the hill we’ll die on: how business owners can change the world (kava & NA edition)
Mocktails with Marina
If you care about the future of kava, you need to hear this. In this powerful episode, I pull back the curtain on our advocacy work with both the Global and Arizona Kava Coalitions; covering everything from health department misunderstandings to national misinformation about kava’s safety. We talk real policy, industry protection, and how owning a kava business is the most effective tool for creating long-term change. You’ll learn: • How kava bar owners are uniting to prevent what happened to hemp from happening to kava • Why being a business owner gives you more power in public...
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the drunk monopoly: why the world is rigged against non-alc (and how to win anyways)
Mocktails with Marina
The non-alcoholic space is booming—but make no mistake, the game is still rigged. In this episode, Marina exposes the power structures keeping non-alc brands stuck on the sidelines and what it really takes to win. We unpack how the alcohol industry controls distribution, funding, and even social norms—while quietly investing in non-alc products to keep control. You’ll learn the psychology behind why drink culture is so hard to break—and how non-alc brands can use that exact psychology to build something magnetic. Whether you're building a bottle shop, launching a beverage, or just...
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the biggest lie about starting a non-alc business, and why it's keeping you stuck
Mocktails with Marina
They told you that launching a non-alc business takes millions in funding, insider connections, and a nonstop hustle mindset. They lied. In this episode, I’m debunking the 3 most toxic myths keeping passionate founders stuck—and showing you exactly what it really takes to build a successful non-alc brand from the ground up. You’ll learn: Why you don’t need venture capital to get started (and what to build instead) How “not being an expert” can be your superpower Why burnout culture is the trap, not the blueprint Real-world stories of scrappy, sustainable non-alc brands that blew...
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sell the vibe, not the drink: the new rules of running a non-alc business
Mocktails with Marina
Nobody cares what’s in the bottle. They care how it makes them feel. In this solo episode, Marina breaks down one of the most common mistakes in the non-alc industry: over-educating instead of emotionally connecting. If you’ve been pushing ingredients, benefits, and back labels instead of identity, aspiration, and community… this episode is your wake-up call. You’ll learn: Why taste and function are not the main reason people buy How to shift your brand from informative to irresistible What it actually takes to build a non-alc brand that people want to rep If you’re in the...
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Interview with Michelle LeBlanc, Mantra Kava & Botanical Bar's Founder
Mocktails with Marina
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michelle LeBlanc, co-founder of Mantra Kava and Botanical Bar in DeLand, Florida, to talk about what it really takes to build a soulful, alcohol-free gathering space from the ground up. Michelle shares how her diverse background became an asset—not a detour—in launching a business rooted in the energy of the root chakra. We dive into the mission behind Mantra, the power of creating a true third space, and the importance of asking for help when you're stuck. From branding to balance, community to clarity, Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder...
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Interview with Kendall Bierman, Founder of Kendall B Therapy
Mocktails with Marina
In this powerful and relatable episode, we’re joined by Kendall Bierman, licensed therapist and founder of , who opens up about her journey from self-medicating in college to building a career helping others break free from the same patterns. Kendall shares how drinking once felt like a normal part of life; especially in environments where alcohol use is glamorized and going sober feels isolating. But through deep inner work and tough (yet transformative) choices, she not only got sober but discovered her calling: helping young adults navigate anxiety, substance use, and the complicated...
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Interview with Maggie Klaassens, Founder of The Sober Hive
Mocktails with Marina
In this episode, Marina sits down with Maggie Klaassens: alcohol-free coach, mom of three, and the founder of The Sober Summit and The Sober Hive. What started as a personal 100-day challenge to ditch alcohol turned into a purpose-filled mission to help gray area drinkers take back their lives and build a future they’re excited to wake up to. Maggie shares how she created a powerful three-day virtual summit that’s now changing lives across the globe, what “gray area drinking” really means, and why sober community and connection are the key to long-term transformation. She also gives us...
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bev brand builder: start your own non-alc product company today
Mocktails with Marina
In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we're diving deep into the booming world of non-alcoholic product creation. If you've ever dreamed of launching your own functional beverage, sober-friendly tincture, or wellness powder, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Marina breaks down exactly why now is the perfect time to enter the non-alcoholic beverage industry, how to position your idea in a rapidly growing functional beverage market, and what most new CPG startups get wrong when launching. You’ll learn: Why consumer demand is skyrocketing for sober-curious, alcohol-free...
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Interview with Blind Tiger's Founder, Rebecca Styn
Mocktails with Marina
In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, host Marina sits down with Rebecca Styn, founder of Blind Tiger, a non-alcoholic cocktail company rooted in inclusivity, hospitality, and premium zero-proof experiences. Discover how Rebecca turned the challenges of the 2020 pandemic into a groundbreaking pivot that transformed her speakeasy-style bar, Room 33, into the birthplace of Blind Tiger—now one of the most celebrated non-alcoholic beverage brands on the market. We dive into: The story behind the name Blind Tiger and its ties to Prohibition-era speakeasies The challenges and wins of...
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Interview with Becky Moreno, Founder of Unity SoBar and Unity Recovery Solutions
Mocktails with Marina
In this powerful episode of Mocktails with Marina, host Marina sits down with Becky Moreno, founder of Unity SoBar and Unity Recovery Solutions, to explore the deeper meaning behind the growing non-alcoholic movement. Becky shares her raw and inspiring recovery journey—from navigating life as an alcoholic to becoming a bold leader in the sober entrepreneur space. Listeners will hear how Becky transformed her lived experience into a mission-driven business, creating alcohol-free environments that prioritize wellness, community, and connection. This episode dives into the heart of why sober...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Marina Castillo dives into the mission and vision of The Modern Mocktail. By helping non-alcoholic business owners, The Modern Mocktail aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. These entrepreneurs build inclusive third spaces where people can connect, relax, and celebrate without the pressure of alcohol. Marina shares how supporting these businesses can impact thousands of lives.
She discusses the challenges of toxic management and the importance of strong leadership. By helping new and established business owners optimize operations, The Modern Mocktail fosters thriving, scalable, and enjoyable businesses. Starting with just a $1,700 investment, the company has grown significantly thanks to their clients’ hard work and dedication.
Transparency is at the heart of their operations. Marina explains their selective approach to partnerships, turning down collaborations that don’t meet their high standards. This podcast is entirely self-funded and reflects their commitment to honesty and integrity.
The episode closes with gratitude for the support of clients and listeners, emphasizing the bigger picture: building a movement for a more inclusive, alcohol-free culture. Marina also teases next week’s 2024 Year in Review episode, which will cover lessons learned and what to expect in 2025.
Best way to start 2025: https://www.marinamars.com/challenge-page/effortlessopslivesprint
Tune in for an inspiring and transparent look at the work driving The Modern Mocktail forward!