can spark cultural change, build deeper connections, and transform lives. 

✨ Follow Stay Curious Show: New episode every other Wednesday at 9 AM ET!  Instagram: www.instagram.com/staycuriousshow  

Follow her journey: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rubywarrington  Wesbite: Website: https://www.rubywarrington.com 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram: www.instagram.com/curiouselixirs  Facebook: www.facebook.com/curiouselixirs  Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: curiouselixirs.com 

Bill Shufelt, co-founder of Athletic Brewing, shares how he transformed his relationship with alcohol and built one of the most successful non-alcoholic beer brands in the world. From early struggles and big pivots to redefining societal norms, Bill discusses the growing sober-curious movement, the power of quality, and why now is the time for a cultural shift in how we drink.

✨ Follow Stay Curious Show: New episode every other Wednesday at 9 AM ET!  Instagram: www.instagram.com/staycuriousshow  

Follow Athletic Brewing: Instagram: www.instagram.com/athleticbrewing  Website: https://athleticbrewing.com/ 

✨ Follow Curious Elixirs: Instagram: www.instagram.com/curiouselixirs  Facebook: www.facebook.com/curiouselixirs  Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/curiouselixirs 

✨ Drink Curious With Us! Visit our website to explore booze-free craft cocktails, exclusive content, and more: https://curiouselixirs.com/