From plant-based vapes to Depeche Mode’s decades-long sobriety, The Sober Curator’s latest episode dishes out the top stories, events, and celebrities redefining recovery with wit, style, and plenty of zero-proof bubbles.
The Rise of Plant-Based Vapes: More Placebo than Puff Daddy?
This week, The Sober Curator crew, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, dive straight into the world of Ripple Vapes—plant-based, buzz-free alternatives claiming to offer all the spa-like relaxation with none of the substance-based consequences. They describe these vapes as “spa day in your mouth,” but with “zero actual effects, like vibes only. No buzz.” It’s a gentle reminder that not every wellness trend packs a punch in recovery, nor does it need to.
Sober Celebs & the “SmartLess” Effect
Ever found yourself secretly sober-stalking celebrities? You’re not alone! The hosts highlight the podcast “SmartLess,” praising its candid conversations about sobriety as “your new guilty pleasure.” From Jason Bateman to Will Arnett, these episodes feature emotional breakthroughs and the kind of open dialogue that the sober community craves. Think podcast potluck but with “emotional breakthroughs instead of crusty casseroles.” If you’re seeking inspiration or relatable stories, this star-studded roundup is where vulnerability meets validation.
Depeche Mode’s Sober Encore: Goth Never Dies, It Detoxes
Depeche Mode fans (old and new) can’t get enough of focusing on frontman Dave Gahan’s 28-year sobriety streak. The episode’s hosts cheekily note that Gahan’s sober run is “longer than most TikTokers have been alive”—a true testament to long-term recovery. Gahan proves that goth style and sobriety aren’t mutually exclusive; eyeliner, synths, and Pellegrino coexist in glamorous harmony. As they put it: “Goth never dies. It just detoxes.”
The Power of Boundaries: “Let Them” Is the New Nope
Another must-read featured on this week’s podcast is about boundaries: “If your boundaries are looser than your ex’s definition of casual, this article’s your new bible.” The episode highlights the empowering principle of letting people live their chaos while you maintain your recovery and peace. The mantra “Not my monkeys, not my circus” is transformed into a rallying cry for anyone in the sober community learning to prioritize their well-being over controlling what’s out of their hands.
Soberness Story Hour: Broadway Meets Burn Book, Without the Hangover
The spotlight on New York City’s Soberness Story Hour is a refreshing celebration of collective healing: “Think Broadway meets Burn Book, but make it healing.” This event is described as group healing complete with stage lights—no shame, no expensive cocktails to cry into, just real stories and real connections. It’s proof that recovery isn’t just something you do quietly in the background; it can be showcased, celebrated, and shared.
Sober Sip Spotlight: Sir Elton John
Take a bow for this week’s Sober Sip Spotlight celebrity: Sir Elton John. The hosts are quick to remind us that Elton is “38 years sober and still serving rhinestone realness.” From turbulent ‘80s chaos to knighthood and Barbie doll immortality, Elton John epitomizes recovery with brilliance and flair. His story proves that a life in recovery can be both glamorous and deeply authentic.
Sober Events Round Up: From Supper Clubs to Paint Nights
The episode ends with a whirlwind tour of upcoming sober events—from a women’s supper club in San Diego to an art-filled clean and sober Paint & Sip in Sonoma, and even a trauma-informed workshop for kids in Bellevue. These events prove that sober living is anything but boring, offering everything from creativity and connection to laughter and learning—all without a drop of booze.
- Sober Supper Club – San Diego, CA – June 20th
- Free Bellevue Children’s Program Two-Day Workshop – Hazelden Betty Ford – Seattle metro area – June 21st + 22nd
- Clean and Sober Paint and Sip – Sonoma, CA – 6/21
- Denver Open Art Studio: Art, Community, and Recovery – Denver, CO – June 22d
- Raising the Bar: Women Changemakers in Non-Alcoholic Innovation – Minneapolis, MN – June 25th
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.
This week, Alysse sits down with cocktail queen, educator, and entrepreneur April Wachtel, founder & CEO of Cheeky Cocktails—the bold, minimalist, flavor-forward mixer brand changing how we drink (with or without booze). From 20 years behind the bar to launching a brand designed to make everyone feel included, April shares stories of creativity, visibility, Saved By the Bell aesthetics, brand-building in a sober-curious era, and that time she heroically saved an event from serving mojitos made with actual oil (yes, really) . Whether you love a zero-proof marg or just want better options at the bar, this convo is deliciously inspiring.
Takeaways:
Inclusion drives innovation. Cheeky was created after April repeatedly felt excluded in bar environments while not drinking—so she built mixers that work for everyone .
Cocktails = connection. For April, flavor, hospitality, and celebration matter more than alcohol content.
Constraints spark creativity. When COVID hit, she DIY’d her brand design in hours, then later refined it via agency work—scrappiness meets strategy.
Pop culture always shows up. Cheeky’s bright vibe? Think Saved by the Bell meets premium minimalism.
Taste everything first. Her wildest mishap? Discovering a kitchen had prepped oil instead of simple syrup at a major event—right before 400 guests were served. Hero status unlocked.
Key Timestamps:
[00:01:34] — Meet April Wachtel: founder, educator, and flavor-obsessed mixer magician
[00:04:27] — April’s entrepreneurial spark + early beverage industry days
[00:07:18] — Teaching 12,000+ students to craft balanced, beautiful drinks
[00:08:00] — Being sober/NA in bar culture + why inclusivity matters
[00:17:14] — The Cheeky brand aesthetic: color, culture, and DIY hustle
[00:22:00] — The 818 Tequila partnership + surprising professionalism
[00:27:08] — Cocktail catastrophes: the “oil mojito” close call
Resources & Links:
Cheeky Cocktails – https://cheekycocktails.co
Follow Cheeky on Instagram: @cheekycocktails
Alysse’s reference: BEATS WORKING podcast
Pop culture mentions: Saved by the Bell, Gucci “The Tiger” short film
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
Connect with Us:
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-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
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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.
SOBER EVENTS at The Sober Curator keeps you in the loop on alcohol-free gatherings happening nationwide. From sober comedy shows and non-alcoholic tastings to festivals, retreats, and sporting events, we highlight vibrant, community-driven experiences from coast to coast. Our goal? To keep you entertained, inspired, and connected—no matter where you live. Need more sober time than one event? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar.
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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.
