Ep. 65 Sober & Spicy: Mocktail Mom’s Refreshing Take on Life Without Drinking

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What if the best thing you ever drank didn’t have alcohol in it?

The Joyful Art of Living Alcohol Free: How Mocktail Mom Turned Pain Into Purpose

From Chardonnay to cherry mocktails, Deb Podlager’s journey shows us that life without alcohol isn’t about restriction—it’s about rediscovery.

Introduction: A Different Kind of Buzz

When most people think about going alcohol-free, they picture deprivation, boredom, and missing out. But Deb Podlager, known to thousands as "Mocktail Mom", is flipping that script. Her story isn’t just about ditching wine—it’s about reclaiming joy, creating rituals that heal, and discovering just how fun a sober life can be.

Facing the Storm: How Life Led to Drinking

Deb’s 40s were filled with what she calls “accelerator events.” A difficult divorce, her daughter’s terrifying health scare, a breast cancer diagnosis, and the death of both her parents—all within a few years—sent her reaching for wine more and more. Like many women, she didn’t grow up around alcohol. It crept in slowly, under the guise of relief.

Turning 50: The Wake-Up Call

As her 50th birthday approached, Deb had a realization: "I don’t want my 50s to look like my 40s." She didn’t feel out of control—she just didn’t feel good. What started as a Dry January turned into a complete mindset shift. She didn’t need alcohol to relax, connect, or cope. She needed a reset.

Mocktails, Not Misery

Enter the shaker cup. Ten days into her alcohol-free journey, Deb bought a bottle of nonalcoholic tequila—and everything changed. Creating simple, beautiful drinks became a new ritual. What was once a coping mechanism became a creative outlet. Her Instagram is @mocktail.mom. And now? She’s a bestselling author of "The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Mom's Night In" and a leader in the alcohol-free movement.

The Real Secret: It’s Not About the Drink

Mocktails aren’t just about replacing alcohol—they’re about replacing old habits with intention. It’s not about drinking “like you used to” but better. Whether it’s using a fancy glass, adding a sprig of mint, or making a drink just because you want to—not because you need to—it’s about reclaiming your space.

Final Sip: Your Happiest Hour Starts Now

Whether you're sober-curious, mocktail-curious, or already living alcohol-free, Deb’s story is a reminder: the joy doesn’t stop when the drinking does. In fact, that might just be when the real party starts.
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