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Elton John will be 35 Years Sober this July
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s Monday. From a rhinestone-studded DIY project to a raw conversation about recovery at one of NYC’s most iconic hotels, this week’s Sober Sip is proof that living alcohol-free doesn’t mean living small. We’re kicking things off with a deeply personal recap of The Soberness Story Hour LIVE at The Algonquin — an unforgettable night of truth-telling, healing, and connection in the heart of Manhattan. Also in this edition: we dig into the complicated world of codependency, honor Elton John’s powerful sobriety milestone, and catch up with some of our favorite podcasts and creators redefining what it means to live fully awake.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or just a reason to laugh at dad jokes while sober parenting, we’ve got something curated just for you. Let’s dive in — because recovery doesn’t mean the end of the story. It means you finally get to write your own.
— Alexandra Nyman / Publisher / New York, NY 🌃

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
A Night to Remember: The Soberness Story Hour LIVE at The Algonquin – NYC
A few nights ago, I had the privilege of being invited to a deeply moving event held at The Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan. I usually don’t need much of an excuse to leave the little Island I call home and dive into the center of the Universe, so when Alysse informed me of the opportunity, I immediately replied back that I was down. I had no idea just how special of an event this was.
#QUITLIT
Rethinking Codependency and “The Let Them Theory”
Why did I have such an intense rage response to Mel Robbins’ book, “The Let Them Theory?” How did I not know, after working with patients for over 30 years, that all I had to do was suggest to “let them?” It reminds me of the drug campaigns from the ‘80s where the ads would say, “Just Say No.” I wish solving a drug addiction, alcohol disorder or a codependent behavior was as simple as just telling someone to stop. It reminds me of the old Bob Newhart sketch where he said his psychological treatment was two words: “Stop it!”
ENTERTAINMENT
Sober Curious? Real Talk About Alcohol, Connection, and Codependency on An Imperfectly Perfect Life Podcast
In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest myths around sobriety, starting with the idea that social events without booze are boring. Newsflash: they’re not! We also got real about what codependency actually is (hint: it’s not weakness, but a learned pattern of self-defeating behaviors), and how those of us in recovery can redefine authentic connection in every part of our lives — from dating to workplace dynamics.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
A Father’s Day Special on Becoming a Better Parent in Recovery
Father’s Day often brings a heartfelt mix of nostalgia, pride, and maybe even a bit of trepidation for many dads — especially those on a journey of sobriety. On The Sober Curator’s “Bonus Buzz – Father’s Day Special,” hosts Jason Mayo and Tamar Routly were joined by Stephen Kimball, creator of the Sober Dad Crew Podcast, for a raw and relatable discussion about what it means to parent (and cringe at dad jokes) fully present and alcohol-free.
Decode the Zeitgeist with 1440
Every week, 1440 zooms in on a single society-and-culture phenomenon—be it the rise of Saturday Night Live, Dystopian Literature, or the history of the Olympics—and unpacks it with curiosity-driven rigor. You’ll get a concise read grounded in verified facts, peppered with thought-provoking context and links for deeper exploration. No partisan angles, no fear-mongering—just the stories, trends, and ideas shaping how we live, work, and create.
#WEDORECOVER
Elton John – The Rocket Man Who Chose Recovery

Elton John’s path to sobriety is as legendary as his music. Beneath the glittering costumes, stadium tours, and hit songs, he was quietly unraveling — lost in addiction to cocaine, alcohol, and bulimia.
In 1990, at rock bottom after a two-week bender, he made a life-changing decision and checked into rehab. That single choice became the cornerstone of a second act that’s lasted more than 30 years and counting. “It wasn’t hard for me to get sober,” he recently reflected. “It was joyous.” In a powerful 1991 interview with David Frost, Elton opened up about his mental health and sobriety, urging others not to see asking for help as weakness, but as a profoundly human and spiritual act.
Now over three decades sober, Sir Elton John has transformed his pain into purpose. Sobriety gave him clarity, healing, and the capacity to change lives — not just his own. It led to the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $600 million to fight stigma and support HIV programs worldwide.
His message remains clear: Recovery is possible, help is available, and life on the other side is worth every step. As he put it, “I am a survivor. I’ve survived a lot of things… and now, I don’t have to run away and hide.”
For anyone struggling, know that help is available: 📞 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA Helpline).
CURATED CRAFTS
Razzle! Dazzle! Bedazzle! Your Home’s New Sparkly Obsession
Alright, my sober darlings — grab your B-7000 glue, those glittery rhinestone kits, and that HomeGoods candle because we’re about to take your DIY game to an all-new level of sparkle. Welcome to my world: the Home Edit of rhinestones, where “diamond painting” meets “upcycled HomeGoods treasures.” Is that a thing? It is now!
SOBER TRAVEL
Joshua Tree: It’s a Vibe
Joshua Tree has a little something for everyone. It’s just under an hour from Palm Springs, nestled along the legendary I-10. Fair warning, though — this area has a wild side. People have been known to go missing out here, so stay sharp and respect the land. If you’re into true crime, well… you might find a few local legends to dive into.
SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!
Drunk on Stealing
The first time I stole, I was six. I stuffed a Milky Way down the leg of my corduroy bell-bottoms. It slid down my pants onto the pavement outside the store. My stepmom made me bring it back to the cashier. At home, I wasn’t allowed candy, but I liked it, I wanted it and I stole more. M&M’s, malt balls, Swedish Fish.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Find Your ‘Why’ and the ‘How’ Will Be Easy
I decided that I desperately needed to get sober on 26th March 2016, when I woke up on the floor in a dingy hotel room, with an empty bottle of Jack Daniel’s next to me, and no recollection of how I’d got there. Presumably I had been so drunk that I hadn’t even made it to the bed to pass out.
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Classy Problems: Our Most Vital Asset
Our most vital asset is energy. Without it, we’re dead. Are you treating your energy as your most vital asset or are you treating your assets as your most vital energy?

See You Wednesday!
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