Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

WTF is Barbiecore, and how is it relevant to sobriety? Simply put, it’s Dopamine Dressing. Now let’s unpack this a bit… While I’m not an expert in giving style advice, I am a certified dopamine diva so that I can speak with a well-earned level of real-life experience. Dopamine Dressing is a term that came into the fashionista’s lexicon a few years ago to give a fancy title to wearing what feels good!! #wearwhatmakesyouhappy. Personally, during my recovery, this has been a phenomenon that has helped me get through some tough days. I am no Barbie, but I know how…

Day 45. Betsy contemplates moderation while coming out of self imposed isolation. Featuring music by Silent Nancy (ft. Zoe Mazah), Natalia Zukerman, Ana Ege & Bryan Thomas, Judah Kim, and Matt The Electrician. Voice Talent by Kate Segal, Otis Gray, Courtney Halford, Katie Burke, Alysse Bryson, Brooke Robichaud, Brianna Janae & Maggie Stiggers. Executive Produced & Sound Design by Katie Mack Written by Kimberly Kearns Story Development by EmJ Hova, Dillon Heape, and Katie Mack Associate Produced by Brianna Janae & Maggie Stiggers All artists are compensated for their amazing work. All artists involved have their own story with recovery.…

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.

Day 30. Family is weird, even Betsy’s. Featuring music by Katie Burke, Natalia Zukerman, Melissa Ferrick, Francis Lung, and Judah Kim. Voice Talent by Kate Segal, Otis Gray, Socks Whitmore, Linda Storm, Padraic Lilis, and Caleb Wells. Written by Kimberly Kearns, Story Development by EmJ Hova, Dillon Heape, and Katie Mack. Associate Produced by Brianna Janae & Maggie Stiggers All artists are paid for their amazing work. All artists involved have their own story with recovery. If you like what we do, consider supporting us to give us momentum to continue on. This is a homegrown passion project made with one…

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

Day 14, BETSY. Betsy dabbles in the online world of truly anonymous alcohol support groups and realizes her support system in IRL in gone. Featuring music by Jacob Derwin, Jon Jeremy, Natalia Zukerman, Jessica Wilde, Matt The Electrician, and SomedayMaybe. Voice Talent by Kate Segal, Otis Gray, Socks Whitmore, Bryan Fitzgerald, Justin Lamb, Alexandra O’Halloran, Courtney Halford, Kimberly Kearns & Katie Mack Written by Kimberly Kearns Story Development by EmJ Hova, Dillon Heape, Katie Mack Associate Produced by Brianna Janae & Maggie Stiggers All of the artists involved with F*cking Sober have their own stories with recovery. Want to support? VENMO…

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…

Day 2, BESTY. Betsy watches the love of her life pour out the other greatest love of her life. This is day two of sobriety in the suburbs. Featuring music by Matt The Electrician, Natalia Zukerman, Jacob Derwin, Judah Kim, Ana Egge, Pop Buchanan, SomedayMaybe Voice Talent by Kate Segal, Otis Gray, Socks Whitmore, Bryan Fitzgerald, Tawny Lara & Shaune Jessemay Written by Kimberly Kearns Story Development by EmJ Hova, Dillon Heape, Katie Mack Associate Produced by Brianna Janae, Ewan Newbigging-Lister All of the artists involved with F*cking Sober have their own stories with recovery. Want to support? VENMO @fckingsoberpodcast or…

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…

Imagine a world where anything you desire is possible, and your wildest dreams come true. It sounds like a fantasy, but it’s not. The main ingredient to living this dream is the power of your mind and will. One day at a time, our thoughts create our reality, and we can use that as an advantage to live the life we want! You are the master of your destiny, and anything is possible. There are no limits to what you can accomplish, and it doesn’t require special skills, opportunities, or money. If you want something, you must take the first…

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…

How do you unlearn decades of programming? I sit here snacking and typing, contemplating my waistline, and reaching for the trail mix. Fuck it. And fuck them and fuck the term heroin chic. I am not dying to stay thin anymore. Flashback to 1997. The year I graduated high school. I exercised almost daily, threw up my food, and refused to go to bed without finishing my self-prescribed regime of one-hundred sit-ups and push-ups. As early as fifteen, I hit play on the Cindy Crawford workout (VHS tape) like it was my religious calling. The high-fashion scene was the benchmark…

We all have goals, desires, and responsibilities that we need to take ownership of and be accountable for in life to thrive. However, sometimes we get so caught up in daily routines or what others think of us that we force our desires to take a back seat because they don’t seem as important as our other responsibilities. The things that you desire are on the other side of what is blocking your path. Whether it’s fear, lack of motivation, comparison, or procrastination, the way to get there is to get out of the window, stop looking at other people…

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.

Shatterproof Rise Up Against Addiction fundraising walks and volunteer opportunities help reduce stigma, transform treatment and change laws.

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…

Breaking the Cycle We can talk about being better, creating change, or doing things differently, but if we don’t put actions behind our words, we will not make any difference in our lives. Change starts with action and sticking to the process. It may be as simple as changing your mindset, believing in yourself, and doing your best, but you have to be consistent to manifest. The biggest challenge in personal development is talking the talk and walking the walk. Sometimes this triggers imposter syndrome and the feeling that you are not doing what you said you would, which can…

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,…

When I first got approached to write a fashion column and merge it with my recovery process, I was lost for words. I did not know how to make sense of my wardrobe, much less anyone else’s. I had never worked with Word Press or editing and fumbled a lot. I didn’t even know how to use Instagram. As a career nurse, fashion journalism was not on the agenda. Also, I didn’t have a model standing around to wear the clothes I wanted to display, and I wouldn’t have known how to photograph them even if I did. So, the…

Laura Silverman has been a booze-free babe since July of 2007. Founder of sober lifestyle blog The Sobriety Collective, wellness travel site Booze-Free in DC, and Zero Proof Nation, a community celebrating nonalcoholic beverages and the people who drink/create them, Laura is passionate about #thesoberlife. When not tasting delicious new booze-free BEVs, she’s a karaoke rockstar, roller derby girl, nature lover, #mentalhealth advocate, and treasures spending time with her close friends and family. Follow along with Mei McIntosh in all of the digital spaces and places Support + Follow The Creative Sober – Hosted by Mei McIntosh Join The Creative Sober Community The Creative Sober Podcast – Authentic conversations about…

Breaking the Cycle A Little Faith and A Little Footwork Do you feel like you can’t stop or start something because it’s too late? You are not alone. There are many people who are feeling the same way or even worse and don’t know where to start. Whether you want to quit drinking, achieve new goals, learn new passions, or start living your purpose, there is a better way out. It’s never too late to make that change. Yesterday was the best time, but the next best time is today. Time is a very important asset when it comes to…