“I literally felt like my cells were rearranging themselves because now I was complete.”
Margy Schaller
What happens when people stop hiding their sobriety — and start celebrating it out loud? For Margy Schaller, that shift felt like a physical transformation. After 18 years of sobriety lived mostly in silence, she finally came out publicly — and found freedom through Sober Life Rocks, the community she co-founded with Laura Nelson.
Together, they’re now leading something bigger: Amplify Sober Voices, a conference debuting at Podfest 2026 designed to unite sober creators, coaches, writers, and leaders from every corner of the alcohol-free world.
The mission? Simple but powerful: to turn isolation into inspiration.
From Silence to Spotlight
As Margy shares in the episode, “I wasn’t lying — but I wasn’t telling my whole truth.” For decades, stigma kept her quiet. Today, she’s helping others find their voice sooner. The Amplify conference isn’t just an event; it’s an antidote to loneliness — the kind that often lingers even after recovery.
Laura Nelson adds, “We’re creating a space where you’re not the only one in the room not drinking — you’re one of many.”
Collaboration Over Competition
Fellow guest Shane Ramer, host of That Sober Guy, reminds listeners that “time is irrelevant in recovery.” Whether someone’s been sober for 60 days or 20 years, every voice matters. That spirit of inclusivity fuels the conference’s mastermind-style sessions — where attendees swap stories, insights, and even mistakes to lift each other higher.
The Ripple Effect
For Alysse Bryson, founder of The Sober Curator and this episode’s host, collaboration has always been the heartbeat of sober culture. “We’re not gatekeeping sobriety,” she jokes. “We’re curating it — together.”
With contributors, podcasters, and creators across the world, Bryson’s work proves that recovery and creativity can coexist — and thrive. The Amplify event takes that idea off-screen and into real life.
A Movement in Motion
As Tamar Routly, co-host and podcast producer of The Sober Curator podcast, points out, “Call it sober, alcohol-free, mindful drinking — I don’t care. What matters is community.” And that’s exactly what Amplify Sober Voices is building: a movement of authenticity, joy, and belonging.
When hundreds of sober creators gather in Orlando this January, it won’t just be a conference — it’ll be a declaration. Sobriety isn’t quiet anymore.
“It’s not the end of the party,” Alysse says with a grin. “It’s just the start of a better one.”
🎧 Listen to Episode 38 now on The Sober Curator Podcast, and learn more about the Amplify Sober Voices Conference at Podfest 2026.
JUST ANNOUNCED 11/19/25: A Very Special Guest Is Joining AMPLIFY… and You’re Going to Want to Be in the Room – Annie Grace
Annie Grace, bestselling author and creator of This Naked Mind, is making a special appearance at AMPLIFY Sober Voices.
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.
It’s been 30 years since Trainspotting splashed into our lives with all the grit, grime, dark humor, and cultural punch that made it an instant classic. In this episode, Alysse, Tamar, and Sober Curator contributor Tony Harte take a wild, witty, and brutally honest deep dive into the most iconic addiction film ever made. From the infamous baby scene to the “Choose Life” manifesto to the worst toilet in Scotland, we unpack why Trainspotting still hits differently—especially when you watch it sober. Buckle up: this is pop culture autopsy meets sober storytelling at its finest.
Takeaways:
Trainspotting remains one of the most accurate depictions of addiction—messy, funny, tragic, and painfully human.
Irvine Welsh’s books are even darker than the film (yes, it’s possible).
Renton’s detox sequence is still one of the most iconic portrayals of withdrawal on screen.
The film’s religious symbolism is subtle but rich—from “Mother Superior” to the baptism-like toilet dive.
The soundtrack (Iggy Pop! Lou Reed! Underworld!) is a cultural time capsule of 90s grit and rebellion.
Key Timestamps:
[00:02:00] — Meet Tony Harte and his legendary Trainspotting bucket hat
[00:03:00] — Why no one watches Trainspotting sober and feels nothing
[00:07:00] — Ewan McGregor on-set: very much not sober
[00:14:00] — The brutal reality of Tommy’s storyline
[00:17:00] — The baby scene: the rawest depiction of addiction’s cost
[00:23:00] — Fun fact: Trainspotting won Seattle’s Golden Space Needle Award
[00:28:00] — Hidden religious symbolism throughout the film
Resources & Links:
Tony Harte — Sober Curator Contributor & Stoic Sobriety writer
Trainspotting book review on The Sober Curator (by Tony)
–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
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-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
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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.
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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.
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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.
