In this conversation, Willie McBride shares his journey of sobriety and how it has positively impacted his life, particularly in his running and coaching. He discusses the mental clarity and emotional resilience he has gained since stopping drinking, as well as the joy he finds in movement and the outdoors. The dialogue explores the balance between drive and rest, the importance of self-reflection, and the value of gratitude in life. Willie emphasizes the significance of maintaining enthusiasm for life despite challenges and the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Chris Marshall is the visionary founder of Sans Bar. He is a renowned mental health advocate and writer who has dedicated his career to building inclusive, alcohol-free communities. Chris has been alcohol-free since 2007 and began his work as a Substance Use counselor in 2009. His passion for supporting those in recovery led him to create Sans Bar in 2017, a groundbreaking alcohol-free space and community based in Austin, Texas.Chris has gained national recognition for his innovative approach to building sober communities and has been featured in major publications, including Men’s Health, The New York Times, and USA Today. He's an accomplished speaker and has been invited to share his insights at events such as the Aspen Ideas Festival.With a track record of success in mental health advocacy and community-building, Chris is a leading voice in the movement to create more inclusive spaces for those seeking a sober lifestyle.In this conversation, Chris Marshall shares his journey of sobriety, self-discovery, and the creation of Sans Bar, a space for those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle. He reflects on the challenges of losing friends, the emotional growth that comes with sobriety, and the importance of integrating past selves into one's identity. Chris emphasizes the need for community and connection, and how his experiences have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. The discussion highlights the significance of being open about one's struggles and the power of vulnerability in personal growth.
In this conversation, Amanda Chen shares her journey from Canada to Mexico, detailing her experiences in the hospitality industry, her relationship with alcohol, and her venture into creating a non-alcoholic agave spirit. She discusses the challenges and transformations she faced while navigating sobriety and the creative process behind her product, emphasizing the importance of local ingredients and cultural respect in her work. In this conversation, Amanda Chen discusses her journey of creating Tomo No Tomo, a non-alcoholic agave alternative, and her personal transformation after choosing sobriety. She shares insights on the unique flavor profile of her product, the importance of community, and how her life has changed creatively and socially since giving up alcohol. Amanda reflects on the challenges and rewards of embracing a sober lifestyle, the significance of gratitude, and the deeper connections she has formed with others. She also shares her vision for the future of Tomonotomo and the personal growth she has experienced along the way.
In this conversation, Sarah shares her journey towards an alcohol-free lifestyle, discussing the challenges and realizations she faced along the way. She reflects on her relationship with alcohol, the societal pressures surrounding drinking, and the transformative power of self-discovery. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, understanding the effects of alcohol, and embracing life without it, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and present existence. They discuss the acceptance of life's challenges, the journey of navigating regrets, and the evolution of Sarah's platform 'Some Good Clean Fun,' which focuses on non-alcoholic drinks. The dialogue highlights the changing perceptions around alcohol consumption, especially among women, and emphasizes the importance of living a fulfilling life without alcohol. Sarah shares her personal experiences and insights on parenting, community, and the joy of embracing change.
In this conversation, Jesse Schenker shares his tumultuous journey through the world of hospitality, marked by a deep passion for cooking and a struggle with addiction. He reflects on his early inspirations in the kitchen, the development of his anxiety, and how it led him to self-medicate with drugs. Jesse recounts his descent into addiction, the impact on his family, and the turning point that led him to seek recovery. Ultimately, he discusses how he rebuilt his life, achieving success in the culinary world while continuing to confront his personal challenges. In this conversation, Jesse Schenker shares his journey through personal struggles, including addiction and the challenges of balancing work and family life. He reflects on the importance of gratitude, the impact of sobriety on his business, and the lessons learned from his upbringing that influence his parenting style. Jesse discusses the vulnerability involved in writing his book and emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and personal growth in his life.
In this conversation, Cody Mashni shares his journey through the hospitality industry, detailing his early experiences, the allure of the party lifestyle, and the challenges he faced with alcohol. He discusses the turning point that led him to sobriety, the internal struggles he encountered, and the growth he has experienced since. Cody emphasizes the importance of connection, leadership, and personal growth in both his professional and personal life, highlighting how sobriety has transformed his approach to the hospitality industry. In this conversation, Cody Mashni shares his journey of self-discovery, work-life balance, and the importance of kindness, both to oneself and others. He discusses the challenges of navigating sobriety, the joy of engaging in hobbies, and the significance of fostering supportive relationships in both personal and professional settings. The dialogue emphasizes the value of introspection, the transition from work to home life, and the pride that comes from personal growth and feeling good about oneself.
In this conversation, Jon Lilley shares his extensive journey through the hospitality industry, reflecting on his relationship with alcohol and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety. He discusses the challenges and realizations he faced, particularly as he prepared for fatherhood, and how therapy played a significant role in his transformation. Jon emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and the profound personal growth he has experienced since making the decision to stop drinking. In this conversation, Jon Lilley discusses his journey of personal growth, focusing on his professional development, health, and mental well-being. He reflects on the impact of sobriety on his life, the challenges of balancing family and work, and the importance of self-care. Jon shares insights on shifting perspectives regarding alcohol consumption and the evolving view of sobriety in society. He emphasizes the significance of being present and making conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle.
In this conversation, Jesse shares his journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his early experiences working in his family's restaurant and the challenges he faced. He discusses his passion for hospitality, the impact of sobriety on his life and career, and the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-care, accountability, and emotional awareness in both personal and professional contexts, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of sobriety and the new perspectives it has brought to his life. In this conversation, Jesse and Joshua explore the transformative journey of sobriety and its profound impact on personal relationships, professional efficiency, and leadership within the restaurant industry. They discuss the importance of self-care, mental health, and the cultural shifts in restaurant environments that promote a healthier work-life balance. Jesse shares insights on conflict resolution, the significance of curiosity in leadership, and the positive changes in staff gatherings. The discussion culminates in reflections on continuous improvement and the joy of living a mindful life free from the constraints of alcohol.A first-generation Japanese Korean American, Jesse grew up in his family's restaurant, Fuji. Starting as an after-school dishwasher at age 14, he spent more than a decade working alongside his dad, Masaharu Ito, a celebrated chef, training in everything from prep and pastry to tempura and fish butchery. In 2016, Jesse opened Royal Sushi & Izakaya—and since opening, Jesse has been named an Eater Young Gun and one of Zagat's "30 Under 30." He has also received seven award nominations from the James Beard Foundation, most recently as a finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2025. Jesse got sober during the pandemic. He was running on fumes and realized that working so hard simply wasn't sustainable. He began prioritizing his mental and physical health, and getting sober was a big part of that.
With over 10 years in the Denver Food Scene, Amanda Singh is a seasoned chef who’s made a name for herself in Denver’s vibrant brunch scene. A culinary school graduate with a Journeyman Certificate and CC certification, Amanda is Michelin-trained and known for bringing bold, inventive twists to classic brunch dishes. She’s always been deeply passionate about food and knew from a young age that her future was in the kitchen.Throughout her career, Amanda has honed her skills in top kitchens, developing a unique blend of creativity and expertise. As a sober chef, she approaches every dish with clarity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Whether perfecting pastries or reimagining savory brunch classics, Amanda is driven by a love for the craft and a desire to create unforgettable dining experiences. She’s equally passionate about supporting local producers and creating dishes that reflect the heart and soul of Denver.Outside the kitchen, Amanda enjoys life at home with her three cats—Gravy, Pancake, and Syrup—and Winston, her rescued dog who was saved from a dumpster and now enjoys his forever home. When she’s not cooking, Amanda is often at local pop-punk shows, embracing the energy of the music scene. Her journey—both in cooking and life—is driven by purpose, passion, and an unwavering love for food.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Lila Volkas is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and workshop facilitator based in Oakland, California. Lila brings joy and connection to employees around food and nutrition through her Corporate Team-Building Workshops. She makes nutrition and culinary information easy to understand and fun to learn through her public classes and food writing.Lila has been hosting food events and classes since 2012 with tens of thousands of participants all around the world. She works with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to bring team-bonding and wellness into the workplace.Lila brings a unique do-it-yourself and healthy-ish spin to your favorite cocktails and treats. She engages and delights teams of 5 to 400+ people with delicious recipes, hands-on activities and practical food tips & tricks.Lila found her way to holistic nutrition after a six-year healing journey from chronic skin and digestive issues. She has come to recognize the onset of these health challenges as a blessing in disguise. They led Lila to her dream job of helping others find connection, joy and healing through food. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia and Holistic Nutrition Consultant certification from Bauman College where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Wills Dowd was born and raised in the hospitality industry. As a third generation Portland Maine local, he watched behind the scenes as his father owned and operated six food and beverage concepts in the Portland area. Recognizing this dedication to the industry, Dowd followed in his father’s footsteps by starting as a dishwasher at the age of 15 in the back of a busy kitchen. By the age of 24, he worked his way up the ranks and became the manager of the restaurant and even spearheaded the opening of two more restaurants for that business.Decades later, he uses his passion and knowledge for the industry, along with his Portland Maine upbringing to his advantage as co-owner and director of operations for restaurant concept, Lucky Cheetah. The new restaurant opening follows the success of his existing Portland-based restaurant Bird & Co, which is a town favorite.As a business owner, he takes pride in the ability to make change and bring visions to life. “There's no better feeling for me than knowing I made someone’s day with good food, drink and service. I love when people come in for first dates or big relationship moments and we can help them create a core memory. I love watching someone take the first sip of a drink and their eyes widen and then they tell their friend across the table they have to try it” says Dowd. This is what continues to drive his passion for the industry and grow his business.When he is not overseeing the day-to-day operations of these concepts, he enjoys spending time with his family, catching up with friends on the golf course, and listening to live music in town.—Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Will Lindsay is a musician and storyteller who’s spent the past decade chasing songs and dodging algorithms. He fronts the critically acclaimed Philadelphia indie-punk band Caracara, and before that, made noisy, joyful chaos as W.C. Lindsay. He’s toured the world, lost sleep in vans, and somehow managed to make music that people actually felt. Now, he’s pouring all of that into Buying Fireworks in Indiana—a solo project that blends indie electronic music, cinematic video essays, and longform writing into something you can’t quite describe at parties. The project is a search—for feeling, for meaning, for stories that don’t disappear into the void of infinite scroll. Shaped by years of DIY shows, overnight drives, and conversations in strange corners of the world, Buying Fireworks in Indiana is part travelogue, part love letter to subculture. It’s a living archive of underground music, fleeting moments, and people chasing something just out of frame. Musically, the project lives between genres—in a space Lindsay calls “drum & bliss”—a blend of indie electronic, future garage, post-punk, and melodic drum & bass. It’s emotionally charged and built for movement: dancing, driving, drifting, disappearing. The rest of the story unfolds in essays and videos—dispatches from the road, meditations on art and impermanence, and quiet glimpses of the collaborations that become the songs. Buying Fireworks in Indiana is a listener-reader-supported project. If the music hits, if the stories get under your skin—becoming a paid subscriber is how you keep it alive. Premium supporters help ensure the next chapter is not only possible, but honest, wild, and worth doing. In a digital landscape that can amplify and erase with the same swipe, Lindsay leans into the contradiction—making art that holds tension between nostalgia and progress, tradition and invention. Buying Fireworks in Indiana isn’t just his journey; it’s an open invitation to hop in and come along.website/writing:https://buyingfire.works youtube:https://youtube.com/@buyingfireworks music:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fSit0fOVH1HGhF1u5cGSg?si=B10hTGPxT7-pUfChWW9pywListening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Chef Alex Smith is the Executive Chef of Urban Oak, which sits atop the dual branded Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, bringing over a decade of culinary expertise to one of Raleigh’s newest dining destinations. With a background in fine dining, menu development, and kitchen leadership, he has helmed acclaimed restaurants across the country. As Chef de Cuisine at Parallax Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, CA, he led kitchen operations, from innovative menu design to staff development, ensuring high culinary standards in a high-demand setting. His experience in research and development with Union Square Hospitality expanded his expertise in recipe creation, ingredient sourcing, and global culinary collaborations. Previously, at Milk and Roses in Brooklyn, he reimagined the restaurant’s Italian-focused menu, earning recognition in travel guidebooks. Passionate about mentorship, food sustainability, and operational excellence, Smith is committed to making Urban Oak a dynamic and memorable dining experience for guests in Raleigh.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Josh Harris, founder of The Bon Vivants, is a San Francisco native and hospitality veteran, Harris is the owner of Trick Dog and the upcoming Quik Dog. A passionate ultra trail runner, vintage watch dealer, and advocate for non-alcoholic drinking culture, he’s been sober since 2003. Harris also co-founded the BV Run Club and established The Bon Vivants Scholarship, raising nearly $850,000 for nonprofits and supporting underserved youth in San Francisco.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Scott Crawford is the Chef/Owner of award-winning Crawford and Son and Jolie in Raleigh, NC. A five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for “Best Chef: Southeast,” Crawford earned the coveted Forbes Five-Star award at three properties prior to introducing Crawford Hospitality, and has earned accolades such as Esquire “Best New Restaurant,” Newsweek’s “101 Best Places to Eat in the World,” Triangle Business Journal’s “CEO of the Year” and the News & Observer’s “Restaurant of the Year.” His leadership extends beyond the kitchen; he serves on the Honorary Committee of Healing Transitions – a place for recovery in downtown Raleigh, on The Sunday Supper board, was the Founder of the Ben’s Friends Raleigh chapter, and is committed to cultivating a healthy work-life balance in the culinary industry, and mentoring food and beverage professionals. Crawford Hospitality welcomes Crawford Cookshop in Clayton, NC and Crawford Brothers Steakhouse in Cary, NC’s new Fenton in 2022.Listening in Columbus, Ohio? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
LP O’Brien is a highly decorated and award-winning Afro-Boricua mixologist. Her dedication to education, innovation, and cultural integration through cocktail creations led her to establish LP Drinks.LP was famously crowned the winner of Netflix's new television series, Drink Masters, and has been recognized by DISCUS, Global Bar 100 Industry People To Know, and the Dame Hall of Fame. She is a proud shareholder of Siponey Spritz Co.™, the first B Corp-certified spirits-based canned cocktail company.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Shell is a hospitality veteran with 18 years of FOH experience, specializing in operations, training, and business development. She has worked with some of London’s top restaurant groups, including Hawksmoor, Gaucho, and Polpo.After experiencing a life-changing burnout in 2020, Shell shifted her focus to improving mental health and working conditions in hospitality, pushing difficult conversations into the open—particularly around the hidden epidemic of addiction.Her podcast, We Recover Loudly, provides a platform for industry professionals to discuss substance use, recovery, and cultural change, proving that a thriving hospitality career doesn’t have to include alcohol or drugs.Beyond podcasting, Shell offers onsite workshops, small group coaching for managers, and 1:1 recovery coaching for hospitality leaders looking to change their relationship with drugs and alcohol. As someone diagnosed as autistic, ADHD hyperactive, and dyslexic, she also delivers neurodiversity training, helping businesses create supportive environments that enhance mental well-being.In addition to her advocacy work, Shell has launched a bold, unapologetic sobriety-focused merchandise perfect for gifting, which celebrates recovery with empowering designs and streetwear-inspired style. Her best-selling “Sober C*nt” socks have built a loyal following, and she’s expanding her collection to continue challenging stigma and inspiring confidence in recovery.Shell is also the resident agony aunt for Low No Drinker magazine and the proud dog mum to Milo, a sassy sausage dog with a passion for brunch.Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart.Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Amber Falter is a standup comic, writer, artist, and producer in Columbus, Ohio. Voted Best Comedian by Columbus Alive 2019, Amber is the producer of Beef Ghost Comedy and is the co-host and producer of Columbus Stand Up for Choice. She has been a regular on Don’t Tell, Funny Bone and Super Dope Comedy showcases. **My bio should be more like “somehow still alive after drinking liquor like a warthog”** Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart. Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Julie Fontes writes about addiction and other consequences of living from a quaint coastal community in southern California. She enjoys being weird and can’t decide whether to write or exercise first in the morning. One thing that she is sure of is that she will be waiting tables in the evening, and that this is a very professional interview. Like a Normal Person is Julie’s first book. Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart. Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.
Joel has spent over 20 years helping businesses grow and making a difference in the hospitality world. He was the founder of Heard and Saint City Culinary Foundation, which focused on mental health for service industry workers and is now the managing partner at Hagan Rivas Marketing and Media Group. His work has been highlighted in places like Bon Appétit Magazine, and he’s passionate about supporting those effecting change in their communities. Listening in Columbus, Oh? Care about where your food comes from? Head to yellowbirdfs.com to start your order for farm fresh food, and enter NOPROOF30 for 30% off your cart. Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.