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.
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
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Rate & Review
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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.
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.
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!
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.
