How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates bi-weekly.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Free Spirits with David Gonzalez & Lars Miller

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by Lars Miller & David Gonzalez | Beverage Industry Experts & Functional Beverages

5.0(9 reviews)

26 episodes

Updated Bi-weekly

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Authority

Beta

FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more

Quality71

Social0

YouTube0

Engagement32

Learn more

Podcast Overview

Join David Gonzalez and Lars Miller as we explore the beverage industry and functional beverages. The Free Spirits Podcast shares stories from founders, brand operators, and retail experts in the beverage and cannabis space. From adult beverages to the secrets of retail success, we explore what makes great brands thrive. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and elevate your understanding of beverage business operations. Social - @larsmillermedia & @herbalprofiles on all social platforms Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/lmillermedia

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

9/30/2024

Visit Website View on Apple Podcasts RSS Feed

🇺🇸 Charts #3

Outreach generated

Apple 142

Spotify 827

Instant mention tracking

Perfect fit!

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Podcast Authority

Beta

FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more

Quality71

Social0

YouTube0

Engagement32

Learn more

Excellent Areas

Good Performance

Growth Opportunities

excellent

Episode Length

31 minutes

Performing excellently!

good

iTunes Tags

6.5/10

Recommendations available

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needs improvement

Publishing Consistency

Every 18 days

Recommendations available

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Recent Episodes

January 5, 2026

Inside the Growth Strategy of a Premium Functional Beverage Brand

How do you build a premium non‑alcoholic spirits brand that resonates with real consumers, competes on bar shelves, and earns repeat loyalty, not just novelty trial? In this episode of Free Spirits, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Emily Onkey, Co‑Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Aplós, a modern functional beverage brand redefining the adult drinking experience. Emily shares the story behind Aplós’ launch in 2020, the cultural shift toward moderation, and why most consumers aren’t quitting alcohol, they’re simply seeking better balance. From the rise of “weekday sober” habits to the emotional role of ritual and routine, she explains how Aplós positions itself as a sophisticated alternative to nightly drinks without the compromise of mocktails. Drawing on her background in luxury retail, brand strategy, and performance marketing, Emily breaks down: • why Aplós built functionality into formulation from day one• how first‑party DTC data shaped product strategy and retail sell‑in• the real customer cohorts driving lifetime value (and why they matter)• why Aplós performs best when merchandised near alcohol• the shift from DTC to wholesale velocity and market‑depth expansion• lessons learned while raising Series A and Series B• how premium brand positioning sustains long‑term differentiation If you’re building in CPG, functional beverages, non‑alcoholic spirits, or adult beverage innovation, this conversation digs into the operational realities behind product‑market fit, consumer education, retail strategy, and brand longevity. 🎧 Listen in for a founder‑level look at how Aplós is helping shape the future of modern drinking. If you are interested in trying<a href="https://go.shopmy.us/p-36909914" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> Aplós </a>use code LMM20 to save 20% on everything Site Wide!

December 4, 2025

Building a Functional Beverage Brand with Retail Strategy and Plant-Based Innovation | Peter Olander

What does it take to launch and scale a functional beverage brand in today’s market? In this episode of Free Spirits, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Pete Olander, the founder and CEO of Happie, a modern functional beverage brand focused on plant-powered energy, clarity, and balance. Pete’s journey blends personal health discovery with deep operational knowledge. Drawing from a background in finance and nutrition, he built Happie from scratch—developing formulas, managing supply chains, navigating compliance, and building strong retail and e-commerce distribution strategies. If you’re in CPG, functional beverages, or the broader adult beverage space, this episode unpacks the reality of bringing an innovative product to market—without shortcuts or fluff.🔍 What You’ll Learn (Chapters): 0:00 – IntroductionMeet Pete Olander and Happie’s origin story. 5:32 – From Health Journey to Beverage FormulationHow personal wellness challenges led Pete to explore functional ingredients like adaptogens and mushrooms. 11:50 – Product Development & IterationWhy simplicity and taste drive Happie’s formulation strategy. 18:04 – CPG Ops: Sourcing, Manufacturing, and ComplianceLessons on managing supply chains and staying nimble while scaling production. 24:18 – Retail Strategy: Getting on ShelvesThe truth about pitching buyers, sell-through, and packaging for velocity. 30:40 – DTC and Amazon StrategyWhy Happie invested in omnichannel from day one—and how it’s paying off. 38:25 – Consumer Education & Brand VoiceBalancing functional benefit messaging with compliance in a regulated space. 45:10 – Scaling a Beverage Brand With Limited ResourcesHow Pete prioritized spend and talent while growing Happie without outside capital. 53:45 – What’s Next for HappieA look at future flavors, product lines, and channel expansion. If you’re building a beverage startup, exploring functional ingredients, or trying to grow a brand across retail and DTC, this founder interview is packed with real-world takeaways. 🎧 Listen now and tap into the thinking behind one of the most thoughtful brands in the functional beverage category.

November 13, 2025

Emergency Podcast: What the Federal Crackdown Means for Functional Beverages

In our first-ever emergency episode of Free Spirits, hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Chris Lackner, founder and president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, to unpack the breaking news around proposed federal restrictions that could reshape the future of the functional beverage business. Chris has been on the front lines of the policy debate, leading national efforts to protect the category and rally industry leaders. This episode offers clarity, action steps, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in Washington and what it means for adult beverage operators, retailers, brand founders, and investors. We cover: <ul><li>What’s actually in the bill and what changes are being proposed</li><li>What operators can expect in the next 12 months</li><li>The real risks to the beverage industry, and the myths</li><li>How distributors, consumers, and brands are responding</li><li>Why staying calm and strategic is critical right now</li><li>What constructive regulation might look like moving forward</li></ul>Whether you’re a startup founder, part of a national brand, or just passionate about Hemp THC drinks, this episode breaks down the policy, the politics, and the path forward. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to stay informed as the fight for the future of functional beverages continues.

26 total episodes available

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What is Free Spirits with David Gonzalez & Lars Miller?: Join David Gonzalez and Lars Miller as we explore the beverage industry and functional beverages. The Free Spirits Podcast shares stories from founders, brand operators, and retail experts in the beverage and cannabis space. From adult beverages to the secrets of retail success, we explore what makes great brands thrive. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and elevate your understanding of beverage business operations.

Social - @larsmillermedia & @herbalprofiles on all social platforms Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/lmillermedia
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates bi-weekly.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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