Author: Alexandra Nyman

Sobriety isn’t just about the moment you quit—it’s about what happens after. This is the ethos behind the Sober Curator Podcast, and it’s brought to life in Episode 21 by filmmaker and creator Aaron Strand. Host Alysse Bryson dives deep with Aaron, exploring the creative alchemy that transformed his struggles with addiction into an acclaimed feature film, Withdrawal. Their conversation peels back the curtain on creativity, ego, and growth, showing the power of staying open when recovery gets real—and messy. Aaron’s story is both raw and inspiring. After hitting a low—homeless in New York City and returning to his small hometown of…

On a balmy Wednesday night in NYC, Free Spirits made a splashy debut on the East Coast with a launch party at Ella Funt, the East Village’s glitter-drenched haven for nightlife royalty. The event marked the beginning of a four-month pop-up celebrating no-and-low ABV cocktails—and if opening night is any indication, the zero-proof scene has officially arrived. The Vibe: A Toast Without the Hangover Hosted by Free Spirits founder Milan Martin, the evening delivered a stylish blend of celebration and education. Guests sipped inventive mocktails, mingled with nightlife icons like Amanda Lepore and Julia Fox, and got a first-hand look…

On June 10th, Brooklyn’s only fully zero-proof bar, Mockingbird, buzzed with energy as hospitality pros, beverage insiders, and media gathered for a vibrant post-BCB after party hosted by Third Place Bar in collaboration with the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA). Although not officially affiliated with Bar Convent Brooklyn, this independently organized happy hour provided a much-needed space for connection, celebration, and a glimpse into what the alcohol-free future of hospitality looks like. Guests sipped on expertly crafted non-alcoholic drinks while DJ Mark Lafaro spun an all-vinyl disco set that kept the vibes upbeat and retro-cool. Standout pours came from event…

From the awkwardness of first-time snowshoeing to summiting Everest Base Camp, the latest episode of the Sober Curator Podcast explores how embracing sobriety opens the door to adventure, friendship, and genuine joy. From Awkward Beginnings to Authentic Adventures The journey into sobriety is rarely a straight path, but as the Sober Curator Podcast illustrates, it often leads to unexpected places—sometimes with awkward falls, laughter, and a newfound sense of belonging. For guests Mary Tilson and Carrie Nicole May, two leaders in the sober travel and recovery coaching space, life after alcohol isn’t a sentence to boredom. Instead, it’s a passport to real…

I stumbled upon (well, was somehow directly targeted through social media advertising) “the feels.” Which touts itself as a somatic dating experience. I had no idea what exactly that meant. But $100 later, I was committed to going and seeing what this entailed. My hope was to walk away with a deeper connection than I had experienced while utilizing the dating apps. You know, the usual suspects: Tinder, OkCupid (throwback, I know), Match.com, Bumble, Hinge, Taimi, you name it, I’ve tried it. And it has been a draining experience. I am sure this is something everyone goes through, but I…

If you were hoping for a sober podcast that whispers about withdrawal in hushed tones, you haven’t met The Sober Curator. In Episode 20, the crew donned banana costumes, sipped on slushies with comically oversized straws, and tackled the very unpeeled (pun heavily intended) realities of sharing sober lives online. In a world where one viral banana-chomping Instagram story can change your digital trajectory, it’s clear sobriety today is about much more than staying away from happy hour. So, why get silly to talk about something as serious as recovery? As Dr. Sarah Michaud shared, “It is a balance… you…

On June 10th, an intimate crowd gathered at a private penthouse in Soho for the 16th edition of Feeling Into, a living room-style Q&A series curated by the team behind the feels. The evening’s theme—“The How of Dating”—offered a refreshing, honest look at the contradictions, confusion, and cultural conditioning surrounding modern romance. Led by Faith Hill, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her coverage of dating, connection, and young adulthood, the event created space for attendees to unpack the societal narratives that often leave singles feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, or stuck. Hill invited participants to examine how we might…

A conversation with Mary Fuller on transforming recovery journeys into empowerment, community, and practical support—one handcrafted product at a time. The Power of Purposeful Work in Recovery On a recent episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routley welcomed Mary Fuller, public relations and community awareness supervisor at Her 2nd Chance, for an inspiring dialogue about new beginnings, creative empowerment, and the tangible ways we can support women in recovery. Her 2nd Chance, based in sunny Boca Raton, Florida, isn’t just another nonprofit: it’s a vital launchpad for women rebuilding their lives after substance use disorders,…

The opening lines of (500) Days of Summer are something that have stuck with me since my first viewing of the film, which came out in 2009. I can still hear the narrator’s voice, played by Richard McGonagle, booming in my mind as he said, “This is a story of boy meets girl. You should know up front, this is not a love story.” I recently rewatched the film for the first time in years. And it hits differently when you’re going through a breakup. I spent a long time wondering if I would have changed the way my decade-long…

On this vibrant installment of the Sober Curator Podcast, host Alysse Bryson sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Sabyn Mayfield: musician, filmmaker, USA Boxing Masters Champion, and CEO of The Bridge to Recovery. While their conversation kicks off with a light-hearted nod to working carnival and fair gigs (and a brave adolescent stint in a cotton candy booth), it quickly dives beneath the surface. Together, Alysse and Sabyn unearth the complexities of recovery, the true meaning of healing from “wounds” rather than “trauma,” and how authentic living becomes the ultimate reward of sobriety. Sabyn’s story is both inspiring and familiar to…

On the Sober Curator Podcast, travel writer Liisa Ladouceur sat down with host Alysse Bryson to share her unique story—one rooted in a lifetime of sobriety, world travel, and a mission to normalize living alcohol free. Here’s what we learned about sober travel, punk rock, and making socializing inclusive for everyone, no matter what’s in your glass. Finding Community Without Alcohol: From Punk Rock to Straight Edge Liisa Ladouceur’s journey to sobriety didn’t begin with a decision to quit drinking—it started with never drinking at all. Unlike many, Liisa has been sober since birth, forging her sense of belonging in…

On a recent episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, hosts Alysse Bryson welcomed country music’s Aaron Goodvin for an unfiltered conversation about all things sobriety, creativity, fatherhood, and life in the spotlight. Much more than a “rock bottom” origin story, Aaron’s journey highlights the ongoing, everyday pivot points that make lasting recovery possible—and how sobriety has completely re-engineered his approach to both life and art. Aaron Goodvin is no stranger to success: with 13 CCMA nominations, a Juno nod, over 100 million streams, and writing credits for Luke Bryan and Jon Pardi, his career is enviable by any measure. But,…

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…

Restaurant operator and breathwork instructor Cesar Vallin joins the Sober Curator Podcast to share transformative insights on choosing clarity, building resilience, and living a fulfilling sober lifestyle—one cold plunge at a time. The Pivotal Moment: Facing the Truth About Substance Use On the latest episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson, co-host Kim Parsley, and guest Cesar Vallin dive headfirst into the complexities and revelations of sobriety, especially when it comes to working in environments where drinking is often considered the norm. Cesar, known for his entrepreneurial ventures like San Diego’s Cloak and Petal and for embracing cutting-edge wellness…

On Episode 17 of the Sober Curator Podcast, contributors and Sober Jedi Masters Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly dig deep with Tony Harte—a creative, a writer, a self-declared “Sober Not High Council”—about his thought-provoking series, “The Hero’s Journey of Recovering Addict.” With vivid Star Wars references, ancient myths, and a heartfelt look at the realities of staying sober, the episode transforms recovery into a modern-day epic quest. Let’s unpack their conversation and explore what it truly means to embark on the hero’s journey through sobriety. Tony Harte’s passion for Star Wars isn’t just geek chic; it’s rooted in Joseph Campbell’s famous…

I first encountered Seraphim Social Beverage during the recent Soberness Story Hour at The Algonquin Hotel, and it left a lasting impression on both my palate and my perspective on what it means to enjoy a drink. Seraphim is more than just a non-alcoholic alternative—it’s a revelation. Created by holistic health expert and founder Stephanie Bricken, this woman-owned brand offers a drinking experience that is at once indulgent, elegant, and intentional. The beverages are brewed like tea, crafted to taste like red wine, and infused with the calming energy of amethyst crystals. That may sound whimsical, but the result is…

Father’s Day often brings a heartfelt mix of nostalgia, pride, and maybe even a bit of trepidation for many dads—especially those on a journey of sobriety. On The Sober Curator’s “Bonus Buzz – Father’s Day Special,” hosts Jason Mayo and Tamar Routly were joined by Stephen Kimball, creator of the Sober Dad Crew Podcast, for a raw and relatable discussion about what it means to parent (and cringe at dad jokes) fully present and alcohol-free. Rediscovering Presence: The Sober Dad Advantage One of the resounding themes from Jason and Stephen’s dialogue is the gift of true presence that sobriety can…

A few nights ago, I had the privilege of being invited to a deeply moving event held at The Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan. I usually don’t need much of an excuse to leave the little Island I call home and dive into the center of the Universe, so when Alysse informed me of the opportunity, I immediately replied back that I was down. I had no idea just how special of an event this was. On June 5th, I attended The Soberness Story Hour. I had no idea what to expect, whether it would be three different presenters sharing their…

Podcasts have become a cornerstone of the sober community, offering a unique blend of real-life stories, actionable insights, and a sense of true connection that can be hard to find elsewhere. Episode 16 of the Sober Curator Podcast, titled “Voices of Sobriety: Podcast Hosts Share Real Stories” brings together hosts Alysse Bryson, Amy Liz Harrison, Tamar Routly, Bill Lindala, and Megan Swan for a lively roundtable that dives deep into what sets great recovery podcasts apart—and why they mean so much. What Makes Sober + Recovery Podcasts Stand Out? The group’s experiences—both as hosts and devoted listeners—highlight that impact goes…

Sober living isn’t just about leaving substances behind—it’s about discovering a new richness in life, embracing humor, connection, and even the messiness of true emotion. In episode 15 of the Sober Curator Podcast, hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly sit down with author and advocate Travis Sackett to explore what happens after we put the bottle down, how we heal from life’s painful curveballs, and why community matters more than ever. Travis Sackett brings more than a decade of sobriety, a published memoir (“My Life with Karma”), and brutally honest insights into the conversation. His journey is marked by transformation, including…

Sobriety, as the hosts and contributors of the Sober Curator Podcast remind us, is far more than abstaining from alcohol. In Episode 14, dubbed “Spiritual Gangster 2.0,” Alysse Bryson and her panel of Sober Curator Contributors delve into what it really means to infuse spiritual practice into a sober lifestyle—debunking clichés, celebrating all pathways, and laughing along the way (often at themselves). The podcast’s “Spiritual Gangster” section is a rapidly expanding hub of spiritual content designed for everyone: those in recovery, the sober curious, and anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Inclusivity is the beating heart of this community; whether…

In Shine of the Ever, Claire Rudy Foster crafts a collection of short stories that hums with the spirit of the 90s in Portland — a city that pulses with grunge, queerness, and the vibrant tension between longing and belonging. Described by some as a “literary mixtape,” this book operates like a well-worn compilation of songs, each story carrying its distinct rhythm while contributing to a larger narrative of queer and trans experiences, love, heartbreak, and resilience. Foster’s stories read like postcards from a Portlandian on the brink of transformation, a city not yet entirely consumed by the forces of…

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.…

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…