From Heroin Addiction to Award-Winning Filmmaker: Aaron Strand's Story

Host Alysse Bryson sits down with filmmaker, podcaster and recovery advocate Aaron Strand. Aaron shares the powerful story of his debut feature film "Withdrawal" — a raw and riveting tale inspired by his own journey through addiction and sobriety. Tune in for an honest conversation on creative recovery, the messy magic of early sobriety and finding unexpected joy in the journey. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] – Ego, Gratitude and the Artistic Highs of Recovery 

[02:25] – Aaron Strand & His Indie Journey 

[04:05] – Early Recovery: Journaling, Facebook Moments and Creative Beginnings 

[10:36] – The Power of Handwritten Journals (and Diagonal Lines!) 

[14:57] – Inside "Withdrawal": From Idea to Indie Film Premiere 

[19:22] – Casting, Recovery Representation & Building a Safe Set 

[23:02] – The Magic of the Atlanta Film Festival Premiere 

[27:12] – Audience Reactions: Gagging, Laughing and Letterbox Haters 

[30:00] – Filming Challenges, Snafus and Potato Chip Confessions 

[36:12] – The Pop Culture That Inspires Aaron (and Why Most NA Meetings on TV Are Wrong) 

[43:10] – Sober Shots: Go-to Drinks, Early Mornings and Godzilla Bedtime Stories 

[49:45] – Four Speeding Tickets and the Universe’s Nudge to Slow Down 

Resources & Links: 

-Aaron Strand: Website & Instagram  

-More about "Withdrawal" 

-More interviews with Aaron: AFPZine, Athens Banner-Herald, Film Fugitives, Scene for Scene 

-Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide 

-Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide 

-LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide 

Connect with Us: 

-Website: www.thesobercurator.com  

-Facebook: @The Sober Curator 

-Instagram: @thesobercurator 

-X: @thesobercurator 

-YouTube: @thesobercurator 

-Pinterest: @thesobercurator 

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About: 

Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe