Author: Alysse Bryson

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…

We interrupt your regularly scheduled mocktail to bring you the latest edition of TJI, our weekly roundup of trending headlines, pop culture breakdowns, and sober events that deserve a spot on your calendar. Think The View, but sober—and way less interrupting. 🌀 The Buzz-Free 5 💨 Ripple Vapes: Plant-Based Puffs or Sober Gimmick?Ripple’s nicotine-free, plant-powered vapes are everywhere again. Whether you’re into lavender, peppermint, or existential crisis, these flavor-forward clouds are becoming part of the sober starter pack. ⛳️ Adam Sandler’s Hidden Flasks & Sobriety Winks in Happy Gilmore 2Sandler returns to the green—and to his weird habit of hiding…

Here’s the deal. I recently strutted into the sparkling, slightly-sassy, and delightfully unapologetic chapter of my life called: 50 and Fabulous. That’s right, I hit the big 5-0, and I have never felt more in tune with who I am. My vibe? Magnetic. My mood? Mostly grateful. My style? Evolving faster than a pre-teen at a Taylor Swift concert. And you better believe that this curvy queen walks her talk. The Sober Style Evolution Let’s rewind the closet for a sec. The pre-sober me? She had her fashion moments, sure. But the looks were often geared toward fitting in, standing…

At The Sober Curator, we’re always on the lookout for content that dares to tell the messy, awkward, soul-crushing and soul-redeeming truth about addiction—and recovery. So when we came across the SEED + SPARK campaign for “Turn Off,” an indie short film born from lived experience, fueled by heart, and wrapped in grit and laughter, we knew this one wasn’t just worthy of our attention—it deserves yours too. What Is “Turn Off”? A Story With Teeth, Heart, and Humor “Turn Off” is a drama-comedy short set in Atlanta, Georgia, created by writer/director Brent Ogburn, who is not just telling a…

Some memoirs are polished and carefully curated, offering up sanitized trauma for easy consumption. Rabbit is not that book. Patricia Williams, better known today as comedian Ms. Pat, tells her story with a level of raw honesty that will knock the wind out of you—and then, somehow, make you laugh while you’re gasping for air. When Survival Isn’t a Choice—It’s the Only Option I’ll be honest—I didn’t know much about Ms. Pat before picking this up. But sometimes, not knowing a public figure’s backstory makes their memoir even more powerful. I wasn’t hearing the voice of a TV personality or…

Whew. If you’ve made it to Season 4 of “The Bear”, then congratulations—you’ve survived Carmy’s emotional hostage situation, Sydney’s patience of a saint, Richie’s mouth (bless it), and enough trauma-loop flashbacks to make your therapist throw a shoe at your TV. But let’s get one thing straight: Jamie Lee Curtis in Episode 9? That woman didn’t just act—she excavated. Her portrayal of Donna Berzatto making heartfelt, harrowing, earned amends in the penultimate episode is hands-down the best representation of an amends scene I have ever seen on the silver screen. And I say that as someone who has written, received,…

Five years ago, in the thick of a global pandemic and armed with a lifestyle-focused media background, long-term sobriety, and a vision for something I couldn’t quite find anywhere else online, I launched The Sober Curator. It wasn’t a business plan — it was a calling. I was looking for a digital space that could show me (and others) where the joy was in sober living. Something smart. Something stylish. Something curated. A media hub for the sober lifestyle. And when I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it. Today, five years and over 2,200 articles later, I am…

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (July 28, 2025) — Musikfest just got a little more inclusive. For the first time in its 41-year history, the iconic 10-day celebration in Bethlehem will feature SoberPlatz, a brand-new alcohol-free zone designed for connection, community and pure music-loving joy—no buzz required. Presented by Sync Recovery and supported by ArtsQuest and the Northampton County Council, SoberPlatz provides a safe, welcoming oasis for anyone who wants to enjoy the music, the people and the energy—without the alcohol. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, in recovery, or simply looking for a judgment-free zone to catch your breath, you’re invited to drop in…

Welcome to East Texas, y’all — where the bullets fly faster than the gossip, and martinis are practically a love language. The Hunting Wives serves up a Southern-fried mess of obsession, seduction, and murder, all garnished with enough red-state absurdity to make even the most seasoned Real Housewife blush. If Big Little Lies and Desperate Housewives got blackout drunk on White Claw and stumbled into a shooting range, this would be their love child. Let’s get one thing straight: Sophie O’Neill (played by Brittany Snow, bless her heart) is NOT okay. She’s traded in her city-slicker PR life in Boston…

From white dresses to recovery porn, The Sober Curator podcast team unpacks Amazon’s “The Better Sister”—and the many layers of addiction, family dysfunction, and (not-so-glamorous) Hamptons living behind the perfect façade. Binge-Worthy Drama with a Sobriety Spin In the dynamic, laughter-filled episode 23 of The Sober Curator podcast, co-hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly (“T Bouj”), the panel dives headfirst into a no-holds-barred review of Amazon Prime’s latest drama thriller, “The Better Sister.” With guests Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, and Amy Liz Harrison, the episode goes far beyond a traditional TV critique, offering a candid look at dysfunctional…

Welcome to your latest dose of sparkle, sass, and sobriety! If you tuned into the July 29th episode of The Sober Curator’s “TJI,” you know Tamar Routly and Alysse Bryson delivered the Buzz Free Bulletin with all the wit and wisdom we’ve come to expect. But if you missed it or just want to relive the magic, grab your fanciest mocktail and let’s dive into the sober scoop! The Headlines—Hot, Sober, and Trending Our intrepid hosts interrupt Dry July to serve up news “like TMZ, but make it sober,” and honestly, this episode might be their snarkiest and most supportive yet!…

Grab your dad, your cousin Ricky, and definitely alert your big brother who still quotes Billy Madison every Thanksgiving—because Happy Gilmore 2 has arrived, and it’s got more baggage than your Aunt Patty at a Vegas bachelorette weekend. After nearly 30 years (yes, THIRTY), Adam Sandler dusts off the hockey skates and oversized temper tantrums to bring back the beloved-but-chaotic Happy Gilmore. But this time, instead of saving grandma’s house, he’s…accidentally murdering his wife with a golf ball? Yeah. That escalated quickly. Happy’s Still Mad—But Now He’s Sad The film opens with a plot twist darker than Shooter McGavin’s spray…

Let’s Get Dialed – But Not Too Late in the Day Okay, friends, gather ‘round the sober bar cart because I just took Dialed Moods for a spin—and I’ve got some thoughts. If you’re the type who lives for a fizzy little moment of focus and a side of productivity sparkle, this one’s going to pique your interest. But word to the wise? Time your sip wisely—or risk turning into a #nightowlonsteroids. The Vibe: Sharp, Tart, and Zero Funky Aftertaste Let’s start with the basics: taste. Overall, Dialed Moods has a tart tang and a little bite—not offensive, but definitely…

This summer, the heart of Manhattan will once again pulse with music, laughter, and raw vulnerability as Sober Songs makes its long-anticipated return to the stage. The original musical—written, composed, and lyrically penned by New York Times bestselling author Michael Levin—begins previews on August 30, with an official opening on September 6 at Theatre Row’s Theatre Three, running through September 28th. 🎶 A Story Told in Melody and Truth At its core, Sober Songs is more than a musical—it’s a mirror held up to the messiness of recovery and the unexpected beauty of connection. Set within the intimate, confessional walls…

I recently turned 50 on a cruise ship off the coast of Alaska, staring down a glacier like the Ice Queen I’ve always known I am. This wasn’t just any cruise. This was the Hooked on Travel Alaskan Cruise setting sail out of Vancouver, BC aboard the Grand Princess Cruises — a floating city of soft-serve, sequins, and sober serenity. So in honor of hitting the Big Five-Oh with glaciers and Golden Girls, here are 50 things I experienced — in no particular order — while sailing north, patch-covered sweatshirt and all. Fun fact: at the end of this list,…

If you love your crime thrillers with a side of recovery realness and a main character who walks the razor’s edge of obsession and redemption, Before She Disappeared is your next must-read. Lisa Gardner introduces us to Frankie Elkin—a flawed, fiercely independent, recovering alcoholic who doesn’t wear a cape but might as well. She’s not a cop, a PI, or a trained investigator. She’s simply a woman in long-term recovery who’s made it her life’s mission to search for the missing people the world has given up on. In this first book of the Frankie Elkin series, she lands in…

Let’s get real for a minute. Sobriety isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a full-contact sport. Whether you’ve got 24 hours or 24 years, there are days when white-knuckling it feels like the only option. And when life starts lifey-ing (as it inevitably does), sometimes what we really need isn’t another lecture, book, or quote—it’s a quirky little sidekick on our desk, a comfort object that says, “Hey, I see you. You’re doing the damn thing.” Because Getting Sober Is Hard. Staying Sober Is Harder. That’s where Emotional Support Crafts + Gifts come in—part practical, part playful, and all heart. Think…

Are you searching for honest, entertaining and thought-provoking sober lifestyle content? Welcome to the Sober Curator Podcast, where each episode offers fresh takes on sobriety as an empowering lifestyle, not just abstaining from alcohol. In episode 22, hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, alongside contributors Dr. Sarah Michaud, Tony Harte, Megan Swan, Amy Liz Harrison and Carolyn Bunn, take a deep dive into Mel Robbins’ widely-discussed book, “The Let Them Theory.” But this isn’t just another book review — it’s an exploration into the philosophies, challenges and realities of setting boundaries in sobriety and life. Why Are We So Drawn…

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Dry July to bring you THIS JUST IN (TJI) on The Sober Curator Podcast: It’s like TMZ, but sober. 🚨 Running on iced lattes, strong boundaries, and zero hangovers, we’re dishing out the freshest headlines, events, and celeb shoutouts from the world of sober pop culture. Brought to you by our fake sponsor of the week: Whine-Free Wine Club™ – where the only thing we pour is our feelings. 🍷🫠 🔥 Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Margo Has Money Troubles: Addiction Fiction at Its FinestRufi Thorpe’s latest literary masterpiece is a chaotic swirl of debt,…

What happens when a groundbreaking play about addiction and recovery closes its curtain in London? If you’re The White Chip, you don’t just fade to black—you build a legacy. Thanks to a powerful collaboration between the production team, the University of Oxford, and the visionary minds behind Performing Recovery, a brand-new website now lives on as a lasting, interactive resource for the sober community (and anyone curious about what life on the other side of alcohol really looks like) long after the last curtain falls. (Which won’t be happening for the London production until mid-August 2025.) 🧠 Explore the Mind…

Let me start by saying: If Ozark and Dawson’s Creek got drunk on expired rosé and decided to raise a lovechild in rehab, The Waterfront would be that baby. And trust me—it’s got all the messy DNA: generational trauma, morally compromised dads, broody daughters with custody issues, and enough alcohol-fueled decisions to fill the bay of Havenport, North Carolina. Inspired by “true events” (aren’t we all?), The Waterfront plops us into the fishy underbelly of a North Carolina empire that’s rotting faster than last week’s catch. The Buckley family is clinging to power like it’s the last box of wine…

From decoding recovery lingo to alcohol-free scent-sations and sober celebrity inspiration, catch up on the week’s top sober headlines, products, and upcoming events—plus how you can join the party (no hangover necessary). Decoding Recovery: The Language of Sobriety If you’ve ever sat in a 12-step meeting and wondered if everyone was speaking a different language, you’re not alone. As Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly joke in their latest episode of The Sober Curator, terms like “dry drunk” and “pink cloud” can sound like inside jokes or cryptic code. Luckily, The Sober Curator team has your back with a newly published Ultimate…

Are you curious about the week ahead? In less than a minute, Daniel G Garza, aka The Card Divo, will tell you what’s in store for the week ahead, according to your Zodiac sign.  Sober Tarot Card Readings for the Week of July 14th 🔮 These are the Horoscopes for the week of July 14, 2025 Please follow, share, comment, and like. See you next week for more horoscopes. I’m Daniel G Garza, The Card Divo #thecarddivo For private sessions, email carddivo@lilmesicanproductions.com

Let’s be honest—few drinks scream “elevated indulgence” like an espresso martini. But for those of us navigating life beyond the booze, recreating that rich, bold, and slightly luxurious vibe can be… tricky. Enter the Spiritless Espresso Martini Pour + Share—a ready-to-pour, zero-proof cocktail that absolutely deserves a permanent spot on your bar cart. ☕️ First Impressions: Bold Meets Balanced This beauty pours like a dream—no shaker, no stirrer, no mixologist skills required. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. From the moment it hits the glass, you’re greeted with a deep coffee aroma that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The flavor…

Your favorite sober scoop is back! THIS JUST IN (TJI), hosted by The Sober Curator’s Alysse Bryson and Tamar “T-Boog” Medford, is the weekly mini-broadcast bringing you the latest in recovery culture, sober entertainment, and clean-living events. Think of it as TMZ’s cooler, calmer cousin—hydrated, hangover-free, and hilarious. 📰 Segment 1: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. 25 Reasons Not to Miss the 2025 A.A. International Convention The streets of Vancouver were filled with over 40,000 sober folks in coral t-shirts trading buttons, flair, and inspiration. This wasn’t just an A.A. convention—it was a massive, joy-filled celebration of recovery that turned…