Sober Curious: How Michelle Houston Built a New Drinking Culture

In today’s episode, Donald sits down with Michelle Pualani Houston, the founder of To Be Honest Beverage Co., a purpose-driven non-alcoholic spirits brand redefining what it means to drink intentionally. After one personal decision to take a break from alcohol turned into a life-changing transformation, Michelle found clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose—ultimately launching a movement within the sober curious community.

Michelle opens up about her early relationship with drinking, the mental health struggles that pushed her toward change, and how her journey evolved into a mission of creating sophisticated, functional, zero-proof spirits infused with hemp-derived CBD. Together with her husband, she’s helping reshape social drinking culture—making space for inclusion, presence, and mindful choices without sacrificing flavor or experience.

We cover:

• Why non-alcoholic options matter more than ever
• The cultural pressures behind drinking and how to unlearn them
• CBD, functional beverages, and what they actually do
• Navigating relationships, identity, and social life without alcohol
• The creation of TBH Bev, and what true intentional drinking looks like
• The future of bars, nightlife, and wellness-centered socializing

If you’ve ever explored cutting back, gotten curious about the sober movement, or wanted better alternatives that don’t involve hangovers, this episode will open your mind—and maybe even change how you see drinking altogether.

Connect with To Be Honest Beverage Co.:

Website & socials: @tobehonestbev