Remember the days when people didn’t think drinking water was essential? GenX and Boomers – we’re talkin’ to you. For Justin Hoffman, not drinking enough water led to extreme dehydration and a life-changing wake-up call.
Justin, a multi-talented entertainer from San Jose, found his way to sobriety partly due to a severe dehydration episode. Let’s dive into his story and why hydration is crucial for anyone in recovery, especially if you’re a creative.
Why Hydration Matters in Recovery
Dehydration is more than just a nuisance; it can be life-threatening. For Justin, this reality hit hard. After a trip to the hospital, he vowed never to neglect his hydration again. Staying hydrated is vital for overall health, mental clarity, and creative productivity, making it particularly important for those in recovery.
Gallon Gear: A Game Changer
Enter Justin’s current hydration hero: Gallon Gear. This BPA-free plastic jug is more than just a water bottle. It’s a statement.
- Environmental Friendliness: Made from BPA-free plastic, it’s a sustainable choice for the planet.
- Convenience: Features like pockets for keys and wallets make it a one-stop shop for essentials.
- Hydration Emphasis: Carrying a gallon of water reminds you to take those essential sips throughout the day.
Midnight Snacks and Creative Energy
Justin isn’t just about hydration; he’s a nacho king after midnight. Nachos, especially air-fried, provide that quick satisfaction, much needed after a creative marathon session. Midnight munchies aside, staying hydrated helps sustain the energy required for those late-night creative bursts.
Music and Recovery: A Safe Haven
Justin turned to music, drawing inspiration from legends like Tupac, Biggie, and his ultimate icon, Mac Miller. For him, music isn’t just a career; it’s therapy. His song “Hi, My Name is Justin” vividly narrates his struggles and aspirations.
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 powerhouse episode, host Alysse Bryson gathers some of the brightest voices in the sober creator space — Margy Schaller and Laura Nelson from Sober Life Rocks, Shane Ramer of That Sober Guy, and Tamar Routly — to talk about amplifying sober voices and creating authentic community. From owning your story to curating safe, stigma-free spaces for connection, this conversation dives deep into what it means to recover out loud, collaborate without ego, and celebrate every stage of the sober journey. Plus, a look ahead to the Amplify Sober Voices Conference at Podfest, January 2026 — where creators, coaches, and community leaders will gather to lift each other up (and maybe dance a little while doing it).
Takeaways:
Community is the new recovery currency. Collaboration, not competition, drives the modern sober movement.
Time is irrelevant in sobriety. Every story — from 60 days to 20 years — brings value and perspective.
Owning your story is freedom. When you recover out loud, you give others permission to do the same.
Sober doesn’t mean serious. Conferences, connections, and creativity can be fun — and still deeply healing.
Amplify the ripple effect. When sober creators unite, their stories create waves of change far beyond social media.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00] Margy’s 18-year journey and coming out as sober
[03:00] Shane on why time doesn’t define your value in recovery
[06:00] Building Amplify Sober Voices and why the space matters
[15:30] Making networking sober-friendly — and fun
[22:00] Collaboration over competition in the sober space
[26:00] How Amplify Sober Voices at Podfest 2026 is changing the game
Resources & Links:
Learn More About Amplify Sober Voices Conference
Margy Schaller & Laura Nelson – Sober Life Rocks
Shane Ramer — That Sober Guy Podcast
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-X: @thesobercurator
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-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
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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.
Young Hoff – Hi, My Name is Justin Video
Hydration and Creative Mindset
Seeing a pattern? Hydration plays a significant role even in the creative processes:
- Clarity: A hydrated brain is a focused brain.
- Endurance: Peaks in creative energy can be maintained longer with proper hydration.
- Health: Reduced headaches and fatigue help keep the creative juices flowing.
Embracing Solitude in Recovery
Early recovery often involves spending a lot of time alone. Justin embraced this solitude to create art, finding comfort in connecting with other sober artists. Groups like Project X Alliance have been instrumental.
Shifting Perspectives and Building Skills
Justin’s journey involved more than just getting sober. He learned to harness his addictive energy into creative projects—repairing guitars, video editing, directing, and more. These new skills didn’t just save him money; they expanded his horizons.
Overcoming Social Challenges: Sobriety in the Creative World
Justin opens up about the social challenges he faces being sober, especially when those around him continue to party. However, his clarity of mind and focused goals keep him grounded. He mentions connecting with other sober artists, particularly in the hip-hop scene, and finding community through initiatives like Project X Alliance. This sense of belonging is crucial for anyone navigating sobriety, especially within creative industries.
Crafting a New Life: From Addiction to Creation
Justin’s post-sobriety journey is marked by a notable shift in focus from addictive habits to creative energy. He discusses repairing guitars as a project he started during COVID-19, a skill taught by his father. This newfound passion for restoration is more than a hobby; it’s a form of artistic and emotional expression.
Rewired Thinking: A New Perspective on Life
Channeling addictive energy into creative pursuits has been a game-changer for Justin. From video editing to directing, he has developed a myriad of skills that not only serve his artistic vision but offer new opportunities for professional growth. This rewired thinking is a testament to the power of sobriety in unlocking one’s true potential.
Tattoos and Sobriety: Personal Stories Shared
The conversation includes light-hearted yet meaningful discussions on tattoos. Justin shares a story of a regrettable, drunken tattoo decision, highlighting the contrast with his current state of mind. Alysse amusingly recalls almost getting a Grey Goose bottle tattoo, expressing relief that she didn’t. These stories underscore the evolutions in their journeys and the growth that sobriety brings.
Emotional and Therapeutic Power of Art
Art and music remain therapeutic outlets for Justin. He creates two types of music: “timeless” music aimed at emotional connection and “moment” music capturing current trends. This balance lets him stay true to his experiences while engaging with his audience. His favorite song by Mac Miller, “When in Rome,” is so significant to him that he even has it tattooed on his body.
Young Hoff on Spotify
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PLAY IT AGAIN—SOBER MUSIC & ARTISTS: Explore a curated collection of songs that serve as powerful sobriety anthems, capturing the essence of recovery journeys and uplifting spirits. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, these tracks can transport you to another state of mind and evoke a range of emotions. Discover the melodies that have us hitting “PLAY IT AGAIN” and hitting repeat, regardless of decade or genre. Happy listening!
What’s your sobriety theme song? If there is a song you think should be on our playlist, we want to hear about it. Send your requests to thesobercurator@gmail.com
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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.
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