Welcome to a special episode of "Mocktails with Marina," where we blend the themes of sobriety, community, and the unique allure of kava bars into a refreshing conversation. Today, our host Marina delves into the intriguing world of kava bars with the help of Ariana Foshag, who brings a wealth of experience from her journey from traditional bartending to embracing the kava culture.
Ariana opens up about her search for a work environment that supports her sobriety journey, leading her to discover the welcoming arms of the kava bar community. She shares how this alternative social setting provided her with a sense of belonging and friendship, markedly different from her previous experiences in alcohol-centric venues.
Marina and Ariana then explore the vital role of kavatenders, discussing the unique challenges they face, including navigating conversations around sobriety and handling situations involving drug use and intoxication. The importance of setting boundaries to ensure a safe and welcoming environment is emphasized, alongside the measures taken to deal with inappropriate behavior and maintain the community's integrity.
The conversation shifts to the complexities of kava and kratom, highlighting the differences, potential misuse, and the critical importance of educating customers on these products. Ariana reflects on the importance of sourcing high-quality, reputable kava to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, touching on the regulatory landscape that surrounds kava and kratom.
As the episode wraps up, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the kava bar culture through Ariana's insights. The discussion not only shines a light on the challenges and rewards of managing a kava bar but also underscores the sense of community and support it provides for individuals on their sobriety journeys.
*NOTE FROM MARINA: In the episode, I accidentally said "Noble kava vs Tulsi kava instead of Tudei kava - apologies for the misspeak, it's been a very long week at the Castillo household. Downloading the above linked guide will give you the best deep dive info!
Want to download the FREE kava and speciosa brewing guide? Click here:
https://www.marinamars.com/product-page/free-kava-speciosa-brew-guide
Want to learn more about running a kava bar?
Check out www.marinamars.com/bulaboss today!