Are you ready to step into the world of Ari Welkom? Get comfortable as we navigate his compelling journey of musical inspiration, personal transformation, and spirituality. In our latest episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, we sat down with Ari and discussed everything from his musical heroes to his latest projects. This is not just any podcast episode; it’s an invitation to explore a life transformed by sobriety and creativity.
Musical Inspirations and Artistry
Ari Welkom’s views on music and expression are nothing short of profound. Inspired by legendary rock icons like Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie, Ari emphasizes the significance of finding one’s authentic voice. He appreciates modern artists’ transparency in writing about personal experiences, and it’s evident that Welkom’s music serves as a central medium for swiftly expressing impactful stories.
Personal Journey and Songwriting
Ari’s journey through personal transformation and spirituality was one of the most compelling aspects of our conversation. With songs like “Fighter,” discussing his battle with bullying and learning karate, Ari brings his audience closer by sharing personal stories behind his tracks. His song “High Like This” reflects a profound rock-bottom moment, encapsulating spiritual themes and personal growth.
Navigating Social Media and Content Creation
In a digital era, Ari knows the importance of sharing the context behind his songs. With profiles on Instagram and TikTok under the name @AvatariWorld and a YouTube channel named @avatari, he uses social media to deepen connections with his fans. His stories provide the context that enriches the listening experience, making his narrative even more compelling.
Battling Stigma in the Music Industry
Sobriety in the music industry often carries a stigma, but Ari is breaking down those barriers. He openly embraces his sobriety, weaving it into the very fabric of his music. This openness helps diminish the stigma and encourages other musicians to be transparent about their journeys.
Long-Term Sobriety and Personal Growth
In our chat, Ari spoke at length about the significance of long-term commitments. He initially found anything over a week daunting. Now, he sees the importance of community and the growth and responsibilities of sobriety. Describing family life as growing several new hearts, he acknowledges the profound impact of having children and responsibilities.
Humorous Insights and Creativity
Our episode was rich with light-hearted banter, from discussing The Karate Kid reboot series to the conversation about Funko Pop figures. Ari even joked about how he hadn’t watched the reboot series, despite his karate background, while we all shared laughs over the unboxing experience of Funko figures.
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.
This week on The Sober Curator, Alysse sits down with rising pop powerhouse Ella Collier—singer, songwriter, producer, and sober Gen Z glitter bomb of honesty. From Atlanta rap influences to emotional sobriety, heartbreak breakthroughs, and the pop-star fantasy she both lives and parodies, Ella shares how sobriety amplifies—not restricts—her creativity. They talk anxiety, artistry, community, Muppet Recovery memes (yes, really), bedazzling disasters, and the real-life glow-up that happens when you ditch alcohol and reclaim your energy.
This episode is hilarious, heartfelt, hyperpop-coded, and filled with quotable moments that prove—once again—sobriety is the start of a way better party.
Takeaways:
Emotional sobriety changed Ella’s creative process. She channels heartbreak, internal tension, and joy directly into her lyrics and content with radical honesty.
Sobriety = glow-up. Better skin, more money, more libido, more energy. Ella calls it “the ultimate anti-aging hack.”
Pop-star fantasy meets real life. Ella loves the glam—but also pulls back the curtain on crying between takes, breakups, and imperfect reality.
Connection is part of the work. She hosts Zoom sessions with fans for each new release to build authentic community.
Creativity thrives in sobriety. Both Alysse and Ella bond over being ”painfully self-aware,” driven, and joyfully obsessive about their creative platforms.
Recovery memes are culture. Muppet Recovery = required viewing. Ella immediately writes it down.
Key Timestamps:
00:00:24 — Ella opens up about anxiety, “addiction to problems,” and survival-mode energy from childhood
00:01:53 — Alysse introduces Ella’s music career: Love Island, NBA2K, X Games, and Spotify’s SALT playlist
00:10–00:20 — Sobriety, self-expression & Ella’s relationship to emotional growth
00:29:00 — Social awkwardness in sobriety + finding community anywhere you go
00:38:00 — Bedazzled books, Barbie mishaps & the joy of crafting sober art
00:41:00 — Pop-star fantasy vs. real life: humor, heartbreak & honesty online
00:49:00 — Ella’s single-release strategy & the “I Don’t Do Drugs” moment
Resources & Links:
Ella Collier Music — https://ellacolliermusic.com
Instagram: @ellacollier
Spotify: Ella Collier
TikTok: @ellacollier
Muppet Recovery article: https://thesobercurator.com/nostalgia-memes-and-sobriety-how-muppet-recovery-on-instagram-became-a-beloved-gem/
–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.
Avatari – P#RN
Sober Curator Fun Fact: Does this song sound familiar? If you’ve been listening to any of our other recent interviews, you will notice Avatari has given The Sober Curator permission to use this song as our theme song.
Avatari – High Like This
Avatari on Spotify
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