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- Bobby Brown Marks 20 Years Drug-Free: “If I Don’t Break This Cycle, Who Is?”
Bobby Brown Marks 20 Years Drug-Free: “If I Don’t Break This Cycle, Who Is?”
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s Monday. This week, we’re sipping on rebellion — with a side of redemption. Meet Dirty Virgin, the scandalously good non-alc that’s shaking up nightlife one unapologetic can at a time. We’re also diving into the dark truths of America’s opioid crisis with “Dreamland,” calling out Bravo’s drinking culture (looking at you, Andy Cohen 👀), and celebrating storytelling with author Hannah Sward on The Sober Curator Podcast. Plus, mark your calendars for Recovery Day at the Mariners, and don’t miss our deep dive into Bobby Brown’s powerful 20-year journey of drug sobriety. Whether you’re here for the flavor, the healing, or the community — we’ve got something for every sober-curious soul.
— Alexandra Nyman / Publisher / New York, NY 🌃

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Dirty Virgin – The Scandalously Good Sip That’s Redefining Nightlife
Let’s get one thing straight: Dirty Virgin isn’t your mother’s Shirley Temple. It’s a neon-lit rebellion in a can, a high-voltage act of defiance against the tired, sanitized version of sobriety. And if you haven’t yet tried it, you’re missing out on one of the boldest entries in the non-alc revolution — equal parts irreverent and irresistible.
#QUITLIT
“Dreamland”: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones
In “Dreamland,” Sam Quinones intricately weaves together a disturbing narrative of America’s opioid crisis, tracing its roots back to two seemingly unrelated phenomena: the aggressive marketing of prescription opioids like OxyContin and the proliferation of black tar heroin from a small region in Mexico. What unfolds is a gripping account of how these forces coalesced into a national epidemic, devastating rural and suburban communities across the United States.
ENTERTAINMENT
Dear Andy Cohen: It’s Time to “Bravo, Bravo, Fing Bravo” a New Drinking Narrative by Anne Marie Cribbin
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Housewives change their relationship with drinking — Kyle Richards, Gina Kirschenheiter, Ashley Darby, Luann de Lesseps, and Braunwyn Windham-Burke, to name a few. But when a Housewife decides to cut back or quit drinking altogether, it’s often met with the same suspicious energy as Sutton Stracke demanding answers: “Name ‘em! Name ‘em!”
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
Sobriety and Storytelling with Hannah Sward
Hannah Sward is the celebrated author of “Strip: A Memoir.” On this episode of The Sober Curator podcast, she shares with host Alysse Bryson and contributor Tamar Routly the power of storytelling in recovery, the writing process, and how sobriety can transform one’s life. Hannah shares intimate details about her experience with addiction, the cathartic power of journaling, and the critical role of community in the recovery journey. Plus, listeners get a sneak peek into Hannah’s upcoming projects and her views on contemporary sobriety culture.
SOBER EVENTS
Sober in Seattle? Let’s Play Ball! Recovery Day at the Mariners September 14
Join the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) and King County Recovery Coalition (KCRC) for a day of community, connection, and celebration at the annual Recovery Day at the Mariners!
#WEDORECOVER
Bobby Brown Marks 20 Years Drug-Free: “If I Don’t Break This Cycle, Who Is?”

Bobby Brown, once synonymous with the highs and heartbreaks of fame, is now celebrating over 20 years of sobriety from drugs and several years sober from alcohol. The R&B legend, who rose to fame with New Edition and his solo hits like “My Prerogative,” has publicly credited jail time and the desire to be a better father as the wake-up call that led him to get clean. His journey — once marked by crack, heroin, and near-death experiences — reached a turning point after a 65-day incarceration in 2000, where he detoxed and emerged determined to stay off narcotics. Although alcohol remained a battle for years after, he now lives alcohol-free, motivated by his children and his commitment to ending generational cycles of addiction.
Brown’s road to recovery has been painful and public, including the devastating losses of his ex-wife Whitney Houston, daughter Bobbi Kristina, and son Bobby Jr. — all to drug-related causes. Despite immense grief, he’s remained committed to his sobriety and uses his platform to advocate for awareness around addiction, especially the dangers of fentanyl and synthetic drugs. Through 12-step programs, fatherhood, and the love of his now-wife Alicia Etheredge, Brown has built a new life focused on healing. “Being an addict is really hard,” he has said. “But if I don’t break this cycle, who is?”
For anyone struggling, know that help is available: 📞 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA Helpline).
HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Best Day Brewing – Nature Pils: It’s Better Than a Perfect Cheeto!
What’s even better than a perfect Cheeto? It’s this banging ass brewery from Sausalito! Best Day Brewing joins us once again with another selection in their album of consistent bangers. This California-based brewing is aiming to take Athletic out of the top spot with its killer selection and the fact that they are seemingly unable to fail at making great beers, including my favorite double IPA, Galaxy Ripple. I couldn’t have been more excited when I heard they had a new brew.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Transform Your Life One Page at a Time
In our digital age of rapid-fire texts, emails, and social media updates, the humble practice of journaling with pen and paper might seem antiquated. But science and psychology reveal a profound truth: handwriting is a powerful tool for mental clarity, emotional processing, and cognitive development that no keyboard can replicate.
SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Aligning Clarity of Vision
Recurring classy problems are usually caused by one of two failures: The failure of clarity in vision. OR The failure to act in alignment with the clarity of vision. How can clarity and alignment solve your classy problems?
ENTERTAINMENT
Introducing Cameron Whitcomb, The Backflipping Singer Recovering Out Loud
I stumbled upon Cameron Whitcomb when I found Jonas Conner, the incredible 15-year-old who writes and sings songs about losing his family members to addiction. It turns out that Whitcomb is the producer of Conner’s songs, “Father in a Bible” and “Peace with Pain.” They co-created these two incredible songs over just two days in Nashville. Whitcomb is only 22 and spends his time fostering the talent of an incredible 15-year-old by helping him with his career. He is big on paying it forward.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Clouds Are Where I Want To Be
Hailing from Liverpool, the city which famously gave us the Beatles, the Boo Radleys, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, and more, they have some big musical shoes to fill. And while they might not be on a par with Paul, John, George and Ringo, it’s good stuff. Catchy, edgy, and lighthearted, albeit with lyrics that come with lashings of irony – why would you move to New York, the city that doesn’t sleep, if you’re having problems with your sleep? – and serious, almost philosophical, undertones.

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