Without Compromise

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Omar Shaikh, Global Partnerships and Ventures Director at Arsenal Football Club. Omar shares his journey to the Premier League club and his work in strengthening the connection they have with their supporters in London around the world. He opens up about the history and values of the club, and the lessons he's learned while navigating the intersection of sport, business, and brand strategy.Omar also discusses what it takes to build meaningful partnerships in football, how Arsenal stays true to its values while innovating for the future, and why purpose-driven leadership is key to staying ahead. Whether you're passionate about sports, leadership, or charting your own path, this conversation is full of insight, heart, and inspiration. Plus, don't miss Omar's take on living Without Compromise on and off the pitch.

James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd made his name celebrating Houston's diverse food culture but his impact hasn't stopped there. In this episode, Chris shares how his passion for cooking evolved into a deeper calling. After witnessing firsthand (and hearing countless stories about) the unique challenges faced by service industry professionals, he founded the Southern Smoke Foundation to support those needs. The impact was immediate and Chris hasn't looked back. Chris has stepped away from the restaurant world to focus full-time on the nonprofit, which has since distributed over $14 million to industry professionals in crisis.We dive deep into stories of adaptability, the state of mental health in the food world, and how Aftershift, a collaboration brew with Athletic Brewing, is celebrating the resilience of the food service industry

In this episode of Without Compromise we sit down with Ryan Chao, President of Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), to explore the transformative power of trails, not just as places to recreate, but as vital community infrastructure. With a background in architecture and community development, Ryan shares how his personal journey led him to advocate for a nation connected by trails. From biking and skiing with his family to navigating policy and equity challenges, Ryan offers a compelling look at how trails support health, economic opportunity, and environmental resilience across urban, rural, and suburban communities alike.We also dive into Celebrate Trails Day and RTC's partnership with Athletic Brewing through the Two for the Trails program, Athletic's cornerstone initiative that supports trails across the country and world. Whether you're a lifelong trail user or just starting to explore the outdoors, this conversation will leave you inspired to get involved and advocate for accessible, connected open spaces for all.

In this episode, we sit down with the hilarious and multi-talented Danae Hays—former Division I softball player turned comedian, musician, and viral content creator. Danae opens up about growing up in small-town Morris, Alabama, the early influence of sports on her confidence and creativity, and whether she was, in fact, the funniest one in the dugout. We trace her path from post-college uncertainty to that moment when she realized comedy wasn't just a side hustle—it was her next homerun.Danae shares how she crafts her unique blend of Southern charm with unfiltered humor and outrageous characters, what it's like building a massive online audience, and the highs and lows of life on her very first stand-up tour. Plus: rapid-fire favorites, Southern sayings, and her take on living Without Compromise.

In this inspiring episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Liz Wian, Chief Development Officer of Girls on the Run International, to explore the power of movement, mentorship, and mission-driven partnerships. Liz shares her journey from craft beer to nonprofit leadership and how her personal connection as a mother to a GOTR girl fuels her passion for empowering young women. We discuss the impact of the innovative Girls on the Run curriculum, which combines running and physical activity with confidence-building impact, as well as the organization's collaboration with Athletic Brewing's annual Women's History Month brew, Trailblazer. Liz also offers insights on leadership, relationship-building, and the importance of supporting women-led ventures. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about forging new paths, creating lasting impact, and celebrating the trailblazing women and girls shaping the future.Learn more about Girls on the Run and our annual Women's History Month brew, Trailblazer, here.

In this episode, we sit down with standout point guard Jeremy Roach to explore his journey as a Division 1 basketball player, and how he's preparing for another deep run in the high-stakes tournament this month. Jeremy opens up about the challenges he faced after tearing his ACL in high school, reflecting on how that adversity shaped his mindset and approach to the game. He shares insights on leadership, explaining how he's embraced his role in guiding teammates and staying composed in high-pressure moments. From his experiences playing on international stages to the habits that keep him performing at his best, Jeremy offers a glimpse into what it takes to excel on and off the court.Off the hardwood, Jeremy shares some surprising passions — including his love for golf and the influence of his jazz musician father, who introduced him to music at a young age. He reflects on the balance he's found between basketball and personal growth and passions, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded amid the demands of elite competition. As the postseason heats up, Jeremy's focus, leadership, and dedication are sure to leave a lasting impact.

In this episode, we sit down with professional fisherman Justin Lucas to talk about the early trips with his grandfather that hooked him on his career path, and how he's been so successful in tournament fishing for the past 15 years. Justin shares how his passion for fishing aligns with Athletic Brewing's commitment to an active, balanced lifestyle. He dives into his journey as a competitive angler, the importance of staying sharp on and off the water, and why he believes in the non-alcoholic craft beer movement.Whether you're an avid angler, a fan of the sport, or just love a good success story, this conversation offers insight into a world we've never explored on Without Compromise before. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about dedication to your craft, innovation, and enjoying the best of life on and off the water. 

In this episode, we catch up with triathlon stars and Athletic Brewing ambassadors Ben Kanute and Jackson Laundry as they navigate major transitions ahead of the new season. Ben shares his excitement about an upcoming move that will reshape his training environment and push him to new heights. Meanwhile, Jackson opens up about the injury that has sidelined him, offering a candid look at the battles that come with injury recovery. Both athletes reflect on how these changes are shaping their preseason approach and what they mean for their 2024 goals.Beyond their personal journeys, we discuss the broader challenges of preseason preparation—balancing training, responsibilities, and the constant evolution required to stay competitive. Ben and Jackson share insights into their mindset during uncertain times and how they stay focused on long-term success. Whether you're an athlete facing your own hurdles or just a fan of the sport, this conversation delivers an honest and inspiring look at the resilience it takes to perform at the highest level. Find out more about Athletic Brewing and where to buy at athleticbrewing.com.

Fifteen years ago, Kiera laced up her running shoes for a local 5K, not knowing it would spark a lifelong passion for the sport—and a mission for change. Now, as the Executive Director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, she's leading the charge to create a more inclusive and accessible running community. From increasing visibility for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in outdoor spaces to driving justice initiatives, Kiera is building inclusion in running from the inside out.Before stepping into the running industry, Kiera made waves in the startup world as Executive Director of Philly Startup Leaders, where she rebranded the organization, launched an accelerator for emerging entrepreneurs, and secured over $500,000 in grants for underrepresented founders. She also played a key role in launching Philadelphia's equity-based bike-sharing program, setting a national precedent for urban transportation equity. Named a RAD Awards Finalist and one of Metro's "Black Power Players," Kiera is a force for change—committed to making space at the table for everyone, even if it means building a bigger one.In this episode, Kiera shares how she's breaking down barriers, amplifying diverse voices, and redefining what it means to truly belong in the running community.Find out where you can take Athletic January into the rest of the year at athleticbrewing.com.

Today we're sitting down with Russell Winfield, a snowboarding legend and the first Black professional snowboarder, to hear about his incredible career. Russell shares stories from his unique childhood of pursuing hockey, writing, and music as well as how he navigated a sport that wasn't always inclusive, and the lasting impact he's made on snowboarding culture. We dive into his passion to influence the next generation of riders and his thoughts on the evolution of the industry. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with grit, determination, and plenty of Russell's signature charm and wisdom.At Athletic Brewing, we craft brews with flavor that fills your cup, variety to change things up, and a thirst for fun that can't be quenched! Our NA beers are anything but boring. This January, ditch the dull side of dry and reimagine the month with us! Athletic January is here and you're invited.Learn more about Athletic January at AthleticBrewing.com

When Amanda Hesser was pursuing a profession after college, she decided to take the road less traveled and less certain by pursuing a love of traditional methods of cooking in kitchens scattered around Europe. As her passion for cooking and food continued, it started taking her out of the kitchen and into the keyboard which ultimately led to a dream career in food journalism for the New York Times. Landing a job with NYT might be the pinnacle of any career, but after a while Amanda felt pulled to something else. In 2008 she launched Food52, an online community that combines cooking, home goods, and a social network for food lovers. Today we're going to hear more about Amanda's story and how Athletic Brewing has partnered with Food52 to craft our new brew, Host & Toast, a Belgian-style White bursting with flavor. It features sweet Meyer lemon and notes of Grains of Paradise atop herbal and peppery undertones. Whether you enjoy it on its own or elevated in an NA cocktail, it's an easy pick for effortless entertaining. Bring it home and let the hosting begin!You can purchase Host & Toast here. 

Today, we're sitting down with musician and songwriter Jake Scott to discuss his rise in the music industry and how he managed to stand out among new artists with a unique strategy: releasing one song per month for over three years.Jake's journey in the LA music scene is distinctive in other ways as well. Born and raised in Arkansas, a place not typically associated with pop artists, Jake's unconventional background, including writing music for other artists, has shaped his unique songwriting style, proficiency, and sound.

If you were tuning into teenage TV in the early 2000s, you probably remember Christy Carlson Romano's familiar face and voice. She seemed to be everywhere, leaving a significant mark on both television and movies.Christy shares a unique connection with Athletic Brewing: both hail from Connecticut. Specifically, Christy is from Milford, the very town where Athletic Brewing is based.Today, we're catching up with Christy to hear stories about her childhood in front of the camera, her career afterward, her choice to embrace sobriety, and what it's like to have an official day dedicated to her in Milford.

As a kid, Victor had no idea that the dance moves his dad and uncle had learned on the streets of Mexico in the ‘80s, called breaking, would eventually take Victor around the world. Victor's love of breaking was solidified during his Florida upbringing when he started showing off new moves to his friends and gaining a reputation for his style, taking the sport far beyond what his dad and uncle had shown him.Since starting the sport at age 9, Victor is now often referred to as the reigning king of breaking in the States. He has won two world championships and will represent the US in Paris this summer. 

Athletic Brewing is now available in over 1,000 places in the UK, including Nicholson's and all Bar 1 locations!UK Store finder hereUS store finder hereBefore Cameron was a champion on the court in Britain, he was a three-year-old from South Africa who had recently moved to New Zealand, a place not well known for producing tennis stars. Norrie fell in love with the game over other popular New Zealand sports like rugby and cricket and quickly rose the ranks to become the 10th-ranked junior in the world. Realizing just how good he was, he eventually moved to Great Britain to pursue tennis full-time and even spent his college years in Texas pursuing the sport. On today's episode we're sitting down with Cameron to hear the ins and outs of the life of a pro, how he manages the demands of playing and travel, and some of his best stories from pursuing this game around the world.

Rob grew up playing and loving a variety of sports. However, in high school, he excelled at lifting weights. In fact, his first deadlift was over 500 pounds, and within a few months, he was already competing in strongman competitions. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the premiere strongmen in the county (where? In the world?) and began setting records. With his success in what's often considered one of the most masculine sports in the world, Rob felt he wasn't being true to himself and those around him. In 2014 he built up the courage to come out, the first professional strongman to do so. As you'll hear, this was far from easy for Rob. There was a constant fear about what his parents, friends, fellow competitors, and the world would think of him. Taking the road less traveled is never easy, especially when you're the one who has to blaze the trail. Today, we will hear Rob's story and experience of living without compromise and how the weight we carry is not always made of iron and steel.

Matt considered himself a casual runner, completing one or two half-marathons a year. He was raising a family, advancing his career, and staying healthy. His outlook on life was that it was chugging along, and Matt was content. As far as he was concerned, he “had it all figured out.” However, as life often does, it threw Matt a tough curveball with what seemed like an unsolvable problem. His balance was off, he was constantly exhausted, his vision was blurry, and so on.  After months of doctor appointments, ER visits, and no answers, Matt was left with a sense of bewilderment about the changes happening to him. After collapsing on a work trip and being rushed to the hospital by his work colleagues, he was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and told he would be wheelchair-bound within five years. Today, we'll hear about Matt's journey since the diagnosis, how he got back into running, and how he set his goals far beyond what he imagined before this life-altering news. This leads us to what's next. Starting June 15th, Matt is planning to run from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Casey, Iowa, in an effort to raise awareness and funds for MS Run the US. You can follow along with his journey here. Be sure to watch Inches to Miles on Tuesday, June 4th, at 8 pm EST here.Our ambassador applications are open from now until June 7th. Learn more and apply here.

Have you ever had an ice-cold Athletic brew at the finish line of a race, trade show, or music festival? Maybe it was the eye-catching tent, bold branding, or friendly face behind the table that initially got your attention.You'd probably want to thank Michelle for helping to make that happen. She's in charge of getting our award-winning non-alcoholic brews all over the country and coordinating the logistics of introducing Athletic brews to millions of people through event sampling each year. As we gear up for event season, we wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes of some of the folks here at Athletic Brewing. We'll hear about how Michelle grew up playing soccer, worked on a dude ranch in Colorado, and fell in love with running, making it a large part of her career before Athletic Brewing. Next time you grab an Athletic brew at the finish line, give a cheers to the folks like Michelle who helped get it there!Find out where Athletic Brewing will be this summer by checking out our Events Calendar.

You may have noticed that Athletic has a new brew in town: Fancy Like. It was made in collaboration with country singer-songwriter Walker Hayes. Named after his hit song, Fancy Like is a classic American Pale for easy drinkin' and simple livin'. It's clean, crisp, and as traditional as they come; what you'd call an all-American brew, crafted for good times with good people - wherever that may be.Walker joined us on today's Without Compromise episode to hear the story behind the brew and how his journey to country music stardom began. Through the twists and turns of making his music dreams come true, Walker's run has been a story of living Without Compromise. You can order Fancy Like at athleticbrewing.com.

Today we're joined by Athletic Brewing ambassador and one of the subjects of Athletic's new documentary, Inches to Miles, which premieres tonight in Oceanside, California. The odds were stacked against Timmy Howard from the start. A tumultuous childhood led Timmy down a dark path. Challenges continued to snowball until he eventually found himself in a fitness program, where he finally experienced the loving support that had been absent his whole life. With the strength of this new community at his back, Timmy is fueled forward into IRONMAN  Lake Placid, an attempt to conquer a whole new kind of challenge.You can learn more about Timmy's story by watching Inches to Miles. Buy tickets to our film premiering in Oceanside, California tonight, watch the trailer, and find out where to watch the film here: https://athleticbrewing.com/pages/inches-to-miles

Alyssa credits her signature toughness to growing up with three older brothers who never cut her any slack on the court. Now they wear her jersey in the stands, cheering on their younger sister, a top division one college basketball player. Today we're sitting down with Alyssa ahead of the women's college basketball tournament to hear how her team is preparing for a deep tournament run and how she's reflecting on her record-breaking season.Be sure to check Alyssa's first game of the tournament today at 11:30am EST! Learn more about Trailblazer and Athletic Brewing's other non-alcoholic craft beers at AthleticBrewing.com.

When Nicole finished climbing to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, she knew something had changed about her. Soon after, she left her corporate career in search of a new trail and challenge, one that had never been done before. She found that path at Appalachian Mountain Club, a 150-year-old organization whose purpose is to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors…and one that had never had a female leader.You may know AMC through its world-class recreational network of professionally maintained trails and best-in-class outdoor program centers, lodges, cabins, camps, and campsites. From backcountry campsites to front country lodges to world-famous high mountain huts, AMC has had an undeniable impact on the understanding of and appreciation of the natural world for over a century. Let's share a toast to Nicole and all the other trailblazers on International Women's Day with a Trailblazer brew. It's a liquid legend that follows a crisp peach nose through cairns of citrus and florals, peaking at a whole new elevation of hops. The descent is smooth and at times bitter, a true taste of success on a trail hard-traveled, and our toast to those who've traveled it before.To learn more about Trailblazer, our Women's History Month brew, visit AthleticBrewing.com.

Christian Harris is a CrossFit legend who's now building his life beyond the podium of competition after his recent retirement from the sport. What is it like to wake up and be on a new path with endless possibilities and stay focused on what he's building? Today we're talking with Christian to hear what he's learned from his career, how Athletic Brewing is part of his journey, and how it can be a part of yours. To learn more about Soul Sour or any of Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beers, visit AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Everyone thought Garrett was crazy to leave his high-rise office job to join a brewery in the attic of a building in 1989. Ever since Garrett had learned about all the craft styles that existed while traveling in Europe, he couldn't help but think about ways to bring that variety and those styles of beer back to the US. Fast forward to today and Garrett has been the Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewing for over 30 years. Something he couldn't help but notice in the industry is the lack of diversity. Being one of the only black brewers in the early days has instilled in him the desire to re-diversify brewing through his work with the Michael James Jackson Foundation. They are an organization that funds brewing education scholarships to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Athletic Brewing has been proudly supporting the Michael James Jackson Foundation since 2022 through the sale of Soul Sour, a fierce and fruit-forward sour brew crafted annually in honor of Black History Month. 100% of Soul Sour's profits will be donated to organizations breaking down barriers in brewing, including Sacred Heart University and the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, which are crafting opportunities for BIPOC brewers through scholarships, education, and career advancement.To try Soul Sour and learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, visit AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Olivia is the creator of the self-titled blog and social media pages that showcase her creative and unique styles of recipe creations, from drinks to food, while also weaving stories and lessons while creating. Today, we sat down with Olivia on Without Compromise to hear more of her story, why she decided to stop drinking, and how she started this journey of sharing stories through her practical culinary creativity. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, visit AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.Track your dry record with Track Record! Learn more here.

To start the new year, we wanted to select a story highlighting what it takes to commit to doing something new and well. Colin is one of the two innovative minds behind Chopt Creative Salad Co. and a longtime fan of Athletic Brewing. At Chopt, their mission is to make healthy eating exciting for all people. This entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when Colin and his college friend, Tony Shure, saw a need for healthier fast food options, and Chopt was born in 2001. What started as a single restaurant in NYC, with Colin working behind the counter serving salads, has grown into nearly 100 locations across the East Coast. Colin recently visited our brewery in Milford, where he could see our operation up close. You can now find Athletic's Upside Dawn Golden and Run Wild IPA Brews in DC, VA, MD, and NJ Chopt locations.⁠To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, visit AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.Track your dry record with Track Record! Learn more here: https://athleticbrewing.com/pages/track-record

It's the end of 2023, and what a year it's been! In this episode, we're sitting down with Bill Shufelt and John Walker, the founders of Athletic Brewing, to hear about the year in review. In our conversation, we discuss Athletic Brewing's commitment to quality, sustainability, and our amazing community. We also discuss some of the major wins of 2023, some of their favorite stories from the year, and their insights and thoughts on the year ahead. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, visit AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.This January, track your progress and stay motivated, all while Giving Dry a Try like a pro. You'll join a community of other Trackers and can share your progress. Start your Track Record today! Learn more about Track Record here.

Having earned her PhD in molecular biology at Harvard, Kanchan was intrigued when her research lab delved into exploring turmeric's beneficial properties—a spice deeply ingrained in her Indian upbringing, where its benefits were revered and understood through ancient tradition.This revelation sparked her curiosity about the overlooked and misunderstood facets of spices. As a mother, when she began incorporating traditional spices into her child's meals, she recognized a significant knowledge gap and fear of using spices in children's food by other parents.Motivated by this realization, Kayan dedicated her career to breaking down the barriers surrounding spices and understanding the benefits they have in our lives. In today's episode, we delve into Kanchan's unconventional journey, hoping to inspire you to embrace the less-traveled path and add a dash of spice to your holiday menu.To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Here at Athletic Brewing, we contribute up to $2 million annually to protect and restore local trails through our Two For The Trails program. Over the last handful of years, this initiative has impacted hundreds of local organizations and thousands of miles of trails. Today we wanted to highlight just one of those stories and the impact the funded project is having on the local community. Miri Hardy, the executive director of Friends of Myakka River joins us for a rare in-person interview out in the state park where Two For The Trail funds will be used to develop much-needed trail signs to help backcountry travelers safely and confidently explore the park's backcountry.  Miri's personal story is also unique in that she had the curiosity and gumption to push herself to understand the complex and beautiful ecosystems deeper into the lesser-known parts of her local trails and her desire to help others do the same. 

Taku creates delicious dishes from the freshest ingredients that nature provides. You can find him road-tripping through New Zealand, foraging for urchin on the coast of California, or catching and cooking salmon in Alaska. He captures these amazing outdoor cooking experiences on his YouTube channel, Outdoor Chef Life. On today's episode of Without Compromise, Taku is going to share how he got the idea and grew his channel into what it is today and how Athletic Brewing is a perfect fit for a freshly caught and cooked meal. Check out his videos to join him on his adventures, where you can learn to cook some delicious meals, fillet different types of fish, harvest sustainably, camping tips, and more! To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

We first sat down with Jordan Burroughs on Without Compromise back in 2021. Last week, we interviewed him again, but this time, we hit the trail with him and his family. Check out that interview over on our new YouTube show, Take Two. Watch here: https://athleticbrewing.com/pages/take-two.In conjunction with the new Take Two episode, we wanted to reshare the 2021 interview we had with Jordan on the podcast. Since the chat, he's moved across the country, had another child, and won another world championship. Jordan Burroughs has one of the most medaled and storied careers of any American wrestler. That feat hasn't come easy, and it hasn't come without its losses. However, it's the day-to-day focus that Jordan credits keeping him on top of the competition well into his decade-long wrestling career. Learn what makes Jordan tick, how he makes the most of his time on and off the mat, and what it means to him to live without compromise. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Today, we're sitting down with professional footballer (soccer) for the England national team, Ellie Roebuck, who made it all the way to the finals this summer!Ellie has a wonderful story about growing up fast to chase her dream to what it was like being on the biggest stage in the world. We'll also learn about what she's proud of outside of sports, as well as some of her favorite daily habits for living Without Compromise. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. Find Athletic Brewing in the UK at UK.AthleticBrewing.com

Annie is one of Athletic Brewing's ambassadors based in the UK. She spends her free time training and racing triathlons, and through countless hours of hard work, she has qualified for the the IRONMAN Women's World Championship in Kona next week!However, there's an element to her story that's very unique: she has epilepsy. You might think, “How can you race and train for thousands of hours with epilepsy? Could you fall at any point with a seizure?” Today, Annie is going to help us break down some of the misconceptions about epilepsy as well as what it means to live and thrive within an unforeseen reality. No matter what you might be going through, Annie can teach us all something new about living Without Compromise. Be sure to follow Annie's progress and cheer her on next Sunday, October 14th, at the the IRONMAN Women's World Championship!To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. Find Athletic Brewing in the UK at UK.AthleticBrewing.com

Ken Rideout has a story that sounds like a movie script. Starting out as a prison guard that didn't get into running until his 30's. Now in his 50's, he's faster than ever, and winning races all over the world. This past spring he entered his very first ultra marathon, the 155-mile Gobi March. In addition to it being his first ultra, he had never camped before, but had to sleep on the ground each night of the adventure. Also, he won. Less than a week later Ken entered the 2023 Beer Mile World Classic, which featured a celebrity race as part of the 9th annual event. The Celebrity NA Beer Mile was presented by Athletic Brewing featured a star-studded celebrity field. Ken also won that. We're going to chat today with Ken about his mindset, how he gets faster every year, and what keeps him confident and humble as he challenges himself in new ways on a regular basis. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. 

After growing up in the musically diverse area of Houston, Julia found her taste in music to be a unique mix of authentic country and Houston rhythm and attitude. Her own music performances began with filling in to sing the national anthem before her volleyball games in high school. After a shot-in-the-dark submission to sing the national anthem before a professional football game, she knew she had a talent destined for a bigger audience. Fast forward a few years, and Julia has amassed over 200 million streams, is a CMT Next Women of Country, and played in The Grand Ole Opry, fulfilling her grandfather's dream. We catch up with Julia today to hear about the experience so far and how she stays the course in her rising fame, without compromise. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

When D'Mitri enrolled to play "football," his parents anticipated the familiar UK version they were accustomed to. Little did they know, in the US, that term refers to an entirely different sport that involves padding, helmets, and lots of contact. However, D'Mitri, being a sizeable kid (nicknamed "Big Meech"), not only embraced American football but excelled at it.Taking on the role of an offensive lineman for one of the nation's most renowned Division 1 programs, D'Mitri stands as a formidable presence on the field. Despite their pivotal role, the offensive line often operates in the shadows without due recognition. In today's episode, we're dedicated to spotlighting the true game changers, exemplified by Big Meech himself.

If you're a boater or just getting into it, chances are you've heard of the Qualified Captain (@thequalifiedcaptain), the Instagram page dedicated to viral clips showing folks doing everything wrong with their boats. Today we're sitting down with Aaron Stasiak, the founder of The Qualified Captain, to hear the story behind how this page got started, some of his craziest stories on the water, how he uses viral videos to educate people on the importance of boating safety, and what you can do to ensure you're never featured as a "qualified" captain.To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. 

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Ian, the resilient CEO of Sendy, an outdoor gear rental company that emerged amidst the turmoil of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, cofounded by adventure sports veterans Travis Rice and Cam Zink. Ian and his team exemplify the essence of living “Without Compromise" as they navigated through adversity, refusing to let the challenges of war hinder their dreams. Join us as we uncover the inspiration behind Sendy's creation, the unique features that set it apart, and how Ian's unwavering team in Ukraine led to a triumphant launch, proving that even in the darkest moments of history, innovation and determination can shine brightly. Tune in to this inspiring tale of turning hardships into opportunities and discover how Sendy became a beacon of hope for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.Sendy.ioForbes Article about Sendy here. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. 

Shelby Stanger is passionate about how we can use the power of adventure to improve our mental wellbeing and live without compromise. The journalist-turned-podcaster's work has appeared everywhere from Outside Magazine and CNN to ESPN and The San Diego Union Tribune. In 2016, Shelby started the Wild Ideas Worth Living Podcast to dive deeper into stories of how adventure and nature changes us. The podcast is now owned by REI Co-op Studios, and Shelby, who has interviewed hundreds of adventurers, remains the host and creator of the show. Shelby's new book, Will to Wild is an instruction manual to adventure, inspired by all the lessons she has learned from guests of her podcast and personal adventures over the years. It's the book she wishes she'd had when she'd first felt the urge to leap from familiar to wild terrain. The one that takes you step-by-step from the first inkling of inspiration for your own wild idea through fear and self-doubt and on to the finish line.Learn more about Shelby: shelbystanger.comwilltowild.com@ShelbyStanger on InstagramWild Ideas Worth Living Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wild-ideas-worth-livingTo learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Curious about what's going on between Netflix and Athletic Brewing? Today we're sitting down with our Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Katz, to get some behind-the-scenes info on the amazing collaboration that's kicking off with Geralt's Gold, a beer inspired by Netflix's, The Witcher. Andrew has really…gotten into character with this partnership, to say the least…Beyond the partnership, we also get to hear Andrew's story, what led him here to Athletic Brewing, making great tasting non-alcoholic beer available to anyone anytime, anywhere, just like our friends at Netflix. Be sure to give Geralt's Gold a try by ordering here. Check out the Andrew in full suit on our new YouTube series, Toss a Can to Your Witcher.

We all know that trail pollution doesn't stop on land, and neither does our Two For The Trails program. Our partners over at Seabin are on a mission to clean the ocean, one Seabin at a time. What's a Seabin? Check out today's Without Compromise podcast episode with Seabin CEO and Co-Founder, Pete Ceglinski, to find out how this innovative idea got started, how Athletic Brewing is working with Seabin, and how you too can help rid the ocean of plastic pollution.To celebrate World's Ocean Day last week, we had a team from our San Diego brewery to go check out the Athletic Brewing Seabin unit in Marina Del Rey. They analyzed the contents of the Seabin, sorted out the samples, and captured the data. It was an incredible day of seeing the Seabin in action!Learn more about Seabin here. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. ou can learn more about our Two For The Trails program at AthleticBrewing.com/pages/two-for-the-trails

Dave's journey to culinary mastery and innovation was anything but ordinary. An early (and successful) pursuit of golf could have easily kept Dave out of the kitchen, but his desire to cook great food, and to do it in a new way, had him trading in his clubs and golf cart for spatulas and aprons, and never looking back.From betting his whole future on his first restaurant in 2004 to opening dozens of other restaurants since, the road of culinary innovation has kept him on his toes and unafraid to try new things. His pursuit has led him to critically acclaimed works in television, writing, and podcasting, and obviously, restaurants. Listen in on today's episode of Without Compromise to hear Dave's story and be sure to check out Dave's drink of the summer, Ripe Pursuit, a lemon-infused, radler-style brew at AthleticBrewing.com. 

We all know sports are important for youth development and in turn, community development. Athletics does so much for society. In fact, we think so highly of the topic we named our company after it – Athletic Brewing.That said, we're excited to sponsor this year's Laureus Sports Emerging Leaders program! This program aims to identify and support the next generation of diverse leaders in sports-based youth development programs around the country. For today's Without Compromise episode, we sat down with Peter Feldman and a member of the 2023 cohort, Danielle Lugo, to learn more about the Emerging Leaders program and its impact firsthand. Listen on the link below or anywhere you get podcasts!

This past week, Athletic Brewing's west coast team headed to Fiesta Island for a beach cleanup in collaboration with Urban Surf 4 Kids, an organization that provides opportunities for healing and empowerment through surf therapy, mentorship, and life skills achievement programs for youth in foster and at-risk communities.We also had the opportunity to sit down with Roxanne Avant, the Executive Director of Urban Surf 4 Kids, for a chat about how the important work they're doing and what she has learned there as a leader.No matter what path you're pursuing without compromise, you'll learn something valuable from Roxanne and be inspired by her dedication to make a positive change in the next generation through surfing. Learn more about Urban Surf 4 Kids at urbansurf4kids.orgTo learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing. You can learn more about our values at AthleticBrewing.com/pages/values

Athletic Brewing's newest creation, Suped Up, was brewed in collaboration with Super Coffee, a leader in healthy, delicious alternatives to sugary coffee drinks. We had a chance to sit down and chat with Jimmy DeCicco, the Chief Brand Officer of Super Coffee, to learn more about their mission of spreading positive energy and the grind of endless grit, while building the business with his two younger brothers. No matter what progress you're pursuing, Jimmy has some incredible wisdom for you and your journey. Give Without Compromise a listen anywhere you get podcasts. Suped Up extra dark comes in at 130 calories, with 5g of protein, 23g of carbs, 0g of fat, lightning bolts of flavor, and a rich, full-bodied finish. Suped Up is great for your pre-activity, post-activity, and everything in between. You can learn more about Suped Up here.

With the college basketball tournaments in full swing, we wanted to check in with Athletic Brewing athlete, trailblazer, and one of the best point guards in the nation, Rori Harmon. After being named the Big 12's Freshman of the Year and the Big 12 Tournament's Most Outstanding Player in 2022, there was a lot of hype leading into this season. Rori rose to the challenge by putting on a show all season in Texas, leading her team to be ranked as one of the top seeds going into the tournament as well as being selected as one of the best point guards in college basketball. Today, we'll be diving into Rori's journey as a basketball player, how she got here, and her advice for those pursuing a life Without Compromise. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

When Saveria's fulfilling dream job disappeared, she knew she had to do something to get it back. Her solution was to launch AdventurUs Women and create life-changing experiences for women in the outdoors. The only problem was it was the fall of 2019, and the world was about to be flipped on its head. Join us today for a special interview with Saveria to hear how she navigated this journey, where it all started, and how being a Ladies Who Launch recipient has helped make this dream possible.Learn more about Saveria and Ladies who Launch at adventuruswomen.com and ladieswholaunch.orgTry Trailblazer and all other Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic craft beers here. 

After the Civil War, in an experiment by the U.S. Army to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle, the all-Black 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, was commissioned to embark on an expedition nearly 2,000 miles from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri. The 1897 journey was dubbed “The Great Experiment” in national newspapers that cared to pay attention to the 41-day adventure, which crossed through some of the harshest conditions and terrain in the American West, spanning Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of this experiment and to start a movement to identify these brave men and bicycle travel pioneers, in 2022, Erick Cedeño, aka the Bicycle Nomad, retraced the route and history of the All-Black, bicycle-mounted 25th Infantry. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Rodney was born and raised in Texas, not in an area with much craft beer. However, through traveling with his career in finance and inspiration from an uncle, he learned about regional distinctions and differences in beer and became fascinated by craft beer's uniqueness. This interest ultimately grew to the point he could no longer keep it on the side and made the leap to follow his passion and make it his career.Rodney took the leap after getting the chance to study brewing science at Sacred Heart University through a scholarship supported by Athletic Brewing. Our annual Black History Month brew, Soul Sour, supports the Sacred Heart scholarship and other organizations and programs breaking barriers in the brewing industry. To try Soul Sour for yourself, go to AthleticBrewing.com/products/soul-sour

Darren is defined by being different. From hiring a professional baseball player to attend his bar mitzvah to covering the wall of his college dorm room with drink labels to being one of the youngest employees on air at ESPN, Darren tries to stand out from the crowd. That's why it was no surprise that when he caught wind of a radical new idea from Bill Shufelt, craft non-alcoholic beer, he was captivated. In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Darren, who is well-known as a sports business analyst and reporter with over 20 years of experience covering the business of sports and has been recognized as one of the top sports business journalists in the country, who also happens to be a passionate and early supporter of Athletic Brewing. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

Joining us this week on Without Compromise is the Senior Vice President of Data Science and Research at WHOOP, Emily Capodilupo, to discuss the relationship between alcohol, sleep, and performance. As the first full-time employee and first scientist at WHOOP back in 2013, and as a runner and former gymnast, Emily is an expert on the importance of sleep and recovery for peak performance. Speaking of, we're almost halfway through January and our #GiveDryATry team at WHOOP is going strong! If you'd like to join for the second half of January and track your performance, go to AthleticBrewing.com/pages/whoop to learn more. Just by joining the “Give Dry a Try” Team you'll get a discount on brews*, but you'll also be entered for a chance to win our “Give Dry a Try” Sweepstakes. To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.