In this episode of the Sober Curator Podcast, host Alysse Bryson gathers a dynamic group of curators to explore the spiritual side of sobriety. Listen in as Anne Marie Cribbin, Daniel G. Garza, Teresa Bergen, and Derek Castleman share their unique journeys with spirituality, how ancient philosophies intertwine with modern recovery practices, and the legacies they aim to leave behind. The conversation reveals the deeply personal yet universally relatable nature of faith and recovery, sure to inspire those on their sober path.
For Anne Marie Cribbin, sobriety was more than a personal choice; it was a necessity for spiritual preservation and growth. Her journey began with a shock upon encountering the pervasive cultural conditioning that intertwined alcohol with spiritual practices. This revelation acted as a turning point, inspiring her decision to embrace sobriety as a means to strengthen her spiritual connection, something she holds in high regard. Anne Marie describes this as a reclamation of self, a refusal to stand for the slow encroachment of alcohol on her creativity, emotions, and spirituality.
The Path of Introspection and Curiosity
The podcast reveals that sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Teresa Bergen, a long-time yoga practitioner and teacher, marries her spiritual practices with sobriety through introspection and curiosity. Her path illustrates the power of yoga philosophy, emphasizing practices like nonviolence and contentment to enhance one’s spiritual and sober life. Through a blend of spiritual reading and applying yoga’s ancient principles, Teresa provides an illuminating insight into how sobriety and spirituality feed into one another, enriching the overall life experience.
Derek Castleman introduces the listeners to the profound influence of Stoicism on his sobriety journey, highlighting its focus on self-control and temperance—qualities essential to recovery. Stoicism offers a philosophical approach that transcends religious boundaries, providing a framework for understanding life’s challenges and overlaying them with sobriety’s demands. Derek’s exploration into this ancient philosophy underscores the message that spirituality in sobriety is not confined to religious doctrine but can be an individual pursuit of self-understanding and universal connection.
A New Kind of Spirituality
For Daniel G. Garza, spirituality in sobriety manifests as a commitment sustained over years, a journey supported by faith and newfound practices. From a traditional Catholic upbringing to developing a unique spiritual practice, Daniel illustrates that sobriety opens avenues for introspective discovery and outward service. His role as a spiritual guide through weekly horoscopes serves as both a reflection of his spiritual journey and a means of giving back, illustrating that spirituality can be a living, breathing element of sobriety.
One poignant theme discussed in the podcast is the legacy of sobriety and how it molds one’s spiritual footprint in the world. As The Sober Curator team discussed, sobriety and spirituality forge a path of renewal and hope, encouraging individuals to ponder the long-term impact of their journey. This legacy is a reflection of personal growth and a gift to the broader community, an offering of kindness, understanding, and solidarity.
The Sober Curator Podcast underlines that sobriety is a profoundly transformative journey when enriched by spiritual reflection and diverse practices. Whether through awakening to new truths, embracing historical teachings, or expanding one’s spiritual practices, individuals find unique paths suited to their needs. At the heart of this exploration is a collective understanding that embracing sobriety is not just about abstinence but about unlocking one’s fullest potential and sharing that transformative power with the world.
Resources & Links
- Sober Horoscopes by Daniel G Garza
- Teresa Bergen’s Travel and Sobriety Blog
- Derek Castleman’s Book, “The Sober Stoic”
- Anne Marie Cribbin’s Thirsty for Wonder
- Meet the Contributors
- Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
- Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
- LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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.
You spend at least 40 hours a week at work. For a lot of people in recovery, that's 40 hours of navigating a culture that doesn't know you exist, or worse, doesn't care.
Eliza Zarka is changing that. She runs the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, which certifies employers as recovery friendly, and she took an idea that started at a New Hampshire ski resort and turned it into a national movement with bipartisan federal backing. Alysse and Sober Curator contributor Sarah, a fractional HR consultant in long-term recovery, get into what it actually takes to make a job safe to be sober in.
In this episode:
Why ”there are already people in recovery that are working for you” is the sentence that changes an employer's mind
The four pillars of Recovery Friendly Workplace certification: culture, hiring, benefits, and education
How to bring this to your HR department without disclosing your own recovery
Alysse on 2006 versus 2026: why she hid it for years, and the 2016 job interview where she said it out loud on purpose
The company that made the first hour of its holiday party completely alcohol-free, with leadership required to be there
Why the holiday gift bottle of wine tells you the company knows nothing about you
Coffee tastings, tea tastings, dirty soda tastings: team building that isn't a wine flight
Pop culture close: ”The Office,” ”Parks and Rec,” and the true crime documentary habit that may be a problem
Sober Shots:
”There are already people in recovery that are working for you.” (Eliza Zarka)
”When you're in an interview, you're interviewing the company just as much as they're interviewing you.” (Alysse Bryson)
Mentioned in this episode:
National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute: https://rfwinstitute.org
Backstage with The Sober Curator: https://thesobercurator.com/backstage-with-the-sober-curator/
The Sober Curator Business Rolodex, free listings for sober business owners: https://thesobercurator.com/the-sober-curator-rolodex/
Nothing in this episode is legal or HR advice. Talk to an employment attorney about your specific situation.
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:
– 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
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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.
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SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: Welcome to the ‘Spiritual Gangster’ wing of The Sober Curator, a haven for those on a sober journey with a twist of spiritual sass. Here, we invite you to plunge headfirst into a world of meditation, astrology, intentionality, philosophy, and spiritual reflection – all while keeping your feet (and sobriety) firmly on the ground.
Sober Say What?
GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION + RECOVERY TERMS: Welcome to The Sober Curator’s ultimate guide to the language of sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living—where words hold power, knowledge, and the keys to a vibrant, substance-free life. This comprehensive glossary shines a light on essential terms that offer wisdom, clarity, and connection for anyone navigating recovery.
From the first spark of curiosity to the joyful celebration of milestones, our glossary helps demystify the terminology of sobriety and recovery. Each definition is designed to empower, educate, and support you on your journey toward wellness, self-discovery, and lasting freedom.
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