Stephanie Styll- Owner- Killjoy

Episode 1 of the Nashville Restaurant Radio podcast, hosted by New Light Hospitality, titled "Stephanie Styll- Owner- Killjoy" was published on January 2, 2026 and runs 74 minutes.

January 2, 2026 ·74m · Nashville Restaurant Radio

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Summary

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, I sit down with Stephanie Styll, owner of Killjoy, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about alcohol, behavior, and why more people are choosing to step away from drinking.Stephanie and I both bring a unique perspective to this conversation — I’ve been alcohol-free for over six years, and Stephanie for five. That lived experience allows us to dig deeper into the why behind shifting drinking habits, beyond trends or challenges like Dry January.We talk about the science and psychology of drinking, how alcohol affects mood, sleep, anxiety, and performance, and why more people are re-evaluating their relationship with it. We also explore how these changes are showing up in restaurants and bars, and what it means for hospitality operators who want to meet guests where they are.🧠 Topics We Explore:The behavioral and neurological effects of alcoholWhy more people are choosing to drink less — or not at allThe connection between alcohol, anxiety, sleep, and mental clarityHow social norms around drinking are changingWhy alcohol-free choices aren’t a trend — they’re a shiftHow Killjoy approaches hospitality for all guests, drinkers or notWhat restaurants can learn from changing consumer behaviorThis episode isn’t about telling anyone what to do — it’s about understanding ourselves and our guests better, and recognizing that hospitality is evolving alongside culture and health awareness.🎧 Whether you’re alcohol-free, sober-curious, or simply interested in how guest behavior is changing, this is a meaningful conversation worth hearing.

Episode Description

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, I sit down with Stephanie Styll, owner of Killjoy, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about alcohol, behavior, and why more people are choosing to step away from drinking.

Stephanie and I both bring a unique perspective to this conversation — I’ve been alcohol-free for over six years, and Stephanie for five. That lived experience allows us to dig deeper into the why behind shifting drinking habits, beyond trends or challenges like Dry January.

We talk about the science and psychology of drinking, how alcohol affects mood, sleep, anxiety, and performance, and why more people are re-evaluating their relationship with it. We also explore how these changes are showing up in restaurants and bars, and what it means for hospitality operators who want to meet guests where they are.

🧠 Topics We Explore:

The behavioral and neurological effects of alcohol
Why more people are choosing to drink less — or not at all
The connection between alcohol, anxiety, sleep, and mental clarity
How social norms around drinking are changing
Why alcohol-free choices aren’t a trend — they’re a shift
How Killjoy approaches hospitality for all guests, drinkers or not
What restaurants can learn from changing consumer behavior

This episode isn’t about telling anyone what to do — it’s about understanding ourselves and our guests better, and recognizing that hospitality is evolving alongside culture and health awareness.

🎧 Whether you’re alcohol-free, sober-curious, or simply interested in how guest behavior is changing, this is a meaningful conversation worth hearing.