Author: Alexandra Nyman

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 Podcast, 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…

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…

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…

Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is the latest in the streamer’s growing obsession with scam culture, a dramatization of influencer Belle Gibson’s meteoric rise and fall. With Kaitlyn Dever, best known for her role as Betsy Mallum in Hulu’s Dopesick, delivering a masterful performance as the pathological liar at the center of this true crime tale. The show offers a critique of the wellness industry and a deep dive into one woman’s desperate need for validation. Yet, despite its glossy presentation, biting satire, and strong performances, Apple Cider Vinegar struggles under the weight of its muddled storytelling. The problem with Apple…

Factory Man by Beth Macy is an extraordinary work of nonfiction that tells the compelling and timely story of John Bassett III (JBIII) and his fight to keep American furniture manufacturing alive in the face of overwhelming global competition. Macy expertly intertwines the personal, economic, and cultural impacts of globalization through the lens of the Bassett Furniture Company, one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the United States. The book masterfully details the fall of an industry, the devastation left in its wake, and one man’s refusal to surrender to the forces of cheap, imported labor. At its core, Factory…

Known as the First Monday of May and fashion’s greatest night, The Met Gala returns on May 5, 2025, with a theme that promises to be one of the most thought-provoking in recent history. Titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” this year’s gala celebrates the history and evolution of Black dandyism, an aesthetic movement that has redefined fashion, politics, and cultural identity for centuries. Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s seminal 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the event will examine how tailoring and personal style have been used as acts of resistance,…

On Saturday, February 9th, the Break Free Foundation presented “Recovery on the Runway,” a groundbreaking fashion showcase that placed recovery at the forefront of New York Fashion Week. Hosted at the historic Judson Memorial Church, this sold-out event seamlessly fused high fashion and advocacy, reinforcing the message that recovery and resiliency belong on the runway. Claire Comai hosted the evening, which was DJ’d by Chris Bachmann. This set the tone for a night of bold statements, powerful performances, and the next generation of fashion. A Fashion-Forward Statement on Recovery This season’s designers took center stage, presenting collections that embodied transformation and breaking free from the mold: Unforgettable…

Hollywood’s biggest night wasn’t just about the awards—it was a runway for jaw-dropping (and head-scratching) fashion moments. From Demi Moore’s flawless reign on the red carpet to Timothée Chalamet’s ongoing fashion crimes, this year’s Oscars red carpet had a little bit of everything: elegance, drama, and a few unfortunate missteps. While Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez brought the glam in dazzling couture, others (ahem, Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldana) left us wondering… why? Who stunned? Who stumbled? And who left us absolutely speechless? We’re breaking down the best, worst, and honorable mentions from the 2025 Academy Awards—because in Hollywood, fashion…

At first glance, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is an odd title for a film, and it might give the wrong impression to those unfamiliar with Japanese culture. Yet, beneath the quirky title lies a profoundly moving meditation on life, death, and the relationships that leave a lasting impact on our hearts. Based on Yoru Sumino’s novel of the same name, the film follows a reserved, emotionally distant high school boy who discovers the diary of his terminally ill classmate, Sakura. As she faces the reality that she is dying of pancreatic disease, Sakura pushes against the protagonist’s efforts…

American Pain by John Temple is a captivating and deeply unsettling account of one of the most significant contributors to the opioid epidemic in America—Florida’s pill mills. Temple’s storytelling is sharp and immersive, pulling readers into the chaotic world of Chris George, a 27-year-old convicted felon who turned a small pain clinic into the notorious “American Pain,” a multimillion-dollar operation that fueled the country’s addiction crisis. Temple brilliantly traces the clinic’s transformation from a business exploiting regulatory loopholes into a criminal empire, all while maintaining a fast-paced, almost cinematic narrative. From muscle-bound security guards to doctors with guns under their…

The 2025 SAG Awards brought the glamour, the drama, and a few head-scratchers to the red carpet. From daring fashion statements to timeless elegance, Hollywood’s finest showed up and showed out—but not all for the right reasons. This year, Demi Moore SLAYED in Bottega Veneta, proving once again why she’s a red carpet icon, while Pamela Anderson radiated confidence in Dior, serving her most elegant look yet. On the flip side, some risks just didn’t pay off—we’re looking at you, Timothée Chalamet and your lime green fever dream. From recovery champions to mental health advocates, we’re celebrating the stars who…

The 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards red carpet was a mix of stunning elegance, bold fashion risks, and a few unfortunate missteps, particularly among celebrities in recovery who continue to inspire both on and off the screen. Demi Moore was the night’s undisputed fashion queen, dazzling in a custom navy Schiaparelli gown that not only fit like a dream but also paid a subtle tribute to her new film, The Substance. Bowen Yang made a surprising redemption arc on the best-dressed list, looking effortlessly polished in a custom Valentino suit that was stylish and perfectly tailored. Angelina Jolie, ever the icon,…