The Sober Edge Podcast: Building Rituals That Heal
- Michelle Houston
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
Why We Reach for Alcohol... And What Happens When We Choose Differently
On her recent appearance on The Sober Edge Podcast, hosted by Teri Patterson, Michelle Houston opens up about her personal journey through anxiety, overdrinking, and burnout—and how choosing to remove alcohol led her to rebuild her life and eventually launch To Be Honest Beverage Co.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
In this rich and vulnerable conversation, Michelle talks candidly about her “functional” drinking patterns and the overwhelming anxiety that led her to stop drinking. Her reflections mirror the experiences of so many navigating today’s fast-paced world—and offer a hopeful, actionable alternative.
Michelle’s Journey: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Michelle grew up in a culture where drinking wasn’t questioned—it was expected. And like many high-achieving professionals, alcohol became her go-to tool for unwinding and checking out.
But over time, it became clear that alcohol wasn’t actually helping. Instead, it was:
Disrupting her sleep
Amplifying her anxiety
Reducing her clarity, energy, and sense of connection
Rather than crash through another burnout cycle, Michelle paused. Then she created something new—not just for herself, but for others asking the same questions.
The Birth of Focus: A Functional Spirit for the Sober Curious
Michelle launched To Be Honest Beverage Co. to help people rethink how they relax, socialize, and unwind.
Her flagship product, Focus, is a hemp-infused botanical spirit inspired by classic gin.
It’s designed for those who want to:
✔ Keep the ritual of a well-made drink
✔ Avoid alcohol’s side effects
✔ Reduce anxiety naturally
✔ Feel more calm and present—without a buzz
What sets Focus apart:
Juniper-forward botanical profile, blended with citrus, lavender, and herbaceous depth
Hemp-derived CBD isolate to promote a gentle calming effect
No alcohol, THC, sugar, or synthetic ingredients
Key Takeaways from The Sober Edge Podcast
Michelle and Teri explore themes that resonate deeply with sober curious listeners, including:
1. Anxiety and Alcohol Often Go Hand in Hand
Michelle talks about alcohol as a numbing agent—and why she ultimately stopped using it to suppress discomfort. Instead of calming her, drinking kept her in a state of low-level distress and detachment.
2. Creating Functional Rituals Is a Form of Self-Respect
For Michelle, replacing alcohol wasn’t about giving something up—it was about creating something better. Focus was built to be a full-sensory experience: complex, beautiful, and grounded.
3. Wellness Consumers Want More Than Just “No Alcohol”
Focus meets the demand for beverages that offer real function—stress relief, relaxation, presence—without sugar, caffeine, or hangovers.
4. Community Is Essential to Healing
Michelle reflects on how her support system—and the wider sober curious community—helped her feel empowered, not deprived.
Why Focus Belongs in Your Evening Ritual
Focus was designed for that moment at the end of the day when your nervous system is shot, your brain is racing, and you need something to transition from stress to rest.
Instead of pouring a glass of wine or settling for a sugar bomb mocktail, Focus gives you:
A calming experience that supports relaxation
A way to stay present in social settings without buzz or pressure
A functional ritual that supports mental health and sleep hygiene
Sip it neat, on the rocks, or with sparkling water and citrus. Add berries or herbs for a botanical twist.
✨ Want to try it? Explore Focus here.
Final Thoughts: Redefining What It Means to Unwind
Michelle’s message on The Sober Edge is one of hope, clarity, and creativity. Choosing an alcohol-free path doesn’t mean less—it means more presence, more intention, and more support for the nervous system.
With Focus, To Be Honest Beverage Co. is giving people the tools to unwind in ways that feel aligned—not numbed out.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between Focus and a mocktail? A: Focus is a functional non-alcoholic spirit. It’s not just for mixing—it’s designed to create a true sensory experience with added wellness benefits.
Q: Will I feel anything after drinking Focus? A: You may feel calmer, more grounded, or less tense—but Focus does not contain THC or create a “high.”
Q: Can I use Focus for social occasions? A: Absolutely. Focus was made to be poured, sipped, and shared in any social setting—especially where alcohol would typically be served.
Q: What’s the best way to enjoy Focus? A: We recommend mixing it with soda water and citrus, or using it as a gin replacement in any alcohol-free cocktail.
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