Laughter, Recovery, and Sober Shenanigans: Highlights from The Sober Curator’s June 24th weekly episode of THIS JUST IN. From tchotchke showdowns to sober cruises, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly deliver a dose of much-needed lightness and insight for the recovery community.
Introduction: Finding Light in Recovery
Sobriety is serious business—but, as Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly show in the latest episode of THIS JUST IN on The Sober Curator podcast, that doesn’t mean it has to be somber. With their trademark wit, a sprinkle of pettiness, and a heaping helping of heart, these two hosts invite listeners into a world where healing thrives on humor, connection, and, yes, even a healthy appreciation for fabulous tchotchkes.
This week, the duo serves a (non-alcoholic) cocktail of recovery gossip, sober event highlights, questionable yet lovable life choices, and a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best way to cope is with laughter.
Humor as Medicine: Running Toward Lightness
Right from the start, Alysse and Tamar acknowledge the heaviness of the world—the “heavy stuff, scary stuff” we all feel. Addiction, chaos or substances were once the escape route; now, the hosts run to jokes, memes, and playful showdowns. “We’re not ignoring what’s going on… We’re just trying to offer a little light when and where we can. If this makes your day even a fraction brighter, then, hey, we’re doing our jobs.”
Their approach is clear: offer solace and community through a blend of real talk and comic relief, because recovery doesn’t have to be dour.
Hot Topics: This Week’s Top Five Articles
In classic Sober Curator style, Alysse and Tamar countdown the week’s standout articles—a blend of insight, confession, and humor:
- Tchotchke Showdown: Two sober women clean their desks and turn it into content, battling for the title of “Inclusive Tchotchke Glory.” The prize? Bragging rights and a Sober Curator fanny pack—because, of course.
- “Seat 11A, The Addict That Walks Away”: A personal essay that hits home for many—think “Eat, Pray, Cry,” but at 30,000 feet, capturing the vulnerability and transformation often sparked in unexpected moments.
- Drunk on Stealing – Sticky Fingers, Shaky Self-Worth: Hannah Sward’s candid confessions about shoplifting reveal that sometimes, what’s stolen isn’t merchandise but pieces of our identity. Raw, hilarious, and ultimately healing.
- The “Let Them” Theory: Is “just let them” solid advice or avoidance wrapped in meme culture? The Sober Curator squad of contributors is in a hot debate, arguing that “let them” is not a theory. (Episode on that coming soon!) Dr. Sarah joins the conversation, bringing receipts and healthy skepticism to the conversation in her review on Leaving CrazyTown with Finn Allen.
- Serenity Prayer Alternatives: If the Serenity Prayer feels like “a voicemail from God you don’t want to check,” this classic post offers 10 new, spicy (and some soothing) mantras to support recovery.
This lively rundown showcases The Sober Curator crew’s commitment to exploring recovery from every angle—witty, wise, and always real.
Sober Celeb Spotlight: Lexi Love
Every episode needs a role model, and this week’s “Sober Celeb Spotlight” shines on Lexi Love. Described as “the radiant, unstoppable Lexi Love,” she embodies the fierceness and heart at the core of the recovery community. Sobriety, as the hosts remind us, can be “a Beyoncé halftime show with therapy”—vibrant, bold, and unapologetically authentic. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Check out our Sober Pride Gift Guide.
Conclusion: Stay Cute, Stay Sober
With warmth, levity, and an uncanny sense for what the recovery community craves, Alysse and Tamar close the show by inviting listeners back for more: “Getting sober is cute, but staying sober with us, that’s hot.” In a world that can feel overwhelming, The Sober Curator continues to be a bright, glittery, and deeply supportive space for anyone walking the path of recovery—one laugh, event invite, and questionable tchotchke at a time.
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
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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.
The Tchotchke Showdown brought to you by The Sober Curator | Alysse Bryson vs. Travis Sackett
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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.
