HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Introducing Mixly’s New Italian Lemon & Rose Spritz Mixer  

Step into a sun-drenched Sicilian Garden with every sip of the Mixly Italian Lemon & Rose Spritz Mixer, a bright and romantic blend crafted to elevate your cocktail experience. Inspired by the southern Italian tradition of rosolio liqueur, this exquisite nonalcoholic spritz mixer captures the essence of ros solio — the dew of the sun — infusing your glass with floral elegance and vibrant citrus zest. 

#QUITLIT
Addiction Fiction Book Review: “Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh

“Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh is a raw and gritty novel that tells the story of a group of young men living in Edinburgh, Scotland, who are caught up in heroin addiction. The book is made up of short chapters, each told from a different character’s point of view. Most of the story follows Mark “Rent Boy” Renton, a smart but troubled man trying — and often failing — to get clean. 

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
From Drinking Hand to Open Heart: Aaron Goodvin on Sobriety, Songwriting, and Thriving in Country Music

On a recent episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, hosts Alysse Bryson welcomed country music’s Aaron Goodvin for an unfiltered conversation about all things sobriety, creativity, fatherhood, and life in the spotlight. Much more than a “rock bottom” origin story, Aaron’s journey highlights the ongoing, everyday pivot points that make lasting recovery possible—and how sobriety has completely re-engineered his approach to both life and art.

ENTERTAINMENT
“The White Chip” Heads to London: A Critically Acclaimed Recovery Comedy Crosses the Pond

We’re thrilled to announce that “The White Chip,” an autobiographical recovery comedy by Sean Daniels—a Sober Curator Contributor—is making its UK premiere this summer in London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough from July 9 to August 16, 2025. This compelling and witty production has taken audiences by storm off-Broadway, and now it’s ready to do the same across the Atlantic.

#WEDORECOVER
Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean Nears Four Years Sober: “Sobriety Is the Most Solid It’s Ever Been

AJ McLean, best known as a member of the iconic Backstreet Boys, is approaching three years of sobriety after a decades-long struggle with addiction. He officially marked two years sober in September 2023 and has since remained deeply committed to his recovery.

McLean’s journey has been far from linear—marked by multiple stints in rehab, struggles with self-worth, and public highs and lows—but today, he embraces a new chapter centered on authenticity, inner healing, and personal growth. He credits a strong support system that includes his daughters, his ex-wife, a longtime sponsor, and even some of his bandmates, as key pillars in maintaining his sobriety. He hosts 12-step meetings at home, attends regular group sessions, and speaks to his sponsor multiple times a day.

What sets McLean’s recovery apart is his openness about the emotional and psychological work required to stay sober. Beyond abstaining from substances, he has dedicated himself to therapy to address the root causes of his addiction, including past trauma, PTSD, and lifelong battles with self-esteem.

He no longer identifies solely with the “AJ” persona—the wild, party-loving performer—but instead embraces “Alex,” a grounded father, friend, and man in recovery. Now in the best shape of his life—mentally, physically, and spiritually—McLean continues to share his story publicly, hoping to inspire others to seek help and break free from shame. As he puts it, sobriety hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth every step.

For anyone struggling, know that help is available: 📞 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA Helpline).

CURATED CRAFTS
Color Me Sane: The Surprising Benefits of Adult Coloring as Art Therapy

Who says coloring books are just for kids? Grab your colored pencils, glitter pens, or those squeaky-clean markers you’ve been saving for a rainy day—because it’s time to unleash your inner child and your inner Zen master.

ENTERTAINMENT
A Love Story That Doesn’t Need Liquid Courage: Why “The Idea of You” Became My Favorite Modern Romance

There’s something profoundly refreshing about a love story that doesn’t rely on alcohol to fuel its passion or create its most intimate moments. In a cinematic landscape where romantic connections often seem to require a glass of wine or a cocktail to get started, “The Idea of You” stands apart as a tender, authentic exploration of two people discovering each other through pure, unfiltered connection.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Classy Problems: What Not To Do

As life becomes more complex, it becomes increasingly more important for us to be more precise. More complexity, by definition, means an increase in options. It is easier to figure out what not to do than what to do. This reduces the number of options. In a word, it’s restraint.

When we use a principle as a filter, we create clarity.

TRAVEL
Living the Luxe Life in Malaga with Sobertopia

Lazing around on cushy patio furniture with an ocean view, choosing between attending an onsite yoga class or cooling off on a unicorn floatie in the pool—this probably wasn’t the way that most of us spent our addicted years. But Izzy van Zuilen, founder of Sobertopia, offers this luxe experience in her alcohol-free retreats for women.

SELF HELP

Father Bill W. – Author of “The Power Of Two Way Prayer”

This week, Mike and Bill bring on Father Bill W, a chaplain and AA veteran with over 50 years of recovery. The title—”Two Way Prayer & Three Way FOs”—hints at spiritual practice (two-way prayer, connected to AA’s 11th step) and personal accountability (three-way family/fellowshipping mechanisms?). The episode dives deep.