Pete Droge on Sobriety, Music and Life Without Alcohol

In this episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson sits down with legendary alt-rock singer-songwriter Pete Droge. Pete opens up about his nearly 30-year sober journey, the creative process behind his latest album "Fade Away Blue" and what it’s like to have his music featured in pop culture classics like "Dumb and Dumber" and "Almost Famous." From navigating loss and chronic fatigue to finding inspiration and community, Pete shares honest stories of resilience, creative evolution and gratitude. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] – Pete’s “Dumb and Dumber” moment  

[03:26] – Writing “Kid” and the story behind the song 

[05:53] – Sober milestones and what keeps him grounded 

[09:23] – Sober role models & life on the road 

[12:02] – Artistic process: old hits vs. new creativity 

[13:22] – Shifting from touring to chronic fatigue & recovery 

[18:14] – Pacific Northwest roots & influences 

[22:24] – Substack, content creation and connecting with fans 

[27:55] – Vinyl, cassettes and music memories 

[32:38] – Hollywood moments: pop culture placements 

[34:12] – Creative heroes & musical inspiration 

[36:12] – Fan mail, personal connections and boundaries 

[38:23] – Lightning round: sober superpowers, snacks and more 

[41:45] – Where to find Pete & closing notes 

Resources & Links: 

-Pete Droge: Website, Instagram, Music & More 

-Event: Dreaming in Analog 

-Meet the Contributors 

-Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide 

-Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide 

-LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide 

Connect with Us: 

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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 now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more. 

The intro and outro music for this episode is proudly featured with permission from Avatari. All rights reserved to the original creators. For more of their work, check out his website: https://www.avatariworld.com/music. 

*The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational an