“Give people permission not to drink, and watch the trip transform.” That’s the quiet thesis humming beneath Ryan Lee’s story — a story that begins in tech sales and a hospital bed, and then sprints toward fresh air, steep trails and a passport full of second chances.
Ryan didn’t just walk away from a lucrative career; he walked toward himself. Early sobriety peeled away the “I’m fine, I’m performing” armor, exposing a truth many high achievers recognize: survival isn’t the same as fulfillment. “I decided to quit that job… I need fulfillment now, not just survival,” he recalls, describing the moment the old patterns — overwork, stimulants to push through — had to go.
Travel arrived as both salve and structure. New places, long hikes, a beginner’s mind in motion — these became an ethical replacement for the thrill-seeking of addiction. Instead of nightlife, there was sunrise. Instead of numbing, there was presence. “It’s been a big key to my sobriety… being in a new place, going on amazing hikes… it scratches the same itch,” he says.
The business model emerged from a bad group trip: alcohol derailed the vibe, and the solution felt obvious in hindsight — design the same adventures, but sober. That choice reframed everything. He interviews every first-time traveler. Not to gatekeep, but to protect the experience. One misaligned personality can torpedo a week. “I can design the most amazing itinerary. But if there’s one shithead in the group… it ruins it for everyone,” he says, deadpan and correct.
The result is Capsule Adventures: all-inclusive, zero-proof expeditions where logistics fade and connection takes center stage. Airport pickup to drop-off. Guides, tickets, transport, meals, lodging — handled. The days are full: hikes, markets, summits, swims. And there’s built-in free time — because presence needs pockets of quiet, too.
Community is the real itinerary. When everyone agrees to the same container — no substances, shared goals — the group gels faster. Strangers turn into travel buddies; sometimes into future roommates on trips Ryan doesn’t even lead. (He’s fine with that. Mostly.) “Provide people a network of sober travel buddies,” he says. Connection is the point. The scenery is the bonus.
If you’re picturing a quiet retreat with daily meetings, recalibrate. Ryan’s trips are adventurous. Machu Picchu started small; now he’s taking bigger groups. Dream boards include the Amazon and big summits like Kilimanjaro. Demographically, it skews ~60% women, median age early 30s — a reflection of safety and vibe as much as fitness. “No creepy-dude energy” is an unspoken feature of the model.
There’s also a five-year vision: empower a guide team and open a nature-based recovery center — think Puerto Rico, trails for days — because early sobriety and outdoor immersion are a potent combo. “Being in nature… sparked something within me,” he says. Put differently: your nervous system can exhale when your phone can’t grab a signal.
The practicals are delightfully nerdy. AirPods. A food scale for macro phases. Sometimes an Instant Pot — especially in high-altitude cities like Cusco, where the boiling point drops and lentils stage a protest. Packing advice? Ditch the clunky boots; trail runners (or legit adventure sandals) save energy and joints. If the U.S. military says a pound on your foot feels like ten on your back, why strap ankle anvils to vacation? Exactly.
Maybe the lesson isn’t “travel more.” Maybe it’s “travel aligned.” Vet the vibe. Choose presence over performance. Snap your photos, then post at night so your brain stays on the mountain instead of the metrics. And if you’re sober — or just sober-curious about your next trip — consider this your permission slip. The opposite of addiction is connection, and the world is very, very wide.
Listen to the full episode on The Sober Curator Podcast — where the booze is gone, but the glam is not.
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 hilariously honest and deeply human conversation, Emmy-winning host Cat Greenleaf joins Alysse to spill all the sober tea—from peeing her pants during a double-booking with Tom Arnold and Art Alexakis, to discovering what sobriety actually looks like when you're no longer a “lone wolf.” Cat opens up about service, creativity, aging, friendship with Pee-wee Herman, crafting on cocaine, and the real emotional glow-up that happens when you stop pretending and start living. This episode is equal parts chaos, charm, confessions, and zero-proof realness.
Takeaways: Sobriety gets richer when you stop isolating and start connecting with people who speak your language.
Cat’s shift from “lone wolf” to community deepened her recovery—and her sanity.
Golden-age celebrity stories? Yes please. Especially ones involving Pee-wee Herman sending hourly birthday messages.
Creativity, addiction, and reinvention always have a wild intersection (including cocaine-fueled stenciling).
“Zero fucks given” remains a valid business plan—and a liberating way to live.
Key Timestamps:
[00:01:47] — Cat Greenleaf arrives: The sober stoop era begins.
[00:04:30] — “Sometimes I wish I’d shut the f*ck up”: Cat on oversharing in recovery.
[00:06:13] — The Tom Arnold + Art Alexakis pee-your-pants saga.
[00:11:00] — Pee-wee Herman memories: birthday calls & inappropriate Christmas cards.
[00:14:21] — Cocaine + crafting: Cat and Alysse trade hilarious addiction-era stories.
[00:17:00] — Hobby obsessions, lone-wolf recovery, and life after chaos.
[00:22:00] — The infamous dog-poop showdown on Cat’s beach.
[00:23:56] — The healing power of work, ocean singing, and coffee.
Resources & Links:
Cat Greenleaf — SoberNess Podcast Website https://www.soberness.com/
Cat on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sobernesspodcast/
Cat on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sobernesspodcast
Cat on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soberness-podcast/id1768121457
TSC Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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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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WHAT A TRIP! The Top 5 Sober Travel Groups in 2025 by Sober Curator Contributor and Capsule Adventures Founder Ryan Lee
WHAT A TRIP! We trip as often as possible because travel is our jam! Here you’ll find insider information, tips, and honest reviews from a sober perspective. The pandemic is messing with our future tripping mojo, but no worries. We have plenty of really good trips from our past to share. So, come pack your bags and …SOBER TRIP WITH US!
Did you have a life-changing, globe-trekking sober trip you would like to share? Send us a postcard or write to us at thesobercurator@gmail.com.
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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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