Sobriety, as the hosts and contributors of the Sober Curator Podcast remind us, is far more than abstaining from alcohol. In Episode 14, dubbed “Spiritual Gangster 2.0,” Alysse Bryson and her panel of Sober Curator Contributors delve into what it really means to infuse spiritual practice into a sober lifestyle—debunking clichés, celebrating all pathways, and laughing along the way (often at themselves).
The podcast’s “Spiritual Gangster” section is a rapidly expanding hub of spiritual content designed for everyone: those in recovery, the sober curious, and anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Inclusivity is the beating heart of this community; whether your spirituality is loud and ritualized, quietly mindful, or somewhere between crystals and cognitive science, you’re welcome at this digital table.
Multiple Journeys, One Common Ground
One of the most refreshing parts of this episode is the frankness with which each participant acknowledges the endless ways to approach spirituality in sobriety.
Tony Harte discusses his journey through a wide variety of philosophies, ultimately landing on stoicism. Contrary to popular belief, stoicism isn’t about suppressing emotion, but about creating enough inner space to not be controlled by feelings. Tony’s deep dive into stoicism—especially how it can complement 12-step work—shows how recovery can be a layered, personal evolution.
Lane Kennedy brings a multifaceted perspective as both a mindfulness teacher and a functional DNA nutritionist. For her, “spiritual substance” means everything—her food, thoughts, relationships, even how she uses her car horn—can be part of a spiritual practice. Lane ties spiritual health directly to physical and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the need for holistic homeostasis.
Amy Liz Harrison opens up about transitioning from a rigid evangelical upbringing to a “kaleidoscope” of spiritual practices. Incorporating shamanic rituals into her recovery, Amy champions the “set aside prayer”—releasing what she thinks she knows and staying open to new perspectives. For Amy, spirituality is an ongoing, dynamic journey, fueled by curiosity.
Daily Tools for a Spiritual Life
While each voice on the panel takes a unique path, they share simple, actionable tools for staying grounded:
Meditation and Mindfulness: Both Amy and Lane stress the transformative potential of meditation—be it a single focused moment or a recurring daily practice. Tony, whose “monkey mind” finds sitting still challenging, practices active mindfulness in his daily interactions, using the pause between trigger and response to keep himself grounded and compassionate.
Journaling and Reflection: Amy is a passionate advocate for pen-to-paper journaling, not just for processing emotions but as a ritual for letting go—sometimes literally, by burning the pages afterward. This tactile, visual practice provides a sense of release and embodiment.
Physical Reminders: Tony suggests a simple tactile tool, like a smooth worry stone or a sobriety token, to carry and rub during moments of anxiety. These small objects can anchor one’s attention and provide reassurance in turbulent moments.
Breathwork: Lane underscores the power of dedicated breathwork—different from yoga breathing in class—to release trauma and recalibrate the mind-body connection. Having a credentialed guide is imperative, as breathwork can be deeply transformative.
Books and Learning: The conversation turns to resource recommendations: anything by Ernest Holmes; “Buddhism and the Twelve Steps: Daily Reflections”; and William James’ “Varieties of Religious Experience.” Education, curiosity, and continued learning emerge as foundational, especially for those new to spirituality.
Building a Spiritual Toolkit: Practical and Personal
Perhaps the most empowering theme running through this episode is the notion that everyone is entitled to their own personalized spiritual toolkit. Whether it’s a journal, a worry stone, a Zen sand garden, sage to burn, or a must-read book, having tangible tools can help you navigate the challenges of sobriety—especially when the emotional “pink cloud” lifts and you’re faced with deeper work.
Ultimately, as Alysse says, “There’s not only one way to get and stay sober…and it’ll change, it’ll ebb and flow over the course of your journey.” Spiritual growth, much like recovery itself, is a practice, not a destination.
The episode ends on a note of humility and humor—none of the speakers claim to practice spirituality perfectly, and that’s precisely the point. The power is in the seeking, the experimenting, and most importantly, the connection with other travelers on the path. If you’re looking for inspiration, ideas, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, The Sober Curator’s “Spiritual Gangsters” deliver it in spades.
Listen to Episode 14 Now
Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more. That’s the whole premise.
The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture and recovery to the mic with personality, perspective and a glitter bomb of honesty. Founder and host Alysse Bryson (sober since May 1, 2006, and self-described Kevin Bacon of Recovery) is joined by co-host and show producer Tamar Routly of Podcast Impact Studio, plus a rotating bench of global Sober Curator contributors who pull up a chair as co-hosts.
What we cover, episode to episode:
Happy Every Hour: zero-proof drinks, NA beer, spirits and cocktails, reviewed by people who actually drink them.
Health and Wellness: mental health, physical health and what recovery looks like on a Tuesday.
Lifestyle: dating, parenting, shopping, style and the everyday logistics of alcohol-free living.
Entertainment: quit lit, movies, TV, music, sports and celebrity sobriety, rated with our proprietary Sobees.
Spiritual Gangster: Jesus to astrology, stoicism to the Celtic calendar.
Travel: sober events, sober retreats, Sobriety in the City and global travel without a drink in hand.
We also review other sober podcasts on Recovery Podcastland, dig into sponsored product spotlights, and go deep with contributors on how they got sober and what keeps them there. New episodes drop as video on YouTube and audio everywhere you listen.
Want more? BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator is our membership community with Media Nights, Studio Nights, Edutainment Nights and The Sober Curator Mixtape, a monthly mini-zine delivered in a cassette case. Details at https://thesobercurator.com/backstage-with-the-sober-curator/
Whether you’re sober curious or decades in, we’ve got you. We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober and love it.
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Contact: thesobercurator@gmail.com
A.J. Daulerio got sober in the middle of the Hulk Hogan trial. Three months in, every defect of character he had was being read to a jury. He calls it fourth step dinner theater.
Then he built The Small Bow, the recovery publication Alysse was embarrassed she didn’t know about: literary essays, free Zoom meetings every day of the week, a podcast, and now a book. Two magazine people and a producer try to name the category they’re in, and mostly fail.
In this episode:
- Why AJ interviews himself in the car (and who he pretends is asking)
- “Sober BuzzFeed” vs. “literary meat”: what each of us is building and who it’s for
- The Harper’s story about AA that made AJ pay $100 a year, and why nobody writes for people who are past rock bottom and a little adrift
- Abstinence, sobriety, recovery: why 12-step is one of nine things AJ does
- The Hulk Hogan trial, the Uber driver who didn’t care, and the lesson in humility
- The Small Book, out Dec. 29
Heads up: this one goes to some dark places, including a reader AJ lost and a friend Alysse lost. Take care while listening.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The train, off the tracks
01:28 AJ interviews himself in the car
05:34 How Alysse found The Small Bow
11:39 “Chicken soup for the dark night of the soul”
14:40 Are we wellness? Sound baths and trust falls
15:19 Sober ten years, and the problems get classier
18:54 Abstinence, sobriety, recovery: 12-step is one of nine
26:35 The Harper’s story that started everything
29:58 Literary meat vs. sober BuzzFeed
41:15 Fourth step dinner theater: the Hulk Hogan trial
46:57 “I’m the writer. I’m the human.”
48:47 “So you met Hulk Hogan?”
57:17 What AJ would tell year one
01:01:59 “Fast-forward to the part they get sober”
Sober Shots:
“You’re allowed to build your whole life around a routine nobody will ever write a headline about.” (Alysse Bryson)
“All the things that I thought were being taken away from me were also the things I needed to let go of the most.” (A.J. Daulerio)
Mentioned in this episode:
– The Small Bow – The Small Book, out Dec. 29 – I’m The Sober Curator, and I Just Found The Small Bow – S2E17 with Paulina Pinsky – Backstage with The Sober Curator
Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
SEASON 2 MERCH: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
SC RESOURCES:
– Meet the Contributors – Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide – Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide – LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide – Family Resource Guide
CONNECT: www.thesobercurator.com | The Sober Sip newsletter: https://www.thesobercuratornewsletter.com/ | @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.
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. 🎧 Submit a Podcast for Review: Recovery Podcastland coverage and reviews. Shows that earn their place in our audience’s queue. Submit your podcast →
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: at The Sober Curator is a haven for those embracing sobriety with a healthy dose of spiritual sass. This space invites you to dive into meditation, astrology, intentional living, philosophy, and personal reflection—all while keeping your feet (and your sobriety) firmly on the ground. Whether you’re exploring new spiritual practices or deepening an existing one, Spiritual Gangster offers inspiration, insight, and a community that blends mindful living with alcohol-free fun.
Spiritual Gangster Line-up:
Stoicism & Sobriety – Ancient Philosophy for Modern Recovery with Sober Curator Contributors Derek Castleman and Tony Harte
The Card Divo – Quick & Sober Tarot Readings with Sober Curator Contributor Senior Daniel G. Garza
Classy Problems – Clarity, Restraint & Mindful Decision-Making with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Dan T. Rogers
SoberCast with Six – Astrology & Tarot for the Sober Life with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Analisa Six
Sobriety in Flow – Yoga Beyond the Poses with Senior Travel Sober Curator Contributor Teresa Bergen
Thirsty for Wonder – Recovery Coaching & Spiritual Companionship with Sober Curator Contributor Anne Marie Cribben
Spiritual Substance – Mindfulness, Science & Soul with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Lane Kennedy
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.
