Alysse sits down with Justin Gurland, founder and CEO of The Maze, a brand-new, alcohol-free members club opening in New York City’s Flatiron district — think elevated design, IRL connection, and zero-proof vibes for people in recovery and the huge sober-curious crowd who are done pretending their seltzer is vodka. Justin shares the very New York origin story (he got to rehab on Super Bowl Sunday, the Giants miraculously won, and that tiny moment of hope kept him going), how his sister helped save his life at 25, why social work was beautiful but brutal, and how he followed the nudge to create a space where people can actually belong. This is sobriety in technicolor, not black-and-white. 

Takeaways: 

• Sobriety doesn’t end the party — it widens the guest list and changes the venue. 

• One tiny “against all odds” win (like the Giants beating the undefeated Patriots) can become your proof that things can turn around. 

• The sober/sober-curious crowd in 2025 is way bigger than just people in formal recovery — and they need community, too. 

• The Maze is purpose-built for IRL connection: Flatiron, Tues–Sun B/L/D, lounge, speakeasy, private events. 

• Healing isn’t just “remove alcohol”; it’s “add things that fill your cup” — people, beauty, music, service. 

Key Timestamps: 

[00:02:00] Meet Justin: 17 years sober, social worker, now building an AF members club in NYC. 

[00:06:00] Golden 25th → detox → sister intervention that saved his life. 

[00:08:00] Super Bowl Sunday in rehab: the Giants win and he chooses hope. 

[00:17:00] The Maze concept: for people tired of standing in bars holding fake drinks. 

[00:18:00] Location & hours: 24th between 5th & 6th, closed Mondays, B/L/D Tues–Sun. 

[00:25:00] Why design & vibe matter in sober spaces (it can’t feel clinical). 

Resources & Links: 

Website URL: themazenyc.com 
Instagram URL: @themazenyc 
LinkedIn URL: @themazenyc 

-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 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.   

In this powerhouse episode, host Alysse Bryson gathers some of the brightest voices in the sober creator space — Margy Schaller and Laura Nelson from Sober Life Rocks, Shane Ramer of That Sober Guy, and Tamar Routly — to talk about amplifying sober voices and creating authentic community. From owning your story to curating safe, stigma-free spaces for connection, this conversation dives deep into what it means to recover out loud, collaborate without ego, and celebrate every stage of the sober journey. Plus, a look ahead to the Amplify Sober Voices Conference at Podfest, January 2026 — where creators, coaches, and community leaders will gather to lift each other up (and maybe dance a little while doing it). 

Takeaways: 

• Community is the new recovery currency. Collaboration, not competition, drives the modern sober movement. 

• Time is irrelevant in sobriety. Every story — from 60 days to 20 years — brings value and perspective. 

• Owning your story is freedom. When you recover out loud, you give others permission to do the same. 

• Sober doesn’t mean serious. Conferences, connections, and creativity can be fun — and still deeply healing. 

• Amplify the ripple effect. When sober creators unite, their stories create waves of change far beyond social media. 

Key Timestamps: 

[00:00] Margy’s 18-year journey and coming out as sober 

[03:00] Shane on why time doesn’t define your value in recovery 

[06:00] Building Amplify Sober Voices and why the space matters 

[15:30] Making networking sober-friendly — and fun 

[22:00] Collaboration over competition in the sober space 

[26:00] How Amplify Sober Voices at Podfest 2026 is changing the game 

Resources & Links: 

Learn More About Amplify Sober Voices Conference 

Margy Schaller & Laura Nelson -  Sober Life Rocks  

Shane Ramer — That Sober Guy Podcast 

-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 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.   

The Real Margaret Josephs and her bestie Lexi Barbuto bring the Housewives sparkle to The Sober Curator Podcast. Together with Alysse Bryson and her squad, they unpack the inspiration behind Soirée—a sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage brand born from glam, inclusivity, and celebration. From Palm Springs photo shoots, inking brand deals with Ceasars Palace, and BravoCon buzz to real talk on confidence, sobriety, and female empowerment, this episode is a toast to living fully, fashionably, and alcohol-free. 

Takeaways 

• Luxury, not limitation: Soirée flips the script—sobriety isn’t missing something; it’s elevating it. 

• Community is the new cocktail: Confidence, friendship, and glam are the ingredients of a modern party. 

• Design matters: Fashion roots shaped Soirée’s vintage-glam aesthetic and sensory experience. 

• Empowering young women: Margaret and Lexi aim to inspire confidence and safety on college campuses. 

• Vegas, baby: Soirée debuts at Caesar’s Palace during BravoCon—proof that non-alcoholic doesn’t mean non-fun. 

Key Timestamps 

• [00:03:41] Margaret shares how her relationship with alcohol inspired Soirée. 

• [00:07:00] The Palm Springs “Slim Aarons” photoshoot magic. 

• [00:10:13] Flipping the mocktail narrative—why “nothing is missing.” 

• [00:18:00] New flavor drop: Café Spritz for Dry January ☕ 

• [00:23:00] Building confidence for young women and redefining college culture. 

• [00:35:00] Soirée joins Caesar’s in Vegas just in time for BravoCon. 

• [00:47:30] Margaret’s self-care confession: Heath Bar Blizzards + binge-watching. 

Guest Links 

• Soirée Official Site: www.drinksoiree.com 

• Instagram: @drinksoiree 

• Margaret Josephs: @therealmargaretjosephs 

• Lexi Barbuto: @lifeofmrsb 

CTA 

Tag your glam squad and show us how you Soirée. 💃 
🎧 Listen wherever you get your pods, and let’s make mocktails mainstream. 

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.   

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 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.   

Writer and longtime sober creative Wendy Correa joins Alysse to talk about getting welcomed to her first AA meeting by Ringo Starr, getting sober in 1987, LA music-industry years (Geffen, Joni sightings), the Aspen KSPN radio leap that led to assisting Hunter S. Thompson, and the healing practices behind her forthcoming memoir "My Pretty Baby." 

Takeaways: 

• “If Ringo Starr can get sober, so can I” — the spark that made recovery feel possible.   

• Sobriety date tracks back to the first-ever SXSW; day one of 38 years and counting.   

• Industry years were thrilling and tough — glass ceilings and #MeToo realities before the hashtag.   

• A late-night KSPN audition unlocked radio dreams and a Hunter S. Thompson chapter.   

• Healing is layered: Buddhism, AA, Nicotine Anonymous, therapy, EMDR/IMTT, somatic practices and chosen family.   

Key Timestamps: 

[00:00] “Hello, I’m Richard” — Ringo greets Wendy at her first AA meeting.   

[02:00] Alysse’s intro: 1987 sobriety, LA music scene, Aspen radio, Denver life and "My Pretty Baby."   

[21:00] The DUI story that forced change — and a court-ordered path to meetings.   

[30:00] “If I’m supposed to move to Aspen, I want a DJ job” — and she gets it.   

[34:00] The 4 a.m. request line: playing Warren Zevon for Hunter S. Thompson.   

[40:00] EMDR/IMTT and taking the “zing” out of trauma triggers.   

Resources & Links: 

-Wendy Correa: Website, Instagram, Facebook 

-Book: My Pretty Baby 

-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 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.   

In this Halloween-adjacent, tinfoil-hat episode of Hot Takes, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly go all in on the internet’s latest obsession: the mysterious third interstellar visitor dubbed 3I Atlas — and why it’s got TikTok convinced the aliens/UAPs/possibly-not-friendly-space-neighbors are here. They unpack what we actually know, why the NASA site went dark during the U.S. government shutdown at the exact wrong time, and — most importantly — whether sober people will use “the aliens are coming” as an excuse to drink. Spoiler: if you want to leave Earth with a clear head, this one’s for you. The throughline? We don’t control space, we barely understand the ocean, and yet we still get to choose sobriety today. “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.”  

Takeaways 

• “UFOs” are so 1997 — it’s UAPs now (unidentified anomalous phenomena), because of course it is.  

• A third interstellar object — 3I Atlas — was detected in July 2025, its path looks intentional, and it even “blinked out” for 19 seconds, fueling conspiracy culture.  

• Online footage is getting harder to trust thanks to AI, edits, and government sites conveniently going down — digital discernment is now a sober skill.  

• Anxiety about the unknown used to drive many of us to drink; now we choose clarity over chaos. Cosmic dread ≠ relapse trigger.  

• Bottom line: the universe is huge, we’re the ants, and we still only have today — so stay sober, stay playful, stay curious.  

Key Timestamps 

• [00:00] Tinfoil-hat cold open: “Jesus, take the wheel” and why this episode is literally hot under the masks.  

• [02:30] What 3I Atlas allegedly is, why it matters, and why TikTok ran with it.  

• [04:30] NASA site down during the U.S. shutdown — coincidence or cover-your-UAP?  

• [05:30] Would you drink if aliens landed? Choosing to “die clearheaded.”  

• [08:30] Oceans, fallen angels, and “maybe space is actually underwater?” theories.  

• [11:30] Final sober mic drop: “Today I’m sober and you’re sober.”  

Notable Resources or Guest Links 

• Watch this episode on YouTube for the full UAP costume chaos 

• Follow Alysse on The Sober Curator for more sober-pop-culture deep dives 

• Suggested sober homework: search “3I Atlas” on TikTok/YouTube but fact-check everything first 

CTA 👉 Love weird news + sober takes? Share this episode with a friend who doom scrolls. 

(Boilerplate — do not edit) Connect with Us: -Website: www.thesobercurator.com -Facebook: @The Sober Curator -Instagram: @thesobercurator -X: @thesobercurator -YouTube: @thesobercurator -Pinterest: @thesobercurator 

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. 

Therapist, author and media pro Kelley Kitley joins Alysse to unpack “gray area” drinking, stigma around labels and what long-term recovery really feels like — including a visceral craving moment and the simple, honest tools that kept her sober. They also dig into cross-addictions, perimenopause curveballs, parenting teens and how sharing your story (even when it’s messy) can change lives.   

Takeaways: 

• “Gray area” drinking thrives on qualifiers; clarity reduces stigma and increases connection.   

• Cravings can resurface years in — play the tape forward and “tell on yourself” to your sober network. 

• Sharing your story can be a professional risk — and a lifeline for others (and you).   

• Language and identity (“alcohol-free,” “sober,” “alcoholic”) often depend on social circles; choose what supports your recovery.   

• Perimenopause symptoms can echo old patterns; stack healthy coping tools early.   

Key Timestamps: 

[02:01] — Alysse’s Chicago intro + Kelley’s “grew up above a bar” backstory.   

[06:00] — Media hustle: pitching herself, "Today Show" bump and making impact.   

[09:08] — Making her mess her message: therapist transparency & the book.   

[18:32] — A real-time craving in a hotel — and the group text that saved the day.   

[34:23] — Labels, stigma and the “gray area” short film.   

[27:26] — Perimenopause, rage, sleep and staying out of old habits.   

Resources & Links: 

-Kelley Kitley: ⁠Website⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ 

-Book: ⁠"MY self: An autobiography of survival"⁠ 

-TEDx: ⁠"I show my scars so others know they can heal"⁠ 

-⁠The Kelley Kitley Podcast: America's Social Worker Unfiltered⁠ 

-YouTube: ⁠"Gray Area"⁠ 

-⁠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 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.   

Therapist, author and media pro Kelley Kitley joins Alysse to unpack “gray area” drinking, stigma around labels and what long-term recovery really feels like — including a visceral craving moment and the simple, honest tools that kept her sober. They also dig into cross-addictions, perimenopause curveballs, parenting teens and how sharing your story (even when it’s messy) can change lives.   

Takeaways: 

• “Gray area” drinking thrives on qualifiers; clarity reduces stigma and increases connection.   

• Cravings can resurface years in — play the tape forward and “tell on yourself” to your sober network. 

• Sharing your story can be a professional risk — and a lifeline for others (and you).   

• Language and identity (“alcohol-free,” “sober,” “alcoholic”) often depend on social circles; choose what supports your recovery.   

• Perimenopause symptoms can echo old patterns; stack healthy coping tools early.   

Key Timestamps: 

[02:01] — Alysse’s Chicago intro + Kelley’s “grew up above a bar” backstory.   

[06:00] — Media hustle: pitching herself, "Today Show" bump and making impact.   

[09:08] — Making her mess her message: therapist transparency & the book.   

[18:32] — A real-time craving in a hotel — and the group text that saved the day.   

[34:23] — Labels, stigma and the “gray area” short film.   

[27:26] — Perimenopause, rage, sleep and staying out of old habits.   

Resources & Links: 

-Kelley Kitley: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

-Book: "MY self: An autobiography of survival" 

-TEDx: "I show my scars so others know they can heal" 

-The Kelley Kitley Podcast: America's Social Worker Unfiltered 

-YouTube: "Gray Area" 

-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.   

In this laugh-out-loud edition of Hot Takes, Alysse Bryson, Lane Kennedy, and Tamar Routly tackle the ultimate sober pop-culture curveball: a New Zealand company launching “alcohol-free wine” for pets. From “Pinot Meow” wordplay to capitalism’s cuteness complex, the trio debates whether sobriety has gone too far—or just gone mainstream. Expect irreverent humor, quick-witted banter, and a reminder that the sober movement is officially everywhere… even in your dog’s water bowl. 

Takeaways: 

• Pet-friendly “non-alcoholic wine” is a real (and weird) thing. 

• The sober movement is booming—and marketers are cashing in. 

• Capitalism meets cuteness in the new sober-product craze. 

• Sometimes sobriety needs a sense of humor to stay grounded. 

• • Staying sober matters—but laughing about it matters, too. 

  Key Timestamps: 

   00:00 Sobriety has gone to the dogs – literally. 

   04:00 Pet wine, Prozac for dogs, and the marketing of “calm.” 

   06:00 Gluten-free lip gloss? Alysse draws the line. 

   09:00 Lane’s pet stroller confession (and public scandal). 

   12:00 Can recovery culture jump the shark? 

   15:00 Final take: Sobriety is officially cool—maybe too cool. 

  Notable Mentions: 

  • “Mutley” Alcohol-Free Pet Wine (New Zealand) 

  • Liquid Death – the sober cool-kid water brand 

  • The Sober Curator’s “Happy Every Hour” segment 

  CTA: 

  Subscribe, leave a review, and send us your favorite weird sober news stories at ⁠[email protected]⁠. 

  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 limited-edition Sober Curator fanny pack! 

  Send Feedback: 

   Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ — we’d love to hear your stories or see your weirdest sober finds. 

  Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more. 

In this laugh-out-loud edition of Hot Takes, Alysse Bryson, Lane Kennedy, and Tamar Routly tackle the ultimate sober pop-culture curveball: a New Zealand company launching “alcohol-free wine” for pets. From “Pinot Meow” wordplay to capitalism’s cuteness complex, the trio debates whether sobriety has gone too far—or just gone mainstream. Expect irreverent humor, quick-witted banter, and a reminder that the sober movement is officially everywhere… even in your dog’s water bowl. 

Takeaways: 

• Pet-friendly “non-alcoholic wine” is a real (and weird) thing. 

• The sober movement is booming—and marketers are cashing in. 

• Capitalism meets cuteness in the new sober-product craze. 

• Sometimes sobriety needs a sense of humor to stay grounded. 

Sugar cravings in early sobriety are real — and sometimes they look like a pint of cookie-dough chaos. Alysse, producer T-Boog (Tamar), and Curators Megan Swan and Amy Liz Harrison dish on the nostalgic pull of ice cream, why alcohol can act like “liquid dessert” and how to find a saner sweet spot without losing the fun. From church-basement trail mix to daiquiri ice cult followings, this one’s a heaping scoop of honesty with sprinkles of pop culture.   

Takeaways: 

• Alcohol often functions like “liquid dessert,” so sugar cravings can spike when you quit.  

• Nostalgia foods (hello, ice cream truck!) can be grounding — and also a slippery slope.  

• Early recovery grace is legit; long-term, aim for awareness over all-or-nothing.  

• Rituals help: go out for a scoop (limited portion) vs. keeping a pint at home.  

• Share the dessert (sometimes) and share the joy (always).  

Key Timestamps: 

[01:41] Welcome to The Sober Scoop — sprinkles, sass and sober fun  

[04:06] Meet today’s crew: Megan Swan & Amy Liz Harrison  

[06:13] “Liquid dessert”: why sugar cravings erupt in early sobriety  

[07:12] Amy’s rehab story, sponsor advice, and the sugar spiral  

[14:58] Three slices of cake > one glass of wine (and staying sober)  

[20:14] Favorite flavors, froyo phases & the case for cones  

Resources & Links: 

-⁠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 

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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.