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
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 spend at least 40 hours a week at work. For a lot of people in recovery, that's 40 hours of navigating a culture that doesn't know you exist, or worse, doesn't care.
Eliza Zarka is changing that. She runs the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, which certifies employers as recovery friendly, and she took an idea that started at a New Hampshire ski resort and turned it into a national movement with bipartisan federal backing. Alysse and Sober Curator contributor Sarah, a fractional HR consultant in long-term recovery, get into what it actually takes to make a job safe to be sober in.
In this episode:
Why ”there are already people in recovery that are working for you” is the sentence that changes an employer's mind
The four pillars of Recovery Friendly Workplace certification: culture, hiring, benefits, and education
How to bring this to your HR department without disclosing your own recovery
Alysse on 2006 versus 2026: why she hid it for years, and the 2016 job interview where she said it out loud on purpose
The company that made the first hour of its holiday party completely alcohol-free, with leadership required to be there
Why the holiday gift bottle of wine tells you the company knows nothing about you
Coffee tastings, tea tastings, dirty soda tastings: team building that isn't a wine flight
Pop culture close: ”The Office,” ”Parks and Rec,” and the true crime documentary habit that may be a problem
Sober Shots:
”There are already people in recovery that are working for you.” (Eliza Zarka)
”When you're in an interview, you're interviewing the company just as much as they're interviewing you.” (Alysse Bryson)
Mentioned in this episode:
National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute: https://rfwinstitute.org
Backstage with The Sober Curator: https://thesobercurator.com/backstage-with-the-sober-curator/
The Sober Curator Business Rolodex, free listings for sober business owners: https://thesobercurator.com/the-sober-curator-rolodex/
Nothing in this episode is legal or HR advice. Talk to an employment attorney about your specific situation.
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:
– Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
– Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
– LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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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.
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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.
