What's the best way today to copy voice memos from iPhone to Mac WITHOUT using iCloud? [closed]

Not sure if this is the best alternative but you can use AirDrop to transfer voice memos.

First make sure Wifi and Bluetooth are turned on both on your iPhone and Mac. Then make sure AirDrop discovery is set to everyone or at least contacts only.

Now open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone and tap on a voice memo. Then tap on the three dots to appear and then on Share. Then select AirDrop from the choices to appear and then choose the option with your Mac’s name. The voice memo should then appear in your Downloads folder.

See the AirDrop option in this article for more details.