On Episode 17 of the Sober Curator Podcast, contributors and Sober Jedi Masters Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly dig deep with Tony Harte—a creative, a writer, a self-declared “Sober Not High Council”—about his thought-provoking series, “The Hero’s Journey of Recovering Addict.” With vivid Star Wars references, ancient myths, and a heartfelt look at the realities of staying sober, the episode transforms recovery into a modern-day epic quest. Let’s unpack their conversation and explore what it truly means to embark on the hero’s journey through sobriety.
Tony Harte’s passion for Star Wars isn’t just geek chic; it’s rooted in Joseph Campbell’s famous work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. As Tony describes, George Lucas drew inspiration from the Hero’s Journey archetype—a universal story structure found across 4,000 years of human storytelling. From Gilgamesh and Hercules to Luke Skywalker, the hero sets out from the ordinary world, battles internal and external demons, and returns transformed.
For Tony and many in recovery, this mythological arc mirrors their real lives: “Our path is seeking that treasure. And I just thought to myself, I wonder if this maps out to the hero’s journey.” He realized that getting and staying sober often involves answering a call to adventure, crossing into the unknown, facing frightening adversaries (sometimes ourselves), and coming back changed, not just untouched but wiser, kinder, and more whole.
From Reluctant Hero to Jester: Navigating Archetypes
The hero’s journey isn’t a neat, linear path. Early on, most of us are reluctant heroes, much like Luke Skywalker, hesitating to leave our homes. Tony recounts his own story: after a car crash at age 21, “scared shitless,” he reluctantly stepped into treatment. Reluctance faded as he read recovery literature that seemed tailor-made for him, and gradually, he shifted from the archetype of hero to jester—embracing humor as a tool in sobriety: “I love to make people laugh, and I probably make myself laugh more than anybody else … I just think I’m hilarious.”
Luke didn’t defeat the Empire alone, and nobody stays sober alone for long. The podcast often returns to the absolute necessity of community. As Tamar notes, “People think they can do this by themselves … but then they step away from the community side.” Tony likens the recovery community to Star Wars’ circle of allies and mentors—Obi-Wan, Leia, and Han. Finding those who “have what you want ” early in sobriety is crucial, regardless of the length of their sobriety.
The mentor relationship—whether a sponsor, friend, or peer—remains a pillar, and giving back has surprising power. Alysse recalls being sponsored by someone with less time but more hard-won experience. “Being a mentor versus being a mentee is like quadruple million more rewarding,” she shares.
Recovery Isn’t Linear—And That’s Normal
Life throws curveballs—divorce, death, setbacks. “The hero’s journey is never linear, right?” Tony explains. “It’s always bouncing around among different phases, or for many of us, we stay in that ordinary world for decades.” Progress is a loop-de-loop, not a straight line: “You can’t just do something and say, okay, well, I should be cured and I should be good … you keep doing these things over and over.”
Alysse echoes that recovery is about ongoing practice—like a Jedi mastering her lightsaber, it’s about coming back, again and again, and learning from each new trial.
Tony’s evolution, enriched by stoicism and exploring beyond the basic 12 steps, is resonant: “The big book takes you through the steps, but it doesn’t address a lot of the mental health stuff that it takes to really evolve.” Philosophy, mindfulness, and even humor become tools. The community helps us keep showing up—each of us, a little wiser and more useful to the next “reluctant hero” who walks through the door.
Community, Pop Culture, and Making Sobriety Fun
Part of what makes The Sober Curator project so special is its playful irreverence: sober dance parties with Ewoks and Star Wars Legos and a celebration of sober pop culture as a lens for recovery. Breaking stigmas, offering new ways in, and keeping recovery fun are modern extensions of the hero’s journey, making space for everyone’s story. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Check out our special Star Wars section – May the Sober Force Be With You for more fun Star Wars content through the lens of sobriety.
Listen Now
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 gripping episode, Alysse sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty for a powerful conversation about the business behind addiction recovery — and why too many families are left carrying shame, confusion, and financial devastation while trying to save their loved ones. Benjamin’s documentary exposes the economics, ethics, and emotional fallout inside the modern treatment industry, while also honoring the parents, advocates, and survivors who continue fighting for change.
From medically assisted treatment debates to the insurance inequalities that shape who gets quality care, this episode goes deeper than most sober conversations dare to go. It’s raw, urgent, and grounded in truth — the kind of discussion that can only happen in a space built for honesty.
Takeaways:
Families aren’t alone. Many parents attend screenings thinking their child’s exploitation or treatment experience was “their fault” — Benjamin’s film shows the systemic patterns behind the pain.
Recovery has an economic engine. Benjamin describes the shocking moment he realized how profitability shapes care, access, and outcomes in the treatment world.
Insurance determines who gets humane care. Both Benjamin and Alysse reflect on how “good insurance” gave them safe recovery environments — an advantage many don’t have.
Pop culture shapes our understanding. Films like Dopesick, Painkiller, Pain Hustlers, Body Brokers help raise awareness but flatten nuance; documentaries add back the complexity.
Conversations spark courage. When parents meet each other at screenings, shame lifts and the real healing begins.
Key Timestamps:
00:06:40 — Benjamin’s turning point: quitting alcohol & cocaine in high-pressure advertising
00:07:45 — The myth of “the next milestone” that will magically fix everything
00:08:20 — Why treatment is the only major health process most people don’t understand
00:26:26 — Parents finding relief and validation through the film
00:27:00 — The economics of recovery: what families aren’t told
00:28:00 — Alysse shares her own insurance-based experience and privilege in treatment access
00:28:20 — Pop culture portrayals of recovery & exploitation (Body Brokers, Painkiller, Dopesick)
00:41:56 — The media Benjamin loves — and what representations resonate most
Resources & Links:
Website / Film https://www.stoptheshuffle.com/
Instagram: @benjaminflaherty
YouTube Trailer: OFFICIAL TRAILER | SHUFFLE
–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 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.
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER – STOICISM: The Hero’s Journey of a Recovering Addict – Part One
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER – STOICISM: The Hero’s Journey Part Two
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER – STOICISM: The Hero’s Journey Ends – Part Three
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: at The Sober Curator is a haven for those embracing sobriety with a healthy dose of spiritual sass. This space invites you to dive into meditation, astrology, intentional living, philosophy, and personal reflection—all while keeping your feet (and your sobriety) firmly on the ground. Whether you’re exploring new spiritual practices or deepening an existing one, Spiritual Gangster offers inspiration, insight, and a community that blends mindful living with alcohol-free fun.
Spiritual Gangster Line-up:
Stoicism & Sobriety – Ancient Philosophy for Modern Recovery with Sober Curator Contributors Derek Castleman and Tony Harte
The Card Divo – Quick & Sober Tarot Readings with Sober Curator Contributor Senior Daniel G. Garza
Classy Problems – Clarity, Restraint & Mindful Decision-Making with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Dan T. Rogers
SoberCast with Six – Astrology & Tarot for the Sober Life with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Analisa Six
Sobriety in Flow – Yoga Beyond the Poses with Senior Travel Sober Curator Contributor Teresa Bergen
Thirsty for Wonder – Recovery Coaching & Spiritual Companionship with Sober Curator Contributor Anne Marie Cribben
Spiritual Substance – Mindfulness, Science & Soul with Senior Sober Curator Contributor Lane Kennedy
“May the Sober Force Be With You” is a special Star Wars-themed landing page on The Sober Curator that blends sober pop culture with a galaxy far, far away. Created for fellow Jedi in recovery (and anyone who loves the saga), it draws playful yet meaningful parallels between the hero’s journey in Star Wars and the path to sobriety. From Yoda-fied 12 Steps to clever sobriety milestone titles, it’s a fun, creative way to celebrate a sober lifestyle while geeking out over one of the most beloved franchises in film history. Whether you’re a Padawan just starting out or a Jedi Master in long-term recovery, this page invites you to see your journey as an epic adventure—lightsaber optional.
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.
