Michael Keaton "was Always a Good Time" Even After Ditching the Booze

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s Monday, and we all need to take a moment and pop open some NA bubbly—Beyoncé finally snagged that elusive Grammy, and the world feels a little more aligned. The Queen has spoken, and we are simply living in her glitter-drenched, renaissance-infused universe. Somewhere, a beehive is buzzing with joy, and honestly, so are we.

In other news, Michael Keaton is reminding us that sobriety doesn’t mean you have to ditch your edge. Whether he’s battling Gotham’s villains or opioid epidemics on-screen, the man proves you don’t need a buzz to be a total badass. Add in some cosmic musings, NA dark lagers that have an identity crisis (in the best way), and Blink-182 making us question if we’ve really healed from our 2004 emo phase—and you’ve got an issue packed tighter than Times Square on New Year’s Eve. #WeDoRecover, and we do it with style. Buckle up, sipsters—it’s going to be a fabulous ride 💋

— Alexandra Nyman / Publisher / New York, NY 🌃

Grammy Awards Beyonce GIF by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

What a Week, Happy Monday

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Nonny Beer – Dark Lager Thinks It’s a Porter on the Inside

Truth be told, Nonny isn’t new to me, as my last video review was for a Nonny beer, but it still sits in the vault awaiting editing, so for now, let me introduce you to a friend from the north. Nonny Beer is out of Vancouver, Canada. They have a few different beers to their name and are excited to be a part of our foreign American customs of crushing NA beer like champs. With that in mind, let’s see what they have to offer us, shall we!

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#QUITLIT
The Heartache of Love and Addiction: Beautiful Boy by David Sheff

David Sheff’s Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction is a searing exploration of addiction’s devastating impact—not just on the individual but on the family caught in its relentless wake. Chronicling his son Nic’s descent into a methamphetamine addiction and the accompanying cycles of hope, despair, and recovery.

SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
A Non-Spirited Night Out in Times Square

Times Square is the pulsating heart of New York City—neon lights, Broadway magic, and the constant rhythm of the city that never sleeps. But if you think a night out in this electric atmosphere requires alcohol, think again! Tempo by Hilton Times Square is redefining the experience with its innovative “spirited and non-spirited” beverage program at Highball, their stylish bar and restaurant.

MUSIC
The Mental Health Implications of Blink-182’s “I Miss You”

Blink-182’s “I Miss You” is more than a melancholic pop-punk ballad—it’s a deep exploration of themes that resonate with the human experience: loss, longing, and the complex interplay of emotions in the aftermath of heartbreak. Beyond its catchy melody and evocative lyrics, the song captures the emotional turbulence associated with mental health struggles, making it a relatable anthem for many listeners. Here’s a closer look at its mental health implications.

#WEDORECOVER
Michael Keaton, A Sober Icon

Bring It On Oscars GIF by The Academy Awards

Michael Keaton’s journey through Hollywood is marked not just by his versatile roles but by his grounded, sober approach to life. While he’s never made sobriety a central talking point, Keaton has candidly shared that he doesn’t get drunk, reflecting a conscious choice to live with clarity and intention. “I don’t get drunk. It’s not that I don’t have a drink now and again, but I’ve had my days,” he admitted in an interview with Empire Magazine. His approach speaks to a life well-lived, where fun isn’t measured by excess but by authenticity—a philosophy that seems to mirror his thoughtful, layered performances on screen.

Keaton’s sobriety adds another layer of depth to roles like Dr. Samuel Finnix in Dopesick, where he portrays a character grappling with addiction amidst the opioid crisis. His personal connection to the subject, having lost his nephew to an overdose, brings a raw authenticity to the screen. Through it all, Keaton remains refreshingly relatable, embodying the idea that you don’t need to lose yourself in the chaos to truly feel alive. As he once quipped about his legacy, “He was always a good time”—proof that joy, purpose, and even a little mischief don’t require a buzz.

For anyone struggling, know that help is available: 📞 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA Helpline).

SOBER EVENTS
New York Fashion Week Powered by Break Free

Break Free is leading the discussion on mental health, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders within the fashion industry and beyond. Every runway season, we host a fashion showcase that puts mental health and recovery center stage during New York Fashion Week. At Break Free, we are all recovering from something. Our next runway show will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Use code TSC to get a $5 virtual ticket to watch the livestream of Break Free’s New York Fashion Week Runway show featuring Rehab Studios and Sky Eagle Collection.

FASHION
Sky Eagle Collection Soars at Break Free Where Fashion Meets Advocacy

Fashion and advocacy collide this season as Sky Eagle Collection takes center stage at the Break Free Foundation’s “Recovery on the Runway”, happening on February 8 at Judson Memorial in New York City. This groundbreaking partnership between designer Dante Biss-Grayson and the Break Free Foundation promises to redefine the runway, weaving together cultural heritage, resilience, and a powerful message of recovery.

#ADDTOCART
12 Fun & Unique Sober Gifts: A Sober Not Boring Valentine Gift Guide for Your Sober Sweeties

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your sober sweetie, look no further. We’ve curated a list of 12 unique, sober-not-boring gifts that will bring joy and show your appreciation for their journey without breaking the bank.

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
How to Throw the Best Sober Bowl Party

The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s an experience filled with camaraderie, food, and celebration. If you’re hosting a Sober Bowl Party, you can create an inclusive, lively atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and has a blast—without the need for alcohol. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable Sober Bowl Party.

MENTAL HEALTH

Cosmic Indifference

It seems that in its search for eternal balance, my brain has decided that for every time I feel good, I must feel equally and oppositely bad.

Whenever I get to a point where I can let my consciousness surrender my control, I have noticed that my subconscious steps right back in to retake it.

If I wrote an old-timey diary, I’d be diagnosed bipolar; in the morning, it would say,

“I think I can do this,”

And in the evening, it will say,

“You didn’t, and you can’t.”

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Mistakes at Full Speed

Classy Problems is a daily post of thinking in motion by Dan T. Rogers. Each post stands alone as a thought-provoking piece, yet together, they create a puzzle of ideas. They invite you to see things from a different angle, rethink what you thought you knew, and explore what’s beyond your current understanding.

SOBER EVENTS
Sober in Seattle? Tickets on Sale Now for Ignite Seattle #47 – 12 Speakers, 5 Minute Talks

When I started feeling more comfortable in my sobriety, something inside me shifted. It wasn’t just about what was happening in my body, heart, and soul—it was about where I lived, too. My environment didn’t feel aligned with this new version of myself. It was tied to an old story I didn’t want to keep reading. I craved a home that reflected the liberation and expansion I was feeling on the inside. 

ENTERTAINMENT
Finding the Heart in Chaos: A Look at Goodrich

Goodrich shines as a poignant, heartfelt comedy that captures the beauty and absurdity of life’s unexpected detours. Written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, the film features a powerhouse performance by Michael Keaton as Andy Goodrich, a flawed but ultimately lovable art dealer thrust into a whirlwind of family, career, and personal reinvention.

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Philters Wiski Creates a Flavorful NA Cocktail

I definitely miss whiskey since I quit drinking alcohol. But I’ve realized that I need to alter my expectations about finding an exact replacement for the whiskey I had become so fond of. First, the non-alcoholic whiskey substitutes aren’t necessarily designed to sip independently. And so far, none of my taste tests have yielded the same full mouth-feel or burn that whiskey provides. Okay, with that established, I set my criteria instead on something that will create a flavorful cocktail in the place of an Old Fashioned or in the place of a Whiskey Sour.

See You Monday Happy Friday GIF by Rise at Seven

See you next week!

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