SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!

SNL’s “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” Sketch Misses the Mark—and Here’s Why That’s Not Funny

Every once in a while, Saturday Night Live drops a skit that tries to lampoon culture, but instead lands squarely in the territory of tone-deaf. The recent “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” sketch is one of those moments.

I get it. Comedy is meant to push boundaries. It’s supposed to hold up a mirror and make us laugh at ourselves. But there’s a big difference between clever satire and lazy humor that perpetuates stigma. This fake commercial—where a cheerful dad discovers a “non-non-alcoholic beer” that’s 90% alcohol—doesn’t just miss the punchline. It takes a cheap shot at people who are doing the hard work of living sober.

MOVIE REVIEW

🎬 Movie Review: “When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story” (2010)

Let’s be honest: this one feels exactly like what it is — a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. If you’re into the history of AA, curling up with a Hallmark binge and a cozy blanket, you’ll probably settle right in. But if you’re expecting Winona Ryder to deliver the raw intensity of “Girl, Interrupted” or the haunting vulnerability of “Edward Scissorhands,” pump the brakes. The Oscar-nominated Winona we know and love doesn’t exactly shine through here. For a 2010 release, I went in with higher expectations and left feeling… let’s just say, underwhelmed.

HAPPY EVERY HOUR - NA BEERS & 90s

Nature Pils by Best Day Brewing Review – The Crisp Nonalcoholic Lager Done Right

Best Day Brewing, based in Sausalito, California, has been steadily stacking up a solid reputation in the nonalcoholic beer world. While many breweries crowd the IPA aisle, Best Day Brewing isn’t afraid to branch out and showcase other styles. Their focus on quality over quantity has quickly made them one of the more exciting names to look for when scouring the shelves of your local bottle shop. 

SOBER LIFESTYLE

Snackin’ Sober with The Sober Curator: A Guide to Cozy Crunches & Sweet Fixes

At our last Sober Curator contributor meeting, we ran an unofficial “Snack Census” to see what fuels our crew during those long creative sessions, late-night writing bursts, road trips and lazy Sunday scrolls. The results? A delightful mix of comfort, nostalgia and a few surprisingly fancy favorites.

SOBER CURATOR PODCAST

From Meth to Machu Picchu with Sober Travel Expert Ryan Lee

“Give people permission not to drink, and watch the trip transform.” That’s the quiet thesis humming beneath Ryan Lee’s story — a story that begins in tech sales and a hospital bed, and then sprints toward fresh air, steep trails and a passport full of second chances.   

#QUITLIT

“Cudi: The Memoir” – A Journey Through Dreams, Darkness, and Sobriety 

You might know Kid Cudi from his song “Pursuit of Happiness”, one of his earliest hits. Interestingly, the song was originally meant to be a sad reflection on being caught up in a life of drugs. But once it was remixed, it took on a whole new life as a celebratory anthem. Instead of pushing back, Cudi embraced the shift — letting listeners decide what the song meant for themselves. That perspective, of surrendering control and allowing art to be interpreted in different ways, is something I found especially compelling as I listened to his new Audible-exclusive “Cudi: The Memoir.”

Written and narrated by Cudi himself, the book is less about a highlight reel of fame and more about what it takes to survive the shadows while chasing a dream. 

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!

No Bad Examples – Dealing With Death in Sobriety 

It was July 2010 and even though I don't remember the exact date, I think I'm pretty close with the time frame. I was roughly three months sober, still at the Ed Keating center in Cleveland, Ohio, and still trying to get my sober legs under me. 

#WEDORECOVER

Sober Celeb of the Week: Ewan McGregor

Did you know Ewan McGregor has now stayed sober for over two decades? 🌟 The “Star Wars” legend (hello there, Obi-Wan!) and “Trainspotting” breakout has been candid about how giving up alcohol reshaped his life and his craft. He’s said sobriety has become “an everyday part of my life” and has gifted him “joy, happiness and peace” in ways drinking never could. When preparing to play Roy Halston in “Halston,” McGregor leaned into his own recovery to bring emotional truth to the role:

From wielding a lightsaber in a galaxy far, far away to channeling raw vulnerability on screen, McGregor proves that true power doesn’t come from the bottle — it comes from clarity, purpose and presence. His path reminds us that sobriety isn’t a one-time decision — but a daily act of self-honor, creativity and courage.

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

WHAT A TRIP!

Spirit Horses, Spooks and Sobriety in Ottawa  

During my recent trip to Ottawa, several people told me that Canada’s capital city has a reputation for being boring. But it was just the kind of boring I like — clean, polite, with lots of nature and museums rather than a huge party scene. Sign me up for boring! 

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!

My Life in Jail Taught Me to Fight: Why I Refused to Give Up Even When the System Did 

For over two decades, I cycled through incarceration and addiction within Vermont’s correctional system. This personal narrative examines how punitive policies, medication withdrawal and barriers to reentry deepen trauma and recidivism — especially for women with substance use disorder. It also outlines the inner mechanics of jail life, the costs of solitary confinement and the fight for dignity, reform and a second chance. I close with the post-release transformation that followed sustained sobriety, motherhood, entrepreneurship and advocacy. 

SOBER SPOTLIGHT

Sober Spotlight: Hummingbird Heart

Anna Blazevich relocated her nonalcoholic bottle shop from Long Beach, California, to Ashland, Oregon, last year. Now she’s running Hummingbird Heart Non-Alcoholic and Dry Elixir Bar, plus being a mom to four kids, nine dogs, two guinea pigs, a hedgehog and a bearded dragon named Master Wu. 

CURATED CRAFTS

💎 Rhinestones, Real Estate and Ridiculous Obsession: My Bedazzled Monopoly Saga 💎

It’s no secret that I love all things sparkly. I was basically born with glitter in my veins and a coupon for Michaels in my hand. It’s also no secret that I have a HomeGoods problem — and by “problem,” I mean the thrill of the hunt is my cardio.

For those following my crafting and upcycling escapades, buckle up. It’s rhinestone season, baby. Because if it stands still long enough, I’m gonna glue something shiny to it.

#ADDTOCART

Sober October Gift Guide 2025

Sober October isn’t just a trend — it’s a full-on glow-up for your mind, body and vibe. Whether you’re in it for the month, the milestone or a lifetime of booze-free brilliance, you deserve more than just a pat on the back. You deserve presents. Enter our Sober October Gift Guide 2025: a hand-picked lineup of cheeky, chic and downright delightful finds that celebrate the joy of living alcohol-free. These aren’t your grandma’s “congrats” gifts — they’re playful, stylish and perfect for anyone living their best sober life.