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.
🔗TSC Podcast on Apple Podcasts
🔗TSC Podcast on Spotify Podcasts – 👀WATCH THE SHOW! 📺
🔗 TSC Podcast on YouTube – 👀WATCH THE SHOW! 📺
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK: Tune in and let your ears experience the audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. Buzz into the sobriety soundscape at The Sober Curator. Here, we delve into the world of our favorite sober and recovery-based podcasts. Picture us as your bee-zy, sober podcast enthusiasts or the lively guardians of an alcohol-free audio oasis. Our digital archives are neatly categorized into TSC Recovery Podcastland & Network.
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: Welcome to the ‘Spiritual Gangster’ wing of The Sober Curator, a haven for those on a sober journey with a twist of spiritual sass. Here, we invite you to plunge headfirst into a world of meditation, astrology, intentionality, philosophy and spiritual reflection – all while keeping your feet (and sobriety) firmly on the ground.
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.
