“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. 

From Meth to Machu Picchu with Sober Travel Expert Ryan Lee – The Sober Curator Podcast

Sober Curator Podcast

Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.

Hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, The Sober Curator Podcast is where the AF lifestyle meets pop culture, sass, and storytelling. Celebrity interviews, zero-proof finds, and bold convos with the coolest creatives in the sober community—delivered with irreverent charm and a glitter bomb of honesty.
Sober, sober-curious, or just here for good vibes without the hangover—we’ve got you.

We’re not here to help you get sober.
We’re here to help you live sober—and love it.

That’s a Wrap: The Season One Finale

It started because people kept pitching to be on a podcast that didn’t exist — so Alysse and Tamar built one. Now, 50+ episodes later, they’re closing out Season One with a look back at the wildest moments, the biggest lessons, and a tease of what’s coming in Season Two that’s going to change the game.

Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly (aka T Booj) celebrate turning 50, recap their favorite Season One moments — from the Tchotchke Showdown to dressing up as aliens — and get real about the behind-the-scenes hustle of running a podcast with a global team of 38 contributors. Plus: the Sober Curator Rolodex, the Amplify Sober Voices event, a secret Spring launch, and why sobriety means you actually DO the things you dream about.

Episode Highlights

Alysse and Tamar both hit 50 and have officially run out of shits to give
The origin story: launching a podcast because people kept pitching to one that didn’t exist
Favorite Season One moments: Tchotchke Showdown, alien costumes, Adam Nemoy interview
The Sober Curator Rolodex — a free directory for sober business owners
Amplify Sober Voices recap and collaborating with sober content creators
Season Two teasers: YouTube Lives, listener participation, and a mystery Spring launch

Sober Shot

“That’s what happens when you live a sober lifestyle. You don’t just talk about doing shit. You actually end up going and doing the things you’ve dreamed about.” — Alysse Bryson

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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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That’s a Wrap — Season One of The Sober Curator Podcast

February 25, 2026