Lightsabers, sober Jedi wisdom and the epic quest for recovery! In this special "Star Wars"-themed episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly adventure with contributor Tony Harte — writer, creative, and “Sober Not High Council” member — through his three-part series "The Hero’s Journey of a Recovering Addict." From reluctant heroics to building a community of mentors, Tony unpacks how mythology, pop culture, and the 12 steps merge to guide lasting sobriety.
Timestamps:
[00:00] – Jedi status, "Star Wars" fun, and introducing Tony
[03:16] – Tony’s inspiration: Joseph Campbell, "Star Wars," and the hero’s journey
[06:04] – Addiction’s ordinary world and the call to adventure
[07:27] – Tony’s personal journey: reluctant hero to jester archetype
[10:22] – Crossing the threshold: treatment, real-world sobriety, and non-linear journeys
[15:26] – Pop culture recovery: community, mentorship, and refusal of the call
[17:59] – The value of mentors and learning from those further—and less far—along
[19:48] – Defending vs. educating about the 12 steps; serving others in sobriety
[21:05] – Why pop culture lenses (like "Star Wars") help make sobriety more approachable
[25:28] – Internal and external enemies: changing people, places, and things
[29:20] – Return home: AA as family, relapse, and redefining what “home” means
[33:38] – When the real work begins: what comes after “putting the plug in the jug”
[36:18] – Experimenting with recovery tools (stoicism, yoga, meditation, more)
[39:43] – Flexibility in the 12 steps; pathways to making sobriety your own
[41:11] – Sober Shots rapid fire: Chewbacca, Yoda, Ewoks, and Jedi dilemmas
[45:07] – Carrie Fisher’s recovery wisdom & embracing unique journeys
[48:01] – The Tchotchke Showdown: "Star Wars" crochet action figure collection
[52:36] – Community, collaboration, and keeping sobriety real
Resources & Links:
-Tony Harte’s Epic 3-Part Hero's Journey: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
-May the Sober Force Be With You
-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
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