Episode 2 | Mindful Consumption, Education and Keeping Hospitality Human

Beyond the Bar: Mindful Consumption, Education, and Keeping Hospitality Human with Derek Brown What happens when the industry built around bringing people together also creates an environment where alcohol, mental health, and substance use can become difficult to separate? In this episode of *86 the Stigma*, a CHOW podcast powered by Hospitality Bites Media, host Colleen Silk sits down with **Derek Brown**, former bartender, author, beverage consultant, and advocate for mindful drinking, to explore our relationship with alcohol in hospitality and why education, prevention, and choice deserve a bigger place in the conversation. From starting out prepping salads at a Jewish deli in Maryland to building a career behind the bar, Derek shares what first drew him to hospitality: creativity, connection, and the opportunity to bring people together. But behind the craft and camaraderie, there are challenges we don't always talk about. Derek opens up about living with bipolar disorder, his personal relationship with alcohol, and how his understanding of recovery has evolved. Together, Colleen and Derek explore occupational trauma, the normalization of drinking in hospitality, and why supporting the people working in our industry requires more than simply telling them to make better choices. They also get into the business of mindful consumption, including non-alcoholic cocktails, low-alcohol beverages, inclusive drink menus, and Derek's work with AFNA Spirit Certified training. Because offering more choices isn't about taking something away from hospitality. It's about creating opportunities for guests, businesses, and the people serving them. At its heart, this conversation is about keeping hospitality human. Creating spaces where people can connect, feel included, and enjoy the experience without having to explain what's in their glass. And maybe it's time we rethink what it really means to give everyone a seat at the bar. ABOUT 86 THE STIGMA 86 the Stigma is a CHOW podcast powered by Hospitality Bites Media, hosted by Colleen Silk. This season brings together voices from across food, beverage, and hospitality for honest conversations about mental health, burnout, recovery, leadership, workplace culture, and the human experiences behind the industry. This season is made possible with support from Hoshizaki America and US Foods® — We Help You Make It®. CHOW SUPPORT & RESOURCES CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness) provides peer support, community, and mental health resources for people working in hospitality. Visit https://www.chowco.org/ to learn more and access resources. Hosted by: Colleen Silk Produced by: Hospitality Bites Media Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHOW, Hospitality Bites Media, our sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Conversations are intended for education and awareness and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for immediate support.