Episode description

I met Steven Gonzalez during a virtual portion of the Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition. He was genuine, suave, had a good story, and a good drink. Many put on faces or fronts when competing, but when I met Steven in person I met the same, soft, personable person from the video. I didn't know at the time that he also didn't drink. I loved this opportunity to sit with Steven and chat about our decision to love an industry fully while removing what some would think is a crucial portion of it. We chat about the opportunity that life provides when you give yourself more space to grow, and more grace to act upon. We cover what it takes to live a life without alcohol and stand upon a global stage as yourself, with no liquid courage, just the things you've built. In this episode, we laugh about being met with clichés and learning to embrace them. Thanks for your passion, and your genuine approach to life, Steven.

Steven Gonzalez is a Colombian-born bartender who moved to NYC in the early 2000s where he found his love for hospitality. After years of being part of the industry, he decided to make positive changes in his life for his health, finances, and family. He has been sober for almost three years and believes it has been the best decision he could have made.

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.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6