Author: Alysse Bryson

“Once you can laugh at yourself, that’s when true healing can begin.” Brent Ogburn doesn’t present it as a mantra so much as a memory — an insight shaped by a day in rehab, then hammered into a film script that wouldn’t let him go. His short, “Turnoff,” unfolds across a single day: a father named Ryan, the fluorescent hush of detox, the unsteady shuffle into a communal space where strangers become mirrors. The cast? Archetypes you’ll recognize if you’ve ever tried to restart your life in public. The tone? Surprisingly funny. Because humor, properly aimed, isn’t a dodge; it’s…

Live from the land of lukewarm coffee and hotter-than-your-sponsor’s-new-boyfriend gossip, Alysse Bryson and sober sidekick/producer Tamar “T-Boog” Routly are serving up your weekly buffet of buzz-free culture. Today’s plate: a law-drama letdown, two must-save binge lists, a heavyweight HBO gut-check, IG sobriety all-stars, Fergie’s recovery arc, a man racing backward in heels, and five sober events from your couch to coast to coast. Fake Sponsor of the Week: The Gratitude Gavel Brought to you by The Gratitude Gavel™ — for smashing pity parties into perspective. Ages 4 and up. Powered by petty, perfected by perspective. Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Review:…

Hey Sober Squad — mark your calendars! 📅 On Wednesday, September 17 at 7 PM EST / 4 PM PT, our friends at Workit Health are hosting a free virtual event you’re going to want to catch. It’s called “Still Here: A Recovery Roundtable” and it’s streaming on Zoom and YouTube. This isn’t your typical “panel discussion.” Think real talk about the many ways people heal — from harm reduction to 12-step, recovery apps to yoga. Five powerhouse voices from our community, plus a thoughtful moderator, all ready to go there. Who’s at the Table? Amy Dresner – Journalist, speaker,…

“Bob and the Monster” is an award-winning documentary that charts the wild, heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive journey of Bob Forrest, the former frontman of Thelonious Monster who became an unconventional drug counselor. Directed by Keirda Bahruth, the film blends archival concert footage, candid interviews and present-day sequences to explore a man who lived on the edge of addiction before emerging as one of the most outspoken figures in recovery. For some viewers, Forrest’s name may draw different associations. To many, it’s “Bob who?” Others recall him as the lead singer of Thelonious Monster, and still others know him as the…

“Hangovers are canceled; fun is mandatory.” It’s a cheeky promise, but in episode 29 of The Sober Curator Podcast, that line becomes a thesis about what we really chase when we chase more — more money, more status, more thrill. The panel — hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, and contributors Sarah Alaimo, Carolyn Bunn Lane Kennedy, Dr. Sarah Michaud and Megan Swan — gathered to unpack Apple TV+’s “Your Friends & Neighbors,” a sleek neighborhood drama where the crimes sparkle as much as the kitchens, and where the pursuit of “enough” looks suspiciously like addiction with better shoes.  From…

Looking for a way to wear your sobriety with swagger? Meet The Undead Club, a recovery apparel brand that fuses rebel style with resilience. Forget blending in—this is about standing out, staying sober, and looking fierce while you do it. When I sat down with Amanda Taylor, one of the co-founders of The Undead Club, I knew I wasn’t just interviewing someone about a new fashion label—I was about to step into a conversation about identity, resilience, and rewriting the rules of what recovery looks like. The Undead Club isn’t just about hoodies and tees (though they’ve got those dialed…

This week on This Just In, your sober newscasters Alysse Bryson and T-Boog turn the mic inward with a lineup that proves The Sober Curator’s own channels are overflowing with buzz-free brilliance. From glossaries and crafts to books and booze-free cocktails, we’ve got your sober entertainment needs covered—plus a Mary J. Blige spotlight, a raccoon rescue straight out of TMZ, and five sober events you won’t want to miss. Fake Sponsor of the Week: Brought to you by Boundary Balm™ — rub it on before any family gathering. Now fortified with SPF 50 against guilt trips and unsolicited opinions. Top…

What happens when a Nike superfan with 20+ pairs of sneakers, a rhinestone obsession, and a history of bedazzling her AA Big Book takes on a shoebox? Chaos, comedy, and craft therapy collide. From binge-watching The Gilded Age with my mom to finding gems on my dog, this project proves that in sobriety, the real swoosh is forward momentum. Sobriety: Just Do It. When I sat down with a plain Nike shoebox, 20,000 orange and white gemstones, and a whole lot of glue, I wasn’t just making a craft project—I was making a statement piece. Days later, multiple Gilded Age…

Ten years. Countless stories. Too many laughs to track. And more dumb sh*t than anyone can reasonably measure. Welcome to DopeyCon Six—the annual gathering of the Dopey Nation, where recovery gets real, comedy cuts deep, and everyone knows the difference between clean time and screen time. On Saturday, October 4, Dopey host David Manheim will take the stage at the Church of the Holy Apostles in NYC to celebrate a full decade of the podcast that has made addiction, recovery, and ridiculousness its permanent brand. And because this is Dopey, the evening won’t just be a show—it’s a three-and-a-half-hour collision…

As the seasons shift from pumpkin spice everything to twinkling lights and fresh-start energy, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself: How do I want to close out this year and step into the next? For many of us living alcohol-free, the answer is simple—with clarity, connection, and maybe a little downward dog. We’ve curated a list of 15 incredible wellness retreats happening this Fall and Winter—from the mountains of North Carolina to the sacred valleys of Peru. While not all of these retreats are explicitly alcohol-free, every single one places a strong emphasis on health, wellness, and intentional living.…

In Episode 28 of The Sober Curator podcast, host Alysse Bryson welcomes musician Pete Droge for an honest and evocative conversation about sobriety, creativity and self-discovery. The singer-songwriter, known for his 1990s alternative rock hit “If You Don’t Love Me, I’ll Kill Myself” from the film “Dumb and Dumber,” opens up about how living a sober life has fueled his transformation, both personally and professionally. Fame, Addiction and a Turning Point Droge’s journey launches from his experiences in the roaring alt-rock era. He describes the surreal moment of hearing his song in a packed theater, only to realize the validation…

Forget happy hour—this week it’s headline o’clock, and sobriety is stealing the spotlight. Here’s what’s making waves in sober pop culture: Drew Barrymore’s Sober Squad Daytime TV queen Drew Barrymore is using her platform to amplify stories of sober celebrities. With guests like Demi Lovato and Rob Lowe, her show is quickly becoming the Sober Oprah couch—where clarity is mandatory and vulnerability is celebrated. This visibility helps normalize sober living in mainstream media and gives fans real, relatable role models. Armchair Expert’s 33 Sober Guests On the podcast front, Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert has featured 33 sober guests, including Jason…

In this episode, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly join Sober Curator contributors Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud for a thoughtful, spoiler-free review of the Amazon Prime adaptation of the young adult novel “We Were Liars.”  But this conversation is more than a show breakdown. It’s an insightful discussion about addiction, family patterns, the illusions of wealth and the excitement and meaning behind living a sober lifestyle. Whether you’re considering recovery, searching for community or looking for perspectives on intergenerational healing, you’ll find valuable takeaways here. Why “We Were Liars”? Why Now? “We wanted to talk about…

A Spiritual Toolkit for Recovery When I got sober, I wasn’t looking for religion—I was looking for relief. You see, I grew up in a religious home. Both of my grandfathers were Nazarene pastors. I spent my elementary and junior high years in private Christian school. I had a belief system deep in my DNA, but once I started drinking alcoholically and introduced drugs into my system, I could no longer access the spiritual connections that I had with my higher power, whom I choose to call God, the big Guy, or the Boss. The strong connections I experienced as…

Drew Barrymore isn’t just Hollywood royalty — she’s also one of the most relatable sober voices in the spotlight. She’s been open about her recovery for years, and on her daytime talk show, she’s made it her mission to create conversations that are equal parts candid, heartfelt and sometimes laugh-out-loud awkward (in the best way). What makes The Drew Barrymore Show stand out is how often Drew welcomes celebrities who are willing to talk about sobriety, resilience and everything in between. For those of us who live alcohol-free — or are just sober curious — seeing these stories play out…

Put down the clickbait and pick up your non-alcoholic bevie of choice—this is TJI: your weekly dose of sober pop culture. Like Entertainment Tonight, but with fewer scandals and way more sparkling water. And fueled this week by our fake sponsor: Fomo Be Gone—scented with lavender and pure self-worth. Finally, a fragrance that says, “I don’t need your party, Karen.” 🔥 Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Shuffle: Behind the Curtain on Addiction Treatment – Movie Night with The Sober Curator An unflinching look at the darker corners of the addiction treatment industry. Less Hollywood glam, more raw truth bombs. Think…

All the party, none of the hangover — and honey, the vibes are immaculate. SOBER AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop has officially landed in Tacoma, WA, and it’s not just a store—it’s a whole mood. Tucked away on South Tacoma Way, this gem is redefining what it means to go out without the booze. Whether you’re deep in your sober era or just flirtin’ with a little less alcohol in your life, this place is where fun and flavor collide—with zero judgment and zero proof. ✨ Meet the Maven Behind the Magic: Stephanie Stephanie, the powerhouse founder of SOBER AF,…

The Sober Curator podcast welcomes Sean Daniels — an internationally acclaimed theater director, playwright and executive director of the Recovery Arts Project — who is on a mission to reframe addiction recovery through the transformative power of the arts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about modern sobriety, the evolution of recovery narratives and how honest storytelling can save lives. Why Sean Daniels? Why the Sober Lifestyle? Sean Daniels isn’t just a theater powerhouse — he’s a living testament to the life-changing force of recovery. As the creative mind behind the off-Broadway and now London play “The White…

Breaking news from the land of lime wedges and mocktails—it’s TJI: serving the headlines straight up, no chaser. Coming up: Depeche Mode detox diaries, a teen songwriter who makes Billie Eilish look like a Girl Scout, and enough sassy one-liners to get you through your next awkward family barbecue. Brought to you by our fake sponsor of the week: Coffee & Resentments Co. — Brewing Bold Flavor since Step 4. We’re serving up headlines, hot takes, and the energy of someone who’s already had three oat milk lattes. 🔥 Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode’s Inspiring…

When filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty set out to document the world of addiction recovery, he didn’t expect to uncover a billion-dollar system built on exploitation. His new award-winning documentary, SHUFFLE, is already being hailed by critics as “inherently shattering and enraging” (Variety), “almost biblical” in its portrayal of corrupted good intentions (IndieWire), and “81 damning minutes of tight filmmaking, great storytelling, and riveting investigation” (AV Club). Premiering at SXSW earlier this year and taking home the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature, SHUFFLE is as gripping as it is disturbing—an intimate, unflinching look inside a for-profit addiction treatment model where…

The movie kicks off with Mark Twain’s sly observation: “I’ve suffered a great deal of pain in my life, most of which never happened.” It’s a wink to the audience—and a jab at James Frey’s infamously “embellished” memoir—that sets the tone for what could’ve been a self-aware, gritty recovery drama. Instead, it’s more like buying sham weed: you’re waiting for the hit… but it never comes. The Setup: Balconies, Benders, and Broken Teeth Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation opens strong: a hypnotic, naked-on-crack dance to Smashing Pumpkins, a cigarette, and a swan dive off a balcony. At the Minnesota rehab…

Welcome to “Sober and Hot Flashing: How Gen X Women Are Owning Menopause,” a standout edition of The Sober Curator podcast that boldly intertwines the themes of sober living and menopause. This unique conversation, guided by host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly, along with guests Megan Swan and Amy Liz Harrison, is a hilarious, honest and insightful exploration of what it means to navigate midlife — while living alcohol-free — as your hormones and real life clash. Midlife, Mischief and the Courage to Be Sober At its core, this episode addresses a reality many women face: how menopause and…

Bodhi (noun) /ˈbō-dē/ — Awakening. Enlightenment. Bliss.Also, apparently, the sound you make after your first sip of this stuff. Bodhi Bubbles® isn’t just another “better-for-you” beverage trying to sneak into your drink fridge—it’s a fruit-forward, plant-powered portal to presence. Inside each can, adaptogens, empathogens, and nootropics mingle like the most enlightened cocktail party guests you’ve ever met (minus the drama, plus actual mental clarity). It’s sparkling, refreshing, and feels like it’s been handcrafted by a very chill alchemist who wants nothing more than for you to take a deep breath and be here now, right where your feet are. The…

This week’s THIS JUST IN mini-episode of The Sober Curator podcast features Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly serving up a mixed cocktail of nostalgia, fandom, and sober culture—hold the booze, of course. With a little sass and snark, here are the Top 5 Articles you won’t want to miss: Brought to you by our Fake Sponsor of the Week: 🎹Celebrity Sober Spotlight: Sir Elton John Sir Elton John just hit a staggering 35 years sober, proving once again why he’s the ultimate sober GOAT. From surviving the chaos of rock ’n’ roll excess to becoming one of the most celebrated…

If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if trauma, codependency, and sex addiction threw a party in a pet cemetery while raiding a Bar Mitzvah — Addicted to Fresno is your answer. Is it good? No. Is it funny? Actually… kinda. Is it the perfect movie to throw on in the background while you bead bracelets or decoupage your emotional baggage onto a thrifted coffee table? 100%. Let’s break it down. 🎭 The Cast: Comedy Royalty in a Low-Budget Crime Caper We’ve got Natasha Lyonne, who we love not just because she oozes dry-witted charisma, but because she’s…

Released in 2000, Eminem’s “Stan” became more than a hit — it became an integral part of the cultural lexicon. Literally, the Oxford English Dictionary added stan in 2017 to describe a devoted (and sometimes obsessive) fan. In the song, the character Stan handwrites emotional letters to Em, repeating the line: “I’m just like you.” That refrain is the beating heart of STANS, the new documentary that’s equal parts love letter, cultural study, and front-row pass to one of rap’s most guarded artists. Produced by Shady Films, directed by Steven Leckart, and featuring rare archival footage plus an exclusive Eminem…

Think the party ends when the booze does? Think again. The KillJoy Afterparty Podcast is proof that alcohol-free doesn’t mean fun-free—and Season 2 just dropped a playlist that’s as catchy, quirky, and bold as the guests themselves. Hosted by the unstoppable duo Rude and Goody, The KillJoy Afterparty is the podcast love child of Nashville storytelling and sober sass. Each episode showcases a new AF (alcohol-free) guest who shares their story, spills some truth, and usually gets a little weird—and it’s all wrapped up with a musical bow. That’s right: at the end of every episode, Rude and Goody co-create…

At The Sober Curator, we’re always on the hunt for people and events breaking down the stigma around sobriety, and today, we’re thrilled to share a little more from our interview with Chris Rice, co-founder of Soberfest Ohio. What started as a simple idea inside a treatment center—a grassroots gathering in a park with music, food, and community—has now blossomed into a full-blown, family-friendly festival that’s celebrating its 13th year! Soberfest Ohio is proof that living sober not only doesn’t limit your fun—it can open up an entire new world of connection, music, laughter, and support. Chris joined our host,…

Let’s talk about the ultimate sober lifestyle power couple: coffee and connection. Now enter: Pink Cloud Coffee — a brand that serves up both with unapologetic intention, soul-soothing aesthetics, and a mission that’s got me floating like a pastel-hued balloon straight into the fourth dimension. (Yes, that fourth dimension—the same name as my home group. Synchronicity much?) 💗 First Impressions: Branding That Had Me at Pink ☕ Okay, listen. I haven’t even sipped this coffee yet, but I’m already emotionally attached. Why? Because branding matters—and this branding is giving everything it needs to give. With dreamy visuals and a name…

From underwhelming O’Doul’s to award-winning craft brews, Tate Huffard and his team are carving out room for flavor, fun, and belonging in the non-alcoholic beer scene. Sparking a Sober Revolution—One Sip at a Time If you’d told anyone a decade ago that non-alcoholic craft beer would be the “it” drink on a Friday night, you’d be met with raised eyebrows and maybe a polite chuckle. But as Tate Huffard, founder and CEO of Best Day Brewing, explains in his lively chat with Alysse Bryson and Justin Lamb on The Sober Curator Podcast, times—and tastes—have changed dramatically. The NA beer market is…