Mocktails with Marina

In this high-impact, no-fluff episode, I’m breaking down how to shift timelines and step into the reality you actually want - fast. Your current life is a loop of past thoughts and actions, but you don’t have to stay stuck in it. The secret? Identity shifting.

Here’s what we cover in just 2 minutes:
✅ Decide who you are right now. Not someday. Today.
✅ Act outside your current reality. Do something your future self would do.
✅ Over...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, I share how our first year in business was more than just a career shift—it was a healing process. If you have ever felt burned out, stuck in the 9-5 grind, or unsure how to build a business that truly supports you, this episode is filled with real-world lessons, faith-driven perseverance, and insights from the growing non-alcoho...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, I sit down with Weston Porter, Head of Sales at Leilo, a leading brand in the functional beverage and non-alcoholic drink space. Weston shares his journey from being Leilo’s fourth employee to spearheading the sales team, revealing valuable insights into the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic industry since 2021.

https://leilo.com/

We explore how Leilo’s kava-based drinks are redefining rela...

Are you building a non-alcoholic third space like a kava bar, sober lounge, or functional beverage café? To succeed in this fast-growing industry, you need more than great drinks—you need a strong brand, smart marketing, and an effective sales strategy.

In this episode, we cover:
-How to brand your business so it stands out in the competitive functional beverage market
-The best marketing strategies to attract loyal customers witho...

Did you know that most business owners waste 10+ hours per week just trying to manage their operations? That’s over 40 hours a month—an entire week of lost time! But what if you could get a year’s worth of progress in just ONE week?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of our first-ever 1:1 Tech & Operations Bootcamp, where I worked with a client to completely overhaul their business in just five days. And the results? INS...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we tackle one of the biggest struggles for business owners—hiring and keeping great employees.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of hiring, training, losing employees, and starting all over again, this episode is for you.

We’ll discuss why hiring feels so hard, the hidden costs of getting it wrong, and how you can finally build a team that not only sticks around but actually helps your b...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the concept of and "Elegant Excellence" as the foundation for creating an effortless operation in your business. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos of daily tasks, this episode will help you rethink how you work, so your business can run smoothly—even without you.

We explore why true change starts with you and how small, intentional shifts in your mindset and habits can lea...

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we dive into the untold history of kava bars and their pivotal role in shaping the non-alcoholic social movement in the United States. Long before the current boom in non-alcoholic bars, kava bars were creating unique, community-driven spaces focused on wellness, relaxation, and connection—without the need for alcohol.

I share my personal journey with kava, from discovering it during my o...

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...