In this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Julie Rhodes, founder of Kick Fizz and longtime beverage industry consultant, to explore what it takes to launch a differentiated brand in today’s crowded adult beverage space.

Julie shares why Kick Fizz focuses on low-dose, sessionable beverages that give consumers more control over their experience, and how she’s approaching the market with an online-first strategy before expanding into retail. From designing for multiple drinking occasions to creating products that are “fun without the fear,” Julie explains how Kick Fizz is carving out space in the functional beverages and beverage industry landscape.

You’ll hear:

• Why dose perception is subjective—and why options matter

• The role of education in helping consumers navigate cannabinoids and functional ingredients

• Lessons from moving from consultant to beverage operator

• How to clearly define your differentiators and target audiences in the beverage business

• The product roadmap for Kick Fizz, from day-and-night formats to new occasion-based releases

Whether you’re in the beverage business, tracking functional beverage trends, or looking to build your own brand, this conversation offers actionable insights on standing out, staying consumer-focused, and growing with intention.

#beverage #beverageindustry #functionalbeverages #adultbeverages #beveragebusiness

In this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Peter Barsoom, founder of 1906 and one of the most forward-thinking minds in the functional product space. Known for pioneering fast-acting, low-dose edibles that deliver consistent effects, Peter is now turning his attention to the beverage category with Off Duty—a hemp-derived, zero-calorie shot designed to transform any drink into a precisely dosed cannabis beverage.

They cover:

• The founding story of 1906 and its focus on effect-first, functional products

• Why most edibles and infused beverages miss the mark on consistency and experience

• How Off Duty tackles the biggest problems with ready-to-drink (RTD) formats—portability, economics, and personalization

• What the rise of beverage enhancers means for the broader beverage industry

• The science and strategy behind pairing cannabinoids with adaptogens and nootropics

• How clear naming and storytelling help drive trust in adult beverage brands

Peter also shares how his background in finance and regulated markets shaped his product philosophy, why 1906 is still committed to dispensary sales, and what’s next for Off Duty—including function-forward versions of the shot designed for energy, mood, and relaxation.

If you’re in the beverage business, tracking functional beverage trends, or just want to understand where the next wave of innovation is coming from, this is a must-listen.

#beverage #beverageindustry #functionalbeverages #adultbeverages #beveragebusiness

In this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Kennedy, CEO and co-founder of Fable Libations, one of the most distinct and disciplined brands in the modern beverage industry. Known for its award-winning botanical THC cocktails, Fable has carved out a space in the crowded world of functional beverages by refusing to follow trends—and instead setting its own.

Ben shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating a premium adult beverage that mirrors the complexity of a craft cocktail, with zero compromises on flavor, formulation, or ingredients. We unpack the challenges of launching a beverage that doesn’t fit neatly into the typical categories of seltzer or mocktail, and discuss what it really takes to scale in a heavily regulated and increasingly saturated beverage business.

You’ll learn:

• Why functional beverage brands need a clear POV to avoid getting lost in a sea of sameness

• How Fable approached R&D, pricing, and shelf strategy with a long-term vision

• What it means to design a product for health-conscious professionals—not traditional cannabis users

• How retail education, in-market reps, and custom merchandising help build pull, not just push

• The key differences between building for hype vs. building for staying power in beverage culture

We also explore what’s next for Fable—from improving DTC repeat rates to planning for mainstream distribution and potential acquisition. If you’re curious about the future of functional beverages, the evolution of adult beverage habits, or the intersection of cannabis and premium product development, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.