The Sober Curator Celebrates Four Years of Revolutionizing Sober Pop Culture

August 01, 2024

The Sober Curator

Reflecting on the remarkable journey of The Sober Curator as it marks its fourth anniversary, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of memories that have shaped this transformative venture. A little over four years ago, armed with my trusty laptop and accompanied by my loyal canine companions Roxie and Bella, I embarked on a week-long retreat to my parents’ abode during the onset of the first summer of the global pandemic, laying the groundwork for what would soon become The Sober Curator. A fun tidbit: the project’s original moniker was The Sober Critic, but serendipity intervened, leading to the birth of a more fitting name.

While my background boasts a history of media experience spanning newspapers, magazines, TV, and digital platforms, my foray into the digital realm through WordPress was largely uncharted territory. I had dabbled in blogging when I launched alyssebryson.com, but not very seriously. That site was originally meant to highlight all the events and parties I had helped throw over the years. I was 14 years sober but had never come out publicly about it on the World Wide Web.

Unveiling the Sober Lifestyle Landscape

Driven by a vision devoid of a concrete roadmap, The Sober Curator materialized through collaboration and sheer determination. Together with a resilient team of four, including my younger sister, who is a sober ally, we delved into crafting diverse sections that catered to the discerning tastes of individuals seeking a fresh perspective on sobriety. Our journey commenced with a fervor for exploration, paving the way for engaging discussions on sober cultural phenomena that resonated with audiences far and wide. The Sober Curator emerged as a passion project fueled by a desire to create a space dedicated to highlighting the cool trends and innovations within the sober and recovery communities.

The Pulse of Sobriety: Connecting Through Change

Navigating the evolving landscape of the sober community online, I recognized a void waiting to be filled—a space where individuals in long-term recovery could discover trends and insights tailored to their journey. I’d taken notice of the sober community that was growing online, and I couldn’t find my place. I was not in early recovery, so those websites, memoirs, and Instagram accounts didn’t speak to me. I was looking for all the sober “old-timers”, the ones with long-term sobriety or recovery (whichever label you prefer) that had collected time with no days off. I did not need to read articles on how to navigate New Years Eve or a wedding sober, I’d already done that over a dozen times. What I was searching for was a sober website or magazine that showed me where all the cool sober and recovery-based trends were. From movies, to podcasts, to books, merchandise, mocktails, and more. Where was the authority on a sober life well lived?

Where was the authority on a sober life well lived?

Beyond conventional narratives of early recovery, The Sober Curator sought to bridge the gap between mainstream pop culture and the vibrant world of sobriety, offering a treasure trove of recommendations spanning movies, podcasts, fashion, book reviews, mocktails (or alcohol-free cocktails), and beyond. Our aim was clear: to cultivate an authority on living a fulfilling, sober life brimming with possibilities and FUN! (Big emphasis on the FUN part, as I had tired of people saying “Oh you’re sober – isn’t that boring?”)

As the global echoes of Covid-19 reverberated, I found solace in the isolated chaos, seizing the moment to recalibrate my focus and reaffirm the paramount importance of my recovery journey. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of uncertainty, one truth remained unwavering—my commitment to sobriety as the cornerstone of my existence. Acknowledging the fragility of my past and the resilience of my present, I embraced each day as a testament to the transformative power of recovery.

Flourishing Against Adversity

Unveiling The Sober Curator to the world inadvertently on August 1st, 2020, marked a turning point in our trajectory, propelling us into a realm of creativity, authenticity, and shared experiences. (Yep, that’s right. I published the website by accident.) Powered by determination rather than financial backing, we steered the project through its nascent stages, eschewing advertising from treatment centers to preserve the integrity of our mission. Accessibility and inclusivity became guiding principles, reflecting our commitment to fostering a community rooted in support, not profit.

Nurturing Growth Through Resilience and Creativity

As the project unfolded, challenges emerged, and hurdles were met with unwavering resolve. Countless sleepless nights, failed endeavors, and moments of doubt tested the foundations. At first, a few contributors joined our ranks, but most did not stick. Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, a sense of purpose prevailed—a commitment to serving a community in need of connection, guidance, and inspiration. Embracing the ethos of attraction over promotion, we fostered an environment where contributors could freely express their creativity, unburdened by constraints or expectations.

While consistency has eluded me in many aspects of life, The Sober Curator emerged as a steadfast beacon of continuity and growth. In some way, shape, or form I have thought about it and worked on it every single day since the summer of 2020, with no days off. (Where my OCDers at?) Grounded in service to a community I hold dear, the project evolved organically, drawing individuals together in a shared mission of empowerment and camaraderie. As new voices joined the chorus and fresh perspectives enriched our content, a vibrant collaboration of ideas and experiences took shape, forging lasting friendships and sparking meaningful dialogues over Zoom, email, text messages, FaceTime, social media channels, and Clubhouse.

In December of 2021, just after Christmas, one of our Sober Pop Clubhouse contributors lost his battle with addiction. It shook me to the core. It also reminded me that for many people like myself and like Martin, may he RIP, getting sober isn’t a trend. It’s life or death. You can read about this loss here.

The Sober Curator

Celebrating Milestones with Gratitude and Enthusiasm

As we stand on the cusp of our fourth anniversary, I’m filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the journey that has unfolded before us. The numbers speak volumes: from our humble beginnings with four Sober Curator Contributors, we have blossomed into a collective of 45 passionate individuals across the USA, Canada, and the UK—each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the table. (Side note: the two in Canada are super friendly and the two in the UK have the BEST accents. LOL) I love that we can say we are global! Our email list boasts a robust 16K subscribers, while our website has touched the lives of over 330K individuals, underscoring the impact of our shared narrative.

Transitioning The Sober Curator under the umbrella of WORKP2P earlier this year marked a pivotal moment in our evolution, granting us the resources and support needed to propel us towards new horizons. This shift heralds a thrilling yet nerve-wracking chapter in our story as we navigate uncharted waters with a blend of excitement and trepidation. Guided by a deep-rooted love for the project and an unwavering dedication to our community, we embark on this next phase with hope, determination, and a spirit of exploration.

The Magic Behind The Scenes

It’s the Contributors. They are the heart of it all. They breathe life into it, making it authentic and impactful. The connections forged and the wealth of content produced, totaling over 1,600 pieces, are the pillars of our endeavor. There’s nothing quite like the spark that ignites within me when someone reaches out to recount how a podcast episode or an article resonated with their journey towards sobriety or supported their ongoing recovery. That, to me, is the true reward—a priceless privilege to be part of such meaningful moments.

Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future with Optimism

As we gaze toward the future, guided by the mantra that the opposite of addiction is connection, we reaffirm our commitment to championing the cause of sobriety, fostering a space of inclusivity, creativity, and, above all, compassion. The journey of The Sober Curator is far from over; it is a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of shared experiences through the art of storytelling. With every milestone achieved and every challenge overcome, we emerge stronger, more united, and more resolute in our mission to amplify the voices of recovery and celebrate the joy of living a life free from the shackles of addiction.

As we step boldly into the next chapter of The Sober Curator’s story, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each contributor, reader, and supporter who has been a part of this remarkable journey. Together, we will continue to redefine sobriety, connect hearts, and inspire change—building a future where recovery is not a destination but a vibrant, enduring way of life. Here’s to The Sober Curator and the boundless possibilities that await us on this incredible voyage.

Cheers to four years and many more to come! 🥂

Yours in service, Alysse Bryson (Founder, The Sober Curator)

Key Achievements and Milestones:

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