Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

Finding Strength When Life Falls Apart I had no intention of naming this podcast episode Resilience: Embracing the Suck, but my husband’s old military term kept popping into my head when I was recording. Because when it comes to building resilience — whether in recovery or just life in general — sometimes you really do have to embrace the suck. And if you know me, you know I don’t sugarcoat things. I recorded this episode after receiving the news that I was losing my job. Because sometimes life throws you a curveball, and all you can do is figure out…

One of my absolute favorite discoveries of 2025 is Cameron Whitcomb. This 22-year-old, self-taught singer and songwriter, whom I now call “The Canadian Cowboy,” is currently on tour, selling out shows worldwide.  I stumbled upon Cameron Whitcomb when I found Jonas Conner, the incredible 15-year-old who writes and sings songs about losing his family members to addiction. It turns out that Whitcomb is the producer of Conner’s songs, Father in a Bible, and Peace with Pain. They co-created these two incredible songs over just two days in Nashville. Whitcomb is only 22 and spends his time fostering the talent of an astonishing 15-year-old…

I’m completely obsessed with the new documentary on YouTube by Loic Prigent, “Her Dior.” If you haven’t watched it yet, drop everything and do it now—seriously, it’s that good. It takes you inside Maria Grazia Chiuri’s game-changing impact at Dior, and let me tell you, it’s pure magic. But pro tip: turn on the captions because it’s mostly in Italian (which only makes it even hotter). Let’s talk about Maria Grazia Chiuri. The first woman to head Dior in its entire history—because, of course, it took until 2016 for a woman to run one of the most famous luxury fashion…

Let’s celebrate Sober St. Patrick’s Day! Check out this throwback from Tonix Mocktails circa 2021, powering up an oh-so-creative mocktail called “We are the Luckiest” to celebrate our love of #QUITLIT, Sober St. Patrick’s Day, and the Reading Rainbow Theme Song. 🤣 We love, love, love the book “We Are the Luckiest” by Laura McKowen. This one’s an ode to you, Laura! What’s in the mix with the “We are the Luckiest” Inspired Lucky Lemonade Mocktail by Nik Popkow @Tonix.Mocktails this week? Ingredients: “This is the singular, hard truth I come up against every day: I am the only one responsible for my experience.” — Laura McKowen, We…

Waking Up to the Truth: My Skin Was Screaming for Help  I used to think makeup could cover everything—dark circles, acne, dryness—but no concealer could hide the damage alcohol was doing to my skin. My skincare routine was nonexistent, my diet was a disaster, and my hydration levels were practically zero. I’d fall asleep in a full face of makeup, barely drink water, and fuel my body with Captain and Coke instead of real nourishment. My skin wasn’t just dull; it was desperate for change. What I didn’t realize was that the real glow-up wouldn’t come from expensive serums or…

Episode 2 of You’ve Been Selected is deeply personal for obvious reasons. The phrase “You’ve Been Selected” is burned into my memory, thanks to the bright red letters on the infamous app that dictated my life during the nursing monitoring program. And now? It’s the name of my podcast, the title of my Sober Curator column, and possibly my next tattoo. In this episode, I share the unfiltered truth about my rock bottom and the long road to redemption. From the psych ward to a DUI, a marriage hanging by a thread, and the nursing commission stepping in, I was…

Wearing green and traditionally indulging in alcoholic beverages are staples of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday celebrated every March 17th that pays homage to Ireland’s patron saint. This day, which is deeply rooted in Irish history and Christianity, has blossomed into a global celebration of Irish culture. The festivities include dazzling parades, an abundance of green attire, and, due to the lifting of Lenten restrictions, the customary enjoyment of alcohol. However, the essence of the holiday goes beyond alcohol, focusing on celebrating Irish heritage, exploring its rich culture, and enjoying the company of friends and family. For those in sobriety,…

“This is it; this is the end.” The warning was sudden and clear. It wasn’t a bellow nor a whisper, just a matter-of-fact voice in my head. I’d say that it startled me, but I’m not sure I even registered it until after I reflexively countered. “No way, I’m not ready yet!” Though I had no idea where the voice came from, I knew it referred to my drinking. It was 1 AM in Moab, Utah, the first night of a 10-day trip through the southwest. I’d had one beer at dinner—a low-alcohol beer, at that—and yet I’d woken up…

When I launched You’ve Been Selected, I knew I was putting my story out there. I hoped people would listen—but, if I’m being honest, I secretly hoped they’d be strangers I’d never have to see in real life. Then came the messages. Childhood friends. Old colleagues. “Hey, I listened to your podcast—I had no idea.” Going all in on a public platform doesn’t just mean shouting your story into the void. It means walking into Starbucks and realizing that the person from high school in line behind you knows you shit your pants, lost your teeth, and burned your career…

When I first got sober, I had two sugar daddies. I had quit my job at a law school where I spent most of my time in the bathroom sitting on the toilet, crushing lines on top of a bar review book. My solution to finding another job was posting a headless picture of myself on Craigslist in heels and red garters. “Sugar Daddy Wanted.” I met two nice men. Omar, the Iranian, and Harry, the Orthodox Jew. It was two weeks after my very first meeting that Harry and I had our sixth date downtown at The Georgian. He…

sunrise sobriety soul by soul gathering together as one in a room with no walls and waves that gently greet the morning sun wayfarers trudging the road to happy destiny day after dutiful day some stringing together hours other stringing years all as one one for all on the beach at popoia breathing new day air oblivious to things that can’t be changed searching for wisdom in this one hour of spiritual healing that is being passed one to another in the most gentle…

Sam Lansky’s Broken People explores a young man’s search for healing from self-induced anxieties driven by a constant, judging inner dialogue. This semi-autobiographical novel shines a light on human vulnerability—an honest and often humorous look at self-discovery’s messy, complicated process. Doing the math, the real-life Sam would have been around seven years sober when this book was published. The story centers around Sam, a young writer trying to navigate a history of addiction, heartbreak, deep emptiness, and self-loathing. At a party, he overhears about a mysterious shaman who claims to perform “open-soul surgery”—a healing technique that promises to erase emotional…

Rewired by Erica Spiegelman challenges traditional addiction recovery paradigms and offers a fresh perspective tailored to the modern age. Spiegelman is a licensed substance abuse counselor and is recovering from substance abuse herself. The book purports to provide a new, holistic way to navigate recovery. She has a thriving counseling practice and seems to have helped many recover.   One of the things I liked about the book was the conversational tone and honesty about her journey. The writing is clever and relatable. Spiegelman acknowledges that recovery is not one size fits all. I find that true for this book as…

Jessica and I first bonded over missing teeth—a not-so-glamorous side effect of blackout drinking. When I met her in 2021, she was hosting an online meeting for the virtual sobriety group @sobermomssquad. It was my first time connecting with recovery friends through internet meetings, where I logged into Zoom, stared at tiny square icons, and told complete strangers my life story. What stood out wasn’t just the vulnerability—it was the laughter. Hard, belly-aching, trust-filled laughter with another woman I had just met online. As we got to know each other, we realized our connection went beyond being drunk and toothless.…

Recovery is about rebuilding balance in your life and restoring your physical and mental health while creating healthy routines. Or what I like to call the Re-Birth of the Self. I have worked in this field for seven years and have been in recovery for 16 years. With all the tools we are taught regarding our newfound health in recovery, there is something I have not heard discussed: the topic of Light. It has been long overlooked not only in the field of addiction recovery but in the medical field at large. I am here to shed light, if you…

We at The Sober Curator do our best to keep you updated on all the amazing things happening in the sober space. This feels like early access to a rising star on a mind-blowing trajectory. I recently discovered viral sensation Jonas Conner, a singer-songwriter from Chattanooga, TN, who has been called “the future of country music.” And I can’t stop listening. With over 3 million streams/521k followers on Spotify, 696K views on YouTube, 496k on IG, and over 485k followers on TikTok (watch how these numbers will all jump by the time you finish reading this post), Jonas Conner’s two original…

What is Soba Golf? It’s the Intersection of Sobriety, Wellness, and Golf. At its core, Soba Golf is a wellness company that bridges the gap between the sober or sober-curious individual and the game of golf. It is a community where like-minded people come together to share their love for golf while prioritizing mental health, physical wellness, and ongoing recovery. Golf has long been associated with social drinking—whether it’s grabbing a beer with friends after a round or engaging in the casual drinking culture that surrounds many courses (we’re not saying there’s anything wrong with that). But for individuals who are sober…

Picture of Me, written by Thomas Laurence, is a 157-page journey through anger, grief, depression, and addiction told in poetry and drawings. It serves as a guide for emotions experienced by many and discussed by few. The brutal honesty in pieces like Dark Knight, No Help for the Wicked, and Monster in Me is jarring but necessary. Getting the emotion out helps get the author through to the other side. It is what makes this collection of works so relatable to those experiencing similar feelings. With titles like Dear God, Mercy, Mercy Me, and Gentle Rain wash away my tears, there is still hope in the disturbing but impactful writing.…

Fear didn’t think that I would show up today, But I did, and I’m here Hate thought I’d relate, but it’s the energy of love in which I resonate Anger tried to linger, but I sought out my peace Self doubt came about So I had to heal, let go, release Impatience tried to rush me, I spitefully decided to take my time Insecurity tried to break in So I had to reinforce my mind Trauma tried to hide in the shadows Til’ I decided to shed light on my past Uncertainty said to freeze, But my will and my…

I know that it’s hard Drinking for the day like it’s no tomorrow Through happiness and sorrow Drinking for the day like you don’t want to see tomorrow Or see your scars You fear what you feel when the bottle is gone I know that it’s hard Wake up and take a shot like it’s Tylenol Drown out the pain Make me feel sane Try to bury my demons Thinking maybe I’ll change But they got the reigns Saying, “Take just one more shot.” Until it’s all out of range Til’ you find yourself slipping because your body can’t hang…

Creating a home environment that truly supports you is very important for anyone on the journey to sobriety. The good news is that even the tiniest, most thoughtful changes to your living space can lead to amazing transformations that promote healing, clarity, and a lively mindset. We often think that simply putting the bar cart away or hiding the liquor cabinet is enough. Still, if we’re being honest, those innocent-looking items lurking around the home can have a lot more influence over your mood and cravings than you might think. So rather than just going through the motions and pretending…

The Quiet Struggle I often write about my messy bottom as a nurse—those long, dark nights that ended with me face-planting into rock bottom. But what I rarely talk about is the five-year stint I had in pharmaceutical sales. Yep, as a career nurse, there was this whole chapter in my life that I almost pretend didn’t happen because I’m still a little ashamed of it. It was a time when I swapped my scrubs for suits, but I felt like I was constantly in disguise, hiding behind sales jargon and wine glasses. I wasn’t exactly a corporate superstar, but…

Models Strut Their Stuff in Support of a Cause By Contributor to The Sober Curator: TeQoa Griffith Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of covering a runway show in New York City that was more than just a fashion event. It was a powerful celebration of resilience, beauty, and the human spirit. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, featuring a group of inspiring models who had all undergone breast amputations. The sponsors played a crucial role in making the event successful, providing financial support and raising awareness about their important work. The Break Free Foundation holds a show…

As a sobriety coach, I often receive questions from my clients regarding the challenges of living an alcohol-free life. In this blog post, I will answer the top five recurring questions that are frequently asked. We will address common concerns, such as whether or not one can still have fun without drinking and if thoughts of alcohol ever resurface. So, let’s dive in and explore the joys and struggles of sobriety together. Here are additional insights to support your journey towards a healthier and happier life. 1. Why can’t I moderate my drinking? (Pro Tip: It’s a trap, stay off…

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!: The following is a piece written and submitted by Gary Schwind. This is the section of our website where our readers and contributors take center stage, sharing their transformative sobriety journeys. I’m new to the sober lifestyle, with less than a year of alcohol-free days. (I do know the exact number. I write it next to the date at the top of every journal entry.) However, while I can’t boast several years of sobriety, I have learned some things that I think are especially useful to those who are early on their journey of sobriety or those…

Traveling is usually a great adventure—a dance with the unfamiliar that invites us to embrace new sights and sounds. Yet, for those on the path of sobriety, this exhilarating journey can hold its challenges. The allure of exploration often masks the lurking triggers and temptations that can arise in new places, which makes it all too easy to feel lost or adrift without the comfort of familiar support systems. This is why staying connected while traveling is vital for your recovery. In a way, it’s like carrying a fragment of home in your heart—a comforting reminder that the love and…

We are excited to share 5 powerful songs to add to your ultimate sober playlist. These songs represent a part of our recovery journey. This edition delivers a strong dose of redemption and grace because we could all use just a little bit of this. Enjoy the tunes!

Let me break this down for you; here’s how this works. FIND THE TRAILERS, REVIEWS & SO MUCH MORE!​ Welcome to The Mindful Binge at The Sober Curator, where we explore TV series that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into their compelling storylines. Imagine us as your diligent, bee-zy TV series binge-watchers or the lively guardians of an alcohol-free visual storytelling sanctuary. Have you ever judged a TV series by its title or poster? In our buzzing hive, we’ve meticulously curated shows that delve into these themes, allowing you to flutter through captivating TV series displays. Our digital…

It’s Movie Night with The Sober Curator & The Sobees Rule the Silver Screen. Movie Night with The Sober Curator 📺🛋️ Welcome to Movie Night with The Sober Curator, where we explore movies that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into their compelling storylines. Imagine us as your diligent, bee-zy movie concierges or the lively guardians of an alcohol-free visual storytelling silver screen. Have you ever judged a movie by its title or poster? In our buzzing hive, we’ve meticulously curated movies and documentaries that delve into these themes, allowing you to flutter through our captivating movie hive. Our…

British Adventurer, Mountaineer, and Guide Oliver Browne and Recovery Coaches Mary Tilson and Carrie May are teaming up to host an awe-inspiring epic guided adventure to Everest Base Camp from April 1 – 12, 2025. Oliver, Mary, and Carrie are all in long-term recovery and share a passion for creating transformational off-grid experiences for others. If ever there was to be a bucket list destination for the sober, adventurous spirit, Everest Base Camp would top the list. This expedition epitomizes the power of challenging oneself, resiliency, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Designed for individuals in recovery, recovery allies,…