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 conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in educating consumers and creating industry standards to ensure safety and quality.

Matthew shares the Coalition's efforts to address regulatory hurdles, clean up the industry with new product standards, and dispel misconceptions about kava's safety. They discuss the importance of proper labeling, the cultural evolution of kava, and the growing popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) kava products.

The episode also highlights global perspectives, including the progress made in countries like Australia and the ongoing work to reintroduce kava to regions where it’s currently restricted. We also talk about the importance of education, science-backed data, and collaboration within the kava and non-alcoholic industries to support its growth and mainstream acceptance.

Whether you're a kava enthusiast, bar owner, or just curious about this ancient beverage, this episode provides a fascinating look at kava’s journey and the exciting possibilities ahead. Don't miss this one if you're passionate about shaping the future of mindful social drinking!

Links Mentioned in Episode:

https://www.kavacoalition.org/

https://www.instagram.com/kavacoalition

https://www.marinamars.com/bulaboss

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 these third-place environments. Michael highlights the challenges and responsibilities of being a kava bar owner in an unregulated industry, from sourcing clean products to educating both customers and staff. He shares his methods for ensuring product quality, navigating customer interactions, and maintaining the integrity of the kava community.

Michael also addresses the parallels between the kava industry and the vape industry, offering valuable insights into the importance of self-regulation to prevent negative government scrutiny. As the industry grows, he emphasizes the need for collaboration among kava bar owners to protect and promote the community-driven values that make these spaces special.

Looking to the future, Michael shares his plans for franchising Kava Love Lounge and launching a foundation to support local communities in times of crisis. He also offers a call to action for those passionate about kava to step into the industry with knowledge, commitment, and respect for the community.

If you’re curious about the kava industry, interested in starting your own kava lounge, or simply want to learn more about the culture behind this growing non-alcoholic space, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration.

How to open your own kava bar: https://www.marinamars.com/product-page/how-to-open-a-kava-bar-in-2025

Kava Luv Lounge: https://www.kavaluv.com/

Tea Time Episode: https://youtu.be/CAahS4avnBM

Meraki Episode: https://youtu.be/RpNVUYlb9yA

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 guests!

Listeners will hear about the exciting projects Marina and her team tackled in 2024, from creating nearly 400 pages of industry guides and workbooks to partnering with the Kava Coalition on a multi-million participant survey.

Looking ahead to 2025, Marina unveils new offerings, including AI integrations, leadership training, the Kavatender 101 training program, and the Bev Brand Builder course for entrepreneurs ready to launch their own non-alcoholic beverage brands. She also discusses market growth projections, emerging flavor trends, and strategies to navigate challenges like tariffs and evolving regulations.

Marina ends the episode with a call to action for aspiring and expanding non-alc entrepreneurs, encouraging listeners to email her at hello@marinamars.com to find the perfect program for their 2025 goals.

www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

Join Marina as she celebrates the wins of 2024 and sets an inspiring tone for the year ahead. Cheers to making 2025 the year of breakthroughs and abundance!