This episode of The Sober Curator features Michael Toscano — a Brooklyn-based hospitality pro whose journey from world-class bartender to sober advocate and Pathfinder’s East Coast Regional Director will get you thinking differently about zero-proof cocktails and life after alcohol. Host Alysse Bryson and contributor Alex Nyman join Michael to swap stories on the future of NA drinks, his path to sobriety (and why it takes real work), and practical tips for making sober spaces feel just as inviting as their boozy counterparts. Plus, Michael gets candid about his career, his love story with wife Brooke from Brooklyn, and how authentic connections are at the heart of hospitality — sober or not. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] – Michael on NA drinks evolution: “Death to the juice box” 

[01:21] – Introducing The Sober Curator Crew & today’s guest 

[04:44] – Pivotal moments post-sobriety: it’s about more than not drinking 

[07:20] – From Woodford Reserve to Pathfinder: how Michael made the leap 

[11:31] – Break Free NY Fashion Week, finding sober community 

[15:57] – Why Michael keeps loving Pathfinder (& a story about reaching fellow bartenders) 

[18:53] – Is NA/low-ABV going mainstream? Trends, predictions, and “zebra striping” 

[24:35] – Meet-cute: Michael & Brooke’s origin story 

[29:18] – Creating one of Esquire’s Top 25 Martinis, & a sober version concept 

[31:01] – Pathfinder’s new ready-to-drink Negroni (and NA product innovation) 

[33:38] – Sober Shots rapid-fire: comfort shows, favorite NA brands, perfect night in Brooklyn 

[37:03] – Dreaming up a Sober Curator signature mocktail 

[39:05] – Where to find Michael & Pathfinder 

Resources & Links: 

-Michael Toscano: LinkedIn and Instagram 

-Pathfinder 

-Meet the Contributors 

-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 [email protected]. 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.