“I didn’t know I wanted to write this.”
Niesha Davis
That’s how Niesha Davis describes the beginning of her journey with The Sober Curious Activity Book—and it’s exactly why her story resonates.
Sober curiosity doesn’t arrive with sirens or ultimatums. Sometimes it shows up as bloating. Anxiety. Bad sleep. A quiet sense that something’s off. For Niesha, those whispers were impossible to ignore. Her body was asking questions long before she had language for the answers.
In a culture that glorifies extremes—rock bottom or nothing—sober curiosity offers a third path. One rooted in noticing. Reflecting. Getting honest without making lifelong declarations.
What makes Niesha’s approach refreshing is its creativity. Journaling, drawing, tactile play—these aren’t distractions from healing; they’re gateways into it. Where alcohol once blurred discomfort, creativity now gives it shape. Color. Context.
There’s also courage in her honesty about grief. Letting go of alcohol can feel like letting go of youth, identity, or social currency. That mourning period? It’s real. But so is the relief on the other side—where presence replaces performance and connection deepens without a buzz.
Neisha reminds us that sober curiosity isn’t about perfection. It’s personal. Some people love non-alcoholic drinks. Some don’t. The win isn’t what’s in your glass—it’s that you chose it consciously.
And perhaps the most powerful truth of all: you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Curiosity is enough. Listening is enough. Starting where you are is enough.
If you’ve ever wondered what life might feel like with a little less numbing and a little more noticing, this conversation is your invitation.
???? Listen to the full episode of The Sober Curator Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
????TSC Podcast on Apple Podcasts
????TSC Podcast on Spotify Podcasts – ????WATCH THE SHOW! ????
???? TSC Podcast on YouTube – ????WATCH THE SHOW! ????
????TSC Podcast on Amazon Music
????TSC Podcast on iHeart Radio
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
Why do so many films glorify binge drinking?
In this episode, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly dive into how media impacts our perceptions of alcohol, aided by insights from Professor Ted Mandell. They explore how movies and TV shows depict alcohol consumption, often glamorizing binge drinking while ignoring the dangers. With a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and hope, the discussion uncovers the powerful but sometimes harmful narratives ingrained in our culture.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Films often portray binge drinking as glamorous and without consequence.
Media can influence and normalize unhealthy drinking habits.
Cultural and media narratives surrounding alcohol are often unrealistic.
Season 2 Merch
– We've got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
SC Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
– We've got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
– This episode was also brought to you by Aura House, Save 10% by using code: TSC10 and #ADDTOCART using link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-The Sober Sip newsletter: https://www.thesobercuratornewsletter.com/
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
– Pinterest: @thesobercurator
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sober-curator-inc
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesobercurator
Rate & Review
If this episode made you laugh, cringe in the best way, or text a clip to your best sober friend — leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Like, comment, and subscribe here on YouTube. It costs you nothing and takes only 60 seconds of your time, genuinely helping more people find this show.
Send Feedback:
Have a story, a guest recommendation, or just want to say hi? Email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. We actually read every single one.
About the Show: Sobriety isn't the end of the party — it's just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (media executive, 20 years sober, sobriety's ultimate hype woman) and co-host + producer Tamar Routly, 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 — you're in the right place. Subscribe now. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. Some topics may be sensitive for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. 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. 🎧 Submit a Podcast for Review: Recovery Podcastland coverage and reviews. Shows that earn their place in our audience’s queue. Submit your podcast →
Where recovery stories find their voice.
You’ve got ideas. Stories. Opinions. A perspective shaped by lived experience, recovery, and a deep understanding that the world needs more honest conversations. And yet, the podcast is still just an idea sitting in your Notes app.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
We are holding space for people who have been dreaming about launching their own podcast but don’t know where to begin or how to do it without burning out, overspending, or losing momentum halfway through episode three. LEARN MORE HERE.
SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
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.
