Your favorite sober scoop is back! THIS JUST IN (TJI), hosted by The Sober Curator’s Alysse Bryson and Tamar “T-Boog” Medford, is the weekly mini-broadcast bringing you the latest in recovery culture, sober entertainment, and clean-living events. Think of it as TMZ’s cooler, calmer cousin—hydrated, hangover-free, and hilarious.
???? Segment 1: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines
1. 25 Reasons Not to Miss the 2025 A.A. International Convention
The streets of Vancouver were filled with over 40,000 sober folks in coral t-shirts trading buttons, flair, and inspiration. This wasn’t just an A.A. convention—it was a massive, joy-filled celebration of recovery that turned the city into a sober wonderland. From riveting speakers to once-in-a-lifetime meetups, this event had the energy of a sober Coachella and the heart of the recovery community.
2. Witty and Sarcastic Comebacks for When People Ask Why We’re Not Drinking
Awkward party questions, meet your match. This list of comebacks turns nosy questions into comedic gold. Whether you’re dodging pressure at brunch or navigating family BBQs, these zingers are pocket-sized power moves. From “I already made all my bad decisions in 2012” to “I don’t need booze to be interesting,” these one-liners are perfect for print, embroidery, or mental ammo.
3. Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew: Where Are They Now?
Take a trip down memory lane with VH1’s Celebrity Rehab, where reality TV collided with recovery. This article dishes out updates on who got sober, who relapsed, and who found a second act in sobriety. Equal parts cautionary tale and recovery inspiration, it’s a juicy retrospective for anyone who ever binge-watched group therapy on cable.
4. The 50+ Best TV Shows Featuring Addiction + Recovery
This binge-watch list is a must for anyone who wants their streaming queue to reflect real-life recovery. These shows go beyond stereotypes, offering nuanced takes on addiction and sobriety without the after-school special tone. Whether you’re looking for gritty drama or heartfelt comedy, this curated guide has something that’ll hit home.
5. Sober Retreats Calendar: Pack Your Baggage and Go Somewhere Cool
Ready to heal in style? From mountain meadows to beachside breathwork, this calendar highlights retreats that blend reflection, recovery, and real connection. Whether it’s goat yoga, guided journaling, or group cry sessions under the stars, there’s a sober getaway waiting with your name on it. Pack your bags—and your emotional support hoodie.
???? Segment 2: Sober Sip Spotlight – Celebrity of the Week
AJ McLean – Backstreet’s Back…Sober & Thriving
AJ McLean, best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys, is over two years sober and sharing his journey with refreshing honesty. After multiple stints in rehab, he’s found stability through the 12-step lifestyle and remains an active member of the recovery community. His glow-up is real—proof that you can hit high notes in sobriety and in life. AJ credits this phase of his life as his strongest yet, both personally and professionally.
???? Until Next Time…
That’s a wrap on this week’s THIS JUST IN — your sassy, spirited, and sober-safe update from The Sober Curator. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more. Stay tuned each week for more pop culture, recovery laughs, and must-know events, all delivered with a wink and a whole lot of electrolytes.
Keep it real. Keep it fun. Keep it sober.
SOBER RETREATS: with Senior Travel Sober Curator Contributor Teresa Bergen is your go-to space for alcohol-free travel tips, insider guides, and honest reviews from a sober perspective. Teresa blends her passions—animals, wildlife conservation, sustainability, geography, culture, outdoor adventure, and yoga—into enriching travel stories that inspire mindful exploration. From kayaking and hiking to visiting historic cemeteries and sacred spaces, she uncovers the beauty where history, art, and spirituality meet.
🏝️ Submit a Sober Retreat Recovery-focused, wellness, spiritual, creative, and adventure retreats. Listings start free. Featured and Sponsored placements available for retreats that want full editorial coverage. Submit your retreat →
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.
