In a world once dominated by alcoholic beverages, a new wave is redefining how we socialize and indulge without compromising our sobriety. As more people explore non-alcoholic options, the Sober Curator Podcast stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering insights and reviews through its Happy Every Hour section. Host Alysse Bryson and contributors Justin Lamb, Ashley Sunderland, and Kim Parsley dive deep into the trends, benefits, and personal journeys that shape this burgeoning industry.
Breaking Down Barriers in Social Settings
Alysse recounts the challenges faced by non-drinkers in social settings where alcohol reigns supreme. With a background in event production, she emphasizes the anxiety of being an afterthought at events with limited non-alcoholic options, often defaulting to water or soda. The podcast highlights the importance of creating inclusive, alcohol-free drink recipes to elevate the experience of sober individuals without sacrificing social acceptance.
Redefining the Alcohol-Free Market
Sober Curator Senior Contributor Justin Lamb, known for his extensive reviews of non-alcoholic beers, shares his excitement about the industry’s growth. Once restricted to limited, uninspiring choices, the market has exploded with innovative brewing techniques delivering IPA and stout experiences sans alcohol. This evolution has made it possible for beer lovers to savor their favorites without compromising their sobriety. For Justin, the fun is discovering the science behind non-alcoholic brewing and sharing this journey with others.
Kim Parsley brings a unique perspective with her concept of “trail angels,” offering non-alcoholic cocktails and treats to adventurers. Emphasizing the artistry involved in crafting these beverages, she discusses the merit of bottle shops and how they contribute to educational opportunities and personalized experience. Her passion for elevating craft cocktails, without the alcohol, resonates with a growing audience seeking quality without consequence.
Another significant topic in the episode is the rise of sober bars and bottle shops, which have become havens for those seeking non-alcoholic options in a traditionally alcohol-dominated culture. Ashley Sunderland is championing the beverage scene from the heart of the Twin Cities. These venues not only provide alcohol-free alternatives but also serve as educational hubs, helping people understand the nuances of non-alcoholic beverages and why they’re a valuable addition to social experiences.
Trend Waves: Dry January and Sober October
The podcast team explores the effects of popular trends like Dry January and Sober October. While these initiative-driven months foster awareness and reduce stigma, they also provide individuals with the opportunity to evaluate their relationship with alcohol. Opinions vary on their effectiveness, but the consensus is that they serve an important role in introducing the benefits of sobriety to a wider audience.
Bottle shops dedicated solely to non-alcoholic beverages have become pivotal in transforming how sobriety is perceived. Highlights from the podcast discuss the significance of these spaces, offering a variety of products without the pressure or temptation found in traditional liquor stores. From Justin’s experience at Pittsburgh’s Open Road to Ashley’s involvement with Lucille’s in St. Paul, these venues create welcoming environments for education and exploration.
Surprising Discoveries and Innovations
Reflecting on their experiences, The Sober Curator team shares lessons learned from creating content for the Happy Every Hour section. From the complexities of non-alcoholic beer production to the intricate craftsmanship of cocktails, the knowledge gained is substantial and ever-evolving. With a commitment to exploring new products and sharing authentic reviews, they inspire listeners and readers to embrace non-alcoholic options as part of their lifestyle.
As the sober landscape continues to grow, the Sober Curator Podcast remains a guide for those looking to enhance their alcohol-free living. Through engaging discussions and insightful reviews, they challenge the norm and prove that sobriety enriches rather than restricts. With each episode, listeners are invited to join the party, where taste and experience are paramount, and sobriety is celebrated as the ultimate lifestyle choice.
Listen to the Episode Now
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
You hit publish, and right in the pit of your stomach it lands: someone you have never told is about to hear it anyway. In this house, that feeling has a name. We call it Wednesday.
This week Alysse and Tamar take on the hazards of podcasting sober. Sober podcasters do not get the blackout excuse, and ”radical honesty” was never supposed to mean unfiltered. Alysse tells the story of the episode her mom should have heard from her first, Tamar tells the story of what her parents said the morning after they read her book, and both of them admit the stories that land at a sober meeting do not always land on a first date. Then it gets practical: how to pitch a podcast without embarrassing yourself, the mic that survived Goldilocks and the three mics, why real beats AI in 2026, and the single best hazard-reducer any host can have. A co-host.
IN THIS EPISODE:
”We call it Wednesday”: the cold-open feeling every sober podcaster knows
The story Alysse's mom heard on a podcast instead of from her daughter
Tamar's parents read her book. Both called the next morning.
Know your audience: the dating stories that killed every second date
How to pitch a podcast (and the seven ”top 50” sober podcasts that are quietly dead)
Tech talk: mics, video, Riverside, Descript, and the AI image a celebrity asked Alysse to take down
Get a co-host, wear a costume, keep it fun
Backstage with The Sober Curator, plus The Sober Curator Mixtape: seven mini zines in a cassette case, mailed monthly
SOBER SHOTS:
”Because we're sober, we can't blame being blacked out on saying something stupid. We just have to own that we said something stupid.” (Alysse)
”You're allowed to say the true thing before you've rehearsed it into something safe.” (Alysse)
MENTIONED:
The Sober Curator Mixtape (free for Backstage members, just cover shipping):
Podcast Impact Studio, Level Up Labs + the Off Script course
Tamar's book: Beyond Recovery – Discover your purpose, embrace your authentic self, and live up to your true potential
Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
SEASON 2 MERCH: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
This episode is brought to you by Aura House. Save 10% with code TSC10: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
SC RESOURCES:
CONNECT: thesobercurator.com | The Sober Sip newsletter | @thesobercurator on Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube + Pinterest
Love the show? Rate, review + follow. It takes 60 seconds and helps more people find us. Feedback + guest ideas: thesobercurator@gmail.com
Hosted by Alysse Bryson with co-host + producer Tamar Routly. For informational and entertainment purposes only; not a substitute for professional advice.
Music: TSC S2 theme ”Sober Shots” created by Alysse Bryson using Suno AI, under Suno's commercial license.
Resources & Links
- Happy Every Hour on The Sober Curator
- The Happy Traveler Vintage Traveler Bars
- Justin Lamb: Instagram
- Lucille’s Bottle Shop: Located in downtown St. Paul
- #MINNYSOBER Page by Ashley Sunderland
- Meet the Contributors
- Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
- Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
- LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Welcome to the hub for all things NA, featuring reviews of alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), NA recipes, and so much more from behind the bar. #becausedrunkneverlooksgood
Recovery is hard 24/7, 365 – Please know that 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. If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
