Therapist, author and media pro Kelley Kitley joins Alysse to unpack “gray area” drinking, stigma around labels and what long-term recovery really feels like — including a visceral craving moment and the simple, honest tools that kept her sober. They also dig into cross-addictions, perimenopause curveballs, parenting teens and how sharing your story (even when it’s messy) can change lives.   

Takeaways: 

• “Gray area” drinking thrives on qualifiers; clarity reduces stigma and increases connection.   

• Cravings can resurface years in — play the tape forward and “tell on yourself” to your sober network. 

• Sharing your story can be a professional risk — and a lifeline for others (and you).   

• Language and identity (“alcohol-free,” “sober,” “alcoholic”) often depend on social circles; choose what supports your recovery.   

• Perimenopause symptoms can echo old patterns; stack healthy coping tools early.   

Key Timestamps: 

[02:01 ] — Alysse’s Chicago intro + Kelley’s “grew up above a bar” backstory.   

[06:00 ] — Media hustle: pitching herself, "Today Show" bump and making impact.   

[09:08 ] — Making her mess her message: therapist transparency & the book.   

[18:32 ] — A real-time craving in a hotel — and the group text that saved the day.   

[34:23 ] — Labels, stigma and the “gray area” short film.   

[27:26 ] — Perimenopause, rage, sleep and staying out of old habits.   

Resources & Links: 

-Kelley Kitley: ⁠Website⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ 

-Book: ⁠"MY self: An autobiography of survival"⁠ 

-TEDx: ⁠"I show my scars so others know they can heal"⁠ 

-⁠The Kelley Kitley Podcast: America's Social Worker Unfiltered⁠ 

-YouTube: ⁠"Gray Area"⁠ 

-⁠Meet the Contributors⁠ 

-⁠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 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.