On this vibrant installment of The Sober Curator podcast, host Alysse Bryson sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Sabyn Mayfield: musician, filmmaker, USA Boxing Masters Champion, and CEO of The Bridge to Recovery. While their conversation kicks off with a light-hearted nod to working carnival and fair gigs (and a brave adolescent stint in a cotton candy booth), it quickly dives beneath the surface. Together, Alysse and Sabyn unearth the complexities of recovery, the true meaning of healing from “wounds” rather than “trauma,” and how authentic living becomes the ultimate reward of sobriety.
Sabyn’s story is both inspiring and familiar to anyone who’s faced the rollercoaster of addiction and recovery. Sober for five years (as of the episode recording), Sabyn is open about his history of relapse and struggle:
“I’ve been trying to get this since I was 18…”
For him, the journey wasn’t a single, heroic step but an ongoing process of confronting—and accepting—his humanity. He describes early sobriety as a ticket into an amusement park: “putting the plug in the jug… is just the price of entry,” he says. Once inside, he realized that true recovery involved more than abstaining from substances. It meant healing the wounds driving his addiction and developing spiritual and mental resilience.
Wounded, Not Broken: Shifting the Language of Healing
One of Sabyn’s most resonant insights comes in his discussion of language. He prefers to talk about “woundedness” instead of “trauma,” a distinction that feels gentler yet equally honest. As he puts it:
“If you take care of a wound, you can heal a wound. Trauma feels more permanent… I really like that word wounded.”
This shift moves healing from something clinical or untouchable to something active and possible. By embracing his wounds, mourning them, and allowing them to heal, Sabyn found that the rest of recovery—especially the 12 steps—became less about avoidance and more about thriving.
Growth, Relapse, and Taking 100% Responsibility
Both Sabyn and Alysse touch on a common, often stigmatized experience in recovery: relapse. Sabyn insists, “You don’t have to go all the way to the bottom floor… it can be a speed bump rather than a train wreck.” The shame and self-blame that surround relapse can be paralyzing, but, as Sabyn shares from firsthand experience, the real transformation happens not in perfection, but in the willingness to start again and tell the truth.
He also describes the power of making amends—sometimes terrifying, occasionally anticlimactic, but always liberating. Sabyn’s advice (learned the hard way): “The linchpin for this whole thing is honesty. I had to find one person that I could tell the absolute truth to.” For him, honesty, humility, and service to others turned his recovery from mere survival into genuine, contented living.
Leading the Charge: Creating, Serving, and Giving Back
After healing his relationship with himself, Sabyn found his creative spark reignited—not as a desperate search for validation, but as a gift to himself and others. “Once I really humbled myself and I kind of had that foundational piece… it gave me the opportunity to dive back into my creative work because I wanted to, not because I had to.”
Now, as CEO of The Bridge to Recovery—a trauma and codependency residential workshop that transformed his life—Sabyn is living proof that helping others is both a calling and a cornerstone of sustained sobriety.
Perhaps the most moving takeaway from this interview is the reminder that recovery isn’t a destination but an unfolding journey. Whether you’re new to sobriety, coming back from relapse, or simply struggling with the “amusement park” of daily life, Sabyn’s message echoes: honesty, acceptance, and commitment to growth can truly set you free.
Follow along with Sabyn in all of the digital places and spaces:
- IG @sabynmayfield
- Website sabynmayfield.com
- The Bridge to Recovery
- @Sabyn on YouTube
- Sabyn Foolin’ Around Album
- Sabyn Mayfield IMBD
- Sabyn on Spotify
- Sabyn on Apple
Sabyn feat. Floyd Parton – Foolin’ Around [Sabyn Remix] (Official Video)
Sabyn & Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 to 9 (Official Video)
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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 unfiltered episode of The Sober Curator, the crew peels back the layers (yep, banana pun intended) on what it’s really like being a sober influencer in today’s social media circus. Hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly — joined by Jason Mayo, Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, and Kate Vitela — get vulnerable about dopamine fixes, chasing likes, authenticity and the wild quirks of sober life. The key takeaway? Sobriety isn’t boring — it’s bananas (in the best way), and sometimes the best way to serve is to keep it weird and keep it real.
Timestamps:
[00:00] – Dopamine hits & going bananas (literally)
[02:00] – Meet the bunch & why everyone’s in costume
[06:00] – Nutrition Corner: Why bananas are so good for you (thanks, Megan!)
[09:00] – The real story behind Kate’s banana reels
[12:00] – Sober influencers, chasing likes & losing the plot
[15:45] – Performing sobriety vs. living authentically
[18:30] – Sober Curator’s true north: quality over quantity
[22:10] – Social media comparisons, dopamine and boundaries
[25:00] – Gender & harassment in the online recovery space
[32:00] – Codependency, addiction and social media’s double-edged sword
[40:00] – Motives, authenticity and what’s next
[51:00] – Quick-fire “banana” round
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 intro and outro music for this episode is proudly featured with permission from Avatari. All rights reserved to the original creators. For more of their work, check out his website: https://www.avatariworld.com/music.
*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.
Getting sober is one thing, but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins. Welcome to The Sober Curator Podcast, where ditching booze doesn’t mean ditching fun, pop culture, or your social life. Hosted by Alysse Bryson and joined by the MANY Sober Curator Contributors—media powerhouse and queen of making sobriety cool—each episode brings bold conversations, pop culture deep dives, and insider tips for thriving in a zero-proof lifestyle. From celeb interviews to zero-proof cocktails, expect laughs, honesty, and zero preachy vibes. Sober or sober-curious? Pull up a seat—this party’s just getting started!
MUSIC – PLAY IT AGAIN: Pop Buchanan & Sabyn Dear Addicts Remix Official Music Video
PLAY IT AGAIN: Music can instantly transport you to another state of mind and alter your mood in a heartbeat. This section features select songs that represent some part of our journey and serve as sobriety anthems in reminding us to stay the course. These are the ones that have us saying “PLAY IT AGAIN” and always end up on repeat. No decade or genre is off-limits. Happy listening!
What’s your sobriety theme song? If there is a song you think should be on our playlist, we want to hear about it. Send your requests to thesobercurator@gmail.com
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.
