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 

-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 

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-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.