Author: Alexandra Nyman

In an era where grief is often reduced to Instagram captions and curated vulnerability, Judah & the Lion’s fifth studio album, The Process, dares to dwell in the muck of mourning. Not for spectacle, not even for solace—but for truth. It is a grief record in the truest sense, mapped to the five stages of grief as outlined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, but lived through the lens of front man Judah Akers’ real-life losses: a marriage collapsed, family members lost to suicide, and a nervous system frayed by trauma. If indie-folk music once promised healing in harmonies, The Process insists healing only comes…

The Sober Curator Podcast’s 13th episode welcomes Michael Toscano, a Brooklyn-based hospitality veteran who transitioned from mixing award-winning martinis at Dante, once crowned the world’s #1 bar, to championing non-alcoholic spirits with The Pathfinder. Toscano’s journey, candidly shared with hosts Alysse Bryson, Tamar Routly, and Alex Nyman, offers a front-row seat to the changing landscape of sobriety—one where grown-up, complex zero-proof beverages and authentic community take center stage. The conversation kicks off by debunking the myth that sobriety is all rainbows, butterflies, and immediate self-improvement. Toscano recalls a pivotal personal moment three months into his sober life: a candid confrontation…

I Thought I Was Finally Healthy… It is rare for a song to feel like it is speaking explicitly to me, but a few days after my partner of the last ten and a half years decided to split up with me because he “don’t want to look at the next fifty years of [his] life and have them be defined by mental health,” I turned to Spotify for my cry session. That was where I discovered “Healthy” by Harrison Boe. Boe’s indie pop single “Healthy” doesn’t just document a mental health journey—it soundtracks the disorienting space between recovery and…

The historic Alice Austen House Museum is nestled along Staten Island’s shoreline, will serve as the host venue for the final celebration of DOVE (domestic violence prevention program). Now in its fourth year under the leadership of Staten Island Urban Center. This powerful initiative has become a beacon of healing, education, and prevention for communities impacted by domestic violence. The event will spotlight the achievements of survivors, youth leaders, and advocates while presenting The Ebony Washington Award to its namesake: NYPD Deputy Chief Ebony Washington, a trailblazer whose life’s work reflects a dynamic intersection of justice, empowerment, and presence. About…

If you’re a pop culture aficionado with a penchant for a solid mocktail, you probably caught wind of the Bravo bombshell on Page Six—producers aren’t exactly fans when one of their Real Housewives decides to live alcohol-free. The most recent episode of The Sober Curator podcast, “The Real Sober Housewives Part 2,” dove headfirst into this controversy with the wisdom, humor, and spunk that only this powerhouse panel could deliver. Right off the bat, Anne Marie Cribbin (who literally wrote the viral open letter to Andy Cohen) cuts to the chase: our culture—and particularly “reality” TV—hasn’t made space for evolving relationships with alcohol. “Changing…

In the canon of classic children’s literature, few books merge the philosophical with the personal quite as gracefully as Genzaburo Yoshino’s How Do You Live?. The novel was first published in 1937 and has held a profound place in Japanese literary history, mainly for portraying a young boy’s journey toward self-awareness. In 2021, the book was translated into English, giving this once-obscure work a new life. How Do You Live? has been cited by Hayao Miyazaki in many interviews as his favorite childhood book and a source of inspiration for many of his films. With his latest film, The Boy…

There was a time—not long ago… last year in fact—when I didn’t think I’d ever call my mom again on Mother’s Day. Not out of resentment, not even anger, really. Just… distance. Emotional, spiritual, and historical distance. I had accepted that our relationship was more parallel than intersecting: two women walking side by side, close enough to touch, yet unable to bridge the gap due to years of silent resentment that seemed to grow and grow until it fed into indifference. But sometimes during moments of great heartbreak, can come healing. My boyfriend of the last ten and a half…

Each year, the Met Gala serves as fashion’s grandest stage—where couture meets concept, and where a single hemline or headpiece can spark global conversation. For 2025, guests ascended the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art under the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a tribute to the centuries-spanning artistry and identity rooted in Black sartorial expression. With a dress code dubbed “Tailored for You,” the red carpet was a parade of personal interpretations—some poetic, some perplexing, and a few destined for fashion history. From exquisitely embroidered suits to architectural gowns that blurred the line between tradition and reinvention, the…

Lights. Camera. Sober Action! The Sans Bar Academy Awards are back, and the 2025 finalists have just been announced. As the alcohol-free movement continues to gain momentum, these awards celebrate the changemakers, creators, brands, and voices leading the charge toward a more inclusive, mindful, and booze-free future. And this year, The Sober Curator is taking center stage in one of the most influential categories of all: Culture Ambassador 2025. 🎤 Sober Pop Culture Is Queen: Alysse Bryson and The Rise of Sober Pop Culture Let’s just take a moment and shout this from the rooftops: Alysse Bryson, Founder of The…

Fashion’s most glamorous night may be known for champagne toasts and afterparties, but a growing number of stars are showing us that style shines brightest with a clear head. This year’s Met Gala—celebrating Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and its exploration of dandyism, suiting, and self-expression—was the perfect stage for sober and sober-curious celebrities to serve looks as bold as their journeys. From tailored triumphs to conceptual chaos, the red carpet brought out the full spectrum of sober fashion. Some attendees hit the theme “Tailored for You” with precision, fusing personal narrative with couture craftsmanship. Others, despite their usual clarity of…

On this compelling episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly engage in a meaningful conversation with Chris Rosburg—husband, father, entrepreneur, faithful man, and the visionary behind Sober City USA. Chris has been living alcohol-free since March 2010, and his journey reveals not only the personal growth found in recovery but also the powerful transformation available through service, daily routines, and vibrant sober communities. Chris’s entry into the sober lifestyle, like many, began with a moment of spiritual awakening—a “burning bush” experience, as both he and Alysse describe candidly. The pivotal turning point wasn’t just…

The 2025 Met Gala brought menswear to the forefront like never before with Superfine: Tailoring Black Style—a bold and deeply thoughtful celebration of Black dandyism, identity, and self-expression through suiting. With a dress code titled “Tailored for You,” the evening set the stage for redefining what men’s fashion can be: theatrical, political, precise, and unapologetically personal. From bespoke brocade capes and corseted tuxedos to pleated trains and pinstriped skirts, the men of The Met brought their A-game—or at least tried to. Some looks hit every note of the theme with finesse, channeling legacy and flair with reverence and reinvention. Others?…

Fashion’s biggest night never disappoints—but this year, the plus-sized queens turned the volume all the way up on glamour, innovation, and unapologetic self-expression. Under the theme “Tailored For You”—an ode to the art of Black tailoring and dandyism—our curvy icons delivered looks that ranged from sculptural masterpieces to head-scratching misfires, and while some channeled the spirit of the exhibit with effortless grace and precision, others took detours that left the fashion police scrambling for citations. From custom corsetry and voluminous gowns to bold suiting and dramatic silhouettes, The Met Gala 2025 proved one thing: plus-sized fashion is not a side…

Fentanyl, Inc. by Ben Westhoff is a harrowing deep dive into the world of synthetic drugs, focusing on fentanyl. This substance has been responsible for thousands of deaths during the opioid epidemic. Westhoff’s meticulous investigation covers the global supply chain—from corrupt chemists to the dealers on the streets of America—painting a devastating portrait of a crisis far from over. The book traces the origins of fentanyl, which was first developed as a pharmaceutical product to treat pain for terminal patients and those experiencing chronic pain, and how black market manufacturers hijacked its formula. Westhoff’s research investigates Chinese chemical labs, drug…

Can a handful of silver massage balls, a lively menopausal posse, and a sober approach to wellness change how we talk about aging women’s health? After listening to the latest bonus episode of The Sober Curator Podcast—“Bonus Buzz – The Menopause Revolution Full”—the answer is a resounding YES. A Laugh-Packed, Truth-Bombed Roundtable This special episode, hosted by Alysse Bryson with co-host Tamar Routly and guests Anne Marie Cribbin, Amy Liz Harrison, and Lane Kennedy, dives deep into the menopause conversation that should be happening everywhere. If you thought menopause was just hot flashes and hormone jokes, buckle up—these ladies are here to disrupt…

By the time Beth Macy’s Dopesick was published in 2018, the opioid crisis had already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Dopesick, which served as both an indictment and elegy, detailed how Purdue Pharma, and more specifically how the Sackler family, flooded the market with OxyContin, using deceptive marketing and sales tactics to hook an entire generation on prescription painkillers. Unfortunately, the epidemic that Macy meticulously and carefully documented has only worsened: as of 2021, the New York Times published a sobering new milestone for the opioid epidemic; more than 100,000 Americans had died from an overdose in a single…

It’s a White Lotus tropical fever dream! In this bonus buzz episode, The Sober Curator crew—Alysse Bryson and guests Sarah Alaimo, Alexandra Nyman, Lane Kennedy, and Megan Swan—dive deep into HBO’s White Lotus Season 3. From layers of addiction, questionable wellness, digital detox drama, and the most relatable sober mishaps, this conversation mixes pop culture with sober realness. Expect spoilers, hot takes, laugh-out-loud moments, and a sober lens on the wildest fictional resort vacation TV has to offer. White Lotus has never shied away from portraying substance use, but Season 3 takes things up a notch. As Lane Kennedy astutely…

In this episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson gathers a dynamic group of curators to explore the spiritual side of sobriety. Listen in as Anne Marie Cribbin, Daniel G. Garza, Teresa Bergen, and Derek Castleman share their unique journeys with spirituality, how ancient philosophies intertwine with modern recovery practices, and the legacies they aim to leave behind. The conversation reveals the deeply personal yet universally relatable nature of faith and recovery, sure to inspire those on their sober path. For Anne Marie Cribbin, sobriety was more than a personal choice; it was a necessity for spiritual preservation and…

In Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss, David Magee does not merely open a wound—he walks readers inside it, tracing its ragged edges with a journalist’s precision and a father’s heartbreak. At its core, it is a eulogy in motion, a living record of grief that refuses to lie still. And yet, paradoxically, it is also a story about becoming whole—about surviving the unimaginable and choosing to build something that matters in the wake of devastation. Dear William is less a traditional memoir than a love letter to his late son—who died of an overdose—and…

Sobriety isn’t just a personal journey—it’s becoming a vibrant part of pop culture. This shift is beautifully captured in the latest episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, which dives deep into the Netflix series Running Point. Hosted by a dynamic team of sobriety advocates, this discussion highlights how recovery narratives are making their mark in mainstream media. “Running Point” stands out not just for its engaging storyline but also for its authentic portrayal of addiction and recovery. The show, featuring Kate Hudson in a lead role, centers around a family with a basketball team and delves into complex family dynamics…

Dive into the vibrant world of alcohol-free beverages and discover how this evolving space is reshaping social landscapes and enhancing the sober lifestyle.

Reality television, known for its drama, excess, and moments of unrehearsed authenticity, offers a peculiar, sometimes uncomfortable reflection of society’s values and assumptions. Within this mix, the portrayal of sobriety—or the lack thereof—often becomes a focal point for both viewers and producers. The recent episode of “The Sober Curator” podcast saw hosts and guests dive deep into the representation of sobriety in reality TV, notably in the “Real Housewives” franchise. This podcast episode provides a lens into the intersections of media narratives, societal norms, and the challenges facing individuals within these televised stories. The Sobriety Narrative: Kyle Richards’ Experience A…

In Long Way Home, Cameron Douglas—scion of Hollywood royalty—steps out of the shadows cast by his father, Michael Douglas, and grandfather, Kirk Douglas, to narrate a deeply personal and, at times, difficult-to-read story. His memoir is as much a portrait of privilege as it is an exploration of self-sabotage, addiction, and ultimately, redemption. Douglas writes candidly about his substance use disorder, crime, and imprisonment, offering readers a raw, unvarnished account of his life. Douglas grew up amidst luxury and privilege, the son of a megastar and the grandson of an icon. Yet, for all the wealth and comfort surrounding him,…

In Dreamland, Sam Quinones intricately weaves together a disturbing narrative of America’s opioid crisis, tracing its roots back to two seemingly unrelated phenomena: the aggressive marketing of prescription opioids like OxyContin and the proliferation of black tar heroin from a small region in Mexico. What unfolds is a gripping account of how these forces coalesced into a national epidemic, devastating rural and suburban communities across the United States. Quinones begins his narrative in Portsmouth, Ohio, a blue-collar town once thriving around its iconic community pool, Dreamland. As the opioid crisis takes hold, this pool, a symbol of togetherness and local…

Let’s get one thing straight: Dirty Virgin isn’t your mother’s Shirley Temple. It’s a neon-lit rebellion in a can, a high-voltage act of defiance against the tired, sanitized version of sobriety. And if you haven’t yet tried it, you’re missing out on one of the boldest entries in the non-alc revolution—equal parts irreverent and irresistible. At its core, Dirty Virgin is a line of non-alcoholic cocktails that dares to make abstinence feel like an indulgence. Co-founded by nightlife vets and self-described “dirty, filthy virgins” James Zackler and John Maloney, the brand gleefully blurs the line between purity and decadence. “We…

Hannah Sward is the celebrated author of “Strip: A Memoir.” On this episode of The Sober Curator podcast, she shares with host Alysse Bryson and contributor Tamar Routly the power of storytelling in recovery, the writing process, and how sobriety can transform one’s life. Hannah shares intimate details about her experience with addiction, the cathartic power of journaling, and the critical role of community in the recovery journey. Plus, listeners get a sneak peek into Hannah’s upcoming projects and her views on contemporary sobriety culture. Resources & Links: Follow & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple…

BigVision’s newly launched 309 Social Club is a groundbreaking addition to Manhattan’s growing sober social scene. Located at 309 East 49th Street, this substance-free club provides a vibrant and supportive community space specifically designed for young adults in their 20s and 30s who are committed to living a sober lifestyle. Upon visiting during their open house two weeks ago, it was clear that every aspect of the 309 Social Club has been thoughtfully designed to promote wellness, connection, and enjoyment without substances. The 3,000-square-foot interior beautifully integrates various dedicated spaces, including a serene meditation and fitness studio, a welcoming social…

The Sober Curator, the premier online lifestyle magazine for sober and sober-curious individuals, is thrilled to announce the launch of The Sober Curator Podcast. Debuting on Wednesday, March 26, the podcast kicks off with five binge-worthy episodes featuring dynamic conversations with contributors from The Sober Curator, offering fresh perspectives on the culture of living life in recovery and life sans alcohol. Hosted by media maven and sobriety advocate Alysse Bryson, The Sober Curator Podcast transforms the lifestyle content of the vibrant sober lifestyle blog into an innovative lifestyle talk show featuring voices from pathways to and through recovery. Episodes explore…

In 1899, in a sweltering tobacco field in Truevine, Virginia, two African American boys—George and Willie Muse—were plucked from their sharecropping family and thrust into the surreal, exploitative world of the American sideshow. Their albinism made them a rarity in the Jim Crow South, but under the big top, it rendered them a commercial spectacle. Beth Macy’s Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother’s Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South is an extraordinary excavation of their story, one that moves beyond its sensationalist origins to illuminate the systemic injustices that shaped it. Beth Macy is a…

In Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic, Barry Meier delivers a devastating exposé on the origins of the opioid crisis that has ravaged America for over two decades. Through meticulous reporting and a narrative that weaves between corporate boardrooms and the lived experiences of devastated communities, Meier lays bare the corporate greed and government negligence that turned a “wonder drug” into the epicenter of a national health catastrophe. At the heart of this gripping narrative is Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, whose aggressive marketing of OxyContin transformed the drug into a billion-dollar…