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
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
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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:
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Rate & Review
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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.
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.
