Join us as we light up the airwaves with a fresh, upbeat take on sobriety. Our infectious energy, paired with a tongue-in-cheek TMZ-style news delivery, hopefully offers our listeners an empowering glimpse into the ever-evolving world of sober living. This short episode is more than a roundup of alcohol-free products and sober-friendly events; it celebrates resilience, personal growth, and the vibrant community that supports and inspires a sober lifestyle.
Key Takeaways and Highlights
Sober Pop Culture & Wellness Trends
We dish on the hottest alcohol-free trends, introducing listeners to must-try products and empowering media depictions. This week’s buzz-free headlines include:
- Ripple Plant-Based Vapes: No nicotine, no THC—just caffeine, aromatherapy, and a “bougie air” alternative for those seeking a ritual without the substances. “A scented puff of superiority,” Justin jokes.
- Netflix’s Sirens & Megan Faye’s Devin: Alysse raves about a sober anti-hero shattering stereotypes and proving you don’t need booze to be a badass. “Sober, savage, and stealing hearts.”
- Alcohol-Free Perfumes: Why should your signature scent double as a cocktail? Explore luxury, hangover-free fragrances for sober sophistication.
- The Better Sister Miniseries: Family drama gets real with a sober twist, centering addiction and recovery in a relatable, binge-worthy format.
- Cameron Whitcomb’s Journey: From Canadian crooner to sober superstar, Cameron’s open dialogue about recovery and mental health resonates with listeners seeking vulnerability and hope.
Sober Slay of the Week: Frankie Grande
Frankie Grande, sober since 2017, is celebrated for ruling recovery with “Broadway flair and a glitter canyon of gratitude.” Alysse highlights Frankie’s role not just as Ariana’s brother, but as a sober icon who uses his platform to champion mental health, creativity, and self-love, showcasing that “sober really is the new fabulous.” The emotional resonance here is clear: sobriety doesn’t diminish sparkle; it amplifies authenticity and joy.
Sober Events Nourish Community and Fun
The episode spotlights a range of engaging, buzz-free events across the United States—from Phoenix’s “Sober Summer Rave” to drag queen pageants, zero-proof grand tastings, a stand-up show in LA, and a competitive basketball tournament in NYC. Each event is curated for connection, laughter, and celebration, with hydration stations. The excitement isn’t just about what’s missing (alcohol); it’s about what’s gained: belonging, shared experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Humor, Honesty, and Empowerment
Humor runs throughout—the fake sponsor “Spite Water,” playful product reviews, and pop culture references remind listeners that sobriety isn’t somber; it overflows with fun, sass, and style. Tamar and Alysse embrace their quirks, poking fun at themselves while exuding gratitude for second chances and personal growth. Their candidness models vulnerability and community for anyone, at any stage, seeking support in recovery.
Emotional Draw: Why They’re Excited to Live Sober
What truly sets this episode apart is its authentic passion for sober living. I recorded from Sin City, and with her sharp wit and warmth, Tamar embodies the realization that sobriety is abundance, not sacrifice. We love celebrating every sober milestone, invite you, our listeners, to step boldly into their own stories, and champion the idea that anyone can recover out loud.
Sobriety is about “keeping it real, keeping it fun, and keeping it sober.” It’s about exchanging regret for genuine experience, shame for pride, and loneliness for belonging. Whether it’s a glam squad pageant, a night of comedy, or just “a hit of calm without the chaos,” the excitement lies in shared empowerment and the promise that recovery brings possibility.
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.
Are you ready to build something that truly reflects who you are?
Monica Madrid shares her incredible journey from losing a record deal to Tupac to creating a women’s football media empire. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of sobriety to fuel true passion and success.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sobriety can be a foundation for building your dreams.
Gratitude can transform your perspective and life.
Embracing your identity leads to personal and professional growth.
GUEST BIO
MonicaMadrid is the CEO and founder of Football Is Sexy, a women-led football media brand and podcast where women talk and teach football, giving women a place to feel seen and heard. Where they are appreciated for their fandom, passion and knowledge. She’s also the author of The Next Quiet Voice, a memoir about addiction, recovery, reinvention, and finding purpose after hitting rock bottom. Monica has been sober since February 26, 2008, and is passionate about helping others realize it’s never too late to rebuild your life. From sports, entrepreneurship, and recovery, resilience, and starting over at 50+, Monica brings honesty, humor, vulnerability and real-raw life conversations.
Website URL: www.footballissexy.com (Being updated this week)
Instagram URL: @footballissexy
LinkedIn URL: Linkedin/monicamadrid and linkedin/footballissexy
Facebook URL: @footballissexy
Season 2 Merch
– We’ve got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
Mentioned in This Episode
– This episode was also brought to you by Aura House, Save 10% by using code: TSC10 and #ADDTOCART using link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
SC Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
– We’ve got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
– This episode was also brought to you by Aura House, Save 10% by using code: TSC10 and #ADDTOCART using link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-The Sober Sip newsletter: https://www.thesobercuratornewsletter.com/
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
– Pinterest: @thesobercurator
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sober-curator-inc
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesobercurator
Rate & Review
If this episode made you laugh, cringe in the best way, or text a clip to your best sober friend — leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Like, comment, and subscribe here on YouTube. It costs you nothing and takes only 60 seconds of your time, genuinely helping more people find this show.
Send Feedback:
Have a story, a guest recommendation, or just want to say hi? Email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. We actually read every single one.
About the Show: Sobriety isn’t the end of the party — it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (media executive, 20 years sober, sobriety’s ultimate hype woman) and co-host + producer Tamar Routly, 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 — you’re in the right place. Subscribe now. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. Some topics may be sensitive for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
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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.
