On this compelling episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly engage in a meaningful conversation with Chris Rosburg—husband, father, entrepreneur, faithful man, and the visionary behind Sober City USA. Chris has been living alcohol-free since March 2010, and his journey reveals not only the personal growth found in recovery but also the powerful transformation available through service, daily routines, and vibrant sober communities.
Chris’s entry into the sober lifestyle, like many, began with a moment of spiritual awakening—a “burning bush” experience, as both he and Alysse describe candidly. The pivotal turning point wasn’t just about personal survival but about paying forward the hope and confidence he was given through his recovery journey.
Chris shares that early sobriety was filled with shame, guilt, and a sense of “Why me?” But as he started to rebuild his life, sobriety became synonymous with coolness, authenticity, and empowerment: “People are noticing that people want what I’ve got. We all work a program of attraction, not promotion, and I really embraced that.” This intrinsic shift—seeing sobriety as a badge of honor rather than a scarlet letter—fuels the Sober City USA brand and Chris’s mission.
The Power of Simplicity: How Sober City USA Helps Recovering Individuals Daily
One thing that sets Chris’s approach apart is his dedication to accessible, no-frills recovery tools. In the age of overwhelming, feature-dense apps, Chris built the Sober City USA app as a “simple daily reminder”—offering sober slogans, daily prompts, prayers or meditative exercises, and humor to lighten the journey. With over a thousand active users shortly after launch, the app exemplifies his belief in the power of routine, gratitude, and staying present.
His offerings began with tangible items like decks of cards—each card featuring powerful sober slogans and meditative guidance—before expanding to digital formats. The intention? To anchor users’ days with positivity and recollection of their “why,” making relapse less likely and joy more abundant.
Why Chris Rosburg is Excited About Staying Sober
For Chris, the transformation that came with sobriety wasn’t just internal—it burst outward into every area of life: family, entrepreneurship, community leadership, and personal gratitude. He says:
“I’m just working on being present. Being grateful for what I have…my life has been turned around upside down for the better because of sobriety.”
Instead of constantly looking to the next milestone, Chris is learning to “like what I have,” embracing the power and privilege in today’s challenges—what he and Alysse call “classy problems.” For him, life in recovery is an ongoing journey of personal growth, connection, and meaningful service:
“If I can just help someone get a little bit of happy for the day or help them right-size their mindset, that’s a win.”
Emotional Takeaway: The Heart Behind the Conversation
What makes this episode so compelling is the emotional honesty and pure humanity on display. Alysse and Chris talk openly about messy moments, self-doubt, and the humor necessary for endurance. The message is clear: sobriety is not only possible, it’s completely worth it, and it looks and feels better than most people imagine.
Their stories prove that being “sober” is not about missing out, but about finally being able to show up—for oneself, for loved ones, and for a higher purpose. The sense of relief, gratitude, and belonging is palpable. As Chris puts it, “Life gets exponentially better the longer I stay sober.”
The Sober City USA app, The Sober Curator Podcast, and stories of celebrity comebacks (like Nikki Sixx or Anthony Kiedis) remind listeners and readers that they’re not alone in this journey. These platforms connect, inspire, and serve as ongoing support systems.
How to Connect
Check out Chris’s work and download the Sober City USA app via sobercityusa.com, find resources at The Sober Curator, and dive into this and other inspiring episodes wherever you get your podcasts.
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.
This show is for you if you’ve ever wondered:
– Where can I find inspiring sober podcasts, apps, and creators?
– How do I give back or stay plugged into the sober community
– What are the best sober-friendly drinks and travel tips?
– Where do I find the good NA drinks that don’t taste like regret?
The Sober Curator is your go-to for sober pop culture, booze-free travel, apps, creators, and community.
We’re not here to help you get sober.
We’re here to help you live sober—and love it.
In this gripping episode, Alysse sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty for a powerful conversation about the business behind addiction recovery — and why too many families are left carrying shame, confusion, and financial devastation while trying to save their loved ones. Benjamin’s documentary exposes the economics, ethics, and emotional fallout inside the modern treatment industry, while also honoring the parents, advocates, and survivors who continue fighting for change.
From medically assisted treatment debates to the insurance inequalities that shape who gets quality care, this episode goes deeper than most sober conversations dare to go. It’s raw, urgent, and grounded in truth — the kind of discussion that can only happen in a space built for honesty.
Takeaways:
Families aren’t alone. Many parents attend screenings thinking their child’s exploitation or treatment experience was “their fault” — Benjamin’s film shows the systemic patterns behind the pain.
Recovery has an economic engine. Benjamin describes the shocking moment he realized how profitability shapes care, access, and outcomes in the treatment world.
Insurance determines who gets humane care. Both Benjamin and Alysse reflect on how “good insurance” gave them safe recovery environments — an advantage many don’t have.
Pop culture shapes our understanding. Films like Dopesick, Painkiller, Pain Hustlers, Body Brokers help raise awareness but flatten nuance; documentaries add back the complexity.
Conversations spark courage. When parents meet each other at screenings, shame lifts and the real healing begins.
Key Timestamps:
00:06:40 — Benjamin’s turning point: quitting alcohol & cocaine in high-pressure advertising
00:07:45 — The myth of “the next milestone” that will magically fix everything
00:08:20 — Why treatment is the only major health process most people don’t understand
00:26:26 — Parents finding relief and validation through the film
00:27:00 — The economics of recovery: what families aren’t told
00:28:00 — Alysse shares her own insurance-based experience and privilege in treatment access
00:28:20 — Pop culture portrayals of recovery & exploitation (Body Brokers, Painkiller, Dopesick)
00:41:56 — The media Benjamin loves — and what representations resonate most
Resources & Links:
Website / Film https://www.stoptheshuffle.com/
Instagram: @benjaminflaherty
YouTube Trailer: OFFICIAL TRAILER | SHUFFLE
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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About:
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
*The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
SOBER EVENTS at The Sober Curator keeps you in the loop on alcohol-free gatherings happening nationwide. From sober comedy shows and non-alcoholic tastings to festivals, retreats, and sporting events, we highlight vibrant, community-driven experiences from coast to coast. Our goal? To keep you entertained, inspired, and connected—no matter where you live. Need more sober time than one event? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
