Frankie Grande is (almost) Eight Years Sober + Sober Father's Day Gift Guide

PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s Monday. And we welcome you to this week’s edition of The Sober Sip — your weekly pour of all things zero-proof, soul-fueled, and stigma-smashing. From elevating sober cocktails to spotlighting deep reads and heartfelt recovery journeys, we’ve got a lineup that’s as real as it gets.

We’re sipping mindfully with RSRV Collective’s Kenshō Cocktails, diving into Jessica Guerrieri’s raw and relatable debut “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” and riding the emotional rollercoaster of Mae Martin’s “Feel Good.” Plus, we’re celebrating Frankie Grande’s powerful seven-year (almost eight) sobriety milestone, sharing sober dad gift ideas, and packing your summer travel bag with 25 unmissable sober hacks. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the inspo, or just the reminder that recovery can be stylish, soulful and full of sparkle — you’re in the right place.

— Alexandra Nyman / Publisher / New York, NY 🌃

dan levy happy pride GIF by MTV Movie & TV Awards

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Happy Every Hour with RSRV Collective Kenshō Cocktails

In 2022, RSRV Collective introduced the world to a brand-new beverage — Kenshō Cocktails. It is the perfect blend of premium ingredients and refined adult flavors without the alcohol. With every sip, they’re confident you’ll feel calmer, centered, and courageous. And the truth is, we all need to feel that way now more than ever. Simply put – we’re all craving something real. It’s why RSRV Collective’s mission is to support and inspire everyone to stand up and be their most genuine, authentic selves.

#QUITLIT
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by Jessica Guerrieri

Let’s be real: getting into this book took me a minute. But once it clicked, I couldn’t put it down. Leah’s oblivion was disturbingly familiar — she truly didn’t see how her drinking was warping the very air around her. The blackouts, the slurring, the wine-soaked nights that were supposed to soothe the ache of motherhood and the chasm with her mother-in-law Christine… all of it was so painfully authentic. The way the other characters — Lucas, Amy, Christine — showed up and reflected Leah’s unraveling back at her made the descent feel so eerily close to home.

ENTERTAINMENT
Feel Good”: A Netflix Gem That’s Unapologetically Raw and Real

“Feel Good” (2021-2022), created by the brilliant Mae Martin, is one of those rare gems that shines a light on the messy, complicated reality of recovery and relationships without pulling any punches. Over two tight and tantalizing seasons (only six episodes each), this series captures the highs, the lows, and everything in between — like a stand-up set you can’t stop thinking about long after the mic has dropped.

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
Healing, Hope, and Humor: Lessons from Travis Sackett on Sober Living

Sober living isn’t just about leaving substances behind — it’s about discovering a new richness in life, embracing humor, connection, and even the messiness of true emotion. In episode 15 of The Sober Curator podcast, hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly sit down with author and advocate Travis Sackett to explore what happens after we put the bottle down, how we heal from life’s painful curveballs, and why community matters more than ever.

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#WEDORECOVER
Frankie Grande on his Sobriety: “I have never been happier… I have never been so free.”

frankie grande GIF by 2018 MTV Video Music Awards

Frankie Grande is celebrating seven years of sobriety — soon to be eight years of Sobriety on June 16 of this year — a milestone that marks a complete transformation in both his personal and professional life. His journey into recovery began after hitting rock bottom in 2017, following the tragic bombing at his sister Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester.

Unable to show up for his family during that devastating time, Frankie realized just how far his substance use had taken him from the people he loved. That moment became the catalyst for change. Since then, he’s shared openly about the painful depths of addiction and the strength it took to ask for help. Today, Frankie stands as a proud advocate for recovery, frequently using his platform to let others know they’re not alone and that healing is possible.

Sobriety has not only saved Frankie’s life — it’s restored his most meaningful relationships. He credits his recovery with repairing his bond with his family, particularly with Ariana, who has been a constant source of love and support. "I'm the first phone call again," he says, noting how his presence and reliability have returned. Now a board member at GLAAD and the creator of the deeply personal pop album Hotel Rock Bottom, Frankie is channeling his recovery into art and advocacy.

He’s no longer hiding behind the party persona of the past — instead, he’s embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and joy. As he tells it, sobriety gave him back his voice, his family, and his purpose. “I have never been happier. I have never been healthier. I have never been so free.”

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

#ADDTOCART
Sober Dads Gift Guide

The Sober Curator brings you the annual Sober Dads Gift Guide. Please enjoy this curated list of unique gift ideas that are 100% fun and zero-proof. Don’t worry; there is something for everyone at a variety of price ranges. The best part? It’s ok if you spot something you want to treat yourself with too! 

SOBER POP CULTURE
THIS JUST IN: Inspiring Sober Stories, Events, and Gift Ideas – June 4, 2025

In a world obsessed with cocktails and wine culture, finding your tribe of like-minded, sober-curious friends isn’t always easy. Thankfully, The Sober Curator has your back every week with a fresh episode of THIS JUST IN — a no-B.S. roundup of all things inspiring, surprising, and delightfully alcohol-free. From jaw-dropping personal transformations to exclusive events that don’t require a designated driver, this week’s episode, hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, is packed with reasons to celebrate sobriety as a vibe, not just a lifestyle.

FASHION
Exhibit of Excellence: Black Designers Take Center Stage at The Met 

Visiting the “Superfine Tailoring and Dandy Style” exhibit at The Met was nothing short of a masterclass in style, artistry and cultural significance. Walking through the exhibit, I was struck by the sheer range of influences on display, from impeccably tailored suits to streetwear, from Muhammad Ali’s iconic boxing shorts to the regal grandeur of Sunday church style. It was a celebration of fashion in all its forms, but more importantly, it was a celebration of Black artists and designers who have shaped this industry, often without receiving their due credit.

SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
25 Sober Travel Hacks to Make Your 2025 Adventures Unforgettable 

OK, I have eight kids and a husband who’s an airline executive, and I’ve traveled extensively for three decades. Now that I’m sober, the whole world looks different — I get to connect with my family and experience new and familiar places with sober senses, and it’s just the best. I wouldn’t trade even my best days traveling as a drinker for my worst days traveling sober, that’s for sure. 

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Classy Problems: There’s No Free Lunch

We don’t get nothing for nothing. We’re either paying someone to do the work or we’re paying in our effort to do the work.

I’m either going to pay someone to mow my lawn or I’m going to pay with my time and energy to mow the lawn. Either way, the lawn gets cut and the cost gets paid. There’s no free lawn and no free lunch. We’re either paying in doing the work or we’re paying not to do the work.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Viriditas: The Greening Power of Recovery

The poet, composer, mystic, and saint Hildegard von Bingen once described a force she called viriditas — the greening power of the soul. It’s the way life insists on blooming. The way the earth cracks open to make room for tiny, stubborn shoots of green. The way moss curls itself over stone, the way ivy winds up brick walls, the way even the driest deserts can remember how to flower. For Hildegard, this divine greening wasn’t just a seasonal event — it was a holy force, a vitality that flows through all things, and it was her favorite metaphor for God. 

Ilana Glazer Goodbye GIF by NEON

See You Wednesday!

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