Is it overkill to say that Ben Branson basically invented the non-alc drinks space as we have it now? Through his invention, Seedlip, a billion-dollar non-alc industry now exists, bringing quality drinks into restaurants, bars, and homes around the world. Ben tells us the hard truths of launching a new product when you're one person (especially when it's non-alcoholic), the best and worst things people said to him, his secret future plans... it was truly a breath of fresh air to speak to him.

Ben's latest invention is seasn cocktail bitters, beloved by sommeliers Melania Bellesini (The Fat Duck) and Helen McGinn (Saturday Kitchen – and check out our episodes with both of them to hear them raving about them). Ben was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in 2022, and subsequently founded the charity Prism ND to bring better awareness of neurodivergence to media coverage. Prism ND's first project is The Hidden 20%, a brilliant podcast where Ben interviews neurodivergent people with a central concept that "great minds think differently". Kat especially is a huge fan, so check it out.

If you’ve got cool knowledge about soft drinks that you'd like to share with us, or any other non-booze-related gossip, then email us at popculturedrinkspodcast@gmail.com. You can see what and where we've been drinking lately on Instagram @popculturedrinkspodcast, and join our mailbag! DM us a voice note, a question, or your thoughts on all things drinks so we can share it on a future show.

Pop Culture is on Bookshop.org! Read books by us, our guests, and others we like, while helping to support the show. Thank you for listening and, until Helen comes up with another catchphrase, keeeeeep drinking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.