Author: Megan Swan

If you’re on the hunt for a nonalcoholic beverage that feels as intentional and celebratory as your favorite cocktail, let me introduce you to WildFolk — a Calgarian, female-founded brand that’s quickly become my new obsession.  A Feast for the Eyes (and the Imagination)  Before you even taste what’s inside, WildFolk’s cans draw you in with their stunning artwork. Each can is a visual tribute to a classic folk tale, inviting you to reminisce and imagine with every pour. The illustrations aren’t just pretty — they’re storytelling in a can, setting the stage for the thoughtful flavors within.  Crafted for…

Context Matters: Alcohol-Free Beer Health Risks Need Proper Perspective  Yesterday on the drive to school, the radio host was going on and on about how the NA beer scene has really transformed over the last several years and that Guinness 0 was now his go-to mid-week after-work drink of choice. Music to my sober ears — this gentleman was modeling great choices to my tween son listening in, and this whole NA conversation is going mainstream… and then he dropped the headline… and I immediately thought, “Yeah, compared to what? Water?”  So let’s dig below the surface, because this new…

Let me introduce you to an empowering force of nature, my friend and fellow empowered alcohol-free life coach, Melissa McGovern, better known to some as the Sober New Yorker!  Melissa’s journey, as shared on our latest podcast episode, is nothing short of inspiring. Picture this: a woman who faced a health scare and decided to take control of her life by ditching alcohol, transforming her diet and moving her body with newfound purpose. She didn’t just stop there; these life-altering changes propelled her into becoming an alcohol-free success and mindset coach. Now, she’s helping incredible women make bold, badass decisions…

Dancing Through Pain: The Healing Rhythm of Human Expression Throughout human history, dance has been far more than mere entertainment or physical exercise—it has been a profound emotional language, a healing ritual, and a powerful tool for processing the deepest human experiences of pain, grief, and transformation. Ancient cultures understood intrinsically what modern psychology is now confirming: dance is a transformative practice that connects body, mind, and spirit. From the ritualistic mourning dances of indigenous tribes to the cathartic movement practices of Greek theater, dance has always been humanity’s visceral method of expressing what words cannot capture. In many African…

Hey there, lovely wellness warriors! Ever found yourself in a professional gathering where the drinks are flowing and you’re just not feeling it? (We’ve all been there!) Whether you’re fully sober, exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, taking a break or simply not in the mood, navigating these situations can be a bit tricky, right? Well, I’ve got some exciting news! In the latest episode of “Wellness as a Way of Life,” we’re diving into the art of embracing your choice not to drink in professional settings. Join me as we explore practical strategies that make it easier to confidently say no…

I wanted to share an eye-opening episode on “Wellness as a Way of Life,” because I know so many of us, especially in recovery, struggle with our relationship to sugar. I dove into the intriguing relationship between alcohol, sugar and anxiety. It’s fascinating how these elements can impact our mood and overall well-being. Ultimately, I think understanding how these substances affect our body and mood helps us make better choices over time. Here’s the scoop: Both sugar and alcohol trigger dopamine activation, giving us that warm, fuzzy feeling we all adore. But here’s the catch: This can lead to increased…

In the high-stakes world of Miami medicine portrayed in Netflix’s freshman drama “Pulse,”  viewers are treated to the familiar tropes of hospital romances, power struggles and professional challenges. While the show attempts to tackle meaningful issues — sexual harassment, power imbalances in workplace relationships and the crushing stress of medical careers — it simultaneously undermines its own potential depth through its reliance on an outdated narrative crutch: alcohol as the universal solution to life’s problems. The Medical Field’s Open Secret “Pulse” deserves credit for its realism in one respect: the medical profession’s complicated relationship with alcohol is well-documented. Studies have…

I’m Megan Swan, and I’m taking a deep dive into the world of menopause this May, which I’m calling Menopause May. It’s been an enlightening journey, and I’ve had so many incredible conversations and gathered insights that I want to share with you. One topic that keeps surfacing is the interaction between menopause and alcohol. It’s a significant one, especially given how intertwined our social lives and routines can be with that evening glass of wine or cocktail with friends. When I first started experiencing the subtle whispers of perimenopause, I didn’t notice the changes right away. After all, menopause…

The elevator doors open to the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place, and I’m immediately greeted by panoramic views of Calgary’s downtown skyline. The golden afternoon sun streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Major Tom, illuminating what’s about to become one of the most enlightening conversations I’ve had about the future of socializing in Calgary. I’m here to meet Makina Labrecque, Regional Bar Manager for the Concorde Group, who is not only reshaping the alcohol-free landscape across Calgary’s most iconic restaurants — she’s doing so while remaining sober herself. There’s something powerfully authentic about a bar manager who understands firsthand…

In the post-apocalyptic landscape of “Paradise,” one of the most striking and consistent undercurrents is how alcohol becomes a societal crutch — a means of collective escape from the harsh realities of survival. The show presents a nuanced portrayal of how even leadership, including the president, succumbs to this method of coping while our protagonist stands alone in his commitment to clarity.  Leadership Drowning in Bottles  The president, Cal Bradford played by James Marsden, has a character arc throughout the series that serves as a powerful metaphor for authority buckling under pressure. In episode 3, we witness the president’s nightly…

The Transformative Power of Pen and Paper: Why Journaling Matters At the start of a new season there is nothing I love more than a fresh new journal to start to play with. Fresh pages, fresh start. In our digital age of rapid-fire texts, emails, and social media updates, the humble practice of journaling with pen and paper might seem antiquated. But science and psychology reveal a profound truth: handwriting is a powerful tool for mental clarity, emotional processing, and cognitive development that no keyboard can replicate. When you put pen to paper, something magical happens in your brain. Unlike…

Today marks seven years since I took my last drink—seven years of clarity, growth, and transformation. My “Soberthday” feels particularly significant this year, not just because seven is a number that carries weight across cultures and traditions but also because it echoes something profound about our journey as humans. The Magic of Seven Seven has always been considered a mystical number. It appears repeatedly in nature and our bodies in fascinating ways: Perhaps it’s no coincidence that this seventh year of sobriety feels like a complete renewal. The person I was when I began this journey has been entirely replaced,…

In a world where social gatherings often still revolve around alcohol, Liisa Ladouceur’s Sober Toronto: A Guide to the City’s Best Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Drinks arrives as a refreshing and necessary resource. This thoughtfully crafted guidebook serves not only as a practical tool but also as a powerful statement in the movement to normalize alcohol-free socializing. A Comprehensive Resource  Ladouceur has meticulously compiled information on over 100 bars and restaurants across Toronto that offer exceptional non-alcoholic options. What sets this guide apart is its user-friendly organization—venues are conveniently categorized by neighborhood and price point, making it easy for readers to…

If you’ve ever wondered why cacao is often celebrated as a superfood, let me take you through its remarkable benefits, especially for women’s hormone balance and cycle regulation. Allow me to explain the deep relationship women have with dark chocolate – IYKYK. Cacao’s Nutritional Powerhouse  Cacao is often touted as a superfood, and for good reason. This powerful plant is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, theobromine, phenylethylamine, magnesium, and iron. Alexander Humboldt, a noted naturalist, once stated that never in nature is there such nutritional richness packed into a single small space as found in a cacao bean.…

Real Food VS. Processed Food: What you need to know about designer processed food.

Technology can be a powerful ally in building healthier routines. From tracking your meals to guiding you through yoga or dance, apps provide tools to help you stay consistent and motivated. Sober Curator Pro Tip: To start with, click through – trust your instincts and choose two that light you up. Habit-Building Apps Consistency is key when forming new habits, and these apps help you stay on track:  Habitica Gamifies habit-building with rewards and challenges. *Best For: Gamers or those seeking a playful approach to habits. Streaks Clean design and streak tracking for visual motivation. *Best For: Those who love…

Christmas Activation Bar – Hot Chocolate Station Galore! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Who’s up for some hot chocolate all dressed up with cheer? I’m having two parties in the next week—one for kids and the other for adults—and both parties are going to enjoy an NA activation experience around all things hot chocolate fun. Ya ready? *Ideal for sober + sober curious peeps who love holiday indulgence, families, Xmas parties, Skate-side Fireside Hangs, and people who want to have FUN + FEEL GREAT AFTERWARDS this holiday season. Shopping List + Set-Up Ideas:  Optional Add Ons: #ADDTOCART:…

This New York Times Bestseller is the quintessential book for anyone who wishes to claim themselves ‘trauma-informed’ as a practitioner or personally. As a coach, multiple programs have recommended it to me, and I think it is a valuable resource for professional and personal development. The better we all understand that hurt people hurt people, the more likely we are to support each other in healing individually and intergenerationally.  It is heavy.  It was one of the first mainstream resources to help us understand the broad scope of “small t” trauma and “BIG T” Trauma.  Some of my favorite quotes…

Let’s start by owning that I am totally biased because this was THE BOOK that I held onto when I was #sobercurious and in early sobriety. It spoke directly to my head, heart, and feminist political rage stewing undertow. I mean, it has everything: The juicy, detailed, ugly, and relatable tell-all stories of a marriage crumbling, the extremely well-researched (Ann is an award-winning reporter) deep dive on how women in my generation bore the brunt of Big Alcohol and Big Ad companies getting into bed together, and the wily way Pink Washing took hold on so many women and mothers of…

This year, I signed myself up to be certified as an Alcohol-Free Life Coach, Success, and Mindset Coach, leading me down memory lane to July 2020. At that time, Tony Robbins made history during the pandemic and found a way to host more people in a virtual setting than was thought possible. I was quarantining and thrilled to have the virtual experience option to chop through wood with my bare hands and dance with thousands worldwide. It was my first exposure to his 6 Human Needs. This year, my certification took a very specific stance on this and helped us see how…

We are back with our fall line-up of ideas to inspire your pumpkin spice sober journey this fall. You can put them all in one big pumpkin patch bash or drip out the theme over the season and into your Thanksgiving table. Before we jump in, let me add my immunity-boosting reassurance that both pumpkin and pumpkin spice pack a lot of healthy punch when you are using actual spice (not a syrup from you know where) and pumpkin puree: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Recipe: Benefits of these natural spices include: Benefits of Pumpkin: Your Pumpkin Spice Fall Activation Bar The…

Mental wellness is something we all need to build self-awareness around. While we are dealing with social media, information overload, and a neverending to-do list, there are so many people and organizations doing incredible things to support adults and youth with their mental well-being. I wanted to highlight a really cool organization and several of its champions because it is an incredible resource online. “Unsinkable uses storytelling to help people #BridgeTheGap between struggling with their mental health and taking steps towards mental well-being.” It has all sorts of programming and ways to get involved, but I think one of the…

I am so excited to be doing this new app review and even more excited about the app itself, mainly because this is the kind of support I could have used when I was #sobercurious seven years ago. It is so important to lessen those feelings of aloneness and to find a safe space to ask questions about changing one’s relationship with alcohol without feeling judged. With The Uncovery App, when you decide to leap into ‘uncovery’ of yourself, you already have a community of sober besties to vent, vamp, and be victorious with. The Uncovery App officially launches in…

Who else is sooooooo ready for SUMMER? Do you have your OOO reply all set? This month, we are featuring the most user-friendly and delicious ideas to take to the beach, lakehouse, or camping – *EDNA’S NA Cocktails to GO. Edna’s is a line of sparkling, non-alcoholic cocktails prepared in small batches with premium, all-natural ingredients with no artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives. So, like, no fuss, no muss, but so delicious and ideal for your summer parties on the fly. Grab your sunscreen, your speaker, ice, and 4×4 packs, and let’s go surfin’ now, bodyboard surfin’ now…bring your…

In the latest episode of “Wellness As A Way of Life,” I sat down with guest Gregg Ostrin to explore his profound journey of overcoming toxic masculinity, addiction, and societal expectations. Through candid conversations and personal reflections, Gregg shared his experiences of finding solace, self-discovery, and, ultimately, empowerment. He made a point of telling me how, ‘thanks to’ the pandemic, he started going to meetings again every day, and this time around, he found a deeper fellowship and spiritual connection. Gregg Ostrin: Breaking Free from Societal Expectations: Growing up feeling inadequate under the weight of his father’s expectations, Gregg sought…

Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending Addiction was released in February, and it is an essential addition to any person in recovery’s bookshelf, even if you have never been into yoga.   In our latest Wellness As A Way of Life episode,  I had the pleasure of hosting Brian, a renowned yoga instructor and dharma teacher. Our conversation dove deep into how yoga serves as a physical discipline and a transformative tool in recovery from addiction. Brian, who has been on his sober journey since 2009, shared invaluable insights that reshaped how we view wellness and self-care.  Embracing Yoga Beyond…

It was an honor to finally have my friend and fellow Contributor to the Sober Curator on the podcast! She is a delight. There is so much power in embracing your vulnerability as a human but most certainly as a mother when we want to raise emotionally intelligent and connected kids. This Mother’s Day month of May tune into our conversation and share it with a mom you know might be struggling with addiction. Introduction: Authenticity in Recovery In a deeply poignant and stirring episode of the Wellness as a Way of Life podcast, I welcomed Amy Liz Harrison, a mother, bestselling…

Perfect for Sober and Sober-Curious Moms alike, these activation bar ideas cater not only to Mother’s Day gatherings but also to baby showers and expectant moms looking to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. It’s a wonderful opportunity for moms-to-be or those choosing sobriety to partake in festivities that prioritize health, well-being, and connection without the need for alcohol. These events offer a safe and inclusive space for all moms, ensuring that every moment is cherished and celebrated with comfort and joy. Shopping List + Set Up Ideas: Order ahead + relax: #ADDTOCART Grab Fresh the Day Of: Sober Curator Pro Tip:…

Activation Bar 101 What is an activation bar? An activation bar in the context of alcohol-free or mocktail bars now refers to a dedicated and interactive station within the bar setup aimed at engaging guests in unique experiences related to non-alcoholic beverages. Activation bars are often used at events to create memorable experiences for your sober guests, it brings intentionality, art and heart into making your sober guests feel included and excited to attend. These alcohol-free or mocktail bars could be designed to showcase the art of crafting sophisticated mocktails, a specific brand of NA mixers or drinks, offer tastings…

Who else is a huge fan of retreats??? I love attending them, planning them and recommending them to my clients. If you can find a way to get yourself completely out of your grind, ideally offline and forced to slow down and just be for a few days – the impact is huge!! Top Sober Retreat #1 – Wander Home In January I went to a yoga retreat hosted by Wander Home – and it was so therapeutic. Especially as a mom to give myself that time to fill up my own cup. I had the owner of the retreat…