Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

The Creative Sober is a community of sober and sober-curious creatives looking to connect with others who are navigating sobriety, health, and spiritual awareness. The foundation of The Creative Sober is our stories and keeping an open mind towards recovery. Creative expression is a fundamental part of what we put into the world. It takes real courage to share it this with others. Jardine Libaire Jardine Libaire has published six novels, including HERE KITTY KITTY (Little, Brown) and WHITE FUR (Hogarth), and the nonfiction essay collection about sober hedonism called THE SOBER LUSH in 2020. She also collaborated on the creative documentary…

Calvin Robinson is a singer/songwriter and owner of @superdupersoberclothing with 26 months, clean & sober, dedicated to sobriety, and working at the Rehab Center that he graduated in detox. His addiction started in 2008 when his father passed away. Not knowing how to deal with that pain, he turned to alcohol. In 2017 he committed an assault & robbery crime that would ultimately change him. Calvin took a deal that gave him a strike. He didn’t straighten up until 2018, after his life went downhill by doing meth & cocaine. He got caught on a warrant in October 2018 and stayed in…

Blackout Orchestra mastermind Ben VanBuskirk was going through a transitional period after years of ups and downs. At the end of a troubled relationship, he found himself two musical projects (the critic-approved death-obsessed shoegaze-pop band The Dearly Bereft, and feminist grunge provocateurs Green Girl), and at the end of his rope. Depression, anxiety, and alcoholism had him metaphorically. And on one night, literally, staring down the tracks at the lights of an oncoming train. He wasn’t sure he wanted to get out of the way. With the help of some close friends, he started to manage these issues that once…

Allie K. Campbell (she/her/hers) is a digital content creator and entertainer on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. To date, she has uploaded over 300 videos on the topics of sobriety, queerness, ADHD, and how the three often (hilariously) intersect. Allie has a burgeoning audience of 15K followers across platforms. She hopes to triple her reach in 2021 with more speaking engagements, new approaches to content creation, and the launch of her first publication, The Sober Hobbies Activity Book & Journal. Follow Allie K. Campbell: Instagram @alliekcampbell Youtube Allie K. Campbell Follow The Creative Sober on Instagram! Hosted by Mei McIntosh Sober…

Sabrina is an International British Writer, Expressive Artist, and Entertainer. She has been spreading her creative sparkle and words of inspiration throughout America for the past 15 years. Going wherever the wind whispers to her heart, meditating to the beat of her drum, and blazing through her barriers, be they emotional, mental, or physical. She is an overcomer, and spiritual warrior fueled with a passion for reaching out to others creatively and shining the light where they may only see darkness. Her first mental health memoir is on its way to being published in the Fall of 2021. It deals…

This question has been the most consistent of all questions that come through our community, “Can I be sober and still create?” Working through the “Ad”versity It’s human nature to want to see proof to spark a belief inside of us that something is to be accurate or sometimes the opposite. Alcohol consumption is promoted as a regular part of our society. Image and media are such powerful tools that it’s hard to believe that only 26 years ago, the ban on TV/Radio liquor ads was lifted after being in place for almost 50 years. Some shocking numbers to take in is…

By Contributor Sonia Kahlon Over time, connecting with others in recovery has become a significant part of my lasting sobriety. When I initially stopped drinking, I didn’t tell anyone. I had been covering up my problem with alcohol for so long and so well that mentioning I was ‘getting sober’ would have been like hanging a sign around my neck indicating there had been an issue in the first place. With hidden bottles in closets, I poured wine into sports bottles. I went to the bar to do a shot when no one was looking. Drinks and more drinks are…

The interior was spacious and welcoming at Daylight Studios in Hudson Yard on Saturday, 2/12/23. My mind flashed to Carrie Bradshaw the first time she entered her & Mr. Big’s massive New York high rise, “So this is where they keep the light.” I was a bit self-conscious because I did a rushed job shaving my legs that morning, assuming it would be a dimly lit studio space. #urbanjungle The light was glorious yet masked no flaws. There were no shadows to hide in. The studio was a beautifully raw space with whitewashed walls that made me feel a tad…

“Joe”, the new single from Luke Coms is dedicated to his fans who are struggling with addiction.

Here’s another throwback out of our sober archives by Tonix Mocktails. Nik Popkow is serving up a very creative, DIY, zero-proof mocktail recipe you can make at home called “The Wednesday”. Inspired by Christina Ricci from the Addams Family circa 1991, this drink will dazzle and delight. I guess one could consider this a wellness drink of sorts! What’s in the Mix with Tonix Mocktails? Ingredients: Check out additional posts from Tonix Mocktails:

Virtual fellowship, panels and workshops at the 59th International AA Women’s Conference for only $10

Sober days in the Pacific Northwest are nothing short of beautiful. From Tacoma, you can look at all four directional points and see something completely different. You may want to bring a rain jacket or hat and don’t forget your sunglasses. Let’s start in downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Art Museum (the TAM) always has wonderful exhibits. It provides discounts for students, military personnel, UW Alumni, and EBT card holders. Because of its location—right across from the University of Washington, Tacoma campus—there are many places to park and multiple ways to get there. Also nearby is the Train station, a historical…

This year Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, celebrated forty years of helping people recover from substances. Betty Ford was a courageous voice in the recovery community and stood loud and proud when she recovered from her addictions to alcohol and prescription medications. After detoxing on my own, I went to the BFC in November of 2020 and went straight into their residential sober living homes on Daisy Lane, about a mile from the BFC. There I participated in high-intensity outpatient treatment for my alcoholism while living in a house with five other women. I was there for three…

Dry January spotlights the zero-proof lifestyle more than any other month. Granted, I am hyper-aware, but I have been sober for eight years and can’t remember when the conversation has been louder or more frequent. And I love it! Beyond Booze Beverage Co Startup in Dallas “Give Dry a Try,” #HawaiiDryO, “Make it a Mocktail,” “Start it Sober,” “Dry January and Beyond” – so many taglines and promotions. As a marketer and a sober person, there can never be too many for me. Brands are leaning in, companies and influencers are emerging, and we have NA pop-ups! Beyond Booze Beverage…

Kiola Raines is a Precision Nutrition certified coach, and a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified trainer. https://www.kiolaraines.com Kiola earned her BS in Kinesiology at CSU Fullerton and her MS in Exercise Psychology at CSU Long Beach. Over the past 12 years, she has developed a coaching philosophy based on building a knowledge base for her clients. Kiola’s intention in coaching is for her clients to gain confidence in their nutrition and fitness programs, so much confidence that they will never need to hire another professional after her. In addition, Kiola wants her clients to LEARN and gain wisdom to…

Zero Proof Experiences hosted its 3rd Sober in the City event in Austin, Texas, in November of 2022. The official check-in began at the Hyatt Place Hotel Friday afternoon, November 11th, 2022. Amidst thunder and lightning, volunteers set up shop to welcome the Sober in the City guests. Friday Night Shenanigans There were reunions and many new introductions as the group marched to Revolucion Coffee & Juice to listen to the Friday evening panel. The panel included: Victoria Towery, Beth Bown, and Cathy Charles. Thanks to Friday’s sponsors, Jeff Graham (@bac.2.zero) and Dry Drinkery (@dearatx). Grüvi (@getgruvi) showed up loud…

Leave no one behind is a phrase I heard hundreds of times during my days in the Army. I served from 1996 to 2016 in some of the best units around—storied units, the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Armored, and finally the 1st Special Forces group. For the most part, we lived that mantra. Never left a fellow soldier on the battlefield. We searched for almost two years for Fouty and Jimenez in Iraq. We made sure that they were not left behind and returned home. But something happened as America’s longest war dragged on. When a person experiences trauma and…

From Macklemore to Blondie. Sober songs from this edition of Play It Again is how you can add holiday cheer to your sober playlist.

A while back, I was sitting at my monthly sober babe’s brunch, holding the audience of my girlfriend’s captive. I was discussing the casting process for runway fashion shows and some of the nuances of the modeling world. We laughed hysterically, and like always, I was using humor to get some things off my chest. In today’s climate, while the feminist march to fight the objectifying of a woman’s body, I am standing on a platform begging to be judged. Never would I imagine asking a judge of strangers to critique my physical features and decide whether I am worthy.…

7 ways to spend your sober days in Santa Fe. Exploring art, cuisine, spirituality and nature for a memorable getaway.

JUST GO NUTS For Recovery and #ADDTOCART!

“I intended to go back to drinking after the medications were finished,” Harley told me, “But I was so happy with my life. By then, I had made so much progress that I decided to stay sober.” Meet Harley from @styledandstressed, a 28-year-old career professional whose resume is as packed full as her closet. She quit drinking on 4/21/21 and has not looked back. Since that day, she has hit some significant milestones. She married her partner and finished grad school. Harley also came out as sober on social media to confirm her stance on living booze-free. Styled and stressed…

Producer and DJ are just a couple of Tommie Sunshine’s passions that lead his life. Also, count on him being involved in activism, teaching at NYU, being a husband, and sober for the last 16 years! Tommie takes us through some of his journeys as a world-traveling DJ, what convinced him to get sober, and what he is doing to contribute to making a difference for the greater good. Tommie Sunshine Official Bio: Tastemaker to tastemakers, curator, and shapeshifter, Tommie Sunshine is renowned for his reputation of being consistently ahead of the curve bridging the worlds of Rave, Disco, House,…

Josh James, a career bartender, took a year off drinking to see what would happen. His result was realizing his full potential and reviewing NA Beverages as Josh the Non-Alcoholic on YouTube and Instagram. After creating 30 videos, he walked into a deli establishment that happened to be closing in 1 week. 3 months later and 11 months into being a non-drinker, Josh opened Ocean Beach Cafe to build the largest non-alcoholic beverage selection in the country! The response has been massive in the booming industry as he continues to take this ride to the moon! Instagram: @joshthenonalcoholic Website: oceanbeachcafe.com…

Are you alcohol-free? You’re in the right spot! Subscribe to Relatable AF for FREE and you’ll get the goods delivered directly to your inbox on the first Monday of each month with: AF Tips (alcohol-free)Updates from meResources and RecommendationsAnd discounts on my favorite brands! But wait…There’s more! For only $8 per month, you get emails every single Monday filled with all the goodies that come in the monthly subscription and so. much. more. You’ll get BONUS resources, tips, and advice….and you’ll get them more often. AND – Weekly in-depth Q&As and my personal essays exclusive to Relatable AF subscribers. PLUS – Get involved! Join the community discussion threads to…

Philip Speer is the Chef and Owner of Comedor, an award-winning Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin. Starting his culinary career at 17 as a baker, Philip moved swiftly into esteemed Pastry Chef positions at Austin’s most innovative restaurants. After struggling through years of addiction, Philip made a profound recovery. He found a renewed motivation by changing his life habits to focus on running, healthy eating, sobriety, and honest dialogue in the restaurant community. Philip now works as a change advocate in the culinary sphere, offering resources and opportunities for peers and employees to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Philip heads…

Chelsie Cahoon aka The Sober Raver is an entrepreneur, business owner, published model, singer/songwriter, and content creator who travels all over the country with her work. She is the founder and owner of the company Music Is The Drug which is a non-judgmental company that aims to show the world that whether you use substances or not, music is the ultimate drug that unites us all. She chose to live a sober life from a very young age and has been completely drug and alcohol-free her entire life. Her mission is to show people that you can literally get high…

Arlina Allen, Host of the One Day at a Time Podcast and Founder of the Sober Life School brings you the ultimate resource guide that is perfect for the first 100 days in recovery. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Even if you’ve been sober longer, you are still going to love this list! About Arlina Allen There was a time when I thought I was just a fun party girl. To say I was proud of the fact that I could drink men twice my size under the table was an understatement. For a long time, I had A LOT of fun.…

A story about how falling in love made me feel like I had relapsed katie MACK Seven years ago I was sitting in AA because I was in trouble with my boyfriend, or I guess, he was my ex-boyfriend? I was always in trouble with one ex-boyfriend/boyfriend/ex-girlfriend/girlfriend or another (being queer has increased my chances for more failure opportunities). This was why I was always drying out for one to two months for my third (or fourth?) time in this relationship, and why I was sitting in my fifth AA meeting of the week. Sponsor-less and step-less, I was still well…

Non-alcoholic beverages seem to be all the rage, so I was pumped to try Nashi Orchards Korean Giant Non-Alcoholic Perry which just so happens to be LOCAL!???? (to the Pacific Northwest) Welcome to Nashi Orchards on Vashon Island, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary! I got to meet the owners (husband and wife duo) Cheryl Lubbert and perry maker Jim Gerlach, for the launch of their first non-alcoholic line coined the “Hana” series. The first release is a sparkling perry made from 100% Korean Giant Asian pear juice, with no added flavoring. It seriously tastes like Asian pear in a…