Sober living isn’t just about leaving substances behind—it’s about discovering a new richness in life, embracing humor, connection, and even the messiness of true emotion. In episode 15 of the Sober Curator Podcast, hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly sit down with author and advocate Travis Sackett to explore what happens after we put the bottle down, how we heal from life’s painful curveballs, and why community matters more than ever.
Travis Sackett brings more than a decade of sobriety, a published memoir (“My Life with Karma”), and brutally honest insights into the conversation. His journey is marked by transformation, including moving from a very public, stigmatizing criminal case to becoming a harm reduction specialist, public speaker, and, most importantly, a present father and partner.
Travis stands out by his willingness to redefine how people see “addicts”—not as cautionary tales, but as people capable of profound change and advocacy. He speaks openly about how writing his story became an act of regaining his voice when the media and court system had taken it away.
When Loss Hits Hard: Grieving Our Four-Legged Family
A core theme in Travis’s story—and this episode—is the profound loss he felt when Karma, his beloved rescue dog and anchor throughout early recovery, passed away. Both Alysse and Travis share the deep, unique grief that comes with losing a pet, especially after experiencing the clarity and vulnerability sobriety brings.
Travis doesn’t shy away from describing his heartbreak and how critical it was to process this kind of pain without returning to old habits. As he puts it: “If you can feel that kind of pain, it shows you how much love you’re capable of giving and having—one can’t exist without the other.”
This raw honesty resonates with many listeners and highlights a key point: Recovery gives us a depth of feeling, both beautiful and hard, and learning to move through grief is a skill that should be honored rather than hidden.
Humor, Music, and the Joys of Sober Life
The episode isn’t all heavy, though. From hilarious stories about yard gnome mischief to recounting personal theme songs (think Dave Matthews Band, Celine Dion, and Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”), the hosts and Travis celebrate sober culture’s quirky and joyful sides.
These moments of levity aren’t just filler—they’re proof that sobriety doesn’t end fun. Whether sharing awkward fan-girl moments outside Dave Matthews’ house or swapping tattoo stories, humor becomes an essential coping skill and a testament to the richness of sober living.
Another central theme from this episode centers around the power of vulnerability, especially for men in recovery. Travis urges others, “Machismo kept me stuck. Vulnerability is a natural part of what we are… We need that connection to thrive.” His story is a clarion call to anyone (regardless of gender) who feels pressure to keep hard feelings to themselves, reminding us that true strength lies in connection and honesty, not self-reliance or isolation.
Building a Community—One Story at a Time
The hosts and Travis highlight the importance of sharing stories in recovery. Whether it’s through publishing a memoir, connecting over a shared love of dogs and tattoos, or just showing up for others in an online sober community, these moments of connection are how stigma is smashed and hope is seeded.
As Alysse puts it, “People reading other people’s stories, hearing other people’s stories, and feeling that connection—that is what binds this community together.”
Ready for more real talk and curated recovery magic? Check out new episodes and resources at The Sober Curator. And remember, as Alysse says with a wink, “We’re way more fun than your ex’s drunk texts.”
#QUITLIT BOOK REVIEW: My Life with Karma by Travis Sackett
Listen to Episode 15 Now!
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.
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins. The Sober Curator Podcast, hosted by Alysse Bryson and featuring the many voices of Sober Curator Contributors, proves that ditching booze doesn’t mean ditching fun, pop culture, or your social life.
Each episode serves up bold conversations, celeb interviews, zero-proof cocktail inspiration, and pop culture deep dives—all with laughs, honesty, and zero preachy vibes. Whether you’re sober or sober-curious, you’ll find insider tips, real-life stories, and endless reasons to love the alcohol-free life. Pull up a seat—this party’s just getting started!
Recovery is hard 24/7, 365 – Please know that 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. If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
