Episode 103: AF Bars and Deep Connection with Chris Marshall

Jan 13

Imagine finding a place where you truly, deeply belong. This is what Chris Marshall set out to create when he founded Sans Bar, an alcohol-free bar in Austin, TX! In this episode of Euphoric The Podcast, Karolina sits down with Chris as he shares how his alcohol story and experience as a licensed counselor propelled him to follow his calling, expanding from monthly alcohol-free pop-ups to a full fledged brick and mortar. Sans Bar dedicates their inclusive spaces to anyone wanting to create deep, profound connections.

Spreading their mission, Sans Bar is going on tour in 2022 all across the nation! As they travel to 16 cities, they will create a one of a kind night to enjoy delicious zero proof beverages, fun, and connection.

I’ll be speaking at SansBar Houston, Chicago, and New York!

It’s here. Run to your nearest bookstore because Karolina’s new book Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You officially hits bookshelves this week. Buy the book, share the book, and tell your friends. And when you get your copy, be sure to leave a review on Amazon so others can find it. We appreciate you!

Craving connection and the longing to belong

Imagine finding a place where you truly, deeply belong. This is what Chris Marshall set out to create when he founded Sans Bar, an alcohol-free bar in Austin, TX. So what is so unique about this place?

In his own words, “it’s a safe, sober, and inclusive environment where everyone can join, everyone can gather, have all the bar experience without the alcohol and really find meaningful connection.”

Don’t we all crave connection?

At the age of 16, Chris had his first drink for the purpose of fitting in. All of his friends were drinking and his longing was to belong. He didn’t enjoy the taste of alcohol, he didn’t like being drunk, and he dreaded waking up hungover, but he was willing to pay that price for the sake of connection.

Alcohol was correlated to connection for Chris, but over the years, a pattern of over drinking emerged, ultimately leaving him alone. This was a major turning point because alcohol was keeping him from the thing he desired most.

There is an illusion that alcohol creates connection, but in reality, it’s a very shallow one. When you take away this substance from your life, you can tap into a level of presence and depth that you’ve maybe never even experienced!

Discovering depth and new relationships without alcohol

Chris found himself physically dependent on alcohol by the age of 23, so in deciding to quit alcohol, he also made the wise choice of seeking the help of medical professionals. This isn’t the story of everyone who decides to cut alcohol out of their life, but it was pivotal for his recovery journey.

While in treatment, he realized that unless he changes, alcohol will continue to be in control.

During treatment, an alumni group became Chris’ sacred support system and they took him under their wing. For his first 52 weeks of sobriety, Chris spent late nights out with a group of sober 40-50 year olds, eating fast food and Tex Mex, drinking coffee, and experiencing belonging that a seed was planted. It was through this experience that the inspiration for Sans Bar came to be.

Chris found the meaningful connections he had been craving and alcohol was not part of the relationship! Ready to start living life, he moved to Austin, went back to school, and began working a part time job.

As a licensed counselor, Chris worked closely with substance dependent folks and noticed a common thread. There was a consistent theme of feeling alone, along with a profound loss of identity without substance or alcohol use.

He compares alcohol to an ex: “How are you going to relate to that person now? Because if you don't have that made up in your mind, the next time that person calls, you may pick up the phone.”

His personal journey, combined with his work as a counselor, ultimately led Chris to step into a new role. One where he tackled the need for creating amazing, alcohol-free spaces where depth and connection co-exist!

Day one and the bravery of starting something new

If you have a dream of writing a book, launching a business, or starting an impactful movement like Chris, we all have to start somewhere.

Chris’s first event had a humble start, with only six people showing up. Despite the small turnout, he knew he had found his life purpose.

He began hosting more alcohol-free pop-up events, and while he faced plenty of haters and public push back, Chris knew what he was creating for himself and others was needed and valuable.

It is so easy to get preoccupied with validation and approval, and it can make us filter what we share or lead to fear of taking risks. Chris’ wisdom told him to hold on to his “why” and to look within himself to find motivation and encouragement to keep going, regardless of what others may say.

And as we emerge into 2022, his desire to spread the message of creating deep connections in an alcohol-free space is even bigger. Chris formed a Sans Bar National Tour. As they travel to 16 cities, they will create a one of a kind night, bringing folks from throughout the city together for an unforgettable night of connection, depth, and fun!

“Alcohol is keeping me from the thing that I want, which is connection. And if that's the case, it doesn't matter how I feel about it, it doesn't matter if the facts are convenient, or if my drinking is problematic to others. To me, personally, this is keeping me from the thing that I want the most, and I have to stop.” Chris Marshall