Alcohol-Free Radio

Welcome to another invigorating episode of Alcohol-Free Radio! 🎙️ Join host Chris Becker as he delves into the captivating journey of Anne Morin, a pioneer in the realm of non-alcoholic beverages. Driven by frustration, Anne and her partner Matt embarked on a mission to curate a directory spotlighting top-tier restaurants, bars, and bottle shops that excel in offering exceptional non-alcoholic choices. What initially began as a blog has blossomed into a sanctuary of mocktail recipes, complete with a delightful ebook featuring 52 seasonal concoctions and an online drink shop.

Stay tuned to unravel how Anne and Matt, fueled by their dedication to a vibrant alcohol-free lifestyle, have partnered with Better Rhodes to deliver the ultimate non-alcoholic shopping experience to their community. It's a narrative of innovation, community forging, and the relentless pursuit of the finest alcohol-free sips! 🌿🍹✨

In today’s podcast, Chris Becker sits down with the incredible Laura Silverman on the latest episode of Alcohol-Free Radio! Founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, Laura's been rocking the alcohol-free scene since 2007.

She's not just a trendsetter; she's the Adult Non-Alcoholic Drinks Industry Advisor to The Spearhead Group, bringing her A-game to the world of beverage innovation. Laura recently jet-setted to London as a judge at the first-ever World Alcohol Free Awards, sipping and savoring over 200 drinks in just two days!

When she's not dominating the taste-testing circuit, catch Laura belting out tunes on the karaoke stage. No wonder she's a go-to expert for Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, America’s Test Kitchen, and the BBC.

Don't miss out on this buzzworthy episode—join us on Alcohol-Free Radio for a peek into Laura's alcohol-free adventure!

Join Chris Becker and Marcos Salazar on Alcohol-Free Radio for an electrifying exploration of designer spirits and captivating Gen Z trends. Discover how this dynamic generation is reshaping the beverage landscape with their relentless pursuit of unique and alcohol-free options.

From craft mocktails to cutting-edge non-alcoholic spirits, Marcos and Chris celebrate the vibrant community driving the revolution in alcohol-free indulgence. Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable developments captivating the industry.

Don't miss this gripping conversation dedicated to unleashing the magic of designer spirits and decoding the pulse of Gen Z trends. Tune in to Alcohol-Free Radio: Exploring Designer Spirits and Generational Trends with Marcos Salazar (Ep. 26). Raise a toast to a future of limitless indulgence!

In today’s podcast, Daniel Stiller virtually sat down with Jessica Selander, the founder of Jøyus. Jessica saw a gap in the market and after seven years of pushing her brand, she created a non-alcoholic wine to help her and others stay sober. Learn how Jøyus puts a positive spin on not consuming alcohol. Throughout the community of alcohol-free consumers, Jessica explains why this award-winning brand is a fan favorite.

Listen and learn how Jøyus is giving people more options to celebrate drinking wine without the hangover.

We invite you to listen to this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Finding the joy in not drinking alcohol with Jessica Selander (Ep. 25)

In today’s podcast, Chris Becker virtually sat down with Derek Brown, founder of Positive Damage Inc. He is an author, wellness coach, and no- and low-alcohol cocktail expert. Learn how his company merges mindful drinking, wellness, and no- and low-alcohol drinks to create programs, classes, and events for companies and consumers alike.

Listen and learn how Derek's company, Positive Damage Inc., has changed the space within the alcohol-free community.

We invite you to listen to this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Positive Damage Inc., An Inside Scope with Derek Brown (Ep. 24)

In today’s podcast, Chris Becker sits down at the Better Rhodes headquarters to chat with Nicole Hough. Nicole Hough is the founder of AFTER Magazine, a guide for people from non-drinkers to the sober curious. After years of working on Wall Street and attending FIT in New York, it was the pandemic that sparked her love for cooking and food. During quarantine, Nicole had the chance to experiment with alcohol-free beverages and fell in love with introducing these AF beverages into her meals and lifestyle. Listen and learn how Nicole is changing the narrative of socializing within the alcohol-free space.

We invite you to listen to this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Feeling good and eating well with Nicole Hough. (Ep. 23)

During today's interview, Daniel had the chance to sit down virtually with Rob Fink, the founder of Big Drop Brewing Co., shifting the focus from why you're not drinking to what you are drinking. Learn how Rob set out a personal goal to make a good-tasting, award-winning non-alcoholic beer. Listen and learn how one stout beverage changed the NA beer industry.

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Why Big Drop is more than a beer with Rob Fink (Ep. 22)

In today’s podcast, Chris Becker takes a trip to the West Village in New York to celebrate the second store opening of Sèchey.  A 20-year retail veteran, Emily launched Sèchey using her experience across retail, technology, and e-commerce. A nod to the French word for dry, Sèchey is a destination for celebration with or without alcohol.

With two tasting lounges (Charleston and now New York) and nationwide shipping, guests discover new brands, as well as try them before they buy. Listen and learn how this alcohol-free store has transformed individuals' drinking experiences.

We invite you to listen to this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: See how a happy accident can change lives with Emily Heintz from Sèchey. (Ep. 21)

We are pleased to have a long-time friend, Douglas Watters, on the podcast this week. Since opening his doors in 2020, Spirited Away has blazed a trail for other bottle shops throughout America. Spirited Away is America’s first booze-free bottle shop located on 177 Mott Street and is open daily from 12 - 8 for in-store shopping and deliveries to lower Manhattan. In today’s podcast, Chris visits Spirited Away and talks about another special surprise Douglas has just recently announced. Spoiler, it is his new database called Dry Atlas. Learn more about Spirited Away, Dry Atlas, and Douglas’ journey on today’s episode. **We recommend watching on YouTube so you can see Spirited Away for yourself if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting in person!**

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio:  A look behind the first booze-free bottle shop with Spirited Away (Ep. 20)

Andrew Chartier from Better Rhodes explains a different perspective on customer service. Having Andrew on the team as our Manager of Customer Experience allows customers to ask any questions they may have concerning non-alcoholic products. Andrew and Chris explain how non-alcoholic beverages can be best enjoyed. Learn why our products are more than "grape juice" or "punch". Elevate your palate and your understanding of Better Rhodes. Learn how great customer service can improve your shopping experience both online and in person.

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Peeking behind the curtains of Better Rhodes with Andrew Chartier  (Ep. 19)

Fuelled by Latin positivity, Ellie Webb set out to infuse the sun-drenched flavors of Colombia with her non-alcoholic spirits. As Daniel and Ellie chat virtually, they discuss how Caleño came to be. Ellie explains how to enjoy a Caleño beverage after a long day, as well as the reason behind the concept of offering a premium non-alcoholic spirit in an emerging category. Listen and learn how music, environment and fruit can change your perspective on how you choose to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages.

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Meet the Makers: How to receive a natural buzz with Ellie Webb.

Laura Willoughby MBE is co-founder of Club Soda, the Mindful Drinking Movement. After ten years of not drinking, Laura has decided to help people drink more mindfully and live well. Laura and Chris have been chatting and crossing paths and finally got to meet in person. Listen as Laura talks about the social movement and research that underpins her work and Club Soda, which includes pop-up tastings and experiences in London and elsewhere in the UK. A true innovator and trailblazer in the work to bring Lo and No beverages to the masses.

 Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Meeting a Trailblazer: Laura Willoughby and the Story of Club Soda

Chris Becker virtually sat down with the Founder & CEO of The Industry Collective, Taylor Foxman. Taylor Foxman has an impressive career working with some of the alcohol industry’s most storied brands. She is a strategic advisor for two notable venture capital firms focused on investments across beverages, technology, and hospitality. Chris and Taylor connect to talk about being alcohol-free. Trend? Fad? You decide. Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Perspectives on Alcohol-Free from an Alcohol Industry Veteran with Taylor Foxman.

Who is Jonny Stevens? Chris Becker sat down with Jonny Stevens, the intellectual mastermind behind the development of Better Without. He discussed his interest in the alcohol-free space to quitting his job to become the CEO of his own app company. Jonny dived into his purpose and reasoning behind Better Without. Learn how he started and got huge brands in the alcohol-free space to believe in him and his app. Join Better Rhodes on this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Developing the first alcohol-free app with Jonny Stevens.

The All Together Podcast is a new segment we're introducing to Alcohol-Free Radio! We want to periodically speak directly with you to reflect, debrief and update on the fast-moving industry around us. As we work together to better ourselves and educate others, let's build a more solid and robust community. 

We invite you to join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: All Together – Coming Together as a Community! In today’s episode, Chris Becker dives into the acquisition of Better Without App and the newest member of the Better Rhodes team as well as our wholesale and service offerings.

During today's interview, Daniel had the chance to sit down with Morgan McLachlan, Co-Founder of De Soi and Amass. Learn how De Soi, a women-founded brand focused on empowering others, is changing the narrative around non-alcoholic beverages. In a world like this, Morgan says, people aren't concerned about the absence of alcohol, but rather that there is a community within the alcohol-free space that matters. Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: What is an occasion without alcohol, with Morgan from De Soi.

New London Light (NLL) is a stand out brand in the spirit alternative market. Daniel had the chance to sit down with Angus Lugsdin a while back. A main topic of interest is how we all can shift the focus from why aren’t you drinking to what are you drinking? From the bubbles to the ice and aroma, learn why NLL values the experiences of their beverages. Angus believes everyone should make their drinking experience their own and that nobody should have to miss out when choosing a non-alcoholic drink. 

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Experiencing New London Light with Angus Lugsdin

Who is behind Bax Botanics?

Today Daniel had the chance to sit down with Chris and Rose Bax, the couple who founded their company during Covid 19 and took on the botanic industry head first. Their love for nature and food brought together plant enthusiast Rose and culinary chef Chris to not just fall in love but also create what we know today as Bax Botanics. Chris and Rose Bax have spent decades learning about and experimenting with botanical flavors. We invite you to listen to today's podcast and envision yourself sitting in the meadows during a nice summery day in the UK.

Join us for this episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: Creating The Perfect Flavor Wheel with Bax Botanicals.

Brad Whiting is the art and science behind the Wilderton brand. Brad teamed up with distiller Seth O’Malley for a new vision of distilling. Brad has always been inspired by spirits and has found a new and innovative way to create and enjoy an experience through alcohol-free drinks. Join Dan Stiller who meets with Brad to find out how he has shown that you are not defined by spirits but informed by them on this Meet the Makers episode of Alcohol-Free Radio: The Art & Science of Wilderton

Who is Jillian Fontana? Chris Becker had the chance to sit down with the fabulous sommelier, Jillian Fontana. From discussing if alcohol free is legit and does it have a place in the industry to multiple rounds of wine tastings. Jillian went around the world with her tasting of Thomson & Scott Noughty Chardonnay, Pino’s Spritzz Virgin, Giesen Sauvignon Blanc, Aldea Rose and Sapiens Red Wine. Join Better Rhodes on this episode of Alcohol Free Radio: It’s not just grape juice with Jillian Fontana

Today, we sat down with Jack Britton, Addiction Counsellor and professional. We discussed the growing space of alcohol-free beverages and choices from the perspective of the sobriety community. We dive deep into this debate: “does more choice contribute to harm reduction, or can it be a gateway to alcohol, or both? Join us for this episode of Alcohol Free Radio: Alcohol Free - Harm Reduction or Gateway Drug with Jack Britt *Trigger Warning: This episode may touch on topics that are sensitive to some listeners.

In today’s podcast we will be highlighting all things Better Rhodes! From the backstory on both Dan and Chris and how they used their past job experiences and passion for work into what we know today as Better Rhodes. They found a niche in the market that was yet to be touched and curated what is known to date as the largest non-alcoholic beverage marketplace in the US.

Kara Pachniuk, MS, CNS is a Nutritionist and Founder of Nourish and Nosh, where she provides consulting, counseling, content and more to help people live healthier lives through food. Kara is also Chris' Nutritionist and alcohol has been a part of their discussions and we thought it would be great to get on a podcast to talk about alcohol and nutrition - ideas, trends and some common topics and questions that come up that others may share.

Amanda Thompson is CEO and Founder of Thompson & Scott. Amanda was voted one of  Business Insider’s Coolest People in Food & Drink 2019. She is a great advocate for the alcohol-free community and innovator behind the Noughty line of sparkling wines - which are high quality alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal and low sugar. Our own Dan Stiller had a chance to meet with Amanda for our 'Meet the Makers' series.

Fay, the founder and CEO of bonbuz was a wild child turned sober-curious. Straight from the concrete jungle of London, Fay had three constant drivers; self-optimization, growth, and impact. Starting her career at Ogilvy + Mather, she became fascinated with consumer psychology and building brands.

With a yearning to build a company of impact, she moved to California to build the dream. Her stint at a brain technology company ignited her desire for biohacking and then she went on to co-found a responsible and sustainable spirits company which is where she, paradoxically, became sober-curious.

Still in love with all things beverage, she intertwined her three affections with her desire to create a health-forward beverage for social settings and a company that is playful, diverse, and unapologetic - bonbuz is born.

Julia Bainbridge is a James Beard Award–nominated writer whose stories have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and Food & Wine, among others. Her book about non-alcoholic drinks, Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason, is out now, and has been named one of the best cookbooks of 2020 by the Los Angeles Times and Wired and Esquire magazines. She likes good drinks.