From Brad Pitt’s soulful sobriety to the healing chaos of The Bear, and a round-up of the week’s hottest alcohol-free events, here’s your recap of what’s trending in the soberverse.
Making Sobriety the Star: TJI’s Buzz-Free Headlines
The Sober Curator’s latest episode is a masterclass in what’s cool, clever, and downright exciting about living alcohol-free. Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, our dynamic co-host duo, kicked off Dry July with the kind of sharp wit and sparkling energy that makes sobriety look not just sensible—but truly enviable.
Forget tired mainstream gossip: TJI (That Just In) offers “TMZ but with no budget… and make it sober.” The fake sponsor this week? NarcCheese, the only charcuterie board that will call your sponsor for you. If you’re a fan of sparkling water, petty comebacks, and zero regrets, you’re in the right place.
Trending: Wellness Vapes, Brad Pitt, and the Return of The Bear
Sober doesn’t mean boring—especially with these headlines lighting up the recovery world:
1. Plant-Based Vapes:
Move over, mystery vapes. The episode highlights Ripple’s plant-based options, promising “herbal wellness realness” without weird side effects. Lavender and other botanical blends have people buzzing—in a good way—proving self-care can be both fun and functional. As the hosts quip, “Is it wellness or witchcraft? Either way, your lungs just booked a yoga retreat.”
2. Brad Pitt Opening Up:
Next up, Brad Pitt’s raw and honest interview on Armchair Expert makes the headlines. Hearing Hollywood’s golden boy bare his soul about sobriety reminds listeners that recovery heroes are everywhere, even on red carpets. The Sober Curator expanded its “Sober All Stars” guest list—think of it as “the Avengers of recovery.” If sober Tinder existed, the Curator would be right-swiping on all of them.
3. + 4. + 5. The Bear Roars Again:
Forget kitchen chaos; FX’s sleeper hit The Bear dives deep into codependency, grief, and family drama—with a side of gourmet anxiety. Ann Marie brings in a classic Anthony Bourdain line, reminding us, “your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park.” Season three ups the ante, serving generational trauma and cliffhangers that leave viewers “screaming into [our] aprons.” The Bear delivers healing alongside dysfunction—and proves emotional messiness can be strangely cathartic.
Read our reviews for: SEASON ONE, SEASON TWO, and SEASON THREE.
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:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
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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 Sip Celebrity Spotlight: Eminem ‘Recovery’ Album Hits 15 Years
In the week’s “Sober Sip Spotlight,” Eminem (a.k.a. Slim Shady) celebrates a remarkable 15 years in recovery by dropping a special capsule collection. The shout-out is as much for his resilience as for the anniversary merch—“15 years and still not afraid.” As fans of both recovery and rap, The Sober Curator crew is ready to hand him a “Sober Curator Sobees Award.” Even if you’re not into hip-hop, it’s impossible not to respect the milestone.
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.
Why Sober Matters: The Sober Curator’s Final Cheers
As Alysse wraps, she reminds us: “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.” The Sober Curator isn’t just about reading headlines—it’s about making sobriety sustainable, supportive, and—most of all—FUN. Whether you’re celebrating 15 years or 15 days, this vibrant community is here to help you “keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it sober.”
Wishing you a safe and sober Fourth of July—cheers, alcohol-free style!
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MUSIC – PLAY IT AGAIN! Eminem’s Mom’s Spaghetti: A Detroit Delight
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.
