Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast Podcast By Sarah McAfee cover art

Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast

Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast

By: Sarah McAfee
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There's plenty of content out there about alcohol. Everybody loves cocktails and mixology, right? But what about those of us who have stopped drinking -- whatever the reason? Shrubbish: A Sober Drinks & Thinks Podcast aims to explore the world beyond booze. From lightly fermented drinks around the world to health claims and beverage apparatuses, Sarah investigates a variety of beverage-related topics, along with discussing her own personal relationship with addiction and recovery. Plus, every episode includes a taste & review of everyone's favorite little sprit-free elixir: The Shrub. Bespoke new flavor each week!

© 2026 Shrubbish Podcast
Art Biographies & Memoirs Food & Wine Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Flavors
    Mar 27 2026

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    Sarah and The Shrub get into natural & artificial flavorings, flavorists, flavor houses, a little bit of science, a little bit of cultural fun facts - it's a classic Shrubbish episode! Also, the challenges of dealing with moderating addictions when abstinence is not possible.

    ***

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Croix_Sparkling_Water

    ​​https://nutrisci.wisc.edu/2021/07/26/natural-and-artificial-flavors/

    https://www.bonappetit.com/story/truth-about-natural-artificial-flavors

    https://freakonomics.com/podcast/natural-and-artificial-flavors/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1-9wlAYZOM

    https://blogs.ubc.ca/communicatingchemistry2017w110/2017/09/18/what-exactly-are-natural-flavours/

    ig: @shrubbish_pod
    email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com

    While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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    35 mins
  • The Hop Water
    Mar 13 2026

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    Sarah and The Shrub discuss the 100% zero proof, 100% refreshing beverage: Hop Water. From the plant-parts behind it all (hops) to it's "f around and find out" origins in the home brewing community, and it's place in the wellness sector today, hop into spring with this one! Also, Sarah reflects on her connection between suburban stress / isolation and drinking.

    ***

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hop_water#cite_note-Men's_Journal_28_June_2023-2

    https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/7129-what-is-hop-water

    https://www.fooddive.com/news/hop-water-nonalcoholic-beer-segment-wellness-trend/806828/

    https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/is-hop-water-your-drink-of-the-future

    https://www.bevnet.com/news/2015/hopwater-launches-in-ohio-secures-distribution-through-cavalier-distributing/

    https://www.h2ops.com/pages/our-story-mission?srsltid=AfmBOooPKHt1y7wv9xqA40l9T5N4M34RbzakAFTdhWNkG_0vUSCWVC6M

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBQFaHS5teY

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Homebrewing/comments/1lvddkz/first_time_making_hop_water_and_it_turned_out/

    ***

    ig: @shrubbish_pod
    email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com

    While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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    28 mins
  • The Dry Ice
    Feb 13 2026

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    Sarah and The Shrub investigate Dry Ice - from a little bit of science, history, and common uses for the super cold sublimating product! Including how to safely use dry ice in your favorite mocktail. Also, another nod to community. And the nuances & uniqueness of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and how you do not have to have a higher power to get sober.


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_ice

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_carbon_dioxide

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrien-Jean-Pierre_Thilorier#Early_years

    https://www.grabbitandrun.com/10-cool-facts-about-dry-ice/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry-ice_blasting

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE4Tk9BGFKY

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GYdIB1Z51g

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJH-OYYxA3I&t=63s

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhInWBtVXxM

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOEb6H4gX5r/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZ4GpveNgY

    ig: @shrubbish_pod
    email: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.com

    While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
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