This episode is a not-to-miss conversation for anyone curious about how lessons from sports can enrich recovery. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, this dynamic episode welcomes Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar, and former college basketball athlete and coach Anne Skriba, co-hosts of the “Clean Play Podcast.” Together, they offer profound insights and genuinely motivating stories about the overlap between athletic devotion, community and living a meaningful sober life.
Why Sports and Sobriety Go Hand in Hand
Anne Skriba gets to the heart of the matter in the opening moments: “I speak the language of sport to relay my experience.” For Anne, the discipline of basketball — the practice, the teamwork, the highs and lows — is the template by which she approaches sobriety. Chris Marshall echoes this, drawing a parallel between training and recovery: “Sobriety is a choice we make every single day. That kind of devotion is much like practicing your free-throw shot every day… That’s devotion. That’s love of the game.”
The why behind the “Clean Play Podcast” is clear — Chris and Anne are passionate about helping others discover that the discipline and perseverance they see in athletes is the same energy that fuels a strong, long-lasting recovery.
Building Authentic Community
A central message of the episode is the power of authentic community in both sports and sobriety. Chris and Anne met during online meetings for The Luckiest Club, a virtual sober support group, and quickly bonded over their shared love of sports and their commitment to living sober. This connection led to forming the “Clean Play Podcast.”
“We just kept talking,” Anne laughs. “Chris was like, ‘We should do a podcast.’ And then we just did it.” Sometimes, the best support is found not on the field, but in the willingness to show up and be vulnerable.
The idea of “just push play” became a metaphor for their approach to recovery and life: commit, show up and keep growing, even when you don’t have it perfectly planned out.
Role Models in Recovery: The Power of Representation
The podcast proudly highlights guests who are breaking ground in both sports and recovery. Chris and Anne share their awe at interviewing Lauren Anderson, the first principal Black ballerina with the Houston Ballet, who now also shares her recovery story. For Chris, Lauren was an icon growing up in Houston — her willingness to be “out and proud” about sobriety was incredibly impactful and rare.
Anne also explains their approach to booking guests: “I just DM’d Lauren… and she was so gracious.” This openness reflects the core belief in Clean Play’s mission — that reaching out, sharing and supporting one another is transformative.
Chris and Anne don’t just focus on celebrities; they spotlight the everyday heroes, like John, a Sans Bar regular whose journey to connection and community in sobriety shows just how powerful sober spaces can be.
A Sober Shift in Sports Culture
The episode shines a light on a growing movement: alcohol-free spaces at sporting events and a new appreciation for wellness among athletes and fans. Alysse describes Recovery Day at the Mariners, an event bringing more than 2,000 sober fans together at the ballpark, with alcohol sales turned off in their section. Anne mentions the Oklahoma City Thunder, who famously skipped the champagne after their NBA win, setting an example for young athletes everywhere.
Chris gives the broader context: “Heineken 0.0 outsells alcoholic Heineken in some countries. Globally, people are drinking less.” Mocktails, nonalcoholic beers and sober tailgates are now mainstream, making it easier than ever to enjoy sports — or life’s big moments — without alcohol.
Key Takeaways
Sobriety as a Daily Practice:
The analogy of sports practice to sobriety is the episode’s central theme. Staying sober isn’t about one big gesture — it’s about daily commitment. Like athletes, sober individuals have to “wake up and decide who [they’re] going to be,” Chris urges.
The Universal Language of Sport:
You don’t have to be an athlete to get the message. Anne often worries about “going too deep” with sports analogies, only to find listeners relate to the lessons of dedication, teamwork and resilience.
Community Makes All the Difference:
Both sports and recovery rely on authentic connection. Whether you’re playing in a stadium or sharing in a support group, having teammates makes both the tough moments and the celebrations richer.
Role Models Matter:
When high-profile people recover out loud, it chips away at stigma and inspires everyone to pursue health and wellness.
Sober Life is Fun:
The episode closes with humor and fashion — from Bryson’s bedazzled Nike shoebox to sneaker talk — illustrating that living alcohol-free doesn’t mean living dull. “From dance floors to the ballpark, sobriety is framed not as deprivation but as embracing life with presence, memory and passion.”
The Brand’s Why: Playing Full Out in Sobriety
Chris and Anne’s enthusiasm for “Clean Play Podcast” and their sober lives is infectious. Their why is devotion — to both recovery and a purposeful, connected, joy-filled life. “You have to find things to do that you enjoy, because you’re giving up something you thought you enjoyed,” Alysse notes.
For Anne, coaching on and off the court is now her calling, helping others navigate identity shifts and find purpose in sobriety. For Chris, community-building remains at the core of Sans Bar and his advocacy.
The “Clean Play Podcast” reminds us that we can transform the energy once spent on self-destruction into the pursuit of greatness, connection and fun — both on the court and far beyond.
Sober or sober-curious, remember: The game of life is best played full out.
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.
What happens when creativity meets curiosity—and alcohol no longer gets a free pass? In this vibrant and honest conversation, Alysse Bryson sits down with writer and editor Niesha Davis to talk sober curiosity, creative rituals, body wisdom, and her colorful new project, The Sober Curious Activity Book. From journaling and art as tools for reflection to navigating social life without booze, this episode proves sobriety doesn’t have to be rigid to be powerful—it can be playful, personal, and deeply freeing.
Takeaways
Sober curiosity is about asking better questions—not labels
Creativity (journaling, art, reflection) can replace alcohol as a coping tool
Listening to your body is often the first wake-up call
Non-alcoholic options are personal—there’s no one “right” way
You can evolve without losing your identity, joy, or social life
Key Timestamps
[00:03:41] Margaret shares how her relationship with alcohol inspired Soirée.
[00:07:00] The Palm Springs “Slim Aarons” photoshoot magic.
[00:10:13] Flipping the mocktail narrative—why “nothing is missing.”
[00:18:00] New flavor drop: Café Spritz for Dry January ☕
[00:23:00] Building confidence for young women and redefining college culture.
[00:35:00] Soirée joins Caesar’s in Vegas just in time for BravoCon.
[00:47:30] Margaret’s self-care confession: Heath Bar Blizzards + binge-watching.
Guest Links
The Sober Curious Activity Book — Niesha Davis
Health, Women’s Health, HuffPost, Bust Magazine
Brown and Abroad (Niesha’s travel platform)
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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.
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SOBER SPORTS at The Sober Curator celebrates the connection between sobriety, wellness, and an active lifestyle. This section features articles, interviews, and personal stories from athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are thriving without alcohol. By showcasing the benefits of sober living—and the powerful role sports and fitness play in maintaining recovery—we’re reframing what wellness looks like and promoting a positive, empowering approach to life after booze.
THE MINDFUL BINGE: Running Point Review: Kate Hudson Runs the Show—And I’m So Here for It! 🏀
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The Sober Curator’s PILLAR Content Hub is your one-stop guide for sobriety resources, addiction recovery resources, and sober living tips. From non-alcoholic drink guides to sober travel, entertainment, and lifestyle inspiration, our curated cornerstone articles are regularly updated to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Whether you’re in recovery, sober curious, or supporting someone you love, this hub offers the sober lifestyle guide you’ve been looking for.
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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.
