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The Sober Curator Podcast
Dive deep into the heart of living a vibrant, alcohol-free lifestyle with The Sober Curator Podcast, where we go beyond the early stages of sobriety and explore what it truly means to thrive in long-term recovery. Hosted by dynamic personalities who’ve walked the path themselves, our podcast is a treasure trove of insights, stories, and actionable advice for those who are committed to sustaining their sobriety journey with joy and purpose.
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Welcome to Beats Working: Winning the Game of Events, where party people Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren uncover the magic of creating meaningful experiences. From global conferences to local gatherings, we share stories and strategies to turn any event—or life moment—into something unforgettable. Packed with humor, resilience, and a little event-planner grit, this podcast proves there are no small events, only small invoices. Join us as we explore why getting paid to practice truly beats working to get paid.
Winning the Game of Work with host Dan T. Rogers coming in 2026!
What makes an event unforgettable isn’t the spotlight — it’s stewardship.
In this wildly smart (and hilarious) episode of Beats Working, legendary drag icon and philanthropic powerhouse Dr. Kevin Cook, aka Dr. Poison Waters, shares four decades of hard-earned event wisdom. From reading the room before doors open to redirecting chaos without embarrassing your audience, Poison reveals what separates average hosts from unforgettable ones.
You’ll learn why the mic is not a mirror, how to set tone before you ever speak, and why loyalty to great vendor partners is one of the most underrated strategies in events.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pre-show nerves and mid-event mishaps into standing ovations, this one’s for you.
Takeaways:
Your mic is not a mirror. The fastest way to tank an event is making it about the host instead of the cause.
The audience matches what they walk into. Registration flow, music vibe, and team readiness set the tone before you ever speak.
Don’t narrate the disaster. Redirect without spotlighting the problem — and never scold the room.
Lead like a kindergarten teacher (with heels energy). Clear expectations + frequent reminders reduce anxiety and boost participation.
The 3 E’s win every time: Educate, Entertain, Embrace — meet people where they are, no matter why they showed up.
Timestamps:
[03:52] — The #1 lesson: “It’s not about me.”
[06:39] — How to predict the crowd before doors open: pre-meetings, run of show, and first impressions
[12:49] — The 3 E’s + what’s in Poison’s event bag (Sharpie, fan, breath strips)
[18:46] — What great MCs do when things go off the rails (and what they never say)
[24:37] — Walk-on song: Aretha Franklin “Respect” + closing anthem: Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration”
[39:15] — What’s next: the dragathon documentary “Meeting Hate With Joy” + giving back to The Trevor Project
Resources & Links:
-Dr. Poison Waters: Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
-Website: Dragathon: Meeting Hate with Joy
-Instagram: Dragathon: Meeting Hate with Joy
-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com
-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show
-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow
-Facebook: @Beats Working Show
-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST
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If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.
Send Feedback:
If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.
BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.
Meet Your Host - Alysse Bryson
Alysse Bryson’s journey from a high-profile media professional at Seattle Met magazine to a leading advocate in the sober community showcases her resilience and adaptability. As the Director of Business Development at KING 5 Media Group, she brought creativity to the corporate sphere. However, her most impactful transformation began with her decision to embrace sobriety, which has since become central to her career and advocacy. Now, as Vice President of Community Development at WORKP2P, Alysse integrates her media expertise with innovative community projects, further demonstrated through her involvement in the BEATS WORKING Show.
In addition to her professional roles, Alysse founded The Sober Curator, an online platform providing resources and support to the recovery community. This initiative grew to include the Sober Curator Podcast, a vibrant outlet for discussing sobriety, lifestyle, and personal growth, making her a prominent figure in the sober movement. Alysse’s personal life is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, enriched by her roles as a mother and her interests ranging from art to travel, illustrating her dynamic approach to life and continued dedication to making a difference.
For more detailed information about Alysse Bryson and her work, you can visit her website here.
The Sobees Podcast Score: 5 out of 5
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