Sobriety isn’t just about the moment you quit—it’s about what happens after. This is the ethos behind the Sober Curator Podcast, and it’s brought to life in Episode 21 by filmmaker and creator Aaron Strand. Host Alysse Bryson dives deep with Aaron, exploring the creative alchemy that transformed his struggles with addiction into an acclaimed feature film, Withdrawal. Their conversation peels back the curtain on creativity, ego, and growth, showing the power of staying open when recovery gets real—and messy.
Aaron’s story is both raw and inspiring. After hitting a low—homeless in New York City and returning to his small hometown of Athens, Georgia—he found himself pouring anger, resentment, and disappointment into notebooks just to survive another day sober. These weren’t polished prose or poetic reflections. They were messy, honest, and unfiltered. But a serendipitous Facebook conversation with a college friend changed everything; after reading Aaron’s vivid account of addiction’s internal chaos, she encouraged him: “This would be a great monologue.”
That bit of support planted a crucial seed. “It’s amazing what a little well-timed encouragement can do, especially when you’re in that super broken, vulnerable place just grasping for any kind of light,” Aaron reflects. With that validation, those venting sessions morphed into early scripts and a creative purpose that would evolve over a decade.
Building a Feature Film from Heartbreak—and Hope
Ten years—and many unfinished projects—later, Aaron reached a turning point. When a funded film fell through, he pivoted, channeling his experience into a contained, deeply personal story about a young couple preparing to quit heroin and try Suboxone for the first time. The result is Withdrawal: a love story wrapped in the gritty reality of recovery, told over a taut 36 hours.
“For every year, for 10 years, basically since I got sober, I said to myself, this is the year that I’m going to make a feature film,” Aaron recalls. “Every year I have fallen short… It’s hard to get those pieces together, especially for a first one.” Finally, all the elements clicked: the raw truth he’d captured in journals, a flexible indie approach, and the humility recovery had given him.
The production itself felt like another stage in recovery—pragmatic, community-supported, and focused on mutual respect. “I made a promise to every single person that I worked with… You’re going to be taken care of, treated with respect. You’re going to leave feeling like an artist. I can’t pay you what you’re worth, but I’ll make up for it with meaning.”
Art, Ego, and Emotional Hangovers
Film festivals and creative highs can be intoxicating, especially for those in early recovery. Aaron had tasted artistic success before, but only in sobriety did he learn to hold it with gratitude, not ego. “When I was younger, if to have those experiences, it was an immediate attachment to my ego. It was like, oh, I’m the shit, right? Which would then lead to these huge emotional fall offs.”
Now, he savors the accomplishment without the crash, grounded by gratitude and humility. The film’s sold-out Atlanta Film Festival screening was powerful, but Aaron notes the difference: “I was able to move through it with a degree of maybe grace and humility. I’ve never really experienced anything like it.”
Why Real Recovery Stories Matter—On Screen and Off
In a media landscape filled with polished, sanitized versions of addiction, Aaron’s commitment to honesty sets Withdrawal apart. Audiences connected with the film’s unflinching yet nuanced depiction of recovery; even the challenging scenes were met with respect (and, in one case, a few audience members literally running from the theater—an artist’s badge of honor in some circles).
But more than critical acclaim, it’s the moments when people approach him to share their own stories that affirm his mission. “There’s hardly a person alive in this country that has not been touched by this disease in one way, shape, or another,” he says. By being public and transparent, Aaron has created space for others to step out of the shadows.
Follow along with Aaron Strand in all of the digital spaces and places:
- IG @strandedonstage
- FILM IG @withdrawalfilm
- Withdrawal on Rotten Tomatoes (Sober Curator Pro Tip: This is where you can watch the trailer)
- Behind the Slate Podcast
- Crash Zoom Podcast
Listen to the Latest Episode Now
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
Why do so many films glorify binge drinking?
In this episode, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly dive into how media impacts our perceptions of alcohol, aided by insights from Professor Ted Mandell. They explore how movies and TV shows depict alcohol consumption, often glamorizing binge drinking while ignoring the dangers. With a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and hope, the discussion uncovers the powerful but sometimes harmful narratives ingrained in our culture.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Films often portray binge drinking as glamorous and without consequence.
Media can influence and normalize unhealthy drinking habits.
Cultural and media narratives surrounding alcohol are often unrealistic.
Season 2 Merch
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SC Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
– We've got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
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About the Show: Sobriety isn't the end of the party — it's just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (media executive, 20 years sober, sobriety's ultimate hype woman) and co-host + producer Tamar Routly, 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 — you're in the right place. Subscribe now. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. Some topics may be sensitive for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins. The Sober Curator Podcast, hosted by Alysse Bryson and featuring the many voices of Sober Curator Contributors, proves that ditching booze doesn’t mean ditching fun, pop culture, or your social life.
Each episode serves up bold conversations, celeb interviews, zero-proof cocktail inspiration, and pop culture deep dives—all with laughs, honesty, and zero preachy vibes. Whether you’re sober or sober-curious, you’ll find insider tips, real-life stories, and endless reasons to love the alcohol-free life. Pull up a seat—this party’s just getting started!
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Our review archives are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Documentary categories, making it easy to find your next captivating watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt indie, a laugh-through-the-tears comedy, or a thought-provoking doc, we’ve got you covered.
Help is Available
THE SOBER CURATOR RESOURCE GUIDE: At The Sober Curator, we provide high-quality content centered around the vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle of sobriety. While our focus is on the positive aspects of sober living, we also acknowledge that life can present challenges without the aid of alcohol or substances. Coping with these challenges alone can be daunting, which is why we strongly believe in finding recovery within a supportive community because it is the opposite of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, a co-occurring illness, or a behavioral health disorder, we urge you to seek help. While the task may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that support is readily available and that there are people out there who want to help.
It’s crucial to remain persistent in your search for assistance until you find the right solution for your unique situation. In some cases, it could be a matter of life or death, so it’s essential to never give up on finding the necessary help.
If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
