Sobriety isn’t just a personal journey—it’s becoming a vibrant part of pop culture. This shift is beautifully captured in the latest episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, which dives deep into the Netflix series Running Point. Hosted by a dynamic team of sobriety advocates, this discussion highlights how recovery narratives are making their mark in mainstream media.
“Running Point” stands out not just for its engaging storyline but also for its authentic portrayal of addiction and recovery. The show, featuring Kate Hudson in a lead role, centers around a family with a basketball team and delves into complex family dynamics complicated by addiction. Alysse Bryson, the host, alongside contributors and guests, dissects how Running Point handles these themes with humor and sensitivity.
The Rise of Sober Pop Culture
In a world typically glamorizing chaos, seeing sobriety portrayed as a powerful life choice is refreshing. The podcast hosts celebrate the shift, with Alysse Bryson expressing admiration for a poignant line from the show: “I’m not talking about bullshit California sober. I’m talking no fooling Robert Downey Jr. sober.” This moment underscores a cultural shift toward genuine recovery stories that resonate with audiences striving for a sober lifestyle.
“Running Point” adeptly captures the complexities within a family affected by addiction. The show paints a picture of a high-functioning yet deeply flawed family, where each member battles their demons. The podcast panel discusses the character arcs that reflect real-life struggles many face in recovery. As contributor Bill Lindala observes, the series brings humor to serious issues without trivializing them, making it relatable for those who have lived through similar experiences.
Not Just Another Drunken Tale: Why This Story Matters
Representation in media shapes societal attitudes. The Sober Curator podcast highlights how Running Point avoids the pitfalls of stereotypical depictions of addiction. By embedding humor and empathy into its narrative, the show makes recovery accessible and appealing, encouraging viewers to empathize rather than judge. This reflects a broader understanding that recovery is about progress, not perfection.
An intriguing aspect of “Running Point” is the casting of Tom Hanks’ son, Chet Hanks, who brings authenticity to his role as a struggling athlete facing addiction. Chet is currently celebrating three years of sobriety, Chet’s real-life experience likely influenced the show’s realistic portrayal of addiction and its challenges, which Lane Kennedy and other podcast contributors commend as a significant achievement.
Fashioning Sobriety: The Power Suits of Kate Hudson
In addition to its storyline, “Running Point” is also a style guide for embracing confidence through fashion. Kate Hudson’s character embodies empowerment, sophistication, and resilience, and her wardrobe reflects these themes. As the podcast hosts noted, this serves as a reminder that renewal and reinvention are central to the recovery journey, both internally and externally.
The Sober Curator Podcast episode closes with a unified cheer for Running Point’s impact on its viewers. These discussions are not just commentary; they fuel the fire for change in how sobriety and recovery are perceived in the cultural zeitgeist. Shows like “Running Point” pave the way for more inclusive storytelling by portraying sobriety as a lifestyle and an empowering choice.
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.
Some people look at a mountain and see a party. Ben Coombes used to be one of them: magnums of rosé at lunch, shots on the chairlift, and more near misses than he can count. Then he tried something nobody in a ski resort does. He did a sober season.
Now Ben runs Soberski, alcohol-free chalet weeks in Méribel in the French Alps, and he’s our newest Sober Curator contributor. Alysse and Tamar (a snowboarder, it turns out) talk with him about what happens when you keep the mountain and lose the après.
In this episode:
Ski, work, or drink: pick two. Ben’s seasons driving guests for a luxury chalet company
The sober season that became an Instagram page, then a business
The first booking came from New Jersey, and Ben thought it was a scam
Never skied? Ben’s guest who went from zero to flying around the mountain in about six hours of lessons
Private chefs, cold plunges, daily yoga, and evening workshops
The January 22 to 29, 2027 week in Méribel, and who it’s for (sober, sober curious, or just done with hangovers on holiday)
Ben’s pick for your queue: “The Gentlemen” on Netflix
Why Ben didn’t build a support group on a mountain. He built a room.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Cold open
01:29 You got sober. Now what?
04:06 Falling for the mountains at 21
05:13 Ski, work, or drink: pick two
06:36 The sober season experiment
08:43 Tamar’s 20-year-old snowboarder brain
09:36 Rosé at lunch, shots on the chairlift13:41 A word from our sponsor: Aura House
14:30 January 2027 in Méribel
15:34 North Americans welcome
18:06 Never skied? Start here
24:39 Watching strangers become friends
28:53 Pop culture pick: The Gentlemen
31:36 The Sober Swap, new in Backstage
35:13 Yoga, cold plunges, evening workshops
37:48 He didn’t build a support group. He built a room.
38:37 Where to find Soberski
Sober Shots:
“If I can not drink in a ski resort, then I can probably not drink anywhere.” (Ben Coombes)
“You are allowed to go somewhere ridiculous and beautiful to find him or her.” (Alysse Bryson)
Mentioned in this episode:
– Soberski | Instagram @s0berski
– Backstage with The Sober Curator: https://thesobercurator.com/backstage-with-the-sober-curator/
– The Sober Swap, our new October Backstage hang
– Krysty Krywko, “Skiing Sober: Rewriting Après-Ski Without Alcohol”
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: – Meet the Contributors – Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide – Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide – LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
CONNECT: www.thesobercurator.com | The Sober Sip newsletter: https://www.thesobercuratornewsletter.com/ | @thesobercurator on Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube + Pinterest
Love the show? Rate, review + follow. It takes 60 seconds and helps more people find us. Feedback + guest ideas: thesobercurator@gmail.com
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.
Resources & Links
- “Running Point” Review (AND a curated collection of designer basketballs)
- Meet the Contributors
- Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
- Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
- LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
THE MINDFUL BINGE: Running Point Review: Kate Hudson Runs the Show—And I’m So Here for It! ????
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide. 🎧 Submit a Podcast for Review: Recovery Podcastland coverage and reviews. Shows that earn their place in our audience’s queue. Submit your podcast →
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
