Mocktails with Marina

In this insightful episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina sits down with Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, to explore the evolving landscape of kava culture and its potential as a global alternative to alcohol. Together, they discuss the findings of a groundbreaking nationwide survey revealing that there are over 21 million kava users in the United States, with 28% being new users in the past year. The conve...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Michael Hamway, co-owner of Kava Love Lounge, to dive deep into the kava and kratom industry. Michael shares his journey from a career in finance to accidentally discovering kava bars and eventually becoming a passionate advocate and business owner in the space.

We discuss the unique community and culture surrounding kava bars, including the respect and connection fostered ...

In this final episode of Mocktails with Marina for 2024, Marina reflects on a groundbreaking year for the non-alcoholic industry and her community. The episode highlights key milestones, such as the non-alc beverage market reaching $1.3 trillion, the rise of functional beverages, and the success of savory, culinary-inspired cocktails. Marina shares stats from her own work this year, including 50 podcast episodes and 26 inspiring gu...

In 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 ch...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, Marina explores how fixing your energy can lead to more sales and consistent cash flow. If your business feels stuck or clients seem out of reach, it may be time to reflect on your commitment levels.

Are you fully investing your energy in the courses, strategies, and daily tasks you’ve signed up for?

Halfway commitment leads to h...

In this episode, we dive into the hidden reasons why most CEOs stumble and fail — and it’s not due to a lack of intelligence or effort. We explore the emotional blind spots that catch leaders off guard: overconfidence, isolation, and burnout. These pitfalls quietly creep in, undermining even the most successful leaders. Through powerful analogies and real insights, we’ll discuss the weight of leadership, the fears that come with it...

In this episode, Marina dives into the importance of slowing down and reflecting as the year comes to a close. She shares why December is the perfect time to pause, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges, setting the stage for a stronger start in the new year.

Marina reminds listeners that while January is for jump-starting, December is for wrapping up and honoring the journey. Through personal insights and actionable advice, sh...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we’re diving into a topic every entrepreneur faces at some point: overwhelm. Feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time can stop even the most ambitious business owners in their tracks—but it doesn’t have to.

Marina breaks down the four most common reasons entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and provides actionable mindset shifts to turn those challenges into opportunities. Learn ho...

In this episode, Marina dives into the essential yet often overlooked concept of optimization for non-alcoholic businesses. She paints a vivid picture of what happens when businesses operate in constant crisis mode—burnout, cash flow struggles, and systems that bottleneck growth.

Marina invites listeners to consider how their businesses would survive without their consta...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we’re diving into the 8 critical phases of building a successful non-alc business. From discovery to mastery, I’ll walk you through each stage and break down the challenges, opportunities, key areas of focus, and common pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Whether you’re working on your first non-alc venture or scaling your 15th revenue stream, this episode is packed with insights to help you n...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into a nuanced discussion on kratom and its role in the kava bar culture. I address why kratom is often misunderstood in smoke shops, where a lack of education and serving recommendations can lead to misuse.

I also examine how some irresponsible kava bars misrepresent kratom by failing to educate customers. Drawing from my personal experiences, I explore the balance between advocati...

In this episode, we're joined by Megan Klein, the CEO and founder of Little Saints, to explore her unconventional journey in the non-alcoholic CPG industry. Megan shares the story of how Little Saints came to be, highlighting the unique process behind their delicious and functional formulations.

We dive into the beliefs that guide Megan as she navigates the challenges of running a fast-growing company—like the non-negotiables that ...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the exciting and transformative Discovery Phase of building your business. Whether you're just starting out in the non-alc industry or reimagining your current venture, this phase is all about exploration, connection, and taking that all-important first step. We discuss the power of community, authentic list building, and creating a solid foundation for your vision, while shari...

From Burnout to Purpose: Building a Soulful, Sustainable Business

In this episode, Marina reflects on her journey from running fast-paced, high-energy businesses to building a meaningful, purpose-driven venture in the non-alcoholic space. She shares how her first two businesses, though successful on paper, left her feeling empty and burnt out. After finding sobriety, faith, and her husband, she discovered a new mission: helping oth...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Kayla Lewis, founder of NAPS Chicago (Non-Alc Party Scene), to dive into the world of non-alcoholic social events and the growing demand for more engaging, alcohol-free spaces. Kayla shares her journey, from recognizing the need for better social options for non-drinkers to organizing creative themed events like her upcoming Taylor Swift party in collaboration with Generati...