In this episode of Sober Dad Crew, host Stephen Kimball sits down with Alysse Bryson, the founder and creative force behind The Sober Curator—a vibrant online hub celebrating sobriety, recovery, and sober-curious living through the lens of pop culture.
Alysse’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. She opens up about her personal journey through addiction and recovery, from years spent chasing success in the media world to the hard-earned clarity that led her to sobriety. Now, nearly two decades later, she’s turned that experience into a mission: to make recovery not just respected, but cool.
Creating Community Through Storytelling
In the conversation, Alysse shares how The Sober Curator grew from a small idea into a thriving community platform amplifying diverse voices in sobriety. From sober event guides to movie and book reviews, her site blends lifestyle content with lived experience—proving that recovery can be full of humor, creativity, and connection.
She also discusses the early challenges of sobriety, the power of representation in recovery spaces, and her belief that storytelling can help dissolve the stigma surrounding addiction. “When people see themselves in the stories we tell,” she says, “they realize they’re not alone—and that’s where the healing starts.”
The Next Chapter for The Sober Curator
Looking ahead, Alysse envisions expanding The Sober Curator beyond digital storytelling—into live events, art exhibits, and collaborations that showcase how addiction and recovery intersect with pop culture. Her passion lies in showing that sober life isn’t about what’s missing, but what’s possible.
The episode also touches on how younger generations are reshaping the drinking culture, with more Gen Z and Millennials embracing mindful or alcohol-free lifestyles. Together, Stephen and Alysse explore what this means for the future of connection, community, and social norms.
Tune In and Join the Conversation
🎧 Listen to Sober Dad Crew Episode 80: Alysse Bryson – Building a Sober Pop Culture Movement on your favorite podcast platform:
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Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created, written, recorded, and produced by Stephen Kimball.
© 2025 Sober Dad Crew. All rights reserved.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND – SOBER DAD CREW: This is a podcast focused on sobriety, recovery, fatherhood, parenting, music, food, tattoos, & more. Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball who writes, records, and produces the podcast.
Sober Dad Crew is a podcast about sobriety, recovery, and all the stuff that makes life real — fatherhood, parenting, music, food, tattoos, and whatever else comes up along the way.
The mission is simple: to share stories of sobriety and hope, and to show that no matter how tough things get, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
We’re a totally independent, DIY show — no ads, no sponsors, and zero corporate strings attached
Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.
To learn more please visit SoberDadCrew.com. Copyright 2025.
My guest this episode is Ruben Salazar, a recording artist and place maker. He shares his journey as a musician and a community leader in Santa Ana, California. He discusses the importance of music in his life, the challenges of substance use, and his path to sobriety. Ruben emphasizes the significance of community and activism, especially in the context of current societal issues.
Takeaways
- Ruben's journey in music began in his childhood, influenced by his parents' love for various genres.
- The Blue Lot was created as a community space to showcase local talent and art.
- Ruben's love for reggae music shaped his desire to serve the community.
- Substance use became prevalent in Ruben's life during his teenage years, intertwined with his music career.
- Meeting his girlfriend marked a turning point in Ruben's journey towards sobriety.
- Ruben emphasizes the importance of community activism, especially in a sanctuary city like Santa Ana.
- He believes that sobriety has brought him clarity and a deeper understanding of his life and music.
- Ruben's experiences reflect the struggles of many artists balancing creativity and substance use.
- He advocates for finding personal paths to sobriety, whether through programs or self-discipline.
- Ruben continues to engage with his community through events and music, focusing on family and personal growth.
Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share Sober Dad Crew with folks.
Sober Dad Crew is an independent, DIY production created by Stephen Kimball, who writes, records, and produces the podcast. To learn more, please visit soberdadcrew.com. Copyright 2025.
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.
Your Go-To Guide for All Things Recovery & Sober Living
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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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.
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