Robbie Williams Marks Over 20 Years Sober After Battling Addiction and Finding Joy Beyond Fame

PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It’s Monday. And woof, was last week rough 😔 If you’ve noticed our site acting a little too chill this past week, you’re not alone.

We experienced some unexpected downtime (ugh, tech, I know), and we want to thank each and every one of you for your patience and support as we worked behind the scenes to bring everything back online. The site is now officially up and running, and we’re taking steps to prevent any future interruptions — because you deserve uninterrupted access to the sober content you love.

This week’s Sip is stacked with bold voices, fresh recipes, inspiring recovery journeys, and a whole lot of clarity. From Jason Isaacs celebrating 25 years of sobriety and opening up about addiction’s equalizing grip, to Calgary’s Concorde Group redefining mocktail culture one venue at a time, we’re spotlighting what it really means to thrive alcohol-free. We dive into the legacy of collegiate recovery programs, explore the portrayal of sobriety in reality TV, and get crafty with custom patches and non-alcoholic cocktail creations. Plus, don’t miss our powerful reads like “Long Way Home” by Cameron Douglas and a sharp look at how 1 Million Strong is remixing sobriety at festivals.

Take a deep breath, sip something good, and let’s keep celebrating recovery — one curated story at a time. 🐝

— Alexandra Nyman / Publisher / New York, NY 🌃

Working Office Space GIF

HAPPY EVERY HOUR
Philters Jynn – Hello Juniper! Warm Summer Days Are Almost Here

As I’ve been exploring the many options in the non-alcoholic spirits category, I have been pleasantly surprised to find a few gin alternatives that suit my palate. Gin conjures up warm summer days as it’s served with tonic, or it can evoke that sophisticated cocktail stirred with ice and a bit of vermouth in the classic martini or many variations. Being one of my favorite spirits, I loved discovering that cheeky Philters Jynn makes my top 5 of gin alternatives!

#QUITLIT
The Unexpected Joy of Being Single” by Catherine Gray

If you’re single in your late twenties, thirties, or (gasp) beyond, “The Unexpected Joy of Being Single” by Catherine Gray feels like getting a warm, hilarious hug from someone who gets it. Over a third of us are now single, yet somehow, society, our well-meaning relatives, and the endless scroll of romcoms haven’t quite caught up. Catherine Gray dives headfirst into the messy, cringey, and often hilarious reality of modern singlehood—and shows us why it’s not just okay, but can actually be joyful.

ENTERTAINMENT
Movie Night with The Sober Curator: “The Way Back” (2020)

There’s an undeniable hook to “The Way Back”: Ben Affleck, fresh off a highly publicized battle with alcoholism, steps into the role of Jack Cunningham, a man fighting the same demons. On paper, it sounds like the kind of personal, raw performance that could turn a standard redemption story into something unforgettable. With “Warrior” director Gavin O’Connor at the helm, expectations were high for something deeply emotional and authentic.

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND
Discover the “Not All There” Podcast: A Journey of Sobriety, Resilience, and Connection

Are you a podcast enthusiast looking for something raw, relatable, and deeply insightful? Look no further. “Not All There,” a podcast hosted by the empathetic and candid Chad J., is making waves in the mental health podcast sphere, particularly among those navigating the complex terrains of sobriety and recovery.

#ADDTOCART
Cosmic Coffee: How a Rock Legend and Two Nonprofits Are Brewing Hope for Youth and Veterans ☕

Looking for your next cup of coffee with a cause? Get ready to blast off with the Outer Space Blend, a brand-new brew with a mission that’s truly out of this world. 

In a creative collaboration that’s equal parts inspiring and energizing, Road Recovery—a music industry-driven nonprofit supporting at-risk youth—and Mid-Hudson Works—an organization empowering disadvantaged veterans—have teamed up with none other than Fred Schneider of The B-52’s (yes, the world-famous party band!) to launch this cosmic coffee campaign. 

#WEDORECOVER
Robbie Williams Marks Over 20 Years Sober After Battling Addiction and Finding Joy Beyond Fame

robbie williams brits GIF by BRIT Awards

Robbie Williams, the British pop icon known for his chart-topping hits and turbulent personal journey, has now been sober for over 20 years. His battle with addiction began in his teenage years after joining Take That at just 16, where the pressures of fame, insecurity, and public scrutiny sent him spiraling into substance use. He has spoken openly about using a staggering mix of drugs—ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and alcohol—often drinking a bottle of vodka each night before rehearsals. In one harrowing account, he describes a six-day bender in 1996 during which he didn’t sleep, vomited black bile, and came terrifyingly close to death.

Despite several rehab stints, including major interventions in 1995 and 2007, it was a wake-up call from Elton John—who staged an impromptu intervention—that ultimately pushed Williams to finally get serious about recovery. Today, he credits his long stretch of sobriety to rewiring his brain, therapy, and finding joy outside of substances. Happily married with four children, Robbie uses his platform to speak out against the normalization of heavy drinking, especially in the UK, and hopes to shield his kids from the generational cycle of addiction. As he puts it, “the miracle has happened—and is happening.”

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

SOBER EVENTS
‘Ever-After’ Pop-Up Bottle Shop Looks for Permanent Home in Portland

Plants and flowers fill the cozy shop, which has beautiful wooden beams running across the ceiling. Shelves of delicious nonalcoholic drinks cover one wall. For plant-loving nondrinkers, Ever After’s pop-up shop inside Colibri Flowers is paradise. But pop-ups are, by nature, of limited duration — and now Portland’s NA bottle shop is looking for a permanent home. 

CURATED CRAFTS
Taylor Swift Inspired Diamond Art Funko Pop-Ups: The Sparkliest Way to Spend a Sober Sunday

Move over paint-by-numbers, because there’s a new glitter queen in town—and her name is Taylor Swift Inspired Diamond Art Funko Pop-Ups. Yes, you heard me right. This isn’t your grandma’s craft project (though she’d probably love it too). This is a sparkle-filled DIY dream come true—and the perfect excuse to spend your Sunday glued to Netflix without doom-scrolling.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Classy Problems: Looping Awareness – Don’t Mistake Motion for Progress

A pattern unnoticed is a loop. The challenge isn’t in its repetitive nature but that it’s a pattern we are not aware of. We react the same way, follow the same cycles, and mistake motion for progress. The way out of a loop is to name it; to intentionally review what we believe to be true through the actions we take. What are your actions saying about your loops?

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD!
The Arts Must Play a Leading Role in Making Sure No Lives are Lost to Addiction | Sean Daniels

If you watched my recent speech, first—thank you. Thank you for caring enough to show up and listen to a conversation that, for far too long, has been whispered about, ignored, or misunderstood.

I opened that talk with a very real moment—my six-year-old daughter getting sick in the middle of the night. Not the glamorous kind of storytelling kickoff, I know. But that moment reminded me of something so important: I used to be the guy you couldn’t call in the middle of the night. And now, I’m not just the one she calls—I’m the one who actually shows up.

LIFESTYLE
How to Create Viral TikTok Videos for the Sober Community with CapCut

TikTok has taken the world by storm, with millions of people sharing short, creative videos daily. Its algorithm makes it easier for videos to go viral, offering endless opportunities for sober creators to grow their audience. Whether it’s dances, challenges, or fun tips, TikTok is a platform where creativity shines.

Miss You Goodbye GIF by MOODMAN

See You Wednesday!

Reply

or to participate.