HAPPY EVERY HOUR
The East Coast Launch of Free Spirits 

On a balmy Wednesday night in NYC, Free Spirits made a splashy debut on the East Coast with a launch party at Ella Funt, the East Village’s glitter-drenched haven for nightlife royalty. The event marked the beginning of a four-month pop-up celebrating no-and-low ABV cocktails—and if opening night is any indication, the zero-proof scene has officially arrived.

#QUITLIT
“The Lost Weekend” by Charles Jackson

“The Lost Weekend” takes us into the depths of addiction as it follows a five-day binge taken by the main character, Don Birnam. It is an honest and painful look at the struggles of addiction. Decades after the book was published in 1944, this raw and sometimes disturbing portrait of addiction remains relevant. We are forced to confront the psychological and physical toll addiction takes on its sufferers. 

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
From Rock Bottom to the Director’s Chair: Aaron Strand on Making Movies That Matter

Sobriety isn’t just about the moment you quit — it’s about what happens after. This is the ethos behind the Sober Curator Podcast, and it’s brought to life in Episode 21 by filmmaker and creator Aaron Strand. Host Alysse Bryson dives deep with Aaron, exploring the creative alchemy that transformed his struggles with addiction into an acclaimed feature film, “Withdrawal.” Their conversation peels back the curtain on creativity, ego, and growth, showing the power of staying open when recovery gets real — and messy.

THE MINDFUL BINGE
“The Waterfront”: Southern-Fried Family Drama with a Side of Relapse

Let me start by saying: If “Ozark” and “Dawson’s Creek” got drunk on expired rosé and decided to raise a lovechild in rehab, “The Waterfront” would be that baby. And trust me — it’s got all the messy DNA: generational trauma, morally compromised dads, broody daughters with custody issues, and enough alcohol-fueled decisions to fill the bay of Havenport, North Carolina.

#WEDORECOVER
Hank Azaria is 19 Years Sober!

Hank Azaria recently celebrated an incredible milestone — 19 years of sobriety. The beloved comedian, actor, and voice of countless iconic characters on “The Simpsons” marked the occasion on July 10, 2025, by performing Bruce Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town” with his tribute band, the EZ Street Band, at the Franklin Theatre in Tennessee.

Azaria, who has been open about his journey, shared the news with fans online, expressing deep gratitude for the recovery community. Reflecting on nearly two decades without alcohol, he acknowledged the emotional work it took to stay sober through challenges like addiction, divorce, and depression, reminding listeners that no one can face those struggles alone.

A powerful voice in both entertainment and recovery spaces, Azaria has also spoken publicly about the role his late friend Matthew Perry played in helping him get sober. It was Perry who first brought Azaria to an AA meeting and supported him through his first year of recovery. Azaria has honored that friendship and its life-changing impact, especially since Perry’s passing, noting how much he misses the person who helped him laugh — and heal — the most. As Azaria enters his 19th year of sobriety, he stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of support.

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

SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
Sober in the City: Celebrating 7 Years in NYC 

I hit seven years of sobriety on February 10, 2025. When I got sober, one of the first things I put on my bucket list was to get to NYC and witness the fashion world in real life. I wanted to feel the pulse of the city, to be where Halston, Studio 54 and all the great misfit creatives once came alive. I didn’t know how or when, but I knew I wanted to be in the room where style and self-expression weren’t just accepted — they were worshipped. 

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!
Peace Be With You: Devotionals to Offer Peace and Hope 

Growing up Roman Catholic, I had always felt the liturgy to be mechanical and repetitive. As a kid and young teen, I never understood too much why we offered peace. To be honest, I was always socially anxious and dreaded the moment that service would halt, and everyone would start shaking each other’s hands and maybe having brief, casual conversation. I would quickly shake my sister’s, mom’s, and brother’s hand, and then put my head down, fearing someone else would talk to me or shake my hand.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Classy Problems: Better Than Before – What Does Better Even Mean?

Most people assume they’re following the right rules for success, productivity, and relationships. What if we’re playing a game we don’t fully understand? Rigid rules assume there’s a correct path. They work. Until reality doesn’t fit. When that happens, we don’t question. We assume we’re failing.

MENTAL HEALTH
The Eternal Student

In my previous blog, I wrote about how my journey through sobriety was enabled by various more literal journeys, running from A to B, up and down, around and about the UK. Rediscovering the fitness that I’d lost after a serious rugby injury – and building up to running a series of ultramarathons – became my Higher Power.