In a world obsessed with cocktails and wine culture, finding your tribe of like-minded, sober-curious friends isn’t always easy. Thankfully, The Sober Curator has your back every week with a fresh episode of THIS JUST IN—a no-B.S. roundup of all things inspiring, surprising, and delightfully alcohol-free. From jaw-dropping personal transformations to exclusive events that don’t require a designated driver, this week’s episode, hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, is packed with reasons to celebrate sobriety as a vibe, not just a lifestyle.
In this recap, we’ll unpack the week’s top stories, gift guides, must-attend events, and so much more—from a “junkie to judge” memoir to RuPaul’s stunning journey. Ready to trade in happy hour for a happier life? Let’s dive in.
From Rock Bottom to the Bench: Mary Beth O’Connor’s Memoir
Kicking off the episode, Alysse spotlights From Junkie to Judge by Mary Beth O’Connor—a memoir with more twists than a reality show finale. Once a meth addict struggling on the edges of society, O’Connor’s transformation into a respected federal judge is nothing short of cinematic. This story isn’t just about recovery; it’s about reinvention, growth, and hope for anyone who feels the odds are stacked against them. As Alysse puts it, Mary Beth’s metamorphosis has “more growth than Pete Davidson’s dating history.” If you need proof that it’s never too late to reclaim your narrative, this read should jump straight to the top of your “Quitlit” wishlist.
Sober Soundtrack: The Rise of Jonas Connor
If you think sobriety means trading your edge for dullness, teen music prodigy Jonas Connor is here to shatter that illusion. Only 15 years old and already serving up tracks like “Father in a Bible” and “Peace with Pain,” Jonas’s lyrics pack the emotional punch of artists decades older. He’s “more soul than a Motown reunion,” his work resonates with anyone navigating the emotional rollercoaster of recovery or simply life itself. Think Adele and Sam Smith vibes… but with a Gen Z journal twist.
Sober Gift Guide: Thoughtful Ideas Beyond Candle Fatigue
Nothing says “I see you” like a gift that doesn’t involve a bottle of cabernet or a snarky wine glass. The Sober Curator’s latest gift guide drops wine openers and scented candles in favor of chic mocktail sets, luxe self-care bundles, and other meaningful presents. Finally, a list that acknowledges and celebrates sobriety—not just as something you endure, but as something worth honoring with style.
Sharper Than Your Aunt’s Side-Eye: Comebacks for Nosy Nellies
Let’s face it—sometimes, the most draining thing about being sober isn’t skipping happy hour, it’s fielding awkward questions. The podcast drops gold-standard one-liners for those moments, from “I prefer my drama on Netflix, not in my liver,” to “I’m already high on life and caffeine.” The next time someone prods you about skipping the booze, come armed with these comebacks (and enjoy watching the conversation pivot).
Sober Retreats & Events: Where Memories Aren’t Blurry
Celeb Sober Spotlight: RuPaul’s Authentic Journey
The episode’s showstopper is none other than RuPaul—drag icon and a leading light in the sober community. With 26 years clean, RuPaul’s memoir House of Hidden Meanings opens up about using substances as a child and the journey to sobriety inspired by love. Here’s the ultimate proof that thriving in sobriety isn’t just possible—it’s fabulous.
Keep the Conversation Going
Sobriety isn’t just ditching the drinks; it’s about reclaiming your narrative, living intentionally, and finding joy in unexpected places. Stay tuned to The Sober Curator for community, resources, and weekly reminders that the best stories aren’t found at the bottom of a wine glass. As Alysse Bryson closes each show: “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.”
Check out all the stories, events, and more at thesobercurator.com!
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.
Some people look at a mountain and see a party. Ben Coombes used to be one of them: magnums of rosé at lunch, shots on the chairlift, and more near misses than he can count. Then he tried something nobody in a ski resort does. He did a sober season.
Now Ben runs Soberski, alcohol-free chalet weeks in Méribel in the French Alps, and he’s our newest Sober Curator contributor. Alysse and Tamar (a snowboarder, it turns out) talk with him about what happens when you keep the mountain and lose the après.
In this episode:
Ski, work, or drink: pick two. Ben’s seasons driving guests for a luxury chalet company
The sober season that became an Instagram page, then a business
The first booking came from New Jersey, and Ben thought it was a scam
Never skied? Ben’s guest who went from zero to flying around the mountain in about six hours of lessons
Private chefs, cold plunges, daily yoga, and evening workshops
The January 22 to 29, 2027 week in Méribel, and who it’s for (sober, sober curious, or just done with hangovers on holiday)
Ben’s pick for your queue: “The Gentlemen” on Netflix
Why Ben didn’t build a support group on a mountain. He built a room.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Cold open
01:29 You got sober. Now what?
04:06 Falling for the mountains at 21
05:13 Ski, work, or drink: pick two
06:36 The sober season experiment
08:43 Tamar’s 20-year-old snowboarder brain
09:36 Rosé at lunch, shots on the chairlift13:41 A word from our sponsor: Aura House
14:30 January 2027 in Méribel
15:34 North Americans welcome
18:06 Never skied? Start here
24:39 Watching strangers become friends
28:53 Pop culture pick: The Gentlemen
31:36 The Sober Swap, new in Backstage
35:13 Yoga, cold plunges, evening workshops
37:48 He didn’t build a support group. He built a room.
38:37 Where to find Soberski
Sober Shots:
“If I can not drink in a ski resort, then I can probably not drink anywhere.” (Ben Coombes)
“You are allowed to go somewhere ridiculous and beautiful to find him or her.” (Alysse Bryson)
Mentioned in this episode:
– Soberski | Instagram @s0berski
– Backstage with The Sober Curator: https://thesobercurator.com/backstage-with-the-sober-curator/
– The Sober Swap, our new October Backstage hang
– Krysty Krywko, “Skiing Sober: Rewriting Après-Ski Without Alcohol”
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: – Meet the Contributors – 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
Love the show? Rate, review + follow. It takes 60 seconds and helps more people find us. Feedback + guest ideas: thesobercurator@gmail.com
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.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
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.
