Mindful Drinking

The Art of Mindful Drinking: Creating Inclusive Hospitality Spaces

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000

On this heartfelt episode of the “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown takes listeners on a journey through the essence of mindful social spaces and the often-overlooked power of true hospitality. Derek begins with a charming story from his days as a bartender in Washington, D.C., recounting his inventive solution for a non-alcoholic cocktail request—a delicious orgeat lemonade inspired by 19th-century bartender Jerry Thomas. This story sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the role of bars, home gatherings, and hospitality venues as crucial pillars of our social infrastructure.

Derek explores the impact of inclusive drink options, reflecting on the hospitality he witnessed from his Italian grandmother and how those lessons inspired his approach behind the bar. He highlights the growing importance and availability of non-alcoholic beverages, encouraging listeners to consider ready-to-drink mocktails, sparkling teas, and alcohol-free beers as part of building a welcoming environment for all.

The episode delves into hospitality not just as an industry, but as a deeply ethical practice—one that can break barriers, foster connection, and even improve health span by supporting social well-being. As Derek shares, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome—regardless of what’s in their glass—not only builds stronger communities, but may also help bridge divides in today’s polarized world.

In this final episode, Derek bids a warm farewell to listeners, sharing gratitude and encouraging everyone to continue building mindful, inclusive spaces wherever they gather.

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The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

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The Intersection of Mindful Drinking & Social Wellness

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

On this “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Radha Agrawal, co-founder of Daybreaker and founder of Belong Center, to deep dive into social wellness and mindful drinking. Daybreaker, known for its early-morning, alcohol-free dance parties, has revolutionized how people connect and celebrate together.

The two discuss how building strong social connections can enhance overall well-being and the role mindful drinking plays in this. This special encore episode will also delve into Radha's experiences with Daybreaker and her new venture, Belong Center, which aims to combat loneliness through innovative community-building activities.

Enjoy this inspiring conversation on creating community, the importance of mindful drinking, and how both can transform your life.

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How Wellness Is Transforming Bar Culture with Amie Ward

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

What if wellness wasn’t a bonus in hospitality—but the foundation?

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Amie Ward, also known as The Healthtender—a certified health coach, mobility specialist, and Executive Director of Safe Bars. Amie has spent her career advocating for bartenders’ physical and mental health, gender-based violence prevention, and creating safer spaces through movement, mindfulness, and education.

They dig into what it means to prioritize well-being in a demanding industry, how bystander intervention can shift bar culture, and why No/Low cocktails are part of a broader vision of inclusivity. It’s a conversation about strength—personal, professional, and cultural—and how the future of bars might look radically better than the past.

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Unpacking the Link: Mental Health & Alcohol Use

Mon, 19 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this special monologue episode, host Derek Brown shares a personal and unflinching account of how alcohol became his coping mechanism—and how that strategy nearly unraveled his life. As a bartender, author, and former owner of one of the top cocktail bars in the country, Derek’s career was built around drinks. But behind the scenes, alcohol had become more than a profession—it was a way to manage bipolar disorder, anxiety, and the pressure to hold everything together.

Through the lens of his own experience, Derek explores the connection between mental health and alcohol use, especially when the two exist side by side—a condition known as dual diagnosis. He discusses entering an inpatient program to treat both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, and the hard-won lessons of recovery that followed.

Along the way, he weaves in research and statistics that shed light on just how common—and dangerous—this intersection can be. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 8 million U.S. adults experience both mental health and substance use disorders each year. For those with bipolar disorder, the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder can be as high as 70%.

This episode isn’t about shame or prohibition—it’s about awareness, compassion, and the power of asking: Why am I drinking? And what do I really need instead?

If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential support is available through SAMHSA’s helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or at findtreatment.gov.

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Can Any Amount of Alcohol Really Hurt You? Featuring Dr. Tim Stockwell

Mon, 05 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

What if everything we thought we knew about “moderate drinking” was wrong?

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown sits down with featured guest, Dr. Tim Stockwell, renowned alcohol researcher, and former director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, to discuss the data that’s reshaping how we understand alcohol and health. From the deeply held belief that a glass of wine a day is good for your heart to new findings suggesting there may be no truly “safe” level of drinking, Stockwell brings clarity to the science, humility to the conversation, and a public health perspective grounded in decades of research.

We explore what recent studies actually say, why the science has been so misunderstood, and how we might better navigate drinking in an age of information overload and industry influence.

Whether you're a mindful drinker, a policy nerd, or just someone curious about the risks and realities behind your nightly pour—this one’s for you.

Episode references: Stockwell, T., Priore, I., & Im, P. K. (2025). The US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine was economical with the truth about alcohol and health. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Advance online publication.

https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.25-00075

https://knowalcohol.ca

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What to Do When Willpower Fails

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

You swore you’d take a break. You meant it. And then… you didn’t.

This episode is for that moment—the one where willpower runs out and shame tries to take over. Host Derek Brown explores what actually happens when we go against our intentions, and more importantly, what comes next. Why willpower isn’t enough. How to break the all-or-nothing mindset. And how to treat yourself with curiosity instead of judgment when things don’t go as planned.

Whether you’re a mindful drinker, sober-curious, or just tired of starting over, this is your reminder that growth isn’t about never slipping—it’s about knowing how to get back up.

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Encore Presentation: Where’s the Line Between Too Much & Addiction?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Mindful Drinking is about drinking with intention, but what happens when it's hard to follow through with your intentions and the way you drink feels out of control?

While mindful drinking may be useful for most of us, others aren't exactly sure where to draw the line and may need expert advice.

In this special encore presentation, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. Nzinga Harrison, author of Un-Addiction: Six Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life, to discuss the complexity of addiction and problem drinking and what signs might help warn us of the risk.

They’ll also deep dive into everything from adverse childhood experiences to inherited risks and help draw the line between a few drinks too many and the drink standing between you and addiction.

An in-depth conversation on addiction may be the difference between life and death.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

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Is Non-Alcoholic Beer a Healthy Drink?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

After a tough workout or long race, many athletes are turning to non-alcoholic beer—but does it work? And how does it compare to energy drinks or chocolate milk for recovery?

Research suggests that NA beer may reduce inflammation, aid hydration, and even support immune function. But recovery isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. The taste of beer alone—without alcohol—triggers dopamine release, influencing cravings, habit formation, and athletic rituals.

On this episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, host Derek Brown breaks down the science of NA beer and performance, exploring the latest research on hydration, recovery, and brain chemistry. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, lifter, or someone who loves a post-workout ritual, this episode will help you decide: Is NA beer a real recovery tool—or just a refreshing placebo?

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DeAnna Nara: Should Alcohol Have Nutritional Labels?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Alcohol is one of the only widely consumed beverages in the U.S. that doesn’t require full nutritional labeling. But should it? On this episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. DeAnna Nara, Campaign Manager for the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s food labeling initiatives. A licensed dietitian-nutritionist and expert in food systems for health, Dr. Nara breaks down the push for greater transparency in alcohol labeling—including calories, ingredients, and added sugars.

We’ll also explore the upcoming FDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans, how alcohol fits into national health recommendations, and how it stacks up against sugary drinks, which already face strict labeling requirements. While sodas and energy drinks disclose sugar and calorie counts, alcohol remains largely exempt—should that change?

With her deep expertise in nutrition and public health policy, Dr. Nara unpacks why alcohol labeling matters—not just for mindful drinkers, but for anyone who wants to know what’s in their glass. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the future of alcohol regulation in the U.S.

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Stress Drinking: Does Alcohol Help or Hurt?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0000

With nonstop news of crises—wildfires, war, and uncertainty—it’s easy to reach for a drink to take the edge off. But does alcohol relieve stress, or could it be making things worse?

On this episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, host Derek Brown takes a closer look at the relationship between alcohol and stress. While drinking is often linked to relaxation, research suggests that in times of high stress, we tend to drink more—and that extra drink might not have the effect we’re hoping for. How does alcohol really impact our stress levels, and are there better ways to unwind?

We may not be able to control the world around us, but we can choose how we respond. Join us for a conversation that just might change the way you think about stress drinking.

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Are Non-alcoholic Drinks Getting Any Better?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Non-alcoholic drinks used to be sweet, simple, and insipid. But times have changed and so have the beverages.

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown talks with Marcos Salazar, Co-Founder and CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), about the transformation of NA drinks from bland afterthoughts to complex, high-quality options.

Marcos shares how brands are reimagining alcohol-free beverages with bold flavors, premium ingredients, and inclusive options that cater to today’s mindful drinkers. They also dive into the challenges of standing out in a booming market and how ANBA is working to elevate the industry.

Whether you’re an NA enthusiast, a curious consumer, or someone looking to build a meaningful personal brand, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that might just change the way you think about what’s in your glass.

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The Surgeon General’s Parting Prescription

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown reflects on the impactful final address by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, titled “My Parting Prescription for America”. Derek explores how Dr. Murthy’s call to action intersects with the principles of mindful drinking and what it means for individuals, communities, and the hospitality industry.

Delving into themes like connection, community, and the role of alcohol in shaping our social environments, Derek examines how mindful drinking fits into the larger framework of well-being and public health outlined by the Surgeon General. He discusses the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone—whether they drink or not—can feel welcome, supported, and empowered to make mindful choices.

With practical insights and a hopeful outlook, this monologue presentation offers listeners a chance to consider how small, mindful changes can contribute to a healthier, happier society.

Tune in to explore how the Surgeon General’s wisdom can guide us toward a future that prioritizes well-being, connection, and balance.

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Mindful Drinking & Temporary Abstinence Challenges with Hilary Sheinbaum

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Hilary, a prominent voice in the mindful drinking movement, offers practical tips for successfully navigating a dry month and explores how to change your relationship with alcohol.

Join Derek and Hilary as they delve into the motivations behind going dry, its impact on health and well-being, and the broader cultural shift towards mindful drinking.

Tune into this special encore presentation to discover how taking a break from alcohol can lead to a happier, healthier you, and gain valuable insights from Hilary on living a vibrant life while drinking mindfully.

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community!

How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

If you're trying to drink more mindfully, it's important to know what your limits are. But, aside from recommended guidelines that aren't always context or person-specific, how do you know how much is too much for you?

In this “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown shares what a "standard drink" is and outlines some of the factors that determine both the amount of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage and its absorption rate. Ultimately, navigating how much is too much is not much harder than other nutritional guidelines!

Don’t miss advice from this top bartender and wellness coach on how much is too much and how you can put mindful drinking into action in this special encore presentation.

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Navigating 'Zebra Striping' with Maria Bastasch

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown welcomes featured guest, Maria Bastasch, co-founder of the Mindful Drinking Fest and a NASM-certified wellness coach, to explore the emerging trend of "zebra striping." This practice involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages within the same social occasion, allowing individuals to moderate their alcohol intake without abstaining entirely.

Derek and Maria delve into the motivations behind this approach, including health considerations, social dynamics, and the growing availability of high-quality alcohol-free alternatives. They discuss how "zebra striping" empowers individuals to enjoy social events mindfully, maintaining balance and reducing the risk of overconsumption.

Blending expert perspectives with practical advice, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their drinking habits and consider how integrating "zebra striping" and embracing non-alcoholic options can lead to a more mindful, enjoyable, and inclusive social experience.

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The Four C’s of Drinking Occasions

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown dives into the Four C’s of drinking occasions— Celebration, Conviviality, Consecration, and Connoisseurship —to explore why, when, and how we drink. Drawing from anthropology, history, and personal insights, Derek uncovers how these categories shape our relationship with alcohol and mindful drinking.

Whether it’s a champagne toast at a wedding, a shared pint with friends, a sacred ritual involving wine, or the appreciation of a fine whiskey, drinking is often deeply tied to cultural meaning and social norms. He examines how these contexts influence our choices and invites listeners to reflect on their own reasons for drinking—or not drinking.

This monologue presentation challenges us to rethink our relationship with drinking occasions, blending humor, thoughtfulness, and practical advice on how to approach them more mindfully.

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Holidays Without the Hangover

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Holidays and hangovers don’t have to go hand in hand.

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown explores how to drink mindfully during the holiday season without sacrificing any of the festive fun. Using the RATE acronym—Replace, Avoid, Temper, and Elicit Help—Derek provides practical strategies for navigating the holidays with intention.

He also shares his favorite non-alcoholic and low-alcohol holiday drinks, tips for navigating social pressures, and advice on how to maintain balance amidst all the celebrations.

Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to make your holidays both merry and mindful.

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The End of Wine

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this “Mindful Drinking” podcast, host Derek Brown delves into what "The End of Wine" really means. Is it the decline of an iconic cultural symbol, or a transformation of a millennia-old tradition?

Derek uncorks the complex relationship between mindful drinking, the wine industry, and our evolving tastes. We'll explore the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives, changing social habits, and why more people are reconsidering their relationship with wine.

He’ll also reflect on his own journey with wine and invites listeners to consider how cultural shifts, health trends, and new drinking habits are challenging wine's long-standing place in our lives.

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Mindful Dating & "Dutch Courage" with Tawny Lara

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Tawny Lara, writer, author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without Booze and co-host of the “Recovery Rocks” podcast. They dive into the intersection of alcohol, dating, and the concept of "Dutch courage" – that extra boost many of us seek from alcohol before putting ourselves out there.

Tawny opens up about her own experiences navigating the world of dating without alcohol, and how letting go of "liquid courage" has reshaped her connections and led to more authentic relationships. She and Derek explore the nuances of dating while drinking mindfully, from finding confidence in vulnerable situations to understanding what we really seek when we reach for a drink.

This episode is a deep, candid conversation on rethinking social rituals, finding genuine confidence, and how the growing mindful drinking movement can make space for more meaningful connections.

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Mindful Drinking & Navigating the Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown explores the current U.S. dietary guidelines for alcohol and how they align with the principles of mindful drinking. He breaks down how these guidelines serve those who choose to drink, helping individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.

Derek also delves into the potential changes to these guidelines in 2025, which could further reduce the recommended limits for those who drink.

As these discussions continue, Derek examines how mindful drinking fits into this evolving landscape, offering insights on navigating the shifting guidelines and finding a balanced approach to alcohol consumption.

Whether you’re interested in understanding the current guidelines or curious about the concerns surrounding potential changes, this episode provides a thoughtful perspective on maintaining a mindful relationship with alcohol.

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Mindful Drinking & Spirituality

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host, and award-winning bartender, Derek Brown, is joined by featured guest, Rev. Erin Jean Warde, Episcopal priest and author of Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol. They explore how spiritual perspectives can influence mindful drinking and how examining one’s drinking habits can contribute to broader personal growth.

Rev. Warde shares her experiences with alcohol and how her spiritual journey has shaped her approach to drinking. She discusses the role of reflection and intention in promoting healthier habits and deeper self-awareness, offering insights on how spiritual development can extend beyond alcohol. They also touch on the rising interest in spiritual practices beyond traditional religious structures.

Regardless of your religious background, join Derek and Rev. Warde as they discuss how spiritual perspectives can enhance mental and physical health, especially when combined with mindful practices like intentional drinking.

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Can Positive Psychology Help You Drink Mindfully?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this “Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host, and award-winning bartender, Derek Brown, delves into the fascinating intersection between bartending and positive psychology. Drawing on his recent studies, Derek explores how the principles of positive psychology—like the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) of wellbeing, savoring, and flow—can enhance both personal well-being and the mindful drinking experience.

He reflects on how these concepts have deepened his understanding of happiness and fulfillment, particularly in the context of making and sharing cocktails, as well as personal insights on how the act of creating and serving drinks can be a form of service that contributes to our overall flourishing.

Whether you're a bartender, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone interested in the science of well-being, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how positive psychology can make both your life and your drinks more fulfilling.

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Eliciting Help for Mindful Drinking with Ian Andersen

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown sits down with featured guest, Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, an alcohol moderation platform. Ian shares his personal journey and the story behind Sunnyside's mission to "Change the way the world drinks alcohol," helping people build healthier relationships with alcohol through mindful drinking, moderation, or abstinence.

Ian opens up about the personal experiences that drive his commitment to mindful drinking, including the loss of his mother and three grandparents to alcohol-related issues. He discusses how Sunnyside has empowered over 300,000 people to reduce their alcohol consumption, with a proven formula that combines digital tools, community support, and real human coaching.

This discussion explores the benefits of eliciting help on the journey to mindful drinking, the power of community, and how small changes can lead to a more fulfilling life. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Ian on how to take control of your drinking habits and make lasting, positive changes.

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Mindful Mixology

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Join host Derek Brown, cocktail expert and author of Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No & Low Alcohol Cocktails, as he guides the curious on a journey through the art of crafting complex, sophisticated low- and no-proof drinks. In this “Mindful Drinking” episode, Derek shares how he used his mixology expertise to create a new arsenal of delicious and satisfying libations.

Creating no- and low-proof cocktails isn’t as simple as removing the alcohol. These drinks must still be balanced and delicious, demanding the same meticulous choreography of taste, texture, body, and piquancy as their alcoholic counterparts. Derek offers recipes, historical insights, and techniques to help you enjoy mindful mixology at home.

Learn about the ingredients and equipment needed to create these adult beverages and discover how replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks or alternating between the two can help change your relationship with alcohol. Tune in to explore the evolving landscape of mindful drinking and elevate your cocktail game.

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Mindful Drinking & Temporary Abstinence Challenges with Hilary Sheinbaum

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this “The Mindful Drinking Podcast,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist, founder of GoingDry.co, and author of "The Dry Challenge." Hilary shares her experiences as a mindful drinking advocate and discusses the benefits and challenges of temporary abstinence months like Dry January, Dry July, and Sober October. She also introduces her upcoming workbook, "Going Dry: A Workbook: A Practical Guide to Drinking Less and Living More," set to publish on September 3, 2024.

Hilary, a prominent voice in the mindful drinking movement, offers practical tips for successfully navigating a dry month and explores how to change your relationship with alcohol. Join Derek and Hilary as they delve into the motivations behind going dry, its impact on health and well-being, and the broader cultural shift towards mindful drinking.

Tune in to discover how taking a break from alcohol can lead to a happier, healthier you, and gain valuable insights from Hilary on living a vibrant life while drinking mindfully.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

Social Wellness & Mindful Drinking with Radha Agrawal

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of “Mindful Drinking”, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Radha Agrawal, co-founder of Daybreaker and founder of Belong Center, to discuss the intersection of social wellness and mindful drinking. Daybreaker, known for its early-morning, alcohol-free dance parties, has revolutionized how people connect and celebrate together.

They will explore how building strong social connections can enhance overall well-being and the role mindful drinking plays in this. They’ll delve into Radha's experiences with Daybreaker and her new venture, Belong Center, which aims to combat loneliness through innovative community-building activities.

Enjoy this inspiring conversation on creating community, the importance of mindful drinking, and how both can transform your life.

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Mindful Drinking & Future-proofing Your Body with Rosamund Dean

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

There are many terms to describe our relationship with alcohol and many more terms about cutting back, from gray-area drinking to sober-curious.

Derek Brown prefers the term mindful drinking, which originates with his featured guest, health coach and British journalist, Rosamund Dean, author of “Mindful Drinking: How to Break Up with Alcohol.” More recently, Dean wrote “Reconstruction: The New Breast Cancer Guide That Will Boost Your Wellbeing and Protect Your Physical and Mental Health Post-Diagnosis.”

Join this episode of “Mindful Drinking” as they discuss the origins of the mindful drinking movement, the importance of a joyful connection to wellness, and how the principles she used in surviving breast cancer and as a health coach have helped her future-proof her body.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion on how mindful drinking can transform your approach to alcohol, enhance your overall wellness, and empower you to take control of your health.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

What to Drink When You’re Not Drinking Alcohol

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Are you cutting back on alcohol or considering going alcohol-free? Wondering if it's enough to simply skip the booze or if you should explore some tasty alternatives?

In this episode of "Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown delves into the exciting world of no- and low-alcohol drinks, alongside traditional non-alcoholic beverages. Discover how to seamlessly incorporate these options into your social rituals and daily routines. With a plethora of healthy and satisfying alternatives available, you won't miss out on the joy of drinking something delicious.

Join our top bartender and wellness coach as he uncovers the latest science on how replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce your alcohol consumption. Whether you're looking for mindful drinking tips, curious about social wellness, or simply in search of delectable new drinks, this episode has it all.

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Alcohol & Sleep

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Sleep is a vital part of our health and wellbeing that helps us regulate our mood, metabolism, and recovery from strenuous exercise. A bad night's sleep can lead to a day of overeating, brain fog, and a hard time concentrating on our tasks. Not to mention that there are long-term adverse health consequences of poor sleep. Unfortunately, alcohol doesn't help.

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, distinguished professor of psychology and neuroscientist, Dr. Jaime Tartar, co-founder and CEO of The Society for Sports Neuroscience, to discuss how alcohol can lead to poor sleep outcomes and some of the ways you can fix your sleep.

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Mindful Drinking & ACT with Dr. Steven Hayes

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:00:00 -0000

There is a line between mindful drinking and recovery from alcohol use, but it is also true that some of the psychological modalities that aid one can aid the other. What can we draw from therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that are successful in supporting recovery and its focus on psychological flexibility, including defusing thoughts, values work, and acceptance.

In this episode “Mindful Drinking & ACT,” host Derek Brown is joined by the founder of ACT, Dr. Steven Hayes, author of 48 books and over 700 scientific articles and one of the top cited psychologists, to discuss how psychological flexibility can help support drinking mindfully.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

Should Alcohol be Illegal?

Mon, 06 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

If we discovered alcohol today––devoid of its cultural and social history––would we treat it the same way we do now or list it as a Schedule 1 drug alongside marijuana, heroin, LSD, and psilocybin (mushrooms)?

On this “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown explores the concept of prohibition through a historical lens and the present day. As long as alcohol has existed within society, there have been prohibitions against its use from ancient China to the Aztecs.

There are even still countries where alcohol is outright prohibited, such as Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, and still many others that impose legal restrictions based on everything from religion to age. The question isn't whether alcohol should be prohibited, it's from whom, when, and how should we prohibit its use.

Don’t miss this riveting monologue presentation on a topic that is as old as alcohol itself.

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Where’s the Line Between Too Much & Addiction?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Mindful Drinking is about drinking with intention, but what happens when it's hard to follow through with your intentions and the way you drink feels out of control? While mindful drinking may be useful for most of us, others aren't exactly sure where to draw the line and may need expert advice.

In this episode host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. Nzinga Harrison, author of Un-Addiction: Six Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life, to discuss the complexity of addiction and problem drinking and what signs might help warn us of the risk. They’ll also deep dive into everything from adverse childhood experiences, to inherited risks, and help draw the line between a few drinks too many and the drink standing between you and addiction.

An in-depth conversation on addiction may be the difference between life and death.

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Alcohol & Evolution with Dr. Edward Slingerland

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Alcohol has been an integral part of human society for thousands of years and has not only been part of our social, religious, economic, and political endeavors but is ingrained within our evolution. As such, it holds a special place within human culture and remains the most used psychoactive substance in the world.

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, Dr. Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization, to explore the complexities of alcohol, culture, and human evolution.

Drawing from Dr. Slingerland's experience in religion, evolution, and tracing the history of alcohol, they explore what makes alcohol so important to the human experience, as well as some of the difficulties that come along with alcohol, especially when it's distilled into a more concentrated form.

Don’t miss this conversation on alcohol's place in the human experience.

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Ultra-processed Drinks

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Recently, we have heard a lot about the health effects of ultra-processed foods.

Do the same effects apply to Ultra-Processed Drinks?

Are we just trading alcohol for sugar, carbonation, and preservatives when we drink non-alcoholic adult beverages?

In this episode, host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, wellness expert, and host of the Better Than Fine Podcast, Darlene Marshall, to explore what makes a drink ultra-processed and whether that may have similar or worse health implications than alcohol.

We will also deep dive into Darlene's study of positive psychology and how we can apply her studies to reducing or eliminating unhealthy drinks.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown shares what a "standard drink" is and outlines some of the factors that determine both the amount of alcohol in an alcoholic beverage and its absorption rate. Ultimately, navigating how much is too much is not much harder than other nutritional guidelines!

Don’t miss advice from this top bartender and wellness coach on how much is too much and how you can put mindful drinking into action.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

Alcohol’s Relationship with Society

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Alcohol has been at the inception of some of humanity's greatest endeavors, from religious ceremonies to agriculture. And it still serves an important role in communities throughout the globe. Yet the growing scientific consensus is that no amount of alcohol is healthy. As we drink more mindfully, it's important to recognize the value of alcohol to society even if we don't personally drink alcohol or are reducing our alcohol consumption.

In this episode of “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown is joined by featured guest, writer and entrepreneur, Cecilia Rios Murrieta, to discuss the role of alcohol in society and her journey from Mezcal writer and owner to mindful drinker and founder of a new non-alcoholic ready to drink (RTD) cocktail, Jas.

Don’t miss the chance to explore some of the ways alcohol has been important to humanity despite its well-known health effects and how mindful drinkers can reconcile these otherwise seemingly contradictory stances.

How to Drink More Mindfully

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

There has been a lot of talk about why you should drink more mindfully, especially on the heels of Dry January, but there remains an important question: how do you drink more mindfully?

In this episode “Mindful Drinking,” host Derek Brown shares his experience moving from a heavy drinker to a mindful one, and how he created the acronym RATE, which outlines the strategies you can use to reduce or eliminate drinking alcohol.

Don’t miss advice from this top bartender and wellness coach on how you can change your relationship with alcohol, as well as adopt new ways of drinking that meet your goals, health or otherwise.

What is Mindful Drinking?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the “Mindful Drinking” podcast!

Host Derek Brown, NASM Certified Wellness Coach, empowers listeners with strategies for making choices and changes related to alcohol consumption. Recognized as one of the most inspirational people in this space, he normalizes a no- and low-alcohol worldview by showing listeners how to celebrate and approach life with intent.

On this premiere episode, Derek, a former bartender turned wellness coach, shares the story of how he became a mindful drinker, including some of the truly powerful moments that shaped his relationship to alcohol. He defines what mindful drinking is and how you don’t necessarily have to quit drinking alcohol to do it.

Introducing Mindful Drinking

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:30:05 -0000

“Mindful Drinking” host Derek Brown, NASM Certified Wellness Coach, empowers listeners with strategies for making choices and changes related to alcohol consumption. Recognized by Imbibe Magazine as one of the most inspirational people in the space, Derek normalizes a no- and low-alcohol worldview by showing listeners how to celebrate and approach life with intent.