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.
What happens when sobriety finally clicks — not just in the body, but in the soul? In this powerful episode, Alysse Bryson sits down with recovery advocate and community leader Jonathan Gildart to talk about incarceration, identity, and finding true belonging in LGBTQ+ recovery spaces. With over 11 years of continuous sobriety, Jonathan shares how service, accountability, and queer community didn’t just help him stay sober — they helped him build a life worth staying for.
Key Takeaways
Why sobriety without community often isn’t enough
How LGBTQ+ recovery spaces create safety, accountability, and joy
The myth of “I don’t have a drinking problem” — and how it unravels
Why service is one of the most powerful relapse-prevention tools
How recovery housing builds responsibility, dignity, and connection
Key Timestamps
[01:26] Meet Jonathan Gildart & his sober origin story
[03:00] Incarceration as the unexpected turning point
[05:10] “I thought I could just drink” — relapse myths
[08:00] Acceptance, identity, and the search for belonging
[12:00] Recovery housing & rebuilding adult life skills
[15:00] Service, leadership, and the Gay & Sober Conference
Notable Resources & Mentions
Oxford House recovery housing
Gay & Sober Conference – “The Year of Love” (2026)
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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, The Sober Curator Podcast delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
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.
