A Sommelier's Story of Creating Change with Jillian Fontana, Mod Elixirs

In this inspiring episode, Molly welcomes special guest Jillian Fontana, a certified sommelier and founder of Mod Elixirs, a new line of thoughtfully crafted alcohol-free beverages. Jillian shares her personal journey from being fully immersed in the wine and hospitality industry to re-evaluating her relationship with alcohol—all while staying true to her passion for wine and food.

Through their conversation, Molly and Jillian explore what it means to be an alcohol minimalist even when you’re deeply connected to the beverage industry. Jillian’s story offers a powerful example of how we can rewrite our beliefs about alcohol, prioritize our well-being, and still celebrate the joy of tasting and pairing in a new way.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Jillian’s professional identity as a sommelier intersected with her personal struggle around overdrinking
• The subtle but important difference between alcohol moderation and alcohol minimalism
• Why redefining rituals and routines around alcohol is a key part of long-term change
• How Jillian used her industry experience to develop Mod Elixirs, a brand-new line of alcohol-free elixirs
• Practical ways to incorporate mindful drinking while honoring your passion for food, wine, and connection

About Jillian Fontana:

Jillian is a certified sommelier with a background in high-end restaurants in Boston and New York. After becoming a mother and noticing the increasing role alcohol played in her daily life, she began rethinking her habits and redefining her relationship with drinking. Drawing on her deep knowledge of flavor and pairing, she launched Mod Elixirs—a brand dedicated to crafting complex, delicious, non-alcoholic beverages for those who want a new way to celebrate.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Mod Elixirs: Mod Elixirs Website
• Connect with Jillian Fontana on Instagram: @modelixirs
• Molly's book: Breaking the Bottle Legacy
• Join the Alcohol Minimalist community: Facebook Group

Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.

Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.

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