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

In this episode, Susan and Ruby sit down with the amazing Deb Podlager—aka Mocktail Mom—who went from drinking Chardonnay every weekend, to sipping spicy, spirit-free margaritas and leading a whole new movement.

Deb shares how divorce, breast cancer, parenting through trauma, and pandemic burnout pushed her closer to the bottle... until she hit a moment of truth before turning 50.
But instead of spiraling, she said “What if I just… stopped?”
And what happened next? It sparkled.
We’ll dive into:
💥 Why alcohol slowly creeps in without us noticing
💥 How to rewire your rituals with mocktails that actually taste good
💥 Why sobriety isn’t boring—it’s liberating

What does it take to break up with booze... and fall in love with your life again?
Let’s find out!

00:00 Mocktail Mom's Alcohol-Free Journey
05:15 Life Changes and Emotional Impact
06:49 Coping with Divorce and Illness
11:52 Rediscovering Fun Without Alcohol
15:44 First Nonalcoholic Wine Experience
16:06 Discovering Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Options
20:40 Mocktail Trials and Tribulations
23:37 Low-Sugar Nautical Mocktail Recipe
25:53 Nonalcoholic Mint Julep Recipe
29:33 Beginner Bar Essentials
34:54 Global Mocktail Summit Highlights
38:07 How Deb Feels “Lit” Alcohol-Free

Where to find out more about Mocktail Mom:
MocktailMom.com @mocktail.mom https://www.facebook.com/MocktailMom
Buy the book: The Happiest Hour

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

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What happens when you take alcohol out of dating, relationships, and major life transitions? Does connection get harder—or better?

In this episode of Feel Lit Alcohol Free, Ruby and Susan sit down with Jeanette Levitt, a certified coach who helps midlife women navigate drinking, divorce, and dating—without losing themselves in the process.

Jeanette gets real about the unexpected challenges (and surprising joys!) of dating without alcohol, how sobriety brings next-level clarity in relationships, and why choosing yourself is the most powerful move you can make.

If you've ever wondered “Will I ever feel confident on a date without a drink?” or “How do I build real, deep connections alcohol-free?”—this episode is for you.

Get ready for game-changing insights, real talk, and practical tips that might just redefine the way you approach love, healing, and self-discovery. Let’s dive in!

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

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Welcome back to Feel Lit Alcohol Free! In this episode we’re tackling a topic that’s raw, real, and rarely talked about—loneliness.

Did you ever pour a drink just to fill the silence? You are not alone. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons we hear that people have fallen into drinking habits that no longer serve them.

Susan and Ruby dive into why major life shifts like divorce, empty nesting, or losing a loved one often leave us searching for connection in all the wrong places.
But here’s the game-changer: Loneliness doesn’t have to be the end of connection—it can be the beginning of something incredible.

Does being alcohol-free sometimes make you feel like an outsider? What if loneliness isn’t the problem—but the key to something bigger?

We’re sharing practical strategies to turn isolation into empowerment, build real friendships, and create a life that’s not just alcohol-free—but vibrant, fulfilling, and truly connected.

Ready to shift your perspective and step into deeper, more meaningful relationships? Let’s dive in!

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle. https://feellitpodcast.com/Bingo

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

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In this new episode, Hosts Susan Larkin and Ruby Williams are thrilled to have the remarkable Peggi Cooney—author, speaker, and sobriety advocate. Peggi's transformation from wine lover to alcohol-free warrior is nothing short of inspiring.
Dive deep with us as Peggi reveals the life-changing ultimatum from her daughter that set her on the path to sobriety, and then to write her inspirational memoir, This Side of Alcohol. With her extensive background in child welfare and adult protective services, Peggi offers invaluable insights on managing stress in helping professions and highlights the crucial role of connection in recovery.

Curious about how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape alcohol use? Want to know more about Peggi's book and the exciting Zero Proof Experience events? Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Peggi's journey, her impact on the sober community, and the transformative power of living alcohol-free.

Attend the next Sober in the City Event in Scottsdale AZ! Peggi will be there and give you a big hug. Host, Susan Larkin will also be attending! It's an amazing experience!
Purchase Peggi's book, This Side of Alcohol

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle. https://feellitpodcast.com/Bingo

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast! In this episode, your hosts, Susan and Ruby, dive deep into the complex relationship between alcohol and happiness. Ruby opens up with a question many of us have pondered: "Does alcohol really make us happy?" Sharing personal experiences and client stories, Ruby and Susan discuss the deceptive illusion of happiness that alcohol provides. They explore how societal beliefs and personal experiences have conditioned us to associate alcohol with fun and happiness. However, as they unveil, the science behind alcohol tells a different story. From the chemical effects of alcohol on our brain to the way it can overshadow genuine emotions like joy, gratitude, and serenity, this episode encourages listeners to challenge ingrained beliefs and consider redefining what happiness truly means.

Whether you're already on an alcohol-free journey or simply curious about alternative paths to joy, this conversation is packed with insights to help you feel healthier, freer, and more in control of your life. So get ready to explore the pursuit of true happiness, alcohol-free.

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

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In this compelling episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, Ruby and Susan are joined by the inspiring Rose Clark, a courageous mother, wife, and law enforcement officer who shares her riveting journey of overcoming grief and addiction. Having experienced profound loss with the tragic passing of her daughter Catherine, Rose speaks candidly about the struggles of navigating life after such a devastating event and how alcohol initially became her crutch.

Rose’s path to sobriety was ignited through self-reflection and a plea for guidance from her daughter. Her transformative journey led her to start a local grief group called Collateral Beauty and become an advocate for overdose awareness. Tune in as Rose discusses the importance of self-compassion, the pivotal role her daughter continues to play in her life, and her commitment to sharing hope and healing with others experiencing similar challenges.

Discover the immense strength she found in sobriety and how she channels her energy into supporting others, creating community, and nurturing a life filled with gratitude and purpose.

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

Send us a text

Welcome to Feel Lit Alcohol Free, your go-to podcast for navigating the empowering journey of living alcohol-free. We’re Coaches Ruby Williams and Coach Susan Larkin; today we’re tackling a potent emotion that many encounter on this path—anger.

A listener's question sparks a rich discussion: How can we process and understand the raw feelings that inevitably resurface in the absence of alcohol? Ruby and Susan explore how anger can mask deeper feelings like fear, embarrassment, or shame. Together, we'll peel back the layers of this fiery emotion, revealing its hidden connections to our past and its role in our present.

We'll share personal stories, uncover the significance of setting boundaries, and offer practical, transformative strategies to channel anger constructively. How can we allow, process, and release anger in ways that empower us rather than holding us back?

Whether you're on an alcohol-free journey or curious about emotional wellbeing, tune in to discover how embracing our emotions can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life. Ready to dive in and feel truly lit? Let’s get started!

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle. https://feellitpodcast.com/Bingo

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast, Ruby and Susan are thrilled to welcome Todd Kinney, a distinguished attorney and acclaimed author from Omaha, Nebraska.

Todd opens up about the internal conflicts and societal pressures he faced before giving up alcohol. He reflects on the positive impacts sobriety has had on his life, especially in his role as a father. With his memoir, "I Didn't Believe It Either: One Dad's Discovery That Everything is Better Without Alcohol," Todd offers invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of living an alcohol-free life.

Join us as Todd discusses how sobriety has enhanced his personal and professional life, debunking myths and inspiring listeners to consider a life free from alcohol.

Connect with Todd: tkinney111@gmail.com

His book: I Didn't Believe It Either: One Dad's Discovery That Everything is Better Without Alcohol

Want to Feel Lit? Grab our FREE, fun Bingo Card with 21 Feel Lit activities shared on the podcast. Feeling Lit is about about self-care, and daily practices that support our alcohol-free lifestyle.

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Join our Feel Lit AF Facebook Community for amazing support and connection!

Websites:
Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/
Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusan
Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching

It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.