Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast
There's plenty of content out there about alcohol. Everybody loves cocktails and mixology, right? But what about those of us who have stopped drinking -- whatever the reason? Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast aims to explore the world beyond booze. From lightly fermented drinks around the world to health claims and beverage apparatuses, Sarah investigates a variety of beverage-related topics, along with discussing her own personal relationship with addiction and recovery. Plus, every episode includes a taste & review of everyone's favorite little sprit-free elixir: The Shrub. Bespoke new flavor each week!
Episodes
Go back in time with Sarah and The Shrub as they get into some strange flavored pops, novelty drinks, and retired sodas. This lighthearted episode is full of gratitude for living sober, the sober journey, and all the fun we can have when we go for it.
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In this episode, Sarah and The Shrub explore some fun history and facts surrounding everyone's favorite juicy, fruity, flavored-tea beverage with a pop: Snapple! Also, Drinking Dreams, and a scrumptious dessert (or breakfast!) themed shrub based on a classic.
This is not an official sponsorship of Snapple. No endorsements were made for the production of this episode.
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Sarah and The Shrub get into natural & artificial flavorings, flavorists, flavor houses, a little bit of science, a little bit of cultural fun facts - it's a classic Shrubbish episode! Also, the challenges of dealing with moderating addictions when abstinence is not possible.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Croix_Sparkling_Water
https://nutrisci.wisc.edu/2021/07/26/natural-and-artificial-flavors/
Sarah and The Shrub discuss the 100% zero proof, 100% refreshing beverage: Hop Water. From the plant-parts behind it all (hops) to it's "f around and find out" origins in the home brewing community, and it's place in the wellness sector today, hop into spring with this one! Also, Sarah reflects on her connection between suburban stress / isolation and drinking.
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Sarah and The Shrub investigate Dry Ice - from a little bit of science, history, and common uses for the super cold sublimating product! Including how to safely use dry ice in your favorite mocktail. Also, another nod to community. And the nuances & uniqueness of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and how you do not have to have a higher power to get sober.
Sarah and The Shrub visit South America, India, Sri Lanka, Europe....not really (you know no one is really traveling on this show, right?) but the history of Tonic Water takes you all over the map! From the Peruvian tree that started it all, to some wacky historical cures for malaria, this episode investigates everything Tonic Water -- including actual mocktail recommendations! Also, what happened at PodFest, and So...
Sarah and The Shrub (a particularly good one!) expand on honey by putting their paws in pots of fermented honey, honeydew, and propolis -- figuratively, of course. Also, how do sober communities respond to or offer invitations for celebration and community without the classic one liner "can I buy you a drink?"
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s_mk7zGYDA8
Sarah and The Shrub start in on a honey-centric two-parter with a little background on bees, honey production, and health benefits, in anticipation of more honey loving to come! Also, a look at that "fresh restart" that comes with the new year, seasonal depression, and the cycle of going on a bender.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey - Base Article
Sarah and The Shrub(s) go south of the border for this week's ancient fermented beverages, with notes of pineapple, corn, brown sugar, and funk. Also, on that big first step of admitting you have a problem, and asking for help.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepache
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejuino
https://imbibemagazine.com/tepache-traditional-to-mexico-cautiously-finds-its-way-northward/
Sarah and The Shrub get sour and funky with the discovery of yet ANOTHER ancient fermented beverage, and talk flights - in more ways than one.
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https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/13457-cranberry-shrub-syrup
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-banana-water-for-plants-5218164
Sarah and The Shrub journey to the land of straws, and reflect on the joy of simply...being.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_straw#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombilla
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milo_Cress
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/world/europe/metal-straws-death.html
Happy Halloween! This episode has nothing to do with Halloween, but everything to do with plant-based milks. Also, Sarah and The Shrub reflect on how moving towards healthier habits can actually feel a little bitter sweet.
ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know ne...
Sarah and The Shrub discover there is so much more to matcha than meets the eye! Also, what might it be like to re-frame how we approach the challenges of getting sober?
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha#Introduction_of_powdered_tea
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/dining/matcha.html?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_content=ig-nytcooking&utm_medium=instagram&utm_source=dash+hudson
https://www.urasenke.or....
Sarah and The Shrub go further down the path of fermentation with sourdough bread making, and ponder over the practice of self reflection through writing.
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https://en.muehlerama.ch/ausstellungen/detail/das-brot-aus-dem-see-1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/sourdough
ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity...
Sarah and The Shrub are back with more NA drinky fun, journeying to North Caucasia and back to explore Kefir, what it means to slow down, and of course....tasting a fresh (or not so fresh) shrub.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Kefir
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318353
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N...
Take a trip to the 90's with Sarah and The Shrub as they digest a major beverage brand's hilarious flop
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Soda
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Coke
https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/ok-soda-coca-cola-history
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ig: @shrubbish_pod
email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com
While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of...
Sarah and The Shrub go a little off topic with the history of apple cider, but the main event is 100% that lanky woodsy wanderer: Johnny Appleseed.
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https://cider.wsu.edu/history-of-cider/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucQKLWYBgeU
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-origins-apple-cider-180960662/
Journey to Mexico (and Brooklyn!) with Sarah and The Shrub as they talk about the thirst quenching Agua Fresca, indie concerts, favorite firsts, tacos, and more.
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- “Agua Fresca” (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agua_fresca
- Guzmán, Alicia Inez. “The Beauty of Aguas Frescas” New Mexico Magazine, 2 April 2019. https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/matteos-aguas-frescas/
<...
Take a trip to Ancient Greece with Sarah and The Shrub as they chat about a little tincture not too far off from shrubs - The Oxymel!
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- “Oxymel” (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymel
- Slagle, Ali. “Oxymel is the Tart, Herbal Tonic You Can Make at Home.” Bon Appetite, 2 Nov. 2017. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-oxymel-herbal-tonic
- Deluca, Leo, “Ancient Honey-and-Vinega...
Get your fermentation on whith Sarah and The Shrub covering Kombucha! Also a little story (some might say rant...) from a recent weird event, and a spicy face-off between two shrubs.
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- “Kombucha” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha
- Zeratsky, Katherine. Mayo Clinic Consumer Health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/kombucha-tea/faq-20058126
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