"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 and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

Kim 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 only way a NYC native with French roots can — with conviction, effortlessness and a side of beurre. IG: @only_yummy_always fb: onlyyummyalways linked in: only-yummy-always & Kim Lerner 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 and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

In 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 addiction. The mission of Ben’s Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse and addiction. The organization is named in honor of Ben Murray, a chef who took his own life in 2016 after a long struggle with alcoholism. Now with decades of sobriety under his belt, Mickey believes that there are countless members of the restaurant industry in need of support facing the widespread effects of alcohol and drugs. Through Ben’s Friends, it is his hope to help as many as possible. As Ben’s Friends Executive Director, Mickey has dedicated himself to the organization and focuses on spreading the word about Ben’s Friends to existing and emerging chapters across the country. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to ⁠tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I'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 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to ⁠tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

It 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 chef for many years before delving into the cocktail world, so she applies that culinary mindset when developing beverages at this eclectic restaurant, which draws inspiration from her husband and Chef/Partner Saw Naing’s Burmese-Indian heritage. She and her bar team utilize local, artisan spirits and craft plenty of housemade ingredients (non-alcoholic infusions, vermouths, bitters, tinctures, syrups and more) to align with the restaurant’s philosophy of sourcing as much as possible from within 50 miles. In December 2022, Brittany became sober, and this journey has inspired her to expand even more upon The Dutchess’ thoughtful, non-alcoholic cocktail menu. Additionally, her love for amaro led to her launching a non-alcoholic, artisan amaro in 2020 called Namari. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Michael 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 brands. I hope this episode is as fun for you to listen to as it was to make. Thank you, Moberly, for everything. Michael Moberly, Beverage Innovation Manager at Monin, is a beverage enthusiast, columnist,and educator based in Reno NV. He is also very good at wearing hats. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

It 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 Murray is changing the hospitality industry for the better with the opening of his first concept, Noko, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant in East Nashville. With almost 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Murray and his Noko partners aim to create a more sustainable work environment for their employees, while offering guests a taste of the restaurants Asian-inspired comfort foods.  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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

i 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 substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

In 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 struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

brooke 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 twenties. She's now leveraging her audience to build a company around her mission to empower millions of people to lead healthier lives. To learn more, go to joinedgeapp.com and sign up for the waitlist today.  ig: @joinedgeapp web: https://www.joinedgeapp.com/ Thank you for your time, brooke. looking forward to what you do. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

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 mocktails for her and her husband at home using simple and healthy ingredients. What started as a fun way to share her drink recipes on Instagram and TikTok, quickly turned into a community of like-minded people that also share in her desire to enjoy delicious non-alcoholic beverages. Through her platforms, Tori now shares her easy-to-make mocktails with her hundreds of thousands of followers. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Chatting 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. Originally from Germany, Sam spent several years in Manchester, England, before moving to New York City in 2014. Outside of Third Place Bar, Sam works full-time as a data engineer. She’s also a passionate runner and has found a home in the New York City running community. IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdplacebarnyc/ Web: www.thirdplacebar.nyc 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Kristina 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 took, I looked at the benefits. That was the path I took. Entrepreneur Kristina Roth launched a successful tech consulting firm that skyrocketed from zero to $65 million in revenue between 2008 to 2016, earning her a coveted spot on Forbes’ list of Top 10 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned or Led Companies — twice. Throughout Roth’s illustrious IT career in multiple countries, she felt there were very few women she could turn to for support and guidance, inspiring her to create an innovative women’s lifestyle brand: SuperShe, which now includes a category-defining non-alcoholic beverage brand called MIXOLOSHE. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I'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. Tatiana Mercer  Few people know more about delicious drinks and having fun than Three Spirit co-founder Tati. Before Three Spirit, she co-founded BarChick - the much-loved platform for discovering the world’s best bars - so naturally she’s all about discovering amazing cocktails, places, the people behind them and enjoying all the chance encounters along the way.  Dash Lilley Plant geek, serious foodie, and the maker of our drinks, Dash is the co-founder and head of product at Three Spirit. Alongside his team of bartenders and plant scientists, Dash spends most of his time getting over 60 plants from all over the world, shipped, blended, batched, and bottled so we can keep bringing plant magic to your door.⁠ You can order three spirit from their website, or from boisson.co. I tried all three of their spirits, and the two wine alternatives they have available. Instagram: @threespiritdrinks Website: threespiritdrinks.com

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.org Healthy Pour institute institute.healthypour.org 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

I 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, Noah is an established drinks professional, with wide-ranging experience in bar management, cocktail creation, and wine service. Since joining Club Soda, he’s rapidly becoming a respected voice in the low and no sectors.  Noah’s cocktails have been featured in Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Time Out, and Bloomberg. In 2023, was named Bar Magazine’s Bartender of the Week, selected for panels and workshops at Bon Vivant Festival in Barcelona, Latitude Festival, and Tales Of The Cocktail in New Orleans. He is also on the judging panel for the World Alcohol-Free Awards and Great Taste Awards, and he’s passionate about developing outstanding alcohol-free experiences that are inclusive of everyone. In his spare time, Noah is a captain for Talk Club, a charity supporting men’s mental health and well-being. You can connect with Noah on Instagram. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Jordan 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. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

Andrew 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 has been a pharmacy purchaser for 10 years and an avid sports fan.  Sobriety has brought him back to his passions and allowed him to stop sleepwalking through life. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

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 off of drinking. Absence of Proof is rooted in wellness and community and focused on elevating an n/a nightlife for everyone. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

A 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 ginger beer, and are especially refreshing in sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus. Find us on social media @allthebitter and at allthebitter.com. 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 willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6