SOBER LIFESTYLE

5 Years of Sober Pop Culture — The Sober Curator Turns 5

Five years ago, in the thick of a global pandemic and armed with a lifestyle-focused media background, long-term sobriety and a vision for something I couldn’t quite find anywhere else online, I launched The Sober Curator. It wasn’t a business plan — it was a calling. I was looking for a digital space that could show me (and others) where the joy was in sober living. Something smart. Something stylish. Something curated. A media hub for the sober lifestyle, focusing on staying sober with #nodaysoff for the long haul. And when I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it.

Today, five years and over 2,200 articles, 50+ contributors and over ONE MILLION visitors later, I am in awe. 🤯😮

WHAT A TRIP!

Are Sober Airbnb Tours a Trend?

Airbnb is well known for its rental properties. However, this summer, the company is promoting what it calls Airbnb Experiences. This means visitors can get up close and personal with locals, perhaps doing something a little off the standard tourist trail. You can sign up for a tea ceremony in somebody’s backyard tea house or to make a collage in their art studio, among other things. Airbnb has also added a few specifically nonalcoholic tours to its catalog. 

HAPPY EVERY HOUR

HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Dialed Moods Euphoric Seltzer Review

Okay, friends, gather ‘round the sober bar cart because I just took Dialed Moods for a spin — and I’ve got some thoughts. If you’re the type who lives for a fizzy little moment of focus and a side of productivity sparkle, this one’s going to pique your interest. But word to the wise? Time your sip wisely — or risk turning into a #nightowlonsteroids.

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND

Sisters, Secrets, and Sobriety: The Sober Curator Squad Deep-Dives into “The Better Sister”

In the dynamic, laughter-filled episode 23 of The Sober Curator podcast, co-hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly (“T Bouj”), the panel dives headfirst into a no-holds-barred review of Amazon Prime’s latest drama thriller, “The Better Sister.” With guests Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, and Amy Liz Harrison, the episode goes far beyond a traditional TV critique, offering a candid look at dysfunctional family ties, substance abuse, codependency and what authentic recovery looks like behind the scenes. #SPOILERALERTS

SOBER ENTERTAINMENT

Sandler Swings, Stumbles and Stashes Booze in Weird Places in Long-Awaited Sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2”

Now, as a Sober Curator (and a sober Sandler sympathizer), I gotta say: the movie doesn’t totally trivialize alcoholism. Happy hits rock bottom, and joins an HAL (Healing Alkies for Life) AA group inspired run by Ben Stiller (returning in psychotic orderly mode). The disguise flasks throughout the film? Outstanding. Almost as good as the 75+ cameos. There’s a fake iPhone, a golf club, a golf ball, even a cucumber. It’s like the James Bond of bad coping skills.

#WEDORECOVER

🎤Sober Celeb of the Week: Eminem

Slim Shady may have built his empire on raw lyrics and relentless chaos, but these days, Eminem is 17+ years sober — and still spitting fire. This week, he pops up in “Happy Gilmore 2” with a perfectly unhinged cameo that left us shouting "JACKASS!" at the screen in the best way possible. From battling addiction to becoming a voice of resilience, Em’s journey proves that recovery doesn’t dull the edge—it sharpens the legacy. We’re raising a limited edition can of Cherry Obituary Liquid Death to this sober icon!

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

SOBER LIFESTYLE

SOBER UNBUZZED FEED: 25 Ways to Expose Yourself to the “Nature” of Sobriety in 2025

Renowned music producer Rick Rubin has shared that his morning routine includes exposing his skin to sunlight shortly after waking, with as little clothing on as possible. He believes this practice helps regulate his circadian rhythm and enhances his overall well-being. 

Similarly, in recovery, we often do the same thing. Er, uh, well, maybe not literally — but figuratively speaking. We set up routines: maybe we say certain prayers, do meditations, or journal. When I was in my first three months of sobriety, I learned to meditate. It was springtime, and I asked my dad to build me a little lean-to type deal, which he did. Basically, it was a small roof mounted on posts. It didn’t matter; it was my space — (get it? See what I did there, Millennials? MySpace? Uh, OK, sorry) — and it was outside, in the backyard. 

ENTERTAINMENT

Sobriety and Beyond: The Best Apps to Help You Create the Life You Love

When people talk about sobriety, the conversation often stops at not drinking or not using. But for those of us who’ve taken the leap into sober living, we know that’s only the beginning. Sobriety isn’t the finish line, it’s the doorway to something much bigger. It’s a doorway to a life that’s full, joyful, and deeply satisfying.

Living sober is not about losing. It’s about gaining a life you love waking up to every day. A life that’s balanced, meaningful, and fueled by purpose and connection. And while staying sober takes real effort, there’s never been a better time to find support. From digital apps to brands that cater to sober lifestyles, tools are everywhere to help you create a life that feels expansive and exciting.

THE MINDFUL BINGE

“The Hunting Wives” on Netflix is a Boozy Southern Soap of Bullets, Betrayal, and Bad Decisions

Welcome to East Texas, y’all — where the bullets fly faster than the gossip, and martinis are practically a love language. “The Hunting Wives” serves up a Southern-fried mess of obsession, seduction and murder, all garnished with enough red-state absurdity to make even the most seasoned Real Housewife blush. If “Big Little Lies” and Desperate Housewives got blackout drunk on White Claw and stumbled into a shooting range, this would be their love child.