Shows
no proofjesse itoIn this conversation, Jesse shares his journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his early experiences working in his family's restaurant and the challenges he faced. He discusses his passion for hospitality, the impact of sobriety on his life and career, and the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-care, accountability, and emotional awareness in both personal and professional contexts, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of sobriety and the new perspectives it has brought to his life. In this conversation, Jesse and Joshua explore the transformative journey of sobriety and its profound impact on personal...
2025-08-2051 minno proofalex smithChef Alex Smith is the Executive Chef of Urban Oak, which sits atop the dual branded Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, bringing over a decade of culinary expertise to one of Raleigh’s newest dining destinations. With a background in fine dining, menu development, and kitchen leadership, he has helmed acclaimed restaurants across the country. As Chef de Cuisine at Parallax Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, CA, he led kitchen operations, from innovative menu design to staff development, ensuring high culinary standards in a high-demand setting. His experience in research and development with Union Square Hospitality expanded hi...
2025-06-1156 minno proofjosh harrisJosh Harris, founder of The Bon Vivants, is a San Francisco native and hospitality veteran, Harris is the owner of Trick Dog and the upcoming Quik Dog. A passionate ultra trail runner, vintage watch dealer, and advocate for non-alcoholic drinking culture, he’s been sober since 2003. Harris also co-founded the BV Run Club and established The Bon Vivants Scholarship, raising nearly $850,000 for nonprofits and supporting underserved youth in San Francisco.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your c...
2025-05-281h 18no proofscott crawfordScott Crawford is the Chef/Owner of award-winning Crawford and Son and Jolie in Raleigh, NC. A five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for “Best Chef: Southeast,” Crawford earned the coveted Forbes Five-Star award at three properties prior to introducing Crawford Hospitality, and has earned accolades such as Esquire “Best New Restaurant,” Newsweek’s “101 Best Places to Eat in the World,” Triangle Business Journal’s “CEO of the Year” and the News & Observer’s “Restaurant of the Year.” His leadership extends beyond the kitchen; he serves on the Honorary Committee of Healing Transitions – a place for recovery in downtown Raleigh, on The Sunday Supper board...
2025-05-1451 minno proofkendall biermanKendall Bierman is a licensed therapist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Her passion for this work stems from her own experience navigating anxiety and substance abuse in college, ultimately finding sobriety with the support of a compassionate therapist. Now, she specializes in helping young adults with anxiety, substance use, body image concerns, and relational challenges. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT, Kendall provides a supportive, non-judgmental space to help clients uncover their strengths and develop personalized strategies for healing. Whether someone is contemplating change or ready to take the first step, she meets them exactly where they are...
2025-04-3045 minno prooflp o'brienLP O’Brien is a highly decorated and award-winning Afro-Boricua mixologist. Her dedication to education, innovation, and cultural integration through cocktail creations led her to establish LP Drinks.LP was famously crowned the winner of Netflix's new television series, Drink Masters, and has been recognized by DISCUS, Global Bar 100 Industry People To Know, and the Dame Hall of Fame. She is a proud shareholder of Siponey Spritz Co.™, the first B Corp-certified spirits-based canned cocktail company.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start...
2025-04-1649 minno proofshell--we recover loudlyShell is a hospitality veteran with 18 years of FOH experience, specializing in operations, training, and business development. She has worked with some of London’s top restaurant groups, including Hawksmoor, Gaucho, and Polpo.After experiencing a life-changing burnout in 2020, Shell shifted her focus to improving mental health and working conditions in hospitality, pushing difficult conversations into the open—particularly around the hidden epidemic of addiction.Her podcast, We Recover Loudly, provides a platform for industry professionals to discuss substance use, recovery, and cultural change, proving that a thriving hospitality career doesn’t have to include alcoho...
2025-04-0252 minno proofliz mendezLiz Mendez is a writer, producer and founder of Aldea Hospitality + Productions. Spending three decades in and around restaurants, has laid the foundation for Liz’s portfolio career - spanning: radio, wine, and tech. As a former wine bar owner and award winning sommelier, with a degree in Communications from DePaul University - Liz has always believed in creativity as our greatest superpower. After including zero proof selections in beverage programs since 2015, Liz made the decision in 2021 to bring those beverages more into her own life with mindful breaks from alcohol - which would lead to a life altering, al...
2025-03-1947 minno proofamber falterAmber Falter is a standup comic, writer, artist, and producer in Columbus, Ohio. Voted Best Comedian by Columbus Alive 2019, Amber is the producer of Beef Ghost Comedy and is the co-host and producer of Columbus Stand Up for Choice. She has been a regular on Don’t Tell, Funny Bone and Super Dope Comedy showcases.
**My bio should be more like “somehow still alive after drinking liquor like a warthog”**
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOP...
2024-12-311h 01no proofjulie fontesJulie Fontes writes about addiction and other consequences of living from a quaint coastal community in southern California. She enjoys being weird and can’t decide whether to write or exercise first in the morning. One thing that she is sure of is that she will be waiting tables in the evening, and that this is a very professional interview. Like a Normal Person is Julie’s first book.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.
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2024-12-1844 minno proofjoel rivasJoel has spent over 20 years helping businesses grow and making a difference in the hospitality world. He was the founder of Heard and Saint City Culinary Foundation, which focused on mental health for service industry workers and is now the managing partner at Hagan Rivas Marketing and Media Group. His work has been highlighted in places like Bon Appétit Magazine, and he’s passionate about supporting those effecting change in their communities.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off you...
2024-12-1146 minno proofchris cardoneChris Cardone, founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions, has over 24 years of experience in bartending, hospitality, and consulting for diverse establishments in New York. He was named Bartender of the Year in 2017 at the Diageo World Class US competition, later becoming a judge and educator for the competition. Chris is the Chief Mixologist for Via Carota Craft Cocktails and a partner and director of mixology for Astraeaus Single Malt Gin.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your c...
2024-11-271h 05no proofmatt vawter & patrick murphy2024 'Best New Chef: Mountain' James Beard Award Winner Chef Matt Vawter and his business partner and director of hospitality, Patrick Murphy, both veterans of Denver's F&B scene, made personal choices to stop drinking alcohol in recent years. Upon recognizing the limited options for non-drinkers dining out, they expanded Rootstalk's booze-free offerings (their restaurant in Breckenridge, CO). They recently launched a NA pairing option for their tasting menu.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.
Fou...
2024-11-1356 minno proofrobert st. johnRobert St. John, a native of Hattiesburg, MS, is a restaurateur, author, philanthropist, and international travel guide dedicated to community and service. He founded Onward Hospitality, managing concepts in Hattiesburg and Jackson, MS. Since discovering his passion for restaurants at 19, St. John has opened over a dozen eateries, including Crescent City Grill and Ed’s Burger Joint. He writes a weekly food column, authored ten books, and leads culinary trips to Europe, focusing on Italy. Committed to ending hunger in Mississippi, he founded Extra Table and secured grants for independent restaurants during Covid. Recognized with awards like Restaurateur of th...
2024-10-3047 minno proofmichelle houstonGrowing up on California's coast, Michelle started drinking at 14, where binge-drinking was common through college. Despite attempts to abstain for health reasons, social and cultural pressures made it challenging, especially with work centered around alcohol. Over time, she realized alcohol heightened her anxiety and drained her energy, becoming a crutch. In Spring 2021, influenced by the impact of alcohol on her family, she quit drinking. What started as an indefinite amount of break led to lasting change and inspired her to create a non-alcoholic spirit company focused on vibrant, empowered living.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where...
2024-10-1651 minno proofjustyn broganJustyn Brogan is the General Manager of Urban Farmer Denver and The Cruise Room (one of the oldest bars in Denver, born the day after Repeal in 1933). He has been sober for over eight years. Justyn spent the first three years of his sobriety as a server and bartender. He then took a step back from management to focus on "cleaning up his life" before returning in 2019. He is active in the sober support group Ben's Friends Hope, an industry support group similar to AA. In fact, he just opened the first in-person meeting in Denver, hosted at Urban Farme...
2024-10-021h 00no proofemily hylandEmily Hyland’s debut poetry collection, Divorced Business Partners, is forthcoming with Howling Bird Press in October 2024. Hyland's poetry has appeared in The Brooklyn Review, Frontier Poetry, and The Hollins Critic, among others. She earned her MFA in poetry and her MA in English education from Brooklyn College. Her cookbook, Emily: The Cookbook, was published by Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, in 2018. Hyland is the eponymous co-founder of the international restaurant groups Pizza Loves Emily + Emmy Squared Pizza. Emily lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she writes and teaches yoga. Emily earned her 200 hour certification at Yo...
2024-09-1840 minno proofmel nicholsMel is a 15+yr industry veteran based out of Arizona. They are a proud Mestiza, Mom of 3, and recovering addict. They believe the Universe is always conspiring for us.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.
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 isol...
2024-09-0450 minno proofsteve palmerBest-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, mental health advocate, and restaurateur Steve Palmer is a food & beverage industry leader with more than 40 years of experience.
As founder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of the award-winning Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), Steve has played an integral role in growing the Charleston, SC-based hospitality company from one restaurant in 2009 to a portfolio of more than 30 restaurants and independent hotels throughout the country today. He maintains the philosophy that great service starts with well-cared-for employees and attributes the company’s success to its loyal and de...
2024-08-0736 minno prooflaura silvermanLaura Silverman is an alcohol-free trailblazer. She’s been sober since 2007 and is the founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, two platforms focused on highlighting non-alcoholic beverages and the culture driving their growth. She serves in advisory roles to for and non-profits in the wider industry, bringing her expertise and lived experience to the table.
Laura has given university lectures on non-alcoholic beverages and inclusivity in hospitality, two areas of deep passion and advocacy. She is a two-time judge at the World Alcohol Free Awards in London, tasting over 200 unique non-alc...
2024-07-2448 minno proofgabriel rucker + cliff seminerioGabriel + Cliff:
Gabriel Rucker, Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Le Pigeon and Canard
Two-time James Beard Award winning Chef Gabriel Rucker is Executive Chef and Co-owner of
Le Pigeon and Canard in Portland, Oregon. Over the years, his highly original, off the cuff
creativity and recipe-free approach to cooking has gained him national acclaim. A native of
Napa, California, when school no longer piqued his interest, Rucker moved to the kitchen. In
2003 he moved to Portland and landed a coveted job at Chef Vitaly Paley’s...
2024-07-1037 minno proofkristen bearKristen Bear is an actor, writer, and sobriety hype girl based in Nashville, TN. After years of bouncing from coast to coast Kristen found herself back in her home state in February 2020, disillusioned, and desperate for change. Now, at over four years sober, one of her biggest passions is sharing her sobriety journey and helping others find their own way to freedom. Find Kristen on IG and Substack @creativesobriety and join her in Costa Rica this fall for a booze-free vacation! https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-kristen-bear-oct-2024
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about w...
2024-06-2633 min
We Recover Loudly – Personal Recovery and Mental Health StoriesS2 Episode 018 - Joshua Gandee - From "Just Don't Drink" to "I Am Josh, And I Don't Drink"In this new episode, we get to know Joshua Gandee, a bartender and creative who has been working in and around the restaurant industry for over a decade. In 2017, Joshua made the decision to quit drinking and has since been promoting a non-alcoholic culture in his city of Ohio and beyond whether with his buddies Focus On Health, with Historic Revellery who specialise in creating one of a kind experiences with drinks brands, or on his podcast 'No Proof' which has been nomitated at Tales of a Cocktail 2024 for an award for best podcast! On the podcast, J...
2024-06-1052 minno proofkarl goranowskiDrawing on 15+ years of experience managing bar programs in San Francisco, Phoenix, Oakland, and San Diego, Karl Goranowski is the Fenton Family Restaurants’ tenured Beverage Director across all five of the brand’s restaurant/bar concepts in Tucson, AZ. On a weekly basis, Karl can be found curating five distinct cocktail lists, a 250+ bottle wine program, and four craft beer programs –– across BATA, barbata, Tough Luck Club, Reilly Craft Pizza + Drink, and Fentonelli’s Pizzeria + Bar –– using local makers and seasonally available ingredients.As a sober bartender, Karl taps into his decades of expertise and skilled team of over 20 bar professi...
2024-06-0542 minno proofricky bellaChef Ricky Bella is a Portland native who's been cooking since the age of 17. Trained on the job and without culinary school, he has worked in some of the best kitchens in Portland for 16 years. He's been sober for 4 1/2 years now and has been pushing for the subject of addiction and mental health to be more openly talked about in his community ever since.
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.
...
2024-05-0153 minno proofsean whitney"Sean is an aging midwesterner with no intention of being an old man. He loves service and cultivating social vibes for everyone."
Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.
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 an...
2024-04-1035 minno proofkim lernerKim Lerner is a consultant, leadership coach for hospitality businesses and professionals at only yummy, always. She is also a professor on faculty at CUNY Kingsborough and The Institute of Culinary Education. On this journey through an ever-changing landscape, she defined the fundamentals of her own leadership style: kindness, trust, community, and building an in-house culture that transcends its four walls. It is this style of leadership that has made her a pioneer in the industry, challenging the status quo and always looking to better the climate of an industry she holds so dear to her heart. Kim operates the on...
2024-03-1541 minno proofmickey bakstIn 1982 Mickey Bakst lost his first restaurant to alcohol and drug addiction, and it was also in that year that he found sobriety, after a long and painful struggle. For the next 40 years, Mickey watched countless peers lose their lives or destroy their careers due to their addictions. And for 40 years he asked himself, “What can I do to make a difference?”
After witnessing the death of yet another industry professional in 2016, Mickey and fellow restaurateur Steve Palmer founded Ben’s Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addict...
2024-01-3141 minno proofshannon michelleI've been so fortunate to have shannon as a friend. Anytime I've been in a room with her I'm in awe of how she makes those around her feel. She's welcoming, funny, honest, and humble. In an industry of personalities, it is rare to find someone so great in all they do, yet so approachable. I'm also fortunate to have been close enough to shannon to see the ways she's grown. In this conversation we chat about some of the positive outcomes of her decision to remove alcohol.
Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer ho...
2024-01-1042 minno proofbrittany haskins-naingIt was great getting the chance to chat with brittany, someone who is not only a consumer of n/a beverages, sober, but also a creator of a new non-alcoholic amaro called 'namari.' We chat through her decision to remove alcohol, how she creates n/a beverages at The Dutchess, and what led to the creation of namari. Thanks for the time and honesty, brittany.
Brittany Naing is the Assistant General Manager, and also oversees the bar/non-alcoholic cocktail program for The Dutchess, an all-day bakery, café and Burmese restaurant in Ojai, California. Brittany worked as a...
2023-11-0843 minno proofmichael moberlyMichael Moberly is fun. Plain and simple. Every time I have been around him has been more rousing and laugh-filled than the last. When he removed alcohol from his life it felt like we only grew closer. My greatest friends at the moment have been those that have been filling their existence with good, and balance, and hope for themselves in the future. This is a departure from previous episodes, only in that Moberly is the first to roast me (I don't own a Corvette) and the first to feature big time shout outs to some of our favorite...
2023-10-2546 minno proofjon murrayIt was nice to chat with jon. His story sounded like the start of others I had heard, but jon is unique which in turn, so is his story. It was staggering to hear his moment when he put his foot in the ground and became an individual who would live without alcohol. I'm inspired by what he's done, how he talks to himself, and the values that find their way into his business. Thanks for the honesty, jon.
Born and raised in the South, but a traveler at heart, Jon...
2023-10-1129 minno proofgrace mesteckyi finally got to meet grace at tales of the cocktail. we chatted at an event surrounded by friends and mentors and shared in the excitement of what's happening and what's to come. this conversation picks up from where we left off in new orleans. grace has been leading the charge with delicious drinks, and a knowledge that surpasses many when it comes to what's in the n/a bottles.
Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with sub...
2023-09-2736 minno proofcharley zimmermanIn this episode Charley and I talk about the struggles of the decision to remove alcohol, but what awaits on the other side. This was a great conversation about the practice of sobriety, and how making the decision isn't the fix, but what follows can be.
Charley was one of the Focus on Health scholarship winners for the 2023 Tales of the Cocktail and currently bartends in Maine.
Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who...
2023-09-1333 minno proofbrooke leblancbrooke sets goals and crushes them. it was exciting to chat with someone so bought in on their own story, who finds every way possible to improve themselves. whether it is training for multiple marathons, or founding a company with their sights set on helping others, brooke goes all in.
Brooke LeBlanc is the Founder & CEO of Edge, a coaching and community program designed to help you stop drinking alcohol. She got sober during the pandemic living in New York, and has been creating content around what its like to be sober in your t...
2023-08-0229 minno prooftori stobinski (@mocktailgirlie)Tori, aka mocktail girlie makes getting started with n/a beverages easy as ever on her social media channels. Offline she's on a path of discovering herself, viewing the positives in life through the lens of a person that is alcohol free. We both live in Columbus, Oh, a city we're proud to see thrive with more and more n/a options becoming available, and great places to start thanks to people like her.
Tori, aka Mocktail Girlie, wanted to find a way to enjoy drinks without adding alcohol. This led to her creating...
2023-07-1933 minno proofsam bailChatting with Sam was another great example of what is gained when we decide to remove alcohol from our lives. A celebration of the flavors, moments, and people you get to be around, and how you blossom as an individual. She references discovering she’s awkward, but wears it as a badge of pride. I’ve discovered so many things about myself since removing alcohol, deep things, hidden things, and yes, silly things. Thank you, Sam.
Sam Bail is the founder of Third Place Bar, a series of non-alcoholic bar events in New York City...
2023-06-1435 minno proofkristina rothKristina brings a portion of the n/a narrative to the table, that many of my guests have brought before: That sobriety can be fun, and we don't lose a part of ourselves when we give up alcohol. This is represented in the way that Kristina talks about her own journey, and also through the branding and voice of her brand MIXOLOSHE. So much of what we encounter arrives when we shift our mindset. The first couple of times I took a monthlong break from alcohol I looked at it as depriving myself of something, for the one that...
2023-05-3143 min
no proof[slurp edition] three spirit founders tatiana and dashI'm a huge fan of three spirit drinks. they fit that perfect mold of unique, and delicious, and aren't trying to be something they're not. I was excited to chat with tati and dash about how these remarkable n/a spirits came to be, and everything they aren't hiding.
Three Spirit is a functional non-alcoholic drinks range created by bartenders, winemakers, and plant scientists. By harnessing the potential of active botanical ingredients, we push boundaries to make alcohol-free mean more and liberate the way we drink, socialize, and connect.
2023-05-1743 minno prooflaura louise green
Laura Louise Green, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist and founder of Healthy Pour, a consultancy that helps creative organizations and professional communities address issues of well-being in the workplace. After working in hospitality and drinks for two decades, Laura utilizes her knowledge and skills as a mental health practitioner to facilitate training, growth, and healing within the hospitality industry and other creative sectors. Laura Louise is currently pursuing a second masters in Organizational Psychology.
Instagram
@healthy.pour
@Laura.louise.green
Website
www.healthypour...
2023-05-1055 minno proofnoah villeneuveI am glad to share an episode with Noah, not just because of all the amazing n/a serves he's been sharing all across the internet, but because his story is added among those who thought they'd have to leave the industry but instead are shaping it for future generations. Thank you Noah for sharing your journey, and for helping to bring so much positivity and flavors to future conversations.
Noah heads Club Soda’s cocktail program for the Tasting Room at 39 Drury Lane in London.
Coming originally from a background in the music industry, No...
2023-04-2643 min
no proofjordan vallsJordan Valls saw promise in himself, and took charge. But that didn't happen in one fell swoop. Listen here to find out what he had to see within himself, and what it took to make a forever change.
Jordan Valls is an Industry Professional and Jiu-jitsu athlete. Former Bar Manager of the renowned Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library in Portland Oregon Jordan is passionate about fine spirits, cocktails & everything in between. Now running the cocktail program of the celebrated Cuban-inspired cocktail bar, Palomar, Jordan balances the extremes of sobriety, mental health, combat sports & the service industry.
2023-04-0541 minno proofandrew hashAndrew is local to Columbus, Oh the city I call home. I met him via Instagram after he took home one of the meditation cards I created for a Dry January event earlier this year. He asked himself the questions, and answered them through a social media post revealing some things to himself out loud. It was great to hear Andrew's story, and to hear the ways he checks in with himself to keep feeling his best.
Andrew Hash was a daily drinker whose whiskey "hobby" became an unhealthy coping mechanism for any inconvenience life presented. Andrew h...
2023-03-2234 minno proofelizabeth gascoigne (absence of proof)Elizabeth is everything exciting with the n/a movement. She read a room, left it, and created a better one. In these rooms, you find excitement, noise, conversation, people enjoying themselves, and great non-alcoholic cocktails. I was thrilled to chat with Elizabeth, who recently took Absence of Proof full-time, and contributes more than just events to the community.
Elizabeth Gascoigne is found and CEO of Absence of Proof- a non-acloholic event curation company and online bottle boutique.
Elizabeth is passionate about creating social experiences for those taking a night, week, or lifetime...
2023-03-0822 minno proofian blessingA chat with someone like Ian will always be refreshing. I was cooled by the way he spoke about his journey through sobriety, and held in a suspension in how exciting life can be when we reward ourselves with more time.
Founded by two former French Laundry sommeliers—who quit drinking after they had kids—All The Bitter is a lineup of non-alcoholic cocktail bitters that lift the spirit. Made by hand from organic, wild-foraged, and functional botanicals in a process that takes nearly two months, our bitters elevate cocktails with and without alcohol, mixers like tonic and...
2023-02-2238 min
no proofwhitney wassonI was looking forward to my conversation with Whitney not just because they were sent my way via our pal Laura Sanders, but because of what they contribute to the world. I'm fascinated by the humor and honesty that lies within their comics, and the way they play with the weight of the subject of sobriety. Please enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Whitney Wasson (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist and performer, originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas who lives in Chicago.
A standup comedian who produced a slew of...
2023-02-0838 min
no proofchad sullivanChad and I share a few things: sobriety, running, a love for Jason Isbell, and our time at Eat Clean Run Dirty Magazine. I was excited to continue a conversation with Chad that we started during an editorial meeting recently. It was incredible to hear what it took to become honest, and begin a sober journey. We chat about the immense and supportive community that comes with ultra running, and how those in sobriety find their way to it.
Chad Sullivan is a father, husband, writer, and ultra-runner living in suburban Chicago. He serves as the Executive...
2023-01-2539 min
no proofgreg mcknightA special thanks to Greg for being the final episode of no proof of 2022!
Such a great way to close out the year with a conversation about being hopeful, becoming your best self, and looking forward to bigger mountains and challenges.
Greg is a Virginia resident who worked in the restaurant industry during college. After graduating from Boston University in 2019, he transitioned into working in the legal world as a paralegal/legal assistant. He is slated to attend law school in the near future.
Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Fr...
2022-12-2133 minno proofsarah tuttleI was fortunate enough to meet Sarah through our mutual pal, and co-founder of focus on health, Alex Jump. Our conversation is an enlightening look at the journey many within the hospitality industry experience with alcohol, and sarah's efforts to change her path. I thank her for her honesty and for sharing her story. If ever in Chattanooga, stop in and say hello.
Sarah Tuttle is an award-winning bartender who has been living sober for almost 6 years. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, where she is the lead bartender at the Rosecomb and runs an...
2022-12-0740 minno proofderek brownI'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...
2022-11-2354 minno proofrudy aldanaBefore 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...
2022-11-0948 minno proofgeo thompsonI 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...
2022-10-2641 minno proofjackie manteyJackie 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...
2022-10-1252 minno proofsteven gonzalezI 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 l...
2022-09-2852 minno proofjill sitesJill 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...
2022-09-1440 minno proofmolly flynnMolly 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...
2022-08-3145 minno proofdre levonDre 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...
2022-08-1754 minno proofdave conwayI'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...
2022-08-0342 minno proofsasha grummanSasha 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...
2022-07-2053 minno proofsarah cabotChatting with Sarah was such a delight. She embodies physical and mental strength learned as she began her sober journey. There's also orchestrated poetry about her. The way she described finding her higher being or the importance of being who she is today is delivered with such honesty. Her story is fascinating to hear, and I really appreciate her taking the time to walk me back to the struggles she faced, and the person she got to become in sobriety.
Sarah is an Oregon Pinot Noir winemaker who has been sober since 2/24/2016. She lives...
2022-07-0649 min
no proofbonbuz with fay behbehaniabout the guest:
A wild gal turned sober-curious, Fay Behbehani is a London native living in Los Angeles, and a beverage entrepreneur in both the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic space. As former head of marketing for a California-based brain tech company, she discovered her passion for natural stimulants, plant medicine and their therapeutic properties for mental and physical optimization. This was catalyzed during her time as the co-founder of Uncle Ed’s Damn Good Vodka where she became sober-curious in 2018 on a meditation retreat in Northern California and realized that drinking culture needed a radical shift. Harnessing he...
2022-05-2520 min
no proofcasamara club with jason lavallaabout the guest:
Jason founded Casamara Club back in 2018, because he was tired of non-alcoholic drinks that tasted like an afterthought. He grew up in New England, spent his 20s in New York City, and now lives in Detroit.
about the brand:
The project started in my kitchen, building up a collection of dozens of homemade botanical extracts; learning to blend and make bitters and amaro; and eventually creating the recipes for our original lineup of leisure sodas to remind me of Italian vacations and leisurely happy hours. Those kitchen recipes are the same re...
2022-05-1118 min
no proofavec with alex domanabout the guest:
Alex developed a specialty in Hospitality, Food & Beverage - advising many of the UK’s leading brands. It was here - while working on a project for one of the UK’s largest bar chains - that he discovered the vast shortcomings in the mixer category and came up with the idea for AVEC.
Growing up in the UK, but of Australian & Canadian heritage - he has always been obsessed with flavor. Always mobile and exploring new foods and cultures - Alex loves to cook and will talk excitedly about food and ingr...
2022-04-2718 min
no proofmadison shanleyMadison sent me a message on instagram following an article I was featured in on TheKitchn in January of 2020. That article was my first time speaking publicly about my journey with sobriety, so it felt strange that my story would resonate with someone. It’s been a privilege to ride along via social media on Madison’s journey as she’s such an inspiring voice and advocate for herself.
I can’t thank you enough for opening up and sharing your story, and I’m excited to see what’s to come for you.
After exiting the...
2022-04-2040 minno proofandrew mcleodMy chat with Andrew reveals what is possible in a kitchen with communication and understanding. Brought up through the old school kitchens, Andrew now leads a staff through positivity and creating a work environment people are excited to arrive to. Andrew recently celebrated 5 years sober, a milestone he's able to celebrate in Asheville, a place he calls home. I really appreciate him taking the time to chat with me about where he was when he decided to make the change, and the person he gets to be each day.
Andrew McLeod is the Executive...
2022-04-1348 minno proofhope woodardChatting with Hope was a splash of effervescence. She brings such positivity to what is possible in a life without alcohol. Like me, she doesn't preach that everyone must become sober to enjoy life to the fullest, but that you should at least be looking at your relationship with alcohol. Hope lives in NYC and it was exciting to hear about the ways that she enjoys her city, and how she gets to show up in it. After becoming alcohol-free, Hope began doing open-mic stand-up comedy, that sentence was enough to give me chills when I heard it in...
2022-03-2334 minno proofjoshua jamesI was excited to chat with Josh because of all the buzz I've seen around him and his cafe in San Francisco. His reviews of n/a drinks on his youtube page brings a fresh voice, and a seasoned palate to some of the exciting items coming down the pipeline. He was a hoot to talk to when we chatted about the enrichment our lives possess in a life free of alcohol, and he was an inspiration in hearing about what is possible in the n/a drink space. This episode has great tips and talking points for those...
2022-03-0948 minno proofashley macI recently learned of Ashley Mac through an interview I read on https://drinkbaijiu.com/ where she spoke with such excitement about the category and the industry that it was inspiring to see someone thriving in the industry while sober. During our conversation I was floored to hear so many parts of my own story being told back to me. Starting life in the industry at 15 in a corporate restaurant, stopping drinking at 29, and the ways we're able to truly live life now that we're sober. I really can't thank her enough for sharing her story here, and I'm...
2022-02-2338 minno prooftacy rowlandI had seen the label for Slow Luck begin showing up in feeds from some bartender friends but didn't know much about this new n/a spirit launched in Austin. I was excited to chat with owner Tacy Rowland to understand more about how this no-proof product borne of Austin with a bartender's flavor profile came to be. It's always exciting to see new products join the already delicious and inventive n/a space, and I can't wait to see what Slow Luck does next.
Tacy Rowland has been a part of the Austin bar community since 2009...
2022-01-1934 minno proofjohn debaryI was thrilled to chat with JdB after the monumental years he had with 2020 and 2021. More than that, I've always found him to have such an inclusive outlook on the industry, and a fascination with that his voice brings to the overall conversation. Interviewing someone with the number of accolades his bio holds is always intimidating, but his warmth, grace, and hospitality made for a great conversation. In this episode, I chat with JdB about his decision to not drink alcohol in 2020, why he chose to create Proteau, and the future on the n/a space.
2022-01-0538 minno proofalban de puryLike all good discoveries, I found Al's NA Beer on Instagram. The logo, the white can, it all beckoned to be drank in a dive bar. Learning more about the founder Alban, a European who worked in music and nightlife I discovered our passion for the dive bar and the feeling of finding quiet and resolve in yourself. Alban's alcohol-free lifestyle began similarly to mine, it was a pause met with an inventory of the self and how living life without it would ultimately be better in every way except for maybe going to bed earlier. I was happy...
2021-12-1540 minno proofsean aikenMy friend Ru sent me a message that said "Hey dude. I don't know this guy personally but he's THE pizza guy on the beach in Queens" about Sean so I was immediately intrigued. I sent a message soon after and immediately connected with Sean's positivity. Join us for this uplifting chat about sobriety within the industry, how being kind to yourself will lead to kindness elsewhere, and find out what Sean's favorite slice and sip combo is.
Born and raised in Rockaway Beach, NY Sean Aiken has recently returned home with his wife and their young...
2021-11-1737 minno proofsumukh torgalkarI spent a couple of years on the Columbus comedy circuit as a stand-up before I discovered my love for performing video and sketch comedy (which find their way into my life in small doses these days.) While in this scene I learned of Sumukh. His mild-mannered delivery drew me in, and he quickly became one of my local favorites. He always carried an air of distinction and charm; he struck me as the level-headed deeper thinking comedian in a room full of cheap beer-pounding knuckleheads. Since leaving comedy I've followed along with Sumukh's journey on social media where...
2021-11-0346 minno proofbecca gardnerI was so excited to learn of Becca and to hear more about what she was doing in the n/a distilling world. She has such a compelling story, and an energy for the future that I found inviting and intriguing. Becca brought an intentionality toward bartender communication efforts to the conversation that was fascinating and respectful toward those pouring and those enjoying. In this conversation we chat about Becca's own journey with sobriety, the changes she'd like to see made in the way we order n/a drinks, and what is in her future through distilling and product...
2021-10-2047 minno proofnick mundyNick entered my life through marriage. He became my cousin through that, but through the changes we were both applying to our lives he became my brother. Nick is a symbol of strength both mentally and physically for myself, for others, and for his family. I'm thrilled that he was able to take the time to tell his story and to unravel some of the tools he uses to set himself up for success. He strives to be a little bit better each day, and his enthusiasm for crushing goals makes me want to be better every time I...
2021-10-0739 minno proofbenji ballmerI learned of Yellowbird Foodshed at the beginning of lockdown when I went from cooking maybe twice a week to cooking 2-3 times a day. Their local features and respect they show toward Ohio farmers was intriguing enough to bring me in, and the quality and focus on food changed the way I eat. When I learned of the owner, Benji, his sobriety story and focus on wellness was something that really resonated with me. His outlook on self-improvement was one of the conversations that reignited my own passions in taking care of myself. I hope you find this...
2021-09-2253 minno proofjennifer linckI learned of Jenn through our mutual friend and previous No Proof guest Heidi B. Since following her on social media, and even participating in her weekly Happier Hour, I learned of one of the strongest people I've ever met. In this episode, we chat about coaching, physical fitness, and how you can't fully achieve your goals unless you stop to listen to yourself.
Jenn Linck, owner of SoberFIT Wellness, LLC, is a certified personal trainer, healthy habit coach, and nutrition strategist who made the life-changing decision to live alcohol-free in January 2020. Jenn believes st...
2021-09-0833 minno proofbrand work as a sober personFor the twentieth episode of No Proof, I am joined by Nick Hogan and Michael Toscano to chat about brand work. A commitment and position within the restaurant industry that has, in my experience, drawn the most jeers. I've heard more often than not that being a face of a brand cannot be done as a sober person. Nick and Michael are shining examples that it is possible, and it can be done well. Nick represents Angel's Envy, and until recently, Michael represented Woodford Reserve. In this episode, you'll hear about how their mindsets change in their roles as...
2021-08-2550 minno proofmegan leigh barnardI have been lucky enough to call Megan Leigh Barnard a friend for over a decade now. She's a talented photographer who has captured many transitions/characters/ and times in my life. When I received the text that she was considering getting sober I couldn't reply fast enough. This is a caring, special, and wonderful conversation between two friends as I learn what it took for her to make the decision to stop being and what she's discovered along the way. Thank you for your time, your passion, and your story Megan Leigh.
Megan...
2021-08-1143 minno proofheidi buscheMy chat with Heidi was a thrilling look into how sobriety is taken into account in a relationship. We chat about what it takes to focus on yourself to become Relationship Ready. "Relationship Ready is a candid and unabashedly human portrayal of my journey from broken to better and in it, I provide an outline for other women to embark on their own journeys. It’s a must-read for any woman out there who wants more." -Heidi
Your path of sobriety will often include others, and talking to people like Heidi I learn the imp...
2021-07-2840 minno proofhailey hoslerChatting with Hailey was a great reminder of what we get to keep when we give up alcohol. We chatted about the worrisome moments of wondering what you're going to lose when you quit drinking, and how we flipped the script to be about what we get to keep. Hailey talks about being a party girl at heart, and her closet full of costume, and how none of that high energy, fun, igniting personality was tied to alcohol. Hailey is fun all on her own and gets to be every day. Thank you for the reminder Hailey, that we...
2021-07-1435 minno proofkate willmanMy chat with Kate(@cascadiacowgirl)was rich and fulfilling. Her career in the industry has spanned many roles pathways and cities. Her lifestyle changed from NYC to Seattle and in this conversation, we talk about those changes that impacted her life, and the decisions she made to get to where she is now. It was so nice to hear of the intention of place, and presence that she places herself in. Over and over I find in these conversations that those that are placed in a hospitality role bring care and kindness to others, and are sometimes late to...
2021-06-3043 minno proofrobert bjorn taylorChatting with Bjorn was as refreshing and effervescent as seeing the drinks he posts on his Instagram. (@kingbjornce) A common theme I come across in these conversations is the pause that those in the industry face when they make the decision to become sober in hospitality. Learning a little bit more about the mindset, and the pathway of thinking about what it means to turn and face the industry instead of cutting and running further amplifies the importance of being a beacon for those having similar feelings. Seeing those in the industry who were sober at the time when...
2021-06-1643 minno proofjim coleyI was excited to chat with Jim because his excitement and knowledge of wine were used to set the discipline in himself for becoming sober. As the owner of Ça Va in Kansas City, Jim is surrounded by wine yet has found a way to continue sharing in his passion without partaking.
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 wi...
2021-06-0245 minno proofphilip speerChef Philip Speer has a background of awards, dishes, and accolades that span his lengthy tenure in the kitchen, but it is what he does in the streets of Austin, TX that really inspires me. The Comedor Run Club named after his restaurant is reinventing the way the industry can look at time spent together, the post-shift, and the pre-shift. Pumping out the miles has brought his team closer together and even attracts the attention of runners both in and out of the industry from around the country. To learn more, check out their website or follow them on...
2021-05-1942 min
Focus on HealthFocus On Health Ep 22: Joshua GandeeIn this episode of Focus On Health, I chat with fellow FOH team member and host of No Proof Podcast Joshua Gandee about his journey into sobriety, how sober living has changed his outlook on working in the F&B industry, and how important it is to see sober individuals in the bar world. Joshua Thomas Gandee is a bartender and creative working in and around the restaurant industry for over a decade. Joshua quit drinking in 2017, and began creating a non-alcoholic culture in his city and beyond through recipes, recommendations, and a penchant for any water that...
2021-05-1736 minno proofandy smithI've known Andy Smith for some time due to us both working in restaurants in Columbus. In the time that I've gotten to know Andy, I've discovered how lucky we are to have him in our city. In this frank, heavy, curse-ridden conversation we chat about working programs, going it alone, and how to access help along the way. Andy founded the Columbus chapter of Ben's Friends and is always available.
https://www.bensfriendshope.com
andy@sobrietyshaken.com
2021-05-0546 minno prooflucie beatrixI came across an article written by Lucie via Tracksmith x METER about her track to sobriety and the importance of running. I was quickly inspired by the strength applied to running, the mental toughness it takes to navigate the past self while running with the present, and the compassion she displayed for herself. In this episode, Lucie and I chat about the difference between running to your future self and running away from the old self. I appreciate Lucie sharing her story with me, and I hope all of you enjoy it as much as I did. I've...
2021-04-2138 minno proofmichael toscano part twoMichael Toscano was my first guest. Since our first recording, I've learned a lot more about putting together a podcast, and the two of us have learned a lot more about our sobriety. Join me as we catch each other up on our growth, as well as our stumbling blocks. Thanks for spending time with me Michael, looking forward to the next time.
Reach out to Michael via Instagram @themichaeltoscano
2021-04-0738 minno proofrachel delrocco terrazasIn this episode, I have a conversation with Rachel DelRocco Terrazas, who has just recently celebrated one year of sobriety. Through her story I was able to relive some of my more difficult moments as we chat about what outgrowing your old self can feel like. I thank Rachel for spending time with me to tell her story and congratulate her just the same.
2021-03-2444 minno proofalex langilleI'm joined in this episode by Alex Langille by way of the U.K. who I met after he had listened to my conversation with Jack McGarry. It was a pleasure chatting with Alex who is currently re-embarking on a journey of obtaining his Master's in Clinical Psychology, reading, and running in the English countryside. This conversation was a first for No Proof as after extensive meditations, and the use of therapy; Alex has been able to integrate alcohol back into his lifestyle with intention. It is my goal to have conversations with individuals from every corner of the...
2021-03-1043 minno proofjack mcgarryIn this episode, I'm joined by Jack McGarry from his bar the Dead Rabbit in New York City. As an avid runner himself, we chat about how running helped to develop discipline and a learning mind. Jack chats about his story of sobriety and recovery as we both look back on the clarity we've gained during our journey. Mentioned in this episode is Atomic Habits by James Clear and I Swear I'll Make It Up To You by Mishka Shubaly.
2021-02-1032 minno prooflaura lashleyFor this episode, I had a conversation with Laura Lashley, the National Education Manager for Seedlip. Seedlip was the first non-alcoholic distillate I found, and I've been enjoying it ever since! We chat about Dry January, how to continue those efforts beyond the month, and the state of the restaurant industry as far as consumption is concerned. For recipes, and up to date happenings with the seedlip brand make sure to follow Laura, and the brand accounts on Instagram.
Laura: @liquid_lash
Seedlip North America: @seedlip_na
Seedlip UK: @seedlipdrinks
2021-01-2735 minno proofbrandon birAs part of a special Mindfulness Matters episode presented by Perrier, I have a chat with my friend Brandon Bir who is the director of sustainability for Crimson Cup here in Columbus, Oh. We talk about sobriety, the importance of coffee to a community, and options for Dry January.
2021-01-1338 minno proofAshley DanfordAfter completing her 300hr Yoga Teacher Training, I chat with Ashley about the importance of the self, focusing on your breath, and how discovering yourself can lead to many more enlightening revelations. This episode focuses on the physicality of sobriety, and what moving your body and listening to yourself can uncover.
2020-12-3039 minno proofmover & shakerIn this episode, I have a fun and lively conversation with Nick and Shannon of Mover & Shaker. Their pins, shirts, and barware can be found wherever there's a bartender making delicious drinks. The two of them have navigated bar management, brand ambassadorship, and the day to day dealings of owning a business all while sober, listen along to hear their story.
2020-12-1645 minno proofjosh harrisIn this episode, I share a phone call with Josh Harris of San Francisco. We discuss his path of sobriety, the leader of the industry he's become since then, and his advice for someone looking to take that first step. Josh is a titan of the industry, and it was my privilege to speak with him.
2020-12-0240 minno proofmichael toscanoIn this episode, I share a phone call with Michael Toscano, a husband, and brand ambassador who is now 14 months sober. We talk about our experiences in the industry, and how the fast paced world behind the bar offers little chances to stop and reflect.
2020-11-1732 minno proofHi, I’m Josh GandeeNo-Proof: A path into mindfulness, sobriety, and health by someone navigating their own journey. There’s No-Proof like the present.
2020-09-1700 min