A Twist on Passover
A Twist on Passover

J Hirtle The Last Storyteller

Jim Hirtle chats with D. K. Kedsen about reimagining the ten plagues of Passover as cocktails and mocktails, adding humour and creativity to tradition. They also touch on indie publishing, book marketing and more mindful ways of approaching alcohol and celebration.

EntertainingInformativeHonestEncouragingAuthentic

40:23•1 Apr 2026

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Passover, Plagues and Cocktails: D. K. Kedsen Shakes Things Up

Episode Overview

Passover traditions, including the ten plagues, can be reimagined with humour and themed drinks to keep younger and older guests engaged.
Thoughtful mocktails require different proportions and techniques than cocktails, and can offer a satisfying option for people who avoid alcohol.
Kosher-friendly cocktails are possible, as many spirits and ingredients can be sourced in kosher forms if needed.
Indie authors often need to handle editing, cover design and marketing themselves, and networking usually works better than paying dubious promo services.
Social media can help, but viral success is unpredictable, so consistent effort and community connections matter more than chasing quick wins.

“I’m not anti-drinking… I’m just anti-you doing something stupid.”

What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? This conversation between host Jim Hirtle and author D. K. Kedsen takes an unexpectedly funny and thoughtful route through Passover, plagues, cocktails and mocktails, with plenty of relatable chat for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Kedsen shares how his dislike of Passover as a kid (thanks to awful unleavened birthday cakes) led to a quirky idea: turning the biblical ten plagues into themed drinks for his family seder.

From “boils” inspiring antibiotic-themed cocktails like Penicillin and his amped-up “Ampicillin”, to vermin-themed creations like La Cucaracha and plans for a Pink Squirrel, he shows how ritual can be made more engaging without losing respect for tradition. Crucially for sober-curious listeners, Kedsen spends real time on alcohol-free options.

He talks about crafting proper mocktails for a friend who can’t drink, pointing out that “they’re harder to create than cocktails” and explaining why you can’t just remove the spirits and call it done. He even notes the rise in mocktail culture and how it links to declining alcohol sales. Jim joins in, stressing, “I’m not anti-drinking… I’m just anti-you doing something stupid,” nudging toward a more mindful approach.

Beyond drinks, the episode digs into indie authorship: writing humorous, sometimes political fiction, designing your own covers, learning structure, and the grind of promotion in an ever-shifting social media landscape. Both men swap lessons on networking, avoiding dodgy ‘promo services’, and accepting that virality is often sheer luck.

If you’re interested in creative ways to enjoy social rituals, appreciate a bit of theology with your tonic, or you’re an indie writer juggling art and visibility, you’ll find plenty to smile about and think over here. It might even get you asking: what could a more intentional, less alcohol-centred celebration look like for you?

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