Writer and longtime sober creative Wendy Correa joins Alysse to talk about getting welcomed to her first AA meeting by Ringo Starr, getting sober in 1987, LA music-industry years (Geffen, Joni sightings), the Aspen KSPN radio leap that led to assisting Hunter S. Thompson, and the healing practices behind her forthcoming memoir "My Pretty Baby."
Takeaways:
“If Ringo Starr can get sober, so can I” — the spark that made recovery feel possible.
Sobriety date tracks back to the first-ever SXSW; day one of 38 years and counting.
Industry years were thrilling and tough — glass ceilings and #MeToo realities before the hashtag.
A late-night KSPN audition unlocked radio dreams and a Hunter S. Thompson chapter.
Healing is layered: Buddhism, AA, Nicotine Anonymous, therapy, EMDR/IMTT, somatic practices and chosen family.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00] “Hello, I’m Richard” — Ringo greets Wendy at her first AA meeting.
[02:00] Alysse’s intro: 1987 sobriety, LA music scene, Aspen radio, Denver life and "My Pretty Baby."
[21:00] The DUI story that forced change — and a court-ordered path to meetings.
[30:00] “If I’m supposed to move to Aspen, I want a DJ job” — and she gets it.
[34:00] The 4 a.m. request line: playing Warren Zevon for Hunter S. Thompson.
[40:00] EMDR/IMTT and taking the “zing” out of trauma triggers.
Resources & Links:
-Wendy Correa: Website, Instagram, Facebook
-Book: My Pretty Baby
-Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
-Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
-LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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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 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 and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.