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What happens when a musician trades liquid courage for clarity? In this episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, Alysse Bryson sits down with singer-songwriter Meredith Moon to talk about creativity without booze, overcoming stage fright, and why sobriety didn’t kill her art—it sharpened it. From hitchhiking across Canada to releasing her first fully sober album, Meredith shares an honest, grounded look at what it means to be fully present in your creative life.  Takeaways  Sobriety can enhance creativity—not erase it  Stage fright doesn’t disappear with alcohol, it just gets postponed  Inspiration requires answering the call when it shows up  Balance in sobriety means knowing when to step away  Reading, movement, and snacks are underrated recovery tools  Key Timestamps  [00:01:01] — Welcome to The Sober Curator Podcast + host intro  [00:01:22] — Meet Meredith Moon + her unconventional musical journey  [00:02:28] — Fear of losing creativity after quitting drinking  [00:03:47] — Sobriety as a creative “superpower”  [00:05:32] — Obsession, balance, and boundaries in sober creativity  [00:11:10] — Movement, anxiety relief, and baseline calm  [00:11:30] — Letting food be medicine in early sobriety  [00:12:00] — Reading again: sobriety and cognitive clarity  Notable Resources & Mentions  Meredith Moon — From Here to the Sea (Album)  Compass Records  Warner Music Canada  If this episode inspired you, share it with a sober friend who still thinks creativity requires cocktails.  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 [email protected]. 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. 

What happens when creativity meets curiosity—and alcohol no longer gets a free pass? In this vibrant and honest conversation, Alysse Bryson sits down with writer and editor Niesha Davis to talk sober curiosity, creative rituals, body wisdom, and her colorful new project, The Sober Curious Activity Book. From journaling and art as tools for reflection to navigating social life without booze, this episode proves sobriety doesn’t have to be rigid to be powerful—it can be playful, personal, and deeply freeing.  Takeaways  Sober curiosity is about asking better questions—not labels  Creativity (journaling, art, reflection) can replace alcohol as a coping tool  Listening to your body is often the first wake-up call  Non-alcoholic options are personal—there’s no one “right” way  You can evolve without losing your identity, joy, or social life  Key Timestamps  [00:03:41] Margaret shares how her relationship with alcohol inspired Soirée.  [00:07:00] The Palm Springs “Slim Aarons” photoshoot magic.  [00:10:13] Flipping the mocktail narrative—why “nothing is missing.”  [00:18:00] New flavor drop: Café Spritz for Dry January ☕  [00:23:00] Building confidence for young women and redefining college culture.  [00:35:00] Soirée joins Caesar’s in Vegas just in time for BravoCon.  [00:47:30] Margaret’s self-care confession: Heath Bar Blizzards + binge-watching.  Guest Links  The Sober Curious Activity Book — Niesha Davis  Health, Women’s Health, HuffPost, Bust Magazine  Brown and Abroad (Niesha’s travel platform)  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.    Send Feedback:  If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

What happens when sobriety finally clicks — not just in the body, but in the soul? In this powerful episode, Alysse Bryson sits down with recovery advocate and community leader Jonathan Gildart to talk about incarceration, identity, and finding true belonging in LGBTQ+ recovery spaces. With over 11 years of continuous sobriety, Jonathan shares how service, accountability, and queer community didn’t just help him stay sober — they helped him build a life worth staying for.  Key Takeaways  Why sobriety without community often isn’t enough  How LGBTQ+ recovery spaces create safety, accountability, and joy  The myth of “I don’t have a drinking problem” — and how it unravels  Why service is one of the most powerful relapse-prevention tools  How recovery housing builds responsibility, dignity, and connection  Key Timestamps  [01:26] Meet Jonathan Gildart & his sober origin story  [03:00] Incarceration as the unexpected turning point  [05:10] “I thought I could just drink” — relapse myths  [08:00] Acceptance, identity, and the search for belonging  [12:00] Recovery housing & rebuilding adult life skills  [15:00] Service, leadership, and the Gay & Sober Conference  Notable Resources & Mentions  Oxford House recovery housing  Gay & Sober Conference – “The Year of Love” (2026)  Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone in sobriety.  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: Email us at [email protected] — 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, The Sober Curator Podcast delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more. 

In this gripping episode, Alysse sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty for a powerful conversation about the business behind addiction recovery — and why too many families are left carrying shame, confusion, and financial devastation while trying to save their loved ones. Benjamin’s documentary exposes the economics, ethics, and emotional fallout inside the modern treatment industry, while also honoring the parents, advocates, and survivors who continue fighting for change.  From medically assisted treatment debates to the insurance inequalities that shape who gets quality care, this episode goes deeper than most sober conversations dare to go. It’s raw, urgent, and grounded in truth — the kind of discussion that can only happen in a space built for honesty.  Takeaways:  Families aren’t alone. Many parents attend screenings thinking their child’s exploitation or treatment experience was “their fault” — Benjamin’s film shows the systemic patterns behind the pain.  Recovery has an economic engine. Benjamin describes the shocking moment he realized how profitability shapes care, access, and outcomes in the treatment world.  Insurance determines who gets humane care. Both Benjamin and Alysse reflect on how “good insurance” gave them safe recovery environments — an advantage many don’t have.  Pop culture shapes our understanding. Films like Dopesick, Painkiller, Pain Hustlers, Body Brokers help raise awareness but flatten nuance; documentaries add back the complexity.  Conversations spark courage. When parents meet each other at screenings, shame lifts and the real healing begins.  Key Timestamps:  00:06:40 — Benjamin’s turning point: quitting alcohol & cocaine in high-pressure advertising  00:07:45 — The myth of “the next milestone” that will magically fix everything  00:08:20 — Why treatment is the only major health process most people don’t understand  00:26:26 — Parents finding relief and validation through the film  00:27:00 — The economics of recovery: what families aren’t told  00:28:00 — Alysse shares her own insurance-based experience and privilege in treatment access  00:28:20 — Pop culture portrayals of recovery & exploitation (Body Brokers, Painkiller, Dopesick)  00:41:56 — The media Benjamin loves — and what representations resonate most  Resources & Links:  Website / Film https://www.stoptheshuffle.com/  Instagram: @benjaminflaherty   YouTube Trailer: OFFICIAL TRAILER | SHUFFLE   -Meet the Contributors  -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  Send Feedback:  If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

This week on The Sober Curator, Alysse sits down with rising pop powerhouse Ella Collier—singer, songwriter, producer, and sober Gen Z glitter bomb of honesty. From Atlanta rap influences to emotional sobriety, heartbreak breakthroughs, and the pop-star fantasy she both lives and parodies, Ella shares how sobriety amplifies—not restricts—her creativity. They talk anxiety, artistry, community, Muppet Recovery memes (yes, really), bedazzling disasters, and the real-life glow-up that happens when you ditch alcohol and reclaim your energy.  This episode is hilarious, heartfelt, hyperpop-coded, and filled with quotable moments that prove—once again—sobriety is the start of a way better party.  Takeaways:  Emotional sobriety changed Ella’s creative process. She channels heartbreak, internal tension, and joy directly into her lyrics and content with radical honesty.   Sobriety = glow-up. Better skin, more money, more libido, more energy. Ella calls it “the ultimate anti-aging hack.”   Pop-star fantasy meets real life. Ella loves the glam—but also pulls back the curtain on crying between takes, breakups, and imperfect reality.   Connection is part of the work. She hosts Zoom sessions with fans for each new release to build authentic community.   Creativity thrives in sobriety. Both Alysse and Ella bond over being "painfully self-aware," driven, and joyfully obsessive about their creative platforms.   Recovery memes are culture. Muppet Recovery = required viewing. Ella immediately writes it down.   Key Timestamps:  00:00:24 — Ella opens up about anxiety, “addiction to problems,” and survival-mode energy from childhood   00:01:53 — Alysse introduces Ella’s music career: Love Island, NBA2K, X Games, and Spotify’s SALT playlist  00:10–00:20 — Sobriety, self-expression & Ella’s relationship to emotional growth  00:29:00 — Social awkwardness in sobriety + finding community anywhere you go   00:38:00 — Bedazzled books, Barbie mishaps & the joy of crafting sober art   00:41:00 — Pop-star fantasy vs. real life: humor, heartbreak & honesty online   00:49:00 — Ella’s single-release strategy & the “I Don’t Do Drugs” moment   Resources & Links:  Ella Collier Music — https://ellacolliermusic.com  Instagram: @ellacollier  Spotify: Ella Collier  TikTok: @ellacollier  Muppet Recovery article: https://thesobercurator.com/nostalgia-memes-and-sobriety-how-muppet-recovery-on-instagram-became-a-beloved-gem/  -Meet the Contributors  -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  Send Feedback:  If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

This week, Alysse sits down with cocktail queen, educator, and entrepreneur April Wachtel, founder & CEO of Cheeky Cocktails—the bold, minimalist, flavor-forward mixer brand changing how we drink (with or without booze). From 20 years behind the bar to launching a brand designed to make everyone feel included, April shares stories of creativity, visibility, Saved By the Bell aesthetics, brand-building in a sober-curious era, and that time she heroically saved an event from serving mojitos made with actual oil (yes, really) . Whether you love a zero-proof marg or just want better options at the bar, this convo is deliciously inspiring.  Takeaways:  Inclusion drives innovation. Cheeky was created after April repeatedly felt excluded in bar environments while not drinking—so she built mixers that work for everyone .  Cocktails = connection. For April, flavor, hospitality, and celebration matter more than alcohol content.  Constraints spark creativity. When COVID hit, she DIY’d her brand design in hours, then later refined it via agency work—scrappiness meets strategy.  Pop culture always shows up. Cheeky’s bright vibe? Think Saved by the Bell meets premium minimalism.  Taste everything first. Her wildest mishap? Discovering a kitchen had prepped oil instead of simple syrup at a major event—right before 400 guests were served. Hero status unlocked.  Key Timestamps:  [00:01:34] — Meet April Wachtel: founder, educator, and flavor-obsessed mixer magician  [00:04:27] — April’s entrepreneurial spark + early beverage industry days  [00:07:18] — Teaching 12,000+ students to craft balanced, beautiful drinks  [00:08:00] — Being sober/NA in bar culture + why inclusivity matters  [00:17:14] — The Cheeky brand aesthetic: color, culture, and DIY hustle  [00:22:00] — The 818 Tequila partnership + surprising professionalism  [00:27:08] — Cocktail catastrophes: the “oil mojito” close call  Resources & Links:  Cheeky Cocktails – https://cheekycocktails.co  Follow Cheeky on Instagram: @cheekycocktails  Alysse’s reference: BEATS WORKING podcast  Pop culture mentions: Saved by the Bell, Gucci “The Tiger” short film  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

It’s been 30 years since Trainspotting splashed into our lives with all the grit, grime, dark humor, and cultural punch that made it an instant classic. In this episode, Alysse, Tamar, and Sober Curator contributor Tony Harte take a wild, witty, and brutally honest deep dive into the most iconic addiction film ever made. From the infamous baby scene to the “Choose Life” manifesto to the worst toilet in Scotland, we unpack why Trainspotting still hits differently—especially when you watch it sober. Buckle up: this is pop culture autopsy meets sober storytelling at its finest.   Takeaways:  Trainspotting remains one of the most accurate depictions of addiction—messy, funny, tragic, and painfully human.  Irvine Welsh’s books are even darker than the film (yes, it’s possible).  Renton’s detox sequence is still one of the most iconic portrayals of withdrawal on screen.  The film’s religious symbolism is subtle but rich—from “Mother Superior” to the baptism-like toilet dive.  The soundtrack (Iggy Pop! Lou Reed! Underworld!) is a cultural time capsule of 90s grit and rebellion.    Key Timestamps:  [00:02:00] — Meet Tony Harte and his legendary Trainspotting bucket hat  [00:03:00] — Why no one watches Trainspotting sober and feels nothing  [00:07:00] — Ewan McGregor on-set: very much not sober  [00:14:00] — The brutal reality of Tommy’s storyline  [00:17:00] — The baby scene: the rawest depiction of addiction’s cost  [00:23:00] — Fun fact: Trainspotting won Seattle’s Golden Space Needle Award  [00:28:00] — Hidden religious symbolism throughout the film  Resources & Links:  Tony Harte — Sober Curator Contributor & Stoic Sobriety writer  Trainspotting book review on The Sober Curator (by Tony)  “Lust for Life” – The Ultimate Recovery Anthem on a Soundtrack to One of the Druggiest Films Ever Made?   -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

Adam Nimoy grew up in the orbit of an icon — but his real journey was learning how to break cycles, heal resentment, and build a relationship with his father, Leonard Nimoy, that felt human rather than legendary. In this deeply honest conversation, Adam shares his path from decades of daily “wake-and-bake” to long-term sobriety, the emotional maturity he fought hard to earn, and the radical power of living amends. From Al-Anon wisdom to Hollywood weirdness to the spiritual humor woven through recovery, Adam proves that even in the shadow of Spock, you can find your own logic — and your own freedom.  Hosts:   Host: Alysse Bryson, Founder of The Sober Curator Co-Host: Tony Harte, Senior Sober Curator Contributor + Founder of A Stoic Sobriety Takeaways:  Emotional maturity is a learnable skill — and often the key to breaking generational patterns.  Recovery isn’t just for addicts; everyone is recovering from something.  Living amends can heal relationships where words fall short.  Acceptance ≠ approval — a vital distinction Adam learned through Al-Anon.  The people who challenge us most often become our greatest teachers.  Key Timestamps:  [00:00] Adam on reconciling with his father — “no regrets” at Leonard’s passing.  [03:00] His decision to quit weed after 30 years of daily use.  [06:00] “Everyone is in recovery from something” — why recovery tools apply to all.  [08:00] Acceptance vs. approval — the secret to surviving complicated parents.  [14:30] Writing The Most Human and telling the full story of reconciliation.  [18:00] Leonard’s “living amends” during Adam’s wife's cancer battle.   Resources & Links:  Adam Nimoy — Author of The Most Human  For the Love of Spock (2016 Documentary) https://fortheloveofspock.com/  Beit T’Shuvah (Residential treatment & spiritual community referenced)  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

In this hilariously honest and deeply human conversation, Emmy-winning host Cat Greenleaf joins Alysse to spill all the sober tea—from peeing her pants during a double-booking with Tom Arnold and Art Alexakis, to discovering what sobriety actually looks like when you're no longer a “lone wolf.” Cat opens up about service, creativity, aging, friendship with Pee-wee Herman, crafting on cocaine, and the real emotional glow-up that happens when you stop pretending and start living. This episode is equal parts chaos, charm, confessions, and zero-proof realness.   Takeaways: Sobriety gets richer when you stop isolating and start connecting with people who speak your language.  Cat’s shift from “lone wolf” to community deepened her recovery—and her sanity.  Golden-age celebrity stories? Yes please. Especially ones involving Pee-wee Herman sending hourly birthday messages.  Creativity, addiction, and reinvention always have a wild intersection (including cocaine-fueled stenciling).  “Zero fucks given” remains a valid business plan—and a liberating way to live.  Key Timestamps:  [00:01:47] — Cat Greenleaf arrives: The sober stoop era begins.  [00:04:30] — “Sometimes I wish I’d shut the f*ck up”: Cat on oversharing in recovery.  [00:06:13] — The Tom Arnold + Art Alexakis pee-your-pants saga.  [00:11:00] — Pee-wee Herman memories: birthday calls & inappropriate Christmas cards.  [00:14:21] — Cocaine + crafting: Cat and Alysse trade hilarious addiction-era stories.  [00:17:00] — Hobby obsessions, lone-wolf recovery, and life after chaos.  [00:22:00] — The infamous dog-poop showdown on Cat’s beach.  [00:23:56] — The healing power of work, ocean singing, and coffee.  Resources & Links:  Cat Greenleaf — SoberNess Podcast Website https://www.soberness.com/  Cat on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sobernesspodcast/   Cat on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sobernesspodcast  Cat on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soberness-podcast/id1768121457   TSC Resources & Links:  -Meet the Contributors  -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.   Send Feedback:  If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

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:  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

Alysse sits down with Justin Gurland, founder and CEO of The Maze, a brand-new, alcohol-free members club opening in New York City’s Flatiron district — think elevated design, IRL connection, and zero-proof vibes for people in recovery and the huge sober-curious crowd who are done pretending their seltzer is vodka. Justin shares the very New York origin story (he got to rehab on Super Bowl Sunday, the Giants miraculously won, and that tiny moment of hope kept him going), how his sister helped save his life at 25, why social work was beautiful but brutal, and how he followed the nudge to create a space where people can actually belong. This is sobriety in technicolor, not black-and-white.  Takeaways:  Sobriety doesn’t end the party — it widens the guest list and changes the venue.  One tiny “against all odds” win (like the Giants beating the undefeated Patriots) can become your proof that things can turn around.  The sober/sober-curious crowd in 2025 is way bigger than just people in formal recovery — and they need community, too.  The Maze is purpose-built for IRL connection: Flatiron, Tues–Sun B/L/D, lounge, speakeasy, private events.  Healing isn’t just “remove alcohol”; it’s “add things that fill your cup” — people, beauty, music, service.  Key Timestamps:  [00:02:00] Meet Justin: 17 years sober, social worker, now building an AF members club in NYC.  [00:06:00] Golden 25th → detox → sister intervention that saved his life.  [00:08:00] Super Bowl Sunday in rehab: the Giants win and he chooses hope.  [00:17:00] The Maze concept: for people tired of standing in bars holding fake drinks.  [00:18:00] Location & hours: 24th between 5th & 6th, closed Mondays, B/L/D Tues–Sun.  [00:25:00] Why design & vibe matter in sober spaces (it can’t feel clinical).  Resources & Links:  Website URL: themazenyc.com Instagram URL: @themazenyc LinkedIn URL: @themazenyc  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

In this powerhouse episode, host Alysse Bryson gathers some of the brightest voices in the sober creator space — Margy Schaller and Laura Nelson from Sober Life Rocks, Shane Ramer of That Sober Guy, and Tamar Routly — to talk about amplifying sober voices and creating authentic community. From owning your story to curating safe, stigma-free spaces for connection, this conversation dives deep into what it means to recover out loud, collaborate without ego, and celebrate every stage of the sober journey. Plus, a look ahead to the Amplify Sober Voices Conference at Podfest, January 2026 — where creators, coaches, and community leaders will gather to lift each other up (and maybe dance a little while doing it).  Takeaways:  Community is the new recovery currency. Collaboration, not competition, drives the modern sober movement.  Time is irrelevant in sobriety. Every story — from 60 days to 20 years — brings value and perspective.  Owning your story is freedom. When you recover out loud, you give others permission to do the same.  Sober doesn’t mean serious. Conferences, connections, and creativity can be fun — and still deeply healing.  Amplify the ripple effect. When sober creators unite, their stories create waves of change far beyond social media.  Key Timestamps:  [00:00] Margy’s 18-year journey and coming out as sober  [03:00] Shane on why time doesn’t define your value in recovery  [06:00] Building Amplify Sober Voices and why the space matters  [15:30] Making networking sober-friendly — and fun  [22:00] Collaboration over competition in the sober space  [26:00] How Amplify Sober Voices at Podfest 2026 is changing the game  Resources & Links:  Learn More About Amplify Sober Voices Conference  Margy Schaller & Laura Nelson -  Sober Life Rocks   Shane Ramer — That Sober Guy Podcast  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

The Real Margaret Josephs and her bestie Lexi Barbuto bring the Housewives sparkle to The Sober Curator Podcast. Together with Alysse Bryson and her squad, they unpack the inspiration behind Soirée—a sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage brand born from glam, inclusivity, and celebration. From Palm Springs photo shoots, inking brand deals with Ceasars Palace, and BravoCon buzz to real talk on confidence, sobriety, and female empowerment, this episode is a toast to living fully, fashionably, and alcohol-free.  Takeaways  Luxury, not limitation: Soirée flips the script—sobriety isn’t missing something; it’s elevating it.  Community is the new cocktail: Confidence, friendship, and glam are the ingredients of a modern party.  Design matters: Fashion roots shaped Soirée’s vintage-glam aesthetic and sensory experience.  Empowering young women: Margaret and Lexi aim to inspire confidence and safety on college campuses.  Vegas, baby: Soirée debuts at Caesar’s Palace during BravoCon—proof that non-alcoholic doesn’t mean non-fun.  Key Timestamps  [00:03:41] Margaret shares how her relationship with alcohol inspired Soirée.  [00:07:00] The Palm Springs “Slim Aarons” photoshoot magic.  [00:10:13] Flipping the mocktail narrative—why “nothing is missing.”  [00:18:00] New flavor drop: Café Spritz for Dry January ☕  [00:23:00] Building confidence for young women and redefining college culture.  [00:35:00] Soirée joins Caesar’s in Vegas just in time for BravoCon.  [00:47:30] Margaret’s self-care confession: Heath Bar Blizzards + binge-watching.  Guest Links  Soirée Official Site: www.drinksoiree.com  Instagram: @drinksoiree  Margaret Josephs: @therealmargaretjosephs  Lexi Barbuto: @lifeofmrsb  CTA  Tag your glam squad and show us how you Soirée. 💃 🎧 Listen wherever you get your pods, and let’s make mocktails mainstream.  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.    Send Feedback:  If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

Writer and longtime sober creative Wendy Correa joins Alysse to talk about getting welcomed to her first AA meeting by Ringo Starr, getting sober in 1987, LA music-industry years (Geffen, Joni sightings), the Aspen KSPN radio leap that led to assisting Hunter S. Thompson, and the healing practices behind her forthcoming memoir "My Pretty Baby."  Takeaways:  “If Ringo Starr can get sober, so can I” — the spark that made recovery feel possible.    Sobriety date tracks back to the first-ever SXSW; day one of 38 years and counting.    Industry years were thrilling and tough — glass ceilings and #MeToo realities before the hashtag.    A late-night KSPN audition unlocked radio dreams and a Hunter S. Thompson chapter.    Healing is layered: Buddhism, AA, Nicotine Anonymous, therapy, EMDR/IMTT, somatic practices and chosen family.    Key Timestamps:  [00:00] “Hello, I’m Richard” — Ringo greets Wendy at her first AA meeting.    [02:00] Alysse’s intro: 1987 sobriety, LA music scene, Aspen radio, Denver life and "My Pretty Baby."    [21:00] The DUI story that forced change — and a court-ordered path to meetings.    [30:00] “If I’m supposed to move to Aspen, I want a DJ job” — and she gets it.    [34:00] The 4 a.m. request line: playing Warren Zevon for Hunter S. Thompson.    [40:00] EMDR/IMTT and taking the “zing” out of trauma triggers.    Resources & Links:  -Wendy Correa: Website, Instagram, Facebook  -Book: My Pretty Baby  -Meet the Contributors  -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 [email protected]. 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.   

In this Halloween-adjacent, tinfoil-hat episode of Hot Takes, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly go all in on the internet’s latest obsession: the mysterious third interstellar visitor dubbed 3I Atlas — and why it’s got TikTok convinced the aliens/UAPs/possibly-not-friendly-space-neighbors are here. They unpack what we actually know, why the NASA site went dark during the U.S. government shutdown at the exact wrong time, and — most importantly — whether sober people will use “the aliens are coming” as an excuse to drink. Spoiler: if you want to leave Earth with a clear head, this one’s for you. The throughline? We don’t control space, we barely understand the ocean, and yet we still get to choose sobriety today. “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.”   Takeaways  “UFOs” are so 1997 — it’s UAPs now (unidentified anomalous phenomena), because of course it is.   A third interstellar object — 3I Atlas — was detected in July 2025, its path looks intentional, and it even “blinked out” for 19 seconds, fueling conspiracy culture.   Online footage is getting harder to trust thanks to AI, edits, and government sites conveniently going down — digital discernment is now a sober skill.   Anxiety about the unknown used to drive many of us to drink; now we choose clarity over chaos. Cosmic dread ≠ relapse trigger.   Bottom line: the universe is huge, we’re the ants, and we still only have today — so stay sober, stay playful, stay curious.   Key Timestamps  [00:00] Tinfoil-hat cold open: “Jesus, take the wheel” and why this episode is literally hot under the masks.   [02:30] What 3I Atlas allegedly is, why it matters, and why TikTok ran with it.   [04:30] NASA site down during the U.S. shutdown — coincidence or cover-your-UAP?   [05:30] Would you drink if aliens landed? Choosing to “die clearheaded.”   [08:30] Oceans, fallen angels, and “maybe space is actually underwater?” theories.   [11:30] Final sober mic drop: “Today I’m sober and you’re sober.”   Notable Resources or Guest Links  Watch this episode on YouTube for the full UAP costume chaos  Follow Alysse on The Sober Curator for more sober-pop-culture deep dives  Suggested sober homework: search “3I Atlas” on TikTok/YouTube but fact-check everything first  CTA 👉 Love weird news + sober takes? Share this episode with a friend who doom scrolls.  (Boilerplate — do not edit) Connect with Us: -Website: www.thesobercurator.com -Facebook: @The Sober Curator -Instagram: @thesobercurator -X: @thesobercurator -YouTube: @thesobercurator -Pinterest: @thesobercurator  Send Feedback: If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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 intro and outro music for this episode is proudly featured with permission from Avatari. All rights reserved to the original creators. For more of their work, check out his website: https://www.avatariworld.com/music.  *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.