SOBER POP CULTURE

🎲 Soberopoly™: The Game of Real-Life Rewards and Sparkly Recovery Wins

Move over, Monopoly — there’s a new game in town, and it comes with rhinestones, iced coffee and emotional intelligence.

ICYMI, I recently wrote about some upcycled Monopoly canvas wall art pieces I scored at HomeGoods (because of course I did — I can quit whiskey, but not throw pillows). While researching how many themed versions of Monopoly exist (over 3,500 in case you were wondering) — from “Star Wars” to “Golden Girls” — I had a lightbulb moment: What would a Sober Curator version look like?

WHAT A TRIP!

Seattle Still Shreds: A Grunge Pilgrimage for the Sober Traveler

Grunge was born here — and it never really left. Seattle still shreds if you know where to look.

In 1990, a local Seattle band — already gaining buzz — brought on a new drummer named Dave Grohl. The band? Nirvana.

Formed in 1987, Nirvana had already released their debut single “Love Buzz” — a gritty, fuzzed-out cover of a Shocking Blue song. That track helped ignite a movement.

Grunge wasn’t just a sound — it was an attitude. Distorted guitars. Flannel shirts. Unpolished honesty. A new voice for a generation tired of pretending.

SOBRIETY IN THE CITY

What a Trip! Our Goonies-Inspired Adventure in Astoria, Oregon

Hey, You Guys! We Finally Did It.

Four years ago, in one of our first-ever conversations, Tamar and I discovered we were both obsessed with “The Goonies.” That magical 1985 treasure hunt movie set in Astoria, Oregon, sparked something between us — the kind of connection only two ‘80s-loving, pop-culture-saturated sober Gen X women can truly understand.

We made a pact that day: someday we’d head to Astoria, live out our Goonies dreams and recreate our very own sober treasure hunt. Fast-forward to today — we’re colleagues, podcast co-conspirators and besties — and we did it. We turned our mutual movie nostalgia into a full-blown Sober Curator Workation adventure. (And yes, we got paid to play. Dreams do come true.)

SOBER CURATOR PODCAST

The Cost of “Winning”: What the Charlie Sheen Doc Gets Right — and What Recovery Deserves  

There’s a moment every sober person knows: the pivot from spectacle to humanity. Watching the Charlie Sheen documentary together, our Curator crew kept circling the same question — who was really “winning” during that infamous tour? The hat said one thing; the reality said another.  

HAPPY EVERY HOUR

Emerald Dark by Collective Arts Brewing: A Creative Twist on the Classic Porter

Collective Arts Brewing out of Ontario, Canada, has built its name not only on brewing but on blending creativity and craft. Known for collaborating with artists, Collective Arts Brewing delivers beers that are as visually striking as they are flavorful. Their lineup has long leaned on the bold and the balanced, giving drinkers an experience that connects both the pint glass and the playlist. 

CLASSY PROBLEMS

Classy Problems: Special Snowflake Syndrome

I thought my experience was unique.
Like no one had ever felt this before.
Like my pain was deeper.
My confusion more complex.
My situation, one-of-a-kind.
I wanted it to be special.
I wanted to be seen.
Understood.
Validated.
That’s the lie of my ego
thinking my experience sets me apart
instead of connecting me in.
The human experience isn’t unique.
It’s completely ordinary.

#WEDORECOVER

Sober Celeb of the Week: Valerie Bertinelli

After joining the Dry January challenge in early 2024, Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli decided to extend her commitment beyond the month and embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle for the entire year. Her decision, inspired by the positive changes she noticed in her health and mindset, has since evolved into a lasting shift. Now, in October 2025, Bertinelli is nearing her two-year sobriety milestone — a testament to her dedication to self-care, growth and living with greater intention. 

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

#ADDTOCART

Finding Your Perfect Setting Powder After NARS Light Reflecting Goes Wrong

You’ve worked hard to glow from the inside out — so your powder should never dull your shine.

For the sober fashionista, beauty isn’t about covering up; it’s about enhancing the confidence that recovery built. You already know that what you put in your body matters. The same should go for what you put on it.

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!

Addicted to the Hustle: Why Selling Drugs Was Harder For Me to Quit Than Using Them 

I never set out to be a drug dealer, let alone an addict. I was smart — a straight-A student, an athlete, even part of the gifted program. But life had a way of pulling me into the shadows. Selling drugs wasn’t just about money; it was survival, validation and a twisted sense of belonging. 

Walking away? That felt impossible. No job would hire me, but in my world, I was treated like a goddess. The fast cash, the power, the sense of importance — it was addictive. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t just hooked on the drugs. I was addicted to the hustle itself. 

THE MINDFUL BINGE

Be Part of the Buzz: “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is More Than Just a Show! 

A sober perspective on Amazon Prime’s hit series and what it reveals about alcohol in young adult storytelling. 

As a 46-year-old woman completely obsessed with a coming-of-age series about teenagers (hands up if you’re with me!), I’ve been captivated by Amazon Prime’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” for reasons that go far beyond the gorgeous beach settings and swoon-worthy love triangles. With my own kids approaching this pivotal life stage, I find myself watching with both nostalgia and anticipation — how will all these firsts happen for our kids? How will it all play out? 

HAPPY EVERY HOUR

Sierra Nevada Makes a SPLASH in the Hop Water Game

Sierra Nevada is far from an unknown name in the craft beer world. With their new lineup of NA beers, headlines with the Trail Pass IPA, they are becoming much more familiar in the NA craft beer world, as well. If beer is not your jam, though, but you don’t mind a hint of hops to hamper down your thirst, their latest release is sure to make a big splash.

Hop Splash Hop Water from Sierra Nevada is a refreshing sparkling water mixed with juice and a tiny dash of sweetness. Think Spindrift, if a brewery made it. While this market is no stranger to hop water, as Lagunitas paved the way with it back in 2018, this new batch of binge-worthy bevs from Sierra Nevada takes the flavor profile to a whole new level.

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!

So Many Addictions … So Little Time! Exploring the Concept of Fusion Recovery 

There’s something about autumn that makes the glow of a TV screen feel like a ritual. Maybe it’s the earlier sunsets, maybe it’s the comfort of a blanket and a warm mug, maybe it’s just that fall makes us crave story.

THE MINDFUL BINGE

Binge-Worthy Autumn: Sober Screens for the Season

There’s something about autumn that makes the glow of a TV screen feel like a ritual. Maybe it’s the earlier sunsets, maybe it’s the comfort of a blanket and a warm mug, maybe it’s just that fall makes us crave story.