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:
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share Sober Dad Crew with your friends and community.
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 Mike Jacobs, bass player in the band On the Cinder, which was formed in Buffalo. He is also a sober dad. Mike shares his experiences as a father, musician, and sober individual. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with his passion for music, the lessons learned from his journey into parenthood, and the impact of sobriety on his relationships. We talk about the evolution of punk and hardcore music, the role of political commentary in the genre, and the importance of community in fostering a vibrant music scene.
Takeaways
- Mike Jacobs is a bassist in the band On the Cinder.
- He has two children, one of whom is seven months old.
- Parenting can be a balancing act between responsibilities and passions.
- Sobriety has positively impacted his family life and relationships.
- The punk and hardcore music scenes are evolving with new influences.
- Political commentary in punk rock is becoming less prominent.
- Community support is vital for musicians and families alike.
- Grief can shape our perspectives on life and relationships.
- Finding gratitude in challenging times is essential for well-being.
- The importance of all-ages spaces in music scenes cannot be overstated.
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.
SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
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.
Follow The Sober Curator on X, the artist formerly known as Twitter
