Would you go on a first date without alcohol? 39% of singles now say yes—and it's changing everything about modern dating. In this raw conversation, Alex Zauner (founder of Lucille's alcohol-free experiences and 11 years sober) reveals why removing liquid courage creates deeper connections and better relationships.
EPISODE TIMELINE:
- 00:00 - Opening: The first date question that changes everything
- 05:12 - Alex's story: From college binge drinking to 11 years sober
- 12:45 - The breaking point: Hospital wake-up call and commitment to change
- 18:30 - Dating sober: Navigating apps, anxiety, and authenticity
- 25:15 - Meeting her husband while sober and what that taught her
- 32:00 - Mixed relationships: When your partner drinks and you don't
- 39:20 - Why Gen Z is choosing alcohol-free lifestyles
- 45:10 - Practical sober date ideas that create real connection
- 50:00 - Final advice: Leading with authenticity in dating
IN THIS EPISODE WE EXPLORE:
- Why alcohol-free dating creates deeper, more authentic connections
- Practical tools for managing first-date anxiety without drinking
- Creative sober date ideas that build genuine chemistry
- How to communicate your sober lifestyle in dating
- Navigating mixed relationships (sober + drinking partners)
- Why younger generations are choosing alcohol-free lifestyles
- Building confidence and social skills through sober dating
"Sober dating is not just going to help you in that relationship—it's going to genuinely help you to build your social skills and confidence in every aspect of your life. You're going to remember all the details, the jokes, your personality is going to shine through, and their personality is going to shine through." - Alex Zauner
CONNECT WITH ALEX:
Alex's Instagram: @alexandrazauner
Lucille's Bottleshop
Lucille's Instagram: @lucillesbottleshop
CONNECT WITH MADDEN:
Madden's Instagram: @maddenzappa
