Author: Alysse Bryson

Start in the Dark: How a Celtic Year Teaches Recovery to Breathe “Most things are conceived in the dark.” Anne Marie Cribbin drops that line with the steadiness of someone who has learned to trust beginnings that don’t look like beginnings at all. On our latest episode, the recovery coach and Sober Curator contributor unpacks why the Celtic New Year starts November 1—not with fireworks and sprint-worthy resolutions, but with slowness, shedding, and the quiet courage to begin again. For years, her drinking wasn’t dramatic; it was intimate. The problem wasn’t how much, it was the daily breach of promise—the…

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when compassion meets storytelling, PBS and Independent Lens have your answer. The two short documentaries — Do No Harm and Brother — are part of filmmaker Joanna Rudnick’s Opioid Trilogy, a hauntingly beautiful exploration of addiction, recovery, and the deep humanity often lost beneath headlines and statistics. In Do No Harm, we meet Raina, whose 17-year battle with heroin began with a simple truth: she never felt comfortable in her own skin. Growing up in chaos and isolation, she ran away young, and addiction became her constant companion across Portland, Seattle, and…

Move over, mocktails—your pets are now joining the sober revolution. That’s right. Just when you thought the sober-curious movement couldn’t get any more creative, a New Zealand company has launched an alcohol-free wine collection made exclusively for pets. Introducing Muttley’s Estate, the brand bringing refined leisure to your four-legged friends with a lineup that includes Purrno Noir, Proseccat, Sauvignon Bark, and more. We’re not kidding. This isn’t our “Fake Sponsor of the Week.” Sobriety has officially gone to the dogs (and cats). Wait—Pet Wine? Yes, Really. When we first stumbled across this, we had to double-check that it wasn’t a…

“Alcohol is liquid dessert.” The line lands with a thud of recognition — half confession, half revelation. On this week’s episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, the crew (Alysse, T-Boog, Megan Swan and Amy Liz Harrison) scoop into the complicated relationship between sugar and sobriety, and it tastes… familiar.  Why “Liquid Dessert” Makes Sense  Early recovery has a way of rearranging cravings. You swear off wine and suddenly you’re courting cake. Alysse calls it the “ice cream era,” that stretch when a pint becomes an emotional support item and church-basement trail mix is both a sacred offering and a hazard…

“Mood swings, mood swings, mood swings.” That opening lyrics sets the tone — or should I say vibration — for Gucci’s latest short film (33 minutes), The Tiger, directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn. It’s part fashion film, part existential therapy session, and part psychedelic fever dream… wrapped in couture. And I am here for it. Thanks to Kate Vitela for mentioning this film to me; I might have missed it otherwise. The Sober Standout: Demi Moore Front and center is Demi Moore, radiating elegance and hard-earned wisdom. As a woman who’s been open about her recovery journey, Moore…

In the fiery debut episode of HOT TAKES, Host Alysse Bryson, co-Host Tamar Routly (aka T-Boog), and Senior Sober Curator Contributor Lane Kennedy grab their metaphorical popcorn — and maybe a canned mocktail — to unpack Saturday Night Live’s controversial “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” sketch. Was it harmless satire poking fun at modern drinking culture, or a tone-deaf jab at people living alcohol-free? As you might expect, opinions are… spirited. 🍿 Why It Hit a Nerve For many in recovery or living alcohol-free, sobriety isn’t just a lifestyle — it’s a cultural identity. So when a late-night comedy show turns that identity…

There’s a moment every sober person knows: the pivot from spectacle to humanity. Watching the Charlie Sheen documentary together, our Curator crew kept circling the same question — who was really “winning” during that infamous tour? The hat said one thing; the reality said another.  From the opening minutes, Alysse’s spoiler-friendly PSA sets the tone: we’re not here for reverence; we’re here for truth with sparkle. Early on, the conversation lands on a line about shame — how it can become a North Star, a South Star or a Death Star. It’s the kind of metaphor that hints at deep…

Hey, You Guys! We Finally Did It. Four years ago, in one of our first-ever conversations, Tamar and I discovered we were both obsessed with The Goonies. That magical 1985 treasure hunt movie set in Astoria, Oregon, sparked something between us — the kind of connection only two ‘80s-loving, pop-culture-saturated sober Gen X women can truly understand. We made a pact that day: someday we’d head to Astoria, live out our Goonies dreams, and recreate our very own sober treasure hunt. Fast-forward to today — we’re colleagues, podcast co-conspirators, and besties — and we did it. We turned our mutual…

Every once in a while, Saturday Night Live drops a skit that tries to lampoon culture, but instead lands squarely in the territory of tone-deaf. The recent “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” sketch is one of those moments. I get it. Comedy is meant to push boundaries. It’s supposed to hold up a mirror and make us laugh at ourselves. But there’s a big difference between clever satire and lazy humor that perpetuates stigma. This fake commercial—where a cheerful dad discovers a “non-non-alcoholic beer” that’s 90% alcohol—doesn’t just miss the punchline. It takes a cheap shot at people who are doing the hard…

Fall has arrived — that golden stretch between iced coffee and hot cocoa season — when the days grow shorter, the playlists get moodier, and every snack somehow tastes a little better. Maybe it’s the crisp air. Maybe it’s the cinnamon. Or maybe it’s because we’ve learned to savor life’s simple pleasures, fully and consciously — snacks included. At our last Sober Curator contributor meeting, we ran an unofficial “Snack Census” to see what fuels our crew during those long creative sessions, late-night writing bursts, road trips and lazy Sunday scrolls. The results? A delightful mix of comfort, nostalgia, and…

“Give people permission not to drink, and watch the trip transform.” That’s the quiet thesis humming beneath Ryan Lee’s story — a story that begins in tech sales and a hospital bed, and then sprints toward fresh air, steep trails and a passport full of second chances.   Ryan didn’t just walk away from a lucrative career; he walked toward himself. Early sobriety peeled away the “I’m fine, I’m performing” armor, exposing a truth many high achievers recognize: survival isn’t the same as fulfillment. “I decided to quit that job… I need fulfillment now, not just survival,” he recalls, describing the…

🎬 Grab Your LaCroix and Your Emotional Support Squirrel The October 7th episode of This Just In is here, and your sober newscasters Alysse and T-Boog are coming in hot with recovery wins, weird news, and at least one fake sponsor we wish were real. This week’s Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines feature everything from birth order and addiction genetics to Questlove’s sober vibes — and yes, a water-skiing squirrel who’s living his best life. 🧠 Big Story #1: “The Bear” – Birth Order, Family Roles & Addiction Genetics Addiction might run in the family, but so does redemption (and sarcasm).…

💖 A New Kind of Board Game: Where Recovery Meets Real Life Move over, Monopoly — there’s a new game in town, and it comes with rhinestones, iced coffee, and emotional intelligence. ICYMI, I recently wrote about some upcycled Monopoly canvas wall art pieces I scored at HomeGoods (because of course I did — I can quit whiskey, but not throw pillows). While researching how many themed versions of Monopoly exist (over 3,500 in case you were wondering) — from Star Wars to Golden Girls — I had a lightbulb moment: What would a Sober Curator version look like? Cue…

It’s no secret that I love all things sparkly. I was basically born with glitter in my veins and a coupon for Michaels in my hand. It’s also no secret that I have a HomeGoods problem—and by “problem,” I mean the thrill of the hunt is my cardio. For those following my crafting and upcycling escapades, buckle up. It’s rhinestone season, baby. Because if it stands still long enough, I’m gonna glue something shiny to it. But you know what else I’ve been hopelessly obsessed with since childhood? Monopoly. The OG paper-money version, the fancy credit-card one, and all the…

Let’s be honest: this one feels exactly like what it is—a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. If you’re into the history of AA, curling up with a Hallmark binge and a cozy blanket, you’ll probably settle right in. But if you’re expecting Winona Ryder to deliver the raw intensity of Girl, Interrupted or the haunting vulnerability of Edward Scissorhands, pump the brakes. The Oscar-nominated Winona we know and love doesn’t exactly shine through here. For a 2010 release, I went in with higher expectations and left feeling… let’s just say, underwhelmed. That said, as a 12-step gal myself, I’m always…

Addiction fiction isn’t just about substance use disorders; it’s about people — their choices, their pain, and their growth. At The Sober Curator, we review books that illuminate the dark corners and unexpected beauty of life on the edge. And now, as cool, hipster-style reading events with no phones or tech are popping up across the country — think candlelit book clubs, silent reading parties, and unplugged literary gatherings — addiction fiction is finding a whole new audience. These events give readers the chance to slow down, connect in person, and experience powerful stories together, away from screens. Why Addiction…

HEY YOU GUYS! We’re back with another episode of This Just In, and this time we’re broadcasting straight from the land of the Goonies — Astoria, Oregon. Rain boots on, Truffle Shuffle ready. Let’s go! This week we dive into three big sober lifestyle stories: We also drop two quick hits: The Wednesday mocktail recipe (Addams Family vibes included) and our Sober October 2025 Gift Guide — think chic journals, luxe candles, and zero-proof treats. This week’s fake sponsor, Trigger Treats Chocolate, reminds us that sometimes therapy is edible. And in our celeb spotlight, we raise a glass to Denzel…

This episode is a not-to-miss conversation for anyone curious about how lessons from sports can enrich recovery. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, this dynamic episode welcomes Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar, and former college basketball athlete and coach Anne Skriba, co-hosts of the “Clean Play Podcast.” Together, they offer profound insights and genuinely motivating stories about the overlap between athletic devotion, community and living a meaningful sober life. Why Sports and Sobriety Go Hand in Hand  Anne Skriba gets to the heart of the matter in the opening moments: “I speak the language of sport to relay my experience.” For…

If you’ve been following my sober style journey, you already know I love a bold accessory moment. Sunglasses, eyeglasses — they’re not just vision tools, they’re statements. That’s why I’m obsessed with GlassesShop — an online destination that’s rewriting the rules on how we see (and show up in) the world. Whether you’re a bookworm, a boardroom boss, or a brunch-loving bestie, the right eyewear can completely change your vibe. GlassesShop makes it easy (and affordable) to curate your own eyewear wardrobe without sacrificing style. Prescription Eyeglasses That Actually Feel Cool We’re talking about frames that say I’m in charge…

Sober October isn’t just a trend — it’s a full-on glow-up for your mind, body, and vibe. Whether you’re in it for the month, the milestone, or a lifetime of booze-free brilliance, you deserve more than just a pat on the back. You deserve presents. Enter our Sober October Gift Guide 2025: a hand-picked lineup of cheeky, chic, and downright delightful finds that celebrate the joy of living alcohol-free. These aren’t your grandma’s “congrats” gifts — they’re playful, stylish, and perfect for anyone living their best sober life. 🎨 Ghost in Bloom Paint-By-Number Get meditative, get spooky, and get creative…

If you’re a sober music lover (or just a fan of epic rock shows with heart), clear your calendar for Saturday, October 18, 2025. The Rock 2 Freedom Benefit Concert at the iconic Hollywood Palladium is bringing together powerhouse artists, In-N-Out Burger’s legendary Cookout Trucks, and a community dedicated to breaking chains—literally and figuratively. This isn’t just another night out. It’s a high-voltage evening where rock and recovery collide to support the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation, a nonprofit on a mission to free people from being enslaved to any person or substance. About the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation Founded in…

If you’ve ever drafted a list of moderation rules — no drinks on Tuesdays, only wine, never tequila — you know the quiet contortion act that props up a relationship with alcohol. In our conversation with creator and author Suzanne Warye, those rules get exposed for what they are: a workaround keeping the real question at bay. Not “How can I drink right?” but “What if alcohol isn’t a privilege at all?”  Suzanne’s story resists the old script. She didn’t wake up inside a classic bottom. She woke up inside a life she valued — new baby, career, marriage —…

Welcome back to THIS JUST IN: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines! The only segment where we spill tea without spilling drinks. This week, Alysse and T-Boog are serving up prayer upgrades, messy memoirs, Presley family pain, podcasts that keep your commute sober, and nonprofits that actually know what to do with your donations. Then we’ll toast Davina McCall, ride shotgun with a man in a Barbie Jeep, and share the hottest sober events happening this weekend. Fake Sponsor of the Week: 🎧 Tune in for all this plus fake sponsor of the week: Unsolicited Advice-Proof Earbuds™ – now with judgment-canceling technology.…

Three days. Two nights in the parking lot. One of the hardest tee times in golf. That’s the backdrop for Soba Golf’s latest story: capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of Bethpage Black before it shut down to prepare for the Ryder Cup. This isn’t just another golf vlog. It’s a love letter to one of the sport’s most iconic public courses—and to the people who line up, camp out, and swap stories for a chance to walk the same fairways as Tiger Woods, Lucas Glover, and Brooks Koepka. For a modest green fee, you’re stepping onto hallowed turf—proof that Bethpage…

September is National Recovery Month, and I’m thrilled to invite you to something truly special. This Sunday, September 21, 2025, I’ll be going live as part of the “Keep Coming Back” Livestream-A-Thon — a day-long virtual gathering created to celebrate recovery, amplify voices, and connect our amazing community. 📅 When: Sunday, September 21, 2025⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Pacific Time)🎥 Where: Click here to watch live 🌟 What You’ll See We’re bringing you seven straight hours of panels, interviews, and special segments leading up to the upcoming narrative drama Keep Coming Back. Hosted by Mrs. Kasha Davis with…

“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…