{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F41e02a4a-eed4-4605-8950-5ba90aee45ca","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Mindful Drinking, Mental Health, and Redefining Rituals with Michelle Houston","description":"Alcohol shapes social life, productivity, and our inner dialogue more than we admit. In this Soul Sparks with Saima episode, Michelle Houston\u2014founder of To Be Honest Beverage\u2014breaks down the emotional and neurological links between alcohol and mental health. We explore why \u201cjust one or two\u201d still changes choices and relationships, how to swap autopilot drinking for intentional rituals, and practical behavior-change tactics that actually stick. If you\u2019re sober-curious, rethinking your habits, or building a purpose-driven brand, this straight-talking conversation offers clear steps to move from numbing to nuance\u2014on your terms.\nAbout the Guest\u00a0\u00a0:\nMichelle Houston is the founder of To Be Honest Beverage, a conscious-drinking brand focused on flavor, function, and experience without alcohol. Drawing on coaching and behavior-change work, she champions choice, presence, and values-led living.\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nAlcohol is a depressant that alters mood, cognition, language, and inhibition\u2014even at \u201csocial\u201d levels\u2014shaping choices and relationships the day-of and days after.\n\n\nMany drink to cope, numb, or avoid; mindful alternatives plus addressing root causes (therapy, reflection, community) reduce the anxiety spiral of brain fog and self-doubt.\n\n\nRituals matter. Keep the social experience, upgrade the contents: craft, flavor, and functional beverages can deliver the \u201ccocktail\u201d experience without intoxication.\n\n\nPresence deepens connection. Not drinking often heightens awareness and strengthens relationships through clearer conversations and memory.\n\n\nStart with a candid baseline. Like GPS, you need a starting point before goals; audit current habits, then layer small, realistic steps.\n\n\nSustain change by aligning with values (e.g., connection, vitality) rather than external expectations; misalignment drives relapse into old patterns.\n\n\nMomentum dips are normal. Revisit your \u201cwhy,\u201d simplify your next step, and cut the shame narrative; consistency grows from self-respect, not punishment.\n\n\nPurpose-driven brands can resist pressure by staying small, direct-to-consumer, and values-led; integrity compounds over a 10-year horizon more than early \u201cvirality.\u201d\n\n\nPractical first move: define the next smallest actionable task (not five gym days\u2014maybe a 10-minute walk), then repeat.\n\n\nLanguage check: notice catastrophizing and negative self-talk; bring fear and shame \u201cto light\u201d via writing, sharing, or therapy to reduce charge.\n\n\nConnect with the Guest\u00a0\u00a0:\nWebsite: tobehonestbev.comSocial: @ToBeHonestBev on YouTube, TikTok, and InstagramAvailability: Ships across the U.S.; stocked at select non-alcoholic shops and bars.DM for questions via Instagram: @ToBeHonestBev\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matt","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/31f4af9e-cc4e-409a-98fb-653e1f193907/mtdlnc5qcgc.jpg"}