Breaking news from the land of lime wedges and mocktails—it’s TJI: serving the headlines straight up, no chaser.
Coming up: Depeche Mode detox diaries, a teen songwriter who makes Billie Eilish look like a Girl Scout, and enough sassy one-liners to get you through your next awkward family barbecue.
Brought to you by our fake sponsor of the week: Coffee & Resentments Co. — Brewing Bold Flavor since Step 4.
We’re serving up headlines, hot takes, and the energy of someone who’s already had three oat milk lattes.
🔥 Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines
1. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode’s Inspiring Journey to Sobriety Since 1996 – Sober Celebs
Nearly three decades sober, Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan has turned recovery into his ultimate encore. After surviving overdoses and chaos fit for a rock ‘n’ roll cautionary tale, Gahan is proof that sobriety is a stage worth staying on.
2. A Breath of Relief or a Puff of Disappointment? The Füm Essential Oil Aromatherapy Inhaler – #ADDTOCART Product Reviews
No nicotine, no chemicals—just peppermint, lavender, and vibes. Some people say it’s calming; others think it’s basically sniffing a spa gift shop. Either way, it keeps your hands busy without balancing a Diet Coke and lime.
3. Haunting and Impactful Lyrics from Jonas Conner, Only 15 Years Old – Music
Meet Jonas Conner, a 15-year-old with lyrics that read like they’ve been through three divorces and a custody battle. Emotional depth at that age? Let’s just say Billie Eilish better guard her diary.
4. A Curated List of 33 Sober Guests on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Podcasts
Think of it as the Marvel Cinematic Universe of recovery storytelling—minus the capes, plus all the therapy receipts. Thirty-three inspiring stories, zero hangovers.
5. 24 Sassy One-Liners to Use at Parties When You’re Privately Sober – Sober Unbuzzed Feed
Tired of answering why you’re not drinking? From “I’m allergic to DUIs” to “Because I already know what I’ll regret tomorrow,” these comebacks are guaranteed to help you exit conversations faster than Chad exits child support court.
🌟 Sober Sip Spotlight – Celebrity of the Week
Elle Macpherson has been living alcohol-free since 2003, celebrating over 20 years of sobriety as a turning point in her life. The supermodel calls sobriety her “springboard” into wellness, authenticity, and a radiant, hydrated goddess energy that no champagne flute could deliver. From rehab to AA, Macpherson embraced discipline, persistence, and self-discovery—emerging with a glow that’s proof recovery is the ultimate supermodel hack.
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.
📅 Top 5 Sober Events
- Sip & Paint Park Slope – NYC, Tuesday, July 19
Because everyone’s a Picasso after a sparkling water. - The Future of Alternative Beverages – Minneapolis/St. Paul, Thursday, August 21
Think Shark Tank, but for kombucha. Contributor Ashley Sunderland will be there. - Kickback & Kayak – Pittsburgh, Saturday, August 23
Because nothing says recovery like trying not to flip a kayak while yelling “YOLO.” - A Summer Charmed Kinda Life | DIY Charm Bracelets – Tacoma, Saturday, August 23
Founder Alysse Bryson will be there handing out merch and pretending she knows how to use pliers. - Happier Hour Zero Alcohol Launch – Omaha, Thursday, August 28
Finally, a happy hour where the only blackout is from bad lighting.
👉 Want more sober fun? Check out our full Events + Retreats Calendar packed with happenings across the country and around the world.
🎤 Closing Words
This is your sober scoop from TJI—kind of like E! News, but with more kombucha. Remember: sobriety isn’t boring—it’s badass. Keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it sober.
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.
Alysse Bryson, co-host Tamar Routly, and The Sober Curator crew dive into Apple TV+’s ”Your Friends & Neighbors” — a glossy, suburban caper that doubles as a case study in dopamine, status, secrets and the kind of “more, more, more” thinking recovery warns us about — through a sober pop-culture lens that’s equal parts smart, spicy and fun. This episode's contributors: Sarah Alaimo, Carolyn Bunn Lane Kennedy, Dr. Sarah Michaud and Megan Swan.
Takeaways:
-Addiction isn’t just substances—status, wealth, control, and adrenaline can be addictive too.
-Loss of job = loss of identity: the show nails how quickly “high-high-high” becomes the spiral down.
-Repressed anger and detachment fuel bad decisions (and some very expensive chaos).
-Dopamine-chasing shows up as bingeing—on shopping, sex, TV, and even risk.
-Beneath the glamour, real connection beats gold toilets and glass trophy shelves every time.
Key Timestamps:
[29:57] — Decompress & don’t overthink: Accept what was, then rest.
[01:10] — “Hangovers canceled, fun mandatory”—show intro & premise.
[02:23] — Why ”Your Friends & Neighbors?” The setup + panel roll call.
[12:36] — Wealth, identity, and the slippery slope after losing it all.
[21:57] — ”Big Little Lies” × ”Succession” vibes; addiction beyond booze.
[34:39] — Star ratings + lightning-round snacks & sober sips.
Resources & Links:
-The Sober Curator Review: ”Your Friends & Neighbors”
-Watch on Apple TV+: ”Your Friends & Neighbors”
–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
-X: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
Follow & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Plus, the first 50 reviews on Apple Podcasts can win a sleek, limited edition Sober Curator fanny pack!
Send Feedback:
If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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 intro and outro music for this episode is proudly featured with permission from Avatari. All rights reserved to the original creators. For more of their work, check out his website: https://www.avatariworld.com/music.
*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.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.
All the cool kids go to rehab…
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.
