Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

It was a sold-out venue in downtown Portland last Saturday when author Laura McKowen @lauramckowen teamed up with Sans Bar @sans_bar owner Chris Marshall to host a book signing and networking event. I call it a networking event because Laura made a point to tell the crowd to “meet at least one person tonight.” Knowing the need for a community of sober people in your corner is crucial to the wellbeing of those giving up booze. This was just what she did at the height of the pandemic in 2020 when she assembled online meetups for a group she called…

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…

Day 60. Betsy forces family time with a visit to the city for the first time since the pandemic began and since she got sober. Featuring music by ⁠Anne Heaton, Matt The Electrician⁠, Michael Lamendola aka King Sting, and Jacob Derwin.Voice Talent by Kate Segal, Maggie Stiggers, Otis Gray, Socks Whitmore and Bryan Fitzgerald. 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. If you…

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…

Ben Boden is 3-years sober, an LGBTQIA+ musician, life coach, and creative practitioner from England. He currently works within Education and as the Creative Director for The Lighthouse Bali, a rehab facility in Bali, Indonesia. Including awards such as Yahama’s ‘Unsigned Artist’ and ‘Best Entertainer’ at Northampton’s Diamond Awards, as well as starring in SKY1’s reality talent show Showboaters, his music has been hailed as ‘one to look out for’ by BBC Introducing, with his latest release ‘Ghost’ sitting at the No.1 spot on Q32’s LGBTQ global chart for multiple weeks. Ben has first-hand experience of the arts supporting his…

Ahoy Sober Matey! Carnival Cruise Line recently revealed its partnership with Lyre’s on March 14, 2023, to offer non-alcoholic cocktails while hitting the wide-open sea (source). Now nondrinkers can have the inclusive feeling that drinkers do with a full range of adult beverage choices sans alcohol. Although many refer to this growing demand for alcoholic alternatives as a trend, this NA movement is here to stay. The Alchemy Bar is the place to be aboard Carnival Cruise ships if you like to be entertained by mixologists showing off their craft. Seven NA cocktails will be available: the Martini Seduction, Spicy…

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.