When The Real Margaret Josephs tells you she’s “always been the designated driver—and the life of the party,” you know she means it. Alongside her best friend and business partner Lexi Barbuto, she’s rewriting what it means to celebrate with Soirée—a luxury non-alcoholic drink brand that’s part beverage, part movement.
Soirée isn’t just a pretty can—it’s a vibe. Vintage prints, glamorous design, and flavor profiles that whisper Palm Springs and confidence. Think cucumber-mint lychee, watermelon-basil, or the new Café Spritz launching for Dry January. Each sip says: you belong here, no explanations needed.
For Margaret, the inspiration came from watching her mother’s complicated relationship with alcohol and realizing early on that fun doesn’t need a chaser. “There’s no stigma in not drinking,” she says. “You can still have a great time—and a great drink.”
That mindset drives Soirée’s mission: to end the awkwardness. No more whispering “what are you drinking?” at parties. No more soda water in plastic cups. With Soirée, everyone’s glass looks elevated, everyone feels included, and no one misses out.
Beyond the fashion and fizz, the women behind Soirée are focused on impact. They dream of bringing their brand to college campuses, giving young women an alternative to blackout culture. “We want a Soirée Society,” Margaret says, “where confidence is the buzz and safety is the standard.”
Their movement is also cultural. With Caesar’s Palace bringing Soirée to its Las Vegas venues just in time for BravoCon, it’s a sign of the times: even in Sin City, sober is in. “The party girls and the party boys deserve options,” Lexi says. “It’s not about restriction—it’s about freedom.”
By the end of the interview, it’s clear: Soirée isn’t selling drinks. It’s selling permission—to shine, to show up, to feel glamorous without the glass of regret.
As Alysse Bryson puts it: “The best kind of buzz is the one you remember.”
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.
This show is for you if you’ve ever wondered:
– Where can I find inspiring sober podcasts, apps, and creators?
– How do I give back or stay plugged into the sober community
– What are the best sober-friendly drinks and travel tips?
– Where do I find the good NA drinks that don’t taste like regret?
The Sober Curator is your go-to for sober pop culture, booze-free travel, apps, creators, and community.
We’re not here to help you get sober.
We’re here to help you live sober—and love it.
We went full pilgrimage to Astoria and then sat down with Behman Zakeri — the lifelong Goonies superfan who actually bought the Goonies house. He walks us through the wild buy, the meticulous restoration (yes, the Rube Goldberg works), and how he keeps the magic open to fans without wrecking the neighbors’ peace. It’s fandom, boundaries, community… and a reminder that “Goonies never say die” is a sober mantra, too.
Takeaways:
Fandom → stewardship: buying the house wasn’t flex, it was a promise to share it with the world.
Restoration with receipts: original red trim, distressed fence, working Rube Goldberg (robot chicken and all).
Boundaries matter: welcome the selfies; respect the neighborhood and the porch unless invited.
Community funds community: a simple donation box helps cover upkeep and keeps the Goon Docs open.
Sober parallel: “Goonies never say die” = one-day-at-a-time resilience.
Key Timestamps:
[00:02:16] Why this convo: fandom, boundaries, and keeping the magic without chaos.
[00:16:23] “Tell us everything”: the surreal buy + underdog energy.
[00:20:45] The attic, the missing stairs, and the decision to “bring the magic back.”
[00:25:06] Chosen over higher offers: why the seller picked heart over money.
[00:30:01] Rebuilding the Rube Goldberg so it finally works start-to-finish.
[00:41:09] No business, just joy: free tours for charity, Halloween Baby Ruths, and set-design secrets.
Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-X: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
Follow & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Plus, the first 50 reviews on Apple Podcasts can win a sleek, limited edition Sober Curator fanny pack!
Send Feedback:
If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
About:
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
*The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
Follow along with Margaret & Lexi in all of social places and digital spaces:
- Website drinksoiree.com
- Website margaretjosephs.com
- On the ‘Gram: @drinksoiree @therealmargaretjosephs @thelifeofmrsb
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Soirée: Elevate Your Alcohol-Free Party with Vibrant, Delicious Beverages (2024)
SOBER ENTERTAINMENT: Pop Culture Meets Sobriety: The Real Housewives Drama Analyzed
SOBER POP CULTURE: 40 Real Housewives-Inspired Taglines for the Sober and Fabulous
SOBER POP CULTURE: Dear Andy Cohen: It’s Time to “Bravo, Bravo, Fing Bravo” a New Drinking Narrative by Anne Marie Cribbin
Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … #becausedrunkneverlooksgood.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
